Taps -- Logs

As the caravan travels away from Boston -- with a great deal of relief amongst those present! -- they continue to keep an eye out for several things: possibly hostile soldiers, confused people fleeing Boston, and quartz arrays. Soldiers are to be avoided, of course, while confused people can be treated with careful kindness -- one never knows where new trade partners or new caravaneers might turn up from, after all. Also, all the arrays found by Sulochana's little group are added into the (by now astonishing!) collection which the caravan now has. In fact, after some worried discussion regarding the many possible misuses of the quartz arrays, the senior caravaneers decide that a side trip to Oak Ridge, while en route to St. Louis and Baton Rouge, might be an excellent idea. After all, as Sna'thaid points out, if anyone would know how to subvert such horribly dangerous things, it would be the quartz engineers of Oak Ridge.

The current (and slightly tentative) travel plan, therefore, is the usual slow wandering to hit as many towns as possible -- but they'll definitely touch base with Naugatuck next, followed by Friendsville and Accident, then further south to Oak Ridge. After that the caravan will swing slightly northwards to St. Louis, so Rattler can be reunited with his beloved daughter Mary, and the caravan can make some good money in that cosmopolitan old City. Once that's completed they can simply float down the Big Muddy all the way to Baton Rouge, even stopping in Memphis on the way if they need to restock anything. As Sura amusedly notes to Rattler later, if they've got one of the most powerful water Taps in the territory with them, they might as well ride the river and save some time and effort in the process! Roy points out that they'll actually have a pair of powerful water Taps with them -- which makes her laugh and hug him. She misses Mary too, after all!

The one thing the caravan is a bit unsure about is Naugatuck. Sura has a great deal of respect and liking for the Sheriff, but isn't sure how they'll now be received. Does he hold them responsible for Doris' death? Surely the body will have been found by now, after all. Further, has news of the ambitious king's death reached the township yet... and if so, does the sheriff consider them responsible for that also? Consequently Little Joe and Dominic, as the caravan's forward scouts, are warned to be extremely cautious in approaching Naugatuck, and to feel the people there out warily regarding their attitudes about the caravan... and most of all, stay safe and uncaptured! Everyone on the caravan will worry about them, and will want to hear what they have to say.

Joe and Dom can ride a lot faster than the caravan can run, so they can make it to the edge of Naugatuck and back while the rest of the wagons are still several days out. When Joe comes back, he looks quite relieved and brings his horse up beside Sura where she's walking alongside Suze's wagon and chatting with the healer.

"Good news! There are still guards at the edge of town, but they're not wearing Doris's livery. They're actually deputies and it seems like part of their duties is actually to intercept anyone coming in from Boston as a courier," Joe is grinning, "When we rode up, they sent someone after the sheriff... or should I say mayor... who came out quick-smart and sent me back with a letter for you." The storm Tap presents the letter with a flourish. It reads:

Dear Lady Sulochana,
It is with great and insincere sadness that I have to report that our former mayor has been ousted. Once his wife was found tragically and mysteriously dead, people started to find themselves confused as to who all these strangers were in town and why they had come to be quite so important. There was something of a fast turnaround in things after that. By which I mean, there are more than a dozen Bostonians being held at Doris's former reprogramming camp until such time as something suitable can be thought up for them. They are being fed and sheltered and treated well, but have no access to the outside other than my people.
Couriers have been coming from Boston to let us know of the demise of King Crowninshield. We have even let some of those couriers pass through to continue spreading this wonderful news. To celebrate, we are preparing a feast and celebration in four days' time. I hope that you and your people can join us. It would be an honor.
Sincerely,
Mayor Pauling
P.S. My former guests have all been able to return to their families, and give you enormous thanks.

Sura reads the letter aloud, though with the occasional delighted gasp. There is quiet applause from those nearby as she concludes, and she beams at all her dear friends, "Four days! Do we think we can make it by then, to help them celebrate?" Amidst general laughter and great good cheer, people turn back to their wagons and errands with renewed pleasure. It will be a relief to have a known safe place to camp and rest for a few days!

With Doris gone, even Rattler feels like he could spend some time in town celebrating -- which delights Sura tremendously! The thought of them perhaps getting some dancing in makes her want to bounce on her toes and giggle like a little girl. Relaxing with her beloved is high on her to-do list! After all, with the Bostonians imprisoned and Crowninshield dead, the need for Roy to remain hidden is not quite so dire. He is still staying incognito, however -- as his beloved Sura has pointed out, there's no reason to make it obvious there is someone ransomable in the caravan. The rest of the caravaneers start furbishing up some party clothes and those that do entertainment start getting things together in case they are wanted in that capacity.

The caravan is met at the town line by the town guards and is welcomed cheerfully. They are directed toward the usual grounds for camping, while a messenger is sent to let the mayor know Corbett's Cross-Continental Caravan has arrived. There's time to start getting settled before Pauling rides up on a sturdy horse and waits at the edge of the camp for someone to notice him. It's Loshya, one of the Sokoloff tribe's kids, and Rohana who come running up shrieking with excitement that there's a big man on a horse looking for Mama Sura! She comes out of her wagon and laughs, scooping up both children for a hug and a teasing tickle, then releases both giggling children so they can dash off and romp with the dogs and werewolves. Alg, however, quietly trails his pretty Lady as Sura heads on over to wave at the new Mayor Pauling. She's smiling as she calls to him, "Well, hello there! Looks like things are looking up for your nice little town, sir!"

Pauling is smiling broadly as he slides down off his horse so he's not looming over her, "It does seem that way, yes. And there has been a sad lack of clues about Doris's death. Of course, that may have something to do with no one giving a damn about it." He offers his hand to the diminutive woman, who laughs and instead steps up to give him a warm hug, "Congratulations on being elected mayor too, dear -- couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!"

The sher... Mayor hugs her back. It's a little tighter than might really be warranted between people who are not actually intimate friends, but it's clear he's bursting with gratitude and happiness. He does not bury his face in her hair, but he lowers his head enough to murmur close to her ear, "I don't know who of you did it, but thank you. For Doris. For Crowninshield. For saving my people from a hell on earth." He holds the hug for a moment more before releasing Suraksha and stepping back. His blue eyes are shiny with unshed tears.

That causes a gentle, rather fond smile to curl up Sura's full lips, and she lightly cups his cheek with one hand as she murmurs, "My dear, you're worth it. We all are. We deserve better than being mindless puppets yanked around abusively by heartless shells of people." Then she steps back to give him a moment to recover, still smiling fondly at him -- she's delighted to see a good man doing well! She also, of course, is checking his chakras for sincerity. Doris may be dead, true, but that doesn't mean other bad people wouldn't be able to try again... and if Pauling is being 'ridden' in that way, Sura is going to be quite... terminally upset with his abuser! The mayor's chakras are quite normal for your average human. At the moment his heart is flaring brightly and so is his root chakra. Both are to be expected from someone who is very connected to earth and is feeling a lot of compassion and gratitude. Sura gives a small, happy internal sigh -- looks good to her!

Mayor Pauling clears his throat, then nods briskly... though his voice is still a touch husky as he adds, "I've moved into the old mayor's house. Mine is being seen to by two of the folk that I was watching out for when Doris was in power. Can I invite you and a few of your people to have dinner and stay with me tonight?"

Sura looks curious, "To stay the night? Dinner sounds lovely, though may I ask what the occasion is regarding spending the night with you?"

Mayor Pauling smiles, "I simply wished to offer some hospitality. I know that you are all used to the road, but I'd be pleased if I could offer rooms to some of your folks to rest and relax in. Call it a small gesture of thanks. There are a good quarter-dozen guest rooms in the place now."

Sura laughs softly, "How sweet! Well, in that case I'll ask around and see who would like to accompany me, all right?" She grins mischievously as she adds, "I suspect there may be intrigued children as well. Are you set up for that, or should I have the little hellions restrained here?" She giggles, clearly teasing.

"Oh, please! I have taken in a couple of young ones myself. Having interesting new playmates would be wonderful for my sons," Pauling is smiling, relaxing. "And please don't feel pressured. Sometimes folks prefer their own beds, after all."

Sura nods in agreement, "True. All right, we'd love to, then!" She waves and steps back again, adding, "We're still setting up here, but we'll be by later. Is around sunset acceptable?" Once she has his agreement she cheerfully bids him a good afternoon, then turns and heads back into the controlled chaos of set-up for the caravan. She's making mental notes as she does so -- they'll have to take something small but nice as a guesting gift. Maybe one of those bottles of San Francisco wine?

Everyone chats around about the offers of real beds and there is a consensus that Mama Minta and Papa Sokoloff deserve a real bed. They are not so young as they once were, after all! At first the two try to say no, but then they get told firmly that they are going to go and rest themselves. Two of the middle Sokoloff kids go along as well, partially to watch Rohana and Rishima and partially because they'd like to get a look at what it's like living in town. Rohana and Rishima are going with their parents, of course. Sura and Rattler make sure both the girls are dressed nicely and have little gifts to offer: one carries some nice dried fruit and the other a little bouquet of dried flowers. For the last pair of adults Sabrina and Suze are chosen.

The little group of caravaneers wash and dress themselves and head to the mayor's house for the offered dinner. They're chattering happily together, dressed to the nines, waving cheerfully at the welcoming townsfolk, and delighted at the chance for a nice meal with the town's mayor! Admittedly, Sura giggles a little that Pauling is in the mayor's dramatically enlarged house -- he'd mentioned it with disgust last time they were through here -- but she has to admire how he's putting it to good use! She hopes there weren't too many orphans made by Doris' reign here earlier, too.

When they arrive at the big house -- almost a mansion, really, considering Doris' aspirations to grandeur -- Sura makes sure the girls are both tidy and presentable, double checks Rattler has the bottle of wine, grins and winks at the Sokoloffs and the two women, murmuring, "Pretty cool to be this welcome, eh?" -- then turns and, with a smile, knocks smartly on the door.

