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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2469908" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 130 ,“Quiet Time out at the Ranch”, Saturday, January 14th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>The ride out to the ranch is wet and muddy. When Chester, Kate and Nanuet arrive they discover that Patrick Seawell and Sonoma are already there, having driven a flock of thirty-one sheep to the ranch with the assistance of the wood elf family. The elves are preparing now to depart. One animal has been skinned and butchered, the hide hanging out in the rain on a rack near the cave entrance while part of the animal is cooking on a spit over a fire. It appears that Flint and his guests have just finished up a fine meal of roast lamb and the others are invited to share. Chester says, "Thank you, Mr. Greymountain. It looks wonderful. Your ranch looks very nice, too." </p><p></p><p> Kate joined the others in their meal, although she ate very lightly. What she had told Ruby was true, the lunch she'd had that morning was more than enough to fill her for the rest of the day. She sat next to Mr. Martin with the large package of Lamb between them. Mr. Seawell was friendly, but still a stranger to Kate. But he was not the first stranger she had dined with today, and she was finding the timidity that had settled on her the last few months receding. </p><p></p><p>It was nice to sit here with people she liked, enjoying a warm meal and simple conversation. Doing that in a cave on a ranch was something Kate would not have seen herself doing even 3 weeks ago, yet here she was. And she was happy there. But she still thought at least a small house would need to be built out here. She didn't really fancy sleeping in a cave. </p><p></p><p>"Well, Mr. Gonzales, I had hoped to take you around the land and show you the horses, but I think the rain has ended that idea. And I do need to get back. But I'll ride back out with Flint tomorrow and we can take a look around then. I hope you'll be pleased." She smiled at Sonoma. "And now I'll have to learn about sheep as well as horses. It won't be too long before this place actually earns the name ranch."</p><p></p><p>Flint is anxious to return to town with Patrick, Kate and Chester. Sonoma warmly greets both Nanuet and her Great Grandfather before she hands Chester a large bundle of twenty-pounds of fresh wrapped lamb meat and instructs him to give it to her mother. He replies, "I'll be sure to do that, miss. She'll be grateful."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet is happy to finally see Sonoma. "I missed you today." He heads over to her and gives her a big hug and a quick kiss. "Well, I should have known that if you weren't around you were doing something worth while. This is great that the sheep are here now! It must have been a miserable day to do this in the rain though. I met someone today whom I need to talk to you about. What do you know about Mother Jiminez and what do you know about this?" Nanuet holds out the vial of dark liquid. "And most importantly, what do you know about the path of the world being dependant on me?"</p><p></p><p>She replies, “Okay, first relax”. Sonoma smiles sweetly at Nanuet, "I'm sure that my world depends on you." She tilts her head "And that makes you change the fate of those around here." The smile fades as she looks straight into his eyes "But you will never have to do anything alone again unless you wish to. As far as the vial of black goo goes I really don't know what it might be but if she gave it to you it is likely to be powerful and very likely deadly in some form.” </p><p></p><p>Sonoma looks at her great grandfather "Although my family disapproves I have studied many things with her. She is the most powerful druid in the area. I have learned many things from her and continue to train with her when she deems it fit. We do not agree on many things, including the darkness that she welcomes as part of the balance of the world, but she has taught me to look at the world in a different way than my family would have me see it. I find that helps me with my own balance and connection with the world I live in.” </p><p></p><p>We will see where this takes us, as we now have been told twice that things us for are changing. I believe that we must follow the path that is being laid out for us if she was moved enough to leave her home she must have seen something that she felt would change the world. </p><p></p><p>Gonzales decides to join in their conversation and adds "That Bruja woman Jiminez scares me. She is a far more powerful spellcaster than I am, and I do not understand the form of magic that she utilizes. But I do know this, there are places in this world that are more susceptible to magic than others, points where wizard magic, clerical magic and earth magic like Jimenez uses are heightened and those who use magic are naturally drawn to. Many of the world's cities are such