The next chapter in Astrið's story is here! Read about her adventures and misadventures from 5th November 1902 below, and you can check out her full diary here: Astrið's Diary
At the start of another beautiful morning, I’m getting used to my routine of heading down to Emerald Ranch to open up the little clinic, clean the floors and surfaces, light the lanterns, then head over to check telegrams.
I heard back from Dovie, seems she is an agreement with the law that the wording on my sign as I had it originally was not idea, but she’s happy with the changes. I also heard from Miree and Daniel by telegram, oh I do hope I get to see them today – that would be nice!
I also got a rather unusual telegram from Mr Kai. Friendly as we are, it’s not usual for him to telegram me, even less so saying he wants to meet me to “inquire” about things…. What could be going on? I guess I’ll find out – I telegrammed him offering to meet me in Valentine.
Everything set up at Emerald, I headed into Valentine and immediately stumbled on Bobby, Clara and Lucia arguing about Miree and something had done. Feigning a sympathetic ear to their concerns, I listened in to find out what happened. From the sounds of things, she’s been shot and might be in Sisika. Oh god, I need to find out if she’s ok!
Once Clara, Bobby and Lucia has stepped away from the telegram office (thus it wouldn’t look suspicious), I ran inside and telegrammed Miree. I hope she’s ok… Just because we’ve been apart for a long time doesn’t mean I don’t still really care about her.
Stepping outside once again, I was met by a strange man with a mask on. Instinctively, I tensed up and kept my hand near to my holster, until suddenly a familiar voice slipped out from beneath the mask – it was William Hathaway! Apparently he’s dressed today for “Guy Fawkes” day – apparently a British celebration I wasn’t really familiar with. Although Hathaway and his group were lamenting that most American’s weren’t familiar with it either, and through he was dressed as “Guy Fucks”.
The presence of Ed with the Hathways was fortunate – he still hasn’t got back to me about the Memorial to put onto Jon’s grave. I asked him aside and got him to read my telegram. He really like the memorial I had written up. Surprising, actually. I thought Varek and Ed would have through it was too soft. But, good! Now I just have to check with Sheila then will put it up at the grave.
In almost perfect timing, as soon as I turned around, Kai and his folk had just arrived into Valentine to meet me. We wasted no time in mounting our horses then heading out of town aways to a small farmstead to talk. Mr Kai was there, as was Gideon, Ben Gaines and Miree (Kai’s Miree, not my Miree – can’t believe there’s two of them!)
First order of business was a question about a man by the name of “Bill Nevitz”. Kai asked me what I knew of him. Unfortunately, I genuinely have never heard the name before, in either civilian circles or criminal circles – I’ve got no information to give.
First order of business was a question about a man by the name of “Bill Nevitz”. Kai asked me what I knew of him. Unfortunately, I genuinely have never heard the name before, in either civilian circles or criminal circles – I’ve got no information to give.
The next question came in regards to my medical knowledge. The group have a friend – they refused to say who – who is suffering from a form having multiple personalities – some of the personalities are quite aggressive and the group heavily implied the behaviour is causing problems!
They asked what could be done about this. I’ve not dealt with a multiple-personality disorder before – really not my area of expertise, but I pondered my books and my notes looking for answers.
They asked what could be done about this. I’ve not dealt with a multiple-personality disorder before – really not my area of expertise, but I pondered my books and my notes looking for answers.
I explained to Kai and the others that there’s 2 options really. The first would be counselling/therapy – really exploring the root causes of what has caused their friends mind to start acting as it has. The problem with this is that these sessions may take a long time to bear fruit, and also relies quite heavily on the compliance of the patient with the clinician.
The other options would be to medicate. The problem is, literature doesn’t explicitly cover disorders of multiple personalities, but under the assumption it is an overactivity of the mind as in mania and hysteria, then Potassium Bromide or Paradehyde may do the trick. Only problem there is that while that may offer faster relief of symptoms, it will not get to the root cause of why they are happening….
