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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2114061" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Twenty, “The Priestess”, Saturday, March 11th, 1882,</strong></p><p></p><p>The stagecoach rolls into town. A rough looking man saunters out of the Wells Fargo office to help with the bags. He spots a striking young human woman stepping off the coach. She has flowing dark hair and soft olive skin that, he notices, swells and curves in all the right places. He licks his lips and quickens his pace. She looks in his direction and smiles. “Buenos Dias, Senor.” </p><p></p><p>“Good day Senorita. How may I help you?” he says looking her up and down. With the same sunny smile she responds “ I am in need of a place to store my things for the moment, a hot meal,” and brushing the dust from her traveling gown, “and a bath” she says. </p><p></p><p>“Ah Senorita, I am sure that I can be of assistance. I will store your bags in my office. You may purchase passable fare at the Lucky Lady or the Drover's Hotel… and I will gladly help you bathe.” he leers. She looks up with an amused sparkle in her eyes and laughs “Ah Senor you are so kind and I’m sure the goddess will bless you for such generosity. Let me introduce myself if we are to be friends.” </p><p></p><p>She holds out a delicately gloved hand. “My name is Minerva Garcia Florencia and this is my owl Luna,” she says holding up a cage containing a small white owl. “I am hoping that we will come to know one another very well as I will be preaching at the Olympus Church on Sunday.” </p><p></p><p>“Pardon me, por favor, Madre,” he stammers. “I had no idea that you were a preacher. You don’t look like…. I mean…. you’re so…. ummm, I did not mean to insult you.” “No offense taken Senor, I shall take it as the complement that it was intended to be.” “Will you be staying in Promise City long, Madre?” </p><p></p><p>She puts him at ease by laughing brightly, “Madre? Now you do insult me. Do I look like your mother, Senor?”.. No need to be so formal ” Laughing he says ”No Miss you certainly don’t look like my mother.” “You may call me Senorita Minerva. And yes, I am home to stay” she smiles. “Home to stay? But I haven’t seen you here before. Have I?” he says. “No, She replies. I am new to these parts but I like the looks of this town. It’s just the way I imagined it would be. Full of promise don’t you agree? Now I think Luna and I should find us a bite to eat.” </p><p></p><p>“The Lucky Lady is one block down on the left,” he says pointing east. “It can get a mite rough in there at times, Miss. Be careful. Good Luck and May the gods protect you, Miss.” He says. “They may Senor, but I find it more prudent to protect myself.” she takes a small gun from her bag and hides it in the folds of her gown. Picking up Luna in one arm and a delicate tapestry bag with an intricately woven design in the other she moves toward the saloon. </p><p></p><p>Minerva pauses, turns back to the man and sweetly calls. “I shall see you at church on Sunday senor!” and with a soft feminine bounce to her step, a satisfied smirk on her full lips and a look of determination in her dark eyes she sets out in search of the saloon. “Well Luna, that’s one down, another 300 or so more to go.”</p><p></p><p>A short distance away Luc was thinking that he needed a job. The money that Henry had gave him was running low. He might be wanted but he was not going to resort to being a low life to get money. 'bout the only thing he knew how to do was fight and ride. Luc decided he might as well accept it and take up trying to be a bouncer again. First place he tried was obviously the El Parador.</p><p></p><p>Luc spoke to Pedro, the owner of the place. He told Luc "We don't have any jobs at the moment. Problem you face is that most businesses in town won't hire a half-elf. I'd suggest you ask over at the Lone Star, sorry, I mean Lucky Lady. They just finished adding a floor to the place and are talking about some further construction work. They've hired an Indian who stays here, so are more open minded than most around here."</p><p></p><p>"You forgot to mention yourself," Luc though to himself as Pedro spoke." Thanks. I'll try the Lady then." Luc turned and walked out. He almost knew Pedro was going to mention that place to him. Seeing as how they just reopened and are trying to keep their legs from the previous business. What was even funnier was that he would have to put up with the Singer's snake tongue again. Maybe he might go a trip there without seeing her, seeing as she was the evening entertainment and this was afternoon. Luc made the walk down to the Lucky Lady. As usual the Big Wall was taking guns at the door. As Luc unarmed himself he said" The owner a this place about?