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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: 4758274" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Eighteen, “Trapdoors and Sketches” September 1st, 1882, 9:30 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>James thinks for a minute and says, "Luiz is skilled at drawing people and anatomy, having done all of his own illustrations in his medical books. Since Abigail and Roy each got a good look at the man’s face he could probably create an accurate drawing from your descriptions.” Roy relays as many details as he can remember about the man, including what a small penis he had and that he was probably so limber because he was used to be being bent over so many times. He will also start to make many disparaging remarks about the man's mother and how he was probably the result of his mother having relations with her own brother, his face getting redder the whole time. </p><p></p><p>James calls everyone together and says, “I hadn’t planned to go over this aspect with you until your confirmation to join tomorrow, but under the circumstances I guess I’d better. You’ve all seen the staircases from the second floor to the roof on the east side of the central hallway. Well, for security purposes, on the west side of that same hallway is a narrow hidden staircase that runs from the basement to the fourth floor, with secret entrances to the 1st floor dining room, 2nd floor conference room, Lawrence’s chosen room on the 3rd floor and the unoccupied west room on the 4th floor. </p><p></p><p>We also have hidden trapdoors down in each of the bedrooms, for use in emergencies. Luiz’s bedroom has a door down to his office. Mine and Mina’s bedroom has doors down to both mine and Alsoomse’s offices. Sol’s bedroom can access his office. Attorney Hardin’s room has trapdoors to both his security office and the photographic laboratory. George’s room has a door to the Scientific Laboratory. Ruby’s room has a door leading to Sol’s room. Alsoome’s room has a door down to mine and Mina’s room. Abigail and Thomas’s rooms each have corner trap door’s to the main lobby staircase landing. Lawrence’s room has a trapdoor to the upper catwalk in the Commercial and Logistics room. On the upper floor, Benjamin’s room has a trapdoor down to George’s room. Roy has a trapdoor to Abigail’s room. The eastern room has a trapdoor to Alsoomse’s room, and the western room has a trapdoor to Thomas’s room. Now that you all know that, some of you may opt to switch rooms." Fish keep his impure thoughts to himself. </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "My room is fine, I trust Sol. And I'm sure if George was here he would be thrilled to know he has direct access to the lab." She answered the questioning looks with, "He's taking a walk." Lawrence states, "I'm fine with my room, the guy used etherealness, so he could get anywhere. Anyhow, having a back door sure comes in handy. Can the trap door be barred, though? No sense in borrowing trouble." </p><p></p><p>James says, "Yes, the trapdoors can be secured from either side. We built this entire building with security in mind. Part of the reason for the angled roof and dormers as well as the two-story pillared porch was to allow quick access and mobility, I guess I should have taken into account that it could have worked against us as well." Lawrence says, "That's OK, who knew that there'd be acrobats who wanted to get in? We'll chalk it up to a lesson learned. Do you know anyone who could set up an alarm system of some sort?" James says, "I trust that many of you could be of assistance with that task."</p><p></p><p>Roy nudges Thomas and whispers with a wink, "You wanna switch with me, Doc?" Flustered to the point of blushing, Thomas replies sotto voce while looking at Abigail:"Why, I, um ... (gulp) ... um, if you would prefer different accommodations than you... um... have now, then by all means, I am happy to ... um... accommodate your ... desires... I MEAN, wishes... er... preferences. For Jupiter's sake, Huggins, try to stay focused on the matter at hand!" </p><p></p><p>Roy whispers again, "Don't get all flustered, Doc, I'm just kidding. By the way, I think she might be a virgin." Roy is trying very hard to keep a straight face. For a half-second, Thomas ponders Roy's last statement: "Do you really th...?", and then quickly re-gathers himself, gazing down sternly at the gnome: "Honestly, Huggins, it is a wonder that any of your mental faculties other than your libido function, given their obvious atrophy from the blood flow that seems to be diverted away from your brain into your nether regions!" Roy shrugs. "Better than it just collectin' dust." </p><p></p><p>Thomas glares at the gnome a few seconds more, before breaking out into a guffaw that he quickly stifles when the others look over at them. Abby caught Dr. Crane looking toward her as he broke out in laughter. The corners of her mouth twitched and she lifted an eyebrow at him. Even after just one day's company she knew it was likely Roy had made some off-color comment, quite probably at her expense. But she didn't really mind. Better the honest lecher than the one who tries to hide it. </p><p></p><p>Luiz