She arches a brow at your words. Yes, that certainly is a unique name Miss. Dreadful. Mine is less...entertaining. I am Tabitha Sinclair. What, pray tell, brings you and your gentleman friend so far north? The polite question is a bit awkwardly executed. It's as if she's drawing on her upbringing to find the right words and when she does they are stiff and insincere sounding. You have a feeling she wouldn't have bothered saying them at all if it weren't for the fact you're nearly positive she recognizes your name. The way her muscles stiffened ever so slightly, the polite mask barely slipping from her face only to be put back that much more firmly. Yes. She knows who you are.

Indeed she did, but how? Unfortunately, Tabitha was far too reserved to let slip how she recognised her name or why she had this reaction, but Penny would proceed more carefully from now on. Mindful of how Emma had warned not to be too plucky or conniving, Penny quickly abandoned the pretence that this was a chance encounter. 'Ah, there I must admit to a slight deception, madam – we came to Portland looking for you, in fact, or one of your associates, but you were recommended as most talented, honourable, and reliable. We wish to consult on some matters regarding the craft.' She meant 'witchcraft', of course, but felt it unseemly to discuss in the street.

Tabitha is quite surprised by your bluntness and, good breeding or not, she is unable to return the society face to her expression. Not. Here. she says stiffly, looking completely unsure what to do with this information. I've heard of you too Miss Dreadful. I'm surprised you have the gall to approach someone like me. But I'm nothing if not curious. Meet me at my lighthouse in an hour. Any local can give you directions if you need them. If I don't like what you have to say....reputation or not, I'm not afraid of you and your pretty escort. So don't think to try anything.

With that she sweeps past, making her way quickly to her carriage without a backward glance but there is a tenseness to her walk that belies her nerves.

Should you let her continue on her way, a few moments later Emma gestures from around the corner for you to join her, demanding to know how it went.

Alice: You see the carriage start to move away from the city center and your friends start to gather again. Seems like trouble is averted for the moment.

Relieved Alice returned to her friends.

Unfortunately, Tabitha didn't give Penny a chance to respond before she stalked away, only to watch her leave. 'Did you hear that, Ian? She thinks you're pretty.' she remarked flippantly as she watched Tabitha walk away and climb into her carriage, always seeking more clues.

Then, very soon, Penny and Ian were back with Alice and Emma. 'I tried for openness and honesty, but fear I may have come on too strongly. Her reaction was distinctly frosty. However, I expect there was no way that encounter could have gone completely well. Regardless, we have a meeting in her lighthouse in one hour. I would've preferred neutral territory like a tea-house or restaurant, but it will have to do.'

Alice gave a remark aimed at Emma but not directly, "There is one way, but pride goeth before the fall. So we're meeting on her turf, how do you want to play it? Should Emma and I wait back or join in force? Either is fine with me."

'At this stage, Emma's presence would only agitate Tabitha.' Penny warned. 'We must broach the issue of her involvement exceedingly carefully... As for you, Alice, you may come if if you think it best, but I fear introducing a third person make her suspicious, and I would appreciate having you as back-up outside.' An unspoken reason for was having Alice keep an eye on Emma, while one against was leaving Alice and Emma alone together. Penny wished Kate was still here; not only would they had more of a chance to get to know one another, but a fifth member of this team would serve to balance things nicely. 'Which do you wish?''

ooc: Alice, let us know which you choose at your nearest convenience and then you can post accordingly. Also let me know if you have any preparations to make since you have an hour beforehand. Feel free to finish up the conversation too before moving on.

IC:

Ian laughs at Penny's 'pretty' comment. Well she's not wrong is she? he winks.

Once you've rejoined the others, Emma listens with a frown. Well this is good news and bad. She must still be somewhat involved in matters if she's heard of you. That means she's either still on speaking terms with the coven or has contacts of her own. She can't be too much of a hermit if she's still getting news. That's good. If she spent the last two decades painting pots or stitching embroidery we'd have no need of her. That said, if she knows who you are she has opinions about it. This could well be a trap you know. But I always was the stronger of us. I'll be just outside if you need help. She may be just curious enough to hear you out.

An hour later you find yourselves outside the lighthouse. There are plenty of trees and shrubbery to hide behind, even in the early afternoon sun, however once they are inside your usefulness will be limited. Emma informs you she has ways of listening in though, and that makes you feel better considering you have no idea how prepared Tabitha really is for you. Should you knock, Tabitha answers the door herself, showing you in with caution and yet maintaining her good breeding.

ooc: I'll need a hide check from Alice if she's going to stay outside with Emma. Feel free to lead the conversation Penny, once you're ready.

Alice indicated she would stay with a Emma.

Hide = 12
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Tue 13 Nov 2018.

So, Emma admitted she had "ways" of listening in on their conversation. Now what, exactly, had she also been listening in on? The possibility that Emma Bently may have been eavesdropping on their every conversation since the start chilled Penny to the marrow. She couldn't recall saying anything particularly against the witch in private or in confidence, but couldn't be so sure about the others. No matter, she'd just have to let it slide for now.

