The next chapter in Astrið's story is here! Read about her adventures and misadventures from 2nd November 1902 below, and you can check out her full diary here: Astrið's Diary
Ready for another day setting up my new place, I woke up and headed down to Emerald to begin setting up, stopping off at the saloon first for a bowl of stew.
Heading over to check telegrams, I had a few missed one from Rowan. She seems very keen to catch up with me. I know we haven’t seen each other in a while, but this seems more urgent than that. Hopefully she gets back to me tonight.
Oh, it seems I have quite a few telegrams! Got one from Miree. She’s been fairly quiet recently, keeping her head down due to illness but sounds like there’s other factors in her life making things difficult and complicated. I telegrammed her back to say I was around tonight and in a couple of days to catch up with her if she wanted. Oh I hope she’s doing well.
Clifford also wrote me back about not being invited to Jon’s funeral. I hate that he’s disappointed, but still, as far as anyone knew, Clifford was out of the Crossing – no one and seen him in so long and he himself had never replied to my telegrams from before. And Daniel is still out of the Crossing, I don’t know I’ve ever seen him leave before.
As I was writing away I couldn’t help but notice the telegram station was surrounded by folk. This is the problem with Emerald Station – it gets used by gangs quite a lot and can be a very dangerous place to the wrong people.
I don’t recognise these folks so I just hoped if anything went wrong, I could rely on my normal skills to navigate the situation effectively. To my surprise a voice said “Is that you Astrið?” – I replied that it was and asked who it was. The bearded man to my left said it was Buddy. Buddy! Buddy Lafleur – I was surrounded by Victory Street. I don’t have any bad blood with them, should be fine.
I don’t recognise these folks so I just hoped if anything went wrong, I could rely on my normal skills to navigate the situation effectively. To my surprise a voice said “Is that you Astrið?” – I replied that it was and asked who it was. The bearded man to my left said it was Buddy. Buddy! Buddy Lafleur – I was surrounded by Victory Street. I don’t have any bad blood with them, should be fine.
As they left, I continued my telegrams. I had totally forgot that Daniel had taken some of my things while I was cooking the other day – I was wondering where they were!
I headed back to the clinic and cleaned the place up – putting the lights on, sweeping, cleaning the tables and folding the laundry. Stepping outside, I bumped into a man on a horse who I didn’t recognise, but he recognised me.
After reintroductions, it turned out he was Winston Caldwell – Cecily Caldwell’s brother. Thankfully much nicer than his sister! Although he was curious to see if I still hated her. I don’t…. I really don’t. What happened between her and me was over a year ago now. I’ve moved on. Only problem I have with CC was a few months back when she started spreading rumours about me out West. But that seemed to have stopped.
After reintroductions, it turned out he was Winston Caldwell – Cecily Caldwell’s brother. Thankfully much nicer than his sister! Although he was curious to see if I still hated her. I don’t…. I really don’t. What happened between her and me was over a year ago now. I’ve moved on. Only problem I have with CC was a few months back when she started spreading rumours about me out West. But that seemed to have stopped.
He invited me into the saloon for some drinks. He enjoyed a beer, I enjoyed a small glass of whisky. Mr Caldwell was very to hear that I was still performing my “clandestine” medical work, and took my telegram with the view of using my services down the line.
He seems nice. He was also enquiring about if I was riding with anyone. I explained I’ve been an independent for a long time now. After a very pleasant conversation, we finished our drinks and he continued on his way. I headed back over to my new clinic to finish the sign for the door.
Turns out writing the sign for the door was harder than I thought. After all, how do you make a sign for a private medical clinic without mentioning anywhere it’s a place of medicine or treatment.
Since the only people using my services are people I tell about them, I figured this wording was the best was of complying with the stipulations.
Since the only people using my services are people I tell about them, I figured this wording was the best was of complying with the stipulations.
