Emma's eyes sharpen at the suggestion of crawling back. She is a proud woman after all, and clearly in spite of her guilt at Tabitha's state, she has not let go of that. She chose to stay here. It's not my fault she decided to rot away alone! she snaps. Then, she pauses and sighs. How infuriating! I just want to climb up that stupid lighthouse and wring her neck! Perhaps that's what I'll do instead. Someone should tell her what an idiot she's been! Oh I could just scream! Alright, I'll make a social call, but I'll not beg for forgiveness if that's what you're expecting! She'd just love that! Always thought she was better than me because of her stupid money. she glowers furiously. Ian watches the scene with a face of calm, but the corners of his lips twitch. Yes, he's definitely used to women. I'd say we should be on hand for this little reunion, in case it gets out of control. Any suggestions as to that? It seems like a private affair that we'd need a very good reason to be at, unless of course you want to go the sneaky route? he shrugs, glancing to Penny for her thoughts.

Alice looked at Emma, “Sorry Emma, I’m with her. Grovel, you made this mess if this is what unmarked it then you’ll crawl on your damned belly or I’ll put a bullet in your head and do it for you, capice?” She drew the weapon, spun it on her finger, and reholstered it so fast it almost didn’t happen,

Startled by Alice's response, Penny raised a warding hand to her. 'At ease, Alice, please. Drawing weapons at the dinner table is frightfully poor manners in some circles.' She did agree with Alice's sentiment, if not her threat, of course, but knew that getting Emma's back up would get them nowhere.

Still, the ability for a witch to hold a grudge seemed undiminished here. Perhaps if they met face to face, their hostility might fade away, but that seemed a faint hope. If not, well, Penny had no wish to be present at a magic-armed argument between two feuding witches. She might work on Emma's ill feeling, but it would take time. For now, she could change the topic. 'So, Tabitha lives in a lighthouse? How novel. Is she the official lighthouse keeper, then, or is it no longer in service? What do you know about it?' Penny inquired, deciding to approach the issue of Tabitha obliquely.

'That innkeep said Tabitha leaves the lighthouse for supplies. It shouldn't be too hard for us to arrange a chance encounter in the street or at the store, if we can learn her schedule. It will be harder for her to refuse, and no crawling back will be required.' she proposed for Emma's benefit. 'Furthermore, the streets must be neutral territory: having the public nearby should cool any warm welcome from Tabitha, and we won't have to contend with any defences in the lighthouse.'


OOC: Sorry, I was busy and worn out.

At least in Sherlock Holmes stories, "warm" was a term for a hostile for meetings or language.

Emma is surprised by Alice's sudden threat, and then her face sinks into the meanest scowl you've seen in some time from her. She's clearly furious with the woman but the public setting saves her from more of a reaction. Poor manners indeed. she sniffs in reply to Penny's words. Miss Dreadful here has a delightful way of making me forget we are enemies. You, however Miss Conner, always find ways to remind me with a vengeance. A lesson I'm not apt to forget if you keep waving that in my face. She then listens to the rest of Penny's plan with a stiff nod, pure anger shining in her eyes. The lighthouse has not been in use for some years. I doubt that's changed. As for your idea Miss Dreadful, that will be adequate to my liking. However, if you can't keep this upstart in line, I cannot promise my patience will last. I have been more than cooperative with the whole lot of you. I even helped save Mr. Shaw from that djinn if you recall. I've proven my intentions and have not once tried to escape, though I've had more opportunities to than you've realized. I think my cooperation should warrant at least a shred of respect. I assure you, you would not like it if I decided to be difficult. And don't you dare whip that thing out again you hear me!? she adds with a quiet snarl to Alice.

Alice smirked, ”Neither of you can take joke.” She grumbled a bit but kept her mouth shut otherwise.

