Fantasy --Whisky and Bullets--

[Lua]

Emmylou had no bad blood with Olivia. She owned the general store, Em owned the saloon. They had to work together - how else was Emmylou supposed to supply her bar? The two had actually been known to have some very good chats. And of course, the stranger had stirred up the need for more talk. It was like the man in black had affected every single person in the saloon - if not those outside of it already. Not to draw attention to anyone, Emmylou leaned on the table elbows supporting her weight as she addressed the other woman; keeping a careful eye out in case the wrong person heard.


 

“Well, he says he knows Daddy.” She began, finally reaching behind her to grab one of the stools, hoisting herself and her skirts up on it and managing to balance awkwardly. Once again she leaned in towards Olivia. “Daddy was gettin’ all upset - and I’ve been with my father my whole life. I think I know just about every face - not that mans.” She thought about the stranger, the way his eyes glared and how he had spoke with her father. It may have been easy to upset her old man - her son did it just about every day, but this was different. “Somethin’ ain’t right.” She found herself admitting, wondering if it was a wise idea to have let her father wander off, and then allowing the stranger to wander out after him. “Oh gosh - did you see what way that man was going, Olivia?” Panic struck her - remembering how the stranger had provoked her old man with god knows what. The woman quickly stood, barstool shooting out from beneath her and nearly toppling over. Rushing out into the heat, she nearly tripped over her own shoes as she ran into the street; long hair coming loose as she frantically looked about - up and down the street, for any signs of her father. Where the hell could the old man have run off too?

 

[ReverseTex]

[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


Seeing that Tuck didn't have any objections, just a manic stare, he pressed the sharp edge of his blade on the man's cheek, causing a thin, but harmless cut on the man's face. It would of course bleed like a stuck pig, but no more. Shoving Tuck the the ground, he sighed, "Well i'm glad we're square Tuck." Turning his head to the Scot, who was standing in the street, waiting for him to leave the wide alleyway. Chuckling, he tilted his head in amusement. "Gettin bold now are we?"


Tossing his blade in the air, then swiftly catching its handle before tucking it back in its holster on his belt casually, Will stoped about 5 feet from the man. "Your hard to swallow just like the damn scotch your country makes. Let's get this over with, cause i'm in a hurry and your just a incovience to me." Cracking his knuckles, he pulled down his leather gloves, and pushed down his hat to assure it to stay.


@Lua


@Horse

 

[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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Aidan stood his ground, never breaking his gaze. When he opened his mouth is voice was calm, but his body was tense, coiled like a cat's ready to pounce.


"Aye, some people find it too strong for them. I suppose the older a man gets the less he finds he can stomach," he said, sizing the man up.


He was taller than Aidan, but years of working the forge had strengthened him, and the muscles in his shoulders and back were taunt and young. He knew he would be faster than the man, even if not a better fighter. 'If it comes to that," he thought grimly. He loathed the idea but if it was to protect someone else he could do it. Memories, unbidden, drug themselves to the surface of his mind and he felt his heart quicken. He was different now, he told himself. The sun beat down and he could feel others staring. A bead of sweat trickled in between his shoulder-blades, and he dimly wondered if he would be able to take the stranger on. He had come this far though, and the eyes of the town were on them.


It would send a message either way, he realized. And if he were even to land at least one blow, he would make the stranger remember him. Hopefully he would be enough of a nuisance that the stranger would think it wasn't worth his time to stay. That was all he could hope for at this point; he hadn't been in a real fight for years.


"If you need to step closer to hear that's alright. I understand that hearing can begin to leave a man of your age. But listen to this. We don't want any of your trouble here. Whatever demons you've got chasing you, whatever you're looking for, the answer isn't here; it isn't in that saloon, and it sure as shite isn't with your knife pressed on an unarmed man's neck. Find your peace elsewhere."

 

[ReverseTex]

[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


Smirking, while quietly thinking to himself. This man wouldn't be an issue, but he did like his confidence. True he was old, but age never resllt


caught up to him like it had to others like Tuck. More so on the outside, making his once smooth skin, leathery and kissed by the sun. His blonde hair, silver and lacking a little on the top. But not much more.


