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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: 4762061" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Nineteen, “Come Saturday Morning” September 2nd, 1882, 5:00 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>An hour before dawn on Saturday, September 2nd, Alsoomse very quietly makes her way downstairs and outside. She waves to Obadhiah Kingsley, who is sitting on the front porch guarding with the patriarch of their faithful family of hound dogs. As she gets within fifty feet of her former lodge she attracts the attention of Maska. Alsoomse kneels down and the wolf comes over up to her. Alsoomse gently rubs the wolf's face and motions for the animal to accompany her. The two set off together in the direction of the Delroy-Kingsley home. </p><p></p><p>Like the elvan Alsoomse, Thomas arose early before dawn to perform his morning calisthenics and exercises, exiting the house wearing a plain black silk tunic and loose pants to match, covered by a linen robe dyed earthen-brown. With his staff in one hand, and his ancient, dog-eared copy of the Company of the Masters of the Science of Defense, he padded down to the riverbank.</p><p></p><p>Stripping down to just his pants, Thomas squatted by the river, closed his eyes, and took in several deep breaths to cleanse his lungs and clear his thoughts. He opened his eyes and looked out over the river, seeing the light wisps of fog rising from the still water, hearing the songs of the birds in the trees as they began to anticipate sunrise, and smelling the rich mixture of earth, water, and plant life. He mused to himself that northern Florida was not unlike his native Florida in many ways.</p><p></p><p>After a half-hour of meditation and contemplation, Thomas rose, stretched, and began to loosen his muscles for his patterned martial exercise. To any who had met Thomas for the first time in a parlor or social gathering, they would be astounded, possibly horrified, to see the transformation of the gentle, bookish, and gregarious half-ogre into a steely-eyed and disciplined killing machine. </p><p></p><p>With staff, arms, and legs whirling and spinning about in lethal but controlled frenzy, Thomas honed and practiced his martial arts skills. He followed a tradition of patterns of parries, attacks, and ripostes centuries old, established in the rolling hills of the countryside of central England by peasants who were forced to defend themselves against foes with armor, horses, and superior weaponry with nothing but fists, feet, and farming implements. It could be, at turns, a non-lethal form for the purpose of subjugating an enemy, or the deadly form for the quick and brutally efficient dispatching of a foe -- Thomas had lost count of the number of times (and foes) for which he had had to use both forms.</p><p></p><p>Thomas continued to practice until just after the sun rose, working himself up into a slather of clean sweat and hard muscle. He then leaned his staff against the tree, looked quickly about for the purposes of courtesy and decorum before stripping his pants off, and then dived into the bracing cold water of the river for a hard and vigorous swim twixt the riverbanks. </p><p></p><p>He came out of the water, donned tunic, pants, and robe, and took up his book and staff and walked back to the house. Seeing the house begin to stir with activity, he sat on the veranda and opened his book to read for a bit, allowing his body and mind to still from the adrenaline and endorphin flush. Thomas was prepared for what the day would bring, toned, content, and balanced in body, mind, and spirit. </p><p></p><p>George arose with the sun as he always did. He gently kissed Ruby before leaving to his own room to dress. He headed downstairs for a quick bite to eat of what ever he could find along with several large cups of black coffee. He too a cup up with him and left it in Ruby's room before heading to the photographic lab to make a thorough examination of what James had stocked and noting where he could put the things he had brought with him, things that could not be bought as of yet. </p><p></p><p>Lawrence wakes up with the sun. Once he gets up, he checks the upended chair that he put under the trap door before he turned in. Finding no one with a broken leg tangled up in it, he nods to himself. Lawrence washes his face in the wash basin before dressing casually. He heads downstairs for breakfast and grabs some breakfast. While eating, he idly doodles on a scrap of paper. </p><p></p><p>Fish wakes up early, as is his habit. He slept in his clothes, as he has only two sets. He retrieves his other shirt, and attempts to snap the wrinkles out. He is looking forward to the party trip to Jacksonville and the new duds he's been promised! He descends all three flights of stairs without letting his feet touching the floor, sliding down the banisters and walking on his hands when necessary. He darts into the kitchen, smears some marmalade on a hunk of bread, then grabs a piece of fruit and dashes out the door, mouth full. He finds a flat patch of ground to practice his tumbling, and then clambers up the nearest tree to practice his leaping and his balance tricks.