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02:14, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 8: A house and a mystery.

Posted by ArtemisFor group 0
Penny Dreadful
player, 1134 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Thu 21 Dec 2017
at 15:36
  • msg #423

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Penny awoke with a gasp, shocked at what had transpired. Events had all moved so quickly, Ian had acted before she knew it, before she'd had a chance to steel herself. It was hard to accept that final scene, of one so dear to her about to die, even if she'd woken in the last instant.

Blinking, she scrambled to sit up, looking for Ian to see if he'd regained his senses or not...
Artemis
GM, 1709 posts
Thu 21 Dec 2017
at 16:02
  • msg #424

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Emma and Kate both sit around you, looking relieved. Meanwhile Ian slowly sits up, apparently completely aware of exactly what has happened. His blue eyes are haunted and he says absolutely nothing, just stands up and walks out of the tent and into the woods. The witch watches him go and shakes her head. I take it his extraction was...unpleasant?
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 177 posts
HP 111/90
Pretty but boy's clothes
Thu 21 Dec 2017
at 16:12
  • msg #425

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Alison nodded and turned to Penny, "I am your friend, so listen to me. He did that for you. FOR YOU. He loves you more than that dream, more than that woman, and those fake children. He loves YOU. If you don't go to him right now you will loose him and it will hollow you. I know, it happened to me. Go, please go. Please, Penny, tell him how you feel. Be a woman and act."
Penny Dreadful
player, 1136 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Fri 22 Dec 2017
at 02:53
  • msg #426

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Penny was stunned, speechless yet full of questions. What? How? He loved her? Why? It all seemed absurd. She was so inexperienced in affairs of the heart she could hardly fathom it, and she was so questioning and wary she could hardly let herself trust and accept it. And her own feelings toward Ian, of warmth and companionship and interest, just confused her. Yet that brief kiss had felt right, had felt good, and she couldn't bare to see Ian hurt.

She nodded, rose from the floor of the teepee, and hurried out after Ian...
Artemis
GM, 1711 posts
Fri 29 Dec 2017
at 13:44
  • msg #427

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery



Penny: You find Ian several yards off. He's leaning against a tree, his back to you and wiping his eyes. Hearing you approach he turns his head and gives a wincing half smile. I'll bet the old Ian never did this eh? His eyes are red even in the moonlight. H-How long was I...there? I spent so long convincing myself you were just a crazy dream that I've forgotten a few things he shakes his head. You can tell he's trying to steel himself, but it's quite clear he's devastated.

Alice: As Penny hurries out, Emma arches a dubious eyebrow. It seems I missed a great many things. Let us hope your advice is accurate and you haven't just thrust her headlong into a very awkward situation. Whatever fantasy he was stuck in was probably hard to leave and since it sounds like it didn't involve her well...interesting she purses her lips.
Penny Dreadful
player, 1137 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Fri 29 Dec 2017
at 14:37
  • msg #428

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

'Less than a day.' Penny answered softly, walking slowly up behind him. 'It was the djinn's curse.' she sighed, but decided it best not to go into more detail; he'd lived through it after all.

She halted, a bit beside and behind Ian, hesitant and not wishing to intrude, though their kiss in the dream-world and Alice's revelations were still at the forefront of her mind. She had a hundred questions, many she could still barely put to words, but all seemed wrong to ask, right here and now. Fortunately, she thought she found the right one. 'Who was Coira?' she asked gently, touching his arm. She thought it better to respect his memory of this other woman first, and better for him to correct his memories of her and put them in their proper place in the past.
Ian Shaw
NPC, 46 posts
Fri 29 Dec 2017
at 14:56
  • msg #429

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Curse you call it? he gives a mirthless chuckle. It was everything I ever wanted.

