#john o'creagh

[gametastic-photography]

Gold Panning Mod, by Shtivi on Nexus mods

You can find the mod here

Installation is quite easy and can be done by reading the description on the mod page.

Shall we get onto the mod?

You will get several pan blips all over your map after installing. These are where you will be setting up your gold panning camp.

Of course less will be available to you if you are playing as Arthur rather than John as you have restricted zones (I have yet to try these if they still work with Rampage Trainer [disable invisible sniper] and [disable wanted], [law ignores] This mod works without Rampage trainer

The set up is easy and simple with a press of a button, just go to the location you prefer and set up camp by pressing the prompt button on the bottom right corner (this will change weather you are using a controller or not)

This is your camp, it is the same from what I noticed in any location

Let's now start prospecting!

You will have to find the bucket, this can change depending on camp location, which can be quite annoying for some including me.

Pick up your bucket by approaching a empty bucket and pressing the prompt [Pick up] again, the prompt button can vary with controllers and in-game prompts

go to the river around ankle to knee deep and wait for the prompt to become white than fill the bucket, an animation will play and your bucket will be filled. Than its time to fill your station!

go over to your shifting box and press the prompt to [pour] like the image shows below

Now its time to put down the bucket. Do the same action from earlier and this place put it down wherever you please. I like to put it somewhere easy to access, near the river, wherever you prefer, I just recommend not to place it on an object as this can cause clipping and cause you possibly to unable to use it once more. An animation will play.

its time to start shifting and finding some loot!

Now go over to your sifting box (square shaped table contraption) and click on the prompt

Same as before. this will slowly fill with no interaction or will go faster and your character will move faster. (I say they are doing a little dance)

You will find more valuables depending on the location

the valuables include (Least expensive to most) these have a high chance at ending up in your inventory but there is a slim chance they will just disappear into thin air, this is likely a bug.

Rock(Nothing gets discarded)

Silver Tooth

Gold Tooth

Gold Nugget

Example; you will find more valuables at (what I found to be) Aurora Basin and I found little to none at O'Creaghs Run.

Gold panning also is possible at night due to them including a handy little lantern, it isnt so bright but this game's nights aren't as dark as the true west would be, likely for ease of gameplay.

Thank you for joining my rundown of this mod! I hope to create more in the future, likely with Rampage Trainer or other mods I enjoy. But only the future will tell.

[hangingoffence]

omg tell me about rdr wip 2!!!

thank you<333 ok ok this one is about adult Jack Marston after Abigail's death and after he took revenge on Ross for killing his father. He left his home in Beecher's Hope. He traveled around and in the Grizzlies he meets a man, Arthur. Hes a ghost but still appears to be aging and "lives" in O'Creagh's Run. Its mostly about Jack and Arthur talking and Jack having a weird déjà vu moment about it.

Arthur's and Jack's relationship is so interesting to me. And Arthur clearly being the stronger father figure to Jack when he was young but i think his memories of him faded over time. Like it did from his whole time under the gang. And John and Abigail not talking about Arthur wouldn't really help. Also i just wanted to write Arthur as an old wrinkled man, he deserves it.

He camped not far from the road. After hunting a rabbit for dinner and readying his tent, Jack noticed a deer. It stood a not far and partly hid behind the trees. It looked at him weird. It clearly noticed him but didn't run off as a normal one would. But rather it turned around and walked away slowly. Giving him a one last look back. Jack felt the urge to follow. He took his repeater and headed in the deer's direction. Its tracks went up further the mountain. So much that his breath started to fog and the jacket didn't warm him that much anymore. He regretted not taking his horse. The tracks stopped short of a clearance. It's like the deer vanished into thin air. But when looking around Jack saw a man. Sitting on a rock facing the view from the mountain. To his right stood a soft cream-coloured horse that seemed to shine golden in the evening sun.

wip tag game

[nthspecialll]

Hiii! I love all your character analysis posts and theories so much, and was wondering if you have done any theories about where the gang was before Blackwater, by chance? I think I saw a post recently mentioning Montana but I can't for the life of me remember if it was you who posted it or not! 😅

But I've wondered about their locations before RDR2 a lot and would love to hear your thoughts about it. I remember reading a very early page in Arthur's journal about how they were in the Northen Grizzlies? But apart from that I can't remember anything else about locations, if there were any mentioned. And I'm sorry if you have done a post like this already, it's just a little piece of the backstory I'd like to hear theories about 😊

I have not talked about it but I definetely can! Also thank you for liking my stuff!!

Well, firstly, some places that exist in real life does not exist in red dead and those are the places on the map. Texas is New Austin, New Orleans is Saint Denis and Luisiana is Lemoyne, meanwhile Californa and New York does exist in game, meaning we can't completely be sure what places exist unless they are directly mentioned.

Firstly, we know they have been in Chicago, that is where Dutch and Hosea met! Then in 1877 the pair went to Kettering, Ohio, where they scammed 300$ out of the residents, later that year we know that they met Arthur in the Northern states somewhere, which could also be Montana! We do not know more than it was someplace in the North.

We also know some time before they met Arthur, they went to Blackwater once but exactly when we do not know.

In 1885 we know they were in Illinois, saving and picking up John Marston and two years later they robbed their first bank Lee and Hoyt, which we do not know where is.

But between then and 1898, they robbed 36 banks across the frontier as stated by Ross in rdr1, which is where we get the famous "We were told there was a price when we reached 50." The wiki page of the VDL gang does say they came to Montana in 1898 but they won't give me source to confirm it, which is a little annoying, but just mentioning it.

We know at some point between 1893 and 1898, after Bill joining the gang, they went to Canada, him, Arthur and Uncle robbing a bank together.

At some point between 1895 and 1897, we also know they went to Tocson Arizona, where Javier and Arthur robbed a bank together with Karen who dressed up as a nun and hid firearms under her clothing.

We also know that for a while they would return to the same places for Arthur's romances. Both with Eliza, where he could pop by every few months and for Mary, whom they at least returned to after 1894 when Abigail joined, and before the deaths of Annabelle and Bessie.

Either way, now we come to the fun parts, around winter 1898, the gang was up in what is called the Northern Grizzles, we only have access to the western (Around Mount Hagen) and Eastern (O'Creagh's Run), so I would assume that the Northen are outside the map, probably up above the Wapiti Reservation somewhere.

They traveled down the "Western Foothill of the mountians", not sure what road they took as it could be one off map, which I would honestly guess, probably traveling around the cold of Colter and coming in from left side of the map. Either way, they most likely ended up somewhere down by and Big Valley, which can match up with the fact that Arthur mentions that life was good and food was easy to find. That area does have a lot of easy food access and so forth.

Now I have seen a few people say Dutch met Micah in Strawberry, which is honestly very fair assumption, it matches up with a lot, but a simple fact is forgotten, Strawberry does not have a bar, which is where they met.

I would say that Micah most likely had been in Strawb and done, whatever business he had with Slim and Martha (I believe their names were), and traveled up and out of map where he met Dutch and then decided to join them back down.

Afterwards they traveled down to Blackwater where they "hid in plain sight" right outside town as Arthur says he does not like being so close to the town, and considering how close they were to Valentine, I would guess they camped at the ledges where Charles and Javier hides when going to find Sean, either there or the other side of the town.

Blackwater Camp:

But even though they were camped so close to down, Arthur funnily enough still stayed in town from time to time. It does however not seem that they were settled there or in Big Valley for very long, as Arthur also says that they have been running more than normally those weeks.

Now we get to a bit that confuses me because suddenly the group goes from the southern part of the map down in Blackwater, to suddenly appearing up by Spider Grove by Colter, and Arthur mentions that they headed "east over the Grizzlies" so they went west from Blackwater, out of the map, and then up North only to go east again. Not to mention that it seems they did it in a fairly short time, they haven't had proper time to talk about what happened, they were still shook, Davey was not yet dead from a gut wound and Jenny was burried not far from where we first see the gang?

See that is a little confusing, but I hope that answers your question! I had a lot of fun answering it at least, rereading Arthur's journal and all.

