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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2828717" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 123, “Star Gazing”, Monday, March 20th, 1882, 6:30 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>When the meal at the Alhambra is finished Chester arrives at their table and they go over to the Lucky Lady together. Nanuet smiles and lightly squeezes Minerva's hand as they get up to leave. He says, "I am sorry if I seem nervous this evening. I have a few things to sort out and... well I just can't seem to think straight around you. You are a captivating woman in many ways." </p><p></p><p>Minerva lowers her lashes in what appears to be modesty, as she attempts to hide her own vulnerable feelings. ‘Captivating‘ Minerva thinks. What an appropriate word for how I feel. I do feel like a prisoner, for these are not feelings that I would choose freely. I have never felt this fluttering before and I can not seem to reason clearly. I do not care to be led by emotion or by the gods for that matter, and would feel much better if I could be sure that these feelings were true and not brought on by circumstance." </p><p></p><p>She looks back up at Nanuet and her eyes soften in affection as she smiles demurely and murmurs,” Yes, It seems that I have a few things to sort out also." </p><p></p><p>They arrive at the Lucky Lady. Nanuet checks in and tends to any chores that need to be done. Before doing so he makes sure that Minerva is comfortable and gets her a drink. Nanuet tries to be brisk in his duties and finds himself going out of his way to keep an eye on Minerva. As his work is nearly done he calls out to Chester that he needs a hand with something quickly. </p><p></p><p>Minerva sits at the table sipping her drink, perhaps a little to quickly, and attempts to strike up a conversation with Clarisse. She talks about Chester, putting in a good word or two for him, telling Clarisse how dependable and thoughtful he is "He is such a gentleman to have brought you flowers.... and doesn't he look handsome this evening, all gussied up in his suit." They discuss his new position as Deputy Marshall, which Clarisse seems much impressed with, and go on to talk about more neutral topics such as the new church and the festival coming up. </p><p></p><p>It seems like Minerva is doing most of the talking and eventually the conversation tapers off. Minerva keeps looking toward the back room where Chester and Nanuet have disappeared and finally getting too fidgety to sit any longer she makes her excuses to Clarisse and goes outside to stand on the porch and gaze at the stars. As she does so Luna spots her and swoops down to keep her company.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Chet, come here for a minute please, I need a hand with something." "Sure, be right there. Excuse me for just a moment Clarisse, I am sure this won't take long." Nanuet walks to the stock room and Chester follows. Nanuet waits for Chester before lifting a large crate. "Thanks for the hand, I really just wanted to ask you how things were going with Clarisse."</p><p></p><p>Chester replies "Well, we have only been on a few dates, but I think it is going well. She is a young girl looking for a respectable man and me being deputy now should work in my favor. Thanks for helping me out with the chaperoning tonight. So what's going on with you and Minerva, you seem to be spending quite a bit of time together. I saw you looking at her at dinner. And what about Sonoma?" </p><p></p><p>"What about Sonoma?" Nanuet snapped, then sighed. "Sorry Chet, forgive me. It's been a long day." Nanuet begins to unpack the crate and organize his thoughts before continuing. "The way I saw it, nothing between Sonoma and I never really evolved. She has her mind on many other things, or so I thought. I had thought that it wasn't working out between us and had been keeping my distance to not cause problems, she however had just been doing what she thought I wanted and working hard on the ranch. </p><p></p><p>You should take a ride out sometime, it is really something to see now. Anyways, she still has feelings for me, or at least she did earlier today. I didn't know what to expect, but certainly not that. I, well I think I have some sort of bond with Minerva. I like her, we seem to complement each other well. Not sure where it will lead, but I think I would like to explore the options. If it is OK with you and your date is over I think Minerva and I are going to go for a stroll now. Thanks for the help." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet returns out of the back room to see Clarisse sitting alone and Minerva nowhere to be found. "She went outside, on the porch I think, to get some air." Clarisse says in a sweet voice. </p><p>"Thanks, I know you have to sing tonight so Minerva and I are going to go catch up on some things. I hope you and Chester had a nice evening." Nanuet straightens his clothes and grabs a flower from a vase on the bar. "Ruby's touch I am sure he thinks. He breaks the stem off so that it is only a few inches long and then heads out to the porch. Nanuet watches Minerva through the door way for a moment then steps outside. </p><p></p><p>Following her set of songs Clarisse returns to Chester's table. Before they engage in conversation Harry Rote, who had been the accompanist on piano comes over. He says to Clarisse "That was wonderful. I'm sorry that you were so limited by having to sing the few songs that I can play." She smiles back at him and says, "There is nothing to apologize for Harry, you're new at this, and you've great expanded your repertoire considerably in just the past week." He replies, "Just the past few days actually. With Helen Barker out of town Stanley has been able to spend most of yesterday and today teaching these to me. I've only been able to pay him for my regular one-hour lesson but he doesn't mind spending the extra time. I think he's feeling more than a little guilty about not being able to play here anymore."