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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813703" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 97, “The Complication“, Saturday, March 18th , 1882, 11:30 P.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Chester spent the evening watching over things at the Lucky Lady and keeping each other company. It was not long after the patrons left when Nanuet felt the need for rest. He bid Chester a good night and made his way to the grove. Yes, there was a storm but he felt that he needed to be out of doors with no roof over his head tonight. "Ruby would probably have something to say if she saw me outside tonight." he said laughing softly. He wrapped himself in a blanket, covering his head and made his way to the nearby grove. He found a sheltered spot and made himself as comfortable as he could and then commenced his reverie. Tonight’s would be an interesting one with all of the days events to consider. </p><p></p><p>Several hours later Nanuet is awakened from his trance by a tremendous thunderclap nearby. He quickly gets to his feet and exits the grove looking to see if the lightning had struck any buildings, as it certainly had been close enough. Seeing that the town was apparently untouched he turned inward to his own thoughts. It was now a new day, but the sun had not yet risen. Sunday, the day that those who worshipped the Greek and Roman Gods had chosen for their day of worship to their Gods. If that was the day they had chosen it was certainly good enough for him. Nanuet made his way back into the grove and fell to his knees and prayed. He prayed for the spirits of those men who had fallen yesterday, prayed for the health and safety of his friends and prayed for the continued guidance of his ancestors. </p><p></p><p>At the sound of the lightning bolt almost hitting the El Parador Chester wakes up in his room at the Lucky Lady. A nightmare about a Gatling gun killing all his friends flits from his memory. Sleep doesn't return, so he quietly walks down the stairs to the kitchen to get a glass of water. On his way there, he changes his mind and stops at the bar. Chester pours himself some whiskey and sits at one of the tables. </p><p></p><p>He says, "Martin, you were a damn fool to let yourself get caught by the cowboys. After the gunfight you shouldn't have taken the road. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Nanuet and the others could've been killed. Lucky the cowboys' guard was down. And now there's going to be a war. Though, how many cowboys can there be? We're all going to have to be much more careful in the days to come." He sits in silence until sunrise, sipping at the whiskey. </p><p></p><p>It's almost midnight when, holding hands, Trisha and Simon emerge from the Alhambra. She is quite small and slight, and he tall and slim, with dark hair. They take their time getting back to the Lucky Lady, talking quietly as they walk. </p><p></p><p>They reach the door of the Lucky Lady, and Trisha suddenly grips Simon's arm, holding him back. "I don't think this is such a good idea," she says, "us just walking right in. What if somebody sees?" "I thought your Pa's friends were going to be asleep by now," Simon says. "Aren't they the only ones that know who you are?" "Ye-es," says Trisha, "but... Oh, maybe I'm just being stupid." She takes a deep breath, holds onto Simon's hand, and pushes open the door of the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>The saloon is empty other than the man called Harry who is busy moping the floor. He glances to the door and says "I was told not to lock up until after you came back Miss Shaw. Who's your friend?" Trisha blinks, stutters, and almost bolts, but Simon holds onto her hand tightly, and she glances back at him for reassurance. No more sneaking around, she thinks, and draws her up. "This is my - " she looks back at him again " - fiancé, Simon Taylor." </p><p></p><p>"Taylor...any relation to Scott Taylor, the bank teller?" Simon says, "Err, probably not." Harry says, "Well, welcome to the Lucky Lady. Nice of you to escort Miss. Shaw back." Harry grabs a tray and picks up some glasses over at the table near the stage. He then heads off into the kitchen with the tray. </p><p></p><p>Trisha points Simon upstairs. "Quick," she says, "While he's in the kitchen. But be quiet." Simon heads over to the staircase and makes his way upstairs, quickly getting to the second floor. Tricia follows and is halfway up when Harry returns. "Did you young man leave?" he asks. "Yeah," says