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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: 4683398" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Six, “Reaching Jacksonville,” September 1st, 1882, 11:45 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>The Saint Johns river can now be seen to the east and between the river and train tracks are a number of working sawmills with stacks of finished lumber. These are followed by several large warehouses from which the train occupants can see barrels of sugar, bales of cotton and crates of fresh produce that are being prepared for transport by both railcar and ocean barge. The workers at these places again reflect an even mix of humans and those of ogrish blood. </p><p></p><p>They cross on a metal railroad bridge over a tributary river flowing into the Saint Johns and then travel two blocks west of downtown. The growing community is a welcoming sight, with wide streets lined by mammoth-sized oak trees. Multi-colored flowers are planted alongside the cobblestone sidewalks with park benches and wrought-iron streetlights placed every hundred-or-so feet. Many stone-constructed mercantile buildings as well as dozens of wooden hotels can be seen lining both sides of the streets throughout this business district. </p><p></p><p>The train begins to pull into the station along one of over two dozen tracks at the busy rail yard. The elaborate Union Station is situated just beyond the tracks. Near the front of the station are several horse-drawn trolleys coming to and fro. They can also get a glimpse that two blocks eastward over near the banks of the St. Johns river is a public marketplace with permanent stores as well as several dozen pushcarts and temporary tables with vendors hawking their wares. There appear to currently be hundreds of customers at the market. </p><p></p><p>Ruby gathered her bag excitedly. "Hey, look at that little market over there! I wonder what they have... what are Florida specialties anyway? I'd like to go check it out if we have time, oh George, will you take me over there?" she grinned at him. "Nanuet, you need to get Maska off the back of the train, right?" She stepped over near her grandmother and spoke in a soft voice. "Is something wrong Nana? you sounded a little nervous earlier when I mentioned meeting James." </p><p></p><p>Mina replies to Ruby, "I've missed him. This is the longest we have been apart since we were wed." As they exit the train along Track Three, Wilamina spots her husband anxiously waiting on the railroad platform forty feet away. Standing just under six-feet in height, he is attired in a comfortable white cotton shirt, bow tie, slightly worn tan cotton-and-wool-blend suitcoat and matching trousers, topped off with a tan wide-brimmed felt hat. He has blue-gray eyes and dark brown hair that is just starting to turn white along the temples and sideburns. </p><p></p><p>Ruby notes that he is now clean-shaven, his having worn a neatly cropped short beard and mustache during her visitations in June. He has the appearance of a robust, muscular man in his mid-fifties although Ruby is aware that he is actually much older than that. Mina breaks away from the others as she and her husband both rush towards each other at a pace that most of those in high society would deem to be improper for the time. Equally improper is the public display of affection that immediately follows, as he sweeps her up into his arms and spins her around, followed by a long and passionate kiss. </p><p></p><p>"Awww," Ruby squeezed George's hand, "Look at how sweet! He is so good for her." She grinned at the two and gave them private time to reconnect while she looked around the station.</p><p></p><p>Ruby fanned herself a little. "Oh my gods, it's HOT. I didn't think it would be so hot! I mean, it's still pleasantly warm up in New York but it's still like the middle of summer here." She wiggled out of her travel jacket and dropped it onto her bag at her feet. Her outfit, a thin white blouse with a square neck and long peach skirt, the whole proper getup, was still warm but at least without the jacket her arms and chest were more bare. "I hope it cools off."