</p><p></p><p>"We won't tell Mrs. Barker about any of that will we, Miss Townsend?" Chester says to Harry, "Your secret is safe with us, Harry. She's not someone to have mad at you." Harry chuckles, "You're right about that, Chester. Or should I say, Deputy Martin." Chester replies, "Hey. We've known each other long enough not to be formal." </p><p></p><p>Clarisse says, "Have you asked Mrs. Kale for some lessons? She knows quite a lot about music. She favors classical music, but some of the customers like the change of pace." "I'll ask her the next time I see her." Harry goes back on stage to play some lively bar songs. Chester leans closer to Clarisse. "Have I ever told you that your singing was first thing that got me to notice you?" </p><p>She replies, "No, you haven't. It seems like being a Marshall agrees with you, Mr. Martin. You look happier and more sure of yourself." </p><p></p><p>"I do? Hmm. Must be because I can do some good here in town. The Cowboys are getting more and more dangerous. I need to see that my friends will be safe. Are you going to sing some more? I could spend the whole night listening to you." Clarisse giggles, "You're too kind. I'll go back up, but for now let's just talk."</p><p></p><p>Outside, Nanuet approaches Minerva and says, "Here, I thought this might go well with your dress, you can put it in your hair." He reaches to tuck the flower behind her hair. "Ready for that walk we talked about earlier?" Minerva reaches up and gently touches the flower in her hair. "Oh! How sweet." she says, surprised by the gesture. "No one has ever given me a flower. Gracias." She tucks her arm companionably in his and they set out on their stroll through the streets of Promise City‘s music and laughter can be heard through the swinging doors of the saloons as they head for the edge of town.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet states, "So, today has been an eventful day. This is a good way to end it. A stroll through a peaceful town with a beautiful woman on my arm. The stars are always out around here and seem so close. Sometimes I feel as though I could reach out and grab one."</p><p></p><p>Minerva gives Nanuet an amused look, "Since this is one of the few days since I've moved here that I haven't been involved in a gunfight or a rescue mission or had to calm a hysterical cowboy while we searched for his missing lover I would say that today has been pleasantly un-eventful." </p><p>She looks up at the twinkling stars of the night sky. "If you look at the constellations you can see the gods sitting among the stars. Is it true that in your culture your ancestors watch you from above also?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "It is my personal belief that they do watch from above, yes. Can you show me any constellations? I have used the stars to guide me on several occasions, but I have never seen the Gods among them."</p><p></p><p>Mineva stops walking and positions Nanuet in the direction that she wants him to look. She lays one hand on his back and leans her head in close beside his so that they are looking at the same spot in the sky. She looks to the heavens and begins pointing out the most obvious objects. </p><p>"Do you see that bright object up there? That is Mercury, he is the speedy messenger god and moves very fast through the sky delivering his messages. He is the one that Senor Jake honors as Hermes. And sitting in the heavens over there, the big blood-red one, that is Mars. He is the god of war. I'm sure that he is having himself a grand time with the cowboy gang and the Earps." She says without humor. </p><p></p><p>"And way up there, do you see it? "She tilts her head way back, exposing her slender neck, and stretching upwards points high in the sky. "The one that shines most brightly of all?" She leans in closer to guide him, causing his head to angle in the direction that she is pointing. She is unaware of the affect that she is having as, her soft, fragrant hair brushes his face. </p><p></p><p>Her voice takes on a soft reverent tone. "She is Venus, The goddess of love and beauty. Of all the gods and goddesses in the heavens, she is the most powerful for she is never distracted from her duties and thinks of nothing but love..." Almost to herself, Mineva continues "and the one to be feared most.. for the quickest way to the soul is through the heart.” She says unconsciously, placing her hand over her heart.. "You can be certain that if she should instruct her son, Cupid, to target you with his arrow, that his aim will be true." </p><p></p><p>Minerva grows silent, suddenly aware of the darkness and Nanuet's closeness, but she does not move away. Instead she stands silently under the desert stars and as she gazes up at the goddess of love, she ponders the power of her gods and the man who stands beside her. Nanuet lowers his head and turns around slowly, his face only inches from Minerva's. He looks into her eyes and he speaks softly, barely above a whisper. "So the Gods control even who we love? Is it possible to fall in love without the Gods intervention?"