Father Simon: Lily listens intently to your tale, looking surprised at the revelation. When you kiss her hand her green eyes go wide and she blushes. Simon it is then she smiles. She looks a bit uncertain how to react to all this, though she's as friendly and smiling as ever, perhaps even more so. Well then...we still have an hour or so before we should leave... she fidgets with her braid awkwardly. Anything you want to do before then? It is almost amusing seeing her so unsure of herself and a moment later she seems to remember a question she had and is relieved and excited as it gives her something to focus on. Oh! I meant to ask you before! I saw you the other day boxing and I was wondering if you might show me a few things? I'm decent at wrestling and using my tomahawk, but boxing is something I've never had the opportunity to pursue. If you're not busy of course. In fact, you're probably busy, never mind. she speaks in a rush and then tugs on her braid again.

Penny/Kate: An excellent point she sighs, in regard to not trusting anyone. Right now Ian, Frederick and Lily are those I would trust if need be. If you need anything ask one of them and they will help you. I'll keep an eye on Westbrook for when you're ready for him. You'll find Simon with Lily in the supply room probably. Best of luck to you there. she gives a small smile. Have someone escort you back to the hotel when you go. You never know how aggressive the enemy will be.

ooc: Go ahead and find Simon if you like. Should you go for it he is indeed in the supply room with Lily.

His own blush rose at her first question. Of course there was something but he was not one of those carnal people he was talking about. If ever it came to pass that he did marry Lily, it would be all the more passionate. So in effect he felt exactly as she did.

Her question was indeed a relief. "Well I am no expert. I learned more as a way to handle brass knuckles than actually get in the ring and duke it out. That would be bad for me. But I can teach you the basics."

He looked around the store room and found hand pads that are used to teach someone to punch. He put them on his hands, but then realized what he would say would have no meaning. "Wait." He took the back off. "Stand here beside me. Stand like me." He took a typical boxer's stance of the era, which today would be a bit comical. His body was slightly angled, his left hand out his right back against his ear. "When you throw a punch, push with your leg. The real power comes from your back and shoulder. Try to snap at the elbow, speed adds power. Watch me." He demonstrated by throwing a punch. "If you punch with your lead hand change nothing. If with your back hand, make sure you tuck in your lead to guard your head." He demonstrated again.

"Now I am going to put the pads back on. I will tell you which hand to punch with and I want you to hit the pads, ok?" Indeed he puts the hands pads on and stood in front of her. "Ok, ready? Lead hand..."

'Indeed. We shall see you shortly.' Penny farewelled Victoria, then led Kate out of the infirmary.

Outside, moving discreetly through the corridors, Penny found a quiet place where she and Kate could talk without being overheard. 'This is a terrible business. The Men of Letters appear to rife with spies and monsters, we have a wretched task to perform and few we can rely on...' she complained bitterly, frustrated by the situation. She was used to working alone, with agents she could depend on like Holmes and Watson, or forces she could enlist and command, like the constabulary. Being in the confines of the Men of Letters complicated matters immensely. 'What do you think? I have a plan, but would hear your views first.'

"The fact that Westbrook may be working for the bad guys isn't good," Kate admitted. "And I'm still not sure if we can trust Victoria. She seems legitimate, but who knows maybe she's trying to turn our trust from Westbrook to her..." She shrugged. "I don't think anyone but us should know where the soul is hidden for now. I guess we could always carry around a decoy bag and wait for someone to steal it." It wasn't the best plan but it was all she could come up with at the moment. "What's your idea?"

'Yes, Victoria has the power of mesmerism, but that could just as easily be magic or some monstrous ability. She may be trying to deflect attention, or drive a wedge in the Men of Letters. At the least, it may be nothing but misplaced paranoia. But we cannot trust anybody here until we know something for certain.' Penny outlined, but had to acknowledge she had her own paranoia and suspicions in this. Damn this business.

'I agree, we should conceal the soul and handle this solely by ourselves. After all, Death himself has entrusted us with this task. I do not wish to shift that responsibility, nor anger him...' she shuddered.

