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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3372429" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 231, “Last Dance” , Saturday, April 1st, 1882, 10:45 PM</strong></p><p></p><p>When Clarisse comes off stage after her set, Chester approaches her. He chides her gently, "Why didn't you tell me you were going to do that? I would have dressed better." She looks surprised. "You're not mad, are you, Chester?" Chester hugs her. "No, no. I was just teasing. That was very nice of you to let me share the stage with you in front of the whole town. Your song was beautiful and so are you." He kisses her deeply. "C'mon. Let's dance."</p><p></p><p>The El Parador band continues, with Estaban and Sonoma doing the primary singing and Estaban playing a variety of instruments as each song requires. Angelica is playing guitar, Pedro is on maraccas and Dorita is at the piano, playing primarily simple chords to help along the tone of the overall tone of the music.</p><p></p><p>Ruby notices the Arch-Bishop has stopped walking around as he nears Jane Boag and is now watching her intently. Conrad asks 'Louise' to dance. Kate and Ruby both notice the Mr. Austin is now present on the dance floor, dancing with 'Coyote Kay' Kaufman who owns and operates the Promise City Cooper Shop. Nanuet senses that Maska is now returning to Promise City, although he is still a few miles away. He also picks up that Luna and one of the priests are also accompanying the wolf.</p><p></p><p>After they finish their dance Ruby approaches Mr. Austin while keeping an eye on Jane. "Is it improper for a fairy to ask a man to dance?" Ruby smiles. As the Band begins a Spanish wood Elvan song Mr. Austin says to Ruby, "Not at all, please, I do believe I know this song. Follow my lead." Ruby smiles and nods, and gladly takes Mr. Austin by the hand. He takes her through the lively dance number, involving a number of twists, turns and spins. The song then ends and a slower number similar to a waltz with classical guitar as the main instrument then starts up. Mr. Austin holds Ruby close as they dance it and he says, "Well done earlier with Twain."</p><p></p><p>"But he got away," Ruby whispers back. He says, “Yes, but everybody is alive and he is not threatening anybody here now." She replies, “I think he may come back tonight, for the midnight entertainment." Gonzales asks, "Why? What makes you think that?" Ruby answers, "You are right and very wise. I should be glad he's gone. As for the other thing, well, he threatened one of the other entertainers. I don't know what she has planned, if she is still considering going on."</p><p></p><p>He states, "Why would he do that? They have nothing to do with the books." "Uh... he doesn't like her?" Ruby could see Mr. Gonzales wasn't going for her not telling him. "Let's just say it's a religious thing and the God of War is waging War on the Goddess of Love through us mere mortals."</p><p></p><p>He replies, "Ah, I see, the Aphrodite Priestess that Mother Jaminez spoke of...I understand. Ruby, when we had planned your lesson today I studied three Detect Invisibility Spells and one Invisibility to use with the lessons. I transcribed one of the Detect spells for you earlier.</p><p>When the book exchange was taking place I used an Invisibility on myself and then cast one of the Detect Invisibility spell as well. I am glad I did, there were two invisible Cowboy Gang members present. One was following Chester the other was following Nanuet. I did my best to keep them both in sight and would have intervened if either had drawn a weapon. Once that flare went off they each broke away from the person that each was following and took off towards the northwest end of town.</p><p></p><p>The good thing to know from all of that is that none of them saw me, including Mr. Twain. I also still have the one more Detect Invisibility spell with me if you or somebody else should need it." Ruby's eyes widen. "You are an angel, Mr. Gonzales, watching over us." She kisses his cheek. Ruby takes a breath in and holds it. "Yes, we could use the scroll or the spell if you have it. But not on me." She pauses. "I plan on being on the stage." He states, "I have it as a spell, I haven't been able to transcribe as I can just do one scroll a day. Who do you suggest that I cast the spell upon?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby blinks. "Well, probably Jake. Jake or Chester." She pauses again. "Jake. Chester may be distracted by Clarisse tonight. Same with Nanuet being distracted by Minerva." She lets Mr. Gonzales dip her low. "I don't know if they plan on being there tonight but Jake will. Actually," she looks up at the sky, "It's almost midnight, right?" Gonzales states, "And won't Jake be distracted by you?"