The Gun and a Legacy (open)

[Markus Blaine]

Markus' Arrival in Del Fuego

Del Fuego… Spanish for “Of the Fire”… a hellified place on the rolling hills in the middle of nowheres… between the West Fork of the Trinity River and Clear Fork of the Brazos River… a lil more accurate just might put it a hundred miles or so due west from the emergent city of Dallas… just a bit over day’s hard ride (50 miles) northeast from that bustin’-at-the-seams Texas cowtown, Abilene… a mere hoot of a ride (15 miles) due north from Albany… and over 60 miles of harsh country due south from Seymour…

Markus Blaine, now age 26, had seen it all before… just another dangerous place caused by settlers made their way into the wilderness, disagreeing with the Plains Indians who had long called the hunting grounds their own. As more and more people continued to move into the area, the Indian attacks increased, keeping the blue-bellies busy... or more likely, losin’ their scalps... rather than getting’ their asses kicked. At least they’d leave him be… for now…

In addition to the honest folk that’d settle an area for legitimate reasons of ranching, agriculture, and commerce, their new home would soon welcome, which was an unlikely term, buffalo hunters, businessmen, cowboys, outlaws, gamblers, gunfighters, and "painted ladies”… the town, like all the others, quickly gaining a reputation for lawlessness…. That in turn, attracted inhabitants representing the lowest classes of society… a haven for gamblers, saloonkeepers, prostitutes, con men and fugitives from justice.

The dapple grey appaloosa seemed to prance more than lope… as he rode into town… his coat covering the armament that adorned his body… He would keep his head faced forward, while those eerie green eyes scanned a broad path before him. Same kinda town… same kinda facilities… hopefully it would be a different kinda manners toward him… but he doubted it… The more dubious the town was, the safer for him… amongst his own kind so to speak… but by the looks of Del Fuego… he just went from the fryin’ pan into the fire…

He wheeled “Steel’s Death” the dapple gray Arabian-appaloosa mix, to the left, right in front Livery Stable and Corral. Not a bad place, well-kept, and nicely built. The establishment included both a main building and a fenced-in corral. Swinging his leg over the saddle and stepping down, he made his way to the main building to look around. Inside, there is an office, a loft with hay, a tack room, and plenty of room for horses. On the other end, just outside the big door, a wagon waits for hire. Leading “Death” into the livery, he began to unsaddle and free the large horse from his human bonds… Setting his belongings in the tack room, a few more moments later, the dapple gray was brushed and fed. Opening the railing, he smacks the horse’s rump and allows him the freedom of the corral.

“That’ll be two bits a day Mister… feed and grain included… make it three an’ he’d get a brushin’ too…” The voice came from an older man, his beard turned white from years of experience… behind him was a young boy, 8 or 9 maybe… either his grandson, or apprentice… no matters to Markus…

“Three’s fine…” then hands the boy the money… “Treat ‘im good, ya hear…” and the boy nodded with a big smile and a glance to the old man, who just nodded.

Satisfied that his horse would be cared for, now he’d go exploring this burg… and see what it has to offer…

[Rio Daniels]

The men of the gang had left on yet another bank robbing scheme that Rio had played a part in with her photographic memory. She couldn't go on the robbery though, for if she was recognized their plans could be foiled almost immediately and she'd have a reputation. That just couldn't happen. Her skills were much to valuable. Sighing to herself now, she propped her legs up on the porch railing, her clear blue eyes studying the landscape in front of her. She was too restless to stay in this place for too long without anyone here to keep her company, especially Lewt. Sighing in her boredom, she decided to go into town. She could check out the armory to see if there was anything that suited her fancy. She was due for a new gun anyway, for the one on her right hip was sticking lately. She couldn't have that now, could she? Shaking her head in response to her unspoken question, she pushed herself up from her reclined position and was soon making her way to the stables.

West was snoozing in the coolness of the area, but he was more than awake when he saw her come into the barn. He nickered his familiar greeting to her and Rio couldn't help but smile. The paint was her pride and joy and he had been her companion since the attack on her family's ranch when she was ten years old. Now newly turned twenty- one, she appreciated him more than anyone could ever understand. His speed as a two year old, even though he was rather unbroken, had saved her life, along with her father's aid to her escape. She patted the mostly white horse's clean and muscled neck, taking only moments to saddle him up with their familiar tack. Leading him from the stall, she looped his reins around the saddle horn and brought him out into the sunshine. Picking up her jacket, which she had discarded on the fence posts earlier in the day, she shrugged the tan coat over her shoulders. It hid the pistols at her hips, as well as any other weapons that she was hiding. She was no fool. She knew how to protect herself and weapons, as a woman, were her best friends.