Penny huddled close to Kate and said conspiratorially 'My plan is this...'


OOC: As detailed in my PM. ;)

ooc: Ok, I'm going to make a new thread either today or tomorrow. Go ahead and finish up the conversation here and post in the new thread when it is up and you are ready.

Penny/Kate- I'm going to assume you are going to find Simon. This is the point where I am starting the new thread so if I am grossly wrong please let me know and I will tweak it. It's fine by me if you post on two threads for a bit but I'm so close to getting everyone together that I hate to make everyone wait so if there's a slight time lapse while you two cement your plans here I am more than ok with it. I'm also going to add Kitty to the new thread so the whole thing will soon be a lovely mess of interaction :D

Father Simon: Lily looks delighted with the opportunity to practice and she listens with rapt attention, asking questions when she is uncertain of her stance. Soon she is striking away at the pads and you are surprised by her strength for the woman has a lot of force behind her. She lacks elegance but her power is in the right spot and she is clearly enjoying herself. She also seems to have a lot of aggression to take out for her enthusiasm is almost amusing as she hammers away on the pads. This is almost cathartic! she pants, still punching away. I would do this every day if I could get away with it. And if my knuckles would let me she adds with a slight wince. What does it feel like with brass knuckles?
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:57, Mon 08 Dec 2014.

He nodded, "Yes, very cathartic. That's why you found me beating up that poor heavy bag earlier."

When she brought up her knuckles hurting he called for her to stop by waving his hands. He took off the pads and went rummaging around again. Near where he had found the pads he found some tape for the hands. "I would have done this earlier if I had known you were going to be so enthusiastic. Brass knuckles add weight to your hand and prevent damage to the bones. You are still hitting, but its more like your hands are hammers, if that makes sense."

He motioned for her to sit on some boxes. He took her hand gently in his own and began to wrap it in tape. As he did so there was a lull, a silence. "I'd like to talk about...about an us if your ok with it. I like you a lot. I guess it just kind of hit me earlier when we were talking that you are exactly the kind of woman I would like to...to be with. I am not asking you to marry me right now, but I am asking if you wouldn't mind me courting you. I am not sure what exactly you might expect from me. I live under a vow of poverty, and if you are willing to marry me eventually, you must understand the life you would be entering. I keep nothing unless I absolutely need it. If I have two of something, I give the other away. I take this vow seriously, and the woman who is willing to marry me must be willing to take it seriously as well."

Lily listens with surprise and she blushes but looks amused as well. I am...flattered. she begins hesitantly. I know you are a very discerning man and to be found favorable is quite the compliment. she looks sincerely pleased. I would be lying if I said I didn't find you attractive or that I wasn't tempted to run into this without hesitation. But, you must consider just this morning you were fuming over Penny and I know it wasn't all because of disapproval. You cared for her at some point. I want to be certain those feelings are gone before we pursue anything. she raises her free hand as if to stop you from commenting before she's finished. You said it was only attraction before and it may well be, but she will be back soon. Work with her for a bit, make sure whatever it was is over. Then, if you are certain I am still the woman for you we can happily pursue something more. I would warn you about my temper but you've already seen it she grins suddenly. I am sorry to ruin the romantic gesture she shakes her head then. But as you know I've been burned before. I want to be smarter this time, make sure I keep my wits about me. As for your vow of poverty, you needn't worry about me. I am Sioux. I lived in teepees and hunted my own food. I'm sure I would manage the smile returns. She puts a warm hand on your shoulder, the other still in your hand as she waits your answer.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Mon 08 Dec 2014.

Just mentioning Penny's name brought a grimace to Simon's face. He took her other hand and wrapped it with equal care. "My affection for Penny was based on a lie, a false face she presented to us as someone who cared for and about others. I have seen her true face, and I want no part of it. If you require further evidence, I shall endeavor to provide it." It seemed no matter which way he turned, he faced Penny. Either the angel was demanding they work together of Lily needed reassurance that he was no longer interested in her. Either way it seemed he was look at both rock and hard place.

