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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3246855" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 208, “The Facts of Life”, Thursday, March 30th , 1882, 11:00 PM </strong></p><p></p><p>Since the Lucky Lady was close to empty when they arrived Nanuet and Minerva did not stay long. Nanuet escorted Minerva back to her boarding room and kissed her good night. He thought about trying to accompany her into the room but decided that she had not shown readiness for that just yet. No, I will wait until the signs are clear, besides you are both too drunk right now he thought to himself and left it with just a kiss. </p><p></p><p>He headed back to the grove and took his nightly rest, only to rise before the sun. His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, and he set about working in the grove. He took a quiet meal by himself for breakfast and then decided to head to the Lucky Lady to see if he could be of help, feeling guilty for not staying around the previous evening. </p><p></p><p>Niles Hoover was there to meet him. "Well we did get a delivery of liquor and wine for the festival, that needs to be sorted and put away. I am sure Maria could use help getting things set up in the kitchen as well. We'll keep you busy." Nanuet winked in return, "And that is how I like it, keeps my mind from wandering."</p><p></p><p>Ruby's eyes don't even open in the early morning before the sleepy smile comes to her face. She breathes in deeply, the scent and warmth of her man next to her thrilling her. Keeping her eyes closed she snuggles towards him, "Tell me you love me baby," she says softly. Before Jake can answer there is a frantic knock on the door. </p><p></p><p>“What in blazes is that at this hour?” Jake groans still half asleep, reaching for his guns. Bleary eyed Ruby repeats Jake’s moan, drags herself out of bed to answer the door and finds Minerva there. “Por favor, Ruby, I need to speak to you,” she glances around nervously, “In private,” she whispers. “Alright, alright, give me a minute we can go downstairs.” Ruby glances back at her nice warm inviting bed where Jake is already sleeping again and sighs. "I still want an answer when I get back!" she says even though no one is listening. </p><p></p><p>Once downstairs they get some coffee and as there is only Maria in the kitchen they take a seat at their normal table. “What’s up?” Ruby asks with a yawn. “I need to know some...woman things. I have decided that I am going to make love with Nanuet.” She raises her hand. "He does not know it yet. Do you think that he will object?” “Oh? When is this going to take place?” Ruby asks, rubbing her eyes. </p><p></p><p>“Tomorrow, after the ball,” Minerva replies nervously. “But you didn’t answer my question, do you think he’ll object?” Ruby raises an eyebrow then giggles, “Senorita, I have never known a man to object. Ever. Never. Not once. Get the point?” Ruby gives Minerva a genuine smile, “I doubt very much that he will object. He loves you.” Her smile grows wider, “And you’ve finally asked me something I know something about! What do you want to know?” </p><p></p><p>"I am not worried about the loving part so much. The goddess will guide me and well after all, there were many sheep and cattle farms where I come from and so I am familiar with THAT concept, but what I would like to know is, well, what can I do NOT to make a baby?” Ruby’s eyes widen and she pushes her coffee away. “I’m not going to need THAT this morning to wake up.” She smiles at her still frantic friend. “Ok, we’re going to have to have a long talk. I’m not sure you can rely on the sheep and cattle to know what to do. But don’t worry, I’ll help you. I’ll be right back.” </p><p></p><p>Ruby heads into the kitchen and returns with a little packet and a cup of tea. “This is from Dorita at the El Parador. It’s her special tea, she gave it to me when I first stayed with Jake.” She smiles again and a twinkle appears in her eyes as she spoons some leaves into the cup and swirls it around. “I don’t need it. There are many ways to not make babies. This is one of them. Another is to have a spell cast on you. Druids do it and some clerics too although it must be more powerful than you are ready for. I don’t take a chance with tea. I would never remember to drink it every day anyway.” She pushes the cup to Minerva. </p><p></p><p>Minerva eyes the tea with skepticism. "What if it doesn’t work? You say that you have not tried it. What if it doesn't work? Maybe Nanuet knows a spell." “I have tried it; I just also have the spell cast on me. But that is because I have had LOTS of chances for it not to work. Believe me, you can trust Dorita, it will work.” Ruby places her hand on Minerva’s. “And just a little bit of advice. It might ruin the mood to ask Nanuet to cast a spell like that on you.” </p><p></p><p>“Now, we need to talk about this sheep thing. Just