"I would hate to have to deal with an arranged marriage. I've seen enough movies to know it doesn't always go well. Plus where do they get off telling you who to marry?" Kate snorted in disgust. "I can't see you in an arranged marriage anyway. You're way to independent. Sorry it didn't go well with your Dad." It was strange to realize her odd friend had normal problems like everyone else.

'It is... unpleasant. Courtships typically last only a few weeks, a handful of chaperoned meetings, from introduction to marriage. There may be the first flush of attraction, but scarce opportunity for two people to get to know one another in all matters, and consider decades together, forever bound. Too many women, and men, are pressured to marry highly for wealth and influence, to preserve a family's precious name and bloodline. Especially if you are the eldest, and the last.' she noted bitterly, from personal experience. 'And things never went well with Father.'

Penny brightened. 'Well, it is just as well. Given my later line of work, I'd likely have been forced to slay the fellow. He seemed quite inhuman.' Though she often wondered darkly if being a widow with offspring to strengthen the bloodline had been Father's plot all along.

But, rather than her difficulties, Penny much more wanted to hear about Kate and Dalton, even if it had ended poorly. 'You and Dalton, had you been stepping out long? How did you come to be acquainted?'

Father Simon: The angel looks at you disapprovingly and shortly he is gone, leaving Victoria herself once again. As you distance yourself from the others, Lily follows you, speaking to you quietly, her face irritated and fiery. Alright Father, I think it's high time you calmed down. Traitor to humanity? Better off without her? You're going to have to get over yourself quickly my friend. She is coming back, we apparently need her help and unless you tend to leave in an offended fit you are going to have to deal with it. Have your fight with her, get it out of your blood, but then I suggest you drop it. If you want an effective team you can't hang onto your anger. It clouds the mind and makes you do stupid things. Trust me, I know. I've got a temper the likes of which you haven't begun to see and it's cost me more times than I can count. You've never been an angry person though, at least from what I've seen of you. I find it surprising that you should be so volatile now... she raises a questioning brow. Is there something I don't know about that would cause you to be so offended? Or is time traveling one of your pet peeves? she mutters drily. Either way you need to stop. I would think that a priest would think twice at snapping at an angel. You are losing your self control and you need to get it back. Now, go ahead and snap at me if you must. I assure you, I can take it. her face is challenging as s he waits for you to respond.

Simon did not snap but he also did not turn to face her. "Her note said that  she 'just could not pass up the opportunity to see the future.' Lilly it was a betrayal of humanity for a selfish whim. She premeditated the act. She gave me all her things to send to some lawyer in England. She even tried to bribe me by handing me a wad of money supposedly for charity."

His lips pursed, "The Angel pointed to Kate, but Kate was not willful in her action. Penny WILLFULLY put humanity in jeopardy for her own selfish whim. Traveling through time can have unprecedented effects. What if she stumbles onto a rock which then causes someone to trip and hit his or her head and die? What if that person was suppose to write or compose works that would turn masses of humanity to God? Perhaps that person's offspring were to be great missionaries.

What if her jaunt through time sends ripples backwards, to the beginning and her actions could have destroyed humanity. ALL of humanity. She did not think of others, Lilly. She did not care about anyone but herself. Her own selfish whim. Her own childish wish to see the future. It is not her actions as much as her motives, which were purely selfish and self centered.

Do we really need someone like that in our group? Do we really need someone who will put herself before all of humanity? Would you, Lilly, endanger our entire species simply for some whim? She believes she is entitled to it, entitled to her own wishes. She is NOT the sort of person we should be working with.

You say I should forgive her. Forgiveness is not something that can be earned, but it must be sincerely and earnest asked for. It must not be from attrition, it must come from a place of true remorse. If...only if Lilly...she comes to us and asks for this forgiveness will I even consider working with her. You and I both know that will not happen. Even though I have taken steps to attempt to show her the error of her ways. I sent her all those things via Western Union and I paid for it myself - out of my meager stipend. I sent it all to her, even her attempted bribe. I am sure, though, she will refuse to see the error of her ways. Instead of accepting responsibility for her selfish act of treason against her entire race she will likely turn it into some kind of sexist attack on her. These are the actions of a narcissistic personality, someone so in love with themselves that they cannot even see others as people.

