Young Guns: Fire and Steel

Chapter 3: Irritations and A New Face

The next morning was bright and sunny, wisps of clouds dotting the sky. The weather was growing colder as winter set in. The boys were already out working Tunstall's ranch, awake at the crack of dawn. The injured blonde woman, however, was laying in the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She too, had been up early, and watched from the window as the the boys headed out. Tunstall had checked on her, helping change the bandage before moving off to do chores.

As time ticked by, the young woman began to grow antsy. It had been a couple of hours since she had awoken. Thankfully, to while away the time, Tunstall had given her a couple books to pick through and read. The Englisman had told her to relax and let her side heal. He honestly had no idea how hard that was for her. Sitting around doing nothing drove her mad. And as much as she loved to read, she could only lay there for so long.

Irritation coursed through her. Pulling her shirt up, she eyed the injury as best she could. The bandage was still clean, from what she can tell. No reopening of the wound, which was good. According to Tunstall's assessment that morning, she was healing nicely, so why not get up and move around a bit? It wasn't like she was incapacitated, so why the hell not? Besides she could use some fresh air. Being outside always made her feel better.

Pushing up from laying on her back, Kristal winced slightly. Her wound was throbbing at just that little bit of movement. "This is bull shit!" she growled, her hand lightly covering her injury hoping to calm the throbbing ache. Every time she got hurt she was miserable, mostly because she couldn't do anything for such a lengthy amount of time. Though it's not like she wasn't used to pain. Hell, she had dealt with more pain than anyone should in her young life.

It took a good minute for her to get to her feet. Every little movement felt like sharp pricks and searing stabs, but she was determined to get up. The room swam a little as she finally got to her feet, but thankfully it wasn't as bad as it had been. She carefully slid her feet into her worn boots and debated on grabbing her duster coat. Nah, she shouldn't need it or her gun belt either.

Exiting the room given to her, Kris moved down the hall, her hand still tracing the wall in case she lost her balance. Fingertips slid over the wooden slats of the walls, impressed at the paint job. The Englishman was a sophisticate. It made her wonder why he was running a ranch in the west and not in some frilly town back east. Making it to the front door, she easily slid out the threshold. Exhaustion over took her and she had to lean against the nearest post to calm her lightheadedness and to regain her stamina. Damn, that had taken more energy than it should have.

A horse moved past, a shadow casting over the ground, and a voice called out to her. "Good morning, Miss..." Then came a pause as he noticed her brow raise up, before he corrected his wording. "Sorry... Kristal," Doc greeted with a sheepish smile.

A smirk crept over her lips as she lifted green eyes to him, hiding her exhaustion and the throbbing pain she felt. "Mornin' Doc," she greeted in return.

"How are you feeling? Are you healing alright?" the blond man asked curiously, genuine concern in his voice.

The concern in Doc's voice and lining his features took her by surprise. Having anyone concerned for her was not something she was used to. "I'm alive," she joked and then sighed at his frown. "I'm doin' a'right, Doc. Jus' tryin' ta regain m' strength. Got tired o' starin' at the walls. Felt like they were startin' ta close in on me. Needed some fresh air."

Josiah "Doc" Scurlock nodded slowly, watching her, concern still in his eyes. "Fresh air just might be the thing you need. Feel free to relax on the porch," he said before shaking his head and rubbing the back of his neck. He needed to get back to work, but clearly worried for the young woman. "Well, if you need anything Miss..." He paused as her brows rose, and then corrected himself once more, "...Kristal, don't hesitate to ask."