how much do you know about making love?” Ruby asks carefully. Minerva says, "We all have the same parts, Ruby! It doesn’t look very difficult. The sheep certainly have no problem with it." Ruby hangs her head and holds it up with her hands while shaking it. Then she looks back to Minerva trying not to laugh. “We are not SHEEP. Get the SHEEP out of your mind, ok?” </p><p></p><p>Minerva scowls. "No need to get huffy about it. You asked if I knew what parts were involved and I told you. And Si, I know that we are not sheep. Sheep don't kiss and I’m confident that I've mastered that part of it. Nanuet and I have been practicing quite a bit,” she says unable to hold back a foolish grin. </p><p></p><p>“I’m not getting huffy! Just making sure we both know what we’re talking about. And I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘practice makes perfect’. It’s true you know.” Ruby sighs, and continues to keep the giggles in. “Nanuet will know what to do. Even though he says he is a loner he has lived many many years and I’m sure he has not be without companionship. You have to try to relax about the experience and just stay in the moment. The feelings will overwhelm you but that’s ok, it’s part of the fun.” </p><p></p><p>"Si, He does tend to make my head spin. It was quite disconcerting at first, but I am no longer afraid now that I know what to expect. It is a very pleasant feeling once you know how to let go, don't you agree?” She picks up the tea and wrinkles her nose at the smell "Now, you ARE certain that this will do the trick?” She drinks it back like a shot of whiskey. “Yes, I agree making love is the most magical thing there is, when you do it with someone you actually love.” A slight blush creeps onto Ruby’s cheeks. “That part is new for me too but really very wonderful.” She gazes at her ruby ring as she twists it around her finger while she speaks. </p><p></p><p>“Ugh!” Minerva spits out, finishing the tea. “Gracias, Ruby. I do not know what I would do without you,” she says pocketing the tea packet. “You’re welcome. I wouldn’t be honoring Aphrodite very well if I didn’t help you now would I?” “Now let me give you some other advice…” Ruby smiles. She leans in close to Minerva and whispers some pointers in her ear. Both women break out in giggles. Minerva’s eyes open wide, “You can do THAT?” “Oh yes, and believe me, you will enjoy it very, very much.” She gives Minerva a knowing smile.</p><p></p><p>After she is done speaking with Minerva Ruby heads back upstairs. She sits by Jake and moves his hair off his face until he wakes. "Good morning sleepy head." She waits until his eyes open and he wakes up. "Any plans for today?" Jake yawns and says, "Good morning love." He stretches. "Plans? Yes I suppose I do. See Conrad about a costume. If there is time maybe some target practice. Some other stuff I can't remember now."</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "First I'm going to see Mr. Gonzales. Actually, first I'm going to kiss you!" she says giggling. Leaning over him she kisses his lips gently. "Ok, I'm going to see Mr. Gonzales and see if he will teach me how to do that... trick." She sits back up. "Speaking of costumes, I can't wait for you to see mine! I wonder if you'll be able to find me when I have it on..." she teases. "And I can't wait to see you in one too, so you'd better get over there and get one!" </p><p></p><p>"If I have time I might get more sword lessons from Kevin, but that isn't so important. I think I'm forgetting something too..." she says tapping her lips. "I'm sure something will come up. I can always practice for the show with Madge or Jane." Ruby pauses and considers her next words carefully. "There is something else I need to tell you. This weekend, I have a feeling that Ringo is going to show up." She tugs on her hair, "We have to make sure to keep our friends safe. It's important."</p><p></p><p>With that Jake gets up. "What in blue blazes do I do with that little bit of news? I worry about our friends too, are you telling me to hide them away for the festival or never let them out of my sight?" Jake starts to get dressed and sighs, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to snap at you. What do you mean a feeling? What are you not telling me?"</p><p></p><p>She replies, "About Ringo, no I don't know anything. But doesn't it make sense that if he is going to strike he does it when we and the town town are distracted and overwhelmed with new people? I mean, look out the window! When I was downstairs it was unusually busy on the street." Ruby starts biting her lip. "About our friends... it's just.... I mean.... well, lets just make the ones who aren't as good at protecting themselves stay safe and uninjured." She looks away from Jake, continuing to nibble on her bottom lip.