places, Paris, Madrid, Rio, New Orleans, Manhattan Island, San Francisco. But there are also other more remote locations where the magical lines congregate and intersect and eastern Cochice County is one such place. </p><p></p><p>The other thing that I have been able to sense is that something unnatural has now begun. It began this morning with this very unusual weather system. If Jimenez says that you are to play a part in what is transpiring then she is most likely correct." A chill shivered it's way down Katherine's spine. She had known something more was to happen this week, but she had been thinking it would be something like what had happened with the cattle rustlers. Frightening, dangerous, but still just men. The word "unnatural" didn't sit well. </p><p></p><p>Riley's dreams had featured monstrous creatures, some that they defended, and some that they defended against. Suddenly she felt unprepared. Even after Jake’s lessons she could not count of being able to hit anything with her pistol, and the spells she had learned so far were protective or handy. She was about to suggest to her teacher that she study some such spells to cause damage when she caught Patrick Seawell's eye and bit her tongue. He was a distance off and Gonzales had kept his comments to Nanuet and Sonoma low, but there is still a risk that he might hear. Enough people knew about her new skills. She shared a confused glance with him and an anxious one with Mr. Martin. Kate pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, wishing Ruby was there to lean against. "So it will come soon then," she said quietly. "I just wish I understood why I, why any of us, are part of it."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet listens and watches Sonoma intently. "Well for now, I think roast lamb is in my path." and he heads to the area where the meat is roasting and finds a dry seat. "What are your plans tonight Sonoma? I was going to stay out here unless there was need of me back in town. So far I think I am free for the evening. I know your great grandfather is staying, so if he will have my company then I think I would like to stay out here for the night. The grove is nice, but it is still in town and I need some fresh air."</p><p></p><p>Sonoma replies, “I'm not sure if Maggie is going to want me in the Lone Star tonight with the way her father reacted to me last night. With the holiday I'm sure she'll need the help though. I'm really worried for her. I don't trust that man further than I can throw him. I would like to spend some time planning the ranch with you and I thought maybe even get started on the adobe pit but with all of this rain I'm not sure what I'll be able to do. Maybe I'll just work the hide while I have the rain to wash away the blood. Let me know when your leaving Kate I'll decide then. Keep the fire going for me will you? I'm going to need to warm up when I get back in.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet nods and does what he can to keep the fire blazing. He notices that the others are restless and as soon as he gets the chance to speak with Sonoma again he mentions that to her. "I think the others are ready to leave soon, maybe you should talk with Kate now.” Flint and Seawell are both very impatient to leave and Chester is acting bored. Katherine realizes that she should get going soon too.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet approaches Mr. Gonzalez. "Please sir, tell me more about Mother Jimenez. And do you possibly have any idea what this vial of liquid is for? She told me to pour it in the ground and to then rub the resulting mud on our weapons, but not to touch it. I also have a feeling that this has much to do with Riley's visions. Any thoughts?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "I agree that it probably relates to Riley's visions. I could attempt to identify the liquid but my chances of success are not very good. But from the sound of it I'd say it is some type of very lethal poison which will work against this beast. As for Mother Jimenez, she has a dark side to her. I do not like her, but I do trust that she means no harm to my Great Grandfather for what this is worth. </p><p></p><p>Remember the warning I gave you about hurting Sonoma? I had said the same to her and she replied 'Foolish man, to threaten me is to threaten the earth itself, you could kill my physical form and I would still get my vengeance against you tenfold. But your kin need not ever worry about harm from me, the opposite is true, my knowledge will protect her far more than you ever could.' I have no reason to doubt her, but I also would never welcome that woman into my home."