Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4797890" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Twenty-five, “Stargazing”, September 2nd, 1882, 8:30 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>After the others arrived Ruby whispered into Luis's ear, speaking to him of song choices. Together they decided on some songs. Ruby faced the group. "Hopefully you'll enjoy our little concert, after your hard day at work you deserve a little drink and relaxing. We'll start when everyone is ready." Luis played some light music until everyone was seated and quiet.</p><p></p><p>Ruby began to sing a stream of songs, mostly popular and tame songs as she still didn't know everyone in this group well. She began with the classic “A Bicycle Built for Two” followed by “And the Band Played On”. It occurred to her that no one here, even George, had seen her perform many times if at all. So she kept the songs and her performance family appropriate, flitting from person to person around the room as she sang and engaged her new companions. </p><p></p><p>Though she hadn't practiced recently, Ruby's voice was strong and unwavering, a soprano which went from sounding sweet to sultry in a heartbeat. She always put a lot of emotion into her singing and this time was no different. She sang for 20 minutes or so and included a few very well known popular songs, two songs in Spanish and a song in French. Ruby finished with a melancholy song, filled with emotion, After the Ball:</p><p></p><p><em>A little maiden climbed an old man’s knees—</em></p><p><em>Begged for a story: "Do uncle, please!</em></p><p><em>Why are you single, why live alone?</em></p><p><em>Have you no babies, have you no home?"</em></p><p><em>"I had a sweetheart, years, years ago,</em></p><p><em>Where she is now, pet, you will soon know;</em></p><p><em>List to the story, I’ll tell it all:</em></p><p><em>I believed her faithless after the ball.“</em></p><p><em>”Bright lights were flashing in the grand ballroom,</em></p><p><em>Softly the music playing sweet tunes.</em></p><p><em>There came my sweetheart, my love, my own,</em></p><p><em>‘I wish some water; leave me alone.’</em></p><p><em>When I returned, dear, there stood a man</em></p><p><em>Kissing my sweetheart as lovers can.</em></p><p><em>Down fell the glass, pet, broken, that’s all—</em></p><p><em>Just as my heart was after the ball.“</em></p><p><em>”Long years have passed, child, I have never wed,</em></p><p><em>True to my lost love though she is dead.</em></p><p><em>She tried to tell me, tried to explain—</em></p><p><em>I would not listen, pleadings were vain.</em></p><p><em>One day a letter came from that man;</em></p><p><em>He was her brother, the letter ran.</em></p><p><em>That’s why I’m lonely, no home at all—</em></p><p><em>I broke her heart, pet, after the ball.</em></p><p><em>After the ball is over, after the break of morn,</em></p><p><em>After the dancers' leaving, after the stars are gone,</em></p><p><em>Many a heart is aching, if you could read them all—</em></p><p><em>Many the hopes that have vanished after the ball.</em></p><p></p><p>She gave everyone the chance to take in the song, sipping her own bourbon, before she spoke again. "So, anyone have any special requests?" Fish volunteers brightly, "Do you happen to know The Man on the Flying Trapeze?" Luiz plays as Fish sings the piece. "I do now," Ruby smiled after Fish's rendition</p><p></p><p>Following Fish's song Luiz introduces his next two pieces of music as being from Brazil's most famous composer, Jose Muricio Nunes Garcia, whose musical style was influenced by Mozart and Haydn, and who played for the Portuguese royal family during their visit to Brazil. He says that most of Garcia's work is for full orchestra, but that the man began by playing piano, organ and harpsichord, so left a number of pieces for just the keyboard. Two long flowing masterful pieces follow, Luiz's playing being superb.</p><p></p><p>Ruby took a break and enjoyed her own drink while Luiz played, the beautiful and soothing music good for her soul. She clapped enthusiastically when he finished. "That was excellent Luis! Where did you learn to play?" He replies, "Around fourteen years ago in France, my wife has always played but didn't have the patience to teach either myself or our children. I was able to arrange lessons for one of my daughter's with the master pianist Jules Massenet, who was willing to teach me also. He has since gone on to become a great composer. He is also a wizard, and within the past few years he was inducted into membership on rival team of French wizards." </p><p></p><p>As the concert winds down James says, "It's been a long day. Tomorrow should be easier for all of us, we'll still want to fill all sixty wheelbarrows but will have twice as much time during the day to do that in. Any of you who are tired should go to bed, now that it is dark outside the rest of us will go see to emptying today's collection of dirt and rocks. It should go rather quickly, the levitation devices do most of the work and we'll just be dumping it all into one of the student-dug holes, putting the local dirt on the final two feet of it." Lawrence rubs his lower back. "We'd better get started then. The quicker we get the dirt put away, the less likely we'll be spotted." </p><p></p><p>"When we're through, ish there any chance we can do a bit of shtar-gazing, cap'n?" asks Fish, buzzing from the bourbon. "Miss West, you could mix ush a liddle of The Green Fairy for the occashion!" "Yes, that sounds good," she grinned, "After the dirt moving, we'll have a little flight of fancy while star gazing. Good?" Alsoomse says, "Actually, Sol and I are heading up to the roof now to use the telescopes to make sure that nobody is around before we empty the wheelbarrows. After that the roof will be available. Nanuet, you may want to patrol the grounds with Maska as a second check that we're alone here." </p><p></p><p>"Not a bad idea Alsoomse. I fancy a stroll anyways." Nanuet nods his head towards Ruby and says "Nice singing as usual Miss Ruby, although not as, umm, raucous as usual." Nanuet will head outside and begin walking the grounds checking to see if they are being watched. "Ha!" Ruby laughed. "Well, yes, I figured I should not embarrass anyone tonight at my first concert for my new friends. I won't let you down though Nanuet, I'll be rambunctious just for you next time." She gave him a wink and a with a swish of her hips she went back to the bar for another drink.