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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4659227" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Two, “Passengers on the First Train”, September 1st, 1882, 10:30 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Mina looks towards her three companions and states; “I am so glad that the three of you were able to join me for this trip. James promises that Florida should be an interesting adventure for us all.” Her Granddaughter exclaims, "Oh Nana, we are so happy that you and James invited us along!" Ruby stood and stretched, her long legs were cramped in the small space but she didn't care, she was too happy to complain about anything right now. She stepped into the aisle and paced back and forth, her long red hair bobbing up and down on her shoulder as she bounced around. </p><p></p><p>"I've always wanted to have a GOOD adventure, not some 'crazy outlaws are chasing you and want to kill you in the dusty desert' kind of adventure either. Or 'your Saloon competitor constantly trying to ruin you and kill you' adventure." She looked at her elvan companion Nanuet and smiled though her nose wrinkled, "Or 'creatures of the night wanting to suck the life out of you and keep you for eternity' adventure." It was at that moment she realized she was in a crowded train car and was getting strange looks at her last comments. She continued loudly, "Or SO I'VE READ ANYWAY."</p><p></p><p>A laugh escaped her full lips and her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief she continued her blabbing. "A REAL adventure! With all my favorite people in the world here! Well, except a few..." She was momentarily lost in her fantasies as she wondered how Kate was doing overseas... how Mr. Gonzales was faring with his wizarding studies... or Dorita and Pedro were doing in the Cantina now that the town had different people in charge... how Chester was managing as Marshal of Promise City... how Jane and Richard and Red were back at their Meeting Hall in Tucson... her mother and new husband and young brother were getting on as a family back in Baltimore. </p><p></p><p>But as much as she missed her friends her heart was 100% here, with one of her best friends, her beloved grandmother and her much loved fiancé on their way to a new adventure. She practically squealed, "I am just so excited. Are we almost there yet?" </p><p></p><p>She stopped pacing and plopped down in the seat next to George, taking his hand in hers. "I'm especially happy you decided to join us," she said as she smiled widely at him, with that special smile she had just for him. "It would have been very difficult to participate in this without you, I would have been missing you and longing for you so much, I don't know that I could have done it. Or wanted to." After a long moment of staring at him giddily she slowly pulled her stare away. "And of course Nanuet, who has to come along because SOMEONE needs to save my butt all the time!" She giggled at that thought, even though it was true.</p><p></p><p>George smiled back at Ruby. "I would not have missed it my dear Constance. In truth, though I still have many ideas for development in the lab, I have missed the excitement of the travels of my younger days. And the opportunity to experience that with you was too great to pass up." he says as he pats her hand again. George puts away his pen and journal where he had been taking notes of the journey and recording notes for the lab. He then stood up and stretched himself and walked a few steps in the aisle. He was getting anxious as well, though he was more calm than Ruby.</p><p></p><p>Ruby asks, "So Nana, NOW are you going to share some details? I mean, we're soooo close!" "I am honored to be invited to accompany you Mrs. Parker" Nanuet said as he continued to fidget in his seat. Being used to being outdoors and uncomfortable in the confined space Nanuet had kept to himself most of the trip. He was glad that the trip was nearing the end and was interested to see what this land of Florida would be like. He watched Ruby pace and shook his head wondering to himself how may times before had he seen her do the same thing. He smiled at the comment about having to save Ruby's butt and thought about the adventures they had experienced together. </p><p></p><p>Mrs. Parker replies, "Nanuet, James was very impressed by your dedication last June to rid the world of that awful undead creature which was after my Granddaughter. If you had not been directly involved I fear that neither Ruby nor I would be alive today. You have earned yourself a place in this new Guild of his." Nanuet's expression didn't change at Mina's explanation but he did say, "I was just doing what I thought had to be done. Thank you for thinking so highly of me though, it does have much meaning for me. I'd be interested in hearing some details myself", Nanuet said as he turned his head back to Mina and then to the window watching the landscape fly past. </p><p></p><p>Wilamina Parker smiles at Ruby. There was a strong resemblance between the two women, with the same vibrant red hair of which Mina's only showed a few white strands intermixed. Looking to