<div align="center">(http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/ab292/SmallvilleDreamer/Fantasy%20Art/barmaid.jpg)</div><br/>Emma looked about the saloon from the top of the stairs before descending down into the afternoon customers.  The piano player was knocking out some high stepping music and the crowd wasn't very large, which was good, as hot as it was there today.  Emma was a red headed beauty that had been sold to the Saloon owner by her own parents for fifty dollars.  A lot of money to people like them.  But she had finally repaid Mr. Shultz, and more, for her freedom.  Once she got outta here, she wasn't ever going to be a slave to anyone ever again.  Slowly she made her way down the steps, her favorite feathered fan in her right hand trying to keep her cooled off.<br/><br/>When she was on the floor, she started to walk towards the saloon doors to try and get breeze or two.  But one of a group of men at a table grabbed her hand and pulled her into his lap.  "Now Miss Emma, when are you going to give Ole Snake here a good time?"  Emma smiled at the men at the table, putting her arm around Snake's shoulders, "Why once you have enough money to pay for it, darlin.  You know I don't come cheap!"  Pushing his hat over his eyes, she pulled quickly away amid a roar of laughter from the other men around him.  As Snake fumbled with his hat, another man there yelled, "And how much is that exactly?"   Emma didn't even turn around, "More than you will ever make around here, Rascal."  she smirked.<br/><br/>Swinging open the saloon doors, she rested on one side, as she watched the world of the gold rush come alive in front of her.  Here she was the flower of the city  She could sing, dance and was the best at everything she put her mind to....but once civilization arrived, that would change.  Which is why she had a nice beginning of a savings resting sweetly in the new bank down the road.  And one day, when she had enough to buy herself a new life somewhere else, she would be leaving this god forsaken town for a better life.<br/><br/>She continued to fan herself for a few more minutes before turning and walking over to the bar.  "Hey Jake, give me something cool to drink, will you?"  Jake nodded and handed her a mug of beer.  Taking it, Emma went to a table near the door and sat down, crossing her legs, waiting.<br/><br/>