"Ballots & Bullets" (TSR Module BH3) Concluded!

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-four, “Visits Back in Town”, Thursday, June 22nd , 1:30 P.M.

When Gonzales finishes eating he gets up and heads over to the Lucky Lady, seeing Jake Cook sitting on the porch. "Buenos Tardes, Senor." Jake says politely. "Can I offer you a seat? Or perhaps you would rather walk?" Gonzales replies, "A seat is fine, I have done enough walking of late." He sits on the bench and says, "I received your note. Thank you for the items, I will put them to good use. Regarding the belt buckle, I will have to get somebody else to strip the current image from it, I haven't the power, but I do have the ability to imprint a new image onto it. It may take me a week or two, so give some serious thought as to what you wish that image to look like."

Jake nods. "Somebody not famous for anything, that no one will take notice about. Not wanted by the law, that will not cause anyone heartache if seen." Jake scratches his chin. "I will think on it. I expect it will need to be someone you have seen?" Gonzales replies, "Very good. I trust that nothing of any great event transpired in my absence."

Jake says, "I do not think so. All seems to be falling together, for a change." Not thinking that the old wizard is very interested, Jake succinctly tells him of the goings on at the Saloons, and his plans. "You know, Senor, I... umm.... That is to say.... What I mean is...." Jake sighs heavily. "Blast. I am sorry," he says cryptically, "but thank you."

"For what?" Gonzales replies with sincerity in his voice. "For how things turned out with, you know." Jake looks down at his feet, "It has not been easy to do what I know is best." He looks back into Gonzales eyes, "Thank you for helping me with the buckle. That is all, just thank you." Gonzales replies, "You are quite welcome Mr. Cook. I am pleased with the way that the Lucky Lady expansion has turned out. Having Maria here and treating her decently will soon encourage more of the Elvan race to frequent this location. There is also a rumor running around that the Palace will no longer be restricted to only human clientele."

"It is no rumor, it is just good business. People are people." Jake shrugs. "I choose to judge folks on their dealings with me, not with their looks or reputation. I expect them to judge me the same." He shrugs again. Gonzales answers, "I dare say that they will judge you favorably, you've already passed the main test for all of the wood elves of this town.....Dorita likes you." Jake laughs at the Dorita compliment.

After a long pause Gonzales adds, "You also may be interested to know that Katherine and I ran into an acquaintance of yours on our journey, a Mr. Colin Turner. You will not be meeting him ever again." "Ah." Jake pauses. He looks panicked for a moment and then relaxes. "Ah. I see. Thank you for telling me." An uncomfortable silence hangs between them. "That is really good news." Again a silence.

Gonzales states, "Yes, I came out of it a little worse for the wear so we had to make a detour to Philadelphia. We visited the Archbishop who was here for the festival to help repair the damage to me. That was what delayed our return. An interesting city Mr. Cook, I had not visited it since the days when my friend Benjamin Franklin resided there." Jake says, "I have not been there in a number of years. Even then I am afraid that I did not have the opportunity to meet the esteemed Mr. Franklin." Jake laughs.

"I remember the Archbishops incredibly boring sermons from when I was a child," Jake says not noticing the irony of the gap in years. "We probably know different parts of the city." Gonzales replies, "I dare say that I don't know any parts of the city at the moment, or for that matter anybody who still lives there besides the Archbishop who I had only briefly met before. But he remembered Katherine and knew of the creatures of the night so was more than willing to help those of us who suffered in the battles. I believe that not only Turner but all of those who he helped create have moved on to their final resting places. You can rest easy knowing that they are gone."

Jake nods again. "It was pretty terrifying dealing with them." Gonzales says, "Indeed but that is now all in the past. The last of the Goddess Diana's arrows was true in its path and caused Turner to become nothing but dust." He stands and prepares to leave, adding "And regarding the other content of your letter, I agree with you completely and will use my best judgment on the matters at hand." Jake nods one last time and gives the old elf a forced smile. "Buenos tardes, Senor." He remains on the porch of his saloon lost in his thoughts.

Back at the El Parador, Kate wasn't certain what to do with herself. Conrad wasn't here as she hoped he might be, and although she could still return and finish the school day she decided instead to take her message from Nanuet to Minerva. She took a familiar path to an unusual destination and knocked on the door of the home built next to the church for the priestess. Minerva was relieved to see Katherine standing at her door and invited her in to share in the bounty of baked goods and a cup of tea.

“I did not think that I would be able to say farewell. I may not be back in time for the birth of your child. I will be sorry to miss that.” Minerva says with a trace of regret. Kate replies, "So am I. I'm sorry for a lot of things. I hope at least the gods will guide you back here even if only for a visit. I don't want any other cleric performing rites for my boy." Minerva replies, "Please write to me. If the gods have not led me too far away, I will make a point to return when it is time."

She looks at her quizzically and then says, "Katherine, you have nothing to be sorry for." "I haven't always been kind to you. You got caught in the battle between myself and my past, and I am sorry for that. I always thought there would be more time for us to get to know each other." Kate sighed and smiled. "You will have to write me first so I know where to send letters. And sometime after the baby comes, I may have another ritual for you to perform," Kate said cryptically.

Minerva says, "Do not chastise yourself. I understand all to well the affect our past can have on our thinking. You are a wise woman to use caution in choosing your allies and I am all the more honored that you could see beyond your past and count me as your friend... And grateful that you were there to guard my back in spite of your personal feelings as well." she smiles. "When I return there will be plenty of time to get to know one another better."

"Sometimes letters do that very well," Kate said. "Although they will take a long time when I am in England. Well, if I go. That's where I'm headed next, to see Kevin Tomlinson. He wants to take Shannon to England for some training. She was sent a telegram inviting her to a special series of lectures at Oxford. We thought Mrs. O'Hara would be more likely to agree if they had a chaperone," she laughed. "Your letters may have a hard time reaching me, but I will be certain to send some to you."

Katherine tells her about Collin Turner and what has become of Ruby. Minerva exclaims, “Oh My! She is getting married? Venus has certainly given her much attention of late.” Minerva jests. “Well I wish her well. She deserves some happiness. Especially after what Colin Turner tried to do to her.” Kate nodded. "I'm certainly resting easier knowing he no longer walks the earth. Keep Ruby's engagement to yourself though, I think she wants to come back and surprise everyone."

Katherine tells her news of Nanuet and reassures her that he is doing well.. Minerva, looking suddenly very young and vulnerable confides “Oh, I do miss him terribly. But he was a gift from the gods and I must be grateful that we walked together for as long as we did. I must accept that. And be content with the time we had together." "It's a bitter pill to swallow, being separated from one you love," Kate said sympathetically. "But there is still joy and beauty in the world. But you don't need me to tell you that."

Minerva smiles affectionately at her friend. "All I need to do is look at you to know it is so." Minerva hugs Katherine and watches her move toward the gate, her step already a bit more exaggerated as a result of the child swaying in her belly. She says a prayer to Diana to keep her friend and child safe until her return. After her visit with Minerva, she turned her steps toward the Judge's office in search of Kevin Tomlinson.

Kate finds that Tomlinson and Isby are both in the Territorial Office building engaged in a game of chess. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," Kate said with a smile. "You know, I've never been much good at chess. I wonder if I could bend your ear for a few moments, Mr. Tomlinson?" "I think it is time for a break," Isby states. Kate notes that it appears that Tomlinson is only a few moves away from winning. Kevin stands and says, "I will take a short walk with the lady. And Nathan, I remember where every single piece is." Isby takes on a shocked expression and states "Are you implying that I would cheat?" Kevin smiles back and says, "Of course not sir."

Once outside Tomlinson states, "Just a little good natured humor. If I hadn't said that Isby probably would have moved a piece or two, then felt guilty and moved them back before I return." "I wouldn't have even thought he'd move a piece at all," she laughed. She says, "He has worked hard to create and project a certain image of himself but the truth of the matter is he is really a normal guy at heart. He enjoys having somebody around who he can relax and be himself with."

She took his arm friendly-like and they began to walk. "You got my telegram?" He smiles, "Yes, I received the telegram and have already conveyed the news on to Boston and Jonathan Harker. Congratulations, you did well." Kate says, "A series of fortunate coincidences. I can hardly claim credit for much more than letting you know it had happened.

Has Miss O'Hara received her telegram yet? I'm curious to know if I'm going abroad. And curious about whether some of your colleagues might be willing to further my education." She paused, uncertain. "I get the feeling that things here will not always be calm. Better knowledge of the things we might face would serve not only myself, but perhaps you, Miss O'Hara, and this town well."

Tomlinson replies, "Yes, Miss O'Hara and I hope to be leaving for England in another month to month-and-a-half. And as for further training by my colleagues, after ridding the world of Turner I dare say they will not hesitate to assist you." Kate nodded. "So you do need me to accompany you? Or Mrs. O'Hara agreed without the escort?"