The door is answered by a grinning boy. He looks to be around eight years old or so. His hair is sandy brown and his eyes are a sort of soft jade green. With the sweet features and the sunny smile, it's easy to imagine this being one of the children that Pauling was keeping hidden and safe, "Hello! Father said there were going to be guests! I'm Jamie." He then very solemnly offers his hand to everyone. Well, it starts out solemn, then his grinning excitement bubbles up again. "He told me that you helped the twins get out of town."

Sura smiles at the boy, "Autumn and Spring? Yes, they're still with us, in fact -- we're taking them to what I believe will be a very nice, good place for them to live." How, she amusedly wonders, did the caravan become a hiding place for young women? She's got the twins, the ten Friendsville girls... ah, and (of course) Rattler and Alan! Definitely not young women, those two... she stifles her urge to giggle and solemnly shakes the boy's hand, adding, "A pleasure to meet you, Jamie. Are you one of those Mayor Pauling helped to hide as well?"

Jamie nods and beams, "I was, yes! He adopted me and Ronald. Ronald's older than me. He's twelve!" Yes, Jamie is definitely no older than seven or eight.

Sura beams sunnily in return, "How wonderful! He's certainly been busy -- though I bet both of you try your best to help, right? So what do you do, dear?" She's quite curious as to why this particular little town had this odd... influx? Blossoming? Numerical explosion? -of Taps, now that she thinks about it. Hmm... maybe they've been fleeing Boston and this town was on the way? But if that's the case, what of the children who were born here?

Rattler also shakes the boy's hands and keeps his face mostly serious even though his dark eyes are twinkling. He remembers being this age and wanting to be a very grown up young man, "Well, always be older den you, him, but dat ain't always good. Mean he be a crotchety ol' coot sooner, ouais? It a pleasure ta mee'cha, Jamie. Kin call me Rattler."

Behind Rattler, Sura blinks at a sudden, startling thought: could the reason for the abrupt burst in numbers of Taps be due, perhaps... to the large amount of ley energy being gathered in here? But if that's the case then it'd be startlingly easy to have lots more of such children born -- just denude the surrounding area of ley energy? Or... even easier: bring a lot of impregnable girls to a powerful ley crossing -- wait. This is not something she wants to see happen -- especially the part where people are treated like livestock! She's not going to work this idea out to its logical conclusion... but she will keep a wary eye on what the Tap situation is in any town she can tell is built on a powerful confluence of leylines. Rattler did mention that Boston has been breeding for Tapping ability, so it's also possible Doris imported a lot of the ones in this town. Sura fervently hopes so, at least!

Admittedly, if all it takes is a leyline confluence, San Francisco would be crawling with Taps -- though... hmm. How would she know? It's not like she knows all the Taps in her hometown... plus there are an awful lot of supernaturals there, like her family. Further, she knows several Taps work for her family, plus the leadership of the street gangs is most often Taps -- especially the one her Fearsome Grandmother destroyed all those centuries ago... could supernaturals 'eat' some of the ley energy that would ordinarily go to the creation of Taps? Interesting thoughts -- but for later! Mostly she wonders if this is a necessary element in the creation of Taps; not the only one, but a critically important one regardless.

Jamie grins again and says, "Rattler? That's kind of a neat name!" Everyone introduces themselves and the boy ushers them into the foyer and points to a corner, "If you brought clothes and stuff, you can put them there. We'll take them to your rooms later. Father insists everyone does something around the house. He even takes his turn with sweeping and mopping and washing up!" Sura smiles, quietly pleased at how incredibly decent a man her old friend has turned out to be. It would seem that Pauling has not become idle rich -- or at least idle and in power. Gracious, now that she thinks about it... hmm, yes. If he courted her as a Hetaera, she'd be pleased to agree! Admittedly she'd be surprised if he did -- he seems to have some rather old-fashioned values to her perspective -- but still, like Rattler, he's the type of man she most enjoys building long-term relationships with.

Sura settles the little pack with her toiletries and her children's things in the corner indicated, then smiles at Jamie as others do the same. "So, you never said, dear... what sorts of Taps are you and your older brother Ronald?"

Jamie blinks at Sura's question, "I'm not! Ronald is an earth Tap, but not a very strong one. He's mostly good at telling if soil is good for planting. And... well, Doris said we were very pretty and would make pretty babies. That's why she wanted us. Father was worried that she would do something to our minds, so he hid us. With the twins and with Matthew and Willa."

Sura nods thoughtfully, "Very smart of your father, then!" She smiles, waving a hand forward as she adds, "Shall we go meet everyone?"

Jamie jumps as if he's being recalled to a duty and says, "Oh! Yes! This way!" He moves through the house at something just below a scamper, looking over his shoulder to make sure the caravaneers are keeping up. The dining room he leads them to is plenty large enough for everyone.

Sura loops her arm through Rattler's, smiling and waving the elderly Sokoloffs forward ahead of them -- matching the group's pace to theirs just seems respectful, after all! Rishima reaches up to clutch her mother's free hand and toddle carefully next to her, while Rohana skips forward to follow the scampering boy. Her voice is excited, "Hi! I'm Rohana but you can call me Hana an' I have dried fruit for your daddy an' Rattler's a neat daddy as well as his name bein' neat an' my li'l sister's name is Rishima an'...!" She's still gabbling excitedly as she follows the older boy. Sura giggles softly as she watches, her soft murmur pitched just for Rattler's ears, "Keep wondering if I was a holy little terror as a child too, watching Hana!"

Rattler murmurs back, purposely letting his lips brush against his beloved's ears, "Still a holy terror, you, cherie." That causes her to laugh aloud! He winks at her and then watches as Rohana scampers ahead with the townie boy. Jamie seems happy to chatter with the younger girl.

When they reach the dining room they find Pauling helping to carry out food from a door that probably leads to the kitchen. With him is a lady that looks perhaps ten years past middle age, who is introduced as Sheila. She's apple-cheeked and smiling. There are a few other people in the room and they all seem cheerful and friendly. Sura looks pleased as she glances around -- how nice! It looks like Erik has made an effort to make the office of mayor (as well as his home) truly centered around the community. She can't but approve of that; in a way it's how she runs the caravan as well, after all. If it weren't for the solid core community of caravaneers that consistently travel with her, she'd never have been able to continue Corbett's Cross-Continental Caravan so successfully -- or at all, really! Sura moves to the door and peeks in, calling a courteous, "Hello! Can we help with anything? Might I lend a hand to carry things out?"

The woman shoos her away and smiles, "You're guests! At least for tonight. Maybe if you come through more, I'll press you into service." Sura laughs! She recognizes that answer -- it's one often given in the caravan during feasts and parties, after all! Pauling pauses in his ferrying of food and greets everyone with handshakes or hugs, depending upon how they seem to want to greet them. Sura, of course, is happy to hug him again -- she's always thought he was a lovely, decent man! He introduces his other adopted son. Ronald seems shy almost to the point of skittishness. He's lanky in that adolescent way where his limbs all seem too long, but he does indeed have a very handsome young face. His hair is auburn and his eyes are cobalt blue. He still shakes everyone's hand and introduces himself in a soft voice.

There's a ton of food to be had and a lot of people. There's no real seating plan because things are semi-informal. Conversation is cheerful and friendly. The caravaneers get pressed for stories of the road and the townies tell stories of their own. It's altogether convivial, and the caravaneers enjoy the opportunity to completely relax and savor the moment -- especially after the several weeks of low-simmering tension caused by the issues with Boston. The kids end up dashing about with some dogs, all shrieking excitedly in some game they're playing, and Sura leans her head against Rattler's shoulder as she watches. This... this is what life is supposed to be about, she thinks: the loving companionship, the next generation growing up strong and cherished, the sheer diversity of people a strong indicator of a healthy community. What Boston and Crowninshield wanted was something that would eventually have become as inbred as poor Friendsville... and a lot less healthy, if the sociopathic king was any indicator.

Eventually, the children start to get sleepy and the middle-aged woman, Sheila, starts to chivvy them off to bed. She pauses to check with the caravaneers only after she realizes she's been treating the visiting children like the four that apparently live here. The other two are very young girls that call Sheila Grammy. Sura smiles and thanks Sheila for taking care of all the children -- she's happy to see someone competent and motherly (and with such excellent chakras) performing such a responsibility so well! Plus after the excitement of today she suspects her two could really do with some sleep right now as well.

Rohana and Rishima both come to get goodnight kisses from their parents. Some of the adults also excuse themselves, claiming early mornings. By the time the dust settles the caravaneers are left with Pauling and four townies -- two women and two men. One of the women is ethereally pretty; the other three folks are along the range of normal-to-attractive of regular people. The mayor takes a deep breath and says, "OK. I think that's everyone that doesn't need or want to hear grisly details." He looks around the table and asks, "Unless some of your people would like to excuse themselves, Suraksha?"

Sura raises a thoughtful eyebrow, "What... subject will we be discussing, please?" She's not about to talk about the assassinations of either Doris or Sean, and she rather hopes this isn't what Erik is aiming towards. However, if he's got something else on his mind then she's certainly willing to listen... and whether others wish to stay or go will be up to them -- but some indicator of where the conversation is about to go would be helpful, she thinks, for them. Also, while she's thinking about it, she checks the chakras of Aisling, the ethereally pretty woman, wondering if this is another non-human.

Pauling nods, "Some of the logistics of what went on here. And about something odd I found in the basement of this building when I moved in." The young woman's chakras are a little brighter than a normal human and she has the sort of features that sidhe sometimes favour when in human glamour. Sura nods silently to herself, unsurprised.

