Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 147, “Date Preparations”, Thursday, March 23rd , 1882, 1:00 P.M.:

After inviting Minerva to dinner Nanuet spends the bulk of the afternoon at the Lucky Lady. He helps around the place, constantly seeming to be a good mood, humming songs, smiling and just generally happy.

Ruby agrees with Jake’s suggestion to talk to the others and they round up Katherine, Nanuet, Minerva and Chester. At Jakes insistence, Katherine provides secrecy with the candle. Jake starts by sharing what Wyatt Earp told them in Tombstone, and about Gifford. Ruby tells them about Josie and what she just learned from Judge Isby. Jake talks about the morning Merchants meeting for those that weren't there. Chester tells what he knows about Gormley. Everyone takes turns filling in small gaps they think are important. It is a lot to digest and many of them have errands to run and appointments to keep so they agree to gather again tomorrow some time to decide what to do about it all. They quickly disperse without further discussion.

Jake heads over to the El Parador looking for Senor Gonzalez. Ruby watches Jake leave on some other unknown mission. Once he got an idea in his head he was usually relentless about it. It was for the better, Ruby had a lot of thinking to do, and she needed to do it alone.

Before Kate left the Lucky Lady Ruby approached her and asked, "Would it be alright if I stayed with you tonight? I have a lot on my mind and need some time to think. I'm not even sure I'm going to do it but figured I should ask you before I decide." "Of course it's alright," Kate said with a smile. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is just fine," Ruby smiles. "I think I'd like to go out to the Gay Lady tonight after work, you're welcome to come along if you'd like. I just need to get away from...here... for a bit. Last night gave me much to think about, I'm sure it's the same for you. I'm not even positive that I will want to stick with this plan later but I'm keeping my options open."

Kate answers, "I'll be glad to spend some time with you, we don't do that enough lately. I think some fun is in order." Ruby replies, "Yes, some fun IS in order. I was in such a good mood today before that Helen Barker news. I didn't tell you but we had a fight in Tombstone." Ruby pauses, but doesn't continue the story. "Anyway, fun it is." She gives Kate a quick but firm hug then bounces her way out the door, the prospect of fun lifting her spirits a bit.

Frustrated, Jake comes back from the El Parador without locating the old elf. Jake writes a letter quickly to Mr. Beck in Tucson. He indicates that he has a diamond solitaire ring he may wish to sell, describes the diamond ring, and shares the estimate by the 'lesser qualified jeweler' of $2,000. Jake asks him if he thought he could find a customer for such a fine piece and if so, when is he interested in having Jake bring it in. Jake mails the letter and returns to the Lucky Lady. He bumps into Nanuet who hasn't run off to his dinner with Minerva yet. Jake takes him outside to speak privately with him.

"Nanuet, I really haven't had a chance to thank you for taking care of things around here. I do appreciate it. Let me know if you need anything." Jake seems distracted. "Too much is happening too fast, you know? There are personal things I need to take care of but it is hard for me to concentrate on them while I am worried about the safety of my friends, worried about Ruby. I'm not used to having so many friends. It used to be so easy. I'd sell of everything quick, get on my horse in the middle of the night and the troubles are gone. New town, new start. Funny that I don't even consider that right now. Instead, I'm standing to fight and trying to figure out how to hunt down and kill Johnny Ringo. What in Hades happened to me?"

He looks down at his boots for a few moments and then back to Nanuet. "Listen to me," Jake says laughing, "putting you in a fine mood for your date with that black haired beauty. Never mind all that for now, you have more important things to worry about." Jake grins and takes Nanuet by both shoulders. "When you run out of things to say or when your tongue gets tied in knots here is what you do. Look at her face, don't get embarrassed just take your time. Look and admire every bit of her face and think about how she makes you feel. Then say whatever simple thought about how lovely she is that comes into your mind."

Jake pats him on both arms and finishes with, "After that you are on your own." Jake reaches into his wallet and takes out some money. "You wouldn't be offended if I paid you for all your work around here, would you?" "Thanks for the advice Mister Jake. Just so you know, Miss Ruby loaned me your 3 piece gray suit. With that on my side how can I fail?" Nanuet jokingly nudges Jake and laughs.

Nanuet says, "As for your other thoughts, you are growing up.” It took all Jake had not to laugh when his friend shared that bit of wisdom. Nanuet continues, “Everyone does eventually. My people were much like you say you were, always ready to move on at the sign of trouble, when the need arose, or simply when they felt it was time for change. Adapting from that nomad way of life is not easy, you have to realize things are not as temporary, that each action has consequences and now you will be around to see what they are. You have friends, use our strengths to help you. I know you probably don't want to hear this Mister Jake, but we look up to you, you seem to have taken the position of chief in our little tribe.”

Just when Jake recovered from not laughing, he was now challenged not to show the panic in his face at that comment. Nanuet continues “The task is not an enviable one, but it is a position of honor and so far you have worn it well. I for one will be with you every step of the way. But that is enough of that for now.” Keeping his poker face, Jake just listens politely while thinking He cannot be serious! They are looking to me for leadership! Mierda, what have I done? What am I going to do? He mentally shakes it off

Nanuet accepts only some of the money from Jake, only a few dollars, and not without a few words. “Thank you very much Mister Jake, it has been a pleasure to be able to assist you in your work. All I ask now is for a paying position when it comes time to build the addition on to the Lucky Lady again. My money is running short, but I wish to earn my way and will not accept charity. Now, I need your help putting this contraption of a suit on, I can't even begin to figure it out."

Jake then takes Nanuet upstairs to assist him with the suit. Jake talks little beyond helping Nanuet getting dressed. "You look fine. If you want to pretend to be a sophisticated easterner, keep your money in the vest pocket." When Nanuet complies, Jake finishes adjusting the suit during which time his quick fingers replace the paper money in the vest pocket with five ten dollar bills. "Seems strange for me to be doing this. I was the youngest of my family, so I never helped anyone like this. Good luck Indian. Remember, Women are meant to be appreciated and complimented, not to be understood."

Nanuet took a look at himself in the mirror. The suit was different, but a good suit could help make anyone look good. "Thanks for the advice again Mister Jake, appreciated and complimented, not to be understood. I shall do my best to remember that. I'll be off now, thanks again for everything."

After Nanuet leaves Jake paces about out back of the saloon for a little while. Not able to focus long on any one of his concerns for long he finally gives up and mutters to himself, "There is no problem too big that it can't be ignored for a little while in order to spend some time with a pretty lady."

Late afternoon Nanuet heads out of town and returns with a rather large bouquet of hand picked wildflowers, mostly of the same type he had shown to Minerva only a couple days before. He finds a piece of ribbon and binds the flowers together and places them aside. He then gets himself cleaned up and dressed for the evening.

After Minerva's bath she returns home to wait for Ruby. Ruby shows up at the Comstock house and knocks on Minerva's door promptly at 5:00. She hears Minerva's voice and enters. "Senorita Ruby, I am so glad that you are here," she says and warmly embraces her friend. “I am so nervous. I have been going over and over your instructions. I am quite excited also, for surely the goddess Venus would not have sent you to me if she did not want me to tread this path." Her eyes grow momentarily stormy. "Still, I am not a patient woman and I am not very good at being subtle... and I do not care for this feeling of uncertainty. It will be a relief to know how Nanuet feels about me one way or the other. Now let us get to work."

Ruby places the dress and accessories on the bed and sits Minerva down in a chair in front of a mirror. She starts brushing Minerva's long dark hair and Minerva notices Ruby looks a bit distracted but says nothing. Finally Ruby speaks up. "I don't think I told you, but I really appreciate last night, it was very special and wouldn’t have happened without your help. I have been trying to figure things out today. You know, it's not that I didn't believe in the gods. I just couldn't understand why they would abandon me all this time."

"I spent many hours as a child, trying to figure that out also. The gods do not abandon us, they are just busy and do not count time as we do. When we really require their assistance I believe that they do provide for us. They sent you to my aid, and me and Katherine to yours. Did they not? The gods have given us one another. The three of us complete a circle."

“Oh, I’m not so sure the goddesses sent us all here, but I suppose it could have been fate,” Ruby continues to brush her friend’s hair. Minerva, smiles inwardly but says nothing to this, knowing that the three fates are gods also.

Ruby continues "You said perhaps they left me alone so I could learn what happiness and love was really about. I have a confession to make." She moves forward and stands in front of Minerva. "You know how I feel about Jake. But I have never been in love before him. I thought I was once but I was wrong and this is nothing like that. And all the things I told you earlier today? That is how I feel about him. I mean, sure I've felt desire before but not like this, there is so much more to it." Ruby shakes her head quickly then stands behind Minerva again, starting to pin her hair up. "I just thought you should know. I might be an expert on kissing and other physical things but I'm no expert on love."

"You are more of an expert that I on both counts!" she laughs. "We are bound to love only one in this life, Ruby. You are bound to Jake and he to you. Whether or not he says the words, it is no less true. I have a confession to make also." Minerva looks to Ruby with all the fear that a vulnerable heart can hold showing in her eyes. "I lied when I said that it would be a relief to know that Nanuet did not care for me. I know in my heart that we are bound in some way. I don't know WHAT I shall do if he turns me away." Putting on a brave smile she says jokingly, "But with you on my side, this beautiful gown, and my newly learned lessons in love, that could not possibly happen. We have the goddesses on our side Ruby."

Ruby is thoughtful for a few moments before a flash of concern crosses her face. She puts her hands on Minerva's shoulders and gently but persistently turns her around so she is facing Ruby. "I only wish the best things for you but do not confuse desire with love. I know I love Jake but we have spent a lot of time together. Even so I am not sure of his feelings for me, I don't think he knows himself. I don't think anyone can see something that he cannot see himself and I wish people would stop saying that.” Ruby sighs, “But after last night I am content to wait, sure that eventually he will figure it out. And I am not a patient girl either."

"Now you... you BARELY know Nanuet, what, a week and a half? The giddy feelings of the beginnings of romance can make you not think straight; it is too soon to know that you could be bound together forever. The feelings you described to me earlier can be the start of love but also can be your body telling you it wants something. Why rush things? Let them take their natural course. You have all the time in the world. You don’t want the bad things that come with love, right? A broken heart is hard to mend, Senorita, you are better off not giving your heart until you are more certain."

Minerva frowns as Ruby voices her own doubts of the day before, but she pushes them away. "No, It is more than ‘romantic’ feelings. If that was all it was at stake, I would not be so afraid. I do not know how we are bound, but after my own journey through the Veil of Dreams and the visit from Storm Eagle eye, I know that we are. And he is so sweet and comfortable. I feel like I have always known him” Minerva responds to Ruby's concerned look. "And I also know that it does not make any sense to you, but I have never felt such a strong connection to another and I must have faith that the gods will it so. I do have faith in the gods but I have always been alone and content to be so. Now I find that I must open my heart to another and I do not know how."

Ruby looks deep into Minerva’s eyes. “I do not doubt you Senorita,” Ruby says warmly, “Only presenting you with other suggestions as well. I told you, I am happy for you.” Ruby smiles and turns Minerva back around. "I'm almost finished with your hair." She pins Minerva's black tresses up, leaving a few tendrils hanging down. She helps her pull her corset very tight, reminding her it will pay off in the end. She suggests that Minerva wear ruby earrings to match the dress but Minerva insists on wearing the crystallized olive leaf from last night’s ceremony, which she has hung on a silver chain, and her silver olive leaf earrings. They slip the dress on, and while it is a tiny bit big on the top, Ruby tightens some laces inside to pull it snug. She steps back and looks at the Spanish beauty.

“You look beautiful Minerva, Nanuet is sure to fall in love tonight,” she smiles knowingly. “Try not to worry, you’ll be surprised at how things go if you can just relax. Besides, worrying gives you wrinkles,” she laughs. "This corset will give me wrinkles and how am I to relax if I can not exhale!" Minerva says with a grimace as she concentrates on breathing. "Trust me it will be worth it, for love is worth any price, no? Have a wonderful time and I expect a full report!” Ruby gives her a wink and a hug and with that slips out the door.

Once Ruby left the nervous Minerva she headed back to the Lucky Lady. Jake wanted to have dinner, and even though it was nothing special she always wanted to look nice for him. So she took her time getting ready, making sure everything was in place before heading back downstairs. She stopped in the kitchen, asking Maria what was for dinner and grabbed some candles while she was at it. She took a basket of breads and muffins and headed out to the main room, nibbling on some bread. She also got some wine from behind the bar.

Nanuet arrived at the Comstock house wearing Jake's borrowed suit and carrying a large bouquet of flowers. He stood outside adjusting the suit and fidgeting. Now, remember all the things that Ruby said, just be yourself, she must like you, she did say 'Yes' after all. He cleared his throat, made one last adjustment of the sleeves on the shirt and then stepped into the Comstock House.

"Good evening Miss Bea, good to see you again today. Would you happen to know if Miss Minerva is ready? She is to accompany to me to dinner this evening."

Bea smiled at Nanuet "My, you look handsome this evening! If you would please wait in the parlor I shall tell Miss Florencia that you have arrived. Please feel free to serve yourself refreshments. "

Meanwhile, upstairs Minerva is attempting to keep herself calm. She adjusts and readjusts the low neckline of her ruby red gown, and looks critically at her hair. Ruby had scooped it up in a mass of curls, revealing her long slender neck and a pair of dangling olive leaf earrings. Fidgeting with the soft tendrils of hair, which frame her face, she expresses her doubts to her gods and Luna. “I certainly hope that Ruby knows what she is talking about…. Yes, I will keep faith... I KNOW that you have sent her to my aid, but she is such an unlikely messenger.” she turns toward the bird “Yes, Luna I know you like Senor Nanuet. I do too. I just wish that I knew whether or not the feeling was mutual.”

She turns this way and that admiring her reflection in the mirror and making little adjustments. “Still, Ruby certainly knows just the right outfit to wear to capture a man’s attention.” She says practicing her 'come hither' eyes as she picks up a bottle of perfume and dabs it on her neck, behind her ears and in the cleavage of her gown for good measure. She gives her reflection a crooked smile. “And if this dress doesn’t do the trick, I will just have to accept that elves are not like other men.”

When she hears Bea knock on the door she takes a deep breath to calm her fluttering nerves before answering. Confident that the gods and, hopefully, Ruby know what they are doing even if she didn’t and knowing that her goddess given gifts were displayed to their fullest advantage, she follows Bea down the stairs.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 148, “Dinner Dates”, Thursday, March 23rd , 1882, 5:00 P.M.:

Minerva enters the parlor to see Nanuet dressed in a suit. In his arms is a large bouquet of wild flowers tied loosely in a yellow ribbon tied in a bow. His back is to her as he nervously shifts his weight back and forth from one foot to the other. When he hears her enter he turns around quickly and his jaw drops immediately. Mierda, Nanuet says unconsciously in a whisper and he almost drops the flowers when he sees Minerva in the revealing dress. His eyes meet hers for a moment then slowly scan her from head to toe, absorbing every detail. Finally he composes himself and is able to speak. "I brought you some flowers, perhaps they should be put in water now?" He walks over slowly still entranced by her appearance and hands her the bouquet and a cactus flower.

Minerva’s breath catches in her throat when she sees the hungry look in his eyes. “Well I guess he is like other men.” Refusing to blush at his leisurely perusal of her attire she buries her face in the fragrant blooms. “Oh, they are so beautiful! No one has ever given me flowers before. Gracias Nanuet”, she said as she stretches up on her toes and kisses him lightly on the cheek. “I saved this one for you to carry if you like or perhaps for your hair," He says referring to the cactus flower. “Oh Nanuet, such a lovely color! I recognize this one from our walk last evening. It was very sweet of you to pick these for me. Si, I shall wear it in my hair, but I have no mirror. Would you like to help me place it?”

Nanuet finds himself blushing in reaction to the soft touch of her lips upon his cheek. He takes a step closer to her, his nostrils assailed by the beautiful scent of the perfume Minerva wears. With his free hand he tenderly sweeps her raven colored hair back revealing her ear. He gently places the delicate flower behind her ear and adjusts it so that it will stay in place. He is so close he can feel the warmth of her breath on him; he stays there for a moment, a tingling sensation covering his body, before taking a step back and smiling warmly. "There, that looks perfect."

Overcome by the nearness of him, her heart pounding in her throat, Minerva stands frozen in time unable to move as he steps in and, with a gentle caress of his calloused hand, places the flower behind her ear. Her mouth is suddenly dry as her eyes lock with his and a warning, barely audible over the crashing waves of her turbulent emotions, whispers to herself that she is in very deep trouble.

The moment is dispelled when one of the miners, who live in the house, enters the parlor in search of his spectacles, causing Minerva to jump back as though scorched by fire. Flustered and clutching her flowers too tightly, she excuses herself and rushes out of the room using the excuse that 'the flowers need water'.

Unable to breath she rounds the corner and leans her back up against the wall and closes her eyes. She presses her hand to her pounding heart, fearing, as she had told Ruby, that it would explode right out of her. This is not a wonderful feeling at all, Ruby! . She thinks in a panic as she tries to breath in the too tight corset. She takes her time to regain her composure before returning to Nanuet. He waited patiently for Minerva to return, taking the free time to calm his nerves. Has she grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw her? Is that possible? he thought to himself as he awaited her return.

In only a moment she was back, descending the stairs, her long slender legs revealed with each stride down the steps. Nanuet offered his arm to the Spanish beauty and together they exited the Comstock Boarding house and made their way to the Promise City Hotel.

Jake enters through the side door of the Lucky Lady and notices Ruby sitting alone. He watches her for a minute, she is trying to appear patient. Jake judges she is slowly losing that battle. His spirits lifting he approaches her from behind. "Ruby, no matter what my troubles could be simply seeing you is like an elixir. You are a feast for my eyes and warmth for my heart." He lets his fingers drag softly across her shoulders and down her arm when he sits down next to her. "What shall we do for dinner?"

Before answering she leans over and kisses Jake softly on the lips. She takes her time, enjoying their kiss, before she pulls away. "I thought we could eat here," she gestures to the candles, "Unless you have other plans?" He says, "We could go over to the Promise City Hotel, peek in the window and giggle at the Indian and the Spaniard." He pushes his hat back on his head and smiles a little to broadly. "No, you are my plans."

Ruby giggles, "Yes we could. But I would rather spend my time with you." She puts her hand on Jake's thigh. "I told Maria we were having dinner so she'll be bringing it out shortly. I don't think I told you, but I spent the entire morning, from right after you left for your meeting through lunch, counseling Minerva, then Nanuet, then Minerva again about courting, dating and love." She rolls her eyes, "I know, what do I know about love? I warned them," she shrugs with a smile.

"A new career for Miss West! Back east they pay big money for matchmakers." Jake smiles and avoids responding to Ruby's Love remark. Damn it, Ruby I am trying to figure it out! "I am certain with your guidance they are cared for well. Perhaps we should run over to the El Parador and send them some minstrels briefly? I'm sure for some pocket change they would be willing to make a stop there before the evenings work. Or have we meddled enough already?"

Ruby laughs, "We don't need to do that," and leans close to Jake, whispering something in his ear. He laughs heartily. "Sounds like you have been busy!" "Yes, but it will be well worth it to see them both happy." Ruby smiles. "I can't wait to hear how it went. Minerva was so worried that Nanuet didn't care for her but I didn't want to give the surprise away. I'm sure they'll have a wonderful time and perhaps tomorrow there will be a new couple to talk about. I guess Aphrodite did have some plans for me." Ruby takes a sip of her wine.

“So, you mentioned some troubles...” Her smile slowly fades as she looks Jake in the eyes with concern on her face, “Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind? Maybe I can help?” Jake's smile fades with Ruby's. "I'm sure you will help, I am confident you will be there for me." That is part of my problem Ruby West. "I didn't mean to bring a serious mood to dinner, I was supposed to help improve your mood. I am doing a pitiable job of that. I promise to share my burden with you, just not at dinner please. Later tonight or tomorrow, whenever you please, but allow me at least be uplifting company for you for now."

"Of course, baby." Ruby tries to give him a reassuring smile but it doesn't seem to be working so instead gives him another kiss. Maria comes out with the food and places it on the table for them, giving them a silly smile and chuckle before she scurries back into the kitchen. "Um... this smells good," Ruby says digging right in.

Ruby glances around the room, making sure no one is listening to them before continuing, “There is something I didn’t mention at our little meeting earlier. Judge Isby’s companion, Kevin, wears a magical ring with a blue stone. He says Kevin can always tell when someone is telling the truth or not. I did tell him I wouldn’t tell anyone,” she smiles, “But you’re not just anyone, are you?” Jake grins and lets her continue.

“I’ve been thinking about this, I think we should bring some of those books here, and make it seen that we are doing it. That way if we are being watched, I mean, I’m sure we are, then Ringo won’t want to blow up the Lucky Lady. For now anyway." "It could work. Of course then we'd have to protect them, unless we only bring over ones that have no value. Either way we have to watch for thieves. Maybe even catch one?"

"I thought it was a good idea. We could hide them, at least some of them, you know where. They haven't tried to get them from the El Parador yet. But if you think it's more unsafe that our current predicament than maybe we shouldn't. I'm already very worried about this place." "No, I don't think having books here makes us less safe." Jake glances around. "Let's not discuss that right here though." Ruby nods and changes the subject.

“I was thinking, tonight… well... I’m going to go to the Gay Lady after work. I was thinking that I’m sure you could use some time away from me, I’m always hanging on you and maybe you’d just like some time alone for a change.” Ruby continues quickly, “I’m going to take Kate, a sort of girl’s night out. I think she could use the relaxation also. With Madge there, we’ll be safe so you won’t need to worry.” I hope he’s buying this… “I’ll walk back with Kate and stay with her at the El Parador, so I don’t wake you. I’m sure we’ll stay out late. And that way no one is walking alone.”

Jake wonders if he hid the surprise and disappointment on his face. What did I do? Is this something to do with the goddess? A couple of nearly witty quips crawl out to his tongue and perish there. "Uh, sure, if that is what you want. Maybe the guys and I will find some trouble to get into. Girls night out, sounds like fun for you." He says and forces a smile on his face. You are an idiot Jacob Cooke, ask her what is wrong.

