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Story Hour
"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2819634" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>After sleeping the first half of the train journey, Jake fills the second half with idle conversation among his friends. During that time, one of Jake's favorite subjects come up, poker. " ... so you see it is not just understanding the rules and knowing how to read the players, but you need at least a basic understanding of the odds involved. Take for example Minerva's birthday, she seemed surprised to discover that two people in our little group here have a birthday in the same month. In fact, the odds are against each of the six of us having our birth month different from all the others. Although it may be counter intuitive, she should not have been surprised to learn that we two were born in May."</p><p></p><p>Ruby spent her train ride huddled in the corner, mostly pretending to sleep while instead she shivered and sweated her addiction away. A couple of times she excused herself to the bathroom where she threw up but each time made her feel better. She knew from experience it shouldn't last long, she hadn't had the bad habit long enough for prolonged suffering.</p><p></p><p>Her friends spent their time in sleep and also some conversation. She couldn't pay attention to most of it but she did hear Jake begin speaking about birthdays and she listened in interest.</p><p></p><p>Ruby's face, though slightly pale and moist looking, looks to her boyfriend in interest. "Oh, why not? Surprised that is?"</p><p></p><p>"You are looking a bit warm," he says to her. "Maybe you should open your window." Jake is about to explain about the odds when Minerva cuts in.</p><p></p><p>"Oh, I but you did misread me, Senor Jake!" she laughs. "I was not all all surprised to find that we were born in the same month. After all as you have stated, that is a common enough phenomenon and I am sure there are many others in Promise City who celebrate May birthdays also." She shrugs her shoulders. "I was just a bit startled by the final piece of the puzzle clicking into place. That is all."</p><p></p><p>Jake is distracted by her statement and stares at her quizzically. "Puzzle? What puzzle?"</p><p></p><p>"Why the puzzle of Jacob Cook of course! The fact that the gods chose to bring you into the world on the feast of Hermes explains much of the mystery that surrounds you. Your are certainly held in high regard by Hermes. He has blessed you with many of his qualities including your amazingly good luck and uncanny ability to beat astronomical odds. Do you not agree that is is so?"</p><p></p><p>For a moment he looks at her in stunned disbelief. Suddenly he starts laughing. He laughs hard and long. He wipes a tear from his eye caused by the hearty laughter and says to Minerva, "You really had me there for a moment, Senorita. I must hand it to you, not everyone can pull a fast one on Silver Jake Cook like that. Pretty quick thinking." Jake removes his hat to scratch the back of his head with both hands while still smiling.</p><p></p><p>Minerva narrows her eyes at Jake trying to figure out what he finds so humorous in her remarks. "I am not so sure what you find so funny, Senor Jake... but I do not joke about the gods. You never know when they might be listening." she says quite seriously and continues to stare at him as though he has lost his marbles.</p><p></p><p>Jake swallows hard when the priestess insists she is not jesting. The others discuss and ask about his luck while his thoughts wander, <em>'What does it matter if you were born on Hermes day? You know why it matters'.</em></p><p></p><p>She continues to listen in on Jake and Minerva's conversation with interest. Ruby rolls her eyes to herself as Minerva starts getting mad about something again... but her point about Jake being born on the festival of Hermes was interesting. After all, he was extremely lucky.</p><p></p><p>"Is the festival of Hermes really May 15th?" Ruby asks quietly.</p><p></p><p>Minerva continues to eye Jake, waiting for him to clarify what it is that he thinks is so hilarious, as she responds to Ruby. "Si, I would not jest about such a matter. It is indeed May 15th, the luckiest day of the year. It is said that if one truly believes, that his or her luck will hold under the most unlikely of circumstances. To be born on such a day is truly an auspicious event."</p><p></p><p>Kate had participated in the conversation during the ride, but as the talk turned to gods she grew quiet. Ruby had been quiet the whole time, but considering what Kate suspected, she was doing remarkably well.</p><p></p><p>"And have you been lucky, Jake?" Kate asked quietly.</p><p></p><p> He stirs out of his thoughts, "A fine question. How much of our luck is our own making? I will grant I am fortunate in many regards." He scratches his beard and says, "An interesting coincidence, though even a greenhorn card player will draw an inside straight given enough hands dealt." </p><p></p><p>Chester sits quietly, smoking one cigarette after another. "He does tend to come out of things smelling like a rose. But his luck covers us all. And I'm happy for that."</p><p></p><p>Thom was more than happy to sit and watch the world go by. He had never been in a train before, or at least never since his accident, so he pointed out everything and called out things that he saw to no on in particular. He was trying his best to behave and he saw that Ruby appeared to not be feeling her best so he left her alone for the duration of the ride. Now that the train had stopped he got up and stretched, an unconscious yawn overcoming him. He listens to the ongoing conversation for a few moments but then interrupts. "I don't know anything about the gods, so I don't know if it is funny or not, but Thom has to pee and I think the train might be getting ready to leave again," as he points to the new passengers now entering the car.</p><p></p><p>As Thom squirms and says something about relieving himself Jake ignores him and turns back to Minerva, "What festival of the gods was the day of your birth, Senorita?