[OASIS] Town of Oasis
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Eliza on 21-05-2011, 01:11:22</h2>
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				Title: <strong>[OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>21-05-2011, 01:11:22</strong>
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				<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 2em;" class="bbc_size"><strong><span class="bbc_u">Welcome to Oasis</span></strong></span><br>(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i254/RiZAL_D/oasis01.jpg)</div><br>From afar, onlookers may overlook what would seem like a mirage in the desert. The town built on the plateaus and in crevices of a rocky hill, and the one with a steady stream of coaches and men on horseback, is none other than Oasis. Found close to the border of the foreign country down south, Oasis is the last stop in the country before gentlemen and outlaws alike cross the river into Bandito country. Like an oasis, the town supplies the locals and passing folk with needed fluids to moisten parched mouths and burn throats. The town also has a church, for those seeking salvation from their lives. From desert food to leather garments to guns and never-ending supply of bullets, Oasis is the place for the lawmen and criminals, but they first have to get past the Marshal, who makes the town of Oasis his home. The Sheriff's Office sits next to the general store, its front door able to see the towering walls surrounding the saloon as well as the path that leads down away from Oasis. A Wells Fargo bank sat across from the Sheriff's Office, next to the church.<br><br>Sitting at the peak of the rocky hill the town is built upon is the Saguaro Saloon, aptly named after the tall cacti strewn about the desert landscape around the town. The semi-fortified mansion used to be the home of a man who ran for the West with two women tagging along behind him. Now it belongs to Guinevera Starr, the self-claimed Madame of the Saguaro Saloon. Most of the town's business and activity center in and around the watering hole, which doubles as a gambling station and pleasure center catering to all gentlemen and not-so-gentle-men. It was the Saguaro Saloon that turned Oasis from a humble trading post to a need-to-see place in the West.<br><br><hr>Before the arrival of Madame Guinevera Starr and before it flourished into a hot-spot of pleasure and supplies for the journey away from its comforts, Oasis was a humble young trading post near the border of Mexico. Before its success as a need-to-see attraction, Oasis had the basic amenities of a town. A butchery, that both sold and cooked meat for customers that came in, and a gun shop was what Oasis had to offer. The land around the town was dangerous, and was a place safe for outlaws and the wild nature alike. With the flourishing happening after a rebuilding from the outlaw attacks in the past, Oasis added several more to its lineup of vendors. A market, selling foodstuffs and products from nearby ranches was built near the outskirts of the city. An infirmary, stocking the latest of medicine and ailments for the sick and hurt, was established nearby. Near the walls of the Saguaro Saloon, a church was built with the purpose of bringing salvation to those that needed asylum from their past and current troubles. Much of the rest of Oasis were the homes of the original workers who built and renovated the Saguaro Saloon.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>03-06-2011, 18:05:28</strong>
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				Irene walked hurriedly, though kept herself from running; running would just draw more attention than she wanted.&nbsp; She had seen the men turn left, but from that slim thread she hadn't gathered much more.&nbsp; Hardpacked clay dirt that turned slick as snot when it rained hid evidence of recent passings.&nbsp; Of course there were scuff marks and hoofprints, but it would take a native tracker to be able to tell which were the freshest.<br><br>She darted across a narrow opening between buildings, glancing down to see nothing more lethal than a low-slung clothesline.&nbsp; They wouldn't have made it through there without being unseated, she realized and kept walking.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>whitekitten</strong> on <strong>06-06-2011, 04:42:26</strong>
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				It's late when Cameron rides in, but the day's travel took her around a bit longer than she expected. The sun had just set, leaving the sky that lovely middle middle-purple-blue of dusk. Trying to come up with a word for that wonderous color occupied her mind for the last hour or so as she approached the town in the distance. She had heard tell of a brothel and a saloon in a town by the name of Oasis, an oddity as it were, a place where the working girls ran the show. People at the pub were bound to let their mouths wander, but something about this struck a chord in her, even if the man imposing himself upon her company stank so greatly of rye and barley she was wondering whether they could build a new distillery straight out of his guts. So she rode out on a rumor, searching for the town that, if the name told her anything, she wouldn't be able to find. Asking the right questions, however, had opened a number of doors, and only a week and a half after she sent a letter out to the Madame of the brothel, confirming her presence, she was riding in past the town limits.<br><br>"Almost there, Lysander, my love," she said softly to the blue Roan stallion she had purchased within her first few weeks in the Colonies. Her immediate concern had been travel to an area as untouched by the law as she could find. It would not do at all if those back in the Isles could get a warrant out to those that she met, though she hoped the murder of a couple of gangsters didn't peg her as a threat all the way 'cross the pond.<br><br>So she road into the limits of Oasis, the pristine off-white duster she wore hanging about her legs, the saddle-bags on her horse packed with just about every scrap she owned, a rifle sitting cross-ways just behind her firm backside. Her hat rode low on her head, hair pulled back into a ponytail by a delicate silver clasp adorned with the rampant shapes of lions. She looked about, light burning in a few of the windows she passed, the outskirts of the town not exactly lit up for the night life. However, there was something interesting. There, a girl looking, searching if you will, dressed in men's clothing (Cameron liked her already), on the lookout for something. Something she lost or something she never had?<br><br>"Oi, Sweet!" Cameron called, "You tell me by chance where there's a Saloon in this little burrah?" she asked, her voice thick with a Lancashire accent.<br><br>She tried a smile, nodding her head a bit towards the woman, "Bloke at a pub few towns north 'a here was chewing me ear off 'bout some brothel for a day and a night, know where I can find it, Sweet?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>06-06-2011, 05:12:57</strong>
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				Irene couldn't believe she was being hailed, but she stopped, straightened and walked out to the road.<br><br>"Top o'the hill, darlin'," she said, a wry smile on her lips as she met the newcomer's accent head on.&nbsp; "If yer looking ta' work there, you need to be talking to Madame Guinevera Starr.&nbsp; Or, if you are looking for company...well, you need to be looking for the same woman."<br><br>Irene looked at the horse, oddly colored in the moonlight.&nbsp; "Nice, blue horse you've got.&nbsp; I've heard of a green horse, but, this is a horse of another color entirely," she said, all signs of an accent gone.&nbsp; "It's a good place to work; she keeps us safe," she added, growing serious.<br><br>She glanced about once more and sighed.&nbsp; "It's a bit of a maze up the hill.&nbsp; You'll want to park your mount at the livery...&nbsp; I can show you if you like."&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>whitekitten</strong> on <strong>06-06-2011, 05:25:37</strong>
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				"Another lass from the Isles?" she balks, a bit surprised, slipping easily from the Lancashire accent much further north, her tongue taking on the texture of the Scotch highlands, "Strange mysteries never cease dunnae?" she giggles a bit to herself before she lets her accent slide back to the middling mongrel tongue she normally adopted.<br><br>"Walked by hand by a bird as cute as you, Sweet? Must be my lucky night," she laughs, pulling her horse up to the other woman. She slides off of the saddle easily, offering a hand out to her, "Folks used to call me Glasgow" she smiles a bit, pointing to the scar on her cheek, "But I go by Cameron on this side of the pond."<br><br>She pats the horses side as she walks up next to the woman, "Lysander's a good ole boy. He looks blue in the light now but come morning y'll see he's grey as iron," she says with a bit of a smile.<br><br>"Now this Guinevera you're telling me about, she seems to be quite the lady, aye?" she takes the reins leading from Lysander's head gently, standing as she chats with the woman, "Sounds like she's a mite harder than a lot o' the slime callin' themselfs men I met since I landed o'er in the Colonies. In other words, sounds like a lady I'd love t'meet," she grins a bit at that.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>06-06-2011, 06:44:45</strong>
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				"Irish by marriage, luv.&nbsp; But, there's some boys who come inta' the saloon who like to think they're home on the emerald isle."&nbsp; She shakes the girl's hand.&nbsp; "Irene O'Rourke," she says, grinning.&nbsp; "Nice to meet you, Miss Cameron.&nbsp; And, truth be told, I think the rank of men is half good /half bad.&nbsp; Sounds like you've been meeting the bad half.&nbsp; Let's hope that changes here in Oasis.&nbsp; And, Ms. Starr has the aid of regulars; the Marshal spends a goodly amount of his time there."<br><br>She leads the way up the narrow way between the adobe buildings towards the beacon that is the Saguaro Saloon.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>whitekitten</strong> on <strong>06-06-2011, 06:59:05</strong>
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				Cameron gives a bit of an eloquent bow, a tiny play of foppish mockery as she dips her head to kiss the fine lady's hand, smirking as she comes back up, listening to her stories of the men who wander into the saloon, "Aye, I've met a good number from all over the Queen's lands," she smiles a bit, "Helps that I've roamed so much m'self that I can do a pretty good mock-up of whatever accent they're lookin' for. Highlands, Edinburrah, Liverpudian, Cockney, Queens, I'm a regular copy of the Isles m'self here squawkin' and walkin.'"<br><br>She follows the woman up the winding road, through the houses that have sprung up since the mansion's conversion to the brothel, into an older section of town, finding as the roads converge on that spot, the fortified brothel on the hill, standing majestic and imposing before her.<br><br>"Thanks for the walk Sweet," she gives a bit of a bow as she ties up her horse at the livery, putting him next to the others with some feed and water, "You certainly made the trip more pleasant. Feel free to look me up 'slong as I'm in town," she smiles, giving a bit of a wink, as was her nature.<br><br>She leaves Lysander, her constant companion for these past few months, making her way up to the saloon.<br><br>----&gt; To Saguaro Saloon
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>06-06-2011, 07:25:50</strong>
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				Irene tilted her head as the woman kissed her hand.&nbsp; But, she just laughed.&nbsp; <br><br>"I've noticed the dipping and drolling of your tongue, Cameron," Irene chuckled, hands in her pockets as she sauntered next to the woman.<br><br>As Cameron departs for the hilltop whorehouse, Irene wonders if the girl realized that she worked there.&nbsp; <br><br>She threw back her head, laughing, and trotted after Cameron.<br><br>"You beat me to the saloon, I'll buy you a round," she said, running past the girl.<br><br>There'd be other days and better light to follow the three bastards.&nbsp; Her fury was spent, for the time being.&nbsp; But, it seemed always to simmer not too far below the surface.&nbsp; <br><br>---&gt; to the Saguaro Saloon...
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>10-06-2011, 08:04:22</strong>
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				<div align="center"><em>Marcus Walker, late night (Day 1)</em></div> <hr> <br><br>It was far into the night when three horses where led into town with a man on foot. The beasts looked like buffalo but that was simply because of the amount of cured and elegant furs they had piled upon them making the creatures look quite comedic if anyone was awake that late at night to see the arrival. It had taken nearly two weeks of travel to get back from the "wild" up in the north but it was a trip well worth the journey and time invested. <br><br>The man was tired beyond belief, having lived on only the last amounts of his coffee, stale biscuits and dried meat for the duration of the trip he was in need of a good meal, a bath and a drink in due time. Taking his animals around to a stable he unloaded his merchandise and moved it into a room he rented in the loft for the night. He had many reasons to come in at night, for one no one would see his goods and less chance of a robbery. Luckily he was within city limits now and crime was very "under" the table. If a man tried to steal from him and Walker killed him, Wrynn would only question him and then let him go, it was one of the perks of a "chaotic" law system. Protecting oneself or livelihood was no crime in Oasis. <br><br>When his furs where finally safe he stepped outside of the loft room and watched the stars as he rolled free cigarettes from one of the on duty stable hands. The nicotine was like a gift from god, a luxury the expert hunter and tracker had gone long without. He only hoped the night would end sooner so he could finish his business at the general store and the bank before evening the next day in order to reacquaint himself with a few more luxuries he had gone long without... <br><br>(Fade to black, for Marcus till the next day) 
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>11-06-2011, 09:57:16</strong>
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				<strong>...Dawn awakes the desert....</strong><br><hr>(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i254/RiZAL_D/saguaro_dawn01.jpg) Shifting to Day 2
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>11-06-2011, 09:57:47</strong>
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				<strong>Mr. Wang - Oasis General Store | Day 2, Morning</strong><br><br>Mr. Wang unlocked the door to his store (http://www.arizonaandpacificrr.com/spot/rawhidewildhorse/store.jpg) let the warming breeze of the desert enter and clearing the old air from last night. It was going to be another hot day, but the Chinaman got used to it after forty or so years of living in Oasis. He had worked in the shop with his white-man stepfather, and when the old man died, he took his place, catering to the locals and passerby alike with the basic necessities for traveling and surviving the desert.<br><br>The graying man walked outside, observing the town as the dawn woke it up. He usually sat on a chair on the front porch and waved to those who passed by on horses or in coaches. He especially greeted the women, both courtesans and saloon girls from the Saguaro Saloon. The general store was the main source of the meaty meals that the Saloon served to its patrons. Whatever was left that couldn't be sold would be smoked or dried by Wang's Mexican helper, who usually was around with a broom sweeping the creeping sand that would find its way on Mr. Wang's porch.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>12-06-2011, 01:51:12</strong>
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				<div align="center"><em>Marcus Walker, Day 2, Business in town ending at Oasis General Store. </em></div><hr> <br><br>Marcus Walker truly enjoyed the luxury of a soft bed to sleep in and rest his tired body after weeks of traveling and leading his horses back to Oasis. He woke up shy of ten in the morning and went on with his business. The hunter had a few contacts in the city, business men who bought his goods and sold it back east but they would not make Walker a fool, he was wiser than he looked. The prices of the furs where set by him and he rarely negotiated with them. Getting them to the east was the issue and it was something he would have to arrange with the bank in town. <br><br>Wells Fargo ran the best protected coach line to the trains and after spending a few hours at the bank, communicating with his business partner via Morse code and securing his shipment on the next coach out of the city he was done for the most part. He kept a select few skins on him, on hand currency he was sure he could sell to Mr. Wang for a few supplies so a little past the middle of the day he was stepping in with three fine furs. One was a bear, brown with a fine black line does its spine, the other where fox skins, very nice bright colors, with a little talk he would be able to trade enough for a month worth of supplies and enough dollars for a few fun nights at the saloon. <br>“Good day Mr. Wang.” <br>Marcus greeted the man as he stepped up the stairs to the porch of his store. He tipped his hat as a gesture of respect before standing before the man, waiting for him to get up and walk back in so they could talk. <br>“How's business?”<br>He always asked, Marcus considered himself a business man himself and respected the man a lot more than some of the others in town.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragondancer</strong> on <strong>12-06-2011, 08:23:11</strong>
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				<strong>~ Carmen entering town | Day 2, early afternoon ~</strong><br><br>The Appaloosa ambled leisurely into town, small plumes of dust rising underfoot as each hoof impacted gracefully upon the long dirt road.&nbsp; Her shiny dark coat shone lustrously in the early afternoon sun, the signature white and brown spots of her breed decorating only her rear haunches.<br><br>While the sight of a horse and its rider making their way into the town of Oasis was a hardly a rare occurrence, when Carmen happened to be the rider, it was guaranteed to be a spectacle. Riding confidently astride, appearing to be dressed all in black at first glance, her long suede coat, hat, riding gloves, and thigh-high button up boots looked within the realm of acceptability, albeit rather unusual choices. However, the occasional brief flashes of creamy mounds nestled into bright red silk that made an appearance in time to the rhythm of her movements in the saddle was enough to dispel any mistaken thoughts of this young woman’s propriety. Not to mention the body-hugging black leather pants Carmen’s body seemed lovingly poured into. No, Carmen was never one to adhere to the constraints of what was considered normal attire or behavior for “decent” women. And she relished the attention and notoriety her audaciousness engendered. A soft smile adorned her full lips, golden hazel eyes sparkling with mischief as she guided her horse up to the general store.<br><br>Throwing a long slender leg over the back of her horse, Carmen slid easily to the earthen ground. Gently she stroked the side of her mare’s face, cooing softly to her as she tied the reigns securely to the hitching post, the horse’s ears twitching in response to her owner’s voice. Pulling off her hat and smoothing down any stray strands of her honeyed-auburn hair, Carmen sauntered up the step onto the wooden-planked porch, her curiosity piqued as she heard voices coming from within the store. It had been weeks since she had ventured into town, and she hoped some interesting characters would be around for her visit.&nbsp; The front door of Mr. Wang’s store was open and Carmen sashayed breezily inside, her long coat unbuttoned but closed, secured at the waist with its belt.&nbsp; Pausing for a moment in the doorway as she entered, her darkly-fringed gaze took in the two men conversing together within and she smiled.<br><br><strong>Carmen's horse:</strong><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/silverwing10185/Horse/appaloosa.jpg)</div></div><br><strong>Carmen's outfit:</strong><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&amp;size=l&amp;tid=9940830)</div></div><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://www.brandsshoesbuy.com/images/Christian%20Louboutin%20supra%20fifre%20120%20thigh-high%20boots%20black.jpg)</div></div><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://cdn2.iofferphoto.com/img/item/199/587/476/sexy-lingerie-corset-bustier-underwear-dress-dr2-1061c.jpg)</div></div><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7346/b185ly6.jpg)</div></div><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://www.3wishes.com/images/cowboyhat-ru.jpg)</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>12-06-2011, 08:38:58</strong>
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				<strong>Mr. Wang and Marcus - Oasis General Store | Day 2, A bit after Noon</strong><br><br>"Oh, Marcus, how aw you?" Mr. Wang greeted in his Westernized Chinese accent. He rose from his seat and nodded his head to the approaching man. "Business is doing very well." Mr. Wang led the man into his shop and hurried to get behind the counter before establishing business early in the afternoon. He noticed the furs that were very hard to come by in the desert. Usually, hunters would come in with armadillo meat and carapaces, snake skin, and wolf pelts, which Mr. Wang paid full price in exchange for them. But to have these unusual colors and textures was something worth looking into and something worth getting a profit. "What do you have for me, Marcus?" he said gesturing with his hands to hand the furs over so that he could further inspect them. He was so focused on the furs that he had hardly noticed the woman that walked in.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>12-06-2011, 08:54:32</strong>
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				<strong>Guinevera Starr, out and about in Oasis, heading to the General Store | Day 2, Noon to Early Afternoon</strong><br><br>Along the path that led down to the town of Oasis, were places where the Mexican workers employed at the Saloon and their families made their homes. Able to use the surplus materials that were used to the construct and renovate the saloon, they built their homes around the saloon so that they too can make a living in the desert. During the weekdays, Guinevera would come to the certain homes where her saloon girls lived. She would pay a visit to each one, usually to get an early riser to come to work, or to decide if the girls are either too ill to come to work, or too tired from the weekend to do their job. With the excess of girls working as saloon girls (who usually waited and bussed tables), the Saguaro Saloon wasn't in need of basic worker. What it did need was those who would sacrifice a life of settling down to provide the dirtier services of a well-known brothel.<br><br>The visit to the town's residents usually took out one or two hours of her time of work and it was usual at the start of the week for Guinevera to be in the town running a number of errands, though rarely some were of the personal matter. She was purposefully going into town to approach the Marshal and apologize for last night.<br><br>She carefully walked on the dusty, packed-dirt road that sloped into town. Upon the first buildings she would come to would be the church. Though mostly empty during the week, the priest who lived their would always have his confession booth open for anyone wanted to get the burden of sin off their chests. But to Guinevera, she thought that to get the burden off of her chest was to go directly to the one she wronged ... or so she thought.<br><br>Across from the church was the general store, owned and run by a Chinaman, Mr. Wang. He was one of the town's oldest residents and he pretty much knew everybody, considering he was the only one in town who sold most of the items that the locals and customers use in their travels and daily living. He certainly would know if the Marshal was around or not, since the Sheriff's Office was right next his humble establishment.<br><br>Guinevera made her way to the shaded porch of the General Store and headed to the front door. She peeked inside, finding Mr. Wang behind the counter and a man with furs in his arms across from him. It looked like a transaction was going on. Not wanting to interrupt, she simply walked in, careful not to make too loud of a thud on the floorboards in her heeled boots. Once though the threshold, she had noticed a girl in a black outfit browsing the stores goods. She couldn't really make out who she was.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>12-06-2011, 21:37:40</strong>