</p><p></p><p>She smiles. "Yes. But he'll also be worried enough that he'll want to keep an eye out. Haven't you seen him walking all around the stage tonight? He didn't even reveal himself to me until half the ball was over. Is there someone else you can think of?" He says, "Yes, Katherine. Unlike Jake she could actually use a scroll to negate the invisibility, creating a target for Jake, Chester and anybody else with a firearm."</p><p></p><p>Ruby blushes. "Uh, I don't think Katherine was planning on watching the adult entertainment. Otherwise, the plan is good." Gonzales replies, "Adult entertainment? If you mean what I think you mean, and you will be the performer, than I would definitely say that Jake will be distracted." uby smiles but her cheeks turn even more crimson. "It's after midnight and all the children will be in bed. Something for everyone, right?"</p><p></p><p>She looks into his eyes, "Look, it's just something I have to do. As for Jake," her lips slowly turn up, "I'm doing it for him." She shrugs, "He might be distracted. But if Katherine stays, she'll be distracted too." she giggles. "Are you going to be there?" He exclaims, "And you think that I won't be distracted by...adult entertainment?" Ruby giggles, "Oh I KNOW you will, you dirty old man!" She laughs again. "I wasn't meaning for you to do it, only asking if you would be there. Kate is a good choice if she doesn't get embarrassed and run off. Should ask her. Maybe her and Conrad have plans." Ruby breaks into another fit of giggles.</p><p></p><p>"I have to go get ready." Ruby bows before Mr. Austin. "Thanks for the dance." Ruby bounces off shaking her hips and she walks. She finds Jane and takes her by the arm. "Good evening sister. I need to get changed, where is the costume?" As they walk Ruby asks her, "Are you still planning on performing tonight?" Jane says, "Probably. That Priest, he didn't say anything but he made it clear with just his facial expressions that he knows who I am. I....I am not sure he will allow me to do the service that I had planned. And yes, I have both of our costumes. Fifi has them over at the Gay Lady. We can change there." Ruby states, "Let's go then."</p><p></p><p>They start walking over to the Gay Lady arm in arm and Ruby winks at Jake as they walk past him. "What's the service you had planned? I thought we were just dancing." They enter the Gay Lady to get their costumes. "And aren't you afraid? Ringo is still a threat." Jane says, "I'm terrified, but I also have faith that Aphrodite herself will protect me."</p><p></p><p>They both change into the multi-veiled garments and then each put a large white cotton robe over it. "Ready?" Jane asks as Estaban announces from the stage that he and Sonoma will be performing their final song of the evening. "Yes, I'm ready." Ruby sighs, "Jane, be careful. Ringo could look like anyone."</p><p></p><p>Kate had gone back to Conrad when the dance was over. "Thank you for dancing with Louise," she smiled. "Do you think you can spare me for one more dance? I would like to play just a little." "Just one," Conrad made her promise. "I want a few more dances with you before midnight strikes. And after they see you up there, I'll have to beat my way through the crowd waiting to steal them." "Flatterer," Kate laughed and moved up to the stage near the piano.</p><p></p><p>"May I sit in for a tune?" Kate asked Dorita. "Si, you are part of the El Parador family, you belong with the band," is Dorita's reply. Kate smiled warmly and replies, "Thank you, Mère de mon Coeur <<translation - Mother of my Heart>> She slid on the bench as Dorita slid off. She unobtrusively entered into the song, supporting the others with increasingly complex chords and countermelodies as she became more familiar with the piece.</p><p></p><p>The song went on longer than it might have otherwise, with the musicians each taking a turn at improvising on the melody. The piece finally ended and the crowd gave them a big hand. Kate smiled at her family and then saw Conrad standing in front of the stage. She took the hand he offered to help her down and stepped off the stage. "That is playing" Kate said smiling. "But my teachers would be absolutely horrified." Dorita replies, "Nonsense. You have one teacher right now and he enjoyed dancing to your tune."</p><p></p><p>"That is true," she laughed. "But I was thinking of the very prim ladies and gentlemen with their metronomes who waggled their fingers at me whenever I began to wander away from the music on the page. I feel sorry for them, they miss so much." Kate went happily back into Conrad's arms for the next dance. "Who was that man, the one you danced with?" She blushed slightly when she answered. "Mr. Turner. He's a customer at the Lucky Lady. He doesn't live here, he comes on business. He's a fan of Ruby's." "Good, just so I don't have any reason to get jealous, you are here as my date!" He smiles mischievously as he says that.