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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2435651" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 127 ,“Playing in the Mud”, Saturday, January 14th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>On the morning of Saturday, January 14th, the light of dawn fails to fall upon the southeast Arizona town of Promise City. That is because the day turns out to be one of those very rare days for this region that is filled with overcast skies and rainfall. The sound of rain striking against the windows and walls wakes most of the residents of the El Parador, but being a Saturday, most just go back to sleep. Nanuet and Maska had spent the night outside in the grove and had awakened at the first distant sound of thunder. The unmistakable smell of oncoming rain was immediately noticed. </p><p></p><p>They then saw a light on inside the church and the priest Thomas Valez ushering him inside. Nanuet was waiting for the rain to come. It had been quite a while since he had felt the rain on his skin. Just then he noticed the priest motioning for him to come inside. At first he hesitated but then realized that he was not just offering shelter and thought there might be some other need. He released Maska and then gathered his belongings and jogged briskly over to the church. Valez offers him a place to sit. Shortly thereafter, listening to the rain on the roof, he fell back to sleep. </p><p></p><p>It is almost noon before Ruby untangles herself from Jake as slowly as she can. She doesn’t want to disturb him or give him any reason to know she is leaving. She finally gets up and quietly heads back to her room. Jake makes a soft snore as she is leaving but he doesn’t seem to wake. She gets dressed in her traveling outfit and packs away her nightgown. She takes Jake’s shirts and heads back to his room before leaving. She leaves the shirts on his table, folded but shabbily. Then she makes her way back over to the bed. She stands over him for a moment, watching him sleep, smiling. She leans over him and kisses his lips then whispers. “Good bye, Mr. Cooke.” </p><p></p><p>She doesn’t hesitate before turning and walking out, closing the door behind her. She gets outside, and the rain is pouring down. She pulls up the collar on her jacket and, head down, hurries over to the stagecoach office. She goes into the office and when she exits she then walks over to the coach. Seeing Mr. Nevers preparing to leave she steps up into the coach and takes a seat, shaking the rain off her.</p><p></p><p>Warm and cozy Jake hears the rain and a little part of his brain notes that and lets the rest of him sleep. He is aware of Ruby leaving bed, but he is still warm, comfortable and confident from last nights conversations and later activities. Someone comes into his room but a part of him recognizes Ruby's movement and then her voice so it let's him sleep. He doesn't really hear what she says, she'll wake me if she really wants me to hear it. But when the door closes with a click a different part of his brain says to him, Ruby wasn't barefoot walking around the room. </p><p></p><p>Jake's eyes pop open. He doesn't leap up, but his brain starts to kick in. After a couple of minutes he gets out of bed feeling pretty good considering what happened yesterday. He drags on some pants and throws on a shirt. As he is looking for his derringer he notices his secret wallet on the night stand next to the box of jewelry. He opens the box and sees that it is full, so he sticks it under the covers out of view. He puts his derringer and wallet in their hidden spots, jams his feet into his boots and heads for the door. He stumbles a bit as his feet squeeze into the bottoms. He makes his way to Ruby's room, knocks and says in a cheery voice, "Ruby, hey girl you in there?". There is no answer. He opens the door and the room is missing the mess that ought to be there. He sighs and whispers "Crap." </p><p></p><p>He walks down stairs and finds Dorita, "Buenes Diaz Senora, or should I say Buenes Tardes? Have you seen Senorita West?" Dorita eyes Jake with his hair a mess, shirt not tucked in and misbuttoned and shakes her head at him and says, "She leaves short while ago. You let me fix..." she says reaching for his shirt. "Did she go out to the horses?" He asks, and she shakes her head no. He pulls away before she can get hold of his buttons, "Gracias." and he heads out the front of the Cantina into the rain.</p><p></p><p>Jake trudges through what is quickly becoming a morass of mud where the street used to be. By the time he gets to the stage office his shirt is soaked and sticking to his skin and the cold water dripping from his hair is getting into his eyes. He intercepts the stage driver as he is coming around horses to the door side of the coach. "Chuck." Jake motions to the man, speaks to him quietly and briefly, then hands him $2. Chuck Nevers nods and just stands and watches Jake who is beginning to resemble a drowned water rat. </p><p></p><p>Jake suppresses a shiver from the cold and flings open the door to the stage but does not enter or get any closer. He holds out his left hand which is closed around something, "You forgot this." he says without expression. Ruby doesn't immediately respond and he adds, "Don't make me stand out here in the cold rain any longer than I have to." The rain drips off his extended arm onto the thick mud at his feet.