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				<div align="center"><em>Marcus Walker with Mr.Wang and Carmen (unknown) in the Oasis General Store, Day 2</em></div><hr><br>Marcus followed after the man with a growing smile on his face. The shopkeeper did not have a very good poker face for he quickly showed interest in the furs but he and the keeper had done plenty of business so no one would be getting gouged or feel cheated. <br>"Well they aren't yours yet Mr. Wang, they will be if the price is right."<br>He lightly teased with a grin, glancing behind him to see another customer come into the store. The man nodded at her politely before moving back to the business at hand. The furs where rolled up, the smaller ones within the bear one but once the man stood behind the counter he unrolled it like a blanket to show off the nice picks. <br><br>"There two here are foxes, but if you look at the coloring it is rich and appears artificially colored but this is all natural. But this here, this son of a gun damn near killed me. He wondered into my camp when I was sleeping and damn near mauled me to death the son of a bitch. I reckon it was a young male, seeking to claim the area I work out of for his own. If you feel the coat it is pristine, it took five shots to the heart to bring it down I have never seen a creature on such a rampage it batted me damn near ten feet away when it finally went down." <br>Marcus went into detail about his goods before pulling out a list and handing it over to Mr. Wang.<br>"This is what I need and want for it, I know you will find it quite fair sir."<br>He added. The list had the dry goods he could not produce in the wild: Coffee, sugar, flour, spice, first aid supplies along with some cash he wanted along with the month or so supply of goods. With what he asked they both would get a fair amount for the trade, the beat skin alone would sell for top dollar to the right passerby who wanted to make a bear cloak or claim he killed it and keep it as a trophy. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>12-06-2011, 22:05:35</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg157/onilobo/Old-West-Sheriffs-Office-Interior.jpg)</div> <div align="center"><em>Marshall Wrynn, office hours for a change. </em></div><hr><br>He was seated on his usual chair in the corner of the office he shared with three deputies who kept the town in order if he was on the road. Only one was on duty at the moment, the other two would come in later in the day to relieve the other. Only one was an actual state appointed lawmen, the other two had been picked by Wrynn himself, locals in the town who had a patriotic sense of duty to protect the people they loved and that was all Uther needed in a deputy. They all knew that the Marshall was a man of little words but among the town they where his inner circle and understood that. The short light brown haired man on duty greeted Uther when he came in and let him settle in place before taking him the mail and wanted posters that had come in while he was gone. <br><br>Wrynn was looking over the information with a cup of coffee and a simple Mexican bread for breakfast as he reviewed everything.<br>"Jameson (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=106781.msg4777737#msg4777737), you know what tomorrow is?" <br>He asked, the deputy looked back and nodded.<br>"Already have it covered Marshall."<br>The man replied which made Uther nod in approval as he continued to leaf through the paperwork, tossing most of it into the stove to burn later. Oasis was not like a true law enforcement office, he didn't deal with paperwork. The only criminals worth keeping alive where the ones who brought in a big bounty to finance the law and the town, other petty crimes where dealt with with violence or fear. Very few found a reason to piss off the Marshall and his deputies more than once, but the ones who passed by always had to find out the hard way. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragondancer</strong> on <strong>13-06-2011, 01:55:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>~ Carmen in the General Store | Day 2, early afternoon ~</strong><br><br>Her boots click-clacked sharply on the wooden floor as Carmen strolled inside the store, where Mr. Wang and a rather rough looking fellow were deep in negotiations at the counter.&nbsp; Their conversation paused momentarily as the the bearded man turned to see who had entered, giving her a polite nod in acknowledgement and then immediately returning to his business transaction. Carmen chuckled slightly to herself at Mr. Wang’s intense focus on the several furs that were piled on the counter; they must be fine indeed, what with the close attention the shopkeeper was giving them.<br><br>Walking directly up to the counter, Carmen moved to stand next to the man who she assumed was a hunter; it was unlikely he had come by those furs any other way ‘cept by killing the animals himself. ‘Sides, he did have that look about him anyway - a little bit wild at the edges. <em>Mmmm,</em> she thought to herself, as she deliberately stood close beside the hunter, testing his tolerance for his personal space being breached by a stranger. Standing in her heeled boots, Carmen was actually just about as tall as the hunter, but that fact in no way detracted from his rugged masculinity. Waving her hat gently in front of her face a few times, Carmen was careful not to offend the man by wrinkling her nose at the distinct odor wafting from his direction. Apparently the hunter hadn’t had a chance to bathe since he’d emerged from the wilderness; or perhaps it was just the animal pelts giving off the strong musky odor.<br><br>Setting her hat on the counter and delicately pulling off one of her gloves, Carmen reached out her hand to stroke one of the fox skins, her pale slender fingers splayed out over the plush dark fur as she caressed the pelt. The silky hairs felt exceedingly soft against the palm of her hand, and Carmen’s mouth curved into a soft smile, her golden hazel eyes lifting to meet the stranger’s own eyes. “Those are some fine furs you got yourself there, Mister,” Carmen generously complemented the man. “My name’s Carmen; don’t think I’ve seen you in Oasis before?”<br><br>Slipping her hand into an outside pocket of her coat, Carmen withdrew a long list of items for her grocery and goods run. Unrolling the paper, she slapped it down on the counter next to the furs. Smiling brightly at the shopkeeper, she spoke in a friendly tone to Mr. Wang. “I hope you’ve been well, Mr. Wang? This here’s the list of what all we need this trip. The usual stuff, mostly. I’ll take a few of the smaller items back with me, assuming you got ‘em in supply. The rest, I reckon one of our ranch hands will be by in a day or two to pick them up.” <br><br>Taking her other glove off, Carmen untied the belt of her coat and tucked the gloves into an inside pocket. Grinning wickedly as the vivid crimson of her corset and the soft ivory curves of her cleavage were revealed, she turned to browse around the store, calling back over her shoulder, “You let me know when you’ve finished your business with that fine gentleman, Mr. Wang; I’ll just be right over here.”<br><br>As she leisurely strolled through the aisles, Carmen absently perused the various items on display. Shortly, the sound of a woman’s step caught her ears, and she glanced up to see the Saguaro Saloon’s Madame, Guinevera Starr walking quietly into the store. Although only five years older than Carmen, Guinevera’s unflappable personality and nurturing nature had elevated the woman to an almost mother-like figure in her otherwise mother-less life. Carmen looked up to Guinevera for her hard-earned success, and felt a kinship with the woman who had also lost both of her parents at a young age.&nbsp; <br><br>Rounding the corner of an aisle, Carmen strode briskly toward Guinevera with a welcoming smile. Curling her fingers lightly around Guinevera’s upper arm, Carmen leaned in to plant a friendly kiss on the shorter woman’s cheek. “Guinevera, how nice to see you - you look stunningly beautiful as always! How’s everything at the Seguaro?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>13-06-2011, 02:05:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mr. Wang doing business with Marcus, with Cameron in the background<br>Oasis General Store | Day 2, Early Afternoon</strong><br><hr><br>Mr Wang watched as the man on the other side of the counter laid out as best he could the furs he had with him. As the largest was laid down, the Chinaman's eyes glowed with interest, seeing the profit in just the coat and color, but the other furs that were nestled within the larger roll sparked more interest in the man. The orange with the cream-colored fur looked like it was dyed but since Mr. Wang had a good eye for detail, he knew the furs were real before Marcus ever told him they were. Mr. Wang's hands caressed the soft texture of the fox furs as Marcus unfolded his story about how he got the bigger product. His hand hands move from the soft and light texture to a more thicker and rougher feel of a fur. Five shots to the heart to take down an animal this large. "Impressive, Mr. Marcus," Mr. Wang commented.<br><br>Marcus then handed to him a list of goods that he wanted in exchange for the furs. Mr. Wang looked through each item on the list, and recalled in his mind his wares that were in the room behind him. Coffee was in high supply as well as sugar and flour. Spice was hard to come by out in the desert, but being a successful establishment in practically the middle of nowhere, Mr. Wang had a limited supply of spice, which he sold at a higher price than normal. Along with the goods, Marcus wanted money. Filling into the rumors of Chinaman never giving anyone a bargain, Mr. Wang especially did not want to buy the furs at a regular price. He usually wanted expensive goods cheap. "Um ... how about I give you the coffee, sugar, flour, first aid supplies and the money instead?" he nervously asked, clearly not mentioning spice in his offer. "I'd say that's a fair deal, Mr. Marcus." He grinned at the man, using a smile to get him to give in to his offer.<br><br>In the corner of his eye he glanced at a familiar girl, Carmen. She lived on a ranch not too far from Oasis, where it was higher and cooler than the desert floor. Mr. Wang tried not to move an inch in protest to her approached and subsequent reaching in to touch the fox furs. He wanted to slap her hand off the furs thinking it was only a matter of time until Marcus sold him the furs with the spice included. He momentarily turned to the girl who had butted in between the transaction to slap a unrolled shopping list of items on the counter next to the furs. Mr. Wang took the list, dropping Marcus' list on the bear coat. "I'm doing fine, Miss Stevens," he greeted the woman, who in her heels was taller than the Chinaman, though he wasn't intimidated at all. "Alright, I'll bring the stuff out for you in a little bit." He watched as she exposed her red corset, which was as beautiful as her young figure. It was unfortunate how her parents died and she was left with only her brother and the ranch. Feeling generous all of sudden, he decided to put in the spice in the exchange with Marcus.<br><br>After Carmen left the counter, he turned to Marcus who seemed disappointed that his spice was not included along with the other goods her asked for. Pausing for a bit, looking at how fine the furs were stretched on top of his counter, he lifted his head, and addressed the man in front of him, "You know what, Mr. Marcus. You've got a deal, spice included. I'll have what you asked for by this evening, I promise." He placed his hands on the furs and rolled them back up and went to the back store the furs for safe keeping.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>13-06-2011, 02:56:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Guinevera Starr meeting with Carmen<br>Oasis General Store | Day 2, Early Afternoon</strong><br><hr><br>Guinevera had walked into the entrance of the General Store finding Mr. Wang and another man doing a business transaction. She would have to wait until after the business was done before she asked him where the Marshal was around. She had learned this trait to never interrupt a conversation, unless the subject the conversation was about the one who is overhearing the talking. She had learned it when she became a courtesan at the saloon and used it readily during her days as a Madame and during the rebuilding of the saloon. She heard the click-clack of heels on the floorboards to her side and found a familiar girl approach her from the aisle. It was Carmen Stevens, sister to Rand Stevens. Her smile caused Guinevera to do the same and she turned to politely face the girl.<br><br>Carmen's presence had lifted Guinevera's spirit. Since the younger girl had rode here on her horse, she assumed, then Carmen would have seen the Marshal walking and lounging about the town on her way to the general store. She turned her cheek as a soft kiss was planted by Carmen. "Thank you, Miss Stevens," she replied to her comment. Even with a bedgown, Guinevera was indeed stunning, the outfit she wore attracting attention from everyone she passed by and greeted on her way here. Not wanting to bother the two men in the store with their conversation, she gestured to the girl to step outside and have a small chat on the patio. "The Saloon is doing pretty well, if I do say so myself. But, how about you and your brother? How's the ranch these days?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragondancer</strong> on <strong>13-06-2011, 06:46:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>~ Carmen at the General Store talking with Guinevera Starr | Day 2, early afternoon ~</strong><br><br><strong>"Thank you, Miss Stevens."</strong><br><br>Stifling a quiet chuckle at Guinevera’s tendency to still address her so formally after all their years of knowing each other, Carmen slid her arm around Guinevera’s to act as escort when the woman gestured for them to step outside to talk. The madame was well versed in - and made good use of - all the societal niceties that Carmen so enthusiastically shunned, which Carmen found endearingly amusing. However, even after all the scrapes she’d gotten herself into over the years, Guenevera still showed her warmth and respect whenever she came to town. Yes, Guinevera Starr was certainly one special lady.<br><br>Outside, the two women stood comfortably together in the shade of the covered porch, enjoying a few moments of catching up. Carmen was glad to hear all was well at the Seguaro, but she wasn’t surprised. The place was a mighty popular draw for any and all who passed through town, and for most of the locals as well. She suspected it would do well no matter what, even if all the other businesses in town went belly-up.<br>&nbsp;<br><strong>”How about you and your brother? How's the ranch these days?"</strong><br><br>Rolling her eyes dramatically, Carmen shook her head in exasperation. “You know Rand - he’s the hardest working man I know! He’s like to work us all to death out at Sweetwater, iff’n he had his way!” Carmen knew Guinevera was well acquainted with her brother and wouldn’t take her complaints too seriously.&nbsp; And besides, she felt comfortable letting off a little steam now and again with the madame. After all, Guinevera was known for being a good listener with an understanding disposition.<br><br>“What about you, Guinevera? Any new prospects you’ve set your sights on?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>13-06-2011, 09:13:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>Marcus Walker, Day 2- Leaving the General Store </em></div><hr><br>Marcus and Mr. Wang got into a friendly but heated bargaining argument for a little but luckily the young woman had distracted the older man enough for him to add the spices into his list. He got everything he wanted including the couple of dollars that would serve him well while in town, not enough to go crazy buying everyone drinks but enough to make his week or two stay in town worth it while he waited for his payment to come in from the east. <br>"Well Mr. Wang, thank you kindly sir, I will be seeing you before I head out to pick up my order." <br>He said as he left a satisfied customer and a smile on his face. <br><br>Right outside the door he encountered the young woman he saw earlier getting close to him but business came first and he had not given her the intention she deserved. But outside he saw she was speaking with the madam of the saloon. The occasional client nodded at her.<br>"Good day Ms. Star, Maam."<br>He greeted the other after looking at her, dipping his hat at her in respect before walking off down the main street of the town back to the stables to make sure his horses ate and drank well the entire week he was going to be in town. It would give the horses a chance to bulk up since food and grazing area came scarce higher in the mountains up north this time of year right before his off season in Oasis. <br><br>Walker had plans to visit the Saloon later that evening but for now the rugged looking man needed to tie up a few more loose ends and catch a afternoon meal and nap. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>13-06-2011, 09:29:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mr. Wang, off to prepare Carmen's order...<br>Oasis General Store | Day 2</strong><br><hr><br>It was so unexpected with Carmen's interruption that Mr. Wang had given up half of the total amount of spice he had on him for the month. With himself giving a full and exact order to Carmen would be an insult to his current customer at the time. Though he wanted a bargain, Mr. Wang still cared for his business. Besides the saloon, his shop was the next in line to becoming a popular stop for supplies and foodstuffs. He didn't want to ruined his reputation by not dealing fairly with a hunter who could produce such fine furs. I better get a profit out of these furs, Mr. Wang told himself as he went into the back room to put away the furs and start preparing the order for Miss Stevens. He cursed in Chinese under his breath as he continued to replay his decision to include the spice as well as imagine how much he could save if he didn't include the goods per his first offer to Marcus.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>13-06-2011, 09:48:37</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Guinevera Starr, having a chat with Carmen<br>Oasis General Store (Patio) | Day 2</strong><br><hr><br>In the years since she met Carmen one afternoon, Guinevera always saw her as a vibrant girl who had the potential to be anything she could be. She could strive to be anything, if she put her mind to it and commit to doing it. She could even become a courtesan at the saloon, but that was only the wishful thinking of the Madame. Guinevera would welcome her in as a fellow sister in the saloon if that happened, but it wasn't likely.<br><br>She nodded her head towards the man that had just did a business deal with Mr. Wang. The man tipped his hat towards her and Carmen like a gentlemen would. He was gone walking towards where the sheriff's office would be before Guinevera could get a good look at his face. She had been holed up in the saloon for so long that she didn't know much of the locals, save for the workers and the saloon girls, they way Mr. Wang knew them.<br><br>"Prospects? I know you don't mean about the gold that people say that is in the country up north. Plus, the gold rush further west has been done and over with, you could just ask Mr. Wang and he'll tell you his story," Guinevera explained. She knew of a couple things that Carmen was referring to, the most obvious one being a new courtesan at the saloon. Thinking it was the subject that Carmen was asking about, Guinevera answered, "I think I do have my sights on one particular individual. I believe her name is Cameron. She was supposed to come in last weekend, but I hope she didn't hit a snag in her trip." Cameron was in fact in Oasis, most likely looking for the Madame in the Saguaro Saloon. "But, you know, Carmen ... that opening is still available if you'd like to take it." She was referring to the position of a courtesan at the saloon. Ever since the betrayal of her former boss who up and left Oasis for the wild west, she was always looking for talented ladies to fill the rooms that were available for their services. Currently, there were three rooms occupied by working ladies and three rooms that were unused. With the potential of the woman named Cameron taking a room, that left two rooms available. "So whaddya, say, Miss Stevens?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragondancer</strong> on <strong>14-06-2011, 04:51:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>~ Carmen chatting with Guinevera on the porch of the General Store | Day 2, early afternoon ~</strong><br><br>The two women on the porch paused in their conversation when the hunter appeared in the doorway, having apparently successfully concluded his business with Mr. Wang as he was now heading out - and without his furs.&nbsp; Carmen couldn’t help but notice the man had a self-satisfied smile on his face; and actually, the smile transformed his countenance to quite a pleasant handsomeness. Immediately as he saw Guinevera and Carmen, he doused his grin and cloaked himself in genteel politeness, tipping his hat respectfully to them both.<br><br><strong>"Good day Ms. Starr, Ma’am."</strong><br><br>Carmen gave Guinevera an amused look, her dark eyebrow quirking as the gentleman hunter passed by and made his way down the road. As the madame picked up the thread of their conversation again, Carmen’s eyebrows shot skyward once more in amusement at Guinevera’s coy reply to her question.&nbsp; But when the madame mentioned the potential new courtesan, Carmen’s curiosity was piqued, her mind wandering for a moment. She enjoyed spending time with the ladies of the Seguaro when she was in town, and hoped the new girl would be a good fit at the saloon. <br><br><strong>"...that opening is still available if you'd like to take it. So whaddya, say, Miss Stevens?"</strong><br><br>The madame’s direct question dragged Carmen’s attention back to the moment, her question one that Guinevera never failed to ask her each time she was in town.&nbsp; A wry grin curved Carmen’s lips as she sidled up right next to Guinevera, sliding her arm around the madame’s shoulders, resting the side of her head against the woman’s soft tresses and giving her a warm squeeze before letting go.<br><br>“Now Guinevera, you know I don’t cotton much to being told what to do. How’s it gonna go over when I tell one of your fine customers to go to hell if I’m not interested in providing what he’s buying?”<br><br>Outwardly, Carmen would always humorously brush off Guinevera’s offer each time it was made, but truthfully, it warmed her heart to know that the madame was making sure she knew she’d always have somewhere to go if she ever wanted to get off the ranch. Guinevera was a good soul, and Carmen thought the town was more’n lucky to have such a good-hearted madame running the hottest house this side of the Mississippi.<br><br>Sensitive on the topic herself because of her brother’s constant hints about “finding a good man and settling down”, Carmen didn’t much pry into Guinevera’s personal life. Certainly, she hoped the madame would find a good man for herself, if that was what the woman hoped for. And Carmen kind of got the feeling she did, that deep down Guinevera Starr was a bit old fashioned when it came to love; and she liked that about her too.<br><br>“So...no prospects of the disarmingly handsome, wildly wealthy, deliciously endowed male sort coming to sweep you off your feet, <em>Miss Starr?”</em> she teased outrageously, puckering her lips and waggling her eyebrows to try and draw a laugh from the madame. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>15-06-2011, 00:05:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Guinevera Starr walking and talking to Carmen<br>Oasis General Store | Day 2</strong><br><hr><br>A soft embrace with a head on her shoulder told Guinevera that Carmen still wasn't interested. She had doubts, but she wouldn't hold that against her. Apart from the girl complaining about her older brother's wants for her to marry a good man, Carmen came from a different background and she thought that was the sole reason why she didn't go for the position in the saloon.<br><br>Still, Miss Starr had a right to clarify when Carmen had any doubts, and she hoped if things would be clear enough for Carmen to rational decided whether or not she wanted to take it. "It won't come to that, and if that actually happened ... it would be on your ass," Guinevera said, rather sternly, walking a short distance away from Carmen, who stood, struck still by Miss Starr's remark. "If you were a courtesan, then, you shall be respected on your limits. If you failed to disclose your limits to a customer, then you run the risk of breaking yourself, literally, unfortunately. Plus, what I was referring to as in a position at the saloon would be either a humble saloon girl, possibly a bartender alongside Miss O'Rourke, or maybe a Duckling like this Miss Maccrae I'm supposed to meet today." Guinevera turned with raised eyebrow while taking small steps back to where Carmen was standing.<br><br>After a bit of silence and possible contemplating on Carmen's part, the pair continued to slowly stroll down the patio, nearing the end of the General Store property and the start of the land what the Sheriff's Office sat upon. Carmen clarified her previous question, adding <em>disarmingly handsome, wildly wealthy, deliciously endowed</em> as the specific qualities to the list. Not to mention the word <em>male</em> at the end of it all. The specially selected words followed by the silly expression by Carmen, caused Guinevera to chuckle a bit before turning to the girl beside her. "Honestly, I may have one, but I must say that this one is hard to catch after what I've done to him. Say, Carmen, did you see the Marshal in the Sheriff's Office on your way here?" she said, glancing a bit at the next building. A young man, a deputy for the Marshal had just came out of the building and unhitched his horse, going to go on a patrol around town.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Michael Corvus</strong> on <strong>15-06-2011, 00:48:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><strong>-=Jotham Godstone riding into Oasis for the first time | Day 2, afternoon=-</strong></div><br>Even as he drew near to the town of Oasis, a much needed respite from the unrelenting afternoon sun and the choking dust, the rhythmic monotone of the click-clacking hooves in time with the soothing sway of his horse's (http://www.horseforum.com/attachments/53501d1295766783-satin-gene-discussion-again-palomino-horse-shine-jpg) gait dulled his mind. Reaching up, he gripped the top of his stetson (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2141230542_df0db7391b.jpg) and pulled it from his head. His hair was soaked with sweat and stuck to his head. He drug his forearm across his forehead, wiping at the sweat that trickled down his face in uncomfortable little lines. Replacing his hat atop his head, he straightened in his saddle and pulled his shoulders back to work out that pain between his shoulder blades that often developed from such lengthy rides spent hunched in the saddle.<br><br>Giving his horse a gentle nudge in the flanks with his spurs, the powerful golden palomino hastened his stride to a slow trot until they reached the edge of town. Jotham pulled back on the reigns and eased back into a walk. Passing by the General store, he saw two women standing out on the porch in idle conversation. He gave them a polite smile and tipped his hat to the ladies as any self respecting gentleman would. "Afternoon ladies," he said simply, trying hard not to let his eyes wander inappropriately. Tearing his eyes away from the women just in time, he rode further into town, finding the local saloon. His horse came to a stop and pitched it's head with a snort as Jotham dismounted. He tied the reigns to the hitching post and his horse busied himself drinking from the trough. Jotham moved to the entrance of Saguaro's and paused a moment before moving inside and looking around curiously. He was parched and needed some water in a bad way. His plain brown boots thudded softly on the wooden plank foor, his spurs tinkling quietly with each step. Leaning one elbow on the bar, he took his hat off and sat it on the bartop, wiping his brow with a kerchief he pulled form his jeans. <br><br>"Could I get some water please?"<br><br>As he waited, he glanced around, studying the room and it's patrons curiously.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Jotham's clothes</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z466/Corvus269/Characters/JothamClohtes.jpg)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dragondancer</strong> on <strong>16-06-2011, 00:34:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>~ Carmen conversing with Guinevera on the porch of the General Store | Day 2, early afternoon ~</strong><br><br><strong>”...it would be on your ass!”</strong> Carmen was a little taken aback by the Madame’s stern retort to her hypothetical quandary, her hands finding a cocky resting place on her hips in her own mute response. Truth be told, she sure as shootin’ <em>would</em> tell someone to go to hell if she felt they deserved it.&nbsp; So, she had no illusions that she had what it took to be a courtesan - she just didn’t have the temperament for it. Which was alright by her, since it plain and simple just wasn’t a position she was keen on anyhow.<br><br>As the Madame back-tracked her usual offer of a position as courtesan, offering up other available spots within the saloon for her to consider, Carmen smiled warmly at Guinevera as she spoke. “I do indeed appreciate your kindness toward me, Guinevera - and you know you’d be the first person I’d track down come time for me to find another line of work. But for now...there’s just no way I could leave Rand out at the ranch alone. Not that he’d be alone, of course. But you know...I’m the only family he’s got.”<br><br>Luckily Guinevera allowed Carmen to tease a small laugh from her with her suggestive comments and silly antics, dispelling any awkward moment that may have briefly passed between them. When Guinevera answered her question about any possible men of interest being on the horizon, her reply caught Carmen by surprise.<br><br><strong>"Honestly, I may have one, but I must say that this one is hard to catch after what I've done to him. Say, Carmen, did you see the Marshal in the Sheriff's Office on your way here?"</strong><br><br>The immediate segue from mentioning a man she was hoping to catch to asking about the Marshal had Carmen’s imagination running wild. “Why no, can’t say that I did, Guinevera - but then, I rode straight up here to the store, so he very well may be in his office and I just missed seeing him.”&nbsp; Their gaze had naturally strayed to the Sheriff’s Office across the way while they discussed the Marshal, so both women saw the Deputy as he mounted up and headed off on patrol. A wicked grin turning up one corner of her lips, Carmen encouraged Guinevera in an innocent tone, “Well, I reckon I’ll see you up at the Saguaro, I’m heading there momentarily myself. Why don’t you take a look, see if Marshal Wrynn is in his office? Even if he’s not there, you could always leave him a note. Let him know you have need of his...services.” She almost made it without adding the sly innuendo, but just couldn’t help herself. The Madame and the Marshal? It would be just too perfect to pass up hoping for!