</p><p></p><p>Roy woke up slowly and stretched long before getting out of bed. As he put on his clothes, something light since it was gonna be a hot day, his stomach reminded him that it was breakfast time. He slipped on some shoes and headed to the kitchen, hoping to get his favorite breakfast of ham, grits, coffee, and a little red-eye gravy. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet rested longer than usual for himself being worn from the journey. When he did awaken he was surprised to not feel Maska close by. "Suppose she's gone hunting" he said to himself as he approached the house. He nodded to Thomas on the porch before heading inside looking for something to eat for his morning meal. </p><p></p><p>Morning crept into Abigail's room, waking her slowly about an hour after dawn. She was in no hurry so puttered around her room in her dressing gown, beginning her unpacking and deciding how she wanted to arrange things. When her stomach began to complain she finally considered getting dressed. Instead of a skirt, she chose one of the many pairs of pants she'd brought. The style was a bit unusual as the legs were wide and flowing, but not so much as to be what was called a split skirt. They were just loose and comfortable despite being slim at the waist. After a few moments of consideration she slid her Colt Thunderer into the pocket she'd had sewn into her pants for it. Working in dangerous places Abby had learned to arm herself early on. She paired the pants with a simple blouse, pulled back just the front of her hair and headed down looking for something to eat. </p><p></p><p>Hardin sleeps better than he has in a long time, the comfort of the bed several notches above what he is used to. He still rises fairly early and dresses for comfort...pants, leather vest with sewn-in holsters and a comfortable shirt. He slides on a pair of leather bracers to keep the shirt sleeves from catching on anything unfortunate and slides downstairs to the kitchen with his smaller valise.</p><p></p><p>He rummages through the aftermath of the previous night's dinner, gathering tin cans and bottles before heading down to the water. He passes a dripping Thomas on the way and struggles to tip his hat with all that he is carrying.</p><p>"Doc. Care for a bit of sport?" Hardin flashes his lopsided grin, but doesn't linger for a reply. A few minutes later, startled flocks of waterfowl take to the air as the flat crack of Colt Lightenings and the throatier booms of Peacemakers rip through the still morning air. The bottles and cans don't stand a chance... </p><p></p><p>Ruby, having not been told it was necessary to rise early, slept in late, which was customary for her. She lazily enjoyed a cup of coffee that had been acquired by George as she readied for the day, dressing in a flowy peach skirt and light white blouse. It was the lightest clothing she had until she got some new sundresses more suited to the weather. She pulled the top of her hair back into a large clip and left the rest of her long bouncy red locks flowing down her back. She swept down into the kitchen just before lunch time, looking for something to eat, unsure if their meeting would include food or not. </p><p></p><p>Mina makes her way downstairs mid-morning. She tells those who are around that Luiz and James are continuing to confirm their theories and hope to have answers by the 1:00 PM meeting. She also says that Jemima and Antoinette will be delivering lunch at noon for the group, so that they can all get a good meal before the meeting. </p><p></p><p>After it was revealed that lunch would still be a while, Ruby went off in search of George. She knew just where to start looking, finding him just where she knew he would be, in the photography lab. She quietly came up behind him and reached her hands around his face, covering his eyes. "Guess who?" she purred into his ear, trying not to laugh. </p><p></p><p>George gasps in mock surprise "Abby? Ruby might catch us!" he says before turning to plant a kiss on Ruby. "So you did arise today, and obviously I need a new hiding place" he teases her. "I left you some coffee, but it was probably cold by the time you got up, sorry. Did you sleep well?" he asks with a smile and another kiss. Ruby pinched him then crossed her arms. "If you'd prefer to be with that skinny Abby girl... " she said, pretending to be offended as she turned her back