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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3072426" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Eighty-two, “The Davis Wedding”, Sunday June 4th , 1882, 6:00 P.M. Chester hustles back to the Lucky Lady. He washes his face and changes into his suit. He leaves his gun belt on the dresser, but tucks a revolver into his waistband at the small of his back. I need to get a derringer. This'll stick out. Can't be helped. He shrugs. Chester walks into the Double Eagle and waves to Clay Milford. "Afternoon, Mr. Milford. Is Clarisse in?" Clay waves back, "Hey, deputy. She's upstairs. You can go on up. She's waiting for you." "Thanks." He walks upstairs and knocks on Clarisse's door. "Dear, are you there?" She opens the door and pulls him in. "There you are. We're going to be late. At least you're already dressed. let me fix your tie." She straightens out the offending accessory and holds out her arm. "Shall we?" Chester smiles. "You certainly have things well in hand. Let's go have fun."The majority of the town, a mixture of both races, has gathered in and around the grove alongside the Celtic and Mexican Church run by the half-elf Father Thomas Valdez. The area has been decorated with cloth prints of various Mexican designs as well as some of the more festive of Minerva's tapestries. Estaban Fuente has assembled a large orchestra comprised of fifteen musicians. Most of the musicians appear to be non-residents wood elves from out of town, however there are also several familiar faces including Pedro Figures, Sonoma Figures, Sandra Wainwright, Warren Watson and Morgana Arcadiam. The orchestra begins with a light Mexican piece featuring guitar and flute but then move into the traditional Roman wedding march. The groomsmen arrive. They consist of the groom Rufus Davis, his Best Man Peter Lovelace who owns the Rio Grande and the three other groomsmen comprised first of the bride's brothers Carlos and Jose Ramirez and lastly Dooley Wilson, the handyman and bouncer at the Long Branch Saloon.As the men are coming down the isle Kate feels a sharp pull on her sleeve. She looks down to see a slightly rumpled but freshly washed Ginnie with a small basket of handmade lace in her hands.  Kate laid her hand on Ginnie's shoulder and squeezed it lightly. She leaned down a bit and said, "I was afraid you would miss it."  Ginnie replies, “It's a party that Dorita has been cooking for there is no way I'm missing it not to mention that a wedding is a great advertisement for my handmade lace.”"And there are sure to be cookies around somewhere," Kate laughed. "Don't get so wrapped up in business that you forget to have fun."  Ginnie replies, But business is fun. I get to play with money that may or may not be mine outthink lots of people and deal with things that I can't totally predict. what isn't fun about that? I swore that I'd never have to depend on anyone but I didn't quite make that happen but I'm never going to be hungry or out of options again for the rest of my life. Who knows if things go as I plan maybe I'll be the youngest self made millionaire in business history.”The bridal party exits the rear door of the church and make their way across the gardens to join the groomsmen. Each of the women is attired in traditional roman wedding garb - white tunics with silver trim, silver painted sandals and silver belts on all except the bride who is wearing the traditional knotted belt. Each also has a floral wreath interwoven into her hair with a flame-colored veil attached to the bride's. The bride Anita Ramirez is also wearing a hand woven Mexican shawl over her shoulder. The Maid-of-Honor is a young female wood elf who those in town do not recognize. The other members of the wedding party are Peter Lovelace's fiancé Trisha Crichton, Maria Tolucca whose husband Juan works for Neil Cassidy and Hildy Jackson, one of the working girls at the Long Branch Saloon. At the reach the altar Priestess Minerva begins the ceremony with a traditional blessing, which she states three times, first in English, the in Spanish and lastly in Latin. The orchestra then begins a traditional Central American wedding song, the Song of Joining, which Father Valdez sings the lyrics, sung in the seldom spoken original Elvan language with his rich tenor voice. As he finishes the piece the orchestra begins playing it again, this time considerably louder and at a slightly faster pace as Valdez gestures to the audience and most wood elves present sing along.Kate looked over at Conrad just a bit helplessly, then just shook her head. "Whatever makes you happy, dear. I hope you won't mind if I depend on you just a little.   She then asks, "What does the song say?"  