<br><br>As a weary looking man approached riding a gorgeous golden palomino down the dusty road, Carmen peered at the rider in curiosity, her golden hazel eyes squinting, trying to make out the face hidden within the shaded darkness beneath his Stetson.&nbsp; Tipping his hat and offering a polite “Afternoon, ladies”, he continued on his way, most likely heading to the Saguaro for a bath and a drink by the looks of him - and probably not in that order.<br><br>Which reminded Carmen that she was looking forward to heading in that direction herself. “So, I’ll see you back at the Saguaro, Guinevera?” Carmen gave the woman another friendly hug and peck on the cheek before heading back down the porch to reenter the store.&nbsp; Walking to the back counter, Carmen craned her neck looking for the shopkeeper who must have gone in the back rooms of his shop. “Mr. Wang?&nbsp; Mr. Wang?&nbsp; You can take your time with my order, I don’t plan on heading back to Sweetwater any time soon. I’ll be up at the Saquaro iff’n you need me; otherwise, I’ll pay you a visit on my way back out. Thank you, Mr. Wang!” Carmen hoped the elderly shopkeeper had heard her, Lord knows she hollered loud enough to wake the dead to make sure he did; if not, he’d surely deduce where she took off to, it wouldn’t exactly be a mystery she chuckled softly to herself.&nbsp; Picking her hat back up from the counter and tucking it back on her head, she headed back out the door.<br><br>Untying her mare’s reins from the store’s hitching post, Carmen gave Jonquil an affectionate scratch under her jaw, and planting one booted foot in the stirrup, gracefully mounted her horse and headed on her way up to the saloon, licking her lips in anticipation of the cool drink she was eagerly looking forward to.&nbsp; <br><br>====&gt; To The Saguaro Saloon (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107414.msg4792716#msg4792716)<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>17-06-2011, 11:04:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Guinevera Starr heading to the Sheriff's Office<br>Oasis General Store | Day 2</strong><br><hr><br>Hearing Carmen's explanation of her trip up to the general store was to be expected. The Marshal wasn't one who would be easily noticed by those passing through the town. "I'll see you later, Miss Carmen," she bid farewell to the young woman who momentarily went back into the store to retrieve her hat before getting on her horse and riding the beauty beast up to the gates of the saloon. She was going to do just as the woman advised her to do, to search the Office if the Marshal would be inside, minding his own business. Guinevera didn't take much into account of her innuendo, since her visit would be personal, but mostly professional.<br><br>As Carmen went up the hill to the saloon, Guinevera went the other way, down the patio of the store and straight onto the patio of the Sheriff's Office. She didn't even notice the man greeting her and Carmen, but it was usual for the Madame to not return a greeting. She did strive to greet all that came her way. But right now, her focus was on her apology to the Marshal. She wondered if he would accept it or not. Fear of the result was not going to stop her.<br><br>She walked towards the door, her heels thudding on the wooden floor. Even a bystander would be able to tell if a woman with heeled boots was nearby, but Guinevera wasn't trying to hide. She peered in the doorway finding the room immediately beyond the door empty. An empty desk sat across from the door. A couple feet from the desk was another door that led to a room further into the building. From where she was standing, she could see empty jail cells, the dark iron bars standing erect. Guinevera called out, raising her voice so that she could be heard, "Marshal Wrynn? Are you here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>18-06-2011, 07:24:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg157/onilobo/appaloosa-one.jpg)</div> <div align="center"><em>Marshall Wrynn and Guinevera Starr at the Sheriff's Office</em><hr></div><br>Somewhere in between his departure from the saloon and in his own rounds he had found the time to go home and change into a better set of clothing. Clothing that had not seen the dusty landscape or the burdensome sun. He looked much different then he did the night before, a duty sworn man who could have passed for a true lawman if it was not for the violent accent upon his features. The sound of his boots made it evident that he was in the back somewhere, moving around. <br>"Come on in Guinevera." <br>He called out towards her, not bothering to come in to greet her personally. One should not take offense to the greeting at the door, the Marshall did not greet everyone with a smile and a sympathetic nod, that was Deputy Jameson's job and he was doing rounds an following a lead on a couple of stolen horses from the night before. <br><br>The man was facing the back wall, the wall itself was littered with wanted papers and a mag of the region. Writing was placed all over with notes on the side, giving clues to locations of known outlaw groups in the area, the people the Marshall shook down for information regularly in order to be allowed to stay within a day or two ride from oasis. On another wall was all the captured bounties, most with a red X over the paper, men he had killed and sent their heads in to collect the reward. The same money that funded the town and its people, kept the lawmen of Oasis well paid and its people safe. <br>"I'm out here in the back." <br>Uther added as he paced back and forth, selecting his next target and going over the information Jameson had pulled up on him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>19-06-2011, 02:45:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Guinevera Starr meeting with the Marshal<br>Sheriff's Office | Day 2</strong><br><hr><br>She could've sworn she heard the sound of boots in the back room and she was right. Not long after she called out from the front door, the Marshal replied, asking her to come in. She walked into the first room and then to the second room, her footfalls echoing against the walls as well as the floor. Guinevera peeked her head in first, seeing no people in the cells, fortunately. Her apology to the Marshal wouldn't be interrupted by anybody making rude comments towards the Madame of the Saloon. She walked in further through the corridor and to the back room where she found the Marshal, sharply dressed and standing, looking at all the material decorating the walls. A map of the county and more than a dozen wanted papers were pinned to the wooden walls. Guinevera could not help but look at the papers from afar.<br><br>She stood there, admiring the room as well as the man who stood in its open spaces. He was quite handsome without dust and dirt on her clothes, but she knew he was more handsome without them, but she didn't come here to admire the Marshal in the nude. Not wanting to be rude, staying silent while she occupied some of the space in the room, she made small talk, which she knew the Marshal wouldn't give her the attention for. "Busy as always, I see," she said, though with a tone knowing it was useless to talk about matter that were unrelated to her timely visit. "Marshal, I've come because I ... I owe you an apology."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>19-06-2011, 09:00:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>Marshall Wrynn and Guinevera Starr at the Sheriff's Office, Day 2 </em></div><hr> <br><br>Uther turned around to look at Guinevera with a curious look, his first instinct was to dismiss her and her apology but was hesitant to after her confession the other day. He admired her dress silent, guiding her to his desk and pulling a seat for her before moving around to the other side and finding his seat himself. <br>"Apology for what Ms. Starr?"<br>The man asked sincerely, looking at her from the other side of his desk with his arms on the wooden rest of his seat. The chair squeaked on the wooden floor they rested on when he shifted which was why he was so good at sitting still for long periods of time. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>19-06-2011, 09:26:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Guinevera Starr and apologies with Marshal Wrynn<br>Sheriff's Office | Day 2</strong><br><hr><br>Marshal led Guinevera to sit before his desk and get comfortable. He sat down at his own chair and asked about her apology. Thinking that she just get to the point rather than beat around the bush, she gave her whole explanation. "I shouldn't have confessed to you straight out like that, it was unprofessional and I admit, I think I may had too much to drink last night. It was stupid and and I'm afraid, desperate. Forgive me for my behavior last night, Marshal," she explained her apology. When she finished, she noticed that it didn't even take her thirty seconds to explain the whole bit about her confession of love to the Marshal. She had to admit that it was a bit quick ... diarrhea of the mouth as they say. In the slight pause after her apology, it was a bit awkward just hearing the whole piece; one would have to reiterate her apology once or twice before they got it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>19-06-2011, 20:32:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>Marshall Wrynn and Guinevera Starr at the Sheriff's Office, Day 2 </em></div><br>Uther had always known women to be fickle and the proof was now sitting across from him. He recalled her confession the night before and how it had led to an explosive night of lust but now she was in his office taking it back. The man had no intentions to prey on her affections but it did have him think more of his former family. <br>"Well, Liquor might have gotten the best of us both Guinevera. What are you afraid of?" <br>He asked, if there was one thing he knew how to calm was fear, usually with a gun but it got the job done. <br>"I do not think you needed to apologize for that last night but if it makes you feel at ease, I accept." <br>Wrynn added. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>20-06-2011, 10:19:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Guinevera Starr clearing things up with Marshal Wrynn<br>Sheriff's Office | Day 2</strong><br><hr><br>Guinevera looked with a puzzled expression wondering what the Marshal meant by the 'fear' question. "Excuse me, Marshal ... I didn't say I was afraid of anything," she retorted. On the contrary, in the back of her mind was a subtle fear, which she had yet to disclose to the Marshal. The subject although was floating between the false and the truth. The seed that was planted near the end of the climactic lust last night would only be truly determined by the Doctor, who too had yet to decide on a decision whether to stay in Oasis and make it his headquarters or be a humble traveling peddler of the medical kind. Guinevera chose to keep the fact of the fertilization buried and would dig it up when she knew it was true.<br><br>The Marshal's next statement caused her to be half-horrified of what his answer might be. Either he could accept the apology or refuse it. She hoped for the former, which she received and the flood receded from her mind and the water was diverted to under the bridge. She stood, saying, "Thank you, Marshal. I shall ponder on my character more carefully and choose my words so that I do not visit you in these settings regularly. Who knows who will start a jumpy little rumor that would jeopardize both our reputations. I certainly do not want that." Guinevera hoped that the matter of her womb wouldn't be the spark that would manifest into a flame that cannot be controlled. She walked over to the corridor then turned around and bid the Marshal farewell. "Thanks again, Marshal. I expect you won't be at the saloon tonight?" With the burden on her shoulders lifted, though one miniscule weight in her belly, she turned back and exited the Office once the Marshal replied to her little inquiry.<br><br>------&gt; Saguaro Saloon
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>20-06-2011, 20:54:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Marshall Wrynn and Guinevera Starr at the Sheriff's Office, Day 2 </em><hr><br>He could have sworn she said she was afraid of something and now she was changing her story. Uther did not push the issue with her but instead saw her stand up and get ready to leave. Reputation? He bet the town did want to talk about the Marshall and the Madam but either way he would ignore it, it would not be the first time someone would have tried to find something on the man. Very few knew him from his younger days, happier when he was a married man with a son. Only the shopkeeper and some of the older Mexicans would have seen him back then, everyone else in town was to new to town to known the man who everyone called Marshall. <br>"Not tonight, perhaps later this week."<br>Uther nodded and waved off the madam, digging into his desk once she was gone and pulled a bottle of whiskey out. He took a drink and just sat there for a while, thinking of everything that had happened and all he still clung too. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eliza</strong> on <strong>07-08-2011, 10:12:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>...As the sun rises, Oasis shall do the same....</strong><br><hr>(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i254/RiZAL_D/saguaro_dawn01.jpg) Shifting to Day 3
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>29-08-2011, 06:19:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Day Three<br>To the Laundry<br>Then Out on the Town...</strong><br><br>The laundry had a storefront, but the business happened in the back.&nbsp; Rows and rows of line were strung with the laundry of many of the town's citizens.&nbsp; Irene made her deposit and the man behind the counter gave her an arch look.<br><br>Stepping back, Irene's haughty expression returned.&nbsp; "Something you'd like to say?" she asked the man.<br><br>His eyes moved to her waist and Irene frowned at him, smoothing her hands over her skirt before she felt the badge there.&nbsp; She smiled.<br><br>"Please deliver it to the Saguaro.&nbsp; My name is Irene and I'm the only Irene there," she said.&nbsp; She watched the man write down her name and what was in her load of laundry.&nbsp; <br><br>She turned on her heel and marched off, going through the building to the street and then back to the front of tha Saloon to wait for Sam.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>30-08-2011, 03:58:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam was standing in the shade, just outside the saloon’s entrance when Irene came breezily outside beside him.&nbsp; He grinned when he saw that she was still wearing the badge at her waist.&nbsp; <br><br>“Excuse me Miss . . . but I need to kiss you.”<br><br>Sam stepped up and took her apparently by surprise as he wrapped her into his arms and kissed her deeply.<br><br>“Excuse me but you are the fucking prettiest bounty hunter I’ve ever seen.”<br><br>He touched his hat brim with his hand and gave her a little nod of his head.<br><br>“It’s truly a pleasure to see someone from law enforcement available . . . especially as I’m new to these parts and don’t have a ghost of an idea of what’s what in this here town . . . Oasis ain’t that what you call it?&nbsp; Would you mind showing me around?&nbsp; A person like yourself would be a right proper guide and all.”<br><br>Sam gave her a wink as he took her hand.<br><br>“Sorry darlin’. . . just playing.&nbsp; You are gorgeous though . . . that’s serious.&nbsp; Where shall we start?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>30-08-2011, 06:34:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sun-dazzled, Irene didn't see Sam until he spoke.&nbsp; And, then she grinned and stepped up for the kiss.<br><br>"And, you sir, are a handsome sight to see, tall as the cactus the saloon was named for," she said, her hand rubbing his back as he held her.<br><br>When they parted, both grinned.<br><br>"There isn't much that isn't part of the saloon.&nbsp; Well, the church..."&nbsp; She gestured beyond the saloon to the cross that rose to the sky.&nbsp; "Do you want to check on your horse, Sam?"&nbsp; Irene asked, but started to walk towards the stables around the back of the saloon.&nbsp; They passed the Saguaro employees who ran the laundry, heating water and stirring steaming pots, wringing the fabric.&nbsp; The scent of heated starch and damp laundry came from the structure where the nearly dry clothes were taken for pressing and folding.&nbsp; <br><br>Irene marched on to the stable, looking up to the second floor of the Saguaro where her room lay, making sure the shutters were still closed.&nbsp; "Here's the stable."&nbsp; Irene led the way to Sam's horse who was happily munching hay, his stall free of manure.&nbsp; "They take very good care of the horses here," she said, stroking the barn cat as it walked along the top of the stall wall.<br><br>"Next?&nbsp; Do you need to visit the Marshall?" she asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 04:24:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam walked with her back past the laundry to the stables.&nbsp; His horse, Charlie, looked well cared for and happy.&nbsp; The stall was well tended and clean.&nbsp; His rig was there too on the rail, looking like it had been cleaned and oiled.&nbsp; Sam saw the hand working in a stall in the rear and went back to thank him.&nbsp; He gave him two gold pieces with a hearty handshake and an exuberant “Gracias!”&nbsp; In his best Spanish he asked the young man to organize a horse for Irene for a little later.&nbsp; The young man smiled when he saw Irene standing by Charlie and the two men happily agreed upon a price.<br><br>Sam went back to Charlie’s stall and stroked his horse’s forehead and was rewarded with a happy whinny and a snuffle of his hand.&nbsp; “We’ll be back big fella and you and I will go for a ride with the pretty lady . . . okay?”&nbsp; Charlie nodded his head against Sam’s hand and snorted his apparent approval.<br><br>Sam turned and grinned at Irene.<br><br>“My horse thinks you’re quite a beauty Irene . . . and Charlie has excellent taste.”<br><br>He took her into his arms and kissed her.&nbsp; Sam hadn’t yet tired of that.&nbsp; He hoped he never would and that she’d never tire of being kissed by him.<br><br>“Well . . . let’s see what else this town has to offer.&nbsp; I never checked in with your marshal so he’s probably not expecting me . . . we’ll see what he has to say.&nbsp; You know this town doesn’t seem big enough for a marshal.&nbsp; I’d have thought you’d have a sheriff here.&nbsp; Anyway let’s see if he’s in . . . if not we can check out the other establishments.&nbsp; Any place to eat as good as your saloon darlin’?&nbsp; Oh and I’ve arranged a horse for you for later . . . I’d like to take a ride.&nbsp; If I don’t ride every day, the old body will be angry the next trail I’m on.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 06:19:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene smiled.&nbsp; "You called him Diablo when you got here," she said.&nbsp; "Now he's Charlie horse?"&nbsp; She shook her head, trying not to laugh at Sam.&nbsp; "MUchas gracias, Tomas!" she called to the horse-keeper.&nbsp; <br><br>When Sam, seemingly high on sunlight and warm, fresh air, grabbed her and kissed her, she did laugh against his lips even as she twined her arms around his neck.&nbsp; "Is this allowed by the bounty hunter handbook, Mr. Markham?"&nbsp; She lifted his hat off of his head and pulled him closer for a better kiss.&nbsp; "If it isn't, you're losing your sidekick right now," she said once she'd satisfied her need for his lips.<br><br>She pivoted back to lead him down the hill, the town lined up before them along the narrow chasm between plateaus.<br><br>"When it rains," she said, "which isn't often, this street can look like a river.&nbsp; I've fallen more than once trying to cross to the general store," she said, pointing to Mr. Wang's business, the grizzled man coming out to sweep the board walk with fast, short jerks of his broom, glancing at the cloud of dirt like he was personally offended it had thought to take residence in front of HIS shop.<br><br>"Jail's right next to the store," she added, bobbing her head to the structure with the barred windows, the back half made of brick to hold in the worst of the Oasis citizenry.<br><br>"We're going for a ride later?" she asked, the idea just rolling around for her to grasp, now.&nbsp; "What's on your mind, Agent?" she asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>01-09-2011, 05:28:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam snorted aloud with his own laughter when their wonderful kiss finally broke.&nbsp; Her observation and the little joke she was making of his use of his horse’s pseudoname impressed him, both because of her memory and her quick wit.<br><br>“The horse was registered as Charlie when I got him, but one of my Mexican friends talked me into calling him Diablo . . . said it was ‘muy macho’&nbsp; . . . that Charlie was a lame name for such a noble beast.&nbsp; So I guess I slipped back to his registered name . . . I have no idea why.&nbsp; I’m impressed that you remembered Diablo . . . I think I only mentioned his name in passing once when I first arrived.”<br><br>He glanced about and saw no one taking an interest in them so he squeezed her ass cheeks as he drew her tightly in against him for a very deep kiss.&nbsp; It made his body tingle with need for her and caused his body to flush with heat.&nbsp; He was a bit breathless as he spoke.<br><br>“Kissing you is a requirement of the job.&nbsp; I wrote it into the job description myself.&nbsp; I do love kissing you . . . and don’t forget the other requirement of the job.&nbsp; &nbsp;Maybe once we’ve checked in on your friend the marshal . . . we can find a place.”&nbsp; <br><br>Sam sighed at the thought of lifting her skirt again and maybe having her from behind.&nbsp; He took his hat back from her and wiped the flushed sweat from his brow before placing the hat back on his head at the same rakish angle.&nbsp; Sam grinned at her a little sheepishly.<br><br>“So where are we?&nbsp; I’ve gotten a little distracted and turned around.”<br><br>He patted her butt and then moved his hand to the small of her back and kept it there as she told him where things were from where they stood.&nbsp; He cringed as he pictured the water flowing in torrents down the street and Irene being knocked down trying to cross it.&nbsp; He sighed not liking that image at all.&nbsp; When she was done, he thought that she’d done a nice job as he felt like he could find things now on his own.&nbsp; He chuckled as it seemed to finally register with her about the ride he’d planned.&nbsp; <br><br>“Yep . . . a pleasant little ride into the countryside . . . a little bearing gathering . . . some reconnoitering . . . a possible interlude with my assistant . . . perhaps in a shady, grassy spot if one can be found.&nbsp; Perhaps there’ll be an opportunity for some horse trading too.&nbsp; You never know what you’ll find on the trail.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>01-09-2011, 06:26:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The job requirements made her want to advance up the ranks, quickly.&nbsp; She would have given his bum a rub, but he was back-to-the-town and there were a few people about.&nbsp; It wouldn't be fitting...So, Irene moved her hand between them and rubbed her knuckles up the lump in his drawers.&nbsp; "Careful, Senor Markham, or you'll find yourself in the hoosegow for actions unbecoming...a lawman."&nbsp; She grinned as the continued down towards town.<br><br>She laughed heartily when he hoped for a grassy patch for an "interlude."&nbsp; &nbsp; "Sam, you rode into town...&nbsp; It's called Oasis for a reason; the river is what gives us life.&nbsp; Away from it, there's just sand, rock and cacti," she said, her tone turning a little bitter.&nbsp; "But, there are caves...and, if they aren't inhabited, then we might christen them along the way," she offered, lightening her tone.&nbsp; <br><br>"Want to look at Mr. Wang's wares?" she asked, grinning naughtily at him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 04:30:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam grinned wryly at her as her hand discretely caressed his swollen member.<br><br>“I only hope we have adjoining cells Miss Lawman . . . if you don’t stop that.”&nbsp; Sam’s body trembled involuntarily.&nbsp; “ Oh god Irene . . .&nbsp; &nbsp;Please don’t stop that . . . god you better . . . you’re so good to me.”<br><br>He liked her laugh when she poked fun at him about a grassy spot to enjoy with her.<br><br>“Well Miss Bounty Hunter’s Assistant . . . it’s a long, big river and there are spots along its shore of lush vegetation.&nbsp; Oasis is not where it starts and ends you know . . . and I hate to admit it, but small caves kind of give me the heebie geebies . . . but then . . . any port with you darlin’”<br><br>Sam snorted a suppressed belly laugh as her question about Mr. Wong’s wares.&nbsp; It hit him as humorous and for some reason as a bit scandalous.&nbsp; Once he regained some self-control, he answered her.<br><br>“I wouldn’t mind seeing what he has in his store . . . I’m not sure about looking at his wares.”<br><br>He gave Irene a little, playful nudge with his elbow as they crossed the street.<br><br>“You know Irene . . . I love your humor.&nbsp; You’ve quite a lovely brain . . . and your tits and ass are quite beautiful too . . . in case I haven’t mentioned it in a while.”<br><br>Sam looked about just out of habit to see who was about and who might be taking an interest in their casual stroll through town.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 07:08:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene grinned, swinging along by the much taller man.&nbsp; She glanced his way as he praised her body once more.&nbsp; Funny, when he said it, she liked it; when others said similar things, she just didn't believe them.<br><br>"Wang, darlin' Sam.&nbsp; The poor chap was saddled with the name 'Wang.'&nbsp; I believe it's sometimes a nickname for a cock," she said, noticing a man glance over at her use of the word.&nbsp; He gave her a long look and one of <strong>those</strong> smiles, the kind that said he knew what you were.&nbsp; His eyes roved over her and rested on the badge at her hip.&nbsp; The man was surprised and his expression changed to one that might exist on the face of prey.&nbsp; Irene smiled.&nbsp; "He's wondering what I might know about him that could hurt him," she whispered to Sam.&nbsp; "I only know he's been to the saloon and been to the second floor."&nbsp; She shrugged.&nbsp; "Even if I don't get to shoot anyone, this badge might be fun," she said.<br><br>Irene hurried across the narrow, dusty road and bounced up the steps to the sidewalk, pulling open the door for Sam to enter, grinning all the while.&nbsp; <br><br>"Mr. Wang has just about everything a body could want," Irene said.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 22:51:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was absolutely the loveliest when she was happy and playful and Sam thought she was both as they walked through the town. He smiled when she pointed out that he’d gotten the man with the store’s name wrong, He played along.<br><br>“You mean I was wrong about Wong?&nbsp; That it’s Wang not Wong?&nbsp; How could I have been so wrong?&nbsp; Sid you say you’ve seen Wang’s..dong... err wang.?”<br><br>He grinned as he watched the silent interaction between Irene and a man on the street.<br><br>“Yep darlin’...the badge is definitely more fun than the gun.”<br><br>Sam hurried across the street beside her.&nbsp; He wasn’t sure why they’d had to cross so quickly as there wasn’t a horse or wagon in sight.&nbsp; Sam tipped his hat at her as Irene held the door open to Wang’s emporium for him.<br><br>“Aww darlin’ thanks...you say the nicest things but let’s not talk about my wang in public huh?”<br><br>He strode past her with a couple of quick steps as he expected some form of physical retaliation.&nbsp; Irene was right Sam decided as they wandered about the store.&nbsp; Mr Wang did seem to have everything.<br><br>“This is quite a store darlin’...you need any thing?”&nbsp; <br><br>Sam surveyed every shelf but didn’t see anything he needed.