Surrender

[landiek]

Cassi felt relief as the sight of unburnt homes dotted the landscape. She had listened to Miz Jenny talking about the days gone by when she grew up and Cassi thought about how much alike they were and yet how different..

They noticed the people that traveled to and fro along the road and that made Cassi excited since she could rest on a bed and eat something more then rations and dog meat.

Alex pointed ahead and Cassi spoke warmly to Jenny. "It shore gonna be nice ta sleep in a real bed, do you recken we's gonna find a room in the sity?"

"Hard to say. But some folks may seem unfriendly with the war and all." Jenny warned with a softer voice..

Cassi nodded, some folks didn't like the idea of giving up their slaves. And there was soime slaves that couldn't give up their home and families. Cassi was a raised slave, born into it and she saw both sides from her parents and thru her children.

"Weel it be nice ta have somewhere ta sleep without worrin about dem wolves." Cassi mused as the sounds of more people drifted on to the wagon.

 

[macmillian]

Cassi and Jenny were talking when I eased up next to the wagon again. I smiled down at them both. "The first thing to do is stop at the store or trading post and get the supplies we need. Food and ammunition, an axe, axle grease and another rifle and a smaller caliber pistol."

We started down the slope into town. The town was busier than I had expected and there was more people too. We pulled up in front of the trading post and I stepped down off my horse and tied him off to the wagon. I helped Jenny down and then took the baby and placed him in his mothers arms. I took Cassi's han as she stepped down. Taking Jenny's arm, I led them inside. We walked around and looked at different items. There was a large amount of used goods, likly taken in trade.

We went up to the counter and Jenny handed the Baby to Cassi as a clerk came up and asked if he could be of any assistance.

"We need a bag of flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, coffee, tea, beans and a side of bacon to start with." I replied.

The clerk asked if this would be Cash or trade. Cash buys more and trade is more expensive unless it was horses or other food stuffs. especially fresh.

"Let us see what you have first and then we will decide how to pay fo it."

 

[landiek]

Cassi held the child in her arms and rested him on her hip as she browsed along the bolts of fabric. She could hear the store man talking to Alex as she smiled at the colorful creams and flowers that dotted the material.

Someone remarked viciously as Cassi glanced at the colored jars of pickled foods.

"Why do they have to come in here?" The old woman remarked as she grabbed her satchel. "I wouldn't be surprised if she was trying to steal."

Cassi opened her hands and walked back over to the door taking David with her not wanting to interrupt the dealings of menfolk. Outside was people walking about in fancy clothes. Cassi observed the way the skirts were hanging off the waist and figured that she could probably make Miz Jenny a nice dress.

Soon more people moved along the streets as more men filtered into the nearby saloon

 

[icu1978]

ooc( i just want to say i am sorry for not posting like i should. i owe you all an explination.. i have been having some health problems and while they are on going i am feeling much better tonight than i have in awhile. from now on i will let you know when i will be unable to post like i should be. i deeply apologize to you all.)

i.c.
jenny noticed that cassi had moved over towards the bolts of clothe and headed to join her. as she approached she over heard a rude rather prune face older woman remark viciously
"Why do they have to come in here?" jenny noticed prune face hold her satchel a little tighter holding it to her boosum as if she expected cassi to reach out and grab it in a store full of people. "I wouldn't be surprised if she was trying to steal."

jenny watched as cassi turned and left the store without so much as a cross look on her face. walking towards the bolts of clothe jenny picked out a light blue for david and a pretty sunny yellow for cassi. " i think she would like this very much." telling the lady behind the counter the amount of clothe she wanted the lady asked how she would pay. realizing she had no extra cash to speak of. reaching under her hair she pulled out an heart shaped locket with a piece of jade in the middle. " i'll trade this for the cloth and supplies. it's worth alot more than what these little things amount to. but we must have clothing."

she could see the gleam of greed in the womans eyes as she took the locket in her hands and examined it closely. " yes yes this will be fine." taking her packages cassi stoped at the counter in the front of the store.where alex was standing waiting for the supplies he ordered. " i got a little something for cassie. i hope you dont mind. i think she deserves a little somthign special though. i'm going to wait outside with her and david for you to finish up in here." not waiting for him to ask how she payed for the items she had just purchased jenny walked out of the store and stood next to cassi with a little smile.

talking to cassi in a low voice " i know this is going to be extra hard on you cassi. but i want you to know that your a dear lady. "she held up her hand to keep from being interupted." and you never ever complain that i have heard. ooh jeez what i am getting at cassi is i hope that after this is all done we could maybe be friends. i already concider you my friend. but i have a feeling that your good will towards me is going to be sorely tested in the next few weeks. and all though it saddens me i understand it. " giving cassi a knowing look she took the baby into her arms as he began to fuss. handing cassi the packages " i got this for you. there is a little bit of blue cloth in there for david too. but everything else is a gift for you. i hope you like the color."

by the time she finished talking with cassi david was screaming his little face turning red as his tiny fists flailed the air in anger. smiling at cassi and shruging her shoulders " his highnes beckons to be fed." jenny moved to the wagon and climbing in the back with cassi's help.she pulled a blanket up over her front. to prevent any wondering eyes from being able to see her naked breasts as her hungery baby suckled noisely.cassie climed in the drives seat. they settled in to wait for alex to finish up his bisness in the store.

