Surrender

[macmillian]

Ava looked on as the doctor gently examined Jenny. He looked into her eyes, ears, listened to her heart, and took her temperature. He opened his pack and took out a small vial of medication, handing it to Ava. "Well Miss Beaumont, I can safely say that your cousin does not have Scarlet Fever. All she has is a touch of the Chicken Pox, a strange one, the welts are smaller than usual, but that is what she has. Better give the little fella' some medication too. I reckon he will have some spots of his own in no time. The seventy dollars will cover this and anything else you need. You just come on back to town if you need to and my secretary will get you whatever you or your cousin require." The kindly man smiled, unaware the he had just exposed Ava's secret. She took the medicine in trembling hands, smiling wobbily at the doctor. "Thank you, we are much obliged to you for this visit."

The Doctor patted Ava's hand paternally. "I understand. Now, that is all I feel I need to do at this point, so I will just be o n my way." With that, he tipped his hat to the group, mounted his horse, and continued down the road he had come in on.

Ava handed the medication to Cassi with a warm but wary smiled. "I need to change" she stated flatly as she went off to her tent.

Luke....

There were "thank you and thank's doc " from our assembled group.. and we watched him ride off back into town.

"Ava, I'll take care of you horse, Talk with you later." and I led our two horses into the corral and unsaddled them. I rubbed them down and then I gave them grain and water. They had put in a good day today.

Alex ....

"Cassi, Supper in the cabin or outside under the arbor. I returne most of my weapons just inside the door. I kept one pistol with me. the doc sais " Notraveling foe the next week or so. So here we will sit and wait untill Jenny and davis are better and no one else gets sick."

 

[andygorn]

His body's shadow covered her like a soft blanket as she looked up into his face and listened to his words.

"Yes, Julia, I held you all the while you were sleeping."
He jokingly added: "It seeemd like we both needed a good rest."
Staring right back into her eyes, he said "I would never tire of holding you, dear Julia: your wonderful body is like the softest of pillows and your beautiful face is a real pleasure to be able to look upon. I am honoured to be here with such a lovely woman as you..."

They were both comfortable with each other as they sat in each others arms. They seemed compatible at every level and Julia looked at him again.

"I am so glad you came to me when you did, Clayton, I think I would have probably died without you to watch over me. When I get stronger I will be able to help with all the chore. You and I and Amy will be partners in the West."

As he joked about the camp not going anywhere she chuckled. She was happy that they could prolong their time together in this lovely spot.

"So what shall we have on our ranch, Clayton"

His hand was stroking the back of her ear and she had a wonderful feeling of belonging once more.

"There's no need to say thank you to me an' Amy, Julia. You say that you would have died had it not been for us, but it would also have meant the end for us two as well: You see, you've shown me that there IS good in this world and that not everybody is prejudiced and a race-hater.
"Apart from not seeing your beauty, if we'd not met you I'd probably have ended my days soon at the end of a rope for stealing or for my temper getting the better of me."

His eyes filed with tears as he thought of how beautiful Julia is and of her touching comments, as well as how this lovely woman had changed his life in a few short hours and added:
"You've given me something else to live for other than myself and done me the honour of showing me extreme kindness."
Smiling warmly down at her, he continued to stroke a hand through her hair and leant his other arm over her to fondly caress the top of her arm.
"What we did was my first time...I had always wanted and hoped that I might one day meet someone kind...but it was better -and you are more beautiful- than even in my wildest dreams, Julia."

"What to do abut the ranch..? I've heard that many folks have made a good living out West from horses, cattle and maybe even buffaloes. But I think the buffaloes would enjoy it more if they were roaming free across the plains."
"I always liked horses, ma'am...they're such graceful animals. I grew up raising animals and Ma said that I could be a vet one day if I put my mind to it, but I never took time for much schoolin'. Maybe I could get myself an education? Or even become a man of money?"

Clayton stopped himself as he realised that there were just too many options to list. Looking down into her beautiful face once again, he added:
"Regardless of what we get on the ranch -whether it be animals or crops- I'd just be SO eternally happy to be doing it with you by my side...that is, if you would give me the pleasure and honour of your company long-term?"

 

[landiek]

Cassi stood in the doorway almost afraid to let Alex get too near. Her face was pleased to see him but the concern she had for her pair was written in the worry lines at the forehead.

"They didn't have any milk except fore this canned stuff. He'll have milk in the morning an he will hold some for us." Alex spoke clearly as she took the package from his hands. "By the way, I picked up some butter too. go with those biscuits."

Cassi went over to the counter to make the milk for David. She knew that his poor tummy would most likely spew the milk until he realized that it was milk. She moistened the tip with honey to make him more cooperative with the strange milk.

