Aurora Borealis

[Berthorga]

Veronique

Veronique sighs to herself again. Forgetting to be angry about anything over the view she now sees on the horizon. The sun is setting over a lake and she can see the reflection in the water. It's a beautiful sunset. One of the things she's truely enjoyed being out here.

There seems to be some structure beside the lake and she hopes they will be stopping for the night. She could use a good stretch of her legs. Maybe she could ask Jack some questions this time. And actually get some answers.

 

[Tibxo]

James Masterton

James is still blushing over his 'encounter' with Frenchie' as he approaches the bar.

"Hiya, Jim. She let you outa the Office already?" The big bartender grins with a sly wink.

James cannot help but smile. Hank is one of the toughest people he has met at the Aurora but also one of the nicest too. One of the main reasons he is able to keep order at the bar is simply because everyone likes him and the ones he does have trouble with, he soon deals with. No wonder Louise keeps him around.

"Very funny!" James shoots back. "A whiskey with plenty of water, Hank."

Hank serves him the drink.

"Dunno how you can drink it like that." It is something Hank always says to him when he serves him his drink.

Another drawback in living on the edge of civilisation is the lack of choice as far as beverage is concerned. Whiskey watered down is just about drinkable and he needs it with the way he is feeling at the moment.

"It's okay." James replies, taking a sip and grimacing slightly. Well, he is still getting used to it.

In his present frame of mind, he wonders why Louise had broken up with Hank. It is common knowledge that Louise and Hank had been 'involved' shortly before he was found and from what he has accidentally overheard, he is no slouch in the bedroom duties either.

It is the sudden lack of sound rather than because of it that breaks him from his train of thought and he becomes aware of a rasping voice speaking.

"...Lars Lindquist. He's bin shot. Shot dead. The gun's still there."

James turns and sees it is Tonsillitis. Now he is an interesting individual. Tonsillitis look his way and smiles with a slight nod.

"Evening James, it's sure looks like your gun that's laying beside Lars."

What?

"Surely, you are mistaken." James instantly replies as his hands starts to rummage his jacket pockets. "I have my gun right...here."

There is only stoney silence as he feels all eyes in the bar turned to him as he frantically checks his person.

"I-I must have left it upstairs." He finally says when he cannot find it, his eyes capturing Louise as she looks at him from the other side of the room. Quickly, he makes for the stairs. On the way, he captures a glimpse of Louise following...

 

[Roland Gilliad]

ooc *Mimes strangling motions at Tibvo*

Damn you, You Bastard Brother of a certain Gambler Guy named Sky!! (or Obediah, by a certain Mission Doll)

Kidding. Well SOMEONE Has to approach René before I start gnawing wood!

 

[ariosto]

Together they lifted the weeping girl from the floor and carried her to the sofa. She'd flung her arms around Rafe's neck and her
breasts were pressed tight against his chest, her hair spilling down his side, brushing his hip as he walked....

Calley now sat on one side of him, tears drying on her cheeks.
Her downcast eyes were watching as Tamara slowly stroked Salee's cock, squeezing tight and rolling the soft skin up and down the iron hard shaft...

"...take it slow at first girl, go from base to tip...vary the pressure..."
Rafe was leaning back, his legs akimbo, his erection leaping up from a thatch of dark curling hair and into Miss Vicky's skilled hands.

"..Look at the head darkening, and swelling up as she strokes...the edge of the hood is very sensitive..."
He gasped as the older woman, taking the cue, leaned down and licked along the pebbled ridge beneath his glans.

"That's precum you see...weeping from it....reach down girl....touch it."
His breath was fast and ragged now, Tamara's strokes had become faster and faster...

Calley reached out her fingers trembling and poised just above his
aching cock.

"Go on girl..if you work for me...you have to love a man's sword..."
Her fingertip touched and lifted the bead of moisture from the purpled tip...she held it up and stared at it.

"Taste it...taste it..."his words were low, ragged as Tamara's hands sent him reeling.
Without thought she did as she was told and the sight of her ivory smooth fingers, touching her pink lips with his cum, sent Rafe over the edge...

