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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3427852" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 238, "The Morning After" Sunday, April 2, 1881, 6:45 A.M. </strong></p><p></p><p>Unsure when help might arrive, Kate spent the next half hour checking everyone for minor cuts and scrapes that she could take care of with her non-magical knowledge of healing. Once everyone was seen to, she followed their tracks back to where they left the horses and brought them down. </p><p></p><p>She also looked over Ringo's horse to see if he had been taking good care of it. All the while she fought a numbness inside her. Ringo was dead, his body lying on the ground covered by a horse blanket, grossly mutilated in the chest from Jake's repeated stabbings. He would not haunt them any further. From here on out her friends would be safe, she could move into her own home, life would stop marching in a circle and could move forward. It was hard to fathom. </p><p></p><p>At 7:15 A.M. a small caravan of two wagons and the stagecoach arrive from Morand Cartage Company, with the centaur Qualtaqa alongside. The first one off a cart is Deputy Eduardo Rodriguez, and it is a comfort to all to see that he isn't wearing any guns. Along with Eduardo are Zach Morand and his employees Liam Murphy, Doug Manson, Julio O'Grady and Bud Newkirk. Also with the group are Neil Cassidy, Ashley King and Emery Shaw. The other one with this group is Conrad Booth, who heads directly over to Kate just as fast as his feet will carry him. </p><p></p><p>"Gentlemen, we're grateful to see you," Kate said smiling. A moment later she saw Conrad come rushing to her. She stood with her mouth open for a moment before she recovered herself. "Conrad, I... You should still be asleep. How did you know to come?" Conrad replies, "Eduardo arrested me earlier this morning for assault. I had managed to convince him that I acted in self defense and was about to head home when Qualtaqa came by the Marshall's Office with the message. Kate, are you alright?" </p><p></p><p>She replies, "Yes, I'm fine. Not a scratch on me. I seem to have a talent for escaping these things unscathed. Which is not to say I want to try it again. Ruby wasn't so lucky," she said quietly looking toward her friend. "She's angry with me for coming, but I had to be here. We needed more than one person who could make Ringo vulnerable." She shivered. "That's him, under the blanket." </p><p></p><p>Conrad looks over at the blanket, and also the blanket covering the man who Jake shot that was invisible. "Well then, it's over now Kate. You can stop worrying. Time for you to move on with your life, to become that rancher and school teacher that you were planning to be." </p><p></p><p>She nodded. "I can finally move Tom from Tombstone to the ranch like he wanted. It will be odd, to be able to walk down the street alone and not look over my shoulder all the time. To go back and forth to the ranch as I please, to start my school. I've been putting that off you know. I didn't want to endanger the children, or give any hints that the building was mine. It's the only reason I haven't moved in yet. The future seems very open now. I'm afraid I'm a little overwhelmed by it all." She reached out and laid her hand on his arm. "I'm glad you came." </p><p></p><p>He answers, "I was worried. You are right, your future is now open. And I will play whatever part in that future that you wish of me." She replies, "Thank you for not pushing me, and for not yelling at me for coming here. I haven't had time to reconsider.... I'm not sure what your role is to be, only that you're sure to have one," she said with a warm smile. Conrad smiles back, with just the slightest look of disappointment on his face. Kate reached out and took his hands. "I do have a few ideas you might help me with," she said and lifted her face to kiss him. "Courting is too much fun to skip." </p><p></p><p>Zack Morand tells Minerva "You need to be heading back if you're going to run that worship service at nine." Eduardo and two of the Cartage company employees agree to remain on site along with the centaur. Jake and the others decide to head back to town. They had already searched the two now covered bodies and the other nine dead Cowboy Gang members were totally buried. </p><p></p><p>The unconscious Ruby, Nanuet and Maska are all helped into the stagecoach, the floorboards of which have been repaired since Ruby's last outing in it. The others climb up on top or into the second wagon, leaving the third wagon behind with the others. On the ride back to town Jake has a nice chat with Emery Shaw, thanking him for the rifle. </p><p></p><p>They reach Promise City at around 8:00 AM. Marshall Berg is waiting for them at the Lucky Lady. Chester fills the Marshall in on what transpired while the others help Ruby and Nanuet into the Lucky Lady. Before heading upstairs to bed Maria insists upon cooking them all up a big breakfast. </p><p></p><p>As Chester, Conrad, Jake, Kate, Minerva, Nanuet and a now barely conscious Ruby sit down to eat Berg tells them about his rescue