"I don't think it's strong enough, sugar water if you ask me." Will could feel the stares of a growing crowd of the town, he'd have to make the fight quick, not play with his prey. But he'd have plenty of time to get out before the sheriff got to him.


"Nice words kid, but there isn't any demons chasing me. I opened the gates of Hell long ago, they're all long gone. And for peace..." Shaking his head, beginning to chuckle slightly he continued, "Peace is for those who can't stomach how humans truly are." Gesturing for the young man to strike first, he smiled, waiting anxiously for his move.


@Horse

 

[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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" Peace is the strength to rise above," said Aidan, stepping fully up to the man until they were toe to toe. He held his gaze but made no move to strike him. This was a dance, intricate and complex, and he knew for everyone to see this, for his message to come across, he couldn't strike first. But he wouldn't back away from the man, and if he was struck he would defend himself. As he raised himself up, rolling his shoulders back so that he was taller, and at eye level with the man.


In truth he was afraid, he would admit that to himself. He knew nothing about this man, he knew nothing about his abilities, though the man didn't know what he could do either and perhaps he would underestimate him. Boys had made that mistake in the past, men as well. They took his soft demeanor and voice as a sign of weakness, of submissiveness and an inability to fight. But the truth was far deeper than anyone had known. Aidan kept no close friends, no one had really ever been privy to his story, for one reason or another. And people were quick to judge. He didn't fight for sport. He didn't want anyone to know what he could do unless he needed it. And it was looking like right now he would need it. He kept his eyes locked on the man's but he could see in his peripheral the man's now glove-less hands, watching for any sign of movement.

 

[ReverseTex]

[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


"Damn your making the old man do all the hard work now?" Right as he saw the Scots eyes waver from his hand, he quickly stepped forward with power, sending what he liked to call a 'test punch' to the man. It looked like a full attack to any other than himself, but it was a mere test.


@Horse

 

[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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He knew the punch would be coming, just not exactly when. As soon as he saw the man's hand come up, he ducked under as fast as he could, feeling air whoosh over his hair, too close for comfort. 'I've got to win this quick or I might not get up,' he thought grimly, as his adrenaline surged.


As he popped up he planted a foot forward and swung at the man's face, hoping he was fast enough to connect. Sure enough he felt skin under his knuckles, although whether it was a glancing blow or he had landed a solid hit he didn't know; everything was moving so fast. He dimly remembered something about needing to keep his hands up to protect his face and pulled his arms up, hoping to be ready for whatever the man had in store for him.

 

[ReverseTex]

[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


His test hit was a good idea, as it faked the young man to dodge. It would slow him down, he knew the man would have power, he had a strong build, but if he slowed him down, or just incapacitated him quickly he could leave.


Feeling the man's punch hit his leathery face, his hat flipping up, exposing his balding head. Chuckling as he bent down to pick his hat up, he shook his head, "You shouldn't done that boy." Placing his hat back on, he grabbed the young man by the collar of his shirt, sending a hard punch into the man's gut, following with an elbow. 


@Horse

 

[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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He noted with grim satisfaction that it had connected stronger than he had hoped, but his victory was short lived, as he felt the man grab a fistful of the front of his shirt. He had been expecting the gut shot when the man and taken a-hold of his collar, and he stepped in closer, so that when the blow connected he didn't have as much time to build the power. It still took some of his breath but not as bad as it could have been. The elbow to the face after caught him off guard and it connected right on his nose with a crack, stars exploding in his vision. He stumbled backwards and felt the blood instantly begin to pour out, as if a nozzle had been turned on. He stood up as best he could, spitting blood on the dirt in between them, his arms still raised.

 

[ReverseTex]

[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


Chuckling, as he slid on his worn leather gloves he made his way to the young man. "I'll give ya an A for effort young man, but nobody's ever beaten, so your not the only one. Just remember what i told you." Patting his shoulder, before making his way back to his nameless black horse, he quickly pulled himself up, and gave him a good kick.


Leaning over to the guard at the entrance, Will opened his hand for his gun, as it was quickly slapped in his hand. "Much obliged sir." He said simply before giving a kick to the horse, kicking up a flurry of dust as he dissapeared into a speck in the distance, heading to his next stop.


