The next chapter in Astrið's story is here! Read about her adventures and misadventures from 7th November 1902 below, and you can check out her full diary here: Astrið's Diary
Time to start another day with my new morning routine: heading down to Emerald to open up the clinic, get it swept and clean then check my telegrams. It’s almost strange having a routine again. I had telegrams from Cade and Peregrine – apparently there was an altercation where Victory Street were wounded and they wanted me to help, but I wasn’t around. It sounds odd. Victory Street, the people that HURT Clara, and they want me to help them? Either way, whatever situation was over now.
Fiona, Rowan and Miree all telegrammed me looking to meet up – so I telegrammed them that I was around. And I telegrammed Lola and Varek to say if I was around if they wanted to travel with me for a bit.
Fiona, Rowan and Miree all telegrammed me looking to meet up – so I telegrammed them that I was around. And I telegrammed Lola and Varek to say if I was around if they wanted to travel with me for a bit.
No immediate things to do, I at least have some time to make a start on my new recipe book!
Speaking of cooking, since I have some spare time, I agreed to help the ranchers out with some chores at Emerald Ranch. After all, if I’m going to be based here now, we all have a responsibility to keep the place ticking along!
My good deed for the day done, time for a naughty one. I headed out of town to one of the moonshining shacks and sure enough, some moonshine was needed down New Austin way, so under the cover of darkness, I picked enough wheat for the job and continued to Valentine.
There was no-one really around in Valentine, so I stopped by the riverside to do a spot of hunting. My quarry in tow, I continued on to Blackwater to see what was happening.
At Blackwater there didn’t seem to be many folks around, but after selling my deer to the butcher, I ventured over the saloon where I found Miss Fiona talking to a gentleman I didn’t recognise. After a short conversation, he introduced himself as Carlo, the person now running the Grand Korrigan down in Saint Denis.
Fiona explained that I make cigarettes and cigars for her on order, as indeed was on my agenda for today, to which Mr Carlo seemed very interested. He explained that people attending his events are always in need of “good smokes” and he may call upon me for business sometime. Not the line of work I quite expected to be done, but business is business!
Fiona explained that I make cigarettes and cigars for her on order, as indeed was on my agenda for today, to which Mr Carlo seemed very interested. He explained that people attending his events are always in need of “good smokes” and he may call upon me for business sometime. Not the line of work I quite expected to be done, but business is business!
As Fiona left to continue running some errands, Mr Carlo and I kept talking a while. He seemed very interested in my last name and the concept of Patronymic and Matronymic names, so I explained a little more about how they worked and where I came from.
He explained that as an Italian immigrant, when the Italians leave Italy they tend to assume the surname that is derived from the nearest big town – so people can know when they may know each other. He explained that by that same rule, his parents took the last name Barletti when the came to America, derived from “Barletto” the town they are from.
He seemed nice, but before long it was time for him to return to his business back in Saint Denis and for me to continue on….
He explained that as an Italian immigrant, when the Italians leave Italy they tend to assume the surname that is derived from the nearest big town – so people can know when they may know each other. He explained that by that same rule, his parents took the last name Barletti when the came to America, derived from “Barletto” the town they are from.
He seemed nice, but before long it was time for him to return to his business back in Saint Denis and for me to continue on….
Stopping through Thieves’ is always an interesting task. Whether it’s the Baastards or some other gang stopping travellers or some other hazard, it’s usually a interesting route to take. Today’s hazard of choice was wolves….
Normally I would just blast straight through the village and leave them be, but since I had to stop to make up the moonshine, I didn’t really have much other choice than to stop and fight them.
Normally I would just blast straight through the village and leave them be, but since I had to stop to make up the moonshine, I didn’t really have much other choice than to stop and fight them.
Wolves taken care of, I did what I needed to and continued onwards to Plainview, where the ‘shine was needed. I circled back on myself and returned to Armadillo. At telegrams, I had one from Daniel saying he was busy for the next 30 minutes or so but wanted to meet up with me to get some food if I was free.
That sounds nice! I telegrammed him to let me know when he was done at work and I’ll come find him.
That sounds nice! I telegrammed him to let me know when he was done at work and I’ll come find him.