Trisha, "he's got quite a walk home. And I'm beat - good night, Harry. Thanks for waiting up." She smiles at him, and heads upstairs. </p><p></p><p>Not too long after she fell asleep, Ruby woke. Her throat was dry and she still had no energy. Jake hadn't returned yet, so Ruby drags herself slowly out of bed. She throws on his shirt, barely buttons it, and then starts stumbling her way downstairs. Half way down she bumps into a strange man. Sleepily, eyes half closed she asks quietly, "Who are you?" Simon actually stumbles down a step, completely surprised. "I... uh..." he stammers. </p><p></p><p>Ruby hears a quiet voice whisper, "Simon?" Then Trisha Shaw appears out of the darkness. She sees Ruby, and gasps, grabs at Simon's arm, and tries to usher him further up the stairs. He doesn't move. "Um... evening, Miss West," says Trisha in a low voice, trying not to be heard by Harry. "Tricia," Ruby nods at the woman. "Is this your complication?" she asks with a yawn. She tries to stifle it by putting her hand to her mouth, not noticing Jake's shirt rising dangerous high on her. </p><p></p><p>"Uh...." Trisha squeezes Simon's arm tighter. "....yeah. This is Simon." "Hi Simon. Ruby," she says while removing her hand from her still yawning mouth and stretching it to him. "Have you seen Jake yet? It's so late." Simon, looking stunned, takes Ruby's hand and shakes it absently, looking in bewilderment at Trisha, who's stumbling over her words. </p><p></p><p>"I... we... um... we just got here. Didn't see him downstairs. Harry's locking up." She pauses, then says, "How's your arm?" All the while, she's trying to lead a reluctant Simon around Ruby and up the stairs. It hurts." Ruby touches her shoulder, like she had almost forgotten. "Hum..." she furrows her brows and talks to herself, "Where is he?" </p><p></p><p>She looks back at the nervous looking pair. "Simon, is there something wrong?" Simon jumps when Ruby speaks to him: "What? Me? No!" He looks down at Trisha, who is still holding onto his hand. "I just... it's been a kind of tense night," he finishes, smiling at her. "I just want to get to bed," says Trisha. </p><p></p><p>Their eyes meet, and Simon leans in to kiss her. She closes her eyes. "That's better," he says, as he pulls away. Now, seeming more composed, he follows Trisha past Ruby and a couple of steps up. Trisha stops to turn. "You should get some rest, Miss West," says Trisha. "I'm sure Jake isn’t wandered far." Now Simon is leading Trisha further up. "Feel better, miss," he says to Ruby. "Sure." Ruby seems distracted, already looking down the stairs. Her eyes are still trying to close on her and she is struggling to stay upright. "Good night," she says without a second glance at the couple. </p><p></p><p>Trisha leads Simon to her room and ushers him inside, but doesn't go in, instead leaning against the doorframe and watching him unbutton his shirt, smiling. "What?" he says. "Nothing," she replies. "Look, you hole up in here. I'm going to talk to Miss West. I won't be long." She closes the door on him as he's pulling off his shirt, and quietly walks back downstairs. </p><p></p><p>Ruby grabs onto the railing, holding her up as she walks. Ruby finally makes it downstairs, although wobbly. She gets to the kitchen, and makes herself some water. A moment later two little fur balls attack her legs and she has to grab the table to not topple over. She sits on the floor and lets the puppies lick and kiss her as she pets them. "Hello babies," she smiles at each of them. "Who would have taken care of you if I didn't make it back?" </p><p></p><p>Trisha sees Ruby playing with a pair of puppies. She sits at the table, resting her chin in her hands. Ruby looks up from her fur balls. "I thought you were going to bed with your complication..." Ruby looks up at Tricia with a tired smile. "I am," says Trisha. "In a minute." She grasps for a reason to have come down, just for a moment. "I wanted to see if you were okay," she says. </p><p></p><p>"What's ok? My shoulder hurts, but it will heal. For the second time in my life I almost died for real. But this time was different, this time I had reasons to want to make it." She looks at the puppies blissfully jumping all over her as she stretches her long legs out. "Jake hates them." Ruby smiles, "The puppies that is." "They're cute," says Trisha, reaching out to pet one. "I love dogs." </p><p></p><p>"They are cute. I always wanted a puppy but never stayed around anywhere long enough to have a place for one. The white one is Lucky the black one is Mischief." Ruby