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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2805176" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 171, “Saloon Help”, Monday, January 23rd, 1882, 7:00 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake make their way over to the El Parador. They grab a table and look for any of their friends, and Dorita so they can order. When she finally does come over they greet her pleasantly before barraging her with questions. “So, any chance you found someone to cook and clean for us? Your daughter is a wonderful cook but we just can’t take her away from her dream of the ranch. Plus we need someone full time who can also clean.” Ruby points her thumb to Jake. “Mr. Cook here is messy and doesn’t know how to do laundry,” Ruby says giggling.</p><p></p><p>Dorita says, "Yes, the last night I there, when that awful Mr. Whipple used the bad word at me, I bring Maria Fuente with me. I be teaching her to cook for half-year now. She not as good as Sonoma, but I teach Sonoma for half-century. But Maria hard working and want to try. She not want to keep being working girl here. Her brother Estaban no want her to either."</p><p></p><p>Ruby jumped out of her seat and threw her arms around Dorita. "You are the best at what you do! Is she here and can we talk to her? I'm sure she'll be great." Dorita leaves and goes over to Maria's room. She returns with the young wood elf, who takes a seat with Ruby and Jake. Dorita points first to Ruby and then Maria and exclaims, "You two talk, you offer job, you take it". She then points to Jake and says, "And you be quiet, men just mess things up." Dorita then walks way.</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks at Jake and snickers to herself then turns to Maria. “Ms. Fuente, Dorita tells me you are looking for a new profession. Luckily we have an opening and we’d like you to take it. We trust Dorita and we’re sure we can trust you too. We need someone to cook for lunch, dinner and us. The kitchen would be yours, you would be completely in charge. You would also be responsible for doing the shopping and keeping the kitchen stocked for us. We also need someone to do some cleaning. </p><p></p><p>We are building a third floor on our building so it would be three floors for you to do plus laundry. Not all the rooms are used every day though. We have someone there who can help, but he is a man and needs to be told what to do. I think you would want to stay here with your son and brother but we would be willing to offer you a room if you would like it. </p><p></p><p>Maria replies, “"I do not have a son, you thinking of Angelica. My brother and I both have our own rooms, he can stay here, I will go with you." Ruby asks, “What kind of pay were you looking for?” Maria answers, “Dorita said you would pay me fair. That is fine with me.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby states, “My apologies then, I was confused. You may come and stay with us and we will consider your room and board part of your salary. I have to warn you though, currently most of our rooms are filled with liquor, until we get the third floor built. So you might want to wait to move in, that is your choice. Do you have any other talents we should know about?”</p><p></p><p>Maria’s face turns red from that question and she says, "None that I want to take with me to this new job." Ruby smiles at her. "I only wanted to know if you could waitress or sing, or anything like that. Don't be ashamed of what you can do, it got you by right? And now you have something new to do and you can forget about that."</p><p></p><p>She replies, “I can't sing. I have no musical talents. My brother has tried to teach me but to no avail. But I can do waitress work, and tend bar, Dorita and Pedro have had me do that here on many occasions. I've also had experience before at midwifery, but haven't had much call for that around here." Ruby eyes get a bit wider. "Well, let's hope you have no use for it at our Saloon either." </p><p></p><p>She shakes off the thought and continues, "We might need you to waitress occasionally too, but mostly you will be in the kitchen and cleaning, morning or afternoon is up to you. So, how does $10 a week plus room and board sound to start?" Maria replies "That sounds good, but I'll have to check with Dorita to make sure that she agrees. She's not letting me leave here unless she approves of where I'm going to."</p><p></p><p>"Of course we didn't expect any less from Dorita." They watch Maria walk away and Ruby leans close to Jake. "Why would she need to check with Dorita when Dorita is the one who set this up?" Jake replies, "I don't know, maybe Dorita is the wise woman of all these Mexicans here." Jake leans in and whispers, "Or maybe Dorita and Pedro are running a slave labor operation and farming out all these people in town and amassing huge fortunes." Jake sits back and starts laughing. "or maybe not."</p><p></p><p>Ruby rolls her eyes and smacks Jake in the arm. "I was being serious and you're making fun of me! I'm trying very hard to do this you know." Ruby sits back in her chair with a pout on her face and her arms crossed over her chest, looking away from Jake. Maria returns and says "Dorita says that $ 10 a week plus room and board is a very fair price for a five-day work week. She says if you want a longer workweek it should be $ 2 a day more. And she wants me to keep my room here until the new floor is finished. She says that I can let Mr. Martin walk me back here at night with Kate."