The other options would be to medicate. The problem is, literature doesn’t explicitly cover disorders of multiple personalities, but under the assumption it is an overactivity of the mind as in mania and hysteria, then Potassium Bromide or Paradehyde may do the trick. Only problem there is that while that may offer faster relief of symptoms, it will not get to the root cause of why they are happening….
Conversation done, we headed back into Valentine and to the saloon. While the rest of the town watched what looked to be a bank robbery starting, I noticed Clara sitting at one of the tables looking very distressed. I tried to ask her what was going on, but the distinctive boom of an explosion rocked the town and the Saloon cleared to safety.
As the folks locked themselves in their rooms inside the hotel for safety, Clara continued out the back, onto the balcony. There, she flopped against the wall and slid herself down to sitting, the distress in her voice palpable. As she fought back tears, I put my arm round her to comfort her.
She told me that she had a chance to fix things with Willie and Victory Street. She met Willie with another of Victory Street, while the rest of Victory Street were in the distance. Unexpectedly, the law showed up on a patrol, and chased Victory street away. She explained that Victory Street now blame her, thinking she set them up to be ambushed by law.
Poor Clara, she’s completely distraught, she feels they’re going to come after her and hurt her. She’s lost and scared and doesn’t know what to do…. I want to help her, but she’s quite insistent about doing it alone. After all, it was the presence of others that got here…..
She told me that she had a chance to fix things with Willie and Victory Street. She met Willie with another of Victory Street, while the rest of Victory Street were in the distance. Unexpectedly, the law showed up on a patrol, and chased Victory street away. She explained that Victory Street now blame her, thinking she set them up to be ambushed by law.
Poor Clara, she’s completely distraught, she feels they’re going to come after her and hurt her. She’s lost and scared and doesn’t know what to do…. I want to help her, but she’s quite insistent about doing it alone. After all, it was the presence of others that got here…..
As the situation in the main street seemed to cool off, Cade and the others descended from their rooms and business seemed to get back to normal. Clara, Cade and I took a seat in the saloon so Clara could catch Cade up on today’s events.
I feel for the both of them, it seems no-one in this Crossing can ever catch a break……
I feel for the both of them, it seems no-one in this Crossing can ever catch a break……
As Cade stepped away to go check telegrams, a deputy walked in. I didn’t recognise her, but Clara sure did. Sensing Clara’s distress, the two started talking and eventually decided they would continue the conversation in private up in Clara’s room.
Just as Cade returned through the back door of the saloon, I became aware of a situation out on the main street. Some folks were pointing guns up the street at the Sheriff’s office. I turned to Cade to warn him of the situation and he decided it would be safest to leave and head over to Blackwater.
I agreed, but told him I couldn’t come with him – not with Clara and the deputy up in her room, totally unaware of the situation. I said I would see him to his horse then let them know, stay with them and make sure they got out safe.
I agreed, but told him I couldn’t come with him – not with Clara and the deputy up in her room, totally unaware of the situation. I said I would see him to his horse then let them know, stay with them and make sure they got out safe.
The minute we opened that back door, we were suddenly confronted by two women with guns out, pointing at two people with their hands up. I’ll be honest, I didn’t recognise a single one of them, but Cade seemed to – and with hardly a second to spare, he whipped his shotgun round from his shoulder into his hands and was pointing it right back at the two women, telling them to let their captives go.
Well, I’ve got no stake in the woman or the captives (I don’t even know them!), but I’m sure as hell not going to let Cade stand there alone. I drew my rifle and stood by his side. A standoff ensued for a few minutes until one of the captives said it was okay and Cade should lower his gun. Reluctantly he did, and the four disappeared round the corner while Cade and his friend got on Cade’s horse and made for Blackwater.