</p><p></p><p>"And would you be jealous?" she teased. "Have you been keeping away all your competition with harsh glares?" "That and my sword" he states, gesturing to the sheathed blade that is part of his costume. "It's a good thing there isn't much competition, you might have needed two of those swords." Kate stepped in a little closer. "You will have to give me extra flattery to make up for all the compliments I didn't receive from your rivals."</p><p></p><p>He smiles and says, "I promise that you will never receive anything else from me except for my endless flattery, eternal devotion and continuous protection." "Don't make promises you can't keep, my dear. I'm sure there will be many other things as well." Kate sighed as Estaban announced the last song. "Well, all good things...." She tucked herself close against him again. "I don't want this dance to end." Conrad embraces her warmly as he leads her to the dance floor and replies, "It does not have to."</p><p></p><p>She asks, "Have you learned to stop time then, or make the music just keep going on and on?" He replies, "We don't need music to make this dance continue." "Don't we?" She tucked her head against his shoulder again with her arms around his waist. For now, she refused to worry about what anyone else thought.</p><p></p><p>Conrad holds her close. He does not speak, he just wraps his arms around her tightly as though he never wants to let her go. When the El Parador band finishes, and is receiving loud rounds of applause he continues to hold her. He softly whispers "I love you Kate". She was grateful that his costume would keep him from feeling the tears that were falling from her eyes. She didn't look up or answer, not ready to say what he wanted to hear, but at least now ready to admit what she felt to herself. Even though she didn't move, her body relaxed against him. Finally she pulled a long breath in. "We have to move."</p><p></p><p>Conrad releases her and they begin to walk away from the middle of the dance floor. They are approached by a man between sixty and seventy years of age, with long white beard, bushy sideburns, busy eyebrows and bald head. He has a pleasant smile on his face. He is dressed in a blue cotton shirt, tan wool pants, a wide belt and cowboy boots. He has a straw campaign-style hat on his head. A pair of wire-framed eyeglasses magnify his robins-egg blue eyes. Mr. Austin says to the couple "Excuse me, but I have a matter of importance to speak with you about Mrs. Kale."</p><p></p><p>"Of course," she said and squeezed Conrad's arm, then took her teachers. "Let's step over here, Mr. Austin." Mr. Austin leads her off of Main and up Front Street, with Conrad following. He tells Kate in a soft whisper, that perhaps the confused Conrad may be able to overhear but nobody else, "Ruby will be performing in a few minutes along with that Aphrodite Priestess. She suspects that Ringo has returned and will attempt try to kill the Priestess. His men had used Invisibility earlier. I have one Detect Invisibility spell left which she suggested that I cast upon you." They reach the alleyway between Frye's Hardware and Drover's Hotel which he gestures for them to enter for some privacy while he casts the spell.</p><p></p><p>Kate's cheeks turn bright red. "I really wasn't planning on staying for, ah... the adult entertainment. But if I must. Will I be able to tell who is invisible and who is not, or would they all look the same to me?" He says, "You do not need to watch the entertainment, you need to watch the audience and surrounding areas instead. Sonoma and Louise both have their scrolls with them, bring one of them with you.</p><p></p><p>The spell will enable you to fully see anybody invisible up to fifty feet away, they will look just as they would normally except they will also be surrounded by a blue aura indicating the invisibility spell is covering them. It will last for three-quarters of an hour, which will hopefully cover the full entertainment segment. I only have the one spell left but have other means of detecting magic so will be doing likewise." He then casts the spell on Kate while Conrad watches the entrance to the alleyway and blocks them from view of passers-by.</p><p></p><p>Kate states, "I feel better knowing you will be here with us. I wish Ruby would not go up there, but once she gives herself to something, she doesn't go halfway. I'll find Sonoma, and you keep Louise with you. Neither of you look like anyone Ringo would know, she'll be safer with you than me. And we need to talk about what Louise is doing out here later."</p><p></p><p>He says, "That will work." As they walk back to Front Street and towards Main he says, "Ginnie was determined not to stay in the room. You and I both had important roles to play during the book exchange so neither of us could have stayed back to guard her. She also had a scroll and had been taught how to use it, so could have been helpful. It was her idea to change her appearance and Louise was the logical choice. In hindsight we should have included her with the plan from the onset, she deduced Twain's identity long before any of the rest of us did."