'Thank you. I have always been more circumspect in my dealings – and perhaps much too careful and cautious as a result.' Penny conceded thoughtfully. Without Emma and Tabitha present, with whom she must guard her words, Penny was able to speak more freely. 'You were right to propose an aggressive stance with Magda, and I really must thank you. If not for your timely intervention, I might have been slain by one of her spells.'

Alison realized that Penny wasn’t just reaching out as colleague, but as a friend. This made Alice pause not just a moment but much longer. She went over and took Penny by the hand, an attempt to add physical contact which she hoped would help Penny understand that Alice felt of her like a sister not just a colleague or friend. ”Penny you aren’t just my friend, we are more like sisters. You know more about me than anybody except maybe my parents.” It was true, Penny knew her lineage, about her husband, and about the child she lost. She trusted Penny much more than she did other people. ”You and I have each other’s backs. I have a sense about people, I can track them, and I think I might have a little more in the social, but you my dear friend are brilliant. You fill in the gaps for me and I for you, I think that is why we make such a great team.”

She then gentle hugged Penny. When she pulled back she smiled, ”Now, I am rather excited to meet this professor. Join me? I might not have as good a read on this one, I tend to be...flighty...with men I’m attracted too.”

Surprised at Alice's kind words and unexpected contact, Penny was stiff as a board, especially when hugged, and stared dumbfounded into Alice's pretty eyes. Yet she smiled back at the other woman, never feeling more fond of her than in this moment. She wasn't nearly so comfortable or capable at sharing her feelings, which she knew hampered her friendships and more. 'Thank you, ah, that means much to me, Alice. I agree completely.' Penny murmured uncertainly, knowing it sounded terribly insufficient in comparison.

There was something else Penny wanted to raise with Alice, but she could hardly do so now, and Alice was focused on meeting this scholar with startling intensity. 'Crimwell? But you haven't even met the man!' she protested. To have Alice make eyes at Crimwell all through the expedition as she had with Delapore on the train would be too much of a distraction. 'Lily, please, talk her out of it!' Penny begged the Indian, laughing now at the absurdity.

CRIMWALL?! You have a spark for CRIMWALL?! Lily looks horrified. But you haven't even met him! Are you mad? Didn't you hear what I said about the saltines? Do you want cracker crumbs in your bed?

Lily! Victoria gasps at the implication, but then the native woman was never one to watch her tongue. She rolls her eyes but continues on in a slightly milder manner.

Well it's not like he'd say no if she wanted him. It would be such a win for him. Normal women run at the sound of his dry, crackery voice, Lily shudders. But even if you display your affection as virtuously as a nun, I tell you now, you'll STILL find crumbs in your bed. They get everywhere! she shakes her head, looking at Alice as though she'd gone mad. But I suppose if you play the sacrificial lamb at least then I won't have to talk to him... she considers.

Ian cuts in then. I'm more worried about Peter. If he tries anything Penny, you point me at him! I've thrashed him before and I can do it again. He'll try it too. I know he will. he growls with surprising anger. It's clear he's protective of the Englishwoman and Lily seems to notice this with a silent look of amusement, giving Penny a slight expression as if to say, "What do you think of that?"

ooc: Ok, go ahead and finish up conversation here and let me know what your plans are for the rest of the day. If you want to do anything in particular before you leave the next day I'll instigate it and we can go from there. Anywhere in the city or most places in headquarters are fair game. There are libraries, a cafeteria of sorts, supply rooms, weapons rooms, and even a common room where people seem to gather in between hunts to gather and drink.

Penny was uncharacteristically short of words, in fact, wondering if Ian's protectiveness was more than just gallantry, and more than just their friendship. But the suffragist in her was still ready to protest, and did. 'Ian, I hardly need you to, to ride to my rescue like some knight in shining armour.' she chided him firmly, but added with a playful twinkle in her eye 'But I shall not refuse you if you did, do not fear.' she assured him, patting his strong manly arm and surprised to find herself warmly intrigued by the touch and the notion of Ian as a brave knight coming to her aid... Her hand just a little too long to be just a pat, but she embarrassedly removed it all the same.