laughs,” I tried to run, twice since I been here. But Jake wouldn't let me." She continues to pet the dogs, Lucky taking a spot on her lap, while Mischief starts over towards Tricia. </p><p></p><p>Tricia, smiles. "I know what you mean," she says, "about having a reason to live. I got Simon now. You know, this ain't like Ellen and Paul, fooling around when Pa's out. I'm gonna marry him." Ruby replies, "Marry Simon, huh? He's cute enough. But why do you want to get married?" </p><p></p><p>Trisha takes Mischief into her lap and pets him thoughtfully. "It's the only way I can get away from my Pa," she says after a long while. "As long as I depend on Pa, I can't be my own woman. Simon's not like him. He'd let me live my own life." </p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles at Tricia. "You and I have two VERY different views of marriage. Marriage is a trap, not an escape. You should just stand up for yourself and leave your father, that's being your own woman. Why you would want a man to own you I have no idea." Ruby shrugs then leans over and gives Lucky a kiss. "Even the right man." </p><p></p><p>"That's what you think? It's about ownership?" Trisha smiles wistfully. "You never met my Ma. If you had, you couldn't ever say marriage was a trap. Even married to my Pa - and you know him, he's the most controlling man in the world - even married to him, she was a free spirit right up to the day she died. You just ask my Pa some time." Trisha pets Mischief a little more and puts him back on the ground: "You go back to your Mama now, little fella." Then she gets up, yawning. </p><p></p><p>"I better get back to my man," she says. "Good night, Miss West." And, staggering a little, she walks back upstairs, opens her bedroom door, and finds Simon, his shirt unbuttoned, sitting on the bed looking out of the window. She shuts the door, draws the shade, and goes to him. </p><p></p><p>Ruby watches Tricia walk away and shakes her head. She had seen enough in the world to know that marriage was not a dream and certainly not a salvation. She had known very few people who even kept to their vows. She had surprised herself with the momentary insane thought of what it would be like to marry Jake. Ruby knew Jake never intended to get married and neither did she. </p><p></p><p>Ruby rises warily from the floor and finishes her water. At that moment Jake comes in the back door, only in his pants. She looks at him curiously. "What are you doing out of bed?" Jake asks. "I just needed a drin... what are you doing outside with no shirt?" </p><p></p><p>"Using the outhouse, is that ok with you?" he replies with a chuckle. "Oh, right. I'm just really tired." Jake notices Ruby's eyes are starting to close. He gets her another glass of water and helps her back upstairs, puppies in tow. They fall into bed with out a word and both of them are asleep before their heads hit the pillow. </p><p></p><p>Minerva awakens at sunrise when Luna flutters through the open window. She stretches and yawns enjoying the the cool breeze that flutters against her bare skin. Still a bit tired and sore from the stress of the previous day she rises and dresses for morning services. It does not take long to slip into the simple white robe and as she is cinching the golden cord around her waist she hears a knock on the door. </p><p></p><p>She is surprised to see Deputy Marshall Eduardo Rodriguez standing on the other side wearing a grim expression and holding his hat in his hands. "I am sorry to disturb you Priestess, but I have some terrible news. Warren Earps brother, Morgan, was shot and killed in Tombstone late last night. Warren has asked that you include his family in your prayers at service this morning." </p><p></p><p>She responds, "I am very sorry to hear this Senor. Of course, I will provide what comfort that I can. Will Senor Earp be at services this morning?" He says, “No Priestess, A rider from Tombstone arrived at dawn to inform Warren of his brothers death and he is riding alongside the morning stagecoach to Tombstone to go and be with his other family members." </p><p></p><p>She says, "Please give him my condolences when you see him Senor. I will pray for him and his family as well as for the soul of Morgan." Minerva bids the Deputy a good day and closes the door to finish getting ready. She scoops up a large tapestry and an equally bulky pillow along with other assorted items she will need for the service. Struggling with the unwieldy load she peaks over the top and notices the paper she has scribbled her sermon on. " Don't want