@Horse

 

[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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Aidan was able to keep upright until the stranger rode out of sight, on willpower alone. Once his dust had disappeared though, he felt himself sway and stagger. The stench of blood filled his nose and there was a steady drip onto the ground below. He was angry, and it showed on his face. He hated nothing more than a bully. Someone who preyed on those who couldn't protect themselves. At least it had been a mutual fight with them, but it was wrong to assault an old man, especially an unarmed one without warning. He wondered who the man was, and what his business was.


He remembered him asking about a town, but the name escaped him as another round of dizziness washed over him.

 

[Lua]

[SIZE=14.6667px]Running wasn’t an easy task in a corset, but the woman managed as she continued her light jog up the road, occasionally stopping to take in a huge breath and continue on. By now her hair had given up, a long strands sticking up and hanging down. Oh, where in the devil did that man get off to? [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]Her heart was pounding at this point; powder melting from her face, bottom of her skit caked with the dust of the road - she must have looked like she escaped a mental home - the locals gave her glances and she didn’t put a mind to what they must have thought. That was not her priority - her father was one of the only people she had left in this world. It wasn’t his time yet - she’d go mad if something were to happen to him. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]The sight she stumbled upon gave her some relief - though also some shock. A tiny crowd had gathered around her father, who looked to be trying to get the people to step back. “Give the boy breathing room, ya nosey chickens!” Old Tuck was yelling. Toppled over and bloody was the blacksmith. The poor boy looked like he had gotten a beating whereas the old man looked unscathed. “You heard me, Roger.” Tuck was yelling at one man in particular, “You wanna make yourself useful, you go see if that doctor can get his nose away from ether for twenty minutes.” The man seemed to oblige, nearly bumping into Emmylou who was pushing her way through the tiny crowd. “You best get the law too!” He father continued to shout at the man running off down the road to complete the task assigned. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“What happened here?” Emmylou got to her knees before the young man - no more modest in protecting her dress which would soon be covered in soot. She looked over Aiden with a frown on her face - she had seen a lot of bloody scenes before while working the saloon. She scooted closer in order to move the boys head into her lap, surveying his face and what looked like a broken nose. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“That sonofabitch from early happened!” Tucker exclaimed, throwing his hands in the arm and looking at the crowd in order for some people to reconfirm. “The boy was only trying to look out for me, put up a solid good fight too. Of course I woulda done the same too if I was in my prime.”[/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]Emmylou couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the comment the old man had made. There he was, making it seem like he could have put up a better fight than a young man who was obviously way more young and fit than old Tuck ever was. Reaching inside her bodice she pulled out a lace handkerchief, wasting no time in placing it on the young mans nose in order to stop the bloodflow; knowing the true pain would come when the doctor would have to snap his nose back straight. “Are you alright, Darlin’?” Alright was probably an understatement. “Can you hear me alright?” She glanced back up at the tiny crowd and her father, hoping that the doctor was actually in a mood to hurry on out. Or the sheriff, at least. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]@Horse[/SIZE]

 

[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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He wasn't quite sure when the old man had stepped up to him, just like he wasn't quite sure when he ended up on the ground. Waves of nausea washed over him as he swallowed another thick gulp of blood. Turning his head to the side he spit more on the ground, as the crowd gathered around.


"I'm alright," he tried to say, though his nose was so clogged no one could understand him.


His head swimming, he half believed he was dreaming as the woman approached and pulled his head on her lap, causing it to spin. He struggled, trying to sit up, not wanting to soil her dress and feeling more than slightly embarrassed. He stifled a yelp as she placed the cloth against his nose and feebly tried to push it back. "No no your handkerchief," he tried to say, although the words came out garbled.


"I'm okay. He was trying to- I just- and a knife," he spluttered, gently feeling around his nose to assess the damage.

 

[alien]

Eden "Red" Briar -saloon-


"Afternoon boy", Eden approached her silver stallion, his uniquely colored coat glistening like gun metal on this sunny day. He lifted his head over the corral's fence, meeting Eden's hand with his muzzle. It appeared as black velvet with long, wire-like whiskers tickling her hand. "How about a ride into town, Blue?" she inquired. Her petticoat collected dust as she walked over to the old, oak gate, lifting its hatch and retrieving the rope halter hanging on the side. Blue had followed her along the fence line, meeting her with a gentle nudge, lowering his head so she could harness him. 


