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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2819640" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>Kate waved to Ruby over her breakfast as she and Jake come downstairs. "You look well-rested this morning," she said once they were close enough.</p><p></p><p>"You have a wonderful sense of humor Katherine Kale," Ruby smiles. "But I do feel better. Maybe the tea helped? I'm going to ask Nanuet to take a look at the bite. I think it might be making the uh, other thing, worse."</p><p></p><p>"Anyway, I'm hungry! I want a big huge breakfast this morning. Then I want to go home."</p><p></p><p>"We all want to go home," Kate smiled. "I want to see Ginnie and everyone at the El Parador. Let's not go away again for a while."</p><p></p><p>"Only going away for good reasons," Ruby replies, pushing her hair off her face. "Jake is supposed to take me to Tucson. Anyway, I'm going home to sleep!"</p><p></p><p>The others show up at about the same time.</p><p></p><p>"Morning everyone. Hope you all slept better than I did."</p><p></p><p>"Nanuet, I was wondering if you could look over the bite I got two days ago. I think it's making me sick still."</p><p></p><p>"Sure, I can take a look" he says. "Show me where the bite is and tell me your symptoms."</p><p></p><p>Ruby reveals the back of her neck where the bite is and explains her nausea and weakness.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, you are still weak from the poison. I am not strong enough on my own to cure the poison. I don't believe it will get any worse. You need to rest, completely rest for a few days. I can help watch over you, make some poultices, herbs and such, that will help speed the process of healing. But you must understand if you do not rest you will not regain your strength."</p><p></p><p>"Exactly what I told her a couple days ago. But it's good to have some confirmation," Kate said.</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods in solemn understanding. "I will rest when I get home. I planned on it anyway. Thank you Nanuet. I might have to take you up on your offer until then. I do feel a bit better today."</p><p></p><p>Chester and Thom are the last to join the others at breakfast. Thom yawns heavily. "Good morning everybody. I am so hungry I could eat a horse," Thom says with a chuckle. "I hope they have pancakes here!"</p><p></p><p>Jake eats a hearty breakfast, having missed dinner the night before. He seems in a good mood but stays mostly quiet. When breakfast looks to be nearly finished Jake says, "Are you ready, Katherine?"</p><p></p><p>She took a deep breath. "I'm ready. We have to meet the men you hired at the cemetery, I take it?"</p><p></p><p>"That would seem best." Jake thinks better of making a joke about them digging up the wrong body. "Anyone else can join us later if they like." Looking around the table he adds, "We could use some food and water for the trip if someone wants to gather that up. It will be a slow ride I expect."</p><p></p><p>"I was going to speak to the kitchen about food after breakfast. I will see about getting enough food for all of us." Minerva says and quietly eats her breakfast.</p><p></p><p>"It will probably take a least a couple hours longer than the stage, if not more. I apologize for that, I know we're all anxious to be home." Kate stood up and kissed Ruby's cheek. "I'm glad to see you're feeling better. Jake, I'm ready whenever you are." </p><p>"Wait a minute," Ruby says with a mouthful of food, "We're not taking the stage? How are we getting home, are we <em>riding</em>?"</p><p></p><p>"I guess we're riding with the casket, Ruby," Chester says.</p><p></p><p>Jake says, "I rented a carriage so we could pace the wagon moving the marker and casket."</p><p></p><p>"I'll go buy some waterskins," Chester offers. "It's getting hot out there. C'mon Thom. You're with me."</p><p></p><p>Thom who had been playing with the remainder of everybody's food, especially with the syrup immediately stood up and said "OK, let's get some skinny water stuff. It's hot!"</p><p></p><p>"Wipe your hands first. Shopkeeps ain't going to be happy at you getting syrup all over their stuff." Thom grabs a napkin and wipes his hands briefly. Chester sighs. "That'll have to do. Don't touch anything unless I ask you to, OK?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes, Mister Chester."</p><p></p><p>Chester says to the others, "We'll meet you back here in a couple hours." He and Thom look for a general store or leather goods store.</p><p></p><p>Once Nanuet is done addressing Ruby's insect bite he helps Minerva gather food and water for the trip. "I might have to spend some time tending to Ruby the next couple of days. The bite is not really healing yet. If she agrees to take it easy I can get her rid of the poison in a couple days."</p><p></p><p>As Nanuet and Minerva pack up the food they engage in light conversation. "This has all been very hard on everyone, especially Ruby. I am surprised that she is holding up as well as she is. That girl certainly has a lot of spunk!" she sighs. "I will be glad to get home and begin a normal life, whatever that may be. It has been one wild bronco busting ride after another since my arrival in Promise City. I only hope that the gods are ready to focus on some other mortal for a time and give us some peace for a while. Perhaps we will even have time for a proper courtship." she says wrapping her arms around his waist. "Speaking of courtships, I am sure that Chester is looking forward to getting home as well. He must miss Clarisse something awful."