Well, I’ve got no stake in the woman or the captives (I don’t even know them!), but I’m sure as hell not going to let Cade stand there alone. I drew my rifle and stood by his side. A standoff ensued for a few minutes until one of the captives said it was okay and Cade should lower his gun. Reluctantly he did, and the four disappeared round the corner while Cade and his friend got on Cade’s horse and made for Blackwater.
With rifle still in hand, I charged into Clara’s room – giving her and the deputy quite the fright! I told them both about the situation outside and the deputy leaped into action and charged out the room to go and assist her colleagues at the Sheriff’s office.
“Don’t worry Clara” I reassured her, “I’ll stay with you until she comes back”. The deputy nodded in thanks as she closed the door. I locked it behind her, before taking a seat on the sofa next to Clara.
As I sat with Clara she’s still completely distraught about the whole situation. Apparently this deputy is someone she really trusts and now not being able to talk to her properly about the situation is another kick to the teeth. Part of the problem of trying to live in a place which never rests…..
The deputy came back in to say that the situation outside had resolved itself, but unfortunately there was too few deputies that she would not be able to return to Clara to finish the conversation. She apologized to Clara then headed back to the Sherrif’s office.
Clara and I headed downstairs to a now-empty saloon. Clara asked me to send a telegram to Cade telling him that the situation was normal in Valentine. She didn’t want to come with me because of her busted leg. Worried about leaving her alone, I told her to be careful and that if she wasn’t here when I got back, I’d be raising the alarm immediately.
With that, I headed over to the telegram office and sent Cade a telegram.
With that, I headed over to the telegram office and sent Cade a telegram.
To my alarm, I returned to find an empty saloon. There was some folks standing down by the general store and I asked them if they’d seen Clara. They didn’t know who that was but said they saw a lady wearing red, limping down the street to the bathhouse – that sure as hell sounds like Clara!
I ran over to the bathhouse, but to my dismay it was also empty. I looked up and down the main street, there was no sign of her. Oh shit! Some folks rode into town as I was sending the telegram, could it have been them? Did Victory Street really just swoop in and take her right under my nose?
I ran over to the bathhouse, but to my dismay it was also empty. I looked up and down the main street, there was no sign of her. Oh shit! Some folks rode into town as I was sending the telegram, could it have been them? Did Victory Street really just swoop in and take her right under my nose?
I ran to the campsite and to the water pump, still no sign of her. All my running caught the attention of one of the Valentinian locals who came running after me to see what the panic was about, he hadn’t seen her either.
I have no choice – I have to raise the alarm! I ran to the Sheriff’s office and found the deputy she had been speaking to earlier. I told her that Clara was missing. Alarm raised, the deputies began searching the town, I decided to check in at the ranch and the telegrams again in case we had gone different paths to each other.
I have no choice – I have to raise the alarm! I ran to the Sheriff’s office and found the deputy she had been speaking to earlier. I told her that Clara was missing. Alarm raised, the deputies began searching the town, I decided to check in at the ranch and the telegrams again in case we had gone different paths to each other.
Oh thank god, I found her! Seems I was right, she came down to the telegrams taking a different path than I did to get back into town. Clara seemed bemused at our panic, but the deputy and I were clearly worried! Anyway crisis averted….. or so we thought……
Just as Cade had arrived back in Valentine with us, a volley of gunfire broke out from the direction of the main street. As the deputy ran back into town to support her colleagues, we had had quite enough of Valentine for the moment and decided to head out to Rhodes.
With me acting as rear guard in case any of them tried following us, we bolted out of town and across the plains towards Rhodes.
With me acting as rear guard in case any of them tried following us, we bolted out of town and across the plains towards Rhodes.
Arriving at Rhodes, we met up with the people that had been taken captive by those two women in Valentine earlier. I didn’t recognise them at the time but the man, it turned out was Jug – one of the hobos – who was in disguise for…… something…..