to him, "Go ahead. I know she can't love you like I do." </p><p></p><p>George wrapped his arms around Ruby's shoulders and kissed her neck. "No, of course she couldn't. So have you had breakfast yet or are you waiting for lunch?" asks George without letting go of Ruby. "I just had that wonderful cup of coffee someone left me," Ruby said, not giving in just yet. "I'm starting to get hungry for lunch, yes. But I was hoping to find someone to go exploring with me until lunch is ready. Outside. Of course. Now that I know you are waiting for another girl, I guess I could go ask someone else to join me. I bet Roy would do it in a minute. Or maybe Ben..." </p><p></p><p>George snorted "You know those two could never keep up with you" he said "Nor would they bring you coffee. Or bourbon in the tub" he added with another kiss on the neck. Ruby giggled, "No, you're right. They'd be too dazzled by me being naked to get anything accomplished." She turned and took George's hands in hers and started pulling him towards the door. "Now come on, you owe me for teasing me, let's go for a walk before lunch. I reaalllyyyyyy want to... plus we should check on Nanuet and see how he fared last night in such a strange place." </p><p></p><p>George pulled back, stopping Ruby. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow for a minute before smiling "Alright my dear, I can finish the inventory later." says George as he puts a few things back where they belong and tucks his inventory list into his briefcase. He takes Ruby's hand and adds "It will be nice to see the grounds though it, they seem beautiful." She says, "Yes, they do. I want to go down by the river and check that out. I wonder if it is good for swimming..."</p><p></p><p>After Mina's message about lunchtime, Abby debated whether to spend the morning practicing with her blade or enjoying the warm sunshine in a rocker with her novel. For this morning she decided to be a bit lazy and go with the relaxing. She ran upstairs and got her book, then went out to the porch where Dr. Crane was sitting. "Beautiful morning," she said simply as she took a seat. </p><p></p><p>Roy made his way out to the porch. Once there, he took out his deck of cards and started shuffling them. "Care for a game, Abby?" She looked up from her book and took off her spectacles. "Sure, as long as it's a game I know." Roy looked up and waved. "Doing good. Just about to start up a game of cards. Care to join us?" </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Ruby grabbed George’s hand tightly now and pulled him out of the house. Happy and smiling she bounded out the front door, off the porch and down the front steps before she saw there was people there. "Good morning Thomas and Roy and Abby! How are you this lovely day?" Thomas replies, "Marvelous, marvelous! Going for a swim, I see. I think you will find the water bracing but refreshing."</p><p></p><p>"I would LOVE to play cards," Ruby grinned then glanced sideways at George. "However, exercise for the body is just as important as exercise for the mind," she winked at Roy. "Perhaps when I return from my walk I can jump into the game with you two. Right now, we're going exploring. Of course, you are welcome to join us also, if you please." Roy turned to Abby. "What do you think, Abs? You wanna walk or you wanna play cards?" Abby replies "Either is fine, but before you decide, I can guarantee that I'm not inclined to strip down and swim this morning." Roy says, "Hmmmm. You make it hard sometimes Abby.... and you're making it difficult for me to make a decision."</p><p></p><p>Thomas grins, and says under his breath to Abigail, "Keep a firm hold on your wallet or anything else important to you if you are engaging in a round of cards with Huggins." Abby replies to Roy’s previous question, "I never bet more than I'm willing to lose. And we'll see what Roy wants more, my money or my good will," she grinned quietly. Ruby took note of Thomas's comment to Abigail; it only made her more excited to see what Roy could do. "Well, I'm not planning on swimming today, though the weather is nice for it. I suppose I would need a suit." Her grin grew. "You know, to not embarrass you all. I will purchase one on our trip to the city. But I do want to see what it's like down there by the river. Thomas, I assume you've already been?" </p><p></p><p>Roy strokes his chin. "I think we'll just sit here and game, Ruby. Feel free to join us when you're done." "Have fun!" she chirped before pulling George off down the path her grandmother and James had taken yesterday on their bike ride. Ruby kept her eyes alert looking for Nanuet but was otherwise relaxed as they wandered together. "I wonder what else we will find out at this meeting today. I am glad it's not too far off, my curiosity is killing