</p><p></p><p>Ruby turns and faces Maria again, ignoring Jake's smirk. "How about you start working 5 days, Tuesday to Saturday. So you have off Sunday and Monday. But Saturday is a late night, we need some food available later than the normal dinner and we would need some food cooked and available for Sunday and Monday. And if we are both happy with each other than maybe later down the road we can work out another arrangement. Is that agreeable to you?” Maria agrees to the terms and says that Ruby will not regret hiring her. She thanks both her and Jake and then hurries off back to her room.</p><p></p><p>After Maria scurries away Ruby crosses her arms again, still mad. Jake pulls her chair closer to his, “I was only teasing…” Ruby turns away from him. “Come on girl, I’m sorry…” Ruby turns even further away, putting her back to him. He pulls her hair over her shoulder and kisses her neck. “You did good, Ruby, don’t be mad at me,” and he continues to kiss her neck. She tries to pull away a little but Jake won’t let her and she gives in to his kisses. “Alright, alright, you know I can’t resist…” she says softly. </p><p></p><p>She turns and gives him a kiss. “Let’s eat so we can get back, ok?” She starts to eat her dinner. “But I did do good, didn’t I?” She smiles and keeps eating. "You did good, real good. I don't know what people really get paid for work around here, having never done too much." He puts on a grin. "We should probably find that out. Either way, you got us a cook and cleaner and I for one am mightily happy not to worry about that."</p><p></p><p>When they are done they head back to the Lone Star. Ruby makes a special effort that night to learn people’s names. She shares many drinks, flirting her way around the room. It’s almost time to start playing cards so Ruby approaches one of the tables waiting for a dealer. “So, who wants to play me while we wait for the dealer? No money, just a game to warm up. Actually, if I get beaten that person gets to choose any song they want me to sing, just for them. How does that sound?” Ruby has no problem finding a table full of players, mostly Tony Lucky's regulars. They are on the third hand when Tony arrives, looking a tad annoyed at Ruby.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, Tony is here. Let’s see, who won...” Ruby looks around the table at the men. Someone she had never seen before had won two out of the three hands. “Looks like you’re our winner for tonight.” There were a few groans around the table and Ruby laughs, “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll do it again tomorrow night and you’ll just have to come back and try again.” </p><p></p><p>Ruby gets up from the table and stands in front of the new guy. “And you are…?” He stands also and pushes back his hat. He is tall, has dark hair and light blue eyes. He is dressed neatly and is wearing well-made clothes so Ruby guesses he has some kind of money. He reaches out his hand and with a strong grip says “Colin Turner.” Ruby takes his hand, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Turner. Ruby West” “The pleasure is all mine, Miss West,” he responds looking her right in the eyes, not letting go of her hand. Ruby takes her hand back slowly. He is handsome, Ruby thinks, maybe when Kate is ready… </p><p></p><p>She asks, “Mr. Turner, I haven’t seen you around before. First time in the Lone Star?” “My first time in Promise City, I’m here on business.” “And what kind of business would that be?” Ruby asks curiously. “I won’t bore you with the details,” Turner responds. Ruby smiles at him. “Ok, keep your secrets then. So, have you decided on a song?” He takes a little step forward, “Surprise me.” Ruby keeps her smile on. “I will.” She pauses then starts to walk away but then turns her head over her shoulder, flipping her hair, “Good luck tonight.” </p><p></p><p>She walks over to the bar and gets herself a drink. Mr. Turner sits back down at the card table. Ruby looks around the room for Jake but doesn't see him. She glances back to Turner. There was something about him...</p><p></p><p>Jake comes in from outside where he had been standing in front welcoming those who were coming in and reminding those that weren't Ruby West was singing tonight. He scans the room making sure customers were happy and looking for things that didn't look right. He sees Ruby, and thinks 'She looks right'. He walks over. "Hey there partner." He puts his hands in his pockets and leans up against the wall near her. "How's our saloon doing tonight." He raises both eyebrows and punctuates it with a smile. "How do you like the sound of that?" </p><p></p><p>I like it, Mr. Cook," she says with a smile then adds quickly, "No, I LOVE it! It still seems unreal though." She leans over the bar, stretching, and pours Jake a whiskey. She slides it down the bar to him. "And we never properly celebrated. Care to make a toast before I sing?" </p><p></p><p>Jake raises his glass to Ruby. "May the Lone Star blossom and fulfill it's part of our dreams." She touches her glass to his and they drink. "My, you are eloquent tonight Mr. Cook." She steps forward and gives him a full on the lips kiss. "That was a nice toast." Stepping back she has another drink of whiskey and says "I've got to go to work" and bounds off to the stage. </p><p></p><p>Jake sees that no one is on the piano, "Crap, did we have a plan for a piano player tonight without Katherine?" Ruby is already too far away to hear him so he goes over, puts his drink on the piano and sits down. "I hope I know some of what she is going to sing." He knows the first song, struggles