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby considered letting Niles handle this, but when she looked up he was not to be seen. Yes, the liquor delivery, she remember, that would explain why Harry is behind the bar. She slid off her chair. "And why would a cowboy such as yourself need the owner? If I might be so bold to ask?" Ruby pulled her long hair over her shoulder and cocked her head, waiting for a response.</p><p></p><p>Luc smiled. " Ma damn luck," he thought to himself as he fixed his hat and looked at the Singer. " Well ma'am I wasn't aware the entertainment was the owner," Luc said with a slight hint of sarcasm," but I was told this is the place to come if a fella was looking for work." Luc walks over to the bar crossing through the sunspots on the hard wood floor. He wanted to laugh from the irony. "Pedro down at the El Parador said no one hires guys like me. Says you got an Indian workin for ya here. Just figured I'd pop in and see if yer boss'd wanna take me on."</p><p></p><p>"We do have an Indian that works here and that's him right there." She nods to the bar. "His name is Nanuet. Guys like you? You mean cowboys like you?" Ruby walked a circle around Luc, looking him up and down. "And what DO cowboys like you do, Luc?"</p><p></p><p>Nanuet looked the half-elf up and down. He realized that he recognized him from hanging around the Lucky Lady the other night. He must be new to town, haven't seem him around he thought to himself. At first Nanuet didn't like the way this guy talked. Seemed like he needed a lesson in manners, especially when talking to a lady. He opened his mouth to say something, but Ruby seemed to have no trouble handling herself.</p><p></p><p>Luc looks over at Nanuet as Ruby points to him. He can see the wheels in the Indian’s head turning as he looks Luc up and down. Ruby passes into his vision as she circles him. " You treat everyone like a deer in a wolf pack?" Luc says looking between Ruby and Nanuet," I dunno weather yer sizin me up fer a meal or bein friendly." </p><p></p><p>Luc takes his hat off and fixes the inside as it was becoming uncomfortable." And so there's no confusion.... I ain't no cowboy. As far as guys like me...." Luc says pulling his long hair back over his ears to reveal his heritage," guess you could say we don't belong nowhere....nor are we wanted. Jus figured I'd see if you had work." Luc puts his hat back on and looks at Ruby waiting for another sly remark.</p><p></p><p>Minerva enters the saloon in time to see a young woman circling what appears to be a rather wary looking half elf twirling his hat in his hand. She notes the Indian at the bar watching the scene with amusement in his eyes. Minerva sets Luna and her tapastry bag on the table by the window where she can observe what's going on inside and outside the saloon.</p><p></p><p>Ruby watched the well-dressed woman enter the Saloon and take in her surroundings. Not very often did women frequent the saloon, alone, and so well dressed. While keeping an eye on her Ruby commented, "You still didn't say what kind of work you were looking for. As for being a cowboy, you look like one to me." Ruby stopped directly in front of him. "You look big and strong. You're hired, but consider it an audition. You'll report to Mr. Mills," she gestures to him, "and you'll do as he tells you. Work out the details with him." She pauses, taps her lip, and smiles, "And you'll report to me." </p><p></p><p>She leaves Luc standing there with his mouth hanging open and makes her way over to the new lady. "Good afternoon. Welcome to the Lucky Lady. You must be new in town, I've never seen you before. Name's Ruby," she says cheerfully extending her hand. It's almost like you run this place, she thinks to herself, and it was helping take her mind off the troubles of the day. "How can I help you?"</p><p></p><p>“Buenos Dios, Ruby, I am Minerva Garcia Florencia and this is Luna, she say's motioning to her owl. My compliments to you. You handled that gentleman very well. I hope that you can help us. We have been on the road a long while and are in need of a warm meal and a cold drink.”</p><p></p><p>"Pleasure to meet you." Ruby laughed, "I'm quite used to handling men, as you can imagine, and I'm sure you are too." Ruby paused only a moment before leaning closer to the owl's cage, her long hair flowing forward. "Now here is something you don't see every day, nice to meet you too, Luna." She straightened up. "I don't usually do the serving around here but today I think I'll make an exception. What's your posion, as they say?" Ruby stood there with a smile on her face, trying to size the young woman up.</p><p></p><p>“Why don't you join me”, Minerva says. “I'll have whatever you're having but Luna would like some water and a bit of raw meat if you have any on hand. You're the first I've met since I've come into town. Except for the nice man at the Wells Fargo office”. She chuckles, “I think I'm going to really like it here. Perhaps you could sit for a few moments and head me in the right direction.