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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2845199" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Thirty-three, “Saturday Night at the Meeting Hall”, Saturday May 27th, 1882, 8:00 P.M.Ruby searches through the gowns, some being a lot more revealing than others. She also finds the white robe for the ceremony that Jane has chosen. She loved it but hoped that Jake didn't have a problem with it being too revealing.   She chooses a gold confection of a gown, low cut on top but lots of material on the bottom. She would save the daring for later. <a href="http://fan.inkstigmata.net/satine/86.jpg" target="_blank">http://fan.inkstigmata.net/satine/86.jpg</a>   She dresses and returns to her room to find Jake and put the finishing touches on her hair and makeup. She finds Jake there also getting dressing for the evening. She points to a black suit hanging in the closet. "Is that a tuxedo?" she asks skeptically.  He looks over. "I did not even know that was there."  Ruby shrugs. "I guess it's pretty fancy tonight. But you don't have to wear that if you don't want to, your suit is nice. I'm wearing this," she twirls around in her fancy gold dress.Ruby keeps her eyes on Jake as he dresses, but is lost in her thoughts. "Baby, I want you to do something for me tonight. Will you try?" "I thought tonight you were going to do something for me," Jake replies with a very broad grin. Noticing that she seems serious he adds, "Oh, not that. Certainly, princess, what?" Ruby steps closer to Jake and takes his hand. "I want you to ask Red to be Red during Jane's ceremony tonight. I know it might be a bit risky for him but there has to be a way. I think it's really important, I know it would be for Jane and maybe for him too." She pauses, "Has he said anything to you... about Jane?" "Yes he has. I think he is smitten with her. I just wonder though," Jake rubs his chin, "Does he really want Jane or is he still chasing the ghost of her mother? Apparently Red felt that his devotions to Jane's mother were mostly one way, that Jane's mother did not care back the way Red did. I do not think that Red is thinking that way, he merely does not understand why Jane has not selected him and seems hesitant to persue her. Can you blame him though? He feels his love was not returned by the mother and now he is faced with the same prospect with the daughter. Even if she takes him to bed, what then?" Jake shakes his head. "If it takes Red wearing his own face to bring this to some conclusion, then I will get him to do so. I hate to see him stuck like this, making no decision and fretting over it." "Jane believes she has not chosen him because he is never himself. She is certain that the goddess would never have her chose a false persona, which is what he is when she does her ceremony. Perhaps if just once he was there as Red she would know, they both would know. What happens after they go to bed is their problem. If it's really love, they will work it out, no?" Ruby looks at Jake with an innocent look, one that shows Jake she truly believes what she is saying. "What happens before they go to bed is their problem too," Jake chuckles, "But I will convince him somehow. Love is the first step, I agree." Ruby smiles adoringly up at her lover. "Thanks for helping me. I really think Aphrodite wants me to work on bringing people together. These two seem obvious. As long as Red is Red and not someone else I think it will work. I guess we'll see what happens later." She grasps his hand tighter, "And no, I did not forget doing something for you later. I hope you pay close attention to me during the ceremony." "I only have eyes for you, Ruby."   She replies, "I know you do. I just.. well... maybe something special will happen. I hope so anyway." Jake looks confused a moment but it passes. "We make times special. We do not need to hope. I will be watching you closely."   She says, "I know you will. I wanted Jane to give us a blessing or something this weekend, her being the priestess and everything, I just thought, you know, with everything we've talked about and been through, it couldn't hurt. But maybe the goddess herself with give us a sign." Ruby's face drops slightly. "Oh, you must think I am really foolish and naive to think that, huh?" Jake shrugs, "It would be nice if you were right and I was wrong." Ruby nods, "I guess we'll find out about that too." She kisses Jake on the cheek. "You look so handsome honey, let's go downstairs and show each other off." Jake agrees and they head down.In Jake's wildest imagination he never would have pictured a gambling hall like the one downstairs to be found in a town in the Arizona Territory. It was like something from New York City or San Francisco. Some twenty more tables have been set up than were there the night before. Each poker, blackjack and faro dealer is dressed to the nines