Oakley ran his tongue over dry, cracked lips and looked out over the stark landscape before him. A blinding white blanket had fallen upon his world, covered any roads, signs, landmarks— any hope he had of navigating this vast expanse. For somebody that had spent much of their life in Wyoming, the mountains at his back may have provided some guidance, but he'd arrived just before the whole West went white and they proved to be of little help to him...it didn't help that he'd ruined his map, either. And so they plodded on blindly, with little except Beans's champion heart standing between them and a freezing demise. White fog shot from her nostrils with each labored breath, each weary step. She'd been struggling through this snow for days with barely any rest, and yet she trudged onwards.
On, and on, and on.
Until he got lucky enough to pass what appeared to be a snow-laden sign. A wave of relief washed over him as he nudged Beans along towards it, and swatted away the snow to reveal lettering beneath. Frozen lips sounded out the name etched into the wood— "Tem-per-ance…" Oakley snorted. If his prior experience with towns named the likes of Serenity, then this would be one of the drunkest towns in the whole damned West. But it was a town, and that meant there would be warmth. The mere thought of stepping into an inn and standing by the roaring hearth with outstretched fingers sent a thrill of anticipation down his spine. Perhaps there would even be somewhere to stable his horse.
"Lessgo, Beans." He turned the mare on her haunches and set off in the indicated direction. Temperance couldn't be too far off, not when it had a sign pointing the way. The ride was slow, but they were making progress.
Oakley only paused to examine, at a distance, a large animal somewhere to his right. At a first glance, it appeared to be another rider; but, as he looked closer, it became clear that it was not, and was in fact a lone buffalo. He inhaled sharply, only to cough as the frigid air assaulted his lungs. Once he'd recovered, he stood in his stirrups for a better view. Yes, it was— the bull's heavy cape was covered in snow that nearly made it blend right in, but it was definitely a bull, and a nice brute of one. That one animal could feed him for...hell, he didn't even know how long. But he'd be eating well, for sure. The one problem was that he had no way of dragging it with him, nor could he butcher it cleanly. Oakley could gut a squirrel, but what was he supposed to do with an entire buffalo?
He had no idea, but he reckoned someone in Temperance would. Maybe he could get some help, offer them a share of the meat if they helped carve the carcass. Yes! He'd bring help, shoot the bull, then they'd help him butcher it, and everyone would benefit! Except for the buffalo, he supposed. Prospect of food at the forefront of his mind, he whirled his horse around and bumped her into a trot. He'd let his game live for now, just to keep scavengers away while he fetched a few extra hands.
The rest of the ride into town went quickly, and upon his arrival, Oakley all but vaulted from the saddle. He paused then, wincing at the pain that shot up his ankles upon hitting the ground, but didn't dawdle. Once the pangs had faded to twinges, he scampered right inside (leaving his horse at the hitching post, but untied in her master's hurry). Though the original plan had been to fetch help and go right back, the warmth that washed over Oakley convinced him otherwise. Immediately, he felt the blood begin returning to his cheeks, the frozen tips of his hair thaw, warm air filling his lungs.
The buffalo wouldn't go very far, right? He surely had time for a drink, at least. Walking up to the counter and taking a seat, he requested a muleskinner, his drink of choice, and apologetically informed the barhop that he'd have to wait until his fingers could move again to get paid. As they were, Oakley highly doubted their ability to so much as wriggle into his pocket for change.
On, and on, and on.
Until he got lucky enough to pass what appeared to be a snow-laden sign. A wave of relief washed over him as he nudged Beans along towards it, and swatted away the snow to reveal lettering beneath. Frozen lips sounded out the name etched into the wood— "Tem-per-ance…" Oakley snorted. If his prior experience with towns named the likes of Serenity, then this would be one of the drunkest towns in the whole damned West. But it was a town, and that meant there would be warmth. The mere thought of stepping into an inn and standing by the roaring hearth with outstretched fingers sent a thrill of anticipation down his spine. Perhaps there would even be somewhere to stable his horse.
"Lessgo, Beans." He turned the mare on her haunches and set off in the indicated direction. Temperance couldn't be too far off, not when it had a sign pointing the way. The ride was slow, but they were making progress.