</p><p></p><p>When Nana and James finally parted Ruby hurried over. "Hi James! It's no nice to see you again!" She gave him a big hug. "How are you? Where is everyone else? Are we the first ones here?" She waved the boys over, "Come say hi George and Nanuet!" James Parker shakes hands with George and Nanuet and tells them both how glad he is to finally meet them in person. Turning back to Ruby he states, “Yes, your group is the first to arrive. I only arrived here myself a few minutes ago. Let’s go locate a porter and then quickly gather up your luggage.” </p><p></p><p>Pointing over towards the west side of the train depot he states, “A train will be coming in over on Track Fourteen in another ten-to-fifteen minutes. It has some other members of our group on it, so after we gather the luggage we can head that direction and wait for it to arrive before loading everything up onto the coach.” </p><p></p><p>Ruby let the men figure out the bag situation. "How many people are we expecting James? And after we get them, where are we going? I'm so excited but I don't know too many details!" James replies, "I'm picking ten of you up here this afternoon, three will be on the next train and three on the one after it. We should wait until we're in private to discuss the specific details of what I have in mind for this new team." </p><p></p><p>Ruby exclaims, "Ten! How exciting! Lots of new people to meet. I hope they're all nice." She looked back over to the market. "Do I have time to go over there and look around James? While we wait? I'd like to stretch my legs. Besides, it will give you two a few more minutes alone." He replies, "We'll have time between the arrival of the second and third trains." </p><p></p><p>"Well, by then I'll have lots of new friends to talk to!" she chirps. "So, is it always this hot down here?" James replies, "Today it is unseasonably warm, northern Florida usually isn't that bad. Now down towards the southern part of this state, that gets really hot. But Ruby, didn't you used to live in the Arizona Territory? It gets pretty hot there too." </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed. "Yes, I did live in Arizona... it was hot but it wasn't humid like this there! Perhaps it's just me and all the traveling we did, we had cramped quarters today. But you should ask Nana to tell you about the train we traveled in most of the way down here!! It was so beautiful!"</p><p></p><p>She gazed around at the crowd to check out what the locals were wearing. "I figured I might have to do some shopping once I found out what we would actually be doing." He says, "There will be time for that in the next few days. On Monday night we'll be coming back to the city for a ball, we could arrive a few hours early for that and you could do some shopping with Mina." She paused momentarily, recalling what he'd just said. "Did you say a ball? Like, a real ball, with music and dancing?" </p><p></p><p>James laughs and says, "Yes, a real ball. Jacksonville has a social club for the elite and they have been trying to get myself as well as my colleagues Doctor Cernoviz and Mister Star to join since our arrival in June. I told them we were too busy, but would find the time after my wife joins us in the fall. Well, now it's fall, and she's now here, so they're holding me to what I said. I secured invitations for you and George as well as many of our new colleagues also."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet first went to retrieve Maska and then did as much as he could to be helpful with the bags. She kept an eye on Nanuet as they spoke, making sure he didn't need her to cast another invisibility spell on Maska. The quartet (and the invisible wolf) make their way over to Track Fourteen along with a half-ogre porter who has loaded their luggage onto a rolling cart. They see the smoke from the train's engine billowing in the distance as the train begins to pull into the station. </p><p></p><p>Ruby stood anxiously on the platform, with a large smile, twisting her long red hair on her finger for the second time that day. She was excited to see who her new companions would be, though she didn't have any idea what they would look like she kept a sharp eye out as people were slowly disembarking off the train. </p><p></p><p>She was tall for a woman of this time, almost six-feet tall with her boots on, though her grandmother who was standing on one side of her was just the same height and build as she was. Her height made it easier to see over the crowds and her hazel eyes gazed over the people who were coming off the train with curious interest. Her striking beauty and curvy figure earned many glances from men passing by but Ruby had long ago learned to ignore those glances - or use them to her advantage when she felt like it. No, all the attention of the young girl was currently drawn to that train.</p><p></p><p>As the train pulled into the station, Thomas emerged from the bathroom, re-composed and mostly free of the orange debacle. Roy and Abigail had already gathered their things, and waved to him to follow as they disembarked. Thomas returned to the seat, grabbing up his carpetbag in one swoop with his left hand, as he flipped up his bowler hat into the air with his right hand, catching it perfectly on his head as he took his walking stick and exited the car.