Tomlinson answers, "Mrs. O'Hara trusts you and has agreed. She is still uncertain about me, which shows good judgment on her part." Kate laughed. "And aren't you trustworthy, Mr. Tomlinson?" Tomlinson replies, "Absolutely, Mrs. O'Hara has nothing to concern herself about over her daughter. My interest in the young lady is that of a Watcher and mentor. Besides, she isn't the young woman in this town who has caught my eye, but the new Marshall appears to have put in his claim first in that regard."

Kate replies, "There are many worthy young ladies in the world, and as the new Marshall is my friend I'm afraid I can't wish you luck in winning your particular one from him. But let me say this. Miss Townsend is very innocent, and I'm not sure how she would handle the life you live. And you have to consider whether you'd want to have a relationship with someone who could never really know you."

He replies, "You have wisdom beyond your years Mrs. Kale. And on the subject of relationships I would suggest that you make your way over to Wainwright's Store at your earliest convenience, I believe there is a man there who is anxious to see you again." "Wainwright's? What's he doing over there?" Kate smiled brightly. "Thank you, Mr. Tomlinson. I'm sure you'll let me know the details of our trip once you have them settled. I'm going to take your advice and go see my friend Mrs. Wainwright." They said good-bye and Kate hurried away to her friend's store.

Chester sits in the office doing some paperwork before Helen barker comes in. "Hi Helen. What do you say to me hiring an elf to take Eddie's place as a deputy? His name is Rafael Sanchez and he's the head of security for Count von Zeppelin. I figure having someone who speaks the language and knows the culture would be important." She says, "I would want to meet him first but all-in-all it isn't a bad idea as Eddie's term ends at midnight tonight, although the schedule is for him to go off duty at 9:00 P.M. He doesn't know it yet, but Dorita is throwing a party for him once he gets done with work."

Chester says, "That's really nice of her. Are you going? I want to hire Hank Hill too. He has support in this town and he has a knack for this line of work." Helen says, "I'll stop in but I'm on duty tonight so I won't be staying long or drinking anything. Hank Hill huh? Not sure about that, but you know him better than I do and that Arcade's Gang group seems to be making a real effort to fit in."
Chester replies, "It wouldn't hurt having them on our side. Anyway, I was planning on riding out to the factory to talk to Senor Sanchez. Just got to wait for Eddie to get here." Helen says, "He's next door at the Town Hall helping Jeff Mills clean up the room from yesterday's election and Council meeting."

Eduardo arrives at the Marshall's office for his shift. Chester says, "Hey Eddie. I'm riding out to Count von Zeppelin's factory to talk to Sanchez. We're going to miss you. Hope your shift goes smoothly." Eduardo replies, "After all that's happened recently how could it not? I'll see you later, Chet... I mean Marshall."

Chester laughs. "Don't worry. It'll take a while for us to get used to it. I'll see you before you go."
Chester saddles Lookout and rides out to the von Zeppelin factory. He asks the first person he meets there, "Good afternoon. I'm Marshall Martin from Promise City. Is Senor Sanzhez around?" The man points Chester to the security office. "He is in there, Marshall." Chester knocks on the door to the office. "Senor Sanchez? I'm Marshall Martin from Promise City. Can I talk to you?" The two converse and Sanchez accepts Chester office to be a Deputy.

Kate enters Wainwright’s store through the door and Kate hears the sound of two clarinets being played. Don Wainwright is behind the counter. At the far end of the story are Sandra and Conrad, with her giving him an introductory lesson in playing the instrument. She smiled at Don, then laid a finger against her lips as she moved silently toward the others, trying not to draw attention to herself so she could listen to the lesson for a few moments. Just after Conrad managed to get a good sound from the reed and play a simple scale, Kate applauded and stepped out.

Conrad leaps to his feet. He then carefully places the silver instrument onto the padded case and rushes across the room towards Kate. She smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around him as he engulfed her in his embrace. "Oh, I'm so glad to be home. But really, I wasn't gone all that long, only a day and a half," she laughed. "An eternity," Conrad replies. "For me too," Kate said quietly. She lifted her face and kissed him.

Kate then looked to Sandra, a bit embarrassed. "I'm sure you'll forgive us," she said. Sandra smiles and says, "Oh yes, we were almost done anyway.” Kate says, "Please, finish your lesson. I want to hear. Whatever made you think to try the clarinet, my dear?" Conrad replies, "Something new, I had to do something to pass the time and my lady-friend is musically inclined." "Indeed," she laughed. "Please, go on."

After a few more minutes of persuasion Conrad finally went back to the instrument. Sandra had not lied when she said they were almost done, as the rest of the lesson consisted of showing him how to care for the instrument after play and pack it carefully away. Kate says, "I don't suppose you teach violin as well? I always wanted to learn." Sandra says, "Ah, violin, I can find you a skilled teacher for that." "One who is forgiving of a student who is enthusiastic but busy," Kate said. "I hope you'll both be by the Lucky Lady tonight. Perhaps you might play with me for the night. I find myself wanting everyone I care about around me."

They stayed and chatted with the couple for a little while, then walked arm in arm to the schoolhouse. The children were all running out into the sunshine after the last class of the day. Inside, Kate hugged Ginnie with as much fierceness as she'd reunited with Conrad. The girl hovered a bit as Kate chatted with Meaghan and Mollie. They talked about Shannon's invitation and the trip. Meaghan was fairly glowing with pride that her daughter had been chosen for special education and was grateful to Kate for agreeing to chaperone.

She was in no hurry, and it was nearly three-quarters of an hour before she went upstairs and changed her clothes. She wanted to put on pants, but it was only wearing a full skirt that was hiding her condition now, so she put on a split skirt instead. They hitched up the little buggy for Ginnie to drive, fetched Kate's riding horses, and the three went out to the ranch.

Ginnie soon became engrossed in searching for interesting plants, and Kate and Conrad wandered over the ranch land after a leisurely chat with Sonoma. She finally told them to be back at her house for dinner on time, insisted Ginnie would be fine, and sent the two of them off. They wandered alone over the land, marveling at the changes the last few months had brought. Eventually they found their way back to Kate's little house to pass the time before dinner.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-five, “The Wests Plans“, Thursday, June 22nd , 7:30 P.M.

George awakens Ruby to let her know that all of the things that she requested have been purchased and that Mrs. Parker, Mrs. West, Benjamin and Nanuet will be dining with them in the hotel restaurant in a half hour. Ruby stifles a yawn, still tired but not nearly as tired as earlier. She sits up in bed, "I feel much better. And hungry too, dinner will be nice." She stretches then climbs out of bed, wrapping herself in a sheet.

She takes her time shuffling around the room, going through the new clothes. It wasn't exactly what she would pick but also wasn't completely unbearable either. There is an emerald green gown in the closet and she pulls it to look at it. "Are we eating downstairs tonight?" She turns to face him and look at what he is wearing, "I mean, do I need my evening gown for dinner?" George says, "I purchased one while you slept. It is mauve with white trim and should look striking on you."

"Thank you darling." She kisses him lightly on the cheek before replacing the green gown and taking out the mauve one. "It's gorgeous!" she exclaims and really means it. Perhaps he knows me better than I thought she smiles to herself. She casually dresses, humming while she brushes her hair. Adding new stockings and slippers, finally she is ready. She spins around. "How do I look?" she beams, already knowing the answer. He replies "Ravishing. Shall we go?"

"First you kiss me, then we go. That's how it works. That's how it's supposed to work for the rest of our lives, Mr. Eastman. Think you can handle that?" He replies, "As long as we are together I will have no complaints. Come now, your family awaits and I'm still not sure that I trust your mother and grandmother in the same room together without a referee." She says, "I agree with you about my mother and grandmother, but you still haven't kissed me," she says stubbornly.

She stands tapping her foot for a moment before she sighs dramatically, "Fine," before she stands on her toes and kisses him herself. "I hope that's not going to be a habit," she teases before taking his arm. He pulls her close and plants a long deep slow kiss upon her mouth and says, "And you dear lady need to learn to expect the unexpected, if I kiss you only at times when you ask I will become predictable." Genuinely surprised, Ruby bites her lip and smiles, her heart pounding from the kiss. "Why George, I don't think you'll ever be predictable. You surprise me every day." She holds his arm close to her and says, "Now we can go to dinner."

Nanuet waited downstairs in uncomfortable newly purchased clothing. He had not planned on this trip and had no other appropriate clothing with him. He tugged at the collar of the shirt and smoothed out his hair again. He paced back and forth waiting for Ruby and George to join him. The pair head downstairs and over to the fidgeting Nanuet. "Good evening Nanuet." Ruby laughs. "Have you ever felt more out of place?"

He replies, "Well, probably the first time I put on an outfit like this I did, but I'll never get used to it. Where have you been, I am starving as usual!" he says with a laugh. "You look stunning as always. Congratulations to both of you again" Nanuet says with a smile. "And I am glad to see you in good spirits Ruby." She says, "I do feel better my friend, although the truth is I feel like I could sleep for a week. I am glad you stayed around so we could spend some time together."