Oakley only paused to examine, at a distance, a large animal somewhere to his right. At a first glance, it appeared to be another rider; but, as he looked closer, it became clear that it was not, and was in fact a lone buffalo. He inhaled sharply, only to cough as the frigid air assaulted his lungs. Once he'd recovered, he stood in his stirrups for a better view. Yes, it was— the bull's heavy cape was covered in snow that nearly made it blend right in, but it was definitely a bull, and a nice brute of one. That one animal could feed him for...hell, he didn't even know how long. But he'd be eating well, for sure. The one problem was that he had no way of dragging it with him, nor could he butcher it cleanly. Oakley could gut a squirrel, but what was he supposed to do with an entire buffalo?
He had no idea, but he reckoned someone in Temperance would. Maybe he could get some help, offer them a share of the meat if they helped carve the carcass. Yes! He'd bring help, shoot the bull, then they'd help him butcher it, and everyone would benefit! Except for the buffalo, he supposed. Prospect of food at the forefront of his mind, he whirled his horse around and bumped her into a trot. He'd let his game live for now, just to keep scavengers away while he fetched a few extra hands.
The rest of the ride into town went quickly, and upon his arrival, Oakley all but vaulted from the saddle. He paused then, wincing at the pain that shot up his ankles upon hitting the ground, but didn't dawdle. Once the pangs had faded to twinges, he scampered right inside (leaving his horse at the hitching post, but untied in her master's hurry). Though the original plan had been to fetch help and go right back, the warmth that washed over Oakley convinced him otherwise. Immediately, he felt the blood begin returning to his cheeks, the frozen tips of his hair thaw, warm air filling his lungs.
The buffalo wouldn't go very far, right? He surely had time for a drink, at least. Walking up to the counter and taking a seat, he requested a muleskinner, his drink of choice, and apologetically informed the barhop that he'd have to wait until his fingers could move again to get paid. As they were, Oakley highly doubted their ability to so much as wriggle into his pocket for change.
Mia was restless. She'd been forced out of the Uinta's by the vanishing resources only a couple steps in front of the weather. She'd been fine until the last couple blizzards had pushed through forcing her into this outpost of human recalcitrance. Now here she was pissing away the money she had left on room and board. Her level of frustration must have shown on her face because for once none of the other patrons in the saloon had tried to chat her up or buy her a drink. The lever action Winchester leaning against her chair may have had something to do with it as well.
Pushing the empty plate of her dinner away Mia tried to think. To set up some kind of plan to get out of here or at least make enough to make staying palatable.
Pushing the empty plate of her dinner away Mia tried to think. To set up some kind of plan to get out of here or at least make enough to make staying palatable.
Mae walked to the Saloon to bein working. She walked in, got behind the bar and made sure it was clean and ready for whoever decided to drop in.
Ocean eyes scanned the forming scene around her. The hood from the young woman's outfit was snug on her head, forming a shadow on the top part of her face, making it very hard for someone to see her eyes. No matter the warmth inside the saloon, she was still, unfortunately a bit cold. She sat in a far corner, her chair facing the room, a wall behind her. She glanced at each persom in the room. Call it curiosity, call it paranoia- could be both-
Mazikeen liften the glass of bourbon to her lips, letting the cold liquid slide into her mouth. She swallowed, the alcohol burning her throat slightly, but the sensation was one she was used to, and loved. As the door opened, she watched a man walk in, and order a drink. Nothing unusual, but to her, today was unusual.
The young woman was used to being out and about, collecting bounties and having a full stomach.. But now that this horrendous weather came upon the state and possibly far more than, she felt out of character.. Out of routine. There were less and less food supply, which wasnt very great if youre on your feet all day- burning calories by the minute.. Taking a deep breath, Maze took anothed swig of the beverage, then setting the glass on a small table beside her. She needed something to do- something to get her moving. She couldnt stand sitting around all day.
Mazikeen liften the glass of bourbon to her lips, letting the cold liquid slide into her mouth. She swallowed, the alcohol burning her throat slightly, but the sensation was one she was used to, and loved. As the door opened, she watched a man walk in, and order a drink. Nothing unusual, but to her, today was unusual.