to forget that!" She chuckles as she reaches from behind her pile to grab it. Juggling the bulky load she makes her way carefully down the stairs and over to the town hall with Luna in her wake. </p><p></p><p>Trisha wakes at sunup to find Simon gone. She sits straight up in bed, looking around the room. His clothes are gone, and hers - strewn all over the floor when she fell asleep last night - have been neatly folded on top of her trunk. Simon can't stand a mess. He's never done this before. They've spent the night together a few times in the past couple of months, and it's always been Trisha who disappeared before morning, hurrying to be home before the ranch hands started to get up for early-morning chores. </p><p></p><p>Miserably, Trisha wraps the bed sheet around her, and puts her feet on the floor. Later, after she's washed and dressed, she sits in the kitchen of the Lucky Lady, drinking a glass of water and picking at a slice of dry bread, staring unhappily at nothing in particular. </p><p></p><p>Jake wakes early and just holds Ruby for while, being careful of her tender shoulder. Eventually Ruby stirs and opens a sleepy eye with a yawn, "You're up too early." "I told Minerva I'd be at service today." He replies, "I didn't expect that I'd be up all night long at the time, but I did tell her I'd be there. I should go soon." Jake pushes some stray hairs away from her eyes, "You can go back to sleep." </p><p></p><p>"I don't want you to leave me, Jake." Ruby pushes her face against Jake's neck. "I don't think the way she asked everyone was very nice. It's one thing to do a favor but..." Ruby's voice trails off as she wraps her arms around Jake squeezing him tight into a hug. "Oooww," she winces at the movement of her shoulder and lets out a long breath, but doesn't let go. "Don't leave, please..." she says with a sleepy smile. </p><p></p><p>Ruby looks into Jake's eyes and sees that her efforts will be fruitless. "I know, Silver Jake Cook stands by his friends," she says flatly. She lets go of him and rolls to the edge of the bed, throwing her legs over. She rubs her sleepy eyes and touches the floor with her toes, lightly swinging her legs back and forth. "I guess I'll just go about my day. I don't think I could fall back asleep now anyway, especially if you're not here, although I still feel pretty weak. Nanuet said it would take a while to be back to normal, he said I lost a lot of blood." </p><p></p><p>I don't remember how she asked." Jake rubs his eyes to get the sleep out of them. "I do remember that she walked the streets of Promise City helping me look for you the night that Eastman caused all the trouble, and then she ran out into the desert to fight Cowboys and get Nanuet and Chester. Wasn't you who told me she was all right?" He gets up and walks to the table that is home to the decanters of alcohol and pours himself a double whiskey. "This will make the sermon a bit better. I've gone to church over far less than that." He looks up at nothing and then chuckles before his face turns serious again. "Is something bothering you?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby quickly starts rambling, "Yes, I told you I liked her and I do. But what she said was, 'I did this for you, now do this for me'. Friends don't do that. We didn't force her to come. I heard her sermon last week was about building the church. Who cares about the church? I said I would help her with her festival, isn't that enough? I told you I don't believe..." Ruby hesitates slightly before continuing, "...in your gods." </p><p></p><p>"My gods," Jake snorts a laugh, "yes they often consult me for advice. Look I don't really care if you believe or not." He pauses with a smile, "I believe in you, that's enough for me." He walks over and pulls her standing to give her an embrace. </p><p></p><p>Ruby continues to stretch her legs and run her toes on the floor, watching her feet as she talks. "What's wrong? Well, I almost died yesterday and I don't want to be alone." Ruby finally stops kicking her legs and slides off the bed slowly. "You'd better hurry, you'll be late." </p><p></p><p>He says, "I'll be quick about it and come back. I can understand that yesterday was difficult." He pulls up her face with his finger under her chin and gives her a kiss. "Play with the dogs or something, and I'll be back in no time." When they are finished Jake gets dressed and armed and heads over to hear Minerva’s sermon. </p><p></p><p>Quite early, Trisha gets up and walks to the Town Hall to hear Minerva speak. By the time she gets there, the place is already filling up, but she manages to get a seat near the back. She glances around a bit desperately, but can't see Simon, or indeed anyone she knows. She sits, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees, staring at the floor. But she is so absorbed in her own thoughts that she is unlikely to hear a word of Minerva's sermon.