Silver Moon
Adventurer
Chapter 101, “Minerva’s Committee“, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 1:00 P.M.
Back at the Lucky Lady Jake says, "Senorita, I'm not sure I understand what your plan is. I suppose I don't need to, we'll help you were we can." Jake pushes out his chair and gets up.
"I have an errand to run folks, make yourselves at home. I'll be back shortly." He leaves them chatting and heads out.
Jake makes his way over to Hammer's jewelry store and inquires about the ruby ring Miss West was partial to. He chats with him for a while and then examines the ring carefully before offering the man $150 for it. "I'm sure all the people who will see Ruby wearing this when she performs will be asking about it. You know how women are, she'll be proudly telling them what great jewelry you carry." Jake buys the ring and heads back to the saloon.
Jake comes back to the Lucky Lady but most of his friends are gone. He catches Nanuet making himself useful, "You just can't be lazy can you? I could almost feel guilty watching you work." Jake laughs, "Almost. Come on upstairs with me I want to show you something."
Up in his room Jake points to a pile in the corner near the desk. "Here is some stuff we took from Cowboys yesterday. I asked Katherine to tell me if anything was enchanted, and she said the bullets in these guns were." Jake then carefully takes each of the weapons from the pile and places them on the desk. There is one revolver and four rifles. Jake starts removing the ammunition from them and indicates Nanuet should do the same. Once they are all removed Jake and Nanuet examine them carefully and compare them to the other loose rounds that Jake took from the cowboys.
Nanuet replies, "OK, so any idea how many of the bullets are magical, or what exactly they do? Magic is a power with many variations as I am sure you have noticed by now. I mean I know you can't tell yourself, but did anyone else happen to figure it out?" Nanuet picks up the guns one by one and looks them over carefully trying to not if there are any special markings or features.
"You got me, Indian. I was hoping you'd know more than me. I didn't want to leave anything good behind, and Katherine said to get these items. Before I came to Promise City, magic was stuff for children’s bedtime stories." Jake shrugs. Nanuet says, "Well I can tell which ones are magical but as far as what they do, not really. Before I came to Promise City, guns were only used by white men."
When Minerva stops back at the Comstock House she is surprised to see that the dining room is packed. She recognizes some of the faces from the worship service although doesn't know most of the people by name yet, others are faces of people she recognizes as Lucky Lady patrons, and others are faces are people she has never seen. Judge Lacey is sitting at the head of one table with Russell Lee at the head of the other.
Beatrice Lee approaches her and says, "Minerva, immediately following the service the entire Vigilance Committee went into a private meeting over at the Great Western Boarding House. They're still meeting now. We decided to hold our own here to counter whatever they come up with and help plan this festival of yours.
Judge Lacey stands and introduces those present, town blacksmith Henry Weller, Alhambra Saloon owner Steve Lord, Comique Variety Hall and Saloon Owners Al Brower and Pierre Jaquet, Boyd's Cigar Store Manager Alton Boyd, Niles Hoover who co-owns the Lucky Lady, Long Branch Saloon Owner Kate Higgins, Brown's Ice House owner Hannibal Brown and his son Maxwell, Mine Cartage Company Owner Zackary Morand, Tannery owner Trector Driscoll, Gay Lady Dance Hall and Saloon owner Burton Lumley and Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter.
Minerva is beaming "I am very pleased that you have all come. Please Let us sit and share ideas. Tell me what you have in mind." She says. Lacey says "We want to have a Festival Committee all firmed up before the other group decides to veto the whole idea. We really need that Fire equipment and many of us here also don't subscribe to their narrow interpretation of how the church should be run. Now's the time to establish you as our Town Preacher, and this Festival is a good way to do that."
Niles Hoover says, "Priestess, is there anybody else who you know of that should serve on this Committee?" She replies, “Gentlemen and Ladies, I am pleased that we are all of the same mind. I have spoken to a few people who are willing to assist. Senorita Ruby West of the Lucky Lady has volunteered to help with the "arts" part of the festival. Organizing music and possibly performing a play and Senor Jake Cook, also of the Lucky Lady is also willing to assist perhaps the saloon owners could put their heads together and come up with something. I also feel that Senor Katherine Kale should be involved. She will be opening a school for the children in the area and would be a wise choice to organize some activities for the children.
And you Senor Hoover, you had mentioned organizing shooting competitions did you not? I would like to add as much diversity to the festival as possible. It would be wonderful if we could include some of the local Indian and Mexican folklore and culture as well. Is there not a Mexican priest on the outskirts of town? Perhaps we could involve him as well." We should advertise also, and very soon!. The sooner the Festival date is published the less chance the Vigilance committee has of sabotaging it. We should discuss a date immediately."
Steve Lord says, "Well, as far as publishing is concerned the halfling newspaperman Chumbley is expected to arrive on the stagecoach this evening, so we could fill him in today." Hoover says, "I've been thinking about that. Sunday would be ideal for a worship service as part of the festival, but Sunday nights aren't the best to celebrate Dionysus, given that people have to work the next day. How about we start this on a Saturday afternoon and run it through to a Sunday afternoon." Minerva smiles broadly at him, "Very wise and thoughtful Senor Hoover. We could even do a sunset service Saturday night to kickoff the festivities. I like your suggestion."
Ruby walked slowly down the stairs and headed back to the kitchen. Two small bottles like the ones she had given Ruby the day before were waiting on the table, along with a small package of tealeaves. Ruby smiled and put them in her pockets. "Thank you Dorita, you're the best!" Ruby said with her trademark smile. "And I'm quite sure Mr. Cook will thank you too, for all of this," she says with a wink. "And now I'm off to see what other troubles I can get into. Thanks again."