Ruby looks down at her plate. She hadn't thought that Jake would agree so easily. Maybe he really did want time away from me. "Ok, it's a plan then," she says hesitantly. She picks at the food on her plate for a while before reaching for her wine glass and taking a few big gulps. Finally she looks up, "So... pictures tomorrow? At Fly's? And maybe we should try to get to the mine with Jeff. Or you should anyway..."

"Pictures? Sure, we can do that tomorrow. You are right about the mine though I don't know if tomorrow works. You don't want to come?" Why doesn't she want to go to the mine? Why the sudden rush for a picture? Control your imagination you fool. Ruby looks surprised. "Oh, of course I want to go to the mine. I just figured it was your business, maybe you didn't want me there," she says nonchalantly. "Why doesn't tomorrow work? Do you have other plans already?"

Realizing he was tensing up he relaxes a bit. "No, not me. I just don't know about Jeff Mills. He is so full of surprises I just don't know if I can get him to go tomorrow. I do need to get out there soon." Why wouldn't I want her there? Did I miss something? Is she mad at me? Did I do something wrong? "Ruby, did I.....um, did I... tell you that Rixton seconded my nomination of Chester for Marshall?" Jacob you coward, ask her! "He must be really impressed with our boy."

Ruby furrows her brows at Jake’s comment. “No,” she says slowly, “You didn’t tell me about Rixton. I didn’t even know that Chester knew him. Well, if you want to, ask Jeff and see if he’s available, I know you’ve wanted to get there for a while. But Jake,” she looks him in the eyes, “He DOES work for us. He should be available whenever you want him available.” He almost looks nervous She keeps her eyes locked on Jake’s. “Is something wrong?”

"No. Yes. No." Jake glances down at his untouched food and then back to Ruby. Forgot that was there. "Are you mad at me?" Ruby looks at Jake quizzically. "Mad at you? Why would I be mad at you?" Ruby laughs, "I think by now you can tell when I'm mad. Why would you think that?" Ruby pauses in thought then continues suspiciously, "Should I be mad at you?" "No. No, you shouldn't." Jake looks uncomfortable. "I'm really being entertaining aren't I?" He finally lifts his fork and takes a bit of the food and thinks for a minute. "Tell me about your festival plans."

Ruby thoughts are immediately swayed from the previous topic. She starts rambling about what she’s done already, putting Madge’s girl to the task of making them costumes and picking out songs. She reminds him that she asked Josie and the theater troupe to come and Fly's to be the official photographer. “Oh and my costume for the ball, I’m so excited, I have to stop by Mary Kelley’s and get her working on that. I’m not going to tell you what it is, it’s a surprise but I know you’ll love it! What are you going to dress as?” Ruby doesn't wait for an answer as she continues her excited speech. She doesn't notice that Jake isn't even paying attention to her.

Finally they finish their meal. Even though it is only 7:30 Ruby is in a much better mood so she decides to start a set of songs early for the late dinner crowd. She sings passionately and looks relaxed, and she sings mostly cheerful and upbeat songs, a good portion of which are love songs.

As they make their way over to the Promise City Hotel, several people stop and make comments amongst themselves, some even bold enough to point. “Minerva notices and thinks darkly that tongues will be wagging tomorrow. She ignores the stares and slipping her arm tighter through Nanuet’s, continues to chat. He seems oblivious to the attention and escorts Minerva briskly to their destination. They enter the two-story clapboard building and are seated at a table in the corner. A woman in a calico dress greets the pair and asks for their drink orders.

"Whiskey" Nanuet replies quickly. "I would like I a whiskey." "Oh, I'm sorry sir there is no alcohol served here, but we have a nice fresh brewed iced tea and nice cool lemonade." Minerva sits opposite Nanuet quite impressed with the elegant surroundings and appearing quite at ease, while inwardly she is as jittery as a Mexican jumping bean. "How am I going to hold myself together with lemonade?" she wonders but smiles easily at their hostess. "Lemonade will be fine. Gracias, Senora."

She continues to attempt to make light conversation, discussing the news of the new Marshall and Helen Eastman as deputy. As they talk she forgets her nervousness and is once again amazed by how comfortable she feels around him. Nanuet engages in the chatter, remarking how Berg has helped his friends out several times and that Jake respects him. He then mentions in a sarcastic tone that Ruby must be so thrilled that Helen Barker was the law now. "I had to repair two stools that Ruby took her frustrations out on when she found out" he said with a chuckle. "Those two women have no love for one another that is for sure. Not to change the subject but how is the planning for the festival going?"

"It is going quite well." She says warming to her favorite topic. "It is only another week away and everyone seems to have their parts well in hand and, Thank the gods, Lori Gilson has agreed to keep things organized for me. There is so much to keep track of and I just can’t seem to keep it all straight. I seem to be so distracted lately" she says giving him a meaningful look as she reaches for her lemonade and causing the low cut gown to accentuate her more pronounced gifts, as Ruby had instructed her.

Nanuet's eyes wander from his drink to the view presented to him. He clears his throat and practically chokes on the words he next tries to speak. "Oh good, glad to hear it." He gulps down some of his own drink before continuing. "If there is anything for me to do to help, besides the bit on my culture that is, just let me know. I'd be glad to help. Oh, I think our food is ready." Minerva notices Nanuet's discomfort and quickly hides her grin behind her napkin.

The same woman who served their drinks now serves them a dinner of breaded pork chops, roasted corn removed from the cob and candied sweet potatoes. A loaf of corn bread and whipped butter is also placed on the table in front of them. "My how delicious!" Minerva says as she offers Nanuet the bread and butter. She also refills his lemonade treating him to the enticing view each time she leans forward. She easily notices Nanuet diverting his eyes to her exposed cleavage each time she bends forward. He makes no comments about it though and the two enjoy the meal both discussing how good the food is and making other chatter.

As he talks on she thinks about what she is doing and although normally she has no qualms about using her charms to get what she wants, she feels guilty taking unfair advantage of Nanuet. ”Perhaps Ruby’s instructions do not apply here. I am not comfortable either. I should just be myself and have faith that it will all work out." When the meal is finished Nanuet takes Minerva's hand and smiles, looking into her eyes he speaks "Once again, I enjoyed your company. I must say that you are stunning in that dress. You are quite a beautiful woman Minerva, and very charming."

Minerva’s heart is warmed by the sincerity that she sees in his eyes as she returns his gaze and clasps his hand in return. “Gracias Nanuet, You have made this a very special night for me. You have gone to a great deal of trouble, the beautiful flowers and the lovely meal. and you look so dashing in that fine suit, although I would wager that you would rather be in your usual garments, picnicking under the stars” she chuckles... I feel like a fairy princess in a storybook.”

"I too feel as though this is all part of a fantastic story. I feel myself wanting to pinch myself to know if all this is all real. It seems like it is all happening so fast." Nanuet notices Minerva's expression drop slightly with those words. He quickly tightens his grip on her hand and places his other hand on top and tries to reassure her. "It is not a bad thing, just an observation. We have known each other only a short time, but I feel a strong bond with you. A bond that I would like to see become stronger."

"Yes, Minerva says, hope flashing in her eyes, I would like that too but, I must be honest with you about my feelings. I have never felt this way before about another and it is rather frightening. Ruby suggested that I be subtle and use my feminine charms to make you fall in love with me," she says looking slightly embarrassed. "but that is just not my way. I also told myself that I would be patient, but I'm not very good at that either" she says with a crooked smile "What I am trying to say Nanuet, is that," she screws up her courage and rushes on... "I do not want to scare you away, but I cannot play games with you. I need to know how you feel about me. If you tell me that the bond that we share is spiritual only and that you have no other feelings for me than I will accept that as the will of the gods, but I fear that my feelings for you go deeper." She says, lowering her eyes as she nervously waits for his response.

Nanuet smiles, and notices the woman who has waited on them for dinner seems to have at least half an ear on their conversation. "This is probably bad timing" Nanuet says "but perhaps we should carry out this conversation elsewhere, somewhere more private. We could change clothes and then perhaps I can show you the grove that I have adopted and use as my home from time to time when I feel like staying out of doors, unless you have a different idea. Do not think I am making light of what you said, and you will have an answer, that I promise."

Nanuet reaches into his pocket to retrieve the money he had received from Jake earlier so that he can pay for dinner. He notices that the amount has changed and he smirks. "See the Gods have blessed us already" he laughs, "my money seems to have multiplied while in my pocket." He pays for dinner, leaving a generous tip and escorts Minerva back to the Comstock house so that she can change to more comfortable clothes. "I'll be back in just a bit and we can finish our conversation."

Nanuet and Minerva walk over to the Comstock House and Minerva, rushes up the stairs to change into more appropriate clothes. She is quick about it, tearing through her wardrobe in search of more comfortable attire. She whips the gown over her head and pulls off the corset with a loud groan as her ribs are released from their cruel confinement. "Ah! That is so much better. Why would anyone willingly wear such a torture device?" she says inhaling deeply and kicking it across the room. "It is just not natural!"

She quickly dons a simple white Spanish style peasant blouse that sits on the edge of her shoulders, but is not quite as revealing as Ruby's gown, and decides to leave on the miraculous pendant that was created during last night’s ceremony. She slips into a flowing brown suede skirt that hugs her tiny waist and a pair of comfortable boots, in which she places her silver dagger. She looks in the mirror to be sure that she is ready and realizes that her hair is much too fancy and so pulls out the pins releasing the mass of curls to fall loosely around her shoulders.

Nanuet practically skips back to the Lucky Lady. He heads to his room and removes the suit, hasily but careful not to do any damged to the borrowed clothing. He slips on a pair of fringed leggings, moccasins and a leather vest adorned with many various symbols of the sun. He splashes some water on his face and then heads back to the Comstock to meet Minerva again. As he walks he scoops up about a half dozen pebbles in his hand. When he arrives, he says outloud to no one in particular "Here goes nothing."

He begins throwing the pebbles one by one at Minerva's window, waiting about 10 seconds between each one . He then waits for her on the street below. Minerva looks down at the icons of her goddess Minerva and Jupiter on her dresser and lights a candle “I think that you are about to make your intent clear. I only ask that you guide me so that I do not make a fool of myself come what may. ”

The response to her prayer is immediate and unexpected as she is hit in the arm by a small rock. She looks about trying to figure out what is going on when several more small rocks come flying through her window. She looks out to see the Indian grinning up at her. "I'll be right down!" she calls gaily. As she is about to walk out the door her eye is caught by the light of the moon shining on her flute. She tosses it in it’s tapestry bag and takes it with her as she flies down the stairs and into the yard, with an equally silly grin on her face.

Nanuet hesitates for just a moment, but the moment is too long. Minerva is gone from the window in a flash before he can take his intended actions. Well I guess that means she'll just have to wait a bit longer he says to himself. He meets Minerva at the door and leads her to the grove across from the El Parador. Minerva is entranced by the beauty of the grove. "Do you live here?" He replies, "Sometimes, less now than I used to, but I still come here when I feel like being out of doors. The priest at the church is kind enough to allow me to stay and I in turn tend to the plants and animals within."

Nanuet gives her a tour of the grove and then they settle down in the area where he usually spends most of his time. He lays out a blanket for them to sit on. "So, you want to know how I feel about you? I will tell you this, that your advances do not go unnoticed, and my feelings for you are more than just spiritual. I am attracted to you in many ways and have the desire to pursue a romantic relationship with you. My words may not be eloquent and they certainly are simple, but that is me, this is what you get."

Minerva is relieved by his frankness but is also confused by his words at the same time. "I much prefer honest words to eloquent ones and I have already admitted that I am drawn to you in more than in a spiritual way, but I have never had a 'romantic relationship', and so although your words are simple, I am still confused by them." she says looking at him with big innocent eyes. Could you be more clear ?" Nanuet appears flustered by Minerva's comments. He stands up and paces for a few moments. Finally he kneels down beside her and leans in slowly, then kisses her tenderly on the lips. "Is that more clear?" he says, his voice wavering slightly.

Minerva leans into the kiss, everything that Ruby taught her is forgotten, as he steals her breath away. When he pulls away she stares at him, with her heart in her eyes "Yes" she sighs softly. Nanuet responds to her answer with another kiss, more passionate than the first, wrapping Minerva in his arms. The two embrace each other for several moments, neither wanting the moment to end. Finally they separate, each looking deeply into the other's eyes. "You have stolen my heart Minerva." Nanuet says in a soft voice. “And you, mine" she whispers, no longer afraid let him see what is in her heart.

Nanuet and Minerva talk quietly for a while content in one another’s arms. Minerva looks up at the moon goddess Diana, smiling down upon them and contemplates the events of the night before, and what has transpired this evening. She gives thanks to the three goddesses. It grows late and the couple return to town, specifically the Lucky Lady.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 149, “Moonlight Serenade”, Thursday, March 23rd , 1882, 8:00 P.M.:

Chester and Eduardo had showed the office to Berg and Helen and Eduardo filled them in on the basics of keeping the peace in town. A work schedule was drawn up. The rest of the day passed by uneventfully.

Chester picks some wildflowers outside of town and shows up at the Promise City Hotel. Clarisse comes down the stairs and Chester greets her with a kiss. "Good evening, Clarisse. You look as lovely as always. I brought you some flowers. No roses, I'm afraid." She blushes. "These are wonderful without roses. You look handsome yourself. Where shall we go tonight?" He says,
"Minerva had other plans, so I thought we could just go to the Lucky Lady. If that's OK."

She goes upstairs and asks her cousin. She returns and says "Julia says it's fine, seeing that you're a Marshall." He replies, "Well, then let's go before she changes her mind." They take a table in the corner and have a nice dinner. Chester tells her about how Mitchell Berg and Helen Barker are new marshals. He asks her out to the festival and she says yes.

Clarisse comments "I've seen you at church. I assume that you believe in the gods. Do you think they will bless our festival? Back at the boarding school I was taught that places like this town are avoided by the gods because of all of the hedonistic human behavior."

He says, "I believe the gods help guide us through our lives here on earth. I don't doubt that they'll bless the festival. Miss Florencia is very devout and energetic. I feel the gods are drawn to places like this. Many people here would benefit from the gods' interest. Anyway, isn't Dionysus worthy of worship?"

Clarisse replies, "Oh, the Headmistress explained about him and Pan. They are the left-over gods, so that those not worthy of worshipping a proper god will still have somebody to pray too. I was talking to my friend Beth about that recently and she agreed. Neither of us are sure why the Priestess decided to honor him, unless it is her way to hook all of the heathens who frequent the saloons into becoming regular churchgoers."

He says, "Maybe. It would keep the church healthy. More likely she wants all the gods and townspeople to feel welcome. Even the left-overs." Chester says with a wink. "You never know when one of the Olympians is listening."

Chester becomes distracted by the man who has entered the room. He is wearing tight fitting pants, a sleeveless shirt and low shoes, which make it obvious that he is unarmed. But he does not appear to be a man who needs weapons to cause damage. The man stands six-foot-six and weighs somewhere between 250 and 275 pounds. He is very muscular, with bulging biceps and a thick neck. His head is bald and his nose appears to have been broken before. The man appears to be fully human, although before this moment Chester has only seen that type of physique on a half-ogre.

He thinks to himself, Looks like a half-ogre, but he could pass pretty well for human. As long as he doesn't cause a problem, I've got no beef with him. Ah. Here comes Jeff. Jeff Mills goes over to the man and ask him to check his weapons at the door. The half-ogre says, "I'm not heeled. See?" The large bald man then says "I'm looking for the Deputy Marshall. Is he around?" Jeff briefly glances in Chester's direction but does not point him out to the man.

Chester gives Jeff a quick look. He continues talking with Clarisse about her life at the boarding school. The lawman glances back at the bar and sees the man still there. He sighs. "Excuse me, Clarisse. Duty calls again. I think we'll need to go to Tombstone if we want some peace." Chester strolls over to the half-ogre. "I'm Deputy Marshall Martin. Who are you?"

He replies in a deep voice that has a slight hint of an Irish accent, "My name is Finnigan. Come with me, you're wanted elsewhere." Chester raises an eyebrow. "Going to tell me where I am wanted?" He says, "Another saloon. Let's go, the boss doesn't like to be kept waiting." Chester says, "Let me say goodbye to my friend, please." The man says, "Make it quick."

Chester goes back to Clarisse. "I have to go. I'll make this up to you later. We're going to be at another saloon. Jeff can walk you back. I'm really sorry." Chester kisses her on the cheek. "I'm not sure about this. He doesn't look like a nice person." "I'll be fine. Don't worry." Chester walks back. "Let's go. Don't want to keep the boss waiting."

Kate watched from a few feet away, getting a bad feeling from this stranger. If someone needed help from the law they would say so right out. Someone trying to get Chester alone was suspicious at least. Kate nodded at Chester and walked by with her tray. Kate stepped out onto the porch of the Lucky Lady, watching where Chester and the man disappear to.

Jake's table has been rather dull this evening. The winning keeps alternating between the players Alfredo Garcia, Carl Berman, Don Wainwright and Efron White (who is a miner at the Lucky Deuce Mine).

Manuel Gonzales walks into the Lucky Lady at around 10:00 P.M. with a broad smile on his face, and takes a seat near the stage to listen to Ruby and Kate's music. Ruby is quite surprised and delighted to see Mr. Gonzales, not in disguise, and in her saloon. She immediately switched to some Elven songs, which the crowd seemed to love. Kate smiled at her teacher and kept playing through the set. Ruby was in wonderful voice tonight, the idea of a night out seemed to agree with her.

Once Ruby took her bow, Kate fetched her apron and went over to their teacher. "That's a big smile," she said. "Care to share where it came from?" He replies, "Chihuahua". She replies, "Isn't that a kind of dog? Or have you been drinking?"

He answers, "Yes to both. It is also the name of both a Mexican Province and a Mexican city that serves as the Province's Capitol. That city is where the breed little dog originated from. Yesterday I brought my little bird Morgana and her friend Hank down there on an errand. I ran into an old friend, and went back there today to spend some more time with her." "Oooh, it's that kind of smile," Kate teased. "I'll get you a glass of wine to celebrate that smile. I hope we'll see you now and then," she said with a saucy grin and went to get the drink.

Ruby approaches Mr. Gonzales and kisses his cheek. "Hi! It's been a while since I saw you last." Ruby plops herself down in the chair next to him. "I hope you've been staying out of trouble," He blushes. Ruby catches the blush. "Mr. Gonzales! You have been getting into trouble! Well, good for you, it's about time," Ruby laughs.

Ruby smiles michiefvously. "I have a favor to ask. I'm hoping you can come by on Saturday. I'd like to try that thing I've been working on with you and Madge, but you said it would be best if you were here. So can you come?" He replies, "Certainly, I do not have any plans for that day."

She says, "And thank you for Saturday. I guess you've heard of the boxing that goes on and many of our patrons leave to go see that. Well, all the patrons that can get in anyway. So it's about time to try that skill out I believe." Ruby squeezes his arm. "So, any reason you came out tonight, or just visiting with your little birds?"

He says, "Well, Ginnie is reading in my library. She's a nice girl, but tonight I felt more like music and adult company. Plus I missed the two of you." Ruby is a little taken aback by Mr. Gonzales comment. There was warmth behind it, a warmth Ruby hadn't really considered before. She smiles, "Well, I'm glad you did, I missed you too."

Although relieved that he was able to distract Ruby, and pleased that she seemed to be in a good mood, Jake remained suspicious. Even the joy of listening to Ruby sing did not wash away all of the nagging doubt. He consciously avoided making large bets tonight knowing that he was distracted. When he notices the old elf enter the room he flags Katherine over when she passes by. "A whiskey Mrs. Kale, and would you ask Senor Gonzalez if he would have a word with me at the next break?"

"Of course, I'll take care of it." Kate took drink orders from the others at the table and stopped by Mr. Gonzales and Ruby's table with his wine on the way back. "Ask him what he's been up to the last day, Ruby. I'm sure it would be interesting," she laughed. Ruby raises an eyebrow, "So what have you been up to?" She looks over to Jake's table. "Maybe you'd better wait to tell me, it looks like Jake is going on break now."

As she set his wine down she said quietly, "Jake would like to talk to you at his next break." Kate then moved back to Jake's table with the drinks. Jake chats briefly with his players as they break, congratulating them on their fine play and encouraging them to be back in twenty minutes. He then heads over behind the bar and palms a candle while saying hello to Henry. Jake then moves over towards the stairs and waits. Gonzales tells Ruby "Excuse me." He stands and walks over to Jake.

"Senor, if you would be so kind?" Jake indicates the stairs. At the top he opens the door to one of Hoovers storage rooms and lights the candle with the enchanted dagger. After Gonzalez has entered and closes the door behind. "Again Senor, if you would be so kind to keep our conversation confidential? I have news to share and advice to ask of you."

Gonzales replies, "Confidential? And I am expected to believe that Ruby won't ask you to repeat everything we say together? Mr. Cook, I am a man who can be trustworthy, but if what you have to say could bring potential harm to any of my relatives or my little birds then no, I will not promise to keep your secrets."

"Forgive me Senor, I did not make myself clear. I am feeling a bit emotional and do not know the appropriate words to use when referring to the special skills you and your apprentices have." Jake points to the candle. "Could you make it so others cannot listen in on us? You may freely tell whoever you desire what I tell you. Ruby and Katherine know most of what I am going to say, and will know the rest soon enough."

"Ah. you wish the privacy spell," Gonzlales states. He removes a handkerchief from his pocket and unfolds it. A green powder is within which he pinches onto the candle and then casts the incantation. "It is done, we now have the privacy you desire. What is it that you wish from me?"

"First, you are correct your birds and your family may be in danger. You probably know most of this, but may not know it all." Jake quickly and succinctly tells the facts of the Cowboy story to date, including all the recent happenings. "I felt that it was important that you knew everything that I did in this matter to protect your family. So the last serious threat seems to be Johnny Ringo, who also appears to be a wizard. Unfortunately in giving a book to him, Katherine has let it be know she can be black mailed. Between that and all the blood that has been spilt I do not believe I can convince Mr Ringo to flee or come to terms. In order to protect those I care about I find myself decided to hunt down this Johnny Ringo and kill him."