Then she looked at the butter. The aroma of fresh churned cream, it was a blessing in disguise. She smiled as she thought of Masser Alex eating a whole pan of her biscuits.

Then as she took the milk over to David she saw Alex. Her eyes widened in fear as the thought of him becoming ill plagued her instantly.

"You shouldn't be'z in here" Cassi fussed. "I's don't needs yore gettin sick too!"

closing her eyes she drifted off to a restless sleep. still she cried out and was restless her fever rising higher and higher. her cry weaker because to the swelling in her throat.

Cassi heard the cries and rushed to the bedside. She tried to comfort Jenny by brushing cool water on her heated brow. "Shhhh shhhhhh I's here.. Miz Jenny... "

Thankfully her Masser Alex didn't take her fear to heart as he ambled to pour a cup of coffee. Humor in a scary situation, Cassi still made food and coffee for the others while she sequestered David and Jenny from the rest of the group.

A noise came from outside and she heard Alex walk across the floor back to the doorway. Hallelujah the doctor was here and in her heart Cassi was certain that he could fix her Miz Jenny.

"Welcom, I am Alex Franks and we are real glad to see you." as the doctor untied his bag from behind the saddle. He shook my hand and Ava led him inside.

Cassi hovered in the background and listened intently as the Doctor looked over Miz Jenny. She wanted to ask so many questions but remained still in the shadows while the man worked.

"Well Miss Beaumont, I can safely say that your cousin does not have Scarlet Fever. All she has is a touch of the Chicken Pox, a strange one, the welts are smaller than usual, but that is what she has. Better give the little fella' some medication too. I reckon he will have some spots of his own in no time. The seventy dollars will cover this and anything else you need. You just come on back to town if you need to and my secretary will get you whatever you or your cousin require." The kindly man smiled.

Cassi let out a sigh of relief hearing that Miz Jenny didn't have the Fever. It made her grateful that her belief of angels being in doctors reconfirmed. Cassi wasn't sure how much seventy dollars was but by the looks of Miz Ava's face it was more then she expected. Cassi stepped from the shadows to aide Miz Ava from falling while she spoke with the physician.

Ava took the medicine in trembling hands, smiling wobbly at the doctor. "Thank you, we are much obliged to you for this visit."

The Doctor patted Ava's hand paternally. "I understand. Now, that is all I feel I need to do at this point, so I will just be o n my way."

Ava handed the medication to Cassi with a warm but wary smiled. "I need to change" she stated flatly as she went off to her tent.

"Yes 'Em." Cassi said politely and took the bottle. She looked intently at the strange marks that told how to administer the medicine. This required some help from one of the others as Cassi couldn't make out the strange marks.

She turned as Alex's voice flooded her serious vexation.

"Cassi, Supper in the cabin or outside under the arbor?"

Before she could answer the door swung open and she heard the Doctor telling Alex something else important.

" No traveling for the next week or so."

Cassi heard Alex speak out. " So here we will sit and wait until Jenny and David are better and no one else gets sick."

That pretty well summed up things for the small group. Cassi decided that it must be safe for the rest of the group to be close and also decided that she was not serving any more chicken or wild hens as not to let that dreaded Chicken Pox make her charges sick again.

Then Cassi broke out into tears as she feared the Pheasant was the reason Miz Jenny got that Chicken's Pox. She made them sick.. and Gawd punished bad slaves for hurting their Masters... Broken and miserable she fixed David warmed milk and took him in her arms while shedding tears of shame.

It was relieving that he took to the idea of the strange milk with only a few blurps as she rocked in the chair. "I's swear.. I's will never lets you or yore mother gets this again.. I's swear..."

 

[macmillian]

Alex .... I went out to see if Luke needed any help with the horses. When I entered the corral, Luke had just finished with the Chestnut and turned him loose in the corral.

Alex .... "Luke, Good job today, Couldn't have done it without you. Thank you. Did you get to see the livery man and ask about a wagon and extra horses?"

Luke .... "Thanks Alex....(pause)....The livery man was out and they said to see him tomorrow. He should be back. Look's as though we are going to be here a week or more. You ever had this "Chicken-pox" ?"

Alex .... "Sure did, way back when, didn't like'm then, don't like'm now. Doc says if you have had them once, you only get a milder case if you catch them at all again. How bout you?"

Luke .... "Don't recall if I did or not. I'll just have to be more carefull. Have you got any plans for the next week or so?"

Alex .... "Yah..... A few. Fix the wagon for the long journey, find another wagon and team and keep our own animals in shape. That's all I can think of for now. There's probably more, but right now I don't know of any. Here comes Ava! I'll go see if Cassi needs any help. Afternoon Ava. Thanks for going in and getting the doc. I got a lot done here. Your tent set up ok ?"

Luke .... I walk over with Alex to meet Ava and wait as he talks with her.