The young woman was used to being out and about, collecting bounties and having a full stomach.. But now that this horrendous weather came upon the state and possibly far more than, she felt out of character.. Out of routine. There were less and less food supply, which wasnt very great if youre on your feet all day- burning calories by the minute.. Taking a deep breath, Maze took anothed swig of the beverage, then setting the glass on a small table beside her. She needed something to do- something to get her moving. She couldnt stand sitting around all day.
Mae looked around the saloon to check if anyone else needed a drink.
He sat in silence for several minutes, letting the warmth spread from his fingertips to his chest and abdomen. His hands burned as they thawed quickly, but though it itched and hurt something awful, it was a good thing— and thus welcomed. Oakley gazed around the room over the rim of his cup, which he set down when it was empty. The tip of his tongue poked out from between his lips as he licked the remnants of his drink off and savored the faint trace of blackberry liquor from the beverage.
It was only after he'd taken his dear sweet time finishing his 'skinner that Oakley refocused on the task at hand. He leaned over the counter.
"Don't suppose you know any fellas'th a clue about buffalo butchering?" He drawled to the barkeep, who responded with a look more curious than anything. No, of course not. Oakley reckoned most outdoorsmen around these parts had already packed up and started venturing south. Those left here were probably the ones stuck for one reason or another.
He hadn't bothered to lower his voice, though, and it was likely that the whole saloon had heard the odd question.
It was only after he'd taken his dear sweet time finishing his 'skinner that Oakley refocused on the task at hand. He leaned over the counter.
"Don't suppose you know any fellas'th a clue about buffalo butchering?" He drawled to the barkeep, who responded with a look more curious than anything. No, of course not. Oakley reckoned most outdoorsmen around these parts had already packed up and started venturing south. Those left here were probably the ones stuck for one reason or another.
He hadn't bothered to lower his voice, though, and it was likely that the whole saloon had heard the odd question.
Mae looked up from the bar once she'd heard a patron mention ' buffalo butchering' " Maybe I should've told him that my pa taught me a thing or two about butchering buffalo back on the ranch." She thought out loud.
Mia looked up, distracted from her thoughts. There was a short young woman with curly black hair standing near her table. Mia followed the woman's gaze to the man sitting at the bar. He wasn't the big, smelly kind that she'd seen up to now. He was shorter, trimmer, and appeared generally better put together than most of the other patrons. Most importantly he looked like the kind to stop after Mia put a couple of inches of steel into him if anything went sour.
Well shit, a little bison sounds good right about now she thought to herself.
Pulling her Winchester onto her back by its worn leather strap she stood and walked over to the bar. Dropping into a seat two down from the man she propped her left foot onto the one next to him. Hopefully the sight of a woman in trousers would distract from her left hand in her pocket on her derringer. She wasn't a great shot with her left and a girl couldn't be too careful.
"I hear you say something about a Bison?" She asked.
Well shit, a little bison sounds good right about now she thought to herself.
Pulling her Winchester onto her back by its worn leather strap she stood and walked over to the bar. Dropping into a seat two down from the man she propped her left foot onto the one next to him. Hopefully the sight of a woman in trousers would distract from her left hand in her pocket on her derringer. She wasn't a great shot with her left and a girl couldn't be too careful.
"I hear you say something about a Bison?" She asked.
Mazikeen kept her gaze from falling, the warmth now causing her to feel a bit.. sleepy.. However, she knew the bitter cold would wake her right up. Taking a deep breath she stood, taking the glass with her. She drank the rest of the bourbon and set the glass on the bar, fully intending on leaving, but she heard the man speak about a bison- which of course caught her attention.
Her eyes examined the man, taking in the details, even what gun he had on him. She didn’t know how to butcher, but she would surely be useful for something. “Gonna need help rounding it up, Incase it tries to run- which it will,” Maze finally said, her voice silvery, yet small. She didn’t talk much to people and when she did, it was very short. But supplies were growing short, and this was her shot at a meal for today- so it wasn’t all that bad.
Her eyes examined the man, taking in the details, even what gun he had on him. She didn’t know how to butcher, but she would surely be useful for something. “Gonna need help rounding it up, Incase it tries to run- which it will,” Maze finally said, her voice silvery, yet small. She didn’t talk much to people and when she did, it was very short. But supplies were growing short, and this was her shot at a meal for today- so it wasn’t all that bad.