With Ian at her side, she went to the door and knocked, and exchanged polite greetings and pleasantries. 'Good morning again, and thank you very much for letting us meet you. I must say, what splendid weather this is.'

Tabitha smirks in amusement in spite of herself as she lets you in and shuts the door. The little lighthouse is surprisingly nice inside. The ground floor has been made into a parlor of sorts with plush furnishings and expensive rugs. The spiral staircase winds up to more intriguing places that you'll simply have to forgo for the time being. But you're certain you see ornamental chimes and tapestries hanging about that are most definitely not from around here.

I thought of preparing tea to offer you, Brit that you are, but we both know you probably wouldn't accept it, nor should you under the circumstances Miss. Dreadful. I've heard a great deal of you and the men of letters. I'm not really in the game these days, but my old companions have plenty of orders regarding what they should do with you. Tell me, why should I not turn you over to them myself? You must know who and what I am. She arches a brow and crosses her ankles neatly. Ian laughs at her words, the sound echoing in the high towered ceiling. To the point. Good. Never know when you society folk are gonna jaw for years. Nice place you have here too. Looks like you've left more than your old companions behind I'd say. Don't like people do you? he arches a fine brow. You know him just well enough to recognize he's underplaying his usually blatant charm. This, naturally, just makes him more charming.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:23, Fri 16 Nov 2018.

Ian's timely chatter was part of the reason they worked so well together. It gave Penny plenty of time to take in the parlour and consider Tabitha's words and her own response. First, she could excuse the attempted intimidation as simply the etiquette of this kind of meeting. Second, the parlour confirmed Tabitha was the kind of person to live comfortably, but alone. 'I do know who and what you are, and I believe you are a woman of honour. I trust you will deal with us fairly. By the same token, I will inform you we have allies waiting outside, if anything were to go awry.' Penny explained, adopting an honest and respectful approach, as Emma had said Tabitha preferred proper behaviour. 'I am a detective, not a hunter. If there is no crime, I have no concern. Your craft does not disturb me; rather, it is on that which I wish to consult you.'
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

Alice breathed relief as hey went unnoticed. She gave a thumbs up to Emma and whispered, ”You found a wonderful hiding place. You are turning out to be very useful.”

Tabitha looks intrigued, settling back a bit more comfortably, though you can tell she's still wary nonetheless. Considering my general allegiance is to Hecate, I'm surprised you trust me enough to ask for my help. The names of you and your companions have been spread far and wide, even in my poky little lighthouse. That said, the general orders are to keep you alive for the time being, so that is in your favor. Besides, I am admittedly more interested in my own pursuits than getting embroiled in current affairs. It's a real mess out there. Don't expect me to go out of my way for you though. I don't do that for anyone. Not anymore. Now, tell me what it is you want and why on earth I should give it to you?

Alice: Emma looks surprised and warily pleased at the compliment. Well so far she's being agreeable it sounds like. Tabitha has always been a grump but she's a curious one.

Alison listened but could not hear, ”You can hear them? Damn I thought I had ears like wolf.”
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Thu 22 Nov 2018.

She wished Tabitha had offered tea; Penny would've accepted just for the sake of politeness, and it always felt right to sip tea during negotiations such as these. It provided useful opportunities to pause and consider one's words more carefully. The orders, no doubt from Hecate, that she should not be killed confirmed what Belial himself had said, and show nothing had changed on that front. Unfortunately, it meant he still had designs upon her.

'Since I myself am the one and only worshipper of Domnu of the Dark Earth – she's underground, you might not have heard of her – I can hardly fault anyone for following Hecate. Glass houses and all that. My conflict is with Prince Belial and his minions. I have no wish to add those of Hecate... However, I would note that her alliance with the demons is quite ill-advised. Prince Belial is a deceiver, and will not willingly share power with the Witch Queen. I heard this from a former agent of his. If he succeeds, you may find yourself beholden to Belial and his foul demands, not to your own pursuits.' Penny was holding back on mentioning the Seal of Solomon, not wanting to give her aim too soon, wanting instead to ensure Tabitha would aid them first.

Tabitha listens, a bit surprised at your mention of Domnu. She's clearly heard of her. Ian looks all the more surprised though. He clearly has not.

Admittedly there are many of us who question Hecate's decision to throw her lot in with Belial. Some of us suspect she has her own designs for him. Others fear she's fallen in love with him. There's no real way to be certain, she doesn't see fit to communicate with her followers. She merely expects obedience. Most of us trust her and I'm inclined to myself but then...it's men that I do not trust. Especially you pretty ones, she adds with a nod to Ian who breaks into a wide grin. I'm as trustworthy as a vicar! It's not my fault God gave me a decent face and a chest of granite! I'm not about to complain though. He laughs. Tabitha looks amused and allows herself a small smile, obviously charmed. Now, you've told me your concerns. They are nothing I've not heard before or pondered on already. What do you want? She turns squarely back to Penny for this.