OOC: Sorry for that wait. I really can't think of anything in particular to do (whether from lack of ideas or tiredness, I don't know). Unless Alice has something else in mind, Penny will spend her time in research and preparation and getting some good sleep. :)

Alice wants to meet this Professor, and drag him out to paint the town red. It’s time off for her and she unwinds by letting her hair down, dancing, drinking, shooting billiards, shooting targets, etc... Being around her in off time would be a rollercoaster ride.

Alice unfortunately is unable to meet the professor quite yet. He seems to live off site and it will take a bit of time for him to be ready to leave. He's expected to arrive early the next morning though so you can set off together. Disappointed as you are though, Lily eagerly invites herself along for one last fling of madness before you go abroad and she asks if Ian can come too, which is amusing since she didn't even ask if SHE could go. If Penny is around she'll receive an amused invitation too, the native woman seemingly expecting her to decline and should she be wrong she'll be delighted. Should anyone proceed with Ian and Lily they find they are the perfect companions for such debauchery.

Ian knows all the best places and seems to know absolutely everyone judging from the way he's greeted. He looks so happy to be back that it's almost as though he's his old self again. Almost. The women try to hang off him, flirting furiously and from the way they talk they are all old standbys for him, but he merely returns friendly greetings, no more. Lily notices and as he goes to get another round asks about it, demanding to know what's happened to him. Should you choose to explain she'll go pale, quickly pasting a happy look on her face when he returns lest he suspect anything. Otherwise she'll hound you endlessly whenever she gets the chance.

ooc: Ok, if you decide to drink let's see how wasted you get ;P I looked up rules on intoxication and decided to simplify them. If you're a one and done kind of person then you're good to go. If you get sloshed then roll a fort save dc 25. If you succeed you are able to function the next day pretty much normally. If you are in the 20-25 range you'll have a headache and have a -1 to rolls. If you're in the 15-20 range you'll have a splitting headache and feel sick the next day and have a -2 to rolls, if you have a 10-15 range you'll be nauseated, stumbly, and make poor decisions the night before AND feel very sick etc the next day with a -3 to everything. If you get 6-10 you will be sick as a dog plus everything else and a -4 the next day for half the day. Anything less means you blacked out. It's not perfect but I'm in a hurry and it's easier for me than the current rules. Good luck!

Alice drank one Kongac and was done with the drinking part of the night. She didn’t need it to have fun. Her explaination to Lily was that Ian and Penny were trying to become an item, they weren’t one yet but they were trying. Alice just stood back and watched her new friend and Ian whom she knew well have fun. For her fun of this kind is more vicarious.

ooc: Alrighty Roo! Since Alice isn't getting wasted I'm going to go out on a limb and say Penny isn't either, therefore I'll move things ahead. Just wanted to make sure everyone was sober for the next day ;P Feel free to add anything you like Penny before moving on. Of course you may very well have slept through the whole thing...

Lily seems to buy Alice's explanation, giving a knowing nod and looking slightly amused the rest of the night.

The next morning comes fast and though a hang over is not a concern that day, the early hour still is unpleasant. For Alice though, she at least gets the excitement of meeting the long awaited Crimwall. You both meet the newcomers, and Lily and Ian of course, in the back half of the warehouse above the entrance to headquarters. Emma waits there too, Victoria at her side as if to watch her, though the middle aged woman doesn't give any indication of trying anything. Ian, looking a bit worse for the wear from the events of the night before, sits on a crate, shushing anyone who talks "too loud" which seems to be everyone at the rate he's protesting. Lily looks surprisingly well considering she should be even worse than Ian, but she seems as fresh as a daisy and even more cheerful, that is until she sees the dreaded professor....

Crimwall is exactly the sort of man one would imagine him to be, save perhaps slightly less plain than one would suppose. He's in his early forties with a fine full sandy mustache and thick, dark blond hair. He wears horn rimmed spectacles and is dressed in a tan uniform with riding boots and a broad straw hat. He's not especially handsome, but he's a little better than plain. Enough to draw Alice's eye perhaps but not many more would look at him twice. He has an enormous pack on his back that he's clearly struggling with, and he sets it down with a grunt. Ah! So you must be the misses Conner and Dreadful I've heard about! Lovely, lovely, Professor Crimwall, at your service! I think we'll have a wonderful little excursion don't you? Hopefully it won't be too troublesome...I'm more of a book man you know. Oh, do forgive me, I haven't breakfasted yet, would anyone care for a cracker? he starts digging into his pack. With his back turned and the way he's bent over, his rear is in perfect kicking range and Lily looks as though she's about to take advantage but Ian pulls her back.

