The Dusty Shamrock ~ OC RDR2 fanfiction

Chapter 7

I sat by the fire for not too long until I heard a set of footsteps with a familiar weight and pattern to them.
"Mornin' Say, you up for comin' into town with me? We need some more supplies" Mr Morgan drawled with his honey butter voice. I stood up next to him, slightly leaning into his warmth at the loss of the fire's heat.
"Of course" I smiled, at least I'd get some time alone with Arthur today. Even if it was only for an hour.

We hooked the horses up to the wagon just after we'd finished talking by the campfire. It was only a simple conversation, very simple "how are you?" And "Survivin', how're you fairing?". Not much of a conversation to be honest.
Our wagon ride wasn't so silent though, we were laughing around and having fun.
"Arthur, have you ever been in love?" I giggled, although it was a serious question. Part of me wanted him to answer, the other didn't.
"Well" he looked to his hands and then scratched his stubble in thought. "No, not anymore, but with you around that won't last for very long" A nervous chuckle followed his words, despite my doubts of his statement, his eyes only showed pure sincerity. He looked down to me, his eyes glistening. They weren't tears, I knew that much, but they were more... glistening with fondness. He'd grown fond of me as I had grown fond of him.
"I've never been in love" I scoffed. "But I wouldn't know what bein' in love feels like. For all I know, I could already be in Love." We sighed, it was a cool autumn morning. It wasn't cold, but cold enough to need a jacket. The cool wind swept the grass, making it dance- the wind had also made unconsciously snuggle into Arthur's side and relish in the warmth that he had. Arthur didn't particularly seem to mind so much. His words rang through my mind, reminding me of how his voice ran smooth, he had low, raspy voice. The rasp didn't off set the relaxing sound his voice created, it wasn't too coarse, it didn't grate on your ears like crumpled up parchment.
"Arthur, what did you mean when you said you weren't in love anymore?" He stiffened at my sudden inquiry.
"It's a long story" I shot him a quizzical look, he sighed and softened his face.
"I was engaged." I sat upright and looked at him, my eyes were soft despite serious stance.
"Well? What happened?" I rasped, my voice was so hushed that it's sound grated against my vocal cords, sounding out every melody of my concern. Arthur refuses to meet my gaze, keeping his eyes focused on the reins he was holding.
"I was engaged to a lady, she didn't want me for my life though. Didn't want no trouble" I apologised for asking, he shook his head and waved it off as if it was nothing. It really did seem like it was nothing to him, but it wasn't nothing to me. To me it meant that he was slightly harder to crack than I had first anticipated. Slightly more closed off. He was gonna hide things from me, he wouldn't want to hurt me. He wouldn't be foolish, but, to me, it was okay to foolish once in a while.

We arrived in town, the smell of freshly cooked meat mingled with the scent of horses and tobacco. A scent I had become very familiar with. My very own father used to smoke a pipe quite often. He'd even let me have a few puffs of it sometimes. The scent of horses and pipe tobacco were close to my heart, the smell of home despite its fate. I knew that if I never strayed far from that smell, I'd always find my home.

Arthur had decided to go and get the food supplies while he let me do some wandering around town. I had a small list of things that I wanted to buy for a few friends I'd made at camp. On my list, I'd reminded myself to by new rifle cartridges, a cattleman revolver for Sean and a new knife for certain best friend I'd made. My newest and greatest best friend I'd made so far was Javier, sure I was best of friends with Arthur but Arthur and I's friendship was something that I'd hoped for more with. The knife was for Javier, he was an ace with throwing knives, a Casanova of the blade, if you will.

Walking into the gunsmith, I was met with an empty shop.
"Mornin' Ma'am. Lookin' for a new defence?" The keeper greeted.
"Top O' the Mornin'" I tipped my head in a kind gesture. I sauntered to the counter, gazing over the revolvers, knives, and rifles, looking for one I wished to purchase.
"I'm lookin' for a Cattleman revolver for my little brother, and a fancy knife for one of my dear friends" I told the keeper, he placed a standard cattleman revolver on the glass case for me to look over while he placed an array of knives for me to choose from alongside the revolver he'd previously set down.
"What sorta knife you lookin' for?" He drawled.
"Throwing knife, he's a dab hand at 'em I tell ya" I skimmed my eyes over the throwing knives, a golden one catching my eye. It had engraved embellishments on the blade with gemstones encrusted on to the ivory white handle. It was beautiful, and just inside my price range.
I made my choice and purchased all of my items on my mental list, leaving the shop with glee.

Upon arriving outside, I saw no trace of Arthur around. I heard faint gunfire from the distance. He's in trouble, ain't he?

A silver muzzle was pressed to my temple, a gruff voice barking from behind me.
"Stick 'em up" I slowly raised my hands, in fear of my life. The same voice growled from his previous position once again.
"Tie her up, take her to the northern camp" Soon after, I felt rough, callous bonds encircle my wrists. An inkling in my mind told me to fight back while my legs weren't tied. I kicked and screamed only to be met with the fist of the masked man who'd ordered my capture.

After that, I was out cold for at least a few hours.

Perhaps Sean and Javier would have to wait for their gifts.