Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 7056114" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 127, "A Sad Goodbye", September 13, 1882, 9:30AM</strong></p><p></p><p>The light had long been flooding her room when Ruby finally awakened from her deep sleep. Her eyes fluttered open a crack, then squeezed shut, the light being too bright. Her long arms and legs stretched but didn't get very far, constricted by the dress she was still wearing. It had been quite some time since she had fallen asleep in a dress and she smirked at the thought. She pulled herself up out of bed and still bleary eyed looked around for coffee. She found a fresh pot and a newspaper near the window. She poured herself a large cup and curled up in a comfy chair while she savored it, ignoring the news. She'd live enough of it over the past days to want to catch up.</p><p></p><p>After her coffee Ruby took a hot, luxurious bath. Soaking in the hot water made her sore muscles a little less achy and she was grateful they didn't hurt worse. After her bath she took her time dressing, choosing beautiful Egyptian robes she found hanging in her closet. She left her red locks hanging freely but added some jeweled hair combs to hold the hair off her face. She made her way downstairs, looking to see if the Queen was available.</p><p></p><p>She is informed that the Queen is not available, as she is still in negotiations with the foreign powers and rebels in the main dining room. She is told that a smaller secondary dining room is open for the other guests of the hotel if she would like to wait there. Ruby does go to the smaller dining room to eat and scope out the other guests. Six tables have patrons at them. Two are large groups of men in Egyptian clothing. Another has a group has Egyptian Army officers, some of whom Ruby remembers seeing the night before when the flying carpet arrived. One has a young couple dining together the woman appears to be Egyptian and the man looks European. Another table has a interesting older woman dining alone, she is dressed in local Egyptian garb but has a European appearance to her, and Ruby has sworn that she has seen the woman before.</p><p></p><p>The last occupied table has Sultan Ali Ranual, the nephew of the hotel owner, who smiles upon seeing Ruby enter the room. Ruby saunters over to the smiling man. "Good morning Sultan. It's been quite exciting around here as of late, has it not? I've decided to enjoy a little breakfast and some site seeing now that things have calmed down." He smiles and say "Oh yes, please be seated Miss West." Before he can even signal a waiter has arrived and takes Ruby's order for food and beverages. Ali Ranuel says, "It is a huge honor to have our new Queen here. I would like to ask a large favor if I can be so bold. If we could have your fiance take photographs of her visit it would be very helpful. The more we can publicize her visitation her the more prestige we will gain in the long run."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiled and nodded. "Yes, of course. I am certain George would enjoy that, as long as the Queen approves. We have gotten very good service here so I am sure it will not be an issue." She kept an eye on the familiar woman, trying to figure out where she knew her from. She was actually going to try to have breakfast with her but once the Sultan grabbed her to sit, she did not want to offend him. Still, she just could not put her finger on why she was familiar and it was getting to her so a large part of her attention was focused there. Further concentration on the women reveals a magical aura surrounding her.</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "I imagine you wouldn't even need a picture, I mean, once word spreads the Queen has stayed here you'll be sold out all the time." She laughed lightly, "I do hope you'll have room for me on my next trip here!" He says, "But photographs can be displayed on the wall for posterity. Even one-hundred years from now they will see that we hosted the Queen. As for a room for you, I will always have one for you. And if for any reason Mr. Eastman does not follow-through on his offer to marry, a room could be found for you here permanently."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed heartily. "You flatter me, Sultan, and I do appreciate and value the offer. Alas, my heart is restless and I find it will be quite some time before I can settle down in any one spot." Ruby placed her hand over the Sultans. "But we shall be very good friends, if that pleases you." "It does indeed," he states. The food that Ruby ordered is delivered. The Sultan's tea is refilled and he takes a sip. He asks, "Is the Queen's visit here only a one-time thing, or will this be a semi-permanent place for her? This city is where her new husband is from." Ruby says, "I don't honestly know. I don't think SHE knows yet. This had all happened so fast for her. She hasn't even had any private time with her husband yet. She'll have a lot of decisions to make now, I don't envy her."</p><p></p><p>Ruby ate some of her breakfast then asked, "Do you know who that woman is over there? She looks awfully familiar." He looks at the woman and says "I am not sure, I do not think I have seen her before. She did not stay here last evening. But she looks like a visitor, and since this is one of only two hotels in the city that caters to foreigners, I am not surprised she came here to eat and possibly get a room." Ruby nodded. "I will keep my eye on her, perhaps introduce myself after breakfast. It is an odd time to just show up in this city."</p><p></p><p>Ruby enjoyed her breakfast and the company. "Sultan, I haven't had much time to enjoy your beautiful city. Could you recommend some nearby shops I should check out? Shopping is always a good way to decompress," she laughed. He says, "I can do one better than that. I can assign a staff member to accompany you. My head of guest services knows all of the finer places and has ongoing relationships with the vendors. As a stranger of foreign birth I fear you would be greatly taken advantage of, she will see that you receive fair value."