Colin was enjoying the rest of his drink and was about to order another. That was when he saw Amelia come in and show her daintiness. He even chuckled when she wiped the seat off. His mirth was interrupted by the man attempting to harass Amelia. He was about to rise and come to the rescue when he recalled the conversation they had earlier. He and she were supposed to be strangers to each other. Coming to her aid might ruin that. He also knew that if she wanted to be in the same game as a hunter or Man of Letters, she would need to be able to deal with a drunken idiot on her own.

If she made eye contact with him, Colin would simply raise his glass slightly with a nod of his head. It was to be a clear indication he was not going to step in. He turned back to the barmaid and ordered another glass of whiskey, not eager to get up when food and strong drink were readily available.

You do see her glance at you but she doesn't look angry at your rejection so much as determined. So at least she seems to be taking your inactivity the right way. She snaps some angry words at the man but he only laughs again. To your surprise she stands up, grabs the chair and breaks it over his head! He stumbles back and then she primly lifts her skirts just a bit in order to give her foot clearance as she swiftly kicks him between the legs. He crumples in a heap and she smirks down at him triumphantly before selecting another chair for herself, wiping it off carefully and then motioning for the barmaid to take her order. The barmaid laughs. Well she'll do fine in this town I think. How much you wanna bet she orders tea? she chuckles before headed out to take the woman's order. The pair chat pleasantly a moment and then the woman returns to you with a huge grin. Yup. Tea and soup of all things! Never would have thought she could be so feisty. she shakes her head. Now, I've been mullin my brain and I think you might find a day's work at the Johnson farm if you are interested. I can put in a good word for you, they need someone to help lay shingles and a few other things. Two of their kids went missin just last week though so be sensitive of that she adds.

Colin nods and finishes his drink. He smiles and tips his hat to the barmaid. "Thank ye kindly fer the help. I'll make sure to call round in the morning and steer clear of the subject. Yer a right sweet lass, darling. Don't go changin' that. I expect I'll be in tomorrow evening," he finished in a cheery voice. He took the empty glass and set it upside down, a signal to Amelia that he had a lead to follow. Colin then rose and departed, not wanting to remain and appear suspicious.

The woman blushes and grins happily at the compliment. Oh I always did have a soft spot for you Irish boys. Had an Irish beau once for a spell, I suppose you remind me of him she laughs. Well, I'll see you tomorrow evening then. Your first drink will be on me.

After you head back to the inn you are in your room about fifteen minutes before you get a quiet knock at the door. Should you open it you see Amelia and she will rush in so as not to be seen. Did you see? Did you see? I clubbed that clodhopper into next week! Lily would be so proud of me! she looks so excited by her little venture that it's both cute and a little pathetic at the same time. She really is green. I must say that is some of the worst tea I've ever put in my mouth and the soup is not much better. I've half a mind to go back and make it myself next time. Oh well, I suppose we're not here for the cuisine. Did you find anything out? I didn't get much with that stupid masher ruining everything. For some reason the men seemed skittish of me after that. I suppose I should have tried a different tactic. she sighs.

Colin chuckled as Amelia went on about her encounter with the drunken idiot in the tavern. He pulled out his smoking tin and rolled a cigarette as she spoken. By the time she was done, he had lit the thing and was exhaling a long breath. She looked disappointed with her actions and Colin pointed at her with the cigarette between his fingers. "Look, ya did fine. That whole thing was the reason we came separate. As for me, that lovely lass told me that young children have been taken, eight so far. Farmer family on the edge of town was the last taken. I'm going on the morn ta look for work," he said, emphasizing the work part.

Looks like we came to the right place then she frowns. I wish I could go with you but it can't be helped. Perhaps I can find a way to investigate on my own the other victim's residences. What I need from you is a keen eye and a sharp memory. The slightest detail will determine what we are dealing with and I need you to pay attention to everything understand? Write it down if you have to but do it, you can always slip it under my door since we won't be able to meet easily. I can't do much until I know what is going on.

ooc: When you've finished any final remarks you can respond to the following:

The next morning you make it to the Johnson farm and they seem to be expecting you as the barmaid did indeed put in a good word for you. The foreman is a burly type, red faced and hatchet nosed but friendly in a gruff way. He tells you the family is in mourning and not to disturb them but the farmhouse needs shingles laid and bad weather doesn't wait for missing children. He gives you some tools and a ladder and tells you to go to work though he insists he'll be checking up on you. As you work the February air is crisp but the work is hard enough you get hot anyway. You note that a young woman of about eighteen watches you from the front yard, seemingly busy at digging up tulip bulbs. You don't know if she's curious or perhaps intrigued by the young man on her family's roof.

ooc: How handy is Colin? Does he have anything in craft? If not go ahead and make a general intelligence check and heck, a balance check while you're at it. You don't need anything spectacular but just to see how well you do. Also, a gather info and spot check too.