There’s a man in a red plaid top that just keeps looking at me. As I went to go and refill my canteen, he approached me – thinking I was someone else. No sooner than he walked over to me, did Ed appear from outside the saloon and came over to check I was alright. The strange man turned and started firing questions at Ed as well….
Well, that didn’t take long….. Ed and the man started fighting away in the streets. Ed’s going to do as Ed does, I suppose…..
Wait….. what’s that noise? HOW DID YOU GET UP THERE???
I decided to climb the roof and…. er…. “take care” of the deer. We just rebuilt Armadillo not that long ago, don’t want it damaging the roofs after all! Or worse, jumping off and hitting someone on its way down.
Just as I went to take the deer’s carcass off the roof, who else should be appear but Varek…. Of course!
Just as I went to take the deer’s carcass off the roof, who else should be appear but Varek…. Of course!
Varek, Ed and I left Armadillo heading out of town. I asked them both if they wanted to join me at Jon’s resting place to lay down the memorial I’d written up for him. Varek agreed, but Ed was on the way to go meet someone so couldn’t join us.
We stopped at the tobacco fields just outside of Rhodes. I needed to pick and dry tobacco to fill Fiona’s order of a full box of cigars and a packet of my cigarettes. Never thought this was where I would be getting my main source of income…..
While I left the leaves to dry, Varek and I continued on to Valentine to check telegrams and see if Fiona had gotten back to me about a time or place to meet to do the transaction.
In Valentine we passed Cade who was heading out on some errands. Cade once again introduced himself to Varek. It’s funny how many times these two have met, but Cade can never seem to remember who Varek is.
In any event, I have no telegrams, so Varek and I decided to continue south to visit Jon’s memorial.
In any event, I have no telegrams, so Varek and I decided to continue south to visit Jon’s memorial.
Passing through the Great Plains on our journey south, we spotted a large group of riders stationary on a hill. Some looked to be on their horses, some not. Unsure if there were looking to rob people, or already in the process of doing so!
Either way, not our fight. We kept our distance from them and continued part them – watching them closely in case they started following us.
Either way, not our fight. We kept our distance from them and continued part them – watching them closely in case they started following us.
Turns out Thieves’ isn’t much better for gang activity. Soon as we ride in, we’re met by Vern and two others on horseback. Thankfully they’re not sticking around. Vern told us that if anyone comes looking for him, he’s heading out for a while so to pass that on. We nodded and let him go on his way.
Finally we made it! The big tree overlooking the San Luis Valley. Jon’s grave…….
With a solemn silence from the both Varek and I, I removed Ed’s little placeholder for the grave and put up the proper memorial for Jon. As my eyes filled with tears, I never thought such a small act as pinning a note to a tree would elicit so much emotion…..
Having said that, it’s the meaning behind the note and behind the tree is what elicits so much emotion…….
Having said that, it’s the meaning behind the note and behind the tree is what elicits so much emotion…….
Varek and I reflected on the life we used to lead. Reflecting on Jon, the Grace Gang, how things were, how things have changed…… how we’ve changed……
We both have lots we miss from that time. It all seemed simpler. We had purpose and direction. We had friends….. We had home…..
We both have lots we miss from that time. It all seemed simpler. We had purpose and direction. We had friends….. We had home…..
Before long, the conversation turned to the now – and it turns out Varek has some big news…. He’s left the Black Hats after getting into a big fight with them. All of them, but in particular Lola. Apparently the fight was over lemonade, of all things, but was so serious he’s left the gang…..
I don’t understand…… Varek and Lola seemed to be getting along just fine for the past few weeks. Things looked like they had improved a lot from their constant bickering from before. But as Varek spoke and told me what happened, it seems like the old arguments flared up again. They felt that Varek felt he didn’t want to be there, but was saying he did.
He explained that before the fight really escalated, the asked him what he’d rather be doing instead. He said he couldn’t think of anything else to do at the time, then couldn’t understand why Lola started arguing at him. I tried to explain to him that “I can’t think of anything better to do” is not the same as “I’m happy to be here, with you, doing this”.
Even if he intended them the same, the words themselves don’t carry the same meaning. I’m not sure if he quite understood my point. Either way, it seems that’s it, Varek’s back on his own now. I took him back to Armadillo where he was going to lay his head down.