Anyway, Cade and Jug got talking. Seems they are good friends, as Cade was with the rest of the hobos. Cade later explained that he would do anything to help him and to stop him coming to harm – hence why he drew his gun like did in Valentine earlier. I nodded and told him I understood.
Anyway, Cade and Jug got talking. Seems they are good friends, as Cade was with the rest of the hobos. Cade later explained that he would do anything to help him and to stop him coming to harm – hence why he drew his gun like did in Valentine earlier. I nodded and told him I understood.
Cade was tired and wanted to head back to Valentine to get his head down. Unsure of what the situation would be like in Valentine, Clara stayed with the protection of the folks down in Rhodes and I accompanied Cade back to Valentine.
I asked him if he was super-super tired, or if he wanted to stop off at Emerald to see my new clinic – he hadn’t seen it yet!
I asked him if he was super-super tired, or if he wanted to stop off at Emerald to see my new clinic – he hadn’t seen it yet!
We stopped off at Emerald and I showed him round my new clinic. A few of the folks we had seen in Valentine were there, including the couple outside the general store that I asked about Clara’s whereabouts. I didn’t recognise them at the time, but it turns out its Constantine and Marley – the two who joined Kuniko and I back in Guarma in Kuniklo’s short-lived attempt at having his own gang.
Apparently they are running the saloon here now, so we shared introductions and pleasantries before Cade and I carried on to Valentine for him to get his head down.
Apparently they are running the saloon here now, so we shared introductions and pleasantries before Cade and I carried on to Valentine for him to get his head down.
Valentine, it seems, has calmed right down as we arrived back into town. Hopefully this means Cade can get a good and safe rest! Shame I didn’t get to see him for longer. I feel that our catchups are becoming less and less frequent.
With Cade securely seen to his room, I headed back towards Rhodes to catch up with Clara, but as I got to the outskirts of town, I was surprised to see Clara riding towards me! I turned around and accompanied them back to Valentine.
Seems Clara is tired too, hence her return. We continued through town and continued on to her new house, just on the outskirts of Valentine where myself and the others that had turned up to look after Clara said goodnight.
With Valentine now completely empty of familiar faces, I decided to return to Rhodes to see if the Pavee were around.
With Valentine now completely empty of familiar faces, I decided to return to Rhodes to see if the Pavee were around.
Barely had I got into Rhodes when I found the Pavee. Normally, I only see just one or two them, but today I found five! And they were riding out. It turns out Mr Lionel Miles had been kidnapped and, as good friends of his, they set out trying to find him.
I asked if they needed an extra set of hands and they invited me to ride out with them.
I asked if they needed an extra set of hands and they invited me to ride out with them.
We searched many places in New Hanover. Houses, groves, shacks – anywhere you might think to take someone that’s been kidnapped, but alas to no avail. We stopped in The Heartlands to consider our options and other places to search.
Just as we started moving off northwards, another group came riding into view – also heading northwards. But seeing us, that group changed direction and loomed towards us for a confrontation.
Just as we started moving off northwards, another group came riding into view – also heading northwards. But seeing us, that group changed direction and loomed towards us for a confrontation.
The group, it turned out, were the Kettlemans. Seems they were out hunting The Baastards, but they stopped to make pleasantries. Well, they stopped to find out who we were, lest they had gun us down, but seeing we were not a target of theirs, they then got to conversation.
Zip Quil was with them. As was Isaac, Alice, Mills and a couple others. Zip and I caught each others gaze, and as old friends, we slowly walked our horses together and peeled off from the group to have our own little conversation.
Zip Quil was with them. As was Isaac, Alice, Mills and a couple others. Zip and I caught each others gaze, and as old friends, we slowly walked our horses together and peeled off from the group to have our own little conversation.
Turns out he’s now part of the Kettlemans. Imagine that, the man who left to run his own gang is back under the banner of Jack Kettleman. And he’s taken Isaac with him too. Interesting.