She laughs lightly, "Good old Nanuet, always hungry. I am glad some things never change." A melancholy looks crosses her face for a moment before she smiles again, although it looks a bit forced. "Have you seen my mother and grandmother? George is afraid they might try to kill each other." Nanuet replies, "I haven't been looking for them, but I am sure they are nearby. Is everything OK?"

"Hmmm..." Ruby taps her lips while scanning the area for the women, "I suppose I have never told you about my upbringing, have I? Oh well, not much time for that now. I ran away from home when I was younger. My parents do that high society thing. My grandmother was cast out of my family for having abilities like I do. Neither I, nor my grandmother, get along with my parents. My mother has seemed to have a chance of heart. I'm not sure how truthful it is, but the goddess Aphrodite has told me it is so. So, I guess we're giving her another chance." She looks at the puzzled Nanuet. "Obviously that's the short version."

They make their way over to a table where Nana is engaged in a lively conversation about her life to Benjamin in the seat beside her. Alma west is seated on the other side of Benjamin with facial expressions ranging from curiosity to disgust at the sound of Nana's various adventures. Ruby strides up to the table. "Evening everyone. Nana's telling stories about her exciting adventures I see. I'm totally jealous of all the fun she's had."

Mrs. Parker smiles and says, "Ah, but my adventures are not yet over and done with. I hope to be able to continue them in the company of my grandchildren." Nanuet says, "It's not too late to have fun of your own Ms. Ruby, although I will admit that I am impressed by your Nana, she has amazed me in the little time I have spent with her." Ruby replies, "She is quite impressive, I agree," Ruby beams. "And I plan to have many adventures with her in the future. I can't wait! Of course, I believe my next adventure will be with George, on our honeymoon. Right baby?"

"I dare say that we will have many adventures together," George replies. Alma interjects "Before you plan on running off with my son Mother I think that the boy's father might have a word or two about that." Nana replies, "Yes, I fully agree. I trust that you will allow me to join you on this trip to Baltimore tomorrow." Alma replies, "Yes, you are all welcome to join us." Ruby furrows her brows. "What are you talking about mother? Who is running off with Ben?"

Alma says, "You grandmother wishes to include both of her grandchildren on her further adventures. Now that I have a family together, hopefully with a new father, a real father, for the young man I was hoping we could all just stay put for a while." Ruby says, "Of course she wishes to know us. You and father kept her from me all those years and she wouldn't want that to be for Ben either. But I certainly don't think she wishes to abduct him." Ruby pauses momentarily. "It would be nice for us all to spend some time together as a family, get to know each other."

Alma says, "I agree, it is long overdue." Ruby replies, "Good. We should do that." She waves to the waiter, "I'm starving, let's order dinner." After they order Ruby asks Nana, "Do you have to be back home soon? You mentioned James was traveling?" Alma says, says, "Yes, he is down in Florida on a archeology dig at one of the earliest Spanish fortresses in North America. He wanted to do something totally unrelated to his political research in order to have those men give up on following him around. So no, I do not have to necessarily hurry back to Tarrytown."

Ruby says, "That sounds exciting! But I'm glad you didn't go with him or you wouldn't be here now. What time do you want to leave tomorrow? I have a little errand to run, I thought I'd take Nanuet with me, but it won't take long." Nanuet says, "Making plans for me are you? Is this errand a secret or can you share it's purpose. I suppose either way you can count on me being there for you Ms. Ruby." She replies, "Just a little shop I want to visit before we go. No big deal." She gives Nanuet one of her patented mischievous glances.

Alma says, "Will you errand take long? I plan to be on an 11:00 AM to Baltimore." Ruby says, "No, I'll promise to be done and ready by then. I think we'll be going to bed early tonight." Nanuet exclaims, "What's this? Ruby in bed early and planning on being somewhere before noon? I think you may actually be growing up!" Nanuet says with a silly grin before shoving in more food. Ruby laughs. "I'll never grow up!"

She says, "How about you meet me at 9:30 A.M. tomorrow morning Nanuet? That way George will have some time alone to take care of his business at home, let them know he won't be home just yet." Ruby laughs, "Or is that too early for you?" Nanuet shakes his head. "I might need a nap by then! 9:30 it is, you can count on it." Ruby places her hand over his. "I know, I can always count on you. And I'm very lucky for it." She looks around the table. "Yes, I'm feeling very lucky lately. And loved. Which is all I ever really wanted."

She blushes a little before changing the topic of conversation. "You know Ben, I've had some adventures too. Some of them have been funny and some have been really scary but it's always worked out in the end." She goes on to entertain them all with stories of the Wild Wild West, cowboys and Indians style, with Nanuet adding some spice along the way. Ben is enthralled but Alma keeps the same curious to disgusted look on her face, although Ruby can tell she is trying to hide it.

Dinner seems to fly by with all the stories being passed around. Ruby catches herself yawning again and hadn't realized just how tired she still was. "I think that my sweetie and I should retire for the evening, I'm still very tired." Her hand finds its way to her neck and the bite marks that still remain there. She rubs her neck for a moment before realizing it and forcing her hand away. She had a sinking feeling that Colin Turner was never really going to leave her alone. She says, "Anyway, will everyone else be turning in for the evening?"

Nana says, "Yes, it's been a long day and many of us didn't get a full night's rest last night." Alma says, "More like all of us unless you count attempting to sleep on a moving train." "Alright then, good night everyone." Ruby gets up from the table and kisses the cheek of each person in turn. When she gets to her mother she pauses, but does it anyway. She takes George's hand and Nanuet accompanies them to the stairs. "I'll see you early tomorrow Nanuet. Don't be late!" she teases.

George walks Ruby up to the room and they both head inside. Ruby starts to undress. "I really am tired, I will sleep like a log." She takes a breath in, "Will you stay here with me tonight?" George keeps his voice low so that Alma doesn't hear "Of course I will darling, let's just wait until you mother and brother are settled down in their rooms first." Ruby nods. "Of course. Go wander the hallways or get a drink and come back when you can." Ruby gives him a kiss and continues to undress. She puts on the new nightgown George chose for her, surprisingly it was not too conservative. She climbs into bed and waits for George to return.

A half hour later George returns and lets her know how much he appreciates her both verbally and physically. After their me time, Ruby lays in George's arms, cuddled close, her eyes heavy. She lifts her face to look at him, handsome and content, he was staring back at her. Ruby says in a soft voice, "Baby, I want to get married in Promise City. I think it would be really special to have my friend marry us and I really want to have all my friends there. We can have that ceremony in Promise City then come back to the East to have the Roman ceremony here with whomever you want. You can make it as big as you'd like but I'd really like to have a ceremony in Promise City. Please say yes..." she says, giving him the biggest puppy dog eyes she can manage, Pleeeaassase..."

George strongly disagrees to a Promise City marriage, stating that the place where he was almost hung to death does not have pleasant memories for him and not how he wants to start out their new life together. He will also point out that a Rochester wedding would be far more convenient for family and friends. He suggests that they have an engagement party instead at the El Parador to celebrate the entanglement.

"Hopefully Dorita will want to give us an engagement party at the El Parador anyway..." Ruby puts on a dazzling smile as she climbs on top of George. "Georgie...," she kisses him lightly on the lips, "At least let's visit there and see if you feel differently about the place, I swear you are going to. I'm not saying we have our official fancy schmancy legal wedding there. I would just really like for Nanuet to perform a ceremony of his people with my friends there for us. Most of them won't be able to make it here and it's important to me." She kisses him again, even lighter, "Just don't say no, let's think about it, please?"

George replies, "Ruby, I am saying no. My mother is in poor health and would not be able to travel to Arizona. Alvina and Rosaire have been like a second set of parents to me, but I doubt that I could convince them and William to leave the affairs of the house for a few weeks, nor could I easily close down the factory for two weeks for my other managers to attend out west in a town where the populace tried to kill me! I don't even want to ever visit there again, yet alone celebrate what should be the most important day of my life there."

Ruby furrows her brows together and rolls off of George. She sits up in the bed, "Wait - why do you get to make the decision and say no to the most important day in OUR life because you want your family and friends there but I'm not suppose to want my friends, the people who have been my family, the people who I would not even be here without, there? That's not fair. Why do you get to make the decision without me?" After she is finished speaking she looks at him for only a moment before she plops her head down on the pillow, her arms crossed over her chest.

George says, "Ruby, it isn't so much the friends but family. My mother has sacrificed herself for me her entire life and her presence this is something she would have always wanted, it would break her heart to miss it. I have no problem with your friend Nanuet performing the ceremony and will pay for as many of your friends as you would like to come East to attend."

Ruby's arms fall off her chest in a defeated way and she sighs as she rolls on her side to face George. "I don't want your mother to miss it either. Your mother was always kind to me and if after everything she still is happy for you to marry me then I wouldn't want to do anything to upset her. After all, she's giving me you, right?" She pauses, glancing at the ring on her finger sparkling in the moonlight, before speaking again. "I guess the other details don't matter." He replies, "All that truly matters is that we are together." He pulls her close and a slow passionate kiss follows.

