Chasing the country

CHAPTER SIX: A change of events

It has been over a week since I left the camp for anything related to my job. I set aside the effort to go angling along the waterline, playing poker with the others and sing at the pit fire. It was engaging for an initial couple of days however, in the end, I began to feel pointless and bored. I am not the kind of individual that could remain still for long.

On account of Sean, who would go out for groceries, picked up my mail at the post office which incorporated an opening for work somewhere around Cotorra Springs. Local people there are being threatened by a gathering of wolves that are getting out of hand and they need somebody to come clean them up. The compensation is... very tempting and I did not need to reconsider to accept the offer.

"Where do you think you're going?" I hear from behind me and when looking back I see Arthur making rushed strides towards me.

"I need to get out of here. Getting pretty done with the same scenery every day" answering agitated given I didn't want Arthur to hold me back.

"I don't think Dutch..."

Immediately I interrupt him for going any further "It's been over a week Arthur, can't lock me up forever"

Arthur didn't leave the camp that regularly likewise, despite the fact that he is one of the exceptions that could, and can only bob his head to comprehend what I am talking about.

"Okay, let's go then" Taking the reins from the post where his horse is hitched and exhaling a sigh.

Before I could even explain that I don't assistance on my trip, he continues

"simmer down, I'm not coming to defend you" when he tells this, he can't help but chuckle.

"Are you sure you can handle it? It's all the way up in the north and I didn't intend on coming back on the same day?" reacting as a joke for him inviting himself on my trip.

"It can be good to get a little away from these people," he accepts.

---

A couple of hours later

The journey took us to the Cumberland region where the stunning pink and purple sky faded into a black pitch wall with only the moon to guide us through the woods.

With the swampy warmth back at camp, it's definitely cold when the breeze pierced through the thick jacket that I am wearing. Notified by the locals about whereabouts of the wolves, we make the decision to wait until dawn arrives to travel further.
The animals are most active at that time of day anyway and we could use some rest as it was a long ride.

Arthur is sitting in deep thought against a log with his leather journal and a lead pencil while i am setting up some plump birds on the fire for us. Frequently I have seen him dug in that book and it is quite curious to know what makes him dedicate so much time in.

"Why... What are you writing?" I ask curiously

Uninterrupted, Arthur continues to move the pencil on the paper.

"Sometimes I write about the things that happen. It keeps me from forgetting the important stuff... but now I am drawing to be fair "the side of his mouth curls up

He can draw? This makes me even more intrigued by what he spends so much time on.

"Then what are you drawing? Or is it private ..." asking timidly as I don't want to pry in his own space. He takes the journal and turns it around to discover what he is drawing.

It is me; sitting at the fire, in peace. Quite outlined and secure, and somewhat strange to see me in charcoal. Still impressed by the sight I'm beginning to blush a bit. Never have I ever had anyone draw me, knowing that he's not wasting his paper on irrelevant scribbles, it's quite the compliment.

The meat is cooked ready and in the company of the crackling fire, we consume in quietness, enjoying a small glass of bourbon on the side. All I can do is stare into the flames in front of me as I feel my body recover from the long ride. A tired, but I am trying to fight against it to appreciate the moment for just a bit longer...

"I had no idea it would be this cold up here" Arthur clears his throat and moves closer to the fire.

By the sudden break of silence, I look up at Arthur. "We are so close to the mountains, it makes the weather very unpredictable" I explain. For all we know the sun will be shining tomorrow, however, this night is going to be a cold one. When we were setting up our camp area, I noticed he grabbed a bedroll for sleeping, but no tent to sleep in. Even sleeping close to the fire that is a dangerous risk.

"Is the bedroll the only thing you brought for tonight?" curiously I ask him.

He nods his head in agreement "I didn't have much time to pack as you would probably have left by yourself if I turned my back"

"You got me there" I admit, "If you want, you can put it in my tent. It is much warmer and you will probably have a better night sleep in case it starts to rain..."

A small gesture but I see that he is very grateful when I look into his eyes. It kind of surprises me and I get the feeling that he is not used to it at all.

Such a rough looking man, and then having such a sensitive character. I have noticed several times that he is fairly gentle and his intentions are often goodhearted. I have the feeling he has so much more to it than he shows.

"Arthur?" He looks abruptly up when mentioning his name "How does your future look like?" A fairly bold question I ask him but the mood of the night asks for a more serious conversation.

"What do you mean by future? You mean what we want with camp...? " the doubt in his eyes whether he understands me well

"No, I mean... Do you have any dreams yourself, aside from the gang"

Arthur looks rather surprised at my question and is silent for a moment, then a timid smile appears when he starts to speak

"I think I don't have one I guess... I'm not the kind of man with ambitions or something, more someone who's is good at handling a gun. With everything going on right now, I don't even have time to think about my future, if I had one..." the smile disappears into an embarrassing posture while he plays with the bourbon flask in his hands.

I can understand the part about his dedication... Once you live in a camp, you have to do it together, and I believe that everyone should be on the same page if you want a good foundation for the future. But Arthur completely pushes himself away, as if there is no room for personal growth or happiness. Quite sad, I think there is so much more to him than he knows.

"Do you have... a future in mind" Arthur cautiously asks back.

"Well, for now, I'm happy how things are going. Traveling to new places, meeting new people and such... But eventually, I want to have a steady home for my own somewhere nice. "
Arthur starts to gleam and appreciate sharing something personal with him.

—

Dawn's first light shined through the small opening of the canvas. If it wasn't the light it would have been the inner clock that wakes me from my slumber. My eyes opened and I take a moment to get used to the brightness, for a second I forget I am not alone.

The environment is slowly becoming known again when I open my eyes and get used to the brightness.

For a moment I forget that I am not alone in my tent and when I look aside I see Arthur still sleeping. He is lying on his side, almost no space between us and I feel his breathing on my arm.
"Morning..." His hoarse voice makes me aware he is awake and we meet eyes.
He rolls on his back and stretches his arms above his head.

At this moment the well-defined features of his jawline are more present than before, the black blouse is tight around his broad chest and muscular arms and I lose myself in the moment of admiring his appearance.

"We better get up..." he says when getting up from his position. The gentle expression of his voice sparkled something inside of me. It's not that I haven't noticed his handsome features before but to have my body react his way makes me aware. Like something has changed overnight.