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you for sharing your wisdom Mr. Gonzalez. I believe I understand your words about Mother Jiminez. As far as the beast goes, I thought Riley's vision showed us protecting it? Now I am thoroughly confused." </p><p></p><p>Gonzales replies "Let me give you some advice from my more than eight centuries on this planet. If you are going to surround yourself with strong willed women you should anticipate being in a continuous state of confusion and turmoil. But by having such women in your life you will find that life itself is far more worth living. For example, over two centuries ago I stopped apprenticing men. If I am going to be spend hundreds upon hundreds of hours with somebody why shouldn't they be smart and beautiful women whose company I enjoy?" Nanuet goes so far as to scratch his head. Nanuet returns to tending the fire.</p><p></p><p>"We should go," Kate said, standing and brushing the dirt off her pants. Mr. Martin, Mr. Seawell, and Flint practically jumped to their feet. She shook her head. "Well, you could have just said something. Mr. Gonzales, thank you for staying for us, we appreciate it. Nanuet, enjoy the country. I think I even envy you a bit." She walked with the three men outside to the dripping wet horses. "Sonoma, we're going now," she called as she pulled herself up on Meribel's back.</p><p></p><p>Sonoma says "I'm not sure if my presence there would do more harm than good. I'm afraid that my being there could lead to more trouble between myself and Mr. Whipple. But I did make a promise to Maggie. Why don't I stay here for now until you have a chance to talk to her. With you and Ruby both there I won't be needed as much, but if Maggie still wants me I'm sure that Mr. Martin could ride back here to get me. We're not that far from town."</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I understand. I'll see you tomorrow when I ride back with Flint then, if not sooner. All right gentlemen, lets be on our way." The ride back was wet and muddy but otherwise unexceptional. Kate made sure Meribel had a bit extra to eat and plenty of clean water, then hurried up to her room. She poured water from the pitcher into the washbasin and then cast a Prestidigitation to warm the water. She got out of her muddy clothes and took care in washing. </p><p></p><p>After that she put on the layers of clothing, her bustle cover from Maggie, and the rich plum dress she had worn the day President de Sucre arrived. It was finer than her everyday clothes, perhaps a bit too much for the Lone Star. But it felt almost like armor, and she would need every advantage she could muster in keeping her countenance around William Whipple, even if it was just feeling like a lady. Like herself. She picked up a heavy coat that would cover her clothes and went downstairs to wait for Jake and Ruby.</p><p></p><p>Mr. Martin came down a few minutes later. He'd obviously been up to the same thing Kate had been, washing up and making himself presentable. She had not noticed before that he was indeed a handsome man. He nodded to her as he came down the stairs and took a seat at her table. "Interesting day so far wouldn't you say, Mr. Martin? But I have to admit I'd be happier if tonight is dull." Chester says, "Not as interesting as yesterday, for me at any rate. What did you do today that was so interesting? but, yeah. A little excitement goes a long way." </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I hope to never have as interesting a day as yesterday again. Today I had a lovely lunch with some friends, and then spent the day running about making arrangements for another friend. And then of course our wet ride out to the ranch. I don't think I've had a day to just fritter away in the last week and a half." </p><p></p><p>Behind them the door opened and Jake and Ruby came in from the rain. Katherine turned around, surprised. "I thought you were upstairs. No matter though, I'm ready if you are." She stood and reached for her coat, but before she could take it Mr. Martin was already holding it up for her. "Thank you," she said as he helped her. "I'm afraid I'll have to hold my skirts up to my knees in all this mud," she laughed as they left for the Lone Star. Chester chuckles, "I don't think it'd be decent for me to hold your skirt out of the mud." Kate chuckles, "Indeed not, but it would probably start some very interesting talk."</p><p></p><p>Back at Pete's Ranch, Manuel heads off to take a walk around the area to check on the livestock and also to set some magical up alarms on the off chance that rustlers might come by. The rain drips off of Sonoma’s long black hair while she is scrapping the hide in the rain she looks back at Nanuet "So is there a place on the ranch you would like the house or somewhere special you would like a sweat lodge?" He replies, "To be honest with you I haven't even spent much time looking around. I think you are the adobe expert, but I certainly can help. As far as a sweat lodge goes, I was thinking of somewhere overlooking the stream, I think that would work quite well."