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby goes into the kitchen and orders up a plate of food, getting a funny look from Maria when she asks for some raw meat on the side. She gets 2 glasses and some whiskey and joins Minerva at her table. Maria carries out the small bowl of water that Ruby had forgotten. "So, what are you doing here in Promise City, if I might ask? And Minvera, that's a pretty name, does it mean something?" Ruby leans back in her chair and slowly drinks her whiskey while Minvera speaks.</p><p></p><p>Minerva raises her glass in a toast.” Gracias, Senorita Ruby. To the Promise of new beginnings!” She downs her drink and a satisfied sigh escapes her lips. Ruby looks at her in surprise and Minerva chuckles. “It was a long road to get here. Luna and I have traveled all the way from Spain.” We plan on making Promise City our home. She pours herself another round and hold the bottle out to Ruby. “Thank the Goddess for leading us here. I come from a small provincial town. A terrible place. Infested with narrow-minded, power hungry wizards.” She waves her hand in the air as though she is shooing away a pesky fly. “But that’s a story long story for another day.” </p><p></p><p>She sits Luna on the top of her cage and strokes her feathers as she feeds her bits of meat. “I wrote ahead to Mr. Judge Lacy. He’s been kind enough to allow us to preach occasionally for the Church of Olympus. I’m not sure if they’re done building it yet though. Do you know of him? I was told to look him up at the General Store when we arrived. I’m hoping he’ll have an idea of where we can find a place to board as well. Perhaps you might know of a place? I suppose I may have to find employment also but I think we have enough money to tide us over for a while and I could always sell some tapestries if I need to”. “You asked of my name. It is a beautiful name isn’t it. Just like the goddess Minerva who led us here.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles warmly at the woman. "That is some story and you've come quite a distance. Yes, Promise City has changed my life, well, the people in it have anyway." Ruby eyes got a dreamy look as she drifted off in thought for a moment. Then she snapped out of it. "Wizards, huh? I'd like to hear some stories about that." She sighed, "Yes, I know Mr. Lacey. Some events, um, transpired between us and I don't believe he thinks kindly of me anymore. But he seems like a nice man. As for a place to stay, there are many options, but if you are open minded like I think you are then you might enjoy the El Parador. I lived there for a while myself. Tell Dorita and Pedro that I sent you." "So what will you be preaching about then?" At that moment Luc approached... </p><p></p><p>Luc felt it not a good idea to laugh in the face of his new boss. He kept quiet and just smiled letting them think he was happy he was hired. Which he was, ecstatic in fact. He couldn't help but laugh. " You look big and strong," his new boss had said. He walked to the bar and ordered a shot. He quickly drank it and walked over to the table where the well-dressed woman and his boss sat. " 'scuse me ma'am," Luc says as a small pistol slides out from his sleeve. He puts it on the table and looks at Ruby smiling," you forgot to say smart." Luc leaves the small gun on the table and walks over to see what Mills wanted him to do. He was smiling the whole way. He was beginning to like this town. Minerva gazes intently at Luc as he saunters away. " I think you got yourself a keeper there. Ruby"</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks up from the table and laughs. She stands and picks up his gun off the table. "Not so smart," she starts, "You're going to need this." She turns back to Minvera, "Excuse me for a moment." She heads over to the Cowboy and puts her arm through his, then leads him to Jeff. "Mr. Mills, Chester is going to be missing for a few days so we're going to need a second bouncer. Luc here is going to fill in. And when Chester comes back he can help you with building out back. Room and board, although he might have to share with Chester. $5 a week. Sound fair?"</p><p></p><p>"Woman never runs out of things to say," Luc thought as he heard Ruby call after him. He feels an arm slip into his and is startled a second then sees it is just Ruby. "Five dollars a week is fine," Luc says as they walk together," but you can keep that little thing. Ain't good for nothing 'cept up close.... and I mean real close. Besides I can always get another one. It's the ones yer big man has in that cabinet over yonder I want. So I guess my next question is what do you want me to do now boss?