Colin was no roofer. He knew enough of how to use tools in order to not make a complete ass of himself. The woman digging in the garden intrigued him. She seemed to want to at least talk, but Colin knew the dangers of an Irish vagabond conversing with an unfamiliar lady. It did not equal a good time. Instead, he half focused on his work, making sure that he was not going to get fired and daydreaming of what trouble Amelia might be getting into. His sly nature was getting the better of him and Colin risked a wink and tip of his cap to the girl in the garden.


22:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Balance Check.
22:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Craft Mechanical.

Fortunately you balance wonderfully on the steep roof but your skills are much more on the clumsy side. The young woman watches with amusement and when you tip your cap she gives a laugh. No offense sir but you are the worst roofer I've ever seen. You must really need the money she grins. Not that I'm complaining of course. I could watch you all day. A pity it isn't hotter outside, then you could remove your shirt, I'm betting I would enjoy that. The girl is so brazen it is shocking! A good thing Amelia isn't present for she would likely give her an earful.

Colin grinned like demon. He might actually like working here. His mind then turned to the tragedy that had first brought him to the farm. Colin could not do anything that might get him turned away from the opportunity to save those kids. He had to believe that they were still alive. Rather than stay in a coy attitude and playful banter, Colin came right out with it. "Little forward there, miss. I may not be a good roofer, but I do want to earn a few bits to live off of. Nothing more. Not that I will stay here for long. Town seems a little too on edge tolerate an Irishman."

Well that's not your fault she sighs and mentioning the town's troubles instantly turns her mood sober. I'm sorry, I am not usually so forward. I was actually hoping to take my mind off something... she shakes her head. I'm sure you've heard about the children in this town. My own brother and sister were taken from this very house. Right from that very room there she points to a first floor window. Some say it is some demented man preying on the wee ones but I almost think it is some kind of wolf. I mean, look at the scratches on the sill she points out though of course you can't see them from where you are very well. And what with all the lambs being killed by somethin it only makes sense. Thing is though the window wasn't broken and how could a wolf take children out of a closed room without breakin somethin? I can't for the life of me figure it out she frowns.

Colin made a heavy, understanding sigh of sympathy for the poor girl. Must have been hard to lose loved ones, especially young children. Colin then mental reprimanded himself for thinking that they were truly gone. He would find them. He had to. He searched his brain for something relavent to attach to the attack, but nothing came to mind. Wolves usually were the work of shifters but the silent part had him thinking of many other things. He would need to do some digging.

Colin got down from the roof and looked at the girl. He nodded towards the window, wiping his hands free of tar with a rag. "Can't imagine what you are going through, you and your family. Losing a youngin' is hard for any family, let alone two. I'd be curious to see those marks. Never heard of a silent wolf before."


19:10, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Knowledge (Current Events).

She gives a sad smile of thanks at your kind words and then happily shows you the window. See! They are so deep though, I never knew wolves to have claws like that but how else do you explain the missing lambs? Or maybe it's just a coincidence I suppose but what would have made these? And look, we had the window locked what with all the other children going missing but it seems to have broken it here she points to the window sill that is so mutilated the lock seems to have been destroyed. That's too intelligent for an animal to do I just know it. So if it was a person why the claws? Maybe a tool of some kind they used? I've run it through in my head a thousand times she sighs. Then she looks at you again and gives a half smile. You look even better up close don't you? Sorry, like I said, I need a distraction. Flirting takes my mind off it all.

As you look at the claws and listen to her story you come up with nothing however there are a few details that stick in your mind as somewhat familiar though you can't for the life of you recall where. The lambs in particular tickle your memory. Perhaps Amelia would know, she seems like the book wormy type who might have read something about it.

Colin listens to the woman's explanation and theories. In truth, she was probably more correct than not, but she could not know that. She shouldn't know that. Colin made a dismissive gestue as she spoke of clawed humans. "Sounds like you've been into the whiskey a little too much, lass. I've been through some pretty rough times, but drinkin' isn't the answer. Here," he said, passing a rolled cigarette from his trusty tin. "Much better for ya."