</p><p></p><p>Minerva turns into his embrace and with a tremor in her voice whispers uncertainly, "I do not know." She holds his eyes with her own. "For I have never loved before..." she almost says "now." but catches herself before the thought escapes. She shakes her head and with more conviction softly continues, "No, I will not believe it. The gods can not force me to love, they are only allowed to show me the love that is before me." </p><p></p><p>"Do you not believe in fate, Nanuet? The gods are. We cannot change their will anymore than we can breath without air. We can only choose to accept or deny the path that they place before us."</p><p>"I do believe in fate, yes." Nanuet says, then turns his head to the side. "I... I just am a little overwhelmed at the moment. Let's not kid ourselves, there is definitely something growing between us, and I do want to explore the possibilities, believe me. It's just that you made me think with what you said about the Gods and Cupid's arrow. Let's keep walking and I can try and explain." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet offers his hand to Minerva before he begins walking. "When I first came to this town I was lonely. I came here to take care of something, something that I had been pursuing for a long time.” Minerva notices the haunted look in his eyes. </p><p></p><p>He continues, “Then once the task was completed, I realized how empty my life really was and how alone I was. I sought companionship with Sonoma, the young wood elf that resides at the ranch now and works at the Lucky Lady sometimes. I courted her, and while it all started out OK, it soon withered, or so I thought. She seemed preoccupied with working on the ranch and I thought that the relationship just didn't work out. I moved on and filled my time with helping my new friends and with our adventures." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet stops and glances at Minerva, "Are you with me so far?" Minerva nods so Nanuet continues. "With the recent events between us, the healing you performed on me, your dream, and the sharing of your past I know a bond is forming between us.” She states, "But, I felt the bond when I first saw you, before everything that happened. It is why I followed you to the cowboy ranch. It's what caused me to cure you beyond my abilities.” </p><p></p><p>He says, “Earlier today I went to speak with Sonoma, just a friendly gesture. It did not go as planned. She still has feelings for me and I was surprised to find that out, as she have never before displayed them that I could recall. I let her know that I wanted to remain friends but not pursue anything else romantically." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet stops his steps and again looks into Minerva's eyes. "So, it is your comment about the Gods and Cupid's aim being true that has sent my head spinning a bit. I do not want to anger the Gods or fight against their will, but at the same time I think I have moved on and no longer have a romantic interest in Sonoma. My change in feelings had occurred before we had even met and today was just a chance to express that to her, although the timing seems interesting, perhaps just a coincidence. I am just not sure what to do at this point. I know I am blabbering on now."</p><p></p><p>She sighs in confusion and growing frustration as she tries to explain, "So much has happened so quickly. . I am so confused...I have never felt this way and I do not like or recognize these feelings that I have for you. They are so strange and quite unsettling to me," she says turning away, clenching her fists as she talks into the empty sky. </p><p></p><p>"I did not come to Promise City in search of romance. I was content with my own company. I knew my purpose. And now the goddess has led me here, I do not know for what purpose.” She turns and looks at him, the uncertainty apparent in her eyes. "Don't you see, I know that I must trust her, but she's not being very clear, and well, damn it! I have no experience in these matters and I just don't know what I'm supposed to do with these feelings!" </p><p></p><p>Minerva turns away again and stares into the night struggling to regain her composure. "By the goddess I am blathering like an idiot! she thinks. Embarrassed by her outburst she turns back to Nanuet and attempts to lighten the situation. " I am fairly certain that the gods will not punish you for no longer having a romantic interest in Sonoma. I do not think that Romantic interests are the same as love are they? "As I said, I have no experience in this area. Perhaps we should seek council from Ruby when she returns from Tombstone. I am sure she would know the answer."