Jake stops and looks at Gonzalez. "Not that killing is foreign to me, but I have never chased down a man to kill him." Jake shakes his head. "That is not the advice I need Senor. Ruby has told me that he has some magic that protects him from bullets. We have seen it work against the Indian's rifle shots. I need to know about this protection. Is there a way through it?" Jake hands him the revolver with the incendiary bullets in it. "Will these bullets penetrate his protection? Would his protection stop my knife?"

Gonzales replies, "I honestly do not know. There are a number of factors at work here. First, I would need to know exactly what type of magical protection he was using. There are many different kinds and they all work differently. Second, I would need to evaluate each against the magical weapon being used. Another factor would be magical ley lines of the earth and where he or you were in relation to them. Then there is the other factor of the accuracy of the attack itself.

Mr. Cook, Ringo's biggest advantage isn't magic, it is his allies. If you go off alone into land that he and his men know well and you do not then you are at a great disadvantage. And bringing your friends could endanger them as well. His other advantage is that he has scared you. You now lack the confidence that I have seen before from you. Going off with that attitude would almost ensure your death."

"Fairly put, Senor. I understand my mental state and will address that. I do not intend to hunt this man like Nanuet would. I will hunt him like Jake Cook knows how. I also know I cannot do this thing alone, and that even if I wanted to those I am trying to protect would not allow me to." Jake takes back the gun from Gonzalez. "So that is why I am so out of sorts, Senor. I am convinced of a course of action to save those I care about that must put them in danger."

Jake sits on a case of whiskey. "I am a man of odds Senor, I was looking for ways to improve them. I will take apart Ringo's organization a man at a time, I will use every dirty trick I know, I will be relentless and cruel to those who would oppose me in this matter. It would help my confidence immensely to know the next time I meet Johnny Ringo I have a way to kill him."

Gonzales replies, "There are no guarantees Mr. Cook. However, as you say, you are a man of odds, I believe that I could increase those odds. There is a certain spell that I know which has the ability to negate magic in a specified area. The effect is only temporary, lasting less than a minute, but in that time any magical spell would cease and magic items would temporarily stop. Katherine, Ruby and Sonoma are not experienced enough to learn that spell, however I could provide each with a magical scroll containing that spell which they can read.

Note however that the creation of a spell scroll takes time. Thankfully young Ginnie appears to have an aptitude for some of the preliminary steps of that and would be willing and able to assist. But I doubt that I could produce more than one such scroll a day, and under ideal circumstances I would want them to practice using it at least once before being required to do so in a combat situation."

Jake listens carefully to what the old elf says and then is quiet for a moment. "If you would take that course of action Senor, I would be in your debt. There is much work I need to do, I did not mean to imply I was riding to Galeyville tonight. Perhaps we will have the time needed to prepare for such an encounter." Jake stands. "Gracias Senor Gonzalez, Gracias. If other wisdom occurs to you, I would be interested in listening to it." Jake pauses to make certain Gonzalez has nothing else to say to him before extinguishing the candle.

Gonzales returns downstairs and to the main room. Both Kate and Ruby notice that the relaxed happiness that was on his face earlier is now gone. He bids them both goodnight, with a forced smile, and then departs out the front door. Kate watching her teacher walk away. Obviously Jake had told him some things he didn't want to hear.

Jake jokes with the men waiting for him at the table and restarts his game. Ruby is oblivious to all the drama surrounding her. Instead she approaches Kate. "Let's go now, it's 10:45 and my last set is over. Harry can play for the customers who are left." She says, "Yes, in just a moment. Chester just went off a while ago with some man, I didn't like the look of him," she said, I want to wait until I knew he is safely back.

As Minerva and Nanuet approach the saloon they see Ruby and Kate on the porch. They approach, both eager to speak to Ruby about the nights events. "Good evening Miss Kate, Miss Ruby. Things are well I hope?"

Kate says, "As far as I know. Chester was just called away, I believe to the Palace. I hope everything is alright. Ruby and I were just on our way out. We have a little stop to make on the way home. You two look like you had a good night," she said with a smile. "Sorry to have delayed you, Ruby. Are you ready?"

Ruby saw the smile on Nanuet and Minerva's faces. "I guess I don't need to ask how things went?" she giggles. "And Kate is right, we're just on our way out. How about we meet up tomorrow and you two can tell me all about it." Nanuet says, "Sounds like a good plan to me, should we set a time? Speaking of time where are you two headed this late?"

"Oh I do have some plans tomorrow but I'm sure you'll find me around," Ruby smiles. "Kate and I are having a girl's night out tonight at the Gay Lady. We would have asked Minerva but figured she might be busy. Now excuse me, I‘m going to go in and say good bye to Jake." Ruby approaches him even though he is in the middle of a card game. She waits for the hand to be over then interrupts. "Jake? I'm going to leave now."

He excuses himself from the game, "I'll only be a minute." He walks her to the door. "Have fun. Um, is everything really alright? No, no, I know of course it is." He looks into her eyes, brushes the back of his hand down her check and gives her a brief kiss before turning quickly and heading back to the game. Compose yourself Cook!

Ruby didn't have time to respond to Jake before he walked away. She sighs. I guess he really did want to be rid of me... Ruby puts a smile on her face then heads back to Kate. "Ready!" she says faking some cheeriness. She was good at acting and she would fool even herself.

Nanuet replies, “OK, you know I'll be around here anyways. See you then. Nanuet nods to Kate and then leads Minerva inside following Ruby. Kate says, “I'm ready, dear. Let's go." Kate breathed out a sigh of relief as they walked out and she saw Chester coming back out of the Palace. She went with Ruby with a lighter heart than a few moments before.

Nanuet finds a table and helps Minerva get seated. He then gets a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses then heads back to the table. "Here, this is for the drinks we were denied earlier. I think we both could have used one then, I know I was a bit nervous." He pours two ample glasses of whiskey, handing one to Minerva.

"At least one!" she said smiling into his eyes. “Do you remember the first time that we met? You were not quite so cordial then, and refused my invitation to join me for a glass of whisky. So much has happened since then. I think that now that we understand one another better that it would be appropriate to toast to 'new beginnings'“

"To new beginnings!" Nanuet exclaims and raises his glass. The two glasses clink and they down the whiskey quickly. There are a few more drinks and some more light conversation. Soon though the excitement and nervousness of the day has both of them yawning."

"I think perhaps it is time to call it an evening. May I walk you back to your room?" Nanuet puts the remains of the whiskey bottle back behind the bar and then walks Minerva back to the Comstock house. "Now I have a surprise for you, when you go up to your room, open the shutters and I shall give it to you." He gives her another sweet kiss before opening the door to the boarding house.

"Another surprise? You are not what you appear Senor, You seem to be FULL of surprises." she narrows her eyes in mock suspision. "You are not going to throw more rocks at me are you? she teases and before he can answer she gives him one last kiss and bounces up the stairs. She hurries over to the window and throws open the shutters.

As Nanuet looks up to Minerva he flashes back to earlier in the day when Ruby helped him prepare for this moment: Nanuet knocked lightly on the door to Ruby and Jake's room.

"Come on in!" Ruby replied in her bubbly voice. Nanuet slowly opened the door and scanned the room. Ruby was there standing in Jake’s shirt looking sleepy. Nanuet took one step into the room. "No one else is here right, I mean Jake isn't coming back right away is he? I... well I am a bit embarrassed, I've been thinking about this and I don't know if I can do it."

“No, Jake should be out for a while,” Ruby replied. “And of course you can do it.” She took his arm and gently but persistently guided him into one of the soft chairs, “If you care for her, you will do it. And if she cares for you, there is no way she will see anything but the most perfect performance. And I have a secret to share that will help you.”

Ruby took one of the decanters and poured two glasses half full of whiskey. She pushed one towards Nanuet. “When you sing a song of woe, you must think of something sad, to get you in the right frame of mind. It affects everything about you, the way you stand, the way your voice sounds. You think of your most sad memory and it comes out through the song. Likewise, you sing a song of love and friendship that is what you must think of. Think of the love from your family and from us,” she smiled knowing Nanuet knew what she meant, “And the fun times we have had and the closeness we share. You must pass on the love and friendship through the song as you sing. And she will feel the love and friendship and be grateful.” Ruby raised her glass to her lips and sipped.

“And if that doesn’t work try the liquor,” she giggled. “Now, the first thing to do is choose a song, unless you have one in mind already?”

"I have not chosen one yet. The songs of my people are moving and beautiful, but she will not understand the words. I want this to make an immediate impression, not to have to explain it to her. I need to find a song that expresses how I feel, that I want to explore things further with her, that she is a beautiful and intriguing woman. That there is unlimited potential for the two of us should we move forward together. And it needs to be in English. Any ideas? You know quite a few songs."

"Well, let's see." Ruby starts singing some songs for Nanuet. He is very choosey commenting, "That's not quite right... not the feeling I want to get across... too sad... not sure about mentioning true love just yet... too difficult to sing that one..."

As Ruby exasperatedly sings the 21st song Nanuet reacts, "That's it! That's the one, it's perfect!" Ruby smiles and drinks another glass of whiskey. "Thank Aphrodite; I don't know how many more songs I know!" She laughs at her own joke, "Nanuet, I love to see this change that has come over you. Even your eyes are smiling when you talk about her."

Nanuet is smiling, humming the tune to the song when Ruby mentions seeing changes in him. "Is it that obvious? Perhaps she already knows my intentions then? Regardless I want to do this. I want to make it known. I am sure you need a break. Perhaps now that we have picked the song you can actually teach me to sing it next time."

“It’s obvious to me, maybe not as obvious to her. This will prove to her that your intentions are strong and true and that you will make a worthy partner.” Ruby sits. “If you give me a few minutes I can start teaching it to you. When will you sing it? And I think you should take her on a real date, girls like that, you know? A nice restaurant for a change where you both can get dressed up and enjoy.”

"Well I planned on serenading her with the song, like I have heard about in stories. I was hoping to awaken her by making a noise outside her window and then singing from the street below. That seemed appropriate to me." Nanuet pauses then fiddles with his braid for a minute. "A nice restaurant huh? Where around here is a nice restaurant, to me anywhere they cook your food is nice! Other problem is that I don't have much money right now, but with the addition being put on the Lady I figured I would be making a bit when that starts. Sure, we can start now if you like, I guess I will be the one doing the singing now anyways, so you can rest your voice."

"The Promise City Hotel is the nicest restaurant in town. I am SURE Minerva would like to get dressed up and have you take her there." Ruby pauses in thought. "Yes, we will need you now with the addition and also more guard duty at night as Chester is busy with his new job. Perhaps it's time we ask Jake about a bonus for you..." Ruby smiles knowingly while tapping her lips. "Ok, let's hear you sing."

"Ok, here goes nothing..." ... So forget about your yesterdays of sorrow
And forget about the darkness you have seen, For there's only you and me at the edge of an endless sea, And remember that the only time is now .”

Nanuet’s voice is passable, to anyone listening it would have been a routine performance, not spectacular but not painful to the ears either. Ruby claps her hands. “Nanuet that was great! She’s sure to love it. You just have to keep practicing a bit. When will you do this, soon?”

"Well then I should go see if they have any tables available for this evening. Then perhaps after I escort her home I shall present my song to her. Thanks so much for all your help Miss Ruby. Jake sure is a lucky guy. The two of you are great friends."

Ruby gives Nanuet a warm genuine smile. “Thanks Nanuet, you can have my help anytime.” She kisses him on the cheek. “Tonight will be perfect, she’ll love it. Oh and don’t forget to wear something nice, maybe borrow a suit from Jake?” Ruby heads to the closet and pulls out Jake’ gray suit. “Try this, it should fit. And flowers, girls love flowers. We love chocolate too,” Ruby giggles. “Just be yourself, try that. She’s sure to adore you if you be yourself.”

Nanuet forces his mind back into the present. He looks up at the moon smiling down upon him and then at the woman doing the same. He gives her a smile and then begins to sing:

Oh I know there is no place you can go to
And I know you don't know anyone at all
So come walking in the sun with me my little one
And remember that the only time is now

Well strange is the story your eyes tell me
And quiet all the few words that you say
So come and hold my hand for you see I'd understand
And remember that the only time is now

Oh I come to you a ragged laughing stranger
And you come to me an angel of the night
So I'll dance and we will sing, for it doesn't mean a thing
To remember that the only time is now

So forget about your yesterdays of sorrow
And forget about the darkness you have seen
For there's only you and me at the edge of an endless sea
And remember that the only time is now

Minerva sits on the window seat in the moonlight, tears streaming down her cheeks as she is entranced by the bitter sweet words. Nanuet's rich baratone voice washes away the sadness of the song, bringing comfort and joy to the words. "How does he know my heart so well? How can that be? We have only just met?" and yet she can see that he knows the truth of them as his eyes smile up at her in mutual understanding.

When the serenade is over Minerva is unable to speak, not trust herself to say the right words she disappears from the window, but quickly returns and places the flute to her full red lips. She sits, smiling down at him, with tears of happiness in her eyes while she softly plays the haunting melody back to him.

Nanuet smiles as the sounds of the flute meet his ears. He waits, staring up at the Spanish beauty seated in the windowsill above him the moonlight washing over her figure. When she finishes he blows a kiss to her and says "I will miss you until tomorrow. Sleep well Minerva."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 150, “The Palace and the Gay Lady”, Thursday, March 23rd , 1882, 10:30 P.M.:

Chester follows the man east and then north, stopping in front of the Palace Saloon. They enter the building and Deacon McCoy begins to ask Chester for his gun until he notices the badge. "Ah, the lawman who knows how to shoot he comments." The tall man gestures to a door and says "The Boss is waiting for you in there." Chester nods to McCoy. He opens the door and enters. "Evening, Mr. Adair. What's this about?"

Adair replies, "It's about you Mr. Martin. Today our Association voted to keep you on for the next three months. I want to know a little about the man who I just hired to protect me and my business. You can begin by telling me who you work for - the Merchant's Association, Mr. Berg or Mr. Cook. Next I would like to know what your opinion is about having to work alongside a woman and a stinking elf. Lastly, I would like to hear more about your military background."

He replies firmly, "I work for the Merchant's Association. Mr. Berg is now my direct superior, though. Any orders would have to go through him. If you're going to call Deputy Rodriguez a 'stinking elf,' I have nothing further to say to you." Chester pivots on his heel. Adair says nothing as Chester moves to walk away. Neither McCoy or Flannigan make any attempt to stop him. One of the working girls at the Palace does make eye contact with Chester on his way out, and he reads a combination of both fear and pity in her gaze.

He gives her a look that says, I know what I'm doing. Once he leaves the Palace, though, he shudders. I hope I did the right thing. maybe Adair and Ringo will try to kill me and get each other instead.

Looking around, he walks back to the Lucky Lady. He sees Ruby and Kate on the front porch. "Good evening ladies. Where are you two going?" Kate breathed out a sigh of relief as they walked out and she saw Chester coming back out of the Palace. Ruby replies, "Good to see you return, Katherine here was worried about you! We're going to the Gay Lady to see my friend Madge."

Kate says, "I was worried. Adair doesn't seem to have many qualms when it comes to getting what he wants. We're all meeting tomorrow again, you'll let us all know if it was anything serious?" Kate went with Ruby with a lighter heart than a few moments before. "I'm ready, dear. Let's go." As they walk over to the Gay Lady Ruby pushes the thoughts of Jake out of her mind. She was determined to have fun tonight, without Mr. Cook.

On the subject of Mr. Cook, he has just asked the reason for Helen Barker’s interest in the Deputy position. Niles Hoover replies, "Well, according to Harry she wanted the Deputy Marshall's job for three reasons, absolutely none of which have anything to do with law enforcement in this town. Her main reason was what she said to us at the meeting, she wants to play poker at your table again Job. But she's superstitious, won't play without her loaded colt strapped to her boot. So with a badge she won't have to check it.

Her second reason was to promote woman's rights, wanting them to be included in the vote if the town decides to incorporate. Her final reason is that she wants to be able to shoot Johnny Ringo dead. She took his comment last weekend that forced her to disarm very personally and wants revenge. With the badge there won't be repercussions for that. Can you imagine that, her wanting to actually get into a gunfight with a killer like him just because he embarrassed her!"

Jake just shakes his head. "You are right, she is muy loco." Jake downs a second shot of tequila. "She and Ruby are also having quite an argument at the moment too. All of this can only lead to trouble." As he is pouring a third shot Jake adds, "Of course we can't have too many people trying to kill Ringo." Or too many people wanting to play at my table either," Job laughs.

Hoover says, "Yeah, come to think of it, is it really a bad thing to have somebody whose main goals in life are to give us their money and kill our known enemies?" Jake raises his glass to Niles and Job. "That is why I like partnering with you gentlemen, your unique ability to find good in what to others appears like insanity." Jake gives them a wink and downs the tequila with a shudder. Niles and Job both decide that they prefer whiskey instead and grab a bottle.

Chester sits back down next to Clarisse. "Can I have a double whiskey? Thanks." She asks, "Chester. What's wrong?" He replies, "Nothing. Just wondering if I did the smart thing." She says, "I'm sure you did the right thing. That's one of the things I admire about you." He answers,
"Oh? What else is there?" They talk for another hour until it gets late and for him to walk her home.

Ruby takes Kate’s hand as they enter the bustling saloon known as the Gay Lady Dance Hall and Saloon. Madge Duprey was up on stage and Ruby caught her gaze and she nodded in return. She leads them to the crowded bar where no space is available. A couple of men move out of the way so they can get closer and Ruby gives them a dazzling smile, “Thanks, boys.” She turns back to Kate, “Now, what can I get you?” she yells over the music.

"Wine if they have it," she yelled back. "Is it always like this in here?" “Yes!” Ruby responds with a laugh. She orders Kate’s wine and herself some whiskey. The drinks arrive quickly, the bartender recognizing Ruby. Ruby hands Kate her wine and hold up her whiskey, “To always being friends,” Ruby toasts, clinks her glass on Kate’s and drinks it down quickly.

Kate took a healthy swallow of the wine and toasted, finishing it off with a hug. "So what do we do? The only other time I did anything like this was our visit to the Palace, and that didn't go so well," she laughed. Kate’s thoughts are interrupted by a voice from the stage.

Madge states, “Now normally I’m done for the night, but I’m going to sing one last song and I’d like to invite my friend Miss Ruby West up to the stage to sing it with me.” Ruby tries to shake her head no, but a couple of hands are already pushing her up to the stage. She feigns being embarrassed but heads up. The men in the crowd start cheering, and leering, and there are some crude comments called out. Ruby grins at the attention and smiles, “Now, now, you have many fine and beautiful woman here who are more than willing to dance for you, you’ll have to make do with my vocal talents tonight.” There are some groans from the crowd but Ruby just laughs. Then Madge and Ruby launch into the song, taking turns singing different parts as if they had practiced it a million times.

Oh hard is my fortune and hard is my fate,
Controlled by my mother so early and late,
And when I get married just to end all the strife,
Controlled by a man for the rest of my life.

O, young men go a-courting' they dress up so fine,
They cheat the girls up, that is all their design;
They'll titter, they'll tatter,
They'll laugh and they'll lie,
They'll cheat the girls up till they're ready to die.

When young men go a-courtin' they stay up all night,
Get out in the mornin' and look like a fright;
They saddle their horses, they rock and they reel,
Dag-gone them old girls, how sleepy I do feel!

O, bachelor's hall it is bound to be best,
Get drunk or stay sober, lay down take your rest,
No woman to scold you, no children to bawl,
So happy is the man that keeps bachelor's hall.

*The Bachelor’s Hall by Lesley Nelson-Burns

Ruby and Madge curtsey to the thundering applause, and once it dies down a bit Ruby makes her way back to Kate. “Oh that was fun!” She motions for another whiskey. “So, what do you want to do tonight? I see a few men giving you glances Katherine Kale. Or would you rather keep this a true girl’s night out? We can drink and dance or just talk.”

Kate blushed and said, "Are you sure they aren't just looking at you, Ruby? I think.... I think I might like to dance, and then talk. But not so much with the drinking, at least for me."

“I’m sure Kate they are looking at you. Why do you never think men look at you? You’re a pretty girl. And look at all the dirty mining town women around here,” Ruby laughs. “Alright, let’s dance then.” She takes Kate’s hand and they head out to the dance floor.

It isn't long after they go out to dance that some men ask to cut in and they go off with different respective partners. Kate was surprised to find that some of them indeed seemed to watch her rather than Ruby or Madge. An hour later Kate sat back down exhausted, followed shortly by Ruby. "How was your time in Tombstone? I know you were looking forward to getting away."

Ruby smiles at Kate, although she now looks a bit distracted. “It’s was wonderful actually.” Ruby starts telling Kate about Tombstone but her mind was on Jake and how she wished he was the one dancing with her instead of some drooling strange men. She tells her about the show and all the romance that they shared. She left out the picnic, feeling that moment was too special and magical to share just yet. Out of the corner of her eye she sees another man about to approach her. “Kate, why don’t we go back to your room? It’s getting late and we will be more comfortable there.”

"If you like," Kate said, pushing away her only half drunken glass of wine. She and Ruby made the short walk back the El Parador and up to her room. Ginnie wasn't there yet. Kate would have to go get her after they finished their talk.

Back at the Lucky Lady, Niles and Job continue to sit and drink with Jake until the last patrons decide to leave. The Lucky Lady is then locked up for the night. Harry and Niles head off back to their rooms at the Double Eagle Boarding House. Chester walks Maria back to her room at the El Parador. Jeff heads upstairs to his room. Job bids Jake goodnight before leaving to head back to his house.

Kate could tell Ruby was becoming quickly distracted as they enter her room. “Anything you want to talk about?” she asks. Ruby smiles at her friend. Kate could always tell when something was up.

Ruby begins by telling Kate about her dream she had in Tombstone about the goddess Aphrodite. How Minerva told her it wasn’t a dream but a trip to the Veil of Dreams where Aphrodite herself came to Ruby to implore her to become a believer. And if she did she would have the love that she desperately longed for. “And I wouldn’t have believed it if not for this,” she holds out her hand, palm up, the wound still looking fresh, “And the rose. The one I brought to that ceremony. It’s the one from my dream; I woke up with it in my hand.”

