Simon followed the others. "Are we heading out then?"

Smiling reassuringly, Josephine patted Lily on the shoulder,

"Its alright hon, nobody is going to judge you for stuff you don't choose to do. It'd be silly to." she said, subtly sending a message that she was fairly certain the others already knew, but she was sending it anyways. "The strongest people I've ever met aren't the ones without a demon on their shoulder, but the ones who have a demon, and strive hard to out-work that demon... to do more good than that demon can ever do in bad." she said, smiling again, "I have faith that whatever demon you're carrying with you, it doesn't stand a chance trying to out-work you!"

Simon: In answer Ian glances at Penny. Hopefully soon. We need to figure out where Kate is and then we go to rescue her. We'll need everyone on board if we are to succeed, there's no telling where she is or who is with her. We do need to obtain some supplies though...

Jo: Lily looks very encouraged at your words and she laughs. Luckily I don't think it's an actual demon, I would have been stopped by the devil's trap long ago but that doesn't mean it's much better, whatever it is. Just, be careful around me Jo. I don't know what she's like and I would hate anything to happen, to anyone... she looks at Simon apologetically, still thinking of what he said of their encounter.

ooc: Let me know what your plans are while things are put in motion for Emma/Victoria to find Kate. It will take a few hours to make everything ready so just a brief run down of plans is perfect, thanks!

Simon will attempt to question Bently again.

'Not someone else.' Penny corrected gently. She knew she was taking a risk with such hints, which could well anger the nephilim half of Lily, but that half was surely taking a bigger risk trying to keep this secret from herself. The human Lily needed peace of mind and control over her inner power, and had to come to her own understanding.



'Or an angel.' Penny commented wryly, remembering the other half of the metaphor (unless, of course, having met both angels and demons, it was no metaphor at all).

She quickly considered the two options laid before them, whether to investigate Central Park again or to try to locate Kate Piper somehow. There was really no argument. 'Locating Kate Piper must be our priority. Belial needs her to make his escape, so we must perforce rescue her before it is too late, for all our sakes but especially her own...' she determined. 'I am inclined to trust Emma Bently with her spell; the hellhound should foil any escape attempt. But I should like Victoria to examine these details first to confirm their validity, preferably attempt it herself.'


OOC: Penny will wait for/meet with Victoria to see if she can perform the spell. Until then, she can sit in on Simon's talk with Emma if he agrees. Penny will dismiss the hellhound or lead it away if Simon prefers.

Simon will nod at Penny's request. "She is feisty."

Shaking her head, Jo wouldn't be so easily put off, but she understood Lily's intentions,

"I have faith in you. I don't care what tries to possess you, I'm here." she said, and to her: that was enough. Lily had to know somebody would have her back when the chips were down.

Lily looks surprised at Penny's hints and for a brief moment you see her eyes flash smoky gray, a warning to shut your mouth...A second later she is herself again though and she gives Jo a grateful smile.

Soon Simon questions Emma and to his surprise finds her much more agreeable this time, almost fearful even. She mentions that Lily was quite...persuasive and you realize she must have had a hand in this. I'm willing to work with you Priest, what exactly do you want from me?

Meanwhile Lily takes the list and starts to find all the items with Jo,explaining their uses, how to find them, etc. Thank you for your support Josephine she adds sincerely. It...really means a lot to me.

ooc: Simon: let me know what you have in the way of questions, you too Penny and I'll sum up so you can go rescue Kate ;P

Simon managed to keep from smiling. "It is good that you've decided to come to the light." Simon quickly leads her through the Lord's Prayer and promises to take her confession. He then nods to Penny, "Your the professional at this." He motioned with his head for Penny to take the lead on interrogating.

Smiling, Josephine nodded,

"Of course. We're in this together. I'll always have your back." she said, building up the woman's confidence the best she could.

Standing quietly in the corner, close to the brooding presence of the hellhound guard-dog so she might better keep it restrained, Penny watched Ian try to lead Emma in prayer. She thought it futile – the witch was already a devotee of Hecate and Baal, and was probably only going along with this to ingratiate herself – but she had to admire the priest's dedication.

When gestured by Simon, Penny stepped forward, directing 'Now, please, tell me what you know of the Ring of Solomon.'