&nbsp; As they left the store Sam tipped his hat to Mr. Wang and held the door for Irene.&nbsp; Once out on the boardwalk Sam took her arm.<br><br>“Is there a barber in town...?”&nbsp; <br><br>He rubbed the stubble on his cheek and chin with his hand.&nbsp; <br><br>“I’d like to be smooth and clean shaven for my sweetheart later, since she’s done the same for me.&nbsp; You’re going to have to show me that string trick, Irene.”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 07:14:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene giggled at SAm's word play.&nbsp; She tried to stop herself, but he kept on and she didn't seem able to curb the bubble of laughter.&nbsp; <br><br>She shook her head as he entered the store, following him about.&nbsp; Mr. Wang seemed to focus on the lawman's badge and his smile grew brighter.&nbsp; Then he saw the same badge on Irene and his smile seemed a little confused. <br><br>Irene paused by the county to admit that she'd been "deputized."&nbsp; Mr. Wang looked at the badge and even went so far as to tap it with his fingernails, probably trying to determine if it was a cheap, tin copy.&nbsp; He bobbed his head and promised to make her a good deal on supplies.<br><br>Irene shook her head.&nbsp; "Not at present.&nbsp; We're simply getting the lay of&nbsp; the land," she said, rejoining Sam to exit the store.&nbsp; "Good day, Mr. Wang."<br><br>Outside, once the door was closed, Irene gave Sam a slight shove.&nbsp; "You are terrible.&nbsp; I can't believe you said all of that."&nbsp; She laughed again.&nbsp; "And, to top it all off, I giggled like a schoolgirl!"&nbsp; She gave her head a shake as if to clear it.&nbsp; "Next is the marshall's place.&nbsp; D'you want to pay him a call? I don't know him real well..."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 04:05:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam watched Irene with Mr. Wang.&nbsp; She was a natural with people it seemed to him.&nbsp; She knew how to read them and how to make them comfortable and when appropriate . . . uncomfortable.&nbsp; As she wound up her conversation with the shopkeeper, Sam tipped his hat in a goodbye gesture and nodded in agreement with what Irene had said to the man.<br><br>“Yes thank you sir . . . we’ll be back I’m sure.”<br><br>Sam held the door for her and placed his hand in the small of her back as they stepped out onto the boardwalk.&nbsp; Sam grinned broadly as Irene good naturedly chided him for making her laugh so raucously.&nbsp; He didn’t say a word in response.&nbsp; He merely kissed her.<br><br>In response to her asking about seeing the Marshal, Sam nodded affirmatively.<br><br>“We have overlapping jurisdictions . . . it’s good practice for me to let him know that I’m around.&nbsp; He might already know that, but it’s best that he hears it from me.&nbsp; If there are questions that you want to ask while I’m there with you just let me know, otherwise it’s probably best that we treat this as an official visit and I do all the talking aside from the pleasantries.&nbsp; I have warrants that I may need his help executing.”<br><br>Sam took her into his arms and kissed her softly.&nbsp; Holding her loosely he winked at her.<br><br>“All this walking has tired me a bit.&nbsp; Maybe we should go back to you room and rest up some after our visit with the marshal.”<br><br>He kissed her again and then took her hand as he walked with her to the Marshal’s office.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 07:16:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene's smile pulled to the side.&nbsp; "By all means, this will be an official visit.&nbsp; Quite honestly, the man scares me.&nbsp; I don't know if it's the wondering if he'll put me in jail because he's decided I'm guilty of killing Timothy or just his personality.&nbsp; I might be able to stammer out an introduction..."&nbsp; She stopped as he kissed her and smiled.<br><br>"Public displays will not help your credibility, Sam.&nbsp; And, public displays with me...well, you may be done before you start," she said.<br><br>She led the way to the Marshall's office glancing in the window as they passed.&nbsp; The room was empty.&nbsp; She almost took the chicken's way out and suggested they head to the Saguaro, now.&nbsp; She sighed, though, and pushed the door open.<br><br>"Hello?" she called.&nbsp; The office had that feel of an unoccupied space, yet she called louder.&nbsp; "Marshall?&nbsp; Hello?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 07:18:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam followed Irene into the apparently empty office.&nbsp; They’d been there for several minutes without any response.&nbsp; He let his hand rest on his holstered gun.&nbsp; He didn’t like an unsecured law enforcement office.&nbsp; He looked around hoping that the marshal was there but hadn’t heard them.&nbsp; That was another thing that gave him a less than good feeling.<br><br>“I don’t know Irene.&nbsp; I don’t think he’s here.&nbsp; Do me a favor . . . go back outside and wait for me there.&nbsp; I need to check things out here . . . make sure everything’s all right.”&nbsp; <br><br>Sam shrugged and nodded his head back toward the door they’d come in through.<br><br>“Irene . . . please?”<br><br>Sam had his gun drawn as he headed toward the back of the office.&nbsp; He stayed close to the wall with his back against it and his gun hand held ahead of him.&nbsp; He paused around the corner from the doorway.&nbsp; Sam hated going into places he didn’t know without an invitation . . . or good reason.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 08:25:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marshall Wrynn had been outback attempting to information out of a man he had thrown into the steel box that faced the sun behind the Sheriff's office. No food, no water and no shade until the bandit gave Uther what he wanted. His boots crunched gravel as he went back to the building, stepping up the few steps before he entered into his office and walked towards his desk. <br><br>The man lying in wait did not startle him but it did make the Marshal turn to face him with his gun drawn and the sound of the gun cocking very clear. <br>"Who the fuck are you."<br>He growled, giving the man a few moments to start talking or taste lead. His eyes fell onto the man, scanning him, unfamiliar with the face he was hesitant to lower his weapon. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 08:33:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I most certainly will not..." Irene started when the back door opened and the two men were faced-off.<br><br>She heaved a sigh that might have rattled rafters if the structure had any.&nbsp; "Marshal, it's me...Irene O'Rourke and this is Sam Markham...Fugitive Apprehension Agent," she said, testing a smile.&nbsp; "Sam, it's all right...you should both lower your guns."<br><br>She muttered about men and their toys and how it would be if women ran the world there would be less killing, possibly more yelling, but less killing...<br><br>"Gentlemen...?" She added.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 08:37:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Bounty hunter?"<br>He clarified, eying the man before dropping his gun back into his holster as he looked over to Irene then back to the Agent. "What can I do for you two?" Marshall Wrynn asked, gesturing at the seats in front of his desk. The man in black stopped at a clay jug over in a corner of the building and scooped out a cup of water to drink before moving over to take his own seat. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 09:01:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam cocked the hammer of his Colt as he heard the crunch of gravel underfoot.&nbsp; He was focused ahead and praying that Irene would have the good sense not to argue with him.&nbsp; He was wrong of course about Irene.&nbsp; As the marshal stepped into the office through the back door and drew his weapon Sam had already drawn a bead on the man’s forehead.&nbsp; When Irene identified him as the marshal Sam raised his left arm with his hand open and showed the marshal his badge as his other hand holstered his Colt.<br><br>“Sorry for the start marshal.&nbsp; I wanted to be sure everything was okay here . . . your door was open and you didn’t respond to our greeting.&nbsp; I’m glad you weren’t the victim of foul play.”<br><br>Sam stepped forward with his eyes moving back and forth from the marshal’s face to his gun hand and back up into the man’s cold eyes in a quick-time rhythm until the marshal holstered his gun.&nbsp; He didn’t seem to be the kind of man that Sam was going to get much from, but he went through the spiel all the same.&nbsp; <br><br>“I’m working for the Judge.&nbsp; I’ve several warrants to execute.&nbsp; I just wanted to let you know I’m around . . . and see if you’ve come across any of ‘em.” <br><br>Sam sat in the chair offered, letting Irene sort it out for herself.&nbsp; He leaned forward and offered his hand to the marshal . . . not really caring if the man took it or not.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'm Sam Markham, marshal."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 10:14:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Couldn't hear ya from the back."<br>He mentioned with a slight nod of his head towards the outside where a metal box stood. Who was in there? Sam would have to go and check personally, Uther had not bothered to ask his name since the stubborn outlaw refused to speak. <br><br>"Ulysses Wrynn, Marshall round these parts." Uther did not share his real name, he did not want anyone else to ever repeat his birth name again. He took the man's hand and shook it greeting before letting go. Shifting in his seat he looked at the badge but did not show his own, in truth he didn't have one. <br><br>"Well Agent Markham, you are more than welcome to work along side us as long as you need. Behind you on that board." He explained, pointing it out. If he looked there was stacks of wanted posters but all of them had a red mark across the entire page. "All those men resisted arrested and where left to rot to the coyotes...the other board is men we assume are still alive. You can start there, I also have someone baking out back but he is stubborn as a mule. Another day or so and he will start singing. " He said with a wicked curve in the corner of his lips. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 18:28:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam stood and walked back to the ‘dead board’ and scanned the names.&nbsp; There were many.&nbsp; He knew the marshal’s reputation so he wasn’t surprised by the number, but his stomach boiled in revulsion.&nbsp; There were no names on the board that were on his list.&nbsp; He walked back to his chair and took a seat.<br><br>“Thanks Marshal Wrynn none of my guys has made it up there yet.&nbsp; But thanks for your cooperation.&nbsp; On a more personal nature, if I may . . . the Judge has taken an interest in the death of Irene’s late husband and asked me to look into and, in fact, reopen the case.&nbsp; Where you involved in that investigation?&nbsp; You have any insights you want to share?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 01:04:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Uther's attention moved from Sam over to Irene for a few moments. Did she really want him to talk about her dead former husband in her presence? The man shifted in his seat, laying one of his arms along the edge of his table before he turned back to Sam. <br>"We do not have much, no eye witnesses. Mr. O'Rourke was out tending his fence line when he was killed and robbed. Many believed Irene was a suspect but she had nothing to gain since the land was taken by the bank shortly after. I do know Mr. O'Rourke&nbsp; had a pocket knife and any suspects or outlaws we bring in we inspect and hope to gain some new information but that is like looking for a needle in a pile of cow shit. Anyone of the gangs bordering the town could have done it and trust me there are plenty out there." <br>He shared. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 04:52:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene looked up from her perusal of the toes of her boots to meet the Marshal's look.&nbsp; His blank face didn't give much away, but it seemed almost like he was considering her feelings...&nbsp; Irene listened, but didn't correct the marshal's description of the knife Tim carried.&nbsp; She followed his hand to the boards hanging on the wall with the dark images of men, and women, wanted for one thing or another.&nbsp; <br><br>"There were two men in the bar the other evening," Irene said, speaking into the silence.&nbsp; "You may have noticed as they gave me a bit of trouble until others stepped in."&nbsp; The marshal had been one of the ones, so she was pretty sure he'd remember.&nbsp; "One of them, the one who grabbed me, had a knife -- Tim's knife.&nbsp; I followed them, but they ran like the cockroaches they are.&nbsp; Have you any information on them?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 06:49:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam didn’t offer a thing.&nbsp; He was going to let Irene talk as long as she had a voice.&nbsp; He was encouraged about Tim’s knife, even if the descriptions varied. Irene and the marshal agreed that it had been taken as a trophy of some kind.&nbsp; Further more apparently the marshal had apparently seen the man in the saloon.&nbsp; It did bother Sam that the man had laid hands on Irene.&nbsp; She’d either not shared it or he’d been deaf when she did.&nbsp; He did not cotton to that at all . . . men manhandling women.&nbsp; &nbsp;He’d have been after the guy until he’d run him to ground.&nbsp; He was having questions now about the marshal’s commitment to his job, if he’d been there and let the guy get away . . . especially with his reputation.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 07:20:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So you tell me this now? Where was your voice that night? I thought they where nothing but some rowdy drunks." <br>The Marshal turned his attention directly in an accusing manner. He had recalled the event but he did not follow it up since it was nothing out of the ordinary for a night at the saloon. <br><br>He stared at her for a few moments before he glanced away, taking a deep breath in the process. "Tell me what they looked like so I can keep an eye out for them. I ended up highly intoxicated that night and do not recall much after I retired for the night." Uther confessed, not going into detail what exactly had happened once he went upstairs but he could bet one could guess. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 08:58:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Quite honestly, Marshal, I was busy freeing myself.&nbsp; And, when I saw the knife I was so shocked I convinced myself it wasn't what I was seeing.&nbsp; But, as I thought, as I calmed, I realized exactly what it was.&nbsp; It was Tim's tooled leather sheath strapped to that man's skinny leg.&nbsp; Both men were dirty, not even six feet tall.&nbsp; One had brown hair and the other had barely any.&nbsp; The bald one should have a nice mark on the side of his head from where he had a run-in with a whiskey bottle.&nbsp; I don't take kindly to having my hair pulled," she added, giving the Marshal a look that said most patrons had known as they'd prepared to draw down on the men.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Guinevara dealt with things; the one with the lump on his head might be missing a few teeth after she kicked him in the face."&nbsp; She shrugged.&nbsp; "Dirty beige or white shirts, darkish pants, neither had seen soap or a tub in a long while.&nbsp; Both men had brown eyes...like mud.&nbsp; One had thick lips and the other had no upper lip and a narrow mouth."<br><br>Irene glanced at Sam.&nbsp; "We know how to deal with those types."&nbsp; There might have been a little emphasis on the pronoun, but she didn't mean that the Marshal didn't know how to deal; just that she and Guinevara had done just fine on their own.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 16:59:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam responded to her glance and her statement. <br><br>“I have no doubt that you do Irene . . . thank heavens”<br><br>He turned his attention to the marshal.<br><br>“Marshal . . . you mentioned gangs on the outskirts of town . . . I think you said.&nbsp; Can you tell me more about them?&nbsp; It would seem likely that these two that Irene and her boss dispatched on their way might be part of something like that.”<br><br>Sam wanted to hug her and kiss her but in front of this man it seemed ill-advised.&nbsp; Instead he casually moved his foot to rest up against Irene’s closest as he shifted his body in the chair.<br><br>“If we had a drawing of these two it would be helpful.&nbsp; You have anyone in town with that talent?”<br><br>The question was open to both Irene and the marshal.&nbsp; He was angry with himself for not having thought of it when Irene told him of the man with Tim’s knife.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 17:54:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Got a few, the more known ones...down south entering into Mexico and just north of the Rio Grand are the Pedrosa Hermanos, they rarely come up here after I gutted the third one. My gang had a few exchanges, they don't come up here often now that I'm Marshall. Right now with talks of revolution in Mexico, you don't seem them much up here round these parts unless they are conducting legit business. You need to understand this Agent Markham, Oasis is a rare town this far out with a fully stocked general store it is a sought commodity."<br><br>Uther explained, assuming the man had never been that far west before. He was a man of few words but it was obvious when it came to keeping the filth out of the town he was very aware of everything going on around him. <br>"Up north we have the "miners", they are a gang created out of necessity because of the Bollard Boys, more notable for wearing those little round caps on their head. Them two gangs are always going against one another and sometime they let it spill down on my street. The prisoner back in that sun baking cell was the one I caught last night. You can ask him if he knows anyone that looks like the two men you saw Irene but he hasn't talked yet." He continued.<br><br>"Then we have every wayward young boy who always wanted to be a cowboy or an outlaw, glamorized by your publications out east. As for an artist, well, maybe the clerk out at the clerk's office, he is the one who hand makes most of these posters and runs the print press when it is not broken." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>07-09-2011, 07:23:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam nodded as he listened intently to the marshal.&nbsp; Whatever his impressions were of the man, he clearly knew who and what he was up against.<br><br>“Thanks for the background . . . it helps.&nbsp; Seems like you have your hands full with enough challenges to keep you more than busy.&nbsp; Based on the description Irene gave it doesn’t sound likely that these two cretins are mixed up with the Mexicans.&nbsp; Even among the Mexican outlaws . . .&nbsp; I never knew too many that would have tolerated the likes of those two puercos.&nbsp; If they have an affiliation with any of your gangs, I’d bet on one of the northern ones, though their head gear didn’t match what you said about the miners, if I heard you right.”<br><br>Sam stood and offered his hand to the marshal.<br><br>“I was headed to see the clerk anyway next so I can see about getting a drawing done with Irene.&nbsp; Thanks for your time sir.&nbsp; You’ve given me a lot of information to consider.&nbsp; If the one you got has anything to offer, I’d be much obliged if you’d let me know.&nbsp; I’m staying in a room at the saloon while I’m here.&nbsp; Thanks again . . . and if you ever need anything from me . . . just ask marshal.”<br><br>Sam turned to Irene and nodded toward the door.<br><br>“It looks like we’ve got some more touring to do Irene.&nbsp; You up to trying to describe either of those two so a drawing can be made?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>07-09-2011, 22:09:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8a/Sarah.jpg)</div><br>&nbsp;The sun was beginning to steadily get hotter, she could feel it on the back of her neck, through the hat that shrouded the glaring orb from her face. A bandanna of dark blue was worn over her nose and mouth to prevent the sand and dust of the desert to coat her nose and throat as she breathed. The upper part of her face masked by the beige grains and giving her an ominous appearance. As worn out as she was, Sarah still rode high in her saddle. She would never display an ounce of weakness again to any one. The town of Oasis rose before her and she was grateful for the sight of it. <br><br>&nbsp;The last town she had entered two days prior had been of little help other than directing her here. The Castle brothers had headed this way and she could only hope that they were still in the area. It seemed one of them was awfully sweet on a girl from the Saloon and Sarah had every intention of going there after stopping by the sheriff's office first. It was always her first port of call in every town but not to see the sheriff or any deputy, merely instead to look at the wanted posters to see just how far the reach of those three had gone.<br><br>It took her another twenty minutes to ride into town, her chestnut stallion's head drooping with want of water. The stables would have to be her first priority it seemed and so taking the horse without a name directly there, she tossed a few dollars to the stable boy to make sure the stallion was well fed, watered and groomed. Taking her saddle bags she swung it over her shoulder and walked out into the mid-day sun. <br><br>It beat down mercilessly as if warning her it took no prisoners, only the weak and she was far from weak. Removing the bandanna from her face she dipped it into the water trough before the stables and gave it a good soaking, wiping the dirt of the desert clean from her face. It felt good and she had to stop herself from sipping from the sodden rag to parch her thirst. Her dry throat would get its fill at the Saloon but for now her feet moved her in the direction of the sheriff's building. <br><br>A few men lingering outside the tavern stepped forward to look at her closely, it was an unusual sight to see a woman dressed in man's trousers, wearing boots and spurs and seemingly only a poncho over that. The wind stirred it enough for them to glimpse bare flesh beneath. One chewed the butt of his cigar off, another pushed his hat high while another still scratched his balls. They all thought one thing, 'trouble'. <br><br>Sarah stood outside the building looking at the wanted posters. Her gaze did not waver once, those particular faces she sought were as familiar to her now as her own, she would never ever forget them. They were not on the board. Incredulous she stared a moment longer, why weren't they wanted here and just about every where else running along to this town? She was tempted to walk into the sheriff's office to see if there were any new posters to go up but somehow she knew it would be a sheer waste of her time. Talking with most sheriffs were.<br><br>Pushing her hat back so that her face was clearly visible for the first time, the stetson fell to her back held on by the drawstrings. Her long sandy blond hair blew about her as she turned to view the Saloon down the street. Making her way there was her next port of call, the rooms were a little more expensive sure but she planned to be as close as she possibly could to this girl that had shacked herself up to Brody Castle.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>08-09-2011, 07:17:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Agent Markham, as a warning, don't go to close to fort Mercer even if your trail leads you that way, that is a place you do not want to be spotted at with that badge of yours." Uther was mid handshake and warning when he lost all train of thought. Without another word he stood form his chair and walked over towards the door and looked out. Did he just see a ghost? His brows furrowed in confusion as he stepped out and looked into the street of Oasis to find nothing. His foot steps echoed the wooden planks as he took a few paces up and down, forgetting he had left Irene and Sam back at his office. <br><br>For a brief moment confusion and hope spread across his features instead of bitterness but it quickly faded when it was just a mind trick. Had he drank too much? The bottle hidden in his drawer was half empty and it was only the middle of the day. Upon return he came and sat back down, not caring if the two saw him as he took an open swig of his bottle. "Don't go to Mercer, good day folks." He forced out but it was clear something else haunted his mind. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>08-09-2011, 07:32:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene, closest to the door, watched the Marshal as he seemed to get struck dumb.&nbsp; She looked out the window and saw a flash of hat, blonde hair, a colorful native poncho and then nothing.&nbsp; Was that what he'd looked at?&nbsp; She turned back and almost bumped into the Marshal as he headed out to check the walkway.<br><br>Irene's eyebrows lifted as she glanced at Sam.&nbsp; "What on earth...?" she started when the Marshal came back to finish his warning to Sam and then took a swig from a bottle.<br><br>Her mouth closed as she looked at the man.<br><br>"It seems to me that Mercer would be exactly the place to go...with a decent posse or maybe just a few who could move quiet-like," she said.&nbsp; She blinked at the sound of her voice.&nbsp; "I mean, if you have a death wish."&nbsp; She hadn't meant to say the words out loud.<br><br>After their dismissal, Irene smirked and went outside.&nbsp; She looked up at Sam as he joined her.&nbsp; "I can describe things to the clerk.&nbsp; But, that's not going to do any damned good.&nbsp; What good do all those posters do when he won't even go someplace that sounds like a haven for outlaws?" she asked, hissing her words as she took Sam's arm, steering him along to the clerk's office.&nbsp; She sighed.&nbsp; "I'm just frustrated, Sam.&nbsp; Ignore me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>08-09-2011, 17:11:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was good to get in out of the blistering sun, her boots echoed over the timbered floor outside the Saloon, her spurs jangling with each step. By the time she pushed the half doors open, the few faces inside were all turned in her direction. Old Jimmy Monroe pushed his worn hand up and down the counter before him, as the cloth in his hand made some attempt to clean it. The same cloth was then moved to wipe clean the inside of a shot glass as he took down a bottle of bourbon at the sound of approaching steps. His eyes stared in wonder at the sight of the female that entered, garnered up like a cowboy but every inch a female. His hand had removed the cork from the bottle but on seeing the woman, he pushed it back down again. Slapping his hand on it to make sure it was secure when she leaned on his bar and stared at him.<br><br><strong>"I'll have one of those"</strong> her voice was warm, a little coarse perhaps from desert sand coating the throats lining but Jimmy Monroe knew that the second she spoke he was in trouble. It was a lovely sound, not like the cheap tart voices of the girls he kept at his tavern. No high pitch with purposeful inflections made on certain words as if it made them erotic. If she hadn't been dressed as she was and hadn't asked for a bourbon, Jimmy would have taken her for a proper decent female type. <br><br>"That's strong stuff" but still he slid the shot glass towards her and moved closer, uncorking the bottle and pouring her a measure. He watched as she downed it in one, his old green eyes moving to the other patrons who were all steadily watching her. She didn't cough or wheeze which meant she was used to drinking hard liquor and he smirked. A classy broad with sharp tastes.<br><br><strong>"Have you got a room free?"</strong><br>"The girls don't pander to females."