</p><p></p><p>"James, shall I help now with the dirt moving or is that off limits too? I can man the bar for those who need some medicinal help after today's strenuous activities otherwise." Luiz says, "James will let you, he let's me help with this part too, since the levitation device on the wheelbarrows absord ninety-five percent of the weight. He will make you wear work gloves thought to protect your hands. You'll also want to change out of that dress." </p><p></p><p>Ruby had been hoping for a "no" answer, yet she wouldn't decline. "Alright, I'll go change and be right back. After that stargazing and drinking. Not such a bad day!" She quickly returned to her room and changed back into her leather pants from earlier in the day then hurried back downstairs. "Let's get this part over with, shall we?" she said ready to work. After dinner but before the evening shift spent humping dirt, Fish changes out of the outfit that Solomon lent him, and pulls on his smelly clothes. </p><p></p><p>Once it is determined that no strangers appears to be around they get going. The work proceeds in near silence, with the wheelbarrows being wheeled out of the back door of the Transportation and Logistics room down a makeshift ramp and over to one of the larger archeological dig holes in the ground. The holes manages to take in all but eight of the wheelbarrow loads, with Thomas and Sol then covering the final two feet with the local dirt. The remaining wheelbarrows are poured into the bottom of a second hole, with around a foot or so of local dirt then shoveled on top. The wheelbarrows are all returned to the tunnel which is closed up. With nearly everybody working the entire operation is completed by 10:15 P.M. </p><p></p><p>James says, "Tomorrow morning we can work from whenever people get up until 11:00 A.M. We'll then get washed up for lunch with the Delroy-Kingsleys, then finish some time after lunch." Ruby states, "That sounds good James. I am going to get cleaned up and more comfortable then do some stargazing, it's such a beautiful night out tonight. I believe Ben has requested the green fairy make an appearance and I'll take care of that for him and anyone else who may be interested. So say 30 minutes or so and I'll be up on the roof. Everyone should feel free to join us." Lawrence, being an old man, goes to bed early. "You all have a good evening."</p><p></p><p>Mina and James declared they are headed to bed, as did Sol, leaving just the new companions to decide if they want to join in the fun. Ruby returned to her room where she dressed in her thin white nightgown. She covered that up with a long pink frilly bathrobe. She let her hair loose and brushed it out, leaving it down where it hung to mid back and left her boots and stockings off.</p><p></p><p>Once George was also ready she made a quick stop at the bar grabbing the liquor she needed, sugar, special glasses and the pouring accessories. the Green Fairy They headed upstairs to the roof and claimed some lounge chairs, putting the head of the chairs flat for easier looking up at the stars. "George, are you going to try one of these?" she asked him as she poured one for herself, also waiting to see if anyone else would show up. </p><p></p><p>After the excavating (hard work sobers him up!), Fish dashes down to the river, strips and splashes. He streaks back to house, having wadded up his now-thoroughly-rank clothing in a ball that he tucks under his left armpit. He winks at Maska as the wolf glowers at him on his way past the animal. He clambers up the side of the manse, ducks into his room, changes back into his dinner outfit, and scampers up to the roof. Hair still damp, he gladly accepts a goblet from Ruby, the green elixir therein catching the starlight. Ruby says, "Feel better now that you've had a bath? I always do. What a long day of work, huh? This will help all of us relax, I think."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet headed back to his lodgings and cleaned up. He put on a white linen shirt, keeping his deerskin leggings on and headed to the roof to see if anyone had arrived. Spotting George and Ruby he headed over to the couple. "I hope you haven't started the festivities without me. I haven't taken time to look at the beauty of the heavens in quite some time." Nanuet found a spot where he could sit comfortably and still speak with George and Ruby without raising his voice. "Beautiful night." </p><p></p><p>"Very beautiful. And it's quiet out here too, I can hear every bug chirping. Not like in Rochester where everyone is packed on top of each other. Nanuet, would you like a drink?" Ruby waved the bottle filled with the green liquid. "What exactly is that you have in your hand Miss Ruby? Some sort of local drink? It's green!" Nanuet moved closer to examine the bottle. "Ab... Ab-sin... Ab-sin-the... well I doubt it's any good for me since it has the word sin in it... sure, I'll try some." </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed heartily. "Nanuet, you always make me laugh. Yes, it's very bad and sinful for you... but in the very best way. Of course it's good for you!! Would I steer you wrong?" She gave him a crooked, naughty grin as she poured him his very own Green Fairy, handing it to him slowly. "Just make sure you don't fall off the roof, okay?" He replies, "Fall off the roof? Well I'll make sure I sit down before trying this new vice you're introducing to me here. To new friends, new adventures and Green Fairy's!" She says, "Oh Nanuet, you are so funny!" </p><p></p><p>Abby considered the offer to just go on to bed, but the moving actually worked some more of the stiffness out of her muscles. She changed back into the pants and blouse she'd been wearing in the morning and went up to the roof. "None of the green stuff for me," she said when asked. "I wouldn't mind a couple glasses of wine, though." </p><p>"Excellent! I'll go get that for you." Ruby ran down the three flights of stairs to the bar and grabbed two bottles of wine, one red, one white, and a couple of wine glasses, returning before anyone could really miss her. "Red or white Abby?" she asked.