He erupted in a fountain of hot, creamy spend which took Miss Vicky full in the face, ran in rivers between her fingers and sent strings of jism across Calleys naked thighs.

"Good God Rafe, that was fast."
Tamara looked up at him, cum glistening, dripping from her lips and chin.

He was smiling broadly, his hands in Calley's hair as she leaned over and licked the pearly liquid from his chest and stomach.

"That's just fine."
he said,
"Look at this girl...I think she likes it, and there's a heap more where that came from."



OOC..okay ladies I leave the action with you now...heading out on vacation in 2 days will be gone till the 9th.
Feel free to use Rafe as you will while I'm away, or if you need to move the action elsewhere that's fine...old Salee will take a nap and catch up with you elsewhere...

 

[papillon24]

Vikki

OOC: I may not be on all that much this week due to it's my break but I'll try.

IC:She smiled as She watched rafe cum. It was early for him. probably from the arousal of the new girl around too.

Her soft hands came to rest on Calley's thigh moving over. She was soft and nice. Tamara felt her tongue dart out as she leaned into the girl's thigh lapping up the salty white liquid from her pale skin.

"If your good, maybe I'll play with you more." a smile crept over her lips in a develish way. "And then I'll let you pleaseure me as well"

 

[Maid of Marvels]

The lady that's known as... Lou

"Evening James, it sure looks like your gun that's laying beside Lars."

It seemed as though time stood still in the Aurora. You could almost hear a pin drop. Sure it wasn't every day that Tonsillitis Jones caught folks' attention like tonight. In truth, Tonsillitis never caught anyones attention at all.

Lou took a deep breath as the diminutive sourdough crossed the room toward her. Tonsillitis didn't 'come in' often and always took great pains to avoid drawing any undue attention. This whole tableau was unfolding like a penny dreadful.

She caught a glimpse of James climbing the stairs to his room and knew he'd be needing her. In her heart of hearts she knew James hadn't done this, but if it really was his gun they'd be hard put to prove he didn't.

"Tell me it's a full moon, Hank. This just hasn't been my day."

Lou rolled her eyes when Hank chucked her under the chin. "You know you're up to every bit of this and more, Lou Service. That man of yours ain't about shootin' nobody. Leastwise not Lars... " The tall, handsome bartender broke off and turned toward the latecomer. "Well, well... Howdy Tonsillitis. That was some bit of news you brought in with ya tonight."

Tonsillitis grinned and nodded, positively proud of the revelation. "Shor nuff. Old Lars is deader than a door nail. James' gun laying right there next to him, too."

She shooed Hank away with a flick of her fingers and leaned over to whisper intently. "Tonsillitis, are you absolutely sure of what you saw? I mean... You've been out there for longer than usual this time. Lars wouldn't hurt a fly and you know it."

A maniacal gleam came into Tonsillitis' eyes. If Lou didn't know better, she'd have thought Tonsillitis somehow wanted her approval. "I'm sure, Lou. Saw it with my own eyes. Lars... "

Lou couldn't help wincing. Seemed like Tonsillitis had lost it for sure this time. Maybe there'd be more sense to be made of this after Tonsillitis got cleaned up and fed. She'd hold the law off til then too.

"I'll go fetch you your 'usual' and have Annie see you're fed and have plenty of hot water for a bath. I'll come up later and we'll talk some more." Lou patted Tonsillitis on the hand and headed for the kitchen.

Tonsillitis' 'usual' was tea in a glass. The color was almost the same as whiskey and no one was the wiser. Save for her and Annie at any rate. Oh. And Hank. Nothing slipped by Hank.

"Anna... " Lou greeted the woman who was her right hand since she'd come to the Aurora all those months ago. Lou smiled as she remembered the look on that poor man's face... All covered he was after Anna lost her nerve and her stomach at the same time. His loss. Her gain. Rafe'd find plenty of others to take her place. And had done. She couldn't help wondering how his latest interview was going.

Lou stopped short as a gangling young man struggled to stand from his place at the table they kept for the help. "Company, Anna?" she asked with a wink.

"Sì e no, Lou. This is umm... come dite... Tad Meriwether. He's going to do some of the fixing we've been talking about."