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby's stomach churns and for a moment she thinks she'll throw up right there in the seat. She stands suddenly, "While the conversation is very interesting it's our stop and Thom has to use the bathroom. Excuse us," she says as she quickly jumps out of the seat and grabs Thom's arm. "Let's go," she says, her voice shaking.</p><p></p><p>They quickly get off the train and Ruby pulls Thom to the bathroom. Ruby's lips quiver into a smile for Thom, "Meet me right here," she points to where they are standing before she hurries off to the ladies room where she locks herself in a stall. She leans up against the side wall and wipes her head with a shaking arm. She was doing everything she could to not give in and take just a little sip from her flask, but she was afraid she was losing the battle. She doubles over and hugs her belly, wishing the worst would soon be over.</p><p></p><p>Thom obediently replies "Yes ma'am" to Ruby before taking leave of her and heading to the men’s room. He was glad to be able to stretch his legs again. Once he finished in the men's room he went back to the spot where Ruby had told him to meet her. He was easily distracted by all the pedestrian traffic near the train station and it took all his discipline to keep himself from wondering off. He decided to turn the other way and face the building to keep his mind more focused. "Thom can be good, Thom will stay here like pretty Miss Ruby asked him too" he said and started whistling.</p><p></p><p>As they continue their conversation, Minerva gives Jake an embarrassed smile. "Ah, you force me to reveal my dark secret, Senor. I was born on May 14th, the feast day of Mars. Perhaps that is where my temper springs from." she grins and shrugs her shoulders in resignation. "But I believe that the Goddess Minerva wrested me from His bloodthirsty grasp before he could bestow many more of his ahh... attributes upon me. Thank the Goddess!" she says looking to the sky.</p><p></p><p>"She has countered much of his influence upon me by blessing me with her strong sense of justice and an almost compulsive need to protect the weak and right what is wrong in the world. I think that perhaps this is why Mars despises me so. It may even be one of the reasons that he chose to torment Promise City, but I will not presume to know the mind of a god. But what I do know is that He could not force me to love him nor to follow in his footsteps and being a very egotistical god, I am sure that he is angered by this..</p><p></p><p>Minerva brings the subject back to Jake. "You ask how much of our luck is our own and how much is granted by the gods. Let me tell you what I believe and maybe you will find comfort in my words." she says leaning toward him in easy camaraderie. "Regardless which attributes that the gods bestow upon us or do not bestow upon us, our lives are still decided by our own choices... But it does not hurt to stack the deck in one's favor. If the gods deal you Aces, it is worth playing them, is it not?" she winks.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet listened in on the conversation as he gathered together the few items that they had brought on the train with them. "Well, I must say that I like the elven way of not worrying about when your birthday is. I guess we celebrate so many that it is not worth keeping track. That way you don't worry about which god might influence you."</p><p></p><p>"Up until today, I did not worry about when my birthday fell," Jake says as he wrestles their traveling gear out of the train. "I like the not worrying part too, Indian, but ignorance is not always bliss." Once outside on the platform he starts up again with Minerva, "I was only joking when I asked about your birth date and the gods, I did not expect there to be any connection. I do find it ironic that you place so much store in the influence that Hermes may have on me and yet attempt to explain away the god who claims your day." Jake drops the luggage in a thump on the platform and starts to look around for Ruby. "We do see eye to eye on one thing, we make our own choices. My thinking on the matter of the gods assistance is very close to your own. The only difference is you attribute more benevolence to them, where I remain more skeptical." He glances back and forth again, perhaps a bit more worried, "Where did that girl get off to..."</p><p></p><p>Kate silently agreed with Jake about the gods and Miss Florencia's theory about birthdays. "Probably the ladies room. I'll go look. I'm sure she's fine," Kate said and headed confidently away carrying her bags. A few moments later she walked past Thom facing the wall, opened the door and stepped inside. "Ruby, are you in here?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby coughs and straightens herself up. She wipes her mouth with her sleeve and replies weakly, "Yes, I'm in here. I'll be out in a minute."</p><p></p><p>"Ok honey. Jake was just wondering where you wandered off to." Not wanting to leave Ruby alone, she went on. "What did you tell Thom to do? He's standing outside facing the wall," she said with a light laugh.</p><p></p><p>"Could you please tell Jake I'm here so he doesn't worry? Please Kate."</p><p></p><p>Even feeling like she did she manages a little laugh, "I told him to wait outside. I ran in here I guess I wasn't clear with my directions. The poor guy." She flattens her hand over her belly and pauses. The feeling passes and she says, "I'm going to need your help with him."</p><p></p><p>"Mine? Honey I'm not sure there's anything I can do for him that you can't. Besides, he doesn't seem to notice me much."</p><p></p><p>"He's like a big kid. I don't know how to take care of a kid. I can't even take care of myself." And with that Ruby heaves and vomits again.</p><p></p><p>Kate waited until the sounds from the stall stopped. "I don't know Ruby. He's not like a child. A young child can't follow anything but the simplest of directions, and as they grow they push limits and learn how to think for themselves. Thom will be very obedient, in fact, you'll have to watch what you say because he will take it absolutely literally. His understanding is simple, but he'll try to act beyond it for you and that could cause trouble too."