She talked about her temper, which brought his smile back, "Yes I've seen it, and I am sure that dealing with it will be bother pleasure and pain. I know how to admit my mistakes, I wouldn't worry very much about it. Besides, a I said before, passion is your most attractive quality."

He finished wrapped her hands, "Besides, I am no stranger to commitment. Its part of who I am. I hope you will be able to see that and in the end let me make the commitment to you. Now, where were we? As yes, cathercism. Ready for another round?" He put the hand pads back on and braced himself for her onslaught.

Lily looks disapproving at your criticism of Penny and she gently cups your chin in hand with a frown. Now now, play nice. I'm sure she greatly cares about others. You can't get into this line of work and not. She probably just didn't think Simon. she chides. Try to calm down about it please? It's going to be awkward to work with you both as it is without bad blood between you. Couldn't we just let it go?

At mention of her passion she laughs. Well thank you, but I'm sure it will not always be so...alluring she sounds teasing. And yes, if anyone is to be trusted with commitments it's you. You're just about the only man I could say that about. I am curious though, what exactly is a priest's idea of courting? she stands then, ready to continue the sparring session as the conversation continues. If allowed she will further the conversation as she punches.

'I thought you had the ears of a boxing man.' commented a familiar upper-class Devonshire accent from the door. 'Marquess of Queensberry Rules, is it?' she went on archly as she noted the intimate proximity between Simon and the Indian woman, had heard words like "alluring" and "courting". She didn't feel jealous, of course, just irritated. Had he abandoned all his vows?

Penny was back from the future, and like Kate before her, she was scandalously attired. A gentleman's suit like she'd left in, but with dark trousers and a jacket actually sized for a woman and shaped around her feminine curves. The jacket hung open to reveal that, rather than a proper buttoned shirt, at least, she wore one of Kate's t-shirts, a chemise adorned with the illustration of an owl of all things. She had no embarrassment or shame. Parked on her head, letting her strawberry-blonde hair spill out, was her old bowler hat.

Striding determinedly into the room, her blue eyes were set on Simon, cold with indignation and anger. Since they were boxing, she quite naturally took a swing at him, her small bony fist carrying more fury than strength, more injurious to pride than body. 'You scoundrel!' she accused. 'I trusted you! I gave you my confession, my will and testament, my wealth for your charity. And you throw it all back in my face. Of all the petty, selfish, and spiteful things to do!'


OOC: As promised, punching Simon, attack 16, nonlethal damage 1. :p
09:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 16 using 1d20+4. swing at Simon.
09:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 1 using 1d3. nonlethal damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Tue 09 Dec 2014.

Kate's mouth dropped open as Penny took a swing at Father Simon. There was something almost comical about the whole thing. Penny in modern clothing trying to punch out a father.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Wed 10 Dec 2014.

ooc: Just straightening a few things up. The post will be returned shortly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Tue 09 Dec 2014.

Simon heard Penny's voice and turned to it, not trying to mask his disgust with her at all. Seeing the whorish way she dressed only amplified this emotion, making his want to vomit. She was truly the worst human being he had ever met. She came at him with her fist balled up and threw a punch, but he moved out of the way of it rather easily. Being a pacifist meant that he did not wish to do her harm, but if she did herself harm, well that was all the better. As he moved he put his foot in front of her ankle to pull her off her feet...

Simon's AC is 18, so she hit only air.


   

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
10:00, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 14 using 2d6+3. AP.
    09:59, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Trip Penny.

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Total roll for trip attack is 30. Hope Penny likes eating floor.

He spoke with utter disdain for her however his voice never went up even a single octave nor did it betray him by quivering, "You, Ms. Dreadful, are acting as a spoiled child throwing a tantrum. I will not feed your dilutions by answering your self-aggrandizing charges. Why I allowed myself to feel attracted to the likes of you I will never know but hence forth you are nothing to me. You are furniture, meant to be ignored and moved around."