He then looked back in the direction of town and made a sigh. "I'll be back tomorrow, providin' your father needs more work from me," he said simply. Colin made sure to finish his work before going back to the inn and relaying everything he learned to Amelia. Hopefully she would understand and know how to go forward, because Colin was stumped.

She looks irritated at your easy dismissal of her ideas but calms down and takes the cigarette sulkily. Perhaps you're right. I suppose I do sound a bit crazy. But you have to admit it's odd. It has to mean something! she takes an angry puff.

The rest of your work goes as well as can be expected. At least you are starting to get the hang of roofing a bit by the time you are through. By the time you get back to the inn it is around 4:00 and you manage to find Amelia in her room, avoiding prying eyes as you do. She answers the door in a robe and with her long wet hair falling down her back. It is the first time you've seen her without her hair tightly pulled back and you are surprised how different it makes her look. She pulls you in quickly and wraps her robe all the tighter around her, looking slightly uncomfortable. She has apparently just come from a bath and seems embarrassed about it. Her mind is quickly distracted by your story though and she listens intently, growing excited as you speak. I'd heard of livestock going missing too but if she said lambs specifically that changes everything! she announces triumphantly. At first I thought it could be a werewolf or something like that, a wendigo perhaps though it's rare to find one in such a populated location. But the lambs! It all makes sense! I think it could be Black Annis! Being Irish you are passably familiar with the legend as your British neighbors have scared children with stories of black Annis for centuries. This is disturbing news.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Annis

Colin involuntary crossed himself at the mention of the English bogeyman. He had hard spirits of the beast with iron claws and a taste for child flesh. He gave Amelia a stern look and placed his arms across his chest. "Are you sure? Because if I go after Black Annie and it turns out to be something different, or worse it is her, I'm going to be the one hurting," he said in a worried tone. He lowered his arms and rubbed his forehead. "I know what the legend says to do to keep her away, but what do you say?"

Well no I'm not sure, no one ever is until they face the thing straight on she shakes her head. But it all fits! The lambs, the children, the claw marks! It's all I have to go on right now. And you aren't going to be the only one facing her, I will be right with you. she adds with determination. Now, there isn't much on the lore except the stories they used to tell children. They don't talk much of a way to kill her though I imagine if we fill her with enough blessed bullets it should do something. In my experience a lot of these types of creatures take on human form. I doubt she's wandering around with a blue face and the skins of children hanging off her belt, and I do think she is walking around. How else would she know which house to go to, which bedroom had the children? No, the monsters I've researched tend to be more sneaky these days. I think we are looking for a woman, though there well may be a cave she is hiding out in too, she has to take them somewhere. Have you seen anyone suspicious? We should see if there has been any black cat sightings around too. she laughs suddenly. How on earth do you pose that question in normal conversation? I've never had to act discreet about this type of thing before. You must be awfully good at lying.

Colin shook his head. "Lying isn't the way I do business if I can help it. Most of the time, people will just tell you if they want to. People aren't keen to keep secrets. They want to let others know what is going on so that they can either confirm something is wrong or simply get out of town. No, Ms.Kirk, I'm not a good liar, just good company," he finished with a smirk.

He lit up a cigarette and pondered the question that was Black Annie and how to deal with her. He pointed the cigarette at Amelia. "Seems to me that you are going to have to go looking for this mystery woman. I'll keep pushing on my end. See if this farm girl knows any more about the weirdness happening."

Amelia looks amused at your comment about good company though she eyes your cigarette with barely disguised distaste. She ignores it though and instead listens to your suggestion with surprise. For a moment she seems nervous at the prospect of investigating on her own but her jaw sets and she gives a nod. Very well then. I shall do the footwork. Heh, I don't suppose the farm girl happens to be pretty? she rolls her eyes. You may have more luck finding women then I do. Something tells me you are a natural at it...but I'll see what I can do. Perhaps if you do well with your handiwork other farmers will use you and you can get a lay of the land. My guise is as an education administrator unfortunately. I thought it might get me closer to family's with children but it may be a poor reason to search out women and cats. I'll see what I can do though.

ooc: What are your plans that evening? I assume you go to the pub? If so we'll pick up there. Feel free to finish with Amelia too.

Colin chuckled and waved away the question about the farm girl. He looked outside and then took a more serious stance. "I'll drop by the pub this evening and inquire about a few more jobs. After that I will take to the streets and try to spot anything unusual tonight."

