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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2816663" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Twenty-three, “The Seagrams visit the Lady”, Friday, May 26th, 1882, 7:30 P.M. The Seagrams return ten minutes later, just as Ginnie arrives at the El Parador with the Caudell family in tow. " Hello Dorita!" Ginnie yells out as she dumps the family at an empty table and runs over. "I brought the new folks that Ma'am Kate has staying at the house tonight", she lowers her voice to a whisper "they don't look rich but they do look hungry and so am I! and there's no better place in town to be fed than here that and I need some new reading materials all the ones we bought got burned up in the fire in Tombstone." She give Dorita a quick hug and heads for the kitchen. "That girl is a whirlwind," Amelie said with a shake of her head. Kate quickly made the introductions between her family and the Caudells as the new arrivals sat down to dinner. "We were just on our way to the Lucky Lady, you caught us just in time. Has Ginnie taken good care of you?" Mollie says, "Yes, she's quite the young lady. I believe Melvin is a bit taken by her." The boy's face turns red with embarrassment at that comment. Nate says, "We'll get a bite to eat here and then catch up with you there if that's alright." Just then Ginnie comes back to the table plates of food balanced on her arms which she lays in front of the family. "Everything here is good so I figured I'd just save the time and fill the plates for you haven’t eaten anything until you taste Dorita's chili and cornbread dumplings." She tucks a biscuit into her mouth and turns back to the kitchen scanning the room. chewing quickly She looks to Dorita "Is he here or will I need to wait until later to get something new and to tell him all about the fire?" Dorita says to Ginnie, "No, he out of town. He say he not be back until tomorrow or Sunday." "Of course," Kate said, a bit relieved. "Dorita will make sure you don't go away hungry. We'll see you in a little while." Kate took her chance when Ginnie stopped for Dorita's answer to kiss her forehead and say, "We're headed for the Lucky Lady now. Make sure you come by later, alright?" “I guess I can wait until tomorrow for a new book,” Ginnie states. She looks to pout for a minute but then keeps going "I'll need to bus the tables tonight anyway I think at the Lucky Lady, with it being Friday and all that and the Tombstone crowd is likely to be coming in at a pace soon. Oh, by the way you may want to make sure you stock up on supplies I think this town is going to be pretty busy for a while until they start getting Tombstone back up and running. that and the prices are likely to double so get what you need now before it does double in price.” Ginnie tucks in a quick meal hugs Dorita grabs a cookie and heads to the Lucky Lady. Henry offered her an arm, and she led her family out of the El Parador on the short walk to the Lady. There they saw Chester, Nanuet and Minerva, as well as Emery Shaw and several other men. As they walked inside she said, "Jake and Ruby each own one quarter, as well as Mr. Kane over there, and Mr. Rote." Kate led them over to Job. "Good evening, Job. I'd like to introduce you to my family. My father Colonel Fredrich Seagram, my mother Amelie , and my brother Henry." Job stands and shakes all of their hands "Welcome to Promise City. I heard that you had quite the ordeal in Tombstone. I'm glad you made it through that safely. Welcome to the Lady, I think you'll like it here. Great food, wonderful music and honest gambling it that interests you." "Can't say I ever gambled," Friedrich said, "But I've always enjoyed good music and good food. It's nice to put faces with the names Katherine's spoken about." Henry gave him a firm handshake and said, "I might try a bit of cards later." Nanuet notices Kate and her family had entered. "Look" he says motioning towards Kate "that must be Kate's family, we should go say hello." Nanuet then leads Minerva by the hand over to Kate. Kate smiled brightly as Nanuet and Miss Florencia came over. She repeated the introduction of her family, then said, "This is Nanuet, and Miss Florencia." "Yes, we've heard a great deal about both of you," Friedrich said, extending his hand. "It's my pleasure to meet you." Minerva approaches Katherine but knowing that she is not comfortable with Minerva's displays of affection, refrains from hugging her. Her happiness however is evident in her eyes as she addresses her. "Senora Katherine, I am so happy to see you home safe.. and your brother, will he recover?" Henry offered his hand with a wide smile. "I'll be just fine. This sling here is a bit of a nuisance, but the doc said it's just for a few days. Henry Seagram, Miss Florencia. Glad to make your acquaintance." "My brother Phillip went with Conrad to the Long Branch. He can't seem to see enough fast enough," Kate added. Minerva laughs. "I know how he feels. Promise City is certainly a colorful place!" Henry nods with a smile. "I'm hoping to find it so, myself. You haven't been here long yourself, I understand." Nanuet shakes the hands of everyone Kate introduces. He smiles and exchanges simple pleasantries. "So, seems like you had an interesting last leg of your trip. I am glad to see everyone is in high spirits despite the drama in Tombstone. Hopefully the rest of your time spent here will be enjoyable." "Every day seems to be an adventure here, maybe just the thing to wake us old people up," Friedrich said lightly. Ginnie floats around the floor of the Lucky Lady picking up dirty glasses listening to the conversations going on and clearing tables. Chester makes his way to Kate and her family. He tips his hat. "Evening folks. I'm