So there it is. Even Christ felt righteous wrath. My anger is wholly and completely justified. Until and unless she expresses real and true remorse over her actions...I do not see how she should be allowed to continue to work with us."

Lily looks at you with impatience. Really? You're using Jesus as an argument now? Jesus was perfect, you are not. Doesn't it say in the bible something about being forgiven if you forgive those who do bad to you but not being forgiven if you don't, and turning the other cheek and all of that? she frowns in scrutiny. It's been a while since I read the thing, but I know it says all kinds of things like that! You're being hypocritical and stubborn! I know she could have caused problems with her actions, you're not wrong, but to let it destroy any good she can do is ridiculous! Give her a chance to right her wrongs without shoving them in her face. If an actual angel thinks we should be working with her by the way, I think that should be good enough for you. she tugs at her dark braid irritably as she speaks. Look, I'm not saying you have to be happy with what she's done or that you must even like her, but we need everyone we can get if we're going to avert disaster, or haven't you noticed the world is trying to end? We're not going to reject her just because she's upset you. she glares. Or perhaps not liking her is not your problem? I have to wonder why she has affected you so. Ian mentioned some suspicions he had. Perhaps he is right. Her green eyes pierce yours with an alarmingly knowing look. She stares at you almost challengingly, daring you to deny her words.

"Yes," he shot back, "Christ was perfect and he was angry, therefor anger is not a sin. I'm allowed. I am more than willing to forgive, but forgiveness must be asked for. Turn the other cheek is...never mind."



Now he snapped around to glare at her. It passed quickly. She was right after all. He sighed, "You are correct I was, was in the past tense, when I bought the lie she sold, attracted to her. I believed her to be the selfless person she presented herself as. I allowed myself to contemplate..." he looked back round so that he was not facing her, "it hardly matters now. You are correct on another point, I am more angry with myself than I am with her. I allowed her lie to infest. I allowed myself to be tempted. I will not allow it again. She will work with us, the angel has pronounced it. As you say, though, I do not have to enjoy it. I suppose all medicine tastes bad even while helping you. I am sure God has a purpose for this, and I am unable to understand it."

After a bit of silence, "I left her things at Western Union. They are to be sent to Oregon in the future. If she arrives at the office in thirty days with identification they will turn them over to her. There is an envelope inside, addressed to her. Its contents were written in anger. If you go with her, do have her bring it back unopened. At least then I can avoid another uncomfortable confrontation."

Lily listens wordlessly and as you finish she gives a sympathetic smile and to your surprise she steps forward and hugs you. I'm sorry you are dealing with all of this, she sympathizes. We can rarely choose who we love. Look at me, my husband was an absolute nightmare of a man! And I still loved him even after all he did to me, fool that I was she sounds bitter. I'm better now and you will be too, though it won't be easy and it will take time. It's good that you can admit it at least or you'll never start to heal. I know she's made you angry, but I'm sure she never intended anything ill of her actions so remember her intent. In the meantime, I'm always available to talk when you need it, though if you get me angry I may box your ears a bit in the process, priest or not she laughs.

Simon let her hug him, but gently corrected her. "I do not believe I loved her. I could be wrong, its never happened to me before."

Well I hope for your sake you are right, it's no easy thing to recover from. If you don't experience it with her you will with someone else someday. It's human nature, priest or not you can't control the heart. I do not envy you your vows, though I appreciate the sacrifice you make. Surely it can be...difficult.

Simon gave her a shocked look. "Really Lily? Do you really believe that? That God would give us this thing that bonds us but not allow us to choose to whom we are bonded? Lust Lily, cannot be controlled. You cannot control whom you are sexually attracted to, but love is wholly different. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'

Love and lust are not the same."

Lily's green eyes flash dangerously again and she scowls. Priest you will be the death of me! she growls. Not everything has to be a sermon you know. You admitted yourself that you have not experienced love so I find it ridiculous that you think yourself expert on it. There are many different kinds of love but romantic love is not easily controlled no matter what you think. No one just looks at another and says, 'I think I'll fall in love with THIS person!' It doesn't work like that, it just happens! Unless you dare to contradict me and my experiences with my husband? Are you foolish enough to presume my feelings for him merely lust? That I could choose whether or not I loved the wretch? I warn you now, if you have any brains in your self righteous head you will rethink such things. You are so naive! What right do you have to contradict me when I was only trying to help you!? And I am aware that love and lust are not the same you fool! I'm not a child! Oh you make me so angry! she balls her fists in fury. I take back my hug! she starts to storm off.

