She gives a gasp at your joke before realizing that's what it is and then blushes, looking slightly scandalized. She seems grateful for the change of subject and she is all prim decorum once more. I can handle one better than most of my sex though not near so well as a hunter like yourself. My talents lie in the arcane. I am currently training to be a master of spells, which is why Victoria thinks I could be of use to you. Brawn will only go so far when facing a witch. she gives a little sniff. You get the impression some have doubted her use before and she's still defensive about it. Anyway, there is trouble upstate that we're supposed to investigate, provided you are up to the task of course. People have been disappearing. Children, just like these.

Colin gestured to his body and the multitude of bandages as she spoke of difficulties with witches. "Aye, missy, I know the troubles all too well with witches." He stood and tested the strength of her work and nodded in satisfaction. When she mentioned the trouble and that it involved children, he nearly made a snarling sound and a face to match. "Why are they messin' with kids?"

She shakes her head. I don't know Mr. Browne. I don't like it anymore than you do. The good news is that no bodies have been found and after questioning these children a bit no one has been harmed. I don't know why this is happening but hopefully that means they aren't being abused. I guess the only way to find out is to go investigate. Are you up to the task? I'm sure by now you've seen the risks

Colin finished his cigarette and snuffed it out on the ground. Things were moving fast and he was too beat up to say anything about it. He looked the woman in front of him over once more and decided that even working with a rube like her, as helpful as she might be, those kids would need saving. He gave a slow, repetitive nod of his head. "Aye, I'm up for it. Lead the way."

The woman gives a pleased smile and you note how suddenly pleasant it makes her look. A moment later though her pinched frown is back as she starts explaining travel plans. I will meet you back here in the morning with a wagon and supplies. It's late so I suppose you'll want some sleep. Nine should suffice. It will only be a nine hour trip or so if we are quick about it. By then I should have more word on Ian for you, hopefully good news. Is there anything you require that I should obtain? I can get almost any weapon you want if you wish to round out your arsenal.

ooc: Go ahead and finish up with her, let her know if you have any supply needs and then tell me your plans the rest of the night.

Colin nodded at the woman and cracked his neck. "A shotgun and a rifle, plus a slew of throwing knives if you can get them. Other than that, I should be good. Now, I'll thank ya kindly to leave me ta get a hot bath and ease my pain with a little from the home country," he said with little joy. It seemed that the pain was finally getting to him and he would need to simply let go for a good, long while.

OOC:Sorry, I though I had posted a few days ago.

She gives a nod and informs you she'll meet you on the morrow.

The rest of the night passes easily enough. Her healing has done much and though you are still in some pain it is not nearly as bad as it was and you manage to even get some decent sleep. By the next morning the children have been taken to find homes for them though the girl who set you out on your hunt for them in the first place stays behind to give you a hug and thank you before setting out with her brother.

By the time Amelia arrives with the wagon you are finished eating and the house is empty again. She enters a bit hesitantly, dressed in a finely made traveling dress of gray. She is definitely of a different class than you are used to. I thought you should know Ian turned up alright. He's been badly wounded but he will live. The fool thought it more important to pursue a lead than come back and stop his bleeding. He always was too stubborn she shakes her head irritably. I hope you are more considerate Mr. Browne. I've met my fair share of hunters who don't know when to stop playing hero. Ian shouldn't still be alive with his ridiculous risks. I would like to think you have more sense at least.

Colin smirked at the woman and the dress as he adjusted his cap and lit a cigarette. He was happy to hear about Ian. Damned fool was blessed by someone up above. Colin pointed at Amelia, his tone hinted with humor. "Aye, Ms. Kirk. I don't aim to get meself nor anyone else killed. What I do is help people not end up in the ground. I have ta ask though, have you ever been in the thick of it? If we are goin' ta be workin' I have to know if you've seen the bad stuff before."

Amelia notes the cigarette with a hint of distaste though she is quickly distracted by the question. I've seen bad things before! she sniffs. I've healed many a hunter and seen terrible violence inflicted on them. And I have been on a mission or two but honestly...I haven't been in the thick of it as much as others have... she suddenly looks awkward. But that will be rectified soon enough! And I assure you Mr. Browne, I can keep my head about me. By now she is climbing into the wagon, which she doggedly does on her own in spite of the hindrance of her skirts. She is an interesting woman. She seems to want to be independent and show her worth but is green and poorly dressed for hunting. This should be interesting.

Colin smiled and snuffed his cigarette under his boot. He adjusted the best he wore, the concealed knives shifting slightly, and climbed the wagon. He plopped down beside Amelia and chuckled as he mimicked her previous tone. "I don't want you to play hero Mr.Browne, if only because there can only be one on this team." He tried to keep a stern face but faltered quickly.

He started to retrieve another cigarette, but decided against it after seeing her face the first time. He returned the small tin and stared ahead, his words softer and more distant. "I have seen what men can do to men and it pales compared to what we might face. I need to know if you can handle death, I need to know you won't lose your sanity if we find dead children. Do not bluff me with bravado, you not proving anything to me."