</p><p></p><p>Ruby lit up. "That would be fabulous! The Queen and I have some shopping and fun planned, but I fear she will be a while in the meetings. I need to keep myself busy so I don't get into trouble." Ruby giggled, a sound that had been missing the past days. "And I just hate getting taken advantage of, so I extra appreciate your help. I will definitely make sure George gets some good pictures for you, for your help." He says, "Very good, I have finished my tea so I will go and find her. Enjoy your meal, I should return in a half-hour if not sooner." "Sounds good. Thank you again!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby finished her breakfast in a hurried fashion, before the mystery lady could disappear. She dabbed her lips then got up from the table. She walked over to woman's table in a friendly fashion. "Good morning," Ruby said as she approached. "I hope I don't seem rude, I just saw you sitting here and thought I would introduce myself. Ruby," she extended her hand, "Ruby West. It's been quite an interesting few days around here and I didn't think there were many other foreigners, like myself." "Please have a seat Miss Ruby," the woman replies with a smile.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiled as she sat, watching the woman carefully. Her first thought was that this was one of her teachers elaborate disguises. But she couldn't exactly ask the lady... "Thank you. As I said, it's been quite crazy around here. Enough to ruin one's vacation, I'd say," she laughed. "I'm sorry, you haven't mentioned your name..." She replies, "I have gone by many names over the years, but for this trip to Zakazik I am travelling under the name of Mrs. Beatrice Mullins, but you can call me Bea." Ruby says, "Bea, very nice to make your acquaintance. You mentioned having traveled here before. I hope it's not rude to ask, why are you in this beautiful city? Site seeing perhaps?" "I came to say goodbye to a dear friend," is her reply.</p><p></p><p>"Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. My apologies, my asking was incredibly rude, it's none of my business. Unless you would like to talk about it, of course. I'm always willing to listen to a friend." Ruby smiled awkwardly. The woman replies, "Yes, thank you. I find myself in a difficult situation. I know what I must do but it is not what I wish to do. I need to think of the welfare of others above myself though. What would you do if you were in my situation? If sharing the full truth would bring nothing but sadness? Should I keep the truth to myself and just lie, and only tell my friend what she wants to hear?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby nodded as she listened. "That is quite a spot to be in, for sure." Ruby thought hard for a long moment. "Well, if you only tell your friend what she would want to hear, what kind of damage comes from that? What kind of damage comes from telling her whatever it is you have to say? What damage is there to yourself? I am sure you have asked yourself these questions already. You started off by saying you knew what you had to do. Probably in your heart you already know the answer." "I know," the woman says. A tear rolls down the woman's cheek and she teaches across the table, taking Ruby's hands in hers. "Dearest Ruby, my Golden Eagle, I have to leave you." Ruby just sat and stared at the "woman" before her, stared in shock. A very long moment passed before Ruby spoke. "I-I don't understand? Teacher? I, why would you say that?"</p><p></p><p>He says, "My life is at risk. I was ordered over a month ago to have no further contact with either you or your grandmother. That was why I was in disguise when we encountered each other in the pyramid. But you needed to know who I was then, all of our lives were in great danger. Based upon what happened to the King and his sons I truly believe I did the right thing then, I am just sorry that it was too late for us to save them as well as ourselves. I must go, and not see you again. If I stay in contact with you it will only lead to my demise."</p><p></p><p>Ruby was confused and agitated. "I-I still don't understand. Who told you to stay away from me and Nana?" She started sniffling. "Why is your life in danger? Why would you- you seeing me cause your-your d-d-demise?" Her teacher continues to hold Ruby's hand and replies, "Do you really want to know? If sharing the full truth would bring nothing but sadness? Should I keep the truth to myself under those circumstances?" She gripped his hand tighter in hers. "Yes, you must tell me now, you have to tell me! I am not letting you leave me until you tell me the truth. No matter what." In her mind, Ruby insisted to herself she wouldn't ever let him leave anyway but she was strong and she would deal with whatever came her way.</p><p></p><p>Her teacher replies, "Ruby, when we first met I told you of my history. How I served in the Mexican military and how a little less than a half-century ago I fought at the Alamo. I was one of Santa Anna's chief wizards at that battle. I was the one who used magic to break down the walls and stormed the fortress. But I did not tell you the details, of something dreadful that I did that day, and that is what has come back to haunt me now. If I tell you, well, I do not know what you will think of me. We have had a wonderful relationship these past nine months. I do not wish it spoil it. Wouldn't it be best for us to just part with what we have now fully intact?