</p><p></p><p>Kate replies, 'Logically I know you're right, but she's still young and I'm still responsible for her. How could I, in good conscience, make her part of a plan that could get her killed? He replies, "I understand, you are her parent and need to treat her as such. But you have to understand my role, I am her magic teacher, and I must treat her with the same degree of respect as I do for my other four students."</p><p></p><p>She replies, "I know, and honestly, I try not to place too many limits on her. She took care of herself for a long time, she doesn't need the kind of taking care of most girls her age would. It's just hard to judge what is too much and what is not enough. Hopefully we won't have to worry this way again. I do understand your reasons, and I know my girl. You did everything you could. We'll keep our eyes open," Kate finished, looking to Conrad. "Well, I will, I might make Conrad close his." She smiled at her teacher and led Conrad away to find Sonoma.</p><p></p><p>As the music slows and comes to an end Minerva looks at Nanuet and speaks. “You are quite handsome tonight, Mi Amor. Once again you make me feel like a princess in a fairy tale.” As they dance to the slow beat of the music the sweet fragrance of the oil that Minerva had anointed herself with earlier, rises to Nanuet’s nostrils as he holds her close.</p><p></p><p>“I love you, Nanuet.” She sighs as they glide across the floor. "I feel as though I have been waiting for you all my life. It is the Fates that has brought us together, but it is love that will hold us together.” She looks deep into his eyes, all her tender feelings for him shining out of her soul, as she leans in and whispers, her warm breath tickling his ear. “I want you to teach me the ways of love tonight, mi Amor. Will you do that?” she smiles in innocent trust.</p><p></p><p>The music ends and Nanuet swallows hard at Minerva's question. "At any other time I would, and perhaps later tonight we will still have that chance, but when I spoke with Ruby she told me that she still believes she is a target and that she thinks Ringo is coming back. I can't leave her up on stage without being here to at least try and keep an eye on things. Please, stay with me until we know that she is safe."</p><p></p><p>Minerva is startled by Nanuet's comment "So, she has decided to go through with it. I understand why she has chosen so. She has much to give thanks for. May the goddess protect her... but in the event that she doesn't we, her friends, shall. Let us pray that it is Aphrodite's will to make this a night of love me amor," she says kissing him deeply. She pulls away and gives him a shy yet hopeful smile. "Perhaps we should move apart for now so that we can better guard her. Stay safe mi amor."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet watches with sadness as Minerva parts from him. He starts to call out to her, not wanting her to leave him, but then realizes that she is right. They would be able to cover more of an area if they were split up. But they would also make an easier target. Nanuet began making his way through the remaining crowd in a methodical pattern, back and forth looking for anything out of place. "If only I could smell like the wolf" he thinks to himself. That is something I will have to ask Kajika to teach me if that is possible.</p><p></p><p>As the El Parador Band leaves the stage Burton Lumley walks up to the podium. He announces that it is midnight and that the costume ball in now concluded. He says that most Saloons will be open for the next two hours for those wishing to further honor Dionysus, and that there will also be worship services the next morning beginning at 9:00 AM in the town hall building.</p><p></p><p>He then announces that the Festival Singers and Dancers will now be returning for their final performance on the main stage. As he states that the six provocatively garbed women from the Palace, still wearing their costumes, head up onto the stage behind him. He gives the disclaimer "This performance will begin in around ten minutes and is planned to be rather risque and bawdy. I would suggest that those easily offended by such things should now retire to your homes. For everyone else, I would suggest that you go get another drink and then enjoy the show."</p><p></p><p>Many of the couples depart. Helen Barker orders Stanley to return to their home. Doctor Eaton sends his wife Beth home. The Arch-Bishop remains, moving himself closer to the Main Stage. The men attired as Odysseus and the Cyclops move near the stage and remove their masks, revealing themselves to be Evan Adair and his Irish fighter. Mrs. King had avoided the entire costume ball so is not around. Bill Watkins is still away from town but the other four Vigilance Committee members gather together near the far end of the dance floor with very disapproving looks on their faces.