"I can hardly believe myself that you believe it. Just a few days ago you were quite firmly stating your disbelief in the gods," Kate said. Ruby sighs. “I know. But honestly, it’s not that I didn’t believe in them, I just…You know I’ve had some… troubles and I just couldn’t understand why the gods would abandon me like that. I was only a child! What could I have done?” Ruby has a sad look in her eyes but before long it vanishes. “But I guess now they want me to know something different. There is something else on my mind too.”

“One of the things about Eastman, something you don’t know but something I told Jake recently… A very long time ago, when I was younger, I was always surrounded by people being fake, especially boys who thought if they kissed up to me they might one day share in the…” Ruby stops speaking, realizing that Kate didn’t know about her background and where she came from. “Well, let’s just say they thought they would get something from me. So one day, there were some boys over, so to tease them I took off one of my rings and threw it in the lake. I declared that whoever found it, I would marry. Well, they all dived in and tried to find it, including George.” Ruby laughs, "No one ever found it."

“Now I know you think I’m crazy for telling you this but there is a reason. I had a dream last night, this time it was a real dream, not one I woke up with any injuries. Actually when I woke I felt happy and content and maybe even excited. Which is strange, given the dream.” She proceeds to tell Kate the same dream she told Jake that very morning, about her and Jake being all dressed up and being so happy surrounded by friends, the people they considered their family and the contentment and love Ruby felt with Jake.

“Well, I sort of lied to Jake a tiny bit. Not exactly lied just left some parts out.” She looks up at Kate, “Ok, I lied. The mansion wasn’t a mansion, it was here in Promise City, the new church that has yet to be finished I’m guessing. And the tree with the pink flowers was in the grove, the one where Nanuet stays sometimes. And... the biggest part I left out… that ring I told you about? The one that no one ever found? It was on my finger. And I realized that the C didn’t stand for Constance like it did when I was young, but for Cooke.” She looks away from Kate with a far off look in her eyes. “And Jake was wearing one too. We were married! It was our wedding.”

She looks back to Kate. “Yes, that idea scares the hell out of me. How could I wake up feeling so happy? I don’t want to get married! At least I don’t think I do… argghhh!” Ruby lets out a huge frustrated breath before collapsing on the bed. “Is that what the goddess is asking of me? Or is she saying that's my punishment if I don’t do what she wants?” Ruby realizes the stupidity of that comment and she finally laughs. “I’m scared Kate. I’d do anything for Jake, including that. I don’t like this whole goddess running my life bit. But I believe it and have to give it a chance for things to be different. I mean, they are different but I want them to stay this way or perhaps even be…better.” She looks up at the ceiling, “Now you can tell me how crazy I am.”

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think you're crazy. You have always had love, Ruby. At least since you come to Promise City, but you pushed it away from you even as you tried to accept it. Venus left you evidence of her presence. And her very existence is evidence of the truth of love. By accepting her, you accept that love is a real thing. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?”

Ruby nods, “Yes, she told me the same thing. I only pushed it away because I didn’t, I mean, I don’t want to get hurt, get my heartbroken.” ”I wouldn't focus too much on the marriage part of your dream. I would say it represents the closeness you want. You want Jake to be the one the can overcome the challenges that come with courting Ruby West, and you want the surety that married people feel, even if you don't want to actually be married. If you want to please Venus, give love and accept it. I am no priestess, but I think that will be enough.

I'm confused too. I told you a few days ago about Storm and Tom, and that Diana had a hand in it. I know you thought I was crazy then, maybe you don't think so now. I hope not, anyway. I always thought the gods were uncaring, capricious, self-obsessed, jealous; beings I would not want to place my fate in the hands of. That opinion is not entirely changed, but I have seen some evidence the last few days that.... So far it seems Venus and Diana want to bring us happiness. Giving up some control seems to be the price. It can be a difficult price to pay."

Ruby is quiet, carefully thinking over what Kate said. “You are right; I can’t imagine Jake ever loving me SO much that he would give up all others. Not only that but be so willing to want everyone to know it too. I mean, it’s a hard thing for me to imagine, but like I said, I would do it for him.” Ruby blushes, “I guess I wouldn’t mind everyone knowing that we are together. It used to be such a nauseating thought to me, to be controlled by a man.” Ruby shakes her head back and forth. “But now I can see with the right man, it doesn’t have to be that way…” her voice trails off.

She sighs and rubs her eyes. “I wanted to come out tonight to see if I could be my old self, the one who takes care of herself and, while I care for Jake, realize that my every minute can’t be about him. Obviously I’m not doing that well,” she laughs. “And you know what? I’m starting to think I don’t care. I don’t know exactly what the goddess wants from me, but if I can figure it out I’ll do it. She wants me to honor her and love her. Maybe it IS as simple as giving love.” Ruby laughs again, “I spent the morning counseling Minerva and Nanuet about love. Jake says it’s my new calling.” Ruby is quiet for a few moments before pushing her hair off her face, “I am confident now that Aphrodite will do what she said she would. That I will honor her and in return I will have love. And especially after tonight I am very confident my feelings are true Jake and I are really and truly meant to be together. He just needs to figure it out too. And he will. I’ll give him all the time he needs.”

She looks at Kate again and yawns, “But you’re right; I did think you were crazy. I’m still having problems with this whole thing. It’s not as if you can become a believer overnight. At least I’m closer to believing that Tom actually was here. But that’s a very large gift.” Ruby is quiet, obviously starting to get lost in her dreams and the things they’ve been talking about.

Kate leaned back with Ruby's head against her shoulder and stroked her hair. "Yes, it's a very large gift. But I chose a stone for Tom with her image on it, and you know those goddess are vain creatures," she laughed. "She may want more from me in the future, I don't know. With the right man," Kate said, going back to Ruby's concerns, "There is no control. He is a partner. Nanuet and Miss Florencia? Well, I can't say I didn't see it coming," she laughed.

“With the right man…” Ruby repeats back softly, then yawns. “Yes, I can see it.” She snaps out of her daydream. “Yes, the two of them were pretty obvious. I don’t think Sonoma is very happy. But that is a story for another day. Can I borrow a nightgown? I’m getting pretty tired.”
"I'm tired too. Hopefully one of my nightgowns will fit you," she laughed. The largest of them strained a bit across Ruby's chest, but it would do. "I have to go get Ginnie, then I'll be back."

“Alright.” Ruby stretches her long limbs across Kate’s bed and watches her leave to retrieve Ginnie. It felt so strange to not be in her own bed back at the Lucky Lady. Is this what it feels like to not be home? She wonders with another yawn. A few minutes later Kate returned with Ginnie. They both changed clothes and climbed into bed. She should make sure Ginnie got out tomorrow. Too much time with those books wasn't good for her. Kate made sure Ginnie was settled comfortably, then climbed into the crowded bed with Ruby and fell quickly to sleep.

Jake sits at the same table for some time, regretting the loss of company and the distraction. He has a few more tequilas and decides he better go upstairs before he cannot walk any more. He stands and learns that perhaps he cannot walk. It takes a while but he stumbles up the stairs only tripping seven or eight times. Finally in their room he looks at the empty bed for a while.

Deciding that it is getting hard to stand, he moves across the room to sit and pull off his boots. Instead Ruby's vanity finds it's way into his path and he sticks his hand into one of her cosmetics. He holds up his hand and wrinkles his nose at the mess. Impulsively he smears it on the mirror writing the letters 'Ruby I L' before stopping and wiping off the L and continuing "Miss You'. He then looks around for the stuffed chair and launches himself to it. He turns to sit, misses and lands on the floor. Jake contemplates getting back up and sitting in the chair but instead slumps over and falls asleep.

Ruby’s borrowed nightgown felt scratchy against her skin and tight, particularly across her bosom. It didn’t take long for Kate to fall asleep; Ruby heard her breathing slow and become more regular. Ruby tossed and turned, thinking over all they had discussed. What in Hades am I doing here? Why aren’t I where I really want to be?

With that thought Ruby rose quietly from the bed and exited the room. Kate will know where I went, she smiles to herself, Back where I belong. Silently Ruby exits the El Parador and walks back to the Lucky Lady. Barefoot and in the borrowed white gown the moon lights her way back home, glittering off her pale skin and deep red hair as she walks.

The Lucky Lady is also quiet. The puppies greet her enthusiastically at the door, but do not bark for their master. Ruby climbs the stairs with a smile on her face. Without a sound she opens the door and enters her room.

Before her she finds Jake sleeping, although on the floor instead of the bed. Immediately her nostrils are assaulted with the strong smell of liquor. She shakes her head and kneels next to him on the floor and watches him sleep. She looks over his face, really looks at it. His chin beard is neatly kept, his cheeks slightly flushed. She watches his naked chest rise and fall with his breathing, his light snoring now a soothing sound to her. She only briefly looks at his scar, the reminder of how close she was to loosing him. His thick brown wavy hair covers part of his face and Ruby moves to push the stray stands off his face. Her heart feels like it skips a beat as she imagines her future with him, so handsome and so right for her. She leans down and presses her lips against his. They were warm and inviting, even if she could still taste the tequila on them.

Jake doesn't wake with Ruby's kiss. Nor does he wakes when she tries to shake his shoulder. So instead she yanks the blanket off the bed and arranges it on the floor next to Jake. Ruby gently pulls off Jake's boots and pants. She slips out of the tight borrowed gown and lies on the blanket next to him. She reaches over and with a smile guides Jake over next to her onto the blanket. She covers them with the blanket, making it snug. His head finds its way onto her shoulder and she wraps her arms around him. It only takes a few blissful moments before Ruby is asleep.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 151, “Fencing Practice”, Thursday, March 23rd, 1882, 10:30 P.M.

Minerva catches Nanuets's kiss and presses it to her heart. She turns from window, with a dreamy look in her eyes as she imagines herself once again in in his strong arms. She wraps her arms around herself and dances slowly about the room while softly humming Nanuet’s song. She will always think of it as Nanuet’s song. Their song. She thinks giddily as she is once again swamped by these tender new feelings. She throws her arms out and spins, her skirt twirling around her, and laughs gleefully “Ruby, was right after all. I do feel WONDERFUL!"

After a time she calms down and regains some of her composure. "Who would have thought that I would find myself upon this path?" She musses in awe as she disrobes and stands before her gods, looking much like the young goddess she worships, as her innocent beauty is exposed to the moonlight. She gives thanks for this new beginning and a chance to love another ”I am no longer alone.” She sighs contentedly as sleep takes her.

Nanuet returns to the grove that night after serenading Minerva. Back to the spot where they kissed for the first time, back to the spot where they shared meaningful conversation. He stretched out upon the blanket that was still laid out upon the ground. He spent time mulling over the evenings events, knowing that he had made the right choice, knowing that the time was right. Eventually he began his reverie and then waited for the sun to rise on a new day. "To new beginnings."

Minerva has two dreams that night, both of the gods. The first is of the Goddess Venus, embracing her and showering her with streams of multi-colored light. Several winged fairy creatures fly by her and Venus to give their blessings and two of the fairies have the faces of Nanuet and Ruby. Minerva lies peacefully, a ghost of a smile on her lips as moon light streams across the bed.

The second dream begins with Venus who then passes Minerva off to the Charities, the daughters of Jupiter and Eurynome who are the attendants of Venus and the incarnations of Grace and Charm. They take a long walk through green mountains looking at the various animals and plants. They then come upon a barren land, where all the trees are withered and dead and animal carcasses lie decomposing on the land. When Minerva turns to the Charities they are gone, replaced by two other deities - Discordia, the Goddess of Discord and Strife and beside her Furiae, the punisher of the unfaithful. She begins to toss and turn and mutter in her sleep.

She then hears laughing and standing before her are two beings. The one that is laughing is Mars, the God of War. Standing beside him is the man known as Johnny Ringo. Minerva awakens, covered in sweat. She leaps out of bed, a wild panic in her eyes and holds herself against the terror of the dark summoning "Diablo, What can it mean?!" "Johnny Ringo and Mars? Goddess Minerva, Father Jupiter, Protect us!" she prays. The sun is just coming over the horizon.

Minerva paces back and forth trying to get the dream straight in her head and figure out it's meaning. It is barely past dawn when she dresses and returns to the grove in search of Nanuet. She finds him sitting on the blanket that they had shared the night before and rushes over and tells him about the terrible warning.

She tells him that she saw the goddess Discordia and Furiae and "The land was barren and desolate, strewn with decomposing animal carcasses and Mar's stood their laughing and Johnny Ringo was at his side with that smug look on his face! I do not think that we can avoid this confrontation. Something bad is going to happen and it's going to happen soon! " she says the fear still evident in her eyes. "

"Well then we best do what we can to be prepared for it." Nanuet says smiling and wrapping his arms around Minerva to comfort her. He gently rocks back and forth as he talks. "We are going to meet up with everyone later today, we will share that dream with them along with anything else we know. Our wisdom will guide us, our strength will help us accomplish the tasks we set before ourselves. We are in a war Minerva, make no mistake. It is up to us to determine who enjoys the victor's spoils."

Once Minerva is in Nanuet's arms the logic and confidence of his words causes her panic to recede and she is able to think clearly. "I am not afraid to stand and fight, and even relish the opportunity to eliminate evil from this earth. Johnny Ringo is an evil man, very much like the wizards who killed Papa. I will not allow him to harm those that I love and look forward to his demise." She says with a hard look in her eyes. "But my dream tells me that Mar's has decided to satisfy his hunger for savage violence and bloodshed by taking sides with him. this will make him a formidable enemy." She shudders in Nanuet's arms."

"But we are extremely fortunate that the Goddesses Venus and Minerva favor us for they have no sympathy for Mars and his senseless brutality or one as evil as Ringo. Minerva puts her arms around Nanuet's neck and smiles confidently. " I am confident that Minerva will not let us come to harm. She will show us the way to win this war. Did you know that she was not birthed like other gods? She leaped forth from her father, Jupiter's, head already wise and mature and fully armed for battle. All successful Captains pray to her before they go into battle for they know that she is the wisest of all the gods when it comes to tactics of war."

"Well it is still much too early to seek out the others. What shall we do to pass the time? She smiles up at him with a mischievous grin and with an inviting look in her eyes she tries out the kissing instructions that Ruby gave her.

Nanuet watches Minerva as she looks into his eyes batting her eyelashes and leaning in. Her eyes close as she leans in and parts her lips ever so slightly. Nanuet feels his knees weaken as he falls prey to Minerva's charms. He cocks his neck and leans the rest of the way until he feels the press of her warm, full lips against his. His arms wrap tighter around the raven haired beauty and he holds her embraced in a passionate kiss until his breath is spent.

As Nanuet leans in for the kiss nerves begin to dance over Minerva's skin and quickly race a path to her belly. As her blood begins to sizzle she raises her hand to his shoulder in dazed defense but on a small moan finds herself clinging tighter and responding with equal fervor as he devastates her mouth. When he finally releases her, her hands slide limply to her sides as her heart continues pounding in her throat, blocking any coherent words from escaping. She looks at him with dreamy eyes and says "Well" and with great enthusiasm repeats the experiment.

The two sit and pass the time, kissing and talking and kissing some more.. Minerva tells him about her first dream and how two of the fairies had his and Ruby's faces. "I believe that Venus has given us her blessing and is pleased with all of us."

He says, "Faeries with the faces of your friends? Sounds like a good omen to me, although I know little of faeries and Roman goddesses. I have much to learn on that subject. Speaking of much to learn, I have the need to travel to visit a friend soon. I won't be gone long, but I will most likely be leaving tomorrow unless anything else comes up. I will probably only be gone for the day and I just wanted to make you aware. I know you have your festival to work on and I would like to make the journey alone." Nanuet pauses there trying to read her expression.

Minerva takes his hand but does not pry into his reasons for leaving. "It is probably wise for you to disappear for a day or so since the Cowboy gang thinks that you are traveling with a wagon full of Ringo's books. If you must go promise me you will be very careful. I could not bear to lose you." She says and wraps her arms around him.

Nanuet returns the embrace, then slowly separates himself from Minerva, just enough so he can see her face. "I will promise you that I will be careful. It has just been some time since I have seen my mentor, the one who has given me this necklace, the shaman who has opened my heart and mind to the powers of healing and other magics. I will not be traveling alone, for he also befriended me to Maska and she will accompany me." The embrace resumes and for several moments no words are spoken. Then Nanuet says in a soft voice "And I could not bear to be lost to you either."

After discussing the plans for the next few days Nanuet tells Minerva that he should get some work done. He reminds her that they were supposed to meet with their friends to share knowledge and make plans for the immediate future. “I will see you later today. "Minerva replies and kisses him one last time before she goes back to the Comstock house." He leaves the grove and heads to the Lucky Lady where he goes about his usual chores. He takes some time out to play with the puppies, training them a bit more.

Chester wakes up early Friday morning. He cleans his pistols and replaces the bullets. While reloading, he drops a cartridge under the bed. Reaching for it, his hand brushes against the gun case holding the hand cannon. "I forgot about that. Better ask Jeff if he can help me out." He finds Jeff sweeping out the kitchen. "Hey, Jeff? Could you help me something in my room?" "OK, Chester. What's this about?" He replies, "Something that only you can do. Come upstairs."

In the room, Chester pulls out the case from under his bed. "This gun is damaged and I want to fix it." Jeff says, "Why don't you take it to the gunshop then?" Chester answers, "I did, but Pierre can't fix it. It was made by a man named Bailey. Now do you understand why I need your help?"

Jeff stiffens up. "Bailey you say. That could present a problem, you're talking three days ride each way. I don't mind going for you, but from what Niles said to me now doesn't seem like the best time for the Lucky Lady to be without its guards, especially with you now having other responsibilities. Plus Sheriff Colin Hunter always follows me whenever I leave town, if he sees me heading towards Mexico he'll alert the army at Fort Huachuca and they'd probably confiscate the gun if they caught me with it."

Chester replies, "So you know where he is? Pierre told me, but I didn't know where it was. I'm in no hurry to get this fixed. It's been like this for a couple months. I agree we need to fix the Cowboy thing first. As far as Hunter is concerned, I wonder how far he'd follow you. We could ride out separately, then I give you the gun outside of town."

He answers, "Depends on which way I go. If I head anywhere near the mountains he won't stop following me. Heck, he's even been following some of you guys when you've headed off into the mountains. That day that Booth and Katherine rode off on that fancy buggy he followed them. That man is nothing if not persistent."

In the morning Kate dressed in her soft grey skirt and blouse, leaving the jacket behind. She and Ginnie had a quick breakfast and then went upstairs to see Mr. Gonzales. It had made her heart hurt to see the happy look on his face last night replaced by that grim visage. Ruby had needed her last night, but this morning would be for her teacher. Ginnie went right to her work while Kate found Mr. Gonzales. She kissed his cheek affectionately and sat down across from him.

They exchanged a few pleasantries before Kate asked, "What did Jake tell you last night that upset you so?" "When doesn't that man sour my mood?" He sighs and states, "He told me all about the Cowboy Gang situation and his desire to thrust you all into this war against Ringo, then pressed me for details about Ringo's magic and how it works, which I frankly know nothing about. I regret that he ever found out that I was a wizard. Katherine, be careful around Cook, he is dangerous. Right now he is in the wrong frame of mind for this endeavor and I fear that he will get all of you killed."

Kate answers, "There can't be much he told you that you didn't already know. Jake can't thrust us into the war with Ringo, we were already involved. We've all avoided laying blame, but it could be said it's all my fault. Nanuet and I were the ones who wanted to go help the Cartwrights, I'm the one who wanted those books. I've made many mistakes, we all have.

Jake asked you about the magic because you know more than any of us. Where else was he to turn? I will take care, and make sure Jake is thinking clearly before we do anything. But we can't go on this way. Yesterday I bought furniture for my new homes, and I realized I didn't dare have it sent for fear the Cowboy's would see. I'm afraid of the Cowboys, but I'm more afraid of continuing to live like this."

Gonzales says, "Little bird, my precious little bird, I will not let harm come to you. But I cannot be with you always and I fear that Cook is too reckless. I have agreed to help to. You have used a scroll once, and with Ginnie's help I can make up several more with a spell on it that can temporarily counter Ringo's magic. She and I can start that this afternoon. But right now I have myself another appointment. Wait here while I change."

He heads off into his bedroom. When he returns he is wearing a white quilted cotton fencing uniform, holding a fencing foil and carrying a wire mask to use to cover his face. Kate smiled when he came out. "I'm not sure what kind of appointment calls for that kind of dress. Hopefully not one with your new lady friend," she teased.

"Oh no, I'm off for some exercise. I believe that you've met Mr. Schmidt. The errand in Chihuahua concerned his previous employer. As Mr. Schmidt came her unexpectedly and will not be returning to there he had me retrieve the possessions that he had left behind. I was pleasantly surprised to see fencing garb among it. He and I spoke about that last night. I learned how to fight with a sword shortly after the Spanish invaded this continent, but am currently several decades out of practice, so he has agreed to do some sparring with me. When I was back in Mexico yesterday I had another old friend obtain this uniform and foil for me. You're welcome to come along and watch if you would like."

She states, "I think I will. It would be nice to do something else for a while, as long as I'll be back by lunchtime. I have a kind of appointment myself, with someone who doesn't know we have an appointment." She shook her head clear. "I'm sorry, that is for later. Let's go."

They do not have far to travel, simply downstairs and out the back door. A 30x60 foot area has been marked off with wooden stakes and ropes west of the El Parador and Brown's Ice House and behind Gilson's Baths, Rixton's Furniture and the Comstock House. A line has been marked in the dirt down the center of the rectangle, dividing it into two 30x30 foot squares. All of the employees of both the El Parador and Brown's Ice House have gathered around to watch.

Manuel takes his place inside the ring near the line in one square with Hans on the opposite. Hannibal Brown announces that he will referee this match, with his son Max and daughter Liza acting as timekeepers.

This area behind the buildings remains shaded by the hills immediately south and east of it until mid-to-late morning and Brown announces that the match will last until the sun begins to shine down onto the roped off section. Each round will last for five-minutes followed by a five-minute break, for which he has provided a pitcher of ice water for each participant. The winner will be the one with the most successful jabs to the torso and in the event of a tie the winner will be the one who has managed to spend the least amount of time in his own square.

The match begins. It is rather stimulating to watch and Katherine notices that Manuel is in better physical shape than she had realized. Despite all of the loud noise coming from the stamping mill a quarter mile to the west, the distinct sounds of metal striking metal soon resonates through the town and a crowd begins to gather.