me." </p><p></p><p>Once Ruby and George leave, Roy will turn back to Abby. "So you care to make this interesting?" Abby says, "Oh, I'm sure it's already going to be very interesting," she answered innocently. "But I'm willing to consider your proposal." Roy replies, "Weeeeellllll.... I've always liked poker, draw or stud, so I'd be willing to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I seem to have left my wallet upstairs. Luckily, though, I didn't forget my clothes, which I'd be more than willing to wager. How about you?" he says with a sly grin. </p><p></p><p>Abby says, "Wish I'd laid bets on what you were going to want to wager; I'd be richer now. Roy, I'm as good a sport as anyone but I really don't want to be down to my skivvies this morning." Roy "pouts." "I guess that's ok. How about a nice game of gin, then?" Roy deals the cards. Abby says, "If it makes you feel better, I'm not much of a card player and I'm quite likely to lose. A lot. So if you can ever convince me of that wager it'll probably be worth your time." Roy just smiles and continues to play gin. </p><p></p><p>Hardin passes George and Ruby, tipping his bowler while wiping some powder residue from his hands and face with a kerchief. "Ms. Ruby, George, how are you today? Anything of interest afoot?" Ruby gave him a little curtsy. "I'm fabulous! And you?" She looked him up and down. "You look like you've been busy already this morning, I imagine you've been practicing with those quick guns of yours? As for us, we're just taking a nice walk over to the river, nothing of interest to report yet. However, I am dying to know what we're going to find out at today's meeting. You are already set to sign up?" George says, "Doing well, thank you for asking. We are out for a stroll before lunch. Off to see the grounds and enjoy the Floridian sunshine." replies George as he shakes Hardin's hand. </p><p></p><p>At 11:30 AM Alsoomse and Antoinette come walking up the road towards the house. Both are wearing almost-matching sundresses, Alsoomse's being white with a blue floral design and Antoinette's being white with a red floral design. Both dresses highlight their hourglass figures. Antoinette is carrying two large baskets that are covered over with cloth but from the smell are clearly fresh baked rolls for lunch. Alsoomse is carrying a box, the contents of which can also be identified from the smell, as hot apple pies. They are accompanied by Nanuet's wolf Maska, whose fur looks to be freshly bathed and neatly brushed out. </p><p></p><p>Fish returns. He finds he feels a little like a hayseed. Or a dirty carnie. He's dusty from his play this morning -- and there's a new tear in his shirt over his left shoulder. Ruby steps off the porch as he arrives. She looks stunning, as always. Her paramour looked as though he needed more sun, but his tie was tied ever-so-elegantly. Thomas was dressed plainly, but the threads he wore were well-spun and cut for movement. Roy looked a little pimp (no surprise there! where'd he buy such beautiful silk?). Abigail? Ben didn't want to think too hard about what she was wearing. Hardin? He wore his bowler with style. Cantrell? Well...he for one looks as though he slept in those clothes. Alsoomse and Antoinette? Best not think too hard about what they're wearing either, in their matching thin cotton sun dresses...</p><p></p><p>Nanuet had missed most of the activity on the porch as he had been inside foraging for food. He emerges from the house, bread crumbs on his clothing and a hint of jam still stuck to the corner of his mouth. "Good morning everybody!" he says enthusiastically through a mouthful of food. He smiles at the ladies carrying the baskets and offers his assistance. "So you were off gathering food this morning girl" he says to Maska with a grin "good job girl, good job!" </p><p></p><p>The wolf communicates back to Nanuet through their telepathic link that he didn't have to hunt food, the girls fed her. Maska says that she had a very nice swim and the girls then brushed her out. Nanuet gets the impression that Maska enjoyed the personal attention. Nanuet tells her, "Yes, I can smell the food girl, that is why I said gathered rather than hunted. I think we're going to like staying here." </p><p></p><p>At around a quarter until noon the Delroy-Kingsley family are heading up the walkway with the mule cart. As they arrive Jemima hands Obie, Enoch and Jasper each a large metal container with a lid which they bring inside to the kitchen. Jemima then ties up the mule to the front rail post and heads inside carrying a ceramic crock.