Even if he intended them the same, the words themselves don’t carry the same meaning. I’m not sure if he quite understood my point. Either way, it seems that’s it, Varek’s back on his own now. I took him back to Armadillo where he was going to lay his head down.
“I’m talking to you” a voice boomed behind me, while I was checking telegrams. I polite replied that English isn’t my first language, so it takes me a bit of time to write telegrams and I’ll get to him once I’m done.
“Let me see that!” He yelled, spinning me round to reveal his pistol pointed at my face….. What did I used to say about Armadillo being a safe place because criminals didn’t like to shit in their back yards? Who even are these people?
“Let me see that!” He yelled, spinning me round to reveal his pistol pointed at my face….. What did I used to say about Armadillo being a safe place because criminals didn’t like to shit in their back yards? Who even are these people?
Well, they wouldn’t tell me their names…. Instead, I was met with the old “put your hands up and face the wall”. Against two loaded revolvers my defiance wasn’t going to get me anywhere, so up my hands went and I turned to join Varek against the wall. But I was in for a surprise…..
A familiar voice spoke behind me, a woman’s voice. It was Sam. “She’s a doctor. Not a state doctor, she helps criminals, looks after them, treats them”. It was enough. “Leave her” one of the men said, “but he’s a Black Hat – take everything from him”.
Thanks to Sam, I escaped without losing a penny. But Varek lost $400 and his Volcanic pistol. I could barely even see them in the dark, but I did overhear one of their names: “Cook”.
A familiar voice spoke behind me, a woman’s voice. It was Sam. “She’s a doctor. Not a state doctor, she helps criminals, looks after them, treats them”. It was enough. “Leave her” one of the men said, “but he’s a Black Hat – take everything from him”.
Thanks to Sam, I escaped without losing a penny. But Varek lost $400 and his Volcanic pistol. I could barely even see them in the dark, but I did overhear one of their names: “Cook”.
In no rush to leave, the group lingered behind us as I went back to telegrams. I telegrammed him that I’d just been robbed and was about to be leaving Armadillo immediately.
Before I did, Sam came up to me. She explained that criminals tend to avoid attacking doctors and medics so I should tell anyone that tries to rob me that as a matter of urgency. While she’s right, I normally just rely on my reputation to avoid getting robbed rather than having to degrade myself by begging them not to rob me because of the work I do……
Before I did, Sam came up to me. She explained that criminals tend to avoid attacking doctors and medics so I should tell anyone that tries to rob me that as a matter of urgency. While she’s right, I normally just rely on my reputation to avoid getting robbed rather than having to degrade myself by begging them not to rob me because of the work I do……
By coincidence, Daniel turned up in Armadillo. So, with that group still nearby, we wasted no time in gathering some supplies then getting the hell out of Armadillo!
We rode together heading North. I decided I had had quite enough of anywhere that could be considered “west” for today, so we started making for Valentine. After all, Cade was around earlier, maybe there’s some activity going on at the Saloon?
Well, I was half right…. There was something going on at the saloon, but it wasn’t good news. Cade has been shot! Vivian is looking after him in his room. I ran up the staircase and into Cade’s room, with Daniel following a bit behind. Vivian was just leaving, having ensured that Cade was ok. I asked her to let Daniel know what room we were in.
Cade explained what happened… Gideon had apparently caused a commotion down in the saloon, then people started getting all riled up, then before anyone could realise what was happening – bullets started flying, and Cade had been shot. Vivian called him Cade “Casualty” Cross…. She isn’t wrong….
At least he’s been tended. My friend Bonnie tended to his wounds and they brought him back to his hotel room to rest.
At least he’s been tended. My friend Bonnie tended to his wounds and they brought him back to his hotel room to rest.
With a knock on the door, Daniel joined us in Cade’s room. Not the way I wanted my two friends to meet, but sometimes life in Saint’s Crossing is this way. However, now that I know Cade is safe, we should leave him to his rest. I beckoned to Daniel and we left Cade to sleep.
Back downstairs the saloon had largely cleared out except for just a few people, and no-one was working the bar. I walked behind the bar and playfully asked for Daniel’s “order”. With a little smirk on his face, he asked for a glass of whisky. Grinning, I obliged, pouring us both a glass.