 

[prometheus 2]

Ringo

Leaving Hannas office Ringo chided himself at first for not finding some excuse for lingering a while. He noticed the open door to her bedroom and the gown upon the bed and had a vision of her standing in front of the mirror wearing only that. He had become aroused and no wonder, it had been months since he had been with a woman and his need was strong. But his resolve was strong too, for there were times along the trail from Dodge City to the Yukon that he had the oppotunity to bed some willing woman whether they were a woman of the night or some lonely widow or the wife of some wayward cowboy. He liked to think that he treated each woman he encountered as a lady irregardless of their situation and though his ultimate goal was getting laid if they were willing partners what was the shame of it. they were all still ladies as far as he was concerned.

Then he rememberedf his vow to court a woman properly until they both were of the same mind or if love wasn't in the cards remain friends and not let his feelings get in the way. He thought he could be friends with Hanna, certainly he already trusted her with his gold and the way she cooked... that apple cobbler. He'd walk the ten miles from his claim every day just to sit at her table.

In his room he relaxed starting to remove his grimy clothes when he heard a soft knock on his door. It was Mg with a hot pail of water for him to wash in.

"Hanna asked me to bring this around to you mister, seems like you sure need it," looking him up and down grining "Hanna likes to keep her place clean and her customers happy. she added as she closed the door behind her."

Ringo finished undressing and poured some water into the basin on a stand beside the bed and lathering up a bar of lye soap began to wash.

After he was clean from head to toe he grabbed a huge towel and dried off. Looking down at the pile of dirty clothes at his feet he shook his head. He should have asked Meg about laundry, as there was no way he would put those dirty clothes on again.
It wasn't all that late, he'd thought about going to the Saloon for a drink before getting some shuteye but he had no clothes. Then he thought of all that gold he had in Hannas safe. If the store across the street had something he could buy he would at least have something to wear until his clothes were washed. Hell, the way it sounded he had enough gold maybe he'd could just throw those rags away.

He felt a little foolish creeping back to Hannas room wearing just the towel wrapped around his waist. It was a rather large one and covered him enough, it was just the idea of being naked under it that bothered him. He took a deep breath and knocked on Hannas door.

 

[Messalina]

Anna DeSilva

Annie grinned as she watched Tad wipe his hands on his trousers before pumping Lou's hand nearly off her arm. "Well, I'll give you this, Anna. He certainly is enthusiastic. Nice to have you with us, Tad. Now sit and finish your meal. Anna gets cross when anyone wastes the food she cooks. Does he have a place to bed down?"

Tad's face turned a bright shade of red, looking toward Anna for reassurance. She patted his hand and joined Lou by the stove. "Sì e no, Lou." Anna chuckled. Sì e no seemed to be her favorite phrase tonight. Lou arched an eyebrow as Anna continued. "I thought tonight he could sleep here in the kitchen where it's warm and dry. Then maybe a corner of the storeroom."

"But we don't have a... " Lou stopped and grinned. "I see. It seems we will soon have one though?"

They laughed together comfortably (as friends do) while Lou steeped a glass of tea and told Anna about the news Tonsillitis had brought. Anna was astonished. Even she knew that James Masterton was not the killing type. Sighing deeply, she watched Lou as she went back into the common room. Well, if there was fixing to be done, Lou would be the one to do it, she thought.

Seeing that Tad had cleaned his plate while she and Lou had been speaking, Anna placed a huge wedge of pie in front of him. "Mangi. Then you will wash and we will make a bed for you."

"Yes, ma'am" he whispered half-heartedly, bringing yet another smile to Anna's face.

 

[Graybread]

Tad Meriwether

Tad almost stumbled and fell, his feet getting caught in the chair, as he stood to meet Lou, his new employer. He wiped his clean hands on his dirty trousers before taking her hand, pumping it in greeting.

“It … it’s a pleasure to meet ya … Ma’am.” He stuttered, not knowing if Ma’am or ‘Boss lady’ was the appropriate title to use. He wasn’t sure what to call her; she was as beautiful as Annie, only in a different way. And when she spoke, it seemed like it was an order, like maybe a …, Tad hunted for the right word, maybe like a Queen would speak. “Thank ya for the job Ma’am, I’ll do good work for ya, I promise.”