</p><p></p><p>While she talked, Kate checked to make sure there was no one else in the room. "And we'll have to be very careful to keep our talents from him. In his innocence he could give us away without any intention of harming us.</p><p></p><p>And you shouldn't be ashamed, you know. I won't say anything in front of the others and we can all go on pretending you're fine, but this will pass."</p><p></p><p>"Ashamed of what? I got bit by a damn poisonous spider and it's making me ill! It'd better pass." She wipes her forehead, wishing for a cool cloth for her head and her own bed. "After all I been through it better not be a spider that kills me. I'm leaving that designation for Jake." She leans up against the wall of the stall again, weakened from the vomiting.</p><p></p><p>"I can guarantee it won't kill you. Do you think I've never seen this before? Although I will say this is one very singular spider bite.</p><p></p><p>I'll go tell Jake you'll be out in a few minutes. Do you need me for anything else?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby debated admitting the entire truth to Kate but she was too embarrassed. Besides, she reasoned, Kate already knew anyway.</p><p></p><p>"Uh," she coughs, "No, you can go tell him."</p><p></p><p>Ruby hears Kate's movement reach the door when she steps out of the stall. "Wait Kate, I need you to help me."</p><p></p><p>At that moment Kate saw just how ill Ruby was. Her face pale, her eyes surrounded by dark circles and her dress, normally filled with curves, hung off her. Her hair was a tangled mess and she was shivering, even though she was covered in sweat. "This just hit me really fast. Please help me fix myself up so I can go back out."</p><p></p><p>"Is this what I looked like when I wasn't eating? No wonder you yelled at me," she said, trying to keep things from getting too serious. Kate gave her a soft hug, then set about fixing Ruby's hair.</p><p></p><p>"When we get to the hotel we can get you a nice hot bath. That should warm you up. If you like, I can go to the apothecary in town and get a few things to mix a tea for you. It won't solve all your problems, but it should ease them a little."</p><p></p><p>Kate finished her hair and said, "There, much better." Then she quietly cast a prestidigitation and all the wrinkles disappeared from Ruby's dress. "You at least look neat and put together now."</p><p></p><p>Ruby gazes at herself in the mirror. "Better I think." She turns to face Kate. "Tea would be nice, thank you." She steps towards the door then turns back and hugs Kate. "Thank you for the help. I haven't done much to deserve it lately, so it makes it even more special."</p><p></p><p>"Of course you have. You've stayed with us, and been my friend, and taken on someone who very much needed a friend in the world.... who happens to be standing outside looking at a wall at the moment," she chuckled, shaking her head.</p><p></p><p>"Every now and then, it's my turn to help you. Didn't you know being needed is one of my very favorite things? You don't have to earn my help, honey, it's yours for the asking."</p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs. "Poor Thom. I don't think he's getting the good end of this deal. As for you, we do need you. Someone around here has to be level headed and good hearted." Ruby stops for a moment and braces herself against the wall, her face turning more pale. "I think I'd better get back to the room. I want to take that bath and lay down. "She stands up straight, "And I was feeling better last night..."</p><p></p><p>"How are you feeling, by the way? You got bitten by worse than a spider."</p><p></p><p>"I'm fine today. The priest said he hardly took any blood from me at all. The cut on my hand was a lot worse than the bite to tell the truth. I think half my fatigue was just from how hard the last few days were. I just needed a good night's rest, and plenty to eat. Both of which I got.</p><p></p><p>Let's get you to the hotel where you can rest up for the stage ride tomorrow. And don't worry about Thom; you'll get used to each other soon enough. Should we walk together?" she asked, offering her arm in a friendly way that would just happen to support Ruby a bit as well.</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods and takes her friend's arm, grasping her hand in the process. She squeezes it but says nothing further. They walk back out to meet up with the others.</p><p></p><p>On the train platform, Minerva and Jake are still arguing about religion. Minerva says, "I did not deny that Mars holds influence over me. Did I not say that He had bestowed his foul temper upon me? You have seen it for yourself," she laughs recalling the day behind the saloon when she clawed at his face.</p><p></p><p>"Fortunately, for you, gifts may be bestowed by more than one god if it suits their whim or I may have done more than scratch your face that day behind the barn," she jests. "Minerva has chosen to bestow her more temperate attributes upon me, perhaps as a favor to me or perhaps as a jibe at Mars, I do not know, but the fact remains that she has favored me with her guidance and for this I am thankful, but it is still for me to say whether I will develop those attributes or turn a deaf ear to her wisdom. It is the same for you. The fact that you are under the favor of Hermes explains your uncanny luck and ability to come out on top, but it is you who has chosen to develop those skills. It does not matter that you believe that they are from Hermes, although I think you know that they are, nor does it mean that you have to like him, or even use those gifts to honor him."</p><p></p><p>"Heh, we ignore the gods at our peril. I think I have said before, sometimes it is best if the gods ignore us." Jake looks across the platform and finally notices Thom staring at the wall. He points so the others can see him. "I better go see what our new charge is doing, though I am afraid to ask."</p><p></p><p>Jake once again hauls there luggage up onto his shoulders and walks over to Thom, who he discovers is whistling. "Hey there Thom, is everything alright?" Jake drops the luggage again.</p><p></p><p>"Oh hi Mr. Jake. Everything is fine. Ruby asked me to wait right here for her. I was seeing so many things that made me want to wander off I figured it was best if I turned this way so I wouldn't be distracted. She's been in there for a long time Mr. Jake, is everything OK?"