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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4012334" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-sixty-two, “ Reunion” , Wednesday, June 21st, 10:30 A.M. The past week had been an arduous one for the Yavapai warrior and priest. He and his wolf animal companion Maska had set off alongside the melancholy former Greek/Roman priest turned prospector John Harbrace on a quest to rid the world of the evil known as Colin Turner. If Nanuet had known a week ago that this journey would turn into a cross-country trek he would have spoken to his lover about it, but she would have insisted on accompanying him and he chose to not put her at such great risk. Traveling by rail, they reached Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, expecting to find that their quarry had fled southward to his previous sanctuary of Thomasville. Instead they discovered the he had fled by train to Wichita, Kansas, bringing with him a half-dozen casket-sized crates. In Wichita on Friday they fought and dispatched a pair of recently risen undead that Turner had left behind to guard one of his coffins. From there Turner’s path continued eastward. Guided by their deities, the two priest discovered and destroyed a coffin at his next sanctuary on Saturday morning in Cincinnati, Ohio, bringing an end to yet another pair of undead guardians and discovering the address of Turner’s next destination. Before the setting of the Sunday sun they were in Scranton, Pennsylvania, desecrating and destroying yet another of the monster’s coffins at a safe house. At that location Harbrace then found telegrams to Turner that explained his eastbound journey, namely Nanuet’s dear friend Ruby West, who according to the telegrams was in New York City on a shopping spree with her friend Jane Boag. Traveling by train throughout the night they arrived in New York City at dawn and headed directly to the Roman/Greek Cathedral. The Italian Archbishop was distressed to hear that a ‘Vampire Lord’ was now in their midst, explaining that the city had often been an undead stronghold since the days of the first Dutch settlers. He provided the two priests with Holy Water and other supplies, and agreed to watch after Maska since a wolf would draw too much unwanted attention on the streets of Manhattan. Unbeknownst to the hunters, Turner had now heard of their pursuit and an ambush awaited them. Without Maska’s keen senses to warn them, the two we set upon by over a dozen controlled humans led by another pair of newly undead. By the end of the battle most of the attackers were severely wounded or dead, another coffin was destroyed, and both vampires were dispatched but in the process most of John Harbrace’s life force had been drained from him. Nanuet carried the priest back to his Archbishop, who was able to restore much of what had been taken but Harbrace remained too weakened to continue the quest. Harbrace gave Nanuet his remaining magical arrow from the Goddess Diana, that they were saving for a final encounter with Turner. Nanuet had no further clues to Turner’s present whereabouts but following Ruby West’s trail of recent purchases provided a much easier task. On Tuesday evening he met with the Ruby's grandparents the Parkers in Tarrytown. Ruby’s grandmother explained that Ruby had left for Rochester in order to return the ring that George Eastman had given her. Upon hearing of the danger from the undead, Mrs. Parker insisted upon accompanying him, explaining that she was not without her own resources and would not sit idle while her Granddaughter’s life was at risk. Nanuet, Maska and Mrs. Parker exited from the Rochester Train Depot mid-morning on Wednesday and hailed a hansom cab. Inquiries about George Eastman soon brought them to a large brick factory building. The factory manager confirmed that Miss. West remained Eastman’s guest in the city and they obtained a home address for him. Nanuet looked to Mrs. Parker for guidance. "As you know, I am not that familiar with the way of things in cities. I was just getting used to living in a small community before this recent series of events. This information that was given to us, this address. How can reach this place? Is is close enough to go by foot or is there a better means of transportation?" She replies, "The factory manager has called Mr. Eastman's house and they are sending over a carriage." They wait around fifteen minutes until a very ornate carriage arrives. The driver is a distinguished man in his late thirties who introduces himself as William and says that he is Mr. Eastman's house manager. He holds the door for them, and gives a slightly disapproving look at the wolf getting into the carriage with them. "Oh, don't worry. He doesn't bite. Unless I tell him too of course." Nanuet tussles Maska's fur around the neck playfully. Nanuet is unsure how to make himself comfortable in the carriage. He takes in his surroundings and fidgets with nervous energy. He hadn't seen Ruby in some time and worried about what he would find. "I hope we're timely" he says to Mrs. Parker. She replies, "We should be. If there had been a problem I am sure that they would have told the plant manager. It is curious that the factory owner is home today rather than at his place of work. Eastman has a reputation for being a hands-on manager." Nanuet says, "Well I suppose it doesn't do us much good to speculate, and it is daylight