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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813710" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 98, “Minerva’s Sermon“, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 7:45 A.M. Ruby sighs as she looks around the room. Playing with the dogs wasn't going to keep her mind off yesterday’s events. She gathers a pretty cream dress with small peach flowers on it into a bag and heads downstairs. She was hungry but would wait to eat. Chester was at the bar drinking, apparently he needs some whiskey to get through the service too, Ruby laughs to herself. She stops at the bar to say hi and have a couple of drinks, feeling better as soon as the smoothness of the brandy starts down her throat. She stops to pet the fur balls then heads out. She walks slowly down the street, passing people all dressed up for the morning's services. She knocks on the bathhouse door and Jules lets her in. He tells her, "Normally we are closed on Sunday but Ms. Gilson said if you ever came by to let you in. I'll go draw you a bath." Ruby waits patiently in silence until the bath is ready. She makes her way to their steam filled room, and she can smell the scent of lavender. Apparently Laurie had said to take good care of them. Ruby glances at her bath then at her shoulder and shakes her head. She drops her clothes to the floor and carefully gets in the bath. She washes her hair gingerly, her shoulder hurting worse than she thought it should. After she is clean she lies back and just relaxes, almost falling asleep. Two blocks away, Minerva has once again miraculously transformed the unfinished town hall into a place of worship, Her place of worship. As the people enter the Town Hall for the Priestess' second sermon, the now familiar tapestry depicting the 12 heavenly powers captures their attention. The mismatched saloon chairs, on loan from local proprietors, have been place in military straight rows dominating the center of the room, and the small snowy white owl, that they have come to recognize as the Priestess’s constant companion, is perched unconcernedly upon the soapbox podium preening her feathers. Soft, exotic music flows from the priestess’ flute and wafts through the air, lulling the supplicants to peace like a soft breeze on a drowsy summer day. The Sun had been up when Nanuet opened his eyes this day. It seemed that the day was going to be a beautiful one. He spent the late morning walking around the desert area near the mineshaft where he had met with Kajika in the past. The desert was an amazing place after it received rainfall and he just strolled around the area observing the flora and fauna of the area before he returned to town. He headed towards the building where services were being held and made his way around the back of the structure where he could be seated without being seen to easily and hopefully could hear Minerva's sermon. The young Priestess, dressed in her soft white robes with her silver circlet of olive leaves nestled in her dark flowing hair, is seated upon the large white pillow, an aura of soft light radiating around her, enhancing her innocent, heavenly appearance. In communion with the gods, she is oblivious to all as she silently chants her mantra over and over “I am the beginning. I am the vestal virgin. I am an innocent offering to the gods. Unmarked by man. Uninfluenced by his touch, his ambitions, and his desires. I am the vessel through which the gods make their will known. " Sensing that everyone is seated Minerva, sets her flute aside and walks sedately, to the podium. The owl flutters over to perch upon her shoulder and the two ghostly white figures stare intently around the room quieting the murmuring crowd. “Before we begin today’s sermon, I would like everyone to stand and pray for the soul of Marshall Earp’s brother, Morgan. Morgan was fatally shot last night. Marshall Earp has gone to Tombstone to be with his family. Let us pray for his family also.” She says and bows her head as a wave of disbelief washes over the crowd. When Ruby is done with her bath she throws her hair into a messy pile on her head, wet tendrils hanging down all over. She dresses then realizes her fresh wound is very visible in this dress. She stands for a long while, staring at herself in the mirror before tuning away deliberately. She leaves $2.00 on the counter and leaves. As she walks, she figures on getting some food. Miss Florencia's sermon should have started by now, she thinks, Maybe I'll go by and take a peek before I eat. Ruby heads over to the Town Hall and hears Minerva’s voice, although she cannot see her, the place is packed. She squeezes inside and stands with her back against