"Not a chance," Kate said firmly at Penny's offer. "We already lost one Penny today, I'm not loosing another. It will be me. Clearly as far as Kate was concerned it wasn't open for argument.

Josephine didn't say anything, staying focused on the pain killing, or rather, growing unfocused, but she was firm in her decision. Nobody was going to chance death to hurry up her healing. That was just silly in her mind. She wasn't important! She didn't come before anybody else!

She just hoped they didn't force her to punch them. She had a feeling that would hurt more than it would be worth.

Simon spoke gently, "Penny, if you are unbaptized, I suspect that will strike you from the list of possible candidates. I won't allow Lily to make such a risk while I am present. I think I am best for this anyway. Castiel, please use what you need of me."

Castiel blinks in surprise as the list of volunteers grows. You are all very brave he nods. As for Penny's soul, it would suffice even without baptism. A soul is pure energy and I only need a little of it. Now you only need choose who will do this. Cast lots if you need to, or we can abandon it altogether if you desire, though Josephine's recovery will be long. he looks over all of you wearily.

I'm for drawin straws as they say Ian nods approvingly. You can put me in the runnin too. Meanwhile Lily looks frustrated at Simon. I'm perfectly capable of taking the risk Simon. Why is it you forbid me from this but I cannot do the same to you? Do you think that's fair? Either we're both in or we're both out she folds her arms angrily.

ooc: If you go the drawing straws route then everyone involved roll a d20 and the highest number wins so to speak. A pity they didn't have rock paper scissors then ;P

Simon lifted a brow at the hot headed object of his affection, "Lily, for once will you just let me be chivalrous?"

10:11, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 2 using 1d20.  Drawing Straws or casting lots.

Weary and defeated, Penny declined to argue her case further, merely nodding her assent to the proposal to draw straws. She didn't even have the strength to argue on Lily's behalf. She found a set of cards, shuffled them thoroughly, called the order of suits, and drew her own, finding a lowly six of clubs. Fate would keep her alive for some time to come, it seemed.


OOC: I figured cards would be an easy in-universe means for drawing straws.
14:33, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 1d20.

"Let me remind you..." Josephine struggled, figuring Castiel was the weak point she could attack, "I do not agree to this... and Castiel: if you do this against my will, I will turn my back on what you know and believe, for the remainder of my life. This I promise you." she said harshly, narrowing her eyes at him.

Unfortunately, narrowing her eyes pinched her skin, and brought a wince to her face, which then brought a spasm to her neck muscles, pinched as they were, and she was wracked with pain momentarily before it subsided.

"Don't we have anything stronger to give her?" Josephine's objection was noted but ignored as Kate drew her own card. "Seven," she muttered glad at least to have drawn higher than Penny and Simon.

OOC: casting lots (or whatever it is we are doing :D) 7

Lily gives Simon a half smile and pats his cheek. You can be chivalrous by opening doors for me or something, not risking your life. The offer has not gone unappreciated though she adds with a laugh.

Hearing Jo's protests Castiel nods. Very well, it is your choice. I will not force you. If it helps though, I have done this before with success.

Lily turns to Jo with a scowl. Look you, even if you wait for your body to heal on its own you will be lame for the rest of your life, is that what you want? I trust Castiel and so should you. If you weren't already broken I'd wring your neck until you changed your mind. We all know the risks and I'm sure he wouldn't have suggested it unless he was confident he could do it. she turns to Cas suddenly. You are confident aren't you? He nods slowly. Mostly. Uh....good enough. Anyway, let us help you with this. I demand it! she finishes. With that she dramatically snatches a card off the deck, eager to see the number and then lets out a vicious curse. A TWO?! All that and I get a stupid TWO?! AAAAAAARG! she balls it up and hurls it across the room. She turns to Simon, pouting. Well at least I suppose you can be pleased now.

Ian laughs and takes his own card. A king. With a grin he holds it up for all to see. Alright missy. You've got your donor as soon as you come to your senses. I wouldn't worry about me. We Scots have hardier souls than most he winks with a grin.

