Somewhere in the Darkness....

[afternooner]

John

He watched her stride past him, buck naked, in the moonlight, 'cept for that hat and shrugged his shoulders.

Dang women he swore. Say a few words of kindness to them and they go off in a huff. he had to admit she looked fine though. her hips swaying gently and her wet hair down her bare back. Her cowboy hat still atop her head. He waited till she got near the fire and half turning, rubbed her hands together.

The fire flared and dispelling the shadows illuminated her profile. John caught his breath as she bent over running her hands through her long hair, drying it. Her breasts moved sensiously with each movement her hands made and her nipples stood out erect from the cold. She turned her backside to the fire and john gasped at the sight of her whole body silloueted against the brightness of the fire.

No, she wasn't just fine she was beautifull. John shivered not from the cold but from the erotic image before him.

he started up the bank and was met by his mare Sugar, the stallion right behind her. He reached up and scratched her behind the ear.

Looks like you plumb tuckered the poor boy right out, he remarked noticing the stallions docile behavior, dont worry though he'll be good as new in ahalf hour or so. he chuckled. Even in his condition he was a fine looking horse. The mare as if reading his thoughts turned and looked at the stallion. Thinking of twins, John teased. Sugar turned and nipped at John and then nudged him toward the fire and the girl.

I know, I know, mind your own business John retorted. He looked up to see Clem now dried off and warm, head for her blanket. He stepped along side of her and took her hand

"Look Clem, we're both cold it was a damn fool thing to go bathing at this time of night. If'n you want climb into my bedroll for a spell. I't a damn sight warmer there and I'll keep the fire burning.

He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down showing her his decision was final.

 

[Lacewing]

A huff she wasn't in, but amused she was. She watched him watching her and then heard the muffled conversation with his horse and grinned trying hard to keep it small. When he got up there and offered his roll she thought about it, took her saddle blanked and laying it near the fire layed his roll on top it then laying down she looked at him invitedly "Why should you get cold then? why dont you join me?" She smiled under the brim of her now barely damp hat.

 

[afternooner]

John

The firelight flicer acros her face and John could'nt help but notice her sile and when he heard her inviting words his blood surged in his veins.

She was a woman of few words he realized and seemed to know what she wanted. john on the other hand wasn't all that sure of himself. He tried to act nonchalant by rubbing his hands together over the fire staring into it not wanting just yet to meet her gaze. He had to admit he was horney as an old toad but he'd been that way before and dealt with i. Somehow it just didn't seem right at this particular time and place and if he were to decide to bed this woman he had to share his feelings a bit more first.Other wise it was just a one night stand and he didn't want that.

He kneeled beside her and placed his hands ,now warm, on the sides of her face. looking in her eyes he whispered yes I'd like that very much ...but just to keep each other warm, mind you, I want to get to know you better before... well you know before we .. Somehow this big strong cowboy could'nt use the word he'd heard so many times in his life but now it didn't seem to fit he lowered his head to hers and just held her for a moment.

 

[Lacewing]

She sighed and crawled into the bedroll "Ah understand John, lets get soem sleep. Likely breakin' daylight" she murmered inviting him into her roll and smiling when he crawled in, she was stil nude but didn't mind as she took off her hat and dropped in nearby then curled up against him head resting on his chest "hmm betterin' m'horse" she muttered and wrrapped her arm around his chest comfotably.

 

[afternooner]

John

It felt good for John to be sleeping next to a warm woman instead of in another room like he had been for the last few years. And some how he felt relaxed and comfortable even though there was a glow of passion burning within him. g-night he whispered cupping her behind pulling her even closer. He needed more than warmth, he needed to feel close to someone again and feeling close he fell asleep dreaming of Sugars colts... twins of course.... running free and wild across the prairie.

 

[Lacewing]

She snuggled warm and content sleeping quietly and dreamlessly though the sounds of busy horses woke her a few times during the night, but lisening to his soft breathing she only smiled and went abck to sleep till the first rays of sunlight struck and she woke to find her mustang layed down against her back heavy head resting on her and John's bodies the other mare sleeping standing with her head hung down shoulder against a tree. The fire died to mear coals during htenight so she managed to get herself free of horse and man to get the fire up going to a respectable blaze and start soem coffee, she pulled on her clothing in the early morning chill.

 

[afternooner]

John

John raised himself up on one arm. Had he slept that hard not to notice her leave his bed roll. He must have as he saw that she had built a fire and started coffee. The horses were already grazing on the dewy morning grass and the sun was already rising.Embarrased a litttle by his nakedness, he stumbled to his clothes and hurridly dressed.