 

[macmillian]

Jenny reminded me to ask if they had any canned mulk and a jar or two of honey, I told the clerk and he sid he would check as he filled our order

"Jenny, Go and check with Cassi and see if there is anything else we need." Jenny walked outside and talked with Cassi and the both smiled and nodded their heads and then looked towards me. Look out they were planing something.

The clerk returned and counted off the items:
Flour ..... 3/ 5 lbs sacks 15'
Cornmeal ..... 10'
Oats ..... 50'
Salt ..... 2/5 lb sacks 10'
Sugar ..... 2/10 lb sacks 20'
Brown sugar ..... 5'
Coffee ..... 10/1 lb bags 10'
Tea ..... 1 5lb tin 5'
Beans .....Red 10'
navy 5'
pinto 5'
I/ Full slab of bacon
1/ Fully smoked pork shank
3 Cans of Milk
1 Jar of Honey
1 Jar Molasses

Jenny returned and checked the items and approved both the items and quanity. She went over to the dry goods table and was checking on material to make dresses from. While she did that, I checked some camp equipment.
I picked up a double headed axe, a mall, a cooking grate and a set of cast iron pots. A large stew pot and oven, small pan, frying pan and a coffee pot and a grinder. (All picked from the used table.)

Next came the weapons and another man stepped up to help. He showed me a new repeating rifle and I carfully checked it out and chose that with two boxes of shells. I looked at the pistols and decided on a small 32 with a leg holster for Cassi. I also choose a new holister and belt, the open kind and a new colt pistol to go along with the holister. More ammunition for the colts and two boxes for my sharps. A man and a woman had brought all the rest earlier in the day. There was a used rile in good condition and I mad a deal to take that too and the four boxes of ammunition for the odd caliber. I was looking at a shotgun and in the end I chose a used one that looked like it had been taken care of. I added that to my order along with plenty of ammunition

I saw a wet stone and added that to our order along with two hunting knives and a large skinning knife. There was Four small knives, really daggers in the leather sheafs. I took those too.

Last but not least, I found a tent and two good tarps to give us better cover from the elements. A water barrel and two wooden pails. Two coils of rope.

Jenny had finished her shopping and had added some bolts of cloth and a sewing Basket. She had also picked up some bonnets for traveling and use in town. She had also found soap and also a few sented bars.

The clerk prepared our total. I told him hard cash and He kept his word and gave us a great deal. Since we took some of the used items, he could put more out now too. I pulled two of Julia's gold coins and he went to get my change. He returned and informed me he didn't have enough hard currancy to make our change. I asked how much and I looked around the store....
"Two pair of jeans and two shirts and that long duster and a new hat."

The clerk gave his ok and we started to haul our thing out to the wagon. The clerk got two young men to help us with our things. Jenny took the baby and Cassi stowed the goods away as they were brought out. I placed all the new weapons in the back and covered them.

Cassi returned to the drivers seat and I walked my horse up the street with her following behind. I stopped at the stable and inquired if we could stable our horses and wagon with him. He said the horses would be no problem and the wagon we could put up in a three sided shed out behind the main barn.

WE took care of the horses and placed the wagon in the small shed, the wagon almost filling the small shelter. We put together a bundle to take with us and the stable master said ther was food and lodging just a few doors down and across the street.

We walked twords the Georgia Pine Inn. Jenny was carring david and Cassi had our bundle of things and I had my sharps and two pistols. One in the holsiter abd the other in my belt.AS we entered theInn, I spun around a looked up the street from where the two shots had rang out. Shattering the late afternoon calm. I saw no danger to us and ushered the ladies into the lobby.

I went up to the desk and rang the little bell sitting there with it's little sign "Please ring for service..........Thank you" A tall thin man walked out and asked what we wanted. I said a room with an attached room where we do not have to go out into the hall to enter the second room. He spied Cassi holding the bundle, looked at me and decided not to say anything.

I asked about a wash house with a bathing tube and he said in the leanto out back against the rear wall of the Inn. I told him to have hot clean water in the tube in say 30 min and he said that would be fine.

He took us up to the rooms and gave me the key and went to get the bath ready.