<br><strong>"I'm not asking for a woman, I'm asking for a room."</strong><br>"Sure, I've got lots of those. Take your pick, front or back of the house?"<br><strong>"The front. Are there baths?"</strong><br>"I can have one drawn for ya but it'll be extra."<br><strong>"I'll take the bottle too."</strong><br>"Well that's definitely extra"<br><br>Sarah looked at him closely shoving a hand into her pocket and taking out some coins that she flung on to the counter. It was plenty for the room, bath and bottle and then some for a few nights though she didn't specify how long she was staying.<br><strong>"Bring me up some hot food too" </strong><br>He tossed her the key to room 4 before gathering up the money, "straight up the stairs, first left and down the corridor."<br>Again she looked at him as if attempting to size him up, then taking the key, bottle and glass ignored the other patrons and walked up to her room.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>09-09-2011, 06:30:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5177167#msg5177167">Quote from: MistressofPen on 08-09-2011, 07:32:15</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">. . . She sighed.&nbsp; "I'm just frustrated, Sam.&nbsp; Ignore me."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>In the midst of their handshake and Marshal Wrynn’s earnest warning he suddenly dropped Sam’s hand and walked to the window and then to the door as if in a daze.&nbsp; Sam was dumbfounded as the Marshal walked out into the street.<br><br>Irene’s expression of her amazement and confusion stated his own as Sam moved over to stand by her as the marshal returned, walked past them and sat at his desk.&nbsp; As he took a healthy slug of whiskey from a bottle in his desk drawer, he warned them again about Fort Mercer and then dismissed them.&nbsp; Sam took Irene’s elbow and they walked out onto the boardwalk.&nbsp; <br><br>“Let’s do the drawings darlin’ . . . when folks have them we will have added eyes open for them, and I’ll know who we’re going after.&nbsp; I like knowing that I’ve got the right man in my sights.”<br><br>Sam hugged and kissed her.<br><br>“Irene . . . I will never ignore you.&nbsp; Let’s see the clerk and then let’s take some time for us.&nbsp; I want to make love to you . . . and I intend to take my time at it.&nbsp; Then we can have our ride.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>09-09-2011, 21:58:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5182325#msg5182325">Quote from: derek on 09-09-2011, 06:30:35</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Sam took Irene’s elbow and they walked out onto the boardwalk.&nbsp; <br><br>“Let’s do the drawings darlin’ . . . when folks have them we will have added eyes open for them, and I’ll know who we’re going after.&nbsp; I like knowing that I’ve got the right man in my sights.”<br><br>Sam hugged and kissed her.<br><br>“Irene . . . I will never ignore you.&nbsp; Let’s see the clerk and then let’s take some time for us.&nbsp; I want to make love to you . . . and I intend to take my time at it.&nbsp; Then we can have our ride.”<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Irene walked hesitantly along.&nbsp; It seemed the drawing might help...but only if someone was willing to open their pie holes and say something.&nbsp; In her experience, what people said rarely was in her favor.&nbsp; She let Sam lead the way, though she glanced out at the street, hoping for sight of what had disturbed the Marshall if not of the two bastards she'd met in the Saguaro Saloon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>10-09-2011, 04:46:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They were walking together but it didn’t seem to Sam that she was really with him or was angry at him or about something.&nbsp; A way down the street from the marshal’s office where they’d not be seen by him without his coming out into the street Sam stopped and touched her arm.<br><br>“Sooo Irene . . . I’m guessing by your glum expression and you’re not speaking to me that I’ve missed something or pissed you off, huh?&nbsp; Or you don’t see any value to the drawings . . . ”&nbsp; Sam stroked her arm.&nbsp; “We don’t need to do anything . . . no drawings . . . no riding.&nbsp; I thought this what you wanted to do . . . this is how I know to do it . . . but all you have to do is say no.”&nbsp; Sam paused as she was clearly somewhere else in her thoughts.&nbsp; “What’s in your craw honey?&nbsp; A man can get a little lonely talking to himself out here.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>10-09-2011, 08:20:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene heaved a deep breath, not quite a sigh.&nbsp; She brushed a stray lock of hair back and over her ear, regarding Sam.&nbsp; "It's just...&nbsp; I think you heard how he said I'd been a suspect at some point in the 'investigation,'" she said.&nbsp; "A good portion of the people who might have information are the same ones who pointed their fingers at me and lied about what they knew about me.&nbsp; The only people whe didn't treat me like a plague are in the Saguaro, Sam.&nbsp; Dressing down in civilian clothes, a shiny badge at my hip is not going to turn small minds around.&nbsp; If anything, it's going to make them consider you under my influence and as 'guilty' as me.&nbsp; You won't get any answers.&nbsp; You might not no matter what, though."&nbsp; She walked two steps further and halted, turning her back to the street to look at Sam.&nbsp; "I don't like being reminded of that time.&nbsp; I'd rather just ride out and look for that greasy bastard...."<br><br>She did sigh, now.&nbsp; "Let's make this damned drawing.&nbsp; But, then we'll go back to my room and you can make me forget the past.&nbsp; But, I think you should take the ride...probably without me; maybe see if the Marshal will back you up or his deputy.&nbsp; I think I wouldn't be a help at all."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>11-09-2011, 06:34:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam drew her to him when she was done.&nbsp; He held her tenderly with his cheek resting on against her head.&nbsp; His hand idly stroked her back.<br><br>“Irene . . . honey I’m sorry for all you’ve unfairly been put through.&nbsp; The natural thing for investigating a murder is to consider those closest to the victim as they most frequently have the motive.&nbsp; But for folks to incriminate you with false testimony . . . that’s unconscionable.&nbsp; They each can go to prison if it can be proved in court.&nbsp; Honey I want you to write down the names of those you believe did that to you.&nbsp; Oh baby . . . I don’t know how to rework this case without bringing it all back for you . . . god, but I hate that part of it.”<br><br>With his body leaned back away from her some, his hands cupped her face tenderly.&nbsp; Sam&nbsp; kissed her softly . . . repeatedly.<br><br>“Darlin’ . . . we’re not riding out to get the bastards until we know who they are and where they are and who they’re with.&nbsp; To do otherwise would be foolhardy and I have had that experience, and god love me, I’m not intending to relive that one . . . not especially now that I’ve got you in my life Irene . . . no not now.&nbsp; We’ll get him . . . them . . . I promise you . . . as god is my witness.&nbsp; But darlin’ girl . . . it will be on our terms and with our advantage.”<br><br>He kissed her again and then whispered in her ear.<br><br>“I love you Irene and I don’t give a fuck about what anyone might think of that.&nbsp; Now let’s get that fucking drawing done and see who has your ranch and how they got it.&nbsp; Then we’ll go up to your room.&nbsp; The ride was nothing more than an excuse to get out of town with you.”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>11-09-2011, 07:13:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene began to smile, her expression changing slowly.&nbsp; "I don't want retribution, Sam.&nbsp; I won't give you a list.&nbsp; But, when my name is cleared, I'm going to church and I'm sitting down front and center."&nbsp; <br><br>She chuckled as Sam laid out the new plans and nodded.&nbsp; "Why weren't you sending East for a wife six years ago?" she asked, kissing him back after regarding him seirously for a moment.&nbsp; "You're so good...And, I so deserve you..."&nbsp; She grinning, eyes coming back to life knowing that she wasn't alone in this anymore.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>12-09-2011, 06:19:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam was glad to see her smiling.&nbsp; He squeezed her hand gently and kissed her lightly.<br><br>Sam chuckled as he spoke quietly to her, as they were on the street and he didn’t want to be overheard.&nbsp; <br><br>“It wasn’t all about retribution baby.&nbsp; Knowing who did that to you might link them to those who actually did it, or to those who stood to profit in some way from Tim’s death.&nbsp; But that’s enough talk of it for now.&nbsp; Let’s keep our sights aimed on your tub and bed.”<br><br>Sam looked about but had no idea where the Clerk’s office was.&nbsp; In many towns that office was in the city hall or courthouse, but Oasis had neither.<br><br>“Where do we need to go Irene?&nbsp; I thought I knew but now I’m clueless.”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>13-09-2011, 07:06:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene frowned.&nbsp; "I don't honestly know.&nbsp; If there were an official building..."&nbsp; She started walking, stepping out into the street and looking at the facades of the buildings.&nbsp; She pointed to a squat building with a row of buisinesses.&nbsp; "I see a license sign.&nbsp; I'm guessing that is for marriage and that would be the clerk, yeah?"&nbsp; She gave Sam a look and strode off towards the office.&nbsp; If they were going to do this, then she wanted to get it done.&nbsp; Now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>13-09-2011, 16:38:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam’s thoughts were stuck for a moment or two on Irene’s offhanded question about looking east for a wife six years before.&nbsp; As he looked at her, he wished he’d been as lucky as Tim had been in finding her.&nbsp; But six years ago he was not in a good place and he’d have been no good to her or any other woman.&nbsp; ‘Time does heal,’ he thought.<br><br>Sam looked one way down the street as Irene looked the other.&nbsp; It seemed like suddenly they were lost which seemed unlikely in a one-street-town.&nbsp; ‘Maybe we’re both lost in our distractions,’ he thought as Sam’s eyes followed hers when Irene spotted the license sign.&nbsp; He chuckled that Irene would think that marriage licenses would be the primary function of the clerk’s office.&nbsp; He kind of liked that idea though and wondered if they were both having similar thoughts.<br><br>“Yeah I think you’re right darlin’”<br><br>She shot him a look which he didn’t understand and strode off on her own in the direction of the sign.&nbsp; Sam took a few long strides and easily caught up with her.<br><br>“What was the look for?&nbsp; Were you reading my mind or somethin’?&nbsp; And if you were . . . are you objectin’ to what I was thinkin’?&nbsp; You planted the seed after all.”<br><br>He grinned broadly as he walked beside her waiting to see how she’d respond.&nbsp; Sam took her hand in his as they drew closer to the sign.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>15-09-2011, 07:28:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm not a gypsy fortune teller, Sam.&nbsp; I don't read minds.&nbsp; I got a license there once upon a time," she said.&nbsp; The look had been not much more than a "Oh hell, here we go..." girding of her loins.&nbsp; But, if SAm had inclinations along a matrimonial side, she wasn't going to dissuade him.&nbsp; She looked at the building, smiling to herself.&nbsp; What the hell had he done?&nbsp; A few orgasms and she was ready to give&nbsp; up her life to merge with him?<br><br>Sighing, she gave herself a little shake and made the two steps up to the raised walk.&nbsp; "Want me to wait out here, Sam?" she asked.&nbsp; "He comes to the Saloon...might have a looser tongue without me present."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>16-09-2011, 05:11:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He grinned at her when she announced she didn’t read minds.&nbsp; There were some thoughts he’d just as soon keep to himself.&nbsp; Irene was having to come to grips with her husband’s death all over again and Sam hated it, but this was her duty as she saw it and it was his sworn duty . . . to the public through the court and the judge, and personally to her, so he was going to see it through.&nbsp; That usually meant it got done.<br><br>Her pause at the bottom step and her sigh did not go unnoticed by Sam.&nbsp; On the top step he turned and faced her.&nbsp; He took each of her hands into his and stood very close to her.&nbsp; He spoke to her in a gentle whisper.<br><br>“Darlin’ . . . I’ll not make a spectacle out here in front of this man, but consider this a whispered kiss.&nbsp; I love you Irene . . . and I ain’t no fortune teller neither . . . so I don’t know what’s in store for us . . . not even in there with this man . . . but I’m hoping one day you’ll be coming back here for a license again . . . and that I’ll be with you.&nbsp; Awww hell with it.”&nbsp; He muttered as he kissed her.&nbsp; It was as loving and sweet a kiss as he knew how to give her.&nbsp; When he leaned back and looked at her he spoke firmly but not angrily . . . at least at first.&nbsp; “I don’t give a crap about who this guy is and whether he knows you from the saloon.&nbsp; Darlin’ you’re not your past and you’re not your job.&nbsp; I was who I am long before I got to be doing what I’m doing . . . and maybe it works out that who I am fits with what I do but it doesn’t define me or you.”<br><br>He kissed her again just like before.<br><br>“Irene . . . I don’t know yet if you’ve caught on but I’ve got standards darlin’ and I’m mighty good at measurin’ folks against them . . . If I do say so . . . and Irene . . . you’re way past my highest expectations so do I need to say anything more?”<br><br>Sam smiled but didn’t wait for her to answer as he took her in his arms and kissed her gently with a hug.<br><br>“But Irene . . . as much as I hate doing this to you . . . you’ve got to come in to get the drawing done . . . and the info I want is all public records so he best not stall me on any of it or I’ll put him sideways on that horse I got ready for you and I’ll take him for a ride up to explain to the Judge why he’s not fulfilling his duty.&nbsp; I’m not taking any shit from anyone in this town.&nbsp; A man was murdered damn it and the lying bastards for whatever reasons sought to pin it on you and I damn well am going to know why . . . and who . . . so my darlin can get some peace and move on with her life . . . and that’s just how I ride.&nbsp; So let’s get this done . . . okay?&nbsp; And I’m sorry for being so long-winded . . . that’s usually not me unless I get my passion up . . . so now you know that too.”<br><br>Sam kept one of Irene’s hands in his as he turned and opened the door to the clerk’s office and held it open for her.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>16-09-2011, 07:35:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She hadn't taken Sam for the kind of man who gave impassioned speeches.&nbsp; However, he was quite good at it.&nbsp; He lost her a little bit with his explanation of his history, but she understood the meaning without following the words fully.&nbsp; And, his tossing out a half-assed marriage proposal in the midst of it left Irene more confused than ever.&nbsp; He almost sounded angry as he said those words.<br><br>And, then he kissed her.&nbsp; In front of the whole town...anyone on the street able to see the Agent in a clutch with the bartender of the Saguaro...and sometimes courtesan.&nbsp; In the midst of Sam's declaration, Irene's mind turned to the mundane; she hadn't paid for the food or anything else...&nbsp; What a mercenary mind she had!<br><br>She grunted as he kissed her yet again.&nbsp; Fine, she thought as he laid out her duty.&nbsp; She knew it and she felt petulant and lilly-livered even thinking of not going into the Clerk's office.&nbsp; She followed Sam; she had no choice as he kept hold of her hand.&nbsp; <br><br>"Psst." She planted her feet and hauled Sam to a stop before he could enter the building.&nbsp; "Do it now.&nbsp; Get the paper now, Sam.&nbsp; I'm ready to do that now, even if facing the clerk has my knees watery.&nbsp; But," she added with a finely-boned finger waving in the much taller man's face, "I fully expect a one-knee proposal at some point, d'you hear me?&nbsp; And, I want a ceremony so Guinevara and the girls can get dressed up and come---they do love a party and they'll make it a fine one.&nbsp; All right?&nbsp; Do we have an accord?" she asked.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>17-09-2011, 06:45:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene caught him by surprise with her hissed ‘Psst’ and somewhat defiant stance.&nbsp; He gave her a curious look.<br><br>“Yeah darlin’?”<br><br>I listened to her with a broadening smile and butterflies in his gut.&nbsp; As she spoke Sam released the door and stepped closer to her.<br><br>“Oh my darlin’ . . . we surely do have that accord between us.”<br><br>Sam stood and took a good look at her . . . her stance and her face.<br><br>“While this has been a whirlwind of a romance . . . this is one thing I’m as sure of as you are.&nbsp; I don’t see any reason to wait Irene.”<br><br>Sam kissed her hand as he knelt there on one knee.<br><br>“Irene O’Rourke . . . I don’t want to lose out on any time with you . . . and if you’re of a like mind, I hope you’ll consent to be my wife . . . Will you marry me one day Irene?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>17-09-2011, 06:53:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She hadn't meant now.&nbsp; But, the silly&nbsp; man kneeled before her, looking like a knight from one of her father's old novels that she smiled down at him.&nbsp; She'd never had a proposal.&nbsp; In point of fact, Tim had said, "Well, I guess you're here expecting to get married."&nbsp; It had so angered her, she'd done it.&nbsp; They'd come to some understanding...after a fashion.&nbsp; But, neither were well-pleased with their situation.&nbsp; She suspected he had a girl in a ranch near by.&nbsp; Irene closed her eyes, listening to Sam and smiled slightly.<br><br>"I will, Sam Markham.&nbsp; You may live to rue this day..."&nbsp; She laughed, then and gave his hand a tug to get him to stand up.&nbsp; "Now, sir, please kiss me a chaste kiss and let's get on with our business.&nbsp; I'm sure we've started the pasty clerk's imagination running to wild tales.&nbsp; Let's make it even better for him," She said.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>18-09-2011, 06:59:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam kissed her hand again.<br><br>“I will never rue this day . . . on the contrary this has been my best day if you count the last twenty-four as it.”<br><br>Sam stood, tenderly embraced her, and kissed her as chastely as he could imagine such a kiss might be.<br><br>“Of course we may have to edit the story for the children of how we met and proposed . . . at least until they’re older.”<br><br>He kissed her not so chastely.<br><br>“I’ve never been a fiancé before so I intend to work it some.”<br><br>Sam winked at her as her squeezed her left butt cheek.<br><br>“I want you now more than ever Irene . . . but we have to do this first . . . the drawing . . . the rest of it will be my pleasure.&nbsp; Now tell me what you know about this fellow darlin’ . . . the abbreviated version.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>18-09-2011, 07:19:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She grinned and flinched only a little when Sam did his grabb-ass.&nbsp; She removed his hand with a very school-marmish shake of her head.<br><br>The mention of children made Irene's stomach drop.&nbsp; She had failed to take Isabella's elixir...the one that prevented pregnancy.&nbsp; She swallowed a lump in her throat and tried to think straight, counting days.&nbsp; "Oh, christ on a cracker," she muttered.&nbsp; Did she want children?&nbsp; Did SAM want children?&nbsp; She felt slightly lightheaded as the thoughts pounded through her mind like runaway horses.<br><br>Sam was staring at her, now, waiting for a response.&nbsp; Irene thought quickly and realized he'd asked about the Clerk.&nbsp; <br><br>"He's a bit of an odd duck.&nbsp; Never comes to the saloon.&nbsp; Doesn't have a girlfriend that anyone knows of.&nbsp; No boyfriend, either," she added.&nbsp; "Very pale, wears peculiar tinted glasses and you never see him outside without an umbrella."&nbsp; She shrugged.&nbsp; "He seems competent enough, though.&nbsp; I mean, I've never heard a word against him."&nbsp; <br><br>She looked at Sam, studied him as a prospective father. She didn't want to worry him without cause, yet.&nbsp; Maybe her timing was off.&nbsp; And, peole didn't get pregnant every time they had sex at the right time of the month...Right?&nbsp; She smiled at Sam and reached for the door into the Clerk's office.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>20-09-2011, 04:34:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam noticed something like a twinge of panic in Irene’s demeanor after she muttered something which was unintelligible to him.&nbsp; He wondered what it was about but didn’t ask.&nbsp; She was entitled to her private thoughts without him playing the interrogator-general.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was curious though that it seemed to follow almost immediately after his comment on telling the children about how they’d met.&nbsp; Perhaps she’d not thought of having any or didn’t want to have them.&nbsp; They’d never talked about them.&nbsp; They could sort that out later . . . on a public walk outside a public office, was not the place. <br><br>Sam focused on what Irene was saying about the odd little man who managed the public and civic&nbsp; records for the Oasis Township and the surrounding territory.&nbsp; He didn’t have a very clear impression of how much territory that was and where its boundaries were set.&nbsp; His frame of reference was the Court Circuit for which he worked.<br><br>“Thanks darlin’ . . . I’ll do the talkin’ if that will make you more comfortable.&nbsp; You’ll be along more&nbsp; like a witness . . . that set with you?”<br><br>His mind drifted back to his previous thoughts as she seemed to be looking him over. He’d never given having children any thought . . . as he’d never been in position for it to have been an issue.&nbsp; He kinda thought they came as part of the deal, and wasn’t too sure how they wouldn’t come along except for some folks not being able to have them.&nbsp; He’d leave that to Irene . . . it was her body after all.&nbsp; Sam did his own muttering as he walked through the door that Irene was holding for him on the inside of the office.<br><br>“Damn . . . a mighty fine one too!”<br><br>He grinned as he realized that he was probably just as anxious to get this part over with quickly, even if not for the same reasoning.&nbsp; He decided to do the best part first.&nbsp; He walked to the counter and rang the little bell on the pad.&nbsp; A little man with very pale skin and in very proper attire came out of a back office and walked up behind the counter.<br><br>He nodded at Sam and Irene with a hint of a smile.<br><br>“Hello . . . I’m Joseph Hardy, the township clerk, how may I help you?”<br><br>“Well Mr. Hardy . . . I’m Sam Markham and this is Misses Irene O’Rourke and we have three pieces of business we’d like to conduct with you.&nbsp; The first is a personal matter.&nbsp; We’d like to apply for a marriage license . . . an open-ended one.&nbsp; Secondly, in my official capacity as an agent of the circuit court . . . ”&nbsp; He showed the man his badge.&nbsp; “And as you are the recorder and keeper of deeds and such, there are some records I need to see at the direction of the Court.”&nbsp; Sam pulled a signed order from the Judge out of his inner vest pocket and laid it out unfolded on the counter for the man to read if he had a mind to. “And lastly, the Marshal tells me that you do renderings of suspects for posters and such and Misses O’Rourke had an encounter with a ner-do-well and very likely a villainous scoundrel that the Judge would like apprehended.&nbsp; So sir . . . where shall we start?”<br><br>“Well sir . . . I’m pleased to be of service to you on all three matters.&nbsp; If you can tell me the documents that you wish to see my assistant can start gathering them for you.&nbsp; While she’s doing that I can sit with Misses O’Rourke and draw a likeness for you.&nbsp; We can save the pleasant task of the marriage license for the end.&nbsp; Misses O’Rourke . . . if you’ll have a seat by the window I’ll get my pad.&nbsp; Agent Markham . . . if you can write down or think of the documents you wish to start with . . . Misses Cruz can start collecting them for you.&nbsp; Excuse me sir . . . I’ll be just a minute.”<br><br>Sam turned to Irene and smiled as he gently squeezed her hand.<br><br>“I’ll be right here with you darlin’ so don’t fret none about having him getting the drawing right for you.”&nbsp; He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “I’m truly going to like being married to you darlin’ . . . I truly am Irene.”<br><br>He turned his attention back to the counter when an older woman of Hispanic origin announced her presence by clearing her throat.&nbsp; “How may I help you sir?”<br><br>“I’d like to see all the documents you have on file related to what was the O’Rourke ranch.&nbsp; Thank you.”<br><br>Sam smiled at the woman as she wrote down what he’d said on a printed form.&nbsp; He could see that she was a very attractive and stately woman and he thought that she must have been a real beauty in her younger years.<br><br>“Agent Markham . . . can you please sign this for our files and then I’ll be happy to find what you’re looking for.”<br><br>Sam signed the paper and Misses Cruz smiled and left him at the counter.&nbsp; Mr. Hardy arrived on her heels and sat in a chair very close to Irene.&nbsp; Sam took note that he’d positioned himself so he was sitting very close to Irene with the sunlight illuminating his drawing pad.<br><br>“So Misses O’Rourke . . . why don’t you begin by giving me a general description of this man. How was he built?&nbsp; Short?&nbsp; Tall? Plump? Skinny? You know . . . characteristics such as that and we’ll move on from there.”&nbsp; <br><br>Sam stood leaning back against the counter, less than three feet from Irene, directly opposite her.&nbsp; He loved looking at her.&nbsp; She had the most beautiful face and it distressed seeing her apparent pain in her expression.&nbsp; He listened closely as Mr. Hardy did an excellent job drawing her impressions and recollections of the man out before he began to draw anything.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mr. Hardy clearly knew what he needed and was very patient and reserved in how he got it.&nbsp; It was nice to know how talented he seemed to be.&nbsp; In Sam’s line of work you never knew whose talents and abilities you might need one day.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>20-09-2011, 07:30:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene smiled calmly, breathing deeply to keep that calm within.&nbsp; And, then, Mr. Hardy didn't act oddly towards her at all.&nbsp; When he led her to the window, he was actually quite nice.&nbsp; She ran over the descriptions again, closing her eyes have a better recollection.&nbsp; The man listened intently, making marks on his pad.<br><br>"I'll do a body-type sketch," he said.&nbsp; "Then, we can focus on their faces.&nbsp; Is that all right, Missus O'Rourke?"<br><br>"Yes, of course," Irene said, glancing at the counter, at the beautiful Mexican lady who waited on Sam.&nbsp; She saw Sam appreciate her appearance, but as soon as he'd signed the paper, his eyes came back to her.&nbsp; Smiling, she winked at Sam.<br><br>Mr. Hardy turned his pad for her to look and she nodded.&nbsp; "The other man had the same...rounded physique, but his legs were a bit bowed and he was just a couple inches shorter.&nbsp; The taller man had the knife on his right thigh and the gun set backwards on his left hip..."