He replies "It's a long flowery piece which roughly translates as 'one plus one equals two which is truly one'."Minerva begins the wedding service. Most present have seen a traditional Greek/Roman wedding before and despite her usual flair to go against the formal structures of the church she actually sticks very close to the usual service.  When she finishes speaking Father Valdez steps forward with a short message of his own, which he alternates between English and Spanish. His main message is that their love will prevail over all obstacles as long as they have the support and friendships that the great multitude of those present attest to. Judge Lacey steps forward, drawing forth from his sheathe the sword which Conrad had worn during the festival. Minerva's rapier is handed to her by Nakomo. The two of them cross swords above the heads of the bride and groom who walk between them. Father Valdez follows them and then ties a simple rope cord to each of their wrists. He tells them to kiss. While their lips are locked Grant Keebler launches a fireworks rocket which flies upward and explodes up in the air which signals the completion of the wedding and start of the reception.Kate says, "I wonder if people realize what a courageous thing they just did? To love at all takes bravery, to love someone of another race even more so. And to marry when you know one will pass so much sooner than the other.... Love is a wondrous thing," she said and wiped her eyes. A moment later she laughed at herself. "I am getting emotional."Conrad grasps her hand and says, "That's allowed, we're at a wedding. They're bringing out the food now. I say we go and get something to eat and then hit a dance floor. There will be dancing tonight for the wedding reception at the El Parador, the Comique, the Rio Grande and the Lucky Lady. I suggest we hit all four and see about melting the ceilings above our heads with the heat of our emotions."  Kate smiled brightly. "Heated emotions? I'm not the only one then?  Let's go eat something, we'll need plenty of energy.”She adds,  How will I ever get up in the morning to teach tomorrow? You don't have to work tonight?"  Conrad replies, "How will you get up in the morning? Who says that you have to? Find somebody to give a guest lecture for the first few hours of the morning."   Ginnie pops up with a cookie in each hand and a plate tucked in her arm. "Ma'am Kate almost the entire school is here. why don't you just assign an essay on their individual observations of the ceremony and have them compare it to their expectations and personal experiences with weddings and traditions? that should take at least a hour and can be written on the board so you can sleep in if you need to and it should open up some interesting discussions.""Perhaps I will. We'll see just how late we're out dancing tonight." Kate squeezed Conrad's hand. "Have no fear, I won't let thoughts of tomorrow interrupt our enjoyment of today. Let's get something to eat Ginnie."   They started over toward the loaded tables, hands still clasped, to fill plates with Dorita and Maria's good food. Suddenly Kate remembered her teacher's brew from earlier in the day and kept and eye out for him.Several makeshift tables had been set up, most consisting of boards on sawhorses covered with tablecloths. Once it appears that everybody has plates of food another table is prepared with nearly 200 glasses which are filled from jugs of white whine, Manuel Gonzales being one of the servers. Valdes announces that everybody should get themselves one so that toasts can be made. A platter of individually wrapped enchilada-type food is placed beside it, which Kate assumes to be the Anita-prepared food that she was warned of."I'll go get our glasses," Kate said before Conrad could offer. She hurried over to the table where her teacher was pouring. As she picked up two glasses she said, "Anita's not really such a bad cook, is she?"  Gonzales replies, "Don't worry, I've put the antidote to her poison in the wine."  "Alright Grandfather." She took three of the enchiladas and waved Ginnie over. "For today I think you get to drink just a little wine." She had her carry her own glass back to the table and brought Conrad his with a light laugh.The old man known as Jonas Creighton, father of Tricia Creighton of the Rio Grande, stands and proposes the first toast to the happy couple. Everyone sips the wine. Father Valdez states as blessing and asks all assembled to eat the traditional wedding meal. People bite into Maria's food, around one third then discreetly spitting it back into their napkins. Another third are less diplomatic and spit it out directly. The remaining third actually attempt to consume the vile food.Kate managed to choke down about two bites, amazed that whatever this was had ever been food. She no longer doubted the need for Mr. Gonzales' elixir. She set it aside and whispered, "I just can't do that to the baby. You alright?"   