The next morning surprisingly Ruby is ready early as she said she would be. She takes Nanuet and they make their way over to “Cooke and Sons.” She leaves Nanuet outside and she enters to get the information she wants. She uses her charm, good looks, low neckline and her family name of West on the Cooke men, pretending to be looking for scribing services for her family here in Philadelphia. She could see the resemblance of Jake to his father and brothers and it made her miss her old lover but there was no time for that so she pushed him out of her mind for the time being. It was as easy as she thought it would be to get the information she wanted and she left the office with a smile.

Next Ruby and Nanuet head over to the address she had lifted from the Cooke family office, their family residence. It took little effort for her to suddenly be standing face to face with Jake’s mother, telling her only that she was a friend of Jake’s. She spent the next half hour speaking to her about her son, what he was up to, all the good things he’d accomplished, the land he owned, the friends he’d made, how he stood up to the bad guys to protect them all. How they should all be very proud of him, even if he was different than how they hoped he’d be. She told Jake’s mother that he missed her and most especially his sister, and that Ruby was certain he would one day head out to California to search her out.

Jake’s mother was crying and hugging Ruby as they tried to leave, thankful for the knowledge that her youngest son was alright. A couple of times Ruby got the impression his mother guessed there was much more to their relationship than Ruby was letting on but she wouldn’t admit to being anything but a friend. She kissed the woman’s cheek as she said goodbye and implored her to try to write to Jake when she could.

Satisfied, she returns with Nanuet to the hotel. On the way back Ruby asks him if he would consider giving her and George the marriage blessing ceremony of his people some time in the future. Nanuet questions Ruby as to her real motivation behind leaving Jake and so quickly agreeing to marry George but she only smiles and answers that she loves him, telling Nanuet not to worry. He tells her if that is what she really wants he will do it, whether here on the East coast or back in Promise City. Mina, Alma, Benjamin, George and Ruby bid farewell to Nanuet, who decides to take his time returning to Promise City to see the country, initially heading back to New York City to see John Harbrace.

Mina, Alma, Benjamin, George and Ruby head off down to Baltimore to see Lucas Burnham, who despite Alma’s worries is overjoyed to have her and their son finally by his side. He is even glad to see Ruby and have her back in Alma’s life. Many plans are made for the future but none finalized, although it seems likely he will return to Rochester to live with Alma and continue his business there, especially now that William West would be gone. Ruby, George and Nana only stay a few days, leaving the new family time to get acquainted. Alma tells Ruby she will be home soon and would like to see her when she returns. Much to everyone’s surprise, she even tells Nana she wishes for her to be a part of Ben’s life.

 

[Silver Moon]

The module and campaign winds down with the following series of Epilogue posts.

Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-six, “Reflections and Departures”, Thursday, June 22nd , 7:15 P.M.

Jake stands out back of the Lucky Lady saloon, leaning against Rotes liquor shed as he watches the reddish light in the west fade to darkness. He nurses a large glass of whiskey. Some fifty feet away a family of wild pigs scavenges through a pile of refuse. He is careful not to spook them not only because the little ones are amusing to watch but because Sonoma showed him why they are called Javelinas. Silver Jake Cook had enough scars, he did not care to add mother Javelina tusks marks to the list. He muses over the irony that is the pile of refuse, largely due to the two saloons of which he can claim some ownership.

Only part of the young gambler from Philadelphia was paying attention to his surroundings. Most of his thoughts wandered over his conflicting and uncertain feelings about Promise City itself. He held the note from Ruby in his hand, the one that Katherine had given him. He did not need to read it again to be certain what it said, having already read it a number of times.

I have spent a life time running but something happened here in Promise City. Instead of running from trouble, whether I had a hand in creating it or not, I stayed. Not only did I stay, I took a hand in dealing with the trouble. Hades, in some case I took the lead in dealing with the trouble. Had it been Ruby? Had it been because I made so many friends here? What was it? Perhaps it is better if I do not know why. The simple fact remains, Jacob Alistair Cooke, for the first time in your life you did not run. After that his thoughts become disjointed.

He thinks about leaving, about selling out. He thinks about Red. He thinks about Mattie and Lin. He thinks about his closest friends in Promise City, those he has stood beside, and they stood beside him, in the direst of trouble. He even thinks about those others he considers friends and associates. Then his thoughts came around to his other old friend from Kansas City.

Jake remembers hearing the story from his friend directly. Bradford Rhinehardt was born in 1850, not more than a few months after his family purchased their homestead and began scraping out a living from the earth. It was a tough first season for the Rhinehardt's, and if not for the charity of some neighbors, the Bradford's by name, the family may not have survived. In gratitude the Rhinehardt's named their fourth child and second son after them.

Broad of shoulder and stout of waist, Bradford looks more like a middle aged farmer than a gambler. And he almost was if not for the for the war. He left his family's western New York State farm at fifteen ahead of some enthusiastic recruiters and never returned. Though not afraid of hard work, he did not much care for the dull existence of a farmer. Jake idly wondered how Bradford and Jeff Mills will fare together.

When Red introduced Jake to Bradford, the son of German immigrants was already beginning to acquire grey in his thick dark hair, and his prominent side burns were more grey than black. Bradford had not yet received the scar on his left cheek that he would carry for life, but a month later Jake was there when it happened and managed to smash a full bottle of whiskey over his assailants head before he could cut him again. They were both penniless then, and joked later that Jake should have let him take another cut while he found an empty bottle.

More thoughtful and quieter than either Jake or Red, Bradford was not without his own vices. He preferred an abundance of German food, was fond of beer and schnapps, and liked his women sturdy and slightly plump. His clothing tended to be plain with a predominance of grays and blacks, and though he was capable with a gun he rarely carried one, excepting the two dual barrel derringers that he kept hidden on his person.

When Red and Jake fled the trouble in Kansas City they could have gone to Bradford for help. He would have taken them in or run with them to provide assistance. Neither did though, both deciding not to lay that burden on him. He had no doubts Bradford would have risked his life for his two friends. Jake had not seen or heard from Bradford Rhinehardt since then, until the tournament. He was surprised at how much he had missed the man. He was surprised at how comfortable it felt to have his oldest friends nearby. Jake was even more surprised when he starts to understand the Promise City and its inhabitants are beginning to feel like an old friend.

"I have learned to take a stand", he says out loud as if talking to the Javelinas, "but I am no fool to think one should never run." Jake looks at the glass in his hand as if he had forgotten he was holding it. Glad to have it still, he drinks from it. "To stand or to run, that is truly a Shakespearian problem. A shame I stole Marybeth Bowen's essay and copied it, instead of learning something myself." He chuckles, "No regrets."

Friday, June 23rd, 1882:

The following morning Jake handles the last items of business before travel. He glances once more at the note which Kate had given him from Ruby. The note is written on fancy letterhead from The Latham Hotel, Philadelphia and reads:


Jake,
Before you leave Promise City I want to finish any business we might have together that could be potentially messy in the future. Kate will be taking care of arrangements for me as I have decided to stay out of town a little while longer.

Kindly let Kate know how much money you need in exchange for your portion of my house and please try to see the lawyer and sign the house over to me before you leave. Also, I am willing to buy out your share of the Lucky Lady. You once told me it was only a place to store your gear and that you only bought it to make me happy. I am willing to relieve you of that burden. Whatever price you ask will be paid, just tell Kate what your needs are. She knows how to contact me.

Ruby West

His horse goes out to Katherine’s ranch while he is away. He gets his tiara from Gonzales and tells the old wizard to use the likeness of his friend the shop owner from New York in the belt buckle. When he bids farewell to Katherine he tells her Ruby can have the house for what he paid for it, or whatever she wants to pay. He states, “I have decided I am not ready to sell my portion of the Lucky Lady. I have too much invented in it to give it up right at this time.”

Kate assures Jake the horse will be well looked after, and his fancy-worked saddle kept well-oiled. Which he probably didn't know had to be done anyway. "I'm glad you'll keep your part of the Lady," she told him. "It suits you. Nothing wrong with a wanderer having a place to hang is hat now and then. Drop me a line now and then, even if it's just a telegram." Jake gives Mitchell Berg attorney power to sell his half of the house. He has a last breakfast and coffee at the El Parador and says goodbye to them all there. Travel arrangements are made with Minerva and Nakomo. Jake is packed lightly and finally ready.

Contrary to Nakomo’s misgivings Minerva became more animated as the time to depart drew near. She hummed softly as she packed her precious statues of Jupiter and the Goddess along with the twelve candles that represented the twelve powers of Olympus and the ornate silver bowl that she used when honoring Diana.