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813703, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 97, “The Complication“, Saturday, March 18th , 1882, 11:30 P.M. [/B] Nanuet and Chester spent the evening watching over things at the Lucky Lady and keeping each other company. It was not long after the patrons left when Nanuet felt the need for rest. He bid Chester a good night and made his way to the grove. Yes, there was a storm but he felt that he needed to be out of doors with no roof over his head tonight. "Ruby would probably have something to say if she saw me outside tonight." he said laughing softly. He wrapped himself in a blanket, covering his head and made his way to the nearby grove. He found a sheltered spot and made himself as comfortable as he could and then commenced his reverie. Tonight’s would be an interesting one with all of the days events to consider. Several hours later Nanuet is awakened from his trance by a tremendous thunderclap nearby. He quickly gets to his feet and exits the grove looking to see if the lightning had struck any buildings, as it certainly had been close enough. Seeing that the town was apparently untouched he turned inward to his own thoughts. It was now a new day, but the sun had not yet risen. Sunday, the day that those who worshipped the Greek and Roman Gods had chosen for their day of worship to their Gods. If that was the day they had chosen it was certainly good enough for him. Nanuet made his way back into the grove and fell to his knees and prayed. He prayed for the spirits of those men who had fallen yesterday, prayed for the health and safety of his friends and prayed for the continued guidance of his ancestors. At the sound of the lightning bolt almost hitting the El Parador Chester wakes up in his room at the Lucky Lady. A nightmare about a Gatling gun killing all his friends flits from his memory. Sleep doesn't return, so he quietly walks down the stairs to the kitchen to get a glass of water. On his way there, he changes his mind and stops at the bar. Chester pours himself some whiskey and sits at one of the tables. He says, "Martin, you were a damn fool to let yourself get caught by the cowboys. After the gunfight you shouldn't have taken the road. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Nanuet and the others could've been killed. Lucky the cowboys' guard was down. And now there's going to be a war. Though, how many cowboys can there be? We're all going to have to be much more careful in the days to come." He sits in silence until sunrise, sipping at the whiskey. It's almost midnight when, holding hands, Trisha and Simon emerge from the Alhambra. She is quite small and slight, and he tall and slim, with dark hair. They take their time getting back to the Lucky Lady, talking quietly as they walk. They reach the door of the Lucky Lady, and Trisha suddenly grips Simon's arm, holding him back. "I don't think this is such a good idea," she says, "us just walking right in. What if somebody sees?" "I thought your Pa's friends were going to be asleep by now," Simon says. "Aren't they the only ones that know who you are?" "Ye-es," says Trisha, "but... Oh, maybe I'm just being stupid." She takes a deep breath, holds onto Simon's hand, and pushes open the door of the Lucky Lady. The saloon is empty other than the man called Harry who is busy moping the floor. He glances to the door and says "I was told not to lock up until after you came back Miss Shaw. Who's your friend?" Trisha blinks, stutters, and almost bolts, but Simon holds onto her hand tightly, and she glances back at him for reassurance. No more sneaking around, she thinks, and draws her up. "This is my - " she looks back at him again " - fiancé, Simon Taylor." "Taylor...any relation to Scott Taylor, the bank teller?" Simon says, "Err, probably not." Harry says, "Well, welcome to the Lucky Lady. Nice of you to escort Miss. Shaw back." Harry grabs a tray and picks up some glasses over at the table near the stage. He then heads off into the kitchen with the tray. Trisha points Simon upstairs. "Quick," she says, "While he's in the kitchen. But be quiet." Simon heads over to the staircase and makes his way upstairs, quickly