</p><p></p><p>"Well" Nanuet begins with a chuckle "I am not sure how much I know about proper courtships, but I will try if that is what you desire. As for Chester and Clarisse, it must be hard for her to be on the outside and Chester running off with us all the time. She seems to be a sweet girl and things seem to be working out for them despite all the craziness. Well I think that is enough food, hopefully it will be a nice quiet ride back to Promise City."</p><p></p><p>"From your lips to the gods’ ears." she laughs.</p><p></p><p>Kate took Jake's arm and walked to the town's Boot Hill, where they saw the large wagon and several strong looking men waiting for them. She pointed out which grave was Tom's, then watched as the slow work of exhuming him began.</p><p></p><p>The men very carefully removed the headstone and placed it in the wagon, draping it in a black cloth. Then the hard work of the digging began. Once they were far enough down they rigged up some ropes and slowly lifted the plain coffin from its first resting place.</p><p></p><p>Images flashed through Kate's mind of the day she stood here and watched the coffin lowered. Colby Tucker had been standing behind her and only a few others had been there. Including Virgil Earp. <em>What was he thinking as Tom was laid to rest?</em> Many things about that day make much more sense now. Soon she would have another memory to replace these with. One where she said goodbye surrounded by people who cared for her and knowing Tom was where he wanted to be.</p><p></p><p>The men draped the coffin in black cloth as well then filled in the hole they had dug, leaving a concave spot in the ground. Kate sat next to the wagon driver as the other men took their seats around the coffin in the back. Jake walked alongside next to Katherine as the wagon went smoothly to Big Nose Kate's to pick up the others.</p><p></p><p>Once back at the hotel, Jake pays the workers and sends them on their way. The rental carriage is there waiting for them as well. Jake seeks out Ruby, who he finds sleeping in their room. "It is time to go."</p><p></p><p>While waiting for all the others to bring out their gear, Jake erects the carriage top to protect them from the sun. Once everyone is ready to leave he says, "We need a couple of us to drive the wagon and someone to drive this rig, and you," he says pointing at Ruby good naturedly, "to sit in the back of the rig and rest. We can always take turns driving, it can be tiring."</p><p></p><p>Jake places his long arms in a convenient location after checking them over. He helps the women into their seats. He takes one last look around Tombstone, runs a hand through his hair before placing his hat back at its slight angle and climbs up into his seat.</p><p></p><p>Ruby does as Jake tells her, she tries to take some rest in the carriage as they slowly drive along. She closes her eyes and rests her head as best she can.</p><p></p><p>Her thoughts drift to Kate and how relieving it should be for her to have this finalized. When they first met and Ruby had heard the story, she had felt bad for Kate but didn't really understand, she couldn't understand what it was like to lose someone like that. Now that she had Jake she could, she would be devastated without him, to lose him would such a blow as one never recovers from. Ruby knew in her heart it would probably kill her.</p><p></p><p>Without opening her eyes Ruby reaches for Kate and grasps her hand tightly in hers.</p><p></p><p>Kate squeezed back, then smoothed the hair back from Ruby's forehead and kissed it. "I love you sweetheart. You're going to be fine."</p><p></p><p>Ruby keeps her eyes closed but smiles. "So are you," she says softly.</p><p></p><p>For the first time today Kate felt tears in her eyes. "I know. I have all of you to help me."</p><p></p><p>Ruby decides it's time to find a more comfortable spot for her head, so she snuggles up to Kate and rests her head on her friends shoulder.</p><p></p><p>She stays very comfortable while she rests for the remainder of the ride to the ranch.</p><p></p><p>Kate spent much of the ride with her eyes following the wagon. Ruby seemed comfortable, so she tried not to fidget as they rode along. The closer they got to Promise City, the more her thoughts seemed to settle. It seemed odd, but she felt ready for this last step.</p><p></p><p>As the landscape became more familiar and they were getting near the ranch, Kate said, "We can take him inside the house to lie in state until tomorrow. Let's have the service at one o'clock. That should give everyone time to rest some before coming out. We'll need to find someone to dig the grave."</p><p></p><p>"Ok." Ruby rubs the sleep out of her eyes and then stretches. "Whatever you want Kate, we'll be here."</p><p></p><p>Ruby stands around idly, watching the men carry the casket inside with a shiver.</p><p></p><p>Chester clears his throat. "I could help. I only lasted one day at the mine, but I can handle a pick and shovel well enough."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you, Chester," Kate said simply. "We'll want to make sure to dig far enough way from the trunk of the tree so as not to disturb it's roots too much."</p><p></p><p>"I figure you'd rather not have strangers do this for him. Is there an easy way to find out how far out is safe?"</p><p></p><p>Kate spent a few minutes talking with Chester until they came to an agreement on a placing they thought wouldn't harm the tree. Once it was settled, she walked with the men back toward the carriage where the others waited. "Let's go the last mile and get everyone home," she said.