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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3349117" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 228, “Costumes” , Saturday, April 1st, 1882, 7:30 PM </strong></p><p></p><p>The day had been a trying one, but things seemed to be under control. Minerva made her way back to the Comstock house deciding that the evening would go as planned since right now the threat seemed to be contained if not gone. Minerva lays her white satin gown on the bed. She can feel the heaviness in the air and glances out the window in time to see Jupiter’s thunderbolt split the sky in the distance. “There is a storm brewing tonight, Luna… out there as well as in here.” She says placing the heel of her hand over her heart. </p><p></p><p>Edgy and unsettled as the weather, she begins to pace as she talks, “I know that it is your will that I tread this path,” she says picking up the Jupiter and Minerva icons “and I am grateful for it, really I am… but it is SO frightening to think of sharing myself with another, to have a relationship with a MAN. I know nothing of being a woman… but it is not his touch upon my flesh that I fear. Well maybe a little.” she admits with a wry smile. “But it is his grasp upon my heart that terrifies me so. It will no longer be ‘just me’ that I must consider in my actions if we are to build a future together, but ‘WE’ that I must take into account. </p><p></p><p>I am so afraid! You have given me a glimpse of what I desire most, a life filled with love and my heart could not bear it should some evil swoop down and wipe it all away. The dark shadow of evil has always dogged my step and that does not seem to be changing.” she scowls thinking of the Cowboy gang…then looks intently at the statues in her hands, “If I give my heart to him, as you wish, you MUST PROMISE to protect him as you protect me. He is a worthy man, his heart is open to all gods, I will teach him the ways to honor you as I do if you will only promise …. </p><p>And another thing!” she says gently shaking the statues. “You KNOW that I am not an easy woman to deal with. He may go loco in time. You must not let him do so.” She continues to bargain with her gods and then shakes her head and laughs. “ Si, I know that I have chosen this path of my own free will but, Oh, I will need ALL of your wisdom to make this work. Are we agreed?” </p><p></p><p>She sighs and sits on the edge of the bed “I am no longer alone.”, tears spring to her eyes at the realization and wonder of it. “He is all that I am not… steady, and patient and kind. He is such a wonderful man, so strong and honest and pure of heart. He is the part of me that is missing, my goddess. Gracias, You have chosen well for me.” She smiles at her icons and places them back on the dresser. </p><p></p><p>Minerva vacillates between excitement and nervousness as she prepares herself for the Ball and the path she has chosen. She removes the stopper from several small vials of sweet smelling oils. “It is proper that we seal our destiny on this night of celebration and thanksgiving.” She says in an attempt to calm her jittery stomach. “It will be pleasing to Dionysus as well and bring us good fortune…But, What if he should refuse me? ” she worries as she anoints herself with the fragrant liquids. She dips her finger in the oil and places it on her brow- “for wisdom to keep my thoughts clear; Her heart -“for courage and to keep it open to the love I will give and receive this night”; and other secret places sacred to the gods – “as a sign of their blessing and to insure their favor”, she prays to her goddess. “Por favor Minerva my goddess, Por favor, do not let me make an ass out of myself.” </p><p></p><p>She critically applies her makeup adding black coal to her lashes enhancing the dark, smoldering look of her eyes, and rosy color to her already flushed cheeks. Her olive skin glows in the candlelight as she slips into the, form-fitting dress. As it slides over her head the satiny material hugs her curves tightly, accentuating her feminine form like a second skin as it flows into layers of frills below her hips to trail on the floor behind her. The long sleeves pouf at the shoulders and cling tightly to her slender arms. The back is cut in a low vee, exposing the long gentle curve of her spine and ending in a point just above the two small dimples at the base of her back and the front of the gown, although not so low cut, reveals the glistening swell of her breasts where she has anointed herself with the ceremonial oils. The familiar, silver olive leaf pendant lies cradled in the valley between them. </p><p></p><p>She has some difficulty hiding the charm that Kajika gave her to ward off Aphrodite’s influence and knowing that it would be foolish to remove it, finally stuffs it down into the cleavage of the gown. She fusses with her hair, which she has tumbled into a mountain of dark curls high upon her head, inserting a large ivory comb into the silky mass. The pure white comb is intricately carved in the shape of many olive leaves and she worries it until she is satisfied that it sits perfectly, crown-like upon her head. She slips dainty white, lace edged slippers upon her feet and twirls before the mirror back and forth, delighted by her appearance. </p><p></p><p>Grinning with satisfaction she picks up the white silk mask, which she will use to hide her exotic eyes, and the lacy fan, which will disguise her identity from the unsuspecting