Chester Martin. How do you do?" "Yes, we saw you in Tombstone helping out," Friedrich said. "Seems my daughter makes good choices in friends." Chester replies, "Thank you sir. You taught her well. I'm glad to see you all made it here safely." As only two of Job Kane's regular players have arrived thus far he heads over to the table with the ranchers and inquires if any of them wish to join his game. Forest and Temple Morand both say that they will as does Oldfield. Emery Shaw says "I may join you after I have a chance to speak to Mrs. Kale." Ashley King says, "I'll pass, I want to listen to the lady sing" as he gestures to Clairisse Townsend who has just entered the Saloon. Chester sees Clarisse enter. He waves her over. "Clarisse, you've met the Kales, right?" She replies, "Yes, Chet. I stayed with them after the fire. They were so nice to me." Emery Shaw approaches the Seagram group. He says, "Hello Mrs. Kale. Did I hear correctly, that these fine people are your relatives?" "Yes. Mr. Emery Shaw, my family," Kate began and again repeated her introductions. "Mr. Shaw has given us assistance on more than one occasion when we've found trouble on the road to Tombstone." Shaw talks briefly with the Seagrams. He then says, "If I could please borrow your daughter for a few minutes there is a business matter that I need to discuss with her." Kate glances over towards the stage, thinking she would have to accompany Clairisse but notices Harry Rote moving towards the piano bench instead as the young woman climbs up to entertain the crowds. The Seagrams found a table and have a seat with Nanuet, Chester, and Minerva while Kate accompanied Mr. Shaw. "What matter of business can I help you with, Mr. Shaw?" Emery Shaw replies, "Several of us area ranchers have started up a new organization, The Sulphur Spring Valley Cattleman's Association. At present four of the five largest ranches in the region have joined, my Lazy-S, the Morand's Rocking-H, the King's Bar-W, and Calvin Oldfield's Circle-T. We've intentionally skipped asking the Thayer Ranch to join, as Nick Thayer is know to have been involved with the Cowboy Gang last year back with Curly Bill was running that group. We've now been talking about asking most of the smaller ranches in the area to join as well. Would you be interested?" Kate replies, "I can't speak for Sonoma or Nanuet, but for myself yes, I would be. My husband felt that ranching is what would keep this part of the country going. Mines don't last forever. It's always a good idea for those of us with like interests to support each other. I'm not certain if we will chose to be a part of the town though. My main worry is since I'm the only human partner and not a man laws that might be passed could make it difficult for us to operate. What would be required of us in the Association?" He replies, "One of the main objectives of the Association will be to influence the laws and development of the towns, not just Promise City but Tombstone and Dos Cabezas as well. For Promise City to work for us we need to become a main force, and we can do that by promoting our own slate of candidates. Right now Ashley is trying to have us work with the Vigilance Committee to put forth a combined slate. Forest and I both have some reservations about that ourselves but it's better than the other alternative, namely Fisk and whatever the Earps have left of the Cowboy Gang. At present though it's much better for us to work together with the Vigilance group at least until the town decides who can vote. Not everybody believes in Bill Watkins position that it should be human male landowners. While I personally would never trust an Apache I wouldn't think of denying the vote to people like the Escobars. Manny Escobar's house has stood where it is for over a century while most of the rest of the town grew up around it only two years ago." She replies, "I've made no secret of my dislike for the Vigilance Committee, and I have reservations as well. Honestly Mr. Shaw, I had planned to vehemently oppose almost anyone they put forth. Of course, I was assuming it would be people like Bill Watkins. The slate method for the vote makes me very nervous. But I'm glad to hear you feel that race shouldn't be a factor in who can vote. There are many good, valuable people here who deserve to have their voices heard. People like the Escobars. I'm definitely interested, but considering the Vigilance Committee I'm going to need a little time to consider.” He replies, "Just be careful that you don't back yourself into a corner being too narrow in your choices. There is strength in numbers and working directly with people is a good way to get compromise. For example, Bill Watkins and Jim Eaton both want to see all saloons in town closed down. Forest and I disagree, people need a place to unwind, so we will instead recommend to the combined group that they seek to perhaps impose reasonable closing times such as 11:00 P.M. and midnight on weekends." She says, "You're right, of course. I just have to decide how far I'm willing to bend." She adds, “Beside that I need to speak to Sonoma and Nanuet." He replies, "Of course. Tomorrow I plan to head out to Pete's Ranch and speak with your friend Flint. I suspect he'll join given Dwarven honor being what it is. One rancher helping another is a key goal of this Association and he's sure to remember the assistance that I gave him before." "Forgive me if I'm forgetting something I should know, but I don't recall ever hearing about that," she said with interest. "If you mean something beside the day we saw you after we got Chester and Nanuet back." Shaw says, "That's when I'm talking about. Not just our driving the cattle there but then coming back and putting up all that fencing. We didn't charge you