</p><p></p><p>Ruby is completely caught off guard by Jake’s presence. “Jake, you should be in bed resting, not standing out in the rain. You will get sick!” Then she sees his outstretched hand. With a furrowed brow she reaches for his hand. “What did I forget…”</p><p></p><p>When she leans forward he pulls hard on her arm and then ducks slightly catching her across his shoulder. She starts to kick and punch him. "A number of things." He takes a step back but it's slow and difficult with the extra weight of Ruby across his shoulder. "First off, that I was going to chase you where ever you went, secondly that I have the advantage and third if you recall I don't play fair." He takes a few more arduous steps while talking all the while Ruby's struggling becomes more intense. He slips slightly at the same time her knee strikes him in the chest. He falls landing on his back in the mud with an audible squish. Ruby pivots to get off and land on her feet but instead ends up sitting on him. He quickly slaps his soaked and muddy arm across her lap. Making no move to get up or free himself from the sticky mud he says to her, "You are either going to have to shoot me or tell me truthfully that I don't mean anything to you to get rid of me."</p><p></p><p>Ruby tries to get off Jake but he has a strong grip on her. Between that and it being slippery, still pouring rain, she falls over in the mud next to him. He quickly grabs her and holds her down on the ground. There are tears pouring out of her eyes and she looks like she is hysterical. She finally starts to calm down and Jake realizes that Ruby is not crying, but laughing. She shakes her head at him, “Well, at least I know you WOULD come for me if I were to run away, Mr. Cooke. But I thought we decided yesterday that was not the path for me anymore. I was going to ask nice Mr. Nevers over there to get us a new bottle of bourbon, since we opened our other one last night. But I’m sure now he thinks we’re both nuts and might not be willing to get us any alcohol…” </p><p></p><p>“And as for you, if it hasn’t been clear, you do mean something to me, more than I would even like to admit to myself. In only two short weeks you stole something that I never thought could or would be stolen and yes, that gives you all the advantage you will ever need.” Ruby lays still looking up at Jake, her hair strewn everywhere, now also covered in mud and soaking wet. “Oh and I was going to suggest baths today…” she says with a smile.</p><p></p><p>Jake sticks both his hands in the mud and then grabs her face firmly and give her a kiss, leaving muddy hand prints on both sides of her face. He climbs off her, slipping once as he does so and helps her up. When she is finally standing upright he says "Fourth, I only open my mouth to change feet." He offers her his arm, "Well, you came here to talk to nice Mr Nevers what are you waiting for?"</p><p></p><p>Ignoring the small crowd that has gathered, Ruby smiles at Jake before slipping her way over to Mr. Nevers. She has a quick chat with him, and Jake sees her hand him a $10 bill. She makes her way back to Jake and takes his hand. As they walk back to the Cantina Ruby looks at him sideways, “Have I ever told you that you are irresistible?” When they get to the Cantina Dorita refuses to let them back in, shaking her head and pointing at the trail of mud they are leaving behind them. She sends Pedro up to their rooms to fetch clothes for them and sends them on their way to the bathhouse.</p><p></p><p>While they are waiting, Jake sees Chester and calls him over. Jake, what the heck happened..." Jake holds up a hand. "We fell. Listen, go up to my room and get the cannon we talked about and have a look. Try not to blow up the Cantina. Also while you are up there," Jakes switches to a whisper, "there is a small box under the blanket. Keep it secret but hold onto it for me until I get back from cleaning up." Jake goes back to normal voice, "Feel free to take the weapon with you, maybe head out to Flints to try it out some time. I don't know what to do with it, but if you are going to be helping out this group and Riley's dreams are more than dreams...." Jake kicks some mud out the door. "Anyway, you got the background to figure those things out I think."</p><p></p><p>Jake and Ruby get their change of clothes and slog over to the bath house. Laurie Gilson is startled by their appearance but recovers and welcomes them. "We'll take a room." Jake says handing her $2 "The works." It looks like Laurie is going to say something but Jake interrupts her in a low voice, "I promise I won't look," and winks. </p><p></p><p>They are starting to get chilled from standing in rain soaked, mud drenched, cold clothing. Even so, Ruby keeps looking at Jake and laughing. Eventually he laughs too. When the hot water is ready they quickly remove the clothing and climb into the tubs, Jake taking a little longer to make sure his derringer is not obvious but in reach of the tub. Ruby notices and says, "Are you afraid of me?" Jake replies deadpan, "Yes, but that," pointing with his thumb, "wouldn't even slow you down." </p><p></p><p>They soak quietly for a while, the chill receding, Jake is less industrious than Ruby in washing up. Ruby offers to wash Jake's hair and he doesn't turn her down. They talk about nothing, finish up and get dressed. Jake wiggles his hand where is Colt should be. "I feel naked. I want to go see Wyatt, but first let's go back to the Cantina. Want to come with me?" She gives him a quick hug and says, "Of course." Back at the Cantina they look for Chester and any of the others before heading back up to their rooms.</p><p></p><p>As Jake gets to his door Ruby calls to him down the hall, "I'm STARVING, I'll meet you downstairs. You need to eat too!" Ruby opens her door, dumps her muddy clothes on the floor and grabs her other travel jacket and her hat. She leaves her wet hair down for the moment so it can dry. She heads back downstairs. Finding Dorita she kindly asks for some lunch for her and Jake. Ruby chooses a table and sits, waiting for anyone to show up.