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, Cowboy, you can keep calling me boss for starters, I like that. And Jeff will give you back your guns so you can protect this place and show to you your room. Until he needs you, probbaly not until tonight, make yourself at home. Maybe introduce yourself to the Indian, Nanuet." Ruby gives him a wink and turns on her heel, flipping him with her hair. Nanuet thinks to himself “Now why did you send him over here? You know I am not the social type.” Nanuet waits and watches the half-elf to see what he decides to do.</p><p></p><p>Luc walks over to the cabinet and Mills hands him his guns and bowie knife back. Luc walks over to Nanuet and sits next to him at the bar. He sits with a glass of water as he adjusts himself. He turns to Nanuet and extends his hand," Nanuet huh. Names Luc.... if you don't mind me asking, what tribe do you come from." Nanuet says "Probably never heard of them. Small tribe, mixed in with the Apache now mostly. Yavapi."</p><p></p><p>Luc thinks for a minute but nothing comes to mind. " Heard of the Apachee but never the Yavapi." Luc slugs his water down and pats Nanuet on the shoulder." I'll see you tonight," Luc says as he gets up to leave" I have a few things to get from the El Parador. Tell the boss lady when she's done entertaining." Luc walks out into the afternoon sun and sighs. "Not a bad start," he thinks," just not sure how long it'll last." Luc walks down the street back to El Parador.</p><p></p><p>Ruby casually makes her way back over to Minvera. "Now, what were you saying? Oh yes... preaching..." Ruby pours herself another whiskey and refills Minerva's glass too. She glances over at Luc and laughs to herself, “Yeah, Jake is going to LOVE this.”</p><p></p><p>Nanuet walks over to Ruby. "What did you go and hire him for? You don't know anything about him and now you are going to let him run around here and be armed? Maybe now was not the best time to be hiring new help, especially strangers. And to let him be running around here with guns? I hope you know what your doing."</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks up at Nanuet and shrugs. "He looks harmless to me. Besides, I have you around to keep an eye on him." Ruby blinks up at him innocently. "We need someone to help cover Chester being gone. And to help build the new building out back. We can't expect you to do it all yourself. But aren't you sweet for worrying," Ruby hops up and gives Nanuet a kiss on the cheek. "That reminds me, I have some things to discuss with you. After I finish speaking with Miss Minvera. She is going to tell me about her preaching at the new church they are going to build. Care to join us? Or are you busy?" Nanuet replies, "I'm not busy, but I think I'll stay right here, maybe help with the liquor delivery. Not so sure about all the strangers in town lately. I will get my feel for her from a distance I think."</p><p></p><p>She answers, “Now, Senor Nanuet, you’re not being very hospitable. If you want to keep me and Luna as customers you’ll have to do better than that.” A hint of a smile makes its way to Minerva's lips. “Course this fine whiskey on your table helps too. Perhaps you’d feel more comfortable if you took the time to sit a spell. I need to be on my way soon but I do hope that we’ll get to know one another better before too long.” </p><p></p><p>Minerva is feeling relaxed after a few drinks and a hot meal. She looks at Ruby with warm admiration. She’s really beginning to like this girl. There’s a lot more than fluff under that hat she thinks. “I like the way you handle yourself Ruby. You sure do keep’em on their toes.” Ruby opens her mouth to reply but Minerva raises her hand in a placating gesture and laughs, “Now don’t go getting all defensive. There’s nothing wrong with using your goddess given talents to smooth the way. It’d be a sin not to use what gifts the gods gave you and you do it just fine.” Looking over to the Indian and polishing off her drink Minerva notes. “Not a very trusting soul, that one. But I think he’s got the right idea. Better to be careful than depend on the gods to intervene for you. Course if he’s really worried about you he probably should be keeping your troubles a little closer to the vest. Still he does appear to be very devoted to you." </p><p></p><p>Ruby thinks, this girl doesn’t sound like any preacher I’ve ever heard. Doesn’t look much like one either. Minerva, relaxed in her chair, continues to pet Luna. She looks Ruby in the eye. “Sounds like you got yourself some troubles, Ruby. From the dreamy look that keeps coming into your eyes I might conclude that it has something to do with a man. But it seems more ominous than that. I’m not going to push you to tell me your secrets but I’m a pretty good judge of people and I feel a Kindred spirit in you. I’m hoping that as you get to know me better you’ll come to trust my council. The goddess knows I could sure use a good friend or two in this town. Luna and I plan on putting roots down here and I like what I’ve seen so far. Promise City seems like a place where Luna and I can both spread our wings. </p><p></p><p>I think I’m preaching at the town hall on Sunday. Now I know you’re probably not a traditional church goer but I think you’ll find my sermons a bit more practical and a whole lot less traditional than most. I’d like you to consider sitting in on Sunday. Might be a good distraction for you. Might want to drag Senor Nanuet along too. I think he’d like what I’ve got to say.” And if not well, the show’s free.