Nanuet. But these accouterments cannot hide the sparkle of love in her chocolate eyes or the feline smile upon her full red lips as a shiver of anticipation races up her spine. She thinks of Nanuet and the expression on his face when he discovers what they will share this night and strolls out the door, an innocent girl on the brink of womanhood, as another thunderbolt is hurled from Olympus. </p><p></p><p>She reaches the stage at the center of town and peruses the crowd for her soon to be lover. She circles the stage and spies her handsome cowboy slowly and deliberately scanning the area. Suddenly, like a wolf that has caught the scent of his prey, his head shoots up and he turns slowly in her direction pinning her in place with dark hungry eyes. Minerva’s mouth goes dry and her heart pounds in her ears, as she stands perfectly still waiting for him to approach.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet returns to the Lucky Lady with Jake and Ruby. He takes his leave of them so that he can get his costume ready. It still lay where it was a couple days ago when he showed it to Minerva. </p><p>He put the shirt on, and it took three tries before he could get the buttons lined up properly. he then pulled the snug fitting jeans on and then the chaps. He had practiced with the belt and chaps before so this was not much of a struggle. He then nearly fell over pulling on the tall boots. The look was completed by a red handkerchief rolled and folded to form a triangle below his neck and a large wide brimmed hat on his head. He headed out to the ball wondering what mood his friends would be in, after all this was to be a celebration.</p><p></p><p>It only took a moment for Nanuet to find Minerva. Her raven hair contrasted by the ivory comb and white dress made her stand out among the crowd. He eagerly approached, losing site of her as another couple passed between them. When the couple cleared his site Minerva was no longer standing where she was. Nanuet could hear her light laughter somewhere among the throng of people. He spotted me, but has not caught me yet, at least I will make the chase last a little while. </p><p></p><p>Minerva lead Nanuet through the crowd, deftly making her way amongst the people. Nanuet was moving awkwardly in his costume and Minerva was able to stay several steps ahead, stopping every so often to offer a teasing look. Minerva again darts between a pair of dancing couples then turns to blow Nanuet a kiss when she realizes he is not trailing behind her. She turns again to scan the crowd when he comes up beside her and grabs her arms. </p><p></p><p>"Finally! I thought for a moment that you were really trying to get away." "Mi Amor I just thought I would present some kind of a challenge since you spotted me so quickly." "Well I warned you that it would not be a challenge, but now let us enjoy the ball together." Nanuet and Minerva embrace and then begin dancing.</p><p></p><p>Back at the Lucky Lady Ruby runs up the stairs but hesitates to pull out her costume, trying to figure out how to get ready without showing Jake. Then Jake says, "I am going to surprise you with my costume, Ruby my dear, so I will take it and see you at the ball. See if you can find your adoring lover among the men that will all be captivated by your beauty. I am anxious to see what wonders will behold my eyes when I see you there." That way it will also limit who knows what I look like, Jake thinks, if detecting of thoughts is being used. Just keep putting any odds you can in your favor, Mr. Cook, for dealing with Johnny Ringo. </p><p></p><p>Ruby kisses Jake long on the lips. "And I very much look forward to seeing what my handsome lover has in store for me," she says, pushing a stray lock of hair off his face. "And to see if you can find me too," she smiles. Jake leaves and Ruby frantically gets ready. Ringo was gone and bullet number two was still safe in Ringo's gun. Perhaps I will live to see tomorrow….ten minutes later she is done and satisfied she is most alluring she can be she floats down the stairs with a soft smile. </p><p></p><p>Shimmering pinkish - white skirt flowing around her, she steps barefoot into the street. The first thing noticed is the huge sheer iridescent wings that reach up even over Ruby’s head. They seem to change color as she walks, pearly white to light pink to purple and gold, outlined in golden threads. Even looking closely one can not tell how the wings are attached on. <a href="http://www.enchantedcostumes.com/fairies/images/wings/amybrown/exotic/white.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.enchantedcostumes.com/fairies/images/wings/amybrown/exotic/white.jpg</a> </p><p></p><p>Her costume is in two pieces, her belly and most of her back bare, her skin glistening in the moonlight, covered in a silvery glitter like sheen. The skirt, sitting low on her hips, seems to float around her as she glides though the street. It looks as if it were completely made of different length scarves that hang vertically from the waist and every few steps her long tan legs peek through. The top wraps from the back of her neck to across her chest in an X and meets up in the back where it is tied low and then hangs loose from there. Extremely daring from the sides the top looks like a gentle breeze could blow it off. </p><p></p><p>On her face rests an elaborate silver and white mask that echoes the theme of the gossamer wings that sit on her back. Her deep red hair is on top of her head, teased