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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4143956" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-four, “Visits Back in Town”, Thursday, June 22nd , 1:30 P.M. When Gonzales finishes eating he gets up and heads over to the Lucky Lady, seeing Jake Cook sitting on the porch. "Buenos Tardes, Senor." Jake says politely. "Can I offer you a seat? Or perhaps you would rather walk?" Gonzales replies, "A seat is fine, I have done enough walking of late." He sits on the bench and says, "I received your note. Thank you for the items, I will put them to good use. Regarding the belt buckle, I will have to get somebody else to strip the current image from it, I haven't the power, but I do have the ability to imprint a new image onto it. It may take me a week or two, so give some serious thought as to what you wish that image to look like." Jake nods. "Somebody not famous for anything, that no one will take notice about. Not wanted by the law, that will not cause anyone heartache if seen." Jake scratches his chin. "I will think on it. I expect it will need to be someone you have seen?" Gonzales replies, "Very good. I trust that nothing of any great event transpired in my absence." Jake says, "I do not think so. All seems to be falling together, for a change." Not thinking that the old wizard is very interested, Jake succinctly tells him of the goings on at the Saloons, and his plans. "You know, Senor, I... umm.... That is to say.... What I mean is...." Jake sighs heavily. "Blast. I am sorry," he says cryptically, "but thank you." "For what?" Gonzales replies with sincerity in his voice. "For how things turned out with, you know." Jake looks down at his feet, "It has not been easy to do what I know is best." He looks back into Gonzales eyes, "Thank you for helping me with the buckle. That is all, just thank you." Gonzales replies, "You are quite welcome Mr. Cook. I am pleased with the way that the Lucky Lady expansion has turned out. Having Maria here and treating her decently will soon encourage more of the Elvan race to frequent this location. There is also a rumor running around that the Palace will no longer be restricted to only human clientele." "It is no rumor, it is just good business. People are people." Jake shrugs. "I choose to judge folks on their dealings with me, not with their looks or reputation. I expect them to judge me the same." He shrugs again. Gonzales answers, "I dare say that they will judge you favorably, you've already passed the main test for all of the wood elves of this town.....Dorita likes you." Jake laughs at the Dorita compliment. After a long pause Gonzales adds, "You also may be interested to know that Katherine and I ran into an acquaintance of yours on our journey, a Mr. Colin Turner. You will not be meeting him ever again." "Ah." Jake pauses. He looks panicked for a moment and then relaxes. "Ah. I see. Thank you for telling me." An uncomfortable silence hangs between them. "That is really good news." Again a silence. Gonzales states, "Yes, I came out of it a little worse for the wear so we had to make a detour to Philadelphia. We visited the Archbishop who was here for the festival to help repair the damage to me. That was what delayed our return. An interesting city Mr. Cook, I had not visited it since the days when my friend Benjamin Franklin resided there." Jake says, "I have not been there in a number of years. Even then I am afraid that I did not have the opportunity to meet the esteemed Mr. Franklin." Jake laughs. "I remember the Archbishops incredibly boring sermons from when I was a child," Jake says not noticing the irony of the gap in years. "We probably know different parts of the city." Gonzales replies, "I dare say that I don't know any parts of the city at the moment, or for that matter anybody who still lives there besides the Archbishop who I had only briefly met before. But he remembered Katherine and knew of the creatures of the night so was more than willing to help those of us who suffered in the battles. I believe that not only Turner but all of those who he helped create have moved on to their final resting places. You can rest easy knowing that they are gone." Jake nods again. "It was pretty terrifying dealing with them." Gonzales says, "Indeed but that is now all in the past. The last of the Goddess Diana's arrows was true in its path and caused Turner to become nothing but dust." He stands and prepares to leave, adding "And regarding the other content of your letter, I agree with you completely and will use my best judgment on the matters at hand." Jake nods one last time and gives the old elf a forced smile. "Buenos tardes, Senor." He remains on the porch of his saloon lost in his thoughts. Back at the El Parador, Kate wasn't certain what to do with herself. Conrad wasn't here as she hoped he might be, and although she could still return and finish the school day she decided instead to take her message from Nanuet to Minerva. She took a familiar path to an unusual destination and knocked on the door of the home built next to the church for the priestess. Minerva was relieved to see Katherine standing at her door and invited her in to share in the bounty of baked goods and a cup of tea. “I did not think that I would be able to say farewell. I may not be back in time for the birth of your child. I will be sorry to miss that.” Minerva says with a trace of regret. Kate replies, "So am I. I'm sorry for a lot of things. I hope at least the gods will guide you back here even if only for a visit. I don't want any other cleric performing rites for my boy." Minerva replies, "Please write to me. If the gods have not led me too far away, I will make a point to return when it is time." She looks at her quizzically and then says, "Katherine, you have nothing to be sorry for." "I haven't always been kind to you. You got caught in the battle between myself and my past, and I am sorry for that. I always