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2114061, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Twenty, “The Priestess”, Saturday, March 11th, 1882,[/B] The stagecoach rolls into town. A rough looking man saunters out of the Wells Fargo office to help with the bags. He spots a striking young human woman stepping off the coach. She has flowing dark hair and soft olive skin that, he notices, swells and curves in all the right places. He licks his lips and quickens his pace. She looks in his direction and smiles. “Buenos Dias, Senor.” “Good day Senorita. How may I help you?” he says looking her up and down. With the same sunny smile she responds “ I am in need of a place to store my things for the moment, a hot meal,” and brushing the dust from her traveling gown, “and a bath” she says. “Ah Senorita, I am sure that I can be of assistance. I will store your bags in my office. You may purchase passable fare at the Lucky Lady or the Drover's Hotel… and I will gladly help you bathe.” he leers. She looks up with an amused sparkle in her eyes and laughs “Ah Senor you are so kind and I’m sure the goddess will bless you for such generosity. Let me introduce myself if we are to be friends.” She holds out a delicately gloved hand. “My name is Minerva Garcia Florencia and this is my owl Luna,” she says holding up a cage containing a small white owl. “I am hoping that we will come to know one another very well as I will be preaching at the Olympus Church on Sunday.” “Pardon me, por favor, Madre,” he stammers. “I had no idea that you were a preacher. You don’t look like…. I mean…. you’re so…. ummm, I did not mean to insult you.” “No offense taken Senor, I shall take it as the complement that it was intended to be.” “Will you be staying in Promise City long, Madre?” She puts him at ease by laughing brightly, “Madre? Now you do insult me. Do I look like your mother, Senor?”.. No need to be so formal ” Laughing he says ”No Miss you certainly don’t look like my mother.” “You may call me Senorita Minerva. And yes, I am home to stay” she smiles. “Home to stay? But I haven’t seen you here before. Have I?” he says. “No, She replies. I am new to these parts but I like the looks of this town. It’s just the way I imagined it would be. Full of promise don’t you agree? Now I think Luna and I should find us a bite to eat.” “The Lucky Lady is one block down on the left,” he says pointing east. “It can get a mite rough in there at times, Miss. Be careful. Good Luck and May the gods protect you, Miss.” He says. “They may Senor, but I find it more prudent to protect myself.” she takes a small gun from her bag and hides it in the folds of her gown. Picking up Luna in one arm and a delicate tapestry bag with an intricately woven design in the other she moves toward the saloon. Minerva pauses, turns back to the man and sweetly calls. “I shall see you at church on Sunday senor!” and with a soft feminine bounce to her step, a satisfied smirk on her full lips and a look of determination in her dark eyes she sets out in search of the saloon. “Well Luna, that’s one down, another 300 or so more to go.” A short distance away Luc was thinking that he needed a job. The money that Henry had gave him was running low. He might be wanted but he was not going to resort to being a low life to get money. 'bout the only thing he knew how to do was fight and ride. Luc decided he might as well accept it and take up trying to be a bouncer again. First place he tried was obviously the El Parador. Luc spoke to Pedro, the owner of the place. He told Luc "We don't have any jobs at the moment. Problem you face is that most businesses in town won't hire a half-elf. I'd suggest you ask over at the Lone Star, sorry, I mean Lucky Lady. They just finished adding a floor to the place and are talking about some further construction work. They've hired an Indian who stays here, so are more open minded than most around here." "You forgot to mention yourself," Luc though to himself as Pedro spoke." Thanks. I'll try the Lady then." Luc turned and walked out. He almost knew Pedro was going to mention that place to him. Seeing as how they just reopened and are trying to keep their legs from the previous business. What was even funnier was that he would have to put up with the Singer's snake tongue again. Maybe he might go a trip there without seeing her, seeing as she was the evening entertainment and this was afternoon. Luc made the walk down to the Lucky Lady. As usual the Big Wall was taking guns at the door. As Luc unarmed himself he said" The owner