The pair walked toward the property's barn that housed most of the ranch equipment. Eden tied her steed to a hitching post just outside it and proceeded to fetch her tack. After dressing Blue in his saddle, bridle, and other items, they took off at a comfortable trot toward Brandywine. The journey wasn't long as her home was just barely outside the hub of the town. 


When arriving, the red-haired woman reached in her saddle bag, pulling out a box of matches and a berry Backwood cigar to sooth her cravings. The smoke curled around her lips and visage as she road aimlessly through the heart of Brandywine. 


Commotion here was always interesting. Sure it wasn't the most beautiful or most dignified of towns, but it never failed to catch Eden's eye in one way or another. 


Soon, the two approached the local saloon. Eden preferred drinking at home as not to end up in the bed of a stranger, but a quick drink wouldn't hurt anyone. She dismounted her horse and proceeded to hitch him to a post alongside other horses whose riders had had the same idea as her. Luckily, it was in the shade and sat over a water trough that Blue could hydrate from. After grabbing her satchel and looping it onto her belt she continued on her way in. There was some disturbance going on, but that wasn't unusual for an alcohol dominated place. 


She took her seat at a bar stool, flashing the man behind the counter a grin and a coin. He slid her back a small glass of sipping brandy which landed perfectly in her readied hand. Eden turned in her stool, crossed her legs under her skirts and slowly tipped her glass up to her lips, examining the inhabitants of the saloon. 

 

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[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


Wiping his forehead with the sleeve of his overcoat, he quickly began to unbutton it, and leaning over to put it in his saddle bag. He did leave the black under vest though, as well as his grey long sleeve shirt, tie, and leather black gloves.


Looking up at the sun as his horse raced along, Will figured he'd make it to Pariah before nightfall. Sighing as he pulled the reins to slow his horse, his mind began to wander to the past.


Spending 5 years in the open west took a toll on the man, some can argue good or bad though. He found himself amongst the dead, even found his hat out there funny enough. And then he'd came back to Pariah... He did regret it in a way, he was young and reckless, not taking the careful time to observe his true motive to destroying the town.


Off in the distance, he could see the fields of crosses, a signature staple to the town of Pariah, and adopted by El Durango as well. But he spotted three crosses immediately which struck a nerve, his families. As soon as he got closer to the town, he'd make sure those damn crosses wouldn't be special.


(Really nobody rn)

 

[amxlia]

Sheriff Ackermann~Anastasia
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[SIZE= 12px]It had been rather slow around the station that morning, as it most often was in the town considering many... settled their differences on their own. So, Anastasia had been tending to her Collie, a beautiful chestnut thoroughbred that she'd raised from a foul. She was thinking about going to Aiden to ask about how heavy the mare had gotten recently, mostly as an excuse to spend time with her friend, when the young barkeep assistant came running in. Alarmed, Ana stepped towards the heavy-breathed man, leaving her hat lying on the ground behind her, and grasped his shoulder worriedly.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 12px]"Roger, what's the matter?" she asked, scanning his face for any fear or hint of being upset.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 12px]"It's the smith, miss," he responded once he'd finally caught his breath. No man in the town addressed her properly as sheriff, but she could care less at that moment," he's got a broken nose an' ol' Tuck told me to come get you."[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 12px]Ana nodded and took off on foot from the station, too worried for her friend to take the time to saddle her horse, and soon reached the saloon a bit out of breath and her appearance a bit less than tidy, but it was that way always. Noticing a crowd, she headed that direction and shoved her way rather roughly through the men; she didn't care about their irritated grunts and comments, all she cared about was making sure Aiden Smith wasn't lying on the floor dead as a doornail.[/SIZE][SIZE= 12px] When she finally burst through the mass of bodies circling the scene, she sighed in relief. His broken nose was still not a sight to behold, but she always assumed the worst. Kneeling down next to Em, Anastasia huffed, forgetting her position as sheriff for a moment and talking to Aiden as a friend.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 12px]"Aiden, what'd you do t'get your face all bloodied up like that for?" she commented, knowing he didn't do it on purpose but also knowing that his own set of morals often left him with a few cuts and bruises," and where's that blasted doctor?"[/SIZE]
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@Horse @Lua
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[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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Aidan flashed as cheeky a grin as he could given the circumstances. "Well Sheriff, I told the man to pick on someone his own size and he decided I looked around his size," he said, his nose still stuffed but his speech was beginning to clear.