 

[rvplymates]

"There's no need to say thank you to me an' Amy, Julia. You say that you would have died had it not been for us, but it would also have meant the end for us two as well: You see, you've shown me that there IS good in this world and that not everybody is prejudiced and a race-hater.
"Apart from not seeing your beauty, if we'd not met you I'd probably have ended my days soon at the end of a rope for stealing or for my temper getting the better of me."

His eyes filed with tears as he thought of how beautiful Julia is and of her touching comments, as well as how this lovely woman had changed his life in a few short hours and added:
"You've given me something else to live for other than myself and done me the honour of showing me extreme kindness."
Smiling warmly down at her, he continued to stroke a hand through her hair and leant his other arm over her to fondly caress the top of her arm.
"What we did was my first time...I had always wanted and hoped that I might one day meet someone kind...but it was better -and you are more beautiful- than even in my wildest dreams, Julia."

"What to do abut the ranch..? I've heard that many folks have made a good living out West from horses, cattle and maybe even buffaloes. But I think the buffaloes would enjoy it more if they were roaming free across the plains."
"I always liked horses, ma'am...they're such graceful animals. I grew up raising animals and Ma said that I could be a vet one day if I put my mind to it, but I never took time for much schoolin'. Maybe I could get myself an education? Or even become a man of money?"

Clayton stopped himself as he realised that there were just too many options to list. Looking down into her beautiful face once again, he added:
"Regardless of what we get on the ranch -whether it be animals or crops- I'd just be SO eternally happy to be doing it with you by my side...that is, if you would give me the pleasure and honour of your company long-term?"

Julia listened to Clayton attentively, she smiled as he said he showed her what was good in the worldand that not everyone was prejudiced and race-hating. She frowned as she thought of him on the end of a rope and could not believe he had a bad temper. He had shown her only sweetness. Her hand went to his face as he continued to speak and tears glistened in his eyes. She continued to listen to him incouraging him to speak with her gentle hand on his cheek.

Julia was surprised when Clayton said that it had been his first time making love.

"You are an excellent lover, Clayton, caring and gentle yet forceful and aggressive in a very pleasure giving way. I have had one partner before you and he was experienced but I would never have guessed you had a lack of experience. You pleasured me many times during the course of our love making, Clayton"

Clayton started talking about the ranch and it seemed to her that a horse ranch would be the right thing for them. They could do it, she had enough gold buried by the plantation to buy a ranch 10 times over.

"A horse ranch would be a wonderful thing to have, I will have to rely on you to know what horses to buy. We could also have a piece of land to grow vegetables for our own use and maybe a chicken or two for eggs and a cow for milk, wouldnt that be grand. You would have to teach me farming and milking of course but you and I could have a great life together"

She thought for a moment and smiled at him.

"I want you to become a vet, Clayton, there is money a plenty for your education. You could care for our horses and make money working for others, wouldnt that be wonderful. A Professional man"

She looked at him surprised once more.

"Why Clayton, I thought you would know, our relationship is long termed, I could not imagine being with anyone but you"

 

[andygorn]

Julia listened to Clayton attentively, she smiled as he said he showed her what was good in the worldand that not everyone was prejudiced and race-hating. She frowned as she thought of him on the end of a rope and could not believe he had a bad temper. He had shown her only sweetness. Her hand went to his face as he continued to speak and tears glistened in his eyes. She continued to listen to him incouraging him to speak with her gentle hand on his cheek.

Julia was surprised when Clayton said that it had been his first time making love.

"You are an excellent lover, Clayton, caring and gentle yet forceful and aggressive in a very pleasure giving way. I have had one partner before you and he was experienced but I would never have guessed you had a lack of experience. You pleasured me many times during the course of our love making, Clayton"

Clayton started talking about the ranch and it seemed to her that a horse ranch would be the right thing for them. They could do it, she had enough gold buried by the plantation to buy a ranch 10 times over.

"A horse ranch would be a wonderful thing to have, I will have to rely on you to know what horses to buy. We could also have a piece of land to grow vegetables for our own use and maybe a chicken or two for eggs and a cow for milk, wouldnt that be grand. You would have to teach me farming and milking of course but you and I could have a great life together"

She thought for a moment and smiled at him.

"I want you to become a vet, Clayton, there is money a plenty for your education. You could care for our horses and make money working for others, wouldnt that be wonderful. A Professional man"

She looked at him surprised once more.

"Why Clayton, I thought you would know, our relationship is long termed, I could not imagine being with anyone but you"

As he listened to her words, they promised a new beginning for the pair of them...they both had the same attitude and they were clearly both deeply enamoured of each other.

Her ideas about helping him set up the ranch were more than he could ever have hoped for and her assistance with his studies was a pure god-send from Heaven.