a this place about?" Ruby considered letting Niles handle this, but when she looked up he was not to be seen. Yes, the liquor delivery, she remember, that would explain why Harry is behind the bar. She slid off her chair. "And why would a cowboy such as yourself need the owner? If I might be so bold to ask?" Ruby pulled her long hair over her shoulder and cocked her head, waiting for a response. Luc smiled. " Ma damn luck," he thought to himself as he fixed his hat and looked at the Singer. " Well ma'am I wasn't aware the entertainment was the owner," Luc said with a slight hint of sarcasm," but I was told this is the place to come if a fella was looking for work." Luc walks over to the bar crossing through the sunspots on the hard wood floor. He wanted to laugh from the irony. "Pedro down at the El Parador said no one hires guys like me. Says you got an Indian workin for ya here. Just figured I'd pop in and see if yer boss'd wanna take me on." "We do have an Indian that works here and that's him right there." She nods to the bar. "His name is Nanuet. Guys like you? You mean cowboys like you?" Ruby walked a circle around Luc, looking him up and down. "And what DO cowboys like you do, Luc?" Nanuet looked the half-elf up and down. He realized that he recognized him from hanging around the Lucky Lady the other night. He must be new to town, haven't seem him around he thought to himself. At first Nanuet didn't like the way this guy talked. Seemed like he needed a lesson in manners, especially when talking to a lady. He opened his mouth to say something, but Ruby seemed to have no trouble handling herself. Luc looks over at Nanuet as Ruby points to him. He can see the wheels in the Indian’s head turning as he looks Luc up and down. Ruby passes into his vision as she circles him. " You treat everyone like a deer in a wolf pack?" Luc says looking between Ruby and Nanuet," I dunno weather yer sizin me up fer a meal or bein friendly." Luc takes his hat off and fixes the inside as it was becoming uncomfortable." And so there's no confusion.... I ain't no cowboy. As far as guys like me...." Luc says pulling his long hair back over his ears to reveal his heritage," guess you could say we don't belong nowhere....nor are we wanted. Jus figured I'd see if you had work." Luc puts his hat back on and looks at Ruby waiting for another sly remark. Minerva enters the saloon in time to see a young woman circling what appears to be a rather wary looking half elf twirling his hat in his hand. She notes the Indian at the bar watching the scene with amusement in his eyes. Minerva sets Luna and her tapastry bag on the table by the window where she can observe what's going on inside and outside the saloon. Ruby watched the well-dressed woman enter the Saloon and take in her surroundings. Not very often did women frequent the saloon, alone, and so well dressed. While keeping an eye on her Ruby commented, "You still didn't say what kind of work you were looking for. As for being a cowboy, you look like one to me." Ruby stopped directly in front of him. "You look big and strong. You're hired, but consider it an audition. You'll report to Mr. Mills," she gestures to him, "and you'll do as he tells you. Work out the details with him." She pauses, taps her lip, and smiles, "And you'll report to me." She leaves Luc standing there with his mouth hanging open and makes her way over to the new lady. "Good afternoon. Welcome to the Lucky Lady. You must be new in town, I've never seen you before. Name's Ruby," she says cheerfully extending her hand. It's almost like you run this place, she thinks to herself, and it was helping take her mind off the troubles of the day. "How can I help you?" “Buenos Dios, Ruby, I am Minerva Garcia Florencia and this is Luna, she say's motioning to her owl. My compliments to you. You handled that gentleman very well. I hope that you can help us. We have been on the road a long while and are in need of a warm meal and a cold drink.” "Pleasure to meet you." Ruby laughed, "I'm quite used to handling men, as you can imagine, and I'm sure you are too." Ruby paused only a moment before leaning closer to the owl's cage, her long hair flowing forward. "Now here is something you don't see every day, nice to meet you too, Luna." She straightened up. "I don't usually do the serving around here but today I think I'll make an exception. What's your posion, as they say?" Ruby stood there with a smile on her face, trying to size the young woman up. “Why don't you join me”, Minerva says. “I'll have whatever you're having but Luna would like some water and a bit of raw meat if you have any on hand. You're the first I've met since I've come into town. Except for the nice man at the Wells Fargo office”. She chuckles, “I think I'm going to really like it here. Perhaps you could sit for a few moments and head me in the right direction.” Ruby goes into the kitchen and orders up a