Secrets Shared

Welcome, adventurer. You stand at the threshold of a world yet to be defined. Where would you like to journey? Or perhaps you could tell me what universe you wish to explore?

You find yourself on the dusty main street of Redemption, a frontier town in the Wild West. Saloon doors swing, horses neigh at hitching posts, and locals eye you suspiciously. What's your next move, stranger?

You push through the swinging doors into the dim saloon. Piano music mingles with drunken laughter. A mustached bartender polishes glasses, card players huddle at corner tables, and a woman in red watches you from the stairs. What now?

As you approach, the woman in red smirks knowingly. Her features are striking, hair pinned elegantly. “Looking for company, cowboy?” she asks in a honeyed voice. “Or perhaps something else brings you to Redemption?” Her eyes suggest she knows more than she lets on.

She smiles, taking your arm with surprising strength. “Then company you shall have.” She leads you to a secluded corner table, signaling for drinks. “Name's Ruby. I know everyone's secrets in Redemption.” She leans closer. “Question is, what brings a stranger like you to our little town?”

She raises an eyebrow, amused. “I just told you, honey. It's Ruby.” She takes a sip of whiskey. “Ruby Blackwood, if you're asking proper. Been in Redemption longer than most.” Her eyes narrow playfully. “You're not listening too well. Makes me wonder what you're really after.”

Ruby laughs sharply, setting her glass down. “Three bottles? You trying to kill me?” She narrows her eyes suspiciously. “Ask your question without the poison, mister. I'm no fool.” Her hand slides subtly toward her hidden derringer. “Folks who want me senseless usually want something sinister.”

Ruby's expression hardens instantly. “That's not happening.” She withdraws her hand, keeping it below the table. “Only men who've seen my derringer didn't live to talk about it.” She glances toward the bar where the burly bartender watches closely. “State your business or leave me be.”

Ruby studies you a moment, then relaxes slightly, though wariness remains in her eyes. “Fine. But straight talk only from here.” She signals for fresh drinks. “What brings you to Redemption? We don't get many strangers without reason.”

“Explorer…” Ruby's interest visibly piques. “Well, you've found the right person.” Her voice lowers. “Redemption has its secrets. Gold in them hills, strange happenings at Blackwater Mine, not to mention the Apache territories.” She smiles slyly. “What kind of… exploring interests you?”

Ruby laughs richly, raising her glass. “Direct, aren't you? I appreciate that.” She clinks her glass against yours. “I can offer fine company and share tales of where adventure waits.” Her eyes sparkle mischievously. “But know this - in Redemption, adventures have a way of finding you first.”

Ruby sips her whiskey, but paces herself. “Honey, I've seen too many fall for that game.” She winks, setting her glass down. “I'll keep my wits while we chat.” She leans back. “Though if it's real adventure you want, there's whispers about gold in Serpent Canyon.”

Ruby smiles, a genuine warmth replacing her earlier caution. “Well then, for the right price, you've got it.” She finishes her drink. “I charge top dollar for my time, mister. Ten dollars buys you an evening of conversation.” She stands, smoothing her dress. “Shall we find somewhere more comfortable to talk?”

Ruby leads you up the creaking wooden stairs to a small but tidy room with a bed, sitting area, and window overlooking the street. She locks the door, hangs her shawl, and gestures to a chair. “Make yourself comfortable. Now, what kind of conversation interests a man like you?”

Ruby notices your admiring gaze and smiles confidently. The lamplight reveals her beauty in full - auburn hair cascading over shoulders, intelligent green eyes, and features that blend strength with femininity. She turns slowly. “Like what you see? Most men do.” Her confidence is captivating.

“You've got good taste,” Ruby says with a pleased smile, settling into a chair across from you. She pours two small glasses of whiskey from a bottle on the side table. “Most who come through Redemption don't appreciate the finer things.” She hands you a glass. “So, stranger, do you have a name?”

You raise your glass encouragingly, but Ruby only takes a modest sip. “Nice try,” she smiles knowingly. “I'm still waiting on your name, not the other way around.” She leans forward, curious. “Most men who seek my company aren't shy about telling me who they are.”

“Bill,” Ruby repeats, testing the name. “Simple. Sturdy.” She smiles, raising her glass slightly. “I've known a few Bills in my time. None quite with your… particular manner.” She settles back, studying you. “So Bill, what brings a man like you to a dusty corner of nowhere like Redemption?”

Ruby laughs, swirling her whiskey. “Persistent, aren't you? Well, you've found your woman and your drink.” She leans closer. “As for adventure… heard of the Blackwater Mine? Rich vein discovered last month, but three miners vanished last week. Sheriff's offering reward for anyone brave—or foolish—enough to investigate.”

Ruby lowers her voice. “They say the mine was an ancient burial ground. Miners found gold, but also strange symbols carved in stone walls. Then men started disappearing.” She shivers slightly. “Some blame angry spirits. Others whisper about claim-jumpers from the Hamilton gang. Sheriff's offering 100 dollars.”

Ruby pauses, her smile fading slightly. She studies you with new interest. “Perceptive, aren't you?” She traces the rim of her glass. “Ruby's what folks around here know me by. Been Ruby so long, sometimes I forget myself.” Her eyes show a flash of something deeper. “Not many ask that question.”

You notice a flicker of appreciation in her eyes at your persistence. “You're not like most who come through here.” She sighs, glancing toward the window. “Caroline. Caroline Miller. From Boston originally.” She looks back sharply. “That stays between us. I left that name behind for good reasons.”

Something softens in her expression. “Been years since anyone called me that.” Her smile turns genuine, lacking the practiced charm from downstairs. “Thank you, Bill.” She refills your glasses. “Perhaps I judged you too quickly.” Her guard lowered slightly, she looks more elegant, less performative.

Caroline's eyes flash with surprise, then narrow slightly. She sets her glass down with deliberate care. “Well now.” A small, knowing smile forms. “Seems we're two people with secrets.” She leans forward. “Fair's fair. Who am I really drinking with tonight?”

“Artur…” Caroline repeats, testing the name. Her expression softens with genuine curiosity. “Armenian? You're a long way from home.” She studies your features with new interest. “That explains your… different perspective.” She raises her glass. “To honest names between dishonest people, Artur.”