</p><p></p><p>After scraping the hide clean Sonoma saddles her horse " I want to dig an adobe mixing pit and if I do it while it is raining maybe some of the water might stay making it easier to make the bricks. I don't feel like the rain is going to stop soon so I might as well try making it now" She mounts her horse and begins to ride in to highest ground in the direction of the stream. </p><p></p><p>Well, I hope you brought a shovel or something else to dig with!" Nanuet yells out to the quick moving Sonoma. He takes a quick look at the fire and is satisfied to let the coals sit as they are and heads out into the rain after the wood elf. Nanuet doesn't catch up to Sonoma until she stops. "OK, where do we start?"</p><p>Um... Nanuet why are you out here in the rain?" Sonoma smiles at the dripping Indian "I'm planning on practicing a spell that digs holes. I don't need a shovel" she giggled at the water that is dripping off the end of his nose "go get dry and maybe start some supper? I'll be back in a few minutes"</p><p></p><p>"Um, I was coming out to help you" he laughs, "but I should have figured you didn't need any." With that he turns and heads back to the dryness of the caves. "How many ways can you prepare lamb?" he thinks to himself wondering what else he could make for dinner and why he didn't think of packing any food when he decided to come out here for the night. "Maybe Manuel has an idea or some magic that would help?" he thinks to himself again. Nanuet starts poking around trying to find Manuel and when he does he asks for any ideas about dinner. "I would love to try and surprise Sonoma with something nice. Any tricks up your sleeve?"</p><p></p><p>Gonzales says "I don't think we need any tricks, I think she'll just be happy to spend some time with you while Dorita isn't around spying on the two of you. When I was out checking on the animals earlier I found another dry cave that had been dug into the hill so I can go over there to give you two some privacy if you want to have sexual relations."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet's face turns a deep red. "I don't think there will be a need for that. Your great grand daughter and I have decided to take things slowly. And you know what slow is for an elf. As far as the tricks go, I was just referring to a way to get some food. I forgot to pack any when I came out here for the night. I know we have lamb, I just figured variety might be a good thing." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet begins searching to find what food Flint might have stored in the caves. "What do dwarves eat anyway?" After a while Nanuet gives up looking for any other kind of food and begins working on a lamb dinner. He sings/chants as he works, something he used to do a lot more of in his past. He works quickly and efficiently and before long the meat is roasting nicely. He tends to the fire and the food watching the lightning and rain outside. He calls to Maska to come to them and wonders if she is OK out in the severe weather.</p><p></p><p>Sonoma returns to the cave water streaming from her clothing she looks at her great grandfather. "I have the pit dug for the adobe and put in a base hole for a root cellar near a streamlet so it will stay cool. You were right, it was much harder to hold the shapes that I wanted to dig in this rain but I think they will hold up and if they do now they should for years" </p><p></p><p>She smiles at Nanuet, "Food ready? I'm starving and tired. It was a lot more work than I expected to spell all that dirt. Pepero could you do something about this wet for me? I thought I could but I'm really to tired to.” Manuel makes a blowing gesture with his hand and Sonoma’s clothing blows around her when he is finished she is totally dry.</p><p></p><p>Sonoma had returned from her excavating just as the roasted lamb was finished. "Yes, Sonoma, food is ready. I am sure my cooking doesn't equal yours, but it won't kill you." Nanuet handed over a skewer of seasoned lamb meat, still steaming. </p><p></p><p>"This weather is something else, in all my years I don't think it has ever rained this much that I remember. At least we have plenty of wood to keep the fire going and I'm in good company to keep my spirits up. Today's meeting with that woman took a bit out of me. It is not every day that someone hears that the path of the world depends on their actions, be it the truth or not." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet sits next to Sonoma with some food of his own. He eats heartily then cleans up any mess left from cooking the meal, humming softly as he works. "Well, not as bad as I thought, maybe I do remember how to cook a decent meal. Sonoma, what did you think? After that meal I am ready to settle in for the night. Do you think we need to set a watch?"