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet stands, shocked by Minerva's outburst. He tries to react, to answer and respond to the questions and comments as they come flying from the woman's lips, but she keeps going, even clenching her fists at points. Finally she calms and turns back to him. Nanuet refrains from moving to comfort her, not wanting to confuse things more. Instead he tries to keep the mood light and talks. </p><p></p><p>"No, certainly not the same as love. That is something I have yet to experience as well. It scares me to think that Ruby may be the one that we should seek council from but I suppose you are right, she may have some insight into this. In the meantime, I see nothing wrong with enjoying each other's company. Shall we walk?"</p><p></p><p>Minerva, nods relieved that Nanuet did not come right out and call her a crazy woman. Gods, what had come over her? Well perhaps, she was crazy, but with everything that happened in the last few days it was certainly understandable if she was losing her mind! She takes the arm that Nanuet offers and walks beside him in silence.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Minerva walk together arm in arm in a comfortable silence for quite some time. </p><p></p><p>"Well, I am not sure I have ever really been over in this area before. Time to head back I think, I'll walk you back to the boarding house." They continue to walk leisurely, sharing some light conversations, discussing Minerva's plan for the upcoming festival, Nanuet's lack of plans for his future, and other goings on. </p><p></p><p>"Well, we're here. Another day gone by. Have a pleasant sleep Miss Florencia, perhaps we can share a meal tomorrow? I have to visit Miss Kate, have a favor to ask her, but other than that don't really have any plans. Keep an eye on things for Jake and Ruby I guess, nothing too taxing."</p><p>Minerva smiles up at Nanuet and bids him a good night reassuring him that she had a lovely evening and will see him tomorrow. </p><p></p><p>She climbs the stairs to her room and shutting the door behind her with a fire in her eyes stomps over to the icons on the dresser and demands "I don't know what you have in mind for me goddess, but I have made an utter fool of myself this evening and am none the wiser for it. I do not understand these turbulent feelings. nor do I like them! I would appreciate a little more clarity from you." She sighs heavily and plops down on the bed. "It's times like this that I wish I had a mother to talk to." she moans. </p><p></p><p>She strips off her dress and crawls under the covers but She soon realizes that with all this self pity and confusion running around her head that sleep is impossible. She gets back up and throwing on a loose fitting robe sneaks back down the stairs and into the yard, where she practices with her rapier until the goddess Aurora arrives to puts out the stars. She pushes herself hard, clearing her mind of all thought as she focuses on the fencing positions. 1st, 2nd, ....Finally, exhausted and panting, beads of sweat shimmering on her brow she drags herself back up the stairs, drops her clothes to the floor and falls into the bed.</p><p></p><p>After escorting Minerva home, Nanuet passes by the Lucky Lady to make sure things are OK. Once that is done he decides to spend the night at the grove. He calls to Maska, preferring not to be alone. "So girl, what do you think? I think I am crazy too. I got kissed by someone I didn't expect to today, and didn't kiss the one I really wanted to. Irony." Nanuet talks with Maska at some length, trying to sort out his thoughts before doing his usual reverie.</p><p></p><p>At the Lucky Lady, Chester and Clarisse chat for a half-hour, mostly upon his and her reflections of the town and the people living in it. She appears to be immensely proud to be seen with the new Sheriff. She says, "I have one more set to sing here then have to head over to the Comique. I had tonight off but Al asked me to sing a few songs there to finish up the night."</p><p></p><p>He says, "I'll be glad to escort you over there. I can think of no better place than to be with you." Clarisse sings to loud and boisterous applause. She thanks Harry for accompanying her and leaves the stage. "That was great. They really like you out there. Take a breath before you go over to the Comique." She sits for a while. "I'm alright now. Let's go. I don't want to keep them waiting." </p><p></p><p>Chester takes her arm in his. "What a wonderful night. A beautiful woman at my side who sings her heart out. A job I can feel proud of. It can't get any better than this." Clarisse sings a larger set of songs at the Comique. At her break Chester walks over to the stage with a glass of water. "Here you go, Miss Townsend." She takes a long drink. "Thank you Mr. Martin. I can't wait until Harry can play these tunes. A variety is more interesting for me and the customers." "Well I think they're plenty interested. I'll see you back to the Hotel when you're done." </p><p></p><p>When Clarisse finishes performing, Chester walks her home. They stop at the front door. "I had a lovely evening. Can I call you Clarisse? Miss Townsend is so formal. You can call me Chester, but my friends call me Chet." "I had a wonderful time, too... Chet. Good night." "When I find out my schedule, then I can set up another date. Would you be interested?" "Yes, I would. Try not to get tangled up with those Cowboys again." </p><p></p><p>"I can't make any promises, but I'll try." Chester leans in and kisses her. he wraps her in his arms and they stand there for a minute. Finally she pulls away. "I hope I wasn't being too forward." "Oh no. No one's ever kissed me like that before. It felt very nice. If I can't feel safe with a Deputy Marshall, who can I feel safe with? I must go before my cousin wonders where I am." She reluctantly lets go of Chester's hand before going inside. Chester goes home to sleep with a big grin on his face.