He looked at Lily, "To answer your first question, no I do not believe I will be able to. The answer to your second can be found in Song of Solomon. You will excuse me as my mood had been quit soured by the thing who lays at our feet."

He only noticed Kate on his way out the door. "Good day to you, Kate. Its lovely to have you back among us. You will forgive me if I do not stay and chat, I am not in the mood."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Thu 11 Dec 2014.

Before she could continue, Penny found her leg suddenly swept out from under her, and she hit the floor hard. Winded, stunned, she stared up at Father Simon as he glared down at her in contempt, his words cold and measured. How like her bloody father; she loathed him for that. Feel attracted to me...? She untangled her long legs — just as well as she was wearing trousers, really — and shot to her feet. 'Damn your pride, man!' she yelled at Simon's retreating back, drawing him back. Behind, she glimpsed Lily guiding Kate away, and felt so alone. She wished she could have her friend by her side right now. Nevertheless, she steeled herself for a fight. Too often had she had to explain and defend herself. Penny fussily brushed the dust off her suit and hat, trying to restrain herself. Stiff upper lip and good manners. 'What on Earth is your problem?'

Simon looked down and after a moment his expression softened. Maybe she felt regret or maybe he was just feeling it himself and hoping she did as well. He reached down, offering her his hand. Perhaps she would not take as a profound a gesture as he did.

He ignored her swearing at him for the moment, focusing instead on her question. He found a stool and motioned for her to take a seat as well. He thought for a long moment, seeming to start but stopping himself more than once as he searched for the proper words. He realized the only way this would work would be to extend some trust to her. He sighed heavily before he began.

"I am not a Catholic Priest. I grew up in the Catholic Church, trained as a Jesuit, but I found that the Orthodox branch of the Church fit me and my personality far better. I have taken no vow of celibacy." He paused, letting that sink in. "Orthodox Priests are allowed to marry, but only once, before they become Bishops."

He nodded, knowing she was less ept at reading the emotions of others than he. "I was physically attracted to you from the moment I met you, but I have met many attractive women in that regard and never considered them as a potential mate. I prefer women of a certain character. Lily.." He paused again, "Has the same sort of character. I did not allow myself to consider you even then because I felt you were self centered. You convinced me you were not. Your note showed me otherwise."

He stopped again, as long a pause as when he started. "The truth is I felt a profound sense of betrayal. You demonstrated the one characteristic I find least appealing in my fellow human, and that coupled with the fact that I had honestly considered you...the first person I had ever considered...as a possible mate...it angered me. I was angry with you, with myself for accepting you at face value, and perhaps at God for putting me through that."

Glaring daggers at him, Penny declined his hand and stood up on her own. She didn't need his help. She also declined the invitation to sit, preferring to stand for now and have the opportunity to leave, if she needed. As it was, she stalked about the room like a caged tiger, and avoided setting eyes on Simon.

She was puzzled as he spoke of his faith — Orthodox, isn't that more common in eastern Europe and Russia? Then he got to the point and Penny was shocked, stopped in her tracks. Physically attracted? To me? Mate, not wife, he said. He was talking about lust, about sex, she realised, horrified. She felt with flushed with embarrassment and her skin crawled in discomfort. She was more embarrassed now than when Castiel had visited her in the shower; at least the angel had no desire. Turning around, she quickly buttoned up her jacket, covering the t-shirt. Why should a scrap of cloth be such an issue? Blast the fellow for bringing it up. Well, at least he was being forthcoming now and not insulting her.

It was a long time before she answered, breathing out her anger and frustration. 'So, you put a vase on an unstable pedestal, and when it falls off you blame the vase rather than the pedestal?' she tried. She spoke sharply, trying to control her feelings and keep them out of her voice. 'First, let us be clear: I am not here to be your mate, your wife, your romantic interest, your muse or inspiration, nor anything else. I am your fellow hunter, a fellow human being, and that is all. Whatever feelings you have are your own affair — I do not share them.' Maybe that was a twinge of regret.