“Nice to have you with us, Tad. Now sit and finish your meal. Anna gets cross when anyone wastes the food she cooks,” Lou commanded, or Tad took it as a command.

He could feel the heat rise in his face as Lou asked if he had a place to bed down. He wasn’t used to women talking about him in such a way. He looked to Annie in hopes of finding some relief to his embarrassment. She lightly patted his hand, which to his surprise did make him feel better. He liked it when she touched him; it made him feel more confident and not quite so dumb. He hoped he would be working around her a lot. He dove back into his plate when the two walked away talking. He cleaned it in no time and was starting to lean back in his chair when Lou left the room. Annie placed a huge piece of pie before him and he immediately dove into it.

"Mangi. Then you will wash and we will make a bed for you." Annie said.

"Yes, ma'am" he whispered half-heartedly, slowing his eating, hoping she might forget by the time he finished the pie.

 

[Shylady]

Hanna Monroe

After helping Meg, clean the kitchen we set the tables for breakfast. Giving everything one last critical look and wiping away the slightest trace of dust. I headed to my office to finish up some book keeping. I had barely settled behind my desk, when I heard a knock at my door.I didn't remember that the first few buttons of my blouse were open until I opened the door.

My eyes widened when I saw Ringo standing there in a towel. I couldn't help but notice his broad chest, lightly dusted with hair. He smelled of soap and man. My stomach jumped and my heart beat faster. It seemed I had to clear my throat twice before I could speak.

"Is something wrong? What happened?" I asked.

"Oh no ma'am everything is fine, it's just that I have no clean clothes to put on." Ringo answered. " I was wondering if you think I have enough gold to buy some clothes at the store over yonder."

I tried to concentrate on what he was asking but, I was distracted by the way his adam's apple moved as his deep voice rumbled out. Dammit Hanna get a hold of yourself

"Ringo, you have enough to buy the whole store if you have a mind too, but it's closed at the moment." I hesitated a moment before adding," You are close to the size my late husband was, I can let you borrow something of his until morning, if you would like."

I heard distant gunfire but didn't pay attention to it, someone was always shooting something or someone in town. Moving back, I opened the door wider and let Ringo inside, before someone saw him.

I opened the curtain that divided the office from my bedroom and slipped inside. Kneeling at the foot of the bed I opened the small chest. The smell of Spence's aftershave assaulted me and tears sprang to my eyes before I could control them. Lifting out a shirt, I rubbed my cheek against it without even noticing I did so. Adding a pair of pants and anything else I thought Ringo might need, I stood and offered them to him.

"They probably won't be a perfect fit, but they should do til you get some more. Do you want your other things washed?" I asked.

 

[TinaG13]

Sadie McGraff

He noticed movement towards him and turned around again to regard who was coming near*

Things sure do get fired up around here sometimes after the sun goes down, Sadie thought wryly as she stood watching all the action from the relative safety of a darkened corner of the saloon. She slowly surveyed the room, looking for anyone who may seem a might lonely. Sadie was not exactly particular about with whom she associated, but she always liked to make sure that her company was more likely to be appreciated than not.

Finally her deep green eyes settled on a lone gentleman sitting at a paper-cluttered table. Dark and handsome, he was. Sadie ran her tongue across her full red lips and her eyes sparkled in anticipation as she spotted the glint of gold shimmering in his hand.

Her bright red shiny satin skirts rustled lightly as she sauntered toward him, "Well, hello there handsome! Care to buy a lonesome lady a drink?" Sadie flashed her pearly whites at him and graced him with a seductive little wink.

 

[TinaG13]

ooc

oops extra post

 

[Tibxo]

James Masterton

His room is a mess and he simply takes it apart. At first, he had been confident that he had left it in the usual drawer in his dresser. But when it wasn't there, he started looking in other places he may have put it.

After 15 minutes, he has started to realise that the pistol is not in the room at all.

Why was I not more careful?