</p><p></p><p>Jake makes himself scarce when Chester discusses digging. He wanders by Thom and tells the big man, "That nice Deputy Chester wants to talk to you about helping him do some digging."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet chuckles to himself over Jake's ploy. He walks up beside him and says "Jake, so unlike you to pick on someone simple minded and eager to please. I'm shocked." Nanuet then discusses with Chester what Kate told him about the placement of the hole and tell him that he will meet him here to help with the digging in the early morning. </p><p></p><p> "Hey, Indian, I am no bigot. I was going to see you next." Jake grins and walks away leaving Nanuet with Chester.</p><p></p><p>Thom walks over to Chester. "Mister Chester? Mister Jake wants me to talk to you about digging."</p><p></p><p>"Chester hides a smile with his hand. "He does, does he. Well, it wasn't a bad idea. Tomorrow, me and Nanuet are going to come back here and dig a grave for Miss Kate's husband. You want to come help?"</p><p></p><p>"I like to help."</p><p></p><p>"OK, then we'll ride out here together in the morning."</p><p></p><p>Minerva goes into the house where Senor Kale's casket has ben placed and says a few prayers over it. Remembering the undead that they have encountered so recently, she takes the precaution of sprinkling holy water over and around the casket to guard Senor Kale against evil spirits before she goes back outside and joins the others. </p><p></p><p>Ruby takes Kate's arm for the last couple of steps. "Good job Kate," she says simply then gets back in the carriage.</p><p></p><p>The last mile back, usually a quick trip, seemed to take an eternity to Ruby. They had left so hurriedly and under such duress. At the time Ruby was not sure she would ever make it home and even if she did what the state of things would be having left the way they did.</p><p></p><p>But now she was happy, even if exhausted, that the return was imminent, no matter what the state of affairs was. She was going to be home.</p><p></p><p>A happy, weary smile comes to her face as Promise City comes into view. She sits like a child with an itch, anxious to get off the carriage.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet sits quietly with Minerva on the short trip back to Promise City from the ranch. He takes in the scenery, almost breathing it in. He remembers every bird, every flower, and every bit of scenery. "How do you all feel about meeting for dinner together at the El Parador, a bit of Dorita's cooking would hit the spot I think."</p><p></p><p>"Si that is a fine idea. I will go home and tell Bea that I have returned and then I will have a long, hot bath.</p><p></p><p>They finally arrive in Promise City. Ruby steps off the carriage and breathes a sigh of relief. When she left she hadn't been sure she would make it back, at least not without fangs. But they had done their job, Colin Turner was dead. And if he wasn't... they had scared him and he wouldn't come back. She hoped anyway.</p><p></p><p>She turns to Kate. "I am sure you want to get some rest. But maybe when you see Mr. Gonzales you can ask him to look at these?" She hands her a pair of gloves and some bullets. "Not sure he'll know about these," she points to the bullets, "We might have to have Jake take them to Pierre." Ruby smiles at Kate then turns to Thom.</p><p></p><p>"Thom, can you help with our bags? Follow us, we're going home." Thom obediently obeys by picking up all the bags. He says nothing, looking wide eyed around the city, much larger than he was used to.</p><p></p><p>After Jake throws his weapons bag onto his shoulder Ruby takes his hand and they begin heading home. She smiles when she sees the Lucky Lady come into view. She glances sideways at Jake, watching his reaction of seeing the Saloon closely.</p><p></p><p>He sees the familiar red letters but is still drawn as always to the queen of hearts that substitutes for the letter 'a'. "The Chubby Baby bed may have been fun, but I am surely looking forward to being in my own bed, in my own place." He chuckles. "Home still seems like something strange to me, though I must admit I like it. Having a place to call home."</p><p></p><p>Ruby giggles, "I agree. It is strange. But you know what?" she smiles at him, "To me home is really wherever you are Jake." She squeezes his hand and they enter the Saloon.</p><p></p><p>They stop to make their mandatory greetings to Niles and Harry. They introduce Thom and briefly tell how he is now going to live at the Lucky Lady. Ruby instructs Thom to listen to Niles and Harry, and Jeff, whom he will be working with the most. Ruby asks Harry to show Thom to one of the spare rooms.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly the puppies come bounding into the Saloon and almost knock Ruby over. She is amazed at how much they have grown in the past week and she spends some time hugging, kissing and petting them.</p><p></p><p>Soon after they go eagerly up to their room. Jake walks right in but Ruby stops at the door, staring inside.</p><p></p><p>Jake drops his gear and looks back at Ruby standing in the doorway. He says nothing and goes about hanging up his duster.