As I put the bottle of Whisky back on the shelf, I turned around to be greeted by 3 new faces. Black suits and hats with red trim, white shirts, gold chains – this certainly seemed to be some kind of outfit. The man with the moustache ordered 3 whiskies. I politely explained that I didn’t actually work the bar, he smiled – then replied that I could fetch the whiskies for him regardless.
With an imposing presentation, the man towered himself over me – intentionally, it felt. He asked me to introduce myself and tell him what I did. I explained, as I normally do, that I am a clinician. One that looks after people that don’t want to be found, people who can’t or won’t go to the Department of Health.
At this, his demeanour changed. Still imposing, sure, but less threatening and more….. curious. Interested even. As Daniel started to introduce himself they pointed out they already knew who he was, that he’d tended to them previously when they were injured. As Daniel perked a brow at that, the group introduced themselves.
Donnie Barton, Gavin Everette, Evelyn Jackson-Brown. By all accounts this looked like the Barton gang I’ve been hearing so much about across The Crossing. A dangerous group to be sure. But Daniel seems to have favour with them for helping them, and they seem very interested in my work. So the conversation remained pleasant, and before too long, they were on their way.
Finally with some peace, Daniel and I could enjoy the whiskies I had poured for us. I couldn’t help but notice his hand trembling. We were under no illusions how dangerous that interaction could have been. For me, that’s just the company I keep in The Crossing. For Daniel, well, I forget that this is very abnormal for him. I forget how these kinds of interactions might play on his mind……
On checking telegrams, I had one from Lola. Oh, Lola…. The mind boggles as to what THIS could be about. Borth Varek and Lola have expressed their annoyance with one another to me. I’ve heard Varek’s side. I suppose it’s only fair that I hear Lola’s side…..
With not a great deal else going on in Valentine we decided to head down to Blackwater to see who was around….
The answer to that question was a lot of people! My friends, Deputy Kelly and Deputy Fuller, and medic Annaliese Becker. And as luck would so have it they were fixing for a game of Blackjack! Perfect!
Ah, not seen this many folk playing Blackjack in a long old time! Well, with barely $10 in my pocket, I’m quite happy to watch as Daniel and the others sit down to play a few hands. Annaliese is also watching too.
The hands not going in her favour, Clarabelle exclaimed out that she was going to punch the dealer, knock him out. The dealer didn’t flinch; he’s heard it all before. I retorted that it was funny the deputy wasn’t setting a good example. Ned said maybe Clarabelle could set a good example of how to knock someone out! He said that just as one of the undersherrif’s turned up.
It's funny seeing the deputies let their down. Too often it’s so easy to forget their folk just like everyone else.
It's funny seeing the deputies let their down. Too often it’s so easy to forget their folk just like everyone else.
With Daniel bowing out of the game to go to sleep, there was a space open. I exclaimed that I would take it but for the fact I didn’t have enough money. Annaliese came over and handed me $30, under the sole condition that I only use it for gambling at the Blackjack table just now. Oh, absolutely! I sat down to join the game.
I came so close to doubling what Annaliese gave me, but in typical Astrið-luck fashion, I lost it all right at the end. The conversation continued on the topic of questionable actions by deputies. With a smirk on her face, Clarabelle turned to me and asked if I remembered the day that we met.
I do….. But I can’t think what she’s referencing….. We were going to ask her along to a bank robbery, but I don’t recall she necessarily knew that at the time….. And that’s not something I really want to blurt out!
I do….. But I can’t think what she’s referencing….. We were going to ask her along to a bank robbery, but I don’t recall she necessarily knew that at the time….. And that’s not something I really want to blurt out!
“Come on Clarabelle, what happened when we met?” I asked her. She was reluctant to tell me, but eventually she reminded me about Violet. My eyes widened as I realised. Voilet! Of course!
Violet had been causing problems in Valentine, and Clarabelle joined Ed, Varek, Abigail and I as we hunted her, Declan and Indy down across New Hanover and Lemoyne! Ohhhhh yes, I’m not sure her deputy colleagues would be particularly happy about that!
Violet had been causing problems in Valentine, and Clarabelle joined Ed, Varek, Abigail and I as we hunted her, Declan and Indy down across New Hanover and Lemoyne! Ohhhhh yes, I’m not sure her deputy colleagues would be particularly happy about that!
