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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813825" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 118, “Ranch Chats”, Monday, March 20th, 1882, 1:00 P.M. In response to Kate’s comment about all of their new activities Ginnie says, “Yeah, and we'll do great providing we don't get shot at too often by the Cowboy Gang or anyone else that gets mad at us…….Um if I'm doing all this studying do I have to learn how to ride and muck out stalls?” Kate laughed. "Unfortunately yes. It will be a long time before you learn to travel by other means, and sometimes those other means just aren't possible. You've seen what's needed. You can't take a brazier with you everywhere you go. I'm not asking you to be a champion rider. Once you're proficient you can stop riding lessons. Mucking stalls is just one of those chores that needs doing, so we'll all be doing it." Kate hears Ginnie mutter to herself "I need to find a way to always pack a brazier." She looks up and says to Kate, “Well right now I'm just planning on gathering components and keeping my notes until I can be more sure about how magic works. I think we need a dependable inventory before we start to rely on it. Can I have a shelve in the kitchen for the things I'm working on until we get a building up and ready to go?” Kate answers, "Of course. As long as you don't mind if I accidentally cook with them. I wonder if Dorita will still teach me after I missed our first lesson? Alright, why don't you show me what we're looking for and I'll help." Ginnie responds, “I think I'd better keep my stuff in my room. Most of the things in the bottles I have now at best will give you a really bad belly ache. Maybe I need to make sure that we stock up the pantry with stuff from Dorita. I don't want to spend my entire life out here eating cactus and tea because you don't know how to cook anything else. How are you at boiling eggs? And how can you know chemistry and not be able to make yourself supper?” Kate answers, "I just never needed to cook, it's always been done for me. And chemistry doesn't need to taste good. I'm sure I can do it, I just need to learn. It can't be that different." Kate spent some time with Ginnie looking for the components, and once she was sure Ginnie was staying in full sight of everyone she went back to the horse corrals. She then got started with checking the training of the Cowboy Gang horses they had gotten in their latest confrontation. After working up a good sweat Nanuet decided that it was a good time for a break. He makes his way to the house looking for a drink. He finds the well but is too dirty to drink from his hands so he heads inside the Adobe home that is now there. He finds some clay mugs and grabs one. As he turns back around he sees Sonoma standing there quietly. "Hi Sonoma. Impressive work you have done here. I was just going to get a drink from the well, would you like some water?" Sonoma replies, “Nanuet I'm fine I have missed you but have kept busy here. There is much that needs to be done if we are to make this a profitable venture however I believe that the ranch will become very successful especially if the recent events are as good as they seem to be on the surface.” He answers, “I am glad you have kept busy, but I was never worried about that. You seem to always have so many things to do. You have done such a wonderful job with things here on the ranch. Dorita must be very proud of you.” She says, “My mother doesn't really understand why I don't want to just take over the cantina. She would be much happier if I stopped all of the magic and druid studies and just waited tables and cooked. But we have started something here for us.” With that she steps over to Nanuet runs a damp cloth over his forehead and gives him a very passionate kiss. A wave of confusion comes over Nanuet. He stumbles backwards, shocked by the advance from Sonoma. He gently pushes her back, standing there jaw gaping. "I uh... I guess absences make the heart grow fonder?" the elf stammers. "I mean I am not sure what to think right now." She says, “What do you mean? I build a house that we share. We bought shares in the ranch and I have been doing my best to make our investments profitable. You told me to do what I needed to do to make this ranch work for us so that is what I have been trying to do. Did I forget to include so something that you thought we would need?” He replies, “No, no... you have done everything here to make this a wonderful place. But we don't share the house, I am never here. You have turned yourself so much into your work, you seemed to have no time for us. You have just been spending all your time working, I... well Sonoma, you ignored me and my needs until now." She states, “You asked me to take care of the ranch so I did. It has not been a very long time you knew where I