[scarfacemarston]

Behind the scenes of RDR Actors part 2! 

[coldmorte]

Dutch just yelled at Buell...?

[davidosu87]

[its-deputy-caleb]

VDL Gang & their three year anniversary with their S/O

i saw on twitter that today is officially when rdr2 came out three years ago and to celebrate that i decided to write something for how the boys would celebrate. <333 also sorry i didn’t do bill i lost inspo :(

Dutch Van Der Linde

For your three years together Dutch decides to take you out of camp for the night and get away from the stress of the gang.

He takes you to Saint Denis where you can easily blend in and go undetected as outlaws but the two of you can still have a pleasant night out.

Dutch takes you to see an Opera or movie depending on your preferences and then out of one of the fancier restaurants in town. Its all very romantic and over the top but its certainly Dutch’s style and he spends each moment he can complimenting you or telling you how much he loves you.

By the end of the night while you’re waiting for the train, you slow dance together on the side of the platform to the sound of a gramophone coming from one of the windows.

Hosea Matthews

Hosea takes you up past O'Creagh's Run to a small cabin where you spend a few nights together.

No, neither of you attempt to go after legendary bears but you do go fishing and get some hunting done so you can come back to the cabin and cuddle with a nice warm bowl of stew.

Some nights when its not too cold, the two of you take your bedrolls out and watch the stars under the sky where its just so peaceful and quiet.

While you’re there all huddled together Hosea will tell you just how much he loves you and how happy he is to have you in his life.

Arthur Morgan

Arthur takes you away from camp for a week to go on a mini trip around to some of his favourite places that he’s visited.

You end up all over whether its climbing Mount Shann and nearly falling off the cliff or if its sitting under the waterfall near Willard’s rest. The two of you set up your tent for the night after a day of hunting and exploring.

At each place Arthur tells you another reason as to why he loves you and why he’s so happy to have you in his life.

By the end of your trip on your last night Arthur gifts you a sketch of the two of you together that he’s kept safe in his journal.

Charles Smith

Charles takes you out to the Heartlands for the day where he teaches you how to tame a horse. The whole way there he can’t stop smiling because you get to share his Taima and its just one big excuse to hug him for hours.

After a lot of work and you nearly landing face first into a pile of mud, Charles takes you into Valentine where he buys you a new saddle and all the other accessories as a sort of anniversary gift.

You end up having a meal and a drink together at the saloon before crashing at the Hotel after a long day.

Its rather quiet in terms of a celebration but getting a day just to spend with each other is more than either of you could ask for.

John Marston

John panics for a week because he’s not overly romantic and doesn’t want to mess anything up.

He ends up taking you to see a show in the local town. You can tell he’s nervous even in the dark room and so you reach across the chair and hold his hand to which you can practically hear him smile.

You end up popping by the general store and grabbing some drinks for the two of you before you wander down to a nearby river.

John pours a drink for the two of you while you rest your head on his shoulder and watch the moonlight bounce off the water. Later (after a few too many drinks) John will get all sappy and tell you just how much you mean to him.

Micah Bell

Micah originally planned just to take you to the saloon for a drink, not wanting to appear like these sorts of things got to him but in the end he caved for you.

He took you up near Strawberry to one of your old hides out from when you’d first gotten together. Micah had been there the day before stressing over making his little camp tidy and getting up the tent.

There’s a small basket of gifts including a new knife (common its Micah), a bottle of whiskey and some snacks like cheese and salted meats.

Its a quiet celebration for the two of you and the whole night he doesn’t let go of your hand. After Micah drinks most of the bottle of whiskey he becomes a total sap and can’t stop repeating that he loves you.

Javier Escuella

Javier takes you out of camp in the late afternoon to walk down by the water. Your arm is locked in his and you’re just enjoying each others company but you note Javier has a bag over his shoulder.

You eventually come to a spot just as the sun is setting and start fishing together. You’ve never been one for fishing so Javier comes to stand behind you and he helps you cast the line (and he gets to hug you)

After the sun has gone down you make a little camp with some supplies from his bag and you eat the fish you caught for dinner.

It’s warm enough that you don’t need a tent, just a bedroll but you do get to cuddle together. Javier will sing to you while you drift off to sleep and gently whisper just how much he loves you.

Lenny Summers

Lenny gets so excited for your anniversary and can’t wait to show you what he has planned.

First its a nice but casual dinner up at the saloon and a couple of drinks just to spend some time together. Then he brings you back to camp where he has a boat waiting for the two of you.

He helps you in the boat and rows you out into the middle of the lake, far out of sight of the other members. The two of you laugh and have fun together, exploring one of the nearby islands before hopping back in after seeing a snapping turtle.

Lenny brings out a gift that he had hidden under his jacket. Its a brand new pair of riding boots and he promises that he’ll be here long enough to see you wear them down to the point of needing a new pair because he’s promised to grow old with you.

Sean Macguire

For your three year anniversary Sean has to hold the biggest party for the gang.

There’s going to be whiskey everywhere and a table for people to bring you gifts, cards and letters but they won’t be opened that night because you’re too busy celebrating.

Sean stands on top of the table after his fifth? No sixth whiskey and tells everyone just how much he loves ya

Of course in the late hours of the night when everyone starts to crash and its just the two of you together Sean is a puddle of tears and a total softie as cuddles you and tells you that he’s so in love with you that it should be criminal.

[cap-sweet-and-salty-sadness]

I buried you in the snow

Arthur was done. He was done listening to Dutch's pretty speeches that proved to be nothing but empty words, he was done being the fool who robbed and kidnapped and killed in the name of money he never saw the light of day and fame that earned him nothing but to be chased out of towns. Sure, it had been funny at first to compare his bounty with the gang and puff out with pride at the knowledge his was the highest, but now all he felt was guilt and anger at blindly following Dutch and Hosea for so long.

Years of being the workhorse without even thinking of questioning if what he was doing was the right thing.

He was a goddamn fool, he thought bitterly as he threw another pebble at the lake, not even trying to make it ricochet anymore. He grabbed the neck of the whiskey bottle next to him and took a long swig of it. He barely felt the heat anymore, as drunk as he already was. The pain, at least, was more bearable. He sighed into the cold night and sniffed. His fingers were frozen and he shook them to warm them up. He'd been at the O'Creagh's Run lake for a week now, to try and figure out what he wanted to do.

The thing was, he didn't know. He'd been a Van Der Linde boy for so long, blindly doing their bidding, that his own ambitions were now nebulous. He never had to think too much about what he wanted. Settling down with Eliza had been his first time choosing something for himself, and although he loved being a father, he’d tried to juggle both worlds without ever fully committing, incapable of leaving his so-called family for an actual one of his own.

It’d also happened without much input from him other than a drunken tumble behind a tavern. He missed his boy, missed him every time he had those moments of discovering something and he’d think he’d love to see this before remembering that he was long gone and he wouldn’t show him anything new ever again. He’d cherished every moment spent with him, wished he’d had more. Jack had reminded him of Isaac every goddamn day, like a wound that would open again and again until its raw edges remained permanent on his heart.

Abigail's son wouldn't grow up with a father either, even though everyone knew John hadn’t been his biological one. Christ, the man had never slept with her and yet had decided to take responsibility of the both of them for some foolish, heroic reason after he’d disappeared for a whole year. It had been around the same time Arthur had been recovering from his relationship with Mary, harsh with his words and crankier than ever. They never discussed about it, not even as they slowly grew close again, and closer still.

And then Blackwater happened and John had died, not killed by the law but eaten by wolves. Arthur could still see his body whenever he closed his eyes for too long, face bloodied and body already half frozen. He couldn't remember how Javier and him managed to make a burial for him, refusing to let the wolves have the rest of him. They'd left him there, his tomb marked by nothing but a few rocks stacked together. Arthur hadn’t even had time to mourn him.