He listens to your question with a pained look and takes a long moment to answer, looking away again though at least now he is facing you. Do you know why I believed you back in, well whatever that was? It was something Coira said. She said I was happy. And she was right. Happier than I've ever been. I'd felt that way for years of course, well, what I thought were years but hearing her say it made me realize... he shakes his head. I'm a hunter. We're not supposed to be happy. My entire life has been a series of terrible things one after the other. It isn't in my cards to be happy. That should have been my clue when this all started but...I wanted it so badly Penny his eyes glisten again. I've loved Coira since we were children. She never cared for me the same way though, even when we were grown but that didn't stop me from dreamin. I always thought one day I'd win her over. One day she'd change her mind. Then, when she was twenty, she took sick and died. I was devastated. I'd pinned all my hopes on her, all my ideals of women, of marriage. I know it was stupid, she never wanted me but it was a life I wanted more than anything... He winces at the memory. I decided if I couldn't marry her then marriage wasn't for me. What was the point of it anyway? I learned my...way around women after that. I wasn't the shy stupid man I used to be. I took chances, learned how to make a woman laugh, how to charm her. If I'd not been a clumsy awkward oaf back when Coira was alive maybe she actually would have wanted me he gives a half laugh. I tried to forget my pain in as many women as I could and admittedly there was comfort there. They wanted me where Coira did not but I never stopped wishing it was her I was with. Then, when after all these years I suddenly had her, had the life I always longed for...I was weak he shakes his head. I should have known it was too good to be true.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 178 posts
HP 111/90
Pretty but boy's clothes
Fri 29 Dec 2017
at 15:06
  • msg #430

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Alice snapped back, "You weren't there. Hold your tongue witch." She says witch as an insult.
Penny Dreadful
player, 1138 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Sat 30 Dec 2017
at 06:36
  • msg #431

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

It seemed every hunter and slayer she'd met had a tale of grief, of loved ones fallen victim to monsters, of lives destroyed by dark forces. She'd expected such a story here, and thus was surprised to hear Ian tell of something so mundane as illness and unrequited love. A story of monsters she could handle. These subtleties of the heart were not her speciality.

Penny drew her breath, hesitant with uncertainty. She chewed her lip, reconsidered, thought again. At last, she murmured 'We all need to be happy, I think. What else do we work toward, what do we fight for? Why else do people come together, but to be happy? It's natural to want it.' She sighed. 'But it must always be balanced by sadness, else it wouldn't be real.'
Artemis
GM, 1714 posts
Tue 2 Jan 2018
at 14:42
  • msg #432

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Alice: Emma looks quite affronted by your words and crosses her arms sulkily. You know, considering all I've done for you, you're quite an ungrateful little brat aren't you? she mutters.

Penny: He gives a harsh laugh at this. Balanced eh? Wouldn't that be nice. No, it's my lot to suffer. Every hunter has to it seems. Better that I should accept it now then risk all that again. He runs a hand through his hair, looking exhausted. Thank you though, for coming after me. I wish you hadn't done it, but I understand why you did and I know it was a great risk to do so. You shouldn't have put yourself in such danger on my account though he sighs then turns to look at you with a dry smile. Heh, I dreamed about you, you know. All those years, or whatever they were. Even when I was at my happiest with Coira, even when things were better than I ever dreamed they'd be, I never quite forgot you Penny. I'm lucky to call you my friend.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 180 posts
HP 111/90
Pretty but boy's clothes
Tue 2 Jan 2018
at 15:00
  • msg #433

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Alice's twist draw brought her weapon up, cocked, and level with Emma's face. "It has nothing to do with gratitude you stupid witch. He shot himself, didn't warn us or anything. One second nothing and the next BANG and we're wakin' up. He had everything he ever wanted, was living a lie, realized it, and gave it up for something you couldn't possibly fathom, love and pain. So breath another word about it and I will make sure that even if you live, you'll have the ugliest mug this side of the Mississippi, Capice?"
Penny Dreadful
player, 1139 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Wed 3 Jan 2018
at 02:29
  • msg #434

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

A friend? Penny wondered, almost disappointed, but did not dare ask, fearing to hear the answer, and the truth. Alice's idea that Ian loved her had set her mind churning with thoughts and feelings, and the bewildering realisation that she might love him too. But she did not how to feel or what, too repressed to express it, had been too distracted by hunting and the struggle against Belial to consider the heart. Ian had called her friend, perhaps thankfully that was all. She touched Ian on the arm. 'And so am I.'
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Wed 03 Jan 2018.
Ian Shaw
NPC, 47 posts
Wed 3 Jan 2018
at 13:33
  • msg #435

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

ooc: For time's sake I'll post for Alice when I get back from my client's house!