Sura nods at that, glancing inquiringly at her companions. Rattler gives his cocky grin -- he's staying, of course! The Sokoloff kids have already headed off to help with the children; the older Sokoloffs smile calmly and decide it's been a long day and they too are tired. Suze heads off with them, ostensibly to make sure they get safely to bed -- Papa Sokoloff's arthritis has been acting up a bit in the cold weather. Sabrina, however, simply grins cheerfully at Sura, then settles in to listen. Considering she came from (effectively) nobility, it's probably no surprise that she's curious as to what shenanigans the former local 'nobility' were up to.

Once everyone that wants to leave is gone, Pauling looks around the room, "I'm sorry to be so obscure. I know people don't always want a lot of information." He takes a deep breath, "Once Doris's timely demise was realized, the old mayor was ousted pretty quickly. Some of the Bostonians fled. The rest are in what I suppose is now a penal camp." As he speaks, Suraksha wonders a little sadly: were any of the Bostonians just as much dupes as the people here? -as poor Elise, Doris' daughter? She wonders if there's a way to find out, so those sad individuals can be released... she'll have to speak to Erik about that later, she decides. For now she listens as he continues: "I was elected mayor by a large majority of the people..." The ethereal beauty, Aisling, says, "By which he means everyone except the people that felt like he might clean the town up too much." Sura has to cover a grin at that; Rattler guffaws!

Pauling shakes his head and chuckles, "I accepted the post because I care about the town." Sura nods at that with an almost fond smile on her face -- that doesn't surprise her at all! He motions around the table, "These folks were some of the people that apparently organized to have me elected. I moved in here and gave my house over to a couple of the people I was helping protect. Aisling was one of Doris's unwilling puppets." Aisling nods, face set into an unhappy line, "Once I moved in, we found a locked door in the basement. It was a combination lock."

Sura wonders idly if what the townsfolk found was the quartz array stash. Before that, however, she has another, more important (to her) question. She holds up one slender finger, waiting for a pause before she murmurs softly to Aisling, "Did Doris realize your, ahh... heritage? If I may ask?" She's rather surprised to hear what appears to be a sidhe could be caught that way! Frankly, if even sidhe can be mesmerized by the Bostonian Brahmins, Sura's even more surprised that Sean hadn't been assassinated by the sidhe long before her arrival. Or... could there have been some extenuating circumstance in Aisling's case?

Aisling flushes, "Actually, I was simply pretending to be mesmerized." Sura blinks in surprise at that -- then has to bite her tongue to prevent the giggle! That must have been... well, both embarrassing and aggravating, considering how petty Doris apparently was. Sura simply nods, however, listening carefully as Aisling continues, "I was sent to... watch." The sidhe pats her mouth with her napkin, "Just as others of my people were sent to watch Boston. But pretending that I was in her control meant that Doris trusted me. I knew where to find the combination."

Pauling nods, "Indeed. And it was a complex one. Ten numbers." He shakes his head in amazement, "Do you know how hard it is to make a simple combination lock? Not to mention one that secure?" The mayor waves off answers, indicating it's a rhetorical question, "We opened it and found, well, a fortune. There were over a hundred crystals there, and jewels and gold. From ledgers I found, Naugatuck had been serving as a sort of bank for people setting out from Boston to other parts of the country."

Sura's golden eyes widen as she leans forward, and her voice sharpens with interest, "Other parts of the country? Ah! Did the ledgers say where those other folks went?!" If they could track down all these people and make sure none of Sean Crowninshield's sickness remained at large in positions of power... what a fantastic end to this particular traveling year for the caravan!

"Several: St. Louis, Baton Rouge, San Francisco," Pauling says, and Sura's eyes flash with anger, though her face remains calm. She makes a mental note: must find out everything she can about those vile creeps -- she has beloved people in all three of those cities! Pauling shakes his head with a wry smile as he continues, "Given the way most of these folks traveled I don't think any of them are going to make it as far as San Francisco. Hell, I don't think most of them will make it across the plains. It seems to me that they think the world revolves around them and they are entitled to whatever they want."

Rattler smirks. He saw some of that in his city, yes. He also knows that Pierce and the other loyal guards were going to be working to make things very uncomfortable for the Bostonians. He speaks up, "Give enny names in dat ledger, dem?" Pauling nods "They did. The contingent sent to St. Louis left about a day before you arrived last time." His smile gets a little unpleasant, "They were brought back."

Sura sighs in relief at that -- last she saw, Eacharn was so happy that his time as king or king's advisor was almost over! She would hate to see either he or his lovely boy -- or man now, actually! -- be abused by the capriciously cruel Bostonians. "What of the other two cities' envoys? Any news on them?" She hesitates, then adds, "Actually... may I ask to see the ledgers? I would like to copy some of the information if it hits any more of the cities that we regularly traverse, please?"

Pauling says, "It seems quite a few went to Baton Rouge months ago. I worry for that city. It's a major crossing of the Big Muddy. Though it would seem there's been some loss of communication with a lot of them. The San Francisco group went through about two or three months ago. Given how slowly they travel, they're going to get caught by the snow... and good riddance."

Sura nods slowly, her voice grimly determined, "Well, we'll just see what we can do about that!" Rattler snorts amusedly and Sura takes a deep breath, then smiles ruefully, "Sorry -- got a lot of friends there. Go on, please?"

Aisling adds, "There were scouts to other cities, but none of them have come back through since Doris's death. The guards on the westward side of town have been given descriptions and names. We've let through some of the folks coming from the east with news of Crowinshield's death. But others we've kept."

Suraksha tilts her head curiously, "Who did you keep, if I may ask -- and why?"

"The ones we kept were headed toward some smaller towns along the caravan route, but others would be going through there anyway," Pauling says. "We wanted to find out the news ourselves, you see. And once we questioned them, we needed to keep them." Sura nods inquiringly, waiting for her other question to be answered. Pauling smiles, "Because once we questioned them, we didn't want them passing on the information that this town has become seriously anti-Boston. Yet."

"Ah!" Sura nods thoughtfully, "I understand: your questioning would have made them realize what was up." She's silent for a moment as she considers... then she says slowly, "So... how long will you be keeping them for, Erik? For the rest of their lives? Or... would it be sufficient to know that, say, all the major cities you've mentioned are in fine shape to repulse any potential Bostonian attackers?"

Erik says, "I'm not keeping them for the rest of their lives. I wouldn't do that unless someone committed a truly heinous crime." He pauses at that and says, "I misspoke. There's only one of them I am going to keep for the rest of his life." Everyone from town is looking serious at this as Pauling continues, "He used Doris's puppeteering to take... ah... "

The other woman that stayed, Gail, says, "Don't use a euphemism. He was using people horribly sexually. Youngsters, even." Her eyes flick toward the hallway where the children left.

Rattler growls as Sura takes in a sharp, shocked breath. Sabrina says sharply, "Why is this man still alive?" Sura nods grimly at that, studying the people around the table -- until she adds softly, "Did Doris know?"

Aisling says, "I... am not sure. He isn't talking much other than taunting the guards."

Rattler snarls, "Doan matter if she do, her. Dis guy a waste of air. Rape already bad, man or woman. Rape of children... oughta gut 'im, you." Suraksha knows that Roy has some very strict laws about rape and child abuse.

Sura's voice is soft, "While I don't disagree with Rattler, I am curious: why is he taunting the guards? Is he hoping one of them will kill him, or what?"

Aisling shakes her head, "I believe he thinks that Boston is going to send reinforcements to re-take the town."

Rattler snorts in disgust; Suraksha laughs aloud! Her voice is dryly amused, "Does he not realize Crowninshield is dead?" Then she blinks at a sudden thought, her voice almost hushed, "A rapist... ah. I wonder if he used to be close to Sean? That'd explain using the same... revolting techniques." She wonders -- again, and with some pity -- if the poor abused girl who scarred Sean was able to escape. She doubts it, from the almost timorous reaction to whispering the story in Boston. Someone like Sean would swear all kinds of (what he thought were) mighty oaths to have vengeance, she suspects, if the girl had in fact escaped... and that sort of thing tends to get reported. In some locations, in fact, it might even be considered a sign of rebellion -- a symbol to cherish while fighting back. There wasn't any of that, that she saw or heard of, in the city, though.

Aisling says, "A cousin, I think. And I agree that he needs to be gutted and drawn and quartered and then possibly burned at the stake, but Erik is more merciful." The mayor nods and says, "When it comes time, he will be hanged. It is the quickest way we have at our disposal and I have no stomach for beheading."

Sura looks curious, "Not a crossbow bolt then? Hmm... no, I can see why you'd prefer hanging." She herself prefers swift, clean deaths... regardless of the horribleness of the crime. It is her internal thought that trying to match the agony of death to the horror of the crime stains the... the emotions, maybe even the souls, of the people attempting to impart justice, after all. She sighs and shakes her head, "I just cannot understand that sort of emotional sickness." Rattler growls quietly, "Glad y' cain't, cherie. T'ain't right!" Sura smiles and leans against Rattler as she murmurs to Pauling, "Well. What else did you find, if we may ask?" She grins as she adds, "It would appear your little town is quite wealthy now, as well!"

Pauling says, "Oh, quite wealthy... and we're going to be using it to make sure the town and the people in it are healthy, both in mind and body. We're expanding our school, for instance. Most of it has been put into a fund for helping those that need it. We are going to use some to fortify the town. Not in a truly military way."

Suraksha nods approvingly, "Health and education -- smart. That way people will not only know how to live wisely and more in tune with the land, but also how to recognize petty tyrants as they're trying to rise in power!"

After that, conversation moves on a bit. Pauling talks with Sura about what he's doing about education and asks if she could perhaps look for a healing Tap or simply a chirurgeon that might want to come back to the town. He assures her that the person would be well-paid, "We've got midwives and a few folks that can do some simple healing, but I want someone who has been trained specifically for injuries."

