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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2974259" data-attributes="member: 8530">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."</blockquote>

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