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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4047824" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-sixty-nine, “Puppy Love“, Wednesday, June 21st, 5:15 P.M. Ruby had retired to her room with Mr. Eastman, Kate was off with her teacher, a man Nanuet had a great respect for. Nanuet decided to spend some time outside, walking the grounds but always keeping the house in view. He played with Maska briefly then spent some time in quiet prayer. Nanuet sees some movement along the hedges on the east side of the house separating the Eastman property from the neighbor. It appears to be a small mostly-black puppy, definitely part or mostly Black Labrador Retriever. It appears to be not much older than Ruby's pups back in Promise City. It is hiding beneath the shrubs and pokes its head out to watch Nanuet and Maska. A little while goes by, the two lovers celebrating their new engagement. When they are finished Ruby lays in George's arms. "Well, that wasn't the kind of rest I had been thinking of but surely the excitement will get me through the night. It's like I'm floating on clouds!" She extends her hand away from them so they can admire the flawless diamond. "Well, how do YOU think it looks baby?" He replies, "Perfect". They dress and head downstairs. Alvina has set the table for Kate, Nanuet and Gonzales to eat. Kate and Gonzales head out from the library to dine. Ruby bounces downstairs and arrives in the dining area with rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes. Her lips are turned into a huge smile. "Oh I have the BEST NEWS..." she starts until she realizes Nanuet is missing. Alvina says that Nanuet is currently outside with his wolf. Ruby exclaims, "I should go outside and get him too first..." She starts towards the door but has to pass by Kate and can't wait. Jumping up and down excitably, she babbles, "GeorgeandIaregettingmarried!!" as she holds out her finger to her friend and teacher. Kate stared for a minute. Her first instinct was to caution her, ask if she was ready, if she really thought this was what she wanted, to ask question after question about what would happen now. But she resisted that urge and just focused on the happiness on her friend's face. She tried to speak a couple times but nothing seemed right. Kate took her hand and squeezed it. "I'd ask if you're happy but you obviously are. Sounds like you've found what you wanted." Ruby bounces up and down a few more times before embracing Kate. "I am happy!" Then as she tightens her embrace she whispers in Kate's ear, "I know what I'm doing." She pulls away and smiles at the petite woman. "When the goddess of love is with you, I'd imagine you do," Kate smiled. "There's going to be a lot to work out, but don't worry about that now, just enjoy." "Oh I know there is." Ruby looks down at the ring then to her new fiancé. "George knows I need to return to Promise City, we've discussed it." Her teacher has yet to say anything, so she decides to give him a minute before prodding him. Ruby exclaims, "I'll be right back, I'm going to get Nanuet." She leaves George with Kate and Gonzales and hurries outside. Still beaming she wanders out back looking for her friend calling out "Nanuet, where are you?" After she has left Gonzales turns to Kate and says, "Why don't I see this idea working?" Kate sighed. "Because this kind of life is exactly what she ran away from. Because neither of us really trusts Aphrodite? Because we've known Ruby to be carried away by her emotions far beyond reason? Because we know that she has not healed enough from her past yet. She needs to be told and shown constantly that she is loved, and she needs it proved. And sometimes even just disagreeing with her can be taken as a rejection. Because she still thinks in terms of fairy tales, that her future can be as glorious as her past was horrible. Which is true, but the glory isn't what she thinks it is. As much as she was on her own for a long time, I'm afraid she hasn't learned to stand on her own and agreed only from need. But we don't really know. She's changed these weeks since she's gone, and perhaps she's learned more than we realize." Gonzales says, "Does a person change that much in such a short time? And I thought that she was in love with Mr. Cook?" Kate replies, "I know from personal experience that change can come fast. And that there is room in a heart for more than one. I think Ruby's known for some time that much as she loves, and I do mean still loves, Jake, that it wasn't going to work out. Sometimes love isn't enough, and just that lesson learned can make a big difference. And Mr. Eastman is no stranger to her. They have a long history, and