The stars had receded from his vision, just as the pain started. His nose throbbed terribly and from his earlier exploration he could tell it was crooked and the doctor would have to set it. There was a nice cut right across the bridge of his nose from the force of the blow as well, which stung as the wind whipped up some dust into it. His legs twitched a little, and he gave a little grunt, but he was able to haul himself off the ground, standing quite strangely, with his head leaned out over his body so as not to bleed on his clothes.


"I just need to wash my face, I'm sure that will help," he said, stumbling over to the nearby barrel of water for the horses. They nosed at his pockets, whuffling the fabric of his shirt as he bent for a scoop of water to gently wash his face off with.

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@Smoaki @Lua

 

[Lua]

[SIZE=14.6667px]When the sheriff showed up to the scene Emmylou felt some relief wash over her - though she wished the doctor would hurry his old ass up. It was a common practice for the man to be late - the only doctor in town, just about as old as her father, but still enough medical knowledge to astound most older folks in the town. The woman could admit that sometimes older practices worked better. She wanted to say something about Aidan standing up too soon, but before she could reach out he was already off the ground and wandering to was the blood of his face. She watched him go, holding her own bloody handkerchief in her hand. Without help she stood, brushing her skirt off the best that she could - though now it was stained with blood to match the dirt that had accumulated around her knees. Her father had already started pestering the sheriff.[/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“Ain’t we glad to see you, little lady!” Tuck exclaimed, seeming to dismiss the blacksmith and his ailment for only a moment. “You won’t believe what just happened - you should write it down so you don’t forget - see there was this man - “ Emmylou placed a hand on her fathers shoulder, knowing that the story would get twisted in every which way with the speed at which he was speaking. That seemed to be enough to quiet him. “Alright then, you tell her then, Em.”[/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“I wasn’t here for all of it, Sheriff.” She admitted, looking at her female counterpart through strands of hair that stuck to her sweaty forehead. “There was a man in the bar earlier, a little younger than Daddy - talking to him, gettin’ him all upset. Daddy went off and so did the man, and when I got out here I find poor Mr. Smith all blooded and on the ground - only trying to protect the old man.” She stopped to take a breath, finding herself getting riled up at the thought of that bastard [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]in black threatening her father. Meanwhile Tucker nodded his head furiously in agreement. “But, he must of ran off - Miss Olivia at the bar said he was mentioning something about a town - I don’t know.” She huffed, glancing around at the crowd and wondering just how much of a mess she looked like. “He’s probably long gone by now.”[/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]Finally it looked like the doctor was on his way; quickly pacing down the road a good few feet behind the man that had fetched him, black bag in tow and shouting that he would be there in a minute. Poor old man looked like he was about to pass out from the heat. Emmylou glanced sideways as her father strayed away again toward the injured man. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“Boy!” Tuck shouted, not a particularly angry shout, just sometimes he was loud in his old age. “You did a mighty fine deed today, lookin’ out for your elders. The greatest respect is the one you can give to one who ain’t your own blood. Once the doc puts you back together you come down and have supper with us, ya hear?” It sounded like more of an order, and it was a question Emmylou knew her father would not accept a ‘no’ answer for, so she simply rolled her eyes. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder if they had really seen the last of the stranger that had done them so much harm in one day; if he threatened Tuck once, would he do it again? Gears started kicking the womans head as she pondered the idea. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]@Horse[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]@Smoaki[/SIZE]

 

[Horse]

Aidan Smith
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After having washed as much blood as he could off his face, though more was still oozing slowly, he turned to step back up to the crowd. His face was red now, and not merely from the blood. Almost everyone was staring at him. He had wanted to make a scene for the stranger to get the message, but he hadn't stopped to think about what would happen afterwards. The spotlight had never suited him very much, and now was no different. He took a few steps back towards Miss Em and the Sheriff and sighed, hanging his head. Seeing how dirty and bloody he had made the poor woman's dress made him flush anew.