into a gravity defying mass of wayward curls that also sparkle in the moonlight. Black kohl exotically outlines her almond eyes under her face mask, and the sparkles on her face match the mask she has on, so even if she removes it she still has a glittery outline on her face. Of course, she still wears her heart shaped earrings and her ruby ring. </p><p></p><p>She keeps her head high as she battles the crowds to get to the dance floor. Ruby enters the crowd, searching faces and costumes for her Jake. She sees a couple of men who could be but none send her heart racing as her lover does so she knows it’s not him. Men stare as Ruby walks by and women grab their men and reprimand them for staring but she smiles and ignores them. </p><p></p><p>She arrives near the Main Stage close to the dance floor when she is approached. “Miss, may I have this dance?” Ruby smiles and immediately recognizes Neil Cassidy in his Paul Bunyan costume. Still scanning the crowd she replies, “But of course, Sir.” He takes her hand and leads her to the middle of the dance floor where he starts spinning her around. Ruby even manages some real smiles and giggles. </p><p></p><p>The song ends and the next begins and the pair continues to dance when over Ruby’s shoulder a voice says, “May I cut in?” Cassidy replies, “Of course, I can’t expect to keep our beautiful fairy to myself all night.” He bows at Ruby and before she knows it a strong hand is flat on her bare back pulling her close. The tall dark gentleman is wearing a red and gold mask and a very fancy waistcoat and matching outfit. Ruby looks at him but can’t immediately make out who it is. </p><p></p><p>“You look absolutely stunning, Miss West,” he says to her. “Oh,” she says playing dumb, “Who is this Miss West you speak of?” He says, "No mask can hide you from me. I haven't traveled all this way to be deceived by a costume and a mask, although I must admit this party amuses me." </p><p>Ruby and the stranger danced elegantly around the floor. Ruby could feel her heart speeding up and her will fading. This man, she was sure was not Jake, yet she felt a strange attraction to him. Physically he is a specimen, and he knows his way around the dance floor, but so what, what is it about him? she thought. And then she looked behind the mask he wore into his eyes. </p><p></p><p>Her heart pounding in her ears she saw intense light blue eyes staring back at her and her knees buckled. He held her tightly by the back so she did not falter; he just swept her around the floor as if it was part of a dance step. The wings of her costume fluttered as they danced. She tried to speak but words weren’t coming out. Finally she managed, “W-w-who are you?” "I think you know the answer Miss West. There are only two men you know of who could make you feel this way and you know for sure which one I am not. I want you to come with me. Come away with me. I have so much more to offer you than this town. I can offer you a life you never imagined possible." </p><p></p><p>The song comes to an end and the stranger dips Ruby gracefully, the pulls her back to him. Again she is locked into the gaze of his eyes. “No.” She tries to move but finds she can’t, her chest heaving against his. She wants to leave but something is holding her there. She doesn’t feel panic, only the pounding of her heart and a desire to…. “No,” she says again, trying to get more conviction in her words. She manages to push herself away from him and, breathing hard, she rushes through the crowd looking for a familiar face. Masks surrounded her and for a moment she is lightheaded, people swirling and twirling around her.</p><p></p><p>A man's hand touches her arm. She turns and looks at him. He is of medium build, has red hair and is attired as a leprechaun, with emerald green pants and shirt and a lighter green vest, a pointed hat, pointed shoes and ceramic smoking pipe in the pocket. In a thick Irish accent he says, "Best that we be off Ruby me dear, I dinna like the look o'that bucko, and I dare say that me boy Jacob wouldn't either."</p><p></p><p>Still breathing hard and a bit out of sorts, she lets the man take her arm and start guiding more towards the edge of the crowd on the dance floor. "R-red?" she whispers nervously, looking over her shoulder for those blue eyes. "Do you know where Jake is?" </p><p></p><p>"Aye lass," Red says to Ruby. "Given the costumed nature of this affair I thought it safe to dispense with my alter ego for this evening and show my own face for a change. Tis a bit of a risk, Red O'Brien had frequented a certain house of ill repute back in Kansas City that three of the Palace's women once worked at, and who knows which other people here I may have met in those days. But I also wore a beard and mustache back in those days. I imagine that Jacob hasn't arrived yet, or else he would have intervened just now. Shall we dance?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby breaths a huge sigh of relief then throws herself into Red's arms, hugging him tightly. "Yes, let's dance." She slides out of his arms and takes the dancing position. As they started to dance she relaxed, although she kept glancing around for Jake or the handsome stranger. "Well," she smiles at Red, "We finally meet. I've heard so much about you. And here you come along and save me."