Shop set up, time to head into Valentine to see who is around – and it’s quite busy at the saloon! Lucia was winding someone up making noises, Clara was enjoying a drink at the bar and Cade was working away behind the counter.
I couldn’t help but notice that Clara was limping, clutching onto her left leg. I pulled her aside and asked her what was going on, but was reluctant to say anything other than she had hurt her knee and didn’t need any treatment at the minute. I looked at her concerned, but didn’t want to pry further. Cade, Clara and most of the others were leaving town anyway.
As many of the folks filtered out of the saloon, a familiar face remained – Deputy Bolo. He stopped to talk to a while before he was needed back in the office. He’s actually really sweet. I enjoyed his company when we out herb gathering the other week. If my life had been different, I imagine we could probably get to know each other a lot better. As it stands, he’s probably very wary of me whenever he’s around me.
After all, Lola and I did more or less do a “questions and answer” with him about bank robberies. He at least has some idea of my past….
After all, Lola and I did more or less do a “questions and answer” with him about bank robberies. He at least has some idea of my past….
With Deputy Bolo returning to work and the saloon cleaned out, I headed down to telegrams. I’d drafted up the memorial for Jon’s grave and sent it out to Varek, Ed and Sheila.
I’m very nervous. I’ve been given this responsibility, as I was for the funeral, for a man who those three probably knew much better than I did. Oh I hope they think its ok.
I’m very nervous. I’ve been given this responsibility, as I was for the funeral, for a man who those three probably knew much better than I did. Oh I hope they think its ok.
The wording for the sign for my new place sorted, I sent another telegram to Dr Dovie Parker to check she is happy with the wording. I also telegrammed Lucia asking if she was free to take me up to Elsie’s grave.
Telegrams done and as I walked past the Sheriff’s office, I head a familiar question: “Are you my granddaughter?”. Deputy Cliff always thinks I look like his granddaughter.
With Deputy Cliff and Deputy Wolfe, I discussed an amusing thing I noticed that everyone seems to think I look like someone else, but everyone thinks I look like a different person. Some people ask me if I’m Faye, some Clementine, and many others!
With Deputy Cliff and Deputy Wolfe, I discussed an amusing thing I noticed that everyone seems to think I look like someone else, but everyone thinks I look like a different person. Some people ask me if I’m Faye, some Clementine, and many others!
As Deputy Bishop arrived, the conversation turned to Moonshine. Cliff and Wolfe were talking about making moonshine, and Wolfe even said she had some kind of pamphlet on making it.
Deputy Bishop hilariously exclaimed that Wolfe and Cliff were deputies, to which they retorted that everyone standing on the porch right now, except him, was a current or former criminal. I think that realisation made him a little nervous!
Deputy Bishop hilariously exclaimed that Wolfe and Cliff were deputies, to which they retorted that everyone standing on the porch right now, except him, was a current or former criminal. I think that realisation made him a little nervous!
I showed Bishop the “Open/Closed” posted I’d written up for my new place. He…. Didn’t like it…. He felt that my vague wording about what I did made me sound like an assassin! I’m going to have to change that. But to what? Oh well, more pondering.
Lucia arrived back in Valentine, having left earlier. Turns out I had spent so long talking to the deputies that I had entirely missed a telegram from Lucia asking if I was free to come to Strawberry, so she came to check on me.
Hoping on her horse, it was finally time for Lucia to take me out to where Elsie is buried. We left town and headed out into the countryside.
After a while of riding, the trees parted into green fields and I knew we were in Big Valley. I must admit that I felt a degree of trepidation, as it was only a couple of days ago that Daniel and I were chased down by that big pack of bears here!
As we got to the other end of the valley, Lucia slowed the pace down. I told her about me telling a friend that Lucia would shout at me for having called the purple flowers here Lavender. I know they’re not, but I honestly can’t remember what Lucia had said they were called. “Lupine” Lucia replied, “it’s called Lupine, and its my favourite flower”.