She carefully folded her priestly garbs, smoothing imaginary wrinkles out of the white gown that she wore in the days of her innocence. The sight of the simple garment caused her mind wander to the man whom the gods chose to teach her the ways of love. A whisper of a sigh escaped her lips before she could block the emotions but, she thought, there was no point in lamenting what was lost. So placing the last of what she was taking with her in the small trunk, she shut it and him out of her mind and turned to more positive thoughts.

She exited the bedroom and gave the cottage a final sweep to be sure that she had not left anything of importance behind. Looking out the back window she noticed Nakomo on his knees plucking weeds from the herb garden. His guard was down and a scowl sat upon his brow.
Unlike her young charge, who looked as though he were praying for a reprieve from the governor’s office, the young priestess looked forward to the unknown road ahead of them.

She had had enough of schedules and was more than ready to shed the mantle of responsibility that the gods had placed upon her shoulders since her arrival on the town’s doorstep. The gods had great things planned for them. After all, did they not tell her that she was favored? That Nakomo was special? Did not the goddess Minerva herself, refer to her as ‘daughter’ and promise her protection? Satisfied that the their belongings were packed and that the gods would not lead them astray she called to Nakomo. "It is time." And without a backward glance she picked up Luna’s cage, locked the door of the cheerful yellow cottage behind them and confidently stepped upon the unknown path.

Jake, Minerva and Nakomo take the morning stage to Tombstone and board a west bound train mid-afternoon. They spend the night in Tucson, Jake securing hotel rooms in a good part of town for Nakomo and Minierva while he himself heads over to his own room at the Three Gods Meeting House. As fate would have it, he barely avoids a chance encounter with fugitive gambler Tony Lucky, who spots Jake as he enters the meeting Hall and sucessfully hides in a nearby alleyway.

June 24th, 1882:

The trio board the Southern Pacific rail service bound for Los Angeles. At Fort Yuma the train makes a brief stop for water and supplies. The trio disembarks to stretch their legs and see view California for the first time. Jake wanders off looking for an opportunity. Nakomo wants to follow him but Jake frowns and Minerva suggests strongly to Nakomo that he stay behind.

What they see is a declining garrison town with its purpose no longer needed, a victim of the railroads. Jake emerges just in time to board the train. "Nothing here but soldiers illegally selling government supplies and native woman whoring themselves." Jake hands them some tickets, “But the station master is a poor card player, here is your passage from Los Angeles to San Francisco.” The end of the line takes them to Los Angeles with them arriving well into the night, to change trains the following day.

June 25th to 30th, 1882:

Jake had previously seen some of the city on his trip with Gonzales. Now he sees a city of about 15,000 where the railroad drove land speculation to a rate that even left Jake shaking his head. They enjoyed a night there, buying a bushel of oranges for their ride north. In the morning they board a north bound train, up the interior of California.

Several days into the trip they make a supply stop in a small village. Jake did not even hear its name but felt the need to stretch his legs and look around. He left the train quickly, before Nakomo and Minerva could follow him. At least that is what he thought. Twenty minutes later Nakomo locates him in an alley dicing with some unsavory looking men that are obviously quite drunk.

The boy says, "Uh, Hello Mr. Jake." All the men look up at Nakomo who is holding a small sack with a few of the oranges they purchased, and their faces are not friendly. Nakomo has not noticed the large pile of money in front of Jake, and those meager piles in front of the others. The boy does not mistake the look on their faces however. "Mr. Jake?" One of men says staring menacingly at Jake. "That your boy, Indian lover?" "Now hold on a moment - " Jake begins but the men are rising and reaching for guns and knives.

One of the men, the one with a Remington strapped low on his hip says, "I say we string up the Indian for stealing our money and pistol whip his keeper to teach him a lesson." The man draws his gun which Jake notices is very worn and polished from use. Nakomo protests loudly, but he is drowned out by the assents and foul language. As the men move towards the two of them Jake stands quickly and yells, "Wait!" As they hesitate, he grabs the bag of oranges from the boy.

"After you see this you will not want to kill us anymore." He urgently removes three oranges, discarding the last one, and begins to juggle. Fast and faster he goes, the arc getting taller and taller in just a breif amount of time. Then he launches the oranges high into the air, one, two and as the third orange leaves his right hand towards his left hand his Peacemaker flashes from its holster. His left hand never catches the last orange, instead it fans the hammer. There is one loud retort and the man with the Remington is thrown back to the ground with a large red mark in the center of his chest.

Jake cocks the hammer and glances around at the others, "Anyone want to kill me right now?" Several heads shake no. "I thought not." He nods back to Nakomo to move along, reaches down and grabs much of his stack of money and backs out of the Alley. Once in the street, Nakomo begins, "Oh, Mr. Jake, I am sorr-" Jake interrupts him, "Run." Back on the train Jake tells Nakomo not to speak of the incident lest someone overhear them, and cause them more trouble, adding "It was not your fault."

The balance of their journey was uneventful and they finally to make it to San Francisco. Jake has already given them his sisters address if they need to reach him or need some other assistance, sure that his sister and her husband would help any friends Jake recommended to them. As they say their goodbyes, Jake gives Minerva a thin envelope with thirty bills in it. "A donation in Hermes name. I only ask that you do his work with it. I like to think he prefers those willing to help themselves along, not those just waiting to be saved. It is not mine anymore, do with as you will."

Minerva looks closer at the envelope and discovers they are one hundred dollar bills. She raises an eyebrow but does not otherwise comment. They part warmly, promising to find one another some day soon. “Minerva, those were ONE HUNDRED dollar bills in that envelope!” Nakomo exclaims after Jake is gone. “Si.” She says. “Your Mr. Jake must need to make amends.” Is all she tells him.

 

[Queenie]

Now that the adventure and campaign is winding down - I'd *love* to hear from any readers out there - comments or thoughts? It's been a pretty long road!

 

[Silver Moon]

Now that the adventure and campaign is winding down - I'd *love* to hear from any readers out there - comments or thoughts? It's been a pretty long road!

Quiet bunch out there - based upon the changes in post count we appear to have about 100 or so readers. As Queenie suggested, I would love to hear from some of you regarding your thoughts about this module and campaign.


Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-seven, “Life in Rochester”, June 22nd until mid-July

Ruby’s trip home to Rochester is uneventful and Nana doesn’t stay, she continues straight on to New York, leaving George and Ruby finally alone again. Ruby is extremely glad to be back in a place she feels safe, although remembering that she invited Colin Turner in, and not wanting to take a chance, she asks George to start building the new house for them. Mr. Gonzales does as he said he would do and brings Lucky and Mischief to Ruby. He explains that Kate wished to come too but that Conrad talked her out of it, not wanting her to leave again so soon after just getting back. The puppies seem to cheer her considerably while she is still healing from her attack to have her companions by her side. They love having a big backyard and a forest and lake to run freely in too.

George and his employees, William, Alvina and Rosaire along with George’s mother quietly celebrate George and Ruby’s engagement, although Rosie still seems apprehensive of Ruby. He seems to lighten up towards her a bit after she surprises them with tickets for all of them to attend the baseball game together.

George also throws Ruby a small birthday party, “The first of many together,” he tells her. He presents her with beautiful hanging ruby heart earrings, to replace her “cheap silver ones.” Ruby seems very reluctant to give up her silver earrings but finally gives in after he also presents her with a matching ruby necklace, also in the shape of a heart. She puts them on and wears them mostly every day but keeps the old silver earrings tucked away safely. He also gives her a beautiful Scarlet Tanager in a large fancy golden cage, a fiery red songbird, which she lovingly and carefully cares for.

The next week or so float by for the two lovers. To George, Ruby seems quite content, most of the time. Whenever she would catch him looking at her she would be smiling and happy. It was the times he looked at her that she didn’t know he was gazing upon her that worried him some. Her smile would fade, her eyes lose some twinkle and she would drift off into her thoughts. Any time he asked her what she was thinking she would always respond “you.”

One night, in the middle of the night, Ruby crawled out of bed quietly and made her way out of the bedroom. George was awake and considered following her but instead figured she needed some space. He didn’t want to crowd her or make her feel like he was overbearing. He was lying in bed, alone with his thoughts, when he heard through the open window the back door open. He went to the window and peered out, watching Ruby in her thin nightgown float across the green grass. He took a seat in the chair that Ruby had moved to the window, it seemed she always wanted to be near the night.

He watched her as she slide to the ground, sitting on her heels as she so often did. The moonlight danced upon her skin, glistening in the pale light. She turned her face to the sky, to the glittering stars that winked and twinkled against the deep dark night. George watched her smile grow as she gazed up, trance like, into the darkness. After a moment she closed her eyes yet the smile stayed fixed in place as George watched her drift into her private thoughts. He wanted to go to her, ask her to let him in, tell him what had made her so happy. In his heart though he was afraid to hear the truth, the answer which he guessed at but refused to acknowledge. Instead he stayed motionless, watching her from afar, hoping she would come to him as he always hoped she would.