He snuck up behind Clem wanting to hug her and thank her for her comfort last night but slapped her playfully on the butt instead.

Buenos Aries he said cheerfully did you feel a huge lump on top of us last night or was I just dreaming.

 

[Lacewing]

She squeeked and jumped laughing as he slapped her backside "Nah, weren't dreamin'" she tossed her head int eh general direction of her horse grazing companionbly with the mare "Big lug desided we were needin' a extra blanket." she grinned widely and put on her hat, feeling dressed now that she had it and handed him a cup of fresh coffee.

 

[Lacewing]

OOC: Hey afternooner, clear your PM box, everything I replied to you I had to e-mail. ))

 

[afternooner]

John

He saw he smile as she handed him his coffe been a longtime since a woman had ben so sweet to him that way no pretence no hidden motives.

Just like I like it, he said smiling, Hot and black.

Then he said out of the blue surprising even himself

If'n I had any brains a'tal I'd head north for Montanna, with you of course if'n you'd like.....

 

[Lacewing]

Clem sat back leaning on one palm her other arm resting up the upturn of her drawn up knee and thought about his offer "Montana, Bthinkin' I'd like to see the rockies up north country. Sure" she grined looking at him "Maybe run a horse ranch eh?"

 

[afternooner]

John

John watched her, considering his proposal and wondering why he had even proposed such a thing to a woman he hardly knew. In some ways it seemed like he knew her well and liked the feeling she made him feel by being just with him like she was last night and even now sharing a cup of coffee.

Montana had always been his dream but when he got talked into being the sheriff and settling down he pushed that dream aside to make room for a wife and two kids. Now was his chance to live that dream and share it with someone else. someone who would want that dream too and be a part of it in every way.

Well.. looks like we got some good breeding stock to start with.

He motioned towards Sugar and the stallion.

Has that one got a name we need to decide how we're gonna name his heirs you know. he grined thinking again about last night.

Maybe the less he said about his situation the better, he thought though he felt close to her in many ways he didn't want to spook her with stories about his past at least not right now. he stuck out his right hand and said It's a deal then we'll forget about that stage we're following and strike out north.

With out hesitation they broke camp working together like they'd been doing it together for years.

 

[Lacewing]

"Patch," she responded to the querry about her horse's name and willingly clened up and got her horse 'saddled' and was ready to go again after she got on her boots. Sitting astride her horse she leaned over his dark main and petted him as she watched to head out, and as soon as John was ready they did that riding north rather than after the coach.

Though Clam looked at the trail and wondered if they might run into it anyway, but then as it turned in another direction she shrugged, well best of luck to the girls then, she thought to herself watching John from under her hat with a smile. Perhaps she was to find her home again.

 

[afternooner]

John

Patch, John said to himself somehow he was thikin Butch though he didn't know why.

John saw the coach tracks continue their way west as him and Clem went north with no reluctance in his mind whatsoever. He realized the dream he needed to chase was not about a need he had for some woman but a need he held deep inside to be someplace where he felt free and alive again

That place was Montana he was sure. He'd been there on a posse hunt when he first put his badge on and wanted to go back again some day. well this was the day he clucked to his mare to giddy up and though he knew better thant to tire her out so early in the day he felt like going full speed if only for a hundred yards or so. The wind was in his hair as his hat flew back tightening the drawstring against his neckhe urged Sugar with his kness watching the ground disappear behind him as they sped across the prairie.

 

[Lacewing]

Clem found herself smiling as John took off down their chiocen path, she didn't blame him, Patch's ears pricked forward wanting to follow the mare in a fast run but clem clucked at him and kept him from running off like a yearling. She chuckled, perhaps on their way up they might spot a horse or two they would like to add to their 'herd'?

 

[afternooner]

John

John pulled Sugar up easing her into a trot and Clem and Patch moved up alongside. He glanced over at her. She seemed content to be here with him taking in the panaramic view of the endless prairie. Far away shrouded by mist the foothills of the rockies stood like sentinels. He pointed at them we should be there by nightfall there will be water aplenty comin from the high hill streams maybe we can catch a trout or two, have you ever made a fish trap. The grass is tall and rich so all sorts of animals abound there deer and antelope even wild horses they say. He saw Clems eyes light up.