with the second, and is able to keep up on the third. Mostly he plays lightly and hopes the crowd is listening to her and not him. Ruby seems not to mind the marginal piano playing and seems to be enjoying herself and carrying the crowd. </p><p></p><p>"This one is for Mr. Turner." Ruby says and begins singing "Evening By the Moonlight". Jake doesn't know that one and gives up, hoping Ruby can handle that one a cappella. She manages flawlessly and pretends that it was planned that way. She bows to some light applause from the early crowd and a smile from Mr. Turner. </p><p></p><p>She walks over to Jake at the bar with a spring in her step and a sparkle in her eye. "You didn't seem to get any tips for playing, want to share mine?" "Heh. No thanks, if anyone had tipped me I would have been too embarrassed. You know how I hate charity." Jake sips his whiskey while Ruby laughs. </p><p></p><p>Ruby looks around and leans in to Jake and whispers, "I need a quick moment of privacy to do something special for practice." Jake nods and looks in the kitchen to make sure it's empty. Seeing that it is, he hangs around in front while she goes in. Inside, she takes a few deep breaths and sings the little ditty that is the key to the mind reading spell. </p><p></p><p>He stops Jeff Mills from going in a moment later, "She's fixing her dress and be out in a moment." Just a half-minute later out comes Ruby with a fixed smile but looking like she's preoccupied. Jake tries to keep that thought in his head. She turns to him and says, "I do? Oh." As she turns to walk through the crowd she stops abruptly, and turns back towards Jake with a giggle and mouths 'Stop that, don't distract me'. </p><p></p><p>After that Jake notices she is more conscious of her expression and seems to be able to slowly walk about the room without giving away she is concentrating on something else. A few minutes goes by and she wanders back over to Jake at the bar. She grabs the rest of her drink and tosses it down. "So.....?" Jake says to her quietly.</p><p></p><p>Sonoma comes into the El Parador late from the ranch where she has been working on the adobe house and laying plans for the barn . Dorita catches her as she is heading for her room "Kate no go to work tonight you go make some money for your ranch Maria going to be cooking there soon you be too busy now take this and go" with that Dorita shoves a flat bread in Sonoma’s hand and pushes her out the door </p><p></p><p>Sonoma heads to the Loan Star where Ruby is singing her heart out to a very soft version of what might be music that Jake is trying to play. She heads to the kitchen and waits until the set is finished throwing together some really quick meals shortly after she hits the floor to waitress Ruby heads into the kitchen and then comes out Sonoma waits until Ruby is near her to let her know that she is here and will play, wait or cook as needed</p><p></p><p>Ruby moves very close to Jake and talks to him softly “Well, a few men in here had the same idea you did, Mr. Cook, you naughty boys…” Ruby laughs, shaking her head. “Although I’m not going to tell you who, we don’t want to find out what we discussed earlier, do we?” Ruby runs her fingers over Jake’s cheek. ‘Well, I don’t anyway. Let’s see, what else? Um, that guy over there,” Ruby nods her head slightly in the direction of the corner, “Is thinking of stealing some tools from another camp cause he lost his. And, of course, lots of people want to beat us at poker. I’m going to have to keep practicing; I think this could be very useful for us, although I’ll have to learn how to, um, do it when we need it.” </p><p></p><p>Ruby looks up to see Sonoma come out of the kitchen. “Sonoma!” She walks over to the elf and gives her a hug. “I’m glad to see you. You are a big help to us here. I hope the ranch is doing well?” Ruby pauses and looks at Jake, sitting at the bar. He had that easy relaxed look on his face and was enjoying his whiskey. He just looked too comfortable. “Can you play for a while? I think Mr. Cook needs a break.” Sonoma replies, “Of course, that is what I am here for!” and heads to the piano. Ruby heads back to the stage and makes sure to start with one of Jake’s favorite songs. Every once in a while Sonoma would break into song, accompanying Ruby and the result made just about everyone take notice. </p><p></p><p>At a break in her playing Jake speaks to Sonoma "Hola amigo, como esta usted, Senorita Sonoma? Como le va a la granja?" ** Jakes broken Spanish for "Howdy pardner, how are you Miss Sonoma. How goes it at the ranch?" She just shakes her head and smiles. "Es mala mi pronunciation?" he asks. "Yes, your pronunciation is bad." She replies and tells him how to say it properly before she tells him her about her progress at the ranch. </p><p></p><p>Jake says "I appreciate you helping us out, keeping you from the ranch and all. Between that and working at the El Parador you must be very busy. I hope the ranch is operational soon that must be exciting for you." She tells him of her future plans before she goes back to playing. Jake covers security and lets Jeff Mills do the other work. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Jake goes up to the room before Ruby and finds a letter on the nightstand near the bed. It is labeled Mr. Cook. When he opens it he is surprised by the very neat and flowery handwriting and the thought occurs to him that it does not at all resemble Ruby’s normal scrawl. The letter reads: </p><p> </p><p><em>Dear Jake, </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>If you are reading this by now you might realize that I am not here. Now don’t panic, I haven’t run away, I have simply gone on an extended adventure. You remember Reilly and his dreams? {the letter goes on to describe part of the story of the spirits that Jake as already heard from Ruby} </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I am worried because this is not something I would get myself involved in and I feel lost, especially because you are not here. Of course, if you were here, you would talk us out of this craziness. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>These days have been difficult. The past three nights I have had to do business things with the Lone Star. I don’t know what I am doing. I need you. Job doesn’t care he just cares about his poker game. Hoover is nice but also doesn’t have much experience with real saloons and keeps asking ME questions! We never figured out how to divide profits or employees or any of that so I've just been keeping it. Everyone wants to get paid! And I had to tell Jeff what to do with the 3rd floor. So I am trying to figure out how to save the world and run a saloon. I think I am in over my head now and I am getting nervous, not something I like doing (the work or the nervous). </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The worst part is that I really do miss you. I have been alone for 2 ½ years and have been fine with it, mostly. I am good at being alone and taking care of myself. Then you come along and I only have had your companionship for 2 ½ weeks, yet it seems like so much longer to me. Our bed is cold and I am lonely. I want to feel your kiss on my lips, you wanting more and wanting me to give it to you, to feel your hands held tight on my hips guiding me, feel you warm next to me, your arms wrapped around me to keep me safe. I wear your shirt to bed because it smells like you and I can pretend for a moment you are here, wishing when I open my eyes you would be here watching me. I wonder if you are lonely and missing me too right now. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I guess you might just be with Red and not lonely, probably happy to have found him. But I can still hope the thought of me crossed your mind…and that your friend Red has not convinced you to some scheme that involves not returning to Promise City. You have been gone for 3 days and I am getting worried. I thought you would be back by now. I hope you haven’t found much trouble. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I feel like there is a possibility that I might not make it back and there are things I should say to you but instead I will trust that you already know. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Love Always, </em></p><p><em>Ruby {kissy lipstick mark} </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>PS I bought some guns like you had talked about. I took them and the supplies we bought together with me. I left you your backpack though. I also left you the shotgun you wanted sawed off (I think they did a good job), in case you need it (and I hope you don’t). </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>PPS I am keeping that kiss ready for when I see you… </em></p><p></p><p>Before he finishes reading Ruby comes bouncing in the room. "I had a lot of fun tonight, I think I sang really well. You know..." and stops abruptly when she sees Jake reading the letter. </p><p></p><p>He doesn't turn, his back is mostly towards her, and finishes reading. He folds the letter and places it on the nightstand. "Yes, you did sing really well. Having your own saloon seems to suit you." He takes off his gun belt and hangs it on the bedpost. He notices that she is biting her lip, "Obviously I did come back, and you did have that kiss ready, and you did manage to run the saloon and save the world. I am very impressed." Jake smiles gently and takes his lucky hat and throws it to her. "I guess I am a bit late, but getting that letter was a nice treat. I hope you still mean it. Somehow it does seem like we've known each other for more than 3 weeks doesn't it?" Jake reaches into his pocket and takes out something in a soft cloth. "Mother used to read fairy tales to me when I was very young, of course father didn't approve. I always wondered what you had to do to get your own princess." He starts to unfold the cloth. "I wasn't able to get a good price for all the jewelry, and I was thinking I'd keep this piece as my share and give the cash to the rest of you. It makes sense, since I am the only one with my own princess to put it on." as he finishes he removes the diamond studded gold tiara from the cloth. </p><p></p><p>“Yes I still mean it, all of it.” Ruby says softly. She starts to say something then stops. She looks down at Jake’s hat, twisting the edges in her hands. “I never believed in fairy tales before, or dreaming for the future, or wishing for foolish things, even just thinking things would be different this time. I hoped but I never thought they really would be. Things like that don’t happen to people like us, like me.” She pauses again before looking up at Jake. “But things have been different, and I know it’s because of you. So I guess you could say I have something to believe in now.” Ruby places Jake's hat on the bed, walks right up to Jake and stops in front of him. “So I’ll be your princess and you can be my knight in shining armor,” Ruby laughs. “I bet you never thought you’d hear those words, now did you?” She smiles at Jake before leaning in and giving him a slow sweet kiss. </p><p></p><p>"You know, this is turning out to be a promising year." Jake says caressing Ruby’s face. Ruby keeps smiling, puts the tiara on her head, takes Jake’s hand and leads him to bed.