and acting very professional. The room already has over 200 people, with more coming in. Jake guesses that there are at least fifty new employees actively working about, all exquisitely dressed in black-and-white attire. The center of the room has a five-foot diameter stone fountain with a statue depicting Aphrodite, Dionysus and Hermes, each holding a pitcher from which champagne is flowing down and into the fountain. The fountain is built upon a thick wooden base with wheels. A trio of waiters with trays of glasses stand beside the fountain offering them to the guests.Jake meanders near the fountain and obtains a pair of long fluted champagne glasses from the waiter standing in front of Dionysus. "To each god their due," he says and gives a glass to Ruby. "You get yours later," he mutters looking up in turn at Hermes and then Aphrodite.  He lightly taps his glass to Ruby's that results in a delicate 'ting', "To fine drink, luck and love.""Nice toast baby," she says and puts the glass to her lips. "I hope to experience all three tonight. Now, you should find Red soon and speak with him, I really want this to happen." Ruby glances around the packed room, filled with beautiful people dressed in their best. "This is going to be a fun night."Mr. Cornelius Van Horne enters the room. He approaches Ruby and Jake and offers to introduce them to some of the dignitaries present this evening. To each guest he refers to them as "Mr. Jacob Cooke and Miss Ruby West, who own a gambling hall in Promise City that I frequented when I visited their community. They in turn have decided to return the favor and Miss. West will be dancing with Miss. Boag later this evening." The first couple they meet is Gustov Anton Hoff and his wife Alice Ford Hoff. Hoff is said to be a manager at Seligmann and Company, a freight company and an importer of food and merchandise into Tucson. Hoff says that he also works on consignment for the German Fruit Company, which brings in most of the produce in Arizona from California farms. Next is introduced John J. Gosper. Gosper was previously the Secretary of State for Nebraska and served as Secretary of the Treasury to Arizona's previous Territorial Governor John C. Fremont, who streets in both Tombstone and Promise City were named for. Fremont was away from Arizona so much during his four-year term that Gosper was in the role of the 'Acting Governor' more often than not between 1878 to 1881. The next man they are introduced to is Anson Peacely Killian Safford, a very short bearded man. Van Horne says "Safford was the Territorial Governor from 1869 to 1877. He was largely responsible for the railroad coming to Tucson and also created the first public school. He is now a partner of Safford, Hudson and Company, a successful financial firm here in Tucson." The last person they are introduced to is General George C. Crook, a Civil War veteran and Indian fighter who had fought both the Sioux and Cheyenne before coming to Arizona as the Army Commander against the Apache. He fought the war against Cochise back in the early to mid-1870's and was the one who forced most of the Territory's Indian tribes (including Nanuet's) onto the reservations.Jake follows along politely, smiling, shaking hands and making small talk.  Ruby is her normal charming self, exchanging dazzling smiles and witty banter with all she encounters. She mentally goes over each person she meets in her mind, trying to commit to memory any distinguishing information. She keeps an eye out for Jane, wanting to see the mood of her friend, but keeps close to Jake as they enjoy the new people and the champagne. Some time goes by and they decide to get into a card game, poker if there is a spot for both of them, so they can properly honor Hermes.Jake and Ruby sit at a poker table where Roy Carterson is the dealer. He is one of the Junior Partners of the meeting house and was the one who Red was teaching to deal back when Jake visited in January. They are introduced to the other people at the table as Mr. John B. Williams, Mr. Stephen Griggs, Mr. Robert F. Bates and his companion Kat Anderson and a half-elf named Sequoia Coville.  "Miss West," Ruby begins sweetly, "And this is Mr. Jacob Cook, also one of the junior partners here. I hope everyone is planning on a fun game tonight."They stay for a while at the table, enjoying the company but finding the play uninspiring. The excuse themselves and split up, each finding another table to spend some time at.  Ruby realizes she has wandered into a high stakes table, where the men surrounding her don’t believe she can keep up. She surprises them by doing just that, being up about $150 after only a half hour of play. She is extremely excited and giddy, but also determined to win more. The next hand starts off with some high betting but Ruby has good cards and knows she has a shot at winning this large pot. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Jane, talking with a man, and she looks out of sorts. Ruby begins paying more attention to Jane than her cards and distracted she loses all she had won plus some. She wants to get to Jane but decides to win back some of what she lost, being angry she lost so much so fast, which she does quickly before excusing herself to find her friend. She catches up to Jane and takes her by the arm. “Janie,” she says, smiling and acting like nothing is wrong, “Is everything alright?” Jane replies, “Sure Ruby, why wouldn’t it be?”  Ruby replies, “Oh, I just saw you speaking with someone and you looked upset.” Jane puts her hand over Ruby’s arm. “No, I am alright. I guess our conversation from earlier is on my mind and I am not myself.”  Ruby nods, “I understand. But listen…,” she turns to face her friend, “I think tonight is going to be just fine. Trust me, things will be clearer.” Jane gives her a funny look for a moment but it passes. “I trust you Ruby,” she smiles. “Let’s get on stage now, it’s time.”  They head for the stage where they spend the next couple of hours singing and dancing together, taking a few breaks in between to mingle in the crowd. Their performance is inspired and both ladies agree it’s some of the best singing and dancing they have ever done.  By the time the women finish dancing it is around 10:45 P.M. As they leave the stage Ruby sees both Mr. Van Horne and Mr. Allister in the crowd, mingling around and chatting with folks. A Faro game now seems to be the main center of attention, with over $ 1,000 at stake. General Crook and former Governor Safford are both participants in the game. Van Horne makes his way over to that table to watch the ever growing crowd around it.   Ruby also makes her way over to the Faro game, very interested in the game AND the players. She watches the game closely, particularly the men, trying to pick up on any tells or other information she can gain.Jake wanders over to the Faro table next to Van Horne, and attempts to glance up at his face to discern if it is Red and wondering if it could be Richard. Jake has known Red a long time and would not be surprised to find that his friend had made a snap decision and brought the man fully into his confidence. Knowing how hard it was to do the Van Horne voice, he figured he was standing next to Red.   "We do not usually see that kind of money coming up to a turn," He states. "Seems to have gotten folks attention."Van Horne says, "Ah yes Jacob, but these are men of importance. The sky is the limit on their bet and even if they win the Meeting Hall comes out ahead as they will speak highly of it to their friends."   Jake watches the game quietly for a moment before he says quietly to Van Horne. "I wonder if Mr. Patrick will be present at ceremony to Aphrodite tonight. Ruby thinks it would do him a world of good. I would guess he has not attended any of them, he has always been like that. There must be a way to convince him. Some people believe you can have your desires granted if you just petition the right god or goddess at the right time."Van Horne gets closer and says, "Jacob me boy, it would not be safe. There are at least fifty people in this room who I have never met before. One of them might know my face."  Jake sighs. "I know." He taps his lip a few times before speaking. "Ruby is learning quite a bit about the Aphrodite ceremony. Interesting thing she said to me, about the goddess never choosing someone with a false personae." Again some silence. "Seems to hearken back to an earlier conversation we had. Deciding what was really important, what you really wanted." Jake scratches his chin a bit and continues, "A cloak with a hood, a dark corner of the room, perhaps a window or door way that can only be seen from the stage, there must be a way to lessen the risk if it were something that was important to him. It IS still a risk, and one not worth taking if he is not sure it is worth it. Absolutely sure."Van Horne replies, "Well, I suppose I could go and change while Mr. Grappini is holding his service and return just as Jane begins her dance. Once she starts dancing nobody, and I mean nobody, will be watching anything except her."  Jake chuckles. "I only have eyes for one woman. That is if I know what is good for me. People might notice who gets chosen though. Have a way to hide your face or keep it from view on the way out."Red tells Jake, "I think I might be able to find something to at least cover my head, maybe not my face. But if we're in the very front when she makes her selection I could move forwards quick enough if it is me that all they'll see is the back of my head."  Jake nods in reply. "I will see you later, perhaps in a poker game?"  