Finally, she sighed, admitting to herself her recklessness recently. She had to explain herself, if only to settle this feud with Simon Cole. 'Self-centred, perhaps, yes, I am. It is how I was raised, but I have always tried to think and act with regard to others. I would not be in this business if I did not. You have your failings, priest, and I have mine. It makes us human, not angels. Are you disappointed I am not an angel like Mr Castiel?'

'Now, my note was rushed, but honest. I did want to see the world of the future, and who could say they wouldn't? But I also genuinely felt Miss Piper was walking into danger. I could not have persuaded myself to do what I did had I not. As it was, no sooner had we arrived than we were accosted and pursued by demons. Thus, now, I do not regret it. Even if I had never been able to come home.'

To Simon this came across as petty. He was obviously not good enough for her majesty Queen Penny. That and he wondered if she were even human and not some stitched together construct made up of every radical man hating feminist he had ever come across.

His voice was dripping with sarcasm, "Oh don't worry Penny, your virtue is safe here. We commoners know our place. If I had any feelings for you it was when I believed you were an actual human being and not a Myrmidon. I have moved on and found an actual human being capable of emotion other than hate and selfishness."



He had already tuned her out. This was not going to work. He stood and left, but at the door her turned. "You may find you things at the Western Union Office. They will be available for at least the next 28 days so long as you present identification. There is a note inside. When you read it, think of this conversation and how it might have gone differently. I have no intention or desire to be in your company any longer."

He left immediately and followed Lily to where she would be.

'You blasted fool!' Penny yelled after Simon, angry at all his misplaced insults and frustrated at how impossible it was to communicate with him. She kicked his damn stool across the floor, a release of stress and irritation but it did nothing to satisfy her.

She continued to stride around, fuming at what a waste of time and effort that was, at the obstinacy of the man. But it was doing nothing to calm her down. At last, she righted the stool and sat down, burying her face in her palms. She tried not to cry, but started anyway.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Tue 16 Dec 2014.

Kate returned to where she'd left Penny. "He's an ass," Kate said simply upon seeing her friend in tears. She didn't know what had been said but if strong spirited Penny was crying then obviously it was bad. Insulting the good father seemed like the best thing to do even if it wasn't totally accurate.

"It's a good thing I brought lots of candy," She added trying to cheer Penny up.

Penny was made of stern stuff, a keen observer of the stiff upper lip and British bulldog character. So she wasn't bawling or sobbing or anything. But she looked up to Kate with damp eyes, a little afraid she'd be embarrassed in a vulnerable moment. It was Kate, and even though they'd only known each other for a few brief days, they had been through so much together she knew she could trust her. 'Oh, indeed.' Penny agreed, 'I understand candy makes everything better.' She dried her face and eyes with a frilly little handkerchief. Her tears were not only the result of the encounter with the priest, but of a whole series of frustrations of which this was merely the latest instance. She stood, straightening her coat. 'Our ladies' day out should come even sooner, with candy... I shall tell you the unhappy details later. But now, let us raise havoc.' she decided with a little of her old devil-may-care attitude.


OOC: Moving on, Penny and Kate can probably get on with the plan worked out via PMs. Artemis, please feel free to skim over what you like or jump forward to one of the planned meetings.

Sounds good. I'm starting a new thread for you guys now.

ooc: Just to be sure I don't screw up...are you having Victoria or someone rent the rooms for you or are you going to rent them yourself? Much depends on your answer so let me know. Also, are you going to have the meetings first and then rent the rooms or vice versa? I figured I would skim over all the meetings but Westbrook's. Let me know what you think. You can ignore the new thread for the moment, I want to be sure I have this right before I put anything there.

OOC: We'll rent the rooms ourselves first. Victoria's not in on the plan, she's one of those we'll tell a false room number to. We'll come back and talk to people and collect our guards.

Alright! On to your new thread then :)