Penny: Ian gives a half smile at this and to your surprise he pulls you in and embraces you. I'm going to be a bit of a mess for a while I think. I apologize in advance he sighs, letting you go, eyes still grieved for his lost family but at least it's a start in the right direction. I think a distraction is what I need. Hopefully saving the world will take my mind off things. There's one benefit to being back though I suppose. I'm eight years younger again he finishes with a smile. You can tell he's trying to reassert his old jesting ways and though it is only half successful it's just good that he's trying. He's clearly broken and you believe him that it will be a while for him to heal. Still, the embrace was...something.
Artemis
GM, 1718 posts
Wed 3 Jan 2018
at 16:41
  • msg #436

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Alice: Emma looks at you, furious and Kate gives you a worried glance too, muttering your name warningly. The witch sits up to her full height, not a bit afraid but certainly angry. You are a newcomer to the party so I'll explain your ignorance only this once. You need me if you expect to activate the ring of solomon. You need me and my contacts to figure out what Belial is up to. You also needed my expertise to get Mr. Shaw back in the first place. Considering all I've done and am still expected to do, perhaps you'd best think twice before making threats you can't keep. I am sick of your rot girl. You're a trigger happy fool and if you keep up like this your temper will end you. She says this all with polite calmness but her eyes blaze with anger and Kate soon gets in the middle, pushing the gun back and looking stressed. Ok ok ok! Let's all calm down now...she looks at the tent flap longingly, no doubt hoping Penny will return.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 182 posts
HP 111/90
Pretty but boy's clothes
Wed 3 Jan 2018
at 16:52
  • msg #437

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Alice stood too, unwilling to let the witch have the last word. "You are just a witch. Witches are a dime a dozen. I bet if I spat on the street one would step on it before it dried. You are nothing special, you live because I allow it. I am sick of you thinking you are some big deal. I've killed vampires, witches, werewolves, and I'll kill more." She spun the weapon by it's trigger guard, and dropped it into her holster. "Witches are all the same, you think you're special, indispensable. I bet dollars on the barrel head that Penny knows or can figure this whole ring of Solomon out. Belial is a demon, and all demons are up to one thing, roaming the world and taking human souls to hell. JUST LIKE YOU."

She threw up her hands as she left the tepee. Once outside she picked out Ian and Penny. She shouted, "Will you just kiss her for goodness sake? You two are incredible." She walked to them, still a bit mad about Emma but hiding it fairly well. "You," she pointed at Penny, "are the most repressed woman I've ever met. You're so repressed you can't even figure out what you feel. I know more about how you feel than you know. I know you care about him as more than a friend or you wouldn't have been so gung-ho to go in and rescue him. You sure wouldn't have gone chasing after him just now."

She turned to Ian, "You, are just as dang bad. You want her, you love her back, heck you gave up your version of paradise to have a chance at loving her. Now you two are playing like a couple of thirteen year olds. Will you please kiss her like you mean it?" She went to the wagon and the horses, leaving the two of them alone and hoped to her Savior that they would just kiss and get it over with!
Penny Dreadful
player, 1141 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Thu 4 Jan 2018
at 12:50
  • msg #438

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Surprised, Penny didn't resist as Ian pulled her into his arms, finding herself enjoying his embrace. This was not at all bad, she was realising. 'And eight years wiser too, I hope.' she jibed. The experience would surely have left him more mature and satisfied about his unrequited love for Coira, and surely more gentlemanly. Perhaps, perhaps there were possibilities... But Penny appreciated Ian's need for time and space, necessary to recover from the djinn's delusion. He could hardly consider courtship at a time like this. This was just as well, and Penny respected that. She could wait...