the wall, listening to what the priestess has to say. After several minutes of silence her voice skillfully rings out, like a knife striking fine crystal, captivating all while her gestures lull and etch colorful images into their minds. “Picture your life as a journey, a path through the woods… Each time the path forks, Faith will choose the way or fear and doubt will block it.” She pauses to let her words penetrate. Those were the words being spoken as Ruby squeezed in the room. As Minerva spoke Ruby glanced around the crowded room. Mr. Lacey was sitting up front, paying close attention, nodding his head along with her sermon and smiling. Ruby noticed Mitchell Berg, sitting near the middle of the crowd, looking comfortable next to Laurie Gilson. She smiled to herself at that particular turn of events. “FEAR HUNTS!” the Priestess bellows, shattering the peaceful image. “Its arrow strikes DEEP in the heart and mind of this congregation.” Pointing an accusatory finger around the room she continues in a thunderous voice of doom “There are those in this room whose path to faith has been blocked. BLOCKED by their own fear and doubt, those who wear their righteousness as an aegis upon their breast against it. This shield blocks their hearts and minds to the will of the gods as surely as the fallen tree blocks the wooded path…Battered from within by their own fear these misguided souls are compelled to strike back with rules with which to bind and control that which they do not understand! FEAR HUNTS… and it feeds …and it grows… destroying all it touches... killing beauty, and truth and light until all are left cowering in fearful, faithless darkness.” Minerva’s entire countenance changes, as the light around her brightens. Eyes aglow with the joy of her faith, a beatific smile on her full lips, the Priestess’ continues in a sweet fervent voice. “Do YOU have Faith?” “THE FAITHFUL need not be afraid of what they do not comprehend for a true believer rejoices in the mysteries of the universe, and revels in the diversity of our world and in the uniqueness of each individual. THE FAITHFUL tread the undisclosed path ignorant of fear... Like the child clasping his mother’s hand on an unknown journey, THE FAITHFUL… ACCEPT and TRUST that the gods will guide them to their destination just as the child accepts and trusts its mother.” With lightening speed her voice whips out, dark and dangerous, her eyes flash and her full mouth becomes a grim line. “Recently, certain misguided committee members DIRECTED me to ignore those who were not of our ways. They dared instruct that I should only focus on the “true believers” of Promise City.” Jake shakes his head and watches the crowd thinking She's good to her word, she's not only chosen a path but also put a big fork in the road for the others. He listens to her sermon and watches the crowd reaction, trying to note who will be with the priestess and who will be one of her obstacles. Minerva leans forward over the podium. “The gods warn EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!” Her eyes fill with disapproval as she scans the room looking directly into the hearts of each committee member, “Abandon your shields of righteous indignation! They do naught but protect the fear that grows and festers within you!” Nanuet listened intently, taking in her words. "She certainly speaks with conviction and passion." he thought. She holds her hands out, palms up in a pleading gesture and her voice gentles like that of a mother reasoning with a child. “ It is not too late to open your hearts and minds to the path of light where all fear is vanquished by Faith. Segregation and control are naught but the rancid carcass, which your putrid fear feeds upon. It is NOT the will of the gods’ that you should dominate, separate OR abandon their children, BUT that you should rejoice and revel in their uniqueness. Her voice takes on a deep, intense resonance. “ For it is written that all mankind are created in their image. Wood elves, dwarves and humans alike. The gods demand a church unified in it’s diversity, not one in which we abandon our children, leaving them in the woods for the hungry wolf because they are innocent of our ways. The gods do not will a church in which their people cower down in fear, for they created man to stand proudly upright in the light and parade the gifts that they have given him.” A long pause follows. She reaches out to the entire congregation and happily continues “It is spring, a time of renewal and awakening, the time of Dionysus, the time to Rejoice in the unique gifts that the gods have bestowed upon each of their people. Her voice rings out “The opportunity to open your hearts and give honor to