</p><p></p><p>She answers, “In this rain I'm pretty sure that anyone who is still out in it isn't going to end up on our doorstep. Between the horses, sheep and cows in this cave I think the animals will let us know if anything is heading our way and wake us. I think my great grandfather can do a little something so if someone was to come here we would know about it. after all I know how much he enjoys his uninterrupted nights' sleep. And supper was wonderful it was really nice to eat something that I didn't have to cook or clean up after.” </p><p></p><p>With that she beds down by the fire and is asleep in minutes. Nanuet watches Sonoma as she sleeps. She looks peaceful and comfortable enough. Nanuet checks the fire one last time before starting his reverie and then makes himself comfortable to begin the mind-blurring journey. He closed his eyes and the outside world closed to him.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2469908, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 130 ,“Quiet Time out at the Ranch”, Saturday, January 14th, 1882:[/B] The ride out to the ranch is wet and muddy. When Chester, Kate and Nanuet arrive they discover that Patrick Seawell and Sonoma are already there, having driven a flock of thirty-one sheep to the ranch with the assistance of the wood elf family. The elves are preparing now to depart. One animal has been skinned and butchered, the hide hanging out in the rain on a rack near the cave entrance while part of the animal is cooking on a spit over a fire. It appears that Flint and his guests have just finished up a fine meal of roast lamb and the others are invited to share. Chester says, "Thank you, Mr. Greymountain. It looks wonderful. Your ranch looks very nice, too." Kate joined the others in their meal, although she ate very lightly. What she had told Ruby was true, the lunch she'd had that morning was more than enough to fill her for the rest of the day. She sat next to Mr. Martin with the large package of Lamb between them. Mr. Seawell was friendly, but still a stranger to Kate. But he was not the first stranger she had dined with today, and she was finding the timidity that had settled on her the last few months receding. It was nice to sit here with people she liked, enjoying a warm meal and simple conversation. Doing that in a cave on a ranch was something Kate would not have seen herself doing even 3 weeks ago, yet here she was. And she was happy there. But she still thought at least a small house would need to be built out here. She didn't really fancy sleeping in a cave. "Well, Mr. Gonzales, I had hoped to take you around the land and show you the horses, but I think the rain has ended that idea. And I do need to get back. But I'll ride back out with Flint tomorrow and we can take a look around then. I hope you'll be pleased." She smiled at Sonoma. "And now I'll have to learn about sheep as well as horses. It won't be too long before this place actually earns the name ranch." Flint is anxious to return to town with Patrick, Kate and Chester. Sonoma warmly greets both Nanuet and her Great Grandfather before she hands Chester a large bundle of twenty-pounds of fresh wrapped lamb meat and instructs him to give it to her mother. He replies, "I'll be sure to do that, miss. She'll be grateful." Nanuet is happy to finally see Sonoma. "I missed you today." He heads over to her and gives her a big hug and a quick kiss. "Well, I should have known that if you weren't around you were doing something worth while. This is great that the sheep are here now! It must have been a miserable day to do this in the rain though. I met someone today whom I need to talk to you about. What do you know about Mother Jiminez and what do you know about this?" Nanuet holds out the vial of dark liquid. "And most importantly, what do you know about the path of the world being dependant on me?" She replies, “Okay, first relax”. Sonoma smiles sweetly at Nanuet, "I'm sure that my world depends on you." She tilts her head "And that makes you change the fate of those around here." The smile fades as she looks straight into his eyes "But you will never have to do anything alone again unless you wish to. As far as the vial of black goo goes I really don't know what it might be but if she gave it to you it is likely to be powerful and very likely deadly in some form.” Sonoma looks at her great grandfather "Although my family disapproves I have studied many things with her. She is the most powerful druid in the area. I have learned many things from her and continue to train with her when she deems it fit. We do not agree on many things, including the darkness that she welcomes as part of the balance of the world, but she has taught me to look at the world in a different way than my family would have me see it. I find that helps me with my own balance and connection with the world I live in.” We will see where this takes us, as we now have been told twice that things us for are changing. I believe that we must follow the path that is being laid out for us if she was moved enough to leave her home she must have seen something that she felt would change the world. Gonzales decides to join in their conversation and adds "That Bruja woman Jiminez scares me. She is a far more powerful spellcaster than I am, and I do not understand the form of magic that she utilizes. But I do know this, there are places in this world that are more