Penny grew discomforted as she found herself caught once again between the feuding Alice and Emma. Did they really have to do this again? Oh, to be hunting alone again, or with one steadfast and dependable man like Ian at her side. 'A drawn gun is hardly a joke, Alice.' she chided, wondering at the American obsession with firearms. 'I think we should speak privately later.' It wouldn't do to argue and potentially shame her in front of Emma, and risk escalating the feud and picking a side. Perhaps she could better cool Alice's mood when they were apart.

Looking to Emma, she attempted to placate her. 'And yes, you've been very helpful and reliable, Emma, and I am grateful, even if I am not always able to express it while I dwell on the case. For saving Ian, I have forgiven you for the spells cast on me in our fight.'

'Now, let us enjoy this delightful chocolate cake.'

At Alice's remark, Emma looks exasperated, perhaps even more livid at this comment then the rest of it. It is hard not to laugh at the facial expression she makes.

Penny's words do help though, but when she mentions the spells the woman had cast she blinks in surprise. Oh! You know I'd nearly forgotten about that! It seems so long ago. Hm. Well, glad that no permanent harm was done considering our present circumstances. I suppose we'll just be even and forget the whole thing. She can't quite bring herself to apologize but you can tell she's feeling awkward about it. It's quite a subdual from her previous mood as she finishes her chocolate cake. Ian just watches, eating and trying to avoid any and all notice, not eager to make things worse.

Fortunately as dinner winds to a close, things are fairly calm by the end and eventually Emma brings up the matter at hand as coffee and tea are brought for those who wish it.

I suppose you are right about finding out her schedule. I'll pop over to the innkeep and make inquiries. He knows my history with her, he won't be surprised I'm asking. She sighs, standing up and brushing the crumbs off her lap. She soon does just that and returns a few minutes later. We're in luck! She is expected at market tomorrow. The real question is what role are you all going to play? She may wish to help us or she may have darker schemes, I have no way of knowing. The truth is risky but it could be worth taking.

Penny sipped at her tea at she contemplated the matter of meeting Tabitha. Not knowing how she would take to Emma Bently after all these years made it something of a sticky wicket. 'Indeed. Perhaps Alice, Ian, and I should introduce ourselves to Tabitha first. We can be discreet, observe her current situation and mood, and carefully broach the matter of our connection to you. If she seems amenable, we can arrange a meeting. Would this work for you?' she turned back to Emma.

Alice just listened. She knew the only way to avoid a fight was her way but they seemed set

Extremely tolerable! Emma brightens. It would seem she half expected you to make her crawl on her belly after all and relief floods her face. Alright, some suggestions. Don't be overly plucky. She hates that. She likes decorum and propriety. She was born a snob you know, I'm sure it hasn't rubbed off her yet. If you try to be too conniving she'll see right through you. She's sharp. She always had a weakness for handsome men, so Mr. Shaw could be an asset here. He blinks at this and a roguish grin spreads from ear to ear. Oh don't get airs boy she rolls her eyes. Tabitha wouldn't know what to do with you anyway. She's always been a horror at the opposite sex, but she's always been susceptible to such people and it may keep her off her guard enough to make her agreeable. Just don't overdo it. Keep your flirting minimal, she's not stupid and she'll know if you're trying to butter her up. In the meantime, any other questions you have for me?

ooc: Let me know your plans for the rest of that night and any other questions you have.

Alice shook her head. "I think what Emma is getting at here is better to leave Alice out of this. I don't mind being lookout."

'An admirable suggestion.' Penny said of Alice's roundabout proposal. 'There are other witches of this coven in town of whom we must beware, and they might interfere... Emma, what can you tell us of the others, just so we can be forewarned if they do appear?'


OOC: I don't have any particular plans, bar the usual security precautions at the hotel (devil's traps and such).