</p><p></p><p>"I tried to keep everyone at least going out with someone for protection. I keep my eyes open when I can." Jake says buttoning up his shirt. "Damn, woman what are you not telling me?" "What?" Ruby tries to ask innocently. She gets off the bed and turns her back to Jake, starting to get dressed but really is doing it to keep her face turned away from Jake as she attempts to lie to him after giving away more than she should. "It's just that certain of us may have certain conditions that make getting shot more undesirable... you know, like me, I just don't feel like getting shot anymore."</p><p></p><p>"The day I understand what women are saying to me I will certainly go mad and expire." He shakes his head. Ruby never turns away to get dressed, he thinks to himself, suddenly she is shy? "So which ones of us have conditions that make getting shot more desirable?" Jake laughs in spite of his annoyance. He remembers to reload his derringer and holster it. </p><p></p><p>He grabs his duster and gunbelts and kisses her on the way by. "When you figure out what you are trying to tell me, or hide from me, or what you want me to do just tell me. OK? I'm going to get some coffee." He walks to the door and smiles broadly, "Have I told you that you make me crazy?" Then he heads down the stairs.</p><p></p><p>Jake catches Chester Martin on the Deputy Marshall's way out the door to start his work day. "Hey, Chet! Hold on." Jake walks over to him. "Has there been anymore contact by the Cowboy Gang with Gormley? Who has been checking up on him?" Chester says with a smile, "Morning Jake. Don't let the Marshall hear you calling me Chet while I'm on duty. He wants us to be professional and all. As far as Gormley goes, he hasn't said anything to us about seeing Ringo yet. On our patrols, we make sure to walk by his place. You haven't heard anything, have you?"</p><p></p><p>"No, Deputy, I haven't." Jake tries not to snicker. "How do we know if you are on duty or not? Do we check for the tin star? Or should we just call you Deputy Marshall Martin all the time?" Jake tries to keep a serious face but is not doing very well.</p><p></p><p>Chester scratches his head. "Good point. Scrap the Deputy part. Otherwise it'll get too confusing. If the Marshall has a problem with that, then we'll deal with it then. Did you see that caravan that pulled up? Looks like they have all sorts of stuff. Hopefully all that money changing hands doesn't draw the wrong element." Chester moves on. </p><p></p><p>Just as Jake is contemplating having some breakfast, Neil Cassidy comes into the saloon and approaches Jake, "Good morning, I was on my way by and thought I would tell you the stage delivered that trunk full of books you wanted last night. I still don't understand what you are going to do with them." Jake replies, "Thanks Neil. Sometimes a good joke is worth a little extra effort. If it goes as planned I'll tell you the whole story. I'll have somebody come by and pick it up. Do you mind if they do it out of the back?" "No, not at all." Neil laughs and looks at Jake peculiarly. "You take your jokes mighty seriously." Jake pats his arm and says, "Nothing like a good belly laugh, eh?"</p><p></p><p>After Neil leaves Jake goes over to the El Parador and arranges for the trunk to be brought back to the barn. "Use the back door at Cassidy's. Mrs. Kale will let you know what to do with the trunk later on." Jake leaves Katherine a folded note with Dorita before heading back to the Lucky Lady for his breakfast.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Kate woke Friday morning alone in her room, like most mornings. This morning though she missed Ginnie and wondered if the girl had always doubted, and so kept away. She shook her head. Mr. Gonzales was right. Her adopted family here would help and everything would be alright. She got herself dressed and down to the Cantina for breakfast. Conrad wasn't usually up and about yet as far as she knew. She would have to ask him at lunch about the costumes. Voices broke into her thoughts as she was mechanically eating. </p><p></p><p>While Kate is eating her breakfast at the El Parador she is approached by Colleen and Cathleen O'Hara. Colleen exclaims, "Hello Mrs. Kale, Ginnie told us that there is a horse race and that you own a ranch. We have raced before. We were wondering if we could borrow some horses?" </p><p></p><p>"Good morning, girls." Kate paused and laid down her fork. "I had planned to race myself. I wouldn't mind loaning the horses, but I would want to see you both ride first, and talk to your mother. Racing can be dangerous."</p><p></p><p>Cathleen says "We've raced before. We work as a team. I sprint the first half and tire out the competition trying to keep up with a little girl. Then when my horse tires I back off and let Colleen sprint to the finish line against all of the other tuckered out animals." Colleen says, "Mother knows we ride. We were taught at the University stables. We helped the stable master there."