getting to the second floor. Tricia follows and is halfway up when Harry returns. "Did you young man leave?" he asks. "Yeah," says Trisha, "he's got quite a walk home. And I'm beat - good night, Harry. Thanks for waiting up." She smiles at him, and heads upstairs. Not too long after she fell asleep, Ruby woke. Her throat was dry and she still had no energy. Jake hadn't returned yet, so Ruby drags herself slowly out of bed. She throws on his shirt, barely buttons it, and then starts stumbling her way downstairs. Half way down she bumps into a strange man. Sleepily, eyes half closed she asks quietly, "Who are you?" Simon actually stumbles down a step, completely surprised. "I... uh..." he stammers. Ruby hears a quiet voice whisper, "Simon?" Then Trisha Shaw appears out of the darkness. She sees Ruby, and gasps, grabs at Simon's arm, and tries to usher him further up the stairs. He doesn't move. "Um... evening, Miss West," says Trisha in a low voice, trying not to be heard by Harry. "Tricia," Ruby nods at the woman. "Is this your complication?" she asks with a yawn. She tries to stifle it by putting her hand to her mouth, not noticing Jake's shirt rising dangerous high on her. "Uh...." Trisha squeezes Simon's arm tighter. "....yeah. This is Simon." "Hi Simon. Ruby," she says while removing her hand from her still yawning mouth and stretching it to him. "Have you seen Jake yet? It's so late." Simon, looking stunned, takes Ruby's hand and shakes it absently, looking in bewilderment at Trisha, who's stumbling over her words. "I... we... um... we just got here. Didn't see him downstairs. Harry's locking up." She pauses, then says, "How's your arm?" All the while, she's trying to lead a reluctant Simon around Ruby and up the stairs. It hurts." Ruby touches her shoulder, like she had almost forgotten. "Hum..." she furrows her brows and talks to herself, "Where is he?" She looks back at the nervous looking pair. "Simon, is there something wrong?" Simon jumps when Ruby speaks to him: "What? Me? No!" He looks down at Trisha, who is still holding onto his hand. "I just... it's been a kind of tense night," he finishes, smiling at her. "I just want to get to bed," says Trisha. Their eyes meet, and Simon leans in to kiss her. She closes her eyes. "That's better," he says, as he pulls away. Now, seeming more composed, he follows Trisha past Ruby and a couple of steps up. Trisha stops to turn. "You should get some rest, Miss West," says Trisha. "I'm sure Jake isn’t wandered far." Now Simon is leading Trisha further up. "Feel better, miss," he says to Ruby. "Sure." Ruby seems distracted, already looking down the stairs. Her eyes are still trying to close on her and she is struggling to stay upright. "Good night," she says without a second glance at the couple. Trisha leads Simon to her room and ushers him inside, but doesn't go in, instead leaning against the doorframe and watching him unbutton his shirt, smiling. "What?" he says. "Nothing," she replies. "Look, you hole up in here. I'm going to talk to Miss West. I won't be long." She closes the door on him as he's pulling off his shirt, and quietly walks back downstairs. Ruby grabs onto the railing, holding her up as she walks. Ruby finally makes it downstairs, although wobbly. She gets to the kitchen, and makes herself some water. A moment later two little fur balls attack her legs and she has to grab the table to not topple over. She sits on the floor and lets the puppies lick and kiss her as she pets them. "Hello babies," she smiles at each of them. "Who would have taken care of you if I didn't make it back?" Trisha sees Ruby playing with a pair of puppies. She sits at the table, resting her chin in her hands. Ruby looks up from her fur balls. "I thought you were going to bed with your complication..." Ruby looks up at Tricia with a tired smile. "I am," says Trisha. "In a minute." She grasps for a reason to have come down, just for a moment. "I wanted to see if you were okay," she says. "What's ok? My shoulder hurts, but it will heal. For the second time in my life I almost died for real. But this time was different, this time I had reasons to want to make it." She looks at the puppies blissfully jumping all over her as she stretches her long legs out. "Jake hates them." Ruby smiles, "The puppies that is." "They're cute," says Trisha, reaching out to pet one. "I love dogs." "They are cute. I always wanted a puppy but never stayed around anywhere long enough to have a place for one. The white one is Lucky the black one is Mischief." Ruby laughs,” I tried to run, twice