finishes the picture from Abigail and Roy's description. He shows it to the assembled group. The illustration includes the man's dark suit which is of a specific cut and style that went out of fashion in the 1850's. John, Lawrence and Fish each recognize the face as being nearly identical to the woman who was on the train with them and taking notes. Lawrence snaps his fingers and says, "Hey, wait a minute. I've seen her before." He turns to Hardin and Fish. "Doesn't that look like the woman in our train car when we came to Florida? She must have been following us. But was it luck or did information on us get out there?" </p><p></p><p>James says, "Are you sure? Roy was fairly certain the intruder was a man, and gender identification is one area that he has quite an eye for." Roy interjects, "Well, I did say he was dickless." Fish chimes in. "I did try to get a look up her skirt, and failed." He catches himself, realizing what he's said (and in mixed company besides!). He blushes. "That woman on the train? Maybe s/he was in drag...s/he did have quite the big ol' nose!" Roy says, "You looked for the Adam's apple, right? Right? Come on, man, you always look for the Adam's apple." Lawrence says, "I’m Pretty sure, James. The lady got scared off by Mr. Hardin before she got close to us. So I can't be 100% sure." </p><p></p><p>Abby comments, "Well, if it was a woman, she was woefully... underdeveloped. Didn't Nanuet say there were two sets of footprints, or am I remembering wrong? A man and a woman? Perhaps they are family, so look alike?" Thomas nods, "Yes, I was thinking the very thing myself -- perhaps they are twins." Roy grumbles, "Probably lovers, too." Fish squints. "Mr. Parker, would you happen to know any contacts in Jacksonville with firsthand knowledge of what gets fenced in that town, and when? And who's buying?" He then adds quietly, "I might know someone who knows someone..." </p><p></p><p>James says, "I don't but Sol does." Sol says, “Yes, I was mentioning it earlier to James and some of the others. I am acquainted with two individuals in the Jacksonville area who traffic in high-priced contraband goods, including magical elixirs. It probability came from one of them. I had planned to introduce You, Lawrence, or Roy to each of these individuals within the next week. We could make inquiries about this specific type of elixir. I sincerely doubt that either would reveal the identity of their customers, but we could possibly get a message delivered to the purchaser through the seller.” </p><p></p><p>Fish nods. "Introductions may not be necessary with me, sir, at least not with both of these fellas -- there can't be that many 'entrepreneurs' fencing high-end contraband in Jacksonville! The man I know as 'Luke Wheelwright' deals in orchidaceous bric-a-brac. I'd not stand in the same room with him without a wall at my back, mind you, but he does pay top dollar. If I had to guess, I'd wager that he is one of the men that you had in mind for us to meet, yes?" Sol smiles and says, "Yes indeed. Let's visit him together on Sunday. I'll take either Roy or Lawrence with me to visit the other." </p><p></p><p>Ruby had been uninterested in the discussions... she didn't see immediate danger and she was worried about George and what his decision was going to be. She returned to her bath again and settled in. Back downstairs, Abby states "Well, if that's all for this evening, I think Ruby had the right idea about a bath. It's been a long journey and a long day following. So I'll see you all in the morning," she looked over at Roy with a grin and said, "And not until the morning." "That's ok, sugar," Roy says with a smirk. "I don't mind keepin' the lights off." </p><p></p><p>James and Luiz excuse themselves to head up to both the laboratory and library to research the items that had been delivered to them this day. Wilamina stays in the living room and engageds Thomas in a long discussion as to what he has been doing since she saw them last. Alsoomse heads back outside with Nanuet to finish moving the last of her possessions out of the ten-by-fifteen foot wood and animal skin lodge that will be his new home. She leaves him a charcoal stove and shows him the rope cords which pull back the rooftop skin above it so that smoke will exit when the stove is being used. </p><p></p><p>Sol takes Roy, Benjamin and Lawrence on a tour of the secret back staircase, showing them the entrances on each floor on both the central hallway side and interior side. He also shows them were the trapdoors are in each of their own rooms as well as the rooms that are currently unoccupied. Lastly, he takes them up to the roof and shows them a magical latch on the central telescope that activates a Illusion that makes it appear to anybody not on the roof that it is unoccupied and that the telescopes are all stationary. </p><p></p><p>Fish retires to his room. Like any thief, he's always at least a little bit paranoid -- more so now given the events earlier today -- and so he rigs a pinch of flash powder to trip should anyone disturb either the trapdoor, window or hall door. Roy does a sweep of his room one more time to make sure everything's in its place before turning in for the night. And Jasper