</p><p></p><p>George and Ruby took their time walking, strolling along the bike path and out to the river. They chatted some more about their future together, this new adventure putting a lot of their future plans into the spotlight. They basked in the sun next to the river for a while before Ruby's belly rumbled and they head back to the house for lunch. They arrived just as lunch showed up so they skipped the card game and went into the dining room to enjoy it while it was hot, the meeting soon to follow.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 4762061, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Nineteen, “Come Saturday Morning” September 2nd, 1882, 5:00 A.M.[/B] An hour before dawn on Saturday, September 2nd, Alsoomse very quietly makes her way downstairs and outside. She waves to Obadhiah Kingsley, who is sitting on the front porch guarding with the patriarch of their faithful family of hound dogs. As she gets within fifty feet of her former lodge she attracts the attention of Maska. Alsoomse kneels down and the wolf comes over up to her. Alsoomse gently rubs the wolf's face and motions for the animal to accompany her. The two set off together in the direction of the Delroy-Kingsley home. Like the elvan Alsoomse, Thomas arose early before dawn to perform his morning calisthenics and exercises, exiting the house wearing a plain black silk tunic and loose pants to match, covered by a linen robe dyed earthen-brown. With his staff in one hand, and his ancient, dog-eared copy of the Company of the Masters of the Science of Defense, he padded down to the riverbank. Stripping down to just his pants, Thomas squatted by the river, closed his eyes, and took in several deep breaths to cleanse his lungs and clear his thoughts. He opened his eyes and looked out over the river, seeing the light wisps of fog rising from the still water, hearing the songs of the birds in the trees as they began to anticipate sunrise, and smelling the rich mixture of earth, water, and plant life. He mused to himself that northern Florida was not unlike his native Florida in many ways. After a half-hour of meditation and contemplation, Thomas rose, stretched, and began to loosen his muscles for his patterned martial exercise. To any who had met Thomas for the first time in a parlor or social gathering, they would be astounded, possibly horrified, to see the transformation of the gentle, bookish, and gregarious half-ogre into a steely-eyed and disciplined killing machine. With staff, arms, and legs whirling and spinning about in lethal but controlled frenzy, Thomas honed and practiced his martial arts skills. He followed a tradition of patterns of parries, attacks, and ripostes centuries old, established in the rolling hills of the countryside of central England by peasants who were forced to defend themselves against foes with armor, horses, and superior weaponry with nothing but fists, feet, and farming implements. It could be, at turns, a non-lethal form for the purpose of subjugating an enemy, or the deadly form for the quick and brutally efficient dispatching of a foe -- Thomas had lost count of the number of times (and foes) for which he had had to use both forms. Thomas continued to practice until just after the sun rose, working himself up into a slather of clean sweat and hard muscle. He then leaned his staff against the tree, looked quickly about for the purposes of courtesy and decorum before stripping his pants off, and then dived into the bracing cold water of the river for a hard and vigorous swim twixt the riverbanks. He came out of the water, donned tunic, pants, and robe, and took up his book and staff and walked back to the house. Seeing the house begin to stir with activity, he sat on the veranda and opened his book to read for a bit, allowing his body and mind to still from the adrenaline and endorphin flush. Thomas was prepared for what the day would bring, toned, content, and balanced in body, mind, and spirit. George arose with the sun as he always did. He gently kissed Ruby before leaving to his own room to dress. He headed downstairs for a quick bite to eat of what ever he could find along with several large cups of black coffee. He too a cup up with him and left it in Ruby's room before heading to the photographic lab to make a thorough examination of what James had stocked and noting where he could put the things he had brought with him, things that could not be bought as of yet. Lawrence wakes up with the sun. Once he gets up, he checks the upended chair that he put under the trap door before he turned in. Finding no one with a broken leg tangled up in it, he nods to himself. Lawrence washes his face in the wash basin before dressing casually. He heads downstairs for breakfast and grabs some breakfast. While eating, he idly doodles on a scrap of paper. Fish wakes up early, as is his habit. He slept in his clothes, as he has only two sets. He retrieves his other shirt, and attempts to snap the wrinkles out. He is looking forward to the party trip to Jacksonville