Dionysus is at hand. He, the most diverse of all the gods, invites you to play and celebrate in His honor.” Minerva excitedly outlines the details for the festival including her hopes of raising money for the new school and fire truck. She emphasizes the importance of everyone contributing in whatever way they can. “Senor Lacey will be standing at the exit to assist you with the sign up sheet at the end of the service. By celebrating our diversity we become unified! We will sing and dance and play in his honor. Our crops will be plentiful and our livestock increased tenfold! This is the will of the gods! So be it” Rebecca King was also sitting near the front, not nodding, looking quite miserable actually. By the time Minerva started talking about the festival she had a look of pure disgust on her face. She rose and with much drama walked down the center aisle with her nose in the air, pushing her way through the crowd at the back. A few people Ruby didn’t know followed her out. Minerva turns and walks back to her pillow where she sits and plays her flute while the money baskets are passed. “Well my Goddess, it is done. There are those in this room who will be swayed to my aid and those who will secretly plot my demise. Let us hope I have more supporters than assassins,” she sighs. The sound of the flute catches Trisha's attention, drawing her out of her troubled thoughts. She looks up to see Minerva seated, and money baskets being passed around. When they reach her, she pulls a handful of coins out of her pocket and drops them into the basket, then turns away and stares at the floor again. When the rest of the congregation starts to get up and leave, Trisha stays seated, but she looks around, hoping to see Simon in the crowd. He's not there. As the hall empties, Trisha remains in her seat, eyes closed, with tears starting to roll down her face. After the sermon was over Lacey made his way to the back and a crowd of people gathered around him to sign up for the festival. Ruby heard many comments from people as they left, some very happy with the new priestess, others not so much. “How could she want to include the heathens?” was a common comment she heard. Another was, “Isn’t it wonderful how she wants to get money for the school house and the fire truck aside from the church? She must really care about our community.” Ruby smiled at Mitchell and Laurie as they walked by. Laurie noticed Ruby’s wet hair and commented, “You must have had a bath. I hope Jules took care of you.” “Yes, Ruby replied, “He did and I very much appreciate it. You don’t know how bad I needed it.” Mitchell cut in, “We’re going to lunch, would you like to join us?” “No thank you,” she said simply. They said good-bye and departed. After the crowd thins out a bit Ruby approached Mr. Lacey. He was still scribbling on his pad of paper and didn’t look up. He heard Ruby’s unique voice, “I guess I’m the entertainment committee,” she laughed. Lacey looked up with a blush, “Sorry Miss West, I didn’t see you standing there.” She smiled at him, “That’s ok, you’re busy. You can mark me down, I think Miss Florienca already has.” Lacey started stuttering but Ruby acted like she didn’t notice. “Have a nice Sunday Mr. Lacey.” Ruby saw Tricia sitting by herself looking forlorn. I have my own problems, she thought. She doesn’t approach her instead taking a seat in the back. Jake just sits and watches as the crowd files out and notices with some surprise that Ruby was in the back. As the church empties he notices Tricia Shaw. He approaches her and says, "Powerful sermon Miss Shaw don't you think? It seems to have struck you particularly hard." Jake doesn't look too close at her face after seeing the tears. "I'll walk with you back to the Lucky Lady if you care to, I promised Miss West I wouldn't tarry here. Wipe your face, it won't help you to have townsfolk gabbing about you regardless the source of those tears." Trisha looks up at Jake and wipes her face. Then she gets up. "Thank you, Mr. Cook," she says. "It was, uh... well, truth be told, I wasn't really listening to too much of it," she says. "You'd be wise not to tell her that. Tenacious is that one, she'd just give you the sermon again right then and there." Jake chuckles. They walk together in silence. They walk out of the hall and towards the Lucky Lady. Nanuet waited till the crowd had dissipated before making his way out from behind the building. He was hesitant to enter but decided there was not a reason not to, that Minerva had said his kind would be welcomed. Nanuet spotted Jake and nodded as he was speaking with Tricia. He made his way to the front of the church and sat listening to Minerva play the soft music on her flute. Morning came