“There it is” she said, pointing to one of the rocks right on the edge of the valley, nestled amongst the flowers. I fell silent as she paced her horse slowly towards the place.
On the side of the rock, a plaque had been placed: “Elizabeth “Elsie” Abigail Fletcher” it read, “A ray of sunshine, a beacon of kindness, our sweet honeybee”. A touching memorial to a friend of whom I missed the entire final year of her life. Because of my circumstance…… my decision…..
Lucia kneeled down, removing a bouquet of fresh, bright yellow flowers – placing them lovingly at the foot of the rock. So long had it been from when Lucia offered to take me to Elsie’s grave to today that I don’t have any fresh flowers to leave for her. But I do have something I was saving for Elsie…
Carefully opening my diary, I flicked to the back and carefully pulled out a pressed little yellow flower I had been preserving between the pages for some time now. I held it in my hand, admiring its yellow colour, thinking back to Elsie and how you could almost spot her from the next town over with her distinctive yellow clothes and hat. With a bittersweet smile, I carefully placed the little pressed flower next to Lucia’s flowers.
Lucia kneeled down, removing a bouquet of fresh, bright yellow flowers – placing them lovingly at the foot of the rock. So long had it been from when Lucia offered to take me to Elsie’s grave to today that I don’t have any fresh flowers to leave for her. But I do have something I was saving for Elsie…
Carefully opening my diary, I flicked to the back and carefully pulled out a pressed little yellow flower I had been preserving between the pages for some time now. I held it in my hand, admiring its yellow colour, thinking back to Elsie and how you could almost spot her from the next town over with her distinctive yellow clothes and hat. With a bittersweet smile, I carefully placed the little pressed flower next to Lucia’s flowers.
“She stuck up for you at the end” Lucia said to me. I hope she’s right. Last time I saw Elsie was in Blackwater, where I told her the truth of Guarma – nothing hidden or altered. In reply, she told me She didn’t agree with the decisions I made, but she did agree that I felt I made the right decisions based on the information I had.
Elsie told me, “for what its worth, I’m going to vote to overturn the ban”. The truth was, it meant a lot. And even though the Department of Health voted to extent my ban, it did bring me some comfort knowing Elsie had fought my corner.
Elsie told me, “for what its worth, I’m going to vote to overturn the ban”. The truth was, it meant a lot. And even though the Department of Health voted to extent my ban, it did bring me some comfort knowing Elsie had fought my corner.
Although she will always be remembered fondly, it seems Elsie herself had caused a few problems. Lucia told me that she’s been battling problems with her mind for some time. Memory loss, seeing things that aren’t quite real.
She confided this to Elsie. Elsie told her she would have to let the Luther seniors know. Lucia pleaded with her not to tell them, but Elsie assured her it would be ok. Lucia fesred what would happen , and sure enough, one the medical team were aware, there was distrust of Lucia and her abilities as a doctor.
She confided this to Elsie. Elsie told her she would have to let the Luther seniors know. Lucia pleaded with her not to tell them, but Elsie assured her it would be ok. Lucia fesred what would happen , and sure enough, one the medical team were aware, there was distrust of Lucia and her abilities as a doctor.
Although still friends with Elsie, that incident really hurt Lucia, and it certainly hurt her position within the department. Suddenly there was calls for her to be put on a mandatory leave of absence or to be forced to undergo treatment – neither of which were acceptable.
After The Seer tortured her, the department were more insistent than ever that she should get DoH therapy or councelling. All of this made Lucia’s position within the department impossible to retain, and she felt leaving was the only option she had to protect herself.
After The Seer tortured her, the department were more insistent than ever that she should get DoH therapy or councelling. All of this made Lucia’s position within the department impossible to retain, and she felt leaving was the only option she had to protect herself.
I really felt for Lucia as she told me that story. To have one of her closest friends be the facilitator of such an action from the Department must hurt, badly.