</p><p></p><p>"I don't doubt your mother knows, but I would still want to check with her. It's only polite. And I'm sure you're training is more than adequate." Kate smiled at the girls with a twinkle in her eyes. "But you really shouldn't tell your secrets to the competition."</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>"Damn It!" Ruby cursed as Jake left. She looks down at the puppies, "It's impossible to lie to him or keep things from him but I told Kate!" She finishes getting dressed with a frown on her face, confused. Ruby heads over to see Mr. Gonzales. Barely inside his room she blurts out, "I want to know how to make things invisible!" Mr. Gonzales laughs, "Good morning to you too my Golden Eagle." </p><p></p><p>He spends the next half-hour telling her about the bending of light rays. He explains how the person is not actually invisible but that the magic wraps light around the person so that they and their possessions are not visible. He explains how the spell caster themselves helps to power the spell, so that it is easiest to cast and maintain it upon yourself, harder to cast it upon another, and hardest to cast it upon a non-living object. </p><p></p><p>For today's lesson he will teach her simply how to make herself invisible, also explaining how doing any act to draw attention to herself will negate the magic. At the end of the lesson he suggests that she practice it once or twice more this day and that on Saturday he can teach her the Detect Invisibility spell, which is a layered spell that incorporates both the Detect Magic and Invisibility spells, so first requires proficiency in both. </p><p></p><p>Ruby is very thankful for the lesson and promises she will practice and be back first thing in the morning for the next lesson. They chat about the festival plans for a minute but Ruby leaves out any mention of the dance she may or may not do. </p><p></p><p>On leaving the El Parador Jake is mentally still working on the fast shot trick he's been practicing. He strains to remember what Red showed him long ago. He hadn't really been ready then, but he knew he was now....</p><p></p><p>.... he is lost in thought moving towards the saloon and he suddenly remembers that Wyatt had said something similar....</p><p></p><p></p><p>Jake comes out of his reverie and he sees Helen Barker. He waves to her and cross the street to speak to her. "Morning Deputy, can I ask you a question?" "Certainly Mr. Cook, the town law is always available to help." She answers in a friendly tone. "No, you misunderstand," He says, "I have a question, more like a favor to ask Helen Barker, the crack shot. The way you were able to fire so many shots so fast that day in the Merchants Association meeting. I've seen it done before and can almost do it myself but I am just not quite there."</p><p></p><p>Helen Barker looks a little smug and replies, "I could probably help you, of course it would have to be citizen Barker doing so." "I understand perfectly." Jake says, "I'm sure I can return the favor some other way." "Yes, I would expect so," She says matter of factly. "Let's get out of town a little ways so the gun fire doesn't spook anyone." She points and Jake follows her. "Dry fire that gun of yours and show me what you are doing. You know the secret is not just the fast shooting but keeping the barrel aimed properly at the target until the round is well clear...."</p><p></p><p>After spending time with Deputy Marshall Barker learning the finer points of rapid shoot at different targets, Jake heads back to the Lucky Lady. The unexpected interruptions have passed most of the morning and he is famished. When he arrives back at the saloon it is nearly noon and he immediately seeks out Maria for some food and coffee.</p><p></p><p>After her magic lesson Ruby finds she is hungry so heads downstairs to the Cantina to get some late breakfast / early lunch. Dorita heads right over to Ruby's table. "You never come here!" Ruby smiles and shakes her head. "I know... I know... we don't come by enough... but you love us anyway," she flashes Dorita a dazzling smile. "Could I get something to eat please?" Dorita wags her finger but heads into the kitchen. When Ruby looks up Mr. Gonzales is standing next to her. "You don't mind if I eat with you, do you? You always run off so fast." </p><p></p><p>"Of course Mr. G. Have a seat." Gonzales grins back at her and sits. They enjoy a pleasant mid morning meal. Gonzales mentions that Kate has something for Ruby to 'practice' with. Ruby furrows her brows but doesn't ask any further questions here in public.</p><p></p><p>After her leisurely lunch with Mr. Gonzales Ruby hangs around the El Parador waiting for Katherine. Unsure of when she will show up she instead decides to return to the Lucky Lady to wait for a familiar face. She wants to practice her new spell out of town but wants someone to accompany her. </p><p></p><p>As she walks she notices the huge influx of people and flurry of activity so she takes her time walking, listening to the crowds of excited people talking. When she looks up she is standing outside of a huge area of tents where goods are being set up. She curiously looks around checking out the wares. She reminds herself to make time tomorrow to do some shopping before turning herself in the direction of the Lucky Lady to wait.