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>[DM's Note: The new character introduced in this chaper, Colin Turner, is featured very prominently in our campaign's third module (our first run by a different DM). The Story Hour for that can be found at the following link: </em> </p><p><a href="http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=146609" target="_blank">http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=146609</a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2805176, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 171, “Saloon Help”, Monday, January 23rd, 1882, 7:00 P.M.[/B] Ruby and Jake make their way over to the El Parador. They grab a table and look for any of their friends, and Dorita so they can order. When she finally does come over they greet her pleasantly before barraging her with questions. “So, any chance you found someone to cook and clean for us? Your daughter is a wonderful cook but we just can’t take her away from her dream of the ranch. Plus we need someone full time who can also clean.” Ruby points her thumb to Jake. “Mr. Cook here is messy and doesn’t know how to do laundry,” Ruby says giggling. Dorita says, "Yes, the last night I there, when that awful Mr. Whipple used the bad word at me, I bring Maria Fuente with me. I be teaching her to cook for half-year now. She not as good as Sonoma, but I teach Sonoma for half-century. But Maria hard working and want to try. She not want to keep being working girl here. Her brother Estaban no want her to either." Ruby jumped out of her seat and threw her arms around Dorita. "You are the best at what you do! Is she here and can we talk to her? I'm sure she'll be great." Dorita leaves and goes over to Maria's room. She returns with the young wood elf, who takes a seat with Ruby and Jake. Dorita points first to Ruby and then Maria and exclaims, "You two talk, you offer job, you take it". She then points to Jake and says, "And you be quiet, men just mess things up." Dorita then walks way. Ruby looks at Jake and snickers to herself then turns to Maria. “Ms. Fuente, Dorita tells me you are looking for a new profession. Luckily we have an opening and we’d like you to take it. We trust Dorita and we’re sure we can trust you too. We need someone to cook for lunch, dinner and us. The kitchen would be yours, you would be completely in charge. You would also be responsible for doing the shopping and keeping the kitchen stocked for us. We also need someone to do some cleaning. We are building a third floor on our building so it would be three floors for you to do plus laundry. Not all the rooms are used every day though. We have someone there who can help, but he is a man and needs to be told what to do. I think you would want to stay here with your son and brother but we would be willing to offer you a room if you would like it. Maria replies, “"I do not have a son, you thinking of Angelica. My brother and I both have our own rooms, he can stay here, I will go with you." Ruby asks, “What kind of pay were you looking for?” Maria answers, “Dorita said you would pay me fair. That is fine with me.” Ruby states, “My apologies then, I was confused. You may come and stay with us and we will consider your room and board part of your salary. I have to warn you though, currently most of our rooms are filled with liquor, until we get the third floor built. So you might want to wait to move in, that is your choice. Do you have any other talents we should know about?” Maria’s face turns red from that question and she says, "None that I want to take with me to this new job." Ruby smiles at her. "I only wanted to know if you could waitress or sing, or anything like that. Don't be ashamed of what you can do, it got you by right? And now you have something new to do and you can forget about that." She replies, “I can't sing. I have no musical talents. My brother has tried to teach me but to no avail. But I can do waitress work, and tend bar, Dorita and Pedro have had me do that here on many occasions. I've also had experience before at midwifery, but haven't had much call for that around here." Ruby eyes get a bit wider. "Well, let's hope you have no use for it at our Saloon either." She shakes off the thought and continues, "We might need you to waitress occasionally too, but mostly you will be in the kitchen and cleaning, morning or afternoon is up to you. So, how does $10 a week plus room and board sound to start?" Maria replies "That sounds good, but I'll have to check with Dorita to make sure that she agrees. She's not letting me leave here unless she approves of where I'm going to." "Of course we didn't expect any less from Dorita." They watch Maria walk away and Ruby leans close to Jake. "Why would she need to check with Dorita when Dorita is the one who set this up?" Jake replies, "I don't know, maybe Dorita is the wise woman of all these Mexicans here." Jake leans in and whispers, "Or maybe Dorita and Pedro are running a slave labor operation and farming out all these people in town and amassing huge fortunes." Jake sits back and starts laughing. "or maybe not." Ruby rolls her eyes and smacks Jake in the arm. "I was being serious and you're making fun of me! I'm trying very hard to do this you know." Ruby sits back in her chair with a pout on her face and her arms crossed over her chest, looking away from Jake. Maria returns and says "Dorita says that $ 