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, but we've met before. And being your savior seems to be my specialty, have you forgotten that stormy night in the alleyway? Now I did get to see Jacob briefly earlier today but we did not have an opportunity to talk. Tell me, what has transpired during the past few weeks since I last saw him in Tucson? Is that Eastman character gone, or was that perhaps him who I just saved you from?" "No," Ruby blushes, "I haven't forgotten. I just meant seeing you like this." She smiles again, "Well, a lot has happened in the past few weeks. Jake's finally decided that he's madly in love with me." </p><p></p><p>She sighs, "I don't know who that is. He says he wants me to come away with him. And something there is odd... No, I don't think it's George Eastman. His cousin finally sent him packing when I scared her enough with the thought of being related," she giggles. The thought quickly crosses Ruby's mind that she isn't sure this really is Red, but with the information about the alley those weeks back and knowing about Tucson... it had to be him. Still she didn't give away anything very revealing.</p><p></p><p>Back in her own room Kate carefully put on the costume that she had chosen. It was a pristine white gown in the classic Greek style. Really little more than a sleeveless robe, a golden cord crisscrossed from beneath her breasts to just above her hips. The neckline plunged in a v-shape and jeweled clips sat on her shoulders. Gold sandals with a slight heel and a cord tied around her ankles as well a numerous gold bangles and a torque like necklace finished the outfit. Finally, she used one more gold cord in her hair, first wrapping it like a headband, then crisscrossing it around the loose waves of her hair to gather it together as it hung down her back. </p><p></p><p>She felt positively naked, and not a little cold. But this had been the only thing that had fit, and she had promised. She added a small white handbag to hide her pistol in, and tucked the wand inside her corset. Satisfied that she was as ready as she could be, she went down into the Cantina and looked for Conrad. </p><p></p><p>Kate stops in her tracks when she sees Conrad before her. He is attired as Shakespeare's Hamlet, with a chain-held silver cape over a blue velvet tunic, a striped and pleated shirt beneath, leather shoes with straps running up his legs, and a sword on his belt. He has also shaved off his mustache and goatee. It is like Kate has walked through a time machine. Hamlet was the signature role of Conrad's father Edwin Booth and it was that play that her parents had taken her to. While the man's resemblance to his father was obvious before, at this sight there was no doubt. <a href="http://www.kamakurapens.com/Humor/EdwinBoothsStylographicPen.html" target="_blank">http://www.kamakurapens.com/Humor/EdwinBoothsStylographicPen.html</a></p><p></p><p>Katherine gathered her wits and completed her decent into the Cantina. "How could he ever have doubted you? I saw him in this, perhaps this very costume, so many years ago." She struggled to keep from touching his face. "You gave up your whiskers." He says, "To complete the attire, I'll admit, I have done this intentionally. I see this as one final opportunity to get a message to my father. The festival's guest of honor Samuel Clemens is a known friend of Edwin Booth and I'm sure has seen his performance of Hamlet on several occasions."</p><p></p><p>"I'm sorry, Conrad," she said, taking his hand in hers and standing close. "That was not Twain outside. It was Johnny Ringo wearing his face. He fled when we followed him to Austin Blake's after we'd discovered him. I knew him by his voice. I doubt the real Twain ever received the invitation." Conrad's face drops into an expression of sadness. "Twain...isn't here. Oh well, it was a pipedream anyway." He smiles again, "And you look radiant. Even if obtaining this costume was a waste of time, seeing you in that makes it all worth while." "I feel as if I'm not dressed," she said blushing. "But everything else was too big."</p><p></p><p>The man walks out from the Alhambra Saloon. He wears a powdered wig and is dressed formally in layers of dress coat, waist coat, white linen ruffled shirt, black silk breeches to just below the knees and white hose. He wears a large black costume mask and his face is clean shaven and otherwise unadorned and unremarkable. He walks deliberately and slowly. He holds a cane with a cut glass knob in one of his grey gloved hands and has black buckle shoes. </p><p></p><p>The collarless dress coat is dark and made from green and black silk with brass metal buttons that are polished to shine like gold. The skirts of his coat are padded and stiffened and the large cuffs are turned back revealing the frilly sleeves of the linen shirt. The button holes and cuffs are ornately stitched and reinforced. His collarless waist coat is pale yellow with a heavy brocade design of colorful flowers. The waist coat is secured with matching metal buttons. </p><p></p><p>He moves slowly, like the British Lord he is dressed as might to inspect his household. He his head turns taking in the crowd, noting details and listening to sounds. People look at him but he does not return their glances, appearing to be above their pitiable stares. </p><p></p><p>Another man arrives attired in a tunic with a sword on the belt. He has on a great helm hiding all of his face except for his eyes. It is uncertain exactly which of the great Greek heroes he is meant to portray, but is probably Odysseus as a giant of a man is near him wearing a crude fur tunic and a mask of a monster with only one eye so therefore the Cyclops of Odysseus's travels. </p><p></p><p>Emerging from the Lucky Lady is a man of average height and build dressed as one of the Three Musketeers, his face hidden by a mask. He flamboyantly makes his way onto the dance floor, drawing his sword and swinging it in a swirling motion. In a deep and rather obviously faked baritone French ascended voice he exclaims, "Is there a maiden here who needs rescued?"