And she did. Not much time goes by before Ruby returns to their bed where George pretends to be asleep. She snuggles up to him tightly and he assures himself that all she needs is time, time to heal over whatever happened to her in the past and time to accept the loving, exciting and secure future they would have together. And that to have her, he was willing to do anything, give her anything she needed. Having her in his arms, in his life, made everything seem possible for him, and he wanted to return the favor to her, be by her side for whatever she needed or wanted. He drifts off to sleep with the thoughts of just how he would do that her when the time came.

The next day, Ruby receives a letter from Kate, apologizing for missing the puppy delivery. The letter goes on to state that Jake has decided to relinquish his ownership of the house but wishes to retain his ownership of the Lucky Lady. Ruby is furious, stomping around the house in a huff. Finally she sits at George’s desk and begins scribbling furiously. Her anger and pain flows out of her as she writes.

Jake~
I can’t believe that you won’t sell me the Lucky Lady, it’s not fair. It’s MY saloon, you never wanted it, you told me time and again. The Lucky Lady – named for me, remember?? Did you lie about not wanting it originally? Did you grow to love it perhaps? Or, as I suspect, you are just doing this to torment me? Honestly, I have already given up my whole life for you so you can be free, I have gone against my instincts, my heart and the will of a goddess, and you repay me by torturing me?

How am I supposed to work with you each day? How am I supposed to look at you and act like nothing ever happened between us? How can I sit back and watch you carouse, play cards, get drunk and go whoring, all right in front of me, like what we had was not real? How am I supposed to pretend I don’t love you? If you ever cared for me at all, you will sell your share of the Lucky Lady and let me go on with my life, in whatever way I can manage to do that without you.

The quill drops to desk as she rereads the note and when she is done reading, she crumples it into a tight ball her hand. Tears begin to fall and as she rubs her eyes, ink smears across her cheek. George hears her sobbing and this time he does not leave her alone, instead choosing to join her. He doesn’t ask what the telegram said or what is wrong; he just wraps her arms around her tightly and holds her as she cries. They stay like that for a long while, time passes and Ruby lets it all out, all her pent up emotions and tears, fears and worries.

She finally looks up at George with red, swollen eyes, a pathetic, pained look on her face. He licks his thumb and gently rubs at the ink smear on her cheek, his own eyes kindly gazing at her in return. “Darling, would it help if we took a trip to Arizona?” Ruby pauses for minutes before finally nodding yes. “Alright, I’ll take care of it.” He hugs her again, hoping this would be what she needed. Perhaps they would have to face her old demons but at least they would do it together.

He makes arrangements to be away for a couple of weeks. He leaves Al and Rosey in charge of the house and they set off to Tucson, enjoying the traveling along the way. Tucson is a very enjoyable stop. Ruby is reunited with Red, Richard and Jane, although initially Jane seems distant, Ruby guesses because of her engagement. Ruby and George stay in her new partners room at the Three Gods Meeting House. One of the first things they do is finalize the papers for Ruby’s part ownership in the Meeting House.

While George is off making business arrangements for his new Arizona branch of the Eastman Company with Richard, Ruby spends time with Red and time with Jane, and by the end of the trip Jane seems back to her old self in regard to Ruby. Jane uses the salve Ruby received for her birthday and she is thrilled when all the old and new scars are removed.

George and Ruby do spend their nights relaxing, in worship of Aphrodite, Hermes and Dionysus and Ruby is surprised by how much George takes to it with her. Ruby also, finally, returns to the stage to sing and dance. She is invigorated by it and vows not to let so much time go by without being up on stage and George seems even more enthralled with her than ever. After the short stay in Tucson they depart on the train to Tucson and then board the stagecoach to Promise City.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-eight “All is well in Promise City“, June 22nd until mid-July

During late June and early July of 1882 the major upheavals that the political parties had predicted should their rivals win the election failed to materialize and the Town Council seamlessly picked up where the Promise City Merchant’s Association and Promise City Vigilance Committee had previously managed with the two former groups being officially dissolved.

At Mayor Emery Shaw’s suggestion a Sulfur Springs Valley Miners Association was formed as a counterpart to the Sulfur Springs Valley Cattleman’s Association, with Henry Pleasants being elected the mining group’s President while Forest Morand was elected as President of the Cattleman’s Group. Both Presidents were granted permission to sit in on the weekly Town Council meetings and participate in discussions although neither could cast a vote. This ensured that interests of the two primary economic interests were being heard. Discussions were then initated by Mayor Shaw with the railroad about construction of the rail line to connect Promise City with Tombstone.

In the absence of Priestess Minerva Florencia her predecessor Reverend Anson Haggler was invited back to Promise City. His earlier removal had been initiated by the Vigilance Committee and Mrs. Rebecca King in particular but with those entities now being removed from the town’s hierarchy there was a minimum of criticism about his love for strong beverages and enjoyment of the game Faro. Revenent Haggler’s lifestyle has become somewhat more respectible in the eyes of his critics since he began courting a prospector’s daughter named Stella and cut back on his extracurricular activities.

The month falls into a busy but pleasant routine for Kate. With the elections over and monsters vanquished, she is able to be in school everyday and actually begins to feel like a teacher. She continues to work with the town council on the best way to start a public school in town. Maneul Gonzales asks her to accompany him on his journey to deliver Ruby her puppies but Kate declines, stating the fact that Conrad would not want her to head off on another trip so soon. Her other reason for not going was reluctance to pass on Jake’s message about the Lucky Lady. After another two days Kate finally sits down and writes to Ruby.

Before June is over she makes a visit to Mary Kelley. She had already given up her corset some time ago, and now she needed new dresses to accommodate her rapidly growing girth. Dorita teased her, saying she was either having more than one or had gotten her belly up earlier than she’d admitted to. Truth was she had always been such a tiny thing that even a little bit of extra weight showed, and the tell-tale shape developed sooner rather than later.

With Mrs. Turner at the Lady now to play piano and help wait tables, Kate stops working there officially, but still steps in now and then to help out. With Jake and Minerva now gone away, and Ruby still gone the Lady is an oddly lonely place. But she had other friends there, and she and Conrad begin to have some dinners there instead of the El Parador so she can keep touch with them.

In early July Reverend Haggler preformed several wedding ceremonies, namely Colonel Michael Seawell to Julia Barbeau, Darla Peacock to Michael George and Al Brower to Madge Duprey. Father Thomas Valdez officiated at one unanticipated wedding ceremony, that of the Yavapai elf elder Jadito to his mate of several centuries, Alajandra Jimenez.

Several engagements were also announced including that of schoolteacher Meghan O’Hara to her late husband’s brother Shamus O’Hara, town cooper ‘Coyote’ Kay Kaufman to Fire Marshal Jeff Mills and halfling newspaper editor Hez Chumbley to his diminutive sweetheart Sydney Sue.

The Governor supported Judge Isby’s ruling regarding the appeal of the hooded rider verdicts and the prisoners were summarily executed by hanging in Tombstone. Mrs. Watkins had an emotional breakdown over the death of the her son Kirby and Bill Watkins sold the Great Western Boarding House to bring her back east to be institutionalized.

The boarding house was purchased by Colonel Michael Seawell and his young bride Julia to provide not only a spacious home and for themselves and the Colonel’s son Patrick but also for various other new employees of the Morand-Seawell Mining Company. The building’s name was changed to the Seawell Boarding House. Nellie Hudson, the widow of Baker and hooded rider Don Hudson sold the bakery to Stanley Barker who now spends half of his time baking his excellent cookies.

An item discovered by the Seawells at the former Great Western was the hidden diary that had been kept by Kirby Watkins which supplied definitive evidence that Claude Buckley was murdered by Ashley King while Kirby Watkins had acted as his lookout and accomplice. The diary also confirmed the remainder of Grant Porter’s testimony regarding the hooded riders. Regarding young Mr. Porter, he had written back following his completion of basic training in the Navy that the life suited him well.

The town itself became financially responsible for the Hoover Memorial School and with the sole exceptions of Elton Hubbard’s grandson Rory and banker Paul Stevens two children Jackie and Agatha the attendees of the former Moral Values School began attending the Hoover school. The school had enough students to split into two different teams for their own baseball games and also played every-other Saturday against the new school in the neighboring town of Dos Cabezas, that school run by their priest Father Silas Barnes.

Now that things are quieter Kate also has the chance to pursue her other friendships, spending more time with Sandra Wainwright, as well as with Mollie Caudell and Meaghan O’Hara. Sandra is one of the few people Kate bothers to personally tell the truth of how her baby was conceived, knowing that Mollie and Meaghan as well as Beth Eaton will confirm it. She finally accepted that those circumstances could not really be kept secret, but didn’t go around proclaiming it herself. There were enough people who knew the truth that word would likely spread. She spends some energy worrying about whatever new priest or priestess would come to fill in for Minerva, and if they would become a thorn in her side.

The fact that she would be going to England soon relieves some of that worry. In between her other activities Kate makes the arrangements for her extended absence. Since the first school term would be over that consists of making sure Ginnie has a place to stay. She had taken care of herself for a long time, but Kate doesn’t want her to have any worries, so arranges for her to stay at the El Parador with occasional nights with Meaghan’s brood.