She wasn't worried to put it simply. She knew how to handle a gun and she knew how to handle it well. She was a quick draw, rapid fire kind of person but that didn't mean she lacked aim. While she hadn't loved wasting the bullets throughout her life, there was only so much one could do when living alone out in the desert. She had practiced her shot and had only improved as time went by. So there was no confidence issue when it came to protecting herself. It was why she hadn't backed down when surrounded by Lewt's gang the first time she had arrived to Del Fuego. They hadn't appreciated her attitude, but Lewt had found it fairly amusing. Trying not to smile at the thought of the man who had claimed her heart, she put her foot in the stirrup and mounted up rather easily.

Asking her stallion to trot forward he did so without complaint, wanting to open up his pace. While the distance between the hideout and the town wasn't far, Rio didn't want to push him. It was a rather hot day and even the breeze they received from the pace he created was helpful, it was still rather warm. Keeping him reined in, the stallion literally trembled from the want of wanting to run. Rio knew that at this point it would do him more harm than good to keep him pent up like this, so she let him go. His body lengthened and then dropped a good two inches as he leveled himself, galloping as fast as Rio would allow him. She wasn't hindering him in any way so it allowed him to really open up. She hadn't let him go this fast since they were outrunning those Indians so many years ago. Losing herself in his steady rhythm, she relaxed with a smile, seeing the town up ahead in the matter of minutes. Sitting back now, she asked him to woah, pulling him with a bit of difficulty. When he got it in his head to run, it was hard to bring him back.

But finally he was at a walk, his nostrils flaring from the run. He snorted in contentment, tossing his head as they walked the rest of the distance to the town. Rio patted his neck in appreciation, glad to see that he had hardly worked up a sweat. Rio figured she would put him up at the livery today so that she could have free reign throughout the town to do what she pleased. While he wasn't a horse that wandered she would feel better if he could just be left alone by the public and taken care of by the livery workers. Comforted by her decision, she rode him right to the doors, dismounting and leading him in. She brought him to a stall that held a corral off the back of it, so he could go in or out, depending on what he wanted, While it was more expensive, Rio didn't mind. Untacking him, she gave the owner the money he demanded plus a tip to keep a careful eye on the stallion.

Ducking out, she was suddenly smacking into the form of another person that had just exited the building. Swearing loudly, more at herself than him, she regained her balance and adjusted her hat, looking up at him with her sky blue eyes. Sighing, she realized she needed to stop doing this. Bumping into people was becoming a bad habit for her and it was rather embarrassing. "My apologies, sir. Hope I ain't offended ya in any way." She spoke out nicely enough and then side stepped around him.

[Markus Blaine]

Markus was not the kind to pay too many people any mind, but he was always cognizant of his surroundings and he looked up as the paint rode up; and as the rider dismounted, the coat having moved just enough to reveal the shootin’ iron underneath as he, or she, moved an arm to readjust the reins. He just smirked at the fact that the young lad, or woman, would be armed and tried to hid it.… and he moved to the opposite side of Death and went back to brushing as the rider lead her horse right on by. Pretending not to look, he tilted his head to see the new arrival… and his smirk grew when he realized it was a woman.

“It took all kinds…” they had said… and he sure believed it… Women of the west had to be a practical bunch to cope with the elements that surrounded them… the harsh conditions, the lawlessness, and living in a time, and place, where there were few amenities. Most of the women who made the trek west were with their families, or once they got to their destination, either found lives, and men, worth latching on to… and started raising children, running a household (that included food processing, candle and soap making, spinning, weaving, knitting, etc.), establishing schools and churches, and occasionally, warding off Indian attacks. Some were deeply involved in human and voting rights. Then there were those thrust westward… Some women took to the gun as readily as any man and others made lives for themselves apart from dignified society.

Regardless of the reason westward… Markus had respect for all women… some more than others… like Myra Belle Shirley , better known as Belle Starr, the Confederate spy who survived the war and men… Martha Jane Canary, a woman who could drink and cuss as much as a man, crack a muler’s whip like a skinner, and shoot straighter than most men… and then there was Poker Alice, whose real name was Alice Ivers Duffield, who, after her husband’s death, took to playing poker better than most gamblers… and luckier than most too. She ws none too pretty, but damn she could play cards with a straight face.

His mind faded back to the present… and as the young woman passed, he wondered what her story was… Short-lived thought as he took to brushing his dapple-gray app again… Moments later, he could hear the woman talking to the liveryman and heard the deal concluded with thankful respects.

Both of them had concluded their business and were ready to depart… but neither of them expected what was to come next…

Markus stowed away the gear… he wasn’t gonna sleep in a bedroll… nope, not tonight, the plan, a drink or 2 or 3, and a bed… and with those on his mind, he exited the building. He did not see her… nor she him… and it’s difficult for two objects to occupy the same space… the result – a collision.

