Nicky  (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nocNcMG6EOU/TuX8naLbTaI/AAAAAAAAEXs/4EffL3MMSmw/s1600/Angelina-Jolie-Wallpapers-for-Desktop-.jpg)sat tall upon her horse watching the scene play out before her, revealing nothing of her inner thoughts on the subject, as always playing her cards close to her chest. She ignored the chatter from some of the more aggressive Drifters, young and bucking, ready to prove themselves to the world, no matter how foolish the risk. Leaning down slightly at the waist, Nic reached out to stroke a comforting hand along the impressive beast’s chocolate brown coat, settling the animal as it whinnied in protest. The dramatics of one female in the crowd had stirred his displeasure, not to mention peeked Nicolette’s annoyance. Attempting to refrain from rolling her eyes, her full lips twitched into an amused smirk knowing how Galaxy (http://www.hannoverimports.com/photos/sinatrossong2.jpg) despised remaining motionless for too long. They were similar in that respect as they were in many others, always yearning to be on the move, looking towards the horizon and dreaming of what adventures the next rising sun may provide.<br/><br/><br/>The attractive brunette cut an impressive silhouette as she resumed her stance with a straight back, crossing her arms against her chest, with her firm backside molded to the saddle.  Try as she might, Nicky couldn’t hide her feminine attributes from the curious stares from some of her fellow Drifters. Dressed in black with her long sable hair held away from her pretty face with a complicated French braid, she needed not a lick of rouge to enhance her striking good looks. Her blue eyes, as crisp as the ocean and shielded from the sun with a weathered black straw Stetson (http://www.spencerswesternworld.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Stetson_Roxbury__4dcab2e70e7ea.jpg), drew as much attention as did the fullness of her lips and the generous hourglass figure that was wrapped in the plain package of black denim jeans and body hugging t-shirt. Her long legs were decorated at the thigh with leather strap holding four deadly knives, each one lovingly sharpened each night before bed. A worn leather gun holster painted the either side of her torso, holding two impressive black iron pieces, each handle worn to her specific grip after countless hours of handling.  In her back pocket sat snuggly a crudely homemade sling shot, often used in hunting her next meal.<br/><br/><br/>Unlike many “ladies” of the day, Nicolette refused to ride side saddle, preferring the control of the traditional western stance.  The young woman sat proudly atop her horse, sitting squarely in the saddle with her weight evenly distributed on each seat bone.  Her back was kept as straight as an arrow, keeping her tummy tucked and her shoulders back, inadvertently thrusting her breast forward, making sure to keep her shoulders even in order to keep her balance.  Her hands held the reins firmly within her slim fingers; ready at a moment’s notice to signal her faithful friend into a gallop with a sharp snap of the leather strap and gentle dig with the heels of her black leather boots, should action be required.<br/><br/><br/>Amos caught her attention however, as he spoke of a plan to bring the former glory back to the planet and thus, back to her family farm. After all, that was her dearest wish, rebuilding the dilapidated structures she once called home and working the land now sitting barren and infertile, bringing life back to what was now nothing more than a graveyard of happy memories.  Her family’s heritage was important to the young warrior. She knew bringing it back to life would not restore her family completely, as the death of her mother and brother had taken a toll on all surviving members of the Austin Family. It was in their honor, that Nicolette had struck out to find some way to bring the former glory back to the Austin farm.<br/><br/><br/><strong><em>One step at a time</em></strong>Nicolette told herself, nodding at the man standing on the barrel instructing the crowd to set up camp. The opportunity to spend another night under the stars brought a soft smile to her lips as she gently guided Galaxy towards a nearby hitching post. Sliding from the well- worn saddle, Nicky found her footing upon the dry desert ground before tying the leather strap to the post and patting her friend on his majestic neck, nuzzling his soft coat with her dirt streaked cheek.<br/><br/><br/>Whispering softly to the proud horse, promising a quick return, Nicky moved towards the house that the sheriff had disappeared into, quietly doing her part, transporting the requested fire wood to the make shift camp. She didn’t pause to make friends, discuss the weather or indicate how excited she might be for the adventure that had fallen into her lap. Keeping her eyes and her thoughts to herself, she set about the manual labour without complaint.<br/><br/><br/>Her hips swayed in time with the swish of her long dark braid as she moved,  stopping only briefly to allow the pile of dry wood to fall from her arms in a clatter, kicking a few logs into place as they attempted to escape their doom.  Without a glance of concern towards the others gathering around the fire, Nic moved back towards Galaxy, quickly removing the rucksack and battered sleeping bag she had tied to the end of her saddle. Her fingers tugged sharply at the straps, loosening its grip on the soft fabric, freeing it to fall into her hands.  After taking care of Galaxy’s needs, making sure he had his feed and water in the trough,  the weary young woman scanned the landscape, quickly choosing a spot to call her own, close enough to the fire yet far enough away not to invite conversation. Moving quickly and proficiently, Nicolette set up her camp, sitting cross legged in her makeshift bed, digging through her rucksack for a piece of jerky.<br/>