Alice continued humming while looking for the witch.

ooc: Hahaha! I'd forgotten how messed up all that stuff was! How funny!

No! You manipulated me and you know it! Tabitha rounds on Penny. You note that Ian steps in between you protectively, for she looks practically ready to hit you. Emma breaks in then, rolling her eyes.

You always were temperamental weren't you Tab? she sighs. Tabitha turns livid at this. ME!? How dare you! You would come here after all this time just because you need something. That's all you've ever done Emma, is use people! And now you've gone and lost Rebecca! Do you know the hell she'll rain down on all our heads after attacking her like that!? You've all ruined everything!

The two proceed to squabble after that and once he's convinced Penny is out of danger, Ian goes looking for the missing Rebecca with Alice. Unfortunately all of your attempts (Penny included) turn up nothing but a blood trail that abruptly ends. You suspect she must have escaped with her powers somehow but the other two witches are too busy fighting to put in their two cents. It unfortunately shows no sign of stopping as Tabitha blames Emma for making trouble and being selfish and Emma accuses her old friend of being nothing but a coward too afraid to get her hands dirty. It's almost funny how these two middle aged women are screeching back and forth like children.

Alice had enough squabbling. She got right up close to them and fired her weapon into the air. ”Listen up you two dumb witches. My name is Alice Conner VAN HELSING, as in Abraham Van Helsing is my daddy. If you two think your hotshit, you ain’t never gone up against ancient vampires, and I have. You two don’t scare me none, but I damned well better scare you. I don’t care what your problems are with each other, you will stop this bickering or so help I’ll start shooting and I won’t stop until one of us is dead, comprende? Now you two figure out how I can find your friend, cuz she is all but dead and I only need to kill ONE witch today.”

13:57, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Intimidate.
Hopefully this does not reflect the full weight of what she has revieled and done.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Tue 19 Mar 2019.

'I never!' Penny denied hotly, though, yes, it was exactly what she'd been doing.

Then the two witches and former friends resumed their bitter argument like the years they'd been apart had been nothing. Penny opened her mouth to interject a few times, but could hardly get a word in between them. At last, she fell silent, wondering defeatedly if it might be better to just let them have it out until both were spent and ready to listen. The delicate approach of subtlety and meditation had quite clearly already failed.

Instead, as Alice soon demonstrated, just knocking some heads together might be just what was needed. Penny waited, to see if they would even survive the witches' reaction. A daughter of Abraham Van Helsing? Intriguing, but it was the furthest thing from her mind right now. 'Yes, this argument is absurd. We must work together.' she added in support of Alice.


OOC: Aid Another, giving Alice a +2 to Intimidate
10:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 26 using 1d20+7. intimidate.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

Emma, rather used to Alice's antics by now, simply falls into a silent glare but Tabitha is definitely more shaken, especially at the name Van Helsing. Daughter you say? How intriguing. But perhaps our spat can wait until we have more privacy. Come. Let us find Rebecca. she says with politeness, already moving about and peering at the ground.

She mutters something, concentrating and soon after she brightens, pointing down the hill. Looks like she's made herself invisible! I see her! She's stumbling away but she's not going very fast. Shall we?

With that she takes off at a trot, Emma at her heels and Ian beside them, gun drawn. Should you follow it doesn't take long before you catch up to her, though of course you still can't see the woman. Emma, however, reveals her with a few words in latin and suddenly the bloodied woman pops into view. She's pale, covered in blood and barely able to stand. She actually looks completely terrified, and you're surprised at how frightened she looks. Please! Let me live! I can be of use to you! she half sobs. Emma looks near aghast and shakes her head. Well, you've certainly put the fear of god in her Alice. she says drily.

Alice gave a self assured smile as she opened the pistol and dropped a round in to fill it. She spun it on her finger and dropped it back backwards into her holster. She said nothing as they walked and though she saw nothing she was poised. When the witch appeared she quick drew and used lightening shot to put two rounds in her heart and one in her head. It is very fast , hardly time to see the gun as it seemed to appear in her hand and then disappear back to her holster. Basically the witch says, “Plea...” before three more holes appear in her.