Kate arrives in Gonzalas's rooms. He is not there, and his beds in both the El Parador and his mansion do not appear to have been slept in. She notes that his traveling clothes are also gone. Kate sighed and spent a few moments looked for any kind of note. Finding none, she quickly slipped back downstairs to meet Ruby. They might as well stay together. She caught her coming back out of the kitchen with her teas. "He's gone again," Kate said quietly to Ruby, "So we wait again. I might as well come back to the Lady with you."
Ruby and Kate walk back to the Lucky Lady. "Kate, I'm going to rest I think, but if you see Nanuet can you send him up please?" Ruby gives Kate a quick hug then heads upstairs. She hears some noise coming from their room, so she sweeps in and calls out, "Baby?" Then she sees Jake and Nanuet standing over a pile of... stuff. "Oh, are you two busy?" Ruby asks sitting on the bed. "Nanuet, I wanted to talk to you, maybe take a walk?" "Sure, we can walk. It's nice out today anyway." Ruby gives Jake a kiss then heads downstairs with Nanuet. Ruby and Nanuet leave to go for their walk.
Suddenly alone in the Lucky Lady, Kate cleaned up the ruins of the group's breakfast, humming under her breath. Once Ruby got back with Nanuet and actually get to resting, she could go back to the El Parador and spend some time with Ginnie. There were still many things to worry about, but Kate wasn't afraid. Not for herself, at least. Just uncertain.
She had no idea what to do next. She didn't like the idea of just waiting for the Gang to make a move, but she doubted she could convince the others to go to the Earp's especially considering she really shouldn't go with them. Once the breakfast was cleaned up Kate sat down at the piano and played wonderingly, hoping a direction would come to her mind.
Ruby explains what happened while him and Chester were held captive and he in return tells his story and when he learned. They walk around town with the puppies in tow until they end up at the grove.
“You know,” Ruby begins, “When you were gone and Ringo came to the Lucky Lady, I came here and well, I asked your ancestors to help me. And then Storm showed up, like my spell worked and she heard me, I almost couldn’t believe it.” He says, "I am not all that surprised, your talents and abilities are more varied than you believe them to be. You may never become the most powerful at one focus, but you will grow and branch out like this mighty tree here, your roots growing stronger as your branches spread out to encompass more."
Nanuet kneels down to play with the puppies. "I apologize, I have been slacking on my duties to train these little pups, hopefully things will be quiet for a little while so I can spend some more time with them so that they will serve you better." She says, "You are so wise, Nanuet, you always say things that make me feel good." Ruby also leans down and pets the puppies, who are rambunctiously bouncing around. "You have no need to apologize ever. The puppies are great."
Ruby giggles, "Well, maybe Jake doesn't think so, they seem to like to chew on him." Ruby watches Nanuet for a moment before putting her hand gently on his arm. "I need to tell you how much I appreciate what you did yesterday..." When Nanuet looks up he sees Ruby's eyes start to get wet. "You were the one, you really saved my life."
Nanuet lifts her head gently and then wipes her eyes with a gentle touch. "I am still unsure why I was given this gift, but I am grateful for it as it has come in handy more than once. It was the necklace really, and I wish I knew it was so bad sooner or I think it would have been a little less dramatic for all of us. I see that you are feeling better, but I am afraid you will have that scar for good." he says reaching out to her shoulder. "I think I will try and visit Kajika soon, to see if I can expand my healing abilities, so I do not need to rely on the necklace as often."
“Well, that’s my fault. I didn’t realize it was so bad either, I thought I could have made it to the doctor. But you are the only one who can use that necklace and without you and the power of your ancestors…” Ruby shakes her head. “Maybe one day we can talk about your ancestors. You worship them like gods I guess? I don’t believe in the gods.” Ruby looks away, “Or maybe I do and I just think they abandoned me, I don’t know. I’ve never seen any proof of them myself. I have no faith in them or almost anything for that matter, except maybe myself... or maybe Jake.”
“The scar,” she says looking down at her shoulder, “Yes, my body isn’t as perfect as it once was.” Ruby looks sad as she speaks, “I’ve gotten quite a few scars since I’ve been here in Promise City.” She looks up again at Nanuet. “Expanding your healing abilities can’t be a bad thing can it?” she smiles. “Well, if there is anything I can ever do for you, I know I won’t ever be able to pay you back, but anything at all you can think of, please tell me. And I mean anything.”
"Again you sell yourself short. You have already done much for me. Before I came here I was alone, all the time alone. You and Jake, Kate, Chester, Minerva and so many others have become my friends and family. To me that is a great treasure. To be honest with you I do not quiet put my faith in the Gods either, even the Gods of my people. My family raised me, taught me, showed me the ways of the world, so it is to them that I pray and ask for guidance. There are spirits out there though that are greater than others, and I know they watch over us to."
“You have faith in something, you are lucky.” Ruby takes Nanuet’s hands in hers. “I was alone too, so don’t sell yourself short either. You have been a good friend, the best kind of friend, to both me and Jake and we both know it and appreciate it.” Ruby smiles, “Jake thought very highly of you, even before yesterday. You did the same for him that you did for me. I hope you’ll plan on sticking around here for a long time, as long as we are here anyway.”
"I had not planned on leaving any time soon. As a matter of fact, I have no real plans at all. I like it here, well enough to stick around anyway, and one lesson I have learned lately is that no matter what plans you make fate has it's own desires." Nanuet pauses slightly before continuing. "Glad that you have settled in a bit too, I know it was hard for you to stop running. Hard for both of I guess, used to living a life on the move where it doesn't really matter what you leave behind you because you aren't going back. I think I kinda like this way of life better, how about you?"