Sura considers, then curiously asks: "Have you considered having any of the quartzes developed or refined so they can assist your healers? That could well mean the difference between acceptable and excellent health care, after all, from my experience." She's mentally reviewing the girls currently traveling in the caravan: there's the telepathic twins (whom she intends to take back to live with Bringer, like she promised them, so they'll be safe from people who might try to abuse them), Elise (Doris' daughter -- would she want, or would it even be safe, for her to return here? Maybe Sabrina will know the girl's desires. She's certainly welcome to stay with the caravan, after all...), and the ten Friendsville girls. So... were any of the Friendsville girls working on learning healing? If so, Sura thinks she'll ask if that one would like to remain here. Frankly, having more connections between all the little towns in the Appalachians seems like a smart move to her -- especially in regards to ousting petty dictators like Doris, in the future! One of the Friendsville girls has been apprenticing with Suze, so she might be good to stay.

Pauling says he'll check to see what they can do with the quartzes. Some of them are going to be saved for trade, but having one for a healer to use if they were a healing Tap would be a very good thing. Rattler listens to the conversation and adds things in here and there, but is careful not to try to seem too interested in information about Baton Rouge. Of course, with his accent it's probably clear where he's from. Granted, it's thicker when they're on the road. Back in his city, he tries to moderate it a bit. Conversation finally winds down and the clock strikes ten o'clock. Pauling looks up and chuckles, "I'm afraid I have to sleep."

Sura smiles and nods -- a bit sleepily, truth be told! "So do we, dear -- we ordinarily rise with the dawn so we don't miss any daylight. This has been a most informative and entertaining evening, though. Thank you so much, Mayor Pauling, for sharing all this with us!" From his reactions, Sura's guessing Pauling isn't interested in a Hetaera. It's a mild disappointment to her -- he's a good man that she'd be happy to have as a long-term client, after all -- but far more importantly, she's pleased that he and Naugatuck both look to be thriving... enough so that she's happy to keep the town on the caravan's travel routes. Previously, when Doris and Sean were still an issue, Suraksha had been worriedly wondering if the caravan would have to eschew the entire northeastern area of the continent!

As they're all being shown to their rooms, Sura quietly murmurs to Sabrina, "Got a moment before sleep? Like to talk to you, please?" When the taller woman smiles and nods gently, Sura pats her arm and visually marks the path to that room. Once she and Rattler are shown to the room where their two little girls are already sleeping, Sura quietly murmurs to Rattler that she needs to talk to Sabrina for just a moment -- she'll be right back! Rattler is well-used to his beloved's forays at night, considering they've both walked watch for the caravan on occasion; he just gives her a close hug and a kiss, murmuring that he'll keep the bed warm for her.

A few minutes later Sura and Sabrina are sitting on Sabrina's bed; in the matching twin bed against the far wall Suze is sleepily watching. Sura explains her concern: she'd like to know if Sabrina thinks Elise would like to return to live here, where her mother used her like a puppet and a battery, and where folks may have bad history with her as a consequence... or if the artificially-kept-young girl would prefer to continue with the caravan to a new life and a new family. When Suze sits up with interest, Sura adds her other concerns: does Suze think the new young Friendsville apprentice is experienced enough yet to settle here? Sura's a bit worried that not only is the girl not yet ready, but being pregnant -- and later, a single mother -- is going to put a huge bite into the poor girl's ability to be good at anything. Would the girl do better to, say, stay with the caravan for the two years it will take to return to Naugatuck, and then settle here as an experienced healer with a child -- and perhaps even other family she's gathered to herself over that time frame? Or does Suze think the girl simply wishes to return home to Friendsville?

Sabrina thinks about that and says, "I'd take her away from here. Elise, I mean. I'd rather have her in Baton Rouge or in Bringer's town. She may not have the memories up top, but I think she'll have them beneath and she needs time to heal." Sura nods in relief -- she'd been worried about that, so it's good to hear a plan to help the poor girl do well in her new life.

Suze says, "I think my apprentice needs a little more learning... and she might want to stop off in Friendsville to actually have the child. She'll need some help when the child is born. No mother should be on her own when she's got a very small one."

Suraksha nods gravely in agreement, "It's one thing to have a new baby, or to be new in a town. That's not something where I'd willingly saddle a young person with both of those issues, though." She smiles as she adds, "I hadn't thought of that, but stopping over in Friendsville for two years until the caravan comes back is a good idea too. My personal guess is she'll have developed roots by then and not want to continue... but it's very much her choice, not ours, I believe." She gives both women a quick hug and says her thank-yous and goodnights after that, slipping quietly out of the room to head back to her own... where her own little immediate family awaits her.

The next morning, the caravaneers are already awake when a cheerful Jamie comes to their doors to let them know that breakfast is ready. He also asks if maybe the girls would like to stay for the morning and play after the meal -- which causes both of them to clamor excitedly for permission to do so! When the Sokoloff kids cheerfully offer to stay and help keep an eye on them all, Sura laughs and admonishes her girls to remain on their best behavior -- which they instantly promise and Sura internally suspects will last only until the first disagreement -- then gives them permission and has them both thank Jamie nicely for the invitation. After that they all troop downstairs for a delicious hot breakfast... and then the adults thank Erik Pauling and his adopted family for a lovely night before heading off back to the caravan. There's going to be a big celebration in the town the next day, after all -- there's a great deal of planning and practicing and prepping to do!

Rattler waits for the girls to be gone and then gives his beloved a very heated, loving, adoring kiss and grins, "Goan go help out at the caravan, me. Gettin' hard for me to keep m'mout' shut 'bout my city."

Sura blinks at the kiss -- but then returns it with equally heated delight! At his comment she laughs softly, lightly brushing her fingertips across his much-loved lips, "That's fine, sweet man! Uhmm... are you expecting me to stay here, then?" She raises an eyebrow at Sabrina and Suze: do they think she could indulge herself with a bit of playtime with the girls while the caravan does without her? Sabrina laughs and hugs Sura, "Go play with your little girls, honey!" Suze just smiles and shakes her head amusedly at her workaholic boss, while Mama Minta goes to tell the two Sokoloff kids of the change in plans.

After that the rest of the caravaneers troop on back towards the caravan, chattering happily amongst each other. Sura smiles a bit wistfully as she overhears Papa Sokoloff happily announcing to his family that his arthritis is much eased this morning! The small woman knows the time is coming slowly but surely when the eldest generation of Sokoloffs -- Mama Minta and Papa Sokoloff -- will need to retire. She'll miss them enormously when that happens! But she'd far rather see them retire happily with Onca, so their family and the caravaneers can visit with them yearly... than see them get killed in a traveling accident. The heat of Onca's realm will be good for the old man's aches and pains too, Sura suspects.

After that Suraksha turns back to make sure her daughters are playing nicely with the townie children here. She finds herself oddly happy -- she doesn't often get to just play with her beautiful girls while they're on the trail! This will be a pleasure for her. Rohana and Rishima are ecstatic to have playtime with their mother and they wrestle and tumble with her, teaching Jamie some of the moves. After a while, Pauling comes out to watch with a half-smile on his face. He leans against one of the columns of the back porch and calls out, "Suraksha, can I speak with you a moment alone?"

Suraksha mock-yells, "Oh, got me! Ow, ow, I yield!" as she's "pinned" by the wildly enthusiastic Rohana -- who cheers and bounces up and down on her mother -- and consequently forgets to hold the pin! Sura laughs, rolling over and grabbing her daughter upside-down as she sits up, "Hah! Sneak attack -- I win!" Rishima says gravely, "You f'got to hold on, Hana, like Auntie Sna'tha taught us!" which makes Rohana pout until Sura tickles her and sets the child down on the ground. She looks up at Pauling, still laughing as she pushes her mussed hair out of her face, "Sure, Erik! What can I do for you?" She slips out of her daughter's renewed attempt at a hold, laughing at Rohana's disappointed, "Awwww!" and says to both daughters, "Be nice, now, and if you need an adult just yell, remember?" They both nod, "Yes, Mama!" before dashing back into play.

Sura laughs quietly as she looks down at herself, then does a bit of dusting off of grass, and straightening her tunic, as she strolls on over to the new mayor. She's relaxedly re-plaiting her hair as she mounts the steps to the porch, her smile warm and unselfconscious, "What's up, dear?"

Pauling smiles and watches the girls with their mother and his adopted son. When Suraksha comes over, he says, "I wanted to ask your opinion on a few things. The important one is: how would you suggest I spend the fortune we found? I rather consider it spoils of war, so it belongs to the town." He smiles a little crookedly and his ears go red around the rims, "If I were so well-heeled myself, I'd be asking how much you charge as a Hetaera."

Sura nods thoughtfully at the first query -- then looks up at Pauling and laughs softly, "Why, Erik -- how sweet! Dear man, I'd be delighted to have you as a client." She grins and pats his arm lightly as she adds, "But first shall we discuss your town's, ah, spoils of war? Perhaps over a cuppa, if you don't mind me making free in your kitchen?" Despite how adorable the blush looks on him, for a conversation like this she'd like to put him at ease.

A short while later they're seated at the kitchen table, each with a gently steaming cup of tea. Erik has paper, pencils, and his notebooks out, and they've reviewed the town's current disposition as well as the extraordinary treasure discovered in the house's basement. Sura has recommended that Erik be extremely circumspect from this point on regarding both its existence and its current location, of course -- which he already knew, being a sheriff, but it doesn't hurt to have reminders. After that she gives quick thumbnails of how different forms of town governance will affect how the treasure is parted out, noting the strengths and weaknesses of them all. She admits she leans towards transparency so that everyone is both comfortable with what's being done with the monies, and aware of amounts -- that's the best way she knows of to prevent petty tyrannies arising through greed.