 

[icu1978]

following the clerck up the stairs the their rooms jenny could feel how tired she was. once inside the rooms she waited for the man to leave adn the door to shut behind him then headed for the smaller adjoining room assuming that it was meant for her and the baby. " if you two will excuse us i think we will have a little nap before dinner time." with a little yawn she headed off into the extra room closing the door behind her.

it was small but nice if not fantsy. the bed was comftorable and the sheets clean. laying david in teh center she removed her dress and stood infront eh of the dresser tiping the small water pitcher over and pouring some of the water into the washing bowl jenny used a wrag that had seen better days to wash the dirt of the road off her body.

little david lay on the bed looking around and sucking on his fist when jenny crawled next to him. kissing his head then used the wrag to wash his face and little body. " there we go. some what clean now time to take a little nap handsome" picking him ups she scooted under the covers and lay him next to her. he instantly nuzzled her breast. " oh no mister you just ate .. its time to rest." laying a pillow on the other side of him jenny closed her eyes and began to fall into a light sleep.

 

[macmillian]

Before either of us could say a thing, Jenny had left the room and closed the door. Cassi and I just stood there with our mouths open, looking at the closed door.

"Well I'll be!", and I turned to Cassi, " doesn't that beat all." We opened the bunble that She was carring and set the items out on the bed. We didn't talk as we picked the items we would need to take our baths. I took a set of the new clothes for a change.

"Let's go Cassi, That hot water ("or maybe just warm!") is calling us.. When we finish we will wake Jenny".

With out another word I walked over to Cassi and took her into my arms and kissed her. She felt some good here in my arms. I would make this up to her and make the rest of her life one of happiness.

Before things got out of hand, I released Cassi and gave her one of my big award winning smiles. "Come on, the water is waiting."

 

[landiek]

Cassi

" i know this is going to be extra hard on you cassi. but i want you to know that your a dear lady. "she held up her hand to keep from being interupted." and you never ever complain that i have heard. ooh jeez what i am getting at cassi is i hope that after this is all done we could maybe be friends. i already concider you my friend. but i have a feeling that your good will towards me is going to be sorely tested in the next few weeks. and all though it saddens me i understand it. " giving cassi a knowing look she took the baby into her arms as he began to fuss. handing cassi the packages " i got this for you. there is a little bit of blue cloth in there for david too. but everything else is a gift for you. i hope you like the color."

Cassi quickly opened the parcel and saw the creamy colored fabric. "Oh Miz Jenny yore shore you wants me ta have all this.. why I reckons I's can makes at least two dresses ma'am."

" his highnes beckons to be fed." Jenny moved into the wagon to tend to the child.

Cassi chuckled hearing that smacking of lips. "Hes a right hungree little man too."

It didn't take too long for the menfolk to finish up and they were traveling on into the town. There was so many sights to see as the dress shops and millery was one of the many things to catch Cassi's eyes. Even the whooping and hollering didn't seem to offset the mood of excitement that traveled along her dark skin.

When Cassi entered the Inn it reminded her of the large plantations. It was large scale and so many fancy shiny things that made it look like a slice of heaven as she understood it.

Cassi took note of the clerk and flashed him a sincere smile. "This shore is a nice place."

Cassi listened as Masser Alex asked about a bath house. This was something that she had never heard of and became quite curious at what such a place was about and she reached to touch Alex's arm to ask just as Miz Jenny announced her need for rest.

" if you two will excuse us i think we will have a little nap before dinner time."

Cassi just stared at the door and before she could say anything she heard Alex speak.

"Well I'll be!", and I turned to Cassi, " doesn't that beat all."

It was rather humorous that Miz Jenny decided a nap was in order over a hot bath.

"Let's go Cassi, That hot water is calling us.. When we finish we will wake Jenny".

Cassi was taken to the kiss of Masser Alex's lips. His body felt warm and inviting and Cassi was wanting to be taken to bliss by his body, then he let her go. Tears came to the corner of her eyes as she questioned his actions.

"Come on, the water is waiting."

Cassi picked up the clean clothing and followed him t the bath house. Cassi was amazed at the strange tubs that lined the room and the scent of oils and soaps that perfumed the area was intoxicating.

"I's be mor than happy ta wash yore back Masser Alex." She offered

 

[icu1978]

laying in the bed watching the sun through the window as it began to set . the colors where so beutiful deep purples and blues with streaks of pink and some yellows. it was a magnificent sight to behold. looking down at her son she could not help but feel her heart swelling. nearly a monthe old now.

when he began to fuss and nuzle her breast Jenny couldn't help but laugh. the sound of it filling their small room and drifting out the open window.to the busy street below.she postioned the small boy to her breast so that he could latch on and suckle hungrily. looking back out the window Jenny watched as the sun disapeared from the sky. lifting her head onto her bent arm she looked down at her baby as he fed. stroking his cheek with ehr finger " your so soft my boy but someday you will be just like your daddy. big and strong. we just have to hang in there until we find a safe place to call home."