It is not the first time that he has absent-mindedly left his pistol somewhere, only for Louise to retrieve it afterwards and berate him for it.

What if someone had taken it and used it to kill Lars Lindquist?

Having bought the pistol in England and being of English manufacture, the chances that someone else has a pistol like it is astronomical.

Maybe Tonsillitis had made a mistake? That it was not my pistol he saw?

He shakes his head.

There are two things that these people know about. Horses and guns. Besides, everyone in this town has either seen or knows about his particular pistol...

 

[Zircon]

Constable Jake Readings

Jake brushed the mud off his boots before entering the Aurora. He sighed when he knew that tomorrow would be another day to brush his boots clean, again. The rest of town was fairly quiet, as even the prospectors themselves knew that trouble was bad for business and prospecting. All of the good citizens of Carmack, from the shopkeepers to grizzled prospectors to the small contingent of the NWMP, knew that Carmack was not to be turned into another Wild West boom-town, a situation where guns and might ruled, not the law. This was why there were no weapons, at least no carrying of weapons were allowed in Carmack. The NWMP, namely Sergeant Provon and Jake, took great pains to put into practice this law governing the town.

The short patrol was invigorating to say the least. It was still very cold, so far up North, even this early in spring. And in the cold night, sounds carry very far. Most people had enough sense to be indoors and under a warm fire or blanket. The quietness of the streets made the gunshot even more pronounced. And there was only one place where it was logically coming from. Aurora Borealis, Miss Lou’s place.

Jake’s Stetson was neatly tucked under his arm when he stepped foot through the door, into quite possibly, another realm. The place where dreams are drowned in liquor, hopes are raised with laughter, pleasures satisfied and loneliness of the mountains banished for a while.

Jake could understand the din and roars of conversations and laughter. A man could only go for so long in the wilderness without talking and laughing with another soul. Everything looked normal, but underneath the façade, Jake could feel the tension. The underlying current of fear from the gunshot that just rang out. Sergeant Provon was no where to be seen, and so Jake assumed that Sergeant Provon was right on top of things, probably in more ways than one, remembering how absolutely luscious Miss Frenchie looked.

“Hello, Hank…”

“…Shor nuff. Old Lars is deader than a door nail. James' gun laying right there next to him, too…”

“Tonsillitis, are you absolutely sure of what you saw? I mean… You've been out there for longer…”

“I’m sure, Lou. Saw it with my own eyes. Lars…”

“I'll go fetch you your 'usual' and have Annie…”

It was not everyday that the peace of Carmack was broke by some wild accusations and denials. So this puffed Jake’s chest up enormously as some excitement had finally come to Carmack.

“Good evening Tonsillitis. That’s a very grave accusation you’ve just made. This bears some attention. Perhaps if you and Masterson could follow me to Miss Lou’s office so that we can sort all of this out, in a much more private environment. Please follow me…”

This was the sort of trouble that Jake was trained to deal with. And so he patiently waited for Masterson to return to the accuser. The busy place of Aurora’s bar was not the ideal place for accusations and counter-accusations. But it was Miss Lou who came back first.

“Miss Lou, would you be kind enough to let us use your office, as it accords more privacy, to sort this mess out? And if you’d be so kind as to invite Masterson to join us?”

 

[prometheus 2]

Ringo

I felt like a damn fool standing there in that towel in front of this lady who was doing her best to accomodate me and obviouly distraught over the loss of her husband. She didn't need the likes of me to complicate her life any further. I blushed, not from embarassment but shame seeing her eyes briming with tears and knowing it was her departed husbands clothes that she was offering me.

I didn't want her fussing over my dirty clothes and replied meekly when she asked "No mam, I'll just pitch them in the stove in the morning and pick up some new ones across the street at the general store."

It didn't help that she was looking at me with those big blue eyes full of tears as if she might need some comfort. A strand of her long blonde hair had fallen across the side of her smooth cheek and curled softly behind the shadow of her open blouse between the soft curve of her breasts.

I caught my breath unable to speak for a moment and then finding my voice and my resolve made my intentions clear.