</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "It seemed like so long ago I first found out about this day and now it's here. Kinda unbelievable actually." She lifted her own green beverage to her lips then stopped. "To new friends and new ventures!" she toasted, before taking a large sip. Abby says, "You didn't have to make a special trip, I could have lived without it. I'll start with the red." She poured herself a glass and leaned back. "And let it get rid of the last of these aches from all that digging. I'm used to working hard, but it's usually a bit more delicate." </p><p></p><p>Ruby raised her glass to his toast. "No problem, I didn't mind running downstairs. Yes, that does seem like hard men's work, I must say. What is it you normally do Abby?" Ruby sipped at her drink then settled back in her chair, gazing up at the stars. She sighed, "They are so amazing..." "I guess no one else wanted to join us. Oh well, their loss."</p><p></p><p>Alsoomse joins the others on the roof. She has just bathed and her long hair is freely flowing over her shoulders and back, with a slight scent of honey to it. She is attired in a simple off-white linen dress belted with a braided cord and is barefoot. Upon arrival she helps herself to a small glass of white wine, and asks if anybody needs assistance with identifying the star constellations. "Yes, please!" says Fish, enjoying the view.</p><p></p><p>Alsoomse begins to point out the various star constellations, using the English, Greek and Native American names. She explains that her father liked to watch the stars, as well as her husband, father-in-law, son-in-law, grandson and great grandson. Ruby says, "I love them too. I have always wondered what else is up there. Like the gods, are they up there? But no matter, the stars are so beautiful and sparkly and magical... just seems like your dreams can actually come true if you wish on one, you know?" </p><p></p><p>Fish finds himself surrounded by beautiful women on a beautiful night. Nanuet finds himself watching Alsoomse more than the stars. He admires her teaching abilities and patience with the others as she points out the various constellations. "Well this was a terrific idea, an enjoyable ending to a busy day." The group of stargazers remain on the roof until after midnight and until the beverages are all gone before heading back downstairs to their respective rooms. After a long day it does not take long for each to fall asleep.</p><p></p><p>The sun rises at 6:30 A.M. and very few in the household rise at that hour, the previous day having been a long and tiring one for most. Nanuet is early to rise and is with Maska in the morning before commencing the digging again. By 8:30 AM a crew is downstairs in the tunnel working at digging. Lawrence asks James, "So how much more digging do you expect? It feels good to get some manual labor. I must be getting soft." James says, "We did until we reach it, but we're now slightly more than sixty-feet below the surface and we would hit the water level at approximately one-hundred feet, so we should reach it well before then. Once we get all sixty wheelbarrows full we can stop for the day." At 10:30 AM they have been joined by most of the others. James calls for a break at 11:00 AM for everyone to wash up and change for lunch, having filled twenty-six wheelbarrows and dug through another five to six feet of tunnel. </p><p></p><p>Shortly before noon the Delroy-Kingsley family arrives. With them today is Jemima's half-ogre daughter Beulla, her ogre husband Norris and their children Tristin, Declan, Esmerelda and Korrina. They live at the Kingsley Plantation. Beulla is Enoch's full sister and Antoinette's half-sister. Of the children, the two boys are the human equivalent of four and five. Esmerelda is the human equivalent of two and Korrina is around six-months old. Ruby enjoys her delicious lunch while trying not to make it too obvious she is avoiding the little germ carriers. George notices, but does not mention Ruby's avoidance, instead, indulging himself with the food along with Ruby.</p><p></p><p>Today's meal consists of barbecue pork ribs, roasted corn on the cob, a hot rice and green bean dish, wheat rolls and peach cobbler for dessert. One interesting side note that comes up during the dinner conversation is in reference to the food, when Alsoomse points out that the American word 'Barbecue' is actually derived from the Timucuan language. When the French and Spanish arrived they saw the local technique of cooking marinated meat on grills above a bed of coals. The fire oven was called a 'barabacoa', which is how the cooking technique and word found its way into the various cultures of the new world. </p><p></p><p>At lunch George does make an announcement. "My lovely fiancée had a wonderful idea yesterday. A group photo. What an excellent idea to start this endeavor. I would like to take one in the next day or so, I need to get the camera set correctly and the plates, and work out the last details on another suggestion from Constance, a device to trigger the shutter from a distance so I can be in the photo as well. So I would request that every one have some clean and decent clothes ready for say a photo before dinner tomorrow? Sound good James? I would like to take one before the upcoming ball as well when everyone will be in their finery." says George to the group.