</p><p></p><p>Chester walks up to Thom. "How are you doing there, big fella? Is this the first time you've been out of Thomaswell?"</p><p></p><p>Thom nods his head vigorously. "Yes sir. I'm not supposed to go places by myself."</p><p></p><p>"I see how that'd be a problem. Look. Here comes Ruby and Kate."</p><p></p><p>"Oh good, I was getting worried, Miss Ruby was in there a long time." Thom turns to where Chester is pointing looking for Ruby and Kate. He smiles when he sees them. "Hi Miss Ruby and Miss Kate. I think I like traveling, there are so many things here to see! I decided to turn this way so I wouldn't be too distracted."</p><p></p><p>Jake just shakes his head again, "Thom, can you help us with our bags?"</p><p></p><p>Jake finally gets a good look at Ruby and he says, "You look like he-," and he stops abruptly and then continues, "happy to be back in our part of the world. Come on Thom, us men will go on ahead and get some rooms at Big Nose Kate's." Jake glances back over his shoulder before he heads off to the hotel slightly ahead of the women.</p><p></p><p>Thom nods and easily hoists the majority of the baggage. "Lead the way Mr. Jake, this is easy stuff. Thom can do easy stuff."</p><p></p><p>Katherine notices Miss Florencia sitting alone on a bench outside the train station. "Miss Florencia, It appears that we have some time. May I speak to you about the service?</p><p></p><p>Minerva smiles warmly, nods her assent and makes room for Katherine on the bench. Katherine sits, being careful to leave a space between them and continues, "I'm not sure how everything will happen with the service when we get back to Promise City. It will take some time before things are ready," she says in a businesslike voice. "What is it you would like to know about Tom for your service?"</p><p></p><p>Minerva looks to her and asks in a gentle voice "What would you like others to know of him? It is clear that you loved him deeply and whole heartedly, Senora Katherine. He must have been a very special man for you to love him so dearly. Por favor, Tell me about him."</p><p></p><p>With her hands folded in her lap, she was quiet for a moment. "He's a difficult man to capture in words. He had a great deal of humor. The world was an endless source of entertainment to him. His parents immigrated here and became very successful, a difficult feat for the Irish. But he remembered how hard his parents worked and that ethic came down to him.</p><p></p><p>He couldn't have borne to sit behind a desk and push papers or count money. He wanted to earn and appreciate everything he had, and he took the same approach to courting me. I was obviously taken with him but he didn't take my interest for granted. There was no day from the day we met to the last day we were together that I didn't feel treasured, loved, and wanted.</p><p></p><p>He always found society amusing. He moved through it perfectly, but he always saw it's foibles. He's the one who insisted I give up my riding habit and start wearing pants to ride. Like my family, he'd rather do what was right than what was accepted. But he wasn't always the best judge of character. Something that I'm afraid cost him dearly once he arrived in Tombstone."</p><p></p><p>"He sounds like a fine man. I wish that I had the honor of making his acquaintance." Minerva says in admiration and waits for Katherine to continue.</p><p></p><p>"He always went out of his way to help others. He was especially good with children and they just flocked to him. My brother's little girls adored him. We so wanted...." she stopped for a moment. "I'm not sure what more I can tell you."</p><p></p><p>"There is no need to continue. The love that shines in your eyes when you speak of him is tribute enough." The wise, young priestess takes Katherine's hand, realizing the bitter-sweet feelings that she is experiencing and sits, radiating silent comfort while pondering the miracle of love.</p><p></p><p>"Tom loves you even beyond death. Enough to reach beyond the curtain that separates the worlds and give you the greatest gift of love known to man or gods. You have truly been blessed, Katherine."</p><p></p><p>"And with great blessings come great pain. I accept that." Kate had stiffened when Miss Florencia took her hand, and now she pulled it back. "And when my time comes we'll be together again. Until then, I carry him with me because so much of what I am is his."</p><p></p><p>When Katherine pulls her hands back Minerva folds her own hands in her lap and simply states "It is the way of love," but the warmth has left her eyes.</p><p></p><p>She sits quietly for a moment attempting to harness the anger sparked by Katherine's Ice Maiden attitude <em>Why does this woman despise me so? I have done nothing to warrant it and yet she continually makes me feel subservient and unwelcome.</em> Not trusting herself to remain civil, she rises. "If you think of anything specific that you would like me to include in your husband's service, please let me know." she says in a rather formal tone, and without waiting for a response turns on her heel and with a swish of her skirt hurries to find Nanuet.</p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs as she is suddenly left alone. Jake had made it quite obvious how he felt by the look on his face and then running away from her. Kate and Minerva looked to be deep in conversation and Ruby wasn't about to interrupt those two.</p><p></p><p>From a distance, Minerva spots Nanuet stacking their luggage. He senses that something is wrong before she arrives and turns to see his dark eyed beauty hurrying toward him. She slows her pace and plasters a bright smile on her face, but her lips tremble and her eyes are bright as she greets him.</p><p></p><p>"Hola, Mi Amor, I have come to help you with the bags," she says trying to keep her voice light but unable to meet his eyes.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet greets Minerva warmly and then stands up to hand her a bag when he sees her posture and that she is looking away from him. "Hey, what's wrong? We're almost home, things are looking up."