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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3074655" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 171, “Love is in the air“, Sunday, March 26th, 1882, 11:30 AM Nanuet tells Chester, "Well you aren't the first person to say that this morning. It's just a dream Chet, doesn't mean that is going to come true. I still believe that if it is my time then it is my time. Minerva is meeting me later and we will decide what to do. I plan on bringing Maska with me, she can scout ahead, hopefully unnoticed and warn us if need be."Chester asks, "Who else said that?"   Nanuet replies, "Miss Minerva had a dream where Venus warned her that Ringo and Mars were ganging up together. They killed Flint, but Venus told her that we were under her protection, but only if we stayed in town."  Chester says, "Listen, I know you can take care of yourself. It's just that the last time I felt this, a lot of innocent people died. You can't go. If not for my sake, then for Minerva's. What if she were hurt, too?"Nanuet replies, "That would be a tragedy indeed, but haven't you ever had dreams before? Dreams that didn't come true? How come everybody had dreams but me, and it is my life that seems to be in danger. Since all this has cropped up we haven't made our final plans yet. I am meeting Minerva later at the Lucky Lady. We'll go from there."A short distance away Jake says to Ruby, "Yes, a late breakfast and coffee. What a fine idea." He waves goodbye to Nanuet who isn't looking at him anyway. “The priestess has worries. We all have worries. Some of us handle our worries better than others. Let's eat at the El Parador so you can corner Gonzalez after we are done eating." They go and see Dorita for Sunday after sermon breakfast.Burton Lumley approaches in Minerva‘s direction. She hadn't seen him during the sermon so assumes that he just arrives. He yells over "Priestess, I need some of your time. There are a number of matters that need to be settled regarding this upcoming festival."  Nanuet says, "Minerva, I am sure Jake wasn't purposefully making fun of the Gods. Please try and stay calm for now, you have people who need to talk with you. We can talk about this later. I'll start cleaning up." Nanuet puts his arms gently on Minerva's shoulders. "Remember, you were told we were protected here. Now, Priestess, you are wanted." He hugs her and then ushers her towards Burton Lumley.Minerva looks into Nanuet's eyes and nods. "I'll clean up and meet you at the Lucky Lady, we can discuss our plans then."  Nanuet then diligently begins taking down the tapestries and other decorations. He puts away chairs with the others and then takes the tapestries to the Lucky Lady where he stores them in his room. He then picks up a broom and begins working on sweeping up the main room of his favorite saloon.Outside, She fixes her smile and approaches Mr. Lumley. "Senor Lumley" she says cheerfully "of course I have time for you. How may I help?"  He says, "Could you please follow me, over to the Gay Lady? We need to have a meeting about this Festival."    "Senor Lumley, It will take me a few minutes to finish up here. I shall meet you at the Gay Lady in ten minutes if that is agreeable to you." Minerva composes herself and smiling approaches Chester and Clarisse. "Buenas Dias, Senorita, Chester. I was hoping that you could introduce me to Senora Fly so that we could discuss including the quilts in the festival."     She then pulls Chester aside. She explains that something has come up and she must go. She asks him if he will try and find out exactly who Buck Fly is, what the family thinks of him and if he has been in town recently. "Anything you find out will be helpful. Gracias Chester." she says and leavesKate waved to Ruby and Jake as they came in for what could only assume would be breakfast for them. They both still had that blurry-eyed look that was usually cleared up with a couple cups of coffee.   "How was church?" she asked.  "I was very nearly inspired." Jake comments dryly.Ruby, Katherine and Jake chat a while over coffee while waiting for Dorita to server up some breakfast. "I keep forgetting, can I have the letter Maggie wrote back? Did you share it with our friends?"  She says, “"I'll bring it down to you before I leave for the ranch. I did share it, and we all got a smile out of it.  "Have you seen Senor Gonzalez?" Ruby asks Katherine. "I need to speak with him about a couple of things." Jake whispers, "Minerva has had another troubling dream. One that wasn't pleasant about the Flint and Sonoma at the ranch." In hushed tones Jake relates what the priestess told them earlier. "It is certainly getting strange around here."Katherine replies, "Mr. Gonzales is upstairs with Ginnie, I'm sure he'll be glad to see you," Kate smiled. "I wouldn't worry too much about Miss Florencia's dreams. There may be some truth in it, but I'd guess it's also mixed up with fear and guilt. I would take a message of caution from it, but nothing else." Ruby states, "Oh no Kate, that's not true. The messages that come across in dreams CAN come to be, no matter how crazy they sound. We should take more than a message of caution from it." Ruby has a very serious expression on her face until she is distracted by the food showing up. "Oh good! I thought I was going to have to go in the kitchen and cook it myself." She digs in heartily, forgetting the previous topic of conversation. As Ruby turned her head toward the kitchen for a moment to see Dorita bustle out, Kate caught Jake's eye and mouthed, "We need to talk."   