As he looked down at her loving gaze, his eyes welled up with tears of joy and he hugged her tightly to him, letting his excitement course throughout his body, crying at the joy she had brought him.

Hoping that she was not distressed, Clayton said:
"I am crying because I never thought a woman could be as loving as you are and I too could never imagine being with anyone else. The kindness that you have shown me is more than I could ever have imagined. The pleasure you have given me was amazing. Your beauty is second to none and the possibilities we have for a new life together are endless.
"I always try to be a kind and gentle man, but when I was a slave back on the plantation it is true that I used to have something of a temper about me, but I now realise that I was only angry because it was due to my being abused at the hands of people who are now either far away or no longer alive."
"I had been trying real hard to lose my old angry ways and to be a good citizen, but I had feared that I might one day have to resort to theft and crime in order to survive...Now, however, you have shown me that there is a much better way to live and revealed to me the kind man inside of me who I thought I might have to lose to live, even though that would not really be living."
Still locking his gaze within her deep eyes, baring his soul to her as she was to him, he added: "Sweet lady Julia, I assure you that the kind man you know me as IS the true me...and I swear that he will never be lost to us ever again."

"A horse ranch is something that I always dreamt of as a child, but never thought that I -as a black man in a white man's world- would ever be able to achieve. Julia, you have changed all of that. The joy you bring me is almost indescribable."

"The thought of me, a former slave, one day becoming a 'professional man' is a thought which is almost too incredible for me to comprehend.

"Your idea about a little farm and growing our own food is a very good one...I hear that the land out West is very fertile and good growing country."

I trust you with my life, dear Julia, and I will be yours in any way you wish. I will also do all that I can ever day to make you happy and to be worthy of your attention."

Clayton added softly: " I trust you with my life, dear Julia, and I will be yours in any way you wish. I have never said this to anyone before, but -if you don't mind me saying so- I believe that I have fallen in head-over-heels in love with you, dear sweet princess."

He tenderly stroked his hands up and own the soft skin of her back, feeling the incredible softness of her body against him, loving her with all of his heart. His his big black fingers a stark contrast to the supple white skin and toned muscles beneath them.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava nodded, indicating that her tent was just fine. She walked down to it, noting how the lace at the bottom of her gown would probably be beyond repair when she finally got the damned thing off. It was a far cry from her other plain dresses that she had worn since travelling. She was surprised that no one had noticed that, or the Doctor calling her Miss Beaumont. Maybe they didn't know what Beaumont shipping was. Few people would connect Ava Beaumont with the Beamont fortune, her father had seen to that. But there were people who would know from Georgia newspapers, or people who knew area business.

She stepped into her tent, putting the worry from her mind as she began to undress.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia could see that she had made Clayton happy and this made her happy, she smiled at him as he spoke. His word filled her with pure joy until he began speaking of his slave days.

"You must forget what those animals did to you, my love, that will never happen again, I will make sure of that"

A look of determination came over Julia's face.

"I have no doubt that you will remain, the wonderful person you are right now, my love. You will be a rance owner and a vet, I have no doubt of it. All you need is money and I have that"

She smiled when he said he would trust her with his life and would be hers in any way she wished. Her smile became broader as he said he loved her.

"I love you too, Clayton, I believe we will have a good life together and will fight for the right to be with you"

She loved his touch, it was becoming something that she would not be able to live without, and she knew it.

 

[landiek]

The medicine sat on the table while Cassi fed David. Despite the dimness of the room her sniffling was loud enough to announce her presense.

Cassi glanced up at Alex standing near. "I'z can't reed them marks.. I's afraid of making Miz Jenny sicker."

Cassi looked a little weathered as well, her fears syphoning away her stamina.

 

[andygorn]

Julia could see that she had made Clayton happy and this made her happy, she smiled at him as he spoke. His word filled her with pure joy until he began speaking of his slave days.

"You must forget what those animals did to you, my love, that will never happen again, I will make sure of that"

A look of determination came over Julia's face.

"I have no doubt that you will remain, the wonderful person you are right now, my love. You will be a rance owner and a vet, I have no doubt of it. All you need is money and I have that"

She smiled when he said he would trust her with his life and would be hers in any way she wished. Her smile became broader as he said he loved her.

"I love you too, Clayton, I believe we will have a good life together and will fight for the right to be with you"

She loved his touch, it was becoming something that she would not be able to live without, and she knew it.