"Stop running?" Ruby looks a little uncomfortable for a moment, then relaxes, "Ok, so I'm that obvious, huh?" she laughs. "Yes, this way of life is much better, I'm very happy here, happier than I've ever been in my life. Except for the getting shot and almost dying part. Alright, I'm getting a bit tired, I don't think I got enough sleep last night."
Nanuet finally notices Ruby is still pale. "There are really only two things I can offer you in thanks, two things that I'm any good at. One is a song, the other..." Ruby leans in closer to Nanuet and kisses him softly on the lips, for just a second too long, "Thank you Nanuet." She smiles at him and starts heading back to the Lucky Lady, the puppies jumping all around her as she walks.
Nanuet stands stunned for a moment, the warmth of Ruby's soft lips lingering. He is unsure what to say or do next. He puts his hands to his lips and breathes deeply. "Well, she doesn't lie, she is good at it." he says for no one in particular.
Jake comes down stairs to the main room to find Katherine toying with the piano. "Hello Katherine, feeling better today?" She replies, "Yes, much better. Ruby seems better too, although she should slow down a bit and rest." Kate played a few more bars, smiling over her shoulder at Jake. "I am worried though. I don't like sitting doing nothing when the Cowboy's have started their war."
Jake comes over close and says quietly so only the two of them can hear. "We collected some tools yesterday. Knowing what they are and can do would give us an advantage. Can you do it? Or get Gonzalez to do it? It's not something that I can do. We need any advantage we can get."
Kate kept her voice low as well. "Mr. Gonzales is gone again, he took his traveling clothes. Not even a note this time. I might be able to find some information about those items, but I won't be able to tell you exactly what they do. There are different kinds of enchantments, the best I can do is give you a general idea. Like if the enchantment is meant to defend, harm, and affect the mind... you see? I won't be able to tell you the exact effect."
Markus Jackson enters the Lucky Lady followed by his son Billy Bob and Billy's wife Lurleen. They walk up to the bar and Jackson asks Harry Rote "Is Mills around?" Harry replies, "Haven't seen him yet today sir. Would you care for a drink?" Right after the Jackson's walk in, Ruby does too. She sees Jake and Kate, but stops at the bar. "I would like a drink Harry. So, you're friends of Jeff?" Ruby asks while leaning back against the bar.
"Yeah, is he around?" Jackson asks in his thick Alabama accent. Jake stops talking to Katherine and listens to the conversation at the bar. She replies, "He should be, I'm not exactly sure where he is at the moment." Ruby nods to Harry as he gives her the drink, "Can you see if Jeff is in?" . Harry heads upstairs looking for Jeff. "Jake?" Kate said quietly as she turned her head. She saw the strangers at the bar and turned back, leading her playing into a quiet piece that would let Jake hear.
Ruby turns back to Jackson and asks, "So, how do you know him?" What business is that of yours?" Jackson asks Harry comes down and says, "Not in his room, must be out. Doesn't he have today off?" Ruby replies, "Thanks Harry." She turns back to Jackson and sips her drink. "Well, he does work for me, so his business is my business. Sorry, it appears he's out. Do you want to leave a message?" "No, we'll be back later," he says. The three turn and head towards the door. "Alright then. I'll tell Jeff you stopped by. And oh, we have a great chef if you're in need of dinner," Ruby calls after them.
Jake turns away from the others and says in a whisper, "Tell us what you can, and help us decide who can benefit best. We'll take the risk. We need your guidance." "I'll do what I can. I need to see them again, probably at the El Parador. I might need to do some research." Kate smiled suddenly and said in the same whisper, "It's nice to be needed." He replies, "Come upstairs and I'll put the bullets in a bag. Mostly, I think I wonder about the items you already have at the El Parador." Jake and Katherine go upstairs, where Jake gives her the bullets in a small pouch. "I'll let you let yourself out. Maybe if I stay up here Ruby will finally come up and get some rest."
Chester comes down the stairs as the trio leaves the front door . "So who were those people" Ruby says, "Friends of Jeff's. They seemed pretty frustrated, not sure if it's because he's not here or maybe they're mad at him. I wonder if he slept in today, like I wish I had." Chester replies, "Hmph. Kinda suspicious, them showing up after Jeff tells us his past. Oh well. Guess I'm a bit paranoid today. You can still take a nap. What's stopping you?"
"Nothing, I'm going. I'm glad everyone is so worried about me." Ruby gives him a smile, then kisses his cheek. "No more getting kidnapped," Ruby says sternly, "That's an order." She turns on her heel and goes up to her room. Chester calls after her. "Yes, ma'am." He shakes his head and says to Harry, "There's nothing that'll keep her down. Thank the gods."
Kate smiles and tells Jake, "I'll go down the back way. I'll be back as soon as I can, but this may take a while. I'm no expert." Kate smiled and slipped out of the room and down the stairs, out the back door and back to the El Parador.
Ruby finally makes it back to their room, where Jake is sitting in the chair reading over an old newspaper. Ruby comes in silently, pulls her shoes off and then her dress, leaving her corset and underclothes on. She throws the dress on the other chair then walks over to Jake. She takes the paper out of one of Jake’s hands, and plops down on his lap. She wraps her arms around his neck and puts her head on his shoulder, her legs dangling over the side of the chair. “Hi baby,” is all she says.
“How’d your little chat with Katherine go?” Jake asks, moving some hair off her face. Ruby lets out an “Ugh,” and shakes her head. “Well, she thinks that Storm brought her dead husband to her and that the goddess Diana gave him a body so he could say goodbye properly.” Ruby doesn’t need to see Jake’s face before she continues, “Yes, she thinks she made love to her dead husband last night. So I reminded her that I don’t believe in the gods and that she must have just been exhausted and had a dream. Either that or she slept with Conrad and doesn’t want to admit it.” Ruby pulls herself closer to Jake, “I’m worried about her.”