That realisation made, we rejoined Ned and Annaliese. Clarabelle and Annaliese were heading out of town, leaving Ned and I to the streets of Blackwater. It’s been a while since I got the chance to just chat to Ned. Poor Ned…. He’s been through a lot.
I didn’t get the chance to talk to him back when it happened, but seeing him so distraught over Zoe being hurt was….. painful to see. The two of them have been friends a long time. I used to see them up at the Karrigan Ranch barbeques every weekend.
I didn’t get the chance to talk to him back when it happened, but seeing him so distraught over Zoe being hurt was….. painful to see. The two of them have been friends a long time. I used to see them up at the Karrigan Ranch barbeques every weekend.
I accompanied him over to the Sheriff’s office as we got to talking. He explained he found out about Zoe by being on her next of kin. I remarked aloud that I didn’t even know who was on my next of kin list anymore. Checking, he told me it was Cade, Miree, Millie and Varek. Oh good lord…. Well, Varek is around but our relationship has… changed… Miree, I haven’t seen or heard from in months. Millie, I haven’t heard from in even longer. I don’t even know if she still stops by Saint’s Crossing. Cade is the only one that’s still relevant….. He asked me who I would like to add to my next of kin list in their place. Truth is, there was no one… He looked up at me, no doubt noticing the sadness in my expression and my words.
I explained to Ned that my life is actually quite lonely. Sure, I go from place to place, talking to people as I go. But the truth of the matter is, as soon as I walk out the door, or turn the corner, just about everyone in the Crossing forgets that I exist. No-one ever just telegrams me to check in. Ned pondered a few seconds, then with a soft smile, he said that he would check in me from time to time – make sure I’m getting on ok. His words warmed my heart. He’s always been kind.
I explained to Ned that my life is actually quite lonely. Sure, I go from place to place, talking to people as I go. But the truth of the matter is, as soon as I walk out the door, or turn the corner, just about everyone in the Crossing forgets that I exist. No-one ever just telegrams me to check in. Ned pondered a few seconds, then with a soft smile, he said that he would check in me from time to time – make sure I’m getting on ok. His words warmed my heart. He’s always been kind.
Heading on over to check telegrams, I had one from Gavin Everett from the Barton gang. I got back to him with the specifics of how my private services run. I telegrammed Violet again, asking if she was still around. I want to speak to her about what happened in Armadillo before… Finally I telegrammed Lola. Not heard from her today, but there’s a coal job here in Blackwater. I know she likes to do the coal runs, and dropping off at Manzanita and Quaker’s Cove is pretty easy money. I’ll pick it up for her!
I decided to head towards the north-end of West Elizabeth. Go for a little ride while I waited for some replies. I’m still not sure I’ll ever get used to seeing trees dotted all over the landscape, but I’ll be damned if it ain’t pretty from time to time, when the light filters between the branches!
Well, got a reply from Violet at least. She’s out and about out West, so I turned myself around and headed out New Austin way – stopping at Thieves’ as I always do to see who’s around.
To my surprise, there was in fact someone here this time. At first glance, a hunter – but as I stopped to talk to him, there was more to his story. Jacob Dubois (not sure I’m spelling that right) was his name. Used to be in The Crossing a long time ago, but since then has left and has only just got back.
He started asking me about names from his past. Some deputies, but mostly criminals – the names were somewhat telling of his past as someone not on the right side of the law. Eventually he asked after a very interesting set of names….. Ally Chase and Toby…..
He started asking me about names from his past. Some deputies, but mostly criminals – the names were somewhat telling of his past as someone not on the right side of the law. Eventually he asked after a very interesting set of names….. Ally Chase and Toby…..
I told him I knew where they were buried and he asked if I would kindly take him there. I obliged. We returned to West Elizabeth and headed to an unassuming cliff overlooking the north side of Blackwater. There we found their gravestones, and Jacob stopped to reflect.
“How did they die?” He asked. I told him what I knew….. That they were being chased by law, and they took a hostage in the middle of town, then chased by law, they made a stand-off that resulted in their deaths. Of course….. I left out the part that it was my good friend they took hostage and this interaction eventually lead to the death of my best friend but…… I don’t know this man, and giving that information to him would not be helpful…..