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby looked upon her teacher, hidden as a woman, solemnly. She thought seriously upon his words for a moment before a laugh escaped her lips. "Teacher, do you not know me? You, more than almost anyone, know of some of the things I have done, things that now I am ashamed to have done. Things that were bad, selfish and dangerous. And do you know still love me? After all you have done for me, how can you imagine I would love you even less?" She smiled warmly, "Please, please tell me what is going on. Maybe I can even help."</p><p></p><p>The teacher replies, "Ruby, before I go on you need to understand. It was war, these Americans were trying to take from Mexico land that had been ours. We had lost to the Spanish but they were gone, we had our own nation again, and now these short-lived Americans were trying to do to us what the Spanish had. So we fought back. You have been in combat. You do what you need to in order to win. That is what I did that day. I let the soldiers fight the soldiers and I as a wizard fought their wizard. He was a young man, a brave man, but also skilled in magic. Magic that he was using to fight my forces, using to try to steal our country from us.</p><p></p><p>I was furious. I saw this brash young man as a hypocrite, from a country that spurned wizard magic as evil and here he was using it against us. Furthermore, he had served in Congress, the body that made the laws of the United States, the very laws that said that wizard magic was evil. So I took out my anger on him. I was more powerful, but I did not just kill him, I took no mercy on him. The man's screams still haunt my dreams. The Alamo did have survivors, the women and the Elvan servants of the soldiers. They knew I had done, and they told the man's best friend, a life-long companion. The man swore to avenge his friend. He has been hunting me for the last forty-six years. And today he will find me if I do not leave."</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "I don't understand, who is this man and why would he find you today, of all days?" Gonzales says, "Ruby, the American wizard who I killed that day was named Andrew Dawson. His best friend was James Parker, your grandmother's current husband. He arrived in Alexandria yesterday, and will be coming to Zakazik today. He contacted me five weeks ago. He was grateful for what I had done in June, rescuing both you and Mrs. Parker from that vampire Colin Turner. But he also told me of his quest to avenge his friend.</p><p></p><p>He said that because of what I had done to help you two he would not travel to Arizona to kill me, but that if our paths ever crossed again he would do so, to honor the promise to his friend. He also forbade me from ever contacting either you or your grandmother again. I have clearly now violated that agreement." Ruby felt a lump in her throat while simultaneously her heart started pounding. "Well, not that I don't love him, but he doesn't get to make that decision for me. No one can tell me who to see or what to do. I love you Mr. G and I'm not going to let him hurt you. There has to be something that can be done."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales releases he hands and says "Ruby, darling Ruby, I love you as though you were my own child. And it is because of that level of love that I had adhered to his wishes. I understand his vow, I made the same vow, to my children who were killed by the current President of Mexico. I swore to avenge their deaths, and very soon will be in a position to do so. So I understand Parker's commitment. And if I were to face him, I would not fight back, so I would die. I would not fight back because of the damage I have already caused. Ruby, this man Andrew Dawson was more than just James Parker's best friend. Mr. Dawson was at that time also your grandmother Mina's fiance, they were engaged to be married. I took one husband from her, I will not take another."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, that's right. I knew his name sounded familiar." Ruby hung her head. "I am not going to say goodbye to you. You know that. I don't think any worse of you or of him knowing these things, I understand now how crazy it gets with all the fighting and wars and misunderstandings and rivalries. Things happen." Ruby took in a deep breath and looked hopeful. "Perhaps if I spoke to my grandmother, she is so understanding, she would understand that she wouldn't be with James if those events never occurred! Or I could talk to George, George is so good at figuring things out, I bet he could think of something. I love my grandmother and I would never give her up either but you are just as special to me as she is. I don't even know where I would be without your help and guidance."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales replies, "Oh no, Ruby, you must never tell her. I have caused her so much pain already, that would only exacerbate it, that is one reason why Mr. Parker forbade me to contact either of you. But Ruby, you still do not fully understand. Dawson was more than her fiance, he left her with child, your mother Alma. Ruby, I killed your grandfather." "Oh." Ruby looked down at the tablecloth, tugging at a loose thread. "Did you know that all this time?" He says, "No, I only found that out last month when Parker contacted me."</p><p></p><p>She inhaled deeply. "It's a strangely small world then, isn't it?" She let the breath out slowly. "You didn't know, you couldn't have known." From under her long lashes she looked up at him solemnly. "I will not say goodbye teacher. I refuse. I understand if you have to leave now but..." Tears started flowing down her cheeks. "I won't do it."</p><p></p><p>The woman sitting across from Ruby is also crying and sobs "Thank you. I truly do love you. I have been thinking about how differently your life would have been if I had done differently, if Mina had married her first love and raised Alma in that environment instead of with Mr. Hamilton. But then it would not have been your life, you are also the daughter of William West, who she probably would not have wed had she been raised differently. Ruby shivered at the thought, perhaps if the whole mess hadn't of happened, she would indeed not even be here. Mr. Gonzales had even more effect on her life than she could ever have imagined.