Jake drops the paper on the floor. "That IS quite a story. You think all this stress has finally gotten to her? Why would she need to make up any story at all if she slept with Conrad.” "Because despite what you think it's not proper for a woman to sleep with a man when you're not married," Ruby teases, "That's why. Kate wouldn't think of sleeping with someone unless she was married. So maybe she was tired and did it, and now is embarrassed." Ruby shrugs, "I don't know. She should know we wouldn't care." Ruby puts her nose up against Jake's neck and breathes in deeply, enjoying his musky scent. "I think she was dreaming, everyone was exhausted yesterday."
"Gods," he says while twirling some of her hair that fell forward, "why do people feel compelled to blather on about it when they do something they don't want people to know." Jake tickles Ruby's chin with the hair he was twirling. "So, what kind of trouble are you plotting in Tombstone? What did Helen Barker do now?"
"Helen Barker deliberately brought her cousin here so she could make me hurt him. I know you may not think so, but George Eastman isn't really that bad of a man, he's just misguided. And for all he's done, he's only done it to try to make me happy. Unfortunately for him, he just doesn't know what DOES make me happy," Ruby picks her up head, caresses Jake’s face with her fingertips and kisses him softly. "I DO feel bad that he ended up in jail, it was my fault he got drunk. I can't help it. We do have some history together; maybe that's why I have this feeling."
The she leans in close and whispers in his ear... "Damn, that's a fools errand. If you ask me, it's way too much effort for very little satisfaction. This is only going to be trouble, I can see that clearly. I won't stop you, but if I have to deal with obstinate George Eastman trying to buy Ruby West again I doubt I will be as polite as last time." Jake leans his head way back in the chair. "I would be nice to be back for Wednesday night, my poker players are starting to forget what I look like."
"Yeah, but you don't have Helen Barker looking down at you, calling you the help, do you?" Ruby's eyes start to grow fiery again, "Look, all I did was talk to her husband one night and she's hated me ever since, even before she knew who I was. She was ALWAYS jealous of my father’s fortune and always jealous that I got the attention and not her. I'm glad that you can play nice, let her take your money at the card table and kiss her ass when necessary but I don't want to continue living her letting her think she pulled something over on me" Ruby clenches her jaw and crosses her arms. “Why should I let her treat me that way? And why shouldn’t George know?”
"Woo hoo!" Jake says laughing so hard Ruby is almost bouncing on his chest, "That was no small feat keeping all that bottled up inside there woman." Jake gently but persistently uncrosses her arms. "You have your fun anyway you like, but let's set the record straight shall we? I don't wish to kiss Helen's scrawny little ass nor does she win more money from me than she leaves here. Although it's no consolation to you I'm sure, but her weekly poker playing helps pay for the whiskey we so enjoy." He drapes Ruby's arms back around his neck. "I don't give a rat's tail about what George knows either way." He pulls his head back to get a look at her face; her eyes are cloudy gray and her jaw muscles are still tight. "It's going to be hard to kiss me grinding those teeth like that."
“Well, she’s not planning on coming back. She already informed Stanley he was playing piano at the Comique from now on.” Ruby puts her head back down on Jake’s shoulder and he can hear her taking deep breaths in and out. He feels her body relaxing, although slowly, and her breathing finally returns to normal. They sit quietly for a few minutes in silence. Ruby closes her eyes and twirls a single finger in Jake’s hair. Finally she breaks the silence, “So,” she starts quietly, “What were you thinking yesterday, you know, when you thought I was going to die?” She continues to twirl her finger and she keeps her eyes closed and relaxed.
Ruby can feel the change in Jake's breathing as soon as she finished speaking. He expels a large breath and says, "Thanks for bringing that up." He waits a moment before speaking again. "I knew you could die, I know we almost lost you, but I also believed that you weren't going to die yesterday. It wasn't your time. Not that I wasn't worried mind you. You know how I am about feeling helpless, and at that point there was nothing that I could do to help you." He is quiet again.
“Am I supposed to act like it didn’t happen?” Ruby opens her eyes and looks at Jake. “How did you know it wasn’t my time? I wish I had the same confidence, I thought I was going to die.” She calmly stares at him for a moment. “But you did help me.”
"I don't know how you are supposed to act. Am I supposed to enjoy talking about it? Seeing it again in my mind? We both know what it's like on each side don't we?" He gazes into her eyes which have started to change from stormy gray to warm green. "Don't you just ever know something? Like who's standing behind you or what card is going to come up next? I don't know if we are we ever really sure of much, but somehow some part of me said it wasn't your time to leave. The rest of me was indescribably glad that small part of me was right. I don't understand how I helped you."
“No,” Ruby replies softly, “You’re not supposed to enjoy it.” Ruby puts her hand on Jake’s face and gently turns it to hers. “If you weren’t there, if you weren’t here in my life I don’t know that I would have wanted to make it so badly. I couldn’t bare the thought of leaving you behind.” Ruby puts her head back down in Jake’s shoulder. “It must have been a really bad week to be Ruby West’s boyfriend, huh?”
"We've had better weeks." He strokes her hair. "Yes, we've had better weeks. So lets make this one better shall we?" "I'm sorry, baby, I really am. Yes, let's make this a better week." Ruby leans down and picks up Jake's paper, handing it back to him. Then she puts her head back down and settles in to Jake's lap. She plays with her hair for a few minutes, but it doesn't take her long to fall fast asleep. Jake soon drops his paper as he dozes off as well.