She gapes at your joke and you can tell by her face she doesn't find it funny but at your next words her face calms. I will admit, some might see me as sheltered and they may be right but I intend to do what must be done. I will not lose my sanity, I know what is at stake and I know the horrors that are out there, even if I've not seen them as you have. she hesitates before continuing. You must wonder why a woman of letters is getting so involved. Normally we leave the grunt work to the hunters and sit back from a safe distance. To be honest I think this cowardice. Many of us possess abilities that can turn the tide of a battle and yet we do so little with them. We let others take the risks while we play librarians. I had a...friend, a hunter like you. He was going against a nest of vampires and did not survive. I always wonder if I could have saved him had I been there. she shakes her head. By the way she talks you get the impression he was more than a friend. I won't hide away while others do the fighting anymore. I mean to make a difference or die trying. I may not be as hardened as you would like, but I am determined, that I promise.

Colin looked pensive for a moment before returning to the conversation. "We live in troubled times, Ms. Kirk. This day an' age, you are lucky if you survive past half a century. War engulfs the world at every opportunity, even if the war is one of shadows and games. Imma soldier in this war. Let me be the soldier, 'cause there are always more of us. People like you don't need ta be provin' anything," he finished, lapsing into a cold silence. It was obvious from his face and body language that a weariness had taken him. Not a physical toll, but the emotions and trials of the mind.

She gives a small twitch of a smile at this and looks at you with sympathy. Thank you Mr Browne, but you do not carry this burden alone. I will let you be the soldier but I will help you as much as I can. Maybe I don't need to prove anything but I do need to help. I am determined on that front so you may as well accept it. I may not be as brave as you but I will try to make a difference as long as I'm able. And if I die? Well don't you feel badly about it. I was the fool who decided to take these risks and I'm ready to face the consequences. If the worst happens don't you waste any sleep over me. she smiles though there is a seriousness in her blue eyes too. Now, our journey is a long one, nine to ten hours I'd say. I hope our conversation isn't going to be this dark the whole way.

Colin gave a grateful nod and then turned his eyes to the road. "Have ya never traveled with company before? Don't you know the proper way to pass the time is ta sing?" , he said with a cheery tone. Before she could say anything else, he smiled and began to sing a light hearted tune. It was a folk song about a company of pikemen called to battle to defend their homes and die as men of honor. The words were fluid and the tune quick and Colin sang it with pride as they traveled. He sang as if he had done so before and with many men beside him, though the truth was quite different. He finished and smiled in satisfaction, turning the Amelia. "I would give an arm and leg for a good ol' bodhran."

OOC: the song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0zBlHlnR4Y

Amelia listens with surprise at first though it melts into a rare smile. When you finish she grins and claps for you as best she can with the reins in her hands. How wonderful! Music is something I don't get near enough of, you're going to regret showing me your talent for your lungs will be sore by the time we get there if I have my way. The aloofness is momentarily gone as she speaks. I've always admired those who could sing. I wish I were one of them but I've been told I sound like a dying cat and therefore I leave it to better people than I she makes a face. I don't know if you've met Lily yet but she can be frightfully honest.

The rest of the journey passes easily enough. Occasionally she requests another song and asks you the history of it and what a bodhran is and if you don't miss home. She's apparently quite adept at conversation though she has a prim gentility throughout. You have a feeling it is difficult to get to know her completely but then it is only the second time you've met.

She packed well and as you travel she sees to it you are well fed and provisioned. Looking at the wagon you can tell she brought too much. The pioneers probably didn't pack this well and you're not sure if it's because it is her first time on a hunt or if it is because she is simply the over prepared type. By the time you arrive in the small town it is about eight o'clock and quite dark. The narrow dirt road is eerily quiet and coyotes howl in the distance. Amelia guides the horses stiffly, looking around worriedly. You aren't sure why but the hair on the back of your neck is standing up and you feel on edge. The lights of the town guide you the rest of the way but you feel no safer here than you did on the wooded road. Perhaps even less so...

ooc: Let me know your plans. There is an inn and a separate pub across the street. The town is tiny but you can see many farms about and houses here and there. It is not so late that there aren't still people about though the shops are closed save for the pub and the inn. Be sure to roll search/gather info and sense motive if you question anyone. Also, really liked the song! I have a piano book of Irish folk songs. I'll have to see if that one's in there :)

Once settled at the inn, Colin spoke to Amelia about his intentions. "I am going to head 'cross the way ta the pub. I'll see if I can't drum up intel, but it ain't my strongest skill," he said with an honest tone. He pressed on. "I suggest you wait at least a half hour before coming over. If we show up apart, it will let us seem individuals and not a party."

She nods at this. Very well. I will pretend not to know you. However, if either one of us comes up with something important we should have a signal so we can meet outside to discuss it. she looks excited at the prospect and it is almost cute watching her eyes light up at the prospect of such espionage. Um...what if the signal is to dust yourself off perhaps? That should be subtle enough.

After you work out the details of what signal to use she takes the wagon to the inn and gives you enough coin to rent out a room. In case you need to keep up your deception, it wouldn't do to be seen with me handing you your room key. she smiles.