Sura also notes that Erik should remember to pay himself as well -- not only is he mayor, but he's doing all the hard work regarding researching, managing, safeguarding, and wisely spending the money. That takes time and effort! Once that's covered, she shares with him how the caravan's financials work: everyone is taken care of as much as possible -- including things such as health, educating the children (or adults where needed -- not everyone that joins knows how to read, for example), companionship whenever needed, and good basic food -- and to fund that, everyone pays in a percentage of whatever they make outside the caravan, whether that's through trading, barter, sales, performances, being a Hetaera, or something else entirely. As she notes, if Erik sets up something like this then he can start ensuring the treasure lasts long-term, as well as funding good things for right now.

Erik listens and nods, then smiles at being told he has to pay himself, "I am paying myself. I am generous, but I try to take care of myself too. Besides, I have two boys now." After a bit he admits, "I'm going to be finding someone to work as the town treasurer and make all the financials available. When a town does what you're talking about, paying in a percentage, I guess we'd have to call it taxes. We're looking to see what's fair. I rather think that those that have more ought to give more. It just seems reasonable to me." He pauses, then adds wryly, "I'm still working on town government. I want it to be equitable. The people ought to choose who leads them." That makes Suraksha giggle, and the mayor rubs the back of his neck, "I wasn't expecting them to choose me, truth be told. I figured I'd just go back to being the sheriff, but they seem to think I'm doing OK so far."

She grins, patting his hand gently, "Clearly they recognize integrity and quality, dear!"

He looks a bit embarrassed and a bit pleased as he motions around the large house they're in, "The old mayor was... not run out of town, but he was given a reasonable amount of money and told in no uncertain terms that he would be vacating office. He left town not long after that. Honestly, I think people were a little hard on him... because it wasn't his doing. Doris played him, but I think he felt ashamed." Sura nods -- she can understand that.

Pauling works with Suraksha on the way the caravan works out the percentages for the people giving what they make. He notes down some information about making sure everyone gets fed. There's a bit of a smile as he thinks about laying in stores of food when he was hiding people in his old house. He's still looking at the table as he asks, "How much does a Hetaera make?"

Sura smiles thoughtfully, "Well, a city Hetaera asks a different price than a traveling Hetaera." She names two numbers (which make Erik wince the tiniest bit), then smiles and shakes her head, "Those are averages, of course -- different cities have different capabilities. A Hetaera who leads a caravan would ask yet a different price from those as well, since she has more responsibilities than just herself. Trade agreements spanning several years of visits, or guarantees of future work, or similar sorts of deals can be far more useful in the long term than simply cash up front. I'm also happy to listen to barter possibilities as well, dear. What would you feel comfortable offering?"

Pauling considers a bit and then smiles, "I can certainly agree to offering trade agreements for the next five years at least. And definitely guaranteed employment. Our town would probably really benefit from outside entertainment and news." He clears his throat and adds, "I know that you have your sweetheart with you, so I'm not sure of the etiquette." Erik is going very red around the ears. "I didn't want to bring it up with your... is he your husband? Anyway, he's obviously your partner and your girls."

Sura chuckles quietly as she gently pats Erik's hand again, "Don't feel bad, dear! No, he's not my husband, though he is indeed a sweetheart as well as a doting father to both girls." She smiles thoughtfully as she adds, "People who travel with Hetaerae either learn a great deal of calm concerning the subject... or don't travel with Hetaerae." She tilts her head to regard Erik with that same small smile, "Do you remember that talk you and I had regarding what Hetaerae do and don't do, the first time the caravan visited your town? That still stands, dear, if you wish: Hetaerae are happy to help with planning and entertainment for parties, or assisting in negotiations between townships, or other such endeavors... as well as simply sensual pleasure."

Pauling nods and smiles, "I do remember, yes. And you have already helped me with planning for the town. I want it to grow to be important and safe." He reaches across the table and carefully takes Suraksha's hand, "And I'd be honored if you'd spend some time with me alone." His smile is warm and the corners of his eyes crinkle, "Though if I know you at all, you're itching to get back to your people."

Sura smiles relaxedly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, "I think you're well on the way with how you're handling the town, dear. Hmm..." She takes a bit of time to make sure their agreement is a good one for both herself and the caravan, and Erick and his little town. Once they're both happy with that she says cheerfully, "Well! It looks like we'll be in town for, at minimum, the next four days for your Naugatuck festival! So, did you have any time in particular where you'd most enjoy my company, dear?"

Pauling's smile is pleased, "If you would spend tonight and tomorrow with me, I would enjoy that. I know you may have to go back for a bit now to get things set up for the festival, but I would welcome you back for dinner." He laughs quietly and says, "A private dinner. I'm in Doris's old rooms and she had one of those little sitting rooms built."

Sura smiles slowly, her golden eyes lighting up with a delicious hint of promise, "That sounds quite lovely, Erik, and thank you!" She tilts her head and grins mischievously, "So tell me, please, dear... what sort of outfit would you find most... entrancing, mmm?" She's already making quick mental plans for the caravan and herself, to pull all this off smoothly. She's quite pleased! This will be an excellent arrangement she's negotiated for the caravan... and also for herself. Good, thoughtful, intelligent clients are always a joy!

Erik smiles again and his ears are still red as he thinks and then speaks, "A dress. But wear what makes you feel beautiful. I've always thought women were lovelier when they felt good." He smiles and then reaches across the table to take Sura's hand, "I admit that I'm indulging myself a little here. The last year and more has been hard. I'll likely end up taking a wife in the next few years, but I don't want to until things here are stable."

Suraksha laughs softly, "Ah! I know just the dress, then!" She'll wear something from the west coast's fashions -- she suspects Erik has had quite enough of Bostonian fashion! Quietly she adds, "There's nothing wrong with indulging yourself, Erik. I suspect this town came through as well as it did directly due to you, after all. You've busted your chops for Naugatuck, as they say... you deserve a bit of pampering after all that effort and worry and work!" She gently squeezes his hand as she adds a bit wistfully, "I hope your wife won't mind... any previous relationships. I should hate to have to shift from a true and growing friendship with you... into a more rigidly careful formality." She rises and gives Erik a hug, "But enough of that! For now... we have a lovely evening to look forward to! I should be back in a couple of hours. Is that acceptable?" She understands the mayor needing a wife -- she even knows that a mayor will be considered quite the catch! She rather hopes, though, that he doesn't... rush into marriage. She'd like to have at least a dalliance or two with him before she'll have to shift back to hands-off. A pity... she'd been anticipating a more long-term relationship. Still... his taking a wife will probably help the town settle somewhat too. She shouldn't be greedy!

Pauling hugs her back with a chuckle and murmurs, "It probably won't be until Jamie's grown, I don't think. I'm a little set in my ways, anyway." He pulls back from the hug and tucks Sura's hair behind her ear, "Besides, I would never take a wife that would hold my past against me or forbid me friends. That's just a good way to resent one another. I'm going to take my time and choose."

Suraksha smiles relaxedly, her hands resting on his shoulders as she murmurs, "You're a wise man, Erik." She laughs quietly and gives his cheek a soft pat -- then adds, "Back in a bit!" She'll collect her girls as she heads back, and she's unsurprised to see Alg appear out of the underbrush and lollop relaxedly along the trail ahead of them as they return to the caravan. She grins and waves, "Hello, Alg, sweetie! I hope you're enjoying yourself here too, dear. Could you let Fantine and Sna'tha know quick-like that I have a client for the night, please?"

Alg cackles happily and lollops off to send word ahead. Sura is greeted at the camp's edge by various members of the caravan and folded back into her chosen family as seamlessly as always. They're used to adjusting chores for people being off doing different things. Autumn and Spring come to meet her too and let her know that some people from town had come out to say hello and to bring small gifts. There are pies and candies and one lady even brought a length of finely-woven wool. Sura is pleased that the town is being kind to the girls! She's careful to let them both know, however, that they are still quite welcome to stay with the caravan for a safe trip to Bringer of Night and Passion, as she promised them.

The twins have proved invaluable in guard duty. They work together and are able to use their strange single-person telepathy to keep in touch across the encampment -- which means each can then pass status updates swiftly along to the next person in the line. It makes the transmission of messages quick and sure -- and has saved them at least once from bandits. Sura knows the caravan will definitely miss the twins, should the two girls decide to stay with Bringer -- but she won't begrudge them that either.

Fantine hears the news and dashes off to start heating water for a bath for her lady. Rattler also meets Sura and looks like he has just recently had a bath -- his short hair is slicked damply back against his head. He's quite able to make himself completely dry with his Tapping ability, but he rarely does unless he's needing to dress up for something or do something official. He says he likes the feel of water on his skin... which honestly doesn't surprise Sura in the least, considering his Tapping ability! He grins as she almost jumps happily into his arms for a warm hug and a kiss, rumbling, "Hey, cherie. Have a good time takin' de mornin' off, you?"

Suraksha laughs as she rubs against him like a contentedly sensuous cat, "Good for the soul, my soggy cherie!" She giggles at his roll of the eyes at her accent, then smiles and updates him on Pauling's conversation with her. Over Rattler's shoulder she spots Sna'tha, and swiftly includes the contract's provisions, so the sidhe woman can write them down for the caravan's benefit -- and also so it is included in Sura's percentage of tithing to the caravan. Once Sna'tha has given a quick, crisp nod and glided off to get that taken care of, Suraksha smiles affectionately at Rattler, resting her forehead against his as she quietly shares how courteous Pauling was -- including his desire not to cause awkwardness between he and the two of them! She's very happy to take the man on as a client, even if it's only for the next five visits -- he's a good man of integrity and caring! Plus, as she cheerfully points out to Rattler, meeting with Erik tonight means Rattler and she will have all four days of the celebration to spend together and with their girls! She'll have to hustle a bit to get everything done this afternoon, but she thinks it's doable. Sound good to him?