10 a week plus room and board is a very fair price for a five-day work week. She says if you want a longer workweek it should be $ 2 a day more. And she wants me to keep my room here until the new floor is finished. She says that I can let Mr. Martin walk me back here at night with Kate." Ruby turns and faces Maria again, ignoring Jake's smirk. "How about you start working 5 days, Tuesday to Saturday. So you have off Sunday and Monday. But Saturday is a late night, we need some food available later than the normal dinner and we would need some food cooked and available for Sunday and Monday. And if we are both happy with each other than maybe later down the road we can work out another arrangement. Is that agreeable to you?” Maria agrees to the terms and says that Ruby will not regret hiring her. She thanks both her and Jake and then hurries off back to her room. After Maria scurries away Ruby crosses her arms again, still mad. Jake pulls her chair closer to his, “I was only teasing…” Ruby turns away from him. “Come on girl, I’m sorry…” Ruby turns even further away, putting her back to him. He pulls her hair over her shoulder and kisses her neck. “You did good, Ruby, don’t be mad at me,” and he continues to kiss her neck. She tries to pull away a little but Jake won’t let her and she gives in to his kisses. “Alright, alright, you know I can’t resist…” she says softly. She turns and gives him a kiss. “Let’s eat so we can get back, ok?” She starts to eat her dinner. “But I did do good, didn’t I?” She smiles and keeps eating. "You did good, real good. I don't know what people really get paid for work around here, having never done too much." He puts on a grin. "We should probably find that out. Either way, you got us a cook and cleaner and I for one am mightily happy not to worry about that." When they are done they head back to the Lone Star. Ruby makes a special effort that night to learn people’s names. She shares many drinks, flirting her way around the room. It’s almost time to start playing cards so Ruby approaches one of the tables waiting for a dealer. “So, who wants to play me while we wait for the dealer? No money, just a game to warm up. Actually, if I get beaten that person gets to choose any song they want me to sing, just for them. How does that sound?” Ruby has no problem finding a table full of players, mostly Tony Lucky's regulars. They are on the third hand when Tony arrives, looking a tad annoyed at Ruby. “Oh, Tony is here. Let’s see, who won...” Ruby looks around the table at the men. Someone she had never seen before had won two out of the three hands. “Looks like you’re our winner for tonight.” There were a few groans around the table and Ruby laughs, “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll do it again tomorrow night and you’ll just have to come back and try again.” Ruby gets up from the table and stands in front of the new guy. “And you are…?” He stands also and pushes back his hat. He is tall, has dark hair and light blue eyes. He is dressed neatly and is wearing well-made clothes so Ruby guesses he has some kind of money. He reaches out his hand and with a strong grip says “Colin Turner.” Ruby takes his hand, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Turner. Ruby West” “The pleasure is all mine, Miss West,” he responds looking her right in the eyes, not letting go of her hand. Ruby takes her hand back slowly. He is handsome, Ruby thinks, maybe when Kate is ready… She asks, “Mr. Turner, I haven’t seen you around before. First time in the Lone Star?” “My first time in Promise City, I’m here on business.” “And what kind of business would that be?” Ruby asks curiously. “I won’t bore you with the details,” Turner responds. Ruby smiles at him. “Ok, keep your secrets then. So, have you decided on a song?” He takes a little step forward, “Surprise me.” Ruby keeps her smile on. “I will.” She pauses then starts to walk away but then turns her head over her shoulder, flipping her hair, “Good luck tonight.” She walks over to the bar and gets herself a drink. Mr. Turner sits back down at the card table. Ruby looks around the room for Jake but doesn't see him. She glances back to Turner. There was something about him... Jake comes in from outside where he had been standing in front welcoming those who were coming in and reminding those that weren't Ruby West was singing tonight. He scans the room making sure customers were happy and looking for things that didn't look right. He sees Ruby, and thinks 'She looks right'. He walks over. "Hey there partner." He puts his hands in his pockets and leans up against the wall near her. "How's our saloon doing tonight." He raises both eyebrows and punctuates it with a smile. "How do you like the sound of that?" I like it, Mr. Cook," she says with a smile then adds quickly, "No, I LOVE it! It still seems unreal though." She leans over the bar, stretching, and pours Jake a whiskey. She slides it down the bar to him. "And we never properly celebrated. Care to make a toast before I sing?" Jake raises his glass to Ruby. "May the Lone Star blossom and fulfill it's part of our dreams." She touches her glass to his and they drink. "My, you are eloquent tonight Mr. Cook." She steps forward and gives him a full on the lips kiss. "That was a nice toast." Stepping back she has another drink of whiskey and says "I've got to go to work" and bounds off to the stage. Jake sees that no one is on the piano, "Crap, did we have a plan for a piano player tonight without Katherine?" Ruby is already too far away to hear him so he goes over, puts his