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3372429, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 231, “Last Dance” , Saturday, April 1st, 1882, 10:45 PM[/B] When Clarisse comes off stage after her set, Chester approaches her. He chides her gently, "Why didn't you tell me you were going to do that? I would have dressed better." She looks surprised. "You're not mad, are you, Chester?" Chester hugs her. "No, no. I was just teasing. That was very nice of you to let me share the stage with you in front of the whole town. Your song was beautiful and so are you." He kisses her deeply. "C'mon. Let's dance." The El Parador band continues, with Estaban and Sonoma doing the primary singing and Estaban playing a variety of instruments as each song requires. Angelica is playing guitar, Pedro is on maraccas and Dorita is at the piano, playing primarily simple chords to help along the tone of the overall tone of the music. Ruby notices the Arch-Bishop has stopped walking around as he nears Jane Boag and is now watching her intently. Conrad asks 'Louise' to dance. Kate and Ruby both notice the Mr. Austin is now present on the dance floor, dancing with 'Coyote Kay' Kaufman who owns and operates the Promise City Cooper Shop. Nanuet senses that Maska is now returning to Promise City, although he is still a few miles away. He also picks up that Luna and one of the priests are also accompanying the wolf. After they finish their dance Ruby approaches Mr. Austin while keeping an eye on Jane. "Is it improper for a fairy to ask a man to dance?" Ruby smiles. As the Band begins a Spanish wood Elvan song Mr. Austin says to Ruby, "Not at all, please, I do believe I know this song. Follow my lead." Ruby smiles and nods, and gladly takes Mr. Austin by the hand. He takes her through the lively dance number, involving a number of twists, turns and spins. The song then ends and a slower number similar to a waltz with classical guitar as the main instrument then starts up. Mr. Austin holds Ruby close as they dance it and he says, "Well done earlier with Twain." "But he got away," Ruby whispers back. He says, “Yes, but everybody is alive and he is not threatening anybody here now." She replies, “I think he may come back tonight, for the midnight entertainment." Gonzales asks, "Why? What makes you think that?" Ruby answers, "You are right and very wise. I should be glad he's gone. As for the other thing, well, he threatened one of the other entertainers. I don't know what she has planned, if she is still considering going on." He states, "Why would he do that? They have nothing to do with the books." "Uh... he doesn't like her?" Ruby could see Mr. Gonzales wasn't going for her not telling him. "Let's just say it's a religious thing and the God of War is waging War on the Goddess of Love through us mere mortals." He replies, "Ah, I see, the Aphrodite Priestess that Mother Jaminez spoke of...I understand. Ruby, when we had planned your lesson today I studied three Detect Invisibility Spells and one Invisibility to use with the lessons. I transcribed one of the Detect spells for you earlier. When the book exchange was taking place I used an Invisibility on myself and then cast one of the Detect Invisibility spell as well. I am glad I did, there were two invisible Cowboy Gang members present. One was following Chester the other was following Nanuet. I did my best to keep them both in sight and would have intervened if either had drawn a weapon. Once that flare went off they each broke away from the person that each was following and took off towards the northwest end of town. The good thing to know from all of that is that none of them saw me, including Mr. Twain. I also still have the one more Detect Invisibility spell with me if you or somebody else should need it." Ruby's eyes widen. "You are an angel, Mr. Gonzales, watching over us." She kisses his cheek. Ruby takes a breath in and holds it. "Yes, we could use the scroll or the spell if you have it. But not on me." She pauses. "I plan on being on the stage." He states, "I have it as a spell, I haven't been able to transcribe as I can just do one scroll a day. Who do you suggest that I cast the spell upon?" Ruby blinks. "Well, probably Jake. Jake or Chester." She pauses again. "Jake. Chester may be distracted by Clarisse tonight. Same with Nanuet being distracted by Minerva." She lets Mr. Gonzales dip her low. "I don't know if they plan on being there tonight but Jake will. Actually," she looks up at the sky, "It's almost midnight, right?" Gonzales states, "And won't Jake be distracted by