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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2814892" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Ten, “The Road to Tombstone”, Thursday, May 25th, 1882, 6:00 A.M. Kate was up with the sun the next morning and on her way out the door as Ginnie was getting ready to run over to the El Parador and get a basket of breakfast for the two of them. At the ranch, Kate picked two harness horses to pull the buggies back and stopped to have a bite to eat with Sonoma and Flint. She filled them in about the incorporation meeting and about the choice they'd have to make. Since she intended to bring her family out to ee the ranch, they could discuss the decision then. She hurried back to town and met Ginnie and the others at the Wells Fargo office around 7:45 A.M. In the morning Jake packs his final travel bag with his pistol accessories and the pearl handled long barrel. He writes a short note to MacNaulty, Elliott, and Lewis describing what was announced by Isby and makes arrangements to have it delivered to them. In the note he recommends at least one of them come into town and learn more. Once he has all his gear accounted for and is dressed for travel he hauls their gear down to the stage. Grumbling all the way about the time and the diminutive newspaperman. Ruby barely wakes come the next morning. She throws a few more things into her bag with only one eye open. Practically sleep walking she drops the dogs off at the Lucky Lady, and slips a note under Mr. Lacey's door before she walks over to the Wells Fargo Office. Any 'good morning Ruby' is answered with a grunt. She almost falls asleep standing while waiting for the stage to arrive. The Wells Fargo Stagecoach is ready to board at a few minutes before 8:00 A.M. An annoyingly awake Chumbley bounces up onto the carriage, followed by the very pregnant Angela Young who Chuck Nevers helps up into the vehicle. A barely conscious Conrad Booth follows and within seconds of his sitting down is sound asleep. Kate looked from Ruby to the already sleeping Conrad and smiled. She trotted Meribel up to the coach and with an amused glance at Ginnie said, "Mr. Chumbley, perhaps you'd like to ride out here with me for a while. I don't imagine you'll find much good company inside until a more civilized hour of the morning." He says, "That would be fine Mrs. Kale, I would love to talk to you, but could you strap me in well enough that I won't fall off? I've never really taken to horses which is why I ride stagecoaches." Clarisse and Chester arrive, with him leading his horse. As he loads their bags on the stage, he says, "Morning folks. I guess the last passenger's on his way." Clarisse says, "Good morning everyone. I trust you all slept well?" Ruby gives Clarisse the same grunt she gives everyone else. Then she blindly climbs in the stage and takes a seat near the window, pulling Jake in next to her. Once her head hits his shoulder she falls back asleep. She exclaims, "Oh!" Chester leans. "That means she didn't sleep well, dear. Not everybody is an early riser." "The question for most of these people, Miss Townsend, is did they wake well?" Kate said lightly. Josie Marcus is the last of the riders to arrive. As anxious as she is to get to Tombstone she still isn't a morning person. She hands her bags up to Chuck Nevers and climbs on board. Jake looks out of the corner of his eye and says, "Good morning to you Katherine Kale I trust you woke well." Leaning back careful not to disturb Ruby he tilts his hat forward and hides his face. "Good Morning Miss Townsend, a pleasure to be riding with you. I look forward to speaking with you in a couple of hours." Kate got down and carefully secured the halfling reporter onto the steadier horse. "I'll ride right next to you. Just let me know if you'd like me to take the reins or if you want to return to the coach." The Tombstone newspaperman rides up on his horse to ride alongside the stage. He sees Chumbley with Kate and opts to ride on the opposite side. Chumbley tells Kate "That's Sam Purdy, he purchased the Epitaph from John Clum at the beginning of the month. Terrible shame that, as he's a Democrat and so is the editor of the town's other paper, the Tombstone Nugget. So the town now has two Democratic voices and the Republicans have lost their voice. I don't support either party, but feel that the town is best served having both viewpoints raised. I guess that may make me a hypocrite saying that, as I'll be running front-page editorials in both of my next two papers in support of non-humans getting to vote and have no intentions of running the opposite view, not that Watkins or Adair will have any trouble voicing that on their own." Kate says, "I look forward to it. You know of course that my voice will support people of all races and genders having a vote. I spoke to Mr. Figueres last night, and while he isn't hopeful I tried to buoy his spirits. Do you have any other thoughts on how to sway others to our way of thinking?" Chumbley replies, "Well, I already wrote the editorial for Friday's paper which Josiah will have typeset