</p><p></p><p>Jake throws the muddy clothes into the corner of his room and notes that he has precious little left to wear that isn't covered in mud or blood. He shrugs and straps on his Colt, puts his knife in it's boot sheath, and grabs his duster and hat. He joins Ruby down stairs where the smell of Dorita's cooking reminds him how hungry he really was.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles when she sees Jake come down. He takes a seat next to her. "So.. I wonder where everyone is? I was sure they would want to check on you to make sure you are still in one piece. Maybe sleeping late with all this rain?" Dorita brings out some steaming hot soup and warm bread and they dig in. "I wonder how it went with the Lone Star last night?" Ruby asks. </p><p></p><p>He replies, are those early birds sleeping late? Besides it's already way past noon." He has another bite. "I'm sure it went just fine for Maggie. She only had her father and brother trying to sabotage her, no Ruby to hold the crowd and if that Van Horne guy showed up no income from poker. I'll be she had a pleasant evening." Jake eats some more and then says in a low voice, "Which reminds me, something is not right with that Van Horne guy. Watch him next time he is playing poker and tell me what you see. If you follow me. Nobody is that good all the time, he has some kind of help."</p><p></p><p>While Ruby continues to eat, "I had a drink with him last week. He seemed nice enough. But sure I'll check him out." Ruby pauses and smiles, "Now HE is the one who gave me my first taste of Kentucky Bourbon..." Jake makes a face somewhere between a frown and a grimace as she says this. Ruby catches Jake's face and quickly adds.. "But YOU Mr. Cooke shared my first bottle and THAT was much more important..." </p><p></p><p>Ruby stops eating suddenly and the smile drops off her face. "I didn't tell you. I got in a fight yesterday, with Mr. Gonzales and Sanoma. I was, um, upset... and I thought Mr. Gonzlaes was more worried about Maggie..." Ruby blushes slightly. "I hope he's not still mad." Ruby tells Jake most of the story of what happened, leaving out some of Sanoma's truths about herself. Jake listens quietly to her story. "I don't know him well like you do, but it doesn't seem that he really wants much from you. Hmmm. Well I blew my top at everyone too, even the guy at the post office." Jake laughs. "Though not as dramatically as you."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs and shrugs, "I guess I don't so anything without drama, that's just my life. But yes, I am sure Mr. Gonzales doesn't want much from me, he has been very kind and I told him so. I guess I just had a hard time accepting him helping Maggie over me.' Ruby shrugs again. "But it's all in the past, I hope. Gods, I am still hungry!" Ruby jumps up and goes into Dorita's kitchen. A moment laster she is ushered out with a push, carrying some kind of pastry. She gets back to the table. "I have no idea what it is but it smells good!" She gives one to Jake and sits back down to eat it.</p><p></p><p>As Jake finishes the pastry he says to Ruby, "Let's make a quick trip over to the marshalls office, I want to make sure he finds out who he's holding before something happens." "What do you think is going to happen?" "I don't know," he replies, "but lets get ahead of the odds for a change, shall we?" They dress up against the rain and make their way to the Marshall's office. </p><p></p><p>"Hello Wyatt, did the bank robber who got shot in the bank", Jake unconsciously rubs his chest scars, "survive. And do you know who he is?" Wyatt replies, "Sure, Pinto Joe Weems. Doc Eaton still has him, says it's still touch and go." He then says, "Let's head outside to chat" while gesturing back towards the jail cell where Pamela Yeats is sitting. Jake nods and they head out back. Ruby takes a quick look around to see if there is anything out of place, not seeing anything.</p><p></p><p>They head outside and Wyatt says "Didn't want to really talk in front of her. About Weems, he's scum. The only thing keeping me from putting a bullet through his head right now is that he could lead me to Douglas. Do you have any leads on that? Anything one of them might have let slip during the robbery to indicate where they might be going?"</p><p></p><p>"I don't have anything on that, but you may want to hold on that bullet." Jake says looking Wyatt in the eyes very seriously. "The outlaws that shot your brother were hired and organized by Weems. At least that is what one of them told me when we caught him. I for one would like to know who hired Weems. And I have a list of serial numbers of $20 bills that was used to pay them off that probably comes from the Tombstone bank."</p><p></p><p>"Oh and Shotgun Sally mentioned that she would come back for "Joe" on her way out," Ruby adds casually. Earp says "I suspected that much, word is they're a couple. Weems is still at Doc Eaton's but so is my brother Warren in case the New Douglas Gang decides to come back for him. Warren is Virgil's Deputy Marshall from Tombstone. He'll be going back there tomorrow so if you get me that information about the money he can check it out."</p><p></p><p>Ruby asks, "Any way we can go see Weems ourselves? We'd like to ask him a few questions, a few things of personal interest that is..." Wyatt replies, "I don't mind but Warren was told not to let anybody in except for me and the Doc and he doesn't know either of you. And I don't want to leave Pamela in here without somebody watching her. They busted her husband out of the Tombstone Jail when nobody was in the office so they might try doing that here too to get her out."