Alice felt like a school girl that morning, butterflies in her stomach and such. She put on her best non-dress and her best hat and came down with her own pack. Crimwell is exactly what she had imagined, perhaps even more handsome than she had thought, and she went over to him right away. ”Yes, I am Mary-Alice Conner, please call me Alice.”  He mentioned not having eaten yet and now was the moment she was hoping for and she went into her own pack. She took out a small jar of crabapple jelly and a small jar of apple butter. ”I’ve heard you always have saltine crackers with you, I always have jam and butter. I’ll share if you will...” She grinned as this was both a way to draw him into her and an olive branch to Lily. If she could get him to eat something with his beloved crackers, perhaps they would be less loathsome to Lily and he might enjoy them and her company even more!

Penny spent the rest of the day in research – or at least tried to, as there seemed to be little more she could learn about the Ring, Key, and Seal of Solomon she hadn't learned already, even as she had the Ring itself in her closely guarded possession. If she could but unlock its powers...

At last, though, even she had to yawningly admit defeat, and finally surrender to Lily's invitation with a smile despite her shyness for such an affair. This quest might very well end in her death. Shouldn't she live a little first? She managed one – one – whole drink, even, being mindful of tomorrow's venture.

Yet, even on that, or perhaps the worry of their final expedition or the lateness of the hour, she awoke the next morning with a minor headache and sleepy air. She found it hard to concentrate, but her testiness was typical Penny.

She rose as their first fellow agent came in. 'Professor Crimwall, a pleasure to meet you.' she greeted him warmly, mostly trying to head off Alice, or more importantly, Lily. 'I read your monograph on, um, the writings of the Mad Arab Abdul Alhazred. I must say, it was quite an astonishing interpretation of his rejection of the Moslem faith, in favour of certain, uh, entities which shall remain unnamed.' Mostly because, at the present time, she could not quite recall their names.


OOC: :D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Alhazred

ooc: How funny, I've just been getting back into Lovecraft! I read one short collection of his works years ago and recently started listening to a podcast of narrators reading his stories aloud. It's a fabulous way to do dishes ;P

Crimwall looks delighted at Penny's appreciation of his work, obviously not having many appreciate such things and he laughs happily, clapping his hands together. You've read my work? How splendid! Yes, such a fascinating case right? Poor man was devoured by an invisible monster in broad daylight, so they say. But I suppose one must choose one's master wisely eh? he chuckles. Then, at Alice's introduction and offer of spreads, he looks stunned and then outright laughs. Oh my! How wonderful! I usually have them dry you see. It's such a perfect little morsel when one is peckish. I'm never without them. Some of my colleagues jest that when they need to find me they just follow the trail of cracker crumbs! I'm a bit lax on that I fear, he adds apologetically. Lily starts to say something to this but again, Ian silences her. He move toward Alice, already holding out his box of crackers and offering some to her. The only other problem with crackers of course is that they make one frightfully thirsty. It's quite a problem sometimes. I suppose it's not a very wise thing to bring to a desert but I can't help myself!

Oh stop your mouth Crimwall, surely a pretty young thing like that has better interests than your stupid crackers. a voice interrupts from across the room. A man of about thirty saunters in looking confident and sleazy all at once. He's handsome. Very handsome, though Ian maintains his edge over him simply for reason of the Scot's rugged, kind appeal. This must be Peter. He has dark blonde hair, slicked back and every inch of it in place. He's a pretty boy to be sure, with perfect features, gleaming white teeth and a suit so well tailored it couldn't fit him better if it were his skin. He sets down a large case carefully, dark eyes flicking to Penny and Alice both, seeming to take in their every detail within a moment. He ignores Emma and Lily completely and Ian he manages to give a quick sideways glance, the kind one would give a tiger crouched in the grass. He was wary of him. No. He was afraid. Peter Pembers at your service ladies. I hear we are to adventure together. What a pleasure that will be. His perfect white teeth spread into a grin that he seems to know is entrancing, though his knowledge of such ruins it.