</p><p></p><p>Thomas stopped for a moment to take in the hustle and bustle of Union Station. He hesitated a moment before disembarking, momentarily self-conscious at his appearance. He dressed as he was in the finery of a landed British gentleman: a dark-gray worsted double-breasted suit, perfectly tailored and fitted to his large barrel-chested frame, with weathered black riding boots. He wore a hat to shade his head from the sun, being almost completely devoid of head and facial hair, a trait not uncommon amongst many of ogrish descent. His carpetbag dangled hung on one end of his elaborately carved and engraved mahogany walking stick, which he held at an angle over his back, while with the other hand he re-adjusted the large white cravat around his neck.</p><p></p><p>His hesitation was due, in no small part, to the tensions he knew his presence might cause his traveling companions. Not that he was worried in the slightest about the companions themselves -- Thomas knew Parker to be an enlightened man of egalitarian beliefs who not brook ignorance or prejudice from those he called friends. His concern was for the attitudes and actions of those who called the Deep South home, who would likely take offense at seeing an ogre (or half-ogre, in his case) styling himself in gentleman's finery, and would little concern at expressing it. The last thing he wanted to have happen was for his companions to suffer any indignity or disgrace because of him.</p><p></p><p>And yet, Thomas knew, he could not control the attitudes of others, although he might try to change them by setting a genteel and honorable example. He resolved to himself to remember above all what the greater purpose is in all of his endeavors, and to return the loyal friendship and camaraderie that his companions gifted to him. </p><p></p><p> Thomas and Roy see James and Wilamina Parker standing on the train platform accompanied by a young male elf and a young human couple. The young woman looks like a younger version of Mina so is clearly the granddaughter she spoke of. Roy leapt up as soon as the train came to a full stop. "Care to join me, Abigail?" he asked as he offered his arm to her. Together, they found Doc and made their way off the train.</p><p></p><p>Once on the platform, Roy look around for Mr. Parker and excitedly pointed him out to the rest of the group. He made his way to Mr. Parker and extended his hand. "Hello, Mr. Parker. Damn nice to see you again. Mrs. Parker, always a pleasure." He grinned slyly and took Wilamina's hand to kiss the back of it. "And who are these fine looking folks with you, Mr. Parker?"</p><p></p><p>Roy extended his hand to the male elf, always glad to meet a fellow non-human, and shook it strongly. Nanuet was surprised by the strength of the grip from the halfling. He shook his hand warmly and said "Greetings, pleased to meet you. Roy isn't it? I'm Nanuet of the Yavapi tribe." </p><p></p><p>He did the same to the human male and, just as he had done with Mina, kissed the human woman's hand as well. "Enchantée." If the strangers were anything like normal people, they were probably wondering how they mistook this person for a child. Most people assumed, from a distance, that this 3'7" person, with his long brown hair and dashing good looks (at least he thought so), was a handsome little boy. But once you got close, they realized he was nothing but; especially once he opened his mouth. </p><p></p><p>Ruby smiled as the small man kissed her hand and she gave him a courtesy. "You must be Roy, Nana spoke about you on the train. I'm Ruby, er, Constance, this is my Nana," she tilted her head towards Mina. "But you can call me Ruby. It's a pleasure to meet you. How was your trip?" It was a little difficult, as it was with the halfling Chumbley back home, to not want to kneel down to speak to the "little person" and Nana had put it, especially since Ruby was so tall. </p><p></p><p>Thomas stepped down stairs from the car, walking up behind Roy, towering over the gnome by almost twice his height. He smiled as he watched Roy make his all-too-usual introduction (often barely disguised as an attempt at seduction) to a woman, this time a stunningly beautiful redhead, who seemed slightly taller than most human women Thomas was accustomed to. He set down his staff and carpetbag, doffed his bowler hat and held it close to his breast with one hand, bowing as he extended his other to take hers. "I am Doctor Thomas Imamu Sapathwa-Crane," boomed Thomas in his voice deeper than any bassoon, "at your service, madam." </p><p></p><p>Ruby offered her hand, her long, soft, graceful fingers getting lost inside his large warm hand. He bowed and she in return again curtsied, she was trying her best to use good manners on this trip to not embarrass her grandmother, James OR George. Instead of pulling her hand away she kept it in his, apparently distracted by something. As he stood up to his full height in front of her, only a foot away, her chin rose as she watched his face. She said in awe, "Ruby West. It's a pleasure to meet you." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet nodded to the others, waiting for them to come to him rather than approach them, worried about how they might perceive him being of full elvish decent. He occasionally glanced to the area where he had left Maska, anyone watching him might wonder why he was glancing at what would seem to be an empty near the train platform. </p><p></p><p>Abigail stood back with Dr. Crane as Roy made his grandiose greetings. "Leave no lady uncomplimented seems to be his motto, Doctor. I rather like him," she smiled. "I hope I won't disappoint your colleagues." As Dr. Crane greeted the lovely young woman, Abigail checked herself over to make sure everything was in place. The lovely, dark blue traveling down trimmed with black embroidery was straight and as wrinkle-free as could be expected and the crisp white blouse underneath showed just its collar above her jacket. It was perfectly tailored to her slim, graceful figure, flaring out over her hips and fitting snugly under her pleasantly rounded bosom.</p><p></p><p>She patted her hair, just dark enough to be called brunette instead of blonde and shining like honey in the sunlight. The curls arranged around her face framed deep blue eyes that couldn't hide the glint of fun and humor. She offered her hand to her host and hostess, saying, "I'm Abigail Marsters. I hope I can live up to whatever Dr. Crane has told you." Out of the corner of her eye Ruby watched and sized up the young woman speaking to her grandmother. She squeed inside that there would be another girl on this trip with her and relished the chance to speak to her herself. </p><p></p><p>James Parker states, "Thomas has spoken very highly of you and anyone who has worked a dig with General Pitt Rivers and passed his precise standards is exactly who we need for this project." As an afterthought he adds, "Although don't expect the same degree of order and precision from this team, we'll be a lot less formal and hopefully a little bit more fun." </p><p></p><p>She replies, "I'm looking forward to finding out more about this mystery project," she answered with a smile. "But I trust Dr. Crane's judgement. If he thinks it will be a good fit for all of us, then it will. And I could use a bit more fun in my life." Abigail moved down the line, greeting the silent but handsome elvan man hanging back slightly. "Abigail Marsters," she said and offered her hand. "I hope your journey wasn't too uncomfotable. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" </p><p></p><p>Nanuet awkwardly took Abigail's hand not knowing if he should shake it or kiss it as he has seen other human males do. He decided to shake it and did so clumsily. His face blushing he smiled and said. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Abigail, I am Nanuet of the Yavapi tribe. The trip was long and I am glad to finally be here, I hope your trip was pleasant enough." </p><p></p><p>Gathering up the luggage of the trio from this train, they head to the station's parking area. They approach a Concord Coach that looks to be brand new, the paint and stain on the woodwork showing no marks or scuffs and with the sun shining off the exterior metal with a sparkling gleam. Unlike other coaches that Ruby and Nanuet have ridden in, this one has a much larger passenger compartment. Instead of a single center door of each side this coach has a pair of double doors on the right passenger side. Inside there is a center bench in a “T” shape designed to seat five in addition to the four-passenger benches at the front and rear of the interior coach. </p><p></p><p>Checking his pocket watch James says, “We have three more colleagues arriving today, it will be another hour until their train gets here. Why don’t we pay the porter to stay and watch the carriage and we can then walk over to the outdoor market and get us all something to eat. We should also pick up some extra food for the remaining three to eat on the ride back to the house.” </p><p></p><p>Walking between one and two blocks away, in the direction of the river, James says, “This is the Ocean Street public market, the larger of the two marketplaces here in Jacksonville. The other market is a bit fancier and is further uptown at the intersection of Hogan and Church Streets, nearer to the banks and the fancier hotels. </p><p></p><p>I prefer this market to the other at that one has racial restrictions, only allowing non-humans to enter if they are servants and in the company of their human employers. It is also easier to get to this market by boat than the other, with several public docks near by. The selection at this market is actually better, as are the prices. While the quality of the food and merchandise here can vary widely, if you have a keen eye you should be able to find things sufficient to your liking.