[REWRITTEN] Wanted for Protagonizin' [a West of Loathing fanfiction]

Chapter 12

It's been since sunrise that they tracked further west. The map was the least clear : There was just a single trail of black ink that Smee formed to represent the train's direction. Outside of some main towns marked with some black dots, nothing made sense in this piece of paper that she held. Coraline huffed before tugging it back in her bag.

''We're getting nowhere !'' she despaired. ''Can't we say, we place our camp site just here and take a break...''

''Or, we can simply charge it here !''

Pete pointed towards him. Both Daisy and Coraline narrowed their eyes, to spot a certain amount of charts and tents placed here and there. A sign was planted towards them reading ''LONESOME TRAVELERS : CHARITY CAUSE SINCE 1850''. People were surrounding them. Some were trying on new clothes. Some were dancing, singing, cheering up, even. Others were drinking and, or eating, probably both, and chatting. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood here...
Coraline looked at Daisy, that looked at Pete. They all mused before they all agreed and advanced towards them. A young man wearing colorful overalls approached them, waving at them.

''Howdy ho, comrades !'' he cheered off. ''Need a place to stay in for tonight ?''

''Exactly,'' Coraline told him. ''We've travelled quite far today, we need our horses to rest.''

''None worries ! Just follow me, I'll guide you to a point for you to be able to stay ! Three people and two horses...''

The man guided them a bit further from the entrance, and from the tents in general. Together, they proceeded a bit further until making it to a vast territory, with a tent, a large bucket of water, and a food-filled crate. Here, Coraline was able to set up the inventory with Daisy, as the man would tie the horses to pillars placed down the floor.

''Say ! We are holding our ceremony ball tonight, to celebrate our fortieth anniversary ! What do you think of it ? Want to join us ?''

''H-Hang on. Are we... talking about ball, like, the big big party where people dance ?'' Coraline started to jump on her feet. ''And where everyone is dressed fancy ? With the flowers ? The lights ? The food ?!''

''Exactly ! Well, we won't go full budget on this, I'm afraid to say, but this will be a small party, and everyone is invited !''

''Oh. My god. I absolutely need to go to this !'' she turned around her partners. ''What do you say, guys ?''

''Well, Coraline. I am afraid to say, but I will not be able to go with you. As I will take care of Pete.''

''Psh, cut dat off, Daisy ! I ain't that old, only if ya count down the days we met !''

''Aww, but guys, it's not funny without you !''

''It is alright. You can go and enjoy yourself. I am still not that confident around people, anyway.''

''Aww... alright, then. I guess I will go on my own ! I don't have anything fancy to wear, though...''

''This is what I was going to suggest next,'' the man replied. ''If you have difficulties finding your gown for the special night, we can offer you one. Charity offer !''

''Well, if that ain't just wonderful ? I'm going then. Sorry to dump you this way, though, I'm just... so excited to go...''

''It is fine. Have fun.''

''Yeah, ya'll tell us how it was !''

''I will. See you soon. Make sure you two rest well, though. We have a long journey awaiting us tomorrow.''

On that, Coraline followed the man, making herself far from Daisy and Pete's tent.

***

''O-Oh my goodness... it's just like in the books...'' Coraline gulped.