Clayton's eyes filled up with tears at her exceptionally kind words and he felt so reassured and loved that he was speechless for a minute, just enjoying thr tranquility of their surroundings and Julia's beautiful body lying next to him. He stroked his fingers softly through her hair, enjoying it's silky smoothness.
"Julia, we could have any type of ranch...or stable...or vegetable garden...or ...anything else...which you could think of: You've given me back my hope and my dreams and I never imagined I would be lucky enough to even see a woman who is as gorgeous as you, let alone BE with a caring, gentle, beautiful lady like you."
"You are perfect in every way and I'm sure that we wi;ll be very happy together."
Gazing longingly back into her perfect eyes, he replied: "And I promise you that you will never regret a single day with me an' Amy and that I'll make sure that I'll be the best man and the best lover you could ever wish for."

"You have changed my life a lot and for that I owe you So much."
With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he enquired: "Is there anything which I could do to repay you, perhaps, my lady Julia?" he asked as he tilted her head towards his and gently kissed the tip of her cute little nose.

 

[macmillian]

The medicine sat on the table while Cassi fed David. Despite the dimness of the room her sniffling was loud enough to announce her presense.

Cassi glanced up at Alex standing near. "I'z can't reed them marks.. I's afraid of making Miz Jenny sicker."

Cassi looked a little weathered as well, her fears syphoning away her stamina.

Alex .... I looked down at the woman who had held us all together and now she needed our help. I knelt down by her chair and gently rubbed little David's head, mussing his hair.

"It's all right Cassi, I'm here and so is Ava and Luke. We all can help you now. You don't have to carry all this by yourself. You have nothing to be afraid of anymore. You don't hurt people, you help. So be kind to yourself and enjoy a little peace." I reached out and touched her cheek and wiped away the tear that had started to roll down that cheek. "Ya know what Cassi. I have an idea. I'm going to give you a break and I will cook super tonight! How does that sound?"

 

[rvplymates]

Clayton's eyes filled up with tears at her exceptionally kind words and he felt so reassured and loved that he was speechless for a minute, just enjoying thr tranquility of their surroundings and Julia's beautiful body lying next to him. He stroked his fingers softly through her hair, enjoying it's silky smoothness.
"Julia, we could have any type of ranch...or stable...or vegetable garden...or ...anything else...which you could think of: You've given me back my hope and my dreams and I never imagined I would be lucky enough to even see a woman who is as gorgeous as you, let alone BE with a caring, gentle, beautiful lady like you."
"You are perfect in every way and I'm sure that we wi;ll be very happy together."
Gazing longingly back into her perfect eyes, he replied: "And I promise you that you will never regret a single day with me an' Amy and that I'll make sure that I'll be the best man and the best lover you could ever wish for."

"You have changed my life a lot and for that I owe you So much."
With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he enquired: "Is there anything which I could do to repay you, perhaps, my lady Julia?" he asked as he tilted her head towards his and gently kissed the tip of her cute little nose.

Julia smiled at Clayton

"You flatter me to much Clayton, I am only a woman, not perfect and when I get stronger I dont want you to be disappointed by the stubborn, head strong woman you will find I am. But I promise to always be honest with you and I know I have strong feelings for you, it may even been love, I don't know, I am slow to learn my feelings, but right now I am content with you and I believe our lives can be full and yes happy. Let us go back to camp and have something to eat, I find myself hungry again, that must be a good sign, I havent been hungry in a long while. Your caring has caused a miricle. It is you who is perfect, perfect for me. Let us make me strong so we can go on with our plans.

Shen he tilted her head towards his and kissed the tip of her nose, she chuckled at the twinkle in his eyes.

She lauged at his tactics and hugged him

 

[macmillian]

Ava nodded, indicating that her tent was just fine. She walked down to it, noting how the lace at the bottom of her gown would probably be beyond repair when she finally got the damned thing off. It was a far cry from her other plain dresses that she had worn since travelling. She was surprised that no one had noticed that, or the Doctor calling her Miss Beaumont. Maybe they didn't know what Beaumont shipping was. Few people would connect Ava Beaumont with the Beamont fortune, her father had seen to that. But there were people who would know from Georgia newspapers, or people who knew area business.

She stepped into her tent, putting the worry from her mind as she began to undress.

Luke .... Ava Didn't even realize I was standing there as she passed Alex and entered her tent. I picked a spot that was at a discrete distance from her tent and waited. I so longed to talk with her and so I would wait.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Luke .... Ava Didn't even realize I was standing there as she passed Alex and entered her tent. I picked a spot that was at a discrete distance from her tent and waited. I so longed to talk with her and so I would wait.

Ava stood, in her old dress once again. She exited her tent, paying little attention to the fact that Luke was nearby, not really noticing him yet. She hung the nearly ruined lacy debutante dress over a tree branch, hoping the muddy bottom would at least dry a little bit. She fingered it gently, feeling a sudden sorrow for her former life. She turned, wondering when Alex was going to come and ask her to leave. Seeing Alex, she started, staring at him.

"Oh... Hello Luke...."