Unfortunately, Tarryn got frustrated and made a sharp remark about leaving. Jack’s face dropped. He had been playfully telling the group to send “the Kettlemans regards” to the Baastards, and to the Law, and to a few others the Kettlemans have it in for. At that comment, Jack asked for “the name of the kid who’s in a hurry”. He told the Pavee to give Tarryn their regards to, before turning around and riding off towards the south.
Unfortunately, Tarryn got frustrated and made a sharp remark about leaving. Jack’s face dropped. He had been playfully telling the group to send “the Kettlemans regards” to the Baastards, and to the Law, and to a few others the Kettlemans have it in for. At that comment, Jack asked for “the name of the kid who’s in a hurry”. He told the Pavee to give Tarryn their regards to, before turning around and riding off towards the south.
Tense and nervous, the Pavee’s group set off to continue looking, with myself in tow. We searched a few more places New Hanover before arriving at Emerald Station. There was a man there that looked like it could have been Mr Miles if he had gone grey, but alas it was not him.
However, Elich did get a telegram from Miles letting them know he was safe and would meet them later. With that, the group returned to Rhodes.
However, Elich did get a telegram from Miles letting them know he was safe and would meet them later. With that, the group returned to Rhodes.
Back around the Pavee camp fire, oh it’s nice to see so many people here! Miss Jane and Miss Peregrine joined us, as did one of Mr Miles’ men to await for him to arrive. We chatted at the campfire, catching up on the goings on of Saint’s Crossing.
One by one, the group had other errands to run, other things to check, and they left until it was just myself, Mr Elich and Miss Tibbs by the campfire. Soon enough, however, it was my turn. Varek had telegrammed me if I was around.
With the appearance of a distinctive figure at the end of the camp, it was my turn to leave. I bid Mr Doherty and Miss Tibbs goodnight, and headed over to meet Varek.
With the appearance of a distinctive figure at the end of the camp, it was my turn to leave. I bid Mr Doherty and Miss Tibbs goodnight, and headed over to meet Varek.
Varek said he wanted to take me somewhere, somewhere special. We left Rhodes heading north, through the forests and up into the mountains, until eventually he found the place he was looking for……..
We stopped on the pinnacle of the top of some cliffs above the train tracks, looking out over Saints Crossing. I recognised the lake below us as the lake Varek and I stopped at recently, where I told him that I trusted him… Where I gave him one of Mr Black’s dice… I wonder if the location is symbolic… Why are we were?
Turns out I didn’t have long to wait to find out the answer to his question. He asked me what was going on when I seemed so cold and upset to him with Lola the other day…. He asked if it was something he said, or not. I got uncomfortable…. I guess this is going to be the conversation I wanted to have a while back…..
I told him that I was upset because of something this he said but it wasn’t his fault – he didn’t know. He looked confused, but I explained I’m not in the habit of blaming people for things they don’t know about.
Varek explained that after that day at the campsite, Lola also gave him a big row for what he said. Lola apparently told him he had no empathy…. I told him that I was sorry, that I was trying to hide it, but I didn’t do as good a job as I wanted it seems.
Turns out I didn’t have long to wait to find out the answer to his question. He asked me what was going on when I seemed so cold and upset to him with Lola the other day…. He asked if it was something he said, or not. I got uncomfortable…. I guess this is going to be the conversation I wanted to have a while back…..
I told him that I was upset because of something this he said but it wasn’t his fault – he didn’t know. He looked confused, but I explained I’m not in the habit of blaming people for things they don’t know about.
Varek explained that after that day at the campsite, Lola also gave him a big row for what he said. Lola apparently told him he had no empathy…. I told him that I was sorry, that I was trying to hide it, but I didn’t do as good a job as I wanted it seems.
He continued that call he’s been trying to do was treat me like a good friend. He then wondered if that was wrong to do. I said that it wasn’t… that this was on me for getting upset. He asked about why I kept pushing him to answer, if there was certain things I didn’t want to hear. “It’s not that I don’t want to hear it Varek…… I guess I just wasn’t ready for the answer”, I replied to him. I guess I needed to hear the answer, so I could move on, I pondered.