Delroy begins to make the nightly patrol around the building with two of his hound dogs. </p><p></p><p>Leaving the others downstairs, Abigail went to her room and enjoyed a long, hot bath. It was going to take a lot of energy not just to do her job here, whatever it was going to be, but to deal with Roy and Fish. She rather liked them, but her wit was going to have to get quicker if she was going to keep up. But that didn't matter now. After the long soak Abby dressed herself in her light nightgown and climbed into the unfamiliar bed. She was tired enough to fall asleep almost instantly, even in this new place. </p><p></p><p>Ruby sat in the tub, drinking large swallows of her bourbon. She watched as the sun went down and the stars came out and her tub water got cold, and George still had not come back. She got out of the tub, dried herself off, and put on a lovely white nightgown with French lace on the bodice. And George still had not come back. She brushed her long hair in the mirror, and tied it up in a bow for bed. And still George had not come back. Ruby crawled into the soft cotton sheets of the bed, wonderfully cool on her skin. She snuggled in, pulling the covers up to her chin. Tears roll down her cheeks as she cried herself to sleep because George still had not come back and Ruby feared what that meant.</p><p></p><p>Would he ask her to come back to New York to still live a painted bird in a cage? Or leave her here in Florida, choosing his company over her? Or would he insist on having children soon, no matter where they were? All these thought cascaded through Ruby's head along with the bourbon, as her tears fell and she finally found escape in sleep.</p><p></p><p>It was late when Ruby felt someone crawl into bed with her. Her instincts kicked in and she whirled with a derringer in her hand, ending up with it pointed at Georges face. She was so happy she threw her arms around him, and began to cry once more. George carefully removed the derringer from her and held her for a bit. Then she lay down as he laid next to her, his arms wrapped around her tightly. Ruby could smell the bourbon on him, he must have drunk the rest of the bottle, better than half of it, which worried her, George never drank that heavily. Worry and doubt crept back into her mind and her heart beat fast as George began to speak.</p><p></p><p>"Constance, I did a lot of thinking. And I thought especially a lot about what James said. About these artifacts. And about the events that have already surrounded them. About the acts of war that have already occurred. How James thinks war will come of this. And I don't know that if I have the chance to stop that, if I can refuse. And if war is coming, I must be with you, near you. I can't live without you, so even if I chose to be in New York it might leave you in the path of war. And you are right, I have some good people in place, but I will need to be there from time to time. And I thought I could ask James for a larger lab to work on a few things while I am down here so I don't have so much down time.</p><p></p><p>And, we don't have to have children right now. Though I do want them, we do have sometime, especially if you extend your life. So, what I am saying my love, is that yes, we shall join AGELESS as full members. If I wish to leave a better world to my hopeful heirs, I need to work towards peace. And lets face it no one will buy film in a war," he says as he pinches her.</p><p></p><p>Ruby grabbed his face and pulled him to her so she could kiss him. She pressed up against him as she did, the warmth of him comforting to her. She kept her palms on his face even as she slowly pulled her lips away from his. "That is good news," she said, somewhat hesitantly. "You are such a good man, you always do the right thing. We will do the right thing together and lend our services where we can. And I am certain James will give you what you need, perhaps even make you your own building here."</p><p></p><p>The then thoughts swirled in her mind and George could see she was conflicted about something. He nudged her nose to nose and asked, "What's wrong?" Ruby wasn't sure how to answer but could not speak of doing the right thing and not tell the truth. "Well... we have never spoken of babies before. I don't think I would be a very good mother. In fact, I am positive of that. And..." She tried not to get too upset speaking, which she considered silly over the fact it was something she never wanted. But George wanted it and she wanted him and wanted to make him happy... "I don't know if I can have babies anyway."</p><p></p><p>George laughed and Ruby pouted. "What? What is so funny?" she said hitting him with a pillow. "Constance, do you love me? Would you do anything for me?" Ruby replied, "Of course." "Well then you will make a fine mother, some day. You will find your capacity for love expanded beyond belief. And as for having children. I happen to know a priest of Asclepius back in New York, and I am sure he can help us." says George stealing the pillow away from her and hitting her so she fell back.