The wood was smooth against the palm of her hand, the grip unfortunately familiar. Wrapping her fingers around the Webley Bulldog felt like second nature to her now, and drawing back the hammer was a simple, fluid motion. Despite the familiarity, there was the sinking feeling of inevitability. Of actually having to use it. At one point in time, Elody had been ready to use it on herself. It felt like a lifeage since that afternoon, yet at other times the memory echoed all around her as if she had tried just moments before. She may have well succeeded, had Little John not forgotten his work gloves in the kitchen. The look on his face had broken a heart already shattered by pain, which had surprised her.<br/><br/>She could have sworn it was irreparable.<br/><br/>Her eyes stayed fixed on the group, stone-faced and unmoving, save for the flutter of her hair and skirts in the cold breeze.<br/>She would have given anything to not have to stare down the likes of Cash Rollins and his disgusting band of minions; it took a lot of willpower to force the bile back down her throat over and over again. The mere thought of them touching her...<br/><br/>Before she could reply, Malcolm was suddenly moving past her towards the men. Her heart hammered in her ears; there it was, pulsating wildly, reminding her of how very much alive she still was.<br/><br/>The tension was oppressive as guns were raised, but as Malcolm spoke the men seemed more unsure than anything. Part of Elody was unsure, as well. She and Little John remained silent as the men conversed, and her face remained neutral as threats were made and Rollins finally departed with his bootlickers.<br/><br/>A slender eyebrow shot up as the corner of her mouth betrayed the hints of a smile, watching as Malcolm turned back to them.<br/><br/>"Colonel?"<br/><br/>Little John let out a small sigh, smiling as he sat down in a nearby rocking chair.<br/><br/>"Who cares what rank the man is, that was a mighty fine sight to see, Mr. Blackwood."<br/><br/>Elody scoffed slightly, shaking her head.<br/><br/>"Well, Colonel or no Colonel, if I had a quarter for every time those fools showed up here threatening to torch the house, rape me, and hang Little John...well, I wouldn't be wealthy, but Little John and I could go dine at the hotel restaurant in town...at least for lunch..." she smiled a bit as she glanced at Little John before looking back to Malcolm.<br/><br/>"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood...i'm not sure when they'll make good on their threats, but it won't be this day..." she smiled softly, uncocking her pistol.<br/><br/>Little John smiled, shaking his head.<br/><br/>"You stay here, Mr. Blackwood."<br/><br/>Elody nodded, looking back at him.<br/><br/>"A great idea, Little John, yes I insist. There's plenty of room, you're here anyways, and I won't charge you, Colonel." The wry smile played at her mouth as Little John laughed once more.<br/><br/>"...and Miss Elody cooks far better than nearly everyone in town."<br/><br/>She smiled, shaking her head.<br/><br/>"Well, it is possible, but Bess Cooper is a fine cook over at The White Pearl Inn, though rather expensive...which is why I suggested lunch, not dinner."<br/><br/>She smiled as Little John excused himself.<br/><br/>"Miss Elody I'm going to get the animals fed and watered before the snow really starts flying..."<br/><br/>Nodding, she watched him a moment before turning to Malcolm.<br/><br/>"And I will go get your room ready. Would you care for a warm bath?"