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3246855, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 208, “The Facts of Life”, Thursday, March 30th , 1882, 11:00 PM [/B] Since the Lucky Lady was close to empty when they arrived Nanuet and Minerva did not stay long. Nanuet escorted Minerva back to her boarding room and kissed her good night. He thought about trying to accompany her into the room but decided that she had not shown readiness for that just yet. No, I will wait until the signs are clear, besides you are both too drunk right now he thought to himself and left it with just a kiss. He headed back to the grove and took his nightly rest, only to rise before the sun. His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, and he set about working in the grove. He took a quiet meal by himself for breakfast and then decided to head to the Lucky Lady to see if he could be of help, feeling guilty for not staying around the previous evening. Niles Hoover was there to meet him. "Well we did get a delivery of liquor and wine for the festival, that needs to be sorted and put away. I am sure Maria could use help getting things set up in the kitchen as well. We'll keep you busy." Nanuet winked in return, "And that is how I like it, keeps my mind from wandering." Ruby's eyes don't even open in the early morning before the sleepy smile comes to her face. She breathes in deeply, the scent and warmth of her man next to her thrilling her. Keeping her eyes closed she snuggles towards him, "Tell me you love me baby," she says softly. Before Jake can answer there is a frantic knock on the door. “What in blazes is that at this hour?” Jake groans still half asleep, reaching for his guns. Bleary eyed Ruby repeats Jake’s moan, drags herself out of bed to answer the door and finds Minerva there. “Por favor, Ruby, I need to speak to you,” she glances around nervously, “In private,” she whispers. “Alright, alright, give me a minute we can go downstairs.” Ruby glances back at her nice warm inviting bed where Jake is already sleeping again and sighs. "I still want an answer when I get back!" she says even though no one is listening. Once downstairs they get some coffee and as there is only Maria in the kitchen they take a seat at their normal table. “What’s up?” Ruby asks with a yawn. “I need to know some...woman things. I have decided that I am going to make love with Nanuet.” She raises her hand. "He does not know it yet. Do you think that he will object?” “Oh? When is this going to take place?” Ruby asks, rubbing her eyes. “Tomorrow, after the ball,” Minerva replies nervously. “But you didn’t answer my question, do you think he’ll object?” Ruby raises an eyebrow then giggles, “Senorita, I have never known a man to object. Ever. Never. Not once. Get the point?” Ruby gives Minerva a genuine smile, “I doubt very much that he will object. He loves you.” Her smile grows wider, “And you’ve finally asked me something I know something about! What do you want to know?” "I am not worried about the loving part so much. The goddess will guide me and well after all, there were many sheep and cattle farms where I come from and so I am familiar with THAT concept, but what I would like to know is, well, what can I do NOT to make a baby?” Ruby’s eyes widen and she pushes her coffee away. “I’m not going to need THAT this morning to wake up.” She smiles at her still frantic friend. “Ok, we’re going to have to have a long talk. I’m not sure you can rely on the sheep and cattle to know what to do. But don’t worry, I’ll help you. I’ll be right back.” Ruby heads into the kitchen and returns with a little packet and a cup of tea. “This is from Dorita at the El Parador. It’s her special tea, she gave it to me when I first stayed with Jake.” She smiles again and a twinkle appears in her eyes as she spoons some leaves into the cup and swirls it around. “I don’t need it. There are many ways to not make babies. This is one of them. Another is to have a spell cast on you. Druids do it and some clerics too although it must be more powerful than you are ready for. I don’t take a chance with tea. I would never remember to drink it every day anyway.” She pushes the cup to Minerva. Minerva eyes the tea with skepticism. "What if it doesn’t work? You say that you have not tried it. What if it doesn't work? Maybe Nanuet knows a spell." “I have tried it; I just also have the spell cast on me. But that is because I have had LOTS of chances for it not to work. Believe me, you can trust Dorita, it will work.” Ruby places her hand on