Hidden Destinys || RDR2 - Arthur Morgan x OC ||

5. Southbound

Emma blinked...how had she...?

 The sun had just begun to peek over the distant peaks, casting a soft glow on the snow-dusted landscape. She stretched, feeling the stiffness from the cold night seep out of her limbs as she prepared for the day ahead.

She didn't have time to think, she had to hurry to get packed.

First, Emma meticulously packed her belongings, folding each piece of clothing with care and stowing them in her weathered leather satchel. Her journal, filled with inked reflections and sketches of camp life, was carefully wrapped in a cloth to protect it from the elements. The sound of camp waking up surrounded her—Mary-Beth's lilting voice carrying over from where she organized supplies, Arthur's low rumble in conversation with Javier about checking weapons and ammunition.

The camp itself was a hive of activity. Gang members bustled about, preparing for the journey south to Horseshoe Overlook. Some tended to the horses, ensuring they were well-fed and watered for the trek ahead. Others packed provisions into the wagons, securing crates of supplies and ammunition that would sustain them on their journey. Emma joined in where she could, lending a hand with the horses.

Emma approached Kieran as he nervously checked the saddle on his horse, his hands trembling slightly in the cold morning air. The frosty breath of the horses mingled with the campfire smoke, creating a surreal atmosphere around them.

"Morning, Kieran," Emma greeted softly, careful not to startle him.

Kieran jumped at her voice, his wide eyes darting around before settling on her. "Oh, uh, good morning," he replied, forcing a shaky smile. He adjusted the saddle blanket for the third time, his fingers fumbling with the leather straps. "Just... making sure everything's in order," he added, his voice trailing off nervously.

 His weathered face broke into a faint smile as Emma approached, acknowledging her assistance with a nod of gratitude. Together, they worked methodically, forgetting his horse mometarily, adjusting the leather harnesses and checking the straps to ensure everything was secure. The horses, sensing the movement and energy around them, shifted restlessly but responded well to the calm, confident touch of the gang members.

Emma noticed the tension in his shoulders, the way he kept glancing over his shoulder as if expecting trouble. "You seem on edge," she remarked, stepping closer. "Is something bothering you?"

Kieran hesitated, his gaze flickering towards Arthur, who was nearby sharpening his knife with deliberate strokes. "It's just... being an ex-O'Driscoll, you never quite shake off the feeling that someone's out to get you," he confessed in a low voice, as if sharing a forbidden secret.

Emma nodded sympathetically, understanding the weight of Kieran's past and the constant fear it brought. "You've proven yourself to us, Kieran, you've been helpful with the horses at least." she reassured him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Arthur may be tough on the outside, but deep down, he knows you're loyal to the gang now."

Kieran managed a weak smile, grateful for her support. He absently stroked the horse's mane, finding solace in the animal's calm demeanor. "I hope you're right," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Arthur... he scares the life outta me sometimes."

Just then, Arthur's gruff voice cut through the morning air. "Kieran, quit fussing over that nag and get ready. We're leaving soon."

Kieran flinched at the command, hastily finishing with the saddle and straightening up. "Y-yes, Arthur, r-right away," he stammered, shooting Emma a quick, grateful glance before hurrying to join the others who were already preparing to move out.

Emma watched him go with a mixture of empathy and admiration. She knew the road to acceptance in the Van der Linde gang was fraught with challenges, especially for someone like Kieran, haunted by his past.