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 4683398, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Six, “Reaching Jacksonville,” September 1st, 1882, 11:45 A.M.[/B] The Saint Johns river can now be seen to the east and between the river and train tracks are a number of working sawmills with stacks of finished lumber. These are followed by several large warehouses from which the train occupants can see barrels of sugar, bales of cotton and crates of fresh produce that are being prepared for transport by both railcar and ocean barge. The workers at these places again reflect an even mix of humans and those of ogrish blood. They cross on a metal railroad bridge over a tributary river flowing into the Saint Johns and then travel two blocks west of downtown. The growing community is a welcoming sight, with wide streets lined by mammoth-sized oak trees. Multi-colored flowers are planted alongside the cobblestone sidewalks with park benches and wrought-iron streetlights placed every hundred-or-so feet. Many stone-constructed mercantile buildings as well as dozens of wooden hotels can be seen lining both sides of the streets throughout this business district. The train begins to pull into the station along one of over two dozen tracks at the busy rail yard. The elaborate Union Station is situated just beyond the tracks. Near the front of the station are several horse-drawn trolleys coming to and fro. They can also get a glimpse that two blocks eastward over near the banks of the St. Johns river is a public marketplace with permanent stores as well as several dozen pushcarts and temporary tables with vendors hawking their wares. There appear to currently be hundreds of customers at the market. Ruby gathered her bag excitedly. "Hey, look at that little market over there! I wonder what they have... what are Florida specialties anyway? I'd like to go check it out if we have time, oh George, will you take me over there?" she grinned at him. "Nanuet, you need to get Maska off the back of the train, right?" She stepped over near her grandmother and spoke in a soft voice. "Is something wrong Nana? you sounded a little nervous earlier when I mentioned meeting James." Mina replies to Ruby, "I've missed him. This is the longest we have been apart since we were wed." As they exit the train along Track Three, Wilamina spots her husband anxiously waiting on the railroad platform forty feet away. Standing just under six-feet in height, he is attired in a comfortable white cotton shirt, bow tie, slightly worn tan cotton-and-wool-blend suitcoat and matching trousers, topped off with a tan wide-brimmed felt hat. He has blue-gray eyes and dark brown hair that is just starting to turn white along the temples and sideburns. Ruby notes that he is now clean-shaven, his having worn a neatly cropped short beard and mustache during her visitations in June. He has the appearance of a robust, muscular man in his mid-fifties although Ruby is aware that he is actually much older than that. Mina breaks away from the others as she and her husband both rush towards each other at a pace that most of those in high society would deem to be improper for the time. Equally improper is the public display of affection that immediately follows, as he sweeps her up into his arms and spins her around, followed by a long and passionate kiss. "Awww," Ruby squeezed George's hand, "Look at how sweet! He is so good for her." She grinned at the two and gave them private time to reconnect while she looked around the station. Ruby fanned herself a little. "Oh my gods, it's HOT. I didn't think it would be so hot! I mean, it's still pleasantly warm up in New York but it's still like the middle of summer here." She wiggled out of her travel jacket and dropped it onto her bag at her feet. Her outfit, a thin white blouse with a square neck and long peach skirt, the whole proper getup, was still warm but at least without the jacket her arms and chest were more bare. "I hope it cools off." When Nana and James finally parted Ruby hurried over. "Hi James! It's no nice to see you again!" She gave him a big hug. "How are you? Where is everyone else? Are we the first ones here?" She waved the boys over, "Come say hi George and Nanuet!" James Parker shakes hands with George and Nanuet and tells them both how glad he is to finally meet them in person. Turning back to Ruby he states, “Yes, your group is the first to arrive. I only