Well, the other women are...interesting. I always fancied myself the leader so who knows who has taken the reins now, if anyone even has. There was Magda Petrovich, her parents were immigrants from Russia. She was a bit boring to be honest. More of a bookworm and history nut than a witch. She was always stubborn though. If she wasn't interested in something nothing in the world could change that but she could be coerced with bribes and such. Then there's Sandrine Nichols. She was very full of herself. Went through men like water too, but she was clever. She liked to pit people against each other for sport, see how much she could manipulate them. She liked being in control of things but never could handle the responsibility that came with leadership. Mostly she was a conniving backstabbing little slut. The last of us was Rebecca Smith. She was never as talented as I, but she wasn't far off and we both knew it. She wanted the be the leader, and now that I'm gone she probably is. She's the coldest, most ruthless, unfeeling thing you'll ever lay eyes on. If I hadn't been as strong as I was, I think she would have done more to take me down. She has the most reason to hate me. Other than Tabitha of course. she adds.

Listening to her descriptions of the witches, Penny found herself almost relieved that Emma Bently should be the one she'd had to deal with, first in opposition and then in alliance. If one of the other witches had come out on top, say Ms Nichols or Ms Smith, one more ruthless, more manipulative, more selfish, she might not be aiding them now, might not even have fallen out of Belial's favour. Penny could only hope the coven had broken up and dispersed, and wouldn't be an issue here. But things rarely went swimmingly, did they? 'Indeed.' Penny agreed thoughtfully, deep in her contemplations.

Sipping from her cup, Penny found she'd almost finished her tea, and looked around the table. 'I believe that will do us for one night. Does anyone have anything else to discuss, or shall we retire for the evening?'

Alice shook her head. She was ready to get this over with.

The evening passes quietly enough. Emma knits, her face tense as she's likely worried about what the next day holds. Ian retires to his room with a steady cheerfulness, something he's doing better at these days. You're not sure if it's an act or if he's really improving, but either way it's better than watching him brood.

The next morning you all eat a hasty breakfast and are soon on your way, scoping out the marketplace which seems to be buzzing already. There are flower girls and peddlers, bakers and fruit stands, even hand crafted jewelry and tools. Above all though there's fish. Lots of fish. Ian makes a face. Now, she tends to get her groceries filled every week. Most patrons have standing orders for her and they'll be getting them ready now. She does like pretty things though so she's known to browse the jewelry and flower stands. Decide where you want to bump into her and I'll make myself scarce Emma declares, already looking around nervously and making good on her words as soon as you're done with her.

Indeed it doesn't take long for Tabitha to show. Emma's given you a likely description and before long a sour faced middle aged woman with a frizz of poorly tamed brown hair scowls at the sunny street around her. She's thin and hard looking and most folk avoid her gaze as she meanders towards the fruit stand.

ooc: Alice, if you're going to be lookout be sure to have a general spot check at the ready. Penny, you may want to do the same with diplomacy or bluff, whatever the case may be.

Alice will find a place within her rifle’s range and take up an over watch. She will prefer to be high and hidden if possible.

'We would be obviously visitors here in Maine, and thus staying at a hotel or with friends, so we're unlikely to be buying our own groceries. Especially fish.' Penny had reasoned to Emma, applying the sort of logical deduction she would apply to a suspect to fix her own ruse. 'We'll meet her near the jewellery and flower stalls.'

So Penny lingered there, idly inspecting the pretty things with Ian in tow like a patient suitor. She'd never quite managed to see the appeal in such trinkets herself, unless they granted some supernatural warding. Or were spoons. But the greatest part of her attention was on the woman who fitted Tabitha's description. While Tabitha was distracted looking at fruit, Penny scrutinised her, trying to learn what she could about before they met, untainted by Emma's recollections and recriminations. On the face of it, she was a bitter and ill-tempered old spinster, but what did that hide?


OOC: Trying to get a good look at her first.
19:51, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23,23,13 using d20+17,d20+8,d20+9. Sherlock Scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.

Penny can tell a few things from looking at her. First, she's definitely grumpy looking but there is a wariness and slight uncertainty to her movements that betrays more than mere temper. She's uncomfortable out in the world. You feel like this is probably the extent of her socialization, such as it is. She seems eager to get her business done, handing the vendors a list to make her purchases that much quicker and decrease interaction. The fact that she likes trinkets though, and to look at such pretty things belies her love of beauty, great enough to make her linger out in the world of people, where she clearly doesn't want to be. Perhaps it's leftover from her days of wealth growing up. Her attire is also expensive and up to date, despite the haggardness of the rest of her. Yes, perhaps pretty things are all she truly has now.