</p><p></p><p>Turning to James, Fish volunteers with a smirk, "Hey boss! I take it that you and Lady Wilamina would advise against my 'liberating' anything while we're at this fancy ball, yes?" James smiles and says, "That might be wise, given that Jacksonville's Mayor, Chief of Police and County Judge will all be in attendance." Remembering that Thomas offered to take him clothes shopping, Fish chirps, "Sol, Dr. Crane and I will ride with you!" </p><p></p><p>James replies, "That is an excellent idea. Tomorrow's meal by the Delroy-Kingsley family will be breakfast. We can plan on taking a group photograph outside immediately following the meal. As for everyone in our finery, you will need to bring the camera with you to Jacksonville, as I believe some of the attire will not be purchased until shortly before the ball." Sol says, "I plan to take those who need more time in town around mid-morning. We'll sail in on the boat, and the rest of you can join us in the evening using the carriage." </p><p></p><p>Alsoomse comments, "I'm still uncertain about this idea of yours of having most or all of us attend this ball James." He replies, "But necessary, we can't be having the well-to-do expect us to drop our important work to regularly attend social functions. Nor will it do to have people coming to visit us when we are supposedly here, but are actually off globe-trotting. The key will be to alienate the good old Southern folk just enough that they won't want to socialize with us regularly but will still accept our being here." </p><p></p><p>Abby shook her head, a bit confused. "Wait. The reason we're going to this ball is to offend local society?" "I can give you some pointers, if you'd like," Roy says with a wink. Abigail replies, "But Roy, I already know how to proposition all the good-looking women. You have something else to teach me?" </p><p></p><p>James says, "Jacksonville prides itself on its selective cultured and refined members of society. They are comprised primarily of middle-aged and older members of the upper classes who have chosen to either retire to here, or in many cases to just spend the winter months here in this warmer climate. </p><p></p><p>This particular Fraternal Order has politicians, military leaders, judges, artists, giants of literature and commercial leaders. They have been after Luiz and I to join since our arrival in June. Judge Thomas Settle, the previous President, looked like he would do cartwheels when he heard that George Eastman would be arriving. This particular club has rules limiting their membership to males of pure human blood, something that I find highly offensive as does Jerome Kingsley, who owns the Kingsley Plantation.</p><p></p><p>Curiously, their new President, General Francis Elias Spinner also thinks similarly. He was a New York abolitionist who during the war went to great lengths to allow women to find employment in Government service. At this ball He, Jerome and I plan to 'push the envelope' so to speak, and maybe get the organization to relax some of its more rigid rules. Either way, I doubt they will be looking for us to become very active in this group going forward, which suits me just fine, as we have far more important things to do. However, we don't want to offend them too much that they want us permanently gone from the County, that would be counterproductive." </p><p></p><p>Thomas states, "I imagine I could likely assist in the ... how did you put it? The "pushing" of said envelope," Thomas says. Turning to Roy, he smiles as he continues, "As a matter of fact, I am certain that Huggins and I could be quite helpful in coordinating a bald-faced challenge to their antebellum plantation attitudes about race and class." </p><p></p><p>James smiles and says, "Ah, did I forget to mention? Based upon my recommendation and his top-notch credentials my friend the Oxford educated Doctor Thomas Crane of Bermuda has already been accepted as a member. It's just possible that I may have forgotten to mention his race." </p><p></p><p>A wide grin splits Thomas' face. "Most excellent, Parker, most excellent indeed. I look forward to the undoubtedly warm welcome I shall receive!" James says, "Well, if Benjamin is willing my thoughts were that we might have you come in along with a very well-dressed Benjamin Trout. We could then introduce the two of you as Doctor Thomas Crane and his servant Benjamin, letting the misconception continue a while longer until an opportune moment presents itself." </p><p></p><p>Fish cracks a smile as wide as his face. "What fun!" he says gleefully. "I'm guessing a fancy vest will have one of those little watch pockets tucked high along the ribs, right? Let's have my watch resemble Dr. Crane's watch, only smaller. I'll mimic his affectations when checking the time: he'll look at his watch, then I'll look at my watch; his pinky finger will pop to the side when he does, my pinky will mimic the same gesture." Then the edge of his grin crooks, "Do I get to taste his drinks first?" Thomas laughs as he shakes his head, "You Americans have the most eccentric sense of humor I believe I have ever encountered in all of my world travels." </p><p></p><p>Ruby states, "Oh, I'll definitely want some time in town to shop. Though I believe I brought a dress or two that would do, I think the fashions down here are a little different than in New York. Plus, I just enjoy shopping. But honestly, I just don't get these people who think they are better than everyone else." </p><p></p><p>Luiz returns from having walked the Delroy-Kingsley family back to their house following the meal. As he enters he shakes his head and says, "I have grandchildren the ages of those youngsters. Makes me glad that they're 3,000 miles away from here." James smiles and says, "You say that now, but I'm sure you miss them. We were just talking about the ball tomorrow. Some of our associates feel they might not be given a warm welcome." </p><p></p><p>Luiz says, "Well as far as I am concerned we come as a package deal, if they truly want the world famous authors Pedro Luiz Chernovtz and James A. Parker as well as the successful businessmen George Eastman and Solomon Star, then they will likewise have to accept the other members of our party regardless of race or gender." Luiz heads into his office, returning with a book about the ancient city of Tanis, Egypt. He fixes himself a glass of lemonade and heads outside to one of the porch benches to read.</p><p></p><p> James says that work will resume again in the tunnel. He and several others head upstairs to change and then head back to the tunnel. During the morning and previous afternoon Alsoomse had worked on the wheelbarrow crew. She now picks up a shovel again. Either somebody has spoken to her or she sensed Nanuet and Thomas's discomfort with her previous digging attire, or lack thereof, because she now has a linen scarf wrapped around her chest while still leaving her arms, shoulders and mid-drift open for easy movement. Fish is not pleased with the change in attire.