Lamb To The Slaughter (Red Dead Redemption 2 Fanfic)

Outlaws From The West: Part II

Trigger Warning: Violence

1880

Somewhere In Colorado

Her memories of them were vague. He was like a moment yet to be lived, or a painting yet to be drawn. He was young, and gentle, with creamy brown hair and soft gray eyes. He held her hand tight, but gently. Asking a million questions as he led her down the dusty main road in their small town. She'd never been asked so many questions she always thought questions were rude and not to speak unless spoken too. At least that's how the last 'mother' Fae had put it. But her Uncle Albert, as he insisted he called her, was kind. He wore a handsome blue suit under a long black tail coat that he kept slipping her candies from. His top hat seemed so tall, and his smile so wide. Even young, rebellious, trouble making, and untamable Fae Bennett felt like there was something about him to trust.

Fae was with them for some time, spending all of that winter and following spring under the watchful eyes of her Aunt and Uncle. They treated her like none other: she was never harmed, never beaten or shamed, she was loved, and cared for, treated like the young human she was. They spoiled her beyond her own appetites, with treats and gifts and more attention then she knew what to do with. Lillian, Albert's wife, taught her to read and bake. She taught Fae how to dress, to free and embrace her wavy locks. She taught her to dance, to play, and how to love life again, how to be a child. Even if it was just for a short time.

Lilian was beautiful. Painted in the green of June, and the blue of the mountains. She was youthful, and happy where life had led her. Fae remembered her shoulder length chocolate hair, her bright and contagious smile, the flowy dresses she would wear. How she loved Fae like her own because she would never have her own. The memories she gave her, the lessons she taught, the stories she told with passion. Lilly Evans, the flower of the mountains.

It was summer, that's all that mattered to the children that lived in the mountains. It was summer and the rivers were cool and the mountains unexplored. The sun was bright and hot, Uncle Albert had left hours ago to attend his dentist shop down the road. Lillian baked in the kitchen as she normally did, Fae was an arm length away at the island in the center of the large kitchen. She'd spend hours in that exact seat, drawing or reading or doing school work. As the sun leaked in through the windows she felt the itch of the outside calling to her.

"Aunt Lily?" Her voice was so small,"Why can't I play outside?"

Lillian laughed for a moment before dusting her hands off on the apron around her waist," Remember what I told you, love? The sun is extra hot today, and I don't want it to freckle your pretty skin." A sudden and loud knock at the door made Lillian jump a little and turn away from her pie, she looked at Fae and gave a smile," Finish your drawing dear, Uncle Albert will surely want to see it when he gets home."

She went down the corridor in a moment to the front door. Fae could hear the voices of two men, they sounded not much older then her uncle. One was a deeper more formal tone, calling Aunt Lily ma'am and begging her pardon. The other voice was a little high but just as sincere. Fae couldn't care less about who pestered her aunt, now was her time to escape. She jumped from the stool she sat, and felt around on the counter until she grabbed her journal. She retrieved a small satchel from the stool next to her then set her eyes on the main prize. Strawberry danishes her aunt had just pulled from the oven. Warm steam floated into the air that made Fae's stomach grumble and her tongue run across her lips. She grabbed three and didn't have the sense to cover them before shoving them in her bag. The sun was waiting, the sky alongside it, she didn't care about freckles or heat. A quick glance at Aunt Lily, who stood sheepishly and defensively behind the door from the men. Fae figured they were playing some sort of game, and moved as quiet as a shadow for the backdoor.