plate of food, getting a funny look from Maria when she asks for some raw meat on the side. She gets 2 glasses and some whiskey and joins Minerva at her table. Maria carries out the small bowl of water that Ruby had forgotten. "So, what are you doing here in Promise City, if I might ask? And Minvera, that's a pretty name, does it mean something?" Ruby leans back in her chair and slowly drinks her whiskey while Minvera speaks. Minerva raises her glass in a toast.” Gracias, Senorita Ruby. To the Promise of new beginnings!” She downs her drink and a satisfied sigh escapes her lips. Ruby looks at her in surprise and Minerva chuckles. “It was a long road to get here. Luna and I have traveled all the way from Spain.” We plan on making Promise City our home. She pours herself another round and hold the bottle out to Ruby. “Thank the Goddess for leading us here. I come from a small provincial town. A terrible place. Infested with narrow-minded, power hungry wizards.” She waves her hand in the air as though she is shooing away a pesky fly. “But that’s a story long story for another day.” She sits Luna on the top of her cage and strokes her feathers as she feeds her bits of meat. “I wrote ahead to Mr. Judge Lacy. He’s been kind enough to allow us to preach occasionally for the Church of Olympus. I’m not sure if they’re done building it yet though. Do you know of him? I was told to look him up at the General Store when we arrived. I’m hoping he’ll have an idea of where we can find a place to board as well. Perhaps you might know of a place? I suppose I may have to find employment also but I think we have enough money to tide us over for a while and I could always sell some tapestries if I need to”. “You asked of my name. It is a beautiful name isn’t it. Just like the goddess Minerva who led us here.” Ruby smiles warmly at the woman. "That is some story and you've come quite a distance. Yes, Promise City has changed my life, well, the people in it have anyway." Ruby eyes got a dreamy look as she drifted off in thought for a moment. Then she snapped out of it. "Wizards, huh? I'd like to hear some stories about that." She sighed, "Yes, I know Mr. Lacey. Some events, um, transpired between us and I don't believe he thinks kindly of me anymore. But he seems like a nice man. As for a place to stay, there are many options, but if you are open minded like I think you are then you might enjoy the El Parador. I lived there for a while myself. Tell Dorita and Pedro that I sent you." "So what will you be preaching about then?" At that moment Luc approached... Luc felt it not a good idea to laugh in the face of his new boss. He kept quiet and just smiled letting them think he was happy he was hired. Which he was, ecstatic in fact. He couldn't help but laugh. " You look big and strong," his new boss had said. He walked to the bar and ordered a shot. He quickly drank it and walked over to the table where the well-dressed woman and his boss sat. " 'scuse me ma'am," Luc says as a small pistol slides out from his sleeve. He puts it on the table and looks at Ruby smiling," you forgot to say smart." Luc leaves the small gun on the table and walks over to see what Mills wanted him to do. He was smiling the whole way. He was beginning to like this town. Minerva gazes intently at Luc as he saunters away. " I think you got yourself a keeper there. Ruby" Ruby looks up from the table and laughs. She stands and picks up his gun off the table. "Not so smart," she starts, "You're going to need this." She turns back to Minvera, "Excuse me for a moment." She heads over to the Cowboy and puts her arm through his, then leads him to Jeff. "Mr. Mills, Chester is going to be missing for a few days so we're going to need a second bouncer. Luc here is going to fill in. And when Chester comes back he can help you with building out back. Room and board, although he might have to share with Chester. $5 a week. Sound fair?" "Woman never runs out of things to say," Luc thought as he heard Ruby call after him. He feels an arm slip into his and is startled a second then sees it is just Ruby. "Five dollars a week is fine," Luc says as they walk together," but you can keep that little thing. Ain't good for nothing 'cept up close.... and I mean real close. Besides I can always get another one. It's the ones yer big man has in that cabinet over yonder I want. So I guess my next question is what do you want me to do now boss?" "Well, Cowboy, you can keep calling me boss for starters, I like that. And Jeff will give you back your guns so you can protect this place and show to you your room. Until he needs you, probbaly not until tonight, make yourself at home. Maybe introduce yourself to the Indian, Nanuet." Ruby gives him a wink and turns on her heel, flipping him with her hair. Nanuet thinks to himself “Now why did you send him over here? You know I am not the social type.” Nanuet waits and watches the half-elf to