so I think we should be OK. It's been a long week and it will be good to see Ms. Ruby's face again." Around twenty minutes after leaving down town the horse-drawn wagon with Ruby, Kate and Gonzales pulls into the driveway. Ruby notes that the carriage house doors are open and that George's carriage is not inside. "Oh, I hope they didn't send the carriage for me," Ruby exclaims as she climbs out of the wagon. "I'll be right out," she says as she hurries inside, not waiting for the others. She opens the front door to the house and calls out, "George? I'm home! Where are you?" "Well, her trip has not taught her patience," Kate said, accepting a hand from her teacher to get down. She carefully looked over her fine dress, and patted her hair. Lastly the pulled the white gloves from her pocket and pulled them on. "Now Grandpere, I know you don't like anyone who courts your little birds, but try to look past that," she teased. "I'm worried too, but perhaps Mr. Eastman has learned a bit about himself from his visit to Promise City." Eastman walks out of the building and hurries up to Ruby, giving her an embrace and kiss upon the cheek. He turns towards the other two and says, "Well this is unexpected! Mrs. Kale wasn't it?" "Yes. I'm surprised you remember me, sir," Kate said with a polite nod. "We did not meet often." Ruby embraces him tightly, needing the hug and comfort badly. "Yes, these are my friends, Mrs. Katherine Kale and this is...," She stop herself from admitting this was her teacher, "Mr. Gonzales, Dorita's grandfather. They've come to visit!" He says, "My, well that is excellent news. The house might be a bit crowded thought with all of the guests." Kate says, "That's a generous offer but I'm sure we can find a suitable hotel for the night. There is no need to put yourself to trouble." Ruby says, "You have two guest rooms, it'll be fine for a night. If they'll stay... of course they'll stay here, no need for a hotel. Oh but what about our tickets for tonight? Can you maybe get more?" Kate says, "You're getting ahead of yourself, Ruby dear. We don't know what our plans are for the night, nor do I have anything to wear appropriate for the theater." George says, "I can call about tickets, there should be more available on a weeknight. But they're not the only guests Ruby, William is picking up your Grandmother as we speak." Ruby scrutinizes Kate's outfit, "Your dress is fine, Kate, it's very app...," Ruby's head suddenly whips around to look back at George. "Did you say my grandmother is on her way?" He replies, "Yes, she didn't know where I lived so got a ride over to my factory. My operations manager telephoned and I sent William over to get her. They should be back in a few minutes." "Well now, that should be very interesting," Kate said smiling. "I know how much you love your Grandmother, Ruby. And this dress is not appropriate for the theater. I'd need an evening dress for that." A worried and suspicious look makes it way onto Ruby's face. "B-but why is she coming here? Is her husband with her? What's going on?" George replies, "I don't know. I guess we will find out soon enough." They head inside and George introduces them to Alvina and Rosaire. After the introductions Ruby excuses herself. "I'll be right back, I'm going to put these packages away." She gives everyone a nervous smile and hurries upstairs. She places the brightly wrapped packages on her bed. She takes off the shoes Kate had bought for her. They were not very comfortable, being new and not broken in, so she exchanges them for her own. She removes the telegraph from Jake and places it in her suitcase, at this point she didn't want George to see it and know it upset her. She looks herself over and unhappy with her appearance decides to change her entire outfit. No one would really question her, she had the excuse of her grandmother arriving and really, that was the reason anyway. Ruby changes into her square necked white blouse and peach skirt. Ruby liked that the shirt was girly, the neckline and sleeves are lined with delicate lace and the skirt soft and summery. Once attired she feels more comfortable. A quick brushing of her thick hair, she pulls back the sides with combs and is off. She returns downstairs, practically floating with an easy smile on her face. She isn't going to show everyone that she is nervous. "Ah, much better. When I dressed earlier I didn't know I was going to be having so much company today." She takes her place next to George and slips her hand into his. Ruby is correct about Gonzales having an interest in the photography and George being anxious to show him. George, I think Mr. Gonzales would be fascinated by your ideas for photography and business practices. Why don't you go into the parlor and the two of you can discuss it while we wait for Nana?" The carriage rides through the downtown and then onward to a more residential area. They eventually head up a street with nice but not overly elaborate brick two-and-three story homes. The carriage turns into one of the driveways. Ruby and Kate wait downstairs for around five more minutes until they see the carriage pull into the driveway. They head outside as William stops the carriage and then heads over to the door, opening it and helping Ruby's grandmother down. "Come on Kate, let's go!" Ruby drags her friend outside releasing her grip on her hand once they are out the door. Ruby hurries to the carriage. "Nana!" she calls