since I been here. But Jake wouldn't let me." She continues to pet the dogs, Lucky taking a spot on her lap, while Mischief starts over towards Tricia. Tricia, smiles. "I know what you mean," she says, "about having a reason to live. I got Simon now. You know, this ain't like Ellen and Paul, fooling around when Pa's out. I'm gonna marry him." Ruby replies, "Marry Simon, huh? He's cute enough. But why do you want to get married?" Trisha takes Mischief into her lap and pets him thoughtfully. "It's the only way I can get away from my Pa," she says after a long while. "As long as I depend on Pa, I can't be my own woman. Simon's not like him. He'd let me live my own life." Ruby smiles at Tricia. "You and I have two VERY different views of marriage. Marriage is a trap, not an escape. You should just stand up for yourself and leave your father, that's being your own woman. Why you would want a man to own you I have no idea." Ruby shrugs then leans over and gives Lucky a kiss. "Even the right man." "That's what you think? It's about ownership?" Trisha smiles wistfully. "You never met my Ma. If you had, you couldn't ever say marriage was a trap. Even married to my Pa - and you know him, he's the most controlling man in the world - even married to him, she was a free spirit right up to the day she died. You just ask my Pa some time." Trisha pets Mischief a little more and puts him back on the ground: "You go back to your Mama now, little fella." Then she gets up, yawning. "I better get back to my man," she says. "Good night, Miss West." And, staggering a little, she walks back upstairs, opens her bedroom door, and finds Simon, his shirt unbuttoned, sitting on the bed looking out of the window. She shuts the door, draws the shade, and goes to him. Ruby watches Tricia walk away and shakes her head. She had seen enough in the world to know that marriage was not a dream and certainly not a salvation. She had known very few people who even kept to their vows. She had surprised herself with the momentary insane thought of what it would be like to marry Jake. Ruby knew Jake never intended to get married and neither did she. Ruby rises warily from the floor and finishes her water. At that moment Jake comes in the back door, only in his pants. She looks at him curiously. "What are you doing out of bed?" Jake asks. "I just needed a drin... what are you doing outside with no shirt?" "Using the outhouse, is that ok with you?" he replies with a chuckle. "Oh, right. I'm just really tired." Jake notices Ruby's eyes are starting to close. He gets her another glass of water and helps her back upstairs, puppies in tow. They fall into bed with out a word and both of them are asleep before their heads hit the pillow. Minerva awakens at sunrise when Luna flutters through the open window. She stretches and yawns enjoying the the cool breeze that flutters against her bare skin. Still a bit tired and sore from the stress of the previous day she rises and dresses for morning services. It does not take long to slip into the simple white robe and as she is cinching the golden cord around her waist she hears a knock on the door. She is surprised to see Deputy Marshall Eduardo Rodriguez standing on the other side wearing a grim expression and holding his hat in his hands. "I am sorry to disturb you Priestess, but I have some terrible news. Warren Earps brother, Morgan, was shot and killed in Tombstone late last night. Warren has asked that you include his family in your prayers at service this morning." She responds, "I am very sorry to hear this Senor. Of course, I will provide what comfort that I can. Will Senor Earp be at services this morning?" He says, “No Priestess, A rider from Tombstone arrived at dawn to inform Warren of his brothers death and he is riding alongside the morning stagecoach to Tombstone to go and be with his other family members." She says, "Please give him my condolences when you see him Senor. I will pray for him and his family as well as for the soul of Morgan." Minerva bids the Deputy a good day and closes the door to finish getting ready. She scoops up a large tapestry and an equally bulky pillow along with other assorted items she will need for the service. Struggling with the unwieldy load she peaks over the top and notices the paper she has scribbled her sermon on. " Don't want to forget that!" She chuckles as she reaches from behind her pile to grab it. Juggling the bulky load she makes her way carefully down the stairs and over to the town hall with Luna in her wake. Trisha wakes at sunup to find Simon