be in her mid-to-late-fifties any observer would automatically assume them to be mother and daughter, rather than there being a generation in between. And a mother and daughter relationship also well describes the bond that has grown between these two during the last ten weeks since they have been reunited. </p><p></p><p>With a smile she says, "I don't want to give away all of James's secrets, he's put a lot of energy and effort into this. I can tell you this, he is assembling an archeology team to investigate the mysteries of one of the very first European settlements in North America." Looking to George and Nanuet as well she adds, "And he plans to offer each of you membership in a new Guild that he is forming, for world explorers, scientists and scholars." </p><p></p><p>Ruby practically squealed, "That's SO exciting!!! Both parts but mostly of the world travel part. Oh Nana, tell me we're going to be able to go around the world!! George, I have ALWAYS wanted to travel all over! We can have so many fun adventures!" Mina says, "Relax Ruby, I honestly don't know that we're going anywhere soon other than Florida.” </p><p></p><p>"Mrs. Parker, this guild that is being assembled, what is the goal of it?" asks George. She replies, "It has two goals, one academic and one commercial. It has been formally incorporated in the State of New York and a total of eight offices are being established upon four continents. The commercial goal will be to provide ongoing funding for the academic side, while simultaneously bringing opportunities to the indigenous populations of each region. The academic goal will be world exploration and the expansion of knowledge..." She then lowers her voice and whispers so softly that only the four of them can hear..."knowledge of magic, both wizard and clerical in nature." </p><p></p><p>Mina says, “The commercial part of the business will be primarily the transportation of local agricultural products. That might not be so exciting unless your idea of fun is spending a month or two on a slow moving freighter filled with bananas and oranges. The academic mystery solving will probably be far more to your liking." Ruby crinkled her nose. "No, no riding with bananas and oranges for me. But anything academic probably isn't for me either, you know I'm not all that smart." </p><p></p><p>Ruby’s grin was so wide her face hurt. "I can't wait to get started." Looking out the window Mina says, "It will be soon Ruby, we just crossed over the Satilla River Bridge. We're almost to Florida now." Looking back towards George she says, "You may be able to offer some suggestions regarding the commercial side, but it is the academic side that he is hoping you will join Mr. Eastman." He replies, "I shall serve where ever my talents are put to best use. This new, association has lofty, but admirable goals. I am honored to contribute towards the alleviation of suffering among my fellow man." Mina replies, "I believe that you will be able to contribute much to his endeavor, including documentation of our findings using photography. James is very anxious to meet you." </p><p></p><p>Ruby sighed, "Well, I have never been to Florida and while it may not be as exotic as India or Turkey it's still somewhere new, and that will be exciting in it's own right. If we don't get to travel I'll just have to get my wonderful fiancé to take me somewhere fabulous on our honeymoon." She gave him the big puppy dog eyes and smiled, she knew he would take her anywhere she wanted to go. </p><p></p><p>George raised an eyebrow at Ruby's cloying display, but his faced softened and he smiled "Of course Constance. Where ever you wish. Do you wish to see Istanbul then? Or the sub-continent?" asks George taking Ruby's hand in his. Ruby's eyebrows furrowed together. "Sub-continent? What is that? I do want to see Turkey..." "The sub-continent refers to the British holdings in south Asia, India and its environs. An area large enough and due to mountain ranges, isolated enough to nearly be a continent on its own." explains George patiently.</p><p></p><p>Mina laughs and says, "Funny that you should mention both Turkey and honeymoon in the same breath. Istanbul Turkey is where James and I married and honeymooned, on Sunday it will be four-and-a-half years. Now that is an interesting tale of world adventure. James had been asked to go to Istanbul by his friend Secretary of State William M. Evart, to help ensure that the treaty negotiations to end the Russo-Turkish War went smoothly. The United States officially wasn't directly involved, but Evart was an old family friend from Massachusetts. </p><p></p><p>So James brought myself and several others along, two of whom you will meet later today, to discretely help ensure the safety and security of the negotiations. As it turned out, both the Ottoman Empire and Russia had hired assassins to murder their rival diplomats. We spent six-weeks stopping one assassination plot after another, unbeknownst to any of the diplomats present, and the treaty was eventually settled upon. </p><p></p><p>During the mission as part of our cover James and I had pretended to be a married couple, a ruse that we had used in the past, although