</p><p></p><p>George leaned over her and kissed her. "Constance, we will worry about that in a while, but have no doubt that I will make it so if WE choose it to be. But I do hope you will think on it long and hard." She stared up at him seriously, her eyes searching his. "I will think on it long and hard, for you, I promise. I just don't want you to be disappointed is all. For a lot of reasons. You know, if I can't do it." She reached up and pushed some stray hair off his forehead. "But I am only 19 after all, too young to be thinking about babies. Now the making babies part I am all for..." Her lips slowly formed into a wicked grin and she pulled him closer to her. "I don't recall you telling me how much you love me and that you would do anything for me in the last few moments... darling..." </p><p></p><p>"Well at 25 you become a spinster so we had better get going on you," laughs George "But yes my darling Constance, you know I do love you desperately, you intoxicate me. And I would do anything, anything if you were to but ask." George bent and gave Ruby a slow, deep passionate kiss. "And forgive me for earlier, my heart's flame, but you know I need to think things through and work them out carefully. But don't tell James just yet, I want some leverage on him for a new workroom," says George winking before moving his kisses down Ruby's neck.</p><p></p><p>Ruby ran her fingers through George's hair, leaving her hands resting on his head as he showered her with kisses. "There is nothing to forgive baby, it's just you being you. It's kinda nice to know I can rely on that. And I won't tell James, I'll let you do the negotiations yourself. You are the business guy after all. I'm just the singer. Young, beautiful, sexy, desirable singer who you want to have your babies, but, just the singer. Even if I am quickly on my way to being a spinster." She cracked up laughing at that.</p><p></p><p>"So..." she tapped her fingers on his head, "You'd do anything I asked, huh? Anything? Whatever should I ask for..." She kept drumming her fingers on his head as his kisses moved lower. "What if I wanted a big huge mansion to live in? Or my own private tropical island? Or the rarest bird on the planet?" She laughed, "Oh, I know. What if I asked for a star? I do so love stars..."</p><p></p><p>George came back and kissed Ruby deeply on the lips. "The sun, the moon and the stars are yours if you ask for them my love. Name your desire and I shall make it so, for you are my desire and all I require is you," replies George putting his forehead on hers as he looks into her eyes. "Well then...," she said slowly, her naughty grin in place, "I require something that will take all your resolve and resources and energy. And that is..." she ran her finger across his cheek to his lips, "That you stay with me tonight." "I could not think of a better place to be this evening," replies George as continued to kiss her and get comfortable for a good night's... sleep.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 4758274, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Eighteen, “Trapdoors and Sketches” September 1st, 1882, 9:30 P.M.[/B] James thinks for a minute and says, "Luiz is skilled at drawing people and anatomy, having done all of his own illustrations in his medical books. Since Abigail and Roy each got a good look at the man’s face he could probably create an accurate drawing from your descriptions.” Roy relays as many details as he can remember about the man, including what a small penis he had and that he was probably so limber because he was used to be being bent over so many times. He will also start to make many disparaging remarks about the man's mother and how he was probably the result of his mother having relations with her own brother, his face getting redder the whole time. James calls everyone together and says, “I hadn’t planned to go over this aspect with you until your confirmation to join tomorrow, but under the circumstances I guess I’d better. You’ve all seen the staircases from the second floor to the roof on the east side of the central hallway. Well, for security purposes, on the west side of that same hallway is a narrow hidden staircase that runs from the basement to the fourth floor, with secret entrances to the 1st floor dining room, 2nd floor conference room, Lawrence’s chosen room on the 3rd floor and the unoccupied west room on the 4th floor. We also have hidden trapdoors down in each of the bedrooms, for use in emergencies. Luiz’s bedroom has a door down to his office. Mine and Mina’s bedroom has doors down to both mine and Alsoomse’s offices. Sol’s bedroom can access his office. Attorney Hardin’s room has trapdoors to both his security office and the photographic laboratory. George’s room has a door to the Scientific Laboratory. Ruby’s room has a door leading to Sol’s room. Alsoome’s room has a door down to mine and Mina’s room. Abigail and Thomas’s rooms each have corner trap door’s to the main lobby staircase landing. Lawrence’s room has a trapdoor to the upper catwalk in the Commercial and Logistics room. On the upper floor, Benjamin’s room has a trapdoor down to George’s room. Roy has a trapdoor to Abigail’s room. The eastern room has a trapdoor to Alsoomse’s room, and the western room has a trapdoor to Thomas’s room. Now that you all know that, some of you may opt to switch