of the real Samuel Clemens in Tombstone. One Cowboy Gang member was killed and two were arrested and are in Virgil Earp's jail. Twain has decided not to tell people what actually happened, as it would just be seen as a publicity stunt given the dual-identity nature of his new book. He will carry on today as though he was the one who had made the speech the previous night. </p><p></p><p>Berg then tells them that since Chester had led the mission out to the cave he will consider their group to have been a lawfully authorized posse to go after the attempted murderers and horse thieves. Mighty nice of him, thinks Jake, to not hang us for saving his bloody town. </p><p></p><p>It was hard for Katherine to see the disappointment in Conrad's eyes throughout the morning. She kept hold of his hand when she could, trying to reassure him. Once they had a moment after talking to Berg Kate said to Conrad. "He's here, the real Twain! You should go see him, I know it's what you wanted." </p><p></p><p>"Will you come with me?" Conrad asks. Up until this point he had been a man of great confidence, but now he had the expression of a terrified little boy. She replies, "Of course I will. Would you like a grand lady, rather than this girl in riding leathers?" He says, "Why don't you change." </p><p></p><p>Conrad tells the others that he and Kate are going to go visit Mr. Twain. Minerva says, "Oh good, he will like that. In his letter he mentioned wanting to see where Billy the Kid had died." Conrad's mood suddenly changes. As they leave he says, "Kate, this is wonderful. He wants to see me, not just the other way around." She replies, "And you were so downcast last night. It will work out well." </p><p></p><p>Ruby wearily makes her way to the stairs, past a crying Maria and the other concerned members of the Saloon who had heard about their little adventure. Jake holds up his hand to keep them away, indicating not now. Upstairs he helps Ruby gently pull off her clothes, revealing the tender purple bruise already forming on her chest. Ruby looks away in disgust while Jake helps clean her up. He selects the cleanest of his shirts off the floor for her and she crawls into bed. She takes his hand in hers and holds it tightly. It isn't long before her eyes close and she is asleep. </p><p></p><p>After Ruby is asleep and Berg leaves Jakes sees Nanuet and approaches him with a broad smile on his face and a glass of whiskey in each hand. "How are you today, Nanuet? I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders and the sun is shining again." Nanuet suspects the smile may be a bit forced. Jake tries to put the glass in the Indian's hand. </p><p></p><p>The smile disappears from Jake's face and in a more quiet voice he says, "Actually, no it hasn't. I have been concerned. First you seemed distant and upset with me, and then.... and then I shot Maska. You know I didn't mean for that to happen. I had no idea she was going to leap just when I shot. Nanuet, I... the thing is... Hades! Nanuet, I am sorry. Has she recovered properly? I feel terrible." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet looks Jake up and down for a moment. The wheels in is mind are definitely spinning. Should I try and play him at his own game? It was really an accident and she is fine, but this could be funny... He replies, "No worries white man, the wolf will live. She might not take to kindly to you the next time she sees you, but you have my forgiveness." Jake suddenly remembers the feel of the she wolf's teeth on his hand. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet claps Jake on the back and slams the whiskey back. "As for me, just a lot on my mind is all. I think things will be much better now, I don't feel as though I have to look over my shoulder everywhere I turn. I'm sure you know what I mean." "Yes, I do," he says somewhat distracted. "I am pleased this has not harmed our friendship." Pause. "So does Maska wander around the town on her own?" </p><p></p><p>Nanuet chuckles softly and heads to the bar to fill his glass. "Only when she's hungry and can't find food in the hills. She finds easier picking’s around town, livestock and the like. Fat handfed chickens tend to move a bit slower than wild hares." Jake imagines himself having to carry around a live hen at night to bribe Maska and shakes his head. He follows Nanuet to the bar. "You think I could make it up to her? I mean it works with people, but they are a greedy lot." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet scratches his head and puts on his best face for pondering, taping his index finger on his chin. He gulps down his second whiskey and places the glass back on the bar. Before he turns and leaves he says "She's a fickle one, like most ladies I know. Maybe just tell her you're sorry and we can go from there." Nanuet goes up stairs and leaves Jake to consider his words. Jake watches Nanuet retire to his room and mutters, "Yes, but when I say that a woman is going to bite my head off, I don't usually mean it literally." </p><p></p><p>The morning includes the Worship Service. Minerva has returned to the town hall in time for the sermon. Her exhaustion is well hidden as she smiles radiantly to the congregation, noticing that many faces in the crowd appear rather green about the gills this morning, especially among the men. </p><p></p><p>Before the service begins Marshall Berg gives a slightly-sanitized summary of events for all assembled. He says that the Cowboy Gang had wanted to disrupt the festival to the gods by attempting to assassinate Arch-Bishop Dimitrios Tsaldaris who had come to lead the service and also Ruby West who was leading the dance to Aphrodite the previous night. He says that both were seriously wounded but through the grace of the gods as well as fast-thinking priests and doctors will both survive and are now recovering. </p><p></p><p>He then says that two different posses, led by himself and Deputy Martin, managed to track and find the culprits. He states that three Cowboy Gang members are now behind bars and another twelve were killed, including the Gang's leader Johnny Ringo. He says that the festival can now continue without further interruption. </p><p></p><p>Not having had time to prepare a sermon she prays to the goddess for the words and keeps it short, giving thanks to Dionysus for what is surly to be a bountiful season for the farmers and ranchers after such a successful Festival. She turns the podium over to the Bishop. </p><p></p><p>Bishop Costas Papandraus begins by stating his credentials as Deputy Administrator of the Church in the Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah Territories and that his being granted full authority over local matters by his superior. He declares his full support for Priestess Florencia, Promise City's permanent pastor. She is startled out of her exhaustion when she hears Bishop Costas Papandraus announcement. </p><p></p><p>The congregation stands and applauds in overwhelming support. She notices that Mrs. King and other Vigilance Committee members take longer to stand and are not smiling as they half heartedly clap their hands.” She beams a cheshire cat grin in their direction as she returns to the podium. "I want to thank you all for making me feel so welcome in my new home. In my new town. The festival has proven that we are a great family and like a family we are able to work through our differences, able to work together regardless of race or sex or religious preferences to accomplish great things for Promise City. May the gods continue to guide our hearts and hands and may we continue to do Their work!" </p><p></p><p>"But the festival is not ended yet." She reminds them. "So let us continue the Celebration! I will see you all at the picnic." she concludes. Worried about Ruby and Nanuet, she tries to make a quick exit but is hampered by the many people who wish to congratulate her and offer their support. She spends what seems like an eternity smiling and hugging people before she is able to make her escape to the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>Kate and Conrad chatted on the short walk back to the Lucky Lady. She changed quickly, doing up her hair and putting on the red dress that she had originally intended to wear on Saturday. After last night's gown, this ones tendency to make her look fuller in the bust seemed nothing at all. She hurried back downstairs and they walked to the hotel where Mr. Twain was staying. </p><p></p><p>Conrad and Kate spend the next five hours in the company of Mr. Twain. Following the tour of Conrad's second floor, with running narration of by Conrad of what transpired they head over to the El Pardor. They stay at a table for the entire afternoon. When members of Arcade's Gang stop by for a bite Conrad introduces them to the author. </p><p></p><p>Kate mentions her family in Boston and of her father being friends with Ralph Waldo Emerson and John Greenleaf Whittier. Twain is well acquainted with both men and makes no bones about the fact that he and Whittier disagree on most subjects, including what makes a good poem. </p><p></p><p>Twain tells them about his harrowing experience in Tombstone and listens intently when they describe for him Johnny Ringo's impersonation of him. Twain says that his biggest regret to the whole incident is that Ringo stole his favorite three-piece tailored suit. </p><p></p><p>The conversation eventually gets around to Booth's father, and it is Twain who brings the subject up due to the strong resemblance. Conrad tells his story, leaving no parts out, including his disastrous reunion many years earlier. Twain says, "Let me see what I can do when I reach New York. That may not be for some time though, as I plan to cruise the Mississippi River first as research for my next book." </p><p></p><p>Kate states, "You're very kind. Anything you can do would be appreciated. The cruise down the Mississippi sounds fascinating." They continued to talk for a short while longer, until Conrad finally found his head drooping with fatigue. After Kate and Conrad left Manuel Gonzales sits down at the El Parador table to chat with the famous author. </p><p></p><p>Jake notices an extremely large bouquet of colorful cut flowers comes bouncing into the Lucky