</p><p></p><p>I understand your not saying goodbye. I just felt that I owed you an explanation before I left. And I am sorry about having to use this disguise, but Parker could arrive at any time. I wore this once before, back when it was still the Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon that you were singing at, where wood elves were not welcome but I wanted to hear you sing." Ruby smiled wistfully. "That seems like forever ago, singing at the Lone Star. My first reputable job, then it became The Lucky Lady." She sighed. "How is everyone back home? I miss it there.</p><p></p><p>He says, "It has only been what? Less than two months since your last visit there. It is slowly changing. Von Zeppelin's factory is starting to make dirigibles for the United States military. From what you've seen here in the past week, they should revolutionize travel. In other news, a new school is being built, so Kate will get her house back. And a new street is going up on the north end of town. It will have the school on one end and a Dwarven brewery on the other. No small amount of jokes have been made regarding that combination."</p><p></p><p>Ruby burst out laughing. "Well, it certainly seems much longer than two months, it feels like two YEARS!! So much has happened. I suppose that's for the best, I don't like being bored. I am sure Kate is thrilled to get her own school rather than have to use her house. And a dwarven brewery, won't that be great!" Ruby paused a long moment, again picking at the thread. "Well I guess I was really wondering how all my friends are doing. Kate, is she well? She seemed good when she came to New York but I'm not sure she would have told me the truth at that time. It's almost time for her baby to be born, right? How about my friends at the Lucky Lady? Dorita? That's what I really miss."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales replies, "Kate is six months along, the baby won't be born until December. Actually, half of the women in town are expecting in December and January, thanks to that dance your Aphrodite priestess friend Jane did back in March during the festival. Chester has been doing a fine job as Marshall. The Lucky Lady is about the same as your recent visit. Darla Peacock George has taken on a greater managerial role, leaving the other owners time for their other jobs. According to Dorita Mrs. George is now pregnant too but does not know it yet."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed again, "Dorita would know! And shows you what I know about babies. I'm not sure I will miss Promise City getting taken over by all those crying babies. I guess Jane is probably pretty happy with that but I am definitely not a baby person." She scrunched up her nose. "Guess it's a good thing I left when I did! At least Kate won't be going out of business any time soon." "Did Chester ever marry that sweet naive girl, what was her name? They seemed like a good fit. And I never doubted Chester would be really good at that job."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales says, "Clarisse is still chasing him and dropping hints left and right. He continues to ignore her hints. I guess that they will both settle down a some point. If not, then the matchmaking Hannah Milford will intervene. She's been busy lately trying to fix up Harry Rote with every eligible woman in town." "Poor Harry!" Ruby chuckled, "Well maybe he's enjoying it. Wait, didn't he have a girlfriend in Tombstone? Or maybe that was someone else. That's right, Clarisse, a very sweet voice."</p><p></p><p>Ruby sat quietly, an awkward silence sitting there from who Ruby wasn't asking about. Ruby's teacher says, "I really should be leaving before the Parkers arrive. If you need to see me again I plan to stay around Cairo for a few more days visiting friends. Just leave a message for me at the telegraph office under this alias, I will check in periodically." Ruby sighed deeply. "And after that? Where will you be? You mentioned something about the," she whispered, "President of Mexico?" "What if I need you then? Who is going to swoop in and save me from trouble?"</p><p></p><p>Gonzales says, "That will not be for some time, not until next year at the soonest. Before I can take up that quest I still need to find an artifact hidden in the mountains near Promise City. But young Ginnie is now on that trail, with her level of persistence I am sure that it will be found soon enough." "Ah yes, Ginnie is certainly persistent and certainly finds ways to figure things out." Ruby stands and hugs Bea tightly. "I will miss you my teacher. Be careful and if you need me, for anything, well, you know how to find me. You always have." Ruby squeezes and doesn't let go for a long moment. "I love you." "And I you," the teacher replies.</p><p></p><p>With one final tight hug Ruby turned on her heel and exited the dining room, her eyes welling with tears. She wasn't sure she still wanted to go shopping, there was much to think on. She dabbed at her eyes with the cloth covering a nearby table, trying to pull herself together. She straightened up and took some deep breaths to calm herself. Returning to her suite of rooms, a servant girl asks Ruby if there is anything she can do for her. "No thank you, just let me know if anyone is looking for me." Ruby plopped down on a chair, gazing out the window, lost in her thoughts.