 

[macmillian]

Luke .... waiting for Ava.
"Hi Ava!.......Have a few minutes to talk with me. You have seem a little preoccupied earlier. I know that something is bothering you and maybe we could sit by the fire and talk about it. Did you hear who was cooking supper tonight? You'll never guess!!!!!!!! "

I walk up closer to you and reach for you hand. "Is it me Ava? A one arm no good for nothing. I"m so mixed up, I can't think straight. I put trust in you gal ans I hope you don't disapoint me,"

 

[landiek]

"It's all right Cassi, I'm here and so is Ava and Luke. We all can help you now. You don't have to carry all this by yourself. You have nothing to be afraid of anymore. You don't hurt people, you help. So be kind to yourself and enjoy a little peace."

"I's the one to makes them sick.. it was that bird.. I's didn't know it could do this!" Cassi sniffled as her hurt grew in her chest. She was deeply sorrowed by them being ill and feared that she inflicted it over them.

As Alex reached out and touched her cheek and wiped away the tear that had started to roll down that cheek. "Ya know what Cassi. I have an idea. I'm going to give you a break and I will cook super tonight! How does that sound?"

"Oh No Masser Alex.. I's will do it.. Yore plum tired.. I's will fix supper.. honest.. I's swear I will." It was that old life that tumbled from her lips. Her duty to make sure the others were cared for, despite her feelings or ability.

Cassi was not prepared when Alex poo-pooed her conviction and gathered what he needed to fix an evening stew. This was treading on her pride as well which lead to a pange of jealousy that he would take her job from her.

At least he had a head start in the right direction as she made biscuits and was letting them rise before baking. It was getting past her other defenses that might prove vexing.

 

[andygorn]

Julia smiled at Clayton

"You flatter me to much Clayton, I am only a woman, not perfect and when I get stronger I dont want you to be disappointed by the stubborn, head strong woman you will find I am. But I promise to always be honest with you and I know I have strong feelings for you, it may even been love, I don't know, I am slow to learn my feelings, but right now I am content with you and I believe our lives can be full and yes happy. Let us go back to camp and have something to eat, I find myself hungry again, that must be a good sign, I havent been hungry in a long while. Your caring has caused a miricle. It is you who is perfect, perfect for me. Let us make me strong so we can go on with our plans.

Shen he tilted her head towards his and kissed the tip of her nose, she chuckled at the twinkle in his eyes.

She lauged at his tactics and hugged him

"Whether it be love or nay, then let us at least say that we are very happy to be with each other here and now, Julia." Clayton replied as he beamed his wide, white, smile down at her as she lay in his arms.

"Here's to plans for the future, then." he toasted her with an imaginary glass, raising it to the bright blue sky.

As he lookked down at her gorgeus body, he could feel every point where their bodies met and her skin was incredibly smooth and soft.

Looking down deeply into her eyes, Clayton said: "The feeling of your beautiful, soft, body against mine is a feeling I don't really want to end...but you're right, we do have to move at some point and you must keep your strength up and eat."

Still locked in her arms, and unwilling to tear himself away from her, Clayton began to stretch out with his legs and drew their piles of discarded clothing towards them across the smooth grass.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia laughed as he toasted her with an imaginary glass of wine. She smiled broadly and made believe she had a glass herself.

*Here is to a life full of laughter and happiness*

She tilted her head as if she was drinking from the glass and then laughed and wrapped her arms around him tightly again. She watched him drag their clothing close to them with his foot. Not wanting to lose the contact of his body so soon she laid in his arms for quite awhile and then began to get dressed. Her eyes were on him as he dressed, she watched him cover up his wonderful muscular body. When they were ready, he helped her up from the ground and supported her in case her legs were not with her. They walked slowly back to her campsite and he lowered her slowly down on the log that was once a tree.

Julia sat watching him build the fire and gather the food from the supply tent. Soon the smell of delicious food filled the air and she laughed as she heard her stomach grumble.

 

[andygorn]

Julia laughed as he toasted her with an imaginary glass of wine. She smiled broadly and made believe she had a glass herself.

*Here is to a life full of laughter and happiness*

She tilted her head as if she was drinking from the glass and then laughed and wrapped her arms around him tightly again. She watched him drag their clothing close to them with his foot. Not wanting to lose the contact of his body so soon she laid in his arms for quite awhile and then began to get dressed. Her eyes were on him as he dressed, she watched him cover up his wonderful muscular body. When they were ready, he helped her up from the ground and supported her in case her legs were not with her. They walked slowly back to her campsite and he lowered her slowly down on the log that was once a tree.

Julia sat watching him build the fire and gather the food from the supply tent. Soon the smell of delicious food filled the air and she laughed as she heard her stomach grumble.

Clayton had dressed un-self-consciously as they arose from their resting place by the river.