“How did they die?” He asked. I told him what I knew….. That they were being chased by law, and they took a hostage in the middle of town, then chased by law, they made a stand-off that resulted in their deaths. Of course….. I left out the part that it was my good friend they took hostage and this interaction eventually lead to the death of my best friend but…… I don’t know this man, and giving that information to him would not be helpful…..
Shit that took longer than planned! I left Jacob to spend some time at the graves while I headed to Blackwater to check telegrams. Luckily enough I found Violet there, along with Ginny and a man named August (no, not Deputy Grey). And…… And……
….. Why are they all just standing there with their hands behind their backs??? As soon as I pointed this out, they all started laughing and Ginny and August walked off towards the main street – hands still behind their backs…..
However, them leaving gave me the opportunity to speak to Violet. I told her about me getting robbed. Well, Varek getting robbed, but they would have taken things from me too if Sam hadn’t been there. Violet replied that if Sam was there, then it sounds like it was probably the Frey’s gang. I…. haven’t heard of them.
Violet explained that it was lead by Castor Frey. Cas….. Ok so I know Cas, I guess I just didn’t know he had his own gang going on since the Kelly’s parted ways. I explained that Sam knew the people that robbed us, but didn’t want to give names. I want to reach out to Sam, so asked Violet if she had Sam’s telegram. We headed over to the telegram to check.
Violet explained that it was lead by Castor Frey. Cas….. Ok so I know Cas, I guess I just didn’t know he had his own gang going on since the Kelly’s parted ways. I explained that Sam knew the people that robbed us, but didn’t want to give names. I want to reach out to Sam, so asked Violet if she had Sam’s telegram. We headed over to the telegram to check.
Just as Violet gave me Sam’s telegram, we suddenly were joined by an injured Deputy Bishop. After him chastising me for referring to myself as a doctor, the group saw that as an open invitation to start teasing Bishop.
After teasing Bishop that she’s probably wanted, Violet was in for a bit of a shock when he checked his notes and sure enough she WAS wanted!
After teasing Bishop that she’s probably wanted, Violet was in for a bit of a shock when he checked his notes and sure enough she WAS wanted!
However, his attitude had clearly pissed off Ginny, who said she just wanted to hurt him now – except for the fact he’s already hurt. As we surrounded him, she pointed out he was mighty brave saying he’d take Violet in all on his own. Violet retorted that that’s not what he said – rather, he was going to call his friends to come arrest her.
In response, Ginny started making fun of Bishop in a rather childish way, forcing Bishop to exclaim: “Who even are you???”. Clearly enjoying the interaction, Ginny turned to him and replied “I’m Ginny fucking Darby, sir!”.
In response, Ginny started making fun of Bishop in a rather childish way, forcing Bishop to exclaim: “Who even are you???”. Clearly enjoying the interaction, Ginny turned to him and replied “I’m Ginny fucking Darby, sir!”.
Bishop, taking it all in his stride, made Violet an offer. Either she gets out of town now, and the law leaves her alone for another day, or come with him to the Sheriff’s office to get everything straightened out, and he’d take some time off the charges. Intrigued, and not entirely sure what she’s wanted for, Violet agreed, and we all set off.
I walked with Bishop and Violet. Ginnie and August followed a close distance behind. A somewhat ominous reminder to Bishop that if he puts a foot wrong, it will likely go VERY wrong for him…..
Checking his notes, it seems that Mr August is also wanted. Too her surprise, Ginnie is not. Turns out that August and Violet are both marked as wanted for the same offence – possession of moonshine. It all coming back to her, Violet protested vigorously….
She explained that someone in the group she was travelling with DID have moonshine on them, but when she and August were searched, no contraband of any form was found – hence they were free to leave, which they did. Bishop checked his notes and that story seemed to tie in with the notes he could see, so he cancelled away the charges for her and Mr August.
Whew! I think Voilet’s glad she came peacefully to the office now. Everything sorted, we all parted ways. Violet, August and Ginnie set off to the south to get their heads down for the night, the deputies stayed at the station to go about their duties, and I headed back to telegrams.
At telegrams, a man was there who I didn’t recognise at first, but then a very familiar voice spoke out to me. It was Clifford! My heart perked up a bit – it’s been so long since I’ve seen my friend!