</p><p></p><p>Ruby takes a very deep breath as Jake goes about his unpacking. She takes another small step but does not move further into the room. As she looks about she is overwhelmed with feelings, wanting to feel safe and secure, instead she feeling dread as she looks over to her bed and finally to the window. Her lip starts to tremble and her eyes begin to fill with tears. "We can't stay here anymore," she says softly.</p><p></p><p>"Are you sure?" He says turning towards her. "We have a bouncer for protection, a cook, friends and the convenience of just walking down stairs to go to work. But if you, we, cannot, well I suppose we should start inquiring around for a house." Jake continues about his business as if what she said was no more momentous than telling him the weather was going to change.</p><p></p><p>"But none of them can stop... him... if he IS still alive." She continues quickly, "I mean, I don't think he is but just in case...Or others like him..." She pouts, "I LOVE this room Jake."</p><p></p><p>"Perhaps a way could be found to ward this room, or even the whole saloon. If not, or if even that does not make you feel secure, then you will just have to enjoy decorating a new room." He stops again and looks at her, "You need to make this decision alone, I will not influence you. Whatever you decide on this matter is fine with me, really it is." Jake gives her a friendly smile, one without a concern in the world.</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods solemnly, "I will think about it and decide. There is no rush." She takes a few more hesitant steps into the room before finishing the way a little more confidently. She plops down on the bed, running her hands over the fluffy blankets. "I did miss this so..."</p><p></p><p>Jake flops into the stuffed chair. "Yep. No rush." He tosses his hat across to the table. "I hate to give in, you know, but sometimes it is better to move on. I am sure you will make a good choice."</p><p></p><p>"I hope so," but thinks Our lives may depend on it... Ruby tries to push the bad thoughts from her mind as she pulls her feet up onto the bed. "Unpacking can wait," she says tiredly as her voice fades, "I wasn't kidding about sleeping for days..."</p><p></p><p>Minerva leaves the others and heads back to the Comstock House. Dirty and tired and not wanting to have to explain where she has been, she very quietly sneaks up the stairs to her room. She kicks off her riding boots and slumps into a chair, too tired to move another step. <em>"Praise the gods, I am back,"</em> she thinks looking around the familiar room. <em>"I was not sure I would ever see this place again."</em></p><p></p><p>After a time she begins to unpack, placing her precious statues back on her dresser and arranging candles around them. She throws her dirty clothes in a pile and fishes out her books on the undead along with the two other books that belonged to the monster slayer. She shudders thinking about how he met his end and not wanting to dwell on such dark thoughts stuffs the books into her trunk and slams the lid. Hopefully I will never ever have a use for them again.</p><p></p><p>She glances out the window and catches a glimps of the church in the corner of her eye. She rushes to the window amazed and pleased with it's progress. She also notices that her house is is partially erected. "Oh! It is going to be beautiful!" she says aloud and claps her hands.</p><p></p><p>Newly energized and tired of looking like the weary traveler, she decides to make herself extra pretty for Nanuet. She picks out a special outfit and some sweet smelling toiletries and heads to Gilson’s Bath house before meeting her sweetheart for dinner at the El Parador.</p><p></p><p>Minerva scents the water with fragrant oils and sinks into the tub where she soaks until her skin is soft and rosy from the heat. Stepping from the tub she slips into a creamy yellow gown that accents her olive complexion and coal black hair. She combs her silken tresses until they gleam and leaves her hair down to fall in dark waves upon her bare shoulders. She dabs on sweet smelling perfume. She spins in front of the mirror. "There! Now I feel like my self." She smiles in satisfaction, picks up her parasol and strolls over to the El Parador to meet Nanuet for dinner.</p><p></p><p>Once back in the town Nanuet took his leave of Minerva and headed to the grove. He took his time checking over the plants and animals of his little oasis tending to whatever needed tending to. He washed up and changed into a spare set of clothing, rebraided his hair and then headed over to the El Parador to meet anyone who was there at dinner time. He immediately noticed Minerva and the extra efforts she had made for their meeting.</p><p></p><p>"Minerva, you look stunning! If I knew we were dressing up I would have done better than this" he says pointing to his usual casual dress.</p><p></p><p>Kate made the short walk back to the El Parador alone. Not because she didn't want company, but because she knew the others were tired and wanted to get to their own beds or baths as soon as possible.</p><p></p><p>She had not been inside the Cantina more than a few seconds before Dorita was hurrying over and embracing her, then trying to get her into a chair with a plate.</p><p></p><p>"I'll eat upstairs with your Grandfather," Kate promised her. "Is Ginnie with him?"</p><p></p><p>"Si, probably asking questions, questions, questions. You stay here for a while, answer questions and give us a break!"</p><p></p><p>Kate laughed and went up to her room where she deposited her bags and changed into a fresh dress. She let her hair down and didn't bother fixing it at all before she went into her teacher's rooms. The scene from downstairs was repeated here with Ginnie and Mr. Gonzales welcoming her home and demanding the story of what had happened.