10:23, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 7 using 2d8+3.  Crit Damage.
10:22, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 12 using 2d8+3.  Damage 3.
10:22, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 2d8+3.  Damage 2.
10:22, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 13 using 2d8+3.  Damage 1.
10:21, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 14 using 1d20+9.  Confirm Crit.
10:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  Shot 3.
10:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Shot 2.
10:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Shot one.

Another Crit! Knock on wood I don’t use them all up here.

Alice said, ”Now I met my quota.” She went back to singing that same song and walking toward the lighthouse.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Thu 21 Mar 2019.

Sighing, relieved the feud was at least postponed, though not resolved, Penny followed after Tabitha. Although she couldn't see Rebecca herself, Penny did her best to track her on the ground, picking up the tracks after the blood trail ended. At times like this, she wished she'd taken those lessons on tracking and big-game hunting from Allan.

Then, no sooner had they exposed and cornered their quarry, then Alice had gunned her down. For some time, Penny was speechless, not horrified at the killing, but surprised at the sheer speed and suddeness of it, and the brutality. Oh, she could see the cold practicality of Alice's actions; give the witch a moment, and she'd cast a spell to turn the tables on the. But really, to murder her in the middle of parley. It just wasn't cricket.

'Yes, quite.' Penny decided dryly. She went to inspect the body – no question as to the case of death – and began checking Rebecca's pockets and possessions before the blood spread over them.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Wed 27 Mar 2019.

Tabitha gasps and her hands fly to her mouth in horror as she gapes at the dead witch and then back at Alice. B-But she said she'd help us...she gave up! she stammers. Tabitha may be a witch, and she may not be the best person, but you can tell she's clearly never seen such violence, such brutality, and she looks about to be very nearly sick. Emma, however, has led a much harder life, and she scowls down at the body and then back at Alice's retreating figure. She's wary of the woman, but not afraid. Perhaps her past has been ugly enough that she has bigger things to fear. Well so much for questioning her. she sighs and shakes her head. What a mess. Tabitha, why don't you go back to the lighthouse and freshen up. Pack a bag while you're at it. You're not coming back.

Penny, as you investigate her pockets you find a pocket watch with a swirled pattern inlaid in gold. Inside is the picture of a small boy, faded and worn but obviously important to her. You also find a wallet with money (twenty dollars worth), and a small notebook with addresses and dates and such. It looks like it's for social purposes but further inspection will be needed to determine if anything holds value.

ooc: Let me know your plans and such. If you have any questions in particular for Tabitha or if you want to book it while the going is good and hide out somewhere, etc. Then I'll move things along.

Leaving the purse, Penny pocketed the notebook for later analysis. She was surprised to find no tools of the witch's craft such as hex-bags, but reflected Rebecca had not come here to curse or trap anybody. In that case, they were lucky to have caught her by surprise. A prepared witch was far more dangerous.

Finally, she picked up the lady's pocket watch, inspected it carefully, then opened it. The image of a boy smiling at her chilled her to the bone. 'Did Rebecca have a child?' she asked carefully of Emma and Tabitha, fearing a far more tragic loss.


OOC: I'll have a few questions, but I don't mind moving away from the scene of the crime. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Wed 27 Mar 2019.

Alice will busy herself searching the Witch’s carriage (the witch she just killed) and then packing it with things from the lighthouse. Speed was a necessity and unfortunately they would need to leave behind a few things.

Emma shakes her head to Penny's question just as Tabitha nods yes. Emma looks stunned. What?! A lot has transpired since you were away, Tabitha sniffs. She had the boy in secret of course, she's not married. He's about eleven now. She keeps him secret, for obvious reasons. I don't think he realizes exactly...what she is... she looks at the body awkwardly.

Penny sighed; there'd been nothing for it, Rebecca had attacked them, and they had defended themselves. Alice had murdered her in cold blood. And a child had been left an orphan. Maybe it had been Rebecca's motherly instinct to survive to care for her son that had, at the very end, led her to beg for her life. Maybe it was mere self-preservation. They would never know.