Varek said that he didn’t know how to talk to me these days. Truth be told I am the same with him. Pondering for a minute, he wondered if it would just be easier if we didn’t see each other. I said that I didn’t want to.
I tried to explain to him. When I was coming to see him the day he was arrested, he thought I was coming to shout at him. I explained that I wasn’t, I was coming with a question. He asked if I still had that question, or if I had the answer. I feel like I know his answer….. but I guess time has showed me I’ve been wrong before.
I explained that when he talks about Deputy Love, I’ve heard the passion in his voice – the good, and the bad, but still passion. Realising, the lamented that he shouldn’t have spoken about her in front of me.
Varek said that he didn’t know how to talk to me these days. Truth be told I am the same with him. Pondering for a minute, he wondered if it would just be easier if we didn’t see each other. I said that I didn’t want to.
I tried to explain to him. When I was coming to see him the day he was arrested, he thought I was coming to shout at him. I explained that I wasn’t, I was coming with a question. He asked if I still had that question, or if I had the answer. I feel like I know his answer….. but I guess time has showed me I’ve been wrong before.
I explained that when he talks about Deputy Love, I’ve heard the passion in his voice – the good, and the bad, but still passion. Realising, the lamented that he shouldn’t have spoken about her in front of me.
“I guess what I wanted to know the answer to was...” I paused… “Do your passions lie entirely with her, or is there any place left in your heart for me” – I finished, voice breaking as the tears filled my eyes. That was my question. That was what I wanted to know the answer to.
After a long pause he finally replied; “I really do wish things were different”, he said, going on to reflect on how nice our time was together, until it got soured “for people that don’t even matter”.
I knew that we broke up, but as we’d been spending more time together, I really enjoyed that time we spent. Then things started to change. He started toying with me more, teasing me, and….. I guess I just got a hope that maybe the winds had changed…. That there was still a chance for us.
After a long pause he finally replied; “I really do wish things were different”, he said, going on to reflect on how nice our time was together, until it got soured “for people that don’t even matter”.
I knew that we broke up, but as we’d been spending more time together, I really enjoyed that time we spent. Then things started to change. He started toying with me more, teasing me, and….. I guess I just got a hope that maybe the winds had changed…. That there was still a chance for us.
Misunderstanding my statement, he explained he really enjoyed the time we were spending together too. I corrected him, saying that I hoped he saw it as the start of something more than friendship. Now he understood, and he pondered again….
He said he thought I’d moved on from him, quickly. He couldn’t see any reason why I wouldn’t. But I didn’t, I hadn’t moved on. He explained that we didn’t exactly part ways on friendly terms. That was true, but as I told him before; as much as I wanted to be angry with him, I couldn’t stop loving him – and I still haven’t.
At that, he asked if it was a mistake giving “us” a try, explaining we worked great as friends. I told him that I didn’t regret it, that when we were together I was truly happy and I don’t and can’t regret that. “I’m really sorry it went so wrong, Astrið” he said. I explained to him that I tried to move on, but I just couldn’t. That every time I heard him laugh my heart melted, and as we started spending more time together the feelings just came flooding back. I asked him if any of his feeling came back? Did they?
He said he thought I’d moved on from him, quickly. He couldn’t see any reason why I wouldn’t. But I didn’t, I hadn’t moved on. He explained that we didn’t exactly part ways on friendly terms. That was true, but as I told him before; as much as I wanted to be angry with him, I couldn’t stop loving him – and I still haven’t.
At that, he asked if it was a mistake giving “us” a try, explaining we worked great as friends. I told him that I didn’t regret it, that when we were together I was truly happy and I don’t and can’t regret that. “I’m really sorry it went so wrong, Astrið” he said. I explained to him that I tried to move on, but I just couldn’t. That every time I heard him laugh my heart melted, and as we started spending more time together the feelings just came flooding back. I asked him if any of his feeling came back? Did they?