</p><p></p><p>Minerva rushes into his arms and folds herself into his embrace. "I just need to feel the warmth of your arms around me. Please hold me tight so that I do not do something rash. " she breaths in his scent and can feel herself relaxing.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet starts to speak, but then decides against it, instead he just holds Minerva as tightly as he can, swaying slightly and stroking her hair softly. After a long while Nanuet says "OK, I can hold you, but you must promise to tell me your troubles later."</p><p></p><p>She nods her assent but knowing that her dark anger is simmering just below the surface, does not trust herself to speak.</p><p></p><p>After a while she disengages herself and helps Nanuet carry the bags to the hotel.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2819634, member: 12815"] After sleeping the first half of the train journey, Jake fills the second half with idle conversation among his friends. During that time, one of Jake's favorite subjects come up, poker. " ... so you see it is not just understanding the rules and knowing how to read the players, but you need at least a basic understanding of the odds involved. Take for example Minerva's birthday, she seemed surprised to discover that two people in our little group here have a birthday in the same month. In fact, the odds are against each of the six of us having our birth month different from all the others. Although it may be counter intuitive, she should not have been surprised to learn that we two were born in May." Ruby spent her train ride huddled in the corner, mostly pretending to sleep while instead she shivered and sweated her addiction away. A couple of times she excused herself to the bathroom where she threw up but each time made her feel better. She knew from experience it shouldn't last long, she hadn't had the bad habit long enough for prolonged suffering. Her friends spent their time in sleep and also some conversation. She couldn't pay attention to most of it but she did hear Jake begin speaking about birthdays and she listened in interest. Ruby's face, though slightly pale and moist looking, looks to her boyfriend in interest. "Oh, why not? Surprised that is?" "You are looking a bit warm," he says to her. "Maybe you should open your window." Jake is about to explain about the odds when Minerva cuts in. "Oh, I but you did misread me, Senor Jake!" she laughs. "I was not all all surprised to find that we were born in the same month. After all as you have stated, that is a common enough phenomenon and I am sure there are many others in Promise City who celebrate May birthdays also." She shrugs her shoulders. "I was just a bit startled by the final piece of the puzzle clicking into place. That is all." Jake is distracted by her statement and stares at her quizzically. "Puzzle? What puzzle?" "Why the puzzle of Jacob Cook of course! The fact that the gods chose to bring you into the world on the feast of Hermes explains much of the mystery that surrounds you. Your are certainly held in high regard by Hermes. He has blessed you with many of his qualities including your amazingly good luck and uncanny ability to beat astronomical odds. Do you not agree that is is so?" For a moment he looks at her in stunned disbelief. Suddenly he starts laughing. He laughs hard and long. He wipes a tear from his eye caused by the hearty laughter and says to Minerva, "You really had me there for a moment, Senorita. I must hand it to you, not everyone can pull a fast one on Silver Jake Cook like that. Pretty quick thinking." Jake removes his hat to scratch the back of his head with both hands while still smiling. Minerva narrows her eyes at Jake trying to figure out what he finds so humorous in her remarks. "I am not so sure what you find so funny, Senor Jake... but I do not joke about the gods. You never know when they might be listening." she says quite seriously and continues to stare at him as though he has lost his marbles. Jake swallows hard when the priestess insists she is not jesting. The others discuss and ask about his luck while his thoughts wander, [i]'What does it matter if you were born on Hermes day? You know why it matters'.[/i] She continues to listen in on Jake and Minerva's conversation with interest. Ruby rolls her eyes to herself as Minerva starts getting mad about something again... but her point about Jake being born on the festival of Hermes was interesting. After all, he was extremely lucky. "Is the festival of Hermes really May 15th?" Ruby asks quietly. Minerva continues to eye Jake, waiting for him to clarify what it is that he thinks is so hilarious, as she responds to Ruby. "Si, I would not jest about such a matter. It is indeed May 15th, the luckiest day of the year. It is said that if one truly believes, that his or her luck will hold under the most unlikely of circumstances. To be born on such a day is truly an auspicious event." Kate had participated in the conversation during the ride, but as the talk turned to gods she grew quiet. Ruby had been quiet the whole time, but considering what Kate suspected, she was doing remarkably well. "And have you been lucky, Jake?" Kate asked quietly. He stirs out of his thoughts, "A fine question. How much of our luck is our own making? I will grant I am fortunate in many regards." He scratches his beard and says, "An interesting coincidence, though even a greenhorn card player will draw an inside straight given enough hands dealt." Chester sits quietly, smoking one cigarette after another. "He does tend to come out of things smelling like a rose. But his luck covers us all. And I'm happy for that." Thom was more than happy to sit and watch the world go by. He had never been in a train before, or at least never since his accident, so he pointed out everything and called out things that he saw to no on in particular. He was trying his best to behave and he saw that Ruby appeared to not be feeling her best so he left her alone for the duration of the ride. Now that the train had stopped he got up and stretched, an unconscious yawn overcoming him. He listens to the ongoing conversation for a few moments but then interrupts. "I don't know anything about the gods, so I don't know if it is funny or not, but Thom has to pee and I think the