"Miss Hanna, I know you have a heap of things on your mind right now and it sure don't help matters that I'm standing here half naked in front of you but please don't think that my intentions aren't honorable. I'd consider it a generlous gift on your part that your willing to lend me these clothes and if you give me a minute alone I'll slip into them real quick and maybe after I do if you have a bit of brandy we could have a drink together. As you can plainly see I have a big shoulder which I'd gladly let you cry on if you feel the need."

 

[Guest]

Calley Fitzgerald

The sudden realisation that she had better make the best of things and admit to herself that she was enjoying the sensations created in her helped Calley to feel more relaxed.

In Salee’s arms she remembered her father’s embrace and felt a wave of empathy for him. Perhaps he was a kind man after all; even Vicky had been gentle with her.

She watched as Vicky’s elegant hand slowly moved the skin of Salee’s shaft, so expertly and yet it seemed an act of love. Salee breathlessly gave instructions and guidance as the three of them watched the subtle changes of colour and size, saw the bead of clear fluid emerge.

Calley heard Salee tell her to touch it and, almost of its own volition, her hand crept out. She hesitated as if afraid of this hardened flesh but curiosity won and a single finger touched the crystal bead, picking it up still in droplet form.

Entranced she gazed at it, only vaguely aware of Salee’s moans of pleasure. Then his command to “taste it” entered her consciousness and she obeyed with our thinking.

It was like nothing else Calley had ever tasted, not unpleasant at all. As she savoured it Salee let out a gutteral cry and her eyes widened as the swollen, purple tip shot forth a stream of thick pearly cream.

Most of it hit Vicky’s face and beautifully coiffed hair but some fell on Calley’s naked thigh and the last few spurts fell on Salle’s heaving chest and belly.

Without a second thought, Calley leant down and took the white liquid on her tongue; she cleaned Salee as a cat cleans its young, lovingly.

It was a pleasant feeling to have Vicky do the same on her thigh where the spilled jizm still lay. Calley felt her warm, moist tongue creeping ever closer to – where she knew – her slick condition would reveal how aroused she really was.

She closed her eyes, moaning with pleasure and, with Salee’s hand on her head reminding her where she was, resigned herself - no – actively decided that this would be her new life.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

The lady that's known as... Lou

Lou was half-smiling at the enthusiasm of the boy Anna had hired, but there were other things needed tending to just now. Serious business. There were Mounties in the Aurora when Tonsillitis made that ridiculous announcement. She was sure Tonsillitis believed every word of it, but the little sourdough had a feverish look in the eyes that she had never seen there before. Bush fever maybe. Tonsillitis had been out there longer than usual this go round.

Setting the glass of 'whiskey' down in front of Tonsillitis, she was confronted by none other than the Constable.

"Miss Lou, would you be kind enough to let us use your office, as it accords more privacy, to sort this mess out? And if you’d be so kind as to invite Masterson to join us?"

Lou looked the man up and down as if she were inspecting him. In a way she was. He was raw, but she knew he was honest. They could have done worse, Lou supposed. She was almost relieved that Sgt. Provon wasn't anywhere around. Now that one...

"I'll fetch James, but I won't have you questioning Tonsillitis here on your own. I'd appreciate it if you'd wait until I return, but yes... You may wait in my office." As if to ensure that Tonsillitis wouldn't say anything in her absence, she turned and spoke again. "Tonsillitis, take yourself into the kitchen and get you something to eat. I'll fetch you when I come back down with James."

The Constable looked like he was going to say something, but the look in Lou's eyes made him think better of it. Lou might be stalling for time, but she wasn't going to let Tonsillitis get away and all three of them knew it.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

ooc I know I should post...but Im too rackafrackin -TIRED-.

Im going to post tomorrow. Im sorry guys, we're going through the last Dress/Techs, and Im wiped out..

 

[papillon24]

Vicki

Vicki watched intently as the girl cleaned Rafe. It was quite the sight. She continued up the girl's thigh using her tongue to more caress thanlick.

With a gentle nudge she spread the girls legs revealing her moist slit.

"Look Rafe. I belive she wants more. shall I give it to her?" Tamara watched as Rafe nodded. His hand fell to the back of her head urging her on.