</p><p></p><p>Ruby retired with George to the photography lab while the others returned to digging. There he began to organize, he labeled items and arranged them in drawers and shelves in the order he preferred. Ruby helped him move things around but she let George tell her what to do; she knew he liked to be very precise with his livelihood. Halfway through they stopped and brought lemonades and cookies down to the diggers, then brought themselves a snack back to the lab before they got back to work.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 4797890, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Twenty-five, “Stargazing”, September 2nd, 1882, 8:30 P.M.[/B] After the others arrived Ruby whispered into Luis's ear, speaking to him of song choices. Together they decided on some songs. Ruby faced the group. "Hopefully you'll enjoy our little concert, after your hard day at work you deserve a little drink and relaxing. We'll start when everyone is ready." Luis played some light music until everyone was seated and quiet. Ruby began to sing a stream of songs, mostly popular and tame songs as she still didn't know everyone in this group well. She began with the classic “A Bicycle Built for Two” followed by “And the Band Played On”. It occurred to her that no one here, even George, had seen her perform many times if at all. So she kept the songs and her performance family appropriate, flitting from person to person around the room as she sang and engaged her new companions. Though she hadn't practiced recently, Ruby's voice was strong and unwavering, a soprano which went from sounding sweet to sultry in a heartbeat. She always put a lot of emotion into her singing and this time was no different. She sang for 20 minutes or so and included a few very well known popular songs, two songs in Spanish and a song in French. Ruby finished with a melancholy song, filled with emotion, After the Ball: [I]A little maiden climbed an old man’s knees— Begged for a story: "Do uncle, please! Why are you single, why live alone? Have you no babies, have you no home?" "I had a sweetheart, years, years ago, Where she is now, pet, you will soon know; List to the story, I’ll tell it all: I believed her faithless after the ball.“ ”Bright lights were flashing in the grand ballroom, Softly the music playing sweet tunes. There came my sweetheart, my love, my own, ‘I wish some water; leave me alone.’ When I returned, dear, there stood a man Kissing my sweetheart as lovers can. Down fell the glass, pet, broken, that’s all— Just as my heart was after the ball.“ ”Long years have passed, child, I have never wed, True to my lost love though she is dead. She tried to tell me, tried to explain— I would not listen, pleadings were vain. One day a letter came from that man; He was her brother, the letter ran. That’s why I’m lonely, no home at all— I broke her heart, pet, after the ball. After the ball is over, after the break of morn, After the dancers' leaving, after the stars are gone, Many a heart is aching, if you could read them all— Many the hopes that have vanished after the ball.[/I] She gave everyone the chance to take in the song, sipping her own bourbon, before she spoke again. "So, anyone have any special requests?" Fish volunteers brightly, "Do you happen to know The Man on the Flying Trapeze?" Luiz plays as Fish sings the piece. "I do now," Ruby smiled after Fish's rendition Following Fish's song Luiz introduces his next two pieces of music as being from Brazil's most famous composer, Jose Muricio Nunes Garcia, whose musical style was influenced by Mozart and Haydn, and who played for the Portuguese royal family during their visit to Brazil. He says that most of Garcia's work is for full orchestra, but that the man began by playing piano, organ and harpsichord, so left a number of pieces for just the keyboard. Two long flowing masterful pieces follow, Luiz's playing being superb. Ruby took a break and enjoyed her own drink while Luiz played, the beautiful and soothing music good for her soul. She clapped enthusiastically when he finished. "That was excellent Luis! Where did you learn to play?" He replies, "Around fourteen years ago in France, my wife has always played but didn't have the patience to teach either myself or our children. I was able to arrange lessons for one of my daughter's with the master pianist Jules Massenet, who was willing to teach me also. He has since gone on to become a great composer. He is also a wizard, and within the past few years he was inducted into membership on rival team of French wizards." As the concert winds down James says, "It's been a long day. Tomorrow should be easier for all of us, we'll still want to fill all sixty wheelbarrows but will have twice as much time during the day to do that in. Any of you who are tired should go to bed, now that it is dark outside the rest of us will go see to emptying today's collection of dirt and rocks. It should go rather quickly, the levitation devices do most of the work and we'll just be dumping it all into one of the student-dug holes, putting the local dirt on the final two feet of it." Lawrence rubs his lower back. "We'd better get started then. The quicker we get the dirt put away, the less likely we'll be spotted." "When we're through, ish there any chance we can do a bit of shtar-gazing, cap'n?" asks Fish, buzzing from the bourbon. "Miss West, you could mix ush a liddle of The Green Fairy for the occashion!" "Yes, that sounds good," she grinned, "After the dirt moving, we'll have a little flight of fancy while star gazing. Good?" Alsoomse says, "Actually, Sol and I are heading up to the roof now to use the telescopes to make sure that nobody is around before we empty the wheelbarrows. After that the roof will be available. Nanuet, you may want to patrol the grounds with Maska as a second check that we're alone here." "Not a bad idea Alsoomse. I fancy a stroll anyways." Nanuet nods his head towards Ruby and says "Nice singing as usual Miss Ruby, although not as, umm, raucous as usual." Nanuet will head outside and begin walking the grounds checking to see if they are being watched. "Ha!" Ruby laughed. "Well, yes, I figured I should not embarrass