Conrad's face is slightly green. Gonzales stands and quickly proposes another toast, giving those present to wash the taste down with the healing elixir and resettle their stomachs.Kate drank generously with the toast and encouraged Conrad to do the same. "I understand this particular wine is excellent for the digestion," she said, nodding toward her teacher. She dropped her voice and said, "He warned me about this, I should have passed it on."   Conrad replies, "That’s....okay....I'll live." More food is brought out and put on other make-shift tables as the people begin to mingle about and chat.  Minerva is joined by the Regional Administrator of the Greek/Roman Church, Bishop Costas Papandraus, who last visited the town during the festival. He is accompanied by the Priest Demetrius Theopopulos the chief aide to Bishop Costas Papandraus, who spent a week in town the previous month when Minerva was away at training. Also with them is the Flagstaff Arizona Priest Silas Oraibi Barnes, who is three-quarters human and one-quarter high Elvan. The three have just arrived on the evening stagecoach.Kate mingled as well, talking with guests she rarely had a chance to visit with, but always returning to Conrad or Ginnie before too much time passed. She enjoyed watching Ginnie scoot through the crowd, popping up here and there leaving no clue where she would appear next. She was standing with Conrad and her teacher when the priests appeared. Her heart felt tight for a moment. "I should go greet them, they helped us a great deal in March. Would... would one of you go with me?"    Conrad replies, "Sure, no reason not to." The two approach the priests who Minerva has just introduced Nakomo to. The young Indian appears to be somewhat uncomfortable in their presence. Father Barnes then tells Nakomo about being a quarter Native American himself which appears to put the boy more at ease.  "Good evening, Nakomo," Kate said with a smile. "I hope you're enjoying yourself." She then turned to the priests and made a perfect curtsy, putting on her most Bostonian manners. "It is our pleasure to see you again, you Eminence. Father Theopopulos."  The Bishop replies, "Mrs. Kale wasn't it?" His assistant Trius says, "Indeed, and I hear that you are now the town's school teacher."   "Yes, Mrs. Kale. There are two schools now. Myself and two other ladies teach one, open to all the children in the area. Another was also started only for the human children," she said with a twinge of regret. "I wanted to say again how grateful I am for your assistance last March."  Trius says, "Think nothing of it, you helped to save the Arch Bishop's life."   Bishop Papandraus says, "I am surprised that this town has enough children in it to support two schools."   "I'm not sure it does, either, but there were those who objected to my plans to teach all races. It's a long story how there came to be two schools, but as the town grows there will be room for many more students. May I introduce you to Mr. Conrad Booth?" she said, changing the subject.  She was quiet as the men greeted each other and exchanged a few pleasantries. Finally she asked, "How long will you be staying in Promise City?"The Bishop replies, "Until either Friday or Saturday. We will be joined tomorrow by one more Priestess and I will then begin further training of the Priests and Priestesses. I'm afraid I will be monopolizing your friend's time so you will not see much of her this week."   Kate says, "Training is important. I hope you will take some time to enjoy our town while you're here. We should let you get back to enjoying yourselves." Kate curtsied again, then took Conrad's arm and started away. Once they were out of earshot she said, "Thank you, I couldn't and shouldn't snub them, but.... Thank you."   He replies "Not a problem, after all, who better to take with you to meet religious people than a non-religious gambler with a reputation for being dishonest and sleeping the mornings away. I'm sure they'll be impressed."Kate stopped and looked at him quizzically. "I am not ashamed of you, and you should not talk down about yourself like that. The reputation is false, and those who work late, sleep late. I have no desire to impress them. And I have no desire to hide our relationship. I am proud of you and I love you, what anyone else thinks doesn't matter."  