was and what I was doing. You have been spending your time with your friends as you wished to. I assumed if you needed something else you knew where I was.” He replies, "You chose to take care of the ranch, I never assigned that duty to you. I am very grateful that you took that burden upon yourself and I am awed at what you have accomplished. But when we were here together, you seemed to have no romantic feelings towards me. I took no offense and decided to spend my time in town with our friends. I am very confused Sonoma. I did not think you cared for me." Her eyes widen. Nanuet waits for Sonoma to reply but she stands, speechless. Nanuet continues speaking. "I hungered for companionship and romance. I thought I overstepped my bounds and you were not interested. That you were just being a good friend. Even that you felt sorry for me. I don't really feel what I thought was growing between us. I can't be what you want me to be. " Nanuet again waits for a response from Sonoma, but finds none forthcoming. "I'm sorry Sonoma, I hope we can still be friends." With that he turns and leaves the house. He says to himself, “What is that word that Jake says all the time? Oh yes, Meirda!” Across the field, Gonzales escorts Minerva to Sonoma's building. Just inside is a canvas tarp covering over something. He approaches it and removes the tarp. Minerva sees before her a pair of three-foot high Ceramic Urns with one with a depiction of Jupiter the other of Minerva. He says, "These are originals, made approximately 1,500 years ago near the end of the Roman Empire. They had been ferried away from Italy just prior to the invasion of the Germanic hoards that ravaged western civilization. Their journey to America began over a century ago and they eventually found their way to southern California to what is now Los Angeles. They have been generously donated to your church by James Toberman, the previous Los Angeles Mayor, who I had the privilege of being the house guest of earlier this year." "Oh my gods! Oh, my gods!", Minerva repeats over and over, overwhelmed by the spectacular gift. She rushes forward and bending down caresses the statues as she examines them. She turns tear filled eyes to Senor Gonzalas "They are sooo beautiful!" She quickly stands and embraces him in her excitement. "Gracias Senor." she says kissing him on both cheeks. "The gods shall surly repay such generosity" She is quiet for a few moments thinking about the Vigilance Committee and the possibility that they might try and take the precious icons from her and says, " Perhaps we should leave them hidden here for now. They are so valuable. It would not be wise to let others know of their existence just yet." He states, "Why yes, I quite agree. Until the church is permanently constructed they should remain in safe keeping. Fear not, I have a special place to keep them for the time being where they will come to no harm.” He smiles and says, "And about the previous misunderstanding, at no point did I mean to deceive you. In fact, if you ask Katherine she will confirm that night nine days ago I specifically mentioned to her that I did not wish to meet you as Tex but at a later date as myself. It was Ruby who pulled you over to the table and made the introductions. You have probably noticed by now that once Ruby decides to do something there is no stopping her." Minerva laughs heartily "She certainly is an exceptional young woman isn't she? She reminds me of the wild horses that roam the plains So unpredictable and spirited. I've grown very fond of her in such a short time." Gonzales replies, "As have I, although I do worry about her. I'm not altogether sure about her taste in men. I fear that her friend Jake will one day be the death of her." Minerva replies, "He has many qualities which could be considered flaws by some but he has proven himself to be a loyal and caring man. I know that Senor Jake cares deeply for Senorita Ruby and would lay his life down to save hers. I have seen it." She says in rebuke. "It is not for us to question the workings of Venus, Senor." "I have been thinking on this generous gift" she says motioning to the statues. "Why would you bestow such priceless items to me at this time? You do not even know me." She looks at him directly. "I feel that you have something more to reveal. You know that I do not care for deception. Please tell me what it is that you desire in return." He looks at her and says, "The gods do indeed grant you great wisdom. While I rely on wizard magics I too have great belief in the deities, and unlike most who focus upon their own specific religions and deny the existence of other gods, I believe that multiple pantheons exist. I believe in your gods, Nanuet's gods, and the gods worshipped by my race." She replies, “As do I Senor. I am pleased to hear it for I have not met a wizard yet who acknowledged anything but