Back at the Lucky Lady Jake says, "Senorita, I'm not sure I understand what your plan is. I suppose I don't need to, we'll help you were we can." Jake pushes out his chair and gets up.
"I have an errand to run folks, make yourselves at home. I'll be back shortly." He leaves them chatting and heads out.
Jake makes his way over to Hammer's jewelry store and inquires about the ruby ring Miss West was partial to. He chats with him for a while and then examines the ring carefully before offering the man $150 for it. "I'm sure all the people who will see Ruby wearing this when she performs will be asking about it. You know how women are, she'll be proudly telling them what great jewelry you carry." Jake buys the ring and heads back to the saloon.
Jake comes back to the Lucky Lady but most of his friends are gone. He catches Nanuet making himself useful, "You just can't be lazy can you? I could almost feel guilty watching you work." Jake laughs, "Almost. Come on upstairs with me I want to show you something."
Up in his room Jake points to a pile in the corner near the desk. "Here is some stuff we took from Cowboys yesterday. I asked Katherine to tell me if anything was enchanted, and she said the bullets in these guns were." Jake then carefully takes each of the weapons from the pile and places them on the desk. There is one revolver and four rifles. Jake starts removing the ammunition from them and indicates Nanuet should do the same. Once they are all removed Jake and Nanuet examine them carefully and compare them to the other loose rounds that Jake took from the cowboys.
Nanuet replies, "OK, so any idea how many of the bullets are magical, or what exactly they do? Magic is a power with many variations as I am sure you have noticed by now. I mean I know you can't tell yourself, but did anyone else happen to figure it out?" Nanuet picks up the guns one by one and looks them over carefully trying to not if there are any special markings or features.
"You got me, Indian. I was hoping you'd know more than me. I didn't want to leave anything good behind, and Katherine said to get these items. Before I came to Promise City, magic was stuff for children’s bedtime stories." Jake shrugs. Nanuet says, "Well I can tell which ones are magical but as far as what they do, not really. Before I came to Promise City, guns were only used by white men."
When Minerva stops back at the Comstock House she is surprised to see that the dining room is packed. She recognizes some of the faces from the worship service although doesn't know most of the people by name yet, others are faces of people she recognizes as Lucky Lady patrons, and others are faces are people she has never seen. Judge Lacey is sitting at the head of one table with Russell Lee at the head of the other.
Beatrice Lee approaches her and says, "Minerva, immediately following the service the entire Vigilance Committee went into a private meeting over at the Great Western Boarding House. They're still meeting now. We decided to hold our own here to counter whatever they come up with and help plan this festival of yours.
Judge Lacey stands and introduces those present, town blacksmith Henry Weller, Alhambra Saloon owner Steve Lord, Comique Variety Hall and Saloon Owners Al Brower and Pierre Jaquet, Boyd's Cigar Store Manager Alton Boyd, Niles Hoover who co-owns the Lucky Lady, Long Branch Saloon Owner Kate Higgins, Brown's Ice House owner Hannibal Brown and his son Maxwell, Mine Cartage Company Owner Zackary Morand, Tannery owner Trector Driscoll, Gay Lady Dance Hall and Saloon owner Burton Lumley and Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter.
Minerva is beaming "I am very pleased that you have all come. Please Let us sit and share ideas. Tell me what you have in mind." She says. Lacey says "We want to have a Festival Committee all firmed up before the other group decides to veto the whole idea. We really need that Fire equipment and many of us here also don't subscribe to their narrow interpretation of how the church should be run. Now's the time to establish you as our Town Preacher, and this Festival is a good way to do that."
Niles Hoover says, "Priestess, is there anybody else who you know of that should serve on this Committee?" She replies, “Gentlemen and Ladies, I am pleased that we are all of the same mind. I have spoken to a few people who are willing to assist. Senorita Ruby West of the Lucky Lady has volunteered to help with the "arts" part of the festival. Organizing music and possibly performing a play and Senor Jake Cook, also of the Lucky Lady is also willing to assist perhaps the saloon owners could put their heads together and come up with something. I also feel that Senor Katherine Kale should be involved. She will be opening a school for the children in the area and would be a wise choice to organize some activities for the children.
And you Senor Hoover, you had mentioned organizing shooting competitions did you not? I would like to add as much diversity to the festival as possible. It would be wonderful if we could include some of the local Indian and Mexican folklore and culture as well. Is there not a Mexican priest on the outskirts of town? Perhaps we could involve him as well." We should advertise also, and very soon!. The sooner the Festival date is published the less chance the Vigilance committee has of sabotaging it. We should discuss a date immediately."
Steve Lord says, "Well, as far as publishing is concerned the halfling newspaperman Chumbley is expected to arrive on the stagecoach this evening, so we could fill him in today." Hoover says, "I've been thinking about that. Sunday would be ideal for a worship service as part of the festival, but Sunday nights aren't the best to celebrate Dionysus, given that people have to work the next day. How about we start this on a Saturday afternoon and run it through to a Sunday afternoon." Minerva smiles broadly at him, "Very wise and thoughtful Senor Hoover. We could even do a sunset service Saturday night to kickoff the festivities. I like your suggestion."
Ruby walked slowly down the stairs and headed back to the kitchen. Two small bottles like the ones she had given Ruby the day before were waiting on the table, along with a small package of tealeaves. Ruby smiled and put them in her pockets. "Thank you Dorita, you're the best!" Ruby said with her trademark smile. "And I'm quite sure Mr. Cook will thank you too, for all of this," she says with a wink. "And now I'm off to see what other troubles I can get into. Thanks again."