Then Alice came and stuck her oar in again.

Penny tensed, stunned by what she'd said, wide eyed and open mouthed in shock like a startled rabbit, not at all sure how to respond.
Artemis
GM, 1723 posts
Fri 5 Jan 2018
at 13:41
  • msg #439

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Ian looks just as alarmed as Penny, and the pair watch Alice tromp off to the wagon in complete shock. Then, as she leaves, to your surprise he laughs. Americans! They have no sense of finesse am I right? Just barge in, make a mess of things and then toddle off like they've saved the world. Oh what a day this has been! His laughter grows, and you can tell he's genuinely amused but the surprise is still on his face. You know, eight years ago, or...whatever it's been, I probably would have done just what she wants but, as you said I'm wiser now. Don't worry Penny, you're safe. Besides, if memory serves you were never really interested in me anyway and now... well what kind of man would I be if I left my wife and children one minute and kissed someone else not fifteen minutes later? But don't let her get to you Penny. She probably means well he shakes his head, still bewildered and half smiling but you're smart. You know exactly what he's implying, what Alice does not seem to understand. It's too soon.

ooc: Ok, take your time Penny and respond as you wish. When you're done everyone let me know your plans for the next few days of travel. Also, Emma is going to have a conversation with Penny soon but I can do that elsewhere if you like so that Alice doens't have to wait during it.
Penny Dreadful
player, 1142 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Fri 5 Jan 2018
at 14:35
  • msg #440

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Penny clamped her mouth in embarrassment, having turned a bit pinkish. 'Yes, quite.' she agreed, without really saying anything. 'You should have seen the mess she made of your dream-world. A gunfight in the street of little Durisdeer!' she described with mock dismay, a little joke to cover her feelings.

She began to walk with him back toward the Indian camp, however slowly. 'The, um, kiss, back then, was her idea, I should note.' she clarified hesitantly, trying to find her own discreet way of admitting her feelings, though she trembled so. 'Now I understand why she thought it would work. Certainly, it worked to upset the figment of Coira for some reason...' She gave a delicate little laugh. 'Hmm, I must say, I have never been called a whore before, even when I pretended to be one on the Ripper case. The working girls told me I made a very unconvincing prostitute...'

'Regardless of what Miss Conner says, I am not averse to being courted by a gentleman, nor wholly unaccustomed.'
She glanced surreptitiously toward Ian. 'But it's quite impossible. I never had a mother to present me as a débutante. Why, Kate would need to introduce us!' she laughed, joining Ian in downplaying the matter as a jest. Yet the formality, the etiquette of Victorian courtship gave Penny a vital sense of control over the affair. Rules and arrangements she could work with. 'In any case, I'm afraid I am already been courted by Prince Belial.' She grimaced then sighed, exasperated and frustrated. And, as a twenty-seven-year-old spinster, she had a few frustrations. Oh, how she wished she was back in London with her favourite Harley Street doctor. San Jose had had no one who could treat her particular hysteria.


OOC: Do we still have anything to do here? We found the Ring of Solomon. Was there anything else we need to do before we return to HQ and get Emma to activate it? Can she do that here in the west?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:04, Fri 12 Jan 2018.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 185 posts
HP 111/90
Pretty but boy's clothes
Fri 5 Jan 2018
at 15:02
  • msg #441

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Alice set about loading the wagon.

We found the Ring but not the Key. The key is a set of instructions. The ring protects you from demonic infleunce.
Artemis
GM, 1729 posts
Thu 11 Jan 2018
at 15:50
  • msg #442

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Penny: Ian laughs quite a bit at the thought of you posing as a prostitute. It's actually the closest he's been to his old self since returning from the dream. Oh that's too wonderful! he chortles. Oh you'd make a terrible prostitute my dear! And I do mean that in a good way he adds quickly.