Katherine smiled as the area around the ring began to fill up. Surely some of the people had work they should be doing on a Friday morning. But how often did they have a chance to see a fencing match? Considering the draw, it might be a good thing to have at Miss Florencia's festival. She would have to remember to mention it. As the crowd grew larger Kate looked to see if anyone she knew was in it.

Kate notices that Judge Isby and his assistant Kevin Tomlinson soon arrive to watch. The first round ends and Gonzales happily gets himself a drink of the ice water. "Ah, if only I was six-centuries old again. Then I would really give him a run for his money. Pedro says, "You're not doing so badly, you've each scored two hits on the other." Manuel says, "Yes, but he's been going easy on me."

Hans Schmidt does as well, but he is not perspiring to the extent that Manuel is. He has far fewer friends in his corner, basically just Joseppi Franjoluppi, Angelica Young and her young son Mark. The next round begins. Manuel taking it slow and Hans as well. Kate hears a familiar voice say "Hello" and she turns to see Conrad Booth now standing beside her, a wide grin on his face.

Good morning," Kate said smiling back at him while suddenly unsure of what to do with her hands. "It's rather early for you, isn't it? Conrad says, "Yes, but I heard this going on outside. Manuel against that new German guy, Schmidt wasn't it?" Conrad turns to watch the match, commenting "Nice advance....ah, good attack-au for from Schmidt....Manuel is a bit slow on the coup lance....oh, good feint by Schmidt" Manuel then makes an aggressive attack immediately after a parry of Schmidt's attack and strikes Han's chest. "Great riposte!" Conrad exclaims.

Kate turned from watching the match to looking at Conrad. "Trees, plants, cards, Spanish, Singing, and now fencing. Perhaps it would be easier for you to give me a list of the things you don't know about." She applauded the hit with the rest of the crowd. "Exciting, isn't it?" Conrad says, "Kate, you forget that I grew up in the theater. Fencing is one of the skills that all of the actors have to learn for the Shakespearian plays. I learned to fence before I learned to read."

The round ends and the participants head back for some more water. Manuel looks very tired and Schmidt is beginning to as well. Conrad jokes "I would offer to take his place except that I haven't the proper attire. I'll have to stop by Mary and Kevin Kelly's shop today and have them make me a proper uniform." "You're thinking of challenging these gentlemen then? That might be interesting to watch. Of course, you could always wear it to the costume dance being planned for Miss Florencia's festival. It looks tiring, but fun. I'd almost like to learn myself. Mr. Gonzales looks tired, I hope he's not overdoing it."

The third round totally belongs to Hans, who scores twelve hits to Gonzales's one. When the round ends Gonzales removes the mask and says, "That's all I've got." "Then maybe I can step in for you?" Tomlinson suggests. Gonzales hands him the foil and mask and says, "Be my guest."
Kate tells her teacher, "I'm impressed. That was excellent, especially for a man of many centuries," she teased. "Age is a state of mind, and yours is still young." He replies, “Thank you my little bird but I do not feel so young at the moment.”

Tomlinson removes his suit jacket and tie, still keeping on his dress shirt, handing them to Judge Isby. He then removes his cuff links and rolls up his shirt sleeves. The next round begins. It starts out slow, with the two combatants each measuring the other's talents. A large number of parries follow and it appears that both are focused on defense rather than offense. The round ends with a tie score of zero to zero.

Kate watched as Judge Isby's new assistant gave Hans a run for his money. "It seems you don't need the proper attire," she said to Conrad. He replies, “He may not but I do. One must always look one's best when in the public eye.” Kate says, "I'm no expert, but it seems they were just testing each other. He's quite good, isn't he?" Conrad replies, “The tall one is extremely good, I think we'll find out exactly how well in the next round.”

Just before the beginning of the next round Kate leaned over to her teacher. "It seems there are quite a few partners for you in town. A little practice would get your stamina back up again. People seem to enjoy watching it, you might like to suggest to Miss Florencia a small competition as part of her festival. I'm sure she'd appreciate your interest."

The next round goes quickly, with Tomlinson winning five to two. Not long after they end the sun crests over the top of the hill and shines down onto the field of play. Brown declares the fencing over for the day. Tomlinson and Schmidt both agree to meet back there at 9:00 AM the following day and invite Manuel as well. He laughs and says, "I'll let you two tire each other out first, then I'll play the loser."

Following the fencing competition Dorita invites all three competitors back to the El Parador for some brunch, saying that they must have worked up an appetite. Once near the Cantina both Angelica and Pepita fawn and swarm over Manuel as though he were a conquering hero. Kate notes that he is now happy again, as he had been the night before when he arrived at the Lucky Lady. Kate notes that he is now happy again, as he had been the night before when he arrived at the Lucky Lady. She pursed her lips slightly, watching the girls fawn over the elderly elf. "Overdoing it a bit, aren't they?" she said to no on in particular. Still, she was glad to see the smile returned to his face.

Angelica Young has followed the crowd and she is now busy interviewing both Schmidt and Tomlinson about their backgrounds. Kate catches Kevin Tomlinson saying something about having been on the fencing team at Oxford. Kate stored away that bit of information, hoping she might be introduced someday soon. Someone with an Oxford education might have some advice or skills to help with the school.

The crowd begins to break up. Booth tells Kate "I was only kidding earlier, but if this will be part of the festival I think that I actually will stop by the Kelly's and see about a uniform." Kate says, "I can't guarantee it, but Miss Florencia wanted competition, and this seemed to be quite popular. I can't see any reason why she would refuse."

Kate was quiet for a moment as they turned and headed back toward the El Parador. "Why don't you get yourself some breakfast, and then I wonder if you wouldn't mind going for a short walk with me? Maybe across the way into the grove?" That would be fine. I could use a meal right about now.

Dorita has a full house as quite a few people who had been watching the fencing match have followed the participants inside. As such, Kate and Conrad have to wait for a while until she is able to take their brunch orders. But the time passes quickly as Estaban pulls out his guitar and Grant Keebler accompanies him on the fiddle. Kate notices for the first time that the piano is missing. It is around 11:30 AM when they finish the meal. "Let me go say goodbye to Mr. Gonzales and we can go. I'll be right back."

Kate went in search of her teacher and found him still surrounded by admirers. Vain thing. "I'm going for a little walk now, and then over to the Lucky Lady. I'll be back later. What happened to the piano?" Gonzales says, "It was Morgana's. Yesterday she had it moved down to her new home. Enjoy your walk. I'll be upstairs working with Ginnie when you return." Kate sighed softly. "I will miss playing it. I'll see you in a little while."

"If you're ready," Kate said as returned to Conrad. He took her arm and they went out the front door and toward the grove. They were quiet as they entered the canopy of trees, with it's dappled sunlight peeking through to the ground. After a time they reached a small clearing and Kate detached herself from his arm. "It's lovely here isn't it? So strange in the middle of town." She was quiet again for a moment. Now that the time was here it was much more difficult even than she had imagined. "There is something I want to tell you, away from prying eyes as well as ears." Conrad gives Kate a half smile. He stands beside her and looks at her silently with anticipation. He starts to fidget with his hands.

"I, ah...." She stopped and paced a bit. "I can't believe I'm telling you about this. In Boston a woman would never speak of such a thing, much less.... I know you accept that magic is real, and that things can happen that most would consider impossible. Something impossible has happened to me." Kate made herself stop pacing and face him. "It's a long story. There is some magic and some other things few would believe, but the long and short of it is... I... I'm going to have a baby."

Of all the things that Booth had possibly expected for Katherine to say, that wasn't one of them. He just stands there dumbfounded. He then blinks and says, "I.....oh.....magic you say...." He then balls up his fists and his face turns beat red with anger. "I'll kill him!" Conrad exclaims and turns around then takes two steps back towards the El Parador.

Kate ran around until she was in front of him and pushed her hand against his chest. "No! No, he had nothing to do with it. Please. Please listen." "Dirty old man, taking advantage of you, he'll get what he has coming!" Conrad exclaims. He moves quickly to the side to get around Kate and continues to march towards the El Parador, fists still balled up.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 152, “Picture Time”, Friday, March 24th 1882, 9:15 A.M.

Morning comes and unsurprisingly Ruby wakes first. She stays very still, watching Jake sleep, enjoying the moment. She turns her head towards the warm light coming through the window and she is surprised to see ‘Ruby I Miss You’ scrawled in Jake’s handwriting on her mirror. She leans her head forward and kisses Jake again. “I missed you too,” she says softly. “And I’m sorry.”

Jake groans and winces when he opens his eye's to tiny slits. "I learned an important lesson last night," Jake says slowly and seriously, "Drinking too much Tequila can leave you with a mean hangover." He moans a bit and then says with a bit of a surprise in his gravely voice, "You came back." Ruby runs her fingers through Jake's thick hair. "Did you really think I wasn't going to?"

"A little part of me was worried, but that little part talked really loud." He covers his eyes with his arm and softly moans out, "Mierda." His voice is horse and he speaks slowly but he does continue. "I am glad you came back. I was acting foolish yesterday. I didn't buy into your poor excuse for not coming back, but was afraid to ask why. I don't much care if you need a girls night out, or any other time for yourself. You aren't a prisoner here. I just let my imagination run wild, seeing trouble in every little thing. I should have just said something."

“Jacob Cook, you are a silly man. You should have just said something.” Ruby tenderly kisses Jake again before continuing softly. “I didn’t mean to make you worry. I was the foolish one for thinking I belonged anywhere but here, with you. Listen, you know I had that dream and I’ve been trying to figure things out for myself. I didn’t want to scare you with some of the thoughts I’ve been having. I thought if I was away from you then maybe I could think straight.”

He tries to sit up but his pounding head protests. "Ugh. I don't think I am ready to think straight yet. I need some water, and then I need some whiskey." Ruby nurses Jake for a little while with an amused look on her face. "After poker was done, Job and Niles came over and told me how bad I played." Jake makes another grimace. "They kept me company for a while. After that it was just me and the tequila. I don't remember coming to bed, well to the floor." Jake settles himself into the stuffed chair and motions Ruby to come sit on his lap.

"Job and Niles also told me about Mrs. Barker's motivations for wanting to be deputy. She is superstitious about playing without her lucky pistol, wants to influence the town ordinances on women voting, and wants to kill Johnny Ringo for embarrassing her at the table. They think she is crazy, and they are probably right." Ruby takes in a sharp breath to speak and Jake puts a finger to her lips. "I'm not ready for you to be that loud. You can have your turn later."

She starts to protest but Jake keeps talking, "Yesterday you wanted to know what is troubling me? I have decided I need to hunt down Johnny Ringo and kill him. I don't just mean kill him if we get a chance, and I don't mean that I am going to be all loco and ride out of here like the cavalry either. I do mean to take apart his gang and kill him. Do it slowly, methodically and mercilessly. I don't want to wait for him to come at us again, I want to put an end to this. We do it on our terms. It is time for him to be afraid."

Ruby slips into Jake’s shirt and slides onto his lap, her arms wrapped around one side of his neck, leaving his other hand free for his whiskey. She bends her knees and rests her feet on the arm rest. She is quiet rubbing her fingers across her lips as she thinks over his declaration of intentions. Ruby adds, “As for Helen, well, she is insane that’s no secret. And there are plenty of saloons around that will allow her to keep her gun on while playing cards so I’m sure she’ll find somewhere to be happy.”

“And the books,” she says simply. “We bring Ringo to us, use the books as bait. I figured when we talked about it yesterday that is what we would do.” Ruby looks out the window momentarily. “I can understand why thinking about Ringo would make you play badly but to get drunk over him? That's not like you.” "I won't stand for him threatening the people I care about any more. I also won't run this time." Jake swallows hard before he says, "Nanuet told me he and the others see me as the leader of out little troop. Tribe he called us." Jake snorts after he says that. "I'm not accustomed to making decisions for others, I don't like how it feels. I also knew when I decided to go after Ringo to keep you and the others safe that none of you would let me do this alone. So to keep us all safe I need to put us all in harms way. I just didn't like the way it made me feel."

"Our fearless leader," Ruby smiles before turning serious. She puts a couple of fingers under Jake's chin and persistently turns his face to hers. "We're already in harm's way, you didn't put us here. You're only trying to figure out a way to get us out of this trouble. And yes, I... I mean... we would follow you where ever you go and whatever you do. No matter what that means in the end."

Ruby releases her grip on Jake's chin. "You're right it has to end, if we're to stay here we can't continue like this, always looking over our shoulder, afraid to walk down the street. Someone like Kate, like Minerva, they need to be able to live their lives." Ruby again looks away from Jake and to the window, "They might want husbands, families one day... you or I might not always be around to look after them, we can't leave them with danger like this."

"I know you didn't mean it that way, but every time I wrestle down the panic feeling I get about you running off you mention leaving." He grabs the end of her hair and pulls her down to him. She is off balance and they bump heads. "Ow." Jake shuts his eyes hard. "Fine, that was stupid. I'm not even smart enough to swear off drinking after feeling like this. I know I'd be lying anyway." He turns his head towards her and says, "Kiss me before I hurt myself again."

“Leaving’s always been my way Jake.” A dark look crosses Ruby’s eyes. “I didn’t mean leaving, I meant if you or I or both of us don’t return from one of these little outings that have been becoming more frequent. Our luck can’t hold out forever can it? I don’t have any false illusions.”
"Yes, we are leavers. Familiar habits die hard." Jake frowns. "What a poor companion I am becoming, generating all these morbid thoughts. Of course our luck can't hold out forever, we just need it to hold out a long time." He chuckles, "I need to help you build some false illusions."

Ruby smiles at Jake, although he can't tell if it's genuine or not. "You can try." "To live is the rarest thing in the world, Ruby West. Most people exist, that is all. We live." Jake sighs. "We have a lot of work to do. Berg, the books, the names Isby gave you, festival crap, get some night time security for the saloon all need working on. Oh, about Gonzalez." Jake tells Ruby all about his conversation with the old wizard.

Afterwards he is stroking his beard and Ruby says, "Spill it, what are you thinking about?" "The festival," he flashes his wicked smile, "I wonder if we could use festival planning as a cover to help find out information about Ringo's gang and those names in particular?"

Ruby shakes her head, her hair flying around her and the dark thoughts finally leaving her mind. “Yes, work, work, work. Blah.” Ruby shakes her head again. “We certainly have a lot to do. I don’t know what these ley lines are that you and Mr. Gonzales are talking about. He may have mentioned it but you know my memory isn’t the best. That or I wasn’t really paying attention in the first place,” she smiles. “I will try to speak to him. He’s going to come by the saloon on Saturday so I can try something new, something to keep the crowd in place. That’s something else we need to take care of,” Ruby rolls her eyes. “Of course using the festival is a good idea. But that might mean you actually getting involved with it,” she says innocently.

"And hey, you don't think that Grovesnor guy has anything to do with... no, it can't be the same family, can it?" He says, "I would doubt it. Besides I don't hold any grudge against them. It was my fathers doing." An evil smile crosses his face. "Well, who knows if it was the same family I might enjoy it." "You might, you naughty boy.." In a playful tone Ruby continues, “Now about this kiss you were referring to, you know, the one you asked for after you tried to knock me silly so I wouldn’t remember that my boyfriend is a lousy drunk…” she teases, “What’s in it for me?”

"Lousy! Hardly. Nanuet is a lousy drunk, that savage can hardly hold his liquor. I put an admirable dent in that bottle senorita, and that was after enjoying my nightly poker whiskey. I even found my way upstairs... somehow." Jake stretches, starting to feel better. “What’s in it for you?" Jake frowns again then suddenly flashes a crooked smile. "Consider it one of your daily offerings to the goddess?”

“Savage!” Ruby acts shocked, “How could you say that about our friend? He could kick your butt…now you’re going to have to bribe me so I don’t tell him you said that,” she giggles. “You’re going to try to use this goddess stuff on my all the time now, aren’t you? Huumm..” Ruby bites her lip and moves her face within inches of Jake’s. “I’m not sure I’m buying that Mr. Cook. Although I guess if I want to get what I want I’d better start paying up huh?” With that she leans in the rest of the way and kisses Jake passionately. “How’s that for my daily offering?” He states, "That was divine. How could the goddess not be pleased?"

Ruby smiles at Jake and kisses him again. “Now we’re going over to the El Parador for breakfast and you’re going to drink that foul wake up hang over concoction of Dorita’s so you will be fresh for the photograph you promised me... So it's time to get dressed. I'm going to wear my green dress, what are you going to wear?” She hops off Jake's lap and starts dressing.

"I'll be wearing that rank bile she calls a cure if any of it crosses my lips," He grouses. Jake tosses back the rest of his own cure and rises. "I'll wear the new black and silver vest." Though not as quickly as Ruby is moving, Jake washes up and dresses. Ruby shakes her head and adjusts the dark maroon scarf on his pale yellow silk shirt, straightens the black vest with silver diamonds and brushes the dark grey woolen herringbone pants with her hand. "Heh, I almost look conscious," he says and she only laughs.

Ruby looks Jake up and down. He was no worse for the night before, even if he did have a hangover. She wouldn't make him drink Dorita's tea, it was foul, no doubt, if he didn't need to. He looks quite handsome, she thinks, it'll be a good photograph so I can always remember how he looks right now. Ruby just stares at him and smiles.

"Alright, you look passable," she teases, "Let's go get our photograph taken then." Jake and Ruby grab some apples on their way out and eat them as they walk. "We'll eat afterwards," Ruby comments. Soon they arrive at Fly's Photography studio. “Hello Mr. Fly, we’re here for our photograph,” Ruby calls out. He greets them warmly and gets to work.

Mr. Fly goes about preparing to take their picture. Ruby watches him excitedly as he arranges the drapes and the backdrop just so. Fly pushes two stools next to each other and motions for them to sit. Ruby watches Jake sit uncomfortably on the stool and smiles. She strides towards him and bending forward, while keeping her eyes locked on his, she gently pushes his knees apart. Then she slides the other stool in between Jake’s legs and hops on. She pulls her long hair over her shoulder, exposing her slender neck to Jake. She leans back and rests her head on his shoulder. Jake doesn’t need to be told to wrap his arms around Ruby. “We’re ready,” she says to Fly, “Take a good one, it's going to last forever.”

Fly takes their photograph and says "Stay there, I'm going to take another." He goes about resetting all the machinery. Meanwhile Jake whispers something in Ruby's ear causing many smiles and giggles. The second photo is taken, with Jake and Ruby looking much more relaxed and like themselves.

After Fly is finished him and Ruby discuss when she should come back for her 'other' photos, the ones for the Lucky Lady and his advertising, and also the festival plans. They thank him and head out. "Thanks baby, it means a lot to me that you did that for me," Ruby says kissing his cheek. "Now let's eat at the Promise City Hotel for breakfast."

Jake agrees and they head over. As they walk Ruby takes Jake's hand. "So, are you going to tell me why you've been acting so nuts lately?" she asks glancing at him. Jake looks a little embarrassed but it passes quickly. "Yes," he says simply, "First we get some food started." They order breakfast and enjoy a few sips of coffee while waiting for it. "You see it’s very simple... in a complicated way. That's not a very good start is it?" Ruby gives Jake a confused look but says nothing.

"Now don't be getting mad at me for this first part, but even though my head knows you aren't going anywhere a little piece of my heart worries still. You said it yourself, leaving is your way and all you have known. I watched the expression on your face over the last couple of weeks, trying to decide to stay or run over and over again. Then I am just getting over the whole surprise visitor from Rochester nonsense when you show up wearing priestess robes after telling me the goddess has called to you. So you convince me there is nothing to that but then the next night you don't want to sleep in your own bed! I am trying, Ruby West, to believe every word you tell me. That little piece of my heart will quiet down when I stop seeing the ‘I need to run’ panic on your face every day. I'm here, you're here and most of me believes you. You'll have to settle for that for now."

“I’m not mad.” Ruby is quiet for a moment, twirling her hair on her finger. Finally she speaks up, “You’re right about all of that, I’ve been acting crazy too. All I can tell you is I’m really trying. And… I’m not going anywhere without you. That you can believe,” Ruby says placing her hand over his on the table. “The robes, no, I’m not becoming a priestess of Aphrodite. Minerva made me wear them for that ceremony to honor the goddess. I was so excited to come back and see you that I forgot to go back and get my clothes. But I can’t lie and tell you nothing came from that dream. There is a reason that she came to me and I can't deny that I hope what she said comes true.”

Jake looks like he is going to ask her a question but instead just nods. "Now leaving isn't just your way is it? I have been wrestling with selling everything, putting us on some horses and hightailing it out of here. Maybe I've seemed confident to you about staying put, but the thought of running for it has crossed my mind a few times..... each day. The thing is, I just can't bring myself to do it. What if there IS something special about us that is HERE? Plus we do have a business and friends. Not everyone in town is trying to kill us." Jake chuckles at that. "Damn It!, in the last few days I discovered I have been calling the saloon home. I looked in the mirror and saw the same face, but who in Hades had taken over my head? I began to wonder if I was loco for real, if I was truly making bad choices, stupid choices."

“I didn’t know you thought about leaving.” Ruby actually seems relieved at this comment. “I thought I was the only one who thought that way sometimes. Last night, not being in our bed, for the first time I actually felt like I missed being home. That I wasn’t where I should be. You know, there with you.” She smiles at Jake, “So I know what you mean.” She scrunches her nose at Jake and cocks her head, “But what do you mean making stupid choices?”

"That takes me to the last thing that has been making me loco, and the one that is most complicated." Jake stops speaking while their food is placed before them. He smiles and nods thanks. He starts again but more quietly. "If I am not going to run, neither I am just going to sit and be a target. I can't imagine that my friend Johnny is going to negotiate a peace, or realize he is outmatched and run away. So that only leaves the war. No matter how many of his soldiers we put in a grave, he will just hire more. That means to end the war, my friend needs to go to his reward. Now it wouldn't be the first time I helped someone find their reward, it is not something I talk about. Nor am I particularly troubled that I have done so. Those times were necessary and unexpected; I was usually given no real choice. Here I am making a choice and planning it. It feels, different." Jake shrugs and has a few bites of food while Melissa moves around the room.