arrived here myself a few minutes ago. Let’s go locate a porter and then quickly gather up your luggage.” Pointing over towards the west side of the train depot he states, “A train will be coming in over on Track Fourteen in another ten-to-fifteen minutes. It has some other members of our group on it, so after we gather the luggage we can head that direction and wait for it to arrive before loading everything up onto the coach.” Ruby let the men figure out the bag situation. "How many people are we expecting James? And after we get them, where are we going? I'm so excited but I don't know too many details!" James replies, "I'm picking ten of you up here this afternoon, three will be on the next train and three on the one after it. We should wait until we're in private to discuss the specific details of what I have in mind for this new team." Ruby exclaims, "Ten! How exciting! Lots of new people to meet. I hope they're all nice." She looked back over to the market. "Do I have time to go over there and look around James? While we wait? I'd like to stretch my legs. Besides, it will give you two a few more minutes alone." He replies, "We'll have time between the arrival of the second and third trains." "Well, by then I'll have lots of new friends to talk to!" she chirps. "So, is it always this hot down here?" James replies, "Today it is unseasonably warm, northern Florida usually isn't that bad. Now down towards the southern part of this state, that gets really hot. But Ruby, didn't you used to live in the Arizona Territory? It gets pretty hot there too." Ruby laughed. "Yes, I did live in Arizona... it was hot but it wasn't humid like this there! Perhaps it's just me and all the traveling we did, we had cramped quarters today. But you should ask Nana to tell you about the train we traveled in most of the way down here!! It was so beautiful!" She gazed around at the crowd to check out what the locals were wearing. "I figured I might have to do some shopping once I found out what we would actually be doing." He says, "There will be time for that in the next few days. On Monday night we'll be coming back to the city for a ball, we could arrive a few hours early for that and you could do some shopping with Mina." She paused momentarily, recalling what he'd just said. "Did you say a ball? Like, a real ball, with music and dancing?" James laughs and says, "Yes, a real ball. Jacksonville has a social club for the elite and they have been trying to get myself as well as my colleagues Doctor Cernoviz and Mister Star to join since our arrival in June. I told them we were too busy, but would find the time after my wife joins us in the fall. Well, now it's fall, and she's now here, so they're holding me to what I said. I secured invitations for you and George as well as many of our new colleagues also." Nanuet first went to retrieve Maska and then did as much as he could to be helpful with the bags. She kept an eye on Nanuet as they spoke, making sure he didn't need her to cast another invisibility spell on Maska. The quartet (and the invisible wolf) make their way over to Track Fourteen along with a half-ogre porter who has loaded their luggage onto a rolling cart. They see the smoke from the train's engine billowing in the distance as the train begins to pull into the station. Ruby stood anxiously on the platform, with a large smile, twisting her long red hair on her finger for the second time that day. She was excited to see who her new companions would be, though she didn't have any idea what they would look like she kept a sharp eye out as people were slowly disembarking off the train. She was tall for a woman of this time, almost six-feet tall with her boots on, though her grandmother who was standing on one side of her was just the same height and build as she was. Her height made it easier to see over the crowds and her hazel eyes gazed over the people who were coming off the train with curious interest. Her striking beauty and curvy figure earned many glances from men passing by but Ruby had long ago learned to ignore those glances - or use them to her advantage when she felt like it. No, all the attention of the young girl was currently drawn to that train. As the train pulled into the station, Thomas emerged from the bathroom, re-composed and mostly free of the orange debacle. Roy and Abigail had already gathered their things, and waved to him to follow as they disembarked. Thomas returned to the seat, grabbing up his carpetbag in one swoop with his left hand, as he flipped up his bowler hat into the air with his right hand, catching it perfectly on his head as he took his walking stick and exited the car. Thomas stopped for a moment to take in the hustle and bustle of Union Station. He hesitated a moment before