She arranges her schedule so three nights a week are for her lessons with Mr. Gonzales, two for ranch work, with the rest of the time flexible. Those weeknights she makes sure to be home by eight and spends the rest of the night with Ginnie. She also went with her teacher to Los Angeles to visit with Maggie Whipple.

Weekend mornings while Conrad still slept she works at the ranch and gives him her afternoons, when he often rides out to see her there. They continue to grow closer, enjoying this time free from dangers. Kate begins to feel it is almost time to say “yes,” but also knows she wants to have the baby before marrying again.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-nine, “San Francisco”, Early-to-mid July 1882

Jake's visit with the Maguire family in San Francisco is welcome, warm, and full of laughter. His sister, Virginia, alternated between laughing and crying for the whole first hour after his arrival. Jake got along fine with her husband, James, and as the week went on found him to be a dutiful and attentive husband and father. Later in the week he found him to be a shrewd lawyer as well. There was no doubt, however, that the center of Jake's attention was his niece, two year old Moira.

At first she was shy of her Uncle Jake, a stranger that she had never met. Jake's antics quickly won her over. He doted over her each afternoon. He juggled for her, joked with her, gave her rides upon his back, did sleight of hand tricks and generally spoiled her. Nor did the spoiling stop there, Jake always loved to give presents and who better than his sister and family. He gave James and Virginia a belated wedding present, the gold box he had been wondering what to do with, and had filled it with one hundred ten dollar notes. They repeatedly tried not to accept such a generous gift, but Jake would not take it back. James received a fine bottle of Kentucky Bourbon, which the two of them managed to drink by the end of Jake's visit.

After watching his sister, nearly nine months pregnant, waddle about the house cleaning and chasing after rambunctious Moira, Jake paid for six months of a house keeper. He helped his sister select a suitable one, using his experience in petty crime to identify and eliminate unsuitable candidates, but it turned out that Virginia was an excellent judge of character and did not really need his help.

Perhaps the most surprising gift was that of a tiara for Moira, or Little Mo as Jake had nicknamed her. At first the parents laughed at their little princess strutting around in what was for her oversized costume jewelry. That lasted was until Virginia looked closely at the piece and discovered that the tiara and jewels were real. Again, they felt unable to accept it, and again Jake would not take it back. "She should always be treated like the princess she is," he stated firmly, "She should always know how her Uncle Jake feels about her. Do not take that away from me." He seemed lost in his own thoughts when she pranced about in the tiara.

James did not question Jake over his gifts, but Virginia gently asked him where and how he got such things. In one of the few moments of utter seriousness of the week Jake responded, "I have given you nothing you should be ashamed to accept, nothing that did not come to me fairly." No more was said of the matter afterwards. Jake did not impose on them in their small rented house; he let a room nearby of his own. That worked particularly well for him as he slept the mornings away, spent the afternoons and dinner with the Maguires, tucked Little Mo into bed, and spent the nights exploring San Francisco.

Although he enjoyed himself, he had business in mind. He watched, listened and learned all he could about the nightlife of San Francisco. He visited many establishments, gambled, talked, danced, sang, spun yarns, and drank. Only twice in his stay did he draw his knife and he never had to draw the Colt. He was roughed up pretty bad by three men in a bar fight, but made a friend of the man who came to his aid to even the odds.

Jake seduced a beautiful woman, at least ten years his senior, when her arrogant and self important husband left her to go home after the theatre while he smoked cigars with his friends at a private bar. He had not planned it, but Jake was ever the opportunist. She needed attention and he needed a pleasant physical encounter with no strings attached. It was the first time Jake had been with a woman since his last relationship had ended. It was a sort of healing for him.

Near the end of his stay, he selected a small saloon and made the owner an offer. It was one block from the waterfront, three blocks from a train station, and across the street from an assayer’s office. Jake's remodeling plans included making sure the saloon sounds, and sights of the female entertainment, were easily noticeable to those leaving the assayer. Jake had watched the place several nights in a row and was happy with the prospects, and knew what employees to keep and which ones to fire.

His brother in law acted as his lawyer for the transaction, where Jake discovered that James was indeed a shrewd one. After the sale, Jake fired the bouncer and main bartender. Both had been cheating the owner, who sold to Jake because of poor profits. Jake quickly made the other bartender manager, hired the man who helped him in the fight as bouncer and made James Maguire his lawyer with power of attorney over matters regarding the saloon. Lastly Jake arranged for some female entertainment, and had the new sign painted.

When the ten day visit was up, it was an emotional departure. He promised to visit again soon. Little Mo cried, and Jake nearly cried too but he vowed to her, "Think of me every night when you go to bed, for I will be thinking of you. Wish me luck, always wish me luck and I will be your good luck charm should you ever need one." It was too many words for such a small child, but it seemed to make them both feel better. His belongings packed, he made a slight detour to the train station that allowed him to see the new sign on the saloon in daylight hours. Jake's Silver Dollar.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two-hundred-ninety “Ruby’s Return to Promise City”, Mid-July, 1882:

The day comes soon when Ruby West and George Eastman arrive in Promise City. That part of their journey don’t go quite as well as Ruby could have hoped for. George is not comfortable being there, even though is he welcomed warmly by everyone at the El Parador and all of Ruby’s friends. He is not welcomed, however, by his cousin, or actually the news of Ruby’s engagement to him is not welcomed by Helen. Extremely unhappy with the engagement, George spends time with her everyday trying to iron things out and Stanley tells George he will also work on convincing Helen how happy he is.

Helen is not the only one unhappy with Ruby being engaged. Many sighs are released by the men of Promise City and even many of Ruby’s friends wonder how and why the engagement happened so fast, especially those who were not even aware that she wasn’t with Jake anymore. Ruby becomes frustrated at times, but George steadies her when she needs it. She is also quite peeved to find out that Jake is gone and that he took took Minerva with him on his trip. She is troubled in part by the Priestess now being in the company of Jake rather than Nanuet and ponders “It seems like no one around here knows what true love is….including me.” However, that thought only bothers her momentarily.

She finalizes the details of ownership of her Promise City house, and is very proud that it is now all in her name. She arranges with Mitchel Berg to watch over it while she is away and leaves a note with him for Nanuet’s eventual return, allowing him to stay there in her absence and also giving instructions for him to plant a garden for her for. George helps her unpack all the crates she had delivered from her trip to New York City and more keep arriving each day. On the dresser in her bedroom she finds the box she had found in New York City and mistakenly sent to Jake. She keeps it hidden from George, with the intent of thinking over whether she should give it to him or not in the future. It was supposed to be magical after all and if George and Ruby were meant to be… She decides to wait in giving it to, wanting it to be special for him.

She spends a lot of time in the Lucky Lady, discussing plans with Job and Henry and getting to know the new staff, Manager Darla Peacock, Assistant Manager Bradford Rhinehardt who is also a dealer, Michael George a new bartender, Job Kane's fiancé Bernice who is the new waitress/piano player and Hannah Milford who now helps Maria out in the kitchen. Ruby doesn’t bump Clarisse from her full time schedule, but instead she enjoys the other benefits of her saloon ownership, singing only when she feels the desire. She has Jeff set up her old bedroom as a room for nights she doesn’t want to sleep in the house alone but more importantly for her gowns and possessions for performing, a dressing room. It’s a little overwhelming for her, all the changes that have occurred in just a month-and-a-half.

Ruby makes sure to congratulate Chester as the new Marshall and George and Ruby take him and Clarisse out to dinner one night to celebrate his new position. George and Ruby also spend a lot of time at the El Parador, where George feels most comfortable and accepted. George also spends a lot of time with Gonzales asking questions of him about the use of wizard magics. George was always curious, Ruby muses as her fiancé spent so much time learning new things.

This leaves time for Ruby to spend with Kate, who she forces to take time to relax. Ruby helps her decorate the room that will be Liam’s nursery in her small house on the ranch and even spends some time with Sonoma, who she regretfully didn’t spend a lot of time with before she left Promise City. Ruby marvels at the job Sonoma has done with the ranch, all the animals and life there flourishing under her careful care.

Right before she leaves Ruby makes a mystery stop to see Doctor Eaton. She only states that she hasn’t been feeling well and that she has “headaches” for anyone who asks. Some of her friends remember the last time she had headaches but no one seems to question her.

Although things are not perfect, George seems more at ease with Promise City when they leave than when they arrived. Ruby hesitantly leaves with tears in her eyes, promising she will return soon. The trip seems to have done her very well and George is glad to have made the trip and soothed Ruby’s soul, although he does realize not seeing Jake has left Ruby with a feeling of unfinished business. Still, her heart seems much lighter and more carefree than when they arrived.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two-hundred-ninety-one, “Kate’s Depature”, Mid-to-late-July, 1882

As Kate prepared for the trip to England, she recieved one of her regular letters from her father. Miss Sullivan had begun her work with him, and he was finding her to be incredibly quick of mind, and willing to do everything she could and even some things she really could not. He also found her to be ambitious in the desire to help others. He found they would miss her when she went to have her second surgery. In her return letter, Kate mentioned her upcoming trip as a chaperone, and that she and Conrad would spend a bit of time in New York first. The day before they left she received a wire from her father, saying that the family would travel down to see her before she sails.