Amelia nods approvingly. Sounds good. I am going to explore the outskirts of town, see if there isn't actually a cave somewhere, you never know right? When you get in tonight knock on my door. If I don't answer then you may want to come looking for me.

Should you go to the tavern you'll find the same barmaid there, looking pleased to see you. She gets you a whiskey for free as she promised and her name turns out to be Mary. Word has it you aren't the best roofer she laughs with a teasing grin. But they seem pleased enough from what I've heard. I don't suppose you fancy stickin around a bit longer? I have some jobs of my own if you're interested. The grin widens.

Colin gave a tip of his cap to the plucky barmaid and drank the whiskey eagerly. After finishing he looked at Mary with a grin, "You have me there. I know more 'bout boilers than roofs. I might be able ta be persuaded ta stay though. Towns getting a little spooky though. Saw the marks, whatever made them, over at the worksite. Nasty stuff. Like something out of the old tales of the homeland." He shook his head as if remembering a particularly bad dream.

He looked up and began speaking in the same manner of repeating a nursery rhyme. "Black Annie, Black Annie comes tonight; close your windows, shut them tight. Nails of iron, fur so black; trust not the strange woman, nor that midnight cat. Guard your babies and guard them well; else Black Annie will drag them all to hell," he finished dourly.

Goodness what a rhyme! she blinks. Is that how they raise you over there? I've heard of frightening children into behaving but that seems almost too much! I suppose I can see why it sprung to mind though. That wasn't the only house with those marks at the windows. Some folks think that it could be from a tool or something they used to jimmy the windows open. What else could it be? Except this black Annis of course she wrinkles her nose. You note inwardly that she called the creature by her proper name in spite of your calling her Annie. Could be nothing, she did say she used to court another Irishman. Mary continues on, getting you another whiskey. What are you doing tonight? I get off my shift in about thirty minutes... she gives you a flirty smile. If Amelia could see the way she was looking at you the woman would be shocked, the idea almost makes you laugh. Hopefully she is getting along alright in her search for the supposed cave.

Colin grinned outwardly as a scowl formed on the inside of his mind. No save those of England would really know the name of Annis. He only knew of the name because Amelia had said it. Black Annie was the more common name the folk gave her. There was another he knew of though. Another way that might shed light upon the dark shadows of doubt. "Aye, I'm free. I be thinkin' that we will need to make thirty minutes go by quickly." He fished around in his pocket and pulled out a genuine silver dollar. He held it up and smiled wryly. "I know a little bit of magic. Care to see?" ,he asked. As he did, a simple motion hid the coin from view during a flourish of fingers. He made the pure silver coin appear again from behind her ear and made sure to keep it close to her face.

Take 10 slight of hand for a 23.

As the silver nears her face she gives the slightest hint of surprise but then smiles in amusement. It is difficult to say whether she is affected by the silver or not but a moment later she wrinkles her nose. Clever trick, though I never was one for magic. Perhaps I can see if I may get off my shift a little early? she purrs and without waiting for an answer she saunters off to speak to her employer. If memory serves you correctly the best way to kill Black Annis is a silver stake but you don't exactly have one of those on you. Hopefully the blessed weapons the men of letters have provided you with will do as well, otherwise perhaps a silver knife or letter opener would do the trick. She returns a few minutes later with a triumphant smile, carrying a bottle of scotch. We are in luck! My boss was feeling generous tonight. Shall we? My place is just down the street.

Colin gave a grin as she returned and motioned towards the door. "After you, m'lady," he said with a tone of false chivalry. He made sure to take the bottle from her, gently of course, so that she would not be seen in the company of a man and carrying a bottle of hard liquor. He let her lead the way and as they exited, he caught sight of the inn. He thought for a moment and decided to risk something. He looked at Mary and bowed, "Pray ye might excuse me for a quick moment. I must run to my room at the inn and retrieve some personal effects. I seem to have misplaced my tin of smoking tobacco and I would like to have some for later in the evening. Pardon me," he said. He left before giving her a chance to object, running a a slower pace, but putting on a show that he was trying to hurry.

Once he was at the inn, he scribbled a note that said 'Mary the Barmaid' and had the initials 'BA?' underneath. He left the note with the night deskman and a silver dollar for his troubles. He instructed him to give it to Amelia if she was in her room or as soon as she returned. He then left the inn and returned, sauntering back to Mary with a lit cigarette in his teeth and made a show of putting the tin away. "Shall we?"