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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3693621" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-eighty-five, “Tournament Players Arrive“, Friday, June 16th, 11:00 A.M. Jake had slept very late on Friday.  When he finally dragged himself out of bed, he dressed and made his way to the Promise City hotel.  There, in his inimitable way, he convinced Mrs. Smith to reopen the kitchen for some breakfast despite the fact that it was almost lunch time, while he nursed a coffee.   After the meal, he swallowed his pride and heads to the church.  Alone in the street he lets the grimaces of pain escape to his face.  I need to remind myself to avoid getting blown up in the future.  He seeks out Nakomo and finds him out back of Minerva's house tending the garden.  At least Jake assumes that is what the boy is doing, since Jake has never tended one before and is not quite sure what it actually involves.  Certain that it would involve work anyway, that thought loses interest and he does not ask the young half elf about it. "Good morning, Nakomo."  Jake says pleasantly.  "Forgive my manners from yesterday, I never thanked you for the healing you bestowed upon me."  Jake offers him a hand shake and grimaces in pain, real pain though he strategically lets it show at that time. Nakomo scrambles up off of his knees in alarm.   “OH! Mr. Jake! You were hurt worse than you let on. You are so brave but you should have told me! Here, let me look at you." He says tugging his hero over to the swing and pushing him down onto the seat. Jake stifles a moan and a groan as the exhuberant youngster moves him across the yard and then onto the swing. Nakomo says, "Now do not try to make light of it I can see that you are still suffering. Show me and I will heal what I can." he says running his hands over Jakes sides and arms." Does this hurt?" "Hermes!" Jake exclaims followed by a sharp intake of breath as the boy's prodding finds a broken rib.  "Yes!"  He lets the breath out and then says in a more composed voice, "I promise to not make a witty comment about it if YOU promise not to push it out the other side of me." The boy states, “Oh! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! Mr. Jake. I will be more gentle." He places his hands over the injured ribs, bows his head in concentration and begins a soft Yavapie chant. Jake feels the heat eminating from the boys hands and a warm soothing sensation penetrates his ribs.  After a few minutes Nakomo sits back on his haunches and looks up at Jake expectantly. "Any better?" Jake lets out the breath he did not realize he was holding.  "Yes, Nakomo, that is an improvement.  Thank you, I did not mean to be ungrateful while you examined me earlier."   He shifts about and tests the healing.  "My injuries were worse than I orginally thought.  It is still sore, but better for having seen you. Is all well with you and the Priestess after yesterday's busy day?" Nakomo shrugs his shoulders. "I guess so. I'm just glad that it's over. Miss Minerva seems okay too. physically at least, but when we went to the church afterward she started crying, real quiet like. She didn't think that I noticed and I didn't say anything. All those tears.. I guess I was embarassed by them. Then all of a sudden her clothes were clean and she made some comment about the gods telling her to stop her whining. Next thing I know she stomps out making some noise about getting something to warm her belly and I haven't seen her since. I heard her stumbling around when she came in late last night but she left again this morning before I saw her.” "Heh, she is a fiery one, always up to something."  Jake chuckles, apparently amused at some private joke.  "I need to get to the saloon, we have a big poker tournament this weekend.  If you want to work it, feel free to see Mr. Van Horne with my recommendation.  You are bound to get some fairly large tips with all that money floating around." He thanks him again and heads out. Nakomo watches Jake leave, pleased with himself that he could  ease his pain. He turns back to the task at hand and finishes weeding the herb garden before heading off to school for the afternoon.   School wasn't such a bad thing. He looked forward to a 'normal' day. The classes were interesting, especially the math and science and there were a number of rather pretty girls in attendance as well. He grinned and quickened his pace. Mid-way through the afternoon Jake Cook arrives at the Lucky Lady to see Cornelius Van Horne seated with two gentlemen and a lady.   One is a young barrel-chested man with sparkling blue eyes dark hair and sideburns.    The next man is young and thin, with dark hair beneath a plain black wide-brimmed hat and plain black clothing except for the white shirt.  The woman is fair haired, blue eyed a bit on the plump side and looks to be in her early thirties.  She is wearing very fashionable clothing most likely from Paris. "Good afternoon Mr. Van Horne," Jake says and tips his hat to the table.  "Please introduce me to your gentlemen friends," his smile widens, "after you introduce this charming lady." Van Horne introduces the woman as 'Poker Alice' Ivers, the younger man as Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith and the older man as Brett Maverick.   He then adds, "Maverick was just warning me about another of the players, Commodore Duvall."   Maverick gives his tell-tale smile and says, "Yes, around six-years back I won the Commodore's high-stakes tournament about his riverboat, twenty players had each put in twenty-five grand, so a full half-million pot.   But the Commodore had conspired to steal it back, he didn't succeed, but the experience causes me some hesitancy to playing with him again." Jake states, "I do not know the Commodore well, only saw him a few times.  He likely does not even know who I am.  