<br><br>Mr. Hardy smiled.&nbsp; "I'm good, Missus O'Rourke, but not that fast."<br><br>"Sorry."&nbsp; Irene smiled back at the man and watched him continue to sketch.<br><br>He made them silhouettes, giving a hint of the clothing they wore, a little light mark left here and there to suggest facial features.&nbsp; But, when he set to drawing their faces, he had Irene talk him through, shifting so she could see him draw each line.&nbsp; Working together, understanding what Irene was describing, the man made amazing likenesses of the people Irene had encountered at the Saguaro.<br><br>"Sam, look," Irene said.&nbsp; "Mr. Hardy has them perfectly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>20-09-2011, 11:08:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8a/Sarah.jpg)</div><em><strong>Sarah - at the Saloon </strong></em><br><br>The room was like any other she had been in lately, perhaps a bit more refined which caused her eyebrows to raise a&nbsp; notch. The sheets were clean which was the main thing and the thought of a hot bath to wash the dirt and dust of her traveling from her was almost heavenly. Almost, but she had long stopped believing in a heaven though she was certain that hell itself was alive and thriving on Earth. <br><br>She removed her stetson and wrapped her arms about herself beneath the flowing fabric of her poncho as she leaned against the wall and looked out the window. The net curtains could have done with a wash but she figured what was the point. They would only become coated with a fresh layer of desert sand in seconds, she deemed it a waste of time, money and effort to have the frivolous hangings in the rooms. <br><br>Watching the comings and goings outside she planned her next move, there had been no wanted posters up at all on any of the brothers, would she have to ride on to the next town? She hoped not, her best chance now was the girl that had attached herself to the youngest of the three brothers. A shiver ran through her as a flashback of his grubby hands pawing and mauling at her, cut through her mind. A knock at the door saved her from the nightmare of memories and she pulled herself back into the here and now.<br><br>Her bath was ready and after she had sank into it and soaked herself for a while before scrubbing herself clean to feel some bit human again, she pulled on a fresh pair of trousers. A light tan leather pair that hugged her long legs and round pert behind. Her holster was tied in place again at her hips and instead of her poncho she pulled on the only other item of clothing she had in her possession. A dark gray waistcoat that buttoned to just shy of her cleavage. Returning to her room, she discovered the hot food waiting for her and ate it with gusto all the while her mind ticking over on finding the Castle brothers. <br><br>Soon she was moving back down the stairs, her tray having been left outside her door for the maid or whoever the old man employed to clean up. The bar was busier than earlier but still all heads turned to look at her. Her hat was back on again, tilted just over her forehead but her hair trailed down her back still slightly damp from her bath. Ordering a shot of bourbon and taking the bottle, she went to an empty table near the back of the room and sat down. She had a clear view of the door, the other patrons, the bar, the stairs and the back of the piano man who had begun tinkling the keys much to her annoyance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>21-09-2011, 04:29:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5233242#msg5233242">Quote from: MistressofPen on 20-09-2011, 07:30:55</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Irene smiled calmly, breathing deeply to keep that calm within.... </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Sam watched her with the artist.&nbsp; He was glad to see that she’d gotten comfortable with the process.&nbsp; He chuckled aloud when he sent him a wink.&nbsp; That told him that she was all right.&nbsp; Irene’s voice was animated as she used her words to help Hardy make his drawings.<br><br>Sam stepped across and stood behind Mr. Hardy to look at the drawings when she announced her satisfaction with them.<br><br>“Very nicely done Mr. Hardy.&nbsp; Thank you . . . we very much appreciate your help with this.&nbsp; If I need you again in this capacity may I call on you?”<br><br>“Yes of course . . . you surely may.”<br><br>“The court has a set rate for services such as yours.&nbsp; If you’d sign this voucher for me, I can pay you for your time.”<br><br>“Well that’s mighty fine of you Mr. Markham.&nbsp; I don’t often get paid for this . . . I do appreciate it.&nbsp; Where do you want me to sign?”<br><br>Sam handed the Judge’s order with an attached sheet showing and pointed to the signature line. Mr. Hardy placed it on his pad and signed at the indicated spot.&nbsp; He stood and handed the papers back to Sam.&nbsp; In exchange Sam handed Hardy some currency and the two men shook hands.<br><br>“I understand from the marshal that you have a press available.&nbsp; Is it possible to have a dozen or so copies of these drawings printed up to show and leave with folks?&nbsp; You’ll of course be paid for your time.”<br><br>“Why certainly . . . it will take most of a day to do that though.&nbsp; If you come back tomorrow about this time, they should be ready for you.&nbsp; Now . . . about that license?&nbsp; Shall we proceed?&nbsp; It’ll be on the house of course.&nbsp; It’s nice to have seen how much you both care for each other . . . and frankly Misses O’Rourke . . . I think you’ve been treated quite shabbily by folks in this town.&nbsp; I hope you get these bastards Mr. Markham . . . this town has had too many of this type . . . even with the marshal’s diligence.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>21-09-2011, 07:07:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene was glad to be sitting or she feared her legs might have given out at the kind words from the clerk.&nbsp; Had she mistaken his smiles for smirks, thinking he was on the side of the rabble when in reality he was tossing her a crumb of friendship?&nbsp; Good heavens, she mused.&nbsp; How many others did her own lack of self-worth change from friend to foe?<br><br>She got to her feet and follwed the men to the counter.&nbsp; "Thank you, Mr. Hardy."&nbsp; She held out her hand and the man hesitated a moment before taking it and giving it a shake, patting their linked hands with his free hand.&nbsp; She turned to Sam, curious to find out if he was really ready to sign his freedom away.<br><br>Irene smiled at Sam as he looked at her, her chin lifting slightly.&nbsp; This man, she mused, was going to cause her to put on airs if he kept looking at her like a treasure.&nbsp; She was about to step up to him and kiss him when she recalled that they were in public.&nbsp; <br><br>She watched the man bring out a big book and pen and ink.&nbsp; Excitement started to burble inside her.&nbsp; &nbsp;She bobbed on her toes, the heels of her ankle boots off the ground.&nbsp; "Should we, Sam.&nbsp; I mean, you can ruin a good thing with a piece of paper," she said, grinning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 04:52:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam smiled at her.&nbsp; It made him feel so good that she seemed to be bubbling with happiness.<br><br>“Yeah . . . we should Irene.&nbsp; You can ruin a good thing without paper too.”&nbsp; He winked at her.&nbsp; “Just leave the shackles a little loose . . . all right?”<br><br>Sam moved to stand beside her.&nbsp; He set his left hand on her hip as they listened to Mr. Hardy go through all the requirements and questions.&nbsp; In the end it took but a few minutes, cost Sam two dollars, and had Irene apparently happy enough that Sam thought she might float up off the floor but for his hand on her hip.&nbsp; The warmth of her body under his hand had him thinking other thoughts too but he suppressed them until they could be alone.<br><br>They signed the book and Mr. Hardy completed a Marriage License certificate and handed it to Sam in a stiff envelope.&nbsp; Sam grinned broadly as he turned and kissed her.&nbsp; As the brief kiss broke, he handed the envelope to Irene.<br><br>“You’ve got a place to keep this for us.&nbsp; I’ve got a horse and saddle bags.”&nbsp; <br><br>He turned to Mr. Hardy and shook his hand as Misses Cruz walked up with three large ledgers.&nbsp; She spoke in a warm pleasant tone as she set the books on the counter.<br><br>“Mr. Markham, Misses O’Rourke . . . congratulations.&nbsp; Do you have a date set yet?”&nbsp; She smiled at the two of them.<br><br>Sam answered, “Nope . . . not yet.&nbsp; This is a rather recent decision and we’ve not gotten that far along with it yet.”&nbsp; He looked at Irene and smiled at her as his hand discretely slid down her back and over the delicious curve of her ass.&nbsp; <br><br>“Well best wishes to both of you.”&nbsp; She slid the books forward toward Sam.&nbsp; “These are all the records regarding the O’Rourke property going back to the original Spanish land grant.&nbsp; That’s probably more information than you need but it is complete.&nbsp; I started in the most recent volume and worked my way back.&nbsp; The little stubs of paper mark the pages of each entry.&nbsp; I hope this will help you in your investigation.”<br><br>The woman smiled and looked at Irene as she spoke.&nbsp; She nodded to Sam and handed him a card with the legal name of Irene’s ranch,&nbsp; then stepped back and walked back to her desk.<br><br>Mr. Hardy motioned with his open hand to a table in the far front corner of the office.<br><br>“You may use that table to study these records.&nbsp; Take all the time you need.&nbsp; You may use this pen if you like and this paper to make your notes.”<br><br>Sam spoke in a voice loud enough for Misses Cruz and Hardy both to hear.<br><br>“Thank you both for your help . . . we are very appreciative.”<br><br>Sam grabbed the books and smiled at Irene as he started for the table.&nbsp; In a quiet tone, just a little above a whisper he spoke to Irene.<br><br>“This wasn’t so bad was it?&nbsp; How about I’ll read and you write . . . that way we’ll be able to read it later.&nbsp; &nbsp;Then I want to take you to bed.”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 06:10:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene smiled.&nbsp; She seemed unable to make her lips straighten to a serious line as was due the seriousness of their quest for information.&nbsp; He'd done it.&nbsp; He'd gotten a license.&nbsp; She didn't need a church...didn't particularly want one, either.&nbsp; She had Sam and he had her and that seemed good enough to leave it be.<br><br>She took the paper and pen that Mr. Hardy offered and thanked him and Senora Cruz before following Sam to the table.&nbsp; She was surprised he could take his hand off her butt long enough to carry the books.&nbsp; The man was a sexual dynamo!<br><br>Irene settled at the table, arranged the paper and ink and waited for Sam to give her information.&nbsp; She hadn't realized that Tim's family had had the land so long.&nbsp; <br><br>"If we find out who has the land, now, perhaps we could find out if they have other properties.&nbsp; Then, we could research how they acquired the property, see if there's some similarities," she offered, thinking out loud as she drew delicate little daisies along the side of the paper.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 03:51:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sam opened the ledger on top of the pile.&nbsp; He glanced over at Irene and smiled.<br><br>“I see you’re a natural at this detecting work Irene....and I like those flowers too.”<br><br>He patted her hand and then withdrew it to scroll down the page to the last date entered for the property Misses Cruz had given him on the card.<br><br>“Marcus Smith holds the deed currently with no lein.&nbsp; He bought your ranch two years ago. I wonder how Mr’ Smith acquired enough money to own it outright.&nbsp; Irene...I’m going to read what’s here and then add my questions or comments.&nbsp; It would be great if you could make those notes for me in brackets...you chime in too if you think of anything.&nbsp; His name mean anything to you?&nbsp; Jot it down if it does.&nbsp; Moving on...”<br><br>He moved to the next marked page.&nbsp; He scrolled down again and found an entry.<br><br>“There’s one entry here Irene...looks to be a year or so after your husband’s death...am I right?”&nbsp; He turned the ledger so she could read where his finger rested.&nbsp; “Josiah Carter is the name , and Josiah looks to be independently wealthy as well since there’s no mortgage lien recorded.&nbsp; That date or name ring up any memories darlin’?&nbsp; I don’t want to cause you any additional grief but can you explain to me why you didn’t get anything from the sale of the ranch?&nbsp; It just doesn’t sit well with me...you as Tim’s spouse should still have received some benefit from his estate even if you couldn’t own the land....and if you didn’t get any proceeds who got ‘em?”<br><br>He paused in thought.&nbsp; Sam remembered something Irene had said in passing.<br><br>“This is not a quiz honey, but before I go to the next entry I want to hear what you know and what you were told about the original sale of the land.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 05:13:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene dutifully wrote down the names.&nbsp; Marcus Smith.&nbsp; The name was familiar.&nbsp; But, Marcus was a right common name.&nbsp; Josiah Carter could be Joe Carter, she mused.&nbsp; He was a rich man, but he was tetched in the head, always talking about the railroad coming to Oasis.&nbsp; He bought whatever he could get his hands on.&nbsp; And, he often resold it at a profit.<br><br>Sharing her memories with Sam, she shrugged.&nbsp; "I didn't get anything because they said the taxes hadn't been paid in years and the sale of the property would just cover the taxes."&nbsp; She smiled at Sam.&nbsp; "I have a very nice set of sterling silver flatware in a velvet lined box in the bottom drawer of that dresser you seemed to like so much."&nbsp; She frowned.&nbsp; "It was my grandmother's and I wasn't going to let anyone else have it.&nbsp; The furniture...well, without money to hire movers or a horse on which to pack it, I let it go.&nbsp; I kept my clothes, Sam.&nbsp; But, it's been five years and I've altered most things to suit my new lifestyle."<br><br>She leaned closer to Sam.&nbsp; "Timothy never hit me, but, like I said, he wasn't a compassionate man.&nbsp; If he ever truly loved someone..." Irene looked at Sam, "half as much as I love you already, I don't know what he'd have been like.&nbsp; But, he was angry.&nbsp; Mad at the world."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 13:45:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8a/Sarah.jpg)</div>There may have been a bottle placed on the table before her but she didn't touch it, the small glass was held in her hand and one single sip had been taken but nothing more. She wasn't too pushed if any one noticed this, Sarah didn't think any one cared enough what or how much she drank. They were too busy dealing with the crap of their own lives to bother with another wretched soul trespassing on their time. Her gaze however took in every man in the room and the girls that lingered on a few laps. It was during her scrutiny that a door overhead slammed shut and laughing of a high tinkling variety wafted down to her ears. It sounded shrill and overly done as if forced joviality was necessary to placate whoever the woman was with. Sarah had a moment where she felt sorry for her but it soon passed. Whoever the woman was had chosen her own circumstances and if life itself had forced the situation on to her, then there were always options. True death was possibly the best one in all the others that came to mind, but Sarah didn't and couldn't feel sorry for any one that chose that way of life.<br><br>Footsteps moved, one heavy and the other padding lightly as if in barefeet. Murmured voices before the woman ran back to her room and closed the door again behind her. As the figure of a man walked down the stairs right in her line of vision, Sarah felt the hair on the back of her hands stand up. A cold shiver crept along her spine and her insides turned as if she would throw up. It took all her nerve to steel herself just to remain seated. Brody Castle! She would recognise him or any of his brothers twice over but as he turned his head and looked directly at her, his gaze barely flickered with anything but lust. He didn't recognise her and she couldn't blame him. She was a far cry from the farmers wife he had raped. Her hair wasn't brushed all neat and tidy, she wasn't wearing skirts or a blouse ... she was no longer married and she was no longer pregnant she slapped on in her own mind as the gnawing desire for revenge took over. <br><br>Her fear of this man was gone, she could feel it seeping from her. She was not the scared fragile woman she once was, she had a purpose and that was to gun down him and his brothers. Without saying a word to any one other than nodding his head at one or two, he left the saloon and taking a sudden gulp for courage, Sarah drained her glass and left soon after him. When she got outside she saw nothing more than a lone rider galloping out of town and she moved into the middle of the dirt road to watch him. Anger bubbled within her as the doors to the Saloon opened and footsteps made their way across the wooden flooring to the road after her.<br>"What business you got here miss?" <br><br>Sarah turned to see a lean looking man dressed in dirt gray trousers and long coat, his stetson pushed high so she could easily see the scar that ran down one side of his face dragging on his left eye making him look garish. She didn't doubt he scared children with that face. <br><strong>"None of yours."</strong><br><br>He spat some tobacco to the ground, a blob of black staining the sand.<br>"Well now see ... you're a stranger and I don't much take to strangers. Especially ones that go following friends of mine outside."<br><br>Her eyebrows quirked up as she regarded him, one hand moving to unclip her gun from its holster.<br><strong>"Well if he's a friend of yours then you're no friend of mine."</strong><br><br>Before she had fully unclipped her gun, he had his out and was lifting it swiftly at her. Sarah pulled roughly on her own gun but his shot rang out first, the bullet clipping the side of her arm while her own hit the wooden column of the Saloon to his right. She swore as the pain tore through her, it was superficial but for now she wasn't to know that. It just bloody stung like hell.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 17:20:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>OOC note- Uther's and Sarah's storyline will run on their own timeline, but do not mind the occasional interaction with Irene or Sam, but this story might advance quicker then what has been the norm so far. </em></div><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(http://www.flicksandbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/karl-urban-priest.jpg)</div> <br><br>The man grinned as he approached, gun at the ready to end her when he began to notice her feminine features. His thoughts carried over to something more wicked but he forgot that it was the middle of the day and it was his misfortune that the Marshall was seeking a drink that day. <br>"I think I'm going to kee..."<br>He began to speak before he convulsed were he stood, dancing to the sound of three shots taken to the back before he dropped like a rock onto the wooden floorboards of the saloon's deck. Blood quickly cascaded from his lips, the man had been shot in two vital organs and his body made its death spasms. Marshall Wrynn approached, holstering the gun with a fluid grace that made the dead man seem as clumsy as a newborn child. <br><br><strong>"You alright..." </strong><br>Uther asked, unaware that she was the one who looked so much like Jane he was coming to the saloon to drown himself in drink. He had not put the pieces together yet, her hat concealed most of her face but their was no denying that her hips and curves gave her away despite the duster/poncho combination she wore. Jane...He was thinking about her again, so much his mood had both heightened and grown colder a bit. <br><br>He had yet to discover that she was injured, that she was on a vendetta and most importantly of all she was the sister he had heard much about when his wife lived... 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 05:07:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5246095#msg5246095">Quote from: MistressofPen on 23-09-2011, 05:13:22</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Irene dutifully wrote down the names.&nbsp; Marcus Smith.&nbsp; The name was familiar.&nbsp; But, Marcus was a right common name.&nbsp; </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Sam spoke softly to her as his hand rested on hers.<br><br>“I’m glad you were able to keep something that you valued . . . but something just doesn’t seem right to me about this whole thing.&nbsp; We surely aren’t going to figure it out today, but I want to get as much research done today as we can.&nbsp; Then I want to celebrate our being engaged . . . and how much I want you.”<br><br>Sam opened the next ledger and went to the last tab.&nbsp; He opened it and scanned down the page.&nbsp; He grimaced at the entry.<br><br>“Well here it is just about when you said it was.&nbsp; It’s the entry for the township’s execution of a ‘delinquent tax’ lien.&nbsp; The notation is entered by order of . . . well it looks to me like a Jason Sullivan, as tax collector.&nbsp; Here take a look . . . is that how you read that?&nbsp; Oh and write down that date for me please.”<br><br>Sam handed the ledger to Irene.<br><br>“Do you know that man?&nbsp; Did he ever talk to you or give you any papers?&nbsp; I always thought these foreclosure orders had to be from the court . . . I suppose I could telegraph the Judge and ask him.&nbsp; Of course this is probably before the Marshal’s time here, and certainly before Mr. Hardy as there’s another signature with the clerk’s stamp beside it.&nbsp; Do you see that?&nbsp; I couldn’t really make it out darlin’ . . . can you?&nbsp; I hate to ask you this so bluntly honey . . . but how was it that you left the ranch?”<br><br>He held her hand and gently squeezed it, hoping she’d take some comfort from the gesture.<br><br>“Back east . . . it’s usually the county sheriff who serves the papers . . . we’re still a little young out here maybe to have that setup but there should have been some legal papers in order to take Tim’s estate’s likely only asset from you as his widow.&nbsp; It seems like a very low thing to do without giving you the chance to pay the back taxes and any penalties.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 06:45:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5250326#msg5250326">Quote from: derek on 24-09-2011, 05:07:05</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><br>“Do you know that man?&nbsp; Did he ever talk to you or give you any papers?&nbsp; I always thought these foreclosure orders had to be from the court . . . I suppose I could telegraph the Judge and ask him.&nbsp; Of course this is probably before the Marshal’s time here, and certainly before Mr. Hardy as there’s another signature with the clerk’s stamp beside it.&nbsp; Do you see that?&nbsp; I couldn’t really make it out darlin’ . . . can you?&nbsp; I hate to ask you this so bluntly honey . . . but how was it that you left the ranch?”<br><br>He held her hand and gently squeezed it, hoping she’d take some comfort from the gesture.<br><br>“Back east . . . it’s usually the county sheriff who serves the papers . . . we’re still a little young out here maybe to have that setup but there should have been some legal papers in order to take Tim’s estate’s likely only asset from you as his widow.&nbsp; It seems like a very low thing to do without giving you the chance to pay the back taxes and any penalties.”<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Irene looked at the book.&nbsp; "First letter's a F.&nbsp; Finch?&nbsp; Fincher?&nbsp; Flint, maybe," she offered.&nbsp; Rising, she took the book nearer the window and looked at it in full light.&nbsp; "Flint.&nbsp; Lots of swirls...rather feminine writing," she offered.&nbsp; <br><br>Movement on the street and she saw Marshall Wrynn heading towards the saloon.&nbsp; She watched him for a moment, then returned to the table.&nbsp; <br><br>"The marshall doesn't strike me as the type who involves himself in other people's business if it isn't warranted," she said.&nbsp; "But, maybe he knows of these people.&nbsp; He might have had dealings with them.&nbsp; I know few residents," Irene admitted.<br><br>Settling back down she wrote FLINT on the paper below JASON SULLIVAN.&nbsp; "Sullivan, is a familiar name.&nbsp; He visited me a few times; wanted to look at the property.&nbsp; He came before Tim died, too.&nbsp; Tim hated him.&nbsp; He saw him as the devil incarnate.&nbsp; Tim was late on the taxes and he came out one time.&nbsp; I almost forgot about this.&nbsp; Sullivan came out and he said it was just a 'friendly reminder' to get the money to him.&nbsp; Tim swears it was from that point on that things went bad.&nbsp; The cattle took sick.&nbsp; Anthrax.&nbsp; One by one they dropped and we had to burn them.&nbsp; Then, the hay field we'd planted was eaten by swarms of bugs...locusts, he called them.&nbsp; We couldn't pay the mortgage for a year.&nbsp; He put the money we had into a new herd of just ten cows and a bull.&nbsp; The bull...disappeared.&nbsp; We sold the cows one by one and it never got better.&nbsp; He was gone more.&nbsp; He drank more.&nbsp; Sullivan visited once, insinuated he'd like me to invite him in.&nbsp; I was alone, but Tim rode up right then.&nbsp; He was drunk, but not too drunk.&nbsp; He was itching for a fight and Sullivan was smart enough to leave.&nbsp; When Tim died, we were already so far in debt..."&nbsp; She squeezed Sam's hand.&nbsp; "The notice to evacuate came in the hand of a pimply faced teen.&nbsp; He got a dollar to ride out and serve the notice to me."&nbsp; <br><br>Irene hadn't realized how much she hated that part of her life.&nbsp; She was embarrassed, ashamed even, to admit that her husband was so bad at what he did that they didn't even have money enough to bury him.&nbsp; <br><br>"The boy, when he saw me, started to crumple the notice.&nbsp; I saw it.&nbsp; I'd been watching for anyone coming down the trail.&nbsp; He was all of sixteen and offered to marry me."&nbsp; Irene laughed now, but it was a teary laugh.&nbsp; "Sullivan came after.&nbsp; He said he'd take care of the taxes for me, if we could make an agreeable arrangement."&nbsp; She snorted.&nbsp; "I'd rather pull beers and--well, on my own terms than become Sullivan's kept woman.&nbsp; If I was going to be a whore, I didn't want people talking behind their hands about it.&nbsp; Besides, the taxes the least of it.&nbsp; We were in arrears on the mortgage so far that I'd never have been able to make it good."<br><br>She sighed.&nbsp; She looked at Sam again.&nbsp; "Ours was the only herd that got Antrhax," she murmured.&nbsp; &nbsp;The highly contagious disease had been confined to the O'Rourke ranch.&nbsp; Irene had thought it odd and Tim had yelled at her not to be stupid.&nbsp; She hadn't said anything more about it.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I don't think they have cattle there now.&nbsp; The disease can live in the ground for years...one book said up to a hundred years.&nbsp; Figures that Tim would pick that ground to settle."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 09:47:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8a/Sarah.jpg)</div>She watched him approach and moved to lift her gun again but the barrel of his own was pointing right at her. This was maddening, all this time and she was going to get gunned down on the street by some stranger. If it had been by the hand of one of the Castle brothers she would not have minded so much but this humiliation after everything she had been through left her raw. <br><br>The humiliation was short lived, as she jumped from shock. The sound of one, two, three shots ringing out and the man before her falling down. His head a mess and blood oozing about the place. She stood there rigid with shock not even seeing the face of the man who had shot him, simply staring at the prone body and disbelieving that she was still alive.