It doesn't take long for her purchases to be complete and she does indeed wander to the trinkets with the slightest of smiles on her lips.


Alice: You do find a rooftop nearby that has easy access. No one seems to notice you at the moment. You can easily keep an eye on Emma, who is still a ways off watching events herself, and also Penny and Ian.

Discreetly observing Tabitha as she approached, Penny recalled all that Emma had told them about her, and assembled it into a carefully calibrated approach. No tricks that would irritate her, a discreet and polite introductio Or so she hoped. She murmured to Ian, 'Here she is, let's go introduce ourselves with a little conversation. Follow my lead, and be charming. And find me something... pretty.'

With Ian in tow like a patient suitor following his intended around a jewellery story, and not unreasonably, Penny began browsing through the jewellery stands, intending to bump into Tabitha as Ian found her something, and thus strike up a conversation.

Alice keeps her watch on her comrades splitting her attention as best she can.

I'm always charming aren't I? Ian returns with a wink, and soon he slips into his role with his usual ease, immediately playing the part of a dutiful suitor. It doesn't take long for Tabitha to make her way over to the jewelry stand, the faintest of smiles on her lips as she examines the wares. Ian takes out a particularly gaudy piece and dangles it in front of you, near enough for her to see, a wide grin across his handsome face. What about this one? It's got some nice flash to it eh? Am I right Miss? he gestures to the nearby Tabitha. That seems pretty don't you think? She blinks in surprise at his sudden attention, but the man makes it feel completely natural and she doesn't seem to suspect him. If anything, she looks flattered that he called her Miss, but then Emma did say she had a soft spot for handsome men. Uh...I tend to prefer something more...understated she mumbles, slightly flustered. It's the most pleasant you've seen her expression so far. He looks at the piece, then back at Tabitha and frowns. Hm. You may be right. Could be TOO flashy. Good thinkin. With that he turns back to the racks, a look of concentration on his face as though he's on the hunt for the perfect piece. He's clearly giving you a bit of space to work your way in.

Even Penny could tell the necklace was hideously overdone, and had a small sense of dread she might have to wear it. When Ian turned away from Tabitha, Penny took her chance and sidled close to her. 'Good morning, ma'am. Please forgive the interruption, but my friend offered to buy me a souvenir, and now I simply have to ensure he makes the right choice. You know men like him, I imagine.' she said with a wry smile, playing to Tabitha's interests and pride. 'I agree with you about that thing. You look to be a woman of taste, and doubtless know the area. Can you recommend something that really speaks of Portland and Maine?'

Tabitha looks a bit startled at being addressed with such friendliness. You have a feeling that her prickly nature tends to be returned to her, and she's almost unsure how to answer. She settles on pleased that someone would trust her taste and she gestures to the stand with an expert hand. This stand is actually comprised of several artists, many who sell throughout the east coast so I would suggest selecting one from a local artist. Hemms, Litner or Monroe. All are good but I like Hemms the best. He's very tasteful in his designs and they won't go out of fashion. Here, she points to a particular rack. These are Hemms. They are on the more...expensive side, but you look like that isn't a problem for you. You're lucky to have found a friend so eager to give you gifts Miss...? she arches an expectant eyebrow. Her manners are well bred and though you've seen her a grump all throughout her shopping, her good breeding is obviously kicking in.

'Dreadful.' Penny completed. 'I know – it's a terrible name, isn't it?' she added, with a merry grin at her small jest. She'd taken a risk giving her Hunter's nom de guerre, she knew, but Emma had advised it better to be deceitful with Tabitha. Rather than spin lies she'd see through, and later have to explain away when they got down to business, Penny decided to be upfront with her. If Tabitha already knew the name, then Penny might learn what threat awaited them in Maine. 'Penelope Dreadful, that is, pleased to meet you, madam.'