It hadn't been the same once they settled in Colter, and it definitely hadn't been the same without Jenny, the Callahans and John. He missed that goddamn bastard, his raspy voice good for nothing but complain about this and that, getting in Arthur's way more times that he could count and following him around instead of doing his camp's chores. John had pretended he wanted to help , but they both knew Arthur was usually better on his own. He still let him accompany him, like the besotted fool he was.

Tonight, Arthur was utterly alone, with nothing but regrets and misery to keep him company, and whatever whiskey he had left. He scratched his beard and looked up at the starry sky, so bright at this time of the night. It was the day before the full moon, which explained why he kept hearing the wolves howl back and forth in the surrounding forest. Buell, the magnificent horse that Hamish had given to him before dying, didn't seem worried, munching on the hay Arthur had spread for him.

His firecamp was down to embers. He’d been nursing his flask for a while now and hadn’t bothered feeding it. He was starting to get sleepy anyway. He used his knife to fetch the last slice of pineapple from the tin can he was holding and drank the juice before stuffing the fire with dirt.

He hazardly put his revolvers on the table and started undressing, throwing his clothes on a chair. He hadn't been bothered the whole time he'd been at the lake, other than chasing away wolves who hadn't dared to come back, and he’d taken to sleep naked simply because he could. He brought one of his guns on the end table and crashed on the bed, slipping under the covers when the cold was too much for his bare ass. Drinking himself to sleep had the benefit of having him black out almost instantly. He slept soundly without nightmares.

He woke up to a splash outside. He groaned and jerked his head up, dizzy. It was close to dawn, judging from the lightening sky, and he remained in bed for a moment confused as to why he was awake. Then he heard it again. There definitely was an animal in the lake splashing around. It was quite usual, but this one seemed to be big and struggling. He could hear them whimper in panic. He'd heard horses drown before and it wasn't pleasant, not at all. As much as he hunted for food, if there was a way for him to save animals, he at least would try.

That's what he told himself as he quickly got up with a wince, his head dully throbbing. He had the mind to put on his jeans before grabbing his lasso and heading outside. The moonlight was enough for him to see, and he spotted the disturbance immediately. He tried to identify what they were as he rushed around the lake on unsteady feet.

At first he thought it might be a moose, for how big it seemed to be. "Hang on just a bit longer," he muttered as he tried to figure out how to proceed. He couldn't see antlers to throw his lasso at, but he did see a head poking out, human-like arms valiantly attempting to swim but obviously not knowing how. Was this a person? Arthur swung his lasso for momentum and threw it forward, successfully wrapping it around one arm. "Come on, big fella, I gotchu." He started pulling, struggling at the heavy weight. This ought to be a big fella indeed.

A big, hairy fella.

Read on Ao3

[inkrabbit]

I have decided that any characters in RDR2 that go by a nickname, or don’t even have a name, shall be named after their voice actor. The gorgeous bounty hunter with no name, but a voice so perfect she could tell me to throw myself off a cliff and I would? Ebony Blake. Shaky? Joshua Bass. Uncle? Red Harlow John O'Creagh

[porkchop-ao3]

A Thrill I’ve Never Known (Chapter 20)

Out In The Open

So this chapter contains hunting and of course animal death. Hunting trip with Arthur and Charles! 

(All chapters tagged with #ATINK and also posted on Ao3, username PorkChop)

-

Despite going a long time sleeping in a tent just like the one I'd borrowed from John, completely alone while feeling completely fine… the thought of wolves and bears skulking around kept me up. I stared up at the top of the tent, watching the play of light coming through from the flickering fire, seeing it dim and brighten, dim and brighten. I kept hearing rustling, footsteps, movement, and as much as I told myself it was the horses – which it most definitely was – I found myself laying perfectly still, ears straining. I knew that if a wolf turned up, we'd know about it pretty damn fast from the fuss the horses'd make, but still. Fear wasn't always rational. 

I started stressing, knowing that if I didn't fall asleep soon I'd be dead on my feet the next day and be useless. I squeezed my eyes shut and laid there for another ten minutes or so, but I kept hearing things and my body would tense up all over again. I felt like I should be sleeping with my gun, just like Arthur had joked about, and seriously contemplated going out to get it. 

In the end I did. I sat up and gingerly pulled back the flaps of my tent, looking around. The fire was still going, just a little weaker than before, and of course there was nothing waiting outside for me but midges and moths. I crept out of my tent and scuttled over to where the saddles were, my rifle was hidden underneath mine and I carefully lifted it up. I was being as quiet as I could, in fact, I thought that I was being pretty silent, but I was wrong.

"What'chu doing out here?"

I nearly screamed, but only a squeak escaped me as I spun around to see Arthur poking his head out of his tent. I clapped a hand over my chest and panted, my heart going a mile a minute. 

"Jesus…" I breathed. Arthur waved me over to him, looking around the place. I abandoned my gun and approached him. 

"What's wrong?" He asked me in a hissy little whisper.

"Nothing," I lied, shaking my head. 

"What're you doing by the saddles; you hear something?"

"I've been hearing a lot of things," I let out a breathy laugh and shook my head. "I was looking for my rifle, just to have with me, just in case."

"Well, I've got my revolver in here, thing barely leaves my side. You really wanna be sleeping cuddled up to a damn rifle, though?" He laughed incredulously and I shook my head. 

"Not particularly. But I don't have no dainty guns," I smirked. "I'm sorry for waking you."

"You didn't, I weren't asleep yet. Why don't… why don't you come in here with me?" He suggested. The offer took me by surprise and my brows raised of their own accord. "Or not, 's up to you," he glanced away casually. 

"Scoot over, then," I said, dropping to my knees and peeling back the tent flap a little further. Arthur looked shocked that I'd agreed and quickly made room for me, watching me with this cute, wide-eyed look on his face. I grinned at him as I joined him in the tight space, settling down on my side as he moved to lay down beside me. 

Both of us were still dressed, but he'd taken off his shirt to reveal his union suit underneath, and he adjusted his blanket to cover us both. The size of the tent and the blanket forced us together, and we laid face to face just a few inches apart, a position I was certainly pleased with. For a moment, Arthur didn't seem to know what to do with his arms.

"You mind if I," he trailed off, his arm hovering over my waist to illustrate his meaning.

"Be my guest," I told him, scooting just a little closer as his hand settled on my side, holding me carefully. I let out a content breath and closed my eyes, resting my head on my folded arm.

After a moment, Arthur's thumb started idly stroking back and forth, immediately becoming the only thing I could think about. Just above my hip, a spot so intimate I'd never been touched there before, eventually I opened my eyes to peek at him. His eyes were still open but they were soft, out of focus where they settled on my torso, he appeared to be lost in thought and he didn't notice me looking at him. I lifted a hand and placed it against his chest, capturing his attention. We looked at each other for a few moments, then I leaned in to kiss him. 

My kiss was timid, not quite used to initiating that kind of thing just yet, but Arthur responded all the same. It was sweet, at first, but I sensed him getting absorbed in the act as he became a little more insistent, passionate. I didn't oppose it, I would be mirroring his energy just as eager if it weren't for my worries of starting something I wasn't prepared to finish. Not with Charles sleeping a few feet away. So when his hand started exploring, ghosting up my side and forwards just a bit, moving dangerously close to my chest, I caught his hand and pulled away. 

"I'm sorry," he immediately uttered in the quiet. "Don't know what came over me."

"Don't be sorry. I would love to carry on like that but…" I whispered, my lips still a few centimetres from his. "I wanna wait till we're alone."

"I know, I know, me too, I'm just getting carried away," he explained, shaking his head. "You have that effect on me. You're dangerous."

I snickered, dipping my head into the hollow of his collar bone. He wrapped his arms snugly around me and leaned his cheek on my head. We stayed like that, and at some point we fell asleep together.

-

I woke up before Arthur did. In the night we'd shifted and I found myself laying half on top of him, my leg hooked over his and my head on his chest. Poor man, I hoped he'd slept through it and I hadn't kept him awake with my weight on him. I quickly remembered where we were, and rolled off of him so I could get up and sneak to my own tent before everyone else woke up. I kept my eyes on Arthur as I crawled out of the tent, backside-first, careful not to wake him. He was still sound asleep by the time I removed myself, and I closed up the tent with a smile on my face. 

