When Hearts collide (An Arthur Morgan Rdr2 fanfiction)

Chapter 6: Life for a life

*2 weeks later*

Grasping how life worked in the gang, had been easy for Peyton. She had taken to how things were run, around here pretty quickly. I had to admit, the woman had ambition. Ambition and an eagerness to learn new things. Hell, she'd taken to hunting small game, rather well. She was almost ready, to take on bigger game animals. Almost. I just wanted to make sure, she was actually ready for it. I knew how it felt, downing bigger game. I knew the adrenaline that came with it. Hell, I'd gone hunting with Hosea when we'd first moved down here, from the mountains. A giant bear, nonetheless. There was definitely a thrill. But, there was also anxiety as well. Anxiety and fear. And if either of those things took control of a person's composure, it could get them killed. So, I had to do my part and look out for Peyton. Make sure, she could handle herself, when it came to tough situations.

Today, I'd decided to take us to a different hunting ground. Besides, we hadn't seen much game in our usual spot, these last few days. We were getting low on fresh meat at camp. So, why not take advantage and try something new?
"Hey, aren't we heading the wrong way? Our hunting spot is back the other way," Peyton says, as we head to the new spot.
"Nope. Switchin' it up. We're huntin' someplace new, today," I say.
"We are? Well, how come you didn't mention that, earlier?" She asks.
"I wanted to surprise you," I say.
"Well, I'm most definitely surprised," she says, her tone taking on a sour note.
I pull back on the reins, halting my horse so that I can turn to look at her.
"You sound angry, actually," I say.
"Well, yeah. I'm used to our usual spot," she says.
"Now you listen here, Princess. We got mouths to feed, back at camp. Wanna disappoint them again, should we turn up empty handed like yesterday?" I ask.

Her stance and tone, immediately change.
"No. I'd much rather not. That was humiliating, yesterday," she says.
"Good. Glad we have an understandin'," I say.
"I just don't wanna make a fool of myself," she says.
"You won't. Trust me," I say.
She tightens her grip on my waist, as I nudge Legend back into motion.
"I hope you're right," she says.
We ride in silence, the rest of the way to the new grounds. Part of me felt like a dick, for not handling that better. Maybe I should've apologized, to her. Yet, I couldn't force the words to come. Besides, I'd always been terrible at admitting I'd been wrong, to act the way I had. It was a trait I sadly got from my father.

Approaching the new grounds, I find a nice spot in the shade, to hitch my horse. Once hitched, we both dismount, grabbing our respective rifles and load them with their respective ammunition, before slinging them over our shoulders.
"Come on, this way," I say, gesturing for Peyton to follow me.
She does, without question. However, I could tell, she was nervous about being in a new area.
"There's been a buck, here. See that tree? He's been rubbin' his antlers on it. And recently, too," I say.
"How can you tell?" She asks.
"See them tracks, there? They're newer. More recent. If they were older, they'd be less noticeable, to the eye," I say.
"I'll have to remember that," she says.
"The tracks head this way, come on," I say, taking the lead.

We follow the tracks, all the while, keeping quiet.
"There's a creek, up ahead. Let's see if he's been down there, recently," I say.
"Okay," Peyton whispers.
We keep moving, keeping hidden and quiet, as we make our way down to the creek bed. Sure enough, there were more tracks, and fresh deer scat.
"Oh yeah, he's been here. And fairly recent, too. So, he's gotta be round here somewhere," I say.
"The tracks go in different directions, though. Should we split up?" Peyton asks.
"I reckon, that's a smart idea. But, don't wander too far," I say.
"I won't," she says.
"Good. Now, I'm gon' head this way. You go on and head up that way. We'll meet back up here, if neither of us find him," I say.
"Sounds like a plan," she says.
"If you happen to find him, 'fore I do, you make your way back to me, let me know," I say.
"Couldn't I just shoot it?" She asks.
"You're not yet ready, for that. Give it a few more days. Today, is just a lesson on it," I say.