Penny: She looks angry at your words but at least the heat of her temper has started to cool. She betrayed me. I should be happy she's dead! But....even our falling out cannot completely erase years of friendship. We were close as sisters once... she finally heaves a sigh and sits, hands folded in her lap but the fingers still are clenched tightly. I'm so angry at her! All these years, wasted! I knew her ambition would do her in! I told her so! Arrrrg. I could rant away all day. Tell me what happened so I can be rid of you. I'm in no mood for company now.

Alice: The carriage slides to a halt, the driver looking most annoyed until he hears your words. The inhabitants apparently have heard you too, one woman in particular leaning out the window. She looks to be about Emma's age, with a well preserved beauty in spite of her years. Tabitha? Bandits you say? She looks more irritated at the interruption than concerned for the woman. Anthony, take Deacon and go. We'll wait here she instructs the driver who jumps down with a nod and starts heading towards the woods. Another man exits the carriage and runs off after him, leaving you alone with the woman, who regards you coolly. Well aren't you a pretty young thing she muses, looking displeased about that for some reason. Now, tell me exactly what happened and when. And how do you know Tabitha? She mostly fraternizes with food vendors or jewelers. You don't look like either. You get the feeling she believes your story, but she clearly has questions. Glancing about, Emma is still hidden from view. Hopefully if things get hairy she'll help you. There's something about this woman that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Alice decided to be as honest as possible. ”I’m Alice. We came here...about an hour ago? I’m not sure. I was hired to guard some people Tabitha wanted to meet. I was watching from outside when the bandits came, no more than a few minutes ago. One of them got the drop on me,” here she rubs the back of her head, implying she was conked back there, “when I came too I saw them dragging her kicking and screaming. I tried to give chase but, I guess I was dizzy and just fell down again. Then I heard your carriage and ran out here hoping for help, and thank GOD I found you.”

The best lies are the ones that are mostly truth.

Penny waited for Tabitha to sit and calm before she went on. 'Your lives simply moved in different directions, that is all, and such a split can be most painful. Neither of you should mistake this pain as being deliberately inflicted. Merely a product of life.' she told her gently, hoping to nudge them toward burying the hatchet. 'Believe me, Tabitha, I do know. Someone very close and dear to me recently came into my life, then suddenly was forced to leave again. It still hurts.' She sidelong to Ian; she was referring to Kate, of course, but her words could apply to either of them, given recent events.

'And you will tell me what you know of the Seal of Solomon before we depart?' she dared to bargain.

Penny: Tabitha seems to soften a bit, though there is still flint in her eyes. Ian gives you a look in return, a grim nod of acknowledgement at your words. He seems to recognize them for Kate's departure rather than his own, or he's good at hiding his reaction. At your request, Tabitha gives a thoughtful frown. If I'm going to tell you anything, and I'm still not sure I'm going to do that, it should not be here. Some of my old coven were supposed to stop by today, no doubt to ask the same thing. They usually do, but my knowledge is my own and I do not admit to it freely. And squarely on the fence as I am, I'm not about to pick a side so easily. I want protection. I'm not going to deliver our upper hand to the enemy without some form of assurances. If they could take down Emma, I would be easy for them. Besides that, I have another price. I want to leave. Somewhere no one can track me. I'm sick of being thrust in the middle of things just because neither side knows how to study properly. It's always us studious type who must be hounded by the desperate and lazy.

Alice: The woman looks startled at your words, her eyes narrowing in suspicion and concern, though it is not directed at you. What people? Who would she have need of meeting with and where are they now? I must know at once! Clearly she doesn't like the idea of Tabitha meeting with people she doesn't know. She stiffens suddenly, realizing she's reacted more than she meant to and she visibly calms. Forgive me, but...we're a bit wary of strangers round these parts. Especially with Tabitha. She's vulnerable see, a bit touched in the head from being alone too much. We've been trying to get her to leave her little lighthouse for years now. Too isolated, she's better off with friends. Clearly I was right to fear for her. I only hope we can get her back safely. Would you like to join the search with us? The more eyes the better? she's the epitome of polite worry now.

Alice rubbed her head. She answers as vaguely as possible, ”Foriegners, French maybe. They sound funny when they speak. It had something to do with jewelry...picking an engagement gift.” At that she got a worried look, ”I really should go check on my own people. Make sure they ain’t...you know...” She slashed across her throat.

She made her way back, careful to walk a little drunk in case she is observed. <small>”Emma if you are listening I’ve bought us a little time, but it won’t hold up long.”

The coven were coming here, today? Dash it all, why did Tabitha have to go and double-book herself> Penny suppressed outward signs of her alarm, but grew tense instead. Tabitha had gone from wanting nothing from them to wanting a lot, something Penny had to admit to herself they could not possibly provide. The Men of Letters had hardly been able to protect and hide themselves recently, and surely not honestly promise it to another. In any case, their services were not Penny's to give. First, she would keep her talking, try to learn more. 'Indeed. But I understood that this lighthouse, Portland, and Maine were your dear home. And quite splendid they are, too. I imagine you've made this lighthouse a veritable fortress of physical and magical defences. You would not leave them for Emma, you would not leave them all these years. Surely you would not leave over this trifle?'
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 20 Dec 2018.