A smile that swiftly dropped as soon as I turned around and spotted Charles there, just sitting by his tent and watching me with a completely blank, unreadable expression, steaming coffee in his hand. 

We stared at each other for a lengthy few moments before I let out an odd chuckle. 

"Good morning, Charles," I said. 

"Good morning," he replied, a playful sort of tone to his voice, like he was mocking me without really mocking me. 

"Sleep well?" I asked. Charles smirked and poured me a cup of coffee, he held it out to me and I came to sit close by, taking the cup with an appreciative nod.

"Just fine, thanks. How'd you and Arthur sleep?" He asked. My cheeks flushed and I couldn't help but imagine what he must be thinking. 

"Charles, I want you to know that nothing… nothing odd happened. I'd hate for you to think we were being, uhh, improper, in your company," I explained meekly, staring down into my coffee mug. I heard him laugh. 

"It's not my business."

"It's the truth, though. I merely got a little, dare I say, scared, being out here with the wolves," I added.

"You don't owe me an explanation," he assured me, and I looked up at him to see him smiling. "I'm a little surprised, but at the same time I'm not. If you and Arthur have found happiness in each other, I'm pleased for you both."

"Thank you," I breathed. "It's all very new. We weren't planning on telling anyone right away."

"I'll keep my mouth shut, don't you worry. I'm not one for gossip."

"I didn't think you would be," I nodded. 

"We should wake him up soon, anyway. Start heading past the lake, into the hills and woods. We spend the day out there, I see no reason why we can't find two or three bears. Should make the camp a little more comfortable for us people who aren't lucky enough to have a bed," he raised his voice at the end of his sentence, looking over towards Arthur's tent with a playful smile on his face. A little grunting sound came from across the camp and I snorted. 

Rustling could be heard and a few moments later Arthur emerged, yawning and rubbing at his eye. "Mornin', folks," he murmured. Charles poured yet another cup of coffee and passed it to me so I could hand it to Arthur when he sat down beside me. 

"I hope you're well-rested. We have a long day ahead," Charles said. Arthur nodded, sipping at his coffee and taking a long breath. He glanced at me, giving me a gestural nod. 

"You survived the wolves," he noted with a dry chuckle and I simply nodded, looking down at the ground in mild embarrassment, knowing that Charles knew where I'd slept. Charles got up and started packing up his tent, leaving Arthur and I to finish our coffee.

"How'd you sleep?" Arthur asked tentatively, quietly, only in my earshot.

"Like a little baby," I told him and he nodded, pleased. 

"Me too, we should bunk together more often." 

It was uttered so innocently, but there was a hint of a smirk at the corner of his mouth at made me snicker and flush.  

"Drink up you two, we should start moving," Charles told us, walking past to get his saddle. 

"Yes, sir," I nodded, downing my coffee and hopping to my feet.

We headed out on our horses after pulling down our temporary campsite, emerging from the small smattering of trees we had camped in to get back on the trail. We were about half an hour out from O'Creagh's Run, and when we eventually stepped out into the open air surrounding it, I was momentarily stunned by the beauty of the place. Never in my life had I been this far up North, the climate up there was considerably cooler, and the ground was rockier. Craggy mountains cropped up all around, it felt almost like being in a giant bowl between those and the tall treeline behind us. The lake was still and quiet, reflecting the wispy clouds over head, a picture that shuddered and distorted as a group of deer scattered and pranced through the shallowest parts when they clocked our arrival. 

There was a small cabin built close to the edge of the water on one side of the lake, and I wondered who lived in a place like this; so secluded from the rest of society. It was a life I could see myself being quite content with; once upon a time I figured that's how I'd live for the rest of my life, completely on my lonesome. Now the idea still appealed to me, but a little company would be nice. My eyes found Arthur at the thought, riding just ahead of me; I'd fallen to the back of the pack, and I watched him taking in the scenery as rapt as I had been. He'd pulled on a worn, chestnut leather hunting jacket with fringing that shivered with his movements and the breeze. It was similar to the one my father used to wear, the one that I'd kept with me until it'd been stolen. That one had been black and entirely too big for me, of course, but it'd been useful on particularly cold nights.

We reached the other side of the lake and Charles stopped his horse, Arthur and I doing the same as he dismounted and pulled his rifle from his saddle; slinging it over his back. 

"We can leave the horses here; they can drink and rest while we carry on on foot. We'll head into those trees, take a look around for tracks," he cast his arm out ahead of us, towards a rocky incline, heading up towards a dense patch of trees. "You ever tracked game like this?" He looked to me as I swung down from Rayna. 

"Once or twice. I generally hunt easy game, don't have to look for long before I spot something. Deer, rabbits, you know," I admitted with a shrug. "But I've tracked deer before, in less populated areas."

"Alright, this shouldn't be much different, then."

"I don't imagine so. I just gotta keep my eyes peeled for huge bear claws rather than dainty little hoof prints," I laughed to myself and Arthur glanced at me. 

"With the three of us here, we're bound to do well," Arthur said, grabbing his own gun. I hung my rifle from my shoulder before giving Rayna an apple to munch on, and patting her neck. 

I joined Charles who was already making his way to the treeline. The ground leading up to it was a little steep and smooth under foot from weathered rock, my feet slipped on more than one occasion, and Arthur had to catch me from skidding down to the bottom again with quick reflexes and a hand around my wrist. 

"Watch yourself," he chuckled. Luckily, the rock merged to grass up ahead, the softer ground a little grippier, and I was at less risk of breaking my neck; Arthur kept hold of me until we made it there and I thanked him quietly. 

"I'm thinking we would do well splitting up and looking for a trail," Charles said, turning around to look at us. I didn't need to say anything before he was reassuring me. "Since this is your first time hunting big game, you two stick together and head that way, I'll go over here."

"Alright," I nodded. 

"You find any tracks, head after them. Like I said, no reason why we can't go home with a couple of new pelts." 

"Sure," Arthur agreed, adjusting his gun so it was hanging off of one shoulder rather than being strapped around his back. For quick access, I imagined, I tried not to think too hard about it. 

"Stay focused, stay quiet. Keep your ears open," Charles told us, and with a nod, we parted ways. 

I turned to Arthur and he waved me forwards, letting me take the lead. We walked carefully and quietly further from the well-trodden path, under the cover of tall trees and across uneven terrain. The ground out here was littered with rocky outcrops, and we weaved between the biggest of them while keeping our eyes to the ground. I spotted signs of other game, hoof prints and small droppings, a well concealed rabbit burrow I almost put my foot in. We were short on luck for a long time and it wasn't until some of the trees cleared out and the space opened up, I spotted a scuff in the dirt; closer inspection revealed it to be a paw print. It wasn't as big as I was expecting, I suspected it belonged to a black bear rather than a grizzly. 

I crouched down beside it, brushing away some broken sticks so I could better make out the direction it was travelling in. Arthur came up behind me and pointed to our right, where more tracks could be seen. I rose up and followed the lead, Arthur settling beside me. 

"Looks pretty fresh," he whispered to me, swinging his gun down and holding it with both hands. 

"You think?" I readied my rifle, pulled back the hammer enough to load a round into the breech, then cocked it fully, keeping the rifle pointed at the ground and my finger far from the trigger once the gun was loaded and cocked. 

"Come on," he crept ahead a little, following the paw prints. I kept on his heels, wide eyes focused on our immediate area, my ears straining to hear absolutely anything. All I could hear was the wind in the trees and the chattering sound of some type of bird up ahead. 

My eyes caught something when Arthur paused, scanning the ground for more prints. I pointed. 

"There's a huge pile of– I think those are bear droppings," I said. We approached for a closer look. "And that's definitely fresh."

"I reckon it's close by," Arthur nodded, looking up to meet my eyes. "If we spot it, you want me to take the shot, or..?"