Simon turned over a 10. He said a prayer for Ian.

Lily was terrifying, that much was for sure. Jo was quickly trying to think of a good retort...

...and then she promptly passed into unconsciousness with a bout of pain, from a back spasm... if it could even be called a "back" anymore.

With a sharp intake of breath, Penny was shocked to see that the highest card had been drawn by Ian. But then, there were no good candidates for what had been proposed, bar one. 'I still feel it ought to be me...' she murmured. She had considered palming a queen off as her own, but had little skill at such sleight of hand. 'And Ian, I do wish you'd stop this habit of offering up your soul. You have a good one, and should not risk it lightly.'

"I wish we could just find someone we didnt like very much..."  Kate muttered. She was relieved that it wasn't going to be Penny but was not happy that anyone should have to take the risk.

Ian gives Penny a roguish grin in response. Yes, well I only offer it up to women who deserve it. At least this time if something goes wrong I'll only die. Right Cas? he arches an unsure eyebrow at the angel who looks uncomfortable. Probably.... Ian blinks and takes another swallow of scotch.

Seeing Jo is out, Lily takes action. Alright she's not fit to make decisions anymore so I'm going to make them for her. She can take it out on me if she likes but that is that. Castiel, please do what you can and try not to kill anybody. Ian, if you are having second thoughts I will gladly take over Ian quickly holds up a hand of protest. Hey! I said I am fine with it! he scowls. Now let's get this over with shall we? he sets his drink down and rubs his hands together. Cas looks at Jo's form uncertainly, no doubt recalling her threats but Lily is having no hesitation from him, grabbing him and turning him toward Ian. The Scot looks a bit nervous but steels himself as Cas instructs him to have a seat, undo his shirt and hold perfectly still.

Looking exhausted, Castiel rolls up a sleeve, moves a chair next to Ian and with great concentration and slowness he sinks his hand into the man's bare chest, passing through it without resistance though Ian's face indicates that whatever he is doing is quite painful though he manages to keep still. A white glow emanates from where Castiel's arm is buried and after a long tense moment it spreads over the room in increasing brightness until finally Cas is able to remove his arm and Ian slumps over in his chair looking exhausted and pained.

Castiel though, looks more renewed than you've yet seen him and for a few moments his eyes flicker a brilliant glowing blue before setting back to his usual appearance. He will need to rest he states before then turning to the unconscious Jo and placing two fingers on her forehead. Her body stiffens and you hear several cracks as her bones are forced back into place, all bruising and swelling fading away until the blonde woman is simply lying peacefully as though she were never broken. Her eyelids flutter as she awakens.

Simon speaks just loud enough to b be heard. "Praise be to the Most High."

Slowly pulling herself upright, Josephine was hesitant, as she half expected to feel pain at every shift, but when she realized what had been done, and she saw Ian's limp body, her eyes flicked into a raging anger immediately, and she approached Castiel, a finger extended accusingly towards him,

"Castiel!" she said aloud, obviously not a question. When she drew closer to him, about to unleash the fury, she paused, taking him in with her gaze, flickering up and down his figure. He, as an Angel, probably had absolutely no idea what was flashing through her mind, but it gave her pause. After a split-second of hesitation, she waved her finger, and wasn't sure how to finish what she had been about to say, instead looking quite silly, standing there, absorbed in Cas's attractive aura.

"I'm still mad..." she whispered, glancing downwards, not at all sounding like she was able to hold a grudge.

'And I'm not allowed to even die, apparently. I do wish you'd reconsider.' Penny persisted, concerned for Ian's safety during this perilous rite. 'Perhaps there is something else we might try, druidic magic powered by the land...' she continued to bargain, but had nothing concrete to suggest.

Before Ian readied himself for Castiel's procedure, Penny clasped his hand, afraid she might not see him alive again. She sat and watched, her concern and fear turned to aghast astonishment at what transpired. 'My god.' she murmured, an oath as much as a prayer, and finished her scrumpy. 'My god.'