Rattler smiles and wraps his arms around Suraksha with a smile, "Good man, him. 'Ppreciate him bein' polite, me... an' lookin' forward to celebratin' togedder, us." He tips her chin up and looks her directly in the eyes, taking the effort to lose some of the accent just because he knows it can be nigh incomprehensible sometimes, "Still got a jealous streak, me, but dat ain't your problem. Know you love me, and dat you smart an' know how to catch de bad'uns. Dat enough for me. Godda say, d'ough, it nice when a client notice we togedder and respec' de relationship." Sura aww!s, almost melting into her beloved Chosen's arms! As she notes to him later, the fact that he both respects her self-autonomy and realizes any issues he may have with it are his to cope with, are of enormous importance to her! She's not in a line of work -- either as Hetaera or as caravan head -- where a possessive and/or jealous partner would be anything but a huge amount of unwanted and unnecessary drama and trouble.

In fact, the king-in-hiding has become almost mellow about Sura's assignations. He himself hasn't been exactly celibate, either. It works for the pair of them. He doesn't want a queen. She doesn't want to be queen. Both of them have other lovers and it does nothing to cool the love and passion. He's even been known to give advice or opinions on her outfits for her clients because sometimes a male eye is wanted. That, of course, is both much appreciated by Fantine and Sulochana -- and also much giggled over together later! They think it's wonderfully charming that he's being so laissez faire about his beloved being a Hetaera.

For now, however, Suraksha delegates with calm confidence in her people -- then she and Fantine (with a bit of help from Sna'thaid) swiftly conduct preparations for that night's assignation. After some thoughtful consultation Sulochana decides to leave the little lap harp behind, and also to dress in one of the less constraining (though still quite colorful) west coast fashions -- the impression she's gotten is that Erik Pauling is not hung up on excesses of 'cul-cha!' & would appreciate a woman who is clearly comfortable in her own skin. She also arranges with Chanti to lead Amanda back to the caravan after the Hetaera rides the sedately genteel white camel into town.

Much as 'Chana expected, the sight of the elegantly attired Hetaera in her ethnicity's native clothing, mounted on a dramatically tapestried white camel and with Chanti in full stately majordomo mode, draws the excited attention of most of the town's children -- and quite a few of the adults as well! 'Chana laughs and gently teases them, reminding them to look for the caravan's performers in the upcoming town celebration. The prospect of trick riders, tumblers, dancers and musicians, and even a helafalump! (though it takes 'Chana and Chanti a moment to amusedly translate that one from child-speak) have all the kids in transports of anticipatory delight which the venerable but exotic-looking Amanda is unwittingly feeding. As 'Chana smilingly murmurs to Chanti, she certainly hopes Mayor Pauling hadn't expected a subtle and understated arrival for the night's assignation!

People have seen the caravan come through before, but they're always excited for something new. They haven't seen 'Chana in full-on Hetaera mode before so some of them are a little awed by it. When they arrive at Pauling's house it's Sheila who meets them at the door with a downright mischievous smile. She comes down the stairs and says, "Erik's running a mite late. He got taken up with a discussion between some folks about a property line. Sometimes he forgets he's not the sheriff anymore."

Sulochana laughs at that, cueing Amanda to kneel and settle so she can step lightly off the sidesaddle, "He's such a sweetheart like that! I can see why people come to him with their issues -- he addresses them all with care and integrity." She hands the reins to Chanti with thanks and a smile... and then her grin gets a little mischievous as well as she adds with faux demureness, "Do you suppose, Sheila, that I might be able to help settle things swiftly, were I to enter the room as well?"

Sheila laughs and invites 'Chana inside, "I think that you'd distract them all and he'd have to continue with it tomorrow. He asked if you could give him a half-hour and asked if I could take you to his little sitting room." She's built plumply in the way of a woman whose spectacular curves have been softened by childbirth and middle age.

Sulochana smiles warmly, "Ah, in that case that would be a shame -- I would not care to extend his workload even if by accident. Certainly, I'd love it if you would escort me there, please, Sheila?" As they walk together she thoughtfully inquires, "Does he enjoy tea? Would something like that perhaps help him calm and shed the concerns of the day, once he has the opportunity to join me?"

"Oh, he would love a cuppa. He usually has something calming this time of night. He's not against alcohol, but he doesn't drink it himself, so chamomile it is instead of whiskey," Sheila smiles, "He's a very good b-... man." She laughs at herself and lays a hand on her chest, "Forgive me. Erik is a distant nephew. We're near the same age, but I was the youngest in my generation and he was the eldest in his."

'Chana exclaims, "Oh! How lovely, then, that you can help take care of him so! He's a truly good person; I'm glad to see someone caring is here for him." At a sudden thought she adds, "Were you here during the time of Doris' reign? I've heard so many odd and conflicting stories about then -- I confess to great curiosity as to how that went!" She figures finding out what the public scuttlebutt is about that time would likely be wise -- especially if she's going to properly and publicly eschew any connection to the recent deaths of both Doris and Sean. Fortunately no one has really asked... even Erik simply said he was grateful they were dead. Plus hearing about that will be an intriguing way to fill the time between now and Erik's arrival... and smart Hetaerae know it is always a good idea to befriend those close to the client.

Sheila leads 'Chana into the room. It's small and cozy, but not cramped. The hardwood floor is covered in braided rugs and the walls have some artwork on them -- even an ancient photograph of a smiling couple with an infant in arms. The colors are faded, as is to be expected, but the family resemblance is still there. "Oh, yes; I was." The middle-aged woman frowns, face turning almost fierce, "I've lived here all of my life. Our family has been in Naugatuck since before the Dying Off. Doris swept into town with her little entourage and things went bad quickly." Sheila rubs her hands on her apron as if they feel dirty, "People started acting strange and the better-looking ones were acting strange more than the average Joe. It was a little scary, truth be told."

Sulochana nods thoughtfully, following the woman in as Sheila motions 'Chana to a little settee and settles herself on the other end. The Hetaera wonders how it is someone like Erik Pauling wasn't mesmerized simply for the usefulness of having the Sheriff in one's pocket -- much like what was supposed to have happened to the then-mayor. Odd, really... almost as if Erik was... oh, say, a particularly powerful Tap or a supernatural. 'Chana knows he can't be a supernatural -- not with the chakras he has -- but... hmm... a Tap! That thought had never occurred to her before... but it is possible. She smiles internally, wondering if there are Taps of truth!

Sheila rubs her hands together again, "Erik is smarter than the average bear and he noticed it. He's good-looking so I think Doris tried to get him, but he was really excellent at not letting her or even Elise touch him. I think he played it off as a religious thing." 'Chana nods gravely, listening carefully as the other woman chews on her lower lip for a moment and lowers her voice, "Truth be told, I suspect our Erik has a little Tapping ability. There used to be stories about what they used to call a fairy godmother, but we know the sidhe can't really breed with humans."

'Chana chuckles quietly, "Actually, from what I've learned, they can... but they are incredibly infertile." She smiles wryly, "Probably a good thing, considering they're effectively immortal, yes?" She considers for a moment, then adds, "Taps can be born from 'regular' humans as well, of course. It's not really linked to a bloodline from what I've seen."

"Really? They can?" Sheila looks thoughtful and then says, "It makes sense, though. Them being infertile. It's like mules." The plump woman laughs, "Oh, I know that about Taps. Generations of nothing special and suddenly you've got a little girl who can tell you when it's going to storm. Or a little boy who can feel leylines." 'Chana nods in agreement -- she's seen that sort of thing as well! Sheila continues, "I think it's just that folks that had that kind of blood didn't die so easy all those years ago. Sturdy stock, you know." 'Chana nods in amused agreement again... especially since her own family is one of those bloodlines!

Sheila smiles again, "But Erik started helping people out. Well, a few of us did, but Erik got it started and he organized things. We had to be careful, you know. Doris had a lot of people in her back pocket, even if most of them weren't there willing-like. People would disappear normal and come back all... like they were walking dolls, you know? So Erik started looking around and it was him found that strange camp she had. The one we're holding folks in now because the jail's just too small." Another deep breath, "We started keeping people who were scared in cellars and barns and other hidden places." She waves vaguely northward, "There's a couple-three caves up that way that we set folk up in." 'Chana nods, listening in fascination -- clearly Erik had a far more... complicated system set up than she'd realized! Her respect for him is growing.

"It was starting to get difficult, though. Even with people being sneaked out of -- what did he call it? Brain camp? -- even with people being sneaked out, Doris was starting to notice." Sheila shivers a little, "If it had gone on much longer I think Erik might have done something drastic. He was getting worried... and all those people coming through! We're on the caravan route so we've always had travelers -- but there were so many! And so many of them were from Boston. Boston used to be just sort of a distant place, you know? We'd get traders from there, but not any of the natives."

The Hetaera nods gravely, "As I understand things, the king in charge had some truly widespread, ah... ambitions. From what I heard he was actually working on conquering the entire continent!" Her voice is a little hushed -- as if she's relating the crazy dreams of someone dangerously deranged... which, honestly, she is.

Sheila looks appalled and shocked, "Who would want that? One town is enough trouble! Who can manage a whole big continent like this one?" She shakes her head at the foolishness of people, "He must have been, you know, not right in the head." 'Chana nods in wry agreement! Sheila clucks her tongue as if to say 'poor lad!' and then goes on, "Luckily Doris met her end. And there was that problem with the bridge, so none of her people could get out of town that direction. Erik and the other guards from town were able to round everyone up. Me, I say that whoever did for that woman ought to get a medal." The townie woman blushes a little and puts her hand over her mouth, "I ought not to say such mean things, but there are people out there that are just too dangerous. They're like hydrophobic dogs."