see what he decides to do. Luc walks over to the cabinet and Mills hands him his guns and bowie knife back. Luc walks over to Nanuet and sits next to him at the bar. He sits with a glass of water as he adjusts himself. He turns to Nanuet and extends his hand," Nanuet huh. Names Luc.... if you don't mind me asking, what tribe do you come from." Nanuet says "Probably never heard of them. Small tribe, mixed in with the Apache now mostly. Yavapi." Luc thinks for a minute but nothing comes to mind. " Heard of the Apachee but never the Yavapi." Luc slugs his water down and pats Nanuet on the shoulder." I'll see you tonight," Luc says as he gets up to leave" I have a few things to get from the El Parador. Tell the boss lady when she's done entertaining." Luc walks out into the afternoon sun and sighs. "Not a bad start," he thinks," just not sure how long it'll last." Luc walks down the street back to El Parador. Ruby casually makes her way back over to Minvera. "Now, what were you saying? Oh yes... preaching..." Ruby pours herself another whiskey and refills Minerva's glass too. She glances over at Luc and laughs to herself, “Yeah, Jake is going to LOVE this.” Nanuet walks over to Ruby. "What did you go and hire him for? You don't know anything about him and now you are going to let him run around here and be armed? Maybe now was not the best time to be hiring new help, especially strangers. And to let him be running around here with guns? I hope you know what your doing." Ruby looks up at Nanuet and shrugs. "He looks harmless to me. Besides, I have you around to keep an eye on him." Ruby blinks up at him innocently. "We need someone to help cover Chester being gone. And to help build the new building out back. We can't expect you to do it all yourself. But aren't you sweet for worrying," Ruby hops up and gives Nanuet a kiss on the cheek. "That reminds me, I have some things to discuss with you. After I finish speaking with Miss Minvera. She is going to tell me about her preaching at the new church they are going to build. Care to join us? Or are you busy?" Nanuet replies, "I'm not busy, but I think I'll stay right here, maybe help with the liquor delivery. Not so sure about all the strangers in town lately. I will get my feel for her from a distance I think." She answers, “Now, Senor Nanuet, you’re not being very hospitable. If you want to keep me and Luna as customers you’ll have to do better than that.” A hint of a smile makes its way to Minerva's lips. “Course this fine whiskey on your table helps too. Perhaps you’d feel more comfortable if you took the time to sit a spell. I need to be on my way soon but I do hope that we’ll get to know one another better before too long.” Minerva is feeling relaxed after a few drinks and a hot meal. She looks at Ruby with warm admiration. She’s really beginning to like this girl. There’s a lot more than fluff under that hat she thinks. “I like the way you handle yourself Ruby. You sure do keep’em on their toes.” Ruby opens her mouth to reply but Minerva raises her hand in a placating gesture and laughs, “Now don’t go getting all defensive. There’s nothing wrong with using your goddess given talents to smooth the way. It’d be a sin not to use what gifts the gods gave you and you do it just fine.” Looking over to the Indian and polishing off her drink Minerva notes. “Not a very trusting soul, that one. But I think he’s got the right idea. Better to be careful than depend on the gods to intervene for you. Course if he’s really worried about you he probably should be keeping your troubles a little closer to the vest. Still he does appear to be very devoted to you." Ruby thinks, this girl doesn’t sound like any preacher I’ve ever heard. Doesn’t look much like one either. Minerva, relaxed in her chair, continues to pet Luna. She looks Ruby in the eye. “Sounds like you got yourself some troubles, Ruby. From the dreamy look that keeps coming into your eyes I might conclude that it has something to do with a man. But it seems more ominous than that. I’m not going to push you to tell me your secrets but I’m a pretty good judge of people and I feel a Kindred spirit in you. I’m hoping that as you get to know me better you’ll come to trust my council. The goddess knows I could sure use a good friend or two in this town. Luna and I plan on putting roots down here and I like what I’ve seen so far. Promise City seems like a place where Luna and I can both spread our wings. I think I’m preaching at the town hall on Sunday. Now I know you’re probably not a traditional church goer but I think you’ll find my sermons a bit more practical and a whole lot less traditional than most. I’d like you to consider sitting in on Sunday. Might be a good distraction for you. Might want to drag Senor Nanuet along too. I think he’d like what I’ve got to say.” And if not well, the show’s free.” [/QUOTE]
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