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2828717, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 123, “Star Gazing”, Monday, March 20th, 1882, 6:30 P.M.[/B] When the meal at the Alhambra is finished Chester arrives at their table and they go over to the Lucky Lady together. Nanuet smiles and lightly squeezes Minerva's hand as they get up to leave. He says, "I am sorry if I seem nervous this evening. I have a few things to sort out and... well I just can't seem to think straight around you. You are a captivating woman in many ways." Minerva lowers her lashes in what appears to be modesty, as she attempts to hide her own vulnerable feelings. ‘Captivating‘ Minerva thinks. What an appropriate word for how I feel. I do feel like a prisoner, for these are not feelings that I would choose freely. I have never felt this fluttering before and I can not seem to reason clearly. I do not care to be led by emotion or by the gods for that matter, and would feel much better if I could be sure that these feelings were true and not brought on by circumstance." She looks back up at Nanuet and her eyes soften in affection as she smiles demurely and murmurs,” Yes, It seems that I have a few things to sort out also." They arrive at the Lucky Lady. Nanuet checks in and tends to any chores that need to be done. Before doing so he makes sure that Minerva is comfortable and gets her a drink. Nanuet tries to be brisk in his duties and finds himself going out of his way to keep an eye on Minerva. As his work is nearly done he calls out to Chester that he needs a hand with something quickly. Minerva sits at the table sipping her drink, perhaps a little to quickly, and attempts to strike up a conversation with Clarisse. She talks about Chester, putting in a good word or two for him, telling Clarisse how dependable and thoughtful he is "He is such a gentleman to have brought you flowers.... and doesn't he look handsome this evening, all gussied up in his suit." They discuss his new position as Deputy Marshall, which Clarisse seems much impressed with, and go on to talk about more neutral topics such as the new church and the festival coming up. It seems like Minerva is doing most of the talking and eventually the conversation tapers off. Minerva keeps looking toward the back room where Chester and Nanuet have disappeared and finally getting too fidgety to sit any longer she makes her excuses to Clarisse and goes outside to stand on the porch and gaze at the stars. As she does so Luna spots her and swoops down to keep her company. Nanuet says, "Chet, come here for a minute please, I need a hand with something." "Sure, be right there. Excuse me for just a moment Clarisse, I am sure this won't take long." Nanuet walks to the stock room and Chester follows. Nanuet waits for Chester before lifting a large crate. "Thanks for the hand, I really just wanted to ask you how things were going with Clarisse." Chester replies "Well, we have only been on a few dates, but I think it is going well. She is a young girl looking for a respectable man and me being deputy now should work in my favor. Thanks for helping me out with the chaperoning tonight. So what's going on with you and Minerva, you seem to be spending quite a bit of time together. I saw you looking at her at dinner. And what about Sonoma?" "What about Sonoma?" Nanuet snapped, then sighed. "Sorry Chet, forgive me. It's been a long day." Nanuet begins to unpack the crate and organize his thoughts before continuing. "The way I saw it, nothing between Sonoma and I never really evolved. She has her mind on many other things, or so I thought. I had thought that it wasn't working out between us and had been keeping my distance to not cause problems, she however had just been doing what she thought I wanted and working hard on the ranch. You should take a ride out sometime, it is really something to see now. Anyways, she still has feelings for me, or at least she did earlier today. I didn't know what to expect, but certainly not that. I, well I think I have some sort of bond with Minerva. I like her, we seem to complement each other well. Not sure where it will lead, but I think I would like to explore the options. If it is OK with you and your date is over I think Minerva and I are going to go for a stroll now. Thanks for the help." Nanuet returns out of the back room to see Clarisse sitting alone and Minerva nowhere to be found. "She went outside, on the porch I think, to get some air." Clarisse says in a sweet voice. "Thanks, I know you have to sing tonight so Minerva and I are going to go catch up on some things. I hope you and Chester had a nice evening." Nanuet straightens his clothes and grabs a flower from a vase on the bar. "Ruby's touch I am sure he thinks. He breaks the stem off so that it is only a few inches long and then heads