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3349117, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 228, “Costumes” , Saturday, April 1st, 1882, 7:30 PM [/B] The day had been a trying one, but things seemed to be under control. Minerva made her way back to the Comstock house deciding that the evening would go as planned since right now the threat seemed to be contained if not gone. Minerva lays her white satin gown on the bed. She can feel the heaviness in the air and glances out the window in time to see Jupiter’s thunderbolt split the sky in the distance. “There is a storm brewing tonight, Luna… out there as well as in here.” She says placing the heel of her hand over her heart. Edgy and unsettled as the weather, she begins to pace as she talks, “I know that it is your will that I tread this path,” she says picking up the Jupiter and Minerva icons “and I am grateful for it, really I am… but it is SO frightening to think of sharing myself with another, to have a relationship with a MAN. I know nothing of being a woman… but it is not his touch upon my flesh that I fear. Well maybe a little.” she admits with a wry smile. “But it is his grasp upon my heart that terrifies me so. It will no longer be ‘just me’ that I must consider in my actions if we are to build a future together, but ‘WE’ that I must take into account. I am so afraid! You have given me a glimpse of what I desire most, a life filled with love and my heart could not bear it should some evil swoop down and wipe it all away. The dark shadow of evil has always dogged my step and that does not seem to be changing.” she scowls thinking of the Cowboy gang…then looks intently at the statues in her hands, “If I give my heart to him, as you wish, you MUST PROMISE to protect him as you protect me. He is a worthy man, his heart is open to all gods, I will teach him the ways to honor you as I do if you will only promise …. And another thing!” she says gently shaking the statues. “You KNOW that I am not an easy woman to deal with. He may go loco in time. You must not let him do so.” She continues to bargain with her gods and then shakes her head and laughs. “ Si, I know that I have chosen this path of my own free will but, Oh, I will need ALL of your wisdom to make this work. Are we agreed?” She sighs and sits on the edge of the bed “I am no longer alone.”, tears spring to her eyes at the realization and wonder of it. “He is all that I am not… steady, and patient and kind. He is such a wonderful man, so strong and honest and pure of heart. He is the part of me that is missing, my goddess. Gracias, You have chosen well for me.” She smiles at her icons and places them back on the dresser. Minerva vacillates between excitement and nervousness as she prepares herself for the Ball and the path she has chosen. She removes the stopper from several small vials of sweet smelling oils. “It is proper that we seal our destiny on this night of celebration and thanksgiving.” She says in an attempt to calm her jittery stomach. “It will be pleasing to Dionysus as well and bring us good fortune…But, What if he should refuse me? ” she worries as she anoints herself with the fragrant liquids. She dips her finger in the oil and places it on her brow- “for wisdom to keep my thoughts clear; Her heart -“for courage and to keep it open to the love I will give and receive this night”; and other secret places sacred to the gods – “as a sign of their blessing and to insure their favor”, she prays to her goddess. “Por favor Minerva my goddess, Por favor, do not let me make an ass out of myself.” She critically applies her makeup adding black coal to her lashes enhancing the dark, smoldering look of her eyes, and rosy color to her already flushed cheeks. Her olive skin glows in the candlelight as she slips into the, form-fitting dress. As it slides over her head the satiny material hugs her curves tightly, accentuating her feminine form like a second skin as it flows into layers of frills below her hips to trail on the floor behind her. The long sleeves pouf at the shoulders and cling tightly to her slender arms. The back is cut in a low vee, exposing the long gentle curve of her spine and ending in a point just above the two small dimples at the base of her back and the front of the gown, although not so low cut, reveals the glistening swell of her breasts where she has anointed herself with the ceremonial oils. The familiar, silver olive leaf pendant lies cradled in the valley between them. She has some difficulty hiding the charm that Kajika gave her to ward off Aphrodite’s influence and knowing that it would be foolish to remove it, finally stuffs it down into the cleavage of the gown. She fusses with her hair, which she has tumbled into a mountain of dark curls high upon her head, inserting a large ivory comb into the silky mass. The pure white comb is intricately carved in the shape of many olive leaves and she worries it until she is satisfied that it sits perfectly, crown-like upon her head. She slips dainty white, lace edged slippers upon