by the time I return tonight and will have another one for Saturday's. Of course, swaying them through reading what I wrote first entails getting people to buy and read the papers, so my finding enough new information to sell papers both days is essential. Beyond that I'd suggest talking to all of the employers of non-humans in town, that's about one-third of the businesses by my reckoning." Kate replies, "Well, I think there's at least one thing I can tell you that might help. General Henry Pleasants will be arriving in Tombstone tomorrow morning, and will be moving to Promise City to work for Colonel Seawell. Also, Professor Pickering of Boston will be arriving today with six astronomy students in order to observe an eclipse next week." Chumbley jots down the information. He continues to prattle on for the next hour. The Carriage stops at around 9:15 A.M. when they are between the intersection to Dos Cabezas and the Shaw's Lazy-S Ranch. The Stagecoach comes to a halt as another coach approaches. The other coach is from the Lazy-S and is being driven by ranch hand Tim Kilpin. The two carriages stop as the drivers converse. Chumbley decides that he has had enough horseback riding for this month and asks for Kate to help him down so that he can go back inside. Ruby barely awakens as the stage stops. "Are we there yet?" she asks quietly with her eyes only half open. Chumbley exclaims, "Oh no, pretty Ruby, only about a quarter of the way, maybe a third. I just got tired of riding the horse. So, how is everybody in here?" Ruby groans, then plops her head back on Jake's shoulder, pushing her face into his neck. "Sleepy," she responds to Chumbley. "In mourning for the death of silence," Jakes remarks dryly from under his hat. Ruby pinches Jake under his jacket. "Oh, I can be quiet, I brought a book to read," the Halfling exclaims. He pulls out a small book with a green leather binding. It is written in a fancy script language that none of those inside the coach recognize. Ruby can't keep the giggle in and it slips out. "That must be some book. What are you reading?" she says muffled through Jake's shirt. Chumbley replies, "It's an ancient halfling tale from Australia's early years. It's about a halfling who heads off on a great quest. It is titled 'There and Back Again'. Would you like me to read some of it to you?" "Maybe you could read some of it another time." Ruby yawns, "I wouldn't be such a good audience right now." It's no time at all before the rocking rhythm of the coach puts Ruby back to sleep. Her head keeps falling forward and she jerks upright each time, but continues to fall asleep over and over. Kate rode up close enough to the drivers to catch their conversation. Chuck and Tim chat briefly about Tim taking Ellen Shaw into town to do some shopping and then pick up Emery to come back home. Chuck talks about needing a day off, that the other driver Chandler Wells went back east for a family funeral and hasn't returned yet so it's been nine consecutive days that he's been working. The Shaw carriage gets moving east again and the Wells Fargo Stage heads off west to Tombstone. Chester rides close to the stage, in conversation with Clarisse. After a while, Chester rides over to Purdy. "So, Mr. Purdy. Was this your first time in Promise City?" "Yes," he replies, "I've had the Epitaph for a little more than three weeks now. Clum no longer had time for it and the job of Tombstone's Postmaster so he accepts my proposal to purchase the paper. I put out my paper in Tombstone yesterday morning but the Tombstone Nugget had gotten out an hour earlier and most people bought it instead so I figured I'd have a market in Promise City for the rest. I got the papers onto the 2:00 PM stagecoach and rode alongside. That worked well, I sold out, but I doubt I'll be making this a regular occurrence." Chester replies, "This kind of news doesn't come by often, so I see why you made the trip. It's hard competing with the local paper on a regular basis." Kate rode along with the coach, enjoying the early morning air and the quiet ride. Every now and then she was tempted to nudge Meribel into a run and speed away in front of the stage to ride alone, but instead she stayed by the stage. There would be time soon enough for long rides on the ranch with Henry where they could jump and race as they never could in Boston. She kept an eye inside the carriage as they rode, making sure Ginnie was comfortable and waiting to see when and how Conrad would wake. The Stagecoach continues along at a steady pace, arriving in Tombstone at 11:15 A.M. As they rode into Tombstone, it suddenly occurred to Kate how strange this morning was. Once she had arrived on a train here, expecting to be met. Now she was doing the meeting, and this one promised to be much happier. Back in Promise City, Nanuet had woken up before the sun like usual. He watched Minerva sleep for some time before heading to the grove to tend to the plants and animals within. Before he knew it the sun was climbing into the sky. "Well, I had wanted to see them off, but I think I missed that." The lean elf stood up and wiped the dirt