out to the porch. Nanuet watches Minerva through the door way for a moment then steps outside. Following her set of songs Clarisse returns to Chester's table. Before they engage in conversation Harry Rote, who had been the accompanist on piano comes over. He says to Clarisse "That was wonderful. I'm sorry that you were so limited by having to sing the few songs that I can play." She smiles back at him and says, "There is nothing to apologize for Harry, you're new at this, and you've great expanded your repertoire considerably in just the past week." He replies, "Just the past few days actually. With Helen Barker out of town Stanley has been able to spend most of yesterday and today teaching these to me. I've only been able to pay him for my regular one-hour lesson but he doesn't mind spending the extra time. I think he's feeling more than a little guilty about not being able to play here anymore." "We won't tell Mrs. Barker about any of that will we, Miss Townsend?" Chester says to Harry, "Your secret is safe with us, Harry. She's not someone to have mad at you." Harry chuckles, "You're right about that, Chester. Or should I say, Deputy Martin." Chester replies, "Hey. We've known each other long enough not to be formal." Clarisse says, "Have you asked Mrs. Kale for some lessons? She knows quite a lot about music. She favors classical music, but some of the customers like the change of pace." "I'll ask her the next time I see her." Harry goes back on stage to play some lively bar songs. Chester leans closer to Clarisse. "Have I ever told you that your singing was first thing that got me to notice you?" She replies, "No, you haven't. It seems like being a Marshall agrees with you, Mr. Martin. You look happier and more sure of yourself." "I do? Hmm. Must be because I can do some good here in town. The Cowboys are getting more and more dangerous. I need to see that my friends will be safe. Are you going to sing some more? I could spend the whole night listening to you." Clarisse giggles, "You're too kind. I'll go back up, but for now let's just talk." Outside, Nanuet approaches Minerva and says, "Here, I thought this might go well with your dress, you can put it in your hair." He reaches to tuck the flower behind her hair. "Ready for that walk we talked about earlier?" Minerva reaches up and gently touches the flower in her hair. "Oh! How sweet." she says, surprised by the gesture. "No one has ever given me a flower. Gracias." She tucks her arm companionably in his and they set out on their stroll through the streets of Promise City‘s music and laughter can be heard through the swinging doors of the saloons as they head for the edge of town. Nanuet states, "So, today has been an eventful day. This is a good way to end it. A stroll through a peaceful town with a beautiful woman on my arm. The stars are always out around here and seem so close. Sometimes I feel as though I could reach out and grab one." Minerva gives Nanuet an amused look, "Since this is one of the few days since I've moved here that I haven't been involved in a gunfight or a rescue mission or had to calm a hysterical cowboy while we searched for his missing lover I would say that today has been pleasantly un-eventful." She looks up at the twinkling stars of the night sky. "If you look at the constellations you can see the gods sitting among the stars. Is it true that in your culture your ancestors watch you from above also?" He replies, "It is my personal belief that they do watch from above, yes. Can you show me any constellations? I have used the stars to guide me on several occasions, but I have never seen the Gods among them." Mineva stops walking and positions Nanuet in the direction that she wants him to look. She lays one hand on his back and leans her head in close beside his so that they are looking at the same spot in the sky. She looks to the heavens and begins pointing out the most obvious objects. "Do you see that bright object up there? That is Mercury, he is the speedy messenger god and moves very fast through the sky delivering his messages. He is the one that Senor Jake honors as Hermes. And sitting in the heavens over there, the big blood-red one, that is Mars. He is the god of war. I'm sure that he is having himself a grand time with the cowboy gang and the Earps." She says without humor. "And way up there, do you see it? "She tilts her head way back, exposing her slender neck, and stretching upwards points high in the sky. "The one that shines most brightly of all?" She leans in closer to guide him, causing his head to angle in the direction that she is pointing. She is unaware of the affect that she is having as, her soft, fragrant hair brushes his face. Her voice takes on a soft reverent tone. "She is Venus, The goddess of love and beauty. Of all the gods and goddesses in the heavens, she is the most powerful for she is never distracted from her duties and thinks of nothing but love..." Almost to herself, Mineva continues "and the one to be feared most.. for the quickest way to the soul is through the heart.” She says unconsciously, placing her hand over her heart.. "You can be certain that if she should instruct her son, Cupid, to target you with his arrow, that his aim will be true." Minerva grows silent, suddenly aware of the darkness and Nanuet's closeness, but she