“I thought for a time they did but…” he paused… “there’s just a lot of resentment for you that I can’t get rid of”. I don’t understand, if he resents me that much, why does he still spend time with me? He tells me it goes away, but every so often something happens that reminds him of it. I guess I can’t change that….. I told him I understand if he doesn’t want to see me again.
He retorted that that’s not what he wants. He said he cares for me a lot, and he hates seeing me like this, and doesn’t know what to do except keeping his distance from me. I told him he doesn’t need to. I’m a grown woman, I can manage my feelings. Sure, I have my answer for sure and it hurts more than anything, but I have my answer…. Now I can straighten myself up and move on, once and for all. I promised him not to get upset around him again – after today of course!
He retorted that that’s not what he wants. He said he cares for me a lot, and he hates seeing me like this, and doesn’t know what to do except keeping his distance from me. I told him he doesn’t need to. I’m a grown woman, I can manage my feelings. Sure, I have my answer for sure and it hurts more than anything, but I have my answer…. Now I can straighten myself up and move on, once and for all. I promised him not to get upset around him again – after today of course!
With that, there wasn’t really anything left for us to say together. Varek wanted us to part ways there and then, but I’ve only occasionally been out this way, so I asked to accompany him back towards Emerald or the nearest town. He agreed and we set off.
Rounding the corner, a local man riding his horse turned straight into me and Grátt, sending the both of us careening up into the air and crashing to the ground, HARD!
As gunshots rang out – Varek fixing the situation the only way he knows how - Grátt scattered into the hills and I ran behind a rock to tend to my arm, bloodied and barely able to move it.
As gunshots rang out – Varek fixing the situation the only way he knows how - Grátt scattered into the hills and I ran behind a rock to tend to my arm, bloodied and barely able to move it.
Clutching my arm, Varek helped me onto his horse and we bolted towards Emerald. I told him I’d be ok, but he wasn’t having any of it. He headed over towards my little clinic and led me inside.
Inside, I rolled my sleeve up and looked at my arm. It didn’t look broken and I could still move all my joints and my fingers. There was a cut on my arm where I caught a rock when I landed, but it was bad enough to need sutures. Varek helped me cleaning the wound out, flushing out the debris, before Varek tightly wrapped a bandage round the arm. Guess I won’t be using longarms or riding hard then!
Knowing I was ok, Varek set off somewhere, and I went to the stables to grab Myrkur – letting the stablehands know that Grátt is riding around somewhere in the Grizzlies. I hope they can get him back……
Knowing I was ok, Varek set off somewhere, and I went to the stables to grab Myrkur – letting the stablehands know that Grátt is riding around somewhere in the Grizzlies. I hope they can get him back……
With Myrkur in hand, I gingerly made my way to Rhodes, trying to see who was around. No-one I knew, but there was a large armoured wagon making its way through town with around 7 people with it. I didn’t see who, but there was 3 riding on the wagon, and 4 escorting it through town on horseback. They were moving at some speed.
As I left town, I decided to follow the railway tracks – a little unusual for me, but this odd path proved to be interesting, as I was met once again with the Kettlemans, riding full tilt towards Rhodes. Issac asked me if I’d seen a transport pass through Rhodes and when – I gave him the details I saw and they bolted off in pursuit. I wonder what’s going on….. I wonder if someone’s been arrested?
As I left town, I decided to follow the railway tracks – a little unusual for me, but this odd path proved to be interesting, as I was met once again with the Kettlemans, riding full tilt towards Rhodes. Issac asked me if I’d seen a transport pass through Rhodes and when – I gave him the details I saw and they bolted off in pursuit. I wonder what’s going on….. I wonder if someone’s been arrested?