completely disenterested in what his mother was talking about his little eyes slowly lowered until he was sleeping.

lifting herself up off the bed slowly Jenny opened her small bag and sifted through the diferant articles of clothing until she found a suitable dress a dress of dark brown with little white cuffs and neck on it. puting hte dress on she looked at herself in the mirror. it wasn't black but hten to the world she has not lost her husband so it would not be right to go walking around in her mourning garb when she wasn't supposed to be mourning. still she could not bring herself to wear the bright colored dresses that still lay in her bags down in the wagon.

sliping her tiny feet into her boots and lacing them up Jenny went to the mirror. she started to put her hair up in it's custom braid and bun. but deciding against since they where in a town she wouldn't have to worry about the wind whiping her long hair into tangles so undoing the half a braid she had already started she brushed her fingers through the thick mass and let it lay in ringlets down her back.pulling the front back and placing a thin leather strap aroung it to keep her hair from her face. jenny looked at herself in the looking glass. she would pass as i happily married young woman with a new baby. or at least she thought so.

turning to her son who still lay snoozing in the bed jenny smiled and went to him with wrag in hand and new cloth diamper. " ok little man it's your turn." wiping his face and under his chin she changed his little cloth diamper and powdered him up. by this time he was wide awake and looking at her with what could only be called a look of pure scorn for being woken up in such a manner.laughing Jenny sliped him into a cotton sleeping gown or blue and then wraped him in his little blanket she had made while still carrying him.

kissing his tiny little button nose Jenny let him left him to lay on the bed while she went to look out the window. it would be dinner time soon. and she could not help but wonder how this was going to work out.

 

[gagonthis]

OOC: I assume from Macmillian's post we're all in the same inn yes?

 

[macmillian]

OOC Yes the same town....is that ok?

OOC I am not sure. I thought you were in an inn where there was a saloon and a bethroom inside. We ae staying at a smaller inn with a leanto for a bathouse outside. I know we are in the same town.

We can meet up sometine the next morning.

Macmillian

 

[gagonthis]

OOC: Yeah it's fine, just wanted to make sure we were on the same page, bringing the groups back together could make for some fun.

 

[macmillian]

"Well Miss Cassi, That is ok by me. You wash mine and I will wash yours." We undressed quickly and slid into the hot tub of water, leting the pressure of the day drain off. MY clothes and a towel hung on pegs on the wall and I leaned the sharps up against the wall. I also had move a chair over closer and hung a pistol and belt over the back and left a lose one on the seat.

Cassi you go first and I lathered up a wash cloth and started to scrub Cassi's back.I had her stand while is soaped her back and her rear and down her legs. I came back up the front, pausing by her most private area and then moven on up and over her stomach and breasts. I was really enjoying myself nd I asked Cassi to sit dow in the hot water and I took a bottle of hair shampoo of the shelf and shook some out into Cassi's hair. I scrubbed a little bit harder and I thought that I would get some tye of reaction. I poured a clean bucket of warm water over her head, washing away the soap,

"You go ahead and finsh washing and I am going to soak in the warm water for a few minutes." I stepped into the tub next to her, but first I made sure that the curtains were drawn all the way around both tubes. Giving us a little privacey, in case someone walked in on use.

 

[landiek]

Cassi was a bit surprised that she was invited into the water as well but quickly obeyed as she was thrilled to be asked and even more excited to know how it felt.

"Well Miss Cassi, That is ok by me. You wash mine and I will wash yours."

"I reckon I's can do that right proper." Cassi replied as she reached for the sponge.

"Cassi you go first." That was a bigger surprise but one that she accepted greedily as the heated water felt good over her body.

She groaned as he washed her body, it was something that she never experienced before and found it quite erotic. She even shuddered with a deep orgasm, but never made any hype over it as they were pressed for time with the heat of their bath.

Now when he commensed to washing her hair she was in tears as the fingers raked over her tender scalp. It was no wonder as her hair hardly had ever been completely washed let alone scrubbed thoroughly. Cassi realized that this was a new tradition for her to keep and this bathing was a luxury that she refused to lose.

"You go ahead and finsh washing and I am going to soak in the warm water for a few minutes."

Cassi finished her bath and took to scrubbing Alex's back with the sponge along his shoulders. She wanted to make him feel as special as she had as she rubbed his neck and inhaled his scent.

"It's a darn right shame ta want yore body so bad, ain't it Masser Alex." Cassi whispered softly as she rubbed along his chest and her eyes blazing with hunger.

 

[macmillian]

The warm water felt good and then I felt Cassi's firm hands run across my sholders and neck. She scrubbed my back and shoulders.

""It's a darn right shame ta want yore body so bad, ain't it Masser Alex.""