I pursed my lips. I'd never taken down anything like a bear and while I was nervous, I figured if we kept quiet and didn't alert the thing, it'd be no different to a deer. "I'll do it. But, uh, you take aim too. In case I miss."

"You won't miss," he assured me. 

"Famous last words," I smirked, then turned back to the task at hand. 

Taking a breath, I slowly carried on. I kept my footfalls light and quiet, my knees bent and relaxed. I stopped when I heard rustling, eyes scanning the area before they fell on a bush quite a ways away. My body lurched with fight or flight response, muscles tensing up for a second before I could consciously relax myself; the bear was there. It was side on from me, nose rummaging in a small shrub. It wasn't aware of Arthur and I, and was far enough away that I wasn't too worried about it spotting us too soon. I lifted my rifle, noting Arthur doing the same from the corner of my eye, just as I'd asked him to. 

I'd fitted the rifle with a scope on Charles' recommendation and it was coming in handy, I looked down the sights as I took aim, getting the bears head in the cross-hairs. I'd practised shooting with the rifle before we came on the trip, getting used to it, I was pretty confident with my shot. I took a number of slow breaths as I prepared myself, waiting for the perfect moment. I saw it; the creature lifted it's head just a little, holding still, listening for something. I exhaled, I pulled the trigger. 

Honestly, I was half expecting a second shot from Arthur's gun to down the bear, but it didn't. I'd managed all on my own, and I looked to Arthur for approval. After a moment, he lowered his gun and gave an impressed nod, looking at me from the corner of his eye. I grinned and made my way over to the bear, albeit a little gingerly, checking it was down for good before completely relaxing. 

"Well done," he clapped me on the back as we stood over the animal. My fingertips buzzed from the adrenaline of it all, I wanted to high-five him, hug him, kiss him, something. I wasn't sure. But I didn't do anything, I simply thanked him humbly. "How's it feel?"

"Feels… good. Not because this poor thing is dead, but you know," I shrugged my shoulders and glanced up at him. He nodded in understanding, and a few moments later we heard someone approaching. We turned in time to see Charles emerging from the trees. 

"Nice work. I couldn't find anything over that way that whole time, I was considering putting down some bait. I think it'd be best for us all to be together for that, though," he told us, then looked around and took note of the surroundings. "We'll come back for this one, let's head out that way further. Anything close by would've heard that shot."

The three of us did just that, making our way further East through the wooded area. We were walking for a while, the day slipping away from us, before Charles stopped, scanning the place, holding his hand up to halt us. 

"I think I heard something. Sounded distant," he mused then reached into his satchel. He pulled out a little bundle of cloth, unwrapping it and scattering its contents on the ground a little way away. "We should get up higher, in case this attracts any wolves," he added, way too casually. I didn't let myself get nervous, between the three of us, I was sure we'd be able to defend ourselves.

Charles gestured for us to follow and we ended up crouching on a series of large rocky platforms. Charles stepped up onto one of the rocks, keeping his hand outstretched to Arthur and I on the level below him to keep us there. He laid down across the rock, loading and aiming his weapon so he was ready for any visitors. Arthur and I crouched low, but I moved so that I could look around the edge of the rock in a well hidden position. Arthur scooted up behind me, his chest against my back, pressing closer with each inhale. 

I licked my lips and felt my body hum with his proximity, unconsciously leaning back just a little. One of his hands found my hip and his head tilted down, nose brushing the side of my head. I kept my eyes on the bait, as difficult as it was, this was no time to get distracted. 

We waited for a while, each of us silent, though I could hear Arthur's breaths. Slightly faster than what was natural, a little shaky too. That could be chalked up to the possibility of a bear being nearby, but I couldn't help but wonder if it was related to our position. Part of me hoped it was, because that would make it so I wasn't the only one being so affected by it. My palms clammed up and my skin seemed to tingle and burn – in a pleasant way – like sitting by a campfire where the climate was cold. 

Movement. Another bear, big one, a grizzly, came skulking into view on all fours. It sniffed the air, head swaying this way and that as it searched the place. It came up to the bait, huffing and making a sound that rumbled low in its gut, seemed to travel as a vibration through the air rather than just as a sound. I felt it in my belly as well as my eardrums. 

Charles fired, taking it down, the thing let out a roar before collapsing, fast. It was over in less than a second. It astounded me that something so big, dangerous, substantial, could be put to an end so easy; just a well-placed bullet, and lights out. It was a reminder of how fragile life could really be. 

None of us moved for a moment, ensuring nothing else was going to come creeping out of the bushes. Arthur took the opportunity to press a kiss to the side of my head before backing off, in time for Charles to hop down from his ledge. I flashed Arthur a smile before rising up, jumping to the ground next to Charles.

"Clean shot," I nodded, patting his shoulder. 

"Reckon we've got time for one more?" Arthur asked, looking to the sky. We'd been out for a few hours, most of our time spent exploring the area, surveying for tracks. 

"I imagine so. Better give you a chance to catch something, Arthur," Charles said, giving him a good-natured smack on the back. Both men shared a chuckle and we started moving again. 

It was late afternoon by the time we tracked down our third bear, another black bear. We'd been snacking on canned fruit and vegetables to keep us going throughout the day, but I was looking forward to getting some meat from those bears and cooking it up for something heartier. This bear was, of course, Arthur's. He brought it down as it was leaning it's paws up against a big tree, checking out a squirrel that'd scurried up it. It hit the ground the heaviest, with its upright stance, but it was another clean kill. The three of us really did make a good team. 

We worked together to skin the bears, they were big animals and it was a lot easier to handle them with a couple of pairs of hands. I did most of the work taking the pelt off cleanly, and Charles and Arthur cut free the best meat, packing it away in their satchels. We headed back towards our horses, each with a thick bear pelt rolled up on our shoulders. It was a fair trek back, and my shoulder ached from the weight of the pelt by the time we reached the horses, but I felt pleased with what we'd accomplished. 

It was the evening by the time our work was done, and we ummed and ahhed for a little while about whether we should start heading back then, or just wait until the morning. In the end, we decided to cover a little ground before setting up another camp for the night somewhere on the outskirts of New Hanover. It made it all the more rewarding when we got a fire going and finally cooked up some of the meat we'd acquired. We turned in early, exhausted from the day spent on our feet, and I managed to sleep the whole night in my own tent this time. Mainly out of respect for Charles, despite him not seeming to mind catching me coming out of Arthur's tent that morning, I wanted to avoid causing him any discomfort. That, and myself any further embarrassment.

[saxonspud]

The Outlaw and the Treasure Hunter - Chapter 18 - Arthur

As the light filtered into Dutch's cabin, he swung his legs over the side of the cot, and lit a cigar.

He hadn't slept, he'd just lay there. Thinking about the problems he currently had, and struggling to find a solution. Everything was out of his control, and he didn't like it.

He opened the tent flap. The camp was already a hive of activity. As he walked towards the campfire, he overheard snippets of conversation.

Micah Bell, stood there, with his hands on his hips.

"Well I reckon he should've let the cowpoke kill the whore. Would have been one less bit of dead weight. Then when the cowpoke's time was up, that would another less thing to worry about," he scoffed.

Javier and John, stared at Micah. Or rather past him, as they saw Dutch, storming towards him.

Dutch grabbed Micah, by the back of his collar, and threw him onto the ground. Normally, Micah wouldn't have gone down, quite so easily, but he was caught off guard.

Dutch drew his pistol, and pointed it at Micah's head.

"If you don't shut your foul mouth, the only dead weight will be you, floatin' down the river. Now get out of my sight, before I blow your fucking brains out!" He growled, his face flushed with anger.

Micah, shocked at the outburst, scuttled backwards, stood up, and rushed away towards the treeline.

Dutch took a deep breath, "can a man not get a cup of coffee around here!" he exclaimed, his voice breaking to a croak.

Abigail, rushed over with a cup.

"Here Dutch, drink this. I'm sure everything will be ok," she comforted.

Dutch sighed, "Thank you, Miss Roberts."

He quickly drank the coffee, then looked over at John.