disembarking, momentarily self-conscious at his appearance. He dressed as he was in the finery of a landed British gentleman: a dark-gray worsted double-breasted suit, perfectly tailored and fitted to his large barrel-chested frame, with weathered black riding boots. He wore a hat to shade his head from the sun, being almost completely devoid of head and facial hair, a trait not uncommon amongst many of ogrish descent. His carpetbag dangled hung on one end of his elaborately carved and engraved mahogany walking stick, which he held at an angle over his back, while with the other hand he re-adjusted the large white cravat around his neck. His hesitation was due, in no small part, to the tensions he knew his presence might cause his traveling companions. Not that he was worried in the slightest about the companions themselves -- Thomas knew Parker to be an enlightened man of egalitarian beliefs who not brook ignorance or prejudice from those he called friends. His concern was for the attitudes and actions of those who called the Deep South home, who would likely take offense at seeing an ogre (or half-ogre, in his case) styling himself in gentleman's finery, and would little concern at expressing it. The last thing he wanted to have happen was for his companions to suffer any indignity or disgrace because of him. And yet, Thomas knew, he could not control the attitudes of others, although he might try to change them by setting a genteel and honorable example. He resolved to himself to remember above all what the greater purpose is in all of his endeavors, and to return the loyal friendship and camaraderie that his companions gifted to him. Thomas and Roy see James and Wilamina Parker standing on the train platform accompanied by a young male elf and a young human couple. The young woman looks like a younger version of Mina so is clearly the granddaughter she spoke of. Roy leapt up as soon as the train came to a full stop. "Care to join me, Abigail?" he asked as he offered his arm to her. Together, they found Doc and made their way off the train. Once on the platform, Roy look around for Mr. Parker and excitedly pointed him out to the rest of the group. He made his way to Mr. Parker and extended his hand. "Hello, Mr. Parker. Damn nice to see you again. Mrs. Parker, always a pleasure." He grinned slyly and took Wilamina's hand to kiss the back of it. "And who are these fine looking folks with you, Mr. Parker?" Roy extended his hand to the male elf, always glad to meet a fellow non-human, and shook it strongly. Nanuet was surprised by the strength of the grip from the halfling. He shook his hand warmly and said "Greetings, pleased to meet you. Roy isn't it? I'm Nanuet of the Yavapi tribe." He did the same to the human male and, just as he had done with Mina, kissed the human woman's hand as well. "Enchantée." If the strangers were anything like normal people, they were probably wondering how they mistook this person for a child. Most people assumed, from a distance, that this 3'7" person, with his long brown hair and dashing good looks (at least he thought so), was a handsome little boy. But once you got close, they realized he was nothing but; especially once he opened his mouth. Ruby smiled as the small man kissed her hand and she gave him a courtesy. "You must be Roy, Nana spoke about you on the train. I'm Ruby, er, Constance, this is my Nana," she tilted her head towards Mina. "But you can call me Ruby. It's a pleasure to meet you. How was your trip?" It was a little difficult, as it was with the halfling Chumbley back home, to not want to kneel down to speak to the "little person" and Nana had put it, especially since Ruby was so tall. Thomas stepped down stairs from the car, walking up behind Roy, towering over the gnome by almost twice his height. He smiled as he watched Roy make his all-too-usual introduction (often barely disguised as an attempt at seduction) to a woman, this time a stunningly beautiful redhead, who seemed slightly taller than most human women Thomas was accustomed to. He set down his staff and carpetbag, doffed his bowler hat and held it close to his breast with one hand, bowing as he extended his other to take hers. "I am Doctor Thomas Imamu Sapathwa-Crane," boomed Thomas in his voice deeper than any bassoon, "at your service, madam." Ruby offered her hand, her long, soft, graceful fingers getting lost inside his large warm hand. He bowed and she in return again curtsied, she was trying her best to use good manners on this trip to not embarrass her grandmother, James OR George. Instead of pulling her hand away she kept it in his, apparently distracted by something. As he stood up to his full height in front of her, only a foot away, her chin rose as she watched his face. She said