There wasn't all that much room with both of us in the tube and her words wispered low and sexy in my ear had the desired affect. What I had fougth to resist back in the room, I was not having much sucess doing now. Cassi was an amazing woman and I recognized the hunger in her eyes. The same feelings I too was having.

She was washing my chest and in one akward motion I was able shift Cassi onto my lap and hold her close. "you know this is crazy" I said as I held her tight. We kissed and held each other and kissed again.

"It's getting late and I would like to be more comfotable", I said, "We need to eat and then we can retire to a nice warm comfortable bed. What do you think of that plan?"

 

[landiek]

"you know this is crazy" I said as I held her tight. We kissed and held each other and kissed again.

Cassi knew that Alex was probably right about that but there was so many reasons to want then to abstain.

"It's getting late and I would like to be more comfotable", I said, "We need to eat and then we can retire to a nice warm comfortable bed. What do you think of that plan?"

"I thinks I's can wait that long." Cassi said softly as she washed between his legs and slipped lower to scrub his legs. It seemed that she was just pushing for a cock stuffed in one of those bare open holes.

 

[macmillian]

"you know this is crazy" I said as I held her tight. We kissed and held each other and kissed again.

Cassi knew that Alex was probably right about that but there was so many reasons to want then to abstain.

"It's getting late and I would like to be more comfotable", I said, "We need to eat and then we can retire to a nice warm comfortable bed. What do you think of that plan?"

"I thinks I's can wait that long." Cassi said softly as she washed between his legs and slipped lower to scrub his legs. It seemed that she was just pushing for a cock stuffed in one of those bare open holes.

Smiling and laughing as I pushed her hands away, "Stop that Cassi! You said you could wait and thar's what we are going to do." I gently and firmly pulled her to me and I kissed her again. "Stop Being impatient, I want to do it as much as you." I paused again and pressed my lips against her sweet rich full lips that so excited me. We were now both laughing so hard, tears were rolling down my face. It felt good to laugh again and Cassi was the reason.

I extracted myself from her embrase and stood and stepped out of the tube. Bad mistake I realized when I looked down. Cassi had this large grin that seemed to say several things all at once. If only I could read her mind or know what she was thinking. But alas, no man ever knows what a woman wants or is thinking.

I turned my back to her and toweled myself off as she slipped deeper into the water. Her eyes were half closed and I knew she was watching me. I hurriedly dressed and was pulling on my boots when I spoke again.

"OK, Miss Cassi......Time to get out and dry off." I picked up her towel and held it open for her so she could step out of the bathtub. I looked down at her and said to myself, what a woman and she was mine. I could not wait till we were out of Georgia and the south. out west where we could spend a liftime together. I smiled and I felt real good. The best I have felt in the past five years. I draped the towel over her shoulders and ribbed her back dry. She could do the rest. I wasn't going to try and help, because it could lead to mischief.

I stepped away and buckled my new belt and holster on, It was the open type without the military flap. I tucked the loose pistol in my belt and picked up my Sharps and sat down and watched as Cassi dressed.

 

[landiek]

"Stop that Cassi! You said you could wait and thar's what we are going to do." I gently and firmly pulled her to me and I kissed her again. "Stop Being impatient, I want to do it as much as you."

Cassi bit her lip as she realized that she was indeed teasing him. "I's shore sorree Masser Alex.. I's be good .. I sweares."

Yet the grin was a bigger taunt as her breasts dripped from the water as she raised along his front to watching him to step out of the water. She watched his body move and soaked in his aroma just as well as if she were standing next to him.

"OK, Miss Cassi......Time to get out and dry off." I picked up her towel and held it open for her so she could step out of the bathtub.

"That shore feels nice Masser Alex" Cassi remarked as the towel moved on her back but se quickly finished the job as having his warm body against hers was becoming a longing in her belly.

After a few moments Cassi was dressed in her second dress, flattening her dark hair to look presentable. She gathered the dirty clothes and placed the towels on a wooden bar hanging off the wall. It seemed odd watching her as she tidied the area and then lifted her skirts to leave the room to head back inside and check on Miz Jenny and her youngun.

 

[gagonthis]

Finding sleep was not coming he decided to go for a walk. He kissed the sleeping Julia gently on her forehead and rose, quietly pulling his trousers on and buckling his holsters. He threw a shirt on and grabbed his boots, walking quietly out of the room they shared. He passed a young looking couple in the hallway with what appeared to be their child and their slave. He tipped his hat to the lady as he passed, moving downstairs to sit in the tavern, his eyes searching around looking for anymore potential threats as the barkeep passed him a beer. Word seemed to have spread about his shooting earlier as most men kept their eyes obviously averted from him. He smirked slightly, he liked when people knew to just leave well alone. Sipping on his beer he thought about the girl lying in a now empty bed upstairs and all the things they had ahead of them....