drink on the piano and sits down. "I hope I know some of what she is going to sing." He knows the first song, struggles with the second, and is able to keep up on the third. Mostly he plays lightly and hopes the crowd is listening to her and not him. Ruby seems not to mind the marginal piano playing and seems to be enjoying herself and carrying the crowd. "This one is for Mr. Turner." Ruby says and begins singing "Evening By the Moonlight". Jake doesn't know that one and gives up, hoping Ruby can handle that one a cappella. She manages flawlessly and pretends that it was planned that way. She bows to some light applause from the early crowd and a smile from Mr. Turner. She walks over to Jake at the bar with a spring in her step and a sparkle in her eye. "You didn't seem to get any tips for playing, want to share mine?" "Heh. No thanks, if anyone had tipped me I would have been too embarrassed. You know how I hate charity." Jake sips his whiskey while Ruby laughs. Ruby looks around and leans in to Jake and whispers, "I need a quick moment of privacy to do something special for practice." Jake nods and looks in the kitchen to make sure it's empty. Seeing that it is, he hangs around in front while she goes in. Inside, she takes a few deep breaths and sings the little ditty that is the key to the mind reading spell. He stops Jeff Mills from going in a moment later, "She's fixing her dress and be out in a moment." Just a half-minute later out comes Ruby with a fixed smile but looking like she's preoccupied. Jake tries to keep that thought in his head. She turns to him and says, "I do? Oh." As she turns to walk through the crowd she stops abruptly, and turns back towards Jake with a giggle and mouths 'Stop that, don't distract me'. After that Jake notices she is more conscious of her expression and seems to be able to slowly walk about the room without giving away she is concentrating on something else. A few minutes goes by and she wanders back over to Jake at the bar. She grabs the rest of her drink and tosses it down. "So.....?" Jake says to her quietly. Sonoma comes into the El Parador late from the ranch where she has been working on the adobe house and laying plans for the barn . Dorita catches her as she is heading for her room "Kate no go to work tonight you go make some money for your ranch Maria going to be cooking there soon you be too busy now take this and go" with that Dorita shoves a flat bread in Sonoma’s hand and pushes her out the door Sonoma heads to the Loan Star where Ruby is singing her heart out to a very soft version of what might be music that Jake is trying to play. She heads to the kitchen and waits until the set is finished throwing together some really quick meals shortly after she hits the floor to waitress Ruby heads into the kitchen and then comes out Sonoma waits until Ruby is near her to let her know that she is here and will play, wait or cook as needed Ruby moves very close to Jake and talks to him softly “Well, a few men in here had the same idea you did, Mr. Cook, you naughty boys…” Ruby laughs, shaking her head. “Although I’m not going to tell you who, we don’t want to find out what we discussed earlier, do we?” Ruby runs her fingers over Jake’s cheek. ‘Well, I don’t anyway. Let’s see, what else? Um, that guy over there,” Ruby nods her head slightly in the direction of the corner, “Is thinking of stealing some tools from another camp cause he lost his. And, of course, lots of people want to beat us at poker. I’m going to have to keep practicing; I think this could be very useful for us, although I’ll have to learn how to, um, do it when we need it.” Ruby looks up to see Sonoma come out of the kitchen. “Sonoma!” She walks over to the elf and gives her a hug. “I’m glad to see you. You are a big help to us here. I hope the ranch is doing well?” Ruby pauses and looks at Jake, sitting at the bar. He had that easy relaxed look on his face and was enjoying his whiskey. He just looked too comfortable. “Can you play for a while? I think Mr. Cook needs a break.” Sonoma replies, “Of course, that is what I am here for!” and heads to the piano. Ruby heads back to the stage and makes sure to start with one of Jake’s favorite songs. Every once in a while Sonoma would break into song, accompanying Ruby and the result made just about everyone take notice. At a break in her playing Jake speaks to Sonoma "Hola amigo, como esta usted, Senorita Sonoma? Como le va a la granja?" ** Jakes broken Spanish for "Howdy pardner, how are you Miss Sonoma. How goes it at the ranch?" She just shakes her head and smiles. "Es mala mi pronunciation?" he asks. "Yes, your pronunciation is bad." She replies and tells him how to say it properly before she tells him her about her progress at the ranch. Jake says "I appreciate you helping us out, keeping you from the ranch and all. Between that and working at the El Parador you must be very busy. I hope the ranch is operational soon that must be exciting for you." She tells him of her future plans before she goes back to playing. Jake covers security and lets Jeff Mills do the other work. Jake goes up to the room before Ruby and finds a letter on the nightstand near the bed. It is labeled Mr. Cook. When he opens it he is surprised by the very neat and flowery handwriting and the thought occurs to him that it does not at all resemble Ruby’s normal scrawl. The letter reads: [I]Dear Jake, If you are reading this by now you might realize that I am not here. Now don’t panic, I haven’t run away, I have simply gone on an extended adventure. You remember Reilly and