in awe, "Ruby West. It's a pleasure to meet you." Nanuet nodded to the others, waiting for them to come to him rather than approach them, worried about how they might perceive him being of full elvish decent. He occasionally glanced to the area where he had left Maska, anyone watching him might wonder why he was glancing at what would seem to be an empty near the train platform. Abigail stood back with Dr. Crane as Roy made his grandiose greetings. "Leave no lady uncomplimented seems to be his motto, Doctor. I rather like him," she smiled. "I hope I won't disappoint your colleagues." As Dr. Crane greeted the lovely young woman, Abigail checked herself over to make sure everything was in place. The lovely, dark blue traveling down trimmed with black embroidery was straight and as wrinkle-free as could be expected and the crisp white blouse underneath showed just its collar above her jacket. It was perfectly tailored to her slim, graceful figure, flaring out over her hips and fitting snugly under her pleasantly rounded bosom. She patted her hair, just dark enough to be called brunette instead of blonde and shining like honey in the sunlight. The curls arranged around her face framed deep blue eyes that couldn't hide the glint of fun and humor. She offered her hand to her host and hostess, saying, "I'm Abigail Marsters. I hope I can live up to whatever Dr. Crane has told you." Out of the corner of her eye Ruby watched and sized up the young woman speaking to her grandmother. She squeed inside that there would be another girl on this trip with her and relished the chance to speak to her herself. James Parker states, "Thomas has spoken very highly of you and anyone who has worked a dig with General Pitt Rivers and passed his precise standards is exactly who we need for this project." As an afterthought he adds, "Although don't expect the same degree of order and precision from this team, we'll be a lot less formal and hopefully a little bit more fun." She replies, "I'm looking forward to finding out more about this mystery project," she answered with a smile. "But I trust Dr. Crane's judgement. If he thinks it will be a good fit for all of us, then it will. And I could use a bit more fun in my life." Abigail moved down the line, greeting the silent but handsome elvan man hanging back slightly. "Abigail Marsters," she said and offered her hand. "I hope your journey wasn't too uncomfotable. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" Nanuet awkwardly took Abigail's hand not knowing if he should shake it or kiss it as he has seen other human males do. He decided to shake it and did so clumsily. His face blushing he smiled and said. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Abigail, I am Nanuet of the Yavapi tribe. The trip was long and I am glad to finally be here, I hope your trip was pleasant enough." Gathering up the luggage of the trio from this train, they head to the station's parking area. They approach a Concord Coach that looks to be brand new, the paint and stain on the woodwork showing no marks or scuffs and with the sun shining off the exterior metal with a sparkling gleam. Unlike other coaches that Ruby and Nanuet have ridden in, this one has a much larger passenger compartment. Instead of a single center door of each side this coach has a pair of double doors on the right passenger side. Inside there is a center bench in a “T” shape designed to seat five in addition to the four-passenger benches at the front and rear of the interior coach. Checking his pocket watch James says, “We have three more colleagues arriving today, it will be another hour until their train gets here. Why don’t we pay the porter to stay and watch the carriage and we can then walk over to the outdoor market and get us all something to eat. We should also pick up some extra food for the remaining three to eat on the ride back to the house.” Walking between one and two blocks away, in the direction of the river, James says, “This is the Ocean Street public market, the larger of the two marketplaces here in Jacksonville. The other market is a bit fancier and is further uptown at the intersection of Hogan and Church Streets, nearer to the banks and the fancier hotels. I prefer this market to the other at that one has racial restrictions, only allowing non-humans to enter if they are servants and in the company of their human employers. It is also easier to get to this market by boat than the other, with several public docks near by. The selection at this market is actually better, as are the prices. While the quality of the food and merchandise here can vary widely, if you have a keen eye you should be able to find things sufficient to your liking.” [/QUOTE]
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