Simon just let her walk off. She might not believe that she let herself love her husband, but she did. Most of her might not even believe it, but there was some part of her that choose to love that man. Just as he was choosing not to love Penny. He sighed, folded his arms and sat back on the pew. He closed his eyes, intending on meditating...

"A few years," Kate admitted wondering if he'd been cheating all along. "I met him at a bar actually. Very cliche, I should have known better." She shrugged. "At least I'm allowed to call it off without causing a family dispute." Not that she had any family to care. "He was a really nice guy, a little bit of a nerd. Man you think you know a guy..." She made a mental note to have Sam and Dean send him an eviction notice. She didn't need to come home to find him still in her apartment.

'Years?' Penny was surprised. Few people had the years to spare in her time. 'Yes, indeed. Such matters seem, well, not easier, but less complicated in your time. You do not seem to have the scandals now.'

Penny frowned, uncertain whether to reveal her own suspicions. But the truth, all information and possibilities, was always best to have. 'Kate, I hesitate to suggest this, but... Belial is known for corrupting mortals through temptation, lust, and, and bedroom matters. Consensual or otherwise. Succubi and incubi are said to serve him. If this is entirely out of character for Dalton, then it may be a possibility, however slight, that magic or demonic influence was involved. I once exposed an incubus making advances on a lady of good reputation in order to win her fortune... I don't suggest you get involved again, of course, but perhaps we could suggest the Winchesters investigate. Just so we may be certain there is no undue influence or danger.'

Breaking the tension, she patted Kate on the knee and giggled. 'Well, you could always marry me.'
This message was last edited by the player at 07:27, Fri 21 Nov 2014.

Father Simon: You are left to meditate a while before Victoria informs you that she and James are going to head back and a plan to ensnare Westbrook will be fulfilled when Kate and Penny return. She looks at you with hesitation. I know you intended to...look into Hecate with Lily. Perhaps you would prefer me to go with you instead? She looks uncomfortable, clearly not wanting to bring up the obvious disagreement you had.

He gave Victoria an odd look, "Why?" He looked over at Lily, "I know her temperament. Quick to anger and quick to forgive." He stood and went to Lily.

"Lily I would still greatly appreciate your help with investigating the Hecate angle. I cannot do it alone and I would prefer your help." He held out his hand for her.

Kate blinked, Penny's theory hadn't occurred to her but it was worth looking into. "I didn't think of that. Either way the wedding is off, but I'll have them look into it for sure." She doubted Belial would bother with Dalton but in the end who really knew what his plans were?

She laughed when Penny jokingly suggested marriage. Her friend might be surprised at how common same gender couples were this day and age and that in some states they were allowed to marry. "Your father would have kittens," she grinned. "I'm sure someday I'll find the right guy. For now I'll just concentrate on fixing the mess we made."

'In any case, the presence of the Winchester brothers will keep him from further mischief.'

Kate, meanwhile, might be more surprised to learn that "female marriage", or "Boston marriage", in the 1800s was a common, accepted, and legal arrangement, wherein two women lived together, owned property in common, and engaged in "romantic friendships", and what they did behind closed doors remaining a mystery. Penny wasn't even entirely joking in her proposition. Honestly, marrying a woman would solve so many problems... 'Yes, I suppose he would. As would Father Simon, I imagine... Anyway, live your life as you would, Kate, and trust that along the way you shall find someone accepting the pursuit of that.' she recommended. She only wished she could feel as confident herself.

She was glad Kate was taking the break-up so well though, but felt obliged to do something more to cheer her friend up, to celebrate her liberation. Mostly joking, she suggested 'When we get back to 1890, and all this unpleasantness is over, we must have a ladies' day out! You, I, and the other Women of Letters. Dinner, a show, trousers, scandals, no men but gentle doctors, opium or cocaine as you fancy...' Penny could sure organise a party...


OOC: And we should probably move on now. ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Fri 21 Nov 2014.

Father Simon: The Indian woman still seems furious at your request but she looks at your hand with hesitation. Is this your idea of an apology? she mutters drily. I want something more solid priest. All I did was try to help you and you lectured me. If you give me an actual apology you will have yourself a partner. she arches a dangerous eyebrow, waiting.