his own magic and was beginning to lose hope." she says giving no further explanation. He pauses and then says, "Well, I suppose that I could just tell you that I find you physically attractive and have a strong desire for a relationship...that would be true. You no doubt have that effect on many men. However, the full truth is that for decades I have been seeking a solution to a particular problem and feel that the gods have sent you here as that solution.” Minerva shook her hair back and laughed at his flirtatious remark. As he continues the smile drains from her face. "It seems that the gods have a great number of plans for me since my arrival in Promise City, but whether or not they have sent me here to assist you remains to be seen." He replies, "I would never begin to presume the will of the gods, my assumption is based only on the fact that your life and that of my apprentices now appears to be linked." He continues, “But now is not the time to discuss the specifics of that, I have waited decades and waiting a little should not matter. Right now we should focus on helping to protect our friends from this Cowboy Gang.” She cocks her head in an exaggerated flirtatious manner, gives him a quizzical look and says in a lazy, sultry voice "You certainly do know how to catch a girl's attention Senor,...what could possibly wait decades and yet be so urgent? Such a riddle must not go unanswered, for my weakness lies in my curious nature." Her smile warms slightly "when we have dealt with this gang of cowboys I would be willing to hear your story." He replies, “Thank you. It is a deeply personal story, and not one that I have any desire to repeat. In fact, so far I have only shared it with one of my four apprentices." He asks, “To that end may I ask, in which languages are you proficient?" She answers, "I can understand a few words of the western languages which are similar to my own native tongue and my English is passable but I do not speak any other language as yet. Minerva shakes his hand, "Senor Gonzales, before I take my leave I would like to thank you once again for your fine and generous gift. I will assume that it was a gift freely given to the gods, whether or not I choose to help you in your mysterious task.” He replies, "Absolutely. A gift is always just that. You do not know me yet but you will find that I am an honorable man who always keeps his promises." She says, “It is getting late and I believe that I have a horse to choose from among these fine animals before we head back to town. Gracias Senor. Adios" She turns on her heel and with swaying hips goes in search of Katherine. Kate was again working with her mentor's horse when she saw Minerva come out of Sonoma's house. She signaled the animal and began leading it back to the corral. When the other woman approached Kate put on her most professional tone. "If you're ready, I'll show you the horses I'd recommend." She led Minerva over to one of the corrals. "I've had these horses here for several months, so I've had some time to work with them. Some of the newer horses and better stock, but I haven't had much time with them. Feel free to take a look and see what you'd like." Nanuet eaves the house. He sees Kate and Minerva looking over some horses and makes his way over. "Howdy ladies, how are things going so far? Don't suppose you have a good one for me since mine kinda got shot up on my little expedition to Tombstone?" he says to Kate, a forced grin on his face. "Of course," Kate said, her manner warming considerably for Nanuet. She noted but didn't mention the strain on his face. "I have a couple fine geldings that I think might do very well for you. Steady, plenty of endurance, and I've worked with them enough to be certain of their training. This one has a bit of a mischievous streak in him," she said, patting a solid chestnut flank. "His friend there is more serious, but probably not as much fun." He says, "Steady, plenty of endurance and a hint of mischief, that sounds like a winner to me. Any insight on that Minerva?" Minerva notices Katharine’s stiff spine and sighs to herself. "She is such a temperamental one. He is a beautiful animal." she says nuzzling the horses face. "She looks around the yard and notices a large black stallion trotting around the corral. "Oh! Now that is the spirited young man for me!" she says to Katherine. "Is he one I am able to choose from?" She replies, "Ah, let me make sure. Ruby had chosen a black stallion herself." Kate looked over the horse Minerva wanted and noticed white patches just above the hooves. The animal Ruby had chosen was pure black. "Ah yes. I know this young man. He is very spirited. If you choose him, I'd suggest you give up riding side-saddle. I suggest it anyway, it's downright dangerous." Minerva claps her hands together in delight and dashes over to the corral, Surprising the onlookers by lifting her skirts and hopping over the fence in a rather unladylike manner. She stops once inside the gate and approaches the black stallion slowly while speaking softly to him in Spanish. “No le dañaré. ¿Puedo montarle? Usted es tan hermoso. Tendremos grandes aventuras juntas." <<transplation: “I will not harm you. May I ride you? You are so beautiful. We shall have great adventures together.”