and the new duds he's been promised! He descends all three flights of stairs without letting his feet touching the floor, sliding down the banisters and walking on his hands when necessary. He darts into the kitchen, smears some marmalade on a hunk of bread, then grabs a piece of fruit and dashes out the door, mouth full. He finds a flat patch of ground to practice his tumbling, and then clambers up the nearest tree to practice his leaping and his balance tricks. Roy woke up slowly and stretched long before getting out of bed. As he put on his clothes, something light since it was gonna be a hot day, his stomach reminded him that it was breakfast time. He slipped on some shoes and headed to the kitchen, hoping to get his favorite breakfast of ham, grits, coffee, and a little red-eye gravy. Nanuet rested longer than usual for himself being worn from the journey. When he did awaken he was surprised to not feel Maska close by. "Suppose she's gone hunting" he said to himself as he approached the house. He nodded to Thomas on the porch before heading inside looking for something to eat for his morning meal. Morning crept into Abigail's room, waking her slowly about an hour after dawn. She was in no hurry so puttered around her room in her dressing gown, beginning her unpacking and deciding how she wanted to arrange things. When her stomach began to complain she finally considered getting dressed. Instead of a skirt, she chose one of the many pairs of pants she'd brought. The style was a bit unusual as the legs were wide and flowing, but not so much as to be what was called a split skirt. They were just loose and comfortable despite being slim at the waist. After a few moments of consideration she slid her Colt Thunderer into the pocket she'd had sewn into her pants for it. Working in dangerous places Abby had learned to arm herself early on. She paired the pants with a simple blouse, pulled back just the front of her hair and headed down looking for something to eat. Hardin sleeps better than he has in a long time, the comfort of the bed several notches above what he is used to. He still rises fairly early and dresses for comfort...pants, leather vest with sewn-in holsters and a comfortable shirt. He slides on a pair of leather bracers to keep the shirt sleeves from catching on anything unfortunate and slides downstairs to the kitchen with his smaller valise. He rummages through the aftermath of the previous night's dinner, gathering tin cans and bottles before heading down to the water. He passes a dripping Thomas on the way and struggles to tip his hat with all that he is carrying. "Doc. Care for a bit of sport?" Hardin flashes his lopsided grin, but doesn't linger for a reply. A few minutes later, startled flocks of waterfowl take to the air as the flat crack of Colt Lightenings and the throatier booms of Peacemakers rip through the still morning air. The bottles and cans don't stand a chance... Ruby, having not been told it was necessary to rise early, slept in late, which was customary for her. She lazily enjoyed a cup of coffee that had been acquired by George as she readied for the day, dressing in a flowy peach skirt and light white blouse. It was the lightest clothing she had until she got some new sundresses more suited to the weather. She pulled the top of her hair back into a large clip and left the rest of her long bouncy red locks flowing down her back. She swept down into the kitchen just before lunch time, looking for something to eat, unsure if their meeting would include food or not. Mina makes her way downstairs mid-morning. She tells those who are around that Luiz and James are continuing to confirm their theories and hope to have answers by the 1:00 PM meeting. She also says that Jemima and Antoinette will be delivering lunch at noon for the group, so that they can all get a good meal before the meeting. After it was revealed that lunch would still be a while, Ruby went off in search of George. She knew just where to start looking, finding him just where she knew he would be, in the photography lab. She quietly came up behind him and reached her hands around his face, covering his eyes. "Guess who?" she purred into his ear, trying not to laugh. George gasps in mock surprise "Abby? Ruby might catch us!" he says before turning to plant a kiss on Ruby. "So you did arise today, and obviously I need a new hiding place" he teases her. "I left you some coffee, but it was probably cold by the time you got up, sorry. Did you sleep well?" he asks with a smile and another kiss. Ruby pinched him then crossed her arms. "If you'd prefer to be with that skinny Abby girl... " she said, pretending to be offended as she turned her back to him, "Go ahead. I know she can't love you like I do." George wrapped his arms around Ruby's shoulders