Alice: Emma opens her mouth to comment, frowns, then closes it again, determining it's best not to speak. She listens once more, concentrating and for a long while all is still. Then, for lack of anything better to do, you glance about. You see the carriage before you hear it. It's far enough away that you don't think it has seen you, but it's clearly approaching the lighthouse. This is not good.

Alice nudged Emma, and motioned for her to follow, ”We got company coming.”

'Pretty men have their uses, when they're obedient.' Penny remarked with a mischievous look toward Ian.

But she got to the point. 'The Seal of Solomon.' she answered directly, yet remained coy about Emma Bently being the source, for fearing of raising Tabitha's ire before she got any information out of her. But that question would inevitably be asked. 'A former colleague of yours mentioned to me that your cabal was studying the Seal, and expected you might have a solid lead to it now. At least, we hoped to consult you for your expertise. We believe the Seal might help us... rein in Belial.'
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Wed 28 Nov 2018.

As soon as the words are out of your mouth, Tabitha's eyes narrow. I hope you're not referring to Emma. she scowls. Most of the community knows the bridges she's burned. She's very good at that sort of thing. There's a price on her head you know. I'm not surprised about it either. She always was infuriating. The scowl deepens. As for the seal, the rest of my former coven is still searching for it. They even pester me about it from time to time. But I send them on their way. I may, or may not have run across some snippet about it here or there, but you've yet to give me a good enough reason to help you. Especially if you are mingling with my old rival. she arches a brow, waiting for you to admit as much.

Alice:
Emma scowls, muttering to herself, clearly concentrating on hearing inside. Oh this isn't good. She knows I'm back. Blast! She then turns in surprise. Finally hearing you. Now who could that be...? she frowns, taking care to hide all the better. In all likelihood it's just someone delivering apples or something, but that's an awfully fine carriage...I don't like this. Should we get them out or take our chances? she shrugs helplessly. Meanwhile the carriage grows ever closer.

Alice thought  for a moment, ”I could try and hey jack the carriage, you know pretend to rob em?”

Blast, the cabal had found nothing on the Seal, though Tabitha was teasing her with some snippets of lore that might or might not bear fruit. If not, this entire journey and exposing their presence and plans to the Portland cabal had been a waste. If she was to get anything, she needed to resolve this ridiculous feud now. 'I am well aware there is a price on Emma Bently's head.' she began slowly, too aware that she was pushing an angry witch and had no idea what her reaction would be. 'Belial had it cut off and delivered to me in a hatbox.'  Penny desperately hoped there was still love between them, that this sad news would be just the thing to clear the animosity between them. Before she revealed she was still alive, of course.

Penny: Tabitha's eyes widen slightly at your words, but only slightly. A hatbox eh? Well...that's tidy at least. Hm. Her words are light and flippant but you notice her hands clench her skirts fiercely and she sits so stiff and tense that you firmly believe she's a great deal more affected then she'd like you to realize. Any idea where the rest of her is? She asks the question as though she were asking the price of a new pair of gloves. Still, you see past her tone. Ian, however, for all his reading of females, misses the signs. Weren't you two friends? Don't you care at all? Are all this witches this heartless? There's a woman in you somewhere isn't there? He looks genuinely disappointed in her and this seems to shake her. Why should I care for what happens to her? she snaps, looking shocked at his words and trying to recover. She's the one who left ME! She abandoned me to this place. She knew I couldn't leave but she called me a coward, gutless. Friend? How are those the words of a friend!? Why should I shed a tear over someone like that!? She's standing now, face contorted with fury. She turns her rage to you then. And if YOU knew of our supposed friendship, how could you tell me like that? A hatbox? That's how you tell me?! How dare you. Both of you!

Alice: Emma looks stricken at your suggestion. You do like to jump the gun don't you?! she gasps. Though it may come to that. Perhaps you could go try to delay them at least. Ask for directions or say your hurt your leg or something. If it's just a delivery person then well and good, let them make their delivery. If it looks like anyone else though... well I leave it to your discretion to delay them how you see fit. I'll watch from here and make sure you're alright. ooc: If you decide to go that route be sure to make the appropriate bluff or intimidate rolls...

Alice nodded and ran out to intercept the carriage. She runs at it waving her arms, ”Bandits! In th woods. They have Tabitha, you must go after them! Please you must hurry...”

Bluff roll = 21
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

Having planned for a response much like this, Penny maintained her cool composure, waiting a few breaths before answering. 'Because, Ms Sinclair, I needed to gauge your true feelings for your old friend. Would you be callous and spiteful, or forgiving and grief-stricken? And I suspect that, beneath your bluster and cynicism, you do still care greatly for Emma, just as she still cares for you, though you are both too proud to admit it and cast aside this dusty old argument.' Penny had adopted, not so much a dominant role in the conversation, but a firm and leading one. From what Emma had described, and what she'd observed, Tabitha was stubborn yet passive, and thus might be led easily once she'd been given a sufficient push, just as Emma must have once done. If Penny had had the time, she might have formulated it in terms of Newton's principle of inertia. She realised the same applied to Emma herself, and hoped she was still listening; this would be easier now she couldn't argue back. 'Now, won't you please sit and let me tell you what happened to your friend?'