Jake says, "Katherine, have you made arrangements or would you like me to ride out with you?"    She says, "I haven't. I was waiting to see if Chester arrived. Anyone from the El Parador could accompany me, but I have imposed on them quite a bit already. I'd be glad to have you ride out with me."After eating her breakfast Ruby rises from the table. "Are we still going riding later baby?" Ruby asks Jake. "Yes, meet me at the Lucky Lady after your uh, meeting." Jake replies. Ruby nods in response. "Bye Kate, enjoy your trip to the ranch." Her voice is bubbly and she starts to bounce away but Jake grabs her wrist and raises an eyebrow at her. "Oh," she giggles before coming back to him and gives him a lingering kiss. "Bye baby." She winks at him then sweeps across the room, saying hello and good afternoon to everyone who looks at her.After Ruby left, Kate quickly lit the candle on the table and pinched in the privacy powder. "I visited Mother Jaminez this morning. She is one of Sonoma's teachers, and she has been taking care of Conrad over the last day or so. She told me some things you need to know. Truthfully, we all need to know them, but you may be the only one able to see it right now.  Have you noticed how love seems to be in the air lately?”  He replies, "Certainly no lack of lust anyway. The town has gone loco." Kate says, “It's no coincidence. Apparently, the incident with the Earth Spirits in January drew the attention of quite a few deities. Aphrodite wants to make Promise City hers, and hers alone. There is a priestess of Aphrodite somewhere in the Palace Saloon, using it as her temple.  Aphrodite's influence is everywhere. She is attempting to distract the priests of other gods so she can filch their followers. Minerva's dream last night was likely and attempt to keep she and Nanuet away from Kajika, as he can shield them from her influence. Sonoma has been kept away from Mother Jaminez for the same reason. The priests of the Mexican/Celtic church and the Norse church are both enamored of one of the priestesses acolytes, and Johnny Ringo, priest of Ares, is obsessed with Promise City for some unknown reason.”  He exclaims, "Mierda! He is a priest of Ares! I thought you said he was a wizard?"   Kate says, "He was as far as I knew. I don't know if he has any clerical powers, but he is definitely an adherent of Ares." Kate continues, “She seems to consider us a threat to her aims as well. Mother Jaminez said that even Ringo's war with the Earps is being twisted to suit her purposes, keeping those of us strong willed enough to resist her from doing so. If we're busy, we can't interfere with her priestess' activities.  We still need to deal with the Cowboy Gang, I don't think we should change what we are doing in that regard, but we should be aware of these other things going on. We must get Nanuet and Miss Florencia to Kajika so he can clear their minds. I will try to get Sonoma to come with me back to town and get her to Mother Jaminez. I know Ruby has been touched by Aphrodite, and she seems happier now than I've ever seen her before. I don't want to take that from her. Aphrodite is not evil, and as far as I know she hasn't demanded that Ruby help in this. I think Ruby needs Aphrodite as much as the goddess needs her. I'm not sure what to do as far as Ruby is concerned.”  Jake states, "I'll tell her, um, soon. She needs to know. Just not today."  Kate says, "No, not today. There is one difference between Ruby and the rest of this town. I know Ruby hates the idea of being used. Remind her if she feels that way the she is the only one Aphrodite asked to accept her. And that was all she asked. I get the feeling Ruby is a special case." Kate says, “When you go to see Conrad, pay attention to how you feel when you go in the house. Mother Jaminez has warded it against Aphrodite's influence. If you mind seems clearer, her hand is on you somehow. I gave Mother Jaminez the token we gained at our ritual, apparently it was also a tool for the goddess."Jake rubs his hand over his chest where the olive leaf is resting under his shirt and pretends to scratch an itch. "What reason do you have to trust Jaminez? She has her interests just like the gods do and may not have told you all the truth either. She is just another priestess for a different god, don't ever forget that. I don't know what to make of this all. I have absolutely no doubt that the goddess of love would use each and everyone one of us to her own ends. Those ends may or may not beneficial to us. As you say she is not normally known as a malignant force, however she may truly be uninterested in the other outcomes as long as she gets her influence. Mierda, what a mess." Jake