<br><br>Sarah wanted to pinch herself, she didn't believe in any god not after what she had been through, instead she deemed herself extremely lucky. Two words were spoken and slowly she lifted her head to look up at the man towering close to her. <br><strong>"Yes ... I think..."</strong> she warbled, clutching her arm as the pain registered again. Shock had a funny way of dealing with any situation, "<strong>Ow!" </strong><br><br>She hissed through gritted teeth moving her hand away to look at the blood coating her palm. <br><strong>"I got hit."</strong> <br>Again she looked up at him, her hat still covered the most of her face but her warm voice, the sound that could keep a man from straying far, seemed to caress the air between them. It was a voice not very dissimilar to her sisters.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 07:35:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5250597#msg5250597">Quote from: MistressofPen on 24-09-2011, 06:45:52</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Irene looked at the book.&nbsp; "First letter's a F.&nbsp; Finch?&nbsp; Fincher?&nbsp; Flint, maybe," she offered.&nbsp; Rising, she took the book nearer the window and looked at it in full light.&nbsp; "Flint.&nbsp; Lots of swirls...rather feminine writing," she offered.&nbsp; <br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Sam looked up from the third ledger as Irene carried the second to the window to see the writing better he guessed.&nbsp; He heard what sounded like gunshots.&nbsp; To him at least one sounded different from the others.&nbsp; Irene didn’t seem to notice.&nbsp; Maybe she was used to the sound.&nbsp; He’d not heard any in the time he’d been in Oasis with the exception of those four.<br><br>“Hmmm . . . did you hear that? Oh well . . . the odd thing about what you’ve just told me Irene . . . about the mortgage . . . had he taken one out to buy the cattle?&nbsp; It could have been a personal note because there’s no bank lien recorded that I or Misses Cruz have found.&nbsp; The lien that was used to seize the title was the tax issue.”<br><br>“Oh darlin’ . . . that sounds horrible.&nbsp; I’m so sorry you had to live it . . . and now . . . relive it.”<br><br>When she squeezed his hand Sam raised them to his mouth and he kissed the back her hand. <br><br>“Are Sullivan and the other’s whose names you recognize still around?&nbsp; It would almost be worth it and ride out to see what’s going on out at your old&nbsp; ranch.&nbsp; I think we have enough information for now.&nbsp; Let’s think on everything a bit more and then come back to this later . . . tomorrow when we can get the posters”<br><br>He could see the pain in her face as they were of necessity making her relive it all over again.<br><br>“Darlin’ it just seems like too much went wrong to be just bad luck.&nbsp; That’s just my impression anyway.&nbsp; We’ve got some names and some decent alternative theories about other factors that could have been in play.&nbsp; Why don’t we take a break and go up to your room?”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 07:53:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irene stared at Sam as he brought up a very good question.&nbsp; If the property had been a land grant...&nbsp; "Sam, I have to admit absolute ignorance.&nbsp; What I know, I know from information gathered after the fact.&nbsp; Of course, I witnessed the Anthrax.&nbsp; But, the financial part---&nbsp; Well, that wasn't for a woman to worry about, now was it?" Her tone was slightly bitter.&nbsp; She was mad at a dead man, again.&nbsp; Irene just couldn't seem to keep a good opinion of the man she'd married because the more she learned, the more secrets he seemed to have.<br><br>"The loan could have been for anything, Sam.&nbsp; The cattle idea is logical.&nbsp; And, there were bad years for rain and we had to buy and import hay.&nbsp; That wasn't easy or cheap.&nbsp; He sank a well, too, when ours went dry.&nbsp; There were more expenses with that property than revenue, so being in debt just seems natural."<br><br>She closed the ledger.&nbsp; "I think Carter is still around.&nbsp; I don't know about Mr. Sullivan, the tax man.&nbsp; I think the current man is different."&nbsp; She sighed and shifted to sit on the edge of her chair, her knee rubbing Sam's.&nbsp; "Let's go back to my room, Sam.&nbsp; I need to wash this all right out of my head..." she whispered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 08:25:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>Marshall Wrynn and Sarah </em></div><hr><br>Uther was unable to make her face out but he saw a chin and cheek line that reminded him of times better spent, to a time he wanted nothing in life but be an honest man. He pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind, that festering wound brought on by the loss always carried on him, crippling him from being the man only one woman could bring out of him. The Marshall bent down and helped her to her feet by grabbing her from under the opposite armpit that had been shot without thinking twice of her personal space. <br><strong>"Getting shot tends to hurt, common now, this town has a decent doctor...better catch him before he comes to the saloon." </strong><br>He said, turning his back to her and walking off to guide her. Glancing back he beckoned her to follow with a nod of his head, the distance between them starting to upon as his boots met the dirt and gravel of the road that led away from the saloon and back into the main town. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 01:21:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8a/Sarah.jpg)</div>Sarah allowed the Marshall to assist her only because he was the Marshall and no other reason. They served their purpose in every town she entered and having him now shoot the guy who had been trying to kill her, meant she could bloody well ask him just about anything. <br>No joke getting shot hurt, it stung like crazy and her eyes smarted with tears but she gritted her teeth and stood up. <br><br>As he strode off expecting her to follow him, she removed her stetson and used it to dust off the dirst from her clothing. Holding her arm across her chest she fell into step behind him at first but soon caught up and walked side by side.<br><br><strong>"Do people here usually go shooting up women folk?"</strong> she asked, a part of her still disbelieving that someone would simply follow her out and try to kill her, all because she had followed a wanted man out of the Saloon. They drew near to the doc's house, Sarah had yet to actually look the sheriff head on, her hair whipped about her face in the breeze so only glimpses of her features were caught. She winced with the pain suddenly, gripping her arm tighter to staunch the flow of blood.<br><br><strong>"He better have a shot of whisky or he'll be heading to the Saloon anyway."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 05:00:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5254044#msg5254044">Quote from: MistressofPen on 25-09-2011, 07:53:09</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Irene stared at Sam... "Let's go back to my room, Sam.&nbsp; I need to wash this all right out of my head..." she whispered.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Sam leaned forward and kissed her softly.<br><br>“Okay baby . . . we’re going.”<br><br>Sam took the notes, folded them and slipped them into his inner vest pocket.&nbsp; He closed the ledgers and stacked them in their original order and carried them back to the counter.&nbsp; Mr. Hardy nodded when he saw them there and came out of his office.&nbsp; Sam offered him his hand.<br><br>“Thank you sir.&nbsp; We’ll be back tomorrow for the posters.&nbsp; We may need to do some more research then as well, if it’s not a burden on you.”<br><br>Mister Hardy assured him that it would be fine.<br><br>Sam returned to Irene and took her hand and walked her to the door.&nbsp; He held it open for her.&nbsp; <br><br>“Shall we cancel our ride darlin’ and try it in the morning?&nbsp; &nbsp;It’ll be some cooler then.”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 07:21:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Day three<br><br>The ride!&nbsp; She'd completely forgotten.&nbsp; But, right now, she just wanted to feel Sam's warmth along the length of her; join with him and put everything else out of her mind.<br><br>"We could go at sunset," she suggested.&nbsp; "The wind comes up then and if all you wanted was a few minutes away from humanity, it will give us enough time."&nbsp; She clutched his hand, almost trotting along the dusty street up the hill towards the Saguaro.&nbsp; "Right now, all I want is you, Sam.&nbsp; I need you..."<br><br>Ahead there seemed to be something going on.&nbsp; And, it appeared to be taking place right in front of the saloon.&nbsp; Why now? Irene wondered.&nbsp; All she wanted was to get to her room, get Sam naked and make love and there appeared to be some sort of gathering...<br><br>Men came away carrying a body on a plank.&nbsp; The crowd parted to let them through and Irene halted, stepping back out of the way, mouth opened in an O at the bullet holes in the man's body and head.&nbsp; She clutched Sam's arm in surprised horror.<br><br>"What on earth---?" she muttered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 07:43:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>Marshall Wrynn and Sarah visiting the local doctor in town</em></div><hr><br><strong>"Round these parts, these damn cuttthroats would flay a child if it meant a dollar in their pocket. People don't come around here unless they know what they are getting into." </strong><br>The Marshall explained the hidden underside of the jewel that was Oasis. It was all true, the Marshall had met the scum bags toe to toe and had created a balance but outside the city, it was No Man's Land. Some of the ranches had fallen simply because they could not protect themselves long enough to send help to town and the Marshall had grown bitter over the dire reality. The land out west was nothing to be gained yet, the gold was decent but the mines for the most part had yet to be discovered and trigger the influx and therefore the legal support. Uther even wondered what would happen when an actual lawman came to town and claimed jurisdiction. He was deeply devoted to his vendetta and he wondered if he would be able to walk away. <br><br>Pushing the swinging door open, the Marshall guided the wounded woman in. The doctor was a young man, looking rather handsome and the type who would have made a decent living at a practice in the east but he held his secrets and reasons for living so far away from actual authorities. <br><strong>"Doc, get out here, I got a customer for ya." </strong><br>The doctor came out and greeted the female, before showing her to a room with his supplies. Uther, unintentionally not looking at her clearly. <strong>"If you can't draw fast, don't go looking for fights darling, you won't live long out here if you do." </strong> He warned her before stepping out and walked back towards his office but instead stopped himself and sat right outside the doctor's office. Uther was realizing how familiar she felt...but what was it? 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 23:06:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em><strong>Sarah with the Marshall and the doctor </strong></em></div><br><hr><br>Sarah didn't doubt for a second that many of the inhabits of Oasis or the surrounding countryside were wild Neanderthals. If they harboured the Castle boys then they couldn't be in any way decent in her opinion. Making their way to the doctors she thanked him before they entered and then stepped silently into the hallway of the doctors house. Moving into one of the rooms, the doctor soon joined them and asked Sarah to follow him. She did so without looking back at the Marshall, not expecting him to be there when she got out. <br><br>Her poncho was lifted at the side, revealing her bare arm and the bullet wound.<br>"It's just a superficial wound, it passed right by. You'll have a nice scar" he told her as if he were talking to a tomboy who would be thrilled at such things. Sarah eyed him speculatively as he passed her a bottle of whisky which he stated was for medical purposes. She took a slug of it before he used a bit of it to clean the wound. Hissing she glared at him but the wound at least would be sterile now. Another scar, she mused add it to the litany of scars that riddled her back and other arm. It was then he noticed the one running along her neck as her hair was pushed back out of the way.<br><br>"Should I even ask what happened to you?" he was sincere in his concern but knew she most likely wouldn't say a word about how she got so banged up. What sort of woman went about getting shot at? He looked at her through clearer eyes and swigged some of the whisky himself. <br><br>Sarah said nothing but watched the bandage he applied to her bleeding wound and then pushed herself from the doctors table he had asked her to sit on. <br><strong>"How much do I owe you?"</strong><br><br>He stared at her a moment before gathering up the dirty blood stained swaps he had used to clean the wound.<br>"It's on the house, I'm sure it won't be the last time you're in here" he told her before she folded down the side of her poncho again and said a mumbled thank you. When she opened the door with hat in her hand, she frowned on seeing the Marshall sitting there. <br><br><strong>"You need seeing too as well?"</strong> she asked leaving the door open to the doctors office before walking through the outer room, putting her hat back on she reached the front door, <strong>"he's free now."</strong><br><br>Stepping out side once again she stretched her arm a little, the Marshall's words from earlier played around in her head. He was right, if she didn't learn how to be quick and a sure shot then she was as good as dead before she could ever get a shot off. It was her turn to wait for him to leave. She had seen the damage of his firing ability and she was going to put a proposition his way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 06:19:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=107518.msg5259020#msg5259020">Quote from: MistressofPen on 26-09-2011, 07:21:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Day three<br><br>...Men came away carrying a body on a plank.&nbsp; The crowd parted to let them through and Irene halted, stepping back out of the way, mouth opened in an O at the bullet holes in the man's body and head.&nbsp; She clutched Sam's arm in surprised horror.<br><br>"What on earth---?" she muttered.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>“Yeah . . . It looks like someone met an unhappy end darlin’ . . . you don’t need to see that.”<br><br>Sam gathered Irene in toward him as he moved them toward the saloon and against the crowd which seemed to be anxiously following the horror.&nbsp; Sam knew how to use his weapons . . . and he was very good at it but he preferred to bring ‘em in alive.&nbsp; He liked to see them answer for their crimes.&nbsp; He also knew and believed that self-defense was entirely legitimate.&nbsp; There was no telling yet what had gone down here, but he was glad that Irene had been absent for it.<br><br>“Bullets have no respect for the human body . . . that’s for sure.&nbsp; I don’t think he looked like any of the men that you and Hardy drew.”<br><br>They made slow but steady progress toward the saloon.&nbsp; It seemed that whatever had gone down had been in the street and not inside the saloon.&nbsp; Sam was relieved for that.&nbsp; All he wanted was their time without it being impinged upon by the sleazy world around them.&nbsp; They both needed to be cleansed by their love for each other.&nbsp; Sam thought he saw the marshal with a woman going inside the building but he and Irene were still a far piece away from them to be sure.<br><br>“Hey honey is there anyway to get away from this crowd and inside to your room?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MistressofPen</strong> on <strong>28-09-2011, 08:27:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without speaking, Irene nodded to Sam and ran her hand down his arm until her fingers met his and laced together.&nbsp; She could breathe, now.&nbsp; Now that she could feel the warmth of Sam's hand, she was able to move, leading the way to the stables.<br><br>She paused, blinking at the backsides of the horses tied into the slip stalls at the end of the stable, the box stalls further in, protected on all sides.&nbsp; "Diablo..." she murmured and led the way inside to check on the horse.<br><br>"That was rather a large hole in that man...or holes," she said outside Diablo's stall.&nbsp; <br><br>Tomas emerged from the tack room, smiling as he pocketed a rag.&nbsp; He asked if they were going to ride.<br><br>"Not now, Tomas," Irene said, dropping a hand to the young man's shoulder.&nbsp; "Perhaps later."<br><br>"As you say," he said, touching his hat to her and nodding to Sam before returning to his job of cleaning saddles and shoes.<br><br>Diablo seemed fine, dozing in the dusty sunshine that filtered through the high window in the back wall.<br><br>Irene led Sam around behind the Saloon and up the stairs to her little veranda.&nbsp; She pressed the lever on the door handle and leaned, but the door was barred...she'd forgotten.&nbsp; "Oh..."&nbsp; She looked to the left at the window in the thick wall.&nbsp; The stucco had enough texture to afford her a bit of a toe-hold if she could summon her bravery to make the climb.<br><br>"I'll go through the window," she said quickly before she could lose her nerve.&nbsp; She swung a leg over the short wall.&nbsp; She pulled off her shoes and handed them to Sam.&nbsp; Then, she tested a few spots, found a good niche and reached out to grab the edge of the window.&nbsp; The fall would only be ten feet down to the ground, she mused, not looking.&nbsp; She pressed with her feet and grabbed with her fingers and by sheer will managed to pull herself up to rest on her hands on the window ledge.&nbsp; Leaning forward, she swung a leg inside like she was mounting a horse and then toppled inside, landing on the bed.<br><br>After a very few moments, she opened the door to SAm and stepped back for him to enter.&nbsp; She smiled at him, pushing her hair out of her face.&nbsp; Her reckless fall to the bed had dislodged pins.&nbsp; "Please, do come in, Mr. Markham."<br><br>---&gt; back to Irene's room...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>derek</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 04:00:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>The Afternnon of Day Three...</strong></span><br><br>Sam squeezed her hand gently and covered it with his other as he brought them all to his mouth.&nbsp; He lightly kissed her fingertips and sighed.<br><br>He walked hand in hand with here as they entered the stables and looked for Diablo’s stall.&nbsp; The big horse was lounging in the warm afternoon sunlight.&nbsp; He looked so content that Sam was kind of glad that their plans had changed.&nbsp; The horse was entitled to as much rest, probably more, as his rider.&nbsp; Sam stroked the horse’s forehead as Irene told Tomas about the change of plans.<br><br>‘Yep . . . bullets do horrible things to the fragile human body.&nbsp; I can surely attest to that.&nbsp; It’s not something I’m anxious to relearn or get refreshed on.”<br><br>Sam had forgotten the little veranda off of Irene’s room.&nbsp; He’d been out on it but had forgotten the stairs.&nbsp; Especially since he was so enamored of her details he forgave himself abut losing any recollection of the stairs until he saw them again. He chuckled to himself as they trudged up the steep staircase.&nbsp; There were plenty of reasons why he might have overlooked that detail as he took note of the sway of her hips and the movement of her breasts under her blouse.&nbsp; His grin broadened as he acknowledged how horny she made him.<br><br>He was relieved when they reached the top step and he saw the door into her room.&nbsp; He was a bit confused when she couldn’t open it and handed him her shoes and as she swung a leg over the wall.<br><br>“Darlin’?&nbsp; What the hell are you doing?”<br><br>Before he could stop her or utter another protest Irene was hanging from the window ledge.<br><br>“Oh fuck!”He uttered in exasperation and fear.&nbsp; <br><br>Sam literally held his breath as she climbed up into her room through the window.&nbsp; He heard her grunt as she seemed to fall into her room more than climb into it.<br><br>“Damn it to hell Irene O’Rourke . . . you better be fucking all right in there.”<br><br>He sighed with relief when she very soon after opened the door.&nbsp; <strong>He pushed his hat back some on his head and shook his head as he walked past her into the room, and handed the shoes to her.</strong>&nbsp; ----&gt;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 05:24:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Not so much, I didn't get shot." </strong><br>The Marshall commented bluntly, removing his hat as he stared out towards no place in particular in front of him. With a glance her way he captured a sideways glance of her before looking away once more.<strong> "I don't know who you are miss, but this town is going to get you killed. Either you are a saloon gal or married to one of the ranchers...either way, chasing after someone around here is a damn foolish idea, you hear me?" </strong><br>Uther warned as he stood up and fixed his hat. <br><br>He turned to face her, attempting to get a final look at her face and only caught the chin which looked more familiar than he cared for. <strong>"Who are you?"</strong> The Marshall asked, moving his hand to tilt her hat away from her face in order to get a good look and he paled at the sight! He blinked, looking away, breaking eye contact before he turned and walked away. He felt like he had just seen a ghost and a ton of memories came crashing down at him in the blink of an eye and all he wanted to do was get away! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>05-10-2011, 17:15:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah and the Marshall <br><br>She had not answered him back, she felt she had no reason too. He did not need to know who she was and she had no intention of telling him that she was none of the things he had supposed her to be. She certainly was no longer the wife of a rancher, she was nothing at all. A nameless faceless entity intent of taking her revenge or be killed trying what she didn't want was to get killed before she had at least made some effort. <br><br>The sheriff tilted her hat upwards and her eyes met his, she wasn't expecting the reaction she got from him. Not a flicker on her face, not a solitary blink as she continued to look at him and he paled as he regarded her. Not another word spoken before he turned from her and only then did Sarah realise her heart was hammering loudly in her chest. He had looked at her as if he knew her, as if he genuinely knew everything there was to know about her. <br><br>Her hazel eyes watched him walk away and suddenly she was walking briskly after him. When she caught up Sarah fell into step alongside of him. There was no way this man knew her, she had certainly never set eyes on him before and yet the need to unload her sorry tale felt overwhelming. It was something she had never done before but something in his eyes made her want to unload it all now.<br><br><strong>"If I tell you who I am, what I am will you help me?" </strong>her voice was still the calm as she turned her gaze to him, pulling her hat down once again so that whatever he had seen in her face, did not disturb him again. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 06:59:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was persistent and stubborn, qualities that only tormented him. He almost turned towards the church, almost intent on making sure his beloved wife was still buried but he didn't. The Marshall sighed deeply, finding his only options to run away from her or hear her out. The first option would never happen but he slowed enough for her to catch up with him before he headed towards his office. <br><br><strong>"Somehow I feel your story would be better off with a shot of whiskey." </strong><br>He offered, guiding her in before he stepped in and removed his hat revealing the tangle of sweat clung hair. The man walked across to the corner that held his desk and slipped into his chair before he gestured for the one across from him. Opening the drawer to his right he procured a bottle and two glasses, poured two and slid one forward before knocking his back. <br><br><strong>"This is not a promise I will help, but I like to know what is going on in my town." </strong><br>Uther finally said, looking up at the female and waited for her to accept his subtle conditions. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 12:00:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She couldn't agree more but refrained from saying so, it would probably take a lot more than one shot of whiskey for her to finish the story. Was that what it was now? Merely a story, something to look back upon and learn from like some moralistic tale? Sarah kept her gaze riveted to the ground before them as they walked to the Sheriff's office. Her nightmares were still very real, the need for vengeance in her heart burning her up constantly, the anger that helped get her out of bed every morning instead of letting herself wallow in her grief and self pity was more than a simple story. It was her daily lot that she contended with so that when the time came, she could pull a trigger and take not one but three men's lives.<br><br>Stepping inside she removed her hat as he had done and glanced for a moment at the seat he indicated. Sarah waited for him to sit first, somehow knowing that he would not stand on ceremony and wait for a woman to sit first. No, not in this part of the world. Here it was every man, woman and child for themselves. The good got trodden on and the bad prospered. As he poured out two glasses she finally sat down, reaching her hand out slowly to take the drink he slid to her. His was downed in a matter of seconds while she simply stared at her own and to him as he spoke.<br><br>She had not told another living person of her ordeal before, had become dead to the world in fact for the marked grave where she had buried her husband had not just his name on it, but the name of their unborn child and her own. They had all died that day after all, she was just a ghost wandering the plains waiting to deal out justice. She didn't answer him, there was no need. Instead she drank his whiskey as if she were a pro, as if she had been drinking hard liquor all her life and her throat and stomach were immune to the stuff. In truth, it burnt right through her letting her know that she was still very much alive but she waited for the numbness that would follow for it always did and only then did she place her glass back down and begin to relate to him everything.<br><br>Sarah withheld nothing, not a single punch was restrained. Her beloved husband, the farm they worked together, the baby they were expecting. The simple hard life they worked so hard to maintain, all taken from them by the Castle brothers. Her features changed for a moment at the first mention of them, a grimace to indicate how much she despised them. She told of the gun shots and running outside to find her husband dead and from then her voice changed. Sarah spoke suddenly in the third person as if she were witnessing the events instead of being the one violated repeatedly. Still she left nothing out of the gang rape, the brutal beatings and the subsequent murder of the baby in her womb. <br><br>She told him of how she was left for dead and her struggle to return to her house hours after they had left, her struggle to survive and recover from her wounds. She omitted of course the unlikely hood of her ever recovering emotionally or mentally from what had befallen her family. The burial of her husband and the selling of their property, the subsequent trailing of the three brothers, all whose identity had been easy to come by. They had faces she would never forget and they were on most wanted posters in every town bar Oasis. At the end of her narrative she finally looked at him again. <br><strong>"The only help I need from you is to teach me to shoot ... properly and fast so that I don't miss first time. I don't need anything else from you."