Penny/Kate: After you finish with shopping and other preparations you soon head back to the crypt you emerged from in the first place. The Winchesters accompany you there and Castiel is waiting once you arrive. You notice that there are a dozen or so dead bodies lying about the place. Demons, he explains. I thought it would be easier if came early in case anyone would try to stop you. He leads you inside and you are shortly facing the wall where the symbol is still partially visible. Well, I guess you guys know what to do, Dean begins uncomfortably. Guess the rest of us will just wait and see if the world ends. Sam gives you a reassuring smile, though there is worry in his eyes. Be careful, both of you. I wish we could go with you. Dean gives a short laugh. Now that would be fun. I've always liked chicks in corsets he grins. Sam rolls his eyes. They'll be fine. The timeline has already been altered enough as it is without adding to it. Cas frowns. Well, anything you want us to take care of while you're gone? Plants you need watered or somethin?

Simon sighed, "I did not mean to offend you Lily." Which is the best she is getting. Simon believes in free will. People who say "you cannot help who you fall in love with," are just trying to excuse their own unacceptable behavior. Free will means free will in all decisions, not free will in everything except who you fall in love with.

Penny was sad to be heading back to the crypt and to the year 1890. There was so much more of the future for her to explore: discoveries in science, amazing, technology, great advances in society and freedoms. Women with rights and independence and the vote, and tolerance and acceptance for so many. But it was not yet complete, there was still prejudice and imbalance, there was still so far to go. There was too much of 1890 still in 2013.

But perhaps the portal through time would remain open, and once she was done with 1890, she could come back...

Stepping out of the car, Penny gazed with distaste over the scattered corpses. It was a pity they could not save the poor human hosts, dead as the soon as the fiends got them. Death was their only release, heaven their only salvation now. 'Very wise, sir.' she answered Castiel.

She followed the gentlemen into the crypt, and considered the portal sigil scribed on the wall. 'You shall not admire corsets so much if you had to wear them, sir... Though you may wish to consider one.' she said with a pointed and teasing look at Dean's waistline. It was not uncommon for men and women to wear corsets and girdles in her time, for much the same reasons.

At the final request, Penny looked to Kate, wondering if she would ask about Dalton. But it was Penny's theory and she wished to spare Kate the discomfort. 'Yes, about Mister Dalton... I believe it is a possibility, however, slight, that Belial could have had a hand in his infidelity, whether by magic or a succubus. It suits Belial's brand of wickedness, and he may have wished to isolate or emotionally harm Kate, or else have one of his agents get close to her. Therefore, we request you return to Dalton and investigate for signs of demonic activity, just to be certain. I should go myself, but as you see, we do not have the opportunity.'

'And if not, you could always lean on him some more and keep him from mischief.' she added with her own mischievous smile for Kate.

"I think we'll deserve a ladies day out," Kate agreed with a smile. "Though I'll pass on the drugs." She still found it hard to believe Penny thought it was okay. It was amusing to think of her friend as a druggie.

In the crypt she took in the bodies with a frown. They really didn't want them going back to 1890. She was glad Cas had taken care of the issue ahead of time.

"Oh and make sure he's packing up. I told him he had to move but if I know him he'll drag his feet." Kate piped in after Penny."If it's not too much trouble," she added. Portland was after all a long way off, they'd have to wait for the Impala to get fixed as well.

"Don't worry we'll take care of everything," Kate assured them though she was a little nervous herself. "And hey maybe we'll send you a postcard! If Father Simon's hate mail made it to us I'm sure we can send you an update for fun."

Father Simon: Lily gives you a long, scrutinizing look as if deciding whether or not to forgive you. At last she glowers but takes your hand. Alright... she mutters. I suppose I'd better get everything gathered. I'll meet you outside headquarters at eleven tonight. she gives you a pouty nod and departs, leaving Victoria to watch with a look of amusement. Be careful with that one. She's boxed Ian's ears more times than I can count when he's put his words wrong. Of course, being a priest you may actually be the only man safe to work with her. she laughs.

ooc: Let me know your plans for the rest of the day.