Ruby didn't run from him so much as her parents. Maybe all she needed to accept him was to do it on her own terms. And I doubt they will be married right away. Ruby did say she wants to come back to Promise City, and he hasn't objected. So, perhaps Mr. Eastman has learned some of what Ruby will need to be happy." Gonzales replies, "Perhaps, but I remain skeptical. And while I agree that Jake and Ruby were a poor long-term match, one of them would have gotten the other killed eventually, I am not sure how well he will take this news. It has been a few weeks since we spoke on that subject but he was rather committed to keeping her away from Eastman, to the point of wanting to kill the man." Kate says, "I don't know, Grandfather. I think a lot of that was because Ruby herself wanted him away from her, rather than Jake hating him on his own accord. Jake has his own code, and he would have done whatever he had to in order for Ruby's wishes to be respected. As it's no longer her wish to keep Mr. Eastman away... And he already planning on moving on. I don't think he'll like it, but I don't think his reaction will be extreme either." Outside, Nanuet smiles at the sight of the little pup. He slowly approaches, keeping Maska by his side. Once he is about five feet away he crouches down and slowly reaches out a hand, keeping it low, under the puppies head. He hears Ruby's voice calling to him and he holds up his other hand, palm outward hoping she'll see him and stay where she is. He waits for the puppy to react. She approaches him from behind and can't see what he's doing. She calls out, "Nanuet I have good..." She stops short seeing him crouching down. "What are you doing?" He turns halfway back to her before returning to his efforts of trying to coax the dog to come to him. "Are you familiar with this cute little one?" he says to Ruby indicating the puppy. "He's a curious little one." She says, "I didn't even know it was here!" Ruby walks over slowly to where Nanuet is. "Oh, it's so adorable! I love puppies!" She looks over Nanuet's shoulder at the black pup. "Is it okay? Does it need food?" Nanuet says, “I don't know yet, I just saw him myself." Ruby says, "Awwww, well, try to lure the poor thing out so we can see! I wonder if it's a boy or girl?" Ruby rests her hand on Nanuet's strong shoulder as she continues to peer over him curiously. The puppy takes a look at Maska and hurries back under the shrubbery, apparently afraid of the wolf. As it scampers by the roots of the bushes Ruby gets a slightly better look, seeing that while it is mostly black it has two white paw pads, the right front and left rear. It also has a white triangular-shaped spot on its chin. Ruby gets enough of a glimpse to tell it is male and a little on the thin side. Nanuet shoos Maska away, forcing the sullen wolf to back off. He fishes in his pouches for anything edible and finds a small piece of beef jerky. He holds it out to the puppy. Ruby kneels down next to Nanuet and tries to coax the puppy out. "Come on sweetie, come on out. We won't hurt you..." She elbows Nanuet, "We have to get the poor little guy out!" The puppy begins to move forward. He eyes Nanuet cautiously and moves closer to Ruby. George Eastman exits the house, seeing Nanuet and Ruby over by the bushes to the east side of the house. George thinks they are looking at the plant and comments "That's a European Cranberry Bush, next month it will be in full bloom. The little red balls aren't actually cranberries but they somewhat resemble them, which is where the bush gets its name." As the pup is now near her, Ruby waits until he is distracted by George to scoop up the little black puppy into her arms. She holds the struggling dog close to her and rubs him behind the ears as she swings around to face George. In her best soothing voice she says to him, "It's okay little one, you'll be alright. You're safe now." She turns and says, "George, look at the puppy that's been hiding in your bushes... isn't he adorable? He needs some food and water." George replies, "Okay I guess, I don't know all that much about dogs." He walks over towards Ruby and adds "But whatever will make you happy." George then glances up to the bedroom that they had just been in and lowering his voice comments to Ruby "You'd think we left the light on from the illumination coming from that window." Ruby looks up and indeed sees light coming from the magical rose in the room, exacerbated by the fact that this side of the house is now in the shade of the setting sun. The puppy notices Maska again and begins to struggle in Ruby's arms to try to get further away from the wolf. George says, "I can go inside and see if Alvina can bring some food out for the two of