But our conversation and our remembering was interrupted. First by a couple riders that passed through the valley. Then a few more. But then a couple of gangs came barrelling through, each stopping to ask if we’d seen someone or other – there’s obviously something going on!
But our conversation and our remembering was interrupted. First by a couple riders that passed through the valley. Then a few more. But then a couple of gangs came barrelling through, each stopping to ask if we’d seen someone or other – there’s obviously something going on!
Just when it seemed like everything was quieting down, the rustling of leave was quickly flowed by snarls and barking – a small pack of wolves had tracked and down and were setting upon us.
Lucia and I both took out our rifles and were able to scare them away. But enough was enough, and we hopped on Lucia’s horse to head back to town.
Lucia and I both took out our rifles and were able to scare them away. But enough was enough, and we hopped on Lucia’s horse to head back to town.
Things were pretty quieting in Valentine when we got back. Not much of anyone in town. I thanked Lucia for taking me up to Elsie's grave. Its been a long time coming, and I was genuinely glad to go see her, to pay my respects - bittersweet was it was.
Lucia wanted to go and check on August – still recovering from his wounds. With that, we would be parting ways. I reminded her that she knows where to find me if she ever needed anything. She nodded and smile before heading off.
Well, no-one in town, and a quick check of telegrams tell me I’m not needed anywhere else so I took a look at the job board. Seems the butcher in Saint Denis is looking for some ducks for a meal later that evening. Well, I’ve been duck hunting before, I know just the place!
I headed down the cliff to the Dakota River, just up from the Cumberland falls. A beautiful river, I spend a lot of time here – and sure enough, there was ducks a-plenty! I had both the ducks I needed for the butcher in no time!
After a good while of riding, myself and the cargo of ducks could see the lights of Saint Denis! I like arriving to Saint Denis in the dark: the lights are pretty and the darkness hides the horribly grey clouds spewing out from factories.
Job done! Ducks dropped off at the butcher, and I’ve been paid – a good price too! Checking telegrams, I got a telegram from Varek – he’s happy with the memorial I wrote up for Jon. Well, there’s nothing on the job board – what to do? Oh, I have an idea….
Walking down Frontier Street, surrounded by the pretty lights of the city, I headed towards the tailors at the other end of the square. I know what I want to get.... But oh goodness am I nervous!
Walking down Frontier Street, surrounded by the pretty lights of the city, I headed towards the tailors at the other end of the square. I know what I want to get.... But oh goodness am I nervous!
Squeeeeeeeee! I got my first ever corset! Oh, it’s tight….. But it’s so pretty! Black material with bright red lining – beautiful. I never thought I’d see myself in one of these, but all the girls at the Rhodes Parlour House opening looked so good, I had to try!
The tailor helped me pick a beautiful black and red skirt to go with it, and a beautiful fur-lined jacket for over the top, it looks great! Looks great, but I also can’t see very many occasions I’d wear something this….. exposing…… God, I can feel my face going red just thinking about been seen looking like this!
“Oh, just go outside”, the tailor said – “just see yourself in the light” he said…… Well, don’t I just open and the door AND LOOK WHO I SEE. If it isn’t Mr Doherty and Miss Tibbs….. My face went bright red as soon as I saw them. They’re my friends, but no-one has ever seen me like this!
Elich and Tibbs, as it turned out, were planning a date night, so came to the Tailors for Elich’s fancy suit and to get Tibbs one of the same. Elich had eluded to his new suit for a while now, and I had wanted to see it. With a smirk on his face, Elich disappeared into the changing room to get changed into his fancy suit.
When he came out, I could hardly believe my eyes. Green trousers, green jacket, even a green little bowtie. Don’t get me wrong, he looked handsomely sharp – but he was VERY green!
When he came out, I could hardly believe my eyes. Green trousers, green jacket, even a green little bowtie. Don’t get me wrong, he looked handsomely sharp – but he was VERY green!