Kate arrives in Gonzalas's rooms. He is not there, and his beds in both the El Parador and his mansion do not appear to have been slept in. She notes that his traveling clothes are also gone. Kate sighed and spent a few moments looked for any kind of note. Finding none, she quickly slipped back downstairs to meet Ruby. They might as well stay together. She caught her coming back out of the kitchen with her teas. "He's gone again," Kate said quietly to Ruby, "So we wait again. I might as well come back to the Lady with you."
Ruby and Kate walk back to the Lucky Lady. "Kate, I'm going to rest I think, but if you see Nanuet can you send him up please?" Ruby gives Kate a quick hug then heads upstairs. She hears some noise coming from their room, so she sweeps in and calls out, "Baby?" Then she sees Jake and Nanuet standing over a pile of... stuff. "Oh, are you two busy?" Ruby asks sitting on the bed. "Nanuet, I wanted to talk to you, maybe take a walk?" "Sure, we can walk. It's nice out today anyway." Ruby gives Jake a kiss then heads downstairs with Nanuet. Ruby and Nanuet leave to go for their walk.
Suddenly alone in the Lucky Lady, Kate cleaned up the ruins of the group's breakfast, humming under her breath. Once Ruby got back with Nanuet and actually get to resting, she could go back to the El Parador and spend some time with Ginnie. There were still many things to worry about, but Kate wasn't afraid. Not for herself, at least. Just uncertain.
She had no idea what to do next. She didn't like the idea of just waiting for the Gang to make a move, but she doubted she could convince the others to go to the Earp's especially considering she really shouldn't go with them. Once the breakfast was cleaned up Kate sat down at the piano and played wonderingly, hoping a direction would come to her mind.
Ruby explains what happened while him and Chester were held captive and he in return tells his story and when he learned. They walk around town with the puppies in tow until they end up at the grove.
“You know,” Ruby begins, “When you were gone and Ringo came to the Lucky Lady, I came here and well, I asked your ancestors to help me. And then Storm showed up, like my spell worked and she heard me, I almost couldn’t believe it.” He says, "I am not all that surprised, your talents and abilities are more varied than you believe them to be. You may never become the most powerful at one focus, but you will grow and branch out like this mighty tree here, your roots growing stronger as your branches spread out to encompass more."
Nanuet kneels down to play with the puppies. "I apologize, I have been slacking on my duties to train these little pups, hopefully things will be quiet for a little while so I can spend some more time with them so that they will serve you better." She says, "You are so wise, Nanuet, you always say things that make me feel good." Ruby also leans down and pets the puppies, who are rambunctiously bouncing around. "You have no need to apologize ever. The puppies are great."
Ruby giggles, "Well, maybe Jake doesn't think so, they seem to like to chew on him." Ruby watches Nanuet for a moment before putting her hand gently on his arm. "I need to tell you how much I appreciate what you did yesterday..." When Nanuet looks up he sees Ruby's eyes start to get wet. "You were the one, you really saved my life."
Nanuet lifts her head gently and then wipes her eyes with a gentle touch. "I am still unsure why I was given this gift, but I am grateful for it as it has come in handy more than once. It was the necklace really, and I wish I knew it was so bad sooner or I think it would have been a little less dramatic for all of us. I see that you are feeling better, but I am afraid you will have that scar for good." he says reaching out to her shoulder. "I think I will try and visit Kajika soon, to see if I can expand my healing abilities, so I do not need to rely on the necklace as often."
“Well, that’s my fault. I didn’t realize it was so bad either, I thought I could have made it to the doctor. But you are the only one who can use that necklace and without you and the power of your ancestors…” Ruby shakes her head. “Maybe one day we can talk about your ancestors. You worship them like gods I guess? I don’t believe in the gods.” Ruby looks away, “Or maybe I do and I just think they abandoned me, I don’t know. I’ve never seen any proof of them myself. I have no faith in them or almost anything for that matter, except maybe myself... or maybe Jake.”
“The scar,” she says looking down at her shoulder, “Yes, my body isn’t as perfect as it once was.” Ruby looks sad as she speaks, “I’ve gotten quite a few scars since I’ve been here in Promise City.” She looks up again at Nanuet. “Expanding your healing abilities can’t be a bad thing can it?” she smiles. “Well, if there is anything I can ever do for you, I know I won’t ever be able to pay you back, but anything at all you can think of, please tell me. And I mean anything.”
"Again you sell yourself short. You have already done much for me. Before I came here I was alone, all the time alone. You and Jake, Kate, Chester, Minerva and so many others have become my friends and family. To me that is a great treasure. To be honest with you I do not quiet put my faith in the Gods either, even the Gods of my people. My family raised me, taught me, showed me the ways of the world, so it is to them that I pray and ask for guidance. There are spirits out there though that are greater than others, and I know they watch over us to."
“You have faith in something, you are lucky.” Ruby takes Nanuet’s hands in hers. “I was alone too, so don’t sell yourself short either. You have been a good friend, the best kind of friend, to both me and Jake and we both know it and appreciate it.” Ruby smiles, “Jake thought very highly of you, even before yesterday. You did the same for him that you did for me. I hope you’ll plan on sticking around here for a long time, as long as we are here anyway.”
"I had not planned on leaving any time soon. As a matter of fact, I have no real plans at all. I like it here, well enough to stick around anyway, and one lesson I have learned lately is that no matter what plans you make fate has it's own desires." Nanuet pauses slightly before continuing. "Glad that you have settled in a bit too, I know it was hard for you to stop running. Hard for both of I guess, used to living a life on the move where it doesn't really matter what you leave behind you because you aren't going back. I think I kinda like this way of life better, how about you?"