them, but the little one doesn't appear to like your friend's pet very much, we might need to feed them separately." "Well, let's see." Ruby takes the puppy and walks him away from Maska. She keeps using a soothing voice and petting him gently. She sits on the steps to the house and asks, "Do you want to stay here little one? Or do you already belong to someone else?" She smiles, not expecting an answer. She looks into his eyes. "My, but you are cute!" The puppy leans its head up and licks Ruby's face. It then snuggles into her arms. "Awwww, George, we have to keep him! Today is like the best day ever!" She rubs her nose against the pups then looks at George. Lowering her voice she says, "We should do something about that flower I suppose. Was it that bright earlier or do you just keep falling in love with me more?" she teases. He replies, "No it just seems brighter since this side of the house is shaded." Ruby calls over, "Hey Nanuet, leave Maska over there and come and see the puppy!" As Nanuet nears the puppy buries itself deeper into Ruby's arms and bosom, apparently nervous of the Indian as well. Ruby says, "Oh, he's so frightened. Let's bring him inside and get him some food, maybe he'll be more comfortable in there away from Maska." Ruby holds the puppy tight, stands carefully and starts towards the door. She stops suddenly and calls out, "Nanuet, I have something to tell you! Can you come inside please? Plus you can get something for Maska to eat." Nanuet says, "It seems he doesn't like me for some reason. I can't imagine why. Perhaps he was abused by a male before, or maybe I smell enough like wolf after playing with Maska? I think it's probably best if I stay away for now Ruby. He seems to have taken a liking to you though." “He's not the only one afraid of you savage Indians!" Ruby teases, still rubbing behind his ears. "Or perhaps he just has good taste!" "Come on now," Ruby pleads, "I can't wait forever to tell you my good news! I guess if you won't come inside..." She wanders back over to her friend. Still clutching the puppy in her right arm she holds out her left hand to his face. "I'm getting married!!" she squeals and bounces a couple more times, beaming. "You're doing what?" Nanuet exclaims. "Well, I must say... that I don't know what to say. It certainly seems as though you are happy. It seems to be a bit of odd timing, but congratulations!" Nanuet examines the ring to be polite and gives Ruby a hug. He then walks over to George and offers his hand. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. Of course you probably know her better than anyone." She waits for George to hold the door open for her and she carries the pup inside. George tells Nanuet that dinner is ready for him and then holds open the door for Ruby as she heads inside with the puppy. Ruby continues to bounce and cuddle the pup as she enters the house and back to the dining room. "Look!" she says excitedly, "Our first engagement present! He was outside hiding in the bushes, poor little thing..." Ruby stops suddenly, "George, we should tell Al, Rosey and William. Why don't you get them?" She turns back to her friends, her smile still huge. "So... what do you think?" "About the puppy?" Kate teased. "He's cute enough I suppose, but I'm more of a cat person myself. Ruby, I want you to do what makes you happy, and only you know what that is. If you're happy, I'm happy." Her eyes wander to George momentarily before back to the puppy. "He IS adorable isn't he?" She scratches under his chin and he seems much calmer in her arms. "I hope he doesn't belong to someone else, I've already fallen in love." Ruby exclaims, "I am happy Kate. I was happy to see you and my beloved teacher this morning, and then Nana and Nanuet... all my favorite people in the world who I missed so badly right here with me. And now the path for a different life and someone who truly loves me, what more could I ask for? I didn't even ask and I got a puppy! Although I admit he makes me miss my pups from back home. But you know what I mean... it's been wonderful. Although..." her voice trails off and she seems to get lost in her thought. Kate says, "Never wait for the perfect day Ruby, you'll spend the best days of your life looking for one that's better. Whatever that although is, it can't cast a pall on this day." Ruby looks away from her friend and down to the new puppy. "The although... it's... you." Kate says, "Honey, I can't completely share your joy. I hardly know Mr. Eastman, and everything was very different when you left for your trip. I need some time to take it all in. But I can see the happiness on your face, and I will love anyone who makes you happy. Even Aphrodite, and you know how hard that