Penny ensured Ian was comfortable, placing a pillow under his head, then checked over the sleeping Josephine to see the procedure had been completely successful. Seeing her whole and well restored some small measure of hope and spirit to Penny herself. She was back fretting over Ian when Jo awoke. 'Please, don't be mad at Castiel. We all agreed to this, and you cannot say what others should not sacrifice. Rather, blame me for what happened, it was because of me you were hurt. It should have been me...'

Turning on Penny, Josephine narrowed her eyes, but she didn't say anything. Josephine knew how to hold a grudge, and she knew it didn't involve her shooting off her mouth right at the moment. Penny was arrogant. Arrogant, prideful, and thought she was better than the rest of them, evidenced by her own words. Still, it wasn't yet Jo's place to say, so she instead turned back towards Castiel, stealing another glance while she thought she could get away with it. She hadn't seen such a clean, powerful man in her lifetime at the bar, and he intrigued her quite a bit.

If you're going to be angry at anyone it should be me Lily announces, noticing Josephine's glances toward the Englishwoman. It was I who chose to move forward and I who take the responsibility. I bullied Castiel into making the attempt and I would do it again in an instant. Being a hunter is a risky business Jo. You know that by now all too well. All of us are ready to die at any moment. We would much rather do it saving a friend then at the hands of a demon. she finishes flatly.

Smiling, her practiced look, Josephine nodded her head,

"Of course, Lily." she said simply, turning away and gathering her things so she'd be ready to go, as some of them had fallen around the room. Otherwise, she kept her expression hidden, and her face elsewhere. She didn't feel like crushing the lack of logic her friends were using would be very effective at this exact moment, so she chose to bide her time instead.

Kate could understand why Josephine would be upset at the risk they had taken but she felt it would pass. Any of them would have done it for any other member of the group and she felt a certain closeness with her companions knowing that. She hoped Jo would feel the same after she had time to reflect. "What's done is done. There's no going back to change it so lets not focus on it. Jo is better and in one piece and we're all together again. Win, win in my book." Kate pushed all thoughts of her lost baby to the back of her mind and managed a faint smile.

Yes, it is wonderful to see you again Kate Lily grins. Castiel nods, looking stronger than you've ever seen him though he glances at Ian apologetically. Ian should be stable enough soon to travel. I think our business is done here. I won't be able to linger much longer anyway. Will you all be alright?

ooc: Basically I'm about ready to move on if you guys are. Let me know if there's anything else you plan to do in the past and then your plans for when you return and I will start a new chapter from there.

Simon nodded, "I would prefer safer ground. I would much prefer our own time, but I will submit to the group's decision."

He nodded to Penny, "Baptism, I have not forgotten. I will discuss the matter with you in private and if you still want, I will indeed perform the ceremony for you."

Penny squeezed Kate's hand in sympathy, surely knowing what went through her mother's mind, though she couldn't share her positive outlook. Though they were reunited, though they'd survived and completed their mission, they had still suffered a terrible loss. One was still missing – her infant self. Fate would forever keep them apart then. And now, Penny vowed, not even Hell could part them.

'I believe we shall.' she answered Castiel. 'Belial said we may leave unmolested. Though his word is worthless, it seems in his best interests to honour it. He thinks us beaten.' And Penny was, beaten and despairing, yet a small spark of defiance remained in the darkness, an ember that might yet be rekindled, given some light.

Penny looked to Father Simon. 'Yes, thank you. I would prefer it to be here in Dunmoreton and at St Petroc's, at this time, while we have this opportunity, strange and fraught as it is. Wherever my infant self is now, this is where and when the baptism should have been performed. I hope this will shield her from demonic influence. And this is my home.' she said, resolved. She glanced through the window, to where Darkmoor Manor brooded on the hill against a glowering sky. Her home. Now she knew the truth of her heritage, the reason for the taint she'd felt growing up, she could begin to cleanse it, and herself. 'While Mister Shaw and Miss Hartley rest, shall we go? I hope old Vicar Worsnop is there.'

Simon nodded again. "I am not Anglican, but I doubt that will matter much as it were. Come, much to discuss."