our relationship was actually purely professional and platonic. But unlike the previous times, neither of us was married to anybody else then. So at our team's end-of-mission party to celebrate the successfully treaty signing he got down on his knee and proposed, saying that he had become comfortable with the idea of us as a couple. I was still in shock and contemplating a response when our mischievous friend Roy managed to round up a preacher and within minutes of my agreeing we were wed." </p><p></p><p>"Nana! You had a sort of shot gun wedding!" Ruby laughed, "That is a great story, you are full of surprises. But it's actually very romantic, the thought of wanting to be together and just... doing it right then because you couldn't bare to wait. Yes, that is totally dreamy..." Mina gives Ruby a wide smile and says, "Yes, and for the most part it has been an excellent marriage, better than the previous marriages for either one of us."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet also listens to Ruby and her desire for excitement and travel. "Ruby, will there ever be enough excitement for you? I fear not. And as for traveling to new and exciting places there is still so much even in the local area around Promise City to learn and understand. I guess I'll never understand the human desire to flit about from one thing to the next so quickly." </p><p></p><p>Turning to her elvan friend Ruby says, "Well Nanuet, no, there will never be enough fun and HAPPY excitement for me! I detest being bored, you know that. Imagine every day doing the same thing day in and day out, always knowing what to expect? Like just being a dull and lifeless housewife and mother?" She shivers and throws her hands in the air exasperatedly. "I would just die! As for Promise City, it's all dirt and dust and miners and more dirt. What's there to know?"</p><p></p><p>In response to Nanuet's quip, George smiles "I am hoping to break Constance of her old habits. Though I may have only ephemeral results." laughs George. Ruby blushed hard, times like this when George used words that were out of her league embarrassed her and the last thing she wanted was to look stupid around George. She stuttered out, "What does epm-ehe-ephemeral mean?" George took Ruby's hand in his. "It means passing or fading. Like the beauty of all other women aside from you." says George earnestly. Looking over at Mrs.' Parker he quickly adds "And of those she is descended from" with a small bow.</p><p></p><p>"As for Istanbul, I don't speak Turkish, but I know enough Arabic to get along well enough. I will need to brush up on my Hindi if you want to see India. I should look up that Englishman, Richard Burton. He was quite well versed in Hindi and knows the continent well. I have heard he is in Trieste these days I may have to look him up if we get over to Europe." </p><p></p><p>Ruby let her embarrassment fade away for a moment before she spoke again. "Is this Burton fellow a friend of yours? And, do you plan on bringing him along on our honeymoon? Because, you know, I have some plans for that and they require us being alone." Her lips formed into a grin again, "Mostly." "Where is Trieste? I think you may have to do the planning and surprise me, since you know your geography so well."</p><p></p><p>"Trieste is in the Austro-Hungarian Empire my dear, over in Europe. But I do not know Sir Burton, but you have given me a wonderful idea. I shall start a correspondence with him, ask him about his travels and for suggestions with Hindi, for a future trip to India. Thank you Constance." George said as he kissed Ruby before pulling out his notebook again and began making a few notes about his plans. </p><p></p><p>Ruby watched George make some notes, giving him a moment to write. Then she squeezed his hand and bounced in her seat, "Oh George! You're going to take me all over Europe! Do you promise? That would be so wonderful!" She was practically squealing, anyone who knew Ruby knew her dream, well one of them, was to travel. "And you know all about the world so we would just have the most wonderful time ever!" </p><p></p><p>Nanuet remained quiet and listened to the others converse. He was glad that Ruby had asked the question regarding George's use of tricky words to save him the embarrassment of having to do so. The time spent in Promise City and traveling with Ruby and the others had helped his understanding of the white man's world but he still lacked the social refinement of some of his new companions. "How much longer until we're there. I really need to get some fresh air." </p><p></p><p>"Poor Nanuet," Ruby leaned forward and patted his hand, most likely giving him a pleasant view down her low cut dress he would blush at, "It's the hardest for you being stuck in here, in this stuffy, cramped place. And poor Maska, riding invisible in the back, alone, in the freight cars. He must be even more miserable. I reckon we'll all need to stretch our legs when we get out. This is really the slow way to travel, compared to other more convenient ways that is. Though that last train wasn't too terrible, nicer than most places I've lived in the past four years."