train might be getting ready to leave again," as he points to the new passengers now entering the car. As Thom squirms and says something about relieving himself Jake ignores him and turns back to Minerva, "What festival of the gods was the day of your birth, Senorita?" Ruby's stomach churns and for a moment she thinks she'll throw up right there in the seat. She stands suddenly, "While the conversation is very interesting it's our stop and Thom has to use the bathroom. Excuse us," she says as she quickly jumps out of the seat and grabs Thom's arm. "Let's go," she says, her voice shaking. They quickly get off the train and Ruby pulls Thom to the bathroom. Ruby's lips quiver into a smile for Thom, "Meet me right here," she points to where they are standing before she hurries off to the ladies room where she locks herself in a stall. She leans up against the side wall and wipes her head with a shaking arm. She was doing everything she could to not give in and take just a little sip from her flask, but she was afraid she was losing the battle. She doubles over and hugs her belly, wishing the worst would soon be over. Thom obediently replies "Yes ma'am" to Ruby before taking leave of her and heading to the men’s room. He was glad to be able to stretch his legs again. Once he finished in the men's room he went back to the spot where Ruby had told him to meet her. He was easily distracted by all the pedestrian traffic near the train station and it took all his discipline to keep himself from wondering off. He decided to turn the other way and face the building to keep his mind more focused. "Thom can be good, Thom will stay here like pretty Miss Ruby asked him too" he said and started whistling. As they continue their conversation, Minerva gives Jake an embarrassed smile. "Ah, you force me to reveal my dark secret, Senor. I was born on May 14th, the feast day of Mars. Perhaps that is where my temper springs from." she grins and shrugs her shoulders in resignation. "But I believe that the Goddess Minerva wrested me from His bloodthirsty grasp before he could bestow many more of his ahh... attributes upon me. Thank the Goddess!" she says looking to the sky. "She has countered much of his influence upon me by blessing me with her strong sense of justice and an almost compulsive need to protect the weak and right what is wrong in the world. I think that perhaps this is why Mars despises me so. It may even be one of the reasons that he chose to torment Promise City, but I will not presume to know the mind of a god. But what I do know is that He could not force me to love him nor to follow in his footsteps and being a very egotistical god, I am sure that he is angered by this.. Minerva brings the subject back to Jake. "You ask how much of our luck is our own and how much is granted by the gods. Let me tell you what I believe and maybe you will find comfort in my words." she says leaning toward him in easy camaraderie. "Regardless which attributes that the gods bestow upon us or do not bestow upon us, our lives are still decided by our own choices... But it does not hurt to stack the deck in one's favor. If the gods deal you Aces, it is worth playing them, is it not?" she winks. Nanuet listened in on the conversation as he gathered together the few items that they had brought on the train with them. "Well, I must say that I like the elven way of not worrying about when your birthday is. I guess we celebrate so many that it is not worth keeping track. That way you don't worry about which god might influence you." "Up until today, I did not worry about when my birthday fell," Jake says as he wrestles their traveling gear out of the train. "I like the not worrying part too, Indian, but ignorance is not always bliss." Once outside on the platform he starts up again with Minerva, "I was only joking when I asked about your birth date and the gods, I did not expect there to be any connection. I do find it ironic that you place so much store in the influence that Hermes may have on me and yet attempt to explain away the god who claims your day." Jake drops the luggage in a thump on the platform and starts to look around for Ruby. "We do see eye to eye on one thing, we make our own choices. My thinking on the matter of the gods assistance is very close to your own. The only difference is you attribute more benevolence to them, where I remain more skeptical." He glances back and forth again, perhaps a bit more worried, "Where did that girl get off to..." Kate silently agreed with Jake about the gods and Miss Florencia's theory about birthdays. "Probably the ladies room. I'll go look. I'm sure she's fine," Kate said and headed confidently away carrying her bags. A few moments later she walked past Thom facing the wall, opened the door and stepped inside. "Ruby, are you in here?" Ruby coughs and straightens herself up. She wipes her mouth with her sleeve and replies weakly, "Yes, I'm in here. I'll be out in a minute." "Ok honey. Jake was just wondering where you wandered off to." Not wanting to leave Ruby alone, she went on. "What did you tell Thom to do? He's standing outside facing the wall," she said with a light laugh. "Could you please tell Jake I'm here so he doesn't worry? Please Kate." Even feeling like she did she manages a little laugh, "I told him to wait outside. I ran in here I guess I wasn't clear with my directions. The poor guy." She flattens her hand over her belly and pauses. The feeling passes and she says, "I'm going to need your help with him." "Mine? Honey I'm not sure there's anything I can do for him that you can't. Besides, he doesn't seem to notice me much." "He's like a big kid. I don't know how to take care of a kid. I can't even take care of myself." And with that Ruby heaves and vomits again. Kate waited until the sounds from the stall stopped. "I don't know Ruby. He's not like a child. A young child can't follow anything but the simplest of directions, and as they grow they push limits and learn how to think for themselves. Thom will be very obedient, in fact, you'll have to watch what you say because he will take it absolutely literally. His understanding is simple, but he'll try to act beyond it for you and that could cause trouble too." While she talked, Kate