'Chana nods grimly, "Oh, yes. As they say further down south, some folks jus' needs killin'. A woman that would use her own daughter as a tool like that -- like a puppet! -- that's no right person in the head." She folds her hands tightly together in her lap as she adds, "Plus from what I saw, the way that the insane king intended to rule the continent was by stamping out individuality and making everything the same. That is a dreadful way to behave! People are people, in all their marvelous, wide, peculiar, divergent ways... not identical, emotionless, personality-less ants!" She takes a deep breath, calming herself down before she smiles ruefully, "Pardon me; I feel rather strongly about the powerful abusing those weaker than themselves." She flicks open her little fan and cools her face for a moment, then smiles more sincerely at Sheila, "Do you suppose Erik will be almost done yet? Might he enjoy some hot tea when he gets here to meet with me?"

Sheila nods emphatically, obviously pleased with 'Chana's feelings on that, "Erik should be done soon." Her eyes twinkle as she stands and says, "Do you want to make it for him?"

'Chana brightens, "Oh! I would love to, Sheila -- thank you so much for thinking of that!" She knows, after all (though she doesn't mention it) that there are several lovely ways to turn making tea into a deliciously sensuous experience! Glancing around, she sees there's a small tea service on a table near the little fireplace, which contains a few embers despite the weather being fair and even somewhat warm for very late fall. The older woman also shows 'Chana all the accoutrements for boiling the water, and where the tea is. Before she leaves she murmurs in a confidential voice, "I'll make sure no one disturbs you two after dinner or wakes you too early tomorrow." 'Chana beams her thanks to Sheila, and the older woman lays a hand on the Hetaera's shoulder, "He deserves some pleasure. He's been alone a long time."

'Chana nods firmly at that, "I quite agree! I've seen a little of what he's gone through, and heard more from you -- and my respect at his integrity and courage has only grown in the telling. He's worked very hard for this town! I intend to try and show him that his efforts are deeply appreciated."

Sheila's eyes twinkle a little bit, "And it's healthy for a man to feel, well, like a man sometimes." 'Chana smiles mischievously and winks at Sheila, who smiles one more time and slips out. She's been gone no more than ten minutes when Pauling comes in. He doesn't think to knock, these being his rooms and all. The man is shaking his head and sighing, muttering something about deeds being clearer.

Sulochana has set out the tea service on the little table so it's near the chairs by the fireplace. As Erik enters he sees she's kneeling in front of the fireplace, leaning over to gently blow on the embers and encourage them to flare up a bit more. She's quite aware men seem to... well, to appreciate her derriere! She finishes her last gentle puff of breath, then sits back on her knees and glances over her shoulder at Erik with a twinkle in her eyes -- and if he's staring a bit she'll giggle and thank him for the lovely compliment!

Pauling becomes aware that someone's in the room almost immediately. He's got good instincts and, as Sheila said, he's smarter than the average bear. There's a pause as he looks around carefully and relaxes immediately upon realizing who it is -- and then he does indeed look her over carefully. It's the first time he's really given himself permission to do so. She does catch him staring a little and he laughs and goes red in the ears when she thanks him for the compliment, "You look lovely tonight, Sulochana." The mayor has loosened his collar; he moves across the room to help her to her feet.

'Chana beams warmly up at him as she accepts the hand up, "Why, thank you, Erik!" Once she's on her feet she goes up onto her tiptoes to give him a gentle kiss on the cheek, then adds with a wave of her hand towards the tea setting, "Sheila was kind enough to show me where all the goods were for tea, and I'm hoping she'll bring a few nibblies perhaps as well. Would you like some tea while we relax a bit?" She grins almost impishly at him as she innocently adds, "Now that your work day is finally over?"

Pauling rubs the back of his neck. It seems a lot of men do that when they're a little at a loss, a very masculine gesture, "I apologize for that. The men are cousins and the land was split up by their grandparents." 'Chana stands on tiptoes again, this time to lay a finger lightly across his lips as she whispers, "Shhh! Work is done. Now is just for us!" She smiles and motions him towards a chair, adding again, "Tea?"

Pauling just shakes his head and takes a deep breath, "I would love some tea." He moves at first to hold a chair for her and then realizes that she can't both sit and make the tea, "She saw me in the hallway and said she'd bring up some dinner in thirty minutes or so."

'Chana laughs and gently pushes on Pauling's (nice, broad!) chest, "You need to relax, dear -- stop worrying about me or anyone else! Sit down, please? Do you want your boots off or your feet up or anything?" She gently takes over organizing things so Pauling doesn't have to worry about it -- and a few minutes later he's comfortably, almost decadently sprawled out in relaxation in the big armchair with a small pillow behind his head and a footstool under his stocking'd feet. 'Chana cheerfully uses her training to turn the tea ceremony into a sensually delightful performance for him... so that by the time he's sipping his tea she's aware she's quite thoroughly caught his attention! She has a few useful odds and ends in her little bag with her, so while he's enjoying the hot tea she happily sits down and begins massaging his feet with a bit of warmed oil -- though (to her amusement) she has to do so over his reflexive courteous protests!

It's immediately clear that Erik is used to being the one doing the taking care and not the one being taken care of. He does indeed protest, but when he finally settles and has his feet up and the tea in his hands, there's a look of immense relief and -- unmissably -- tiredness there. The foot massage makes him tense up for a moment as if he's going to refuse, but then he relaxes with a long, happy sigh. His eyes are closed when he says, "You have wonderful hands, ma'-- Sulochana." When he raises his lids again and looks down at her, he says, "I've never had anyone do this for me before." His feet are solid and there are calluses like you might see on someone that spends a lot of time barefoot.

Sulochana smiles with relaxed warmth back up at Erik, still massaging with slow, deep strokes -- she's not surprised to realize there's a lot of tension built up in the poor man's feet. Her voice is a low, soothing purr, "Thank you again, dear. Frankly, I find massage to be indispensable during long periods of worry or tension. If you'd like, I can show you a few ways for you to self-massage your feet later. For now, though," she grins relaxedly, "this is my job to enjoy!" As she continues she makes a mental note -- at some point tonight she must get him laid out flat so she can massage his entire body. Considering what the poor man has just been through... it's the least she can do, as well as something he clearly very much needs! She hums softly to herself, continuing the massage until she can feel the relaxation finally sinking into his feet... and next, she thinks, will be his shoulders and the back of his neck. She's seen the way he carries his head, after all. It's a good bet he's carrying way too much tension there as well.

"That might be a good thing to know. My muscles are sometimes in knots." Pauling's expression as he watches her is one of amazement and growing desire. Once she's done with his feet and rises to move on to his shoulders, he shifts a bit because that desire is translating to physical reactions. When he moves to remove his jacket and shirt so she can get to his skin, he's a little reluctant; after he's done, it's obvious why. There's mottling of his skin over one shoulder and that side of his chest. Before she can say anything, he explains, "I had some kind of sickness as a child. The rash left the scars."

'Chana smiles relaxedly, "Sweetie, unless being touched there hurts you, skin color doesn't matter. It's how you feel and react that matters, you know?" Her slightly oil-damp fingers trace light, gentle strokes across Erik's skin as she speaks, checking to see if he's comfortable enough for her to touch him there.

Pauling gives a bashful smile and nods, "OK. If you're certain. I used to be teased about it when I was young. I haven't had my shirt off in front of a woman for... hm... fifteen years, I'd say."

'Chana laughs softly, her voice mock-stern, "Too long, dear!" When 'Chana touches him, Erik starts to relax immediately, carefully sipping his hot tea. His upbringing concerning women is obvious: he's trying to be polite despite the way he's breathing and the increasing flush across his skin. When he speaks again his voice is hoarse, "I should put my shirt back on for Sheila..."

'Chana chuckles quietly from where she stands behind Erik, massaging his neck and shoulders, "Why? I've turned the chair so it faces the fireplace, and it's my intention to go answer the door when she knocks." Teasingly she adds, "Do you want your shirt back on, dear? It might get a little... sticky-" she grins and wiggles her fingers in a sort of 'hello!' gesture where he can see, "but if you insist...!"

Erik shakes his head, "No. I'd rather not get this lovely oil all over my best shirt." She laughs softly again, returning to working the knots out of his broad shoulders, and he turns his head to look over his shoulder at the door, "If you're sure you can handle the food..." Again, there is that instinct to take care of other people.

'Chana tchs softly, "Stop that now, dear! You're supposed to be relaxing..." the grin in her voice is audible as she adds, "-and unless the food will be fighting back I'm pretty sure I can handle it just fine!" She lets her strong, slender fingers dig gently into some of the more determined knots -- she's aware that may hurt a little, but unless Erik winces and asks her to stop she knows it's the kind of hurt that aches when something too long tied in knots finally loosens up and relaxes. She smiles faintly at the small groan -- that tells her she's doing it right.

That first groan is followed by several others and those are interspersed with sighs. 'Chana was right that the -- broad and well-muscled -- shoulders are knotted like a bad rope. Erik is finally relaxing enough that he groans again when there's a knock at the door -- but that groan is decidedly unhappy, "If I weren't starving, I'd tell her I want to skip dinner."

'Chana laughs softly, but makes sure he stays in his seat when she goes to the door. She's met by Sheila and another young woman holding a pair of trays. Sheila's eyes are impish as he says, "I'm sure you don't want us bringing this in." Sulochana giggles and nods once, happily accepting both trays one after the other. Pauling too hears that and his head lowers a little as he scrunches down into the chair.

Only once the door is closed again does 'Chana come over with the food trays and set them down near Erik. She grins, her voice warm and slightly teasing, "And why were you hiding, you dear, silly man, when you heard Sheila, hmm? Surely you don't believe she's unaware of what we're likely to be doing tonight?"

"No, Sheila's quite earthy. She was the one that suggested I talk to you about this," Erik clears his throat, "It's just..." There's another of those throat clearings, "As I said, it's been quite a while."