</p><p></p><p>She spent the next hour or so detailing their trip and what happened. Finally, Kate got out the items Ruby had given her and said, "We know these are magical, but not what they do. Perhaps one of the things I should learn when we start our lessons again is how to discover the purposes of items like these so will not have to beg you for help so often," she smiled and handed him the gloves and bullets.</p><p></p><p>"I will have to wait until tomorrow, as I have not studied the appropriate spell today."</p><p></p><p>"That's fine," Kate said, and settled in for good relaxing time with these people whom she had missed so while she was gone.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2819640, member: 12815"] Kate waved to Ruby over her breakfast as she and Jake come downstairs. "You look well-rested this morning," she said once they were close enough. "You have a wonderful sense of humor Katherine Kale," Ruby smiles. "But I do feel better. Maybe the tea helped? I'm going to ask Nanuet to take a look at the bite. I think it might be making the uh, other thing, worse." "Anyway, I'm hungry! I want a big huge breakfast this morning. Then I want to go home." "We all want to go home," Kate smiled. "I want to see Ginnie and everyone at the El Parador. Let's not go away again for a while." "Only going away for good reasons," Ruby replies, pushing her hair off her face. "Jake is supposed to take me to Tucson. Anyway, I'm going home to sleep!" The others show up at about the same time. "Morning everyone. Hope you all slept better than I did." "Nanuet, I was wondering if you could look over the bite I got two days ago. I think it's making me sick still." "Sure, I can take a look" he says. "Show me where the bite is and tell me your symptoms." Ruby reveals the back of her neck where the bite is and explains her nausea and weakness. "Yes, you are still weak from the poison. I am not strong enough on my own to cure the poison. I don't believe it will get any worse. You need to rest, completely rest for a few days. I can help watch over you, make some poultices, herbs and such, that will help speed the process of healing. But you must understand if you do not rest you will not regain your strength." "Exactly what I told her a couple days ago. But it's good to have some confirmation," Kate said. Ruby nods in solemn understanding. "I will rest when I get home. I planned on it anyway. Thank you Nanuet. I might have to take you up on your offer until then. I do feel a bit better today." Chester and Thom are the last to join the others at breakfast. Thom yawns heavily. "Good morning everybody. I am so hungry I could eat a horse," Thom says with a chuckle. "I hope they have pancakes here!" Jake eats a hearty breakfast, having missed dinner the night before. He seems in a good mood but stays mostly quiet. When breakfast looks to be nearly finished Jake says, "Are you ready, Katherine?" She took a deep breath. "I'm ready. We have to meet the men you hired at the cemetery, I take it?" "That would seem best." Jake thinks better of making a joke about them digging up the wrong body. "Anyone else can join us later if they like." Looking around the table he adds, "We could use some food and water for the trip if someone wants to gather that up. It will be a slow ride I expect." "I was going to speak to the kitchen about food after breakfast. I will see about getting enough food for all of us." Minerva says and quietly eats her breakfast. "It will probably take a least a couple hours longer than the stage, if not more. I apologize for that, I know we're all anxious to be home." Kate stood up and kissed Ruby's cheek. "I'm glad to see you're feeling better. Jake, I'm ready whenever you are." "Wait a minute," Ruby says with a mouthful of food, "We're not taking the stage? How are we getting home, are we [i]riding[/i]?" "I guess we're riding with the casket, Ruby," Chester says. Jake says, "I rented a carriage so we could pace the wagon moving the marker and casket." "I'll go buy some waterskins," Chester offers. "It's getting hot out there. C'mon Thom. You're with me." Thom who had been playing with the remainder of everybody's food, especially with the syrup immediately stood up and said "OK, let's get some skinny water stuff. It's hot!" "Wipe your hands first. Shopkeeps ain't going to be happy at you getting syrup all over their stuff." Thom grabs a napkin and wipes his hands briefly. Chester sighs. "That'll have to do. Don't touch anything unless I ask you to, OK?" "Yes, Mister Chester." Chester says to the others, "We'll meet you back here in a couple hours." He and Thom look for a general store or leather goods store. Once Nanuet is done addressing Ruby's insect bite he helps Minerva gather food and water for the trip. "I might have to spend some time tending to Ruby the next couple of days. The bite is not really healing yet. If she agrees to take it easy I can get her rid of the poison in a couple days." As Nanuet and Minerva pack up the food they engage in light conversation. "This has all been very hard on everyone, especially Ruby. I am surprised that she is holding up as well as she is. That girl certainly has a lot of spunk!" she sighs. "I will be glad to get home and begin a normal life, whatever that may be. It has been one wild bronco busting ride after another since my arrival in Promise City. I only hope that the gods are ready to focus on some