or him one cent for all the labor or materials. My plan is to have the Association do that for all new ranchers that decide to start up here to help get them off on the right foot. We might even start sharing resources for cattle drives too, I know the Morands would appreciate that." "And I still can't tell you how grateful we are for that help," Kate said with a smile. "And helping others get started is something I'd like to be a part of. Thank you for inviting us. I'll let you know in a day or two, but I'm fairly certain I'll convince myself that I can deal with the committee." At the table Henry says, "I'm sure the fire in Tombstone is affecting my judgment, but from what my sister says as well things don't calm down around here very often. I realize just how much all of you must have done to keep her safe here while she's learned how to get along. We can't tell you how grateful we are for that." "Your sister does have a way of livening things up a bit." Minerva says with a mysterious smile. "Well I think Kate has helped me as much as I may have helped her. In the time that I have known her she has certainly blossomed." Chester turns to Henry and says, "She's done just as much keeping us upright as us. But, yeah, things are exciting around here. So much for the sleepy town image. How's the arm?" He replies, “fine.” Henry turned slightly as his father continued to talk to Nanuet. "I did notice something different about her in Boston. But in this place I think it's come into your own or be trampled, and Jacqueline was never one to let herself be trampled. You don't seem to be that type either. What brought you this far west? My sister crossed a country, you crossed an ocean." "My destiny brought me here. I go where the gods will. and they Will me here." she says and shrugs her shoulders noncommittally. He replies, "Understand, I am a man of faith, so I understand believing in their guidance. But I have never found that kind of certainty." Minerva replies, “Do not dwell on the thought. When it becomes necessary, It will find you, Senor. You are welcome to attend services at our new church while you are in town. I think that you will find it a refreshing change from what you are used to in Boston." "Oh, you'll see all of us." A shadow crossed his face as he continued, "Well, except Katherine but I'd guess you know that already. I'll admit, at Boston services I always feel it's more about praising the priests than the gods." “She has helped me to get along here in town which is no small feat I assure you." Nanuet replies meekly to Fredrick and Amelie Seagram. “I think Kate has helped me as much as I may have helped her. She has helped me to get along here in town which is no small feat I assure you." Nanuet replies. Minerva adds, "Si, Senor Nanuet is a man of many talents. He has been a great help to me as well as to others.” "We hear plenty of reports about the conflicts between humans and elves out here. Kate indicated that they're highly exaggerated, but I imagine choosing to live in a mostly human town must be hard on you. What made you decide to stay here?" Amelie asked. Nanuet stops for a minute, a bit of a glassy look in his eyes as he reminisces. "I had no intentions to stay here, but once I got here I found friends and a home. Something I never really had before. I like it here, and I can make myself useful." "Feeling useful is one of the most important things," Friedrich said. "I've seen a lot of people lost because they didn't feel they had a place. I've always thought that now and then the gods give a little nudge and bring people together who can help each other." Minerva asks, “Henry, What are your plans? Would you like to be a cowboy and work your sister's ranch ?" Henry laughed. "I think my wife would object. I think she'd pass out from the sheer horror of packing up our girls and leaving everything behind." Following his conversation with Kate Shaw goes to join the other three ranchers at Job Kane's table. Ashley King then approaches Kate and says, "Hello Mrs. Kale, I've been meaning to have a chat with you." Kate hid her surprise and said in an outwardly friendly voice, "Have you? I'm sure it would be a pleasure, although I can't imagine what you'd want to chat about. Please, have a seat and satisfy my curiosity." He smiles and says, "You need to realize that I am not my mother. Actually, it is she who I wish to warn you about. Right now she is conspiring with Jim Eaton and Icabod Shackelton to rally against both your school and the notion of non-humans being allowed to vote. They're planning to be active in town the next three days." "I'm sorry. It's been a long couple of days and my manners aren't what they should be." Kate sighed and relaxed a bit. "I certainly understand your mother isn't my biggest fan. I spoke harshly to her the one time we met, but I don't understand how I offended her before that. All I want is to offer an education to children who haven't had an opportunity to get one.” He replies, "Which is commendable, education creates opportunity and understanding. After I move to town with my son Troy I will probably still have him tutored with the Eaton children, but not because I find you unfit. I just think he'll get more personal attention in a class of four than a class of twenty-four. Plus my mother will pay the bill for the tutor." She says, “And I just don't understand wanting to deny people who live here a voice in their own lives.” Ashley answers, "I'm afraid that I can't fully agree with you there. Many of the people in town are transients, here today and gone tomorrow. It is highly unlikely that just because they live here right this minute they will still be here for the two-year-long terms of office of the elected officials. Why should they get to decide