We got to catching up. He says that se saw me the other week in Saint Denis, on the day that Zoe Winters was injured, but wasn’t mentally in any kind of place to stop to talk to me. That makes sense. We talked about how things have been for him….. Tough, was the long and short of it…..
Following an incident at the ranch, law left a note asking Clifford, Daniel or Peter to reach out to law, which Clifford had done. He was dismayed that no-one had got in contact with him.
Following an incident at the ranch, law left a note asking Clifford, Daniel or Peter to reach out to law, which Clifford had done. He was dismayed that no-one had got in contact with him.
I realised I hadn’t seen Clifford since I got my enhanced ban from the department of health, so I explained to him the stipulations they had given me, before I got the chance to hash everything out with them and the law. Deflated at my words, Clifford said if he was in my shoes, he would probably just straight up left The Crossing than put up with what I’ve had to from them.
But it’s not all bad news, I promised him, as I excitedly showed him the signs to my new private clinic. He was a bit perplexed by the wording, but I explained the weight of all the stipulations I have to work under from law and from the Department of Health. No calling myself a doctor, nurse or medic, no saying or implying I’m part of the DoH, no employees, no considering myself an organisation, ensuring I have consent for everyone I treat, no public advertising as a place of medicine.
But with a small smile, he said he was happy for me and my new venture. He said that for what it’s worth, he’d highly recommend me and if he needs anything he’ll be sure to reach out to me.
But it’s not all bad news, I promised him, as I excitedly showed him the signs to my new private clinic. He was a bit perplexed by the wording, but I explained the weight of all the stipulations I have to work under from law and from the Department of Health. No calling myself a doctor, nurse or medic, no saying or implying I’m part of the DoH, no employees, no considering myself an organisation, ensuring I have consent for everyone I treat, no public advertising as a place of medicine.
But with a small smile, he said he was happy for me and my new venture. He said that for what it’s worth, he’d highly recommend me and if he needs anything he’ll be sure to reach out to me.
With a heavy sigh, Clifford was tired of waiting for the law to get back to him. We set off for Karrigan’s Ranch where he’d put his head down for the night. I miss Clifford…. I hate seeing him like this. He deserves better.
I hope I can see him again soon and we can go fishing or hunting, like before…..
I hope I can see him again soon and we can go fishing or hunting, like before…..
At the ranch we finished our conversation as Clifford was about to head inside. I said how much I missed getting to see him, and with a smile on his face he wrapped his arms around me in a warm embrace. I couldn’t help but giggle. It’s been a while since I’ve had a good Clifford hug!
I really do I hope I get to see him soon. But for now, it’s time for me to let him get some rest. As he headed inside, I mounted up and returned to Blackwater.
I really do I hope I get to see him soon. But for now, it’s time for me to let him get some rest. As he headed inside, I mounted up and returned to Blackwater.
Ah ha! Lola and Norman were waiting for me back at Blackwater. Lola thought it was sweet I had through about them for the coal job, and they would be glad to take it from me – they had the coal ready to go and they agreed the destinations were close it enough it was nice easy money!
Lola went to go and collect her wagon from the stables. As she did, I could have sworn I heard something from the main street. I looked for a few minutes, but…. Nothing. No commotion, no movement. I must be getting tired if I’m hearing things!
With Norman at the reigns of the wagon, Lola invited me onto her horse and we set off for Quaker’s Cove. No sooner had we left the limits of Blackwater did the conversation turn to Varek.
Lola told me her side of events and expressed her anger and sadness at the situation. So much had they tried to include him in the gang’s activities, but nothing that they did made him happy, nor did it ease the friction between him and the rest of the gang….
Lola told me her side of events and expressed her anger and sadness at the situation. So much had they tried to include him in the gang’s activities, but nothing that they did made him happy, nor did it ease the friction between him and the rest of the gang….
As we made our stop at Quaker’s Cove, Lola stepped away for a few minutes and Norman and I got to talking. Varek always mentioned conflict with Lola, but Norman wasn’t shy in pointing out his problems with Varek over everything that happened. I guess then it’s pretty clear the problems were the entire group against Varek, not just Varek and Lola…..
As the coal run I sourced for Lola and Norman came to an end, we set off to continue another coal run they had picked up earlier. This time, it seemed, we would be travelling much further afield.