you?" She smiles. "Yes. But he'll also be worried enough that he'll want to keep an eye out. Haven't you seen him walking all around the stage tonight? He didn't even reveal himself to me until half the ball was over. Is there someone else you can think of?" He says, "Yes, Katherine. Unlike Jake she could actually use a scroll to negate the invisibility, creating a target for Jake, Chester and anybody else with a firearm." Ruby blushes. "Uh, I don't think Katherine was planning on watching the adult entertainment. Otherwise, the plan is good." Gonzales replies, "Adult entertainment? If you mean what I think you mean, and you will be the performer, than I would definitely say that Jake will be distracted." uby smiles but her cheeks turn even more crimson. "It's after midnight and all the children will be in bed. Something for everyone, right?" She looks into his eyes, "Look, it's just something I have to do. As for Jake," her lips slowly turn up, "I'm doing it for him." She shrugs, "He might be distracted. But if Katherine stays, she'll be distracted too." she giggles. "Are you going to be there?" He exclaims, "And you think that I won't be distracted by...adult entertainment?" Ruby giggles, "Oh I KNOW you will, you dirty old man!" She laughs again. "I wasn't meaning for you to do it, only asking if you would be there. Kate is a good choice if she doesn't get embarrassed and run off. Should ask her. Maybe her and Conrad have plans." Ruby breaks into another fit of giggles. "I have to go get ready." Ruby bows before Mr. Austin. "Thanks for the dance." Ruby bounces off shaking her hips and she walks. She finds Jane and takes her by the arm. "Good evening sister. I need to get changed, where is the costume?" As they walk Ruby asks her, "Are you still planning on performing tonight?" Jane says, "Probably. That Priest, he didn't say anything but he made it clear with just his facial expressions that he knows who I am. I....I am not sure he will allow me to do the service that I had planned. And yes, I have both of our costumes. Fifi has them over at the Gay Lady. We can change there." Ruby states, "Let's go then." They start walking over to the Gay Lady arm in arm and Ruby winks at Jake as they walk past him. "What's the service you had planned? I thought we were just dancing." They enter the Gay Lady to get their costumes. "And aren't you afraid? Ringo is still a threat." Jane says, "I'm terrified, but I also have faith that Aphrodite herself will protect me." They both change into the multi-veiled garments and then each put a large white cotton robe over it. "Ready?" Jane asks as Estaban announces from the stage that he and Sonoma will be performing their final song of the evening. "Yes, I'm ready." Ruby sighs, "Jane, be careful. Ringo could look like anyone." Kate had gone back to Conrad when the dance was over. "Thank you for dancing with Louise," she smiled. "Do you think you can spare me for one more dance? I would like to play just a little." "Just one," Conrad made her promise. "I want a few more dances with you before midnight strikes. And after they see you up there, I'll have to beat my way through the crowd waiting to steal them." "Flatterer," Kate laughed and moved up to the stage near the piano. "May I sit in for a tune?" Kate asked Dorita. "Si, you are part of the El Parador family, you belong with the band," is Dorita's reply. Kate smiled warmly and replies, "Thank you, Mère de mon Coeur <<translation - Mother of my Heart>> She slid on the bench as Dorita slid off. She unobtrusively entered into the song, supporting the others with increasingly complex chords and countermelodies as she became more familiar with the piece. The song went on longer than it might have otherwise, with the musicians each taking a turn at improvising on the melody. The piece finally ended and the crowd gave them a big hand. Kate smiled at her family and then saw Conrad standing in front of the stage. She took the hand he offered to help her down and stepped off the stage. "That is playing" Kate said smiling. "But my teachers would be absolutely horrified." Dorita replies, "Nonsense. You have one teacher right now and he enjoyed dancing to your tune." "That is true," she laughed. "But I was thinking of the very prim ladies and gentlemen with their metronomes who waggled their fingers at me whenever I began to wander away from the music on the page. I feel sorry for them, they miss so much." Kate went happily back into Conrad's arms for the next dance. "Who was that man, the one you danced with?" She blushed slightly when she answered. "Mr. Turner. He's a customer at the Lucky Lady. He doesn't live here, he comes on business. He's a fan of Ruby's." "Good, just so I don't have any reason to get jealous, you are here as my date!" He smiles mischievously as he says that. "And would you be jealous?" she teased. "Have you been