“ooff… damn… what the … er… excuse me, ma’am…” He knew it was a female for sure now… as in the collision, he felt something hard against his thigh – her gun… and something soft in his hand – her breast; which he quickly pulled back from. He did not mean to, but to keep from falling or knocking someone over, he tried to hold on… and to his surprise… and surely hers… he got a handful.

“er…No Ma’am… no apologies, from yu, ‘re necessary… apologies are all mine ta bear…” he smiled and blushed a bit, that sweet southern-tainted accent quickly retorting… “Offend me? Hell nah, er, I mean no way Miss… a pretty lil filly like you could ne’r offend me…” he held up the offending hand… “I just hope I didn’t offend yu none…” and then he got a pleasured sort of southern smile on his bearded face thinking about the softness… the touch.

[Rio Daniels]

Her bright blue eyes studied the form of her stallion as he got himself situated in his lodgings for the day. He was always a horse that didn't have a problem with the change of scenery and she appreciated that more than anything else. It was nice not to have to worry about him, and it was obvious that he could also take care of himself. Patting his muscular neck after a moment, she gave him a look in his one blue eye. "Behave yourself." She instructed, scratching his nose affectionately before walking out of the stables. She had settled her payment with the owner of the livery and even offered a smile to his young assistant. She wasn't a very flirtatious woman. It wasn't her style. She had a choice growing up. She could have offered herself as a prostitute to any man who would have her, but she couldn't do that to the memory of her parents. It wasn't something that she was capable of. The fact was, she hadn't been with a man yet and she was going to keep it that way.

Or well, she was. Until she met Lewt, and now she didn't even know what was going to happen. She did know that she cared for him more than she had ever cared about another person before in all of her life. She didn't understand how he was able to work his way into her heart, but it had happened and she hadn't questioned it. Sighing softly, the young woman exhaled and shook her head. The small smile that worked its way onto her pretty features was a rarity, but it was welcomed. She looked so much younger when she smiled, as well as carefree. She was so much older mentally than she really needed to be, but it had been required of her at the time. She didn't question the choices that she had been in her life. She would rather be an outlaw than a woman that sold herself for a profit. While both jobs were not desirable to a ten year old girl, her defiant mind had worked cleverly enough to get her the things she needed by stealing. She was thankful for that now because she could take care of herself now. It was the perfect conclusion.

She was pulled from her thoughts as she collided with the rather solid form of a man much taller than her. She wouldn't have been offended if things hadn't turned out the way that they had. Of course, she would have had no reason to be offended at first. The accident was her fault so there was no reason for her to be angry at him. He was simply walking and she hadn't been paying attention. But as she suddenly felt a hand close around her breast, Rio's entire demeanor changed. Her blue eyes lit with a fire that she had been desperate to keep quiet for the longest time. Her temper was something that was uncontrollable at best and she really didn't need it rearing its ugly head now. She had already made a scene upon her arrival to Del Fuego so the townspeople knew she was a canon waiting to go off. Stepping back from the man she had crashed into, her gaze didn't waver from his form even as he managed to stutter an apology to her. It was quite obvious that it was an accident but Rio's temper would hear none of that.

She was going to feel sorry for exploding at him later on but there was nothing that could be done about that now. As he referred to her as a pretty little filly, Rio felt her temper lose all control. "Excuse ya, ya dirty pig. Is this how ya get yer thrills? Grabbin' any woman walkin' in front of ya!?" Rio wasn't being rational, but rational was not a word that was really a part of her vocabulary. Shooting daggers at him with her gaze, she stepped back from him, sizing him up, seeing if she could take him on if the moment called for it. "I ain't some hussy ya can seduce and take back ta yer room. I'd shoot ya 'fore you evah laid anothah hand on me." She snapped rather rudely, showing that she lacked the manners and class that most women held in this town. Crossing her arms before her defensively, she stepped back once more, wanting nothing to do with him now. This was just awkward and all sorts of wrong. She wanted to punch him.

[Markus Blaine]

From a fine beautiful swan to a ragin’ hellcat… Holy Chyt… and the big man backed up a bit looking at her rant and ravin’… He canted his head and smiled… “Dirty pig? I may be trail dirty, but ain’t no pig… and me grabbin’ ya was just accidental. But I am glad ta find out yer a woman, even if’n yer a hussy or not… I was wonderin’ a bit there…” and he gave a smirk then canting his head again… “Me seduce you I wouldn’t seduce you if’n yu was the last female on Earth.” …that southern hint of accent prevalent despite years of absenteeism from the states.