Miss Tibbs went into the changing room to start putting together a suit for their date. The tailor came out with some cute little flowers for my hair for the outfit. I really like them! Reminds me of what I used to wear in the Five Territories.
Strange noises came from behind the changing room door – I think Tibbs was getting more and more frustrated at trying to find a suit. But eventually, she came out from behind the door with a nice shirt and vest, nice green trousers – much darker than Elich’s, and a matching flatcap to his.
She was pouting, clearly as uncomfortable in being seen in those clothes as I was in mines – but she looked great. They both did! All set for their date, they headed down to the Grand Korrigan for a night on the big casino boat!
She was pouting, clearly as uncomfortable in being seen in those clothes as I was in mines – but she looked great. They both did! All set for their date, they headed down to the Grand Korrigan for a night on the big casino boat!
My encounter with Mr Doherty and Miss Tibbs made me realise that I should perhaps get a small shirt to go under the corset to make me seem a little more…… civil….. when wearing this outfit. Until the time is right of course……
Well, pretty new outfit purchased, time to get changed into my normal clothes and get back to it! Nothing happening at telegrams and nothing of interest on the job board, I think I’ll head out to Emerald and fix my little sign on my door!
There we go! I’ve changed the wording of my little sign, so hopefully now the law won’t come knocking at my door! I gave it a lot of through about how I could hint at what I do in the place without actually saying it explicitly. I think writing my telegram QT as “Quick Treatment” might hopefully help people get the idea!
Well, I already telegrammed Dovie about the original wording, so I sent her another telegram explaining that I was asked to change it and have done so. Hopefully it also highlights to her that I am willing to listen to feedback and engage with the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Health. I also dropped Deputy Bishop a telegram letting him know I updated the sign.
I also got a telegram from Clifford. He’s around! It would be great to see him, I see he telegrammed me from Blackwater, saying not to be a stranger. Well, that I won’t be! I got on my horse and left Emerald bound for Blackwater, hopefully I’ll catch him.
I also got a telegram from Clifford. He’s around! It would be great to see him, I see he telegrammed me from Blackwater, saying not to be a stranger. Well, that I won’t be! I got on my horse and left Emerald bound for Blackwater, hopefully I’ll catch him.
As I rode into Blackwater I was dismayed not to see Clifford around, nor was there much of anyone around sadly. Heading to the telegram office, he had telegrammed to say he was just leaving town with some friends so I would have to catch him another day. Pah! Typical Clifford. “Don’t be a stranger” he says…… I wrote him back telling him that it is he who needs to not be a stranger to me!
Well, a game of Blackjack did me no favours, but there was a good request on the job listings here in Blackwater. Someone wanted a bunch of mushrooms delivered to a restaurant in Saint Denis – pays really well! Time to head down to New Austin to pick the mushrooms.
Well, a game of Blackjack did me no favours, but there was a good request on the job listings here in Blackwater. Someone wanted a bunch of mushrooms delivered to a restaurant in Saint Denis – pays really well! Time to head down to New Austin to pick the mushrooms.
On the way to Lake Don Julio, I stopped at Armadillo to check telegrams. Daniel telegrammed me from Saint Denis asking if I was around. I apologised and told him I couldn’t be further away from he right now. Varek sent me a telegram too; simply “was that you?” – Varek, I have no idea where you are, so I have no idea if you saw me or not!
As I arrived at the lake a mist had descended over the lake. I like the mist! It made for a very pretty sight. Well, time to pick my mushrooms.
As I arrived at the lake a mist had descended over the lake. I like the mist! It made for a very pretty sight. Well, time to pick my mushrooms.
Well, mushrooms in basket, there was opportunity for a little hunting on the way back to Armadillo – a pronghorn deer and two rabbits for a little bit of food and extra money!
Passing through Thieves’ Landing on the way to Saint Denis, I bumped into Varek standing menacingly on the roof of one of the buildings. I said hi and asked what he was up to – “waiting on a friend” was his reply.