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet gave Ruby's hand a gentle squeeze before she withdrew it. "A home is what you make of it Ruby, what makes things comfortable is not always the material things but the spiritual ones as well. Yes, Maska and I are both uncomfortable but not terribly so and I wouldn't want to miss out on this. Besides like you said, somebody has to be there to keep an eye on you or as I have heard the expression, 'save your bacon.'" </p><p></p><p>Ruby giggled at that. "Bacon is quite delicious so I daresay worth saving! You're such a good friend Nanuet. Besides, you elves have so much time to do things, why shouldn't you travel and see the world? In the course of your life, this will be just a moment for you." She looked at him a little jealously for a moment before smiling at him again. </p><p></p><p>He replies, "Yes Ruby we are a long lived race and could potentially see much of the world but to truly learn from your surroundings I feel you must completely immerse yourself in them and that is a lengthy process. Also, and I say this with as much love as I can, spending time with you has certainly taken a year or two off my life!" Nanuet couldn't help but smile at Ruby as he said the last part. </p><p></p><p>Ruby's mouth open and shut, open and shut as she stared at the elf before her. He had just managed to do something no one else had, at least not easily, and that was leave her speechless. Finally she gulped and spoke slowly. "Well... I hope that isn't a... bad thing...?" She looked at him like a child who was guilty over being caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Without looking up from his notes George added dryly "Don't worry my dear he has more than enough to spare." </p><p></p><p>"George!" she gave him a playful smack but with a horrified look on her face. "That's not nice." She tried to keep a straight face but giggled anyway. She knew Nanuet would have a sense of humor about George's attempt at humor. Nanuet laughed lightly and nodded at George after he made his comment. "True enough, true enough. And Ruby, I hope you know me well enough to know that I meant that in good fun and as a good thing. I have experienced more in the time I have known you than I have in the rest of my life combined. I wouldn't trade it for anything either." </p><p></p><p>"Of course I do Nanuet and I know you were only teasing me. That sense of humor of yours is coming around nicely." The grin on her face faded but only a little. "Yes, we certainly have been through some times, good and bad alike. I don't think most people would believe us if we told them our adventures together. But friends stay true and you and I shall be lifelong friends. And when I am old and wrinkled and you are still young and handsome you will lie to me and tell me I am the most beautiful woman in the world because you are such a good friend. Right?" </p><p></p><p>George looks up and takes Ruby's hand "I will always tell you that you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and it will never be a lie Constance." says George with a smile. Ruby smiled lovingly at the handsome man besides her before leaning into him and kissing him warmly on the lips with just a little too much passion for public displays of affection. "You're so sweet baby," Ruby cooed at him as she gazed into his eyes. George gazed back into the eyes of the woman he loved, had always loved. He leaned his forehead against Ruby's and held her hand in his. "I just tell the truth Constance." George replied kissing Ruby back. "Well good. I enjoy the truth. When it's good anyway. When it's not, feel free to lie." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. Beauty has nothing to do with wrinkles. Beauty is so much deeper than that. You have always been a pretty girl, and I have little doubt that years from now your beauty will be a wonder to behold." She gazed at her friend for some time and wondered how well he knew her - how she had actually considered what it would be like to always be 18 years old and beautiful for eternity. She hadn't let herself think on it too much, the thought that she pondered it for a moment - a long moment- was enough to make her shudder. </p><p></p><p>"Nanuet you are very sweet but you are so different from me. After all, without my ravishingly good looks what would I have? Besides my sweet voice? And my future husband's money?" She stared at him for a long moment besides bursting into laughter. Nanuet always, always made her laugh. "Thank you for the compliment my friend. Your unique way of thinking of things is very helpful." He says, "One as confident as you Ruby, I am surprised you feel you have nothing to offer the world besides your looks and charms. I have a feeling your contributions to society will far outweigh what your expectations are." </p><p></p><p>George had his head in his notebook as Ruby spoke, pausing to add an emphatic yes at key places and offer a reassuring smile. His head was in two places, his work and with Ruby. He was learning to balance those together. Constance had certainly changed his life very quickly the last few months. Yet his work was as much a passion for him as Constance was, not that she enjoyed sharing any of his time or attention. Still she viewed it as a necessary evil. Still George was excited. He had been cooped up in his lab a long time, and it had been ages since he had gotten out for some excitement. And this was something he could sink his teeth into, this guild business.