from his hands. He walked over to Jake and Ruby's house and checked to make sure it was locked up and that everything seemed to be in place. After that he headed over to the Lucky Lady to feed the dogs and check on things. Once he was satisfied that things were in order for the day and gave Thom some chores to do he headed to the El Parador. "Good morning Dorita, I'd like some breakfast please. Do you know if your grandfather would be available? I'd like to speak to him sometime soon about what happened at this incorporation meeting yesterday." Dorita heads upstairs and comes back with Mr. Gonzales. He gestures to a corner table at the end of the room and asks Dorita to bring over the jug of Greek wine. He pours them each a glass, drinks his, and then pours himself another one. Nanuet states. "Thank you Dorita, your promptness is much appreciated." The elderly wood elf smiles at Nanuet and says, "Well, I trust that Miss. Florencia appreciated my birthday present to her." Nanuet picks up the glass and sniffs at it before trying the wine. "I am sure she did, there were so many gifts presented that evening? I must apologize, but I don't remember what you gave her, could you remind me?" Nanuet says taking another sip of the wine. Gonzales replies, "My present was that I allowed her boyfriend continued life despite the fact that he broke my Great Granddaughter's heart. You do remember that conversation that we had before don't you?" Nanuet's face drops at Gonzalez's statement. "Yes, I recall the conversation, and I appreciate that you have not followed through on that threat. I am sure a man of your experience realizes that all relationships that start off with the best intentions do not always bear fruit. I have apologized several times to Sonoma and only wish her the best. Is there more you wish of me in regards to that situation or can we put it behind us?" He says, "Well I can certainly understand why you have become enamored with Miss. Florencia, I find the woman breathtaking myself. And being a short-lived human your relationship with her will probably last for another fifty or sixty years at the most. After the Priestess is gone you can sit down for a long talk with Sonoma and apologize then. In the meanwhile you might want to consider divesting yourself of your interest in the ranch. Sonoma has been putting her heart and soul into it and resents your lack of contribution to the effort. Finding a buyer should not be hard, I would be willing as would Mr. Booth, but I think the women are trying to be independent of the two of us. If you wish to maintain the Apache connection you might consider the centaur Qualtaqa, I believe he is finding the El Parador barn a bit confining and I know he has earned money from his recent trip to Europe with Arcade's Gang. You should probably discuss the idea first with your partners.” Nanuet replies, "Minerva is a special woman and it seems the gods themselves have blessed our relationship. I had not dwelt on idea of her being a short lived human, but rather have decided to live in the moment. As far as the ranch is concerned, I agree that seems to be the best idea. Sonoma has done amazing work at the ranch but I have not been able to hold up my end. I will discuss this with Sonoma and Katherine and determine the best course for all." Nanuet refills his glass of wine and then says "If I may change the subject I would like to ask you what you think about this whole town incorporation thing and about us non-humans making sure we have a say. As far as I understand the idea of females and non-humans being able to voice their opinions on town matters might be in jeopardy and I would like to see that it doesn't happen. I know how Kate feels and I know I would have her support in this endeavor.” Gonzales replies, "The idea of females having a voice is not unprecedented. The entire Utah Territory allows women to vote and many communities in the other western States and Territories have as well. Other races....that's a different matter. I've heard of places that allow Dwarves and Halflings the vote. And that Civil war guaranteed the right to vote for Ogres. Orcs and Elves, that's another matter. In California anti-orc sentiment is now so strong that they are petitioning the United States Congress to pass laws ending all Chinese immigration. And most people consider elves to be savages out to kill all whites. You asked my option. Obviously I would like a voice in the community that I live in, but I also realize that fighting for it could have a backlash against all of us regardless of the outcome. Evan Adair isn't the only one in town with a humans-only attitude." Nanuet replies, "I understand what you are saying, things around here could get ugly I am sure. I personally don't know anything about politics and would be getting in over my head, but it was not that long ago that I didn't know anything about being a shaman either. I would like to ask some of the other non-humans and others who accept us to see what they think. Maybe there are enough of us to make a stand, and if we go about it the right way then hopefully things won't have