"I need you to come with me to Valentine, John." he said, as he through the dregs of the coffee in the fire. He dropped the cup, and headed towards where the horses were hitched.

John, quickly followed him. "Where are we going?" he asked.

"I need you to take me to Izzy's house," he stated.

John nodded, and mounted his horse. Not pressing Dutch for any further information. He felt that his mood was bad enough already, without trying to make it worse.

Dutch was in no mood for idle chitchat, and pushed The Count into a gallop. He really hoped that Izzy was there, and that they could talk things through. As they neared the town, Dutch slowed down, and let John take the lead.

Once they reached the other side of town, John pointed to a house. The door was broken off its hinges, and there were a number of horses, hitched out side.

Dutch recognised the Sheriff, standing outside the house, and his heart skipped a beat.

"Is everything ok, Sheriff." Dutch asked.

"What's it to you Mister?" the Sheriff growled.

Dutch took a deep breath, trying to keep his anger in check. "I'm looking for Isabella Pickett. Is she ok?"

The Sheriff rolled his eyes, "Well let me know if you find her, because I'm looking for her too!"

Dutch frowned, "Is she missing?" he asked, trying to sound surprised.

The Sheriff, narrowed his eyes, "Who are you, and why are you looking?"

John cast a warning glance at Dutch.

"My name is Tacitus Kilgore, I'm visiting from up North. Isabella is my niece, on her mothers side."

The Sheriff sighed, "Well I'm real sorry to have to tell you this, Mr Kilgore. But Miss Pickett is wanted for Murder. We believe she killed her parents, a local boy and a war veteran. She was with another man, we don't know his name, or if they were in it together. There's a bounty of five hundred dollars, dead or alive. We also want to talk to a Mexican man, who she was at the hotel with, yesterday."

Dutch swallowed hard. "Thank you Sheriff, I sure hope its a mistake. If you hear anything, can you leave word at the post office."

The sheriff shrugged, "I don't think it is, but sure, I'll let you know. But if they bring her in alive, she ain't gonna be stayin' that way for long." he added.

Dutch nodded, and he turned his horse around, and he headed back the way they had come, followed by John.

Once they were out of earshot, of the sheriff, John stared at Dutch.

"What are we gonna do, we know she didn't do it!"

Dutch sighed, "I don't know, what d'ya expect me to do, tell the sheriff that it ain't her 'cos Arthur did it!"

John shook his head, "of course not, but we can't let her hang!"

Dutch scowled, "I've no intention of letting her hang. But they've gotta find her first. She's smart, she'll figure out what to do."

"What about if she don't know, that they're looking for her." John retorted.

Dutch's face turned red, with anger, " I don't know John, Alright!" he growled. "I got a lot on my plate right now, I have to make sure Arthur is ok!"

John sighed, "I'm sorry. I'm worried about him too."

They rode in silence for a little while.

"Listen son." Dutch spoke quietly. "I need you to go back, and warn Javier not to go into Valentine. Let him know what happened. Also, ask Herr Strauss, to go into Valentine every day, and check the mail. I need to get back to St. Denis, to check on Arthur."

John hesitated, "Please Dutch, let me come with you. Arthur...I know sometimes we haven't always got along, but he's like my brother...he is my brother."

Dutch glanced at John, seeing the look on his face, he couldn't deny him the request. He didn't know whether Arthur was going to survive. The least he could do, was let John see him.

Dutch nodded. "We'll go back to camp first, and tell Javier, and Herr Strauss. Then we'll both go to St. Denis."

John Nodded. "Thank you Dutch, I really appreciate this."

Dutch true to his word, rode back to camp with John.

He pulled Javier, Charles and Herr Strauss to one side. Telling them all that had occurred in Valentine.

Javier, was visibly shocked. He had got to know Izzy quite well on their trip to O'Creagh's run. How they could possibly think she was capable of murder, he would never know.

Herr Strauss, promised to go into town, each day and check the post.

He asked both Charles and Javier, to keep an eye on the camp, whilst they were gone. Especially to keep an eye on Micah, after that mornings outburst.

"How long will you be gone?" Javier asked.

Dutch shook his head, "I honestly don't know. It will depend on the Doctor, and also whether the treatment has been successful. We'll be back as soon as we can," he added.

John and Dutch mounted up, and headed towards St. Denis. It was going to be a difficult few days, that they knew.

When they arrived in St. Denis, they went straight to the doctors office.

Before they walked in, Dutch put his hand on John's shoulder.

"Just remember, he's probably still gonna be unconcious, and even when he does come around, he may be different."

John frowned, "different how?"

Dutch shook his head, "I don't know, son. Its just what the doctor told me. Just trying to prepare you, just in case..." he added.

John nodded, and they walked into the room.

Arthur lay in the chair. He didn't look a great deal different to when Dutch had left him a couple of days before. Hosea sat next to him. Looking tired, and worried.

"Did you get any sleep, Hosea?" he asked.

Hosea looked up, and shook his head. He looked surprised to see John.

"I wanted to see him," John whispered.

Dutch looked around, as he heard the door open, and Nathaniel walked in.

He went over to Arthur, and lifted, the gauze pad from his head.

It was the first time, any of the men, had seen the wound. If you could call it a wound. There was no blood. Just a perfectly circular hole. Both Dutch and Hosea, where surprised at how clean it was. John, who wasn't aware of what had gone on, in this room, was visably shocked.

"What the hell have you done to him!" he mumbled.

Dutch put his hand on John's shoulder, "Its ok, son. Really it is," he comforted.

Nathaniel took out his stethoscope, and attached the ear pieces, putting the circular end, to Arthur's chest.

He nodded to himself, as he pulled a small box from his pocket.

"Gentlemen, If you would like to wait outside. I think, we can bring Arthur round, in a few minutes. Before we do, I need to close this hole." he smiled, and opened the box.

Dutch stared at the contents. "That's going to replace the missing bone?" he asked.

Nathaniel nodded. "The swelling had gone down sufficiently, It will be easier for Arthur, if I fit this now." He added.

The three men, left the room.

John looked slightly pale.

"Are you ok, John?" Hosea asked.

John nodded, "not sure what I was expecting, It wasn't that!"

"He's gonna be fine, John. I'm sure of it," Dutch said, convincingly.

"I god damn hope so!" John replied, looking back towards the door.

They didn't have to wait long for the door to open. Nathaniel beckoned the three men, back into the room.

Arthur, was still unconscious. The hole in his head, now replaced, my a metal cover. Hosea, took a closer look, at Arthur's skull.

"What is it made of?" he asked, glancing at his brother.

"Silver," Nathaniel replied, smiling. "I had it made specially. Its a perfect fit, for the bone which was removed."

Nathaniel hesitated, "are you gentlemen ready?"

Dutch nodded, "lets get on with it, we need to know, if your as good as Hosea thinks you are."

Nathaniel, pulled out a small bottle from his pocket, and took off the lid. He put the bottle, under Arthur's nose for a few seconds, until he started to stir.

Arthur opened his eyes. He immediately started to pull at the leather straps which held him to the seat.

"Please try and remain calm, Mr Morgan." Nathaniel commanded.

Arthur stared at the Doctor. "Calm!" He shouted, "would you be calm, if you were strapped to a god-damn chair!"

Dutch walked over, "Arthur, son. You've been ill."

Arthur stared at Dutch, "Dutch, what the hell is goin' on?"

"The doctor here, needs to ask you some questions."

Arthur sighed, "ok, then will he unstrap me from this god-damn chair?"

Dutch nodded.

Nathaniel, stood in front of Arthur. "Mr Morgan, can you see me ok? No blurred vision?"

Arthur sighed, "of course I can god-damn see ya! Will someone please tell me, what the hell is goin' on!"

"Mr Morgan, Arthur. What is the last thing you remember, before waking up here?"

Arthur, furrowed his brow, then squeezed his eyes shut, before opening them again.

"I was in Valentine, having a drink, with Charles, and Javier." He rolled his eyes, "Then there was a fight, some big guy, threw me outta the window." He sighed, then smirked, "guess I lost the fight."