Calling Amy to him, who scampered after then, he supported Julia back to the camp, taking each step as it came and soon they were back by her tent.
He gently rested her on the fallen trunk, making sure that she was not going to topple over, whilst he busied himself with getting sausages, eggs, plates, wine and cutlery from her supply tent.
He soon had a good fire going and he kept looking back at her to ensure Julia was okay whilst the food cooked. As the delicious aroma of frying food filled the air, it reminding them both of their need to eat.
However, the food was soon fully cooked and he heaped plenty of sausages and fried eggs upon her plate and handed it to her -along with a knife and fork- as he sat beside her, letting his head fill with the scents of both the food and also of the lovely woman beside him.

"Here you go, Julia, this little lot should be enough to keep our hunger away for a while" he joked, looking at the ample portions upon their plates.
Welcome though the food was, Clayton looked at Julia, unwilling to take his eyes from her in case she was in distress. He watched her slowly eat,concerned for her in caes she showed any signs of discomfort or a lack of appetite.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia ate slowly savoring Clayton's cooking. Every bite was a little taste of heaven. She could not believe how delicious his food was and to think he had slaved outdoors, his abilities wasted on farm work. Before she knew it every bit of her food was gone and she turned to Clayton, smiled and kissed his lips.

"You are spoiling me, Clayton, I will never want to make my own drab food again. I dont know how you do it but even plain food has a flavor that I have never tasted before. I am so glad you came into my life for more reasons than just this one"

She smiled at him and petted Amy who had just finished her food too.

 

[andygorn]

Julia ate slowly savoring Clayton's cooking. Every bite was a little taste of heaven. She could not believe how delicious his food was and to think he had slaved outdoors, his abilities wasted on farm work. Before she knew it every bit of her food was gone and she turned to Clayton, smiled and kissed his lips.

"You are spoiling me, Clayton, I will never want to make my own drab food again. I dont know how you do it but even plain food has a flavor that I have never tasted before. I am so glad you came into my life for more reasons than just this one"

She smiled at him and petted Amy who had just finished her food too.

Their food was soon consumed - although they didn't have many accompaniments, it was still some of the best food that Clayton had ever tasted.
Once again, her incredibly soft lips pressed lightly against his own and he relished the contact between them.

"I'm just glad to have someone as lovely as you to be able to spoil, Julia." he replied, looking deeply into her eyes, knowing that their relationship was 'a keeper', as his Mum used to say.

"Hey, the way I see it is that we're all just here to help each other..." Clayton responded.
"Me and Amy helped each other, you helped us two and maybe Amy might be helping you too?" he looked down as Julia petted Amy; both of them obviously enjoyed each other's company. True to form, after her full meal, Amy yawned and started looking around for somewhere to bed down for her traditional afternoon snooze.

Clayton looked back into Julia's eyes and leant closer to her, his arms around her shoulders and his fingers in her hair. His warm breath blew gently across her face, caressing her skin as he looked straight into her eyes and fondly kissed her right cheek very lightly.

 

[macmillian]

"It's all right Cassi, I'm here and so is Ava and Luke. We all can help you now. You don't have to carry all this by yourself. You have nothing to be afraid of anymore. You don't hurt people, you help. So be kind to yourself and enjoy a little peace."

"I's the one to makes them sick.. it was that bird.. I's didn't know it could do this!" Cassi sniffled as her hurt grew in her chest. She was deeply sorrowed by them being ill and feared that she inflicted it over them.

As Alex reached out and touched her cheek and wiped away the tear that had started to roll down that cheek. "Ya know what Cassi. I have an idea. I'm going to give you a break and I will cook super tonight! How does that sound?"

"Oh No Masser Alex.. I's will do it.. Yore plum tired.. I's will fix supper.. honest.. I's swear I will." It was that old life that tumbled from her lips. Her duty to make sure the others were cared for, despite her feelings or ability.

Cassi was not prepared when Alex poo-pooed her conviction and gathered what he needed to fix an evening stew. This was treading on her pride as well which lead to a pange of jealousy that he would take her job from her.

At least he had a head start in the right direction as she made biscuits and was letting them rise before baking. It was getting past her other defenses that might prove vexing.

Alex .... Standing at the table:

I smilled on the inside as Cassi prepared the biscuits. See was my strength and I just couldn't let her start second guessing herself now. She could slip away and I didn't want that to happen.

I heated the large kettle and poured in fresh water and set upon the fire to boil. I cubbed up the cut of meet and started to pan fry the beef. While that was cooking, Tators and carrots were cut up. I had found a bunch of wld onions and added hem tothecooking beef. I add water to the beef and pour it into kettle. The potatoes and carrots and salt and peper went in next. I stired all the ingredients together in the kettle. An aroma rose with steam cooming from the kettle.