Minerva’s. “And just a little bit of advice. It might ruin the mood to ask Nanuet to cast a spell like that on you.” “Now, we need to talk about this sheep thing. Just how much do you know about making love?” Ruby asks carefully. Minerva says, "We all have the same parts, Ruby! It doesn’t look very difficult. The sheep certainly have no problem with it." Ruby hangs her head and holds it up with her hands while shaking it. Then she looks back to Minerva trying not to laugh. “We are not SHEEP. Get the SHEEP out of your mind, ok?” Minerva scowls. "No need to get huffy about it. You asked if I knew what parts were involved and I told you. And Si, I know that we are not sheep. Sheep don't kiss and I’m confident that I've mastered that part of it. Nanuet and I have been practicing quite a bit,” she says unable to hold back a foolish grin. “I’m not getting huffy! Just making sure we both know what we’re talking about. And I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘practice makes perfect’. It’s true you know.” Ruby sighs, and continues to keep the giggles in. “Nanuet will know what to do. Even though he says he is a loner he has lived many many years and I’m sure he has not be without companionship. You have to try to relax about the experience and just stay in the moment. The feelings will overwhelm you but that’s ok, it’s part of the fun.” "Si, He does tend to make my head spin. It was quite disconcerting at first, but I am no longer afraid now that I know what to expect. It is a very pleasant feeling once you know how to let go, don't you agree?” She picks up the tea and wrinkles her nose at the smell "Now, you ARE certain that this will do the trick?” She drinks it back like a shot of whiskey. “Yes, I agree making love is the most magical thing there is, when you do it with someone you actually love.” A slight blush creeps onto Ruby’s cheeks. “That part is new for me too but really very wonderful.” She gazes at her ruby ring as she twists it around her finger while she speaks. “Ugh!” Minerva spits out, finishing the tea. “Gracias, Ruby. I do not know what I would do without you,” she says pocketing the tea packet. “You’re welcome. I wouldn’t be honoring Aphrodite very well if I didn’t help you now would I?” “Now let me give you some other advice…” Ruby smiles. She leans in close to Minerva and whispers some pointers in her ear. Both women break out in giggles. Minerva’s eyes open wide, “You can do THAT?” “Oh yes, and believe me, you will enjoy it very, very much.” She gives Minerva a knowing smile. After she is done speaking with Minerva Ruby heads back upstairs. She sits by Jake and moves his hair off his face until he wakes. "Good morning sleepy head." She waits until his eyes open and he wakes up. "Any plans for today?" Jake yawns and says, "Good morning love." He stretches. "Plans? Yes I suppose I do. See Conrad about a costume. If there is time maybe some target practice. Some other stuff I can't remember now." Ruby says, "First I'm going to see Mr. Gonzales. Actually, first I'm going to kiss you!" she says giggling. Leaning over him she kisses his lips gently. "Ok, I'm going to see Mr. Gonzales and see if he will teach me how to do that... trick." She sits back up. "Speaking of costumes, I can't wait for you to see mine! I wonder if you'll be able to find me when I have it on..." she teases. "And I can't wait to see you in one too, so you'd better get over there and get one!" "If I have time I might get more sword lessons from Kevin, but that isn't so important. I think I'm forgetting something too..." she says tapping her lips. "I'm sure something will come up. I can always practice for the show with Madge or Jane." Ruby pauses and considers her next words carefully. "There is something else I need to tell you. This weekend, I have a feeling that Ringo is going to show up." She tugs on her hair, "We have to make sure to keep our friends safe. It's important." With that Jake gets up. "What in blue blazes do I do with that little bit of news? I worry about our friends too, are you telling me to hide them away for the festival or never let them out of my sight?" Jake starts to get dressed and sighs, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to snap at you. What do you mean a feeling? What are you not telling me?" She replies, "About Ringo, no I don't know anything. But doesn't it make sense that if he is going to strike he does it when we and the town town are distracted and overwhelmed with new people? I mean, look out the window! When I was downstairs it was unusually busy on the street." Ruby starts biting her lip. "About our friends... it's just.... I mean.... well, lets just make the ones who aren't as good at protecting themselves stay safe and uninjured." She looks away from Jake, continuing to nibble on her bottom lip. "I tried to keep everyone at least going out with someone for protection. I keep my eyes open when I can." Jake