"How do you feel, Arthur. Its ok for me to call you Arthur?" Nathaniel asked.

"Sure," Arthur replied, "I got a bit of a headache," he added.

"Well doc?" Dutch asked, "what do you think."

Nathaniel smiled. "I think Arthur Morgan, you are a very lucky man." He leant over and released the straps from Arthur's wrists and ankles.

"I'd like to see you in the morning. For now, just go to bed, and rest." Nathaniel added.

"What happened to me? How long have I been her for?" Arthur asked frowning.

Nathaniel took a deep breath, "I need to show you something, Mr Morgan. I don't want you to be alarmed."

He handed Arthur a mirror.

Dutch put his hand on Arthur's arm. "We'll explain everything, son. It might be a bit of a shock."

Arthur, tentatively picked up the mirror, and looked.

"What the fuck! what happened to me?" he screeched.

"Arthur, son. Just try and stay calm. I'll take you back to the hotel, and explain everything." Dutch stated.

Arthur stood up, and staggered. He felt light headed, and dizzy. Dutch caught hold of his arm, and steadied him.

"You've been real sick, son. But you're gonna be ok. You have Nathaniel to thank for that. He's Hosea's brother."

Arthur stared at Nathaniel, wide eyed. He then looked at Hosea. "I never knew you had a brother!" he exclaimed.

Dutch laughed, "none of us did. Just glad he was a doctor, and not a train driver."

Arthur frowned at Dutch, and shook his head.

"Thank you Nathaniel. We owe you so much." Dutch gushed.

Nathaniel smiled, "You have helped me, more than you know. Just promise me you'll look after Hosea."

Hosea rolled his eyes, "It usually me that has to do the looking after, keeping these reprobates in check," he chuckled.

The four men left the doctors. John helped Arthur onto the back of his horse,

"You gonna be ok Arthur?" he asked. He couldnt take his eyes off the metal plate, on Arthur's now shaved head.

Arthur shrugged, "I guess." he paused, "if you stop keep staring at me!"

John looked away, "sorry," he mumbled. "It's gonna take a bit of getting used to, is all."

Arthur rolled his eyes, "ya think!" he exclaimed.

They took a leisurely ride to the hotel. It was going to be a long night, whilst they explained to Arthur, what he had done, since the bar fight, in Valentine.

[feainneweddd]

RPING COMPANY

Alright this is gonna sound strange and I've never done this before but now I'm starting to get a little desperate 💁‍♀️

Is there anyone wanting to create a roleplay in RDR Universe? I'd love to, but during the years I've lost my old role-playing buddies due to, well, adulthood and adulthood busyness. I'm pretty much up to anything in this point.

I'm a she/her and 26 years old; my only requirement for you is to not to be a minor. I live in Finland and Finnish is my first language so my English is not P E R F E C T, only almost so.

I'm gonna copy/paste a little example of my writing down here, so if you are even a little intrigued, please hmu in here, or Instagram @feainneweddd.

Example:

"I really don't see any reason for you to sit on your ass here no more, Mr. Morgan", the doctor smiled and handed Arthur his weary black hat hanging on the wall. The doctor's office was plain and simple, walls were dark wood and the floor had seen better days - it probably had been white at the start, but had been dirtied to the point of no return along the years and years of patients and doctors walking in and out.

"The bronchitis you had was one of the worst cases I've seen in my life, and it got only worse due to the wrong diagnosis my colleague assigned to you. With proper medication your near death experience would've been avoidable.", the man sighed and scratched his neck, sitting down on a chair by Arthur's bed. "But here you are, even I had little to none hopes in your recovery. And you're free to go."

-----

Arthur breathed - actually breathed - in the hot and stuffy air of Saint Denis harborside. Air in his lungs hurt no more, and he almost felt how his blood sucked up the tiny oxygen cells. The sun was shining low, he could breathe, he would be okay. He would live - it felt odd, since the last three months he'd thought his life was coming to an end. Arthur had already made his peace with death, and now he'd have to start living again. How, though? Arthur watched the people passing by in silence and wondered if he could some day be like them, again.

Couple days turned into a couple of weeks, Arthur had gone back to Beaver Hollow and found the money the gang had had to abandon there - nobody else couldn't get to it, since Abigail had given Arthur the key to the huge chest. Now, when the Pinkertons weren't guarding the place any more, retrieving the money had been easy. Arthur planned on sharing it with the remaining members of Van Der Linde gang, if he ever could find them. The thought of Charles hurt Arthur to the core. Was he alive? Rosalinda? John? Karen? Sean? He'd have to find them. Or would he? What if they'd already got on with their lives, would it be better for Arthur to just.. Stay dead to them? He never had thought very highly of himself; he was a highwayman, a murderer, a cretin and a crook. What sick twist of fate had decided to let him live instead of all the men he'd killed?

Clouds on the sky dampened out the sunlight and Arthur shivered in the sudden cold blow of wind. The cold air came in from the sea, and Arthur shifted in the chair he'd occupied on the saloon's terrace. Lately, he'd been fond of watching and observing people, like he'd have to learn how to be one again. He felt like death still had a grip of him, even if physically he was as healthy as a cowboy in his 40's could be. Not exactly the picture of health, but not dying anyday soon either. He had thought of Charles. The dark, serious, bulk of a young man, whose sense of humour was pretty much nonexistent most of days and his gaze that would burn too Arthur's skull most times. Arthur thought of the times they'd go hunting together, Charles sitting by the fire, and telling Arthur about his people. His mother's tribe, their customs and thoughts of life. They were beautiful thoughts and ways to see things. Arthur hoped, that maybe one day Charles would teach him to think like that too. If he'd ever find the younger man anymore, of course. He would have to find him. Them. All of them. But Charles whereabouts were the only ones he had a sense of. He had stayed in the North, with the Wapiti Indians, after the Chief's - Rain Falls they called him - son had been killed by the army. Arthur had been there too, but he had to leave for the rest of the gang. That was the last time he'd seen Charles, and it'd been months.

--

Arthur sighed - he actually could breathe deep out without starting to choke - and leaned forward to pat Torque's neck. The man had had to buy a new horse after what happened to Gunsmoke when they we're running from the Pinkertons. The black shire stallion snorted and stomped the ground under his hooves as an answer to Arthur's sighs. A beautiful beast, although slightly testy. He'd come around when they'd get to know each other better.

Arthur had ridden almost two full days now. From Saint Denis to Emerald Ranch, and pressing towards North, towards Three Sisters and O'Creagh's Run.

Arthur let the horse pick the speed they were going - super slow - and let his head lull from side to side. Would Charles still be with the Wapitis? Would he even want to see Arthur? Would he-- would Arthur finally be able to confess his feelings to the younger man? Earlier he didn't, because they'd known too little time. After that he thought he was dying, so confessing would've been pretty much only painful and unnecessary. But now?

But what if Charles didn't feel the same?

Arthur raised his gaze to the sky and roughly estimated the amount of remaining daylight. He would not want to camp the night on a Murfree territory - the inbred maniacs were creepy and dangerous enough in the light of the day. Arthur kicked Torque's sides lightly and told him to move his hairy black ass - Hamish, the old hunter living on the shore of O'Creagh's Run, probably would let Arthur spend the night. He could continue his journey to North the next morning."

[saxonspud]

The Outlaw and the Treasure Hunter - Chapter 21 - The Real Treasure

Arthur patted Taima on the neck, as they rode out of Clements point. Charles had insisted that he take her, as he didn't have a horse of his own, any more. He'd ridden her when they'd been up in the mountains, when they'd first arrived a Colter. Before everything went to hell in a handcart. Well for Arthur anyway. John rode next to him. Charles had offered to make the trip, but John had insisted. They hadn't spoken much, since he had returned with Arthur, from St. Denis.

As they rode along, John suddenly looked at Arthur.

"Does it it hurt?" he blurted.

Arthur frowned, "What? What ya talkin' about, Marston?"

"Your head, where the hole is?" he mumbled.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "it ain't no different to them scars on your face!"