'Chana laughs softly, sliding gracefully onto Erik's lap, "Earthy is good. Not waiting too long is good too, dear." She reaches out and selects a small bit of the food, holding it up between slender fingers, "Such as with dinner. Waiting too long for that is definitely not wise, mmm?" She will, if he lets her, feed him morsels from her fingers... and she intends to take all the time she needs to tempt and tease this lovely, lonely man into just as much of a sensuous frenzy as he would like!

Pauling's arms slide around her firmly when she sits in his lap. It's an instinctive and automatic response and he smiles at her, even daring to nip at her fingertips with some of the food -- which causes her to giggle and tease right back! Eventually, he's laughing warmly with her; he can't help but react to her teasing and tempting when she's so deliberately and cheerfully sensuous. Thus it is that the first time he slides into her welcoming body is there on the floor in front of the crackling fire, the two of them lying on a soft, heaped pile of clothing. He is needful and intense when he finally lets himself have this -- have her -- but he is also attentive and careful in the way of men that know their own strength.

What he doesn't seem is all that experienced: he asks a lot if what he's doing is okay, and seems surprised by some of the sweet and sensual things 'Chana does. The Hetaera, naturally, is quite pleased with the gentle, careful, and considerate kindnesses of her slightly experience-shy partner. That encourages her even more than usual to show him the many lovely things one can do for and with lovers. She wants not only to give him a fabulously pleasurable night to remember... but also to gift him with a wide variety of sensual options to choose from when he's making love. Because making love, to her, encompasses far more than simple sexual penetration, she makes an effort to share that delightful knowledge with Erik as well -- through her talented use of tactile pleasuring and beautiful example.

By the time they've moved to the next room and into the bed, Pauling is relaxing and proving himself to be eager to learn these things. He may not be the sort to take lovers often, but it's obvious he wants to know how to be good for and to them. Eventually 'Chana is able to distract him into enjoyment and not worrying so much about taking care of her. They take care of one another... so that it's well into the morning before he snuggles up behind her and murmurs, "I think I needed this."

'Chana sighs contentedly, wrapping her arms about his arms wrapped about her. "Mmm... I concur." She laughs softly as she adds, "Call the doctor sooner next time, sweetheart!" Pauling laughs and 'Chana can almost hear the blush in it, "I don't want to give some poor woman the wrong idea. I'm not ready for marriage, so I am... circumspect. My last partner was, as I said, about fifteen years ago."

'Chana smiles as she relaxedly nuzzles against his arm, "Mmhmm, I remember. Hmm... well, all right then. Tomorrow, after we wake up? I'll show you some nice things you can do for yourself. You'll probably know several of them already, but maybe some of them will be pleasantly new for you, hmm?" She adds drowsily, "Sleep first, though, please?"

Pauling smiles against her hair and says, "I know a few I can do for myself. But I cannot kiss myself." 'Chana giggles at that! He shifts and settles and is soon asleep... as is she, warm with the glow of lovemaking with a truly nice person.

The next morning, Pauling is up just about with the sun despite the very late night. He kisses 'Chana's temple and tells her quietly that there should be breakfast in about an hour if she wants to stay. "I just have a couple of things to take care of. Sleep in if you need to."

'Chana laughs softly, reaching out a hand to lazily draw him down for another kiss. She takes her time, making it languid and deliberately inflaming... and then she murmurs softly against his lips, "They have you all day, every day, dear man. Surely you've earned one hour for yourself... and breakfast with a lady who'd rather enjoy your company, mmm?"

The still sleep-tousled man is in his trousers and his suspenders, but the rest of his clothes are out in the sitting room. Pauling hesitates a moment, his obvious sense of duty warring with his desire to stay in the warm bed with the lovely warm woman just a little longer. Eventually 'Chana's teasing and invitations win the day and he slides back into the bed, murmuring, "Well, an hour or two couldn't hurt."

That causes her to laugh softly as she draws him gently into her warmth... and she does her best to be deliciously, delightfully distracting! She tosses part of her sari over herself when there's a quiet knock on the door, thanking the gleefully conspiratorial Sheila and bringing the tray back to the bed -- where she cheerfully does her utmost to distract Erik yet a little longer! Only once breakfast is done does she lean to kiss him once more, then murmur with quiet affection, "Sweetheart, will you do me a great favor, please? Will you and Sheila work together to ensure you get at least one day a week to yourself for relaxation? I don't want to see you burn out in this job -- and I think your town will appreciate having you for longer that way too!"

Erik flushes a little when the breakfast is brought in, but he's happy to feed one another and be drawn into more lovely and sensual play. He kisses her back and chuckles wryly at that question, "I think Sheila's ready to chain me to the bed some mornings. But I think you're right. At least one day a week where someone else deals with things or when people are not allowed to just show up with disputes and questions and such. That would be lovely." 'Chana nods in approval. He looks at the window and smiles bashfully, "I really do have to go now, though. I'm supposed to be helping with some stuff at the camp."

Sulochana doesn't argue with Erik this time -- she's gotten him to realize what he truly needs... and that, she reflects with pleasure, is a huge part of the reason she's a Hetaera! Instead she helps him do a quick wash-up, and in getting dressed, then sees him off with a kiss and best wishes in dealing with the former Bostonians! She'll clean herself up after he's left, taking a moment before she departs to detour through the kitchen so she can thank Sheila for all her wonderful assistance. Of course, since they both care about Erik, she also shares the promise Erik made to her with the older woman! 'Chana figures Sheila is the person most likely to be able to hold Erik to it, after all... and the poor man definitely deserves some time to himself!

Sheila seems delighted that 'Chana asked that of him and that he said yes, "He's not a bit selfish but he'd work himself to death if I let him." 'Chana nods ruefully, and Sheila hugs the other woman before she leaves -- which pleases the Hetaera tremendously! It's always nicest when the whole household is happy she's there.

Back at the caravan Sura is hugged and offered a late breakfast, though most folks know she usually eats with her clients in the morning. The arrangements for the celebration are going on apace and the only snags have been small ones. Rattler has been working with Alan on some props for the Amazons' riding exhibition and both men are stripped to the waist when Suraksha shows back up. It highlights the difference between them: Alan pale and looking like nothing but muscle over bone -- and Roy powerfully built and with the naturally dark complexion of his Creole heritage. Curiously, several women are sort of idly occupied nearby -- which makes Sura giggle! As she passes one of the Sokoloff girls she murmurs, "'Tis rather a nice view, isn't it?" The girl blushes hotly -- but giggles and nods nonetheless!

The water Tap leans over and kisses his beloved but doesn't try to pull her into a hug because he's quite sweaty and she's in some of her good clothes. Sura's return kiss is warm and nibbly as she nearly purrs, "Well, hello there, handsome! You know, I've got some... hammering that needs doing back at my wagon too!" She giggles in spite of herself at the dreadful innuendo, cheerfully apologizing to Alan when he rolls his eyes in amused exasperation. Rattler grins at that and says, "Well, be tired of hammerin' soon, me. But could prob'ly handle some screwin'." His brown eyes are glinting roguishly and he fully expects a slap.

Sura laughs aloud at that! Her light slap is across his rear as she turns to go, "Naughty man! I think you win -- your innuendo is worse than mine!" She's still laughing quietly as she heads back to her little vardo -- she needs to change clothes and get back to work too, after all!

By late afternoon everything is ready and people are beginning to show up from places around town to see what's going on. This first evening is mostly fun and sparkly family-friendly exhibitions. Sabrina and some of the other women (including Sura) do some dancing -- though they save the bellydancing for later. The Sokoloffs do some tumbling, but not the more daring high-wire and trapeze work they sometimes do. There's knife-throwing and juggling and a small horse-riding exhibition. The more elaborate performances will be the following day in a space that's been set up where there are apparently ball games for the children in the summer.

The four day celebration is very much a hit. There are contests and exhibitions and games to play. The caravaneers perform with gusto to great enthusiasm from the townsfolk, and even get to spend some time enjoying themselves as well -- Naugatuck, after all, has welcomed them with open arms. Erik is even cajoled into spending a lot of time having fun instead of working, which pleases both Sheila and Suraksha greatly. At the dance on the last night he dances with Sura and thanks her sincerely for everything she's done -- which delights her tremendously, and causes her to throw her arms about him in a warmly enthusiastic hug! There's a weight to his words when he says it that hints that he means more than he says... though Sura politely behaves as if it is simply about her time with him as Hetaera.

That night much of the caravan gets packed back up and ready for the road in the morning. Mail from the town is packed into one of the wagons with other letters the caravan delivers in the various towns it visits. There are some dedicated riders for that sort of thing, but it's expensive and people aren't in such a hurry most of the time. As they're readying themselves to leave Pauling shows up at the caravan and delivers a hamper of fresh bread, preserves, and fresh butter that he says is a thank-you gift from Sheila. Suraksha is once again delighted, giving Pauling a warm hug and asking him to please transmit that thanks of hers right back to Sheila for her! He flushes and smiles as he adds, "I'm hoping that when you're back through we'll be able to renew our acquaintance."

Suraksha laughs again, and Pauling receives another warm hug, "Oh, you dear man -- I'd be so very disappointed if you didn't want to! I'm looking forward to it..." She releases him and steps back enough that she can look up at him, hands on her slim hips and grinning mischievously as she adds, "-and I fully expect to hear, when I return, that you are still determinedly taking one day a week off just for yourself, all right?"

"Yes, ma'am, at least one." Pauling's eyes are warm, but he doesn't try to be more intimate than the hug, likely due to his apparently somewhat old-fashioned upbringing, "Sheila has threatened me with sending a courier out to find you if I don't. You're both right, of course." That causes Sura to laugh aloud delightedly -- she finds she really likes Sheila! After that, she hops up onto a passing wagon and waves a cheerful goodbye. Pauling returns it with warmth... and then, as the caravan heads further south, he takes himself off to deal with his town.

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Last modified: 2010-Aug-28 20:29:49

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