No. I already can't do this. Lily declares.

Penny was about to speak more to Crimwall about academic matters, if only to avoid further cracker matters, when the man who surely had to be Peter came in, and quickly proved the others' low opinions of him. While there was nothing he had said or done to raise suspicions, Penny had learned to be a good reader of people (understanding them, however, was another matter). He was handsome, certainly, in a way even Penny could acknowledge, but he was too aware of it too, judging by the scrupulous attention paid to his appearance. Penny did not miss his glances to the others, nor his fear of Ian. He had no interest in Emma (too old) and Lily (too Indian). He only had interest in Alice (who only had eyes for Crimwall) and Penny herself (who would eventually prove far too boring). While he attempted to sound charming, his manner was too shallow and oily to be genuine, and his insult to Crimwall did not endear him. Nevertheless, they must work together for this mission. Now how could Penny possibly keep them working together?

'Patience, Lily.' she pleaded softly, and stepped forward, saying plainly 'Mister Pembers, it's good to have your assistance in this mission. Perhaps you could outline your skills and experience, to aid in future planning?'

Another man’s voice floated over to her, but it was aimed at Crimwell and it was insulting both to him and to her. Alice was not a “pretty little thing,” and her reaction to being called that was immediate. Her eyes widened and her whole body stiffened and tensed. Then her eyes became slits as in a single smooth motion she pivoted and then spun on her left heel and drew her right hand pistol. Her hands are the fast and practiced hands of a gunslinger, and her weapon seemed to just materialize out of thin air in her hand. The barrel was pointed at Peter’s nose. ”I hope I have your intent and undivided attention, Mister. I ain’t no flower, no pretty little thing, and I sure as hell ain’t your type. So I’m sayin’ this jest once, come at me, Penny, Lily, or hell even Emma with ANYTHING ‘sides respect, and I’ll make it so you sing supprano, you comprende muchacho?”

Jest is the word just said with a Texas drawl. Being pissed brings that out of her. Sing supprano means she’ll shoot his balls off, not necessarily fatal and an accurate threat from her. Alice don’t put up with no horseplay.

ooc: Ha! I got the hit of shooting his balls off right away! I'm so proud of myself! ;P

IC: Across the room Lily guffaws loudly and even Ian is grinning. Emma looks surprised and pleased to be included in Alice's list of protected and poor Victoria looks absolutely stressed. Peter's eyes narrow but he says nothing, merely turning away from the venomous woman and towards Penny. It's as though the rest of the room doesn't exist.

I'm from one of the longest lines of hunters anyone's ever seen. The Pembers have been there practically since Cain. We know all the tricks, all the tools, and more importantly, all the contacts. Just saying my name will get you hospitality throughout the world. So imagine what actually having me with you will do? Stick with me and I'll keep you safe. The smile is back again, his ego not to be bruised for long it seems. Apparently he'd just rather pretend Alice didn't exist.

Meanwhile Crimwell leans in towards Alice and speaks in a low voice. Goodness. You must forgive Mr. Pembers. He's rather used to having his own way. I personally don't care for his distastes towards learning and myself, but I admittedly do feel a great deal safer with him about. I'm sorry if he offended you my dear. He has an admiration for beauty that he has a...difficult time containing. It would seem you have methods of dealing with that though don't you? His mustache twitches in amusement.

Victoria cuts in then, looking exhausted and no doubt eager to be rid of you all. Alright, alright, I think you should be on your way soon don't you agree? Emma can contact me as needed to keep me appraised. She and I both have ways of communicating. I've equipped you with everything you should need, though you'll have to buy camels I think. I simply couldn't find such things in New York. Oh I've always wanted to ride a camel she sighs wistfully. Anyway, I will try to get you as close to Qumran as I can but no promises... she winces worriedly. I had plenty of water packed for you. Don't waste it.