The witch sighs but decides to give you some information at least. I don't know much but I can tell you that it is the only thing that can stop Belial short of your Miss Piper killing herself. Whoever holds the ring can control demons though even then I don't know if Belial can truly be destroyed. Thrust back to hell, imprisoned, yes but destroyed? I've learned that is not actually as easy as you think otherwise Lucifer would have been destroyed long ago. At any rate, I don't know where the ring is myself but I know someone who can tell us, an old friend of mine. She lives in California so a trip is in order. No one but myself knows this, not even my wretch of a husband fortunately. We will need to keep this as quiet as possible, if Belial or the hand of Baal find out my friend is as good as dead.

Jo: Lily grins, beaming happily at you. And I yours my friend. Could you do me a favor perhaps? I've been told when I black out I become someone else, though Penny's words were somewhat troubling she frowns. But those who have witnessed it don't have much to tell me, it's as though they are afraid to do so. I have no idea what I am doing or saying under these circumstances and to be honest I usually end up covered in someone else's blood which is...upsetting. If you are to witness my change, please tell me what is happening! I can't stand not knowing if I am hurting anyone I shouldn't be!

Nodding her head, Josephine answered,

"Of course. I wouldn't dream of hiding things from you, no matter the circumstances." Jo said confidently. She didn't understand why the others chose to hide things from Lily, and she made a mental note to ask them later.

Simon lifted a brow, "Which would of course require us to let you out of your trap and trust you." He sighed heavily. "Lily will be with us, so I have no doubt you will mind your P's and Q's."

To Penny, "Train tickets are in order. I cannot think of faster mode of transit to California."

As Emma spoke, Penny reflected on her words. Of course they had to find and meet with someone else, she realised in exasperation. They could not be victorious yet, and it would not be, would never be, easy. The Ring of Solomon might not destroy Belial outright, but imprisonment in Hell once more was as much as she could hope for. And this person wasn't even in New York. 'California!' she exclaimed in dismay. It might as well have been the African interior to the Englishwoman. She answered Simon 'I can: magic. Time is of the essence. Mr Castiel might spirit us there in the blink of an eye.'

Penny looked warningly at Simon, not wishing to give Emma Bently hopes of release, before asking Emma 'Who is your friend? Where can we find her?'

Emma looks hesitant but at last sighs and reveals the answer. Her name is Sarah Winchester, the widow of the rifle manufacturer. You may not have heard much of her from these parts but in her corner of society she is quite eccentric and for good reason. She has a special place with the spirits and she is the only one who knows where the ring is. She is also very paranoid, I would not attempt to go without me you'll have very little luck. For Penny the name Winchester of course brings to mind the two men you recently met in the future but you have no idea if there is a relation or not. It could simply be coincidence.

ooc: Roll knowledge checks to see if you know who she is please :)

Jo: Thank you. It's nice to know someone is brave enough to tell me. Just...be careful. I'll admit there have been times when companions have ended up dead at my feet when I have awoken. It has been haunting me for some time but Victoria assures me I am no monster, though it is difficult to believe with such evidence as that.

Jo grinned, wanting to help Lily relax a bit, and she softly made a mock-punching motion towards the other woman's shoulder,

"Don't worry. I see you getting funny, I'll kick yer butt. How's that sound?" she laughed, teasing her a bit. It was sad to see the state of things and how they'd left Lily, and if she could do one thing, it'd be improve her state of mind.

Penny was suspicious by Emma's request, and knew what she was contemplating. Best to cut that off before it started. 'I am naturally loathe to take you away from this place, to where you might attempt an escape or find an ally – or be ambushed by Belial's minions, and carried off to Hell for further tortures.' she said, reminding Emma of why she should not wish to attempt an escape. 'Why should we trust you? What guarantee can you give us that you won't try to cause mischief?'


OOC: I'm not sure which Knowledge checks might apply, so:
Arcane Lore 16, Current Events 19, History 12, Popular Culture 22
09:41, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 16 using 1d20+10. Know: arcane lore.
09:42, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+5. know: current events.
09:43, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+8. know: history.
09:43, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+8. know: pop culture.

Plus, I'll use Obscure Knowledge for random trivia, 16 (beats DC 10 for common knowledge, misses DC 20 for uncommon).
09:46, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 16 using 1d20+13. Obscure Knowledge.

Simon stood while Penny spoke, "Penny, anyone can be saved. Emma has been. You must at least give her the opportunity to prove it."