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>13-10-2011, 06:10:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Marshall did not look away from her eyes as she told her story. His face remained emotionless and unmoved by her sad tale. In truth he had heard similar tales all to often but it did tug at his guts since this woman appeared far to similar to a woman he loved with all his life. His wife never spoke of family, much less sisters, he figured she was an orphan or runaway seeking to live life in the west like many others. <br><br>Her tale did incite him to poor her drink after drink, matching hers and by the time the tail was over, the bottle was gone. The castle brothers, he knew them well and almost showed sympathy towards her. He felt bad for what had happened to her but his heart had long grown calloused and distant. <br><strong>"I can teach you to shoot, but on the condition you don't go off hunting them at the first change you get. The castle brothers...I know were they frequent but it is no place for you or me. After the incident at the saloon I doubt they will be coming around, the first sign someone is after them actively they become phantoms." </strong> He explained with a slight slur, his hand reaching into a drawer to pull a new bottle out. <br><br>Placing it before her he then reached and pulled his gun. Before the woman he popped open the chamber and emptied the bullets before snapping it shut and pointing it directly at her.<strong> "Number one, before you even shoot you need to learn how hold your gun steady. Don't come back until you can do that at least an hour, with both arms."</strong> He ordered, holding the gun perfectly still despite the liquor that could have hindered him. <br><br>Holding the gun out until he had made his point he looked at her. <strong>"The saloon is expensive, their is an inn by the stable that has rooms at a cheaper price. Now if you want the services of one of the girls, that is your business." </strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>19-10-2011, 15:43:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Recounting the story had taken a lot out of her, she hadn't realised that as she told it her glass had miraculously not emptied. Sarah had drank continuously and was now feeling the effects. Not drunk but not far off of it either, the fresh air no doubt would be the catalyst to see that eventuality pass.<br><br>She heard him out, he knew them at least but curiousity peaked when he declared that not even he, a marshall would go anywhere near where they were hiding out. Well he wasn't her, she would go to the depths of Hell itself to have her vengence on them. Lying to him wouldn't make a difference to her. She was tarnished far too deep to be worried about her soul now. <br><br>Had Brody Castle known she had followed him? The man that had been shot, knew him obviously and of course there would be others. Others at the saloon who would most likely have gone high tailing it after Castle to inform him of what had transpired in Oasis. She snapped her head up and looked at him as if he had spoke to a child. Of all the nerve, she could definitely hold a gun steady. She wasn't completely thick!<br><br>She stood as well, a little shaky at first but resting her hand on the desk before her a moment she steadied herself well enough. Surely he had drank as much as she had, if he could hold his gun without shaking then so could she! Removing her own gun she glanced down at it in her hand. It felt heavier than normal, the effects of the alcohol were far too strong, she could barely lift it up not to mind her head. <br><br>Slowly, far too slowly she did both and almost capsized against the desk. Her hand slammed the gun down on top of it and she leaned heavily against the edge.<br><strong>"I don't ... usually drink ... be ... before lifting my gun"</strong> her words were slightly slurred as she stared at him, <strong>"The Inn ... fine, I'll ... go there."</strong><br><br>Attempting to push herself from the desk, she grabbed for her gun.<br><strong>"I'll be back"</strong> though she wasn't sure she could even leave at this point. Straightening herself up wasn't an easy task either and Sarah barely made it to the end of the desk before the effects of the whiskey knocked her out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>25-10-2011, 06:02:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even if he was fast enough to save her from falling over, he wouldn't have. That was not who he was but at least he had the decency to move over and pick her up and in that moment he simply stared at her face for a long time. The last thing he could do was leave her in his office, he decided to carry her over to his own home which was a short distance past the main town and within eye sight of the church and its graveyard. As he passed he glanced to the tomb and saw it was unmoved before he was entering his old home. The table was littered with bottles, luckily it was not filthy but it was clear the home had not seen a feminine touch in a long time. <br><br>She was laid to rest in his former son's bedroom, the last thing he did before closing the door was the removal of her boots. The Marshall left the house and did not return until the night, slept, redressed and left before morning. He allowed her to sleep through the entire night and day if she needed it, it seemed like she had not slept in ages if he had to gauge by the look of her hair and face. <br><br>He was back in his office that morning, sipping down a boiling hot mug of coffee. The deputies ribbed at him to talk about the person they had seen him with the day before but as always they got nothing. It was Sunday and soon he was walking to the church during mass with a handful of flowers. The man was not one of faith, but he knelt at a tombstone and listened to the feint echoes of the priest as he returned to his thoughts. A few minutes later he placed the flowers across the two graves and walked away before anyone could see him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>01-11-2011, 17:58:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her head throbbed something awful and she groaned as she awoke in a strange bed. Sitting bolt upright she glanced around her at the simple but neat decor, the room was obviously a childs room and yet it had the strange sensation of having not been occupied for some time. She groaned again as she slid from the bed and moved to the door, opening it and glancing sheepishly outside. It was only then she realised her boots were amiss and swiftly glanced about her to look for them. <br><br>The swift movement did her no good whatsoever but at least she found her boots, clutching them she went into the hallway and called out, no one answered. Where was she? Not meaning to be nosey but knowing she had to be, Sarah opened the door to what was obviously the master bedroom, again the decor was simple enough and it was clear that someone had slept there. She was grateful then that no one had trespassed upon her person while she had been out cold. As she made her way into the kitchen she realised her mouth was dry about the same time that small flashed of the evening before came back to her.<br><br>She soon groaned again, recalling the relaying of her story to the Marshall and could only presume that he had brought her to his home to sleep off the effects. She found herself wondering where his wife and child were, for he certainly had them judging by the childs room but then again she noted how silent the place was and how devoid of toys and indeed a womans touch or recent touch was about the house. <br><br>Glancing out the window she saw the headstones of the nearby graveyard and winced at the view, about to turn away when she caught sight of the Marshall himself. For a long moment she stood there watching him before feeling guilty and turning away. Was he a widower then? Had he lost his child as well? She glanced about once more and could believe it were true. With a sigh she felt sorry for him, could empathise with him and decided as he had kindly taken her in, for she was certain that was his intention on bringing her here, then she could at the very least make the place look some what presentable.<br><br>Not sure what time he would return at, Sarah set to cleaning up, pulling on her boots and going outside to find a well. When she did find it, she loaded up the bucket and hauled it back to the house, proceeding to scrub and clean where she felt it needed it most. She hauled the sheets from his bed and scrubbed and washed them, certain that any man living alone would not have the sense to do so. She wrung them out and hung them up on the line to dry before continuing with her task. <br><br>By the time it was late afternoon, she had the place looking as clean as it could ever be. The intense heat had dried up the sheets in no time and after a strong heated iron had pressed them, Sarah had redressed the bed. She had also gone to great pains to scrub and clean herself, her hair brushed out and her poncho hanging up, all she had to wear was the waistcoat and leather trousers but they were sufficient. Feeling exhausted she put the water on the stove and waited for the pot of coffee to brew, sitting herself down at the table she removed her gun and began to practice what he had shown her the day before. If it killed her she would make sure she had a steady hand, no matter what.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>04-11-2011, 07:52:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Marshall did not bother to swing back to the house till the end of the day. It had been a rather uneventful day and even if he technically had a guest back at his house he really did not think about her until the sun began to set. Uther was not even sure if she would be there still but he still stopped by the general store to pick up on some supplies. Normally his diet was rather plain, cornbread, coffee and pemmican with an occasional good meal but he was carrying a bag full of canned soups, sugar and canned/preserved fruits to add some variety. <br><br>He was half surprised, half pleased when he saw her there. The Marshall stopped at his door and looked around the house, she had been working the entire day it seemed and the scent of a clean home and a pot of brewing coffee almost had him return to a better time in his life. <strong>"Evening..."</strong> He said in a shaken voice, finding his nerve and steeling himself once more. <br><br>She was practicing with the gun and he left her to it after he placed the sack of potatoes filled with gods on the table. Uther retreated to his room and was surprised to see his bed was made and freshly cleaned. He actually chuckled softly, remembering how much his wife had to learn to become a house wife and why the woman down stares reminded him so much about her. Stripping down he moved to the wash basin and cleaned up, returning only in his pants and his cleanliest shirt he owned. <strong>"I have clothes in the closet that might fit you...you can help yourself if you wish."</strong> He finally spoke something other than a single word to her as he poured himself a cup of coffee and made his way out to the porch. <strong>"Thanks..."</strong> He included, cutting himself off from saying something else before he was out if sight and sitting on a chair right outside his home. Uther was stone cold sober that day and it was sensation he was not very used to very much these days. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>05-11-2011, 19:43:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked up when he came through the door and old memories returned to haunt her for a brief moment. As clear as day she could see her husband walking in, stomping his dirty boots on the spike he had nailed to the porch to free them of mud before he got his ear chewed out for treading it all over her clean house. Sarah found her gaze moving to the floor, half expecting to see muddy boots but only saw dust covered ones of the Marshall. He didn't work the fields after all, why would they be caked in anything else. His voice sounded as shaken as she felt and just after getting her hand to keep the gun steady, she feared that it would shake again in her grasp. She uttered the same word back, waiting for him to show her the door as her hand cocked the gun again and held it before her. Her hand was impeccably straight and she exhaled slowly with satisfaction.<br><br>The thud on the table startled her and she glanced upwards, potatoes! Was he expecting her to cook as well? She figured it was the least she could do to earn her keep about here. Standing up she slid her gun back into its holster and dragged the bag of spuds from the table and put it down before the cupboard door near the porcelain sink. Taking a few out she began to scrub them when he returned, Sarah didn't look at him directly but from the corner of her eye could see he had freshened up. She had cleaned herself but after considering his words, she glanced at her own apparel. She didn't really care what she wore but felt better and less the victim in the trousers and waistcoat.<br><br>After another moment she put down the small knife she had been using on the potatoes and wiping her hands clean walked to the master bedroom again. Taking a deep breath she opened the closet and stared inside at the women's clothing. They all looked about her size and taking out the plainest she could find stared at it a long time before placing it on the bed. Her feet kicked off each boot one at a time before she undid her trousers and slid them from her long slender legs. Undoing her waistcoat she let that fall to the ground as well and reaching for the dress, realised she would be completely bare beneath it. <br><br>Wearing no undergarments while wearing trousers was one thing but with a dress it was another completely. She couldn't go rooting around in the drawers and didn't think she could get up the nerve to actually ask the Marshall where his dead wife kept her undergarments. There was nothing for it but to just pull the dress on and be done with it. She did so but turned her back to face the mirror, using it to try to help her fasten the back ties to the dress.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 08:12:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was sitting outside since he was not aware with someone in his living space once more. Did she have to look so much like his beloved wife? The ache he felt in his heart was not only that but for fooling himself that his son would come running up to the porch with a large smile on his face. Coffee on the porch? He was reliving a sweet memory, no matter how much he hoped and even prayed, his son would not come out of nowhere and run into his lap. <br><br>Uther was not sure how long he stared out at nothing, but the sounds inside grabbed his attention. Walking back in with an empty mug and more than enough time passing to give her a chance to change into one of his wife's favorite dresses he was unable to look away. <strong>"How goes your gun work?"</strong> He asked before turning to walk away. <strong>"You don't have to do that...It's not necessary, I am capable of cooking on my own."</strong> The Marshall lied, the proof had been around the dirty kitchen in the morning but he did not want her thinking that he was making her do what she was doing. <br><br>The man took a seat at the table and pretended to look away but was unable to, less when he realized she wore nothing under the dress. She fit the garment well, to well for his liking. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 14:42:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The pale green dress hugged her figure far too close, the fabric brushed against her breasts and pushed them far too high for her liking, molding to her figure and causing her nipples to peak at the material. She was simply glad the neckline was high and that nothing was visible otherwise, no matter that it was clear as day that no brassiere held her bosom in place. When back in the kitchen again she began to prepare food for a casserole, it would be simple and effortless to make and now that he had also allowed her to wear one of his wives old gowns, she felt almost obligated. As she worked away silently she didn't look up when he entered again but at his question about her gun work she paused for a moment.<br><br><strong>"Steady" </strong>was all she replied before an audible humph resounded from&nbsp; her, <strong>"its my way of saying thank you and nothing more, I'll make sure the dress is washed and aired before I leave."</strong><br><br>Why she had even bothered to put it on mystified her, was she trying to play at house now? Trying to recapture a memory long since dead? Sarah glanced over to him and noticed his looking at her, figuring it must be strange too for him. A woman cleaning and cooking in his house while wearing one of his wives dresses! The absurdity of the situation gripped her and she moved first as if she would pick up the coffee pot but then thought better of it. She wasn't here to play house wife, she wasn't here to cook or clean for any man! Her man was dead, her child was dead and this felt as if she were betraying them somehow.<br><strong><br>"This is ridiculous ... I'll get my own clothes" </strong>she blurted out moving to pass the table and the Marshal to head to the room to change again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 07:39:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>Marshall Wrynn and Sarah continued here. &nbsp;(http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=124044.msg5454589#msg5454589)<br></em></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>15-12-2011, 16:28:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Of course it made perfect sense when he explained it and she felt utterly foolish for not knowing, especially after all this time of searching for the brothers. If she were honest though, she had never planned on taking the three of them in alive or dead to get any reward. Her reward was simply knowing that they were dead, she didn't need any blood money.<br><br>This one was different however, money for bringing him in she could collect. Bullets cost after all and the rate she was going to be using them for practice and for the actual execution, meant she needed a lot. She followed the Marshall back through the house, her eyes staring wearily at the gringo tied up. He was hitched to his horse and she swung into her own saddle.<br><br>His suggestion did make sense and she brooded on it the entire way back to the town. Her nerves were anything but steel but she did not want to spend any time in the company of a stranger. She would put her hands then in the Marshalls and hope he didn't pull his own gun on her for messing up. <br><br>Once in the town the deputy stayed with her, making sure they got the gringo into the post masters office without further mishap. Sarah had turned in her saddle to watch the Marshall move on down through the town without another word. She had infiltrated his home and soon his work life, she couldn't do both. Needing to steel herself for her next outing was what was most required and it was with that thought she slid from her saddle outside the post masters office and entered with the gringo and deputy.<br><br>Later that evening she sat in a chair, the only one in her plain unadorned room. The Inn was cheap and she could see why, she hadn't much to bring with her from the Marshall's house but sitting in that chair drinking a shot of bourbon she found herself missing the silent companionship she had gotten used to over the last few days. <br><br>She had left him a note, stating she'd be at the Inn he had told her about and would show up for 'duty' the following morning. Another shot of bourbon burned her throat as she pushed herself from the hard wooden chair and moved to the queen sized bed. It was far too soft but she didn't care, Sarah just hoped she had drunk enough to help her sleep through the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>20-12-2011, 17:42:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Uther thought he would not have cared once the woman with a vendetta left his home after he found her note, instead he began to dream of memories far to painful to relive and he sank deeper into his drink when he was home in the evenings. Dreams and memories of his lost son and wife, happy memories that had left him bitter since they were gone and he was not with them. In those dreams he saw the face of his wife, it was uncanny how much she looked like her. His weekly visits to her grave were almost daily as if he expected to see the grave disturbed and her wife walking among the living once more. Although he would not voice nor admit it, he had actually missed the woman even if they had never carried on in that manner. <br><br>She shadowed him for a few days, days becoming weeks and although she shadowed the deputies for the most part, there were days they worked together. Uther was watching her confidence build steadily, it was a good thing, she was even becoming decent at drawing and getting a jump on someone which helped immensely. <br><br>Life in Oasis had calmed once more, calm for the town, people were keeping themselves out of trouble and Sarah's aim seemed to be improving from what the Marshall had noticed from her target practice. Finally without reason to stop her from her goal, he waited in his office on a Sunday morning with a single flower resting in a vase in the corner of his desk (the rest left at his family's grave) with the intention of telling her were she could find the Castle boy's. <br><br>(Moved it a few weeks forward to get her gun slinging skills and confidence up a little) 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>13-01-2012, 21:11:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Each day she became bolder with her gun, her ability growing at a faster rate than her confidence with the weapon but that too came soon enough. The time she spent trailing after the deputy and the Marshall learning all the time was now very evident. She knew to keep the safety off her gun once she removed it from her holster, she knew to watch for the slightest tick in body language that might give a man away. She knew not to be hasty in firing off a round in case any innocent was about but she had also learned to be swift. Sarah didn't think she'd ever be quite as fast as the Marshall himself but she was almost on par with the deputy and her constant practice with gun in hand had given her welts along her palm. Callouses that broke and blistered and made it necessary for her to learn how to shoot with her other hand as well.<br><br>When she woke that morning she felt different somehow, she had gone to the Marshall's house only to find it empty and she figured he was at the jail. About to head there she stopped, a small bell began ringing calling the few church goers to service. Without considering the implications, she moved inside the house and took down one of his wives frocks and carefully dressed herself, tying her hair in a loose bun at the back of her head before putting a shawl over her shoulders and heading to where the church was. The small wooden building stood in the middle of the town, looking no different than the school hall really. The doors were about to close but she stepped in just in time. <br><br>It had been a long time since she had been to a service and somehow she knew she was at the end of her journey. She was practically ready, there was only one thing holding her back now and that was lack of information. Sarah needed to know where they were. The psalms and hymns all returned to her and feeling ridiculously hypocritical she got up and left the pew and the church, glancing back only once. How could she sit there when she was intent on killing three men? She should have turned back to the house and changed before heading to the jail house but she didn't. Sarah turned instead and walked to where she had now been a thousand times before. Opening the door she stepped inside, closing it behind her she glanced to the desk of the Marshall.<br><br>A single flower stood in a vase on his desk and she quirked an eyebrow at the sight of it, she would not have imagined him for someone that liked fresh cut flowers. <br><strong>"I'm ready"</strong> the words were simple and as she stood there waiting for him to ask what for or to agree that she was, she cursed herself for not apologising first for taking his wives frock or entering his house without permission. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>25-01-2012, 04:52:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Uther was stone cold sober despite how much whiskey he had consumed the night before, his vice was obvious but well hidden. He was clean that morning, freshly shaved and his clothing as clean as they could be from the china-man launderer who had set up weeks ago adjacent to the general store. He was enjoying a cup of coffee when she came in, looking like his wife more than ever. Uther was not ready for such a sight which had him looking up at her in half glare half primitive lust pent up from a man missing the touch and love of a woman. His eyes closed, blinking away the haze forming as he downed the scalding hot sludge.<strong> "The Castle boys have been spotted working out of the mines to the north, you best take enough for a few nights outside the city. The miners are as likely to shoot us as any of those boys and their lackeys." </strong> He shared what information he had. <br><br><strong>"It is best we leave at sunset and ride at night, less likely people will know I am gone. By the time we return my deputies should be able to hold the fort." </strong> Uther explained and told her the plan, not bothering to mention he would be traveling with her. <strong>"Any questions?"</strong> He asked, expecting a few or her to insist they leave right away. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kendra</strong> on <strong>13-02-2012, 15:04:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She waited for some rebuke that did not come, waited for something to be said about her mode of attire but that didn't happen either. Instead she listened to the Marshall speak about the Castle brothers and where he knew they were. She wanted to say <em>'Us?'</em> but didn't, the knowledge that he was going with her quelled the nerves that threatened to choke her. This was what she had been waiting on. Somewhere along the line she had let her guard down with him and he had become a fixture in her life. She had not wanted him to but that's what he was. When this was all done and dusted, she just hoped she didn't get him killed.<br><br><strong>"I'll go get ready then"</strong> she said in her quiet tone, shaking her head slightly, <strong>"I've no questions."</strong><br>She turned and left again, walked back out of his office just as one of the deputies was entering. He grinned at her with his usual lopsided grin.<br>"Don't you look ... well ... like a regular lady" he almost blushed when saying it.<br><br><strong>"Not for long</strong>" she retorted moving back to the Inn to get her belongings. She changed quick enough, no matter that her hands shook almost violently. Then went down to the bar only to convince herself that no amount of alcohol would quell the tide of anxiety that was filling her gut. She drank a mug of coffee instead, not caring that it tasted like tar and returned to her room. She wasn't sure how much time passed but the night was just stretching out before her and it was not going to help her nerves any sitting around over thinking every thing. Gathering up the dress she used it as an excuse to head back to the Marshall's house, she needed some sort of distraction. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [OASIS] Town of Oasis</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>14-02-2012, 17:41:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"><em>Uther and Sarah's story continued here </em> (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=124044.msg5866361#msg5866361)</div>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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