is for me." Ruby stares at her friend for a moment. "It's not that at all, Kate, I know you're happy for me. Or that this is all so sudden, once you think about it, you'll know it's best for me and will be. What I meant is that I am very very worried about you going out tonight, in case Turner does show up, and you being there in any way. I watched once when one of those creatures bit you, I can't bare to see it again." She looks back down at the puppy, more to avoid looking at her friend than anything. Ruby says, "I am wondering if it might not be the best thing for you to stay here. Or even, go home. I mean, Turner might not even come tonight and you're not going to stay here forever. As much as I might want that..." "The thought has crossed my mind," Kate said as she rubbed her neck. "I decided not to go to the theater because I thought it would be safer with the others than with you, where Turner's attention would be focused. We didn't expect to encounter this when we came here or I would have stayed home safe. But we are here and low on resources. Mr. Gonzales has no experience with Vampires, so we will need everyone. I don't like it either, I'm going to be as safe as I can. We'll be disguised and distant. I hope that will be enough." Ruby replies, "I'm not going to argue with you, I want both of you here with me and wish we were always together, no matter where that is. But if you are low on resources, it seems not wise to bring you along to... to... put you in harms way if you can't even defend yourselves. It's the only thing that can ruin my almost perfect day." Kate replies, "I have all my resources, I have used nothing today. I meant only that we are a small group, not as many people with as many divergent skills." Kate sat down at the table and picked up her fork. "I'll do everything I can to keep from marring your perfect day. I like it just the way it is." Alvina brings out the meal for Nanuet, Kate and Gonzales to have. George says that he is going upstairs to change clothes for the restaurant and theater. Ruby waits for a few moments, staring at all her friends. Finally she smiles again. She kisses Kate on the cheek. "You do that sweetie, I like it just the way it is too." She starts to the door. "Enjoy your dinners everyone!" She hurries up stairs after George. George's door is shut. She knocks at the door. "Honey, I, uh, wanted to see something in your room before I get dressed..." He opens the door to let her in. Still cradling the pup in her arms she enters the room. She walks over to the remaining rose to take a look at it. The rose begins to glow brighter as she approaches it. "George, so you see this? It's so beautiful..." She approaches it, gently places the puppy on the floor and then takes it from the vase. The rose then fades, the glows brighter again, then fades, then glows brighter again. The puppy becomes startled and runs under the bed. George says "What on Earth?" Ruby says, "You're asking me? You take it!" She thrusts to towards George and see what happens when he holds the rose. The rose continues to increase and decrease in the intensity of the light it is giving off. She exclaims, "I... I don't know what's wrong with it. Aphrodite must want something from us, but what? Maybe something from both of us together? Or maybe she is trying to tell us something? Oh I wish I knew more about religion! It could be something serious." Ruby steps towards George and places her hand over his, so they are both touching the rose. "What should we do?" He replies, "I have no idea, Gods have never tried to communicate with me before!" "I... I don't know," she stammers. She takes the rose and puts it back in the vase. Before she lets go of it she looks out the window to the darkening sky, "What am I supposed to do??" George does not answer. She backs away from the rose and watches what it does. Then she gets on her knees and looks under the bed. "Come here little guy, you have to come with me." She tries to coax the puppy out from under the bed. The puppy moves closer and locks eyes with her. Ruby feels lightheaded and then falls asleep, her head falling onto the floor. George rushes over to help her as the puppy darts out from beneath the bed. While George is checking on Ruby the puppy moves behind him and transforms into the form of Colin Turner, attired almost all in black save for a white shoe on his left foot, a white glove on his right hand and a white ascot around his neck rather than a necktie. The Vampire Lord then states, "Thank you for allowing me into your home." George turns his head and is struck with a closed fist of exceptional force, knocking him unconscious.</blockquote>

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