keeping away all your competition with harsh glares?" "That and my sword" he states, gesturing to the sheathed blade that is part of his costume. "It's a good thing there isn't much competition, you might have needed two of those swords." Kate stepped in a little closer. "You will have to give me extra flattery to make up for all the compliments I didn't receive from your rivals." He smiles and says, "I promise that you will never receive anything else from me except for my endless flattery, eternal devotion and continuous protection." "Don't make promises you can't keep, my dear. I'm sure there will be many other things as well." Kate sighed as Estaban announced the last song. "Well, all good things...." She tucked herself close against him again. "I don't want this dance to end." Conrad embraces her warmly as he leads her to the dance floor and replies, "It does not have to." She asks, "Have you learned to stop time then, or make the music just keep going on and on?" He replies, "We don't need music to make this dance continue." "Don't we?" She tucked her head against his shoulder again with her arms around his waist. For now, she refused to worry about what anyone else thought. Conrad holds her close. He does not speak, he just wraps his arms around her tightly as though he never wants to let her go. When the El Parador band finishes, and is receiving loud rounds of applause he continues to hold her. He softly whispers "I love you Kate". She was grateful that his costume would keep him from feeling the tears that were falling from her eyes. She didn't look up or answer, not ready to say what he wanted to hear, but at least now ready to admit what she felt to herself. Even though she didn't move, her body relaxed against him. Finally she pulled a long breath in. "We have to move." Conrad releases her and they begin to walk away from the middle of the dance floor. They are approached by a man between sixty and seventy years of age, with long white beard, bushy sideburns, busy eyebrows and bald head. He has a pleasant smile on his face. He is dressed in a blue cotton shirt, tan wool pants, a wide belt and cowboy boots. He has a straw campaign-style hat on his head. A pair of wire-framed eyeglasses magnify his robins-egg blue eyes. Mr. Austin says to the couple "Excuse me, but I have a matter of importance to speak with you about Mrs. Kale." "Of course," she said and squeezed Conrad's arm, then took her teachers. "Let's step over here, Mr. Austin." Mr. Austin leads her off of Main and up Front Street, with Conrad following. He tells Kate in a soft whisper, that perhaps the confused Conrad may be able to overhear but nobody else, "Ruby will be performing in a few minutes along with that Aphrodite Priestess. She suspects that Ringo has returned and will attempt try to kill the Priestess. His men had used Invisibility earlier. I have one Detect Invisibility spell left which she suggested that I cast upon you." They reach the alleyway between Frye's Hardware and Drover's Hotel which he gestures for them to enter for some privacy while he casts the spell. Kate's cheeks turn bright red. "I really wasn't planning on staying for, ah... the adult entertainment. But if I must. Will I be able to tell who is invisible and who is not, or would they all look the same to me?" He says, "You do not need to watch the entertainment, you need to watch the audience and surrounding areas instead. Sonoma and Louise both have their scrolls with them, bring one of them with you. The spell will enable you to fully see anybody invisible up to fifty feet away, they will look just as they would normally except they will also be surrounded by a blue aura indicating the invisibility spell is covering them. It will last for three-quarters of an hour, which will hopefully cover the full entertainment segment. I only have the one spell left but have other means of detecting magic so will be doing likewise." He then casts the spell on Kate while Conrad watches the entrance to the alleyway and blocks them from view of passers-by. Kate states, "I feel better knowing you will be here with us. I wish Ruby would not go up there, but once she gives herself to something, she doesn't go halfway. I'll find Sonoma, and you keep Louise with you. Neither of you look like anyone Ringo would know, she'll be safer with you than me. And we need to talk about what Louise is doing out here later." He says, "That will work." As they walk back to Front Street and towards Main he says, "Ginnie was determined not to stay in the room. You and I both had important roles to play during the book exchange so neither of us could have stayed back to guard her. She also had a scroll and had been taught how to use it, so could have been helpful. It was her idea to change her appearance and Louise was the logical choice. In hindsight we should have included her with the plan