>> The horse calms and stands still as she nears. She continues to speak softly as she examines his teeth, hooves and flanks and legs. Satisfied she She climbs on his back holding him with her legs she whispers in his ear begins to lead him around the ring. Nanuet continues to look at the mount that Kate recommended. He says to Kate, "Well Miss Kate, I trust your judgment, I am sure this will be a fine mount. Hopefully he can serve me longer than the last one did." Nanuet wanders over and spends a few moments with the gelding that Kate had suggested to him. He is obviously distraught though and his usual abilities to handle animals is compromised by his agitated state. He returns back to the two women. "Well what else do we have left to do out here? I should get back to town soon to keep an eye on the Lucky Lady and see if Chester wants help at the jail again tonight." Kate says, “I had hoped to spend the day, although I do need to be back by dinnertime. Mr. Gonzales intends to return later and talk to Dorita, so if you and Miss Florencia wanted to head back, I won't be alone. Is everything alright? You're anxious, he can tell," she said lightly, touching the prancing gelding. He says, “"No, everything is not OK, but the situation is umm..." he glances at Minerva then back to Kate and lowers his voice, "personal. I think it might be best if I leave now. I can call Maska to accompany me if Minerva is enjoying herself. You ladies probably could use some time without a meddling man in your way." "Miss Florencia and I have no special business, and I for one don't mind a man meddling now and then. But I understand," Kate said, laying her hand on his arm without further comment. "And it is better perhaps if you don't ride back with my mentor." "Mr. Gonzalez? Why, he has always been nice enough to me." Nanuet says trying to goad Kate. Kate met Nanuet's eyes for a long moment before she spoke. "Of course. But even friends are sometimes upset with one another, are they not?" She let out a deep breath. "You're a good man; whatever's troubling you I know you'll do the best you can. Go on home," she said gently. Minerva says, "No, Senor Nanuet, Luna and I will accompany you. We must be getting back also." She Chuckles "We are to chaperone Senor Chester and his Clarisse this evening. He would be disappointed if we were late. Perhaps you would care to join us in our chaperone duties and we could find time to finish our discussion from last evening. Give me a moment to saddle up my new mount and we can be on our way." Kate says, "I doubt you'll be late, it's barely afternoon. It's a nice afternoon for a ride though, I'm sure you'll enjoy it." Nanuet states, Thanks Minerva, I appreciate the company. Perhaps the chaperoning duties is a good idea. I could use some lessons on being civil." he says with a wink, his mood lightening a bit. "But whatever will I wear?" he says with a soft chuckle. Miss Kate, are you sure you and Miss Ginnie will be OK? I do feel bad leaving you here. Is Mr. Gonzalez going to escort you back to town?" Kate says, "I'm sure he will. And if he can't for some reason, there is a ranch full of people here at the moment who could fill in. There's nothing to worry about." "Nanuet states, Well, that is settled then, as soon as Minerva is ready we'll be off. Thanks for being understanding Miss Kate. I'll see you later tonight, make sure you get home OK, and I have a favor I need to ask you later also. See you then." Nanuet mounts the new gelding that was chosen and waits for Minerva. Minerva mounts her new steed and rides off with Nanuet. Luna flies on ahead to alert them of anyone on the road. "Gracias, Senor. I do appreciate your willingness to accompany me this evening. Honestly, I don't think that Chester and Clarisse need a chaperone. They will be surrounded by people in the saloon. I'm not sure what I am expected to do if they choose to go off on their own." she smirks. "After all they are adults. I'm not sure that I would be able to prevent a romantic encounter if it came to that. " She chuckles. Nanuet says, “Chester is an adult yes, Clarisse is still young. I do not understand all the rituals of the human world, but I understand that it may not be appropriate for them to go off alone yet. I may be mistaken but I believe it was the young lady who requested a chaperone, she hardly knows Mr. Chester yet." Kate sighed with relief as the two rode away.</blockquote>

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