gone. She sits straight up in bed, looking around the room. His clothes are gone, and hers - strewn all over the floor when she fell asleep last night - have been neatly folded on top of her trunk. Simon can't stand a mess. He's never done this before. They've spent the night together a few times in the past couple of months, and it's always been Trisha who disappeared before morning, hurrying to be home before the ranch hands started to get up for early-morning chores. Miserably, Trisha wraps the bed sheet around her, and puts her feet on the floor. Later, after she's washed and dressed, she sits in the kitchen of the Lucky Lady, drinking a glass of water and picking at a slice of dry bread, staring unhappily at nothing in particular. Jake wakes early and just holds Ruby for while, being careful of her tender shoulder. Eventually Ruby stirs and opens a sleepy eye with a yawn, "You're up too early." "I told Minerva I'd be at service today." He replies, "I didn't expect that I'd be up all night long at the time, but I did tell her I'd be there. I should go soon." Jake pushes some stray hairs away from her eyes, "You can go back to sleep." "I don't want you to leave me, Jake." Ruby pushes her face against Jake's neck. "I don't think the way she asked everyone was very nice. It's one thing to do a favor but..." Ruby's voice trails off as she wraps her arms around Jake squeezing him tight into a hug. "Oooww," she winces at the movement of her shoulder and lets out a long breath, but doesn't let go. "Don't leave, please..." she says with a sleepy smile. Ruby looks into Jake's eyes and sees that her efforts will be fruitless. "I know, Silver Jake Cook stands by his friends," she says flatly. She lets go of him and rolls to the edge of the bed, throwing her legs over. She rubs her sleepy eyes and touches the floor with her toes, lightly swinging her legs back and forth. "I guess I'll just go about my day. I don't think I could fall back asleep now anyway, especially if you're not here, although I still feel pretty weak. Nanuet said it would take a while to be back to normal, he said I lost a lot of blood." I don't remember how she asked." Jake rubs his eyes to get the sleep out of them. "I do remember that she walked the streets of Promise City helping me look for you the night that Eastman caused all the trouble, and then she ran out into the desert to fight Cowboys and get Nanuet and Chester. Wasn't you who told me she was all right?" He gets up and walks to the table that is home to the decanters of alcohol and pours himself a double whiskey. "This will make the sermon a bit better. I've gone to church over far less than that." He looks up at nothing and then chuckles before his face turns serious again. "Is something bothering you?" Ruby quickly starts rambling, "Yes, I told you I liked her and I do. But what she said was, 'I did this for you, now do this for me'. Friends don't do that. We didn't force her to come. I heard her sermon last week was about building the church. Who cares about the church? I said I would help her with her festival, isn't that enough? I told you I don't believe..." Ruby hesitates slightly before continuing, "...in your gods." "My gods," Jake snorts a laugh, "yes they often consult me for advice. Look I don't really care if you believe or not." He pauses with a smile, "I believe in you, that's enough for me." He walks over and pulls her standing to give her an embrace. Ruby continues to stretch her legs and run her toes on the floor, watching her feet as she talks. "What's wrong? Well, I almost died yesterday and I don't want to be alone." Ruby finally stops kicking her legs and slides off the bed slowly. "You'd better hurry, you'll be late." He says, "I'll be quick about it and come back. I can understand that yesterday was difficult." He pulls up her face with his finger under her chin and gives her a kiss. "Play with the dogs or something, and I'll be back in no time." When they are finished Jake gets dressed and armed and heads over to hear Minerva’s sermon. Quite early, Trisha gets up and walks to the Town Hall to hear Minerva speak. By the time she gets there, the place is already filling up, but she manages to get a seat near the back. She glances around a bit desperately, but can't see Simon, or indeed anyone she knows. She sits, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees, staring at the floor. But she is so absorbed in her own thoughts that she is unlikely to hear a word of Minerva's sermon. [/QUOTE]
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