his dreams? {the letter goes on to describe part of the story of the spirits that Jake as already heard from Ruby} I am worried because this is not something I would get myself involved in and I feel lost, especially because you are not here. Of course, if you were here, you would talk us out of this craziness. These days have been difficult. The past three nights I have had to do business things with the Lone Star. I don’t know what I am doing. I need you. Job doesn’t care he just cares about his poker game. Hoover is nice but also doesn’t have much experience with real saloons and keeps asking ME questions! We never figured out how to divide profits or employees or any of that so I've just been keeping it. Everyone wants to get paid! And I had to tell Jeff what to do with the 3rd floor. So I am trying to figure out how to save the world and run a saloon. I think I am in over my head now and I am getting nervous, not something I like doing (the work or the nervous). The worst part is that I really do miss you. I have been alone for 2 ½ years and have been fine with it, mostly. I am good at being alone and taking care of myself. Then you come along and I only have had your companionship for 2 ½ weeks, yet it seems like so much longer to me. Our bed is cold and I am lonely. I want to feel your kiss on my lips, you wanting more and wanting me to give it to you, to feel your hands held tight on my hips guiding me, feel you warm next to me, your arms wrapped around me to keep me safe. I wear your shirt to bed because it smells like you and I can pretend for a moment you are here, wishing when I open my eyes you would be here watching me. I wonder if you are lonely and missing me too right now. I guess you might just be with Red and not lonely, probably happy to have found him. But I can still hope the thought of me crossed your mind…and that your friend Red has not convinced you to some scheme that involves not returning to Promise City. You have been gone for 3 days and I am getting worried. I thought you would be back by now. I hope you haven’t found much trouble. I feel like there is a possibility that I might not make it back and there are things I should say to you but instead I will trust that you already know. Love Always, Ruby {kissy lipstick mark} PS I bought some guns like you had talked about. I took them and the supplies we bought together with me. I left you your backpack though. I also left you the shotgun you wanted sawed off (I think they did a good job), in case you need it (and I hope you don’t). PPS I am keeping that kiss ready for when I see you… [/I] Before he finishes reading Ruby comes bouncing in the room. "I had a lot of fun tonight, I think I sang really well. You know..." and stops abruptly when she sees Jake reading the letter. He doesn't turn, his back is mostly towards her, and finishes reading. He folds the letter and places it on the nightstand. "Yes, you did sing really well. Having your own saloon seems to suit you." He takes off his gun belt and hangs it on the bedpost. He notices that she is biting her lip, "Obviously I did come back, and you did have that kiss ready, and you did manage to run the saloon and save the world. I am very impressed." Jake smiles gently and takes his lucky hat and throws it to her. "I guess I am a bit late, but getting that letter was a nice treat. I hope you still mean it. Somehow it does seem like we've known each other for more than 3 weeks doesn't it?" Jake reaches into his pocket and takes out something in a soft cloth. "Mother used to read fairy tales to me when I was very young, of course father didn't approve. I always wondered what you had to do to get your own princess." He starts to unfold the cloth. "I wasn't able to get a good price for all the jewelry, and I was thinking I'd keep this piece as my share and give the cash to the rest of you. It makes sense, since I am the only one with my own princess to put it on." as he finishes he removes the diamond studded gold tiara from the cloth. “Yes I still mean it, all of it.” Ruby says softly. She starts to say something then stops. She looks down at Jake’s hat, twisting the edges in her hands. “I never believed in fairy tales before, or dreaming for the future, or wishing for foolish things, even just thinking things would be different this time. I hoped but I never thought they really would be. Things like that don’t happen to people like us, like me.” She pauses again before looking up at Jake. “But things have been different, and I know it’s because of you. So I guess you could say I have something to believe in now.” Ruby places Jake's hat on the bed, walks right up to Jake and stops in front of him. “So I’ll be your princess and you can be my knight in shining armor,” Ruby laughs. “I bet you never thought you’d hear those words, now did you?” She smiles at Jake before leaning in and giving him a slow sweet kiss. "You know, this is turning out to be a promising year." Jake says caressing Ruby’s face. Ruby keeps smiling, puts the tiara on her head, takes Jake’s hand and leads him to bed. [I][DM's Note: The new character introduced in this chaper, Colin Turner, is featured very prominently in our campaign's third module (our first run by a different DM). The Story Hour for that can be found at the following link: [/I] [url]http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=146609[/url] [/QUOTE]
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"Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year" (Boot Hill/D&D)
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