</p><p></p><p>"What happened to her husband? I was a bit occupied at the time," Ruby glances at Jake, "And didn't have a chance to find out." Wyatt replies, "I happened to him. He's over at Lester's Funeral Parlor. Got a shot into one of the Koontz brothers too but he managed to get away. " "Well, Mr. Earp, you certainly earn your pay. How impressive that you shot two of them," Ruby says faking some admiration. "As for speaking with Weems, when will you be able to let your brother know we are coming?"</p><p></p><p>Earp replies, "I'm expecting the Doc to stop by to see me sometime this afternoon with an update. I can have him stop by the Cantina and bring you back with him if you'd like." Ruby looks to Jake, who gives her a nod. "Sure," she says sweetly, "That'll be great. Thanks Mr. Earp," as she reaches out her hand to him, "And I hope the information we get can be helpful to us both." Jake also gives him a firm handshake and they head off. </p><p></p><p>"What now?" says Ruby when they are out of earshot. "I want to pick up my new jacket but otherwise I am free for the afternoon." Jake replies, "I want to look for someone at the Cantina, let's get your jacket and then go back there." They head to Frye's. Ruby apologizes for not picking up her jacket on Friday as she tries it on and he responds, "That's ok, I added a few special touches and needed some extra time anyway." She tells them that sitting in the tub with her pants on was successful and she is greatful for the advice. Ruby gives him her trademark smile as she pays him for the jacket. He wraps it in a bag so it doesn't get wet in the rain. </p><p></p><p>Jake takes the bag from Ruby with one hand and takes her hand with the other. As it is still pouring out they run back to the Cantina.</p><p></p><p>When Nanuet woke several hours later in addition to Valdez there was one other person inside, an elderly wood elf woman who Valdez introduced as Mother Jimenez. She explains that she is a Mexican-Indian Bruja, a word that Nanuet recognizes as meaning 'witch woman'. </p><p></p><p>Thomas Valdez introduced him to a fragile looking elf woman named Mother Jiminez. Nanuet smiled at her and she immediately responded. She then hands Nanuet a glass vial filled with black liquid and tells him "You will need this for Ihuaivulu." "Ihuaivulu?" Nanuet said taking the vial from the woman and cautiously sniffing it. "What is that? And what is this liquid?"</p><p></p><p>She replies "Ihuaivulu is from the Andes Mountains. It is here now. It does not belong here. You will need the vial. Mix the blood with sand and put on your weapons, but do not touch the mud with hands or any other thing you want to keep." He exclaims, "Huh? What does it not belong here, it here now mean? And what kind of weapons? Just blades or guns too? Or ammo for guns maybe? Wait, how do you even know what I will need, I have never seen you before!"</p><p></p><p>She says "I am one with the earth. The time has come for a change in the earth's guardians. These times are pivitol ones. They transpire but once every several centuries, as one of the ten earth spirit grants leave to this world and another comes to take its place. The path that this world will now take is directly dependent upon you. May your choices be the correct ones." She then falls into a deep meditative trance. Valdez tells Nanuet "She will not speak again for quite some time, hours, perhaps even days."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet is taken aback by the talk of the path of the world being dependant on him. He staggers a bit and puts his hand to his mouth. He sees that Valdez is speaking, but does not fully hear the words. He turns with wide eyes and a blank expression on his face towards Valdez and says "Muh muh muh.... my choices? The path that this world will now take is directly dependant on me? Please tell me everything you know in regards to this situation."</p><p></p><p>He replies "I am sorry, I do not know her very well myself. She has taught me a few nature spells but usually she stays in her home. Perhaps you may wish to talk to Mother Jimenez's apprentice instead." Nanuet breathes deeply and says "Yes... where is her apprentice? Can I speak with her now?" Valdez says "You should be able to find her over at the hotel. She's the hotel owner's daughter, Sanoma. You've probably met her before."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet coughs loudly. "Uh, yes, I know her. I thought I knew her quite well, but she continues to surprise me. If you will excuse me Mr. Valdez I will be heading over to the El Parador now." Nanuet heads out into the rain and crosses the street. He didn't realize how late in the day it had become. He entered the cantina and scanned the room quickly. Kate was there talking with Chester and Jeff Mills but no sign of Sonoma. </p><p></p><p>"Hi Kate, hi Chester. Have you seen Sonoma? I need to speak with her, I think it is important." Nanuet then realized that he was starving, that he had nothing to eat since the previous evening and the smell of the feast that Jeff and Chester were eating made his stomach growl. "Dorita... is there any chance I can get some food? And have you seen Sonoma around?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake storm into the El Parador shaking off the rain and stomping the mud off their boots. Dorita starts to quickly run towards them and stops, Jake guesses that she thought they'd be covered in mud again. Jake tips his hat to her and smiles. Dorita gives him a haughty little smile back and with an exaggerated turn she puts her nose in the air and returns to her work. Ruby just laughs at the two of them. </p><p></p><p>They see Katherine, Jeff, Chester and Nanuet who looks like he just came in from the rain. Jake does a little bow and extends his arm towards the others. Ruby does a little curtsey and goes over to join them. Katherine gave Ruby a quick hug and then made a beeline over to Jake. She wrapped her arms around him. "You shouldn't be running around out in the rain, you'll get sick," she said with a little catch in her voice. She held on a little tighter. "Don't scare me like that again." "Everyone's worried about me being in the rain." He says to the others while looking a little embarassed. Quietly to Katherine "Um, thanks. I'm Ok now." He gives her a gentle hug in return.