Lady. The small boy carrying them struggles to heave them onto the bar, almost spilling them over. Niles looks down over the counter at the boy. He grins and says, "For Miss Ruby West," and he skips out. Niles shakes his head as this bouquet filled the last available spot on the bar, the entire thing covered in get well flowers for Ruby. Niles says to Jake, "I guess her dance last night affected a lot of people." </p><p></p><p>Jake seems lost in thought but recovers... "Ah, yes I suppose it did. I wonder if she even suspects what she may have done." He says that more to himself than Niles. "There is no middle ground with that woman." Jake peruses the flowers curious who sent them. </p><p></p><p>Minerva enters the Lucky Lady and notices Jake and Niles talking amongst what is beginning to be a garden of flowers on the bar. She walks over and picks a flower out of the pile and raises it to her nose. "The Bar certainly looks beautiful decorated this way but does this not get in the way of serving drinks t the customers? She pulls a tag off of one of the bouquets. "It looks like you have some competition." she teases Jake. " How is Ruby? And do you know where Nanuet is?" </p><p></p><p>Jake replies, "I always have competition for Ruby, that will not likely change. She is well but tired. She is resting between interruptions from well wishers. As for Nanuet, he is around someplace, though I have not seen in for a little while." </p><p></p><p>I'm here." Nanuet says, looking a little more refreshed after his rest. "How did your sermon go, I must apologize for missing it, I certainly did not have that intention." Nanuet walks quicker down the rest of the stairs to join Minerva. </p><p></p><p>Minerva smiles in relief and quickens her pace when she sees that Nanuet is his old self. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him soundly on the lips. "You should have been there, Mi Amor. You are now looking at the Permanent Pastor of the Church of Olympus!" she says and twirls around in her excitement. "Oh! it was grand! you should have seen the look on Senora King's face when the Bishop made the announcement. She looked like she'd just been force-fed a mouthful of Dorita's tea!" she chortled in delight at the thought. "Oh, and I got a standing ovation! I have to go to the picnic so that the congregation can congratulate me. Will you escort me?" </p><p></p><p>Nanuet smiles at Minerva's celebratory mood. "Of course I will escort you. Just let me wash up a bit and I will be right there. A picnic you say? That's our specialty." Nanuet leaves for a few minutes and returns tidied up and ready to go. "I hope there is food at this picnic, I could eat a horse right about now." he says as he offers Minerva his arm. Minerva takes his arm. "With your appetite I'm sure you could but I do not think that horse will be part of the offerings." She chuckles. The make light banter as stroll arm in arm to the picnic.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3427852, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 238, "The Morning After" Sunday, April 2, 1881, 6:45 A.M. [/B] Unsure when help might arrive, Kate spent the next half hour checking everyone for minor cuts and scrapes that she could take care of with her non-magical knowledge of healing. Once everyone was seen to, she followed their tracks back to where they left the horses and brought them down. She also looked over Ringo's horse to see if he had been taking good care of it. All the while she fought a numbness inside her. Ringo was dead, his body lying on the ground covered by a horse blanket, grossly mutilated in the chest from Jake's repeated stabbings. He would not haunt them any further. From here on out her friends would be safe, she could move into her own home, life would stop marching in a circle and could move forward. It was hard to fathom. At 7:15 A.M. a small caravan of two wagons and the stagecoach arrive from Morand Cartage Company, with the centaur Qualtaqa alongside. The first one off a cart is Deputy Eduardo Rodriguez, and it is a comfort to all to see that he isn't wearing any guns. Along with Eduardo are Zach Morand and his employees Liam Murphy, Doug Manson, Julio O'Grady and Bud Newkirk. Also with the group are Neil Cassidy, Ashley King and Emery Shaw. The other one with this group is Conrad Booth, who heads directly over to Kate just as fast as his feet will carry him. "Gentlemen, we're grateful to see you," Kate said smiling. A moment later she saw Conrad come rushing to her. She stood with her mouth open for a moment before she recovered herself. "Conrad, I... You should still be asleep. How did you know to come?" Conrad replies, "Eduardo arrested me earlier this morning for assault. I had managed to convince him that I acted in self defense and was about to head home when Qualtaqa came by the Marshall's Office with the message. Kate, are you alright?" She replies, "Yes, I'm fine. Not a scratch on me. I seem to have a talent for escaping these things unscathed. Which is not to say I want to try it again. Ruby wasn't so lucky," she said quietly looking toward her friend. "She's angry with me