As we rode, I tried to explain the situation to Lola and Norman. I have, I guess, a somewhat better understanding of Varek’s character than they do…. I’ve known him for longer than they have and our relationship runs…… or at least, ran… a lot deeper than their did…. The point is, I know things about him that they couldn’t….
As we rode, I tried to explain the situation to Lola and Norman. I have, I guess, a somewhat better understanding of Varek’s character than they do…. I’ve known him for longer than they have and our relationship runs…… or at least, ran… a lot deeper than their did…. The point is, I know things about him that they couldn’t….
I explained to them that the things Varek’s been through means his way of expressing himself isn’t the same as it would be for me, or for Lola, or for Norman. Yes, he might not sound terribly enthusiastic about doing something, BUTTTT if he doesn’t want to do something then he won’t stay. So the fact he does stay with them is telling that he was happy (or at least Varek’s version of happy) to be with them – even if his tone or word choice didn’t seem to match that.
They accepted that point, but also levelled that Varek had to accept theirs and the group could meet each other half way. The problem is, Lola continued, is that Varek will just keep arguing the same points over and over again until either she relents, or the relationship becomes irrecoverable – the latter is what seems to have happened.
I have to admit she has a point there…. I’ve very much had that experience of Varek when we were together. He would tell me everything was fine after an argument, then the next day he’d be back arguing the same points. I must confess it made me very upset at the time.
They accepted that point, but also levelled that Varek had to accept theirs and the group could meet each other half way. The problem is, Lola continued, is that Varek will just keep arguing the same points over and over again until either she relents, or the relationship becomes irrecoverable – the latter is what seems to have happened.
I have to admit she has a point there…. I’ve very much had that experience of Varek when we were together. He would tell me everything was fine after an argument, then the next day he’d be back arguing the same points. I must confess it made me very upset at the time.
As we continued on, we headed to Valentine to pick up more boxes to continue our deliveries. The tone of the conversation eased and we ended up on the conversation of cooking.
I was telling Lola about some of the Faroese delicacies, such as Skerpikjøt – fermented mutton – and other fermented dishes. Lola squirmed at the thought, and her discomfort clearly brought a cheeky smirk to Norman’s face as he kept teasing her. As he brought up maggots, Lola exploded: “OK! THAT’S ENOUGH!” – as Norman and I giggled to ourselves.
I was telling Lola about some of the Faroese delicacies, such as Skerpikjøt – fermented mutton – and other fermented dishes. Lola squirmed at the thought, and her discomfort clearly brought a cheeky smirk to Norman’s face as he kept teasing her. As he brought up maggots, Lola exploded: “OK! THAT’S ENOUGH!” – as Norman and I giggled to ourselves.
Coal deliveries concluded, we returned Lola’s wagon to the stables at Emerald and set off to do more work. Lola explained that the gang likes to play games on their adventures, having little friendly competitions with each other. And with barely a pause between sentences, it was 3, 2, 1 – go! First one to hunt a deer and return wins! Rifle in hand, we split our separate ways and went hunting!
As shots rang out in the distance, I knew at least one of them found a deer. I stumbled across one in a little dip right off the road. I lined up the perfect shot, but just as I was about to pull the trigger, another set of shots rang out – closer this time. The deer raised its head, and…… I missed!
Bannað veri! It looks like I was the only one not to catch a deer. No matter, Lola says, we’ll get one as we journey towards the butcher to complete the waybill.
As we came across another deer, it was game on again! Lola vs Norman, who could hunt the deer first. They ended up getting into a playful tiffle at the side of the road over it. A lovers tiffle, perhaps?
Jobs done for the day, I parted ways with Lola and Norman and headed back to town. I stopped by the telegrams in Valentine and sent that telegram to Sam. Hopefully this gives me the in to get Varek’s gun back.
I feel terrible that he got robbed and I didn’t…. Not that I’d rather they robbed me, mind! But everything’s pretty shit right now. Maybe it might mean something if I manage to get his gun back for him……
Either way, time for bed, I’ll pick all this up another day!
I feel terrible that he got robbed and I didn’t…. Not that I’d rather they robbed me, mind! But everything’s pretty shit right now. Maybe it might mean something if I manage to get his gun back for him……
Either way, time for bed, I’ll pick all this up another day!