her feet and twirls before the mirror back and forth, delighted by her appearance. Grinning with satisfaction she picks up the white silk mask, which she will use to hide her exotic eyes, and the lacy fan, which will disguise her identity from the unsuspecting Nanuet. But these accouterments cannot hide the sparkle of love in her chocolate eyes or the feline smile upon her full red lips as a shiver of anticipation races up her spine. She thinks of Nanuet and the expression on his face when he discovers what they will share this night and strolls out the door, an innocent girl on the brink of womanhood, as another thunderbolt is hurled from Olympus. She reaches the stage at the center of town and peruses the crowd for her soon to be lover. She circles the stage and spies her handsome cowboy slowly and deliberately scanning the area. Suddenly, like a wolf that has caught the scent of his prey, his head shoots up and he turns slowly in her direction pinning her in place with dark hungry eyes. Minerva’s mouth goes dry and her heart pounds in her ears, as she stands perfectly still waiting for him to approach. Nanuet returns to the Lucky Lady with Jake and Ruby. He takes his leave of them so that he can get his costume ready. It still lay where it was a couple days ago when he showed it to Minerva. He put the shirt on, and it took three tries before he could get the buttons lined up properly. he then pulled the snug fitting jeans on and then the chaps. He had practiced with the belt and chaps before so this was not much of a struggle. He then nearly fell over pulling on the tall boots. The look was completed by a red handkerchief rolled and folded to form a triangle below his neck and a large wide brimmed hat on his head. He headed out to the ball wondering what mood his friends would be in, after all this was to be a celebration. It only took a moment for Nanuet to find Minerva. Her raven hair contrasted by the ivory comb and white dress made her stand out among the crowd. He eagerly approached, losing site of her as another couple passed between them. When the couple cleared his site Minerva was no longer standing where she was. Nanuet could hear her light laughter somewhere among the throng of people. He spotted me, but has not caught me yet, at least I will make the chase last a little while. Minerva lead Nanuet through the crowd, deftly making her way amongst the people. Nanuet was moving awkwardly in his costume and Minerva was able to stay several steps ahead, stopping every so often to offer a teasing look. Minerva again darts between a pair of dancing couples then turns to blow Nanuet a kiss when she realizes he is not trailing behind her. She turns again to scan the crowd when he comes up beside her and grabs her arms. "Finally! I thought for a moment that you were really trying to get away." "Mi Amor I just thought I would present some kind of a challenge since you spotted me so quickly." "Well I warned you that it would not be a challenge, but now let us enjoy the ball together." Nanuet and Minerva embrace and then begin dancing. Back at the Lucky Lady Ruby runs up the stairs but hesitates to pull out her costume, trying to figure out how to get ready without showing Jake. Then Jake says, "I am going to surprise you with my costume, Ruby my dear, so I will take it and see you at the ball. See if you can find your adoring lover among the men that will all be captivated by your beauty. I am anxious to see what wonders will behold my eyes when I see you there." That way it will also limit who knows what I look like, Jake thinks, if detecting of thoughts is being used. Just keep putting any odds you can in your favor, Mr. Cook, for dealing with Johnny Ringo. Ruby kisses Jake long on the lips. "And I very much look forward to seeing what my handsome lover has in store for me," she says, pushing a stray lock of hair off his face. "And to see if you can find me too," she smiles. Jake leaves and Ruby frantically gets ready. Ringo was gone and bullet number two was still safe in Ringo's gun. Perhaps I will live to see tomorrow….ten minutes later she is done and satisfied she is most alluring she can be she floats down the stairs with a soft smile. Shimmering pinkish - white skirt flowing around her, she steps barefoot into the street. The first thing noticed is the huge sheer iridescent wings that reach up even over Ruby’s head. They seem to change color as she walks, pearly white to light pink to purple and gold, outlined in golden threads. Even looking closely one can not tell how the wings are attached on. [url]http://www.enchantedcostumes.com/fairies/images/wings/amybrown/exotic/white.jpg[/url] Her costume is in two pieces, her belly and most of her back bare, her skin glistening in the moonlight, covered in a silvery glitter like sheen. The skirt, sitting low on her hips, seems to float around her as she glides though the street. It looks as if it were completely made of different length scarves that hang vertically from the waist and every few steps her long tan legs peek through. The top wraps from the back of her neck to across her chest in an X and meets up in the back where it is tied low and then hangs loose from there. Extremely daring from the sides the top looks like a gentle breeze could blow it off. On her face rests an elaborate silver and white mask that echoes the theme of the gossamer wings that sit on her back. Her deep red hair is on top of her head, teased into a gravity defying mass of