"Stop running?" Ruby looks a little uncomfortable for a moment, then relaxes, "Ok, so I'm that obvious, huh?" she laughs. "Yes, this way of life is much better, I'm very happy here, happier than I've ever been in my life. Except for the getting shot and almost dying part. Alright, I'm getting a bit tired, I don't think I got enough sleep last night."
Nanuet finally notices Ruby is still pale. "There are really only two things I can offer you in thanks, two things that I'm any good at. One is a song, the other..." Ruby leans in closer to Nanuet and kisses him softly on the lips, for just a second too long, "Thank you Nanuet." She smiles at him and starts heading back to the Lucky Lady, the puppies jumping all around her as she walks.
Nanuet stands stunned for a moment, the warmth of Ruby's soft lips lingering. He is unsure what to say or do next. He puts his hands to his lips and breathes deeply. "Well, she doesn't lie, she is good at it." he says for no one in particular.
Jake comes down stairs to the main room to find Katherine toying with the piano. "Hello Katherine, feeling better today?" She replies, "Yes, much better. Ruby seems better too, although she should slow down a bit and rest." Kate played a few more bars, smiling over her shoulder at Jake. "I am worried though. I don't like sitting doing nothing when the Cowboy's have started their war."
Jake comes over close and says quietly so only the two of them can hear. "We collected some tools yesterday. Knowing what they are and can do would give us an advantage. Can you do it? Or get Gonzalez to do it? It's not something that I can do. We need any advantage we can get."
Kate kept her voice low as well. "Mr. Gonzales is gone again, he took his traveling clothes. Not even a note this time. I might be able to find some information about those items, but I won't be able to tell you exactly what they do. There are different kinds of enchantments, the best I can do is give you a general idea. Like if the enchantment is meant to defend, harm, and affect the mind... you see? I won't be able to tell you the exact effect."
Markus Jackson enters the Lucky Lady followed by his son Billy Bob and Billy's wife Lurleen. They walk up to the bar and Jackson asks Harry Rote "Is Mills around?" Harry replies, "Haven't seen him yet today sir. Would you care for a drink?" Right after the Jackson's walk in, Ruby does too. She sees Jake and Kate, but stops at the bar. "I would like a drink Harry. So, you're friends of Jeff?" Ruby asks while leaning back against the bar.
"Yeah, is he around?" Jackson asks in his thick Alabama accent. Jake stops talking to Katherine and listens to the conversation at the bar. She replies, "He should be, I'm not exactly sure where he is at the moment." Ruby nods to Harry as he gives her the drink, "Can you see if Jeff is in?" . Harry heads upstairs looking for Jeff. "Jake?" Kate said quietly as she turned her head. She saw the strangers at the bar and turned back, leading her playing into a quiet piece that would let Jake hear.
Ruby turns back to Jackson and asks, "So, how do you know him?" What business is that of yours?" Jackson asks Harry comes down and says, "Not in his room, must be out. Doesn't he have today off?" Ruby replies, "Thanks Harry." She turns back to Jackson and sips her drink. "Well, he does work for me, so his business is my business. Sorry, it appears he's out. Do you want to leave a message?" "No, we'll be back later," he says. The three turn and head towards the door. "Alright then. I'll tell Jeff you stopped by. And oh, we have a great chef if you're in need of dinner," Ruby calls after them.
Jake turns away from the others and says in a whisper, "Tell us what you can, and help us decide who can benefit best. We'll take the risk. We need your guidance." "I'll do what I can. I need to see them again, probably at the El Parador. I might need to do some research." Kate smiled suddenly and said in the same whisper, "It's nice to be needed." He replies, "Come upstairs and I'll put the bullets in a bag. Mostly, I think I wonder about the items you already have at the El Parador." Jake and Katherine go upstairs, where Jake gives her the bullets in a small pouch. "I'll let you let yourself out. Maybe if I stay up here Ruby will finally come up and get some rest."
Chester comes down the stairs as the trio leaves the front door . "So who were those people" Ruby says, "Friends of Jeff's. They seemed pretty frustrated, not sure if it's because he's not here or maybe they're mad at him. I wonder if he slept in today, like I wish I had." Chester replies, "Hmph. Kinda suspicious, them showing up after Jeff tells us his past. Oh well. Guess I'm a bit paranoid today. You can still take a nap. What's stopping you?"
"Nothing, I'm going. I'm glad everyone is so worried about me." Ruby gives him a smile, then kisses his cheek. "No more getting kidnapped," Ruby says sternly, "That's an order." She turns on her heel and goes up to her room. Chester calls after her. "Yes, ma'am." He shakes his head and says to Harry, "There's nothing that'll keep her down. Thank the gods."
Kate smiles and tells Jake, "I'll go down the back way. I'll be back as soon as I can, but this may take a while. I'm no expert." Kate smiled and slipped out of the room and down the stairs, out the back door and back to the El Parador.
Ruby finally makes it back to their room, where Jake is sitting in the chair reading over an old newspaper. Ruby comes in silently, pulls her shoes off and then her dress, leaving her corset and underclothes on. She throws the dress on the other chair then walks over to Jake. She takes the paper out of one of Jake’s hands, and plops down on his lap. She wraps her arms around his neck and puts her head on his shoulder, her legs dangling over the side of the chair. “Hi baby,” is all she says.
“How’d your little chat with Katherine go?” Jake asks, moving some hair off her face. Ruby lets out an “Ugh,” and shakes her head. “Well, she thinks that Storm brought her dead husband to her and that the goddess Diana gave him a body so he could say goodbye properly.” Ruby doesn’t need to see Jake’s face before she continues, “Yes, she thinks she made love to her dead husband last night. So I reminded her that I don’t believe in the gods and that she must have just been exhausted and had a dream. Either that or she slept with Conrad and doesn’t want to admit it.” Ruby pulls herself closer to Jake, “I’m worried about her.”