and kissed her neck. "No, of course she couldn't. So have you had breakfast yet or are you waiting for lunch?" asks George without letting go of Ruby. "I just had that wonderful cup of coffee someone left me," Ruby said, not giving in just yet. "I'm starting to get hungry for lunch, yes. But I was hoping to find someone to go exploring with me until lunch is ready. Outside. Of course. Now that I know you are waiting for another girl, I guess I could go ask someone else to join me. I bet Roy would do it in a minute. Or maybe Ben..." George snorted "You know those two could never keep up with you" he said "Nor would they bring you coffee. Or bourbon in the tub" he added with another kiss on the neck. Ruby giggled, "No, you're right. They'd be too dazzled by me being naked to get anything accomplished." She turned and took George's hands in hers and started pulling him towards the door. "Now come on, you owe me for teasing me, let's go for a walk before lunch. I reaalllyyyyyy want to... plus we should check on Nanuet and see how he fared last night in such a strange place." George pulled back, stopping Ruby. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow for a minute before smiling "Alright my dear, I can finish the inventory later." says George as he puts a few things back where they belong and tucks his inventory list into his briefcase. He takes Ruby's hand and adds "It will be nice to see the grounds though it, they seem beautiful." She says, "Yes, they do. I want to go down by the river and check that out. I wonder if it is good for swimming..." After Mina's message about lunchtime, Abby debated whether to spend the morning practicing with her blade or enjoying the warm sunshine in a rocker with her novel. For this morning she decided to be a bit lazy and go with the relaxing. She ran upstairs and got her book, then went out to the porch where Dr. Crane was sitting. "Beautiful morning," she said simply as she took a seat. Roy made his way out to the porch. Once there, he took out his deck of cards and started shuffling them. "Care for a game, Abby?" She looked up from her book and took off her spectacles. "Sure, as long as it's a game I know." Roy looked up and waved. "Doing good. Just about to start up a game of cards. Care to join us?" Meanwhile, Ruby grabbed George’s hand tightly now and pulled him out of the house. Happy and smiling she bounded out the front door, off the porch and down the front steps before she saw there was people there. "Good morning Thomas and Roy and Abby! How are you this lovely day?" Thomas replies, "Marvelous, marvelous! Going for a swim, I see. I think you will find the water bracing but refreshing." "I would LOVE to play cards," Ruby grinned then glanced sideways at George. "However, exercise for the body is just as important as exercise for the mind," she winked at Roy. "Perhaps when I return from my walk I can jump into the game with you two. Right now, we're going exploring. Of course, you are welcome to join us also, if you please." Roy turned to Abby. "What do you think, Abs? You wanna walk or you wanna play cards?" Abby replies "Either is fine, but before you decide, I can guarantee that I'm not inclined to strip down and swim this morning." Roy says, "Hmmmm. You make it hard sometimes Abby.... and you're making it difficult for me to make a decision." Thomas grins, and says under his breath to Abigail, "Keep a firm hold on your wallet or anything else important to you if you are engaging in a round of cards with Huggins." Abby replies to Roy’s previous question, "I never bet more than I'm willing to lose. And we'll see what Roy wants more, my money or my good will," she grinned quietly. Ruby took note of Thomas's comment to Abigail; it only made her more excited to see what Roy could do. "Well, I'm not planning on swimming today, though the weather is nice for it. I suppose I would need a suit." Her grin grew. "You know, to not embarrass you all. I will purchase one on our trip to the city. But I do want to see what it's like down there by the river. Thomas, I assume you've already been?" Roy strokes his chin. "I think we'll just sit here and game, Ruby. Feel free to join us when you're done." "Have fun!" she chirped before pulling George off down the path her grandmother and James had taken yesterday on their bike ride. Ruby kept her eyes alert looking for Nanuet but was otherwise relaxed as they wandered together. "I wonder what else we will find out at this meeting today. I am glad it's not too far off, my curiosity is killing me." Once Ruby and George leave, Roy will turn back to Abby. "So you care to make this interesting?" Abby says, "Oh, I'm sure it's already going to be very interesting," she answered innocently. "But I'm willing to consider your proposal." Roy replies, "Weeeeellllll.... I've