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 4659227, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Two, “Passengers on the First Train”, September 1st, 1882, 10:30 A.M.[/B] Mina looks towards her three companions and states; “I am so glad that the three of you were able to join me for this trip. James promises that Florida should be an interesting adventure for us all.” Her Granddaughter exclaims, "Oh Nana, we are so happy that you and James invited us along!" Ruby stood and stretched, her long legs were cramped in the small space but she didn't care, she was too happy to complain about anything right now. She stepped into the aisle and paced back and forth, her long red hair bobbing up and down on her shoulder as she bounced around. "I've always wanted to have a GOOD adventure, not some 'crazy outlaws are chasing you and want to kill you in the dusty desert' kind of adventure either. Or 'your Saloon competitor constantly trying to ruin you and kill you' adventure." She looked at her elvan companion Nanuet and smiled though her nose wrinkled, "Or 'creatures of the night wanting to suck the life out of you and keep you for eternity' adventure." It was at that moment she realized she was in a crowded train car and was getting strange looks at her last comments. She continued loudly, "Or SO I'VE READ ANYWAY." A laugh escaped her full lips and her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief she continued her blabbing. "A REAL adventure! With all my favorite people in the world here! Well, except a few..." She was momentarily lost in her fantasies as she wondered how Kate was doing overseas... how Mr. Gonzales was faring with his wizarding studies... or Dorita and Pedro were doing in the Cantina now that the town had different people in charge... how Chester was managing as Marshal of Promise City... how Jane and Richard and Red were back at their Meeting Hall in Tucson... her mother and new husband and young brother were getting on as a family back in Baltimore. But as much as she missed her friends her heart was 100% here, with one of her best friends, her beloved grandmother and her much loved fiancé on their way to a new adventure. She practically squealed, "I am just so excited. Are we almost there yet?" She stopped pacing and plopped down in the seat next to George, taking his hand in hers. "I'm especially happy you decided to join us," she said as she smiled widely at him, with that special smile she had just for him. "It would have been very difficult to participate in this without you, I would have been missing you and longing for you so much, I don't know that I could have done it. Or wanted to." After a long moment of staring at him giddily she slowly pulled her stare away. "And of course Nanuet, who has to come along because SOMEONE needs to save my butt all the time!" She giggled at that thought, even though it was true. George smiled back at Ruby. "I would not have missed it my dear Constance. In truth, though I still have many ideas for development in the lab, I have missed the excitement of the travels of my younger days. And the opportunity to experience that with you was too great to pass up." he says as he pats her hand again. George puts away his pen and journal where he had been taking notes of the journey and recording notes for the lab. He then stood up and stretched himself and walked a few steps in the aisle. He was getting anxious as well, though he was more calm than Ruby. Ruby asks, "So Nana, NOW are you going to share some details? I mean, we're soooo close!" "I am honored to be invited to accompany you Mrs. Parker" Nanuet said as he continued to fidget in his seat. Being used to being outdoors and uncomfortable in the confined space Nanuet had kept to himself most of the trip. He was glad that the trip was nearing the end and was interested to see what this land of Florida would be like. He watched Ruby pace and shook his head wondering to himself how may times before had he seen her do the same thing. He smiled at the comment about having to save Ruby's butt and thought about the adventures they had experienced together. Mrs. Parker replies, "Nanuet, James was very impressed by your dedication last June to rid the world of that awful undead creature which was after my Granddaughter. If you had not been directly involved I fear that neither Ruby nor I would be alive today. You have earned yourself a place in this new Guild of his." Nanuet's expression didn't change at Mina's explanation but he did say, "I was just doing what I thought had to be done. Thank you for thinking so highly of me though, it does have much meaning for me. I'd be interested in hearing some details myself", Nanuet said as he turned his head back to Mina and then to the window watching the landscape fly past. Wilamina Parker smiles at Ruby. There was a strong resemblance between the two women, with the