Forging the way west, one never knows how the rails will lay.

[fair_haired_maiden]

Madame,

Well, this is a curious undertaking isn't it? Rest assured I appreciate the attention and the inclination to offer my company to this new frontier, but aren't we being a bit hasty? It doesn't appear as though many are familiar with the history that is my present; and to be honest I am loath to bring up the past yet again.

I've faced enough to fill a half dozen lifetimes, not all of it has been entirely pretty. So, with that said, shall we enter into this with an understanding? Ah yes, you are quite familiar with my nature, you know I will not easily be left behind once I've set my mind to something.

If we agree then; discretion, caution and perhaps a tempered optimism? Yes, I think we can be in agreement after all. Let see just how far the rails take us, shall we?

Comments

[southerner]

Discretion and caution ain't something these mundanes like to exercise so often.

[But he is actually glad to see you, Miss Bell.]

[fair_haired_maiden]

Mr. Bohannon, as always a word of country wisdom, something I've come to appreciate in this endeavor. I should hope you are fairing better, you're being treated well enough?

[She's pleased to see you, there's that tell tale curl at the edges of her lips, what passes for a smile from her these days.]

[southerner]

Well enough as anyone can get 'round here, Miss Bell. Can't say she hasn't gone looking for some new place once or twice, but ain't too bad.

[fair_haired_maiden]

You have a gift Mr. Bohannon, you can lead men and win their respect. I admire that.

No, if I am completely honest I envy that; while I have never let my gender keep me from doing things others do not seem to share my point of view.

[southerner]

Then I believe they're not worth your time. You've never let anyone tell you what to do or where to go, so why stop now? You've got a lot more spirit in you than most other men I seen tryin' to play a part.

[fair_haired_maiden]

It's never stopped me, you're quite right. But that does not mean it has never been an inconvenience. Many seem to think my worth is only dictated by my face and figure, I know what it is like to have to fight for everything you have.

Most of the men you are describing will be the ones who claim glory for others deeds. But not you, you are a curious man.

[southerner]

[He huffs in amusement with the faintest smile.] It ain't all that complicated, Miss Bell, I just have no interest in what ain't mine.

[fair_haired_maiden]

[For all else, it is a nice smile. Under that wild and rugged exterior there was humor and a hidden depth. She wondered if she would ever understand him fully, but liked the challenge.]

You haven't seemed to have any problem making things yours in the past.

[southerner]

Taking another man's glory for mine's called foul play. Been at this too long to want that.

[In a way, in a very strange way, he did want her to understand him. He couldn't explain precisely why.]

Now you gotta be more specific on what you mean by that, ma'am.

[fair_haired_maiden]

It is not your way. No your way, Mr. Bohannon, is to have your own glory thrust upon you; wanted or not.

[That was perhaps the most fascinating thing about him, among the long list of things that made him a daily surprise.]

What I mean is simply that. You have a way of proving you are the man for the job.