soon enough, and despite her busy night, Kate woke at a decent hour feeling energized. Ginnie was curled up on her cot. Kate knelt next to her and brushed the hair away from her forehead. Together they had made a little family for themselves. Kate had never thought it would grow this way. Kate washed up at the basin and dressed herself in Tom's favorite green dress. Her hair was quickly and simply put up, and she went downstairs. She was anxious to find Nanuet and the others, but for once Dorita had no trouble getting her to stop for breakfast before she rushed out the door. It was Sunday morning, and Miss Florencia expected most of them at her service. It was probably almost over by now, but the others might still be there. She headed for the unfinished town hall. Minerva sits upon her pillow, softly playing her flute. When she senses that the townspeople have all left she opens her eyes to see Nanuet sitting at her feet, peacefully watching her. She gives him a gentle smile, "Hola, Senor. I am very pleased that you are here today. It was not so bad was it?" she teases. "I am famished," she announces giving him a dazzling smile. "Let us find something to eat. I will return to clean up later." Nanuet helps her to her feet and as she stands she looks over Nanuet's shoulder. A surprised look crosses her face and is quickly replaced by a satisfied smile. She whispers to Nanuet "This is indeed a day for miracles. Look who is here." She hurries to the back of the room to welcome her friend. " Katherine, How are you this morning? she says taking Kate's hands. She eyes her more critically taking in not only the beautiful gown, but the soft rosy flush of her skin and the bright glow of her eyes. "My Senora, Church must really agree with you. You are positively breathtaking this morning. " Nanuet quickly follows behind Minerva to join her and Kate. "Good morning Miss Kate, how are you today?" "Very well, thank you Nanuet. I just arrived Miss Florencia, looking for our friend here, actually," she said smiling at Nanuet. "I'm sure your sermon will have the town buzzing this week just as it did last. Nanuet, I have a message for you from a friend, and messages for some others as well. If you're both ready to head over to the Lucky Lady, I can tell everyone at once." He replies, “Well, I was actually heading there next. Just wanted to see how the sermon went and seeing who was in attendance. I'm ready.” As Ruby had waited after the sermon, she fingered the box that was hidden in her pocket. Earlier she had opened the safe and taken it with her, knowing this would be her last chance to return it to its owner. He was not present at the sermon, and that surprised Ruby. Of course, the crowd was large and it was entirely possible she just overlooked him. Nevertheless, the box would need to be returned. Finally she became too inpatient to wait any longer. She stood and made her way outside, walking quickly, ending at the doorstep of Helen and Stanley Barker. She knocked and waited for someone to answer. Stanley Barker opens the door. He is wearing casual clothes and a flour-covered patchwork apron. Ruby takes in the smell molasses cookies baking. As the door is opening Ruby quickly tugs at her dress, straining to pull the sleeve over her wound. She stands up tall and puts a smile on her face. "Good morning Mr. Barker. Something smells lovely. Is Mr. Eastman here? I really need to speak with him." Stanley backs slightly inside and Ruby suddenly reaches out for his arm. "Wait, I mean, uh," she releases his arm, "I just wanted to say, I know Helen is really mad at me about everything that happened, but there are many people who like to hear you play on Saturday nights at the Lucky Lady and I hope you'll still consider playing there, you'd be punishing them as much as me." Ruby gives him a hopeful smile. "Anyway, is George here?" Stanley replies, "Actually he and Helen took the morning stagecoach to Tombstone. They thought that there would be interest in photographs of this Earp situation. I stayed as my specialty is portraits of people, not funerals, and besides, George is a better photographer than I am. Helen wouldn't approve of my inviting you inside in her absence but if you wait here I can get you some fresh cookies. They just came out of the oven. We can then discuss some of these other issues." Ruby's face drops. "Oh I missed him? Is he gone for good?" He replies, "I don't know. He took all of his things with him, but he does travel light. We'll just have to wait until Helen returns to see if he is with her." She shakes off her little outburst, "Oh yes, I'll wait here for you to return." Stanley heads back inside and Ruby sits on their porch step. She had been hoping