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2435651, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 127 ,“Playing in the Mud”, Saturday, January 14th, 1882:[/B] On the morning of Saturday, January 14th, the light of dawn fails to fall upon the southeast Arizona town of Promise City. That is because the day turns out to be one of those very rare days for this region that is filled with overcast skies and rainfall. The sound of rain striking against the windows and walls wakes most of the residents of the El Parador, but being a Saturday, most just go back to sleep. Nanuet and Maska had spent the night outside in the grove and had awakened at the first distant sound of thunder. The unmistakable smell of oncoming rain was immediately noticed. They then saw a light on inside the church and the priest Thomas Valez ushering him inside. Nanuet was waiting for the rain to come. It had been quite a while since he had felt the rain on his skin. Just then he noticed the priest motioning for him to come inside. At first he hesitated but then realized that he was not just offering shelter and thought there might be some other need. He released Maska and then gathered his belongings and jogged briskly over to the church. Valez offers him a place to sit. Shortly thereafter, listening to the rain on the roof, he fell back to sleep. It is almost noon before Ruby untangles herself from Jake as slowly as she can. She doesn’t want to disturb him or give him any reason to know she is leaving. She finally gets up and quietly heads back to her room. Jake makes a soft snore as she is leaving but he doesn’t seem to wake. She gets dressed in her traveling outfit and packs away her nightgown. She takes Jake’s shirts and heads back to his room before leaving. She leaves the shirts on his table, folded but shabbily. Then she makes her way back over to the bed. She stands over him for a moment, watching him sleep, smiling. She leans over him and kisses his lips then whispers. “Good bye, Mr. Cooke.” She doesn’t hesitate before turning and walking out, closing the door behind her. She gets outside, and the rain is pouring down. She pulls up the collar on her jacket and, head down, hurries over to the stagecoach office. She goes into the office and when she exits she then walks over to the coach. Seeing Mr. Nevers preparing to leave she steps up into the coach and takes a seat, shaking the rain off her. Warm and cozy Jake hears the rain and a little part of his brain notes that and lets the rest of him sleep. He is aware of Ruby leaving bed, but he is still warm, comfortable and confident from last nights conversations and later activities. Someone comes into his room but a part of him recognizes Ruby's movement and then her voice so it let's him sleep. He doesn't really hear what she says, she'll wake me if she really wants me to hear it. But when the door closes with a click a different part of his brain says to him, Ruby wasn't barefoot walking around the room. Jake's eyes pop open. He doesn't leap up, but his brain starts to kick in. After a couple of minutes he gets out of bed feeling pretty good considering what happened yesterday. He drags on some pants and throws on a shirt. As he is looking for his derringer he notices his secret wallet on the night stand next to the box of jewelry. He opens the box and sees that it is full, so he sticks it under the covers out of view. He puts his derringer and wallet in their hidden spots, jams his feet into his boots and heads for the door. He stumbles a bit as his feet squeeze into the bottoms. He makes his way to Ruby's room, knocks and says in a cheery voice, "Ruby, hey girl you in there?". There is no answer. He opens the door and the room is missing the mess that ought to be there. He sighs and whispers "Crap." He walks down stairs and finds Dorita, "Buenes Diaz Senora, or should I say Buenes Tardes? Have you seen Senorita West?" Dorita eyes Jake with his hair a mess, shirt not tucked in and misbuttoned and shakes her head at him and says, "She leaves short while ago. You let me fix..." she says reaching for his shirt. "Did she go out to the horses?" He asks, and she shakes her head no. He pulls away before she can get hold of his buttons, "Gracias." and he heads out the front of the Cantina into the rain. Jake trudges through what is quickly becoming a morass of mud where the street used to be. By the time he gets to the stage office his shirt is soaked and sticking to his skin and the cold water dripping from his hair is getting into his eyes. He intercepts the stage driver as he is coming around horses to the door side of the coach. "Chuck." Jake motions to the man, speaks to him quietly and briefly, then hands him $2. Chuck Nevers nods and just stands and watches Jake who is beginning to resemble a drowned water rat. Jake suppresses a shiver from the cold and flings open the door to the stage but does not enter or get any closer. He holds out his left hand which is closed around something, "You forgot this." he says without expression. Ruby doesn't immediately respond and he adds, "Don't make me stand out here in the cold rain any longer than I have to." The rain drips off his extended arm onto the thick mud at his feet. Ruby is completely caught off guard by Jake’s presence. “Jake, you should be in bed resting, not standing out in the rain. You will get sick!” Then she sees his