She prayed to God that the boy would remain safe and well cared for without Rebecca, and would inherit none of her evil, nor suffer for lack of a mother. Penny knew too well the heartbreak; she'd lost hers twice. Penny carefully returned the pocket watch to Rebecca's body, made sure the scene did not look too interfered with to the untrained eye, and backed. 'I think we should leave this place.' she said softly, even guiltily. 'Back to the lighthouse. We must leave soon, there shall be repercussions to this.'

Ian looks pained upon hearing about the boy. No doubt he's thinking of his own two sons, or rather the sons that used to be. His face is grave and pinched.

Everyone seems eager enough to leave though and you're able to help Tabitha pack quickly, taking the wagon, which enables her to bring some heavier items such as books and a chest of clothes. She says little, save to glare at Emma and look fearfully at Alice, obviously unsure what to think of this witch killer.

Emma, knowing the area best, ends up driving the wagon, using Tabitha's grudging directions to take you to a lovely house along the coastline roughly five miles outside of town. In spite of the fact that it's well cared for, it looks to have been empty for some time. When you go inside there are yellowing sheets over all the furniture and though it seems to have been dusted from time to time, there are several spots that have been missed.

This was my uncle's house, back when he lived. Tabitha explains, rummaging around to find lantern oil as the day is starting to wane. It should be safe enough. Only a few people know of it and they are not connected to any...well unsavories I should say, she blushes realizing she could technically count as one. Now, there are rooms enough for all and there is a lovely little cafe not far from here we can dine at. But we should probably discuss...plans.

I'd say so Tabitha. Emma arches a brow. Do you know where the seal is or not?
Tabitha looks annoyed at the bluntness of her old friend but answers nonetheless. I think I know how to find it....I have half a manuscript that references its last known location. It may or may not still be there but it's the only lead we have.
Where?
That I...don't know. But Magda has the other piece. She doens't know I have the first one and without it she has no idea of its significance. I've been trying to find a way to get it from her without her suspecting anything. But I feel it has the location of the seal. It has to!


ooc: Here's a link to the house. It's about 10 years too new but it's what I imagine it looks like :)

https://natureasneighbors.com/...he-leadbetter-house/

Brooding on recent events, the people involved, and what might result, Penny made the furtive journey in silence. Then, when they arrived at the big red farmhouse, she hastened to scout around, inside and out, confirming it was indeed unoccupied and had not been disturbed in some time.

She was disappointed to hear that Tabitha's clue to the Seal of Solomon was so vague and uncertain, yet she was not surprised. She hadn't expected it to be easy, else it would've been found already. Fortunately, according to Emma at least, Magda Petrovich was a bookish type, not the worst of them, and she might be bought. But at what price? 'First, Tabitha, what is this manuscript? Please, tell me you brought it with you.' Penny urged hopefully; if it had been left in the lighthouse and they had to go back for it...

Alice had recovered a few items from the coach of the witch. She got Penny’s attention and showed her a nice pistol, some hex bags, a beautiful crushed velvet cloak, $30. ”I think you should have these things. I’m good with my guns, they were bless by the Holy Father. The Hex bag things give me the willies. The cloak would really look better on you than on me. And the money...well I’m sure I owe you this much and more so yea, here you have it. OK?”

Alice realized that to someone like Penny $30 was nothing, but it wasn’t the amount rather the gesture that counted. She hoped Penny would get that...sometimes the woman was not as socially adept as others.

But Penny just stared, first in bewilderment and then in alarm. 'You took these from Rebecca's coach? But this is stolen property!' she exclaimed, aghast. Immediately, her mind turned to criminal matters, finding her and her companions inconveniently on the wrong side of the law. 'Oh, at least it gives a motive to the murders of Rebecca Smith and her coachmen, the constabulary may conclude it was highwaymen. But if we are seen with these and they are identified, then we shall be wanted as murderers.' she fretted.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Sat 06 Apr 2019.

Alice shrugged, ”Yea, whatever they belong to you now so do what you want with ‘em.”