There, words flew from both of their mouths… insults upon insults… but what he said was definitely the opposite of what he thought. She was good lookin as hell. And he’d seduce her every which way but Sunday… All he could do was to keep his hands, and lips, to himself.

She stood there, arms crossed, hat and hair a bit cockeyed, all looking ready to kill him… and he gave her a charming smile. Would he? Should he? Both had fire in their eyes. Did they have it in their hearts as well? “Ahh hell…” he thought. He stepped forward, taking her in his arms and kissed her… kissed her right proper like… like they’d been lovers all along… Would she bite his lip or tongue? Would she fight against him? or settle into the kiss… Hell, she’d probably kill him, but it was worth it… the kiss was worth the chance… and when he let her go, he was prepared for whatever. He just stepped back, a smile on his face.

[Rio Daniels]

She watched him with defiance in her eyes, her wild spirit showing through clean and clear. Rio wasn't a woman that could be tamed. She had taken care of herself for more than ten years now and her independence could not be tethered, or chained in. Watching him with a sense of viciousness about her, she listened to the words that he spoke, her mind whirling a mile a minute as she tried to process the entire situation. She should have just paid more attention. If she had been watching where she was going she would have never run into him. Then he would have never groped her and they wouldn't be in the situation that they were in now. However, life was never that easy for her. She couldn't simply push a button that rewound the entire moment. She was stuck with what had happened and with what she had to say. She didn't regret yelling at him. Even though it really had been just an accident, she wasn't the type of person to think about something before she started yelling.

Looking rather aggravated now, she kept her arms crossed protectively over her chest. Hearing him accuse her of being a hussy, Rio became completely offended. She hadn't even lost her virginity yet and he was calling her easy! Her cheeks flared red with her anger and she reached forward, her hand pushing his chest in protest. "I ain't no hussy ya damn fool. Watch yerself or I'll hit ya harder." She snapped angrily, her voice holding no apologies for anything that she was saying. However, her threat was more a promise than anything else. She was a petite young woman, but her form was made up of nothing but muscle and she could pack a mean punch if she wanted to. Growing up with the lifestyle that she had didn't leave room for any weakness. She had to do a lot of things on her own without any help. That included protecting herself and she would be damned if she let this man get the best of her. However, he was speaking once more and she was being insulted yet again. She was going to pull her gun on him in a minute if he didn't watch himself.

"Do ya have a death wish ya arrogant piece of trash? So help me, I'll hit ya." She warned him, but then she didn't have much time to react. She was in his arms before she could blink, the stunned expression lighting her face. No one held her like this other than Lewton. No one kissed her like this other than Lewton. And that was when she realized what was going on. He was kissing her! He had some nerve, advancing on a girl like this in public without knowing her history. Her eyes went wide as she stood in front of him and as he pulled back from her she stood there in shocked silence. Her mouth was slightly parted, but it was very apparent that she had done nothing to return her kiss. Watching him with her sky blue eyes, she suddenly seemed to come to. Shaking her head slightly, she blinked and then launched herself forward, her fists flying at his face, at his chest, at any part of him that she could connect withi,

"Who do ya think ya are!? I'mma taken woman, ya asshole! Yer a fuckin' pig, ya dirty...ya rotten...keep yer hands offa me!" She shouted loudly, no doubt drawing attention from the people walking through the streets of Del Fuego. She wasn't doing well for herself lately, causing scene after scene. She was going to have to be more careful from now on, but at the moment, she certainly didn't care. She didn't stop her shower of punches. He was going to pay for that. It didn't matter that he was twice her size. It didn't matter that he could grab her and force her to stop. She didn't care. Right now, she'd have her revenge.

[Markus Blaine]

He’d been called names before… some worse than she’d said… so why did they hurt more this time around? She was no frilly powder puff… this one had grown up tough… and made from the same salt he figured… Life’s school of hard knocks… Either way… he was being assaulted for his actions…

He was able to block a fist or two, but she kept coming… “Keep his hands off her??” Holy chyt!!” He chuckled as he dodged a fist to the jaw. But the upper cut he didn’t see coming… and as he started to speak, the fist landed and he bit his tongue.

He outweighed her by at least a hundred pounds… and his reach was much more than hers… but he’d never hit a woman before… of course unless you counting a woman wanting to be smacked… and he smirked as he blocked a few more flurries.

“damn hellcat…” was all he said as he grabbed her arm, spun her around and pushed her into the stall, causing her to sprawl into the hay. “I’ll keep my hands off ya… and my distance… twas all an accident, but yu got a hair up yer ass ‘bout sumthin… but the kiss… it was worth it, even if’n ya did not respond… But, know this… YOU will ask ME for help one day… before we talk again.” And he pointed at her as he turned and walked away, pushing his way thru the crowd that had gathered… mumbling about some crazy female.