Upon your mentioning Belial though, his smile drops, replaced by anger. Ah yes, I remember that sod. Don't worry Penny. I'll not let him touch you he informs you firmly. We'll figure out this whole mess. We're halfway there already right? And when we're done perhaps we'll find you a gentleman worthy of your affection now that I know you're not opposed to it. Heh, you could have your pick of any man I'm sure. Heaven knows you had me properly distracted he shakes his head with a half smile. It's clear he's trying to cheer you up, to pretend to be the Ian you knew but his eyes are still sad and you realize that he'll probably never completely be the same. What's more though, you can tell he was sincere about his words regarding you and though it may be a while, there may just be hope for the two of you in the future.
At least, it is pleasant to think so.

ooc: Ok, I'm going to start a new chapter soon. Go ahead and finish up here. It will take a few weeks to get to New York by train (if you want to check in with headquarters) or you can go slower by horse. Emma isn't quite sure where the key is but she has contacts who do and informs you that you'll need to get to Maine to meet with them. She also has a lot to say to Penny privately regarding Alice and it is clear she despises the woman and rushes to vehemently complain of her treatment, saying considering all she's done for you she should at least get some civility, etc. She's like a squawking hen that's been chased around the coop, clucking and scratching and very upset.

If you have any plans for the travel time let me know and also let me know if you want to go to New York first or Maine. If you choose to do a short cut (via witchcraft) Emma will put up a fuss, saying she's only inclined to help those who don't threaten her every five minutes etc...
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 186 posts
HP 111/90
Pretty but boy's clothes
Thu 11 Jan 2018
at 15:56
  • msg #443

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

OOC: I would prefer a train ride, but I will go with whatever Penny has in mind.

I have some ideas about how to find the key and where it should be historically, if you want I can PM and discuss them with you.

Otherwise I am glad to see that Penny and Ian at least have a chance.

Artemis
GM, 1730 posts
Thu 11 Jan 2018
at 16:04
  • msg #444

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Ooc: oh I totally ship Ian and Penny so no worries there! I just have to put obstacles because it's more satisfying that way!

And yes please to the pm. I have some ideas already but any additional insight would just make what I already have more well rounded. Thanks!
Penny Dreadful
player, 1143 posts
HP 60/83 (Con -2: -18)
Def 17/15/17+1
Fri 12 Jan 2018
at 12:34
  • msg #445

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

It was gentlemanly of Ian to promise not to let Belial touch her, but she knew too well he would hardly be able to stop him. The demon prince's cruel attack on Miss Hartley was still vivid in Penny's mind, as was her guilt. But she had the Ring of Solomon now; she had to pray it would work.

And she had to pray that whatever possibility of romance there was between her and Ian might yet have a chance to bloom. She shuffled embarrassed at his suggestions of finding her another man, realising she now hardly wanted another. 'I think I would rather have those firm companions for whom I already hold great affection.' she said meaningfully to Ian.


OOC: Obstacles, huh? We have to get them fighting again. :D

As for travel plans, I would suggest a train trip, especially if it has a murder and a monster on board. ;) Although slow, Penny would want to give the team and especially Ian a chance to relax and recover. It also placates Emma and gives time for tempers to cool.

On that matter, Penny will try to placate Emma and explain to Alice that we need Emma's assistance (her magic and knowledge of the Ring and Key are vital and not easily replaced); tell how she was betrayed, tortured, and killed by Belial and thus has good reason to ally with us; and that we have a chance to redeem her in the service of good. She asks Alice not to antagonise her. We can play that or leave it off-screen as you like.

Artemis
GM, 1731 posts
Tue 16 Jan 2018
at 14:09
  • msg #446

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Ian looks quite surprised at Penny's words but says nothing, though he does not exactly look displeased...

ooc: I'm cool with generalizing the Emma conversation if you like. That way Alice doesn't get too bored waiting ;P Though Emma is going to expect at the very least civility from the gunslinger after that. You can tell her pride is ruffled!

I'm going to start a new chapter for ya now.
Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner
player, 187 posts
HP 111/90
Pretty but boy's clothes
Tue 16 Jan 2018
at 14:22
  • msg #447

Re: Chapter 8: A house and a mystery

Would cold indifference be enough?
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