says buttoning up his shirt. "Damn, woman what are you not telling me?" "What?" Ruby tries to ask innocently. She gets off the bed and turns her back to Jake, starting to get dressed but really is doing it to keep her face turned away from Jake as she attempts to lie to him after giving away more than she should. "It's just that certain of us may have certain conditions that make getting shot more undesirable... you know, like me, I just don't feel like getting shot anymore." "The day I understand what women are saying to me I will certainly go mad and expire." He shakes his head. Ruby never turns away to get dressed, he thinks to himself, suddenly she is shy? "So which ones of us have conditions that make getting shot more desirable?" Jake laughs in spite of his annoyance. He remembers to reload his derringer and holster it. He grabs his duster and gunbelts and kisses her on the way by. "When you figure out what you are trying to tell me, or hide from me, or what you want me to do just tell me. OK? I'm going to get some coffee." He walks to the door and smiles broadly, "Have I told you that you make me crazy?" Then he heads down the stairs. Jake catches Chester Martin on the Deputy Marshall's way out the door to start his work day. "Hey, Chet! Hold on." Jake walks over to him. "Has there been anymore contact by the Cowboy Gang with Gormley? Who has been checking up on him?" Chester says with a smile, "Morning Jake. Don't let the Marshall hear you calling me Chet while I'm on duty. He wants us to be professional and all. As far as Gormley goes, he hasn't said anything to us about seeing Ringo yet. On our patrols, we make sure to walk by his place. You haven't heard anything, have you?" "No, Deputy, I haven't." Jake tries not to snicker. "How do we know if you are on duty or not? Do we check for the tin star? Or should we just call you Deputy Marshall Martin all the time?" Jake tries to keep a serious face but is not doing very well. Chester scratches his head. "Good point. Scrap the Deputy part. Otherwise it'll get too confusing. If the Marshall has a problem with that, then we'll deal with it then. Did you see that caravan that pulled up? Looks like they have all sorts of stuff. Hopefully all that money changing hands doesn't draw the wrong element." Chester moves on. Just as Jake is contemplating having some breakfast, Neil Cassidy comes into the saloon and approaches Jake, "Good morning, I was on my way by and thought I would tell you the stage delivered that trunk full of books you wanted last night. I still don't understand what you are going to do with them." Jake replies, "Thanks Neil. Sometimes a good joke is worth a little extra effort. If it goes as planned I'll tell you the whole story. I'll have somebody come by and pick it up. Do you mind if they do it out of the back?" "No, not at all." Neil laughs and looks at Jake peculiarly. "You take your jokes mighty seriously." Jake pats his arm and says, "Nothing like a good belly laugh, eh?" After Neil leaves Jake goes over to the El Parador and arranges for the trunk to be brought back to the barn. "Use the back door at Cassidy's. Mrs. Kale will let you know what to do with the trunk later on." Jake leaves Katherine a folded note with Dorita before heading back to the Lucky Lady for his breakfast. Kate woke Friday morning alone in her room, like most mornings. This morning though she missed Ginnie and wondered if the girl had always doubted, and so kept away. She shook her head. Mr. Gonzales was right. Her adopted family here would help and everything would be alright. She got herself dressed and down to the Cantina for breakfast. Conrad wasn't usually up and about yet as far as she knew. She would have to ask him at lunch about the costumes. Voices broke into her thoughts as she was mechanically eating. While Kate is eating her breakfast at the El Parador she is approached by Colleen and Cathleen O'Hara. Colleen exclaims, "Hello Mrs. Kale, Ginnie told us that there is a horse race and that you own a ranch. We have raced before. We were wondering if we could borrow some horses?" "Good morning, girls." Kate paused and laid down her fork. "I had planned to race myself. I wouldn't mind loaning the horses, but I would want to see you both ride first, and talk to your mother. Racing can be dangerous." Cathleen says "We've raced before. We work as a team. I sprint the first half and tire out the competition trying to keep up with a little girl. Then when my horse tires I back off and let Colleen sprint to the finish line against all of the other tuckered out animals." Colleen says, "Mother knows we ride. We were taught at the University stables. We helped the stable master there." "I don't doubt your mother knows, but I would still want to check with her. It's only polite. And I'm sure you're training is more than adequate." Kate smiled at the girls with a twinkle in her eyes. "But you really shouldn't tell