for coming, but I had to be here. We needed more than one person who could make Ringo vulnerable." She shivered. "That's him, under the blanket." Conrad looks over at the blanket, and also the blanket covering the man who Jake shot that was invisible. "Well then, it's over now Kate. You can stop worrying. Time for you to move on with your life, to become that rancher and school teacher that you were planning to be." She nodded. "I can finally move Tom from Tombstone to the ranch like he wanted. It will be odd, to be able to walk down the street alone and not look over my shoulder all the time. To go back and forth to the ranch as I please, to start my school. I've been putting that off you know. I didn't want to endanger the children, or give any hints that the building was mine. It's the only reason I haven't moved in yet. The future seems very open now. I'm afraid I'm a little overwhelmed by it all." She reached out and laid her hand on his arm. "I'm glad you came." He answers, "I was worried. You are right, your future is now open. And I will play whatever part in that future that you wish of me." She replies, "Thank you for not pushing me, and for not yelling at me for coming here. I haven't had time to reconsider.... I'm not sure what your role is to be, only that you're sure to have one," she said with a warm smile. Conrad smiles back, with just the slightest look of disappointment on his face. Kate reached out and took his hands. "I do have a few ideas you might help me with," she said and lifted her face to kiss him. "Courting is too much fun to skip." Zack Morand tells Minerva "You need to be heading back if you're going to run that worship service at nine." Eduardo and two of the Cartage company employees agree to remain on site along with the centaur. Jake and the others decide to head back to town. They had already searched the two now covered bodies and the other nine dead Cowboy Gang members were totally buried. The unconscious Ruby, Nanuet and Maska are all helped into the stagecoach, the floorboards of which have been repaired since Ruby's last outing in it. The others climb up on top or into the second wagon, leaving the third wagon behind with the others. On the ride back to town Jake has a nice chat with Emery Shaw, thanking him for the rifle. They reach Promise City at around 8:00 AM. Marshall Berg is waiting for them at the Lucky Lady. Chester fills the Marshall in on what transpired while the others help Ruby and Nanuet into the Lucky Lady. Before heading upstairs to bed Maria insists upon cooking them all up a big breakfast. As Chester, Conrad, Jake, Kate, Minerva, Nanuet and a now barely conscious Ruby sit down to eat Berg tells them about his rescue of the real Samuel Clemens in Tombstone. One Cowboy Gang member was killed and two were arrested and are in Virgil Earp's jail. Twain has decided not to tell people what actually happened, as it would just be seen as a publicity stunt given the dual-identity nature of his new book. He will carry on today as though he was the one who had made the speech the previous night. Berg then tells them that since Chester had led the mission out to the cave he will consider their group to have been a lawfully authorized posse to go after the attempted murderers and horse thieves. Mighty nice of him, thinks Jake, to not hang us for saving his bloody town. It was hard for Katherine to see the disappointment in Conrad's eyes throughout the morning. She kept hold of his hand when she could, trying to reassure him. Once they had a moment after talking to Berg Kate said to Conrad. "He's here, the real Twain! You should go see him, I know it's what you wanted." "Will you come with me?" Conrad asks. Up until this point he had been a man of great confidence, but now he had the expression of a terrified little boy. She replies, "Of course I will. Would you like a grand lady, rather than this girl in riding leathers?" He says, "Why don't you change." Conrad tells the others that he and Kate are going to go visit Mr. Twain. Minerva says, "Oh good, he will like that. In his letter he mentioned wanting to see where Billy the Kid had died." Conrad's mood suddenly changes. As they leave he says, "Kate, this is wonderful. He wants to see me, not just the other way around." She replies, "And you were so downcast last night. It will work out well." Ruby wearily makes her way to the stairs, past a crying Maria and the other concerned members of the Saloon who had heard about their little adventure. Jake holds up his hand to keep them away, indicating not now. Upstairs he helps Ruby gently pull off her clothes, revealing the tender purple bruise already forming on her chest. Ruby looks away in disgust while Jake helps clean her up. He selects the cleanest of his shirts off the floor for her and she crawls into bed. She takes his hand in hers and holds it tightly. It isn't long before her eyes close and she is asleep. After Ruby is asleep and Berg leaves Jakes sees Nanuet and approaches him with a broad smile on his face and a glass of whiskey in each hand. "How are you today, Nanuet? I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders and the sun is shining again." Nanuet suspects the smile may be a bit forced. Jake tries to put the glass in the Indian's hand. The smile disappears from Jake's face and in a more quiet voice he says, "Actually, no it hasn't. I have been concerned. First you seemed distant and upset with me, and then.... and then I shot Maska. You know I didn't mean for that to happen. I had no idea she was going to leap just when I shot. Nanuet, I... the thing is... Hades! Nanuet, I am sorry. Has she recovered properly? I feel terrible." Nanuet looks Jake up and down for a moment. The wheels in is mind are definitely spinning. Should I try and play him at his own game? It was really an accident and she is fine, but this could be funny... He replies, "No worries white man, the wolf will live. She might not take to kindly to you the next time she sees you, but you have my forgiveness." Jake suddenly remembers the feel of the she wolf's teeth on his hand. Nanuet claps Jake on the back and slams the whiskey back. "As for me, just a lot on my mind is all. I think things will be much better now, I don't feel as though I have to look over my shoulder everywhere I turn. I'm sure you know what I mean." "Yes, I do," he says somewhat distracted. "I am pleased this has not harmed our friendship." Pause. "So does Maska wander around the town on her own?" Nanuet chuckles softly and heads to the bar to fill his glass. "Only when she's hungry and can't find food in the hills. She finds easier picking’s around town, livestock and the like. Fat handfed chickens tend to move a bit slower than wild hares." Jake imagines himself having to carry around a live hen at night to bribe Maska and shakes his head. He follows Nanuet to the bar. "You think I could make it up to her? I mean it works with people, but they are a greedy lot." Nanuet scratches his head and puts on his best face for pondering, taping his index finger on his chin. He gulps down his second whiskey and places the glass back on the bar. Before he turns and leaves he says "She's a fickle one, like most ladies I know. Maybe just tell her you're sorry and we can go from there." Nanuet goes up stairs and leaves Jake to consider his words. Jake watches Nanuet retire to his room and mutters, "Yes, but when I say that a woman is going to bite my head off, I don't usually mean it literally." The morning includes the Worship Service. Minerva has returned to the town hall in time for the sermon. Her exhaustion is well hidden as she smiles radiantly to the congregation, noticing that many faces in the crowd appear rather green about the gills this morning, especially among the men. Before the service begins Marshall Berg gives a slightly-sanitized summary of events for all assembled. He says that the Cowboy Gang had wanted to disrupt the festival to the gods by attempting to assassinate Arch-Bishop Dimitrios Tsaldaris who had come to lead the service and also Ruby West who was leading the dance to Aphrodite the previous night. He says that both were seriously wounded but through the grace of the gods as well as fast-thinking priests and doctors will both survive and are now recovering. He then says that two different posses, led by himself and Deputy Martin, managed to track and find the culprits. He states that three Cowboy Gang members are now behind bars and another twelve were killed, including the Gang's leader Johnny Ringo. He says that the festival can now continue without further interruption. Not having had time to prepare a sermon she prays to the goddess for the words and keeps it short, giving thanks to Dionysus for what is surly to be a bountiful season for the farmers and ranchers after such a successful Festival. She turns the podium over to the Bishop. Bishop Costas Papandraus begins by stating his credentials as Deputy Administrator of the Church in the Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah Territories and that his being granted full authority over local matters by his superior. He declares his full support for Priestess Florencia, Promise City's permanent pastor. She is startled out of her exhaustion when she hears Bishop Costas Papandraus announcement. The congregation stands and applauds in overwhelming support. She notices that Mrs. King and other Vigilance Committee members take longer to stand and are not smiling as they half heartedly clap their hands.” She beams a cheshire cat grin in their direction as she returns to the podium. "I want to thank you all for making me feel so welcome in my new home. In my new town. The festival has proven that we are a great family and like a family we are able to work through our differences, able to work together regardless of race or sex or religious preferences to accomplish great things for Promise City. May the gods continue to guide our hearts and hands and may we continue to do Their work!" "But the festival is not ended yet." She reminds them. "So let us continue the Celebration! I will see you all at the picnic." she concludes. Worried about Ruby and Nanuet, she tries to make a quick exit but is hampered by the many people who wish to congratulate her and offer