to get too bad. I respect your opinion so if you tell me not to do it I will listen." Gonzales says, "The best approach would be all or nothing, if they begin breaking it down into acceptable or unacceptable races then things will get even uglier and the likelihood of you, Cornflower Peck and Qualtaqa being allowed that opportunity will be next to nothing. The other key is to resolve the residency issue first, so that they know that half the Apache from the hills won't be marching into town and demanding a vote." "OK, so first thing is to figure out is how residency will be determined. I didn't plan on doing things race by race, so we are on the same page there. Any ideas on how to get started first? I suppose a meeting with Judge Lacey might be a good idea." Gonzales replies, "It can't hurt, mention that you work for Ruby, he's sweet on her. You might also want to wander over next door to Brown's Ice House and talk to Liza, that cute young woman who often dines here with her father and brother. She's engaged to Derik Avery, who sits on the Vigilance Committee. She's always been comfortable with the various races who congregate here." "I think I will, and uh thanks for sharing the wine with me." Nanuet gets up and offers to shake the elder elf's hand before departing. He stops next door at Brown's Ice House. He knocks and asks to speak with Liza. Hannibal Brown calls for his daughter. The freckle-faced brunette is wearing a brown dress with yellow gingham trim and a straw bonnet. "Hello Mr. Nanuet," she says, "looking to buy some ice? Did the Priestess buy an icebox for her cottage?" "Oh, just Nanuet please. Sure, I'd like to set up a regular supply if that is OK with you. Do you make regular deliveries?" Nanuet discusses the particulars of getting set up with a delivery schedule and makes sure the business is done before moving the conversation to politics. "So, did you hear about the meeting they had yesterday? It seems folks like me might have our hands tied around here pretty soon." "What do you mean?" she asks quizzically. He replies, "Well, if some people in power around here get there way only male land owners will have a say in the new government. People like you and me won't even have a vote. Even some of the business owners will have no say in what goes on. I think that would be a real shame and could cause some resentment." Liza talks to Nanuet for another fifteen minutes about the subject, agreeing with him on many points. She has spent a considerable amount of time at the El Parador and says that she would hate to see nice people like Pedro and Dorita to be treated unfairly. Liza talks to Nanuet for another fifteen minutes about the subject, agreeing with him on many points. She has spent a considerable amount of time at the El Parador and says that she would hate to see nice people like Pedro and Dorita to be treated unfairly." Minerva awakens to find that Nanuet has left. She reaches over and buries her face in his pillow, breathing in the memory of his scent. His spot in the bed is still warm, prompting her to stretch and smile as she sighs with pleasure. She daydreams back to the wonderful night before, and how he had fulfilled his promise to exert his influence upon her. She looks up when she hears the rustling of feathers and greets her feathered companion. "The gods have truly smiled upon me, Luna. I am truly loved and loved truly. Time to spread the word." she says aloud and laughing in delight, she leaps out of bed, energized and ready to take on the day. Minerva dresses and rummages through the icebox to find herself something to eat. She decides to visit Beatrice for a friendly chat, knowing that she always has her ear to the ground and will be able to fill her in on the local gossip. Most of the morning gossip from Beatrice Lee is about the upcoming Incorporation of the town and the various attitudes expressed thus far by her other tenants. Many of the miners who reside there have concerns about the Vigilance Committee taking over and imposing restrictive laws on the populace. She says, "Si, I can certainly understand their concerns. I have many of my own. I was here when they tried to vote in that silly law about women having to be covered from neck to toe," she smiles optimistically. "But we must remember that the gods love all of their children. They will show us the way to enlighten the opposition." she sips her tea and thinks aloud. "Perhaps I should pay a visit to Senor Condon to check on the church's money to be sure that it is being kept safe." Minerva continues to question Beatrice on how she thinks that each committee member will vote and any leverage that she might know of that would help sway them. "You have lived in Promise City far longer than I have, Bea and you are such an observant woman, a thief in the night could not make his way past you." she chuckles and smiles disarmingly. The two women sit amiably and chat for a while before Minerva rises and kisses Bea affectionately on the cheek. Gracias, mi amigo." She hugs her and makes her way to the bank.</blockquote>

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