Simon nodded. "I will submit to the tests first. It is only fair that I set the example. Once done I will go and seek medical attention." He made a mental note, "I will indeed perform that ritual."

He stood and waited to be instructed on how to take the tests she mentioned.

Victoria happily allows you to take the tests first which comprise of holy water, being sliced lightly with a silver blade and other various exercises. When she is satisfied she signs you off to the infirmary thanking you again for all you've done. When you get there you find a nurse looking pale and shaken. She brightens at seeing you and quickly assesses your wounds. I heard what happened she stammers. I-I thought there would be more alive than there were. Only two survivors she starts to bandage you as she continues. Sorry, I'm not normally this rattled but when half of my friends die she shakes her head and wipes at her eyes. Haven't I seen you around with Lily as of late? Now there's an odd one for ya right? she tries to change the subject. Always did wonder about her. I don't suppose she ended up being a demon did she?
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:58, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

Simon took the tests and once done he returned Victoria's words with his own thank yous. He took his leave and went to the infirmary. The nurse was nice enough and he allowed her to look him over. "Their sacrifice will be rewarded, and we will not forget them." This was the most comforting thing he could think to say.

She went on about Lily. Everyone knew it seemed, even though their relationship was in its infancy. He nodded, "Perhaps it is not the typical relationship, but it is one we both embrace. No she is not a demon." He said this confidently even though she had not been tested to his knowledge.

With her free hand Kate pulled out her pistol and smiled "Lead the way, I'll cover you."

ooc: Kate, I moved you to the other thread now so post there when ready. I will be winding up things at some point with Simon as well and eventually you will be there too.

Simon: Relationship? she looks surprised. I'd heard a whisper or two but didn't think it could be really true. Well now there's a shame. Surely you could do better than some dirty Indian? she scoffs. Especially one as bad as her. She's all temper and feist and I don't mind telling you there's something off about her that I don't like. Too many odd things have happened. You would do well to get out while you can. I tell ya if I ever had suspected a demon in the place it would have been her. You sure she's not one now?

Simon had never felt as angry as he did when this woman said such horrible things about Lily. Had he not been a total pacifistic he would have slapped her right then and there. He growled at this stupid woman. "You should watch your tongue." He turned and faced the wall. "And be so kind as to find someone who is a Christian and not a bigot to treat my injuries. You madam will not touch me again."

She looks shocked at your reaction and then quickly stiffens in anger. Well! How's that for ya? I try to be a good soul and offer you a warning and you go off and do this! Well a demon she may not be but I wouldn't be surprised if she bewitched ya she scoffs. I suppose no one ever told you about her last partners in the field? Didn't meet with happy ends did they! Awful unexplained circumstances too. So if you want to defend the woman you should think hard about just what it is you're defending! She could be pulling the wool over your holy eyes. She's dangerous I tell ya, and you're a fool if you don't listen, father or not!

Simon boiled but did not allow himself to sink to physical violence. This woman was just a bigot, someone to be ignored. He did not look at her or speak to her again, he simply set his eye forward. When he thought he had heard the last of her breath he spoke very quietly, "Why are you still here? Go and find me someone who is not a bigot."

She grits her teeth and says, I hope you remember what I said when she turns on you out in the field! Fool! she storms off looking absolutely furious. Several minutes later a young doctor comes looking uncertain. Ah....I was told you needed some assistance It is clear he must have heard an earful from the woman before. If you're open to it I have quicker ways of healing you he pulls out a scroll and waits patiently. If you agree to it he will mutter an incantation and heal you on the spot. Otherwise he will utilize more traditional methods. Uh...for the record father, I am not a bigot and I am quite fond of Lily. Still, what my nurse told you about her field partners is true. There have been a few instances where they did not return in one piece and Lily cannot recall what happened to them. Lapses in memory apparently. I keep telling her to see a hypnotist... he shakes his head. At any rate I'm sure she'd never willingly hurt you. At least, I hope not, but it is worth remembering.

Simon allowed the man to heal him. He was intrigued by the scroll. "I've seen what Lily can do. I have no fear of her. The nurse should learn some manners. I do not appreciate bigotry under any circumstances. In any case I appreciate your aid. DO you need anything else from me?"

The doctor looks surprised at the offer but smiles politely. No, I think I'm alright for the time being. Just try to help anyone who is taking this too hard. I can heal bodies but comfort is something I can offer little of he sighs.

By the time you are finished and head out you are feeling remarkably well. Your wounds are healed completely and you are more energized then you've been in some time. As you walk through the halls you see the mass effort of gathering the bodies is underway. Eventually Victoria finds you, looking sober. Testing is almost finished. We discovered six shifters and three ghouls but everyone else seems to be human. This place is going to be running on a skeleton crew after this. Who knows if we still have traitors in our midst that are simply human. I don't know of a test for loyalty unfortunately. She sways tiredly and leans against a wall. I have a safehouse. Lily and Ian know about it. I will have you and the others stay there for your own safety from now on, though I will need some help here from time to time

Simon nodded to the doctor, "Any time. Comfort is in fact, my specialty." Leaving the Doctor he went into the complex. He found what he had expected, piled bodies redy for cremation. It was a sad duty, but one that they could not shirk. He preformed Last Rites on each one, individually, a very time consuming task.