does not move away. Instead she stands silently under the desert stars and as she gazes up at the goddess of love, she ponders the power of her gods and the man who stands beside her. Nanuet lowers his head and turns around slowly, his face only inches from Minerva's. He looks into her eyes and he speaks softly, barely above a whisper. "So the Gods control even who we love? Is it possible to fall in love without the Gods intervention?" Minerva turns into his embrace and with a tremor in her voice whispers uncertainly, "I do not know." She holds his eyes with her own. "For I have never loved before..." she almost says "now." but catches herself before the thought escapes. She shakes her head and with more conviction softly continues, "No, I will not believe it. The gods can not force me to love, they are only allowed to show me the love that is before me." "Do you not believe in fate, Nanuet? The gods are. We cannot change their will anymore than we can breath without air. We can only choose to accept or deny the path that they place before us." "I do believe in fate, yes." Nanuet says, then turns his head to the side. "I... I just am a little overwhelmed at the moment. Let's not kid ourselves, there is definitely something growing between us, and I do want to explore the possibilities, believe me. It's just that you made me think with what you said about the Gods and Cupid's arrow. Let's keep walking and I can try and explain." Nanuet offers his hand to Minerva before he begins walking. "When I first came to this town I was lonely. I came here to take care of something, something that I had been pursuing for a long time.” Minerva notices the haunted look in his eyes. He continues, “Then once the task was completed, I realized how empty my life really was and how alone I was. I sought companionship with Sonoma, the young wood elf that resides at the ranch now and works at the Lucky Lady sometimes. I courted her, and while it all started out OK, it soon withered, or so I thought. She seemed preoccupied with working on the ranch and I thought that the relationship just didn't work out. I moved on and filled my time with helping my new friends and with our adventures." Nanuet stops and glances at Minerva, "Are you with me so far?" Minerva nods so Nanuet continues. "With the recent events between us, the healing you performed on me, your dream, and the sharing of your past I know a bond is forming between us.” She states, "But, I felt the bond when I first saw you, before everything that happened. It is why I followed you to the cowboy ranch. It's what caused me to cure you beyond my abilities.” He says, “Earlier today I went to speak with Sonoma, just a friendly gesture. It did not go as planned. She still has feelings for me and I was surprised to find that out, as she have never before displayed them that I could recall. I let her know that I wanted to remain friends but not pursue anything else romantically." Nanuet stops his steps and again looks into Minerva's eyes. "So, it is your comment about the Gods and Cupid's aim being true that has sent my head spinning a bit. I do not want to anger the Gods or fight against their will, but at the same time I think I have moved on and no longer have a romantic interest in Sonoma. My change in feelings had occurred before we had even met and today was just a chance to express that to her, although the timing seems interesting, perhaps just a coincidence. I am just not sure what to do at this point. I know I am blabbering on now." She sighs in confusion and growing frustration as she tries to explain, "So much has happened so quickly. . I am so confused...I have never felt this way and I do not like or recognize these feelings that I have for you. They are so strange and quite unsettling to me," she says turning away, clenching her fists as she talks into the empty sky. "I did not come to Promise City in search of romance. I was content with my own company. I knew my purpose. And now the goddess has led me here, I do not know for what purpose.” She turns and looks at him, the uncertainty apparent in her eyes. "Don't you see, I know that I must trust her, but she's not being very clear, and well, damn it! I have no experience in these matters and I just don't know what I'm supposed to do with these feelings!" Minerva turns away again and stares into the night struggling to regain her composure. "By the goddess I am blathering like an idiot! she thinks. Embarrassed by her outburst she turns back to Nanuet and attempts to lighten the situation. " I am fairly certain that the gods will not punish you for no longer having a romantic interest in Sonoma. I do not think that Romantic interests are the same as love are they? "As I said, I have no experience in this area. Perhaps we should seek council from Ruby when she returns from Tombstone. I am sure she would know the answer." Nanuet stands, shocked by Minerva's outburst. He tries to react, to answer and respond to the questions and comments as they come flying from the woman's lips, but she keeps going, even clenching her fists at points. Finally she calms and turns back to him. Nanuet refrains from moving to comfort her, not wanting to confuse things more. Instead he tries to keep the mood light and talks. "No, certainly not the same as love. That is something I have