 

[macmillian]

I followed Cassi out of the bath house and upstairs to our rooms. We found Jenny was up and dressed. I set the Sharps down in the corner saying I would not need it for diner. "I will Go and Get a table for us, It is in the public room and there is a bar there too."

I turned and left, closing the door behind me and went down stairs to the Inn's public room. There were several empty tables , so I took one in the back against the wall and the furthesr from the bar. I called the barmaid over and asked what they had to drink. I ordered a beer for myself, a pitcher of water and three glasses. She returned with the requests and I said there would be three for supper. When the remainder of my party get's here, please come over and get our order. I thanked her and she left.

I watched a man with two guns enter and go straight to the bar. He looked around the room and ordered a beer. I drank mine slowly and let my eyes slowly scan the room too. I don't know why, I just had a feeling.

At about the time I finished the beer the two ladies entered. I stood and pulled out a chair, first for Jenny who sat and then took the baby from Cassi and she too sat down. I returned to my seat and sat. I poured water into the three glasses and set them in front of each lady. I picked up mine and said to them all.

"A toast, to a fine beginning and luck to us all!" Jenny and Cassi Raised there glasses and each took a sip. "We ladies, what will it be for supper." I signaled for the barmaid but was surprised to see A amn in an apron come over.

"Sir", He Pause........."I am soory but we do not serve that kind in here." Motioning twords Cassi. " She'll have to leave."

I stood up and asked what the problem was. "This woman is a member of my party and she helps the wife with the child. PERIOD! SHE EATS WITH US!"
He lookled at me and I was a full head taller than him and he took a step backwards. "Three bowls of beef stew, another beer fo me." The patrons all were looking in our direction and when I glanced back at them, them all turned to their drinks and conversations. All except two guns standing at the bar. "You heard my order, now scatt and bring us our food and drink!"

The man retreated from the room into the kitchen in back. People didn't look directly in our direction by threw glaces and quick peeks to see what was happening. The three of us sat there and waited. A short interval and the barmaid brought me my beer and said the stew and bread would be out shortly and quickly withdrew. The loud voices had awoken David and was moving around in his mothers arms. I leaned over to look at the little fellow and smiled. I didn't know his real dad, but he looked like a strong fine man. I hoped he would have the chance to grow.

The man with the two guns had moved to the furthest part of the bar and was still drinking his beer and watching us. He didn't stare but his eves kept moving around the room, searching. The Barmaid returned with the food and set it down on the table. I was going to order another beer but changed my mind. I asked the ladies if they wanted coffee and I ordered three cups. She left to get the coffee.

 

[icu1978]

entering the public room with Cassi by her side holding the baby in her arms. they looked around the room before making their way over to the table that Alex was seated at. sitting down and taking the sleeping baby into her arms Jenny looked at her companions with a smile. " this is nice."

filling our glasses Alex raised his own and anounced "A toast, to a fine beginning and luck to us all!" both of us raised our glasses and took a sip. we where all feeling happy and contented. "We ladies, what will it be for supper."

just then a man in an apron apeared at the table looking stern and very angry."Sir", He Pause........."I am soory but we do not serve that kind in here." Motioning twords Cassi. " She'll have to leave." jenny could feel her chest tighten as Alex jumped from his chair."This woman is a member of my party and she helps the wife with the child. PERIOD! SHE EATS WITH US!"


Jennifer looked to cassi the worrie on her face was evident. looking back at Alex and the man standing beside her Jennifer could feel her stomach begin to ache. she had never been one to deal with confrontation or stress very well. looking down Jenny could see that the baby was becoming upset by all the yelling and the emotions emiting from his mother.

lifting the baby to her shoulder to try to sooth him as the man walked away.Jenny looked at the other two at the table. " perhaps i should take him upstairs. until he calms a bit. maybe feed him a little." her hands visably shaking as she caressed the baby's head and back . closing her eyes she tryed to calm herself and whispered soothing words into the boy's soft hair.

the baby stoped crying as Jenny got her own emotions under controll and was now looking around and flailing the air with his tiny fist. the barmaid approached with their bowls and another beer for Alex. craddling the baby in one arm jenny took tintative bites of the stew. " it taste ok but nothing like cassi's cooking." smiling to the other woman jenny just wanted to get the feeling of happiness back but it looked like the rude man and his nasty temper had ruined the mood around the table.

eating about half of her stew jenny looked to the other two at the table again. cassi seemed to be in deep thought and Alex was busy watching the room and the people in it. with a heavey sigh jenny took a sip of her water.. wanting nothing more than to return to her little room to hide. siting silently she waited for the others to finish their meal so she could do just that.

 

[macmillian]

I finished my stew and took a long drink of my beer. "Jenny, Give the child here! I'll hold him while you finish eating. You need your strngth to travel. So eat, Pause..... You to Cassi, you eat too. No arguments from either." As I took the baby and held him in my arms. He streched and raised his little hans to the ceiling and mad contented little sounds. Jenny started to eat and Cassi did likewise.