same vibrant red hair of which Mina's only showed a few white strands intermixed. Looking to be in her mid-to-late-fifties any observer would automatically assume them to be mother and daughter, rather than there being a generation in between. And a mother and daughter relationship also well describes the bond that has grown between these two during the last ten weeks since they have been reunited. With a smile she says, "I don't want to give away all of James's secrets, he's put a lot of energy and effort into this. I can tell you this, he is assembling an archeology team to investigate the mysteries of one of the very first European settlements in North America." Looking to George and Nanuet as well she adds, "And he plans to offer each of you membership in a new Guild that he is forming, for world explorers, scientists and scholars." Ruby practically squealed, "That's SO exciting!!! Both parts but mostly of the world travel part. Oh Nana, tell me we're going to be able to go around the world!! George, I have ALWAYS wanted to travel all over! We can have so many fun adventures!" Mina says, "Relax Ruby, I honestly don't know that we're going anywhere soon other than Florida.” "Mrs. Parker, this guild that is being assembled, what is the goal of it?" asks George. She replies, "It has two goals, one academic and one commercial. It has been formally incorporated in the State of New York and a total of eight offices are being established upon four continents. The commercial goal will be to provide ongoing funding for the academic side, while simultaneously bringing opportunities to the indigenous populations of each region. The academic goal will be world exploration and the expansion of knowledge..." She then lowers her voice and whispers so softly that only the four of them can hear..."knowledge of magic, both wizard and clerical in nature." Mina says, “The commercial part of the business will be primarily the transportation of local agricultural products. That might not be so exciting unless your idea of fun is spending a month or two on a slow moving freighter filled with bananas and oranges. The academic mystery solving will probably be far more to your liking." Ruby crinkled her nose. "No, no riding with bananas and oranges for me. But anything academic probably isn't for me either, you know I'm not all that smart." Ruby’s grin was so wide her face hurt. "I can't wait to get started." Looking out the window Mina says, "It will be soon Ruby, we just crossed over the Satilla River Bridge. We're almost to Florida now." Looking back towards George she says, "You may be able to offer some suggestions regarding the commercial side, but it is the academic side that he is hoping you will join Mr. Eastman." He replies, "I shall serve where ever my talents are put to best use. This new, association has lofty, but admirable goals. I am honored to contribute towards the alleviation of suffering among my fellow man." Mina replies, "I believe that you will be able to contribute much to his endeavor, including documentation of our findings using photography. James is very anxious to meet you." Ruby sighed, "Well, I have never been to Florida and while it may not be as exotic as India or Turkey it's still somewhere new, and that will be exciting in it's own right. If we don't get to travel I'll just have to get my wonderful fiancé to take me somewhere fabulous on our honeymoon." She gave him the big puppy dog eyes and smiled, she knew he would take her anywhere she wanted to go. George raised an eyebrow at Ruby's cloying display, but his faced softened and he smiled "Of course Constance. Where ever you wish. Do you wish to see Istanbul then? Or the sub-continent?" asks George taking Ruby's hand in his. Ruby's eyebrows furrowed together. "Sub-continent? What is that? I do want to see Turkey..." "The sub-continent refers to the British holdings in south Asia, India and its environs. An area large enough and due to mountain ranges, isolated enough to nearly be a continent on its own." explains George patiently. Mina laughs and says, "Funny that you should mention both Turkey and honeymoon in the same breath. Istanbul Turkey is where James and I married and honeymooned, on Sunday it will be four-and-a-half years. Now that is an interesting tale of world adventure. James had been asked to go to Istanbul by his friend Secretary of State William M. Evart, to help ensure that the treaty negotiations to end the Russo-Turkish War went smoothly. The United States officially wasn't directly involved, but Evart was an old family friend from Massachusetts. So James brought myself and several others along, two of whom you will meet later today, to discretely help ensure the safety and security of the negotiations. As it turned out, both the Ottoman Empire and Russia had hired assassins to murder their rival diplomats. We spent six-weeks stopping one assassination plot after another, unbeknownst to any of the diplomats present, and the treaty was eventually settled upon. During the mission as part of our cover James and I had pretended to be a married couple, a ruse that we had used in the past, although our relationship was actually purely