to get rid of the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach, the one she didn't have much experience with. If George was gone she might never be rid of it. She again put her hand on the box in her pocket and waited for Stanley to come back out. Stanley returns with a plate of with six of best smelling cookies that Ruby has ever seen. He says, "It's an old family recipe." He gestures for her to sit on a porch chair as he sits in another, putting the plate on a small table between them. He offers her a cookie before taking one for him. After they have each consumed a cookie he says, "I'm sorry about not being able to play any more at the Lucky Lady, but Helen is firm on that subject. The patrons won't suffer, as they can still come to hear me every Saturday night at the Comique. And you say that Helen will be mad at the way things have happened...does that mean that you've decided to accept George's proposal?" "Stanley, do you, for a second, believe I would be a good wife to George? Or anyone for that matter?" Ruby runs her hand through her hair. "No, don't answer that. Why is Helen so adamant to have me marry George? She absolutely hates me, why would she want to be related to me? I don't get it. I would think she would want someone to give him what he needs. She is mad simply because I asked her how George was. I feel bad about what happened after I left him the other night." Ruby shakes her head and looks at the remaining half of her second cookie in her hand before taking a bite.. "These are really good, Stanley and I'm hungry. I should probably go." He replies, "Have another. I think you're confused. Helen doesn't want you to marry George, she just wants her cousin Georgie to get over you and move on with his life. She's been hearing about his precious 'Constance Grace West' for years now, who disappeared to who knows where. She wants him to find a good and decent wife, and knows that he won't until he knows this relationship between George and you is final. As you may have noticed, she tends to be direct, and so the most direct way for her to deal with this was by putting the two of you together. Unfortunately things got out of hand with the murder accusation and the more public aspect of this could potentially damage his reputation if or when the account is published. That could have an negative effect on his business plans. When she heard about the Earp murder she saw it as an opportunity to salvage the situation. Any disturbances in this town will be overshadowed by the publicity of his photographs becoming the ones printed worldwide recording the Earp funeral as well as pictures of any follow up news. She assumes that Wyatt will soon find those responsible, which means a hearing or hanging. And any paper that wants to use his photographs will think twice about printing a negative story about him. So George will probably remain in Tombstone until all of this shakes out, Helen may as well. We'll have to wait and see." Good and decent wife, huh?" is Ruby's answer to Stanley's explanations. "Look, I told him plainly from the beginning I wasn't going to marry him. I told him he was crazy asking Jake to pay money to leave me. What else can I do? Helen has no right to put this on me." Ruby takes another cookie, taking a small bite. "I ran away from home so I wouldn't have to marry George. Apparently my parents failed to mention that to him. It's none of anyone's business what I've been doing since then. Ruby stands. "I'm supposed to be going to Tombstone this week. Maybe I'll see him there but it's not wise for Helen and I to spend too much time together. I have to be honest, Stanley," she says with emphasis, "You're a nice guy and you deserve better than Helen bossing you around constantly. And now that she isn't going to be frequenting the Lucky Lady I don't have any reason whatsoever to see her and it's best that way. If you were smart you'd take these cookies," she holds her hand up dramatically before finishing it, "Make yourself your own cookie business and stop letting her walk all over you." Ruby shrugs. "Just some silly advice I guess." She steps down to the road and turns back. "I am sorry though that I won't get to hear you play anymore. You're very good. Thank you for the cookies, I appreciate it. Good bye, Mr. Barker." Ruby bids Mr. Helen Barker goodbye and starts her walk back to the Lucky Lady. As soon as she turns her back to him her eyes narrow and a plan starts to form in her mind. Who the hell does Helen Barker think she is anyway? She wanders her way back in thought, still getting strange looks from people, and for being rumored to be dead she guesses.</blockquote>

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