their support. She spends what seems like an eternity smiling and hugging people before she is able to make her escape to the Lucky Lady. Kate and Conrad chatted on the short walk back to the Lucky Lady. She changed quickly, doing up her hair and putting on the red dress that she had originally intended to wear on Saturday. After last night's gown, this ones tendency to make her look fuller in the bust seemed nothing at all. She hurried back downstairs and they walked to the hotel where Mr. Twain was staying. Conrad and Kate spend the next five hours in the company of Mr. Twain. Following the tour of Conrad's second floor, with running narration of by Conrad of what transpired they head over to the El Pardor. They stay at a table for the entire afternoon. When members of Arcade's Gang stop by for a bite Conrad introduces them to the author. Kate mentions her family in Boston and of her father being friends with Ralph Waldo Emerson and John Greenleaf Whittier. Twain is well acquainted with both men and makes no bones about the fact that he and Whittier disagree on most subjects, including what makes a good poem. Twain tells them about his harrowing experience in Tombstone and listens intently when they describe for him Johnny Ringo's impersonation of him. Twain says that his biggest regret to the whole incident is that Ringo stole his favorite three-piece tailored suit. The conversation eventually gets around to Booth's father, and it is Twain who brings the subject up due to the strong resemblance. Conrad tells his story, leaving no parts out, including his disastrous reunion many years earlier. Twain says, "Let me see what I can do when I reach New York. That may not be for some time though, as I plan to cruise the Mississippi River first as research for my next book." Kate states, "You're very kind. Anything you can do would be appreciated. The cruise down the Mississippi sounds fascinating." They continued to talk for a short while longer, until Conrad finally found his head drooping with fatigue. After Kate and Conrad left Manuel Gonzales sits down at the El Parador table to chat with the famous author. Jake notices an extremely large bouquet of colorful cut flowers comes bouncing into the Lucky Lady. The small boy carrying them struggles to heave them onto the bar, almost spilling them over. Niles looks down over the counter at the boy. He grins and says, "For Miss Ruby West," and he skips out. Niles shakes his head as this bouquet filled the last available spot on the bar, the entire thing covered in get well flowers for Ruby. Niles says to Jake, "I guess her dance last night affected a lot of people." Jake seems lost in thought but recovers... "Ah, yes I suppose it did. I wonder if she even suspects what she may have done." He says that more to himself than Niles. "There is no middle ground with that woman." Jake peruses the flowers curious who sent them. Minerva enters the Lucky Lady and notices Jake and Niles talking amongst what is beginning to be a garden of flowers on the bar. She walks over and picks a flower out of the pile and raises it to her nose. "The Bar certainly looks beautiful decorated this way but does this not get in the way of serving drinks t the customers? She pulls a tag off of one of the bouquets. "It looks like you have some competition." she teases Jake. " How is Ruby? And do you know where Nanuet is?" Jake replies, "I always have competition for Ruby, that will not likely change. She is well but tired. She is resting between interruptions from well wishers. As for Nanuet, he is around someplace, though I have not seen in for a little while." I'm here." Nanuet says, looking a little more refreshed after his rest. "How did your sermon go, I must apologize for missing it, I certainly did not have that intention." Nanuet walks quicker down the rest of the stairs to join Minerva. Minerva smiles in relief and quickens her pace when she sees that Nanuet is his old self. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him soundly on the lips. "You should have been there, Mi Amor. You are now looking at the Permanent Pastor of the Church of Olympus!" she says and twirls around in her excitement. "Oh! it was grand! you should have seen the look on Senora King's face when the Bishop made the announcement. She looked like she'd just been force-fed a mouthful of Dorita's tea!" she chortled in delight at the thought. "Oh, and I got a standing ovation! I have to go to the picnic so that the congregation can congratulate me. Will you escort me?" Nanuet smiles at Minerva's celebratory mood. "Of course I will escort you. Just let me wash up a bit and I will be right there. A picnic you say? That's our specialty." Nanuet leaves for a few minutes and returns tidied up and ready to go. "I hope there is food at this picnic, I could eat a horse right about now." he says as he offers Minerva his arm. Minerva takes his arm. "With your appetite I'm sure you could but I do not think that horse will be part of the offerings." She chuckles. The make light banter as stroll arm in arm to the picnic. [/QUOTE]
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