rooms." Fish keep his impure thoughts to himself. Ruby says, "My room is fine, I trust Sol. And I'm sure if George was here he would be thrilled to know he has direct access to the lab." She answered the questioning looks with, "He's taking a walk." Lawrence states, "I'm fine with my room, the guy used etherealness, so he could get anywhere. Anyhow, having a back door sure comes in handy. Can the trap door be barred, though? No sense in borrowing trouble." James says, "Yes, the trapdoors can be secured from either side. We built this entire building with security in mind. Part of the reason for the angled roof and dormers as well as the two-story pillared porch was to allow quick access and mobility, I guess I should have taken into account that it could have worked against us as well." Lawrence says, "That's OK, who knew that there'd be acrobats who wanted to get in? We'll chalk it up to a lesson learned. Do you know anyone who could set up an alarm system of some sort?" James says, "I trust that many of you could be of assistance with that task." Roy nudges Thomas and whispers with a wink, "You wanna switch with me, Doc?" Flustered to the point of blushing, Thomas replies sotto voce while looking at Abigail:"Why, I, um ... (gulp) ... um, if you would prefer different accommodations than you... um... have now, then by all means, I am happy to ... um... accommodate your ... desires... I MEAN, wishes... er... preferences. For Jupiter's sake, Huggins, try to stay focused on the matter at hand!" Roy whispers again, "Don't get all flustered, Doc, I'm just kidding. By the way, I think she might be a virgin." Roy is trying very hard to keep a straight face. For a half-second, Thomas ponders Roy's last statement: "Do you really th...?", and then quickly re-gathers himself, gazing down sternly at the gnome: "Honestly, Huggins, it is a wonder that any of your mental faculties other than your libido function, given their obvious atrophy from the blood flow that seems to be diverted away from your brain into your nether regions!" Roy shrugs. "Better than it just collectin' dust." Thomas glares at the gnome a few seconds more, before breaking out into a guffaw that he quickly stifles when the others look over at them. Abby caught Dr. Crane looking toward her as he broke out in laughter. The corners of her mouth twitched and she lifted an eyebrow at him. Even after just one day's company she knew it was likely Roy had made some off-color comment, quite probably at her expense. But she didn't really mind. Better the honest lecher than the one who tries to hide it. Luiz finishes the picture from Abigail and Roy's description. He shows it to the assembled group. The illustration includes the man's dark suit which is of a specific cut and style that went out of fashion in the 1850's. John, Lawrence and Fish each recognize the face as being nearly identical to the woman who was on the train with them and taking notes. Lawrence snaps his fingers and says, "Hey, wait a minute. I've seen her before." He turns to Hardin and Fish. "Doesn't that look like the woman in our train car when we came to Florida? She must have been following us. But was it luck or did information on us get out there?" James says, "Are you sure? Roy was fairly certain the intruder was a man, and gender identification is one area that he has quite an eye for." Roy interjects, "Well, I did say he was dickless." Fish chimes in. "I did try to get a look up her skirt, and failed." He catches himself, realizing what he's said (and in mixed company besides!). He blushes. "That woman on the train? Maybe s/he was in drag...s/he did have quite the big ol' nose!" Roy says, "You looked for the Adam's apple, right? Right? Come on, man, you always look for the Adam's apple." Lawrence says, "I’m Pretty sure, James. The lady got scared off by Mr. Hardin before she got close to us. So I can't be 100% sure." Abby comments, "Well, if it was a woman, she was woefully... underdeveloped. Didn't Nanuet say there were two sets of footprints, or am I remembering wrong? A man and a woman? Perhaps they are family, so look alike?" Thomas nods, "Yes, I was thinking the very thing myself -- perhaps they are twins." Roy grumbles, "Probably lovers, too." Fish squints. "Mr. Parker, would you happen to know any contacts in Jacksonville with firsthand knowledge of what gets fenced in that town, and when? And who's buying?" He then adds quietly, "I might know someone who knows someone..." James says, "I don't but Sol does." Sol says, “Yes, I was mentioning it earlier to James and some of the others. I am acquainted with two individuals in the Jacksonville area who traffic in high-priced contraband goods, including magical elixirs. It probability came from one of them. I had planned to introduce You, Lawrence, or Roy to each of these individuals within the next week. We could make inquiries about this specific type of elixir. I sincerely doubt that either would reveal the identity of their customers, but we could possibly get a message delivered to the purchaser through the seller.” Fish nods. "Introductions may not be necessary with me, sir, at least not with both of these fellas -- there can't be that many 'entrepreneurs' fencing high-end