Mae continued serving drinks, wiping down the bar, and making small talk with whomever wished to speak with her.
He was surprised by the number of volunteers he got without even asking individuals for help, but at the same time, he was not. Just about anyone would be willing to do almost anything for a chance at a meal these days. The other surprise, though, was that they were women. Not that he saw anything wrong with that; his former companion had been the most capable person he'd ever known— and a woman. Like the girl beside him, she wore pants. And like the girl on how other side, she had red hair and blue eyes...and even being that, the resemblance was striking. His eyes lingered on the red-haired girl for a long moment before he turned and addressed the girl that had first asked about the bison.
"Yeah," he drawled, eyes running her up and down. Oakley could overlook her unusual attire, but couldn't help but take notice of her hand in her pocket, likely holding some kind of weapon. He raised a brow and pointedly ghosted his fingers over one of his pistols in a silent warning, but didn't draw or mention it. Once he thought he got the message across, he put both forearms back on the counter. "Found one just o'er yonder there." He paused to gesture vaguely in the general direction.
"Reckon I can shoot it fine enough, but dunno how I'm supposed to butcher the damned thing. You're welcome to take a cut've the bull if you'll help," Oakley promised. "N you too, and you." He nodded to the redhead, then the girl wiping counters that had said something about knowing how earlier. "Only so much meat one can carry; there'll be plenty to go round. Ya ladies got horses?"
"Yeah," he drawled, eyes running her up and down. Oakley could overlook her unusual attire, but couldn't help but take notice of her hand in her pocket, likely holding some kind of weapon. He raised a brow and pointedly ghosted his fingers over one of his pistols in a silent warning, but didn't draw or mention it. Once he thought he got the message across, he put both forearms back on the counter. "Found one just o'er yonder there." He paused to gesture vaguely in the general direction.
"Reckon I can shoot it fine enough, but dunno how I'm supposed to butcher the damned thing. You're welcome to take a cut've the bull if you'll help," Oakley promised. "N you too, and you." He nodded to the redhead, then the girl wiping counters that had said something about knowing how earlier. "Only so much meat one can carry; there'll be plenty to go round. Ya ladies got horses?"
Mae smiled. " I have my choice of a few horses on my family's ranch I can ask my pa to loan me one of his work horses if that'll help." Mae offered while shifting her green eyes from her work to the man speaking.
It took all of Mia's self control to keep the frustration from showing on her face that this man had noticed her security. Stupid, ham-fisted move she thought. Spent too long on your own away from people. Going to have to wise up fast
"My own feet have been good enough for me up until now, but I know how to ride if your pa is willing to lend something out. I may have enough to buy too if that's something he prefers. Though this Bison best be worth the price."
She stood and hooked her thumb through her leather gun belt.
"So we getting fed and paid or are we wasting more time in this shit hole?" She turned to the bartender.
"No offense." The dour faced man didn't even twitch one of his bushy eyebrows. He just grunted and moved down the line.
"My own feet have been good enough for me up until now, but I know how to ride if your pa is willing to lend something out. I may have enough to buy too if that's something he prefers. Though this Bison best be worth the price."
She stood and hooked her thumb through her leather gun belt.
"So we getting fed and paid or are we wasting more time in this shit hole?" She turned to the bartender.
"No offense." The dour faced man didn't even twitch one of his bushy eyebrows. He just grunted and moved down the line.
Mae snapped back into work mode. " Oh, yes. So sorry. What can I get you?" She asked Mia while stammering.
"Oh Shit, sorry. I was talking to him." Mia jerked her other thumb towards the man at the bar. "Afraid I just ate a moment ago. This venture pans out though and I'll have plenty to spend." She turned back to the man, raising an eyebrow expectantly.
" Oh I'm sorry that I misunderstood you. I'll get back to my job." Mae said as she resumed going around the saloon to check if anyone needed anything.