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>Note: Many of the references in this chapter are to the four-module Wild West RPG that preceded the AGELESS campaign. Those Story Hours are also posted here as Campaign Journals and I will bump them to the front page to make them easier to find. Taking place during January to June 1882, in chronological order they are titled "Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year"; "Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things"; "Here there be Vampires"; & "Ballots and Bullets". Much of the latter part of the final module takes place in upstate New York with Ruby, George, Mina and Nanuet as main characters, and serves as the prelude to this campaign.</em></p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 7056114, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 127, "A Sad Goodbye", September 13, 1882, 9:30AM[/B] The light had long been flooding her room when Ruby finally awakened from her deep sleep. Her eyes fluttered open a crack, then squeezed shut, the light being too bright. Her long arms and legs stretched but didn't get very far, constricted by the dress she was still wearing. It had been quite some time since she had fallen asleep in a dress and she smirked at the thought. She pulled herself up out of bed and still bleary eyed looked around for coffee. She found a fresh pot and a newspaper near the window. She poured herself a large cup and curled up in a comfy chair while she savored it, ignoring the news. She'd live enough of it over the past days to want to catch up. After her coffee Ruby took a hot, luxurious bath. Soaking in the hot water made her sore muscles a little less achy and she was grateful they didn't hurt worse. After her bath she took her time dressing, choosing beautiful Egyptian robes she found hanging in her closet. She left her red locks hanging freely but added some jeweled hair combs to hold the hair off her face. She made her way downstairs, looking to see if the Queen was available. She is informed that the Queen is not available, as she is still in negotiations with the foreign powers and rebels in the main dining room. She is told that a smaller secondary dining room is open for the other guests of the hotel if she would like to wait there. Ruby does go to the smaller dining room to eat and scope out the other guests. Six tables have patrons at them. Two are large groups of men in Egyptian clothing. Another has a group has Egyptian Army officers, some of whom Ruby remembers seeing the night before when the flying carpet arrived. One has a young couple dining together the woman appears to be Egyptian and the man looks European. Another table has a interesting older woman dining alone, she is dressed in local Egyptian garb but has a European appearance to her, and Ruby has sworn that she has seen the woman before. The last occupied table has Sultan Ali Ranual, the nephew of the hotel owner, who smiles upon seeing Ruby enter the room. Ruby saunters over to the smiling man. "Good morning Sultan. It's been quite exciting around here as of late, has it not? I've decided to enjoy a little breakfast and some site seeing now that things have calmed down." He smiles and say "Oh yes, please be seated Miss West." Before he can even signal a waiter has arrived and takes Ruby's order for food and beverages. Ali Ranuel says, "It is a huge honor to have our new Queen here. I would like to ask a large favor if I can be so bold. If we could have your fiance take photographs of her visit it would be very helpful. The more we can publicize her visitation her the more prestige we will gain in the long run." Ruby smiled and nodded. "Yes, of course. I am certain George would enjoy that, as long as the Queen approves. We have gotten very good service here so I am sure it will not be an issue." She kept an eye on the familiar woman, trying to figure out where she knew her from. She was actually going to try to have breakfast with her but once the Sultan grabbed her to sit, she did not want to offend him. Still, she just could not put her finger on why she was familiar and it was getting to her so a large part of her attention was focused there. Further concentration on the women reveals a magical aura surrounding her. Ruby says, "I imagine you wouldn't even need a picture, I mean, once word spreads the Queen has stayed here you'll be sold out all the time." She laughed lightly, "I do hope you'll have room for me on my next trip here!" He says, "But photographs can be displayed on the wall for posterity. Even one-hundred years from now they will see that we hosted the Queen. As for a room for you, I will always have one for you. And if for any reason Mr. Eastman does not follow-through on his offer to marry, a room could be found for you here permanently." Ruby laughed heartily. "You flatter me, Sultan, and I do appreciate and value the offer. Alas, my heart is restless and I find it will be quite some time before I can settle down in any one spot." Ruby placed her hand over the Sultans. "But we shall be very good friends, if that pleases you." "It does indeed," he states. The food that Ruby ordered is delivered. The Sultan's tea is refilled and he takes a sip. He asks, "Is the Queen's visit here only a one-time thing, or will this be a semi-permanent place for her? This city is where her new husband is from." Ruby says, "I don't honestly know. I don't think SHE knows yet. This had all happened so fast for her. She hasn't even had any private time with her husband yet. She'll have a lot of decisions to make now, I don't envy her." Ruby ate some of her breakfast then asked, "Do you know who that woman is over there? She looks awfully familiar." He looks at the woman and says "I am not sure, I do not think I have seen her before. She did not stay here last evening. But she looks like a visitor, and since this is one of only two hotels in the city that caters to foreigners, I am not surprised she came here to eat and possibly get a room." Ruby nodded. "I will keep my eye on her, perhaps introduce myself after breakfast. It is an odd time to just show up in this city." Ruby enjoyed her breakfast and the company. "Sultan, I