thought there would be more time for us to get to know each other." Kate sighed and smiled. "You will have to write me first so I know where to send letters. And sometime after the baby comes, I may have another ritual for you to perform," Kate said cryptically. Minerva says, "Do not chastise yourself. I understand all to well the affect our past can have on our thinking. You are a wise woman to use caution in choosing your allies and I am all the more honored that you could see beyond your past and count me as your friend... And grateful that you were there to guard my back in spite of your personal feelings as well." she smiles. "When I return there will be plenty of time to get to know one another better." "Sometimes letters do that very well," Kate said. "Although they will take a long time when I am in England. Well, if I go. That's where I'm headed next, to see Kevin Tomlinson. He wants to take Shannon to England for some training. She was sent a telegram inviting her to a special series of lectures at Oxford. We thought Mrs. O'Hara would be more likely to agree if they had a chaperone," she laughed. "Your letters may have a hard time reaching me, but I will be certain to send some to you." Katherine tells her about Collin Turner and what has become of Ruby. Minerva exclaims, “Oh My! She is getting married? Venus has certainly given her much attention of late.” Minerva jests. “Well I wish her well. She deserves some happiness. Especially after what Colin Turner tried to do to her.” Kate nodded. "I'm certainly resting easier knowing he no longer walks the earth. Keep Ruby's engagement to yourself though, I think she wants to come back and surprise everyone." Katherine tells her news of Nanuet and reassures her that he is doing well.. Minerva, looking suddenly very young and vulnerable confides “Oh, I do miss him terribly. But he was a gift from the gods and I must be grateful that we walked together for as long as we did. I must accept that. And be content with the time we had together." "It's a bitter pill to swallow, being separated from one you love," Kate said sympathetically. "But there is still joy and beauty in the world. But you don't need me to tell you that." Minerva smiles affectionately at her friend. "All I need to do is look at you to know it is so." Minerva hugs Katherine and watches her move toward the gate, her step already a bit more exaggerated as a result of the child swaying in her belly. She says a prayer to Diana to keep her friend and child safe until her return. After her visit with Minerva, she turned her steps toward the Judge's office in search of Kevin Tomlinson. Kate finds that Tomlinson and Isby are both in the Territorial Office building engaged in a game of chess. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," Kate said with a smile. "You know, I've never been much good at chess. I wonder if I could bend your ear for a few moments, Mr. Tomlinson?" "I think it is time for a break," Isby states. Kate notes that it appears that Tomlinson is only a few moves away from winning. Kevin stands and says, "I will take a short walk with the lady. And Nathan, I remember where every single piece is." Isby takes on a shocked expression and states "Are you implying that I would cheat?" Kevin smiles back and says, "Of course not sir." Once outside Tomlinson states, "Just a little good natured humor. If I hadn't said that Isby probably would have moved a piece or two, then felt guilty and moved them back before I return." "I wouldn't have even thought he'd move a piece at all," she laughed. She says, "He has worked hard to create and project a certain image of himself but the truth of the matter is he is really a normal guy at heart. He enjoys having somebody around who he can relax and be himself with." She took his arm friendly-like and they began to walk. "You got my telegram?" He smiles, "Yes, I received the telegram and have already conveyed the news on to Boston and Jonathan Harker. Congratulations, you did well." Kate says, "A series of fortunate coincidences. I can hardly claim credit for much more than letting you know it had happened. Has Miss O'Hara received her telegram yet? I'm curious to know if I'm going abroad. And curious about whether some of your colleagues might be willing to further my education." She paused, uncertain. "I get the feeling that things here will not always be calm. Better knowledge of the things we might face would serve not only myself, but perhaps you, Miss O'Hara, and this town well." Tomlinson replies, "Yes, Miss O'Hara and I hope to be leaving for England in another month to month-and-a-half. And as for further training by my colleagues, after ridding the world of Turner I dare say they will not hesitate to assist you." Kate nodded. "So you do need me to accompany you? Or Mrs. O'Hara agreed without the escort?" Tomlinson answers, "Mrs. O'Hara trusts you and has agreed. She is still uncertain about me, which shows good judgment on her part." Kate laughed. "And aren't you trustworthy, Mr. Tomlinson?" Tomlinson replies, "Absolutely, Mrs. O'Hara has nothing to concern herself about over her daughter. My interest in the young lady is that of a Watcher and mentor. Besides, she isn't the young woman in this town who has caught my eye, but the new Marshall appears to have put in his claim first in that regard." Kate replies, "There are many worthy young ladies in the world, and as the new Marshall is my friend I'm afraid I can't wish you luck in winning your particular one from him. But let me say this. Miss Townsend is very innocent, and I'm not sure how she would handle the life you live. And you have to consider whether you'd want to have a relationship with someone who could never really know you." He replies, "You have wisdom beyond your years Mrs. Kale. And on the subject of relationships I would suggest that you make your way over to Wainwright's Store at your earliest convenience, I believe there is a man there who is anxious to see