always liked poker, draw or stud, so I'd be willing to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I seem to have left my wallet upstairs. Luckily, though, I didn't forget my clothes, which I'd be more than willing to wager. How about you?" he says with a sly grin. Abby says, "Wish I'd laid bets on what you were going to want to wager; I'd be richer now. Roy, I'm as good a sport as anyone but I really don't want to be down to my skivvies this morning." Roy "pouts." "I guess that's ok. How about a nice game of gin, then?" Roy deals the cards. Abby says, "If it makes you feel better, I'm not much of a card player and I'm quite likely to lose. A lot. So if you can ever convince me of that wager it'll probably be worth your time." Roy just smiles and continues to play gin. Hardin passes George and Ruby, tipping his bowler while wiping some powder residue from his hands and face with a kerchief. "Ms. Ruby, George, how are you today? Anything of interest afoot?" Ruby gave him a little curtsy. "I'm fabulous! And you?" She looked him up and down. "You look like you've been busy already this morning, I imagine you've been practicing with those quick guns of yours? As for us, we're just taking a nice walk over to the river, nothing of interest to report yet. However, I am dying to know what we're going to find out at today's meeting. You are already set to sign up?" George says, "Doing well, thank you for asking. We are out for a stroll before lunch. Off to see the grounds and enjoy the Floridian sunshine." replies George as he shakes Hardin's hand. At 11:30 AM Alsoomse and Antoinette come walking up the road towards the house. Both are wearing almost-matching sundresses, Alsoomse's being white with a blue floral design and Antoinette's being white with a red floral design. Both dresses highlight their hourglass figures. Antoinette is carrying two large baskets that are covered over with cloth but from the smell are clearly fresh baked rolls for lunch. Alsoomse is carrying a box, the contents of which can also be identified from the smell, as hot apple pies. They are accompanied by Nanuet's wolf Maska, whose fur looks to be freshly bathed and neatly brushed out. Fish returns. He finds he feels a little like a hayseed. Or a dirty carnie. He's dusty from his play this morning -- and there's a new tear in his shirt over his left shoulder. Ruby steps off the porch as he arrives. She looks stunning, as always. Her paramour looked as though he needed more sun, but his tie was tied ever-so-elegantly. Thomas was dressed plainly, but the threads he wore were well-spun and cut for movement. Roy looked a little pimp (no surprise there! where'd he buy such beautiful silk?). Abigail? Ben didn't want to think too hard about what she was wearing. Hardin? He wore his bowler with style. Cantrell? Well...he for one looks as though he slept in those clothes. Alsoomse and Antoinette? Best not think too hard about what they're wearing either, in their matching thin cotton sun dresses... Nanuet had missed most of the activity on the porch as he had been inside foraging for food. He emerges from the house, bread crumbs on his clothing and a hint of jam still stuck to the corner of his mouth. "Good morning everybody!" he says enthusiastically through a mouthful of food. He smiles at the ladies carrying the baskets and offers his assistance. "So you were off gathering food this morning girl" he says to Maska with a grin "good job girl, good job!" The wolf communicates back to Nanuet through their telepathic link that he didn't have to hunt food, the girls fed her. Maska says that she had a very nice swim and the girls then brushed her out. Nanuet gets the impression that Maska enjoyed the personal attention. Nanuet tells her, "Yes, I can smell the food girl, that is why I said gathered rather than hunted. I think we're going to like staying here." At around a quarter until noon the Delroy-Kingsley family are heading up the walkway with the mule cart. As they arrive Jemima hands Obie, Enoch and Jasper each a large metal container with a lid which they bring inside to the kitchen. Jemima then ties up the mule to the front rail post and heads inside carrying a ceramic crock. George and Ruby took their time walking, strolling along the bike path and out to the river. They chatted some more about their future together, this new adventure putting a lot of their future plans into the spotlight. They basked in the sun next to the river for a while before Ruby's belly rumbled and they head back to the house for lunch. They arrived just as lunch showed up so they skipped the card game and went into the dining room to enjoy it while it was hot, the meeting soon to follow. [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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