The barmaid brought coffee and asked wether we would like anyting else. I asked about pie or something sweet. She said they had fresh cherry cobbler and I said to brin us three servings of the cobbler.

The coffee was good, but not as strong as Cassi's.

"You ladies should know that the food here does not compare to what Cassi can do on the trail. We are lucky to have her." I said it just loud enough that others in the room could hear what I was saying and thus maybe they will leave us alone. "TWO GUNS" is what I took to refering to the man at the far end of the bar and I would not call him that to his face, was still letting his eyes scan the room, but there was no further trouble. When I took the baby, he became more intense but relaxed as nothing seemed to happen. I had the feeking he was watching my back, so to speak. If I got a chance, I would talk with this man. If I got a chance, this I would do.

The cobbler came and it was very good and the barmaid brought over three tumblers of brandy to go with the cobbler. We had more coffee and ate the cobbler. I drank the brandy but Jenny and Cassi didn't seem to want to touch the spirits.

"Ladies, Just take a little sip or pour it into your coffee." I smiles at them. Jenny probably han't tasted liquor before and neither had Cassi. "If you don't want it, just leave it be." We all were smiling again and we made small talk about our journey and I asked if Jenny wanted to take a bath before going to bed, Cassi would take her down while I looked after David.

I liked holding the child, he felt like he belonged in my arms. I knew I could not come to attached because I would have to give him up one day. Where or when was the question.

 

[landiek]

"A toast, to a fine beginning and luck to us all!" Jenny and Cassi Raised there glasses and each took a sip. "Well ladies, what will it be for supper."

"Anything would be fine, Masser Alex." Cassi replied as she set the menu down unable to decipher the marks on it.

"Sir", He Pause........."I am sorry but we do not serve that kind in here." Motioning towards Cassi. " She'll have to leave."

Cassi being used to being told to leave went to rise from the table. But when Alex rose she quickly sat back down and prayed that they wouldn't be tossed out.

"This woman is a member of my party and she helps the wife with the child. PERIOD! SHE EATS WITH US!"

Cassi felt her skin prickle as Alex raised his voice, this was beyond what she was used to and not having brushed Alex's temper she became uncomfortable but remained quiet.

"Three bowls of beef stew, another beer for me." Alex spoke like a man that owned the place, full of confidence. "You heard my order, now scat and bring us our food and drink!"

Cassi gulped and squirmed in her seat, her eyes darting about at the other patrons. She was humiliated by being there but held her head up remaining silent. Even Miz Jenny was having troubles with the child being frightened by the loud noise that distrubed his slumber.

" perhaps i should take him upstairs. until he calms a bit. maybe feed him a little." Jenny's voice seemed shaky

Cassi offered to take him but it seemed that Jenny was not having that and soon the food arrived. Cassi had to admit it did smell good and far better then the dog stew she fixed for a few nights in a row.

" it tastes ok but nothing like cassi's cooking." Jenny remarked.

Cassi still was bothered by the glances from the barman and she lowered her head picking at the contents. She wanted so badly to fit in and yet she knew that many still harbored a lot of misgivings with the war and having to free the slaves.

"Jenny, Give the child here! I'll hold him while you finish eating. You need your strength to travel. So eat, Pause..... You to Cassi, you eat too. No arguments from either."

"Yes Masser Alex." Cassi replied as she took a huge spoonful of stew to her lips. She missed some of the spices that she used with her stew but found it filling just the same. Then she noticed how at ease Alex was with the baby and smiled as she wondered if she would be able to bare him children in her older years.

"Bring us three servings of the cobbler." Alex said to the barmaid.

Cobbler, that made Cassi's mouth water. It had been years since she was able to make one but the mere idea that she was going to enjoy a slice made her shiver with child-like excitement.

"You ladies should know that the food here does not compare to what Cassi can do on the trail. We are lucky to have her." Alex said loudly.

Cassi merely grinned broadly having him pay such a boisterous complement

Cassi took a sniff of the strange drink and sat it back down on the table enjoying her cobbler and strange coffee.

"Ladies, Just take a little sip or pour it into your coffee." I smiles at them. "If you don't want it, just leave it be."

The glass sat in front of Cassi as she finished the cobbler with a smile of pleasure.

