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

8. Parts of a Whole

Emma sat alone on a log near the edge of Horseshoe Overlook, her journal resting open on her lap. The morning sun cast long shadows over the camp, the first light of dawn painting the landscape in soft hues of gold and amber. She ran her fingers absently over the worn leather cover of the journal, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. The encounter at the saloon had shaken her more than she cared to admit. The way that man had looked at her, the knowing glint in his eyes—it had unnerved her deeply. How much did they know about her? How much longer could she keep her secret?

 She glanced around the bustling camp, watching as the gang members went about their morning routines, laughter and banter filling the air. They had become her family, and she had found a place here, but the fear of being discovered gnawed at her. She couldn't bear the thought of losing their trust, of losing everyone's trust. She sighed and looked down at the blank page before her, her thoughts too tangled to put into words. Just then, she heard the crunch of boots on gravel and looked up to see Arthur approaching, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Emma?"

She looked up to see Arthur approaching. He moved with a purposeful stride, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. He stopped a few paces away, hands resting on his belt.

"Morning, Arthur," Emma greeted, closing the journal and setting it aside.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, nodding towards the log.

"Not at all," she replied, making space for him.

Arthur sat down, his eyes briefly scanning the horizon before settling on her. "You seemed pretty deep in thought. Everything alright?"

Emma took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts. "Just... trying to make sense of everything that happened last night. That man, he seemed to know things about me that he shouldn't."

Arthur nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, he did. And you mentioned you'd explain it later. I think now's a good time."

Emma hesitated, her eyes drifting to the journal. She needed to give Arthur something, but not the whole truth. "It's... complicated, Arthur. I had a different life before I ended up here. I came from back east, like he said. My family was involved in some shady business. I didn't want any part of it, so I left. Changed my name, tried to start fresh. That man last night, he must have known my family somehow."

Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press her. "So you're sayin' you're from back east, and you got caught up in some trouble that brought you out here? And that man last night, he knew about it?"

Emma nodded. "That's the gist of it. I don't understand how he knew, but I know I have to be careful. And I need to figure out what my role is here, why I'm with the gang."

Arthur leaned back, his gaze distant as he absorbed her explanation. "That's a lot to take in. But it makes sense, in a strange way. You've always seemed different, Emma. And not just 'cause of your accent or the way you carry yourself."

Emma smiled faintly, relieved that her lie had been accepted. "Thanks, Arthur. I know it's hard to believe, but I appreciate you listening."

Arthur nodded, his expression softening. "We'll figure this out together. You're part of this gang now, and we look out for each other. No matter where you came from or why you're here."

Emma felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Arthur. That means a lot."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of Miss Grimshaw's voice, echoing across the camp. "Alright, everyone! Time to get this place in order! If idiots were being killed, this place would be on death row! Move it!"