wayward curls that also sparkle in the moonlight. Black kohl exotically outlines her almond eyes under her face mask, and the sparkles on her face match the mask she has on, so even if she removes it she still has a glittery outline on her face. Of course, she still wears her heart shaped earrings and her ruby ring. She keeps her head high as she battles the crowds to get to the dance floor. Ruby enters the crowd, searching faces and costumes for her Jake. She sees a couple of men who could be but none send her heart racing as her lover does so she knows it’s not him. Men stare as Ruby walks by and women grab their men and reprimand them for staring but she smiles and ignores them. She arrives near the Main Stage close to the dance floor when she is approached. “Miss, may I have this dance?” Ruby smiles and immediately recognizes Neil Cassidy in his Paul Bunyan costume. Still scanning the crowd she replies, “But of course, Sir.” He takes her hand and leads her to the middle of the dance floor where he starts spinning her around. Ruby even manages some real smiles and giggles. The song ends and the next begins and the pair continues to dance when over Ruby’s shoulder a voice says, “May I cut in?” Cassidy replies, “Of course, I can’t expect to keep our beautiful fairy to myself all night.” He bows at Ruby and before she knows it a strong hand is flat on her bare back pulling her close. The tall dark gentleman is wearing a red and gold mask and a very fancy waistcoat and matching outfit. Ruby looks at him but can’t immediately make out who it is. “You look absolutely stunning, Miss West,” he says to her. “Oh,” she says playing dumb, “Who is this Miss West you speak of?” He says, "No mask can hide you from me. I haven't traveled all this way to be deceived by a costume and a mask, although I must admit this party amuses me." Ruby and the stranger danced elegantly around the floor. Ruby could feel her heart speeding up and her will fading. This man, she was sure was not Jake, yet she felt a strange attraction to him. Physically he is a specimen, and he knows his way around the dance floor, but so what, what is it about him? she thought. And then she looked behind the mask he wore into his eyes. Her heart pounding in her ears she saw intense light blue eyes staring back at her and her knees buckled. He held her tightly by the back so she did not falter; he just swept her around the floor as if it was part of a dance step. The wings of her costume fluttered as they danced. She tried to speak but words weren’t coming out. Finally she managed, “W-w-who are you?” "I think you know the answer Miss West. There are only two men you know of who could make you feel this way and you know for sure which one I am not. I want you to come with me. Come away with me. I have so much more to offer you than this town. I can offer you a life you never imagined possible." The song comes to an end and the stranger dips Ruby gracefully, the pulls her back to him. Again she is locked into the gaze of his eyes. “No.” She tries to move but finds she can’t, her chest heaving against his. She wants to leave but something is holding her there. She doesn’t feel panic, only the pounding of her heart and a desire to…. “No,” she says again, trying to get more conviction in her words. She manages to push herself away from him and, breathing hard, she rushes through the crowd looking for a familiar face. Masks surrounded her and for a moment she is lightheaded, people swirling and twirling around her. A man's hand touches her arm. She turns and looks at him. He is of medium build, has red hair and is attired as a leprechaun, with emerald green pants and shirt and a lighter green vest, a pointed hat, pointed shoes and ceramic smoking pipe in the pocket. In a thick Irish accent he says, "Best that we be off Ruby me dear, I dinna like the look o'that bucko, and I dare say that me boy Jacob wouldn't either." Still breathing hard and a bit out of sorts, she lets the man take her arm and start guiding more towards the edge of the crowd on the dance floor. "R-red?" she whispers nervously, looking over her shoulder for those blue eyes. "Do you know where Jake is?" "Aye lass," Red says to Ruby. "Given the costumed nature of this affair I thought it safe to dispense with my alter ego for this evening and show my own face for a change. Tis a bit of a risk, Red O'Brien had frequented a certain house of ill repute back in Kansas City that three of the Palace's women once worked at, and who knows which other people here I may have met in those days. But I also wore a beard and mustache back in those days. I imagine that Jacob hasn't arrived yet, or else he would have intervened just now. Shall we dance?" Ruby breaths a huge sigh of relief then throws herself into Red's arms, hugging him tightly. "Yes, let's dance." She slides out of his arms and takes the dancing position. As they started to dance she relaxed, although she kept glancing around for Jake or the handsome stranger. "Well," she smiles at Red, "We finally meet. I've heard so much about you. And here you come along and save me." "Ah, but we've met before. And being your savior seems to be my specialty, have you forgotten that stormy night in the alleyway? Now I did get to see Jacob briefly earlier today but we did not have an opportunity to talk. Tell me, what has transpired during the past few weeks since I last saw him in Tucson? Is that Eastman character gone, or was that perhaps him who I just saved you