"Cassi, Is there anythig else we put into the stew?" I asked Cassi.

 

[landiek]

"Cassi, Is there anythig else we put into the stew?"Alex asked Cassi.

Cassi rose from the chair and laid little David down, she washed her hands and moved to the kettle. "It needs some greens.. I's reckon some green stalk ( celery), maybe some corn.. I's gots some barley in that grey tin."

After a few moments Cassi was moving back and forth adding short cobs of corn by breaking the long one into threes. She cut the four stalks into smaller chunks and tossed them into the pot as well as all of the barley in her tin.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Luke .... waiting for Ava.
"Hi Ava!.......Have a few minutes to talk with me. You have seem a little preoccupied earlier. I know that something is bothering you and maybe we could sit by the fire and talk about it. Did you hear who was cooking supper tonight? You'll never guess!!!!!!!! "

I walk up closer to you and reach for you hand. "Is it me Ava? A one arm no good for nothing. I"m so mixed up, I can't think straight. I put trust in you gal ans I hope you don't disapoint me,"

Ava turned around, her frustration boiling over. "Luke Harrold, the only person in this entire world that thinks that your missing arm makes you any less of a man is you. We all have choices in this world, and if you want to be a worthless cripple for the rest of your life, well, then go to it. But understand that it is a choice, not a condition forced upon you by God, the Union Army or anyone else. We all make our own decisions in this life Luke. You can either be a victim, or a survivor. You are too good of a man to be a victim all your life Luke. Now if you want to talk to me, we can talk tonight after supper, when the others go to bed."

Ava gently patted his shoulder, smiling almost sadly. Luke was such a nice man, he deserved far better than a pathetic liar. She hoped he found that someone, someone far better than Ava herself.

 

[rvplymates]

Their food was soon consumed - although they didn't have many accompaniments, it was still some of the best food that Clayton had ever tasted.
Once again, her incredibly soft lips pressed lightly against his own and he relished the contact between them.

"I'm just glad to have someone as lovely as you to be able to spoil, Julia." he replied, looking deeply into her eyes, knowing that their relationship was 'a keeper', as his Mum used to say.

"Hey, the way I see it is that we're all just here to help each other..." Clayton responded.
"Me and Amy helped each other, you helped us two and maybe Amy might be helping you too?" he looked down as Julia petted Amy; both of them obviously enjoyed each other's company. True to form, after her full meal, Amy yawned and started looking around for somewhere to bed down for her traditional afternoon snooze.

Clayton looked back into Julia's eyes and leant closer to her, his arms around her shoulders and his fingers in her hair. His warm breath blew gently across her face, caressing her skin as he looked straight into her eyes and fondly kissed her right cheek very lightly.

Two Weeks Later

Julia woke up before the sun lit the sky and dressed herself in her traveling clothing. She pulled on her slacks, put on her blouse with the bellowing sleeves and tied her daggers in their shief on her arms under the sleeves. She dug around in some bed rolls until she found what she was looking for. She pulled out O'Shien's two 6 shooters and his holster and buckled it around her waist, it was a little loose, she would ask Clayton to make another hole. She tied the holster strings to her legs and then looked at her beloved. She hadn't told him what she planned to do. She needed practice with O'Shien's weapons and she was not sure how Clayton would take that. She crouched beside him and looked at his wonderful, strong, handsome face. They had two wonderful, fun, love and sharing weeks but now it was time to get down to business. She wanted to get to the West and go forward with their plans.

She walked out of the tent and down to the lake where Clayton and her had first made love and still went for peace and quiet. She carried a sack of empty cans for practice and extra ammunition if she needed it. She arranged the cans and walked away from them. She first practiced drawing them, the weight of course was a lot heavier but after a while she found she could draw them quite quickly.

She turned to the cans and drew out the 6 shooters and shot at two cans. She missed one but hit the other. She smiled at least she hit one she thought. After several tries she began hitting her marks. She moved back from them some more as she had other things to practice. She walked and then turned quickly and hit the dirt and shot from the ground. She was pleased, she had managed to hit both targets again. She was more then sure she could protect herself an Clayton from any problems as they cross the South going to the West.

As she turned she saw Clayton standing by the trees watching her. She suddenly felt a little ashamed that she didn't tell him what her plans were to do this morning. She walked over to him and smiled and kissed him on the lips.

"So how about we leave for my plantation tomorrow, Clayton"

She looked into his eyes wondering if he was mad at her, he was not showing any emotion and that worried her.

OOC: Clayton, I hope you dont mind me hurrying the story line along but I thought we should get going to the plantation and then to the west. Below you will see Julia in her fighting clothing, lol, sometimes its good to have a visual.
Karen

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6/borntobealone/jilban.jpg