Jake drops the paper on the floor. "That IS quite a story. You think all this stress has finally gotten to her? Why would she need to make up any story at all if she slept with Conrad.” "Because despite what you think it's not proper for a woman to sleep with a man when you're not married," Ruby teases, "That's why. Kate wouldn't think of sleeping with someone unless she was married. So maybe she was tired and did it, and now is embarrassed." Ruby shrugs, "I don't know. She should know we wouldn't care." Ruby puts her nose up against Jake's neck and breathes in deeply, enjoying his musky scent. "I think she was dreaming, everyone was exhausted yesterday."
"Gods," he says while twirling some of her hair that fell forward, "why do people feel compelled to blather on about it when they do something they don't want people to know." Jake tickles Ruby's chin with the hair he was twirling. "So, what kind of trouble are you plotting in Tombstone? What did Helen Barker do now?"
"Helen Barker deliberately brought her cousin here so she could make me hurt him. I know you may not think so, but George Eastman isn't really that bad of a man, he's just misguided. And for all he's done, he's only done it to try to make me happy. Unfortunately for him, he just doesn't know what DOES make me happy," Ruby picks her up head, caresses Jake’s face with her fingertips and kisses him softly. "I DO feel bad that he ended up in jail, it was my fault he got drunk. I can't help it. We do have some history together; maybe that's why I have this feeling."
The she leans in close and whispers in his ear... "Damn, that's a fools errand. If you ask me, it's way too much effort for very little satisfaction. This is only going to be trouble, I can see that clearly. I won't stop you, but if I have to deal with obstinate George Eastman trying to buy Ruby West again I doubt I will be as polite as last time." Jake leans his head way back in the chair. "I would be nice to be back for Wednesday night, my poker players are starting to forget what I look like."
"Yeah, but you don't have Helen Barker looking down at you, calling you the help, do you?" Ruby's eyes start to grow fiery again, "Look, all I did was talk to her husband one night and she's hated me ever since, even before she knew who I was. She was ALWAYS jealous of my father’s fortune and always jealous that I got the attention and not her. I'm glad that you can play nice, let her take your money at the card table and kiss her ass when necessary but I don't want to continue living her letting her think she pulled something over on me" Ruby clenches her jaw and crosses her arms. “Why should I let her treat me that way? And why shouldn’t George know?”
"Woo hoo!" Jake says laughing so hard Ruby is almost bouncing on his chest, "That was no small feat keeping all that bottled up inside there woman." Jake gently but persistently uncrosses her arms. "You have your fun anyway you like, but let's set the record straight shall we? I don't wish to kiss Helen's scrawny little ass nor does she win more money from me than she leaves here. Although it's no consolation to you I'm sure, but her weekly poker playing helps pay for the whiskey we so enjoy." He drapes Ruby's arms back around his neck. "I don't give a rat's tail about what George knows either way." He pulls his head back to get a look at her face; her eyes are cloudy gray and her jaw muscles are still tight. "It's going to be hard to kiss me grinding those teeth like that."
“Well, she’s not planning on coming back. She already informed Stanley he was playing piano at the Comique from now on.” Ruby puts her head back down on Jake’s shoulder and he can hear her taking deep breaths in and out. He feels her body relaxing, although slowly, and her breathing finally returns to normal. They sit quietly for a few minutes in silence. Ruby closes her eyes and twirls a single finger in Jake’s hair. Finally she breaks the silence, “So,” she starts quietly, “What were you thinking yesterday, you know, when you thought I was going to die?” She continues to twirl her finger and she keeps her eyes closed and relaxed.
Ruby can feel the change in Jake's breathing as soon as she finished speaking. He expels a large breath and says, "Thanks for bringing that up." He waits a moment before speaking again. "I knew you could die, I know we almost lost you, but I also believed that you weren't going to die yesterday. It wasn't your time. Not that I wasn't worried mind you. You know how I am about feeling helpless, and at that point there was nothing that I could do to help you." He is quiet again.
“Am I supposed to act like it didn’t happen?” Ruby opens her eyes and looks at Jake. “How did you know it wasn’t my time? I wish I had the same confidence, I thought I was going to die.” She calmly stares at him for a moment. “But you did help me.”
"I don't know how you are supposed to act. Am I supposed to enjoy talking about it? Seeing it again in my mind? We both know what it's like on each side don't we?" He gazes into her eyes which have started to change from stormy gray to warm green. "Don't you just ever know something? Like who's standing behind you or what card is going to come up next? I don't know if we are we ever really sure of much, but somehow some part of me said it wasn't your time to leave. The rest of me was indescribably glad that small part of me was right. I don't understand how I helped you."
“No,” Ruby replies softly, “You’re not supposed to enjoy it.” Ruby puts her hand on Jake’s face and gently turns it to hers. “If you weren’t there, if you weren’t here in my life I don’t know that I would have wanted to make it so badly. I couldn’t bare the thought of leaving you behind.” Ruby puts her head back down in Jake’s shoulder. “It must have been a really bad week to be Ruby West’s boyfriend, huh?”
"We've had better weeks." He strokes her hair. "Yes, we've had better weeks. So lets make this one better shall we?" "I'm sorry, baby, I really am. Yes, let's make this a better week." Ruby leans down and picks up Jake's paper, handing it back to him. Then she puts her head back down and settles in to Jake's lap. She plays with her hair for a few minutes, but it doesn't take her long to fall fast asleep. Jake soon drops his paper as he dozes off as well.