from?" "No," Ruby blushes, "I haven't forgotten. I just meant seeing you like this." She smiles again, "Well, a lot has happened in the past few weeks. Jake's finally decided that he's madly in love with me." She sighs, "I don't know who that is. He says he wants me to come away with him. And something there is odd... No, I don't think it's George Eastman. His cousin finally sent him packing when I scared her enough with the thought of being related," she giggles. The thought quickly crosses Ruby's mind that she isn't sure this really is Red, but with the information about the alley those weeks back and knowing about Tucson... it had to be him. Still she didn't give away anything very revealing. Back in her own room Kate carefully put on the costume that she had chosen. It was a pristine white gown in the classic Greek style. Really little more than a sleeveless robe, a golden cord crisscrossed from beneath her breasts to just above her hips. The neckline plunged in a v-shape and jeweled clips sat on her shoulders. Gold sandals with a slight heel and a cord tied around her ankles as well a numerous gold bangles and a torque like necklace finished the outfit. Finally, she used one more gold cord in her hair, first wrapping it like a headband, then crisscrossing it around the loose waves of her hair to gather it together as it hung down her back. She felt positively naked, and not a little cold. But this had been the only thing that had fit, and she had promised. She added a small white handbag to hide her pistol in, and tucked the wand inside her corset. Satisfied that she was as ready as she could be, she went down into the Cantina and looked for Conrad. Kate stops in her tracks when she sees Conrad before her. He is attired as Shakespeare's Hamlet, with a chain-held silver cape over a blue velvet tunic, a striped and pleated shirt beneath, leather shoes with straps running up his legs, and a sword on his belt. He has also shaved off his mustache and goatee. It is like Kate has walked through a time machine. Hamlet was the signature role of Conrad's father Edwin Booth and it was that play that her parents had taken her to. While the man's resemblance to his father was obvious before, at this sight there was no doubt. [url]http://www.kamakurapens.com/Humor/EdwinBoothsStylographicPen.html[/url] Katherine gathered her wits and completed her decent into the Cantina. "How could he ever have doubted you? I saw him in this, perhaps this very costume, so many years ago." She struggled to keep from touching his face. "You gave up your whiskers." He says, "To complete the attire, I'll admit, I have done this intentionally. I see this as one final opportunity to get a message to my father. The festival's guest of honor Samuel Clemens is a known friend of Edwin Booth and I'm sure has seen his performance of Hamlet on several occasions." "I'm sorry, Conrad," she said, taking his hand in hers and standing close. "That was not Twain outside. It was Johnny Ringo wearing his face. He fled when we followed him to Austin Blake's after we'd discovered him. I knew him by his voice. I doubt the real Twain ever received the invitation." Conrad's face drops into an expression of sadness. "Twain...isn't here. Oh well, it was a pipedream anyway." He smiles again, "And you look radiant. Even if obtaining this costume was a waste of time, seeing you in that makes it all worth while." "I feel as if I'm not dressed," she said blushing. "But everything else was too big." The man walks out from the Alhambra Saloon. He wears a powdered wig and is dressed formally in layers of dress coat, waist coat, white linen ruffled shirt, black silk breeches to just below the knees and white hose. He wears a large black costume mask and his face is clean shaven and otherwise unadorned and unremarkable. He walks deliberately and slowly. He holds a cane with a cut glass knob in one of his grey gloved hands and has black buckle shoes. The collarless dress coat is dark and made from green and black silk with brass metal buttons that are polished to shine like gold. The skirts of his coat are padded and stiffened and the large cuffs are turned back revealing the frilly sleeves of the linen shirt. The button holes and cuffs are ornately stitched and reinforced. His collarless waist coat is pale yellow with a heavy brocade design of colorful flowers. The waist coat is secured with matching metal buttons. He moves slowly, like the British Lord he is dressed as might to inspect his household. He his head turns taking in the crowd, noting details and listening to sounds. People look at him but he does not return their glances, appearing to be above their pitiable stares. Another man arrives attired in a tunic with a sword on the belt. He has on a great helm hiding all of his face except for his eyes. It is uncertain exactly which of the great Greek heroes he is meant to portray, but is probably Odysseus as a giant of a man is near him wearing a crude fur tunic and a mask of a monster with only one eye so therefore the Cyclops of Odysseus's travels. Emerging from the Lucky Lady is a man of average height and build dressed as one of the Three Musketeers, his face hidden by a mask. He flamboyantly makes his way onto the dance floor, drawing his sword and swinging it in a swirling motion. In a deep and rather obviously faked baritone French ascended voice he exclaims, "Is there a maiden here who needs rescued?" [/QUOTE]
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