checked to make sure there was no one else in the room. "And we'll have to be very careful to keep our talents from him. In his innocence he could give us away without any intention of harming us. And you shouldn't be ashamed, you know. I won't say anything in front of the others and we can all go on pretending you're fine, but this will pass." "Ashamed of what? I got bit by a damn poisonous spider and it's making me ill! It'd better pass." She wipes her forehead, wishing for a cool cloth for her head and her own bed. "After all I been through it better not be a spider that kills me. I'm leaving that designation for Jake." She leans up against the wall of the stall again, weakened from the vomiting. "I can guarantee it won't kill you. Do you think I've never seen this before? Although I will say this is one very singular spider bite. I'll go tell Jake you'll be out in a few minutes. Do you need me for anything else?" Ruby debated admitting the entire truth to Kate but she was too embarrassed. Besides, she reasoned, Kate already knew anyway. "Uh," she coughs, "No, you can go tell him." Ruby hears Kate's movement reach the door when she steps out of the stall. "Wait Kate, I need you to help me." At that moment Kate saw just how ill Ruby was. Her face pale, her eyes surrounded by dark circles and her dress, normally filled with curves, hung off her. Her hair was a tangled mess and she was shivering, even though she was covered in sweat. "This just hit me really fast. Please help me fix myself up so I can go back out." "Is this what I looked like when I wasn't eating? No wonder you yelled at me," she said, trying to keep things from getting too serious. Kate gave her a soft hug, then set about fixing Ruby's hair. "When we get to the hotel we can get you a nice hot bath. That should warm you up. If you like, I can go to the apothecary in town and get a few things to mix a tea for you. It won't solve all your problems, but it should ease them a little." Kate finished her hair and said, "There, much better." Then she quietly cast a prestidigitation and all the wrinkles disappeared from Ruby's dress. "You at least look neat and put together now." Ruby gazes at herself in the mirror. "Better I think." She turns to face Kate. "Tea would be nice, thank you." She steps towards the door then turns back and hugs Kate. "Thank you for the help. I haven't done much to deserve it lately, so it makes it even more special." "Of course you have. You've stayed with us, and been my friend, and taken on someone who very much needed a friend in the world.... who happens to be standing outside looking at a wall at the moment," she chuckled, shaking her head. "Every now and then, it's my turn to help you. Didn't you know being needed is one of my very favorite things? You don't have to earn my help, honey, it's yours for the asking." Ruby sighs. "Poor Thom. I don't think he's getting the good end of this deal. As for you, we do need you. Someone around here has to be level headed and good hearted." Ruby stops for a moment and braces herself against the wall, her face turning more pale. "I think I'd better get back to the room. I want to take that bath and lay down. "She stands up straight, "And I was feeling better last night..." "How are you feeling, by the way? You got bitten by worse than a spider." "I'm fine today. The priest said he hardly took any blood from me at all. The cut on my hand was a lot worse than the bite to tell the truth. I think half my fatigue was just from how hard the last few days were. I just needed a good night's rest, and plenty to eat. Both of which I got. Let's get you to the hotel where you can rest up for the stage ride tomorrow. And don't worry about Thom; you'll get used to each other soon enough. Should we walk together?" she asked, offering her arm in a friendly way that would just happen to support Ruby a bit as well. Ruby nods and takes her friend's arm, grasping her hand in the process. She squeezes it but says nothing further. They walk back out to meet up with the others. On the train platform, Minerva and Jake are still arguing about religion. Minerva says, "I did not deny that Mars holds influence over me. Did I not say that He had bestowed his foul temper upon me? You have seen it for yourself," she laughs recalling the day behind the saloon when she clawed at his face. "Fortunately, for you, gifts may be bestowed by more than one god if it suits their whim or I may have done more than scratch your face that day behind the barn," she jests. "Minerva has chosen to bestow her more temperate attributes upon me, perhaps as a favor to me or perhaps as a jibe at Mars, I do not know, but the fact remains that she has favored me with her guidance and for this I am thankful, but it is still for me to say whether I will develop those attributes or turn a deaf ear to her wisdom. It is the same for you. The fact that you are under the favor of Hermes explains your uncanny luck and ability to come out on top, but it is you who has chosen to develop those skills. It does not matter that you believe that they are from Hermes, although I think you know that they are, nor does it mean that you have to like him, or even use those gifts to honor him." "Heh, we ignore the gods at our peril. I think I have said before, sometimes it is best if the gods ignore us." Jake looks across the platform and finally notices Thom staring at the wall. He points so the others can see him. "I better go see what our new charge is doing, though I am afraid to ask." Jake once again hauls there luggage up onto his shoulders and walks over to Thom, who he discovers is whistling. "Hey there Thom, is everything alright?" Jake drops the luggage again. "Oh hi Mr. Jake. Everything is fine. Ruby asked me to wait right here for her. I was seeing so many things that made me want to wander off I figured it was best if I turned this way so I wouldn't be distracted. She's been in there for a long time Mr. Jake, is everything OK?" Chester walks up to Thom. "How are you doing there, big fella? Is this the first time you've been out of Thomaswell?" Thom nods his head vigorously. "Yes sir. I'm not supposed to go places by myself." "I see how that'd be a problem. Look. Here comes Ruby and Kate." "Oh