He waits until she is back in the kitchen. "That is only a small part of it. I have taken plenty of risks and I will take plenty more I imagine. Those were my choice. Here I am making a choice that will bring more than me into danger. I know full well that you and the others will not let me do this alone. Not only that, but the Indian tells me I'm the blasted chief! So I make this decision not only for me, but for other lives I care about. I was having a little trouble with the irony of risking the lives I am trying to protect."

Ruby picks at her food as Jake talks, trying to take in and understand everything he is saying. “I don’t know how you feel,” she says slowly, “I’ve never had to make decisions for anyone but myself. So why don’t you offer everyone a choice? Tell them this is what you’re doing and make sure they understand what is at stake before they agree. And just know that when they do agree, you have to make smart decisions.” Ruby thinks over her last comment. “So what you are really saying is you’re scared of making the wrong choices, that for maybe the first time you’re not only thinking about what’s best for you.”

"Easy girl, don't give me too much credit." Jake frowns. "I dunno, maybe. Would you stay behind at the saloon if you didn't like the plan? Would you let me do it my way alone? Even if I asked you to let me go after him alone?" "No," she answers without hesitation, "But we both know that one, I'm just a stupid foolish girl and two, I'm crazy about you. Don't go where the other can't follow, right?" Ruby looks at Jake then looks away. "How can I save your butt if I'm not there?" she smiles.

"Indeed, how could you?" Jake laughs. "Like I said, like you said, I make the decision, others will follow. I'm also not buying the stupid foolish stuff. Besides all that, I am tired of being a meager companion."

"So is Silver Jake Cook a fool? Perhaps instead he is reckless and egotistical? I am neither. Gonzalez was right. So was Job. I already knew what they told me though. I already knew I just needed my confidence back. Turns out the answers are simple. Are you going to run again? Probably not, but if you do I'll just throw you in the mud again. Is the Lucky Lady my home? It is for now. If I stop liking it or Ringo blows it up, I'll make a new home. Should I be risking my closest friend’s lives? I know that the odds must be better for all of us to survive if we go after Ringo, Jake style, than if we just wait for him. Could I be wrong about some of those things? I could. I do believe, right here,” Jake taps his chest, "that those are the best odds I can come up with. We will make some mistakes for sure, but at the end of the night we will have won the pot. Sometimes the best time to figure out who you really are is when you are drunk out of your head." Jake smiles, looking confident with a twinkle in his eye. "How's your eggs?"

Ruby looks down at her cold eggs which she has been pushing around with her fork. Then she looks up at Jake and rising from her chair, she leans across the table, “That’s my baby,” she says before grabbing his face and planting a big kiss on his lips. “I think I’d better get drunk out of my head tonight,” she laughs as she sits back down. “Do you feel better now?” "Even with a bit of a hangover, I feel better. Maybe better than I have in a very long time."

Ruby gives Jake a genuine smile, "I'm very happy to hear you say that. I really want you to be happy." Ruby waves for Melissa Smith and asks for some fresh eggs. "So who ever said you were a meager companion?" Ruby chuckles. "I did. No one had to tell me, I could see it in their faces lately. You, Nanuet, others would leave a conversation with me afraid, upset, unhappy, uncertain or worse. That is NOT Silver Jake Cook. I won't stand for it any more."

Jake laughs again. "That's not how it used to be. Even my old pokers players when I took their money used to go away happy. Well, maybe I'm exaggerating a little. Existing just won't do Miss West, we are going to live." Ruby takes her coffee and raises it. "To living!" She waits for Jake to raise his coffee too, "And to friends, and home and love," she shrugs with a smile, "I had to say it." Jake just laughs and taps his cup to hers.

After breakfast Jake and Ruby leisurely walk back to the Lucky Lady. "So I've been thinking," Ruby asks, "What do you think of a kissing booth for the festival? That could make a lot of money, don't you think?" He replies, "Don't you think the vigilance committee will be angry if all the women in town are lined up to kiss me? I wonder if Dorita has an ointment for chapped lips."

Ruby laughs, "No darling, they would be VERY angry because their husbands would be lined up to kiss ME." Ruby takes Jake hand and swings it as they keep walking. "They're already jealous, so who cares. Just think of all that money though..." "I just don't feel like sharing. They can look but no touching. Those are my lips now." He laughs, "Besides Dorita's chapped lip ointment probably tastes like her hangover cure."

"Probably," Ruby laughs as she puts her arm around Jake's waist, "You'll just have to keep these lips of yours busy on your own then and Minerva will have to find someone else for her kissing booth." She gives him a squeeze. "So tell me how much you missed me last night."

Jake seems back to himself and does indeed tell Ruby how much he missed her, waxing eloquent about her beauty and how much he enjoys her company. He throws in some more personal favorites while he is at it. Back at the saloon Jake tells her he needs to spend some time running this place, "You are welcome to work or maybe just go have some fun." She seems to prefer to avoid work and Jake smiles unsurprised.

Jake goes up to change from his picture outfit. A few minutes later he comes down stairs, his lanky frame covered in a light brown shirt and dark brown trousers. His well worn boots move with a spring in his step and his flat brimmed black hat sits level trying to hold in his short but thick brown hair under it. Instead of just his favorite fast draw Colt Peacemaker hung low on his right side he also has another pistol holstered higher and cross draw on the other side. The extra weight does not seem to bother him physically or mentally. He seems lost in thought, stroking his bearded chin but there is a faint smile on his face. He scratches his cheek, thinking he could have done a better job shaving. "I shouldn't be holding a razor that early and hung over." That seems to amuse him.

Jake spends the rest of the morning at the Lucky Lady checking, looking, inspecting and planning. He locates individually Henry, Niles, Job and Jeff. Each he reminds about the Cowboy threat to blow the place up, and asks for their ideas about defending against that. He also asks for the names of any trustworthy and competent folks who might be interested in earning some cash in the short term for watching the Lucky Lady at night. "Might be prudent until the Cowboy trouble is over." He makes mental notes of some things to change, places to watch for trouble. None of it darkens his mood, he seems pleased no matter what he finds. He also tells Chester to send for him when Berg would like to hear what he has to tell the new marshal and his deputies.

Satisfied with Jake's compliments Ruby also seems to be lighter in mood. She also goes upstairs and changes into a white blouse and thin white skirt. She keeps her boots off, heading downstairs barefoot. She spends the rest of the morning on stage, practicing some dancing and new songs, trying different combinations of melodies and dance steps. She gracefully glides around the stage, letting her hair and feet move freely. Occasionally Harry isn’t busy and he comes and plays for her.

After her morning of practicing Ruby gets her boots and wanders her way over to Kelly's Dry Goods. She speaks with Mrs. Kelly and gives her specific instructions for the costume she would like made. Kelly measures her and agrees to have it finished by Thursday, excited by the prospect of doing something challenging and different.

Next Ruby heads over to Lacey's. "Mr. Lacey?" she calls out after entering the store, looking for the owner. Judge Lacey stands up from a seat in the corner of the room where he had been blocked from Ruby's view by a table full of merchandise. As she approaches she sees on the chair some white material as well as needle and thread, as it appears that he was sewing something. He asks, "What can I do for you Miss West?"

"Good afternoon Mr. Lacey. I was wondering if my book had come in yet. I ordered it two weeks ago." He replies, "Why yes, it came in on yesterday's stagecoach. That little man Chumbley was in here this morning selling me an advertisement for his newspaper and I asked him to pass on the message to you when he saw you." She says, "Oh. I just haven't seen him yet today. I'm so excited to get started with it! It's going to be tough for me to get through but I'm determined."

She looks curiously at the white material. "I'm curious, what were you working on, if I might ask?" He replies, "Oh, I started it as my costume for the festival next week, I was originally going to go as the hero Odysseus so was making a toga. But last night I was talking to Laurie Gilson and she convinced me that I would make a better pirate.”

"Yes," Ruby laughs, "You'd be a wonderful pirate, I can see it. I think Jake Cook should be a pirate too, but I don't know if he'll really dress in costume. I just came from Mary Kelly's, she's going to help with my costume. I'm sure you guessed I don't know how to sew." Ruby cocks her head, "Who was Odysseus?" He replies, "He was a great Greek hero. So you've never read Homer's Odyssey? Here, I have a copy right here, you can borrow it for as long as you'd like."

A blush comes across Ruby's face, "I really shouldn't take your book, you know, being so busy and all...but you're very kind to offer." He then says, “So I didn't know what I'd do with this, then today there was a fencing match over at the El Parador. Old man Gonzales lost to a pair of young whippersnappers. They're going at it again tomorrow so instead of having him embarrass himself again I thought I'd give him an opponent more his age, so am turning this into a fencing jacket and plastron. Don't know how well I'll do, I haven't used a sword since the war."

Ruby states, "Did you say fencing? Mr. Gonzales knows how to fence? And you too? Who else was playing? Oh I'm mad I missed it. I always thought it looked so exciting to learn to use a sword, I know it's not exactly the same thing. Maybe I should take some lessons myself, you know, to keep myself out of trouble." Ruby flips her hair over her shoulder. "What do you think?"

He replies, "The other two men were that tall young guy who was with Judge Isby and another guy who I don't know but have seen around town this week. They'll be another contest tomorrow morning before nine if you'd like to watch. I'm not sure how well I'll do with a fencing foil, I have used one before but most of my experience is with real swords."

She says, "Oh that's Kevin Tom... something, the man with Judge Isby. Maybe I will come and watch although I'm not quite accustomed to rising so early." Ruby continues softly, "I guess you had to use your sword often in the war?"

He replies, "Just a few times thankfully. Saved several of my men with it, that's what earned me the citation.” "I'm sure it was well earned." Ruby is quiet for a moment before she speaks again. "I should be going. How much do I owe you for my book?" Lacey tells her that because it was special ordered it will cost her a $1. She takes the book by Homer, thanks and pays Mr. Lacey and heads back to the Lucky Lady.

Ruby returns to the Lucky Lady. She wanders around looking for her friends, none of which can be found. So instead she places her gun in its normal home and walks over to the El Parador where she prepares, then mounts her horse.

She rides out to the spot where her and Jake had once done weapons training. She ties up her horse then glances around the landscape, taking in the scenery. She finds the tree that her and Jake napped under then made herself comfortable. She pulls up her skirts, takes out her book and opens to the first page.

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
Whose misadventur’d piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents’ strife.
The fearful passage of their death-mark’d love,
And the continuance of their parents’ rage,
Which, but their children’s end, nought could remove,
Is now the two hours’ traffick of our stage;
The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

Ruby scrunches her nose as she looks at the front cover. She slams the book closed in a huff and throws it to the ground. What in Hades did that mean? she thinks, glad that the frustrated look on her face wasn’t witnessed by anyone. “Stupid book.” She pushes it further away from her. “Ruby West, how are you going to perform this if you can’t even understand it?” She sighs loudly.

She looks up at the landscape again and her thoughts start filling her head. She leans her head back against the tree and stares up into the sky.

Jake was acting so strange yesterday, but it seems like today he is back to his old self. That little speech earlier, well, it certainly is reassuring that he feels better. And he mentioned worrying about me; he mentioned a little piece of his heart worrying about me. Ruby couldn’t stop the smile that came unbidden to her face.

Girl, why have you been so unsure of him? Look at all the crazy things he’s done. Just as he said earlier, he only knew you a couple of weeks when he came after you and threw you in the mud. And what about the saloon? He made a home for you! Why have you doubted his feelings? It’s not like you Ruby to not be confident and sure. She pulls at her hair as her thoughts keep assailing her. And what about everything that happened with George? Have you ever seen a man so jealous over you? Ok, you have... Ruby actually laughs out loud at that not new revelation. But I think Jake really means it. Her laughter dies down and a serious expression overcomes her face. He turned down $50,000. Now THAT is something no one has ever done for me. All her thoughts focus on that last very real event that had occurred. She thinks on it for some time, her heart and mind in battle for what could possibly be the truth staring her right in the face.

This whole love thing has you in such a knot and you need to get a hold of yourself! It’s obvious that you’ve been blinded by your own confusion, and how could Jacob Cook not love you? You’re beautiful, sexy, talented, smart, ok maybe not so smart, but he doesn’t care about that anyway, and have the ability to charm any man you wish. AND now you’re a favored one of Aphrodite, whatever that means but it has to be good right? SHE showed you the vision of Jake being happy and SHE sent you that dream of you and Jake getting married, so it’s meant to be. Fate, Destiny, whatever that crap is, that’s it. It’s fate. And you need to do whatever it takes to help keep it this way.

Ruby stands slowly, not her old self but somehow new and different. She pats her black stallion, his coat shining in the bright sun. She hops up and doesn’t waste any time starting him towards home.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 153, “Reactions and Introductions”, Friday, March 24th, 1882, 9:30 A.M.

Kate grabbed onto the arm of an irate Conrad Booth and pulled with all the strength she had. "Conrad Booth! Don't be a fool. He hasn't touched me, and if you'd stop and listen I can explain was really did happen." She prayed he would listen to her and stop, but just in case she mentally prepared herself to use a charm spell. They were still far enough in the trees that she could use it unobserved.

Conrad stops, turns, and looks at her, his facial expressions alternating between anger and confusion. "Please," she said gently, guiding him back toward the clearing in the grove. "I began this badly. I was so worried about telling you that I did it all wrong. I should have explained first. You remember the strange weather we had last January, and then again last Saturday night?" He just nods.

She continues, “Both times, powerful earth magics were being used. The first time it was to allow a friend, Storm Goldeneye, to be present with us even though she had died a few weeks before. She had a task to complete before she went to her rest.

Saturday it was also to allow someone who died before their time to complete one last task. I said good-bye to Tom that night. It was his spirit that was in the room with me, but powerful magic was used to make his spirit flesh. Someone was grateful to both Tom and I, for different reasons, and they gave us that gift of time. And the gift of the child I thought we would never have."

She squeezed his arm. "Mr. Gonzales doesn't have that kind of power. It's not the kind of magic he knows and uses. The only thing he has to do with this is believing me when I told him what had happened." A look of deep regret and sadness comes across her face. "I know, it's a fantastic story. If you believe nothing else, believe my teacher has never touched me in such a way. But I hope you know, as outlandish as it may sound, I would not lie to you."

Conrad stands there for what seems to an eternity without speaking. She can normally read his emotional state but right now he is a blank slate. He finally says, "Katherine, I believe that you believe what you have just told me. As far as you know that is the truth. But magic can be used to alter a person's thoughts. Can you tell me for a fact that Gonzales does not have that type of magic available to him? Katherine, he is a lonely old man. That demonstration we just saw shows how he wishes himself to be and act young again. You've spent much time alone with him....."

For just a moment Kate considered the Dust of Forgetfulness she had been given by the wizard in New Orleans. But if she used it, she would just have to go through this again. Kate allowed herself to sink to her knees, head hanging down. "I don't know how to convince you," she said looking up. "You could ask Ruby, Nanuet, or Sonoma about Storm Goldeneye, they can tell you the truth of the odd weather and it's cause.

I spoke to Tom. We talked about how his spirit had been trapped. First by his friend Colby Tucker, then me, then by Morgan Earp's guilt. He couldn't move on because we held him here. When Morgan Earp died he was finally released. I know the exact moment Morgan Earp died, it was the same moment Tom left me, the moment that lightning strike fell around the El Parador. Besides, Mr. Gonzales was gone with Arcade's Gang when Tom was with me. And I already know I'm carrying a child, even though it's not even been a week. Most women wouldn't know for a month or more. I know because I was told.

Do you really think he could craft a spell to give me a memory of a man he's never seen, speaking of things he wouldn't know, and be certain I would become pregnant? And know it will be a boy? Fertility magic is not an arcane art. Oh, and Ruby saw Tom the night before! She came here to the grove, looking for some way to find out if Nanuet and Chester were still alive. Storm answered her question, and Tom was with her. They meant to give me a warning, so I would know that Tom was coming to me the next night, but Ruby was so excited to learn our friends were still alive that she ran off before they could tell her."

Conrad is quiet for a very long time. He then says, "This is a lot to absorb. Katherine......I.....I don't know what you want or expect me to say. Most of what you are saying is counter to what I believe....I....I can't accept the premise that your husband's ghost made you pregnant. If you told....if you tell that to other people they will probably have you committed to an institution for the insane." He pauses again and asks "Does Dorita know?"

Kate replies, "Dorita knows. I didn't tell you this because I expect anything of you. The only thing I wanted was to avoid causing you pain, which I knew wasn't possible, and for you to know that I didn't lie to you when I said I wasn't ready. I have no intention of telling the town who fathered this child. They will draw their own conclusions, and I think you know what they will be." Kate dropped her eyes, blinking to clear her eyes of the tears shimmering in them.

"I wanted to tell you now so you could... It's still very early, and you have enough rumors following you. I don't want to bring more trouble to your door. I'll understand if you want to keep away from me from now on. Perhaps it will be long enough before they discover it that you can escape the rumors." Kate's voice broke and tears were falling freely now. "I hope that won't be your choice, but I'll understand."

Conrad says, "I...I need to think. I'm going back to my home for now." He turns and begins to walk away. "Conrad, I.... I understand. I'm sorry, so sorry." She let him leave, there was nothing more to say. He walked away to the sounds of rustling leaves, songbirds in the trees, and a woman's tears.

Kate stayed there in grove for a long while after the tears finally stopped. She wasn't the kind of woman who could cry and still look pretty, her eyes would be swollen and her face a patchy red. Still, she had to go back. She had to go to the Lucky Lady this afternoon. She had done this all wrong, let her own fears get the better of her instead of thinking. She thought again of the Dust of Forgetfulness, but how could she stand to be near him, see him smile as if nothing happened and not feel doubly guilty? She finally stood up and walked alone back to the El Parador. In her room she laid down with a cool cloth over her eyes for a while before she checked in with Mr. Gonzales.

Manuel takes one look at Kate as she enters his workshop and stops what he is working on. He walks over to her and gives her a long deep hug, which seems to last forever. He leads her back into the workshop and has her sit. He asks, "What has made my little bird so sad?"

"I told Conrad this morning. It had to be done, he had to know sooner rather than later. He didn't take it well. I did it all wrong.... And I mentioned magic so the first thing he thought was that you had," Kate stopped and blushed hard. "I'm not sure I convinced him otherwise, but at least he didn't come looking for you. I told him the truth, but his belief just can't stretch that far. I hurt him very badly, and I'm afraid I've lost my friend," she finished, fighting against the tears that threatened again.

Gonzales is patient and gives her reassuring comments. He has her go back and tell him the full conversation that she had with Conrad and asks where he is now. He then gives her another long hug and says, "There is no need to cry my little bird. I can fix this problem for you." She states, "How can you change what a person will believe? He does not believe gods exist, I didn't even try to mention Diana to him. I'm sure that extends to Earth spirits and ghostly husbands."

Kate wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, what do you suggest?" Gonzales smiles and says "Have you forgotten where he gained his knowledge of flowers and trees? He is a student of Mother Jiminez. Students listen to their teachers, even if the subject is a different one than what they have previously studied. She knows far more about the spirits of the earth than any of us. Let her be the one to explain it to him." She replies, "I had not forgotten. In fact, I was rather depending on his studies with her to least keep his mind a bit open. I have never seen her, and I thought you didn't trust her? I know you didn't care for Sonoma's studying with her."

He replies, "A lot has changed since then. Last week she accompanied Sonoma and myself first to California and then to Canada. Sonoma helped to establish a rapport and trust between her two teachers. I still feel that Jiminez is a powerful and dangerous woman, but I would now trust her with my life because I have. And she has repaid that trust. The second day, after we returned Sonoma to the ranch, we went to Atlantis itself. She was instrumental in returning the vast island to the bottom of the ocean."

He releases his embrace and says, "I will go to her now. I will ask her to please go and visit Mr. Booth. I will tell her that he is confused and needs knowledge of the spirits of the earth that recently visited this region." Kate says, "Thank you. It will ease my mind to know that he can at least believe the truth. I think I can bear it better if he chooses to keep away if I at least know he isn't hurting. I have to go to the Lucky Lady this afternoon, but I will see you after, alright?" He says, "That is fine. I will see you later."

When Kate exits the El Parador a short while later she sees an interesting sight over on East Street around fifty feet diagonal from the El Parador and due east of the Great Western Boarding House. At that location are a group of three wood-and-adobe houses adjacent to each other, one of which is owned by a pair of miners, another owned by the Wong family, but the third had been empty.

That appears to no longer be the case as a large family appears to now be moving in. She counts a total of nine orange-haired youngsters ranging in ages from one to seventeen and their parents, who share the same orange-colored hair. They are unloading suitcases and boxes from a wagon and she also notices a wire cage with a pair of chickens.

Kate's eyes widened for a moment and says softly to herself, “The size of my school may have just doubled.” She changed her path to take her over to the family, although she wasn't sure how to introduce herself. She went over to the woman she assumed must be the mother of this brood. "Excuse me? I know it's terribly rude of me, but I just couldn't help coming over to introduce myself. We don't see a sight like this very often," she said with a smile. "I'm Mrs. Katherine Kale."

The woman, who appears to be in her mid-thirties and in reasonably good physical shape, says in a thick Irish accent. "Hello, my name is Meghan O'Hara. We are new to town. My son Patrick"...she calls over the oldest boy.."will be working at the Breakheart Mine with my brother-in-law Shamus." She gestures to the older gentleman who Kate had assumed to be the woman's husband.

"How do you do?" Kate nodded at Patrick even as her throat caught at the familiar accent. "I'm glad to see another family moving in. You'll be tired tonight, I'm sure. I live just down the street there, at the El Parador Hotel and Cantina. They have wonderful Mexican food there that I'd be glad to treat you to if you're interested." Kate looked at the busy activity around her. "I'm sorry to interrupt, let me give you a hand."

Meghan appreciates Kate's help. The house they are moving into is rather small, a mere ten by fifteen feet dividing into two rooms. But several bunk beds have been put in, making enough bedding for the children. Meghan explains that the mine's owner Elton Hubbard is the building's landlord and the rent will be deduced from Patrick's pay. Patrick will actually be staying at the Cochise Boarding House with his Uncle Shamus and Shannon will as well, having found temporary employment with the Hooten family that own the Cochise. The house will therefore provide ample space for Meghan and her youngest seven children.