outstretched hand. With a furrowed brow she reaches for his hand. “What did I forget…” When she leans forward he pulls hard on her arm and then ducks slightly catching her across his shoulder. She starts to kick and punch him. "A number of things." He takes a step back but it's slow and difficult with the extra weight of Ruby across his shoulder. "First off, that I was going to chase you where ever you went, secondly that I have the advantage and third if you recall I don't play fair." He takes a few more arduous steps while talking all the while Ruby's struggling becomes more intense. He slips slightly at the same time her knee strikes him in the chest. He falls landing on his back in the mud with an audible squish. Ruby pivots to get off and land on her feet but instead ends up sitting on him. He quickly slaps his soaked and muddy arm across her lap. Making no move to get up or free himself from the sticky mud he says to her, "You are either going to have to shoot me or tell me truthfully that I don't mean anything to you to get rid of me." Ruby tries to get off Jake but he has a strong grip on her. Between that and it being slippery, still pouring rain, she falls over in the mud next to him. He quickly grabs her and holds her down on the ground. There are tears pouring out of her eyes and she looks like she is hysterical. She finally starts to calm down and Jake realizes that Ruby is not crying, but laughing. She shakes her head at him, “Well, at least I know you WOULD come for me if I were to run away, Mr. Cooke. But I thought we decided yesterday that was not the path for me anymore. I was going to ask nice Mr. Nevers over there to get us a new bottle of bourbon, since we opened our other one last night. But I’m sure now he thinks we’re both nuts and might not be willing to get us any alcohol…” “And as for you, if it hasn’t been clear, you do mean something to me, more than I would even like to admit to myself. In only two short weeks you stole something that I never thought could or would be stolen and yes, that gives you all the advantage you will ever need.” Ruby lays still looking up at Jake, her hair strewn everywhere, now also covered in mud and soaking wet. “Oh and I was going to suggest baths today…” she says with a smile. Jake sticks both his hands in the mud and then grabs her face firmly and give her a kiss, leaving muddy hand prints on both sides of her face. He climbs off her, slipping once as he does so and helps her up. When she is finally standing upright he says "Fourth, I only open my mouth to change feet." He offers her his arm, "Well, you came here to talk to nice Mr Nevers what are you waiting for?" Ignoring the small crowd that has gathered, Ruby smiles at Jake before slipping her way over to Mr. Nevers. She has a quick chat with him, and Jake sees her hand him a $10 bill. She makes her way back to Jake and takes his hand. As they walk back to the Cantina Ruby looks at him sideways, “Have I ever told you that you are irresistible?” When they get to the Cantina Dorita refuses to let them back in, shaking her head and pointing at the trail of mud they are leaving behind them. She sends Pedro up to their rooms to fetch clothes for them and sends them on their way to the bathhouse. While they are waiting, Jake sees Chester and calls him over. Jake, what the heck happened..." Jake holds up a hand. "We fell. Listen, go up to my room and get the cannon we talked about and have a look. Try not to blow up the Cantina. Also while you are up there," Jakes switches to a whisper, "there is a small box under the blanket. Keep it secret but hold onto it for me until I get back from cleaning up." Jake goes back to normal voice, "Feel free to take the weapon with you, maybe head out to Flints to try it out some time. I don't know what to do with it, but if you are going to be helping out this group and Riley's dreams are more than dreams...." Jake kicks some mud out the door. "Anyway, you got the background to figure those things out I think." Jake and Ruby get their change of clothes and slog over to the bath house. Laurie Gilson is startled by their appearance but recovers and welcomes them. "We'll take a room." Jake says handing her $2 "The works." It looks like Laurie is going to say something but Jake interrupts her in a low voice, "I promise I won't look," and winks. They are starting to get chilled from standing in rain soaked, mud drenched, cold clothing. Even so, Ruby keeps looking at Jake and laughing. Eventually he laughs too. When the hot water is ready they quickly remove the clothing and climb into the tubs, Jake taking a little longer to make sure his derringer is not obvious but in reach of the tub. Ruby notices and says, "Are you afraid of me?" Jake replies deadpan, "Yes, but that," pointing with his thumb, "wouldn't even slow you down." They soak quietly for a while, the chill receding, Jake is less industrious than Ruby in washing up. Ruby offers to wash Jake's hair and he doesn't turn her down. They talk about nothing, finish up and get dressed. Jake wiggles his hand where is Colt should be. "I feel naked. I want to go see Wyatt, but first let's go back to the Cantina. Want to come with me?" She gives him a quick hug and says, "Of course." Back at the Cantina they look for Chester and any of the others before heading back up to their rooms. As Jake gets to his door Ruby calls to him down the hall, "I'm STARVING, I'll meet you downstairs. You need to eat too!" Ruby opens her door, dumps her muddy clothes on the floor and grabs her other travel jacket and her hat. She leaves her wet hair down for the moment so it can dry. She heads back downstairs. Finding Dorita she kindly asks for some lunch for her and Jake. Ruby chooses a table and sits, waiting for anyone to show up. Jake