Penny: If I help you, my little 'sanctuary' won't do me any good. I do have certain protections in place, but anything can be broken down one way or another. If Belial or his followers find out I even gave you a scrap of help, the things they would do to me....Even Hecate herself would punish me, no matter that I do it to help her! She's blinded I fear...No. It's not safe for me here. Unless I capture you myself, I cannot stay here. Even letting you live would be enough to put a price on my head if anyone found out. Figure out how to help me or you get nothing. she crosses her arms. Ian frowns at this, finally commenting. Well...I'd have to clear it with headquarters, but there may be something we could work out. Of course getting you back in one piece is a trick too, and you might not like some of the people you'd have to deal with... Well you'll have to figure that all out. It's either that or I kill you both. I really have no other options.

Alice: You can feel the woman's suspicious eyes on you, as though wondering if she should let you go. Your lies must have been convincing enough though for she directs the carriage down the path towards the wood, though she looks back often until finally disappearing from sight. Emma nods at your words. We're lucky. If she'd seen me this would have all gone to hell. We have no time to waste. Knock on the door, barge in if you can, and get those two out of there! We can try again when it's safer but we have to leave. Now! ooc: If you try the door you do find you can enter so feel free to do so and address Penny.

Alice just barged right in, ”LEAVE NOW! Don’t argue, leave.”

Penny was pondering whether to make the deal or interrogate Tabitha further, when suddenly Alice burst in, interrupting everything. She jumped to her feet, exclaiming 'What in the world—?' She looked warily to Tabitha, fearing betrayal, but saw no sign of hostility there, only as much alarm as she no doubt displayed herself.

'Miss Sinclair, my apologies, but it seems we must excuse ourselves. Perhaps we can continue this later?' she began, scooping up her hat.

They're here aren't they? she asks knowingly to Alice. Without waiting for an answer she frantically ushers you out. They'll kill us all I tell you! Did they see you? Go! Go! She's literally pushing Ian out the door.
We'll meet later. At the tea house, there's only one in town. This evening if I can. Now go!

Should you do so you rush out to find Emma, still hidden and gesturing for you to follow her to a path down to the beach. We've got to go. The coven is here! Down, down to the beach, now! She lifts her skirts and scurries down the bank like a plump mother hen, clucking at you to follow.

It's quite a jaunt back to town and it's irritating to have to walk in the burdensome sand. It's tiring and gets everywhere but she insists the main roads are too dangerous. Well, what happened? she demands as she huffs along. Is she still angry at me?

Penny hastened out of the lighthouse after Ian and Alice, regretting that their meeting was cut so short and in such tense conditions. But at least she wasn't forced to make a deal with Tabitha on the spot, and Tabitha's desperation to get them out of the way, unseen by the other witches, showed she had no intention of slaying them. But informing the coven and betraying them later, while preserving her own safety, was still very much on the table.

She slogged through the sand with little complaint, being used to the mud and bogs of Dartmoor. She was more amazed that the beach was sand, not the small pebbles that covered most of Britain's beaches.

She was about to answer Emma and tell her what happened, when she recalled Emma's plan to eavesdrop earlier, and changed course. 'I thought you said you "have ways of listening in" – I presume with clairaudience or some such. Surely you heard what passed between us?' It was a discreet test, to determine the extent of Emma's power and to see if she could spin a different tale for her.

As they left Alice just moved, herding her friends out as fast as possible. Once far enough away she was relieved. “My ruse won’t work twice. Now they know my face as well...witches,” she stopped herself before cursing them all, for Emma’s sake.

Emma listens to Penny with impatience. I WAS listening. I heard a great deal of your conversation, but when the carriage came by I had to stop. Witches who are advanced enough can sense when someone is nearby using their power. It's difficult to hide, though of course it can be done, but I didn't want to risk failing just to listen in a little more. I had to be ready to keep them at bay. We're all just lucky that Alice here is so good at deceit. It won't take long I'm sure before they realize she lied. Tabitha may be in trouble if she's not quick enough with her tongue she sighs. Perhaps it would be better not to venture too far. But if she's not in trouble we may place her in it if we're spotted. What a mess.

Alice shrugged...”Honestly, one more dead witch isn’t really a bad thing.”

'That isn't helpful, Alice.' Penny chided her as she considered the situation and how to answer Emma.

'Tabitha arranged a new meeting at the tea house this evening. We might continue our negotiations then, provided Tabitha has not given us up to her fellows or they've not pressured her.' she informed the others. 'She is willing to tell us what she knows, but only on the condition the Men of Letters provide protection and hide her away against whatever backlash she might receive. However, we were yet to settle a deal before we were interrupted by the arrival of the other witches.'