"Miss Em I'm so sorry about your dress," he said quietly, hands clasped in front of him like a schoolboy being punished.


Between her bloody dress, the staring, and now old Mr. Tucker shouting about what a wonderful thing he had done, his face was the color of a ripe tomato. Sensing that this question hadn't really been a question, he knew he didn't really have a choice. "Aye sir, that's very generous of you, " he answered dutifully.


Catching Anastasia's eye he shrugged helplessly. There wasn't much more he could do other than accept the offer, though he knew he had at least 10 projects unfinished in his forge that would keep him up late into the night. As his nose throbbed once more, he knew that the doctor would have to snap it back into place, though he dreaded it.


"Alright doc, what's the damage," he asked, stepping forward to him and lifting up his chin so the man could see better. It didn't look nearly as bad without all the blood on his face, although his nose was definitely crooked and swelling every second, dark purple reaching out across his face and under his eyes. It would hurt, but there would be no scaring, and hopefully his nose would heal mostly straight.

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@Lua @Smoaki
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[ReverseTex]

[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


Slowing the horse down to a trot, eventually allowing it to stop in front of an old cross. Hopping off his horse, he quickly snatched the reins and tied him to the cross. Removing his jacket from his saddle back, which took longer than he'd like due to age, and began to head to his families grave.


Staring down at the three graves, the wooden crosses standing slightly taller, as well as a darker wood. "Well it's been quite awhile, Pa, Mom, Logan... I've got nothin against you two, just Logan, so i'll spare y'all." Crouching down in front of his brothers grave, resting his arm on the feeble arm of the cross. "So Jackass, i'm not here to chat, just fuck you up some more, even though we both know you don't lie in this damn dirt." Kicking down the wooden cross, the worn wood snapping like a twig under his boot. "Now let's see if you left me any damn clues." Walking over the broken cross, casually removing his gloves before tucking them in his breast pocket, steering a course for the ghost town.


(Like the Bastard in Black  )

 

[amxlia]

Sheriff Ackermann~Anastasia
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[SIZE= 12px]Aiden looked better with his face washed, but he was gradually growing the shade of a ripe tomato with embarrassment and Ana couldn't help but chuckle a bit. Her laughter ceased however when she noticed how timid he was. She opened her mouth to offer to help that night when Tucker asked, or rather demanded, that the irish lad come to join he and Em for dinner that night. Ana closed her mouth with a deflated frown and followed Aiden as he approached the old doctor to ask about his nose. After standing looking at Aiden worriedly for a long moment, Anastasia cleared her throat and stepped back a step.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 12px]"Well I'll, uh, get back to the station and let Jonesy know t'write up a warnin' in tomorra's newspaper 'bout this man," she muttered a bit embarrassed," and you come to see me later when you're feeling better, okay?"[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 12px]Ana walked past Em on her way out, trying to hide the redness of her face by casting her eyes to the ground, and muttered a quick 'shut up' to the woman. She meant no menace, but Em was always teasing her about her feelings for Aiden, as she seemed to be the only one to notice, but Em always did have a bit of an intuition for the feelings of those around her. Em didn't even have to say anything, Ana just knew what she was thinking at the younger woman's insistence at being right at Aiden's side while he was wounded.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 12px]@Lua @Horse[/SIZE]
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[FTR]