What little I do know from my personal experience leaves me trusting him none and liking him even less.  If there is not enough proof of his previous misdeeds to keep him out, then we have no choice but to go on.  We are certainly not going to cancel just because he is in town.  Forewarned is forearmed."   Jake smirks, "Faint heart never filled a flush, eh Mr. Maverick?" Maverick replies, "Indeed, our paths have never crossed before Mr. Cook, but I have heard of both you and Mr. Van Horne by reputation.   I'm looking forward to playing and don't want to miss a chance to play in this event, but wasn't going to stick around if the security wasn't tight.  My Pappy always said, 'A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero dies but one. A thousand to one is pretty good odds.' " Jake says, "Heh, your Pappy said that did he?  I wonder if he ever met ol' Caleb White."  Jake shrugs, "No matter.  I trust your stay will be pleasant, and the game quite memorable.  I look forward to it as well.  Is there some assistance that I might offer since you are new to town?"  He looks from one face to another with a friendly smile, lingering only a short extra time on Alice's eyes and granting her a faintly larger smile before releasing contact. After they leave Van Horne says to Jake, "All three are checked into rooms over at the Promise City Hotel.   It looks like we be fielding five tables for the tournament, with a total of twenty-eight players as of right now.   I was just about to head over to the Promise City National Bank with these three to have them deposit the entry fee into the Tournament's account." Jake says, "Ah, yes, that reminds me I need to transfer my fee as well.  I will join you if you do not mind." Van Horne says, "Certainly, we can go together.  I need to confirm with Mr. Stevens who had deposited the fees yet.  He has agreed to keep the bank open tomorrow morning until noon in case there are stragglers." Jake nods and will go with them when they are ready.As they are walking Jake catches the day's paper headlines and asks about it.  Van Horne gives him a summary, especially noting the information about the hooded riders, saying that the 4PM trial will be beyond absurd.   "Because of who is on trial?" Jake asks." Van Horne whispers back, "It's not that, it's just that the irony is beyond belief. These 'Law and Order' extremists are being defended by none other than John Wesley Hardin, the most notorious gunslinger the west has ever seen. Apparently he spent the last five years behind bars studying law and passed the bar exam upon his release from prison. He was the only lawyer in town other than Berg, Fisk and Upton, who are all conflicted." Over at the school, Emily stood listening to Mr. Berwind talk about mining coal.  Most of the girls had gone over to see the handsome actor but she had little care for that.  Or at least she cared more about what this man did. She stood in the back, arms folded across her chest, eyes wary.  She didn't begrudge anyone the coal to warm their homes, it had kept her family warm during long winters, but the dangers to the workers and what it did to the land...   Even as he talked, she had the feeling she was missing something.  She must have been sleepy and nodded off a couple times.  Trisha had been mad last night which didn't make sleeping easy.  At least that was probably it.  But that nagging feeling of something different in the air couldn't be explained by being sleepy. Across the room Kate hugged Meagan in reaction to her Diana comment and stated, "She doesn't seem one to stand on formality.  It can be very disconcerting when she decides to pay a visit."  She laughed.  "Welcome to my life, Meghan." Meghan says, "Indeed, it does seem to be full of surprises.   Hopefully Patrick and Shannon will find themselves quieter lives than we seem to have these days." Kate replies, "I think we all want that for our children.  I'm certain it's what my parents want for me; Maman still wants me to come home.  You gave them a good start, they have to take it from here." Kate then muses to herself, “Patrick might still have a chance at a quiet life.  Shannon did not.   She comments, "I should check on Conrad, this was his first time and I think he's a little rattled."  With a squeeze of the other woman's hand she went to Conrad. "Are you alright?  You wouldn't realize it, but you've always been there when Diana has visited me." He replies, "But those times I was like the other students and teachers were?  Frozen?   Honestly Kate, I'm not quite sure what has me troubled more, that I just met a deity or that I have to now ask the Eaton's permission to spend time with their son." Kate answers, "Yes, frozen.  Once in the Old North Church, and once in the Long Branch when I was there playing.   Diana didn't say you had to be alone.  If they're uncomfortable one of them could come with you, or I could.  Meeting her must be strange for you, who didn't even believe in gods not so long ago.  Oddly, I find my awe fading and I see her more like a friend.  An incredibly powerful friend that I pray to, but she listens." Conrad smiles and says, "Well then, that answers my next question, namely why has she visited you so frequently of late.   Your having that comfort level with her before the child is born I'm sure must be important to her.   And while I personally did not believe in the gods you on the other hand wanted nothing to do with them at all, so I am not the only one whose outlook has changed." Kate answers, "I haven't changed that much, I still want nothing to do with the rest of them.  Diana has said that she prefers to make small changes rather than manipulate mortals as most of her kind do.   She visited me in Boston because I called to her, although I didn't know she would come.  At the Long Branch she told me that she had arranged a midwife for me, and answered some questions I had.  Today she came because of the guilt I felt about my actions yesterday.  