Ghosts of the Past [ RDR2 - Arthur Morgan ]

Chapter 28 - Lions, Tigers, Bears (oh my)

WORD COUNT - 2028

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Arthur's recent escapades had landed him in an odd situation with 'The bravest female animal wrangler', Miss Margaret, who ironically was a man with a rather impressive moustache. His menagerie of beasts had gotten themselves free when his caravan overturned during a particularly bad dust storm. And on promise of payment, Arthur had agreed to help round these animals up. In the end he stood in front of the man, hands on his belt, awaiting his payment.

"I have just the thing." Margaret declared, and with a flourish, presented a large, sparkling emerald. It seemed to catch the sunlight in pleasing flashes. Arthur gazed at it for a long moment. It reminded him of something fondly.

Of course Arthur reached for the payment quickly. But Miss Margaret tugged it away "No. I shouldn't. What would daddy say?"

"Your daddy ain't here, and we had a deal." Arthur said in practically a growl. Damn to hell if he wasn't going to get that emerald now.

Margaret sighed, "I s'pose you're right." and with quite some trepidation, he held out the stone for Arthur to take. Which he promptly did.

"Much obliged." Arthur nodded, pocketing the emerald promptly, and tipped his hat "Madam."

"It's bloody Margaret." He grumbled "Not Madam." as he boarded his wagon with his assistant as they took off.

Arthur waved them off with a polite nod, already feeling the weight of the emerald in his pocket. Mounting Laurel, he turned toward Shady Belle, the promise of home pulling him forward.

Recently, Dutch had been meticulously planning the Saint Denis party. Though he was being slightly sketchy on the details. Thus far Hosea had informed Arthur that he'd have to dress up. Which already put Arthur on the back foot. Dressing up like high society was not his preferred nightly activity. But he'd placated his concerns with the idea of free booze and plenty robbing opportunities.

Yet it seemed Dutch's plans ran deeper than just a fancy get up. Hosea, ever the actor, loved creating backstories. It felt to Arthur they were busy creating some for all of them. Or at the very least, for Arthur.

The view of Shady Belle loomed as Arthur approached. After Jack's safe return to the gang, it seemed everyone was trying to return to some form of normality. The loss of one of the gang's loudest members still weighed on the atmosphere often. Singing wasn't as lively anymore. And the drunk members of the gang appeared more depressing than jolly. But still Arthur continued on with his typical days. Now he found himself sitting by the fire, whittling a small wooden stand for his new found decoration. The emerald would sit in the prize place, on his table. He always wanted something to remind him of Rosemary up there anyway. Sure, he could sell it. Probably make a good $40 or more, but that wasn't his plan. For now at least.

As Arthur took the emerald out to test it against his hand made stand, he heard a sweet tone "Pretty rock." Rosemary commented, sitting down opposite him "Dare I ask where you got a stone like that?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told cha." Arthur chuckled a little, carving the makeshift stand a little more neatly.

Rose leaned forward to get a peek at the gem, still clutched partially in Arthur's hand. Though it seemed mostly an excuse to move closer "Well hearing some of the other strange situations you get yourself into, I'm sure this one can't be any odder. Didn't you end up driving a wagon for a woman's suffrage rally?"