Katelyn 'Kit' "The Wildcat" Lancaster

Supply Run

Although Katelyn and Hosea hadn't seen each other in years there wasn't much catching up between the two as they readjusted the saddle on Silver Dollar. Katelyn was rather slow with her movements, a slight grimace ever preset on her face and her left arm tucked against her torso for most of the time.

"This should be a good height for the stirrups Hosea." Katelyn noted as he drew them up a tad. "Well then, I think, you are good to go. I believe Arthur is ready as well." Hosea spoke with an almost cheery tone. Katelyn looked over to Arthur, who had just swung up into his saddle and was patting his horse's neck.

"Would you like a boost up?" She turned back to see Hosea had put his hands together so she could use them to step up and swing up and into the saddle. She gave him a small smile. "Thank you Hosea, that would be helpful." She grabbed the saddle horn with her good arm before putting her foot in Hosea's hands. With a swift push up Katelyn was up and in the saddle. She landed with a grunt and grimace as she hunched over for a quick second.

"You alright?" Asked Hosea, concerned. "I'm fine," Katelyn replied as she straightened up. "My ribs just didn't appreciate the sudden jostle." Hosea chuckled and patted the horse's neck. "Well you just be careful getting your things. Don't let Arthur intimidate you, his bark is usually worse than his bite, if you're a friend, that is."
"Will do Hosea." She was about to guide her horse over to where Arthur was waiting before Hosea stopped her. "And Katelyn," he put a hand on her leg, "don't disappear again. I think it'd be better for you to stay with the gang for a while instead of running off by yourself again. I wouldn't have to worry about you all on your own then."

Katelyn looked down at him with a sad smile. "It's not your job to worry about me. But I'll think about it. I like the idea of not being alone for a while." With that Hosea patted her leg and walked off as she went towards Arthur.

"Well then Miss, I guess you're leading the way." Arthur spoke in a tone that almost seemed like fake mockery, but Katelyn could hear the respect he was trying hard to downplay. She guided her horse out of camp at a slow walk, picking it up some once they broke thru the trees and started downhill towards the burnt patch she flew by during her escape. She kept them at a pace that didn't jostle her ribs and shoulder too bad.

After a few minutes Katelyn spoke up.
"Thank you for accompanying me to get my things. I'm sure I could have done it myself, but I guess this is some assurance to Mr. Dutch and Hosea that I'll be coming back." Arthur let out a short laugh at this.
"Oh I'm sure you could on a good day, but I can tell your in some rough shape. Besides I couldn't really say no to Dutch. But I don't mind, it gives me a reason to get outta camp for a few hours."
"Oh so I am just a supply run for you?" Katelyn teased. Arthur kinda sputtered for a moment. "Well I didn't mean - it's not like- Well I-"
Katelyn laughed at this, her gold teeth glinting in the sun. "Don't worry cowboy, I ain't offended, just messing with you." Arthur let out a huff of amusement. They rode for a few minutes in silence, now along the river road, following it back upstream.

"So you were alone for all those years, huh?" Arthur stated in a questioning manner.
"Yeah.." Katelyn started. "Don't seem that long. But then again it feels like it's been my whole life." Arthur hummed in agreement.
"I can understand that."

"So how did you get into the outlaw life?" Katelyn asked, curious.
Arthur sighed, "That's a long story. Since I was around your age, I guess. Bit younger."
"You've always ran with this gang?"
"Yeah, Dutch and Hosea practically raised me since my father died."
"Oh." Katelyn paused. "I'm sorry."
"Ah don't be," Arthur brushed the apology off, "he weren't a no good man. I lived on the streets after he died. I was pickpocketing, stealing, that kinda stuff, when them two found me. For a while it was just us three. Then we picked up Susan, the lady that was takin care of you, and shortly after, Marston. Then the rest eventually found their way in."
"For a gang y'all sound kinda..homey." She was impressed. Most gangs weren't so tight knit and bonded. "Yeah, I guess you could say we're one big dysfunctional, runnin' from the law, family."