We shall not, I assure you. Crimwall assures her. I'll even limit my cracker intake. Makes one so thirsty you know, he chuckles.

ooc: Ok, I'm going to send you now so any final thoughts/words, get em out now :)

Alice did the spin and back turn to holster her weapon. She grinned at Crimwell, "Indeed I do. I also have ways of handling men I'm fond of, perhaps if you are a good boy you'll find those out. Do try the jam and butter, always makes things better."

As for Penny, she was just alarmed by Alice's sudden eruption of gun-play and threats, risking ruining their expedition before it had even started. Whatever they thought of Peter, it was just wasn't the done thing! But it was, nevertheless, not unsatisfying for the suffragist. Perhaps there was something to be said about the American way of doing things. Sometimes, anyway.

Unfortunately, it just left Penny as Peter's sole target of attention. Ugh.

Before she could try to recover her command of the conversation, Victoria had mercifully taken over. 'That would be the salt.' she sighed to Crimwall, 'While you will need to maintain your salt levels, I advise cutting back on those things lest you dehydrate yourself.' She turned to Victoria, declaring 'We're ready.' After all, the sooner they left, the sooner they could be back.

Crimwall looks a bit startled by Alice's words, obviously not used to such attentions from women, and he blushes deeply. Thankfully for him, Victoria interrupts by gathering all of you around her. She mutters an incantation with a gesture at the brick wall, laden with symbols so complex they're dizzying, and soon it opens up, revealing a sea of sand on the other side. Good luck my friends, she says with a voice thick with guilt. After all, who would want to be sending their companions to such a dire place? Crimwall though, looks ecstatic and immediately walks through without hesitation, followed by the rest of you, albeit with a great deal less enthusiasm.

Soon you are through and the portal closes and you realize with a sinking feeling that you seem to be in the middle of nowhere. Just desert as far as the eye can see and the heat already beating down on you. I changed my mind. Take me back. Lily declares. You think she's joking but with the look on her face it's hard to tell. Emma looks no happier. Seconded. she mutters. Crimwall though, scoops up a handful of sand and tosses it in the air like a child. Oh isn't it magnificent!? he laughs. Peter watches with a sneer, careful not to let Alice see though. Well? Where to? Ian asks, already starting to load the supplies on his back with a tired look. The heat is already awful. Oh I have absolutely no idea! Crimwall shrugs, looking far too unconcerned. I'm a historian and archeologist, not a cartographer! As the sand swirls about your feet, you realize that perhaps this wasn't as well though out as you'd like. Indeed Peter immediately looks panicked, starting to grow angry. You have a feeling if it weren't for Alice's earlier threat, he'd be punching the mustached fellow repeatedly in the face by now. In fact, Lily looks close to doing so herself.

ooc: Roll survival checks, or anything you have remotely like it please :)

Alice shrugged and gave a “don’t look at me” expression.

13:19, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Survival.

'Oh, how I miss the Devonshire moors.' Penny sighed wistfully of a place the others most likely remembered as a world of constant rain, cold, and mud. She surveyed the endless expanse of desert around her, feeling the heat beat down on her already, and especially uncomfortably in her snug, many-layered dress. 'I'd rather hoped to arrive in Jerusalem and journey out to Qumran on camel-back. Still, we are here now. Let us approach the problem in a practical manner... Assuming we arrived reasonably close to our intended destination, the Dead Sea must be in the area. If we find it, we can compare to our map and then find our way.' She wasn't remotely sure if this really was a practical and effective approach, but in a situation like this it was better to sound confident and show leadership, she supposed.

She began to scan the hot sandy ground around them, looking for prints and trails. She might find a print or two, but it would take an expert to find a trail. 'Lily, you are adept in Indian tracking techniques, are you not? I remember you trying to teach me some, but to no great success just yet... Does anything stand out to you?'


OOC:
Search 28, Survival 17, Knowledge (Earth & Life Sciences) 20

Lily frowns at Penny's question, her pretty face melting into a scowl. I've never tracked in sand before. Everything looks the same! But...I'll try. She begins to examine the ground, finding the same tracks and things as Lily and eventually more. It takes her a bit of wandering to find anything, and at one point Penny points out a possible trail to her and she gives a half irritated, half thankful glare before thankfully picking up on it, following it with increasing expertise the farther she goes along.