anyone tonight at my first concert for my new friends. I won't let you down though Nanuet, I'll be rambunctious just for you next time." She gave him a wink and a with a swish of her hips she went back to the bar for another drink. "James, shall I help now with the dirt moving or is that off limits too? I can man the bar for those who need some medicinal help after today's strenuous activities otherwise." Luiz says, "James will let you, he let's me help with this part too, since the levitation device on the wheelbarrows absord ninety-five percent of the weight. He will make you wear work gloves thought to protect your hands. You'll also want to change out of that dress." Ruby had been hoping for a "no" answer, yet she wouldn't decline. "Alright, I'll go change and be right back. After that stargazing and drinking. Not such a bad day!" She quickly returned to her room and changed back into her leather pants from earlier in the day then hurried back downstairs. "Let's get this part over with, shall we?" she said ready to work. After dinner but before the evening shift spent humping dirt, Fish changes out of the outfit that Solomon lent him, and pulls on his smelly clothes. Once it is determined that no strangers appears to be around they get going. The work proceeds in near silence, with the wheelbarrows being wheeled out of the back door of the Transportation and Logistics room down a makeshift ramp and over to one of the larger archeological dig holes in the ground. The holes manages to take in all but eight of the wheelbarrow loads, with Thomas and Sol then covering the final two feet with the local dirt. The remaining wheelbarrows are poured into the bottom of a second hole, with around a foot or so of local dirt then shoveled on top. The wheelbarrows are all returned to the tunnel which is closed up. With nearly everybody working the entire operation is completed by 10:15 P.M. James says, "Tomorrow morning we can work from whenever people get up until 11:00 A.M. We'll then get washed up for lunch with the Delroy-Kingsleys, then finish some time after lunch." Ruby states, "That sounds good James. I am going to get cleaned up and more comfortable then do some stargazing, it's such a beautiful night out tonight. I believe Ben has requested the green fairy make an appearance and I'll take care of that for him and anyone else who may be interested. So say 30 minutes or so and I'll be up on the roof. Everyone should feel free to join us." Lawrence, being an old man, goes to bed early. "You all have a good evening." Mina and James declared they are headed to bed, as did Sol, leaving just the new companions to decide if they want to join in the fun. Ruby returned to her room where she dressed in her thin white nightgown. She covered that up with a long pink frilly bathrobe. She let her hair loose and brushed it out, leaving it down where it hung to mid back and left her boots and stockings off. Once George was also ready she made a quick stop at the bar grabbing the liquor she needed, sugar, special glasses and the pouring accessories. the Green Fairy They headed upstairs to the roof and claimed some lounge chairs, putting the head of the chairs flat for easier looking up at the stars. "George, are you going to try one of these?" she asked him as she poured one for herself, also waiting to see if anyone else would show up. After the excavating (hard work sobers him up!), Fish dashes down to the river, strips and splashes. He streaks back to house, having wadded up his now-thoroughly-rank clothing in a ball that he tucks under his left armpit. He winks at Maska as the wolf glowers at him on his way past the animal. He clambers up the side of the manse, ducks into his room, changes back into his dinner outfit, and scampers up to the roof. Hair still damp, he gladly accepts a goblet from Ruby, the green elixir therein catching the starlight. Ruby says, "Feel better now that you've had a bath? I always do. What a long day of work, huh? This will help all of us relax, I think." Nanuet headed back to his lodgings and cleaned up. He put on a white linen shirt, keeping his deerskin leggings on and headed to the roof to see if anyone had arrived. Spotting George and Ruby he headed over to the couple. "I hope you haven't started the festivities without me. I haven't taken time to look at the beauty of the heavens in quite some time." Nanuet found a spot where he could sit comfortably and still speak with George and Ruby without raising his voice. "Beautiful night." "Very beautiful. And it's quiet out here too, I can hear every bug chirping. Not like in Rochester where everyone is packed on top of each other. Nanuet, would you like a drink?" Ruby waved the bottle filled with the green liquid. "What exactly is that you have in your hand Miss Ruby? Some sort of local drink? It's green!" Nanuet moved closer to examine the bottle. "Ab... Ab-sin... Ab-sin-the... well I doubt it's any good for me since it has the word sin in it... sure, I'll try some." Ruby laughed heartily. "Nanuet, you always make me laugh. Yes, it's very bad and sinful for you... but in the very best way. Of course it's good for you!! Would I steer you wrong?" She gave him a crooked, naughty grin as she poured him his very own Green Fairy, handing it to him slowly. "Just make sure you don't fall off the roof, okay?" He replies, "Fall off the roof? Well I'll make sure I sit down before trying this new vice you're introducing to me here. To new friends, new adventures and Green Fairy's!" She says, "Oh Nanuet, you are so funny!" Abby considered the offer to just go on to bed, but the moving actually worked some more of the stiffness out of her muscles. She changed back into the pants and blouse she'd been wearing in the morning and went up to the roof. "None of the green stuff for me," she said when asked. "I wouldn't mind a couple glasses of wine, though." "Excellent! I'll go get that for you." Ruby ran down the three flights of stairs to the bar and grabbed two bottles of wine, one red, one white, and a couple of wine glasses, returning before anyone could really miss her. "Red or white Abby?" she asked. Ruby says, "It seemed like so long ago I first found out about this day and now it's here. Kinda unbelievable