A man of pointless mystery is Varek, because Lola rode into Thieves’ barely two minutes later. Varek knows that I know he rides with Lola, and he knows I get on with Lola – why would he be obstructive about it? Ah, it’s just Varek being Varek I suppose. Turns out Varek and Lola are doing some cooking – Lola is making a cookbook and was finalising some recipes.
A man of pointless mystery is Varek, because Lola rode into Thieves’ barely two minutes later. Varek knows that I know he rides with Lola, and he knows I get on with Lola – why would he be obstructive about it? Ah, it’s just Varek being Varek I suppose. Turns out Varek and Lola are doing some cooking – Lola is making a cookbook and was finalising some recipes.
Lola needed some raspberries. Varek didn’t know where to get them, but I did. I could stop and drop off my mushrooms in Saint Denis on the way. So Varek and I set off, as the rolling mists caught up with us. Lola also needed some apples too. Sounds like quite the cookbook she’s making! I wonder if mines will look anything like hers once I’ve done writing it.
We arrived back to the lights of Saint Denis, and I collected another pay check from the restaurants of the city! Stopping at telegrams, I got a confusing telegram from Daniel. It seems my lack of availability has caused him some distress, he seems to think I’m unsafe. I try to reassure him best I can that I’m safe. But at the same time, he can’t come meet me. I can’t risk his career by him spending time with me with the Black Hats!
We circled back on ourselves and headed to the outskirts of Rhodes to the raspberry bushes by the small pools. Varek and I picked as much raspberries as we would fit into my basket and we began a slow ride back towards Thieves’ landing. Varek let slip he had another conversation with Deputy Love. My heart sank to my toes.
I haven’t had a chance to tell him I still have feelings for him, but surely he must know? The way he was toying about with me, teasing me….. he must know….. Yet he’s still so obsessed with her. The passion he talks about her….. I couldn’t help but feel dread with his every word. Oh god, I hope he doesn’t pick on it.
I haven’t had a chance to tell him I still have feelings for him, but surely he must know? The way he was toying about with me, teasing me….. he must know….. Yet he’s still so obsessed with her. The passion he talks about her….. I couldn’t help but feel dread with his every word. Oh god, I hope he doesn’t pick on it.
Well, we arrived back. On the way to go see Lola, I came across an interesting sign on the wall. It seems Mr Domino is harbouring a little allegiance I didn’t realise…… Maybe he doesn’t know my history with the Baastards. That’s a good thing, for now. A situation I might need to keep my eye on for the future…..
We continued through to hand the ingredients to Lola, who was busy cooking away. Cooking up some food, without a care in a world. Oh how I wish I could be like her….. She knows what she’s doing, and she’s got lots of friends around her to see her right. Maybe that’s why I like spending time with her so much. Maybe it’s her confidence, maybe its her sweetness. Maybe I’m just broken…..
As Lola gave Varek some fresh food to try, I turned away as they chatted. I didn’t mean to, but…. I felt like it…… Varek was totally oblivious but Lola picked up on it straight away. Seems I wasn’t hiding it as well as I hoped…… She asked if Varek and needed some time alone to talk. I glanced back at him and said no.
Some more recipes sorted for Lola’s book. I was able to give her the brownie recipe, which she was very grateful for! After cooking up a small batch of them, she happily wrote the recipe in her book!
But the day is wearing long for myself. I left Varek and Lola in Thieves’ and I headed out to send some telegrams, close my little clinic and call it a day. When I got to Riggs, I had a telegram from Daniel. I let him know that I was alright and was heading to bed.
I should telegram Lola….. Let her know that I’m sorry that all got so awkward back at Thieves’. She knows my history with Varek, I’m…. just going to tell her straight…… After all, someone needs to know, and I don’t really have many friends these days…….
Eurgh, what a day it’s been! But that’s me back at the cabin and I’m about ready to flop onto that bed of mines and pass out!