from the onset, she deduced Twain's identity long before any of the rest of us did." Kate replies, 'Logically I know you're right, but she's still young and I'm still responsible for her. How could I, in good conscience, make her part of a plan that could get her killed? He replies, "I understand, you are her parent and need to treat her as such. But you have to understand my role, I am her magic teacher, and I must treat her with the same degree of respect as I do for my other four students." She replies, "I know, and honestly, I try not to place too many limits on her. She took care of herself for a long time, she doesn't need the kind of taking care of most girls her age would. It's just hard to judge what is too much and what is not enough. Hopefully we won't have to worry this way again. I do understand your reasons, and I know my girl. You did everything you could. We'll keep our eyes open," Kate finished, looking to Conrad. "Well, I will, I might make Conrad close his." She smiled at her teacher and led Conrad away to find Sonoma. As the music slows and comes to an end Minerva looks at Nanuet and speaks. “You are quite handsome tonight, Mi Amor. Once again you make me feel like a princess in a fairy tale.” As they dance to the slow beat of the music the sweet fragrance of the oil that Minerva had anointed herself with earlier, rises to Nanuet’s nostrils as he holds her close. “I love you, Nanuet.” She sighs as they glide across the floor. "I feel as though I have been waiting for you all my life. It is the Fates that has brought us together, but it is love that will hold us together.” She looks deep into his eyes, all her tender feelings for him shining out of her soul, as she leans in and whispers, her warm breath tickling his ear. “I want you to teach me the ways of love tonight, mi Amor. Will you do that?” she smiles in innocent trust. The music ends and Nanuet swallows hard at Minerva's question. "At any other time I would, and perhaps later tonight we will still have that chance, but when I spoke with Ruby she told me that she still believes she is a target and that she thinks Ringo is coming back. I can't leave her up on stage without being here to at least try and keep an eye on things. Please, stay with me until we know that she is safe." Minerva is startled by Nanuet's comment "So, she has decided to go through with it. I understand why she has chosen so. She has much to give thanks for. May the goddess protect her... but in the event that she doesn't we, her friends, shall. Let us pray that it is Aphrodite's will to make this a night of love me amor," she says kissing him deeply. She pulls away and gives him a shy yet hopeful smile. "Perhaps we should move apart for now so that we can better guard her. Stay safe mi amor." Nanuet watches with sadness as Minerva parts from him. He starts to call out to her, not wanting her to leave him, but then realizes that she is right. They would be able to cover more of an area if they were split up. But they would also make an easier target. Nanuet began making his way through the remaining crowd in a methodical pattern, back and forth looking for anything out of place. "If only I could smell like the wolf" he thinks to himself. That is something I will have to ask Kajika to teach me if that is possible. As the El Parador Band leaves the stage Burton Lumley walks up to the podium. He announces that it is midnight and that the costume ball in now concluded. He says that most Saloons will be open for the next two hours for those wishing to further honor Dionysus, and that there will also be worship services the next morning beginning at 9:00 AM in the town hall building. He then announces that the Festival Singers and Dancers will now be returning for their final performance on the main stage. As he states that the six provocatively garbed women from the Palace, still wearing their costumes, head up onto the stage behind him. He gives the disclaimer "This performance will begin in around ten minutes and is planned to be rather risque and bawdy. I would suggest that those easily offended by such things should now retire to your homes. For everyone else, I would suggest that you go get another drink and then enjoy the show." Many of the couples depart. Helen Barker orders Stanley to return to their home. Doctor Eaton sends his wife Beth home. The Arch-Bishop remains, moving himself closer to the Main Stage. The men attired as Odysseus and the Cyclops move near the stage and remove their masks, revealing themselves to be Evan Adair and his Irish fighter. Mrs. King had avoided the entire costume ball so is not around. Bill Watkins is still away from town but the other four Vigilance Committee members gather together near the far end of the dance floor with very disapproving looks on their faces. [/QUOTE]
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