Penny/Kate: At Penny's corset comment Dean's eyes bulge and Sam laughs in surprise. You think I'm fat?! he protests, proceeding to lift up his shirt and flex. It looks fairly impressive though you have a feeling his brother has a better physique. I've still got it right? I don't need a friggin corset, what the hell?! Sam laughs even louder, looking happy for the moment, a rare thing for him. At mention of Belial's possible involvement with Dalton, Dean mutters, He's probably just a douchebag. We'll check it out, Sam quickly assures you politely. A post card would be great. Just send it to your apartment Sam adds with a smile.
I told Victoria and Simon you were coming back so they should be expecting you soon. Castiel informs you flatly. He then moves to prepare the symbols.

Soon you are bidding each other farewell and the angel puts a hand on the symbols and concentrates, muttering something you can't understand. The portal appears and as you go through in a flash of light you find yourselves once again in the men of letters, in the study as before. You startle the daylights out of a woman who is dusting and she screams bloody murder for a moment, clutching her chest. What's the matter with you?! she snaps.

Simon gives Victoria a half-smile, "I'm not sure why that would be. She admitted she has not read the Bible in some time. Why should my profession change the way she treats me? Never mind, I will talk with her myself."

He jogged a bit to catch up to Lily. "Leaving without your partner? I would rather spend my afternoon with you than alone or with anyone else, if you don't mind having me tag along?"

He settled in beside her to walk with her. "You understand that I don't mean to seem holier than thou, right? I am a sinner as much as anyone else. That's what makes us all human. Its like we are all sick and need a doctor, we're kind of hanging out in His office waiting for Him to see us and cure us. Some of us - like me - have seen him and he has cured us so we want to share the cure with everyone. Everyone Lily, not just a few here and there. I want everyone to have this wonderful thing I have called Grace. That's why I go around quoting the Bible all the time, its how you make an appointment with the doctor. He...Lily He loves us, all of us, and He wants us to love each other. Not the base crude way people talk about love as if its just sex, but real love the kind that reaches out to others and shows them the way to the Doctor.

We are all sinners. We all have our sins...our sickness...but there is a cure and He has it. I don't have it, no one does. The first thing one must do is realize and accept that one is a sinner...that one is sick. Then there can be a cure. You have to ask for it. That's the one requirement. The Doctor doesn't charge you for it, He gives it away! I am not trying to make everyone feel as though I sit in judgement over them. That is His job. My job is to point the way to Him, help people make appointments, give them the keys to the Doctor's office.

So I do not fault you, for falling in love with someone or out of love with them. I do not fault you for any of your sins because I have my own. I struggle with them every day from waking to sleeping. My struggle is no better or worse than yours. My struggle is the same as yours because I am human too."

He looked at her searching her for some understanding. "Lily, everyone keeps telling me that I am the only man who is safe around you. Why is that? Is there something you can share with me? A shared burden is easier for both to bare. I shared mine with you..."

At the sight of Dean posing like a circus strongman, Penny stared, bemused, and grew rather flustered. 'Yes, quite.' she murmured in agreement. The man looked like a navvy, but she was starting to see the appeal in the proverbial bit of rough. Sam seemed like he could be more of a gentlemen though. He could probably play a Mr Darcy.

She was distracted by Castiel's words about informing Victoria Green and that blasted Father Simon 'You can travel through time? ...Of course you can, you're an angel. Well, thank you. It has been an honour, sir, though I do recommend that the next time you make an angelic visitation on a lady, you do not do so while she is bathing.' she advised acidly, but was left thinking of Castiel and herself in the shower. Despite his blundering, he seemed an obedient and gentle fellow with a divine touch... That was it, it was time to go, before she had any more impure thoughts and her long-repressed sexuality escaped.

Penny tipped her hat to Sam, Dean, and Castiel in farewell, and realised she was sorry to be leaving them. Rough and oafish they might be on occasion, they were neverthless good, likeable, and loyal people. 'Good day to you, sirs. It was a pleasure working with you, and I wish you the best of luck in your own endeavours. God willing, we shall succeed in our task and save the world as you know it, and return Kate safely here.' And myself, perhaps.

She held her hat and clutched her things tightly, before leaping in—

—and out into the familiar room in the Men of Letters' lair. Once the cleaner had stopped screaming, she said triumphantly 'Nothing! We have returned safely from the year 2013! Now, quickly, where is Miss Victoria Green?'
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Tue 25 Nov 2014.