out, and suddenly excitement is added to the nervousness. Once her grandmother is down Ruby embraces her tightly and doesn't let her go. "It's so good to see you but what are you doing here? Is everything alright? Is James here with you?" Before Nana can answer Maska hears Ruby's voice and bounds from the carriage, traversing the lawn and jumping up to lick her face. Ruby and Kate both now see Nanuet exiting the carriage. Nana says, "James is away at the moment, but I brought you another friend." "Oh my..." Ruby is at a loss for words as happiness over comes her, momentarily forgetting her fears. "Nanuet!" She roughly rubs Maska around the neck a few times then kisses her nose before pushing her gently to the ground. She runs over to Nanuet and jumps into his arms, embracing him tightly. "Oh, I've missed you so much and thought of you often! I hoped everything is alright with you!" Nanuet is surprised at first by Ruby's enthusiasm. After a few short moments he returns her hug glad that his efforts to keep her safe have been successful so far. He dares not linger in Ruby's arms for long and soon separates himself from her enough that he can look into her face while talking. Nanuet looks intently at Ruby as he speaks, given her the once over and especially trying to get a good look at her neck. "I'm glad to see you are well Ruby. As for my state of being, it is much better knowing you are safe. I've been busy and had quite the adventure over the last week. I see that Mr. George has taken care of you and for that I am grateful. Let's get settled and then we can discuss what brings me here." "Yes..." Ruby's voice trails off. Her happiness in seeing her grandmother and long missed friend was rapidly wearing off and the nervousness was quickly returning. There was obviously some plot going on here, Aphrodite herself had warned her something would happen today and there was no other explanation for this convergence of friends and relatives. "Where are my manners? Come inside and let's get you two settled. Perhaps Maska would be happier out in the back, maybe the carriage house?" Maska doesn't make an issue of it as she walks off towards the back of the house. "After you," she motions to the door, "I will make the rest of the introductions inside." They enter the living room and see Al and Rosey. Gonzales and George are still off in the study discussing photography. She ignores the strange looks from Al and Rosey. "Alvina, Rosaire, this is my grandmother, my best friend Kate and my other good friend Nanuet," she says, gesturing to each one in return. "They are here for a... visit." Al says "And Mr. Gonzales makes five, but we only have three guest rooms. I've been telling Mr. Eastman that this house is too small." Nanuet comments, "I'm more comfortable out of doors anyways, as you probably guess by my heritage. I will stay outside if that makes anything easier for you." Ruby ignores Nanuet's comment about sleeping outside. That just wasn't how is was in a city like this. "Yes, that is true about the rooms but I'm not sure who, if anyone, if planning on staying overnight. We're going to find out about plans right now. Could you bring in some beverages to the parlor and perhaps prepare some snacks?" Ruby leads her grandmother, Kate and Nanuet into the parlor. "Excuse us gentlemen but I didn't want to have to make the introductions over and over. May we interrupt?" She doesn't really wait for an answer to gesture to the others to take a seat. "If we need to stay over the couch is more than sufficient." Nanuet says nodding in the direction of the furniture. The servants leave the room to give them some privacy. Several times Kate opened her mouth to speak, only to find someone else was faster than she. As Ruby began to lead everyone away Kate lagged behind a moment to shake hands with Alvina and Rosaire, who obviously held a place here much like that Mathias held in her parents house. Nanuet had not been surprised to see her there, or at least not nearly as surprised as she was to see him. He'd obviously been trying to find Ruby for this last week, which meant he had a reason to do so. She entered the parlor behind the others and stood quietly waiting. He looks in her direction and comments, "Forgive me Ms. Kate, I didn't see you there. I wasn't expecting you here, but I must say I am glad to see you. When did you arrive?" Nanuet is obviously weary, doing his best to remain polite. His nerves seem to be getting the best of him as he fidgets and constantly scans his surroundings. "This morning, when we learned Ruby was in Rochester," she whispered. "We came to make sure she wanted to be here. Her parents being as they are. I think you're here for a different reason. But there is no danger in the house here, whatever else has happened we're safe here." George Eastman says, "I am sure that we can accommodate all of you here, or for that matter, some of you could stay at a hotel in town. In the meanwhile, I will have William call and obtain us some extra tickets to the theater tonight. I believe you will like the play, it is by the author Jules Verne and titled "Journey into the Impossible". "Yes, I've very much been looking forward to the play," Ruby smiles tentatively. Ruby goes around the room and introduces each person. It was the oddest feeling to her, being surrounded by the people she loved all in one room like that.</blockquote>

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