'Thank you...' Penny said slowly, wondering what exactly was the polite way to destroy stolen property received as a gift.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Fri 12 Apr 2019.

Ian looks amused at the exchange, grinning and shaking his head. I suppose I see why you're worried Penny, but for hunters we just call it wages. We're doin all this for free ya know, a hunter's got to make enough to scrounge up a drink now and then! Though you do whatever you think is best. You're cut of finer cloth than the likes of us! he laughs.

The witches watch the conversation with less mirth, no doubt wondering if one day hunters would pick their bodies clean too. Tabitha, still uncertain how to react, answers Penny's earlier question. The scroll is ancient Egyptian actually. Taken from a tomb of a noble with connections to the Jews. It references the seal, amongst other things, but half of the scroll is with Magda, or at least I hope it still is. The woman is obsessed with history though, I'd be highly surprised if she doesn't still have it. She has a house on the other edge of town. Normally I wouldn't be too worried but if she knows anything about Rebecca by now she'll be readier for us than I'd like. she sighs.

Alice thought a moment, ”You know the only thing among those that could possibly be identified as 100% hers is the pistol. You could easily hide that among your effects for later use?” She nodded at Ian, ”Spainiards call it Guerrilla or Little warfare. Take the weapons and supplies of your enemy and use them against him. Penny remember that this woman is our enemy, in league with Lucipher’s minions. We are at war for we ‘fight not against flesh and blood but against Pricipalities of the Air,’ and at God’s command we are to dispatch those who are in league with the enemy. There is no sin here.”

'Yes, of course, I understand,' replied Penny, 'But I also know how the police will see it, and I just don't like being caught with stolen goods after an apparent murder... Well, we might find some purpose for these things.' she concluded, and was glad for the change of topic.

'Yes, it shall be difficult to trick her out of it now... First, I'd like to examine your half of the scroll, and see what it is we're looking for. Do you have it with you?' she asked of Tabitha. 'I'd be curious to know the era. Solomon's time, the Twenty-First Dynasty? Under the Persian Empire, or Ptolemaic rule?'

Ian takes the pistol if Penny wishes, looking amused at the disagreement and more than happy to have another weapon. You worry too much Penny. I know from experience, most detectives are nowhere near so good as you. If keeping this little trinket causes trouble later, I'll be the one to pay the consequences. Though I don't think anything would surprise me more! he chuckles. Eh, maybe I'll just hock it when we get outside of town. If you end up being right I'll never hear the end of it!


Then, Tabitha answers Penny's question, pulling a wooden tube out of her luggage which houses the scroll.

Yes, Solomon's time, the 21st dynasty. That's why I give it such credence. Uh I'm sure you know not to handle it with bare skin....right? She hands it over with hesitation, no doubt fearing for such a precious asset, but as she sees how careful the Englishwoman is, she visibly relaxes. The scroll itself is extremely worn but visible enough to make out the writing at least. Ian leans over Penny's shoulder, fascinated for about five seconds before determining he has absolutely no idea what he's looking at. As I've said, we'll have to get the other half of the scroll as soon as possible. I'm not entirely sure where she keeps it though so...a little duress may be necessary... she gives Alice an uncomfortable glance, no doubt thinking of her little murder spree.

Alice winked at the witch, knowing she would kill this woman when the time came.

Penny pulled on a pair of white cotton gloves and produced tweezers from her evidence kit. Thus equipped, she very carefully unfurled and examined the scroll, filled with trepidation and excitement at seeing something that dated back thousands of years and carried such monumental importance. Such opportunities very rarely came to one. 'Extraordinary!' she breathed, entirely focused on the scroll. She pored over the heiroglyphs, though the little images meant nothing to her – she only knew Ancient Greek and Latin. She did understand the significance of the star though – the Seal of Solomon, the ancient basis of the devil's trap. And the heiroglyphs within the cartouche surely stood for King Solomon's name.

'Have you translated this half?' she asked of Tabitha. It might be too much to hope that the vital clue was contained in this half alone, yet she had to be sure.

Alice looked at the scroll over Penny’s shoulder. She shrugged as she had no clue what it said.