actually." She lifted her own green beverage to her lips then stopped. "To new friends and new ventures!" she toasted, before taking a large sip. Abby says, "You didn't have to make a special trip, I could have lived without it. I'll start with the red." She poured herself a glass and leaned back. "And let it get rid of the last of these aches from all that digging. I'm used to working hard, but it's usually a bit more delicate." Ruby raised her glass to his toast. "No problem, I didn't mind running downstairs. Yes, that does seem like hard men's work, I must say. What is it you normally do Abby?" Ruby sipped at her drink then settled back in her chair, gazing up at the stars. She sighed, "They are so amazing..." "I guess no one else wanted to join us. Oh well, their loss." Alsoomse joins the others on the roof. She has just bathed and her long hair is freely flowing over her shoulders and back, with a slight scent of honey to it. She is attired in a simple off-white linen dress belted with a braided cord and is barefoot. Upon arrival she helps herself to a small glass of white wine, and asks if anybody needs assistance with identifying the star constellations. "Yes, please!" says Fish, enjoying the view. Alsoomse begins to point out the various star constellations, using the English, Greek and Native American names. She explains that her father liked to watch the stars, as well as her husband, father-in-law, son-in-law, grandson and great grandson. Ruby says, "I love them too. I have always wondered what else is up there. Like the gods, are they up there? But no matter, the stars are so beautiful and sparkly and magical... just seems like your dreams can actually come true if you wish on one, you know?" Fish finds himself surrounded by beautiful women on a beautiful night. Nanuet finds himself watching Alsoomse more than the stars. He admires her teaching abilities and patience with the others as she points out the various constellations. "Well this was a terrific idea, an enjoyable ending to a busy day." The group of stargazers remain on the roof until after midnight and until the beverages are all gone before heading back downstairs to their respective rooms. After a long day it does not take long for each to fall asleep. The sun rises at 6:30 A.M. and very few in the household rise at that hour, the previous day having been a long and tiring one for most. Nanuet is early to rise and is with Maska in the morning before commencing the digging again. By 8:30 AM a crew is downstairs in the tunnel working at digging. Lawrence asks James, "So how much more digging do you expect? It feels good to get some manual labor. I must be getting soft." James says, "We did until we reach it, but we're now slightly more than sixty-feet below the surface and we would hit the water level at approximately one-hundred feet, so we should reach it well before then. Once we get all sixty wheelbarrows full we can stop for the day." At 10:30 AM they have been joined by most of the others. James calls for a break at 11:00 AM for everyone to wash up and change for lunch, having filled twenty-six wheelbarrows and dug through another five to six feet of tunnel. Shortly before noon the Delroy-Kingsley family arrives. With them today is Jemima's half-ogre daughter Beulla, her ogre husband Norris and their children Tristin, Declan, Esmerelda and Korrina. They live at the Kingsley Plantation. Beulla is Enoch's full sister and Antoinette's half-sister. Of the children, the two boys are the human equivalent of four and five. Esmerelda is the human equivalent of two and Korrina is around six-months old. Ruby enjoys her delicious lunch while trying not to make it too obvious she is avoiding the little germ carriers. George notices, but does not mention Ruby's avoidance, instead, indulging himself with the food along with Ruby. Today's meal consists of barbecue pork ribs, roasted corn on the cob, a hot rice and green bean dish, wheat rolls and peach cobbler for dessert. One interesting side note that comes up during the dinner conversation is in reference to the food, when Alsoomse points out that the American word 'Barbecue' is actually derived from the Timucuan language. When the French and Spanish arrived they saw the local technique of cooking marinated meat on grills above a bed of coals. The fire oven was called a 'barabacoa', which is how the cooking technique and word found its way into the various cultures of the new world. At lunch George does make an announcement. "My lovely fiancée had a wonderful idea yesterday. A group photo. What an excellent idea to start this endeavor. I would like to take one in the next day or so, I need to get the camera set correctly and the plates, and work out the last details on another suggestion from Constance, a device to trigger the shutter from a distance so I can be in the photo as well. So I would request that every one have some clean and decent clothes ready for say a photo before dinner tomorrow? Sound good James? I would like to take one before the upcoming ball as well when everyone will be in their finery." says George to the group. Turning to James, Fish volunteers with a smirk, "Hey boss! I take it that you and Lady Wilamina would advise against my 'liberating' anything while we're at this fancy ball, yes?" James smiles and says, "That might be wise, given that Jacksonville's Mayor, Chief of Police and County Judge will all be in attendance." Remembering that Thomas offered to take him clothes shopping, Fish chirps, "Sol, Dr. Crane and I will ride with you!" James replies, "That is an excellent idea. Tomorrow's meal by the Delroy-Kingsley family will be breakfast. We can plan on taking a group photograph outside immediately following the meal. As for everyone in our finery, you will need to bring the camera with you to Jacksonville, as I believe some of the attire will not be purchased until shortly before the ball." Sol says, "I plan to take those who need more time in town around mid-morning. We'll sail in on the boat, and the rest of you can join us in the evening using the carriage." Alsoomse comments, "I'm still uncertain about this idea of yours of having most or all of us attend this ball James." He replies, "But necessary, we can't