Looks like she's getting the hang of it, Ian gives a grateful grin as you follow her. Poor Emma looks sweaty and exhausted already. It takes a full three hours of walking before you manage to find civilization. An encampment, with dozens of wide, stretched out tents gathered together, the sounds of children playing and people talking in strange tongues buzz through the air. A surprising amount of camels appear in makeshift pens, and robed people tend to them, impossible to make out at this distance. Crimwall sees all this and gives a whoop of excitement. Oh my! I think I'm a touch nervous! Alright, alright, what should I say to them? What's our excuse for being out here? We can hardly tell them who we are, very superstitious you know. Wouldn't be smart. Do I look alright? Who's going with me? We shouldn't all go, it might spook them. Should I go alone? Oh, but that would be even more intimidating...but most importantly, what should I say?!

Alice got in front of Crimwell and fussed over him, straightening his appearance, smoothing his mustache (and removing any crumbs), brushing his lapels, etc. ”I will go with you. Stand up straight, speak from your diaphragm. Introduce yourself and ask for hospitality. In this culture when one asks for hospitality it must be granted and no one can harm anyone else.” She took off her gun belts and shotgun scabbard and handed them all to Ian. ”I’ll be back for those. Penny, we could use your keen eyes. Please let the Professor and I do the talking, ok? It is important that we make a very good impression, not that you make a bad one. I just think we are better served with you using those powers of perception to give us an edge, ok?” She nodded and took Crimwell’s arm. ”I am your fiancé and Penny is either your sister or mine. Everyone ready? Lets go.”

Penny nodded in agreement to Ian, and set off after Lily, enduring the desert sun with the stoic stiff-upper-lip attitude beloved of the British. Besides, used to all that rain and cold, she remarked glibly 'You know, once you get used to the heat, it's actually quite bracing.'

After three hours of it, however, she was no longer so enthusiastic.

'Yes, of course.' she agreed hoarsely with Alice, unable to do much talking at all now, with her mouth so parched. 'But what will you say? That bandits stole our camels?'

Alice said, "Let's just keep it vague and truthful. We are travelers, we were with a larger group and got separated from our guide. We need directions. See. The best lies, my dear Penny, are the ones that are entirely true." She winked at her companion as if to say "just between us girls."

Peter rolls his eyes at Alice's decision to pose as Crimwall's fiance, carefully doing so behind her back, and shakes his head. He clearly does not see what she sees in the man. For that matter, poor Crimwall looks quite taken aback himself, looking flustered and turning red from more than the sweltering sun. It's obvious that his interactions with women are limited.

At last the professor deems himself ready, and he gestures for both of you to follow, the others staying an un-threatening distance behind. The children are the first to approach, running towards you with excitement, tugging on your skirts and looking up at you as they talk a mile a minute, all in Arabic of course. Criwmall grins at them, looking a great deal less nervous at such a greeting, and even speaks to them in their own language, which sets them off with a buzz of delight and energy. Soon four men approach, heads wrapped in scarves, traditional robes flapping in the desert breeze. They give bows of greeting and Crimwall does the same, launching into a lengthy conversation in Arabic, gesturing towards the both of you and then back at the rest of your party. A great deal of nodding and gesturing litter the conversation as well and at last Crimwall turns and speaks to you in English. Did you hear that!? He said I speak like a native! Oh wait until the fellows back home hear! he laughs with glee. We're all set. They're going to prepare tents and camels for us but we must stay with them a day or two first you know. It's rude to reject their hospitality. If they offer you gifts, and they will, you must accept them with the utmost graciousness. It's very important. Now, our destination is still a day or so away but he said they can send a guide with us to see us safely there. A big strike of luck I'd say eh?


ooc: Ok, so I'm going to somewhat skim your stay a bit here, but only a bit. So I'd like some general things from you such as spot and listen checks in case I need them and also a general ride check to see how hard it is for you to learn to ride a camel etc. Also, he went with Penny being his cousin, since the accents are different and it's more believable than being a sister.
Sorry, I'm in a bit of a rush so I will post more next time! Gotta love a holiday week...