Kate says, "You seem to have all your ducks in a row already. There are a lot of opportunities here for those willing to look for them. I am a partner in a ranch just outside town, and I'm planning to open a school soon. There's also a festival planned for next weekend. It is officially in honor of the god Dionysus, but it is also meant to bring the community together. You've come at a good time."

Mrs. O’Hara says, "A school. Would you be the friend of Miss West?" Kate says, "You've met Ruby? Yes, she is my friend, and a very good one. When did you meet her?" Meghan replies, "On the stagecoach ride into town Wednesday afternoon. She spoke very highly of you. I asked her about the school, if it was a public school or required private tuition and she said the latter. I was hoping to have an opportunity to discuss that with you.

I strongly desire to see that my children are educated but cannot afford to pay tuition at this point. Miss. West seemed to think that we might be able to come to some sort of arrangement. I had worked out something similar back in Ireland to provide a quality education of my four eldest children after my husband and his brothers left for work in America."

Kate says, "I'm certain we can. I inquired about the possibility of a public school first, there was talk of one when I first came here, but it doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon. Apparently there is an influential woman who opposes one because her grandson lives too far away to attend it." Kate shook her head. "There are always going to be some chores that need doing around the school. I saw you have some chickens, when I move into my own home I'm sure I'd need eggs, or perhaps a few live chicks to take out to the ranch. Why don't you tell me what you might have in trade, and how many children you'd want to enroll?"

Meghan introduces her children in descending order by age as seventeen-year-old Patrick, sixteen-year-old Shannon, twin thirteen-year olds Cathleen and Colleen, twin six-year olds Mary and Caitlin, four-year-old Kellie, three-year-old Patricia and one-year-old Shamus. She says, "My oldest four received a fine education at the University in Belfast, established by Queen Victoria in 1845. The University is well known for its college-level curriculum in engineering, agriculture, physics, music, archaeology and Irish studies. But they also teach younger students, the children of professors, university staff and immediate neighbors of the school.

After my husband had left I went there and found employment with the professors in the Archaeology Department. For seven years my children received one of the finest educations they could have. Patrick and Shannon still remember most of that so will not require further education, but the twins Kathleen and Colleen have forgotten much during the six years that we have been here in America so could use more education at this point. All of the younger children lack an education other than what little I could provide them, so will be in need of the schooling."

Kate replies, "I'm afraid my own education is not nearly as prestigious. I was tutored as a child in Boston, and sent to a finishing school when I was fourteen. Thankfully my father was of the mind that a good education was important, so the school taught more than etiquette, music, and languages. Still, it's likely that your two oldest could teach as well or better than I.”

Meghan says, "I am sure that they could, but I'm afraid that I need for both of them to work to support the rest of the family. My husband died last year and it has been difficult for us to get by." "I'm very sorry," Kate said gently "My own husband passed on last October, but I was fortunate in family and friends who helped me through those first months."

Kate says, “Most of the children in town will have received little to no education, and some speak Spanish as their first language. You're older twins will probably be far ahead of the others. I had planned to have a simple curriculum to begin, perhaps having a four day school week and using Fridays to teach the more advanced subjects to those students whose parents with them to get more than reading, writing, arithmetic, history and geography.

But I now see what you can offer me. You have worked in a school, seen how they work. Between yourself and Patrick and Shannon, you could help me fill in the holes in my own education. And, if your work allows it, to fill in for me on days when I cannot be there. There is always sickness, emergencies, and the unexpected to deal with and I have no one to cover for me if I can't be there."

Mrs. O'Hara replies, "Oh, don't misunderstand. I personally never received a formal education so am not qualified to teach…..well…..maybe I could be of some assistance. My Grandfather taught me to read, my Grandmother taught me all about healing herbs, and my mother taught me very good household skills. At the University I worked as a Professor's assistant doing whatever was needed, be cleaning, filing or helping the students as needed. And with my healing skills I also assisted the University's Physician as a nurse whenever there was a need for that."

Kate says, "Everyone is qualified to teach something, whether it is history or arithmetic, or caring and compassion. But I think we have found the way you can help me. I don't care for the town doctor, so if I come to you first, I'd appreciate it. Plus, I admit, I never learned to keep a house. In Boston we had a household staff, and I have lived in hotels since I came to Arizona. If you could teach me those things, cooking, sewing, cleaning, I would be very grateful, and consider it an excellent trade for tuition."

"Why thank you Mrs. Kale. I was hoping that we could work something out. I can now see why this community is called Promise City. I would have sent Patrick here at any rate, he needs a strong male influence like his Uncle Shamus will be able to provide. I am just glad that the rest of the family can be here with him. Thank you for helping us get settled in. I believe that I will take you up on the suggestion of dining at that Cantina. It's that building over there isn't it?"

Kate replies, "Yes. I have an appointment this afternoon, so I'm not sure when I'll return there. The food is wonderful, although different than what you're used to I'd wager. Dorita's a lovely woman, she'll take good care of you. I should go make my appointment. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. O'Hara." After their goodbyes, Kate walked over to the Lucky Lady. She realized half-way there that she had not gotten an escort. Jake would give her a hard time if he realized it. Well, someone could walk her back and truthfully, it was nice to be alone now and then.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 154, “The Mexican Fire Rod”, Friday, March 24th, 1882, 11:30 A.M.

Ruby returns to the Lucky Lady, having been gone only about an hour and half. She enters the kitchen and as Maria makes her some lunch she tells her about Tombstone and the show. After her lunch Ruby becomes bored, so she walks back over to Fly's. No one else is there except for Mr. Fly. As she brushes her hair she convinces him now would be a good time to start taking some of those other photographs. "But first, I would like something special." She whispers in his ear and while he blushes Ruby convinces him to do it.

He arranges her as quickly as he can, takes the photograph and when it's done he laughs, "I believe someone's going to be very happy with that photo!" Afterwards Ruby goes through his collection of clothes and tries on different outfits. He takes his time taking many different photographs, in different styles and poses. "I'm sure at least a few of those came out well," Ruby winks at him.

During their time together Ruby suggests that he takes photographs of the festival, but also sets up an area where people can get their family portraits taken on that day, since most of them will be dressed nicely and have an opportunity to do it. She thanks him again and is about to leave when Mr. Fly says, "Don't you want your photograph from earlier, Miss West?" Ruby is surprised that it is done already. "Of course," she replies and eagerly awaits it.

She can do nothing but smile when she looks at it. Both of their eyes were twinkling with meaning behind them and they looked so happy and so perfect together. "You were right about the pose, it suits the two of you," Fly comments. Ruby profusely thanks him again, picks out a picture frame and tries to pay him. "Oh, Mr. Cook already took care of everything." Ruby nods, "Of course he did. Thank you again and have a good day." She walks down the street, happy and confident, clutching her new photograph in her hand.

Instead of walking back to the Lucky Lady Ruby detours to the El Parador. She climbs the stairs to Mr. Gonzales room and knocks. Gonzales happily lets Ruby in. Ginnie is still working in the library and he urges her to go downstairs and get a bite to eat. He ushers Ruby into the workshop and explains to her about the Dispel Magic scrolls that he is working on that he had talked to Mr. Cook about.

"Scroll creation is a long and arduous task. To do it properly includes preparation of both the paper and ink, involving enchantments on both to retain the magical writings and also protect the parchment or paper from dangers such as fire or water. Writing the words to the spell is more than cartography as well, it requires precise penmanship, as one mistake with writing each Atlantian character could prevent the spell from working. Young Ginnie has shown an aptitude for magical writings and I am having her assist me. She is preparing the initial text which I am then re-inking with the enchantment.

Placing the enchantment is a two-step process as well. First is the initial text which prepares the paper to actually receive the spell. Studying the spell to place upon the scroll is the most critically important part, which I would only do when I am refreshed and relaxed, as again any misstep would negate the process completely. Once the spell is on the scroll it then requires one final magical spell to activate, then it could be used by anyone trained in magic use. Oh, you probably didn't want such a technical explanation. What is it that you came to see me about?"

"That's ok, I don't mind the lesson," she giggles. "And we've been really worried about this situation so any help you can give us is greatly appreciated. That's why I came actually. I'm wondering, would you be able to teach me how to use that wind of fire that we got from the Cowboy Gang? I have a feeling we're going to need it." He says "Yes, I could teach you how to use that. Do you have it with you, I would like to examine it further."

"No, Kate had it, I thought she gave it to you. Maybe it's here? If not I'll have to ask her for it."
Mr. Gonzales sets about looking for the wand. Ruby comments, "So I heard you were fencing today, how did you do? Mr. Lacey is putting together an outfit so he can play against you." He replies, "Mr. Lacey? I didn't know he knew how to fence. We should have set up a ring long ago."

He rechecks a box at the far end of the workroom. He unwraps a red velvet cloth that contains a two-and-a-half-foot long metal rod and a short piece of parchment and asks "Is this is?" Ruby exclaims, "Yes!" He says, "I'm sorry, with all that his been going on these days I have been an absent-minded professor."

Ruby suddenly hops up and gives Mr. Gonzales a tight embrace. "No apologies necessary. I know you've been busy, we all have been. But especially you with that whole Atlantis thing. Some time when we have more time I'd like you to tell me what happened, if it's all been resolved." Ruby takes the wand from Mr. Gonzales. "Now, how do you use this thing?" she asks while swinging it around in her hand.

He holds up the rod, which is thirty-inches long and appears to be solid except for a hollow section the last three inches of what appears to be the top end. The other end has indentations in the metal where a person would place their hands and thumbs to grip the item, much in the way that people in ancient times wielded a two-handed sword. Ruby notices markings along the side of the rod. Some of the engravings look to be written in Spanish and others in Atlantian script. He laughs and replies "I should know how to us it, it's mine."

Ruby is surprised, "It is? How did the Cowboys get it?" He replies, "I have absolutely no idea. I haven't seen one of these in three-dozen years. I'm frankly surprised that one of them still exists." "Well, now we have it back," Ruby laughs. "Do these things run out? And what's this script say? I guess you have to do this," she grips the rod with her hands and thumbs in her best guess, "And then say what's written here?"

He says, "Yes, that is essentially it. I did not want to make these items too complicated, as I needed sailors with a minimum of knowledge of magic to use them. This is a Mexican Fire Rod and as far as I know only twenty-two of them were ever created. It was a collaborative effort by myself and two other Mexican wizards. As you may recall, I was once an Admiral in the Mexican Navy. We outfitted our finest eight ships with these, two to four per ship. The indentation on the end is to give it the appearance of it being a small cannon when mounted on the ship. In fact, it is far more powerful than most cannon.

Some magical items, such as my Wand of Magic Missiles, can be recharged. These can not. When each of these was new it had a total of fifty charges. This particular one has thirty-eight charges still remaining in it. The writing on the side in Spanish indicates the name of the Mexican Artillerist who this specific rod was assigned to, in this case a Lieutenant Frederico Alezla Valdes. I personally trained all twenty-two men but do not remember their specific names any longer. It would take some further research through past associates of mine but I should be able to eventually determine from that which vessel this rod was assigned to and how it was lost.

Most of these were used up during the Mexican-American War that took place from 1846 to 1848. Mexico did badly during the war. I was part of a fleet that prepared for an American invasion in the Gulf of Mexico, but the only Naval encounters in the war were along the Pacific Coast instead. Most battles were land battles that took place within two hundred miles of where we are now. Mexico lost California and much of New Mexico and Arizona as a result of the war.

The end of the war also temporarily forced Santa Anna and myself into temporary exile in Jamaica and then later Venezuela. The ship that brought us to exile had three of these mounted on it, which I believed at the time to be the last three Fire Rods and only ship of the eight that still existed at that point. I do not recall a Lieutenant Valdez being on that ship, so this must have come from another vessel."

Ruby listens curiously to Gonzales explanation. "So this thing has made a long trip then?” He replies, “Probably, but possibly not. I recall that one ship was lost in the Gulf of California, between the Baja Peninsula and Sonora. That is just a couple of hundred miles southwest of here. If could have been salvaged from that vessel.”

Ruby is thoughtful for a moment, "You're life has been very full, interesting, and... meaningful, Mr. Gonzales." She looks down at the rod on her hand. "Mexican Fire Rod," she repeats. "What's Jamaica and Venezuela like? I'm desperate to travel, although certainly not under the same circumstances as you." He states, I did not care for Jamaica. The people there very poor and the politicians ruling the island care only for themselves. Venezuela was nice, although our stay there did not last long, with Santa Anna regaining power in Mexico less than five years after we had left. That however, only lasted for two years."

"I don't really know anything about history. You're a walking lesson!" Ruby exclaims. "And I know you've been stuck here, you need a vacation too." Ruby realizes that some of this is probably painful memories for Gonzales so she quickly changes the subject. "So what does this Atlantian script say? Must be what you have to repeat to make this wand work."

He says, "Yes and it will not take me long to teach it to you. But given how you are casually flinging it around I felt it best to not to do that here in my workshop, not wanting it to be accidentally destroyed." He has a broad smile on his face as he says that so she realizes that he is for-the-most part joking with her.

He then says, "Unlike the Wand of Missiles, this item can miss it's target. I believe you were on the receiving end of several misses. But to practice using it will exhaust some of the remaining charges so I'm not sure if you want to do that. If you do, then we could go out into the desert tomorrow and practice."

Ruby giggles as she realizes that she IS flinging the wand around. "Heh, good point." Ruby considers for a moment before responding, "Yes, I really don't want to waste the charges but it's probably a good idea to try a couple. Tomorrow it is. I'm good at shooting and aiming guns, is it like that? Or is there something similar I can practice with so I don't waste the charges?” He replies, “No, this is a rather unique item. Even if we use two charges that would still leave three dozen for later usage."

She says, “Good. Jake wanted us to practice with our guns and try out that bell we have, to test it. Do you mind if he comes along?" Ruby remembers the photo and skips to the table where she has left it. "Look what we did today!" she says with a huge grin on her face as she thrusts it towards him. He replies, “Actually I do mind. The last time I invited him along on one of our outings he shot you. He would not be able to use either item anyway, not having wizard skills. If you want another companion I would prefer Katherine, Sonoma or Madge.” He glances at the photo and says, "Very nice. Can I safely assume that this was done by Mr. Fly rather than the Barkers?"

The disappointment on Ruby's face is apparent. "Yes, My. Fly took the photograph. You know what happened with the Barkers. Mrs. Barker insulted and threatened me, all because George wanted to marry me. Now I'm sure she'll be out to get me." She looks at her feet and starts biting her lip. "You don't like Jake, do you?"

He replies, "No, I do not. He is reckless and has endangered the lives of you and your friends. Yes, before you say it I will, I am also reckless and have endangered the lives of you and your friends. But I have much more life experience as well as magical skills to fall back upon.

I know that he has many skills of his own, but most of those are geared toward individual rather than group actions. I think as a military leader and family patriarch, thinking of my group before I think of myself. He may eventually get to that point, but he is not there yet. His first instincts are towards self-preservation rather than protecting others around him. And right now Johnny Ringo has managed to take away Mr. Cook's single greatest asset, his self confidence."

Ruby takes the picture and holds it closer to her body. “Whatever you said to him last night made him realize he lost some of his confidence along the way. He knows what he has to do to make us all safe and he feels terrible about the fact that we WON’T let him do it alone. But he is confident in what he has to do. Are we supposed to sit and wait here for Johnny Ringo to come and kill us? He’s already come into our saloon and threatened to blow it up, he told us he kidnapped Ginnie, he DID kidnap Nanuet and Chester. His friends shoot at us everywhere we go. Maybe you didn’t hear but Billy Claiborne shot me on Saturday and I almost died. Nanuet got shot and almost died Sunday.”

“Do you have a better plan for us?” she asks with tears welling in her eyes. “A lot has happened while you’ve been away. And you’re so wrong about him. Look at all the things he’s done for me, he bought a saloon for me, he’s stuck around here for me, he turned down $50,000 that George Eastman offered him to break up with me.” Ruby continues with emphasis, “Fifty. Thousand. Dollars! And he’s kept me from doing some really stupid things over the course of the time we’ve been here. He gave me a home and a life I could be happy with. So if you count me as one of your group you should realize that he makes me happy, like no one ever has. I have fallen in love with him. I’m sorry you can’t see the good things about him.”

Gonzales replies, "I never said that Mr. Cook didn't have positive traits. He does, and he has made you happy. But Ruby, he has also put you at risk. On that morning that we went to Tombstone both myself and Nanuet could have very quickly protected you from that rattlesnake without putting you at risk. But we never had the opportunity because he act instinctively.

Ruby, I recognize that you are in love with him. You should recognize that love is an emotion that is second only to the emotion of anger when it comes to clouding a person's judgment. That prevents one from being able to look at things objectively. You see the best in Jake and ignore the flaws. But right now those flaws could get you killed, which is my primary concern.

Why should I wish for him to come along tomorrow? He can use neither the rod or the bell. He has no knowledge of magic. He is a normally good with a firearm, except that until he fully gets his confidence back I would not trust his shots to be accurate. So the only reason that I would have for wanting him to come along with us would be to use him as bait, to draw Johnny Ringo out in the open. And I will not do that, he deserves better than to be treated like that. I value the books in the library but will use them as bait long before I ever put another person's life needlessly in danger."

"I understand," Ruby replies quietly. "How is he supposed to prove to you that he has his confidence back?" Before Gonzales can answer Ruby continues, "Forget it, it's not important. You won't believe him anyway." Ruby sighs, "I think we should make it known we are moving the books, at least some of the less valuable ones. That way Ringo will come for us and we can hopefully end this." She takes the wand and her photograph and walks to the door. "I bet Kate would be good at that scroll stuff." He replies, "She might, but she has been rather busy as of late. I will see you tomorrow. We can ride out either late morning or early afternoon."

"That's an understatement if I ever heard one. See you tomorrow." Ruby leaves and on her way out says hello and goodbye to Dorita so she doesn't get mad. She tucks the wand inside her skirt so it can't be seen and heads outside into the warm Arizona air. She considers looking for Chumbley but instead goes back to the Lucky Lady. She hides the wand in a hidden spot in her room. Grabbing a lemonade and the puppies and sits out on the front porch, skirt hiked up, sunning in the beautiful weather.

Ruby doesn't have to wait long until the perpetually happy Chumbley bounces up onto the steps to talk to her. "Hello Miss West, it is so nice to see you again. Thank you for speaking to Mr. Clum in Tombstone. I appreciate it. He wasn't willing to establish a permanent office here so I decided to take Mr. Arcadiam up on his offer to run the Herald, now the Mirror. That's what I wanted to speak to you about. I was wondering if you would be interested in advertising in the Mirror? We will have another edition out tomorrow."

She smiles and says, "Well congratulations on your new job then, Mr. Chumbley. Why don't you have a seat and we can talk about it." Ruby gets up and enters the Lucky Lady, returning with some cookies and a lemonade for Chumbley. She hands him the glass and plate before sitting and stretching our her long legs again. "Now, tell me something, how did Adair take this news? Considering that was his only form of advertising, I'm guessing not too well."

As Kate approached the saloon she saw Ruby sitting on the porch with her puppies and talking to the diminutive newspaperman. Kate hoped her face had recovered from her earlier tears, and checked her high-collared white blouse and grey skirt for anything out of place. "You left me alone in the middle of the night," Kate teased, "but I see you found your way home alright."

"Hi Kate. Yes," she smiles, "I did. I hope you didn't mind too much but I knew you would know where I went." Ruby hops up again, and again returns with a lemonade for Kate. "Chumbley's just about to tell me how Adair took the news of his biased newspaper being bought out." "Thank you," she said, taking the drink.

She nods to Kate. "Chumbley, is your old boss going to keep distributing his paper here?" He replies, "I strongly doubt it. The only reason it was a success before, given the time delay caused by the stagecoaches, was that it was going against a paper run by a washed-out drunk and I was willing to put so much effort into it. He's smart enough to know that he won't be able to compete against me. I should be generally free of competition. But I won't be surprised though if he does show up for the festival with a special edition given the large crowds that will be turning out for that. Can't see him passing up that opportunity." Kate says, "I would be thrilled to hear how Mr. Adair took that news."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 155, “A Chat with the Deputies”, Friday, March 24th, 1882, 1:00 PM

Marshall Berg calls his three deputies into the office for a meeting. He says, "We have a few problems at the moment, the biggest of which is the Cowboy Gang. One of the townspeople has important information regarding them and will be along soon to talk to us. Before that I have some other things to discuss.

The vote at yesterday's meeting was long and contentious. None of you three have the overwhelming support of the town and several people question my ability as well. We can't have that. We need to gain the respect of this town and project confidence and professionalism. To that end I want you to make sure that when we are in public people address us respectfully by our titles. I am to be addressed as Marshall Berg. Each of you should be addressed by the title of Deputy Marshall, Deputy or Marshall followed by your last name. The only exception to that will be Stanley Barker, who obviously is free to call his wife by her first name, but I expect the respectful names from everybody else. Although inside this room or just among us Mitch, Eddie, Chet and Helen are fine. Do any of you have any questions?"

Chester pipes up, "What's our relationship to Deputy Sheriff Hunter?" Berg replies, "We don't have one. Our jurisdiction is the town, his is the county. But since we're not an incorporated town we have no set boundaries, so technically he can enforce the law here as well. But he usually doesn't bother, leaving town matters to the Marshal. Earp pretty much ignored him except for when this jail was full, in which case he used that jail as well if he needed it."

Chester replies, "OK. I wanted to know so we don't butt heads with the Sheriff. Good thing he leaves us be. That could be messy." Berg agrees. They talk for a few more minutes about Johnny Ringo when Berg sees somebody at the door. He heads over and lets in Jake Cook, locking the door behind him. Helen looks a bit uncomfortable. Berg tells the deputies "Mr. Cook has a message to us from my predecessor, Marshall Wyatt Earp. Mr. Cook..."

Jake begins, "As I said before to, the previous Marshall asked me to share a story with his former deputies. Mitchell I have great respect for you, and you will need to know all this to do your job and keep yourself alive. I just ask that you all keep the parts about me and my friends to yourselves."

True to his word to Wyatt Earp, Jake holds nothing back and shares everything that Wyatt told him. From the beginnings of the Cowboy gang with the Clantons, Curly Bill Brocious death, Dead-eye Douglas arrival, stagecoach robberies, the Yeats, bank robbery and breakup with Douglas, the different factions, the kidnapping rescue, Claibournes attack on the road, Morgan's murder, Johnson and McMasters changing sides and Wyatt's actions.