Soon after you find yourself in the pub. It is a noisy, boisterous place but not necessarily the jolly sort. Instead it is full of grimy looking sorts mixed with the occasional better off patron who looks a bit disgusted to have to eat there. It is the only place that is open though so there is little choice. A busty looking serving woman approaches you with a scrutinizing eye. Well you're a new face if I ever saw one. Don't get new folks often. You drinking or eating or both?

Colin sorted the details of his room and left for the pub. He smiled broadly at the woman and nodded in the fashion of someone very tired. He laid on his native accent, figuring that a travelling Irishman looking for work was very believable. "Aye, miss, a bit o' both if you please. I'm a might parched with a hunger ta match. What might ya have fer the strong drink?"

Whiskey, scotch, gin. Whiskey will go easiest on your wallet she eyes you as though sizing you up. The cook made lamb stew and potatoes tonight if you like. If you don't then I can scrounge up somethin else but I can't promise it will be hot. She seats you at the bar as all the tables are full and you note the counter is sticky. Amelia is not going to like it here at all. So stranger, what brings you to these parts? Passing through? We don't get many travelers. she goes behind the counter to pour whatever drink you ordered.

ooc: Don't forget a bluff check... ;P

Colin smiled at the lass and slapped the bar. "A hot meal an' a bit o' the fire, if you please." He looked around and noticed that the place was becoming more and more apparent as the only real place in town. Sure, there may have been other locations and buildings, but places were where people congregated. This seemed like such a place. So caught up was Colin in his thoughts that he almost didn't answer the barmaid. "Aye, an' ye likely won't see much o' me. Just lookin' fer work when and where I can. Seem you Yanks don't take too kindly to me and me kin here." It wasn't so much a lie as a half truth told in vague generalities.

OOC:
21:39, Today: Colin Browne rolled 14 using 1d20+1. Bluff.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:49, Wed 03 June 2015.

She chuckles and puts down the stew and whiskey. The price is a bit steeper than it should be but considering they are the only establishment in town it makes sense they can gouge the customers. She listens to your answer with the twitch of a smile. Well not all of us mind you Irishmen. Better than the redskins and Chinese after all she shrugs. As for work, you're not likely to find anything long term here but there's always a few odds and ends people need doing, if you have any skills that is. There's a job board up on that wall she points across the room. Just a few things like roofin, hard labor and the like. Probably only last you a week or two but it's still money in your pocket. You should know though, folks around here aren't in the best of spirits lately. Don't make yourself obnoxious by being too friendly if you do go for that board. We've had a run of bad luck and nothin will earn you a fist in the face like grinning too broadly at the wrong person, though I'm sure you've seen enough bad times of your own to understand that she adds with a look of scrutiny.

Colin put his fingers to his brow in a mock tip of the hat. "Thank ya kindly. I'll try not ta piss off the wrong people. Mind telling the subject of ire so I don't tread upon it?", he asked politely. He continued to eat, not making anymore conversation unless he was inquired after.

OOC: Sorry, work has been hell lately.

ooc: No worries! That's the beauty of your own thread, no one is waiting on you so take all the time you need :D

She looks hesitant to tell you but after a moment the gossip in her wins out. Leaning in so you can especially see her ample bosom (you're certain this was on purpose) she speaks in a low voice. Well, it would seem we have a villain in our midst. For the last two months people's children have been disappearing. At first it started when they were playing nearby, in the fields or woods and they just wouldn't come back. Folk thought it was wolves at first, not that we ever found any bodies mind you but we've had some lambs go missing too so it only made sense. So they started keepin the kids in the village and close to home. Didn't work! They started disappearing from their beds! Can you believe it? Now what kind of wolf does that? No that's a human at work and we all know it. There's been eight children gone as of just last week. Everyone's real jumpy and on edge as you can imagine.

ooc: Roll a knowledge check when you post next please.

Colin shook his head in dismay. The fact that he had known they were in town for missing kids aside, he still hated for the townsfolk to go through it. He also noticed her amble bossom, which complicated his thinking process. As his mind looked for some correlation, his mouth began to speak. "Aye, that sounds like foul business alright. Somethings ya figure are sacred, like churches and children. I'd like ta find tha bastard meself. Monster like that needs ta be put down with haste," he said grimly. He wasn't even trying to hide the disdain or any truth. It was the truth as far as Colin was concerned.

14:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+5. Knowledge (Current Events).

She listens to this with admiration. I think everyone here would agree with you greatly she smiles. But I would take care if I were you. Folks are already jumpy as it is and a stranger can be a scapegoat if they're not careful. I have a good feeling about you though. Still, angry fathers are lookin for someone to pummel. Watch yourself.

By now a bit of time has passed and you see Amelia enter looking prim as ever, a stark contrast to the less than savory folk here. She does a wonderful job of ignoring you and instead seats herself at a small table, looking a bit disgusted with the surroundings as she takes a handkerchief and wipes the seat. She's not sat down two minutes before a burly looking fellow who is clearly inebriated stumbles over and sits next to her. You can't make out what is being said in all the din but her face is speaking volumes, turning beet red at whatever he is saying to her. He puts a hand on her thigh and with a gasp she slaps it away which only makes him laugh.