haven't had much time to enjoy your beautiful city. Could you recommend some nearby shops I should check out? Shopping is always a good way to decompress," she laughed. He says, "I can do one better than that. I can assign a staff member to accompany you. My head of guest services knows all of the finer places and has ongoing relationships with the vendors. As a stranger of foreign birth I fear you would be greatly taken advantage of, she will see that you receive fair value." Ruby lit up. "That would be fabulous! The Queen and I have some shopping and fun planned, but I fear she will be a while in the meetings. I need to keep myself busy so I don't get into trouble." Ruby giggled, a sound that had been missing the past days. "And I just hate getting taken advantage of, so I extra appreciate your help. I will definitely make sure George gets some good pictures for you, for your help." He says, "Very good, I have finished my tea so I will go and find her. Enjoy your meal, I should return in a half-hour if not sooner." "Sounds good. Thank you again!" Ruby finished her breakfast in a hurried fashion, before the mystery lady could disappear. She dabbed her lips then got up from the table. She walked over to woman's table in a friendly fashion. "Good morning," Ruby said as she approached. "I hope I don't seem rude, I just saw you sitting here and thought I would introduce myself. Ruby," she extended her hand, "Ruby West. It's been quite an interesting few days around here and I didn't think there were many other foreigners, like myself." "Please have a seat Miss Ruby," the woman replies with a smile. Ruby smiled as she sat, watching the woman carefully. Her first thought was that this was one of her teachers elaborate disguises. But she couldn't exactly ask the lady... "Thank you. As I said, it's been quite crazy around here. Enough to ruin one's vacation, I'd say," she laughed. "I'm sorry, you haven't mentioned your name..." She replies, "I have gone by many names over the years, but for this trip to Zakazik I am travelling under the name of Mrs. Beatrice Mullins, but you can call me Bea." Ruby says, "Bea, very nice to make your acquaintance. You mentioned having traveled here before. I hope it's not rude to ask, why are you in this beautiful city? Site seeing perhaps?" "I came to say goodbye to a dear friend," is her reply. "Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. My apologies, my asking was incredibly rude, it's none of my business. Unless you would like to talk about it, of course. I'm always willing to listen to a friend." Ruby smiled awkwardly. The woman replies, "Yes, thank you. I find myself in a difficult situation. I know what I must do but it is not what I wish to do. I need to think of the welfare of others above myself though. What would you do if you were in my situation? If sharing the full truth would bring nothing but sadness? Should I keep the truth to myself and just lie, and only tell my friend what she wants to hear?" Ruby nodded as she listened. "That is quite a spot to be in, for sure." Ruby thought hard for a long moment. "Well, if you only tell your friend what she would want to hear, what kind of damage comes from that? What kind of damage comes from telling her whatever it is you have to say? What damage is there to yourself? I am sure you have asked yourself these questions already. You started off by saying you knew what you had to do. Probably in your heart you already know the answer." "I know," the woman says. A tear rolls down the woman's cheek and she teaches across the table, taking Ruby's hands in hers. "Dearest Ruby, my Golden Eagle, I have to leave you." Ruby just sat and stared at the "woman" before her, stared in shock. A very long moment passed before Ruby spoke. "I-I don't understand? Teacher? I, why would you say that?" He says, "My life is at risk. I was ordered over a month ago to have no further contact with either you or your grandmother. That was why I was in disguise when we encountered each other in the pyramid. But you needed to know who I was then, all of our lives were in great danger. Based upon what happened to the King and his sons I truly believe I did the right thing then, I am just sorry that it was too late for us to save them as well as ourselves. I must go, and not see you again. If I stay in contact with you it will only lead to my demise." Ruby was confused and agitated. "I-I still don't understand. Who told you to stay away from me and Nana?" She started sniffling. "Why is your life in danger? Why would you- you seeing me cause your-your d-d-demise?" Her teacher continues to hold Ruby's hand and replies, "Do you really want to know? If sharing the full truth would bring nothing but sadness? Should I keep the truth to myself under those circumstances?" She gripped his hand tighter in hers. "Yes, you must tell me now, you have to tell me! I am not letting you leave me until you tell me the truth. No matter what." In her mind, Ruby insisted to herself she wouldn't ever let him leave anyway but she was strong and she would deal with whatever came her way. Her teacher replies, "Ruby, when we first met I told you of my history. How I served in the Mexican military and how a little less than a half-century ago I fought at the Alamo. I was one of Santa Anna's chief wizards at that battle. I was the one who used magic to break down the walls and stormed the fortress. But I did not tell you the details, of something dreadful that I did that day, and that is what has come back to haunt me now. If I tell you, well, I do not know what you will think of me. We have had a wonderful relationship these past nine months. I do not wish it spoil it. Wouldn't it be best for us to just part with what we have now fully intact?" Ruby looked upon her teacher, hidden as a woman, solemnly. She thought seriously upon his words for a moment before a laugh escaped her lips. "Teacher, do