susceptible to magic than others, points where wizard magic, clerical magic and earth magic like Jimenez uses are heightened and those who use magic are naturally drawn to. Many of the world's cities are such places, Paris, Madrid, Rio, New Orleans, Manhattan Island, San Francisco. But there are also other more remote locations where the magical lines congregate and intersect and eastern Cochice County is one such place. The other thing that I have been able to sense is that something unnatural has now begun. It began this morning with this very unusual weather system. If Jimenez says that you are to play a part in what is transpiring then she is most likely correct." A chill shivered it's way down Katherine's spine. She had known something more was to happen this week, but she had been thinking it would be something like what had happened with the cattle rustlers. Frightening, dangerous, but still just men. The word "unnatural" didn't sit well. Riley's dreams had featured monstrous creatures, some that they defended, and some that they defended against. Suddenly she felt unprepared. Even after Jake’s lessons she could not count of being able to hit anything with her pistol, and the spells she had learned so far were protective or handy. She was about to suggest to her teacher that she study some such spells to cause damage when she caught Patrick Seawell's eye and bit her tongue. He was a distance off and Gonzales had kept his comments to Nanuet and Sonoma low, but there is still a risk that he might hear. Enough people knew about her new skills. She shared a confused glance with him and an anxious one with Mr. Martin. Kate pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, wishing Ruby was there to lean against. "So it will come soon then," she said quietly. "I just wish I understood why I, why any of us, are part of it." Nanuet listens and watches Sonoma intently. "Well for now, I think roast lamb is in my path." and he heads to the area where the meat is roasting and finds a dry seat. "What are your plans tonight Sonoma? I was going to stay out here unless there was need of me back in town. So far I think I am free for the evening. I know your great grandfather is staying, so if he will have my company then I think I would like to stay out here for the night. The grove is nice, but it is still in town and I need some fresh air." Sonoma replies, “I'm not sure if Maggie is going to want me in the Lone Star tonight with the way her father reacted to me last night. With the holiday I'm sure she'll need the help though. I'm really worried for her. I don't trust that man further than I can throw him. I would like to spend some time planning the ranch with you and I thought maybe even get started on the adobe pit but with all of this rain I'm not sure what I'll be able to do. Maybe I'll just work the hide while I have the rain to wash away the blood. Let me know when your leaving Kate I'll decide then. Keep the fire going for me will you? I'm going to need to warm up when I get back in. Nanuet nods and does what he can to keep the fire blazing. He notices that the others are restless and as soon as he gets the chance to speak with Sonoma again he mentions that to her. "I think the others are ready to leave soon, maybe you should talk with Kate now.” Flint and Seawell are both very impatient to leave and Chester is acting bored. Katherine realizes that she should get going soon too. Nanuet approaches Mr. Gonzalez. "Please sir, tell me more about Mother Jimenez. And do you possibly have any idea what this vial of liquid is for? She told me to pour it in the ground and to then rub the resulting mud on our weapons, but not to touch it. I also have a feeling that this has much to do with Riley's visions. Any thoughts?" He replies, "I agree that it probably relates to Riley's visions. I could attempt to identify the liquid but my chances of success are not very good. But from the sound of it I'd say it is some type of very lethal poison which will work against this beast. As for Mother Jimenez, she has a dark side to her. I do not like her, but I do trust that she means no harm to my Great Grandfather for what this is worth. Remember the warning I gave you about hurting Sonoma? I had said the same to her and she replied 'Foolish man, to threaten me is to threaten the earth itself, you could kill my physical form and I would still get my vengeance against you tenfold. But your kin need not ever worry about harm from me, the opposite is true, my knowledge will protect her far more than you ever could.' I have no reason to doubt her, but I also would never welcome that woman into my home." "Thank you for sharing your wisdom Mr. Gonzalez. I believe I understand your words about Mother Jiminez. As far as the beast goes, I thought Riley's vision showed us protecting it? Now I am thoroughly confused." Gonzales replies "Let me give you some advice from my more than eight centuries on this planet. If you are going to surround yourself with strong willed