"Yeah it is," he huffed. "you lost your memory. Guess you don't remember punching me, neither." he grunted.

"Nope." Arthur hesitated, "but you probably deserved it!"

John rolled his eyes, "Abigail wanted to kill ya."

Arthur chuckled, "well I guess it made a change from her wanting to kill you!"

John laughed. "You ain't changed. I'm glad. I wondered if after that fella drilled into your head. I know he got rid of the bad you. Was hoping, you didn't lose the good you neither. But you ain't. You're still the sarcastic bastard that you always were."

Arthur grunted, "I'll take that as a compliment...I guess! C'mon, lets get to this cabin, 'n hope there ain't no bounty hunters lurkin' about."

They skirted Valentine, and soon arrived near the O'Creagh's run.

John smiled at the sight. "I can understand why she chose to stay here, its a lovely spot."

Arthur didn't say anything, but John noticed he looked saddened.

"Sorry Arthur, I forgot. It must be hard, seeing all the reminders of what you done."

Arthur shrugged, "I don't know what I done, I only know what's left behind, like an empty cabin."

As the men approached the cabin, they looked around carefully.

"Look," John said, pointing at the cabin, "That looks like Izzy's horse, and another!"

"I wonder if there's someone else there," Arthur commented, "lets leave the horses here, and walk over. Just in case."

John nodded, and they left the horses by the edge of the lake. When they reached the cabin, John knocked on the door. "Anyone home?" he yelled.

There was no reply.

Arthur headed to the jetty. Feeling underneath he found the bag, that Izzy had hidden.

He started to pull it out of the water.

"Fuck sake, what the hell is in here, it weighs a ton!" he exclaimed.

Arthur put the bag on the jetty with a clunk, and peered inside.

"John!" He exclaimed, take a look at this.

John walked over, and looked in the bag. "Well, she is a treasure hunter!" he laughed, as he looked at the gold bars and precious gems.

"We might as well take her horse back," John added.

Arthur picked up the bag, and placed it on Izzy's horse. As he did, the other horse nuzzled him.

"He seems to know you!" John commented.

Arthur shrugged, "he's a nice enough looking horse. Not seen him before though."

John looked at the Cremello Dutch Warmblood. "Or maybe you have. Maybe you just don't remember! Plus you need a new horse, Arthur!"

Arthur, stroked the horses neck, "I don't know, it don't feel right somehow."

John sighed, "look, if we leave him here, he'll probably die, with no one to look after him. You'll be doin' him a favour."

"I guess," Arthur huffed, as he grabbed the horse's reins.

The two men led the horses, back to where there own horses were, and mounted up. Leading the other horses behind them.

After a quick scan of the area, to make sure they weren't being watched, they headed back to camp.

 After eating the stew, that Arthur had given her. Izzy drifted back to sleep. Her sleep was less plagued by nightmares. Whether it was because, she had reconciled with what had happened with Arthur, or Dutch's soothing words. The sleep was what she needed to help her heal.

Every so often, Dutch would look in on her. The rest of the time, he had his eyes glued to the track. Waiting for John and Arthur to return.

Around noon, Hosea went into Dutch's tent to check on Izzy's wound. As he opened the tent flap, he saw her stir.

He approached the cot, and sat on the edge.

Izzy opened her eyes, "Hosea!" she exclaimed.

Hosea smiled, "just checking on my patient, how are you feeling?"

Izzy rolled her eyes, "like I've been shot." she smirked.

She rubbed her jaw, "My face is a bit sore too," she added.

Hosea hummed, and felt her face. "It looks a bit swollen, and bruised. I wonder how that happened."

Izzy narrowed her eyes, "the bounty hunter, hit me with his gun." she snarled.

Hosea shook his head, "those bastards should know better than to hit a woman!" he exclaimed.

Izzy sighed, "they didn't seem to care that I was innocent. There was no evidence that I killed anyone."

Hosea nodded, "welcome to our world, Izzy. The law don't really care if your guilty, as long as they see someone hang! Now let me have a look at that wound."

Hosea unbuttoned her shirt, and gently unwrapped the bandage. Izzy winced a couple of times.

"That's a damned good job I did there," Hosea declared, proudly. As he examined the wound.

He re-bandaged it. "Now you just need to rest, and you'll be as good as new!"

Izzy sighed, "about this resting business..."

 "I'm afraid my dear, that is non-negotiable," Dutch smirked, as he walked into the tent.

Hosea nodded, "I'm afraid Izzy, that Dutch is right." He looked at her, a serous expression on his face. "It was a serious injury." He added.

"You really ought to do as you're told."

Izzy glanced across the tent, to see Arthur standing there.

Dutch spun round. "Are you ok?" he asked.

Arthur smiled, "sure!" he glanced over his shoulder, "C'mon John, hurry up!"

John brushed past Arthur, carry the heavy bag, "Don't know why I'm the one who has to do all the heavy lifting!" he grumbled.

He drop the bag on the desk, with a loud clunk.

Arthur grinned, "And if you promise to rest, Izzy. I have another surprise for you!"

Izzy tilted her head on one side, and narrowed her eyes. Still a little unsure of Arthur.

"What is it?" she asked.

Arthur raised his eyebrows, "you have to promise first."

Izzy sighed, "Ok, I promise I'll rest, now tell me!" she huffed.

Arthur opened the tent flaps on both side, leaving the front of the tent open. He disappeared for a few seconds, and came back, leading Duke to the front of the tent.

"Duke!" Izzy beamed, "Oh Arthur, thank you!" she exclaimed.

Dutch turned round, "for crying out loud, Arthur. Get that Horse outta my tent." he growled, an annoyed look on his face.

Izzy grinned, as she heard Susan Grimshaw shouting.

"Mr Morgan, if that horse shits in my camp, you're gonna be in serious trouble."

Arthur rolled his eyes, and led the horse back to the hitching posts, just beyond the tents. John and Hosea, followed him, chuckling to themselves.

 Dutch looked back at Izzy, his expression softened, when he saw how pleased she was.

"Now, you need to rest." he commanded, "that's plenty enough excitement for one day!"

"No, wait," Izzy retorted. "Open the bag, please," she begged.

Dutch glanced at the bag on the desk, and frowned.

He looked across at Izzy.

"I want you to have it. All of it. I'd be dead, if it wasn't for you, and everyone else here."

Dutch sat on the edge of the cot, and gently placed his hand on Izzy's cheek.

"I told you before, what ever you find, I won't take it all." He whispered, gently moving his thumb, back and forth.

Izzy put her hand over his, leaning her face into his hand. "Please Dutch. I want you to have it." She pleaded.

Dutch leant forward, and gently kissed her on the lips. "If it makes you happy, then I'll take it, but I'm not going to let this become a habit," he replied, smiling gently.

He stood up and went over to the desk.

Dutch opened the bag, and looked inside. He stared at the contents, his mouth wide open. What he saw inside, was totally unexpected. He wasn't quite sure, what he should be expecting. He had no knowledge of treasure hunting. He thought it might bring in a small amount of money, but what he saw in the bag, was well beyond his wildest imaginings.

He closed the bag, and took a deep breath, before looking over at Izzy.

"Do you have any idea, what this is worth?" he asked, a look of shock, still visible on his face.

Izzy grinned, "of course I do, I'm a treasure hunter, after all." she giggled.

Dutch walked back to the cot, sitting down on the edge of it, he grabbed Izzy's hand's and pushed her down onto the bed.

Holding her hands above her head, his lips crashed onto hers. His kiss was possessive, dominant and demanding. Her response was just as passionate and needy. Allowing his tongue, to dominate her mouth, as she tasted him, the combination of cigars and brandy on his tongue.

He pulled away, releasing her hands, and slowly stroking her cheek.

"Every time I think I know you, I learn something new about you," he purred. He bit his lower lip, then ran his tongue over his lips, "I've come to the conclusion, that you are the real treasure."

Izzy smiled, and gently touched Dutch's face. He smiled, "now rest," he said, as he straightened his waistcoat, and left the tent.