contraband in Jacksonville! The man I know as 'Luke Wheelwright' deals in orchidaceous bric-a-brac. I'd not stand in the same room with him without a wall at my back, mind you, but he does pay top dollar. If I had to guess, I'd wager that he is one of the men that you had in mind for us to meet, yes?" Sol smiles and says, "Yes indeed. Let's visit him together on Sunday. I'll take either Roy or Lawrence with me to visit the other." Ruby had been uninterested in the discussions... she didn't see immediate danger and she was worried about George and what his decision was going to be. She returned to her bath again and settled in. Back downstairs, Abby states "Well, if that's all for this evening, I think Ruby had the right idea about a bath. It's been a long journey and a long day following. So I'll see you all in the morning," she looked over at Roy with a grin and said, "And not until the morning." "That's ok, sugar," Roy says with a smirk. "I don't mind keepin' the lights off." James and Luiz excuse themselves to head up to both the laboratory and library to research the items that had been delivered to them this day. Wilamina stays in the living room and engageds Thomas in a long discussion as to what he has been doing since she saw them last. Alsoomse heads back outside with Nanuet to finish moving the last of her possessions out of the ten-by-fifteen foot wood and animal skin lodge that will be his new home. She leaves him a charcoal stove and shows him the rope cords which pull back the rooftop skin above it so that smoke will exit when the stove is being used. Sol takes Roy, Benjamin and Lawrence on a tour of the secret back staircase, showing them the entrances on each floor on both the central hallway side and interior side. He also shows them were the trapdoors are in each of their own rooms as well as the rooms that are currently unoccupied. Lastly, he takes them up to the roof and shows them a magical latch on the central telescope that activates a Illusion that makes it appear to anybody not on the roof that it is unoccupied and that the telescopes are all stationary. Fish retires to his room. Like any thief, he's always at least a little bit paranoid -- more so now given the events earlier today -- and so he rigs a pinch of flash powder to trip should anyone disturb either the trapdoor, window or hall door. Roy does a sweep of his room one more time to make sure everything's in its place before turning in for the night. And Jasper Delroy begins to make the nightly patrol around the building with two of his hound dogs. Leaving the others downstairs, Abigail went to her room and enjoyed a long, hot bath. It was going to take a lot of energy not just to do her job here, whatever it was going to be, but to deal with Roy and Fish. She rather liked them, but her wit was going to have to get quicker if she was going to keep up. But that didn't matter now. After the long soak Abby dressed herself in her light nightgown and climbed into the unfamiliar bed. She was tired enough to fall asleep almost instantly, even in this new place. Ruby sat in the tub, drinking large swallows of her bourbon. She watched as the sun went down and the stars came out and her tub water got cold, and George still had not come back. She got out of the tub, dried herself off, and put on a lovely white nightgown with French lace on the bodice. And George still had not come back. She brushed her long hair in the mirror, and tied it up in a bow for bed. And still George had not come back. Ruby crawled into the soft cotton sheets of the bed, wonderfully cool on her skin. She snuggled in, pulling the covers up to her chin. Tears roll down her cheeks as she cried herself to sleep because George still had not come back and Ruby feared what that meant. Would he ask her to come back to New York to still live a painted bird in a cage? Or leave her here in Florida, choosing his company over her? Or would he insist on having children soon, no matter where they were? All these thought cascaded through Ruby's head along with the bourbon, as her tears fell and she finally found escape in sleep. It was late when Ruby felt someone crawl into bed with her. Her instincts kicked in and she whirled with a derringer in her hand, ending up with it pointed at Georges face. She was so happy she threw her arms around him, and began to cry once more. George carefully removed the derringer from her and held her for a bit. Then she lay down as he laid next to her, his arms wrapped around her tightly. Ruby could smell the bourbon on him, he must have drunk the rest of the bottle, better than half of it, which worried her, George never drank that heavily. Worry and doubt crept back into her mind and her heart beat fast as George began to speak. "Constance, I did a lot of thinking. And I thought especially a lot about what James said. About these artifacts. And about the events that have already surrounded them. About the acts of war that have already occurred. How James thinks war will come of this. And I don't know that if I have the chance to stop that, if I can refuse. And if war is coming, I must be with you, near you. I can't live without you, so even if I chose to be in New York it might leave