He replies, "You're right Kate, pay no attention, I guess I was just blowing off steam. I've never been impressed with clergy. Come on, they're bring out the desserts now. Let's find something good to finish off the meal with.""Save the steam for those ceilings we were planning on melting," she teased. She led him over to the desserts, looking over first one, then the next. "How terrible would it be of me to have two?" She took a plate and added what other little sweet bits she could.  "I'm hungry," she said a bit defensively.   He says, "Why don't you pick three and we'll share them. Look at the variety, pies, cakes, tarts, cookies and caramelized fruit!""Alright." Kate went along the tables and choose the caramelized fruit, since Conrad seemed excited about it, then a peach cobbler and a fruit tart topped with chocolate. A great treat here where it was harder to come by.  They sat down together not far from where Meghan O'Hara was sitting with her family and dug into the desserts, Kate trying to not take the lion's share. "And where shall we go dancing first?"Conrad states, "Probably the Lady, I want to try all four places out and if we save that for later there is a chance it will be busier and they may put you to work. I'm going to be selfish tonight and try to keep you all to myself."   She replies, "It's not selfish if I agree. I should mingle a little bit, but after dessert. Then we can go dancing and not think about tomorrow. However long we decide tonight lasts."   Conrad says, "Take as much time as you wish, we should both mingle. There are several people from the Long Branch here including a few in the wedding party, I should spend some time chatting with them as well."  "After dessert," Kate said again and handed him a bit of the caramelized fruit. They enjoyed one another's company for a while longer and Kate openly kissed him before they parted ways for a time. Chester and Clarisse make the rounds of the party, saying hello to those they know. Chester leans in and tells her, "That food was terrible. I've had better vittles on the trail in Nebraska. We've gotten spoiled by Maria and Dorita."  She replies, "You shouldn't say things like that at a wedding. It's not nice." She pauses and tries to hide a giggle, "But you're right. I couldn't eat it. Let's go congratulate the happy couple."Rufus and Anita are currently swarmed by folks so Chester and Clarisse have to wait a few minutes to get to see them. When they finally reach the couple Rufus says, "Well hello Deputy, thank you for attending. I've heard a rumor floating around that you're planning to run for Marshal."He replies, "Yes sir, I am. I'm running under Emery Shaw's slate. I want to thank you for inviting us to your wedding. It looks like a fine party. Congratulations to you and your lovely wife. So where are you going on your honeymoon?"   Davis replies, "Honeymoon? I have a billiard hall to run! Right now the town is packed, I'm not going anywhere! And you should stop by for a game of billiards some time, you might scare off some of my customers but I honestly wouldn't mind attracting a better caliber of clientele."Chester and Clarisse laugh. "I'll have to take you up on that offer, Mr. Davis. I don't know how to play, though. Is it easy to pick up?" Rufus says, "Nope. just don't play for money until you get good at it. I'm sure someone at the billiard hall can teach you. People will want to get on your good side, especially if you're going to be the new Marshall."   They are interrupted by Ashley King who interjects, "Somebody talking about the new Marshall? Here I am! Congratulations on the marriage Mr. Davis!" He vigorously shakes Rufus Davis's hand.Chester shakes Ashley's hand. "Afternoon, Mr. King. Nice day for a wedding, don't you think?"  King states, "Good evening Deputy Martin! It is a very good day indeed for a wedding. I hate to have to interrupt such a nice occasion but could I have a few minutes of your time? In private please."  "Sure thing, Mr. King." He turns to Clarisse and Rufus. "Excuse me. I'll be back in a bit." Chester and Ashley find a quiet spot. "What is it you wanted to talk to me about?"Ashley King says, "I want to talk to you about the recent murders. I'm worried about my family's ranch. I thought it was safe for me to move to town with the Cowboy Gang gone, but now I'm worried that I may be in the wrong place. I don't want to leave here, my boy Toby is enjoying getting to play with the other children and this town is good for him, but I worry about our ranch being unprotected. First the Crazy-8 Ranch owner Buckley gets killed, then one of his men alongside one of Thayer's while you and the Marshall are out there, now another of Thayer's men is missing. And last night the Phillips Ranch got rustled. It sure sounds to me like the Cowboy Gang is back in business.  