I headed straight through to Blackwater, looking to see if any of my friends were around. After a day like today I could do with some friendly faces for company. In Blackwater, I found a curious woman waiting for a friend. Sammie was her name. She seemed really nice. She was very tense through – I got the feeling that she certainly through I was going to rob or kidnap her!
But that was never my intention and we talked for quite a while. Turns out she’s a baker, makes sweets and cakes for gatherings. Totally bemused at my not having had nearly any cakes before, Sammie absolutely insisted I tried some she had spare. She gave me brownies, churros, an angel cake, and something called a flour drop cake!
But that was never my intention and we talked for quite a while. Turns out she’s a baker, makes sweets and cakes for gatherings. Totally bemused at my not having had nearly any cakes before, Sammie absolutely insisted I tried some she had spare. She gave me brownies, churros, an angel cake, and something called a flour drop cake!
I tried the churro first, as I had never even heard of that! As Sammie explained what it is, I tried it. It was DELICIOUS! Sammie smiled in response, just as the friend she was waiting on arrived – a ranger by all accounts. They were set to head off for a conversation, and I was starting to get real tired, so I started making way back to Emerald to close the clinic and get my head down for the night.
Arriving back at Emerald, who else do I find there? Well, the entirety of the Black Hats of course! Varek included… We hade an awkward hello, and I headed over to catch up with Lola and Norman.
There was a man there I didn’t recognise, wearing a white shirt. I asked him his name, but he was hesitant to give it to me. But someone else mentioned his name. Cross! I’ve heard so much about him but never met him. I introduced myself to him. He gave me a….. lukewarm welcome….. but I can understand that, I’m a new face to him.
Suddenly Norman spots a group of people coming to rustle sheep from the ranch. Something I didn’t from a criminal was for this to completely boil his blood. Led by Normal, Varek, Cross and I jumped the fence into the field to confront them.
Varek and Norman drew their guns as Norman chastised the group, the leader of whom took his gun out in response as the others continued loading up the sheep carcases. Cross and I stood slightly further back, arms crossed, ready to respond to anything should it escalate.
But thankfully it didn’t and we returned to Lola, still sorting out her wagon.
But thankfully it didn’t and we returned to Lola, still sorting out her wagon.
Heilaga skit! Lola has a lot of boxes! No wonder she’s spent this long trying to sort them all. Trying to manage this much stuff must be a real headache for them all!
At one point the group wandered off to talk about something, leaving Varek and I to awkwardly make conversation. But I had calmed down a lot since our previous conversation. Here’s the time to start settling in to the new normal I suppose. We chatted a little bit about what we had been up to since that chat before the group came back over.
With more than a little excitement in my voice, I took Lola down the street to see my new little clinic! I had told her about it, but she’s yet to see it for herself! I’m excited to see what she makes of it!
Once inside, she had a good look around. With a smile, she told me it’s a great place to have for myself.
Once inside, she had a good look around. With a smile, she told me it’s a great place to have for myself.
Lola was going to be buying a new wagon. Another wagon….. I don’t even have one! Given she’d have to walk through town with a lot of money (around $17,000, she tells me!), I offered myself as another pair of hands in case anything goes sour.
Thankfully, at Valentine the transaction passed off without a hitch, and after choosing the wagon’s colours and furnishings, Lola got to work making it her own. Before long, the entire group was helping her sort things!
OH MY GOD LOLA HOW IS THERE MORE BOXES?!?!
Wagon sorted, the group chatted for a little bit by the side of the pens. Lola and I talked about things for her upcoming recipe book. It was a pleasant way to end a rather dramatic and emotional day, and with that, I set off for the cabin.
Myrkur is more than a little stubborn with me riding him around. Obviously the stablehands at Emerald haven’t been taking him out for exercise as often as they should be….. I’ll need to speak to them about that. That said, it has been a while since I’ve had him out and about myself. I need to fix that. But in any case that’s quite enough of today! Time for bed!