yet to experience as well. It scares me to think that Ruby may be the one that we should seek council from but I suppose you are right, she may have some insight into this. In the meantime, I see nothing wrong with enjoying each other's company. Shall we walk?" Minerva, nods relieved that Nanuet did not come right out and call her a crazy woman. Gods, what had come over her? Well perhaps, she was crazy, but with everything that happened in the last few days it was certainly understandable if she was losing her mind! She takes the arm that Nanuet offers and walks beside him in silence. Nanuet and Minerva walk together arm in arm in a comfortable silence for quite some time. "Well, I am not sure I have ever really been over in this area before. Time to head back I think, I'll walk you back to the boarding house." They continue to walk leisurely, sharing some light conversations, discussing Minerva's plan for the upcoming festival, Nanuet's lack of plans for his future, and other goings on. "Well, we're here. Another day gone by. Have a pleasant sleep Miss Florencia, perhaps we can share a meal tomorrow? I have to visit Miss Kate, have a favor to ask her, but other than that don't really have any plans. Keep an eye on things for Jake and Ruby I guess, nothing too taxing." Minerva smiles up at Nanuet and bids him a good night reassuring him that she had a lovely evening and will see him tomorrow. She climbs the stairs to her room and shutting the door behind her with a fire in her eyes stomps over to the icons on the dresser and demands "I don't know what you have in mind for me goddess, but I have made an utter fool of myself this evening and am none the wiser for it. I do not understand these turbulent feelings. nor do I like them! I would appreciate a little more clarity from you." She sighs heavily and plops down on the bed. "It's times like this that I wish I had a mother to talk to." she moans. She strips off her dress and crawls under the covers but She soon realizes that with all this self pity and confusion running around her head that sleep is impossible. She gets back up and throwing on a loose fitting robe sneaks back down the stairs and into the yard, where she practices with her rapier until the goddess Aurora arrives to puts out the stars. She pushes herself hard, clearing her mind of all thought as she focuses on the fencing positions. 1st, 2nd, ....Finally, exhausted and panting, beads of sweat shimmering on her brow she drags herself back up the stairs, drops her clothes to the floor and falls into the bed. After escorting Minerva home, Nanuet passes by the Lucky Lady to make sure things are OK. Once that is done he decides to spend the night at the grove. He calls to Maska, preferring not to be alone. "So girl, what do you think? I think I am crazy too. I got kissed by someone I didn't expect to today, and didn't kiss the one I really wanted to. Irony." Nanuet talks with Maska at some length, trying to sort out his thoughts before doing his usual reverie. At the Lucky Lady, Chester and Clarisse chat for a half-hour, mostly upon his and her reflections of the town and the people living in it. She appears to be immensely proud to be seen with the new Sheriff. She says, "I have one more set to sing here then have to head over to the Comique. I had tonight off but Al asked me to sing a few songs there to finish up the night." He says, "I'll be glad to escort you over there. I can think of no better place than to be with you." Clarisse sings to loud and boisterous applause. She thanks Harry for accompanying her and leaves the stage. "That was great. They really like you out there. Take a breath before you go over to the Comique." She sits for a while. "I'm alright now. Let's go. I don't want to keep them waiting." Chester takes her arm in his. "What a wonderful night. A beautiful woman at my side who sings her heart out. A job I can feel proud of. It can't get any better than this." Clarisse sings a larger set of songs at the Comique. At her break Chester walks over to the stage with a glass of water. "Here you go, Miss Townsend." She takes a long drink. "Thank you Mr. Martin. I can't wait until Harry can play these tunes. A variety is more interesting for me and the customers." "Well I think they're plenty interested. I'll see you back to the Hotel when you're done." When Clarisse finishes performing, Chester walks her home. They stop at the front door. "I had a lovely evening. Can I call you Clarisse? Miss Townsend is so formal. You can call me Chester, but my friends call me Chet." "I had a wonderful time, too... Chet. Good night." "When I find out my schedule, then I can set up another date. Would you be interested?" "Yes, I would. Try not to get tangled up with those Cowboys again." "I can't make any promises, but I'll try." Chester leans in and kisses her. he wraps her in his arms and they stand there for a minute. Finally she pulls away. "I hope I wasn't being too forward." "Oh no. No one's ever kissed me like that before. It felt very nice. If I can't feel safe with a Deputy Marshall, who can I feel safe with? I must go before my cousin wonders where I am." She reluctantly lets go of Chester's hand before going inside. Chester goes home to sleep with a big grin on his face. [/QUOTE]
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