So what can you tell me about this? What have you and Berg found? If I'm going to be the next Town Marshall the sooner I get involved in this investigation the better."Chester smiles. "What makes you think you're winning this thing? Unless you do win, I can't tell you anything. We're doing everything we can to find out who's doing this. For all we know it's some other gang looking to take advantage of the Cowboys defeat."   King's voice raises and a serious look crosses his face. "Look Martin, I'm not kidding around here. I realize that you lawmen think you can handle this on your own and it's better to keep what you know to yourself. But this is my family and our ranch that we're talking about here. I'm not going to just stand by and do nothing while a bunch of cattle thieves and murderers feel that the Sulfur Springs Valley is easy pickings. I'm won't go running to tell that Chumbley fellow, Hades, I won't even tell the other ranchers. But please let me in on what you've found out!"Chester composes himself. "And you have to understand that I can't tell everyone about how the investigation is going. If it gets out who we're looking at, then they'll fly the coop or worse. If you want us to patrol your place, we can do that. But handing out information that can get people killed is not going to happen. I'm sorry."King's face turns red and he exclaims, "Damn You Martin! Do you want to be one of my Deputies or not? I can tell that you're holding out on me! If my ranch gets hit.....if anything happens to my employees...or family....then I'm holding you personally responsible! You may think you're making the right decision, keeping me in the dark, but I'm in a position where I can help and you're preventing that!"   Chester points his finger at Ashley. "You're damn right I'm holding out. You're not the Marshall. And you won't be since I'm going to win. Good day."   As Chester walks away King yells out "I hope you realize that'll cost you any chance of support from the Law and Order ticket. Don't expect to get any support from the Cattleman's Association either."Chester storms over to Clarisse, who's still talking to Rufus and Anita. She excuses herself. She says, "Chester, what's wrong? I've never seen you like this before."  He throws up his hands. "It's Ashley King. That fool wanted me to tell him everything that we're doing about the killings. But I can't do that. Just 'cause he thinks that he's going to be the next Marshall, that he should be in the loop. If I go blabbing what we know to everyone who has a 'right' to know, I might as well ask Chumbley to print it in his next edition."Clarisse states, "Chet, let's go for a walk."  She leads him away from the party and they walk northward towards the hills. She holds his hand and leads him up the hill to the east of town, behind Kate's house and school. They reach the top of the hill near the corral where Mogollon Hays has five of the wild mustangs that he caught.  She gestures to the animals and says, "Take a look at them Chet. Those animals represent Promise City, wild and untamed but with the potential to be the most beautiful and best behaved creatures around." She then turns him around, so he is facing west towards Main Street, seeing the town from a perspective he hasn't seen before. "That Chet is the town, and not just any town, it's YOUR town. You have already been put in charge, you are the Deputy Marshall, who has the support of the current Town Marshall for that position. If Mitchell Berg, one of the most ethical and honorable men that I've ever met, feels that the town is safe in your hands who are we to argue? Don't fret over anything Ashley King says. The man isn't half the person you are Chet."Chester blows out a deep breath. "I know. I know." He pulls her close and kisses her lightly. "Thanks for that. Ashley expects to just throw his family's name in the ring and win. I don't have that. Listen, I don't want to spoil your time. Let's go back."   Clarisse says, "Indeed we will, I will be singing at the Lucky Lady for the wedding reception. Stanley Barker and Josie Markus are doing the first hour and then Harry Rote and I have the next. So let's go get some food, mingle with some friends and then make our way over there."Chester takes Clarisse's arm. "Lead on, Miss Townsend. You always know the right things to say. Let's not talk any more about politics."  She laughs. "A capital idea, Deputy Martin. Shall we?" They make their way back to the party. Chester forgets about Ashley King and Claude Buckley and just loses himself in the moment. They keep Helen Barker company while Stanley plays. When it comes time for Clarisse to perform, Chester watches in rapt attention.</blockquote>

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