your secrets to the competition." "Damn It!" Ruby cursed as Jake left. She looks down at the puppies, "It's impossible to lie to him or keep things from him but I told Kate!" She finishes getting dressed with a frown on her face, confused. Ruby heads over to see Mr. Gonzales. Barely inside his room she blurts out, "I want to know how to make things invisible!" Mr. Gonzales laughs, "Good morning to you too my Golden Eagle." He spends the next half-hour telling her about the bending of light rays. He explains how the person is not actually invisible but that the magic wraps light around the person so that they and their possessions are not visible. He explains how the spell caster themselves helps to power the spell, so that it is easiest to cast and maintain it upon yourself, harder to cast it upon another, and hardest to cast it upon a non-living object. For today's lesson he will teach her simply how to make herself invisible, also explaining how doing any act to draw attention to herself will negate the magic. At the end of the lesson he suggests that she practice it once or twice more this day and that on Saturday he can teach her the Detect Invisibility spell, which is a layered spell that incorporates both the Detect Magic and Invisibility spells, so first requires proficiency in both. Ruby is very thankful for the lesson and promises she will practice and be back first thing in the morning for the next lesson. They chat about the festival plans for a minute but Ruby leaves out any mention of the dance she may or may not do. On leaving the El Parador Jake is mentally still working on the fast shot trick he's been practicing. He strains to remember what Red showed him long ago. He hadn't really been ready then, but he knew he was now.... .... he is lost in thought moving towards the saloon and he suddenly remembers that Wyatt had said something similar.... Jake comes out of his reverie and he sees Helen Barker. He waves to her and cross the street to speak to her. "Morning Deputy, can I ask you a question?" "Certainly Mr. Cook, the town law is always available to help." She answers in a friendly tone. "No, you misunderstand," He says, "I have a question, more like a favor to ask Helen Barker, the crack shot. The way you were able to fire so many shots so fast that day in the Merchants Association meeting. I've seen it done before and can almost do it myself but I am just not quite there." Helen Barker looks a little smug and replies, "I could probably help you, of course it would have to be citizen Barker doing so." "I understand perfectly." Jake says, "I'm sure I can return the favor some other way." "Yes, I would expect so," She says matter of factly. "Let's get out of town a little ways so the gun fire doesn't spook anyone." She points and Jake follows her. "Dry fire that gun of yours and show me what you are doing. You know the secret is not just the fast shooting but keeping the barrel aimed properly at the target until the round is well clear...." After spending time with Deputy Marshall Barker learning the finer points of rapid shoot at different targets, Jake heads back to the Lucky Lady. The unexpected interruptions have passed most of the morning and he is famished. When he arrives back at the saloon it is nearly noon and he immediately seeks out Maria for some food and coffee. After her magic lesson Ruby finds she is hungry so heads downstairs to the Cantina to get some late breakfast / early lunch. Dorita heads right over to Ruby's table. "You never come here!" Ruby smiles and shakes her head. "I know... I know... we don't come by enough... but you love us anyway," she flashes Dorita a dazzling smile. "Could I get something to eat please?" Dorita wags her finger but heads into the kitchen. When Ruby looks up Mr. Gonzales is standing next to her. "You don't mind if I eat with you, do you? You always run off so fast." "Of course Mr. G. Have a seat." Gonzales grins back at her and sits. They enjoy a pleasant mid morning meal. Gonzales mentions that Kate has something for Ruby to 'practice' with. Ruby furrows her brows but doesn't ask any further questions here in public. After her leisurely lunch with Mr. Gonzales Ruby hangs around the El Parador waiting for Katherine. Unsure of when she will show up she instead decides to return to the Lucky Lady to wait for a familiar face. She wants to practice her new spell out of town but wants someone to accompany her. As she walks she notices the huge influx of people and flurry of activity so she takes her time walking, listening to the crowds of excited people talking. When she looks up she is standing outside of a huge area of tents where goods are being set up. She curiously looks around checking out the wares. She reminds herself to make time tomorrow to do some shopping before turning herself in the direction of the Lucky Lady to wait. [/QUOTE]
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