throws the muddy clothes into the corner of his room and notes that he has precious little left to wear that isn't covered in mud or blood. He shrugs and straps on his Colt, puts his knife in it's boot sheath, and grabs his duster and hat. He joins Ruby down stairs where the smell of Dorita's cooking reminds him how hungry he really was. Ruby smiles when she sees Jake come down. He takes a seat next to her. "So.. I wonder where everyone is? I was sure they would want to check on you to make sure you are still in one piece. Maybe sleeping late with all this rain?" Dorita brings out some steaming hot soup and warm bread and they dig in. "I wonder how it went with the Lone Star last night?" Ruby asks. He replies, are those early birds sleeping late? Besides it's already way past noon." He has another bite. "I'm sure it went just fine for Maggie. She only had her father and brother trying to sabotage her, no Ruby to hold the crowd and if that Van Horne guy showed up no income from poker. I'll be she had a pleasant evening." Jake eats some more and then says in a low voice, "Which reminds me, something is not right with that Van Horne guy. Watch him next time he is playing poker and tell me what you see. If you follow me. Nobody is that good all the time, he has some kind of help." While Ruby continues to eat, "I had a drink with him last week. He seemed nice enough. But sure I'll check him out." Ruby pauses and smiles, "Now HE is the one who gave me my first taste of Kentucky Bourbon..." Jake makes a face somewhere between a frown and a grimace as she says this. Ruby catches Jake's face and quickly adds.. "But YOU Mr. Cooke shared my first bottle and THAT was much more important..." Ruby stops eating suddenly and the smile drops off her face. "I didn't tell you. I got in a fight yesterday, with Mr. Gonzales and Sanoma. I was, um, upset... and I thought Mr. Gonzlaes was more worried about Maggie..." Ruby blushes slightly. "I hope he's not still mad." Ruby tells Jake most of the story of what happened, leaving out some of Sanoma's truths about herself. Jake listens quietly to her story. "I don't know him well like you do, but it doesn't seem that he really wants much from you. Hmmm. Well I blew my top at everyone too, even the guy at the post office." Jake laughs. "Though not as dramatically as you." Ruby laughs and shrugs, "I guess I don't so anything without drama, that's just my life. But yes, I am sure Mr. Gonzales doesn't want much from me, he has been very kind and I told him so. I guess I just had a hard time accepting him helping Maggie over me.' Ruby shrugs again. "But it's all in the past, I hope. Gods, I am still hungry!" Ruby jumps up and goes into Dorita's kitchen. A moment laster she is ushered out with a push, carrying some kind of pastry. She gets back to the table. "I have no idea what it is but it smells good!" She gives one to Jake and sits back down to eat it. As Jake finishes the pastry he says to Ruby, "Let's make a quick trip over to the marshalls office, I want to make sure he finds out who he's holding before something happens." "What do you think is going to happen?" "I don't know," he replies, "but lets get ahead of the odds for a change, shall we?" They dress up against the rain and make their way to the Marshall's office. "Hello Wyatt, did the bank robber who got shot in the bank", Jake unconsciously rubs his chest scars, "survive. And do you know who he is?" Wyatt replies, "Sure, Pinto Joe Weems. Doc Eaton still has him, says it's still touch and go." He then says, "Let's head outside to chat" while gesturing back towards the jail cell where Pamela Yeats is sitting. Jake nods and they head out back. Ruby takes a quick look around to see if there is anything out of place, not seeing anything. They head outside and Wyatt says "Didn't want to really talk in front of her. About Weems, he's scum. The only thing keeping me from putting a bullet through his head right now is that he could lead me to Douglas. Do you have any leads on that? Anything one of them might have let slip during the robbery to indicate where they might be going?" "I don't have anything on that, but you may want to hold on that bullet." Jake says looking Wyatt in the eyes very seriously. "The outlaws that shot your brother were hired and organized by Weems. At least that is what one of them told me when we caught him. I for one would like to know who hired Weems. And I have a list of serial numbers of $20 bills that was used to pay them off that probably comes from the Tombstone bank." "Oh and Shotgun Sally mentioned that she would come back for "Joe" on her way out," Ruby adds casually. Earp says "I suspected that much, word is they're a couple. Weems is still at Doc Eaton's but so is my brother Warren in case the New Douglas Gang decides to come back for him. Warren is Virgil's Deputy Marshall from Tombstone. He'll be going back there tomorrow so if you get me that information about the money he can check it out." Ruby asks, "Any way we can go see Weems ourselves? We'd like to ask him a few questions, a few things of personal interest that is..." Wyatt replies, "I don't mind but Warren was told not to let anybody in except for me and the Doc and he doesn't know either of you. And I don't want to leave Pamela in here without somebody watching her. They busted her husband out of the Tombstone Jail when nobody was in the office so they might try doing that here too to get her out." "What happened to her husband? I was a bit occupied at the time," Ruby glances at Jake, "And didn't have a chance to find out." Wyatt replies, "I happened to him. He's over at Lester's Funeral Parlor. Got a shot into one of the Koontz brothers too but he managed to get away. " "Well, Mr. Earp, you certainly earn your pay. How impressive