"From the looks of this guy, I think he's going to need all the help he can get. I'm sure you're welcome if you've the interest" Mia called after her
Oakley shot the woman the sourest look he could muster. "I'd watch it," he warned sharply. "Going round insultin strangers— you're asking for trouble, and damned lucky I don't give it to ya." Had she been a man, he would have reacted more aggressively, and she was lucky he had a soft spot for ladies— the boy was a complete hothead otherwise
"Now if you're comin, why don'tch'all come on out, show us to your farm, miss." He addressed the saloon girl now, and in a more mild tone than he had the other woman.
Oakley let the suggestion hang in the air and pushed off his stool, strode out the door, and took Beans's reins. He didn't mount— regardless of how rough around the edges he was, his mother had still raised a gentleman. So long as both ladies walked, so would he.
"Now if you're comin, why don'tch'all come on out, show us to your farm, miss." He addressed the saloon girl now, and in a more mild tone than he had the other woman.
Oakley let the suggestion hang in the air and pushed off his stool, strode out the door, and took Beans's reins. He didn't mount— regardless of how rough around the edges he was, his mother had still raised a gentleman. So long as both ladies walked, so would he.
Maze felt her eyes meet the man’s eyes as she noticed him looking at her. She wondered what is answer would be, but as he turned his attention toward the other woman, Mazikeen decided to occupy herself. Of course she could leave right now, get on her stallion and go find that damned bison, but even though she seemed like it at times- she wasn’t heartless. People needed fed just as she did. Lifting her hand, she gently waved to get the bartender’s attention. “Could I get another bourbon... please,” she nodded lightly, her eye lids half closed.
Mazikeen rested her chin on her hand, her eyes scanning the various bottles of almost empty alcohol behind the counter. Her back being to the door was new and uneasy for her, but she really didn’t feel like moving at this point. Her eyes fell to the counter that she leaned against. The shiny top almost reflected her reflection. But all she could really see was her bright red hair and slightly pale skin. Huffing in disappointment, she looked away from the counter. The winter really rids people of their tans. Her eyes went back to the bartender, just then hearing the man speak. Letting the air escape her lungs in a small, yet content sigh, she slid off her stool. Because of her height- which she was very self conscious about- she was finally able to touch the ground, now that she was off the stool. Looking at the others around her, she followed the man out without a word and nearly forgetting about ordering another drink.
Once she was out, she smiled, seeing her black stallion waiting for her right where she had left him. She felt a bit bad as the weather was horrible and she was very lucky to even have him alive this long, but it wasnt like he was allowed inside the saloon.. Mazikeen untied his reins from the post and she let her, now freezing, fingers pet between his eyes. With all this, she stayed silent, noticing the man’s change in demeanor.. And her experience with men was never all that great- but not all men are the same.. Besides that, she still chose to keep to herself- especially since she basically invited herself onto this “trip.”
Mazikeen rested her chin on her hand, her eyes scanning the various bottles of almost empty alcohol behind the counter. Her back being to the door was new and uneasy for her, but she really didn’t feel like moving at this point. Her eyes fell to the counter that she leaned against. The shiny top almost reflected her reflection. But all she could really see was her bright red hair and slightly pale skin. Huffing in disappointment, she looked away from the counter. The winter really rids people of their tans. Her eyes went back to the bartender, just then hearing the man speak. Letting the air escape her lungs in a small, yet content sigh, she slid off her stool. Because of her height- which she was very self conscious about- she was finally able to touch the ground, now that she was off the stool. Looking at the others around her, she followed the man out without a word and nearly forgetting about ordering another drink.
Once she was out, she smiled, seeing her black stallion waiting for her right where she had left him. She felt a bit bad as the weather was horrible and she was very lucky to even have him alive this long, but it wasnt like he was allowed inside the saloon.. Mazikeen untied his reins from the post and she let her, now freezing, fingers pet between his eyes. With all this, she stayed silent, noticing the man’s change in demeanor.. And her experience with men was never all that great- but not all men are the same.. Besides that, she still chose to keep to herself- especially since she basically invited herself onto this “trip.”
Mae noticed the wave and quickly rushed to the patron who'd requested bourbon with another glass of the requested drink. " Here you go. Feel free to let me know if you need anything else." Mae said with a smile before making her way to the various patrons to check if they needed anything. Being a saloon girl was tiring, nut she enjoyed interacting with various people and her warm smile tended to help put people at ease around her.
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