you again." "Wainwright's? What's he doing over there?" Kate smiled brightly. "Thank you, Mr. Tomlinson. I'm sure you'll let me know the details of our trip once you have them settled. I'm going to take your advice and go see my friend Mrs. Wainwright." They said good-bye and Kate hurried away to her friend's store. Chester sits in the office doing some paperwork before Helen barker comes in. "Hi Helen. What do you say to me hiring an elf to take Eddie's place as a deputy? His name is Rafael Sanchez and he's the head of security for Count von Zeppelin. I figure having someone who speaks the language and knows the culture would be important." She says, "I would want to meet him first but all-in-all it isn't a bad idea as Eddie's term ends at midnight tonight, although the schedule is for him to go off duty at 9:00 P.M. He doesn't know it yet, but Dorita is throwing a party for him once he gets done with work." Chester says, "That's really nice of her. Are you going? I want to hire Hank Hill too. He has support in this town and he has a knack for this line of work." Helen says, "I'll stop in but I'm on duty tonight so I won't be staying long or drinking anything. Hank Hill huh? Not sure about that, but you know him better than I do and that Arcade's Gang group seems to be making a real effort to fit in." Chester replies, "It wouldn't hurt having them on our side. Anyway, I was planning on riding out to the factory to talk to Senor Sanchez. Just got to wait for Eddie to get here." Helen says, "He's next door at the Town Hall helping Jeff Mills clean up the room from yesterday's election and Council meeting." Eduardo arrives at the Marshall's office for his shift. Chester says, "Hey Eddie. I'm riding out to Count von Zeppelin's factory to talk to Sanchez. We're going to miss you. Hope your shift goes smoothly." Eduardo replies, "After all that's happened recently how could it not? I'll see you later, Chet... I mean Marshall." Chester laughs. "Don't worry. It'll take a while for us to get used to it. I'll see you before you go." Chester saddles Lookout and rides out to the von Zeppelin factory. He asks the first person he meets there, "Good afternoon. I'm Marshall Martin from Promise City. Is Senor Sanzhez around?" The man points Chester to the security office. "He is in there, Marshall." Chester knocks on the door to the office. "Senor Sanchez? I'm Marshall Martin from Promise City. Can I talk to you?" The two converse and Sanchez accepts Chester office to be a Deputy. Kate enters Wainwright’s store through the door and Kate hears the sound of two clarinets being played. Don Wainwright is behind the counter. At the far end of the story are Sandra and Conrad, with her giving him an introductory lesson in playing the instrument. She smiled at Don, then laid a finger against her lips as she moved silently toward the others, trying not to draw attention to herself so she could listen to the lesson for a few moments. Just after Conrad managed to get a good sound from the reed and play a simple scale, Kate applauded and stepped out. Conrad leaps to his feet. He then carefully places the silver instrument onto the padded case and rushes across the room towards Kate. She smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around him as he engulfed her in his embrace. "Oh, I'm so glad to be home. But really, I wasn't gone all that long, only a day and a half," she laughed. "An eternity," Conrad replies. "For me too," Kate said quietly. She lifted her face and kissed him. Kate then looked to Sandra, a bit embarrassed. "I'm sure you'll forgive us," she said. Sandra smiles and says, "Oh yes, we were almost done anyway.” Kate says, "Please, finish your lesson. I want to hear. Whatever made you think to try the clarinet, my dear?" Conrad replies, "Something new, I had to do something to pass the time and my lady-friend is musically inclined." "Indeed," she laughed. "Please, go on." After a few more minutes of persuasion Conrad finally went back to the instrument. Sandra had not lied when she said they were almost done, as the rest of the lesson consisted of showing him how to care for the instrument after play and pack it carefully away. Kate says, "I don't suppose you teach violin as well? I always wanted to learn." Sandra says, "Ah, violin, I can find you a skilled teacher for that." "One who is forgiving of a student who is enthusiastic but busy," Kate said. "I hope you'll both be by the Lucky Lady tonight. Perhaps you might play with me for the night. I find myself wanting everyone I care about around me." They stayed and chatted with the couple for a little while, then walked arm in arm to the schoolhouse. The children were all running out into the sunshine after the last class of the day. Inside, Kate hugged Ginnie with as much fierceness as she'd reunited with Conrad. The girl hovered a bit as Kate chatted with Meaghan and Mollie. They talked about Shannon's invitation and the trip. Meaghan was fairly glowing with pride that her daughter had been chosen for special education and was grateful to Kate for agreeing to chaperone. She was in no hurry, and it was nearly three-quarters of an hour before she went upstairs and changed her clothes. She wanted to put on pants, but it was only wearing a full skirt that was hiding her condition now, so she put on a split skirt instead. They hitched up the little buggy for Ginnie to drive, fetched Kate's riding horses, and the three went out to the ranch. Ginnie soon became engrossed in searching for interesting plants, and Kate and Conrad wandered over the ranch land after a leisurely chat with Sonoma. She finally told them to be back at her house for dinner on time, insisted Ginnie would be fine, and sent the two of them off. They wandered alone over the land, marveling at the changes the last few months had brought. Eventually they found their way back to Kate's little house to pass the time before dinner.</blockquote>

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