Both of you have heard somewhat of the widow. You know she is eccentric, bought some property in California and has secluded herself there. You also know she is fond of mediums and that her house is taking quite some time to finish for some reason. It seems there is more to the woman if she is involved in any of this. At Penny's words Emma blanches. I will promise not to use my magic. There are ways of preventing someone, your Miss Green would know them and I would submit to them willingly. I will also allow myself to be kept under constant watch and I assume if I put a foot wrong you wouldn't hesitate to kill me again? she arches an irritated eyebrow. For the moment it would seem you are my best protection against our common enemies. I may as well stay with those who want me alive. Really you don't have a choice. Sarah is incredibly eccentric. She wears a veil at all times, won't let anyone see her face. She's paranoid and a bit delusional though perhaps she is not so far off the mark as some think. She was told by a medium that the ghosts of the victims of her husband's rifles are come to haunt her and she has been building on that ridiculous house of hers ever since in an effort to keep them at bay. She's rich so she can afford to be eccentric I suppose but the whole thing is ludicrous. What she needs is a good bag of salt or a witch like myself. I've offered to help her but of course she only listens to her precious mediums she rolls her eyes.

Jo: Lily laughs at that, breaking into that marvelous grin of hers. That sounds fair to me! Speaking of, how many people have you had the opportunity to defeat my friend? Gotten into any good brawls at your mother's bar? Or are you too good at sweet talking for that nonsense? I can teach you a few things, if you like. They aren't very nice but they are affective.

Laughing herself, Josephine couldn't help it: Lily's laugh and smile were infectious!

"Well, I have had to crack a few feisty customers over the head a few times... bottles work wonders to even the playing field." she laughed shrugging, "Had no idea I was takin' on hunters though!" she laughed again, in fact surprised at that.

At the offer to teach her, Josephine nodded her head,

"I'd love to learn. Who says I always need to be nice?" she teased, sticking out her tongue.

Penny nodded, accepting Emma's promises, being relieved to hear that she knew she was better off with them than without. Still, she would not wholly trust the witch. Penny realised that, if it hadn't been for their fight and how it had led to Emma's cruel demise, they need not have been enemies at all – not friends, of course but allies against Belial. Then again, if it hadn't been for Belial, they would most certainly be on opposite sides. 'Of course. In the interests of fair play, I'll give you fair warning: if you betray us, I'll set the hellhound on your trail, and there is nowhere in this realm or any other you could hide. And I can have the hound carry your soul to any afterlife I desire.' She may have been overselling the powers of a hellhound of even Juliet's stature, or her own control over it, but Emma did not know, and did not need to know, that. Penny felt the Faerie Otherworld would be a good place to keep Emma out of the way, with the different flow of time.

'I see.' Penny murmured, reflecting on the case of Sarah Winchester. Penny felt optimistic; she knew wealthy and eccentric old ladies rather well, and she knew mediums. She'd investigated a few, both fakers and those with genuine gifts, and had put herself forward as one more than once in order to investigate. 'How did you come to know Mrs Winchester?' she asked, more out of curiosity than a specific need of information.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:12, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

Simon lifted a brow at Penny's comment about the angel, "This isn't the first time you've mentioned the Angel. Perhaps it is time I met this messenger."

The he listened and turned back to Emma for her response.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:11, Wed 02 Sept 2015.

Penny/Father Simon: Emma pales at the mention of Juliet hunting her and she nods firmly, obviously understanding the consequences of betrayal. At the question she gives a half smile. Believe it or not I met her legitimately years ago. I have always traveled in fairly high social circles though I am not admittedly as wealthy as some but my...charity work has given me great access to the upper crust and I will admit that is where I feel most comfortable. She used to live in Connecticut until about six years ago. My husband and I were great friends with her and William though his passing took her hard. She did not cope well. It was when she became obsessed with mediums and psychics that I realized her own potential, not that she realizes how impressive it is. She has a way with the other side that few could ever possess. It is she who will find the ring for us.


Jo: Good for you! I'm sure there's someone somewhere who is immune to your charm and when you meet them you may not have a bottle! Well, now that we've gathered everything I think we have time for a little lesson. I'm sure your shooting is decent already but how about brawling? Go ahead and try and hit me. Not hard mind you, I don't need a bloody nose on top of everything else tonight but don't be too hesitant either, I certainly won't be she grins teasingly. ooc: Go ahead and make an unarmed attack and roll for subdual damage. If you need info on that just let me know! :D

Simon's sharp eyes focused on the witch, "Just a moment, you said 'will find' but earlier you indicated she knew the ring's location. I may be willing to forgive but I am not naive. Do not think you can bamboozle me. Tell us the truth and leave nothing out."