that you shot two of them," Ruby says faking some admiration. "As for speaking with Weems, when will you be able to let your brother know we are coming?" Earp replies, "I'm expecting the Doc to stop by to see me sometime this afternoon with an update. I can have him stop by the Cantina and bring you back with him if you'd like." Ruby looks to Jake, who gives her a nod. "Sure," she says sweetly, "That'll be great. Thanks Mr. Earp," as she reaches out her hand to him, "And I hope the information we get can be helpful to us both." Jake also gives him a firm handshake and they head off. "What now?" says Ruby when they are out of earshot. "I want to pick up my new jacket but otherwise I am free for the afternoon." Jake replies, "I want to look for someone at the Cantina, let's get your jacket and then go back there." They head to Frye's. Ruby apologizes for not picking up her jacket on Friday as she tries it on and he responds, "That's ok, I added a few special touches and needed some extra time anyway." She tells them that sitting in the tub with her pants on was successful and she is greatful for the advice. Ruby gives him her trademark smile as she pays him for the jacket. He wraps it in a bag so it doesn't get wet in the rain. Jake takes the bag from Ruby with one hand and takes her hand with the other. As it is still pouring out they run back to the Cantina. When Nanuet woke several hours later in addition to Valdez there was one other person inside, an elderly wood elf woman who Valdez introduced as Mother Jimenez. She explains that she is a Mexican-Indian Bruja, a word that Nanuet recognizes as meaning 'witch woman'. Thomas Valdez introduced him to a fragile looking elf woman named Mother Jiminez. Nanuet smiled at her and she immediately responded. She then hands Nanuet a glass vial filled with black liquid and tells him "You will need this for Ihuaivulu." "Ihuaivulu?" Nanuet said taking the vial from the woman and cautiously sniffing it. "What is that? And what is this liquid?" She replies "Ihuaivulu is from the Andes Mountains. It is here now. It does not belong here. You will need the vial. Mix the blood with sand and put on your weapons, but do not touch the mud with hands or any other thing you want to keep." He exclaims, "Huh? What does it not belong here, it here now mean? And what kind of weapons? Just blades or guns too? Or ammo for guns maybe? Wait, how do you even know what I will need, I have never seen you before!" She says "I am one with the earth. The time has come for a change in the earth's guardians. These times are pivitol ones. They transpire but once every several centuries, as one of the ten earth spirit grants leave to this world and another comes to take its place. The path that this world will now take is directly dependent upon you. May your choices be the correct ones." She then falls into a deep meditative trance. Valdez tells Nanuet "She will not speak again for quite some time, hours, perhaps even days." Nanuet is taken aback by the talk of the path of the world being dependant on him. He staggers a bit and puts his hand to his mouth. He sees that Valdez is speaking, but does not fully hear the words. He turns with wide eyes and a blank expression on his face towards Valdez and says "Muh muh muh.... my choices? The path that this world will now take is directly dependant on me? Please tell me everything you know in regards to this situation." He replies "I am sorry, I do not know her very well myself. She has taught me a few nature spells but usually she stays in her home. Perhaps you may wish to talk to Mother Jimenez's apprentice instead." Nanuet breathes deeply and says "Yes... where is her apprentice? Can I speak with her now?" Valdez says "You should be able to find her over at the hotel. She's the hotel owner's daughter, Sanoma. You've probably met her before." Nanuet coughs loudly. "Uh, yes, I know her. I thought I knew her quite well, but she continues to surprise me. If you will excuse me Mr. Valdez I will be heading over to the El Parador now." Nanuet heads out into the rain and crosses the street. He didn't realize how late in the day it had become. He entered the cantina and scanned the room quickly. Kate was there talking with Chester and Jeff Mills but no sign of Sonoma. "Hi Kate, hi Chester. Have you seen Sonoma? I need to speak with her, I think it is important." Nanuet then realized that he was starving, that he had nothing to eat since the previous evening and the smell of the feast that Jeff and Chester were eating made his stomach growl. "Dorita... is there any chance I can get some food? And have you seen Sonoma around?" Ruby and Jake storm into the El Parador shaking off the rain and stomping the mud off their boots. Dorita starts to quickly run towards them and stops, Jake guesses that she thought they'd be covered in mud again. Jake tips his hat to her and smiles. Dorita gives him a haughty little smile back and with an exaggerated turn she puts her nose in the air and returns to her work. Ruby just laughs at the two of them. They see Katherine, Jeff, Chester and Nanuet who looks like he just came in from the rain. Jake does a little bow and extends his arm towards the others. Ruby does a little curtsey and goes over to join them. Katherine gave Ruby a quick hug and then made a beeline over to Jake. She wrapped her arms around him. "You shouldn't be running around out in the rain, you'll get sick," she said with a little catch in her voice. She held on a little tighter. "Don't scare me like that again." "Everyone's worried about me being in the rain." He says to the others while looking a little embarassed. Quietly to Katherine "Um, thanks. I'm Ok now." He gives her a gentle hug in return. [/QUOTE]
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