other mortal for a time and give us some peace for a while. Perhaps we will even have time for a proper courtship." she says wrapping her arms around his waist. "Speaking of courtships, I am sure that Chester is looking forward to getting home as well. He must miss Clarisse something awful." "Well" Nanuet begins with a chuckle "I am not sure how much I know about proper courtships, but I will try if that is what you desire. As for Chester and Clarisse, it must be hard for her to be on the outside and Chester running off with us all the time. She seems to be a sweet girl and things seem to be working out for them despite all the craziness. Well I think that is enough food, hopefully it will be a nice quiet ride back to Promise City." "From your lips to the gods’ ears." she laughs. Kate took Jake's arm and walked to the town's Boot Hill, where they saw the large wagon and several strong looking men waiting for them. She pointed out which grave was Tom's, then watched as the slow work of exhuming him began. The men very carefully removed the headstone and placed it in the wagon, draping it in a black cloth. Then the hard work of the digging began. Once they were far enough down they rigged up some ropes and slowly lifted the plain coffin from its first resting place. Images flashed through Kate's mind of the day she stood here and watched the coffin lowered. Colby Tucker had been standing behind her and only a few others had been there. Including Virgil Earp. [i]What was he thinking as Tom was laid to rest?[/i] Many things about that day make much more sense now. Soon she would have another memory to replace these with. One where she said goodbye surrounded by people who cared for her and knowing Tom was where he wanted to be. The men draped the coffin in black cloth as well then filled in the hole they had dug, leaving a concave spot in the ground. Kate sat next to the wagon driver as the other men took their seats around the coffin in the back. Jake walked alongside next to Katherine as the wagon went smoothly to Big Nose Kate's to pick up the others. Once back at the hotel, Jake pays the workers and sends them on their way. The rental carriage is there waiting for them as well. Jake seeks out Ruby, who he finds sleeping in their room. "It is time to go." While waiting for all the others to bring out their gear, Jake erects the carriage top to protect them from the sun. Once everyone is ready to leave he says, "We need a couple of us to drive the wagon and someone to drive this rig, and you," he says pointing at Ruby good naturedly, "to sit in the back of the rig and rest. We can always take turns driving, it can be tiring." Jake places his long arms in a convenient location after checking them over. He helps the women into their seats. He takes one last look around Tombstone, runs a hand through his hair before placing his hat back at its slight angle and climbs up into his seat. Ruby does as Jake tells her, she tries to take some rest in the carriage as they slowly drive along. She closes her eyes and rests her head as best she can. Her thoughts drift to Kate and how relieving it should be for her to have this finalized. When they first met and Ruby had heard the story, she had felt bad for Kate but didn't really understand, she couldn't understand what it was like to lose someone like that. Now that she had Jake she could, she would be devastated without him, to lose him would such a blow as one never recovers from. Ruby knew in her heart it would probably kill her. Without opening her eyes Ruby reaches for Kate and grasps her hand tightly in hers. Kate squeezed back, then smoothed the hair back from Ruby's forehead and kissed it. "I love you sweetheart. You're going to be fine." Ruby keeps her eyes closed but smiles. "So are you," she says softly. For the first time today Kate felt tears in her eyes. "I know. I have all of you to help me." Ruby decides it's time to find a more comfortable spot for her head, so she snuggles up to Kate and rests her head on her friends shoulder. She stays very comfortable while she rests for the remainder of the ride to the ranch. Kate spent much of the ride with her eyes following the wagon. Ruby seemed comfortable, so she tried not to fidget as they rode along. The closer they got to Promise City, the more her thoughts seemed to settle. It seemed odd, but she felt ready for this last step. As the landscape became more familiar and they were getting near the ranch, Kate said, "We can take him inside the house to lie in state until tomorrow. Let's have the service at one o'clock. That should give everyone time to rest some before coming out. We'll need to find someone to dig the grave." "Ok." Ruby rubs the sleep out of her eyes and then stretches. "Whatever you want Kate, we'll be here." Ruby stands around idly, watching the men carry the casket inside with a shiver. Chester clears his throat. "I could help. I only lasted one day at the mine, but I can handle a pick and shovel well enough." "Thank you, Chester," Kate said simply. "We'll want to make sure to dig far enough way from the trunk of the tree so as not to disturb it's roots too much." "I figure you'd rather not have strangers do this for him. Is there an easy way to find out how far out is safe?" Kate spent a few minutes talking with Chester until they came to an agreement on a placing they thought wouldn't harm the tree. Once it was settled, she walked with the men back toward the carriage where the others waited. "Let's go the last mile and get everyone home," she