Before they left town, Kate went to the Barker's and had Stanley take photos of her with Ginnie, and then a portait of her alone. She gave one of them to Conrad, along with a lock of her hair to remember her by while she was away. Kate was excited to get started the day in late July when they boarded the stage to Tombstone. Mr. Tomlinson assured her that there were other watchers in New York City, and he and Shannon stayed there as Kate and Conrad explored the City.

They stayed at the Fifth Avenue Hotel again, over Kate's protests that a simpler place would suit their needs. They spent that first night visiting Edwin at the Player's Club, then in their own rooms at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Explaining Kate's condition and the fact that his brother was not responsible took a good deal of that first night with Edwin Booth, but by the end of it he seemed to believe the truth. The next day the Seagram family checked into the Fifth Avenue Hotel as well.

It was a bit odd to suddenly have the Seagrams and the Booths together. Almost as if it was a look into the future where Kate and Conrad had married and these two families were one. Mrs. Seagram was quite charmed by Edwin Booth and seemed to enjoy being in the center of a social whirl again. Kate spent a great deal of time with her brothers, especially Henry. She always told her Papa everything, but sometimes she needed a brother. She noticed Conrad spending a lot of time with her father, she imagined trying to gain his approval.

All the company made it harder for Kate and Conrad to find time to spend alone. But thankfully Kate's family were on a different floor of the hotel, so they managed to always spend the end of the night quietly talking together. Some nights Conrad stayed late, following the instinct they'd had the first time they stayed here, others he would go back to his room earlier. They were always careful to keep their time together as unnoticed as possible while trying to prepare for the long separation to come.

They spent a week in New York, and seemed to always be busy. If they were not spending the evening at the Player’s Club they were at a play, a concert, or the opera. They especially enjoyed the chance to see the newest play from Gilbert and Sullivan, "Patience." Her appearance at the play and other places in the city set the society columns buzzine, but the presence of her family there with her seemed to confuse them. Most society women hid themselves away once such a condition was obvious, but Kate refused to worry about them. Her father assured her that the family would deal with whatever rumors surfaced.

It isn’t long after Ruby and Goerge had return to New York when Kate was arriving in New York City to leaving for England, so they the trip down to the City to see her off, arriving two days before Kate’s scheduled departure. Ruby and Kate spent much of the time making preliminary wedding plans for Ruby and shopping for the things needed to make it happen. They also sampled food from the best caterers and bakers in the city, managing to quell even Kate's now enormous appetite.

Ruby spent time with Kate going over other wedding details and while the date wasn’t set yet Ruby seems more excited about it than ever and in some ways, in a rush to get it done. Ruby finally got a chance to spend some time with Kate's family, and between Ruby and her mother by the time she left New York Kate had another trunk of clothes to go along with the lovely things Mary Kelley had made her.

Kate had never imagined so many people would be on the dock to see them off. Phillip was thrilled to see Shannon O'Hara again and spent most of that morning trying to get her good favor. Kate spent the morning being passed from hand to hand, each person saying a sweet goodbye with good wishes for the trip. The very last was Conrad and the look on his face nearly broke her heart. Everyone else seemed to draw a bit away, giving them the privacy to say goodbye.

Despite the public place, Conrad kissed her tenderly and held her for a moment. Afterwards, he spoke a word to Kevin Tomlinson. What she could hear of it seemed to be along the lines of making sure she was safe and wiring him immediately is something should happen.

By ten o'clock Kate was standing at the ship's railing with Kevin and Shannon, waving like mad to everyone still on the shore. Kate continued to watch even after the waving stopped. They all had someone to stay with, even Conrad had his brother there. Yet he had stepped forward a bit, almost as if he were considering if he could walk across the widening expanse of water to come with her. She waved one last time and watched until Henry joined him and must have convinced him it was time to leave. Once the group turned and went back down the dock, Kate turned her face to the bow and England.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two-hundred-ninety-two, “Little Birds”, Mid-to-late-July, 1882

After Kate leaves for England George Eastman takes Ruby all over the city, out to fancy dinners, theater, the opera, the finest dressmakers, even Tiffany’s and spoils her rotten. She does try to see her father and while they go out to dinner together, things seem tense despite the fact that her father is thrilled that she is now engaged to George. Ruby doesn’t complain about the spoiling but by the end of the trip she suspiciously tells George she is tired, and just wants to spend quiet time alone at home with him, planning their wedding and their future life together with her learning how to be a good wife. He takes her home and that is exactly what they do as they start their new life together.

One bright day soon thereafter Ruby is slouched in a big soft chair that resides next to a large open window, her feet propped up on the footstool. Her eyes are droopy and she slowly wraps a sandy curl around her finger, a curl belonging to the small boy cuddled in her lap, quietly resting against her bosom. Whether he (or she) liked it or not, Ruby had immediately fallen in love with him and taken to cuddling and snuggling with him whenever she could. She felt it was her duty to make sure her brother grew up knowing he was loved, in her mind the largest thing that had been missing from her own childhood. Even though her mother was trying, Ruby knew it was hard to break old habits, rigid rules set by a society that no one should live in.

Ruby’s bird, its cage positioned right next to their chair in the sun, starts singing his song, cheerfully chirping away, and the little boy in her lap raises his face to look up at her. “Sister, where did you get the pretty bird from?” Ruby smiles and continues to lazily twirl his hair around her finger. “George gave it to me as a birthday gift. Isn’t he lovely?” Benjamin nods and stares off at the bird as he sings.

Time passes before the boy speaks again. “Do you think he’s happy living in a cage like that Sister?” Ruby is quiet, mulling her answer. “Well sweetie, it’s not an easy question to answer. He’s probably very miserable, thinking that he has to live his life in that cage. But he doesn’t really know how good he has it.” The boy looks up at her, obviously confused.

Ruby says, “You see, a little bird lives a certain kind of life. It’s easy to dream that the world outside of the cage, the one he isn’t experiencing, is better; more exciting than the one he’s living in. In his dreams it could be anything and everything he ever wanted his world to be. But perhaps if one day he were to escape out of his cage, he would find it a much bigger and more dangerous world than he could even imagine. It’s hard to be by yourself and it gets lonely being that way. He sees there is no one there to look after him anymore he has to do it all by himself. He also could find that there are much worse kind of dangers out there, scary things, treacherous places and perilous adventures to be had, things he never considered. Bigger enemies who put his life in danger, sort of like a big eagle who could easily prey on him.”

She pauses before continuing, gazing upon the bright red bird. “And maybe he realizes that his little heart could be broken so easily that in the end being outside the cage isn’t as fun as he thought it would be. That inside the cage, at least he was safe. At least he was taken care of. And he decides he could be happy, maybe not with everything he ever wanted, not with the freedom of being out of the cage but with the knowledge that he would be safe and loved within that cage. And if he’s lucky he finds a way back inside.” Ben listens intently, taking in every word Ruby says. He pauses a moment before he replies with a soft, “Oh. You’re so smart Sister,” before lying his head back down.

Ruby laughs. She knew he didn’t know what she was talking about. Heck, she didn’t know what she was talking about half the time. “I don’t know about smart. I’m just able to tell a story I suppose. Now, I thought it was nap time…” She leans her head back against the chair and closes her eyes. She soon feels the boy cuddle up to her again and a few moments go by before she cracks an eye open to see that he is soundly sleeping pressed up against her. She smiles softly and takes a final peek at her little bird before closing her eyes again. This golden eagle was glad she finally found her way back home.

Just a few miles to the south the rays of sunlight are shining through the trees as two men exit Malachi Haynes General Store, situated in a rural area southwest of Rochester, New York. They make their way through the forest carrying a heavy metal bucket. "Mighty nice of you to be doing this Miguel," says the store’s proprietor. Manuel Gonzales replies, "My son-in-law left the decision to me, this seems to be appropriate now that her lake is back." Haynes says, "It'll be private too, she'll be the only fish in it and nobody else will know. The Sheriff and his buddies now fish over in Round Lake in hopes of catching her."

They get to the side of the lake. Haynes looks over at his companion and comments "Do you want to say anything?" The wizard replies, "An old Elvish expression comes to mind….Drizzle, Drazzle, Druzzle, Drome, Time for this one to come home!" On the count of three they turn the bucket over. The largest wide-mouthed bass that either man had ever seen flows out with the water and into the lake. She quickly swims away and Haynes loudly proclaims "Goodbye Old Walter.” A barely audible comment exits the elf's mouth, and thinking of his ’little bird’ he states, "Keep that ring safe Walter, it may still be needed some day."



Final epilogue to follow