professional and platonic. But unlike the previous times, neither of us was married to anybody else then. So at our team's end-of-mission party to celebrate the successfully treaty signing he got down on his knee and proposed, saying that he had become comfortable with the idea of us as a couple. I was still in shock and contemplating a response when our mischievous friend Roy managed to round up a preacher and within minutes of my agreeing we were wed." "Nana! You had a sort of shot gun wedding!" Ruby laughed, "That is a great story, you are full of surprises. But it's actually very romantic, the thought of wanting to be together and just... doing it right then because you couldn't bare to wait. Yes, that is totally dreamy..." Mina gives Ruby a wide smile and says, "Yes, and for the most part it has been an excellent marriage, better than the previous marriages for either one of us." Nanuet also listens to Ruby and her desire for excitement and travel. "Ruby, will there ever be enough excitement for you? I fear not. And as for traveling to new and exciting places there is still so much even in the local area around Promise City to learn and understand. I guess I'll never understand the human desire to flit about from one thing to the next so quickly." Turning to her elvan friend Ruby says, "Well Nanuet, no, there will never be enough fun and HAPPY excitement for me! I detest being bored, you know that. Imagine every day doing the same thing day in and day out, always knowing what to expect? Like just being a dull and lifeless housewife and mother?" She shivers and throws her hands in the air exasperatedly. "I would just die! As for Promise City, it's all dirt and dust and miners and more dirt. What's there to know?" In response to Nanuet's quip, George smiles "I am hoping to break Constance of her old habits. Though I may have only ephemeral results." laughs George. Ruby blushed hard, times like this when George used words that were out of her league embarrassed her and the last thing she wanted was to look stupid around George. She stuttered out, "What does epm-ehe-ephemeral mean?" George took Ruby's hand in his. "It means passing or fading. Like the beauty of all other women aside from you." says George earnestly. Looking over at Mrs.' Parker he quickly adds "And of those she is descended from" with a small bow. "As for Istanbul, I don't speak Turkish, but I know enough Arabic to get along well enough. I will need to brush up on my Hindi if you want to see India. I should look up that Englishman, Richard Burton. He was quite well versed in Hindi and knows the continent well. I have heard he is in Trieste these days I may have to look him up if we get over to Europe." Ruby let her embarrassment fade away for a moment before she spoke again. "Is this Burton fellow a friend of yours? And, do you plan on bringing him along on our honeymoon? Because, you know, I have some plans for that and they require us being alone." Her lips formed into a grin again, "Mostly." "Where is Trieste? I think you may have to do the planning and surprise me, since you know your geography so well." "Trieste is in the Austro-Hungarian Empire my dear, over in Europe. But I do not know Sir Burton, but you have given me a wonderful idea. I shall start a correspondence with him, ask him about his travels and for suggestions with Hindi, for a future trip to India. Thank you Constance." George said as he kissed Ruby before pulling out his notebook again and began making a few notes about his plans. Ruby watched George make some notes, giving him a moment to write. Then she squeezed his hand and bounced in her seat, "Oh George! You're going to take me all over Europe! Do you promise? That would be so wonderful!" She was practically squealing, anyone who knew Ruby knew her dream, well one of them, was to travel. "And you know all about the world so we would just have the most wonderful time ever!" Nanuet remained quiet and listened to the others converse. He was glad that Ruby had asked the question regarding George's use of tricky words to save him the embarrassment of having to do so. The time spent in Promise City and traveling with Ruby and the others had helped his understanding of the white man's world but he still lacked the social refinement of some of his new companions. "How much longer until we're there. I really need to get some fresh air." "Poor Nanuet," Ruby leaned forward and patted his hand, most likely giving him a pleasant view down her low cut dress he would blush at, "It's the hardest for you being stuck in here, in this stuffy, cramped place. And poor Maska, riding invisible in the back, alone, in the freight cars. He must be even more miserable. I reckon we'll all need to stretch our legs when we get out. This is really the slow way to travel, compared to other more convenient ways that is. Though that last train wasn't too terrible, nicer than most places I've lived in the past four years." Nanuet gave Ruby's hand a gentle squeeze before she withdrew it. "A home is what you make of it Ruby, what makes things comfortable is not always the material things but the spiritual ones as well. Yes, Maska and I are both uncomfortable but