good, I was getting worried, Miss Ruby was in there a long time." Thom turns to where Chester is pointing looking for Ruby and Kate. He smiles when he sees them. "Hi Miss Ruby and Miss Kate. I think I like traveling, there are so many things here to see! I decided to turn this way so I wouldn't be too distracted." Jake just shakes his head again, "Thom, can you help us with our bags?" Jake finally gets a good look at Ruby and he says, "You look like he-," and he stops abruptly and then continues, "happy to be back in our part of the world. Come on Thom, us men will go on ahead and get some rooms at Big Nose Kate's." Jake glances back over his shoulder before he heads off to the hotel slightly ahead of the women. Thom nods and easily hoists the majority of the baggage. "Lead the way Mr. Jake, this is easy stuff. Thom can do easy stuff." Katherine notices Miss Florencia sitting alone on a bench outside the train station. "Miss Florencia, It appears that we have some time. May I speak to you about the service? Minerva smiles warmly, nods her assent and makes room for Katherine on the bench. Katherine sits, being careful to leave a space between them and continues, "I'm not sure how everything will happen with the service when we get back to Promise City. It will take some time before things are ready," she says in a businesslike voice. "What is it you would like to know about Tom for your service?" Minerva looks to her and asks in a gentle voice "What would you like others to know of him? It is clear that you loved him deeply and whole heartedly, Senora Katherine. He must have been a very special man for you to love him so dearly. Por favor, Tell me about him." With her hands folded in her lap, she was quiet for a moment. "He's a difficult man to capture in words. He had a great deal of humor. The world was an endless source of entertainment to him. His parents immigrated here and became very successful, a difficult feat for the Irish. But he remembered how hard his parents worked and that ethic came down to him. He couldn't have borne to sit behind a desk and push papers or count money. He wanted to earn and appreciate everything he had, and he took the same approach to courting me. I was obviously taken with him but he didn't take my interest for granted. There was no day from the day we met to the last day we were together that I didn't feel treasured, loved, and wanted. He always found society amusing. He moved through it perfectly, but he always saw it's foibles. He's the one who insisted I give up my riding habit and start wearing pants to ride. Like my family, he'd rather do what was right than what was accepted. But he wasn't always the best judge of character. Something that I'm afraid cost him dearly once he arrived in Tombstone." "He sounds like a fine man. I wish that I had the honor of making his acquaintance." Minerva says in admiration and waits for Katherine to continue. "He always went out of his way to help others. He was especially good with children and they just flocked to him. My brother's little girls adored him. We so wanted...." she stopped for a moment. "I'm not sure what more I can tell you." "There is no need to continue. The love that shines in your eyes when you speak of him is tribute enough." The wise, young priestess takes Katherine's hand, realizing the bitter-sweet feelings that she is experiencing and sits, radiating silent comfort while pondering the miracle of love. "Tom loves you even beyond death. Enough to reach beyond the curtain that separates the worlds and give you the greatest gift of love known to man or gods. You have truly been blessed, Katherine." "And with great blessings come great pain. I accept that." Kate had stiffened when Miss Florencia took her hand, and now she pulled it back. "And when my time comes we'll be together again. Until then, I carry him with me because so much of what I am is his." When Katherine pulls her hands back Minerva folds her own hands in her lap and simply states "It is the way of love," but the warmth has left her eyes. She sits quietly for a moment attempting to harness the anger sparked by Katherine's Ice Maiden attitude [i]Why does this woman despise me so? I have done nothing to warrant it and yet she continually makes me feel subservient and unwelcome.[/i] Not trusting herself to remain civil, she rises. "If you think of anything specific that you would like me to include in your husband's service, please let me know." she says in a rather formal tone, and without waiting for a response turns on her heel and with a swish of her skirt hurries to find Nanuet. Ruby sighs as she is suddenly left alone. Jake had made it quite obvious how he felt by the look on his face and then running away from her. Kate and Minerva looked to be deep in conversation and Ruby wasn't about to interrupt those two. From a distance, Minerva spots Nanuet stacking their luggage. He senses that something is wrong before she arrives and turns to see his dark eyed beauty hurrying toward him. She slows her pace and plasters a bright smile on her face, but her lips tremble and her eyes are bright as she greets him. "Hola, Mi Amor, I have come to help you with the bags," she says trying to keep her voice light but unable to meet his eyes. Nanuet greets Minerva warmly and then stands up to hand her a bag when he sees her posture and that she is looking away from him. "Hey, what's wrong? We're almost home, things are looking up." Minerva rushes into his arms and folds herself into his embrace. "I just need to feel the warmth of your arms around me. Please hold me tight so that I do not do something rash. " she breaths in his scent and can feel herself relaxing. Nanuet starts to speak, but then decides against it, instead he just holds Minerva as tightly as he can, swaying slightly and stroking her hair softly. After a long while Nanuet says "OK, I can hold you, but you must promise to tell me your troubles later." She nods her assent but knowing that her dark anger is simmering just below the surface, does not trust herself to speak. After a while she disengages herself and helps Nanuet carry the bags to the hotel. [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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