Olivia
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Olivia'd stayed out of sight for the duration of the fiasco, looking precariously from the second floor balcony. Rugged as she may seem, she was smarter than to get involved in a fist fight between two grown men. Leaning over the railing, her grip tightened on the wooden beam as the standoff escalated into a brawl. Her right hand was still rested on her holster, now more passively. 
"Where is that sheriff girl?", she said under her breath. Olivia held the new sheriff in a bit of contempt, not that she was in any position to judge the girl she herself being of exponentially more questionable character and not but five years older. For her, a sheriff should be one of unquestionable respect, authority and trust. She sometimes found the girl hard to simply bare and didn't trust her as far as she could throw her. 
The crowd ooo'd at the blow the stranger landed on Aiden and she flinched slightly for him having been able to see the strike coming from the angle she was at. The moment the man in black made moves to leave she bolted to the stairwell. Olivia took off like a bat outta hell down the street and to the stables where her horse was being tended. Though she wasn't one to become attached to things she did hold a bit of pride for the horse. A large, sorrel, American Quarter stallion with white to black socks. She darted into the stable holding her horse, calling him forward and out of the enclosure. No saddle.
"Damn it!", she bemoaned calling in one of the stable-hands to fit the horse. The teenager fumbled and slipped up in saddling the horse. Olivia paced back and forth as he did so, looking expectantly out to the streets figuring the stranger was getting further and further out of reach. Finally she grew annoyed and wrenched the boy back away from her horse and finished saddling him herself. 
"Tell Emmylou to have someone look after the store, boy.", she ordered as she mounted up and directed the horse, exploding out of the stables and into the crowding streets. She could still make out the form of the man and his horse in the distance. She couldn't chase him yet, she wasn't a brawler...she needed her gun. She turned tail and took off in the other direction, towards the bank, where currency and weaponry alike were held for those who called Brandywine home. 
Olivia swung the door open and walked hurriedly to the teller. 
"How can I help you, Mrs. Forester?", the attendant asked merrily. 
"I nee-..", she stopped mid-thought to give him dirty look. She hated being called "Mrs.Forester". It was like a kick to the gut. 
"I mean, Ms. Olivia."
She picked back up after having felt she'd gotten her point across.
"I need my gun, Hector. I've got business outta town.", she said as plainly a she could. She'd been nothing short of a hermit up until this point but something had her all riled up and she couldn't place her finger on it. Something to do with that mysterious man. 
Hector could see it in her face, that normally only existed in somber or menacing configurations. 
"Be careful now, Ms. We need ya here back safe.", he said knowing he'd be better off teaching a horse to read than changing her mind and handed her her .38 double action. 
"I can handle myself, banker.", she said derisively, going into a jog as she headed out of the bank. 
Quickly back on her horse, her top dollar paid soon proved well spent as the beast of burden rocketed down the street and towards the direction the man had escaped. She was determined on catching up with the man, though not completely certain on what she planned on doing once she did. The only thing she had figured was Pariah was were she was headed given his fixation with it earlier. 
 


@ReverseWells

 

[Lua]

[SIZE=14.6667px]Though caught up in the well-being of the poor blacksmith, Emmylou did in fact take notice of the look on the young sheriffs face - one of complete care; one thing that made her good at what she did. Even if all the angry old men in town thought no woman should be a sheriff, they all had to admit she cared about the town and looked after it like the back of her hand. “You know Sheriff,” She commented as the girl went to walk away from the crowd to get to work with warning the area of the criminal; “You’re welcome to stop by too. Only if you want.” She couldn’t help but give the younger woman a wink; twirling on her heels to give her attention to the doctor and her father - though her father was already explaining like he knew the proper medical terminology. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“Oh, hush old man.” The doctor was saying to Tuck as he examined the boys nose. “You and your girl hold him, this will only take a second.” The doctor was already rolling up his sleeves as he spoke, spectacles looking like they were ready to fall from the tip of his nose. “Ain’t even that bad. Just gotta put it back, is all.” [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]Emmylou could almost cringe at those words - he made it sound easy. She would soon find that he would make it look easy. She found herself waiting in anticipation as she took hold of one of the boys arms - it was almost like the doctor was expecting him to shoot up into the air once his nose was back in place. Tuck took hold of the other, giving the boy a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Looks worse than it is, son. Take it like a man.” Before Emmylou could shush her father it was like the doctor had performed some sort of magic trick - a tiny ‘crack’ echoing - and then the old doctor was shoving cotton up the boys nose. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“Well, I’ll be damned.” She whispered, backing away and peaking around the side of the young mans face to get a look at what was now all black and blue. She tried not to winch in front of him - his face was already red from all the attention he was getting. “Well, I suppose you all can get on now!” She yelled towards the crowd, before her father started ranting and raving. “He’s gonna be fine.” They seemed to take that for an answer, and at last there was some solace. The woman turned back toward Aidan and placed and gentle hand on his forearm. “You go home and rest now, Darlin’, you’re gonna need it for the earache you’ll get from the old man later.” She flashed him a smile before turning away to head back to the saloon, faintly listening to the doctor provide the boy with directions as she looped her arm with her fathers. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]Upon arriving back at the bar, Jackson was already out on the front porch; practically leaping into the road. [/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“Mama!” His voice had gone from deep to high as he went to catch his breath, placing his hands on his knees as he tried to regain himself. “Miss O...I think she’s gone after the stranger. Needs somebody to watch the store - I told John ‘cause he was the first one I could think of since he’s the one accepting all the deliveries and -”[/SIZE]