not terribly so and I wouldn't want to miss out on this. Besides like you said, somebody has to be there to keep an eye on you or as I have heard the expression, 'save your bacon.'" Ruby giggled at that. "Bacon is quite delicious so I daresay worth saving! You're such a good friend Nanuet. Besides, you elves have so much time to do things, why shouldn't you travel and see the world? In the course of your life, this will be just a moment for you." She looked at him a little jealously for a moment before smiling at him again. He replies, "Yes Ruby we are a long lived race and could potentially see much of the world but to truly learn from your surroundings I feel you must completely immerse yourself in them and that is a lengthy process. Also, and I say this with as much love as I can, spending time with you has certainly taken a year or two off my life!" Nanuet couldn't help but smile at Ruby as he said the last part. Ruby's mouth open and shut, open and shut as she stared at the elf before her. He had just managed to do something no one else had, at least not easily, and that was leave her speechless. Finally she gulped and spoke slowly. "Well... I hope that isn't a... bad thing...?" She looked at him like a child who was guilty over being caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Without looking up from his notes George added dryly "Don't worry my dear he has more than enough to spare." "George!" she gave him a playful smack but with a horrified look on her face. "That's not nice." She tried to keep a straight face but giggled anyway. She knew Nanuet would have a sense of humor about George's attempt at humor. Nanuet laughed lightly and nodded at George after he made his comment. "True enough, true enough. And Ruby, I hope you know me well enough to know that I meant that in good fun and as a good thing. I have experienced more in the time I have known you than I have in the rest of my life combined. I wouldn't trade it for anything either." "Of course I do Nanuet and I know you were only teasing me. That sense of humor of yours is coming around nicely." The grin on her face faded but only a little. "Yes, we certainly have been through some times, good and bad alike. I don't think most people would believe us if we told them our adventures together. But friends stay true and you and I shall be lifelong friends. And when I am old and wrinkled and you are still young and handsome you will lie to me and tell me I am the most beautiful woman in the world because you are such a good friend. Right?" George looks up and takes Ruby's hand "I will always tell you that you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and it will never be a lie Constance." says George with a smile. Ruby smiled lovingly at the handsome man besides her before leaning into him and kissing him warmly on the lips with just a little too much passion for public displays of affection. "You're so sweet baby," Ruby cooed at him as she gazed into his eyes. George gazed back into the eyes of the woman he loved, had always loved. He leaned his forehead against Ruby's and held her hand in his. "I just tell the truth Constance." George replied kissing Ruby back. "Well good. I enjoy the truth. When it's good anyway. When it's not, feel free to lie." Nanuet says, "Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. Beauty has nothing to do with wrinkles. Beauty is so much deeper than that. You have always been a pretty girl, and I have little doubt that years from now your beauty will be a wonder to behold." She gazed at her friend for some time and wondered how well he knew her - how she had actually considered what it would be like to always be 18 years old and beautiful for eternity. She hadn't let herself think on it too much, the thought that she pondered it for a moment - a long moment- was enough to make her shudder. "Nanuet you are very sweet but you are so different from me. After all, without my ravishingly good looks what would I have? Besides my sweet voice? And my future husband's money?" She stared at him for a long moment besides bursting into laughter. Nanuet always, always made her laugh. "Thank you for the compliment my friend. Your unique way of thinking of things is very helpful." He says, "One as confident as you Ruby, I am surprised you feel you have nothing to offer the world besides your looks and charms. I have a feeling your contributions to society will far outweigh what your expectations are." George had his head in his notebook as Ruby spoke, pausing to add an emphatic yes at key places and offer a reassuring smile. His head was in two places, his work and with Ruby. He was learning to balance those together. Constance had certainly changed his life very quickly the last few months. Yet his work was as much a passion for him as Constance was, not that she enjoyed sharing any of his time or attention. Still she viewed it as a necessary evil. Still George was excited. He had been cooped up in his lab a long time, and it had been ages since he had gotten out for some excitement. And this was something he could sink his teeth into, this guild business. [/QUOTE]
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