Her tongue came to touch the young girl's swollen bud and she reveled in the movment she made in a response. Her fingers gentlyspread the lips giving better access to the girl's treasure as she continued caressing the hardened bud with her tongue.

The taste of her was hevenly. Tamara's hands reached up taking one breast in her free hand. Fingers teasing the hard nipple and trancing skilful circles around it.

 

[Tonsillitis]

Tonsillitis Jones

Tonsillitis was almost giddy. For once Lou was paying attention. Taking notice. Picking up the glass of "whiskey", Tonsillitis watched her climb the stairs in search of James. There was no way she'd keep him from the hangman. The proof was undeniable.

"Constable." Tonsillitis nodded and headed for the kitchen, stomach rumbling all the way.

The undersized sourdough dearly wanted a bath and the feel of crisp clean sheets and a soft bed, but that would have to wait. Dinner and a cozy chat with the NWMP and Lou while James Masterton squirmed came first.

 

[Messalina]

Annie DeSilva

Annie looked up as Tonsillitis walked into the kitchen. He was a strange little man that one and sometimes looked at her in a way that made her skin crawl. Fighting off the urge to make the sign of the cross, Anna forced herself to smile and greet him.

"Buona sera, Tonsillitis. You will have water for your bath soon."

"Thankee kindly, Annie. Lou sent me in to eat," he said in his low raspy voice.

"Wash your hands and face." It was more an order than a request. Tonsillitis looked as though he had the dirt of centuries on him. Hiding the smile that came to her face when she noticed Tad nod solemnly and gesture toward the sink, she began filling a bowl with stew.

"Tad Merriwether, meet Tonsillitis Jones. He works a claim up near Patterson's Creek." Anna watched Tonsillitis scrub his hands, rinse and start all over again. He certainly had a penchant for cleanliness. She shook her head and continued on. "Tad here is going to be doing some handy work around the Aurora."

Tonsillitis nodded, working some of the dirt out from under his fingernails with a brush. "Lars is dead, you know. And James is the one who done him in."

"Che cosa? Madre mia! Dead? What has Signore Masterton to do with this? You are mistaken, surely?" Anna was shocked. Lars Lindquist was a quiet man and bothered no one. As for Lou's James... Well she didn't think he had it in him to kill a fly.

"It's fer true, Annie. The English done poor Lars in. I saw the gun myself."

She set the bowl of stew on the table with a thump and turned to look at Tonsillitis. This had to be a mistake and if she didn't know better, she'd say that the strange little man was smiling.

 

[Shylady]

Helen Monroe

"Miss Hanna, I know you have a heap of things on your mind right now and it sure don't help matters that I'm standing here half naked in front of you but please don't think that my intentions aren't honorable. I'd consider it a generlous gift on your part that your willing to lend me these clothes and if you give me a minute alone I'll slip into them real quick and maybe after I do if you have a bit of brandy we could have a drink together. As you can plainly see I have a big shoulder which I'd gladly let you cry on if you feel the need."

I smiled as I lay the clothes on my bed. Turning I brushed my tears away.

"Please forgive me Ringo, I am doing really good, it's just that sometimes memories sneak up on me without warning. But you get dressed right here and then maybe you will take a walk with me before the brandy?"

Nodding in agreement Ringo closed the curtain to my room and I moved quickly to the mirror hanging near my desk and fixed my hair. I buttoned my blouse and smoothed down my skirt, feeling ridiculously nervous.

Hearing Ringo come out I turned and for one moment it was like Spence was with me again, but then Ringo smiled and offered his arm.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

" I thought we could just see what is happening in town and maybe if you aren't too tired, we can wander outside town a little ways." I answered.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Entrepreneur Adventurer - René Delacroix

*René blinked for a moment in surprise at the new arrival, gathering up the ppers as he was when she confronted his table...tapping them straight, he folded them up and tucked them into his coat..With luck, he could send them tomorrow. Provided, of course, someone was willing to take the blasted thing. This all took a few seconds as it dawned upon him what she was. He smiled charmingly, his best french Fashion*

Oui. What is your preference, Madame?