women you should anticipate being in a continuous state of confusion and turmoil. But by having such women in your life you will find that life itself is far more worth living. For example, over two centuries ago I stopped apprenticing men. If I am going to be spend hundreds upon hundreds of hours with somebody why shouldn't they be smart and beautiful women whose company I enjoy?" Nanuet goes so far as to scratch his head. Nanuet returns to tending the fire. "We should go," Kate said, standing and brushing the dirt off her pants. Mr. Martin, Mr. Seawell, and Flint practically jumped to their feet. She shook her head. "Well, you could have just said something. Mr. Gonzales, thank you for staying for us, we appreciate it. Nanuet, enjoy the country. I think I even envy you a bit." She walked with the three men outside to the dripping wet horses. "Sonoma, we're going now," she called as she pulled herself up on Meribel's back. Sonoma says "I'm not sure if my presence there would do more harm than good. I'm afraid that my being there could lead to more trouble between myself and Mr. Whipple. But I did make a promise to Maggie. Why don't I stay here for now until you have a chance to talk to her. With you and Ruby both there I won't be needed as much, but if Maggie still wants me I'm sure that Mr. Martin could ride back here to get me. We're not that far from town." Kate says, "I understand. I'll see you tomorrow when I ride back with Flint then, if not sooner. All right gentlemen, lets be on our way." The ride back was wet and muddy but otherwise unexceptional. Kate made sure Meribel had a bit extra to eat and plenty of clean water, then hurried up to her room. She poured water from the pitcher into the washbasin and then cast a Prestidigitation to warm the water. She got out of her muddy clothes and took care in washing. After that she put on the layers of clothing, her bustle cover from Maggie, and the rich plum dress she had worn the day President de Sucre arrived. It was finer than her everyday clothes, perhaps a bit too much for the Lone Star. But it felt almost like armor, and she would need every advantage she could muster in keeping her countenance around William Whipple, even if it was just feeling like a lady. Like herself. She picked up a heavy coat that would cover her clothes and went downstairs to wait for Jake and Ruby. Mr. Martin came down a few minutes later. He'd obviously been up to the same thing Kate had been, washing up and making himself presentable. She had not noticed before that he was indeed a handsome man. He nodded to her as he came down the stairs and took a seat at her table. "Interesting day so far wouldn't you say, Mr. Martin? But I have to admit I'd be happier if tonight is dull." Chester says, "Not as interesting as yesterday, for me at any rate. What did you do today that was so interesting? but, yeah. A little excitement goes a long way." Kate says, "I hope to never have as interesting a day as yesterday again. Today I had a lovely lunch with some friends, and then spent the day running about making arrangements for another friend. And then of course our wet ride out to the ranch. I don't think I've had a day to just fritter away in the last week and a half." Behind them the door opened and Jake and Ruby came in from the rain. Katherine turned around, surprised. "I thought you were upstairs. No matter though, I'm ready if you are." She stood and reached for her coat, but before she could take it Mr. Martin was already holding it up for her. "Thank you," she said as he helped her. "I'm afraid I'll have to hold my skirts up to my knees in all this mud," she laughed as they left for the Lone Star. Chester chuckles, "I don't think it'd be decent for me to hold your skirt out of the mud." Kate chuckles, "Indeed not, but it would probably start some very interesting talk." Back at Pete's Ranch, Manuel heads off to take a walk around the area to check on the livestock and also to set some magical up alarms on the off chance that rustlers might come by. The rain drips off of Sonoma’s long black hair while she is scrapping the hide in the rain she looks back at Nanuet "So is there a place on the ranch you would like the house or somewhere special you would like a sweat lodge?" He replies, "To be honest with you I haven't even spent much time looking around. I think you are the adobe expert, but I certainly can help. As far as a sweat lodge goes, I was thinking of somewhere overlooking the stream, I think that would work quite well." After scraping the hide clean Sonoma saddles her horse " I want to dig an adobe mixing pit and if I do it while it is raining maybe some of the water might stay making it easier to make the bricks. I don't feel like the rain is going to stop soon so I might as well try making it now" She mounts her horse and begins to ride in to highest ground in the direction of the stream. Well, I hope you brought a shovel or something else to dig with!" Nanuet yells out to the quick moving