 
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[SIZE=14.6667px]“You don’t need to say anymore.” Emmylou sighed. Of course that was like Olivia, if her son was in fact telling the truth. “There’s too much going on today - tell all those drunks to finish up because I’m shutting down for the night.” Feeling suddenly exhausted, she patted her father on the shoulder and went around the side of the building; up a staircase that lead to the back of the second floor and the apartment she shared with her father and son. It had been in the family for generations. Upon shutting herself in her quarters she nearly screamed at the sight of her dirty self in the mirror - certainly looking like she had been through hell and back. She found herself slumping into a chair nearby, figuring it would be easier to rest before rushing to clean herself up. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]@Horse[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px] @Smoaki @Pumpkin Spice Cyanide[/SIZE]

 

[ReverseTex]

[FONT= 'Times New Roman'][SIZE= 28px] The Man in Black[/FONT][/SIZE]


Strolling into the barren town, the wooden skeleton of the buildings gray and snapped in akward places. And even the buildings in tact were looted beyond recognition. Sighing, he stopped in the middle of the town, and began to slowly walk in a small circle, studying each of the buildings.


He could remember every building before this state, his childhood home next to the general store towards the back side of the town, the bank where his old man worked, and even the church where school was held. Chuckling to himself, Will removed his hand, placing his hand on his balding head. Damn the times had changed. Shaking his head, he began walking to his hold home, desperate for a little clue.


Walking over the pile of wood that was once the front wall of his home, he could remember the smell of homemade rolls that greeted him daily after school. Looking at the broken pieces of wood, he frowned, he knew he wasn't going to find anything in this damned place. Hell maybe someone from Brandywine would actually get him. By the looks of the sun, which was close to setting, he left around noon, so if anyone was going to come, it'd be soon.


@Pumpkin Spice Cyanide

 

[FTR]

Olivia
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Olivia moved across the land like a strike of lighting on the back of that American Quarter. She'd been through and by Pariah several times in her life, having used it as a camp once or twice too, the town more desolate each time than the last. Upon reaching the turn off from the main path she decided to ease her tempo and take to the hillside overlooking the ghost town. Her intentions weren't to start a fight and the man had proven to be a rather violent individual. Olivia opted to scope out the town before running headlong into what could be anything from a gang rendezvous to an occult summoning. 


She jockeyed the horse up the hill and brought him to a stand still at the crest. She was far enough away to where if he did manage to catch wind of her she'd be long gone by the time he could put his aggression to use. From here she put her keen eyes to work, scanning the lands and various collections of ruined wood, once having been buildings. She quickly spotted the man in black walking by all by his lonesome up to a particular pile.


"Looting?", she asked disgruntled. She'd like to believe this guy was above that, the anxiety he gave her wasn't something a common scavenger could muster. 


Olivia became a little annoyed, it was like buying wine and getting grape juice instead...disappointing. 


She decided against better judgement and whistled her horse forward down the hill to confront the stranger. She, herself, however, was no stranger to risky scenarios and positioned herself for a hasty retreat, in case things got hairy. 


She hitched her horse out behind the building she was planning on getting the man's attention from. The moment she loses control of the situation she was hightailing it outta there. 


Slowly she walked up and out from around the building her hand resting leisurely on her revolver. As composed as she seemed in reality she was the most excited she'd been in a long time. 


"What's yer business bringin' strife 'round these parts, mister?! Can't just be lootin' graves....", Olivia shouted towards the ebony clad man.


@ReverseWells