*It was innocent enough to be a gentlemen. Besides, he did say he was ordering drinks for the bar. He gestured to the seat opposite him...He knew her profession now, by the looks she was giving him. And he heaved a purely internal sigh. Not that he hadnt met such before, but it was almost going to turn out to be a peaceful evening - for him, at least. Now, how, he wondered, could he dissuide her without being impolite? He had no doubt she was skilled...it had taken him a full minute to figure the whole of her...And quite likely, to anyone who practiced such, enjoyable. But business took up so much of his time as it was, and there was always much to do. Only time to enjoy a drink, or a nice book occaisonally...He sized her up, out of habit, wondering if he'd spot any other bits and peculiarities...she was probably lured by the gold nugget still in his hand. Most ladies would be. And he waited for her drink order patiently, hoping she would not chose somthing too pricey...He was still a money saver, even after all these years with plenty of it.*

 

[Graybread]

Tad Meriwether

Tad couldn’t help himself, he ate the pie faster than he wanted too, knowing a bath waited him when he finished. He laid the fork down and leaned back in the chair, reaching for the cup of hot coffee. He took a long drink of the strong brew, washing down the last of the pie. He hadn’t felt so full since leaving home weeks ago, he realized his missed his Ma’s cooking a lot, but if Annie could cook this good, he was sure he would get over it in a hurry.

“Annie,” he said, smiling over at her. “I think that’s the best meal I ever ate. It sure was some good pie, too.”

But before she could respond, a man entered the kitchen.

"Buona sera, Tonsillitis. You will have water for your bath soon." Annie said.

"Thankee kindly, Annie. Lou sent me in to eat," he said in his low raspy voice.

"Wash your hands and face." She added.

Tad gestured toward the washstand to make sure Tonsillitis saw it. He thought he was disgustingly dirty, even more so than he himself had been, before washing. He felt dirty again being in the same room with him.

"Tad Merriwether, meet Tonsillitis Jones. He works a claim up near Patterson's Creek." Anna watched Tonsillitis scrub his hands, rinse and start all over again. He certainly had a penchant for cleanliness. She shook her head and continued on. "Tad here is going to be doing some handy work around the Aurora."

Tad nodded to the man in civil greeting. He didn’t like him from the start, just something about him that didn’t sit well with Tad. He picked up his dirty plate and silverware and carried them over to Annie. He felt cleaner just standing next to her, she smelled much better too.

“Annie,” he asked, “can I help wash these dishes? Ma always taught me to clean up after myself. And I….” he paused before going on, “I think I’m ready for that bath too,” he added, leaning down to whisper in her ear. He was more interested in getting out of the same room with Tonsillitis than actually taking a bath.

 

[prometheus 2]

Ringo

"I'd like that, Mam I replied, knowing I needed some fresh air and to wanting distance myself from the feelings I was having for Hanna.

Somehow though I had first thought her to be a strong independent woman I was now discovering a different side of her that was tender and innocent.

Paw had always given me a hard time for bringing home a stray or orphaned animal when I was growing up and I guess I never changed much in that resect. Even though the paths I chose to follow often led me astray I found myself getting pulled back towards sanity by those who were in need.

" I can't used to the idea of all this sunlight up here in Alaska." I say as we step into the street It's after midnight and the sun is just going down."

I took her hand to guide her around a puddle in the dirt street and we headed north to the edge of town. We must have been thinking of the same
thing, to get far enough away from the lights of town to see the spectical that appeared almost every night this time of year, The northern lights.

The rain had stopped earlier and there was a freshness to the air most welcome after being cooped up all day inside.

As we walked I told her about my claim, six miles north of town. About the little stream that tumbled out of the mountianside and pooled up down below in a grassy little valley. How I layed awake at night listening to the sounds of nature around me and thought about the day I would build me a cabin up there maybe if I had enough gold, I could start it soon maybe this summer so it would be ready when winter came along.

I snuck a glance her way every once in a while and saw her glancing back smiling, letting me know that I wan't boring her wth my story . Then seeing a need in her eyes, I asked her to tell me about herself. I put my arm around her shoulder knowing it might be hard for her to have dreams and aspirations after loosing the man she loved.