you in the path of war. And you are right, I have some good people in place, but I will need to be there from time to time. And I thought I could ask James for a larger lab to work on a few things while I am down here so I don't have so much down time. And, we don't have to have children right now. Though I do want them, we do have sometime, especially if you extend your life. So, what I am saying my love, is that yes, we shall join AGELESS as full members. If I wish to leave a better world to my hopeful heirs, I need to work towards peace. And lets face it no one will buy film in a war," he says as he pinches her. Ruby grabbed his face and pulled him to her so she could kiss him. She pressed up against him as she did, the warmth of him comforting to her. She kept her palms on his face even as she slowly pulled her lips away from his. "That is good news," she said, somewhat hesitantly. "You are such a good man, you always do the right thing. We will do the right thing together and lend our services where we can. And I am certain James will give you what you need, perhaps even make you your own building here." The then thoughts swirled in her mind and George could see she was conflicted about something. He nudged her nose to nose and asked, "What's wrong?" Ruby wasn't sure how to answer but could not speak of doing the right thing and not tell the truth. "Well... we have never spoken of babies before. I don't think I would be a very good mother. In fact, I am positive of that. And..." She tried not to get too upset speaking, which she considered silly over the fact it was something she never wanted. But George wanted it and she wanted him and wanted to make him happy... "I don't know if I can have babies anyway." George laughed and Ruby pouted. "What? What is so funny?" she said hitting him with a pillow. "Constance, do you love me? Would you do anything for me?" Ruby replied, "Of course." "Well then you will make a fine mother, some day. You will find your capacity for love expanded beyond belief. And as for having children. I happen to know a priest of Asclepius back in New York, and I am sure he can help us." says George stealing the pillow away from her and hitting her so she fell back. George leaned over her and kissed her. "Constance, we will worry about that in a while, but have no doubt that I will make it so if WE choose it to be. But I do hope you will think on it long and hard." She stared up at him seriously, her eyes searching his. "I will think on it long and hard, for you, I promise. I just don't want you to be disappointed is all. For a lot of reasons. You know, if I can't do it." She reached up and pushed some stray hair off his forehead. "But I am only 19 after all, too young to be thinking about babies. Now the making babies part I am all for..." Her lips slowly formed into a wicked grin and she pulled him closer to her. "I don't recall you telling me how much you love me and that you would do anything for me in the last few moments... darling..." "Well at 25 you become a spinster so we had better get going on you," laughs George "But yes my darling Constance, you know I do love you desperately, you intoxicate me. And I would do anything, anything if you were to but ask." George bent and gave Ruby a slow, deep passionate kiss. "And forgive me for earlier, my heart's flame, but you know I need to think things through and work them out carefully. But don't tell James just yet, I want some leverage on him for a new workroom," says George winking before moving his kisses down Ruby's neck. Ruby ran her fingers through George's hair, leaving her hands resting on his head as he showered her with kisses. "There is nothing to forgive baby, it's just you being you. It's kinda nice to know I can rely on that. And I won't tell James, I'll let you do the negotiations yourself. You are the business guy after all. I'm just the singer. Young, beautiful, sexy, desirable singer who you want to have your babies, but, just the singer. Even if I am quickly on my way to being a spinster." She cracked up laughing at that. "So..." she tapped her fingers on his head, "You'd do anything I asked, huh? Anything? Whatever should I ask for..." She kept drumming her fingers on his head as his kisses moved lower. "What if I wanted a big huge mansion to live in? Or my own private tropical island? Or the rarest bird on the planet?" She laughed, "Oh, I know. What if I asked for a star? I do so love stars..." George came back and kissed Ruby deeply on the lips. "The sun, the moon and the stars are yours if you ask for them my love. Name your desire and I shall make it so, for you are my desire and all I require is you," replies George putting his forehead on hers as he looks into her eyes. "Well then...," she said slowly, her naughty grin in place, "I require something that will take all your resolve and resources and energy. And that is..." she ran her finger across his cheek to his lips, "That you stay with me tonight." "I could not think of a better place to be this evening," replies George as continued to kiss her and get comfortable for a good night's... sleep. [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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