who the rest of us should have leading us?" She asks, “Do you have any suggestions as to how to counter what they plan? What do they plan, anyway?" He replies, "I'm sorry, I don't know specifically what they have in mind. I just caught glimpses of their conversation. I do recall Eaton making reference to 'killing two birds with one stone' and I just assumed the two birds are your multi-race school and the multi-race voting. It's possible one of the birds is actually the Priestess, they are no fans of her either." She says, "Well, if it is the multi-race nature of my school they object to, I think they'll be disappointed. I have been very honest with every parent I've spoken too. They are all aware that I am accepting students of all races and none have expressed a concern to me about that. You and I aren't so far apart about who should vote, either. I've been thinking we need to have some kind of residency requirement, but I can't figure a way to make it fair. For example, I have guests in my home tonight who intend to buy a home and live here. If we used home, business, or land ownership as a criteria for residency they would be able to vote, but then someone who has lived here for two years but rents his room couldn't. It's a thorny problem. I do understand about wanting your son to get personal attention with his schooling. Being able to tutor Ginnie exclusively has been wonderful and I regret I won't be able to give her the time I did, but we must support ourselves." Ashley replies, "Well then, I am glad that we had this conversation. Please give serious consideration to joining the Cattleman's Association. The more ranches that are involved the stronger a force we will be....and since we're not inviting three of the dozen to join due to their reputations and rumored associations with criminals I'm hoping that all nine of the legitimate ranches do join up." Kate answers, "I'll do that. I'm disposed to accept, but I need to take a little more time to think on it. Thank you for the warning, Mr. King. I appreciate it." Minerva discreetly keeps an eye on Katherine and her conversation with Oldfield and Shaw knowing that they probably don't think much more of a female rancher than they do an elf. She is a bit annoyed when she notices that Katherine is smiling and responding in earnest to whatever it is that they are discussing and makes a mental not to warn her of their views. "Something wrong, Miss Florencia?" Henry asked, noting her distraction. "Wrong? No, no. nothing is wrong." Minerva says dragging her attention back to Henry. "I was just concerned as to what business those two gentleman have with Senora Katherine." she shrugs her shoulders. "Forgive me, Por favor. "she smiles. " I am sure that all is well. I have a tendency to be a bit overprotective where my friends are concerned I suppose... But after all this is the wild west and a girl can not be too careful." He replies, "You're right about that. Thankfully Jacqueline seems to have found people to watch her back. I imagine they're discussing ranching business of some kind." After her conversation with Ashley King, Kate pitched in with the work at the Lucky Lady for about an hour. Her parents continued to talk with Miss Florencia, Nanuet, and Chester while Henry took a seat at Job Kane's table for a few hands where he managed to win just often enough to break even. The Caudells came in and sat down with her family. While they all seemed to be enjoying themselves the last few days had been long and fatigue was showing on all the faces. She spoke briefly with Job, then suggested everyone retire for the night. They walked her family back to the El Parador and said good-night. Then Kate and Ginnie took their guests home, got them settled, and got to sleep well before ten o'clock at night. Chester excuses himself early from the Seagrams and takes a seat to watch Clarisse perform. He struggles mightily with staying awake. After she's done, he walks her home. He kisses her goodnight then walks back home and stumbles into bed. Minerva waits for Nanuet to finish up for the night and they stroll back to the house, arm in arm with the familiarity of an old married couple. The night air is refreshingly cool and clean in sharp contrast to the dank smell of sweat, tobacco and alcohol that permeated the saloon. Minerva inhales deeply and visibly relaxes as she leans her head on Nanuet’s arm. She scans the dark sky in search of Luna. She asks, "Will you be going out to Oldfields's ranch tomorrow?" He replies, "I have to talk with Chester but I do believe I will be. I think it is very important to keep up good relations with the Apache and the ranchers and others. I don't want things to get hostile if I can help it. Is that OK or did you have other ideas?" "You are right." Minerva sighs. " It is important to keep up good relations with the ranchers and the Apache. " She stops and turns to him. "Por favor be careful in your dealings with them, Mi Amor. They made some remarks which revealed their deep prejudice against your race and I am worried that they would treat you no better than a mangy cur. They made it quite apparent that they do not trust or think very highly of you, but perhaps by getting to know you, the ranchers will learn respect for you and others of your race." She looks up at the sky. "It is a beautiful night. Let us sleep in the grove." Nanuet listens to the warnings that Minerva gives and takes them to heart. "I understand that some of them do not see me as their equal. I will be careful and watchful, I promise" he says as he leads them towards the tranquil grove. Nanuet calls to Maska to join them and keep watch so that he and Minerva may be together and rest without worry.</blockquote>

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