Her concern seems to be my mental well-being."  She was quiet for a moment.  "I have to wonder if I am still so very fragile." Conrad replies, "Fragile?  This from a women who yesterday decided to go fight vampire?"  He gestures across the room to Janet Fly, who had apparently been listening to the guest speakers from the alcove in the far corner and says, "Now somebody like her I think of as fragile, hardly you." Kate answers, "Tom's death nearly broke me, and the truth of it almost drove me mad.  It may take a great deal, but I have been on the edge and I don't really know how recovered I am. Janet will learn to be strong.  Her weakness is caring too much what others think." Conrad says, "Well, this has been an interesting afternoon."   He looks at his watch and says, "The guests seem to be winding down and are probably anxious to see more of this town.  You seem to have almost an hour left in your school day.   Are you planning to attend the trial for the Hooded Riders?  I could come by in an hour to escort you." Kate says, "Yes, I was planning to go, and since you cannot be my escort this evening you'll have to perform that duty this afternoon." Conrad says, "Very well my dear.   With the delay of Mr. Earp's trial until Monday Miss. Marcus will indeed be portraying the part of Juliet this weekend.  She says that the play will actually be a welcomed distraction, especially since her former fiancé will be arriving to prosecute her lover.   As for an escort for tonight, I believe that another gentleman who coincidentally shares my last name might be willing to assume that role." Kate answers, "I certainly wouldn't object, although I doubt such a notion has occurred to him and I wouldn't wish to impose.  If I approached him he could not politely refuse and I don't want to put him in that position. I have to make sure Mr. Gonzales knows he can come home tonight as well, in case he doesn't already know.  I should get back to my work." Kate squeezed his arm, then went to thank each of their guests for coming, making sure the children did as well. The downside to having the guest speakers is that for the next ten minutes after they leave the children are still wound up and no longer in the mood to concentrate on their studies. Instead of trying to settle the children down immediately, Kate, Meghan, and Mollie wound their way through the room, telling each child to go to a specific corner of the room when they gave the signal, mixing up the children so there was a range of ages in each group. After the excitement in the room started to die down, Kate rang the little bell on the desk and the children filed into the corners.  Instead of trying to settle them to regular studies, the lesson was in manners as each group was assigned to make a thank you for one of their speakers and include something they had learned in the note.  This way they could keep discussing what had just happened and not waste the rest of the school day. After the visitors had left and the teachers split them up, Emily was glad she wasn't in the group sending thanks to the miner.  She helped some of the younger kids write and waited anxiously to be dismissed. The school lets out promptly at 3:45 P.M.    Emily sits down outside on the bench, waiting for her Uncle, managing to swing her legs even though they were too long to avoid hitting the ground.  She watched Nakomo get closer, then jumped up and hurried over. Nakomo's grin widens as he approaches the pretty, long legged girl with the bright smile. "Normal" He thinks, and changes his gait in imitation of Jake's easy saunter. "Hi Emily!"   "Where did you go yesterday?" she asked brightly. His smile falters and his blue eyes flash momentarily at her query but he quickly covers up his annoyance. "So much for normal." he sighs inwardly. "Ummm, Yesterday? Oh, I had some business with Miss Minerva to attend to.  Did I miss anything fun here?" Emily replies to Nakomo "Something felt funny around this town yesterday, and now it's gone. A good gone. I just thought it was kinda funny you both disappeared and then the town went crazy." Nakomo Looks up at the brilliant blue sky unmarred by clouds, "It is a good day." he says offer her his arm. Let's go in and see what the other students may be up to." Emily looked at the arm, puzzled. "Not much, I guess. You sure in a hurry to go to school. I didn't think you liked it that much." She shrugged and started toward the building still talking to Nakomo. "And they say girls keep secrets. I don't have any secrets." "I like it well enough. It beats working on a tin roof. Come on." He says avoiding her remark and pulling her to where kids are playing around back of the school . "You don't have to pull," Emily said, putting a steps distance between her and the boy. "I had enough of that nonsense in Chicago." "I wasn't trying to rush you, I was just going to escort you." he says holding his hands up in surrender before turning away shaking his head. "girls" he thinks in frustration. I will never figure them out. Nakomo had only had that look in his eye for a second, and she didn't want to encourage it to come back, but she didn't want him to think she didn't like him either. She comments, "Escorting is something grown-ups do. I'm not a grown-up, and I'm glad. I'd rather just be friendly and not worry about all that girl-boy nonsense." He turns back, "Well, you are a girl. And I was taught to treat girls with respect. I was Just being polite. but have it your way then." He turns and goes into the building. Emily flopped back down on the bench outside the school and started playing with her long hair, making little braids in the ends and then pulling them apart again. Sometimes being a girl stunk. Like not being able to say you could do things by yourself without hurting feelings, and like not being able to go anywhere by yourself. She continued to wait for her Uncle to arrive.</blockquote>

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