you not know me? You, more than almost anyone, know of some of the things I have done, things that now I am ashamed to have done. Things that were bad, selfish and dangerous. And do you know still love me? After all you have done for me, how can you imagine I would love you even less?" She smiled warmly, "Please, please tell me what is going on. Maybe I can even help." The teacher replies, "Ruby, before I go on you need to understand. It was war, these Americans were trying to take from Mexico land that had been ours. We had lost to the Spanish but they were gone, we had our own nation again, and now these short-lived Americans were trying to do to us what the Spanish had. So we fought back. You have been in combat. You do what you need to in order to win. That is what I did that day. I let the soldiers fight the soldiers and I as a wizard fought their wizard. He was a young man, a brave man, but also skilled in magic. Magic that he was using to fight my forces, using to try to steal our country from us. I was furious. I saw this brash young man as a hypocrite, from a country that spurned wizard magic as evil and here he was using it against us. Furthermore, he had served in Congress, the body that made the laws of the United States, the very laws that said that wizard magic was evil. So I took out my anger on him. I was more powerful, but I did not just kill him, I took no mercy on him. The man's screams still haunt my dreams. The Alamo did have survivors, the women and the Elvan servants of the soldiers. They knew I had done, and they told the man's best friend, a life-long companion. The man swore to avenge his friend. He has been hunting me for the last forty-six years. And today he will find me if I do not leave." Ruby says, "I don't understand, who is this man and why would he find you today, of all days?" Gonzales says, "Ruby, the American wizard who I killed that day was named Andrew Dawson. His best friend was James Parker, your grandmother's current husband. He arrived in Alexandria yesterday, and will be coming to Zakazik today. He contacted me five weeks ago. He was grateful for what I had done in June, rescuing both you and Mrs. Parker from that vampire Colin Turner. But he also told me of his quest to avenge his friend. He said that because of what I had done to help you two he would not travel to Arizona to kill me, but that if our paths ever crossed again he would do so, to honor the promise to his friend. He also forbade me from ever contacting either you or your grandmother again. I have clearly now violated that agreement." Ruby felt a lump in her throat while simultaneously her heart started pounding. "Well, not that I don't love him, but he doesn't get to make that decision for me. No one can tell me who to see or what to do. I love you Mr. G and I'm not going to let him hurt you. There has to be something that can be done." Gonzales releases he hands and says "Ruby, darling Ruby, I love you as though you were my own child. And it is because of that level of love that I had adhered to his wishes. I understand his vow, I made the same vow, to my children who were killed by the current President of Mexico. I swore to avenge their deaths, and very soon will be in a position to do so. So I understand Parker's commitment. And if I were to face him, I would not fight back, so I would die. I would not fight back because of the damage I have already caused. Ruby, this man Andrew Dawson was more than just James Parker's best friend. Mr. Dawson was at that time also your grandmother Mina's fiance, they were engaged to be married. I took one husband from her, I will not take another." "Oh, that's right. I knew his name sounded familiar." Ruby hung her head. "I am not going to say goodbye to you. You know that. I don't think any worse of you or of him knowing these things, I understand now how crazy it gets with all the fighting and wars and misunderstandings and rivalries. Things happen." Ruby took in a deep breath and looked hopeful. "Perhaps if I spoke to my grandmother, she is so understanding, she would understand that she wouldn't be with James if those events never occurred! Or I could talk to George, George is so good at figuring things out, I bet he could think of something. I love my grandmother and I would never give her up either but you are just as special to me as she is. I don't even know where I would be without your help and guidance." Gonzales replies, "Oh no, Ruby, you must never tell her. I have caused her so much pain already, that would only exacerbate it, that is one reason why Mr. Parker forbade me to contact either of you. But Ruby, you still do not fully understand. Dawson was more than her fiance, he left her with child, your mother Alma. Ruby, I killed your grandfather." "Oh." Ruby looked down at the tablecloth, tugging at a loose thread. "Did you know that all this time?" He says, "No, I only found that out last month when Parker contacted me." She inhaled deeply. "It's a strangely small world then, isn't it?" She let the breath out slowly. "You didn't know, you couldn't have known." From under her long lashes she looked up at him solemnly. "I will not say goodbye teacher. I refuse. I understand if you have to leave now but..." Tears started flowing down her cheeks. "I won't do it." The woman sitting across from Ruby is also crying and sobs "Thank you. I truly do love you. I have been thinking about how differently your life would have been if I had done differently, if Mina had married her first love and raised Alma in that environment instead of with Mr. Hamilton. But then it would not have been your life, you are also the daughter of William West, who she probably would not have wed had she been raised differently. Ruby shivered at the thought, perhaps if the whole mess hadn't of happened, she would indeed not even be here. Mr. Gonzales had even more effect on her life than she could ever