Red replies, "Already taken care of. Be prepared to lose big, you wouldn't start with giving up one-fifth of your share of the saloon so I've arranged for you to have $ 15,000 in chips to lose before we get to that. I'll get the game going in around fifteen minutes."Jake takes his leave of Van Horne and seeks out Mr. Alistair, and takes him aside so they can speak privately. "I heard a rumor that Mr. Patrick may be attending the Aphrodite ceremony later tonight. You might want to keep an eye on the crowd. We really do not want him noticed while he is on personal business. Especially at the end during the selection."   Allister says, "Yes, I can understand that. Is it absolutely necessary that he show himself?"  "Are matters of the heart absolutely necessary?" Jake shrugs. "I am rather uncomfortable about the whole thing. Aphrodite's ways are a mystery to me, and I have done my share of fool things over then as well." Jake shrugs again.   Mr. Van Horne starts up a poker game and Jake is eager to join up.   They follow the plan and Jake wins a few hands and then starts to lose spectacularly.   The final hand comes down to Jake and Van Horne, with the stakes rising until Jake has no money left and reluctantly puts in one-fifth of his share in the Lucky Lady to call the bet.  Van Horne wins.   The game is over and the crowd begins to disperse. Jake, shaking his head and looking disappointed, is heard to say "I will just win it back next time."  It is now ten minutes until midnight at the Three Gods Meeting Hall and it is announced that all games should conclude. The players at the various table finish up and cash out. Father Blackstone takes to the stage and makes a long flowery speech that is designed to make both those who won this evening think it was due to the gods who they should show their monetary appreciation too and those who lost should pay tribute to the gods for better success next time. A collection is held with nearly every waiter, waitress and dealer helping to collect it. Blackstone gives a short sermon about Hermes and how he is an under-appreciated god that more should look to.  Jake attempts to look appropriately chastened and surly.After watching the high stakes faro game Ruby had stayed by Jane's side, more worried about her than anything else. They had shared some drinks and laughs while schmoozing with the 'important' people.  Ruby watches Father Blackstone's sermon with interest but loses it quickly when he mostly speaks about donating to the glory of Hermes.   Ruby leans to Jane, "Do we have time to watch the next sermon or should we go get ready now?"Jane says, “We should go get ready now, Ruby, we don’t want to be late.” The two girls excuse themselves and they run up the stairs gigging. In Jane’s room they get ready, Jane handing Ruby the gown she saw hanging in her closet earlier.  Ruby slips the white robe over her head, letting the translucent silky material glide over her curves as it falls over her. She adjusts the sleeveless gown quickly before looking herself over in the mirror. The gown is long, stopping right at the floor. Each shoulder is topped with a jeweled ring shaped clip made of silver and rubies. She guesses that Jane has this gown made just for her but when she could have done that she has no idea. The material of the robe is attached loosely to the ring and forms a long V from the shoulder stopping dangerously low below Ruby’s belly button. The back also forms the same daring V. Ruby ties the thick silver and gold cording three times around her waist and under her bust, cinching the dress and showing off her curves even more. Ruby wraps the long silver arm bangles around the upper portion of each arm. Jane helps her arrange some of the cording in her long hair then uses two hair sticks to pull most of it up. A few stray curls fall out but Ruby is satisfied it’s alluring enough.  Ruby says, “Alright Janie, I’m ready. Let’s go.”  Jane stops her. “Ruby darling, I’m having so much fun with you here. I am glad you came to visit.”  “Me too Jane,” Ruby says hugging Jane, “Believe me I needed this.” Jane hugs her back. “Now, we have to be more serious for the ceremony. It’s important.”  Ruby nods and the two friends hurry back downstairs for the ceremony.Mr. Grappini is beginning his sermon, with the waiters and waitresses passing out classes to all assembled. Two cases of wine are brought out and uncorked. The wine is poured and the former priest gives a speech about the beverage they are partaking of. It is a French wine from the eastern region of the country grown in vineyards situated in the lower parts of the French Alps. He describes the long history of the vineyard and how prior to the fifteenth century breaking with the church over clerical vs. wizard magics the Greek/Roman Church owned most of the vineyards. He then has everybody sample the wine, which has a rich fruity taste with almost no acidic burn to it. He then draws everybody's attention to the main stage and says, "And not we will honor our third deity."</blockquote>

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