Amid this task Victoria approached him. She explained the situation and indeed it looked grim. He smiled, though, "The saying goes its always darkest before the dawn. We must trust that this is all in His plan."

His thoughts shifted to Lily. "I saw something disturbing. Lily actually defeated the windigo without my aid. She seemed to be in some kind of trance. Do you have an explaination for this?"

She looks a bit startled by your words but gives a slow nod. She...neglected to tell me that. So...it's happening again she sighed. From time to time things occur with Lily. I don't know what happens, even she can't tell you. But whatever foe she's faced in times of the most desperation or need, has been utterly defeated. A time or two the lives of her companions have been claimed as well, though I don't know how. Lily was incredibly worried about this and if she was safe to be around others but I would not allow her to withdraw. she looks at you firmly then. You see, I sometimes have the ability to read people. Their pasts, their futures, and sometimes it is just a feeling, I can't explain it but so far it's never been wrong. When it comes to Lily I sense she is not a danger to those that serve a good cause. I don't know what this means, and I only hope I'm not somehow wrong but I would stake my life that I'm not. Unfortunately not everyone takes much comfort in the opinion of a black woman.

Simon was thoughtful at Victoria's statements. "I feel the same. I do not believe she would do me harm under any circumstances." He looked back at the bodies, "I have much work left to do before the cremation, if you need me I can be found here."

Much of your time is thereafter spent on body preparation. You note that James is one of them, the man you confronted at the church just a couple of days prior. Other familiar faces are amongst the dead, most of them surprising. Westbrook's box is given you to bless but Victoria requests he not be burned as she would like to bury him properly. She is exhausted and you wouldn't be surprised if she has a breakdown soon but she is fighting it stoically. You are pleased that Ian and Frederick are not amongst the traitors though where either is you do not know.

As you sit alone in the room for what feels like eternity you notice the air getting colder and the electric lights start to flicker. Never a good sign, in fact you are aware this often means there is some spiritual activity going on...

Simon took Victoria aside into Westbrook's Office, the door left slightly adjar indicating privacy was wanted but that he did not want to be uncouth. He did the Last Rites and an additional Blessing Upon the Departed with Victoria. When he was done he said, "Tell me everything. Nothing you say will go beyond us. Telling will make you feel much better. Unburden yourself, let me help you carry your cross."

Later when he is alone he sees and feels the signs of supernatural activity. He rises and investigates, hoping to find the shoe before it dropped.

Victoria starts to cry and allows herself a small moment of mourning until she wipes her eyes and sighs. He was like my father. Without him, I don't know what I am going to do. she admits.

Simon let her grieve. When she felt like talking he responded, "If you need a surrogate I would be happy to fill in, though I will never be able to take his place. He was a great man."

That is very kind of you but I'll be alright she smiles as she wipes her eyes. I worry though that this place will fall apart without him. I could take over but there are some who would see fault with my skin and gender. I will have to look into a replacement to helm these people. They clearly need a guide and someone they know well. Perhaps Frederick could be convinced she sighs. That is if I can even keep them from leaving.

Simon nodded, "You will need a confidant and an adviser. Please at least consider me. Ian is a good choice, confident and most if not all here trust him."

I will most definitely take your advice Father she smiles gratefully. There are so few that I actually trust and I know you have selfless motives. And yes, Ian is a wonderful choice. I doubt he'd let himself be tied to a desk though and I don't want to assign him leader just to have him get killed in action she sighs. I would do it myself but I don't know if everyone would accept me. It would make things simpler to be sure. John kept me appraised of so many things. I'm afraid to ask though, I'm sure there would be too many opposed to it.

Simon thought for a moment. "Would I be opposed? I do not want this, but if it keeps the Men of Letters and their good works alive...I would not actually be in charge you would. I would be like a figure head."

Well there's a thought she muses in surprise. And a very generous one at that! But I think you may be better suited in the field as well. I was thinking though...they trust you. Do you think you could perhaps feel out the situation? Find out if they are gravitating towards a replacement? Do it surreptitiously of course but if I know what they are looking for I could choose a better candidate?

Simon smiled, "Of course. I will do my best." He left and went among the the Men of Letters.

11:37, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 16 using 1d20+7. gather info.

As you interact with the members you find to your surprise that most of them are quite fond of Victoria, some even naturally assuming she will be the one taking over and most of them feel sorry for her situation. There are a few bigots however, who are both sexist and racist but surprisingly they are in the minority. Still, you are wary of how they would react to her as a leader.