said. Jake makes himself scarce when Chester discusses digging. He wanders by Thom and tells the big man, "That nice Deputy Chester wants to talk to you about helping him do some digging." Nanuet chuckles to himself over Jake's ploy. He walks up beside him and says "Jake, so unlike you to pick on someone simple minded and eager to please. I'm shocked." Nanuet then discusses with Chester what Kate told him about the placement of the hole and tell him that he will meet him here to help with the digging in the early morning. "Hey, Indian, I am no bigot. I was going to see you next." Jake grins and walks away leaving Nanuet with Chester. Thom walks over to Chester. "Mister Chester? Mister Jake wants me to talk to you about digging." "Chester hides a smile with his hand. "He does, does he. Well, it wasn't a bad idea. Tomorrow, me and Nanuet are going to come back here and dig a grave for Miss Kate's husband. You want to come help?" "I like to help." "OK, then we'll ride out here together in the morning." Minerva goes into the house where Senor Kale's casket has ben placed and says a few prayers over it. Remembering the undead that they have encountered so recently, she takes the precaution of sprinkling holy water over and around the casket to guard Senor Kale against evil spirits before she goes back outside and joins the others. Ruby takes Kate's arm for the last couple of steps. "Good job Kate," she says simply then gets back in the carriage. The last mile back, usually a quick trip, seemed to take an eternity to Ruby. They had left so hurriedly and under such duress. At the time Ruby was not sure she would ever make it home and even if she did what the state of things would be having left the way they did. But now she was happy, even if exhausted, that the return was imminent, no matter what the state of affairs was. She was going to be home. A happy, weary smile comes to her face as Promise City comes into view. She sits like a child with an itch, anxious to get off the carriage. Nanuet sits quietly with Minerva on the short trip back to Promise City from the ranch. He takes in the scenery, almost breathing it in. He remembers every bird, every flower, and every bit of scenery. "How do you all feel about meeting for dinner together at the El Parador, a bit of Dorita's cooking would hit the spot I think." "Si that is a fine idea. I will go home and tell Bea that I have returned and then I will have a long, hot bath. They finally arrive in Promise City. Ruby steps off the carriage and breathes a sigh of relief. When she left she hadn't been sure she would make it back, at least not without fangs. But they had done their job, Colin Turner was dead. And if he wasn't... they had scared him and he wouldn't come back. She hoped anyway. She turns to Kate. "I am sure you want to get some rest. But maybe when you see Mr. Gonzales you can ask him to look at these?" She hands her a pair of gloves and some bullets. "Not sure he'll know about these," she points to the bullets, "We might have to have Jake take them to Pierre." Ruby smiles at Kate then turns to Thom. "Thom, can you help with our bags? Follow us, we're going home." Thom obediently obeys by picking up all the bags. He says nothing, looking wide eyed around the city, much larger than he was used to. After Jake throws his weapons bag onto his shoulder Ruby takes his hand and they begin heading home. She smiles when she sees the Lucky Lady come into view. She glances sideways at Jake, watching his reaction of seeing the Saloon closely. He sees the familiar red letters but is still drawn as always to the queen of hearts that substitutes for the letter 'a'. "The Chubby Baby bed may have been fun, but I am surely looking forward to being in my own bed, in my own place." He chuckles. "Home still seems like something strange to me, though I must admit I like it. Having a place to call home." Ruby giggles, "I agree. It is strange. But you know what?" she smiles at him, "To me home is really wherever you are Jake." She squeezes his hand and they enter the Saloon. They stop to make their mandatory greetings to Niles and Harry. They introduce Thom and briefly tell how he is now going to live at the Lucky Lady. Ruby instructs Thom to listen to Niles and Harry, and Jeff, whom he will be working with the most. Ruby asks Harry to show Thom to one of the spare rooms. Suddenly the puppies come bounding into the Saloon and almost knock Ruby over. She is amazed at how much they have grown in the past week and she spends some time hugging, kissing and petting them. Soon after they go eagerly up to their room. Jake walks right in but Ruby stops at the door, staring inside. Jake drops his gear and looks back at Ruby standing in the doorway. He says nothing and goes about hanging up his duster. Ruby takes a very deep breath as Jake goes about his unpacking. She takes another small step but does not move further into the room. As she looks about she is overwhelmed with feelings, wanting to feel safe and secure, instead she feeling dread as she looks over to her bed and finally to the window. Her lip starts to tremble and her eyes begin to fill with tears. "We can't stay here anymore," she says softly. "Are you sure?" He says turning towards her. "We have a bouncer for protection, a cook, friends and the convenience of just walking down stairs to go to work. But if you, we, cannot, well I suppose we should start inquiring around for a house." Jake continues about his business as if what she said was no more momentous than telling him the