Alex asked Jenny "If you want to take a bath before going to bed, Cassi would take you down while I look after David. "

"I cans scrub yore back proper Miz Jenny." Cassi offered as she smiled at the two of them hiding the inside turmoil of looking too lovingly at Alex in the dinning room

 

[icu1978]

Alex asked Jenny "If you want to take a bath before going to bed, Cassi would take you down while I look after David. "

"I cans scrub yore back proper Miz Jenny." Cassi offered as she smiled at the two of them .

smiling "yes that would be nice Cassi. but i think we should bring david with us. he needs a bath too. and then i can feed him and you can come back up to put him to sleep while i enjoy a nice long soak in the water." looking from Cassi and Alex with a little smile. she noticed that Cassi had perked up a bit at the plan and hoped that alex would go along with it. when he gave a nod
both wemon broke out in broad smiles.

taking little david in her arms she turned to cassi " are ya ready cassi?" but the woman was already on her feet holding her arms out for the baby. laughing Jenny handed him over. turning to Alex she noded and smiled. " see you later then." the two wemon trned and left the room heading towards the lean too. following Cassi jenny walked with her back ram rod striaght feeling eye following her. once out of the building the made a left adn walked around back where there was a large lean two.

entering and pulling the curtain Cassi sat in a chair undressing a squirming david as jenny removed her own clothes." please keep an ear open for David incase he begins to cry before i get back up to the room. "

trying to hide her nudity as she steped into the warm water. jenny looked over at the Cassi. she was kissing the baby's cheeks and talking to him in a soft whisper.it warmed jenny's heart to know that Cassi loved david so much.sitting in the warm water jenny held her arms out for the baby.
Cassi sitting by the side of the tub played with david while jenny used a wash cloth on his tiny body. he seemed to love being in the water. and both wemon where laughing at his sqweels he would hit the water with his little fist making it splash.

finishing up jenny let him eat a little while she soaked. " i will come up when you put a candle in the window Cassi. i know you two need a little privacy and frankly those walls are paper thin." pausing to let what she was saying sink in she noticed it did when cassi looked down. and even in the dim lighting of the lean two jenny could swear that the other woman was blushing. " yes i thinks yore shore is right about that missy" and they both started laughing. jenny handed the drowsy baby to Cassi with a kiss to his little fuzz covered head.

" be sure to put him in the middle of the bed and pillows around him. oh and use the white little blanket.. i made it and he sleeps better when wraped in it." Cassi nodded with a wide smile. " i shore weel take good care of him for you." with that she turned to leave " oh Cassie. dont forget to put the candle up in the window when it's safe to return. im going to soak a bit and then go have a little drink in the bar with some of the other lady's i seen down there."

jenny watched as Cassi and her son left the lean too. she could not help but feel lonely. laying back in the tub the water splashing up around her face jenny closed her eyes and ran the wrag over her body. in her mind she could still see her husband. could still feel his strong arms around her. his lips on her heated flesh. snaping her eyes open jenny admonished herself.

" no since remembering those feelings old gal. wont do ya a bit of good no how" moving the cloth over her body more firmly than was necisary jenny finished washing and leaned back in the tub of water leting her head slide under her knee's sticking out of the water. when seh came back up she blew out a mouth full of water and pushed the hair back from her face.

using a sliver of soap jenny rubbed it on her hair scrubbing the long locks harshly before diping her head back under the water. once she came back up jenny grabed the long length of hair and twisted it into a not on top of her head. rising out of the water she reached for the towel hanging on the rack and dryed herself off.

grabbing her dress and sliping it back up making sure she got all of the buttons done and that it looked somewhat decent jenny sat down in the chair that cassi was sitting in before she left. pulling on her stalkings and boots lacing them up nice and tight. jenny still just sat there in the chair it was dark outside now and the little bit of light from the lamp offered little in the way of lighting as its small flame fluttered and nearly blew out.

leaning back in the chair jenny realized for that this was the first time she had been left alone since the death of her husband.. slowly tears started to run down her cheek. lifting her hand to wipe them away instead she covered her face with both hands let all her grief out. she couldn't seem to stop herself. the tears just kept coming and jenny felt as if her heart had been torn out her world out of controll.

crying until she could cry no more jenny sat up strait and wiped the remainder of the tears away. " ok then enough of that." still trying to catch her breath from the crying jenny thought it would be best to just stay there where no one would question her about her appearance.

letting her head fall back she waited until she felt completely calm and for some reason totally drained. slowling leaving the lean too jenny looked up at all the windows. no candle. crossing her arms over her chest jenny walked down the street. not feeling like going into the main room again and facing all those snobish people with their holier than though aditudes. instead she found her way to a church not far from the inn.

stepping inside jenny instantly knelt and crossed herself. walking further in she sat in an empty pew and lowered her head to pray.

 

[macmillian]

I finished the ladies brandy after they left. I felt good. Agood meal and a treat, coffee and drinks. I sat there and rested,as my eyes covered the room. I noticed the man at the end of the bar and he slightly nodded. I rose from the table and walked slowly across the room to the bar and approached the man at the other end.

"Hi", I said as I approached the man, "MY name is Alex Franks. I am traveling with my wife and newborn and a friend to help out." I offered my hand. "I am glad to meet you, friend!"