When Hearts collide (An Arthur Morgan Rdr2 fanfiction)

Chapter 7: A quiet time

The two weeks of bed rest, had been absolute hell, for me. Even though I'd had many a visitor in that time, I'd still hated every moment, that I wasn't out on my horse, pulling my share of the work that went on, in camp and outside of camp. I'd only hated it worse, when I learned that Peyton had taken on more of the work load. She'd claimed, she was filling in for me, in my absence. Of course I was grateful that she had. But, it angered me, that she came back each day, absolutely exhausted. I'd made her promise me, she'd take it easy. I didn't want her to push herself too hard. She'd promised. But, the next morning, I learned that it had been immediately broken. If it hadn't been for Tilly coming to me and passing along the message that Peyton had taken off with Javier to do some robbery involving some homestead out in the boondocks, I wouldn't have gone riding out, in search of them both. I was pretty much healed up. So, I wasn't hurting as bad, when I had.

Needless to say, when I'd found them, they were surprised to see me. I'd shared a few choice words, with Javier. After all, it had been his idea, to rob the homestead in the first place. The words that had been exchanged between us, had rubbed us both rather raw, with each other. So raw, in fact, a fight very nearly could've broken out. However, the man had had enough smarts, to back away, when he had and head back to camp, leaving me alone with Peyton. And like I had with Javier, I'd exchanged a few choice words with her, as well. She'd been reckless, going out on a job like that, without thinking it through, properly. And, like with Javier, we'd argued till we both were rather sore at each other. Sure, we both still very much shared a space. But, that didn't stop the tension from building. Hell, she wouldn't speak to me, for the rest of the week. And that, in some strange way, hurt. And I had only myself to blame, for being so harsh with her.

In Valentine, now that I was off bed rest and was deemed completely healed, according to my most recent doctor visit, I got to thinking. There had to be some way, to get Peyton to talk to me, again. Besides, I owed it to her, for having not only saved my life, after that cougar attacked me. But, for having pulled my share of the work, too. I wanted to show her my appreciation, and make amends. But, what would send the right message, to her?
Legend, who was tethered to the hitching post just a few steps down from me, snorted, turning his head in my direction. Seeing that, the idea suddenly came to me, on what I should do, for Peyton. It was time, she had a horse of her own, so she wouldn't have to borrow one, from another of the camp members.

Making my way over to Legend, I unhitch him, patting his neck.
    "Thanks for the idea, Boy," I say, climbing into the saddle.
I turn him to face towards the stables, and we slowly make our way down to them. I notice, though, that Legend seemed exhausted and needed a break from being ridden for a bit.
     "Care for a small vacation, Boy?" I ask, as we near the stables.
He snorts and tosses his head, again like he was nodding.
     "Alright, then. Lets head inside, give you a break, for a few days," I say.
When we enter the stables, my Dutch Warmblood, whinnies in greeting, pawing at the hay in his stall. Someone was rather happy to see me.
    "Mind switchin' these two out?" I ask the stable hand.
     "Don't mind at all. This one's been itchin' to get out," he says.
      "Haha, that's my boy. As eager to feel the wind, as I am," I say.
      "Is there anythin' else I can do for you, while we're gettin' the two switched out?" He asks.
      "Actually, there is. I'm lookin' to surprise a dear friend of mine, with a horse of their own. Got any good ones in?" I ask.
     "Of course, I do. I only sell the best animals, here," he says.

He leads me outside, to show me the horses he had for sale. And immediately, one stands out.
    "How much you askin' for that one?" I ask, pointing.
     "Ah, the Golden Standard Bred? She's one-fifty," he says.
     "Mind if I take a closer look, at her?" I ask.
      "Absolutely. Let me go fetch her, for you," he says.
When he returns, I let out a low whistle. The mare was even more beautiful, in person.
     "Damn, she's a beaut," I say.
     "She's a real sweetheart, too. Gentle as they come. But, quick as lightnin'," he says.
      "She's perfect. Consider her sold," I say, pulling the amount needed to pay for her, out of my satchel and handing it to him.
      "Pleasure doin' business. Need a saddle for her?" He asks.
       "I do," I say.
       "I'll get her fitted with one, on me," he says.
       "Thanks, partner," I say.