"Chester can tell you more about his captivity, and the recent shooting involving Pony Deal. Johnny Ringo wants revenge, and wants to have his gang be the power in the county. Among other things he has threatened to blow up the Lucky Lady, threatened to kidnap the Katherine Kale's ward Ginnie, and had his men shoot up the jail in broad daylight. The gang has already shown they are not above murdering the families of the local law officers." Jake's gaze sweeps across all four of them and ends with Helen Barker.

"There is significant bad blood between me and the Cowboy gang. I foolishly went along to recover some rustled cattle with the Cartwrights a couple of months back. Some gang members mistook me and my Colt for Dead-eye Douglas. It wasn't Dead-eye's gang that killed Brocious and the McLaury brothers that day it was, um, me and my friends." Jake clears his throat thinking, Damn Nanuet I almost said tribe.

"The Cowboy gang and some hired thugs attacked us coming back from Fisk Mountain and paid dearly for it. They ambushed us another night after that and we hunted them down and brought those in for justice. I'm sure if Chester hasn't already told you about the farm house and attack on the road he will." Jake takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before he says, "I provided the Earps help against the Cowboys before, if you are straight with me I'll make the same offer. This town will become worse than a hellhole if the Cowboy gang is allowed to survive."

Chester picks up the thread. "I don't know if you noticed, but the Condons don't like me or Jake much. We used to be guards at their bank. After Deadeye robbed the place, Danby Jones told them we were involved. Eventually Jones was told to leave the area and the charges dropped against Jake and me. You should remember that, Marshall Berg.

Recently Nanuet, my Indian friend, and I were riding to Tombstone to tell the Tombstone Epitaph to stop the presses. On the way, we found Billy Claibourne and another Cowboy. We shot it out and the other cowboy was killed. Leaving there, we came across a bunch of the Cowboys with a Gattling gun. They captured us and brought us to their farmhouse hideout. They thought we were delivering a message to the Earps, probably a warning to Morgan Earp. the next day Jake and the rest of our friends broke us out, killing most of the Cowboys there."

Jake continues ""As a citizen and member of the Merchant Association, I expect you folks to keep the gang from blowing up my saloon. As member of the community I am willing to defend my home."

Jake takes his hat off and runs a hand through his hair, giving him a moment to think. "Oh, one more thing. I couldn't prove it in a court of law, but there is a small mountain of circumstantial evidence that points to Hamilton Fisk being the money man for one of the factions probably Ringo's, and that the county sheriff's are probably on the Cowboy payroll." Jake settles his hat back on his head and extends his hand to Mitchell Berg. "So Mitchell, are congratulations in order on your new appointment? Or would you rather stick with good luck?"

Berg shakes his hand but does not immediately answer. He ponders what Jake just said for a minute and then replies "I appreciate being told the information. However, Mr. Cook, I am going to ask that you do not take any further direct actions unless one of the four Marshals is also present. We have the authority to enforce law in this town, you do not. The Earps may have supported vigilante justice but I'm afraid that I can not and will not. Doing so can lead to anarchy. People need to respect the law. You have a right to protect your property but beyond that it's not your jurisdiction."

He keeps his poker face through Berg's response. "I understand," Jake replies, "Marshall." He listens to Chester’s question and the answer. "There are some estimates of the Cowboy gang being in the hundreds. Even if Ringo only has the loyalty of a quarter of that, that would give him at a minimum several dozen men. There are four of you. Perhaps you should petition the Association for the right to deputize additional deputies under your direction for short emergencies." Jake tips his hat. "Gentlemen, Mahm, I will bid you good day. You know where to find me." After Jake leaves the Jail he walks slowly back to the saloon. Outside the saloon he looks up at the sign, then the whole building. "Home." Jake chuckles enters his home.

After Jake leaves Chester asks, "So when can we act? A 'they got to fire first' kind of thing?" Berg replies, "No, waiting for them to fire at you is suicidal. If you see Ringo or any of his known associates and it is possible you should first attempt to arrest them. But you are free to take whatever action is appropriate for the specific circumstances. You have a badge now, with it comes the responsibility to use it wisely."

Chester snaps his fingers. "Before I forget. Eduardo and I caught Thad Gormley spying on the El Parador. He's Ajax's nephew. Anyway, we questioned him and found out it was him and Pony Deal who shot at the office the other day. I told him to lie to Ringo about what he saw and let him go. Ajax said he'd be back to tell us more about what Ringo is planning."

Berg says "Do you know where he is now? It sounds like we need that information sooner rather than later." Chester indicates that he is staying with Gormley over on East Street. Berg asks Helen and Eduardo to stay at Marshall's Office as he and Chester head off to see Mr. Gormley.

Along the way Chester sees Clarisse and two other women who he has seen around town but does not know by name exiting the Great Western Boarding house. Both are carrying large cloth bags and he spots knitting needles sticking out from the bags. Chester waves at Clarisse. She sees him and waves back. Clarisse asks her companions to wait and walks to Chester. "Good afternoon, Chet. Where are you going?"

Berg clears his throat. Chester says, "Hold on a second Marshall." He takes Clarisse aside. "Good afternoon to you too. I'm on official business, right now. I can't talk long. Are you doing some knitting?" She pouts. "You can make it up by coming to see me." He kisses her. "You know I will. I'll see you later." Chester says to Berg. "Sorry about that Marshall. Let's hope Gormley's information is good."

Berg and Martin arrive at the Gormley home. Ajax Gormley and his room mate Brian Kelso are not home, but neither of them are who the lawman have come to see. Thaddeus Gormley lets them into the house. Berg begins by introducing himself as the new Town Marshall and letting Gormley know that Judge Isby has arrived in town. "Son, if I believe that you are lying to me you will spend the weekend behind bars and see the Judge on Monday. If that happens I will try to protect you behind bars, but you should know that the last man being held, Lane Gifford, was killed in jail by the Cowboy Gang despite a lawman guarding him at the time."

Thaddeus appears to be very intimidated by that preamble. He quickly tells them about riding into town with Ringo and Deal. Deal went off to ge the keys to the boarding house and Ringo gave them the flask with the invisibility elixir. With that and the keys they had no difficulty getting into Morgan and Wyatt's rooms. Deal was assigned the tricky shooting, with Thad told to just fire warning shots to keep anybody from trying to leave the Marshall's Office.

He says that he was as surprised as anybody when Deal shot and hit Ringo, that wasn't part of the plan at all. Following the shooting Thad was told to go to the corner room at the Promise City Hotel that had been rented for him and watch the El Parador to make sure that no books were moved. He was given the flask to keep in the event that he needed to use it to escape, but got so scared when Chester knocked out the door that he didn't think to use it.

Chester pulls the flask out of his pocket. "Here it is, Marshall." Berg says, "Dispose of that, Deputy. Don't forget magic's illegal in town." Chester slips the flask back into his pocket. "Of course, sir." Berg says, "I hear you're willing to help us. Is that so?" Thad says, "I don't want to go to jail. Isby'll throw the book at me." Berg replies, "That's Judge Isby, son."

"Sorry, Marshall. I haven't seen Johnny yet. The Deputy asked me to tell him that he saw the Indian that hangs out with the widow Kale driving a wagon out of town with the books." Chester interrupts, "How 'bout you leave the Indian out of this. Just say someone drove the wagon out of town. It was night, so you couldn't tell who it was."

Berg tells Gormley "You just stay tight and let us know if Ringo makes contact with you." Berg and Chester make their way back to the Marshall's Office. He says, "I figure that Chet and I should take the Saturday night shift. That's when the Palace has their boxing so human male lawmen would probably be best if we have to go there. So we'll be taking tonight off and leaving the town in the capable hands of you two", as he gestures to Eddie and Helen.

Chester says, "Has Adair brought any of you before him? I sent for me last night. Said he wanted to talk. He asked who I thought I was working for. Then he asked me how I felt working alongside the two of you." He motions to Helen and Eduardo. "Even insulted you to boot. I walked out of his office when he did that. I don't know what trouble he'll try to start."

“He hasn't spoken to any of the other lawmen.”. Berg comments "All the more reason for us to be on duty tomorrow Chet and make an appearance at the Palace. Helen, Eddie, I'll be at my home tonight if anything comes up requiring a lawman at the Palace. Come and get me, don't attempt to go there yourself." Chester answers, "If you need me, I'll be at the Lucky Lady."

Jake spends an hour after coming back to the saloon cleaning his weapons. He was beginning to fall back into his old routines, and it felt good. He used the time to organize his thoughts, remembering all the small facts different folks told him about the Cowboy gang. We have much work to do, he thinks, but this could even be enjoyable.

After discussing the plans for the next few days Nanuet tells Minerva that he should get some work done. He reminds her that they were supposed to meet with their friends to share knowledge and make plans for the immediate future. He leaves the grove and heads to the Lucky Lady where he goes about his usual chores. He takes some time out to play with the puppies, training them a bit more. “I will see you later today. "Minerva replies and kisses him one last time before she goes back to the Comstock house."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter 156, “Chumbley’s Paper”, Friday, March 24th, 1882, 2:00 PM

Chumbley exclaims to Ruby and Kate, "Oh, he is continuing to advertise, has the whole last page just as he did with the Herald. Josiah Young handled that negotiation, since I'm not allowed into the Place, non-human you know. Anyway, Josiah made it clear that we would be accepting ads from any saloon in town, including yours. But to sweeten the pot we've agreed to have Angelica Young write up a short story for tomorrow's edition about the Palace's new fighter, a pugilist named Flannigan. I don't feel bad since it really is news, the guy is undefeated after two Saturday nights. And further promotion of this guy will help for the festival, since I assume that the open-fisted boxing will be a key event, given how big a draw it is."

"I see," Ruby replies. "Why would you want to advertise a business in your paper that is racist against you?" He replies, "Miss. West...Ruby...I don't own the newspaper, I am just its editor. Until my publisher instructs me to not take advertisements from him I will continue to do so. And a full-page back cover sells for $ 30.00 an issue, that's too tempting just throw away. But I will not allow his advertising content to include anything racist and I'm sure that my publisher will support me on that decision. Mrs. Arcadiam is also non-human, a half-elf, and she had her own run-in with Adair last year."

He then pauses, a rare occurance for him, and states "Besides, it may all be a moot point. If the town does go forward with discussion of incorporating a hot topic will be who has the right to vote. I will be writing editorials in support of non-humans, something I know a great deal about, which may prompt him to cancel his advertisements altogether."

Ruby replies, "Perhaps. But he is a lowlife scoundrel and you'd do well to remember that. I don't know who this Mrs. Arcadiam but I can only imagine what sort of 'run in' she had with him. Either she must desperately need the money or is fine letting her husband continue to insult her by letting him advertise for someone like Adair." "I guess you won't be staying with us anymore. And you'll be so busy around town we'll never see you. If you can spare the time, you might want to stop by here tomorrow night. I'm going to put some extra effort into my singing and the show should be captivating."

He replies, "Oh Ruby, are you kidding? You won't be able to get rid of me. Don't know where I'll be staying long-term. I'm still at the Alhambra but Mr. Lord tolerated me as a once or twice a week guest, not sure that he wants me full time. As for Mrs. Arcadiam, she's a singer who is better known around town as Morgana. Her run in had to do with her visit there last year. She went there one day to audition for a singing job, but dressed as a rich easterner and with her pointed ears covered. He told her to come back the next day to negotiate pay. She came back in her Indian garb and he wouldn't let her into the building, called Marshall Hollister to arrest her instead. She's no fan of Adair, nor is her husband. But they hated Mr. Baxter's bias and will not be hypocrites by imposing one of their own. Honest news, honest reporting, no favors or grudges against people just because they like or dislike them."

Kate laughs, "Also, they'll be getting a large pocket load of Adair's money. I hope you'll support the vote for women as well, Mr. Chumbley. I think you'll agree we support the town just as much as the men, and should have just as much say in how it runs."

"I don't think such a thing exists. But we'll see I guess. I've never met this Morgana to judge." "If you're going to be living here now you'll have to find a place to live, Chumbley." Ruby rolls her eyes, "And when is this vote taking place? I'm sick of hearing about it already." He replies, "Oh, it may not even happen. Mitchell Berg has been suggesting it for a while now, and he holds more influence now. The Merchant's Association has the topic on their agenda for next Tuesday's meeting."

"Interesting about the vote. I'm sure you're really hoping it happens soon so you can have a say in what goes on around here. Berg is a good man, if he can get it done he will." "As long as you're here, and since you're my answer man, I have a question for you. Have you ever heard of any of these people?" Ruby lists off the names John Bell, Lester Olivier, George Otis Grosvenor, Rudolph Foote, Sherwin Allen and Riff 'Alabama' McNally. "I figured you might have heard of at least one of them, maybe from here or maybe Tombstone."

"I've heard of two of them. Sherwin Allen and Riff 'Alabama' McNally were arrested last year by Promise City's Marshall Hollister for possible involvement with some cattle rustling but they were released after their alibis checked out as legit." Ruby taps her lips, "Hmmm, I wonder where they are now?...Oh well, let's not talk about this anymore. It's sullying my good mood. So are you coming by tomorrow night?"

He says, "Of course, you've probably be seeing me on a regular basis from now on." Ruby flashes him a dazzling smile. "How wonderful!" Jake is going to be so delighted, Ruby thinks. "I'm glad you'll be by, it should be special. Did you hear about the fencing match today? There's going to be one tomorrow morning too. I think I'm going to ask someone for lessons. What do you guys think?" Ruby sips her lemonade, still enjoying the sun, "Hey, have you heard where Ike Sherman went? He missed that big Merchant's meeting yesterday."

Chumbley says, "Nope, maybe he'll be on today's stage. I heard about the fencing, my reporter Angelica was there. She'll have a write up about both matches for tomorrow night's paper." "Good, I'd like to read about it, I missed it." Ruby quietly sips at her lemonade, while a lull falls over the conversation. Finally she speaks up, "I have to admit Chumbley, I have a problem putting an ad in your paper. Something irks me about you and your paper supporting Adair, hypocrite or not. Especially since he's tried to kill me and Jake."

Chumbley pleads, "But I'm not supporting Adair, he's supporting the Mirror. We're not discriminating against anybody and trying to present the news in an unbiased manner.

You don't have to put an advertisement in if you don't want to. Why don't you discuss it with your business partners. I don't need an answer right away, the deadline for the final printing isn't until noon tomorrow." "Alright." Ruby picks up her lemonade. "I think I've had enough sun for now."

Ruby heads inside and stops at the bar. "Mr. Hoover, you're our business manager. Chumbley is outside and wants to know if we want to put an ad in his new newspaper." She sits at the bar and waits for Katherine to come inside.

Kate looked at Chumbley with an understanding smile. "Don't feel badly, the others will talk her around. Your paper is the only game in town now. She knows you don't really support Adair. I should go inside. I'll see you later." She picked up her glass and went inside. She hugged Ruby then sat down. "What have you been up to since you snuck out of my room last night?"

Ruby smiles. "Oh, I've been busy doing errands. I went riding, that was nice. I realized that my skills have become a bit rusty, it's been a long time since I had lessons. Oh, look!" She reaches behind the bar and retrieves the photograph of her and Jake, showing it to Kate. "Ruby, that's wonderful. You both look so happy. Jake does clean up well, doesn't he? Did you have this done in Tombstone?"

Ruby laughs. "Yes he does, isn't he handsome?" Ruby says with a dreamy smile. "We had this done at Fly's this morning actually. I didn't think it would be ready so quickly but when I returned this afternoon it was done. I really hope you didn't worry after I snuck out last night. That reminds me, I really appreciate that, I didn't know I needed to talk and figure things out so badly. I feel much better today."

Kate replies, "It's what I'm here for. I'm glad it helped you, sometimes we just need to say what's on our minds to see an answer. It's wonderful to see you so happy. I was surprised to see you on Wednesday night. I had asked Miss Florencia a few days ago to help me thank Diana, and now I understand why you wanted to thank Venus. It's an odd conversation for the two of us, isn't it?"

"For us, yes. I really still don't believe it." Ruby shrugs, "But we'll see, right? I am surprised that you believe me. I wouldn't believe me." Kate responds, "Like I said last night, I have always believed in the gods existence, I'd just never seen anything good come of them before. And how could a goddess of love not love you? Now, if it had been a goddess of virginity, that I'd have trouble believing."

Ruby puts on a shocked face, "How could you say that!" before breaking out in hysterical laughter. "Honestly, I don't know what a goddess of love has to do with me. Goddess of beauty and desire I can buy. Love? Now that's stretching it." "She is in charge of beauty and desire too. I can see how much better you feel, and if Venus does that, then I'll put her with Diana on the short list of gods I respect." Kate sighed softly and took a drink of the lemonade. "I met someone new in town today, a Mrs. O'Hara. So many children! But they all seemed good and well-mannered, the two eldest already have jobs. They were moving in next to the Wong's."

Ruby answers, "Oh, she found somewhere to stay, that's good. Yes, I was NOT happy when I got on that coach ride Wednesday, except her children, all 30 of them, seemed to be very well mannered. I hope you don't mind, I told them you would probably be willing to help them with the tuition."

"I don't mind. She's going to teach me how to keep house," Kate laughed. "I can't cook anymore than to make tea. I don't know how to wash clothes, clean a stove, mend anything. All that education and I can't do anything really useful. I wouldn't really turn anyone away, but if the other families are paying tuition, it's not fair to take anyone for free. She'll also substitute for me if I can't teach for some reason. Being sick or something, you understand. "That's good you worked things out already. I don't know how to do any of those things either. Good thing I found a man who doesn't care, huh?" she giggles. Kate says, "I don't have to worry about a man. But I do have a ward that doesn't want to starve to death after we move out of the El Parador."

Kate adds, “That handsome new assistant of Judge Isby's was fencing today. He was quite good. I heard him say he was on the fencing team at Oxford." Ruby replies, "Yes, that's Kevin. He is handsome," she says casually taking a sip of lemonade, "He delivered that rose to me from Judge Isby. I'm going to ask him for lessons actually." "You'll make Judge Isby jealous," Kate teased. "He'll be kicking himself for bringing that boy here to steal his girl away."

"Right, Ginnie probably knows how to do all that stuff already, what are you worried about?" Ruby laughs. "As for the Judge, that is strictly," she leans in and whispers to Kate, "Business." She laughs, "But that would be funny for the Judge to get jealous. I have to admit he seems to be loosening up a bit over the course of the last two dates. Although I still doubt I'd get him in the kissing booth!"

"Kissing booth? Apparently this is a festival to Venus as well. But I would guess devotions to Dionysis often lead to devotions to Venus," Kate smiled. "Oh, remind me to suggest to Miss Florencia that we add fencing to the festivities. It seemed to prove quite popular this morining, and there are enough people with the skill to make it interesting."

"Well, I thought a kissing booth would make a lot of money AND piss off the vigilance committee but Jake said no way. I kinda like that, to tell you the truth. He said he doesn't want to share me. "I'll ty to remember about the fencing. I have to tell her about Mr. Fly being the official photographer too. Lately I've been distracted and haven't been remembering things very well. So you were at the match. I went to Lacey's and he was making an outfit to challenge Mr. Gonzales, it's pretty funny. I'm going to try to make it to the match tomorrow."

Kate says, "He could use someone a little closer to his own age. He is young at heart, but even for an elf he's far along in life. Mr. Schmidt took it easy on him, I think, but he still could only go about three rounds. I think you'll enjoy watching it. Pepita and Angelica overdid it a bit afterward. They were all over him as if he were a returning hero. It seemed out of place."

Ruby replies, "That's sound funny. I wonder if he'll play again tomorrow? You know, probably more than I, that Mr. Gonzales has done much to help this country, maybe even the world. Kinda unbelievable actually. So maybe he deserves a little fanfare," Ruby laughs but then gets serious. "He doesn't like Jake."

"Anyway, I don’' want to talk about that now. I'm in a good mood. As a matter of fact, I'm going upstairs to take a nap. See you for work tonight! Or maybe you'll even come by for dinner." Ruby heads upstairs where she kisses Jake then lies on the bed, watching him clean guns for a while. Stretching out, she grabs a pillow, turns on her belly and gets comfortable.

Left suddenly alone at the Lucky Lady, Kate went back out to the porch and sat down. It was good to feel the sun and wind on her face and listen to the sounds of the town. She was still worried and upset, but she was at least satisfied that she had done the right thing. Even if she had done it all wrong. And there was still reason to be happy.

She came in after a time and sat down at the piano, aware this was the only place she could play now. She filled her time with music until she realized it had gotten too late for their meeting. Even though she was still without an escort, she slipped back to the El Parador to help Ginnie and her teacher for a while before returning to the Lucky Lady for work.

A short while later Ruby wakes refreshed from her nap. She is happy to see that Jake had joined her. Together they get ready for the night then head downstairs for a late dinner. Nanuet greets Jake and Ruby when the come down for dinner. Realizing how late it is he says "Well I guess the meeting is off for now. I was planning on leaving to see Kajika tomorrow but I guess that is postponed for now, I wouldn't want to leave without sitting down with all of us first. I know you too have things to do, I plan on being around the rest of the night to keep an eye on things."

"We'll have to do our planning meeting tomorrow," Ruby comments, "I'm in too good of a mood to ruin it with that kind of talk." They eat dinner and Jake prepares for his card game and Ruby will begin her set shortly.

Friday night was normally the busiest night of the week at the Lucky Lady, and this Friday was no different. The crowd seemed even larger than usual and kept the entire staff on their toes for the whole evening. Even Ruby had to step behind the bar a few times to help out with orders. Of course, she really didn't mind, helping herself to a small drink every once in a while. She sang as she did the night before, happy and passionate. She only threw in a few haunting melodies at the request of the patrons.

Before she knew it, 1:00 A.M. was upon them and the crowd was finally thinning. Ruby gathered some bottles of various liquors and glasses and put them on their usual reserved table in the corner. Minerva and Chester were already sitting, drinking and chatting happily. Once the saloon was cleaned, they sit around for a while but everyone decides they are too tired to stay up drinking and talking so they choose to get together on Saturday night instead. Everyone heads off to bed.