leans his head back and rubs his eyes. "I am every bit as suspicious of the gods as you are Katherine, but we have to deal with them and placate them as best we can. Just denying them can have, let us say unfortunate consequences." "My first priority still has to be making sure Ringo and his Cowboys do us no more harm. It just may be that I have to do it differently than planned." She says, "You're absolutely right about Ringo. This all started long before Aphrodite got interested in our town. We just need to be aware of everything." He says cryptically and strokes his beard. "I think you are doing the right next steps for you. I'll take you out to the ranch. If you don't come back with some of them, Ruby and I will ride out and get you later today. I'll get my gear and meet you at the stables." Ruby heads right up to Gonzales room and lets herself in, and then into the mansion. She finds Gonzales and Ginnie working hard on something. "Good afternoon!" she chirps, scaring Ginnie out of her concentration. "Whoops, sorry.  So, what happened to you last night, teacher? You were supposed to come by the Lucky Lady. I want to learn how to do that thing, you know, the one the singer did in New Orleans. It's really important to me. Can we work on it today? Please, I really want to." Ruby glances at the pile of papers on the desk and Ginnie's ink stained hands. "Although you do look busy. What are you doing? Oh, and by the way, Miss Florienca had a dream and Jake thought I should tell you, in case you believe in that kind of stuff." She glances at Ginnie and thinks about not continuing, but does anyway. "She's had a couple of dreams. I'm not normally someone who believes in dreams but I had one too and I did what the dream, a goddess actually, told me and my dream came true! Oh, I'm so happy today!" With a goofy grin on her face she plops down in the nearest chair. "But her dream isn't very happy I'm afraid." She continues babbling on, telling Mr. Gonzales about the dream and the possible threat to Flint and Sonoma. "Kate is heading out there now I think. She's going to warn them." Ruby sighs. "As happy as I am, I have to admit, I think the Ringo thing is going to happen soon, whatever is going to happen. Nanuet went spying last night and heard some Cowboys say Ringo was coming back here. So we'd all better get prepared. I'm glad you taught me, you know, what you taught me."Gonzales replies, "I had planned to stop by but then Pedro and Dorita decided to go there and I was afraid that my presence would change the dynamic of their date. They get out so seldom I wanted the night to be perfect. I'm sure that when you went out on dates Ruby you didn't want your Grandfather going along.” Ruby says, "For the record, my parents didn't let me go on dates. They always planned on arranging my marriage. And my grandfather, he's well, an important man, and would never have the time or a care to go on dates with me anyway. Plus he's in England." She shrugs, "Someone's got to run the country. Or act like it anyway."He replies, “Ginnie and I are working on those scrolls. By tomorrow I should have three of them finished, one of you, Kate and Ginnie. I will then teach you their usage. We have another hour or so to go on these. You can stay and help or come back later and I will teach you that spell. It is called Enthrall. What you saw in New Orleans was also used in conjunction with some of the Bardic abilities which I do not know but Madge should be able to teach you."  "Um, sure, if you think I can help you I will," she says happily.They spend the next two hours working on the scrolls. Ruby is amazed at how easily Ginnie is able to mark out the Atlantean script. She helps with the quills and with a minor enchantment spell that Gonzales teaches her to keep the ink and paper receptive for magic creation. Following that he takes them into the workroom and casts the spells onto the paper itself. He tells the women "There is still one more step but it has to be done later. Thank you Ginnie."   The girl heads off and he begins to work with Ruby on the Enthrall spell.Ruby comments that she will go see Madge as soon as she can, hopefully today because Sundays are slow. Plus she wants to check on the girls are doing with the planning of the show. She tells Gonzales her plans to go practicing with Jake this afternoon too.   "So, what will you do about Sonoma? What do you think of these dreams?" He replies, "I believe in the gods of my people, and that other gods exist as well, but my preference is to rely and depend upon what I know not the will of the divine. So I am not sure of what to think. But if you suspect that Sonoma is in any danger I will go out to the ranch and bring her back here.""She may be in danger just from being involved in the ranch with Katherine and Nanuet. Even though she has been spending her time out there, Johnny Ringo may know of her association with us. In any case, Kate is going to bring her back."  Ruby finally breaks back into her smile. "And I thought for sure you'd be curious about my grandfather. Then again, you probably already know.”   "I know nothing about your grandfather. I know very little about your background Ruby, you were so guarded before that I decided not to press you with questions you were not comfortable with. I am assume that our relationship may continue for many years, and probably include several more trips like our recent one to New Orleans, so there will be ample opportunities for you to tell me about yourself when you are ready." Ruby scrunches up her nose as she thinks over Gonzales statement. "You are right, especially when I came here, while I wanted things to be different I didn't really have plans on staying. And I am definitely not used to talking about my past. No one else knows or has asked, well, no one except for Jake. I would like to take more trips, the last one was fun, even if it was for less than perfect reasons." He states, "Oh we will, there are dozens of places in the world that I have been to and would like to share with my little birds. I look forward to being able to show you around Athens, Jiddah, Madrid and Yaxchilan.   She exclaims, "Oh you have no idea how I look forward to going! Where is Jiddah and" Yaxchilan? I've never heard of either of those places." He says, "Jiddah is a city in Arabia, filled with festinating people and things. Magic is freely used there as well.”   The excitement grows on Ruby's face. "Oh Arabia, please promise to take me soon, I so want to go there," Ruby is practically jumping up and down like a little kid asking for candy. "Please," she lays her hand on his arm, "I've heard so many stories, it's so exotic and romantic... Please take us there soon."He smiles "Relax, calm down. We will go once all of this Cowboy Gang business is over and done with.”   "That is so soon!" Ruby practically jumps into Mr. Gonzales arms to hug him. "I'm so excited!"  He states, "Calm down my golden eagle! Save some of this enthusiasm for the festival. I'm looking forward to a dance.  And in answer to your previous question Yaxhilan is a community along the Usumaacinta River that serves as the border between Mexico and Guatemala. A great Mayan temple stand at that location. It is also not far from Chicozapote Falls. As waterfalls go, there are far bigger and more impressive ones but there is something magical to the water there." "Alright," Ruby laughs, "I'll try to calm down. Things have just being going so well for me the past couple of days. It's like a new life or something. Well, since I came here to Promise City really." She squeezes his arm. "And you may even have more than one dance, if I can keep up with you that is," she winks at him. "I must admit, I am looking forward to the festival. I think it will be a good time for all and maybe even bring some of the community together, which would make me very happy. But," she continues thoughtfully, "I'm also not sure about doing it to honor all these gods of Minerva's."She asks, “So, you are planning to attend the festival? I was thinking of asking the boys from downstairs to play some music, that would be a great way to introduce those not familiar with the Elven way of doing things."   He replies, "I think that would be very interesting. We will have to see what the events for this festival are going to be. I imagine that most will revolve around traditional human activities but there might be some that my race can participate in as well."She states, "Oh good! Tell me, what kind of events would people of your race like to participate in? I am the entertainment coordinator, Minerva backed me into that," she laughs. "I'd love to make it diverse and maybe even get to try something new.""My people celebrate through singing, dancing, eating and drinking just like all others, except that the music, songs, food and beverages are traditional to our people. Mexican elvan celebrations usually also include shooting off fireworks, but under the present circumstances of this town that might not be wise.""I'll try to make sure that Minerva includes some of those things, I mean, how can we have a festival without Dorita's cooking?" Ruby furrows her brows for a moment. "But why would fireworks be a bad idea? That would be a great idea!"   He states, "The town has no fire company or fire fighting equipment. A stray firework could easily turn this town into an inferno. While that might make this Festival a memorable one I don't imagine that would be anybody's preference. "Ruby thanks Mr. Gonzales with a kiss on the cheek and another hug. "Thank you, teacher, for all the help you have given. I guess tomorrow I will see you to practice that spell with Kate." She nods to Ginnie. "Good job kid! Now I shall be off." With that Ruby bounces out the door. As she makes her way further out the Cantina and towards the Lucky Lady she feels something change. Her light and happy mood remains but the air almost feels heavy. Heavy with what, she wasn't sure but as she glances around the city everyone she looks at or hears seems to be experiencing some sort of exaggerated emotion.  Ruby shakes it off as her new view of the world, now that she had someone who truly loved her everything looked different.</blockquote>

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