With alarm, she recalled the likely reason the other witches had come. 'Oh! Tabitha expected the other witches had come to ask about Solomon's Seal or Key. Emma, do you still have the power to eavesdrop on their conversation?' she asked the witch urgently. It could provide some knowledge or forewarning.

Emma arches a brow at Alice's comment but decides against starting an argument. Instead she goes back to Penny's words and as they finish, gives a thoughtful frown. Well, I could try. I'm perfectly capable but we'd have to double back. Get a little closer. The problem is how well I can concentrate and how wary they are. If they're really on edge about another witch spying on them, they'll be hard to get through. Still, they have no reason to think I'm alive yet. It could be worth the risk...

'Yes, it could be...' Penny agreed, knowing whatever information they gleaned could either aid their quest or give them forewarning about the witches, but also realising they were only half the team. 'Alice, you saw them – do you think it worthwhile? And Ian, what do you say?'

Alice shrugged. "I really think they'll kill her."

Hearing Alice's words, Emma pales but doesn't look surprised. You know I fear you're right. If Tabitha can't lie convincingly enough they'll not be light with her, I know that much. It may be worth the risk. She's the only lead we've got.

At this Ian nods. Well there's your answer there Penny. Do we really have a choice? He sighs then. Witches. Why'd it have to be witches? They give me the willies. I heard they can make your teeth fall out. Just like a nightmare. Mean little curs. he mutters. Emma looks amused at this but turns to Penny expectantly.

ooc: Ok, if you guys decide to double back you'll have to approach the lighthouse within 100 yards or so for her eavesdropping to work. You'll want to roll hides please. Spots as well.

It seemed they were all in agreement. 'Very well, let us return to the lighthouse forthwith.' Penny declared decisively, turning around and beginning to hurry back. She made sure to keep to places of concealment and look ahead for the witches' watchers.


OOC: Hide 22, Spot 23

When you return to the lighthouse you see the carriage is still there, but it appears to be empty save the driver, everyone else inside with Tabitha apparently. Emma looks relieved, taking it as a sign Tabitha is alive for the moment. Penny finds a particularly good hiding place but Alice is having more difficulty. Fortunately the driver is engrossed in kicking about a rock, clearly bored as he waits for his masters.

Alright, they're questioning her it sounds like... Emma frowns, concentrating hard. They don't seem to believe something she said. She sounds nervous. Oh Tabitha always was a bad liar! She looks worried for her friend. They're asking about the seal. Seems like they do that a lot. Hm.... she is quiet again, listening. Then she swears savagely. They've sensed me! Run you fools! Run!

Right then the driver's head whips around to look for you, as though alerted telepathically. The door to the tower bursts open and a handful of people start rushing out.

ooc: You can either try to run and roll a dexterity check to see how fast and balanced you are in the brush and sand, or you can stay and fight. Either way please roll a fort save.

In her place of concealment, Penny was torn on whether to run, keep hiding, or to fight. To surprise this cabal of witches who stood against them was surely an opportunity they should not pass up. Yet she had not even a suspicion of their villainy and she would not be so gauche as to draw first blood, especially on Tabitha Sinclair's doorstep while she was trying to negotiate information from her. She could hide, but she would not withstand a concentrated search.

Penny rose and dashed away as swiftly as she could, though perhaps more swiftly than she should on such loose sand and brush.


OOC: Fortitude 22, Dexterity 13

Alice ran to the lighthouse rather than away.

Everything is a mess. Fortunately whatever the witch tried to do to you failed, though you could feel your bodies stiffen and freeze for a moment, as they clearly had tried to hold you in place. Then Penny was headed down the dune, stumbling and nearly falling in her haste. Emma joins you, albeit slower, looking back in concern. I'm not especially worried about the nit's fate, but Alice has elected to stay and fight it seems... she pants. You also see Ian at the top of the hill, looking back at you and then at the lighthouse where Alice has apparently gone, and then with a visual look of frustration he goes tearing off after her.

ooc: It will take you a round to get back up but you should be able to see what's happening minus about five seconds worth should you decide to rejoin them.

Alice: Whatever they tried to do isn't working luckily, and you're free to rush the lighthouse if you wish. There are two men and one woman, the trio from before of course. Tabitha seems to still be inside at the moment. The men start running towards you, the woman staying at a safe distance. Meanwhile you notice Ian right at your heels. You chose the aggressive tactic I see he grunts, whipping out his revolver. The pair of men divide, trying to get on either side of you.

ooc: They 'll be on you within a round. Feel free to shoot as you please in the meantime.

In a most unladylike fashion and amidst flapping skirts, Penny scrambled back to her feet in the sand. She looked around, and saw Ian make his choice. She could hardly fault him for his chivalry, but cursed their misfortune in being separated and her responsibility for this plan. 'And Ian too. Blast! We must go back; we might surprise the witches' men.' Penny produced her revolver and hastened back, looking for a defensive position.