be having the well-to-do expect us to drop our important work to regularly attend social functions. Nor will it do to have people coming to visit us when we are supposedly here, but are actually off globe-trotting. The key will be to alienate the good old Southern folk just enough that they won't want to socialize with us regularly but will still accept our being here." Abby shook her head, a bit confused. "Wait. The reason we're going to this ball is to offend local society?" "I can give you some pointers, if you'd like," Roy says with a wink. Abigail replies, "But Roy, I already know how to proposition all the good-looking women. You have something else to teach me?" James says, "Jacksonville prides itself on its selective cultured and refined members of society. They are comprised primarily of middle-aged and older members of the upper classes who have chosen to either retire to here, or in many cases to just spend the winter months here in this warmer climate. This particular Fraternal Order has politicians, military leaders, judges, artists, giants of literature and commercial leaders. They have been after Luiz and I to join since our arrival in June. Judge Thomas Settle, the previous President, looked like he would do cartwheels when he heard that George Eastman would be arriving. This particular club has rules limiting their membership to males of pure human blood, something that I find highly offensive as does Jerome Kingsley, who owns the Kingsley Plantation. Curiously, their new President, General Francis Elias Spinner also thinks similarly. He was a New York abolitionist who during the war went to great lengths to allow women to find employment in Government service. At this ball He, Jerome and I plan to 'push the envelope' so to speak, and maybe get the organization to relax some of its more rigid rules. Either way, I doubt they will be looking for us to become very active in this group going forward, which suits me just fine, as we have far more important things to do. However, we don't want to offend them too much that they want us permanently gone from the County, that would be counterproductive." Thomas states, "I imagine I could likely assist in the ... how did you put it? The "pushing" of said envelope," Thomas says. Turning to Roy, he smiles as he continues, "As a matter of fact, I am certain that Huggins and I could be quite helpful in coordinating a bald-faced challenge to their antebellum plantation attitudes about race and class." James smiles and says, "Ah, did I forget to mention? Based upon my recommendation and his top-notch credentials my friend the Oxford educated Doctor Thomas Crane of Bermuda has already been accepted as a member. It's just possible that I may have forgotten to mention his race." A wide grin splits Thomas' face. "Most excellent, Parker, most excellent indeed. I look forward to the undoubtedly warm welcome I shall receive!" James says, "Well, if Benjamin is willing my thoughts were that we might have you come in along with a very well-dressed Benjamin Trout. We could then introduce the two of you as Doctor Thomas Crane and his servant Benjamin, letting the misconception continue a while longer until an opportune moment presents itself." Fish cracks a smile as wide as his face. "What fun!" he says gleefully. "I'm guessing a fancy vest will have one of those little watch pockets tucked high along the ribs, right? Let's have my watch resemble Dr. Crane's watch, only smaller. I'll mimic his affectations when checking the time: he'll look at his watch, then I'll look at my watch; his pinky finger will pop to the side when he does, my pinky will mimic the same gesture." Then the edge of his grin crooks, "Do I get to taste his drinks first?" Thomas laughs as he shakes his head, "You Americans have the most eccentric sense of humor I believe I have ever encountered in all of my world travels." Ruby states, "Oh, I'll definitely want some time in town to shop. Though I believe I brought a dress or two that would do, I think the fashions down here are a little different than in New York. Plus, I just enjoy shopping. But honestly, I just don't get these people who think they are better than everyone else." Luiz returns from having walked the Delroy-Kingsley family back to their house following the meal. As he enters he shakes his head and says, "I have grandchildren the ages of those youngsters. Makes me glad that they're 3,000 miles away from here." James smiles and says, "You say that now, but I'm sure you miss them. We were just talking about the ball tomorrow. Some of our associates feel they might not be given a warm welcome." Luiz says, "Well as far as I am concerned we come as a package deal, if they truly want the world famous authors Pedro Luiz Chernovtz and James A. Parker as well as the successful businessmen George Eastman and Solomon Star, then they will likewise have to accept the other members of our party regardless of race or gender." Luiz heads into his office, returning with a book about the ancient city of Tanis, Egypt. He fixes himself a glass of lemonade and heads outside to one of the porch benches to read. James says that work will resume again in the tunnel. He and several others head upstairs to change and then head back to the tunnel. During the morning and previous afternoon Alsoomse had worked on the wheelbarrow crew. She now picks up a shovel again. Either somebody has spoken to her or she sensed Nanuet and Thomas's discomfort with her previous digging attire, or lack thereof, because she now has a linen scarf wrapped around her chest while still leaving her arms, shoulders and mid-drift open for easy movement. Fish is not pleased with the change in attire. Ruby retired with George to the photography lab while the others returned to digging. There he began to organize, he labeled items and arranged them in drawers and shelves in the order he preferred. Ruby helped him move things around but she let George tell her what to do; she knew he liked to be very precise with his livelihood. Halfway through they stopped and brought lemonades and cookies down to the diggers, then brought themselves a snack back to the lab before they got back to work. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
Top