have imagined. I understand your not saying goodbye. I just felt that I owed you an explanation before I left. And I am sorry about having to use this disguise, but Parker could arrive at any time. I wore this once before, back when it was still the Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon that you were singing at, where wood elves were not welcome but I wanted to hear you sing." Ruby smiled wistfully. "That seems like forever ago, singing at the Lone Star. My first reputable job, then it became The Lucky Lady." She sighed. "How is everyone back home? I miss it there. He says, "It has only been what? Less than two months since your last visit there. It is slowly changing. Von Zeppelin's factory is starting to make dirigibles for the United States military. From what you've seen here in the past week, they should revolutionize travel. In other news, a new school is being built, so Kate will get her house back. And a new street is going up on the north end of town. It will have the school on one end and a Dwarven brewery on the other. No small amount of jokes have been made regarding that combination." Ruby burst out laughing. "Well, it certainly seems much longer than two months, it feels like two YEARS!! So much has happened. I suppose that's for the best, I don't like being bored. I am sure Kate is thrilled to get her own school rather than have to use her house. And a dwarven brewery, won't that be great!" Ruby paused a long moment, again picking at the thread. "Well I guess I was really wondering how all my friends are doing. Kate, is she well? She seemed good when she came to New York but I'm not sure she would have told me the truth at that time. It's almost time for her baby to be born, right? How about my friends at the Lucky Lady? Dorita? That's what I really miss." Gonzales replies, "Kate is six months along, the baby won't be born until December. Actually, half of the women in town are expecting in December and January, thanks to that dance your Aphrodite priestess friend Jane did back in March during the festival. Chester has been doing a fine job as Marshall. The Lucky Lady is about the same as your recent visit. Darla Peacock George has taken on a greater managerial role, leaving the other owners time for their other jobs. According to Dorita Mrs. George is now pregnant too but does not know it yet." Ruby laughed again, "Dorita would know! And shows you what I know about babies. I'm not sure I will miss Promise City getting taken over by all those crying babies. I guess Jane is probably pretty happy with that but I am definitely not a baby person." She scrunched up her nose. "Guess it's a good thing I left when I did! At least Kate won't be going out of business any time soon." "Did Chester ever marry that sweet naive girl, what was her name? They seemed like a good fit. And I never doubted Chester would be really good at that job." Gonzales says, "Clarisse is still chasing him and dropping hints left and right. He continues to ignore her hints. I guess that they will both settle down a some point. If not, then the matchmaking Hannah Milford will intervene. She's been busy lately trying to fix up Harry Rote with every eligible woman in town." "Poor Harry!" Ruby chuckled, "Well maybe he's enjoying it. Wait, didn't he have a girlfriend in Tombstone? Or maybe that was someone else. That's right, Clarisse, a very sweet voice." Ruby sat quietly, an awkward silence sitting there from who Ruby wasn't asking about. Ruby's teacher says, "I really should be leaving before the Parkers arrive. If you need to see me again I plan to stay around Cairo for a few more days visiting friends. Just leave a message for me at the telegraph office under this alias, I will check in periodically." Ruby sighed deeply. "And after that? Where will you be? You mentioned something about the," she whispered, "President of Mexico?" "What if I need you then? Who is going to swoop in and save me from trouble?" Gonzales says, "That will not be for some time, not until next year at the soonest. Before I can take up that quest I still need to find an artifact hidden in the mountains near Promise City. But young Ginnie is now on that trail, with her level of persistence I am sure that it will be found soon enough." "Ah yes, Ginnie is certainly persistent and certainly finds ways to figure things out." Ruby stands and hugs Bea tightly. "I will miss you my teacher. Be careful and if you need me, for anything, well, you know how to find me. You always have." Ruby squeezes and doesn't let go for a long moment. "I love you." "And I you," the teacher replies. With one final tight hug Ruby turned on her heel and exited the dining room, her eyes welling with tears. She wasn't sure she still wanted to go shopping, there was much to think on. She dabbed at her eyes with the cloth covering a nearby table, trying to pull herself together. She straightened up and took some deep breaths to calm herself. Returning to her suite of rooms, a servant girl asks Ruby if there is anything she can do for her. "No thank you, just let me know if anyone is looking for me." Ruby plopped down on a chair, gazing out the window, lost in her thoughts. [I]Note: Many of the references in this chapter are to the four-module Wild West RPG that preceded the AGELESS campaign. Those Story Hours are also posted here as Campaign Journals and I will bump them to the front page to make them easier to find. Taking place during January to June 1882, in chronological order they are titled "Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year"; "Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things"; "Here there be Vampires"; & "Ballots and Bullets". Much of the latter part of the final module takes place in upstate New York with Ruby, George, Mina and Nanuet as main characters, and serves as the prelude to this campaign.[/I] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
Top