weather was going to change. "But none of them can stop... him... if he IS still alive." She continues quickly, "I mean, I don't think he is but just in case...Or others like him..." She pouts, "I LOVE this room Jake." "Perhaps a way could be found to ward this room, or even the whole saloon. If not, or if even that does not make you feel secure, then you will just have to enjoy decorating a new room." He stops again and looks at her, "You need to make this decision alone, I will not influence you. Whatever you decide on this matter is fine with me, really it is." Jake gives her a friendly smile, one without a concern in the world. Ruby nods solemnly, "I will think about it and decide. There is no rush." She takes a few more hesitant steps into the room before finishing the way a little more confidently. She plops down on the bed, running her hands over the fluffy blankets. "I did miss this so..." Jake flops into the stuffed chair. "Yep. No rush." He tosses his hat across to the table. "I hate to give in, you know, but sometimes it is better to move on. I am sure you will make a good choice." "I hope so," but thinks Our lives may depend on it... Ruby tries to push the bad thoughts from her mind as she pulls her feet up onto the bed. "Unpacking can wait," she says tiredly as her voice fades, "I wasn't kidding about sleeping for days..." Minerva leaves the others and heads back to the Comstock House. Dirty and tired and not wanting to have to explain where she has been, she very quietly sneaks up the stairs to her room. She kicks off her riding boots and slumps into a chair, too tired to move another step. [i]"Praise the gods, I am back,"[/i] she thinks looking around the familiar room. [i]"I was not sure I would ever see this place again."[/i] After a time she begins to unpack, placing her precious statues back on her dresser and arranging candles around them. She throws her dirty clothes in a pile and fishes out her books on the undead along with the two other books that belonged to the monster slayer. She shudders thinking about how he met his end and not wanting to dwell on such dark thoughts stuffs the books into her trunk and slams the lid. Hopefully I will never ever have a use for them again. She glances out the window and catches a glimps of the church in the corner of her eye. She rushes to the window amazed and pleased with it's progress. She also notices that her house is is partially erected. "Oh! It is going to be beautiful!" she says aloud and claps her hands. Newly energized and tired of looking like the weary traveler, she decides to make herself extra pretty for Nanuet. She picks out a special outfit and some sweet smelling toiletries and heads to Gilson’s Bath house before meeting her sweetheart for dinner at the El Parador. Minerva scents the water with fragrant oils and sinks into the tub where she soaks until her skin is soft and rosy from the heat. Stepping from the tub she slips into a creamy yellow gown that accents her olive complexion and coal black hair. She combs her silken tresses until they gleam and leaves her hair down to fall in dark waves upon her bare shoulders. She dabs on sweet smelling perfume. She spins in front of the mirror. "There! Now I feel like my self." She smiles in satisfaction, picks up her parasol and strolls over to the El Parador to meet Nanuet for dinner. Once back in the town Nanuet took his leave of Minerva and headed to the grove. He took his time checking over the plants and animals of his little oasis tending to whatever needed tending to. He washed up and changed into a spare set of clothing, rebraided his hair and then headed over to the El Parador to meet anyone who was there at dinner time. He immediately noticed Minerva and the extra efforts she had made for their meeting. "Minerva, you look stunning! If I knew we were dressing up I would have done better than this" he says pointing to his usual casual dress. Kate made the short walk back to the El Parador alone. Not because she didn't want company, but because she knew the others were tired and wanted to get to their own beds or baths as soon as possible. She had not been inside the Cantina more than a few seconds before Dorita was hurrying over and embracing her, then trying to get her into a chair with a plate. "I'll eat upstairs with your Grandfather," Kate promised her. "Is Ginnie with him?" "Si, probably asking questions, questions, questions. You stay here for a while, answer questions and give us a break!" Kate laughed and went up to her room where she deposited her bags and changed into a fresh dress. She let her hair down and didn't bother fixing it at all before she went into her teacher's rooms. The scene from downstairs was repeated here with Ginnie and Mr. Gonzales welcoming her home and demanding the story of what had happened. She spent the next hour or so detailing their trip and what happened. Finally, Kate got out the items Ruby had given her and said, "We know these are magical, but not what they do. Perhaps one of the things I should learn when we start our lessons again is how to discover the purposes of items like these so will not have to beg you for help so often," she smiled and handed him the gloves and bullets. "I will have to wait until tomorrow, as I have not studied the appropriate spell today." "That's fine," Kate said, and settled in for good relaxing time with these people whom she had missed so while she was gone. [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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