Sonoma. He takes a quick look at the fire and is satisfied to let the coals sit as they are and heads out into the rain after the wood elf. Nanuet doesn't catch up to Sonoma until she stops. "OK, where do we start?" Um... Nanuet why are you out here in the rain?" Sonoma smiles at the dripping Indian "I'm planning on practicing a spell that digs holes. I don't need a shovel" she giggled at the water that is dripping off the end of his nose "go get dry and maybe start some supper? I'll be back in a few minutes" "Um, I was coming out to help you" he laughs, "but I should have figured you didn't need any." With that he turns and heads back to the dryness of the caves. "How many ways can you prepare lamb?" he thinks to himself wondering what else he could make for dinner and why he didn't think of packing any food when he decided to come out here for the night. "Maybe Manuel has an idea or some magic that would help?" he thinks to himself again. Nanuet starts poking around trying to find Manuel and when he does he asks for any ideas about dinner. "I would love to try and surprise Sonoma with something nice. Any tricks up your sleeve?" Gonzales says "I don't think we need any tricks, I think she'll just be happy to spend some time with you while Dorita isn't around spying on the two of you. When I was out checking on the animals earlier I found another dry cave that had been dug into the hill so I can go over there to give you two some privacy if you want to have sexual relations." Nanuet's face turns a deep red. "I don't think there will be a need for that. Your great grand daughter and I have decided to take things slowly. And you know what slow is for an elf. As far as the tricks go, I was just referring to a way to get some food. I forgot to pack any when I came out here for the night. I know we have lamb, I just figured variety might be a good thing." Nanuet begins searching to find what food Flint might have stored in the caves. "What do dwarves eat anyway?" After a while Nanuet gives up looking for any other kind of food and begins working on a lamb dinner. He sings/chants as he works, something he used to do a lot more of in his past. He works quickly and efficiently and before long the meat is roasting nicely. He tends to the fire and the food watching the lightning and rain outside. He calls to Maska to come to them and wonders if she is OK out in the severe weather. Sonoma returns to the cave water streaming from her clothing she looks at her great grandfather. "I have the pit dug for the adobe and put in a base hole for a root cellar near a streamlet so it will stay cool. You were right, it was much harder to hold the shapes that I wanted to dig in this rain but I think they will hold up and if they do now they should for years" She smiles at Nanuet, "Food ready? I'm starving and tired. It was a lot more work than I expected to spell all that dirt. Pepero could you do something about this wet for me? I thought I could but I'm really to tired to.” Manuel makes a blowing gesture with his hand and Sonoma’s clothing blows around her when he is finished she is totally dry. Sonoma had returned from her excavating just as the roasted lamb was finished. "Yes, Sonoma, food is ready. I am sure my cooking doesn't equal yours, but it won't kill you." Nanuet handed over a skewer of seasoned lamb meat, still steaming. "This weather is something else, in all my years I don't think it has ever rained this much that I remember. At least we have plenty of wood to keep the fire going and I'm in good company to keep my spirits up. Today's meeting with that woman took a bit out of me. It is not every day that someone hears that the path of the world depends on their actions, be it the truth or not." Nanuet sits next to Sonoma with some food of his own. He eats heartily then cleans up any mess left from cooking the meal, humming softly as he works. "Well, not as bad as I thought, maybe I do remember how to cook a decent meal. Sonoma, what did you think? After that meal I am ready to settle in for the night. Do you think we need to set a watch?" She answers, “In this rain I'm pretty sure that anyone who is still out in it isn't going to end up on our doorstep. Between the horses, sheep and cows in this cave I think the animals will let us know if anything is heading our way and wake us. I think my great grandfather can do a little something so if someone was to come here we would know about it. after all I know how much he enjoys his uninterrupted nights' sleep. And supper was wonderful it was really nice to eat something that I didn't have to cook or clean up after.” With that she beds down by the fire and is asleep in minutes. Nanuet watches Sonoma as she sleeps. She looks peaceful and comfortable enough. Nanuet checks the fire one last time before starting his reverie and then makes himself comfortable to begin the mind-blurring journey. He closed his eyes and the outside world closed to him. [/QUOTE]
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