 

[Lacewing]

(hey, PM with whatever plans you wanted to do wih out story here afternooner, OH and clean out that PM box of yours! or check your e-mail mroe LOL anyway may need to clean out the sent message folder and clena that out too, I'll bbl phoen company diconnecting us while new lines get done. Later)/OOC

 

[afternooner]

OOC

Sorry again about the pm thing will try harder cleaned everything out so should be ok tommorow as far as this thread I like the idea of us moving on together maybe later if something happens with the rest of the posters we can change direction again for now were moving into new territory and new experiences I like romance, I guess thats obvious.

 

[Merelan]

"Why don't you just stop there, missy!" The man shouted. Man? His gun turned to her, so she froze, still pon her knees.
"Let me halp this one and I will deal with you as I need to."

"Don't hurt her, please. I have money, if that's what you want. She is hurt already. Please." Standing slowly, watching that gun. Damn it, why wasn't i wearing mine.

 

[afternooner]

John

They rode steady and in silence the rest of the day watching the foothills ahead making that their goal. By sundown they had reached them and found a small pool that was fed by sream of water from the hills,

"Too cold to swim in"

John said with a grin remebering their last one if we just sponge the dust of with a little water we'll git most of the prarie dust off of us.

As they sat there underneath a big oak tree they watched a deer come toward them. John looked at Clem.

"Mind if we stay here a couple of days, ifn' you dont I'll take that deer, we'll have fresh meat for tonite and dry the rest on a slow fire tommorw make some jerky for the trip. And Im' still thinkin 'bout a trout or two from yonder stream maybe for breakfast. His eyes move toward the hills where the water tumbled clear and cold over the rocks. he can hear the sound of it and smell the freshness that it brings into the air.
Purty ain't it. he remarkeds. he felt so good and put his arm around Clem as they enjoy the view.

 

[Lacewing]

Clem

Clem rose comfotably the entire day till at sundown John called a stop for the night.

"Too cold to swim in" it took a moment for her to realise he ment the pool nearby the place they called a halt in and grinned to herself, thought of a comment but refrained from saying.

They settled under an old oak tree making camp and watching the wildlife, a deer neared them and Clem was reaching for her gun when John commented about staying a couple days and making a little jerky. She liked that idea so aimed and fired her gun "Then you do the fishin' I'll gut the deer." she was already heading off calling ehr horse over away from the mare Sugar long enough to help her haul the carcas away from their camp so not to atract any trouble during the night.

John stopped her though before she could take her kill off to clean, coming over and watching the serroundings placing a comfortable arm around her shoulders enjoying the views. She smiled and pushing her hat back on her head a touch leaned against his shoulder.

It was quite comfotable and nice. She never thought another man would come into her life like this. She felt bad still for his wife, but sometimes it was a hard life. She had a feeling that she woudl be just fine dispite him leaving.

She didn't think he'd ever go for a girl who couldn't take care of herself if he was to leave.

 

[afternooner]

John

He didn't even git a chance to show off his marksmanship before Clem had pulled up and shot the deer oh well at least she was gonna let him go fishing he gave her a little sqeeze and then headed off for the stream reaching down every once in a while cutting off a willow sapling when he had a handfull he wove them together to make a oval shape with one small opening in the end he found some frog eggs and put them in the other end. sneaking up along the river bank he placed it in the water beneath an overhanging tree branch sure enough a large rainbow trout his eye on the frog eggs swam in. John grabbed the trap before the trout had a chnce to turn around and pulled it out of the water he shouted in glee and waved to Clem who was bent over gutting her deer.

he plugged the open end and put it back in the water. That trout would swim around in his cage all night and in the morning they'd have fresh fish for breakfast.

John ambled back to Clem bringing a hat full of water for her to wash her hands with. Seeing her bent over like that he couldn't resist running his hands through her long brown hair below her hat she sort of shivered a little like she was liking it when he toughed her neck and he thought about last nite wondering if she was going to share his bedroll again.

She was a strong and indepenant woman John liked that but before he got too close to her he knew he needed to explain about his wife back home. he was a man of few words proud and independant too it would be hard for him to admit the truth to any one. somehow though it would be easier with Clem. a lot of words didn't seem to be what she wanted right now.

He made a slow simmering fire and together they cut strips of meat and placed them high enough away from the fire to just dry them. Their hands touched momentarily as they worked and John felt a warm closeness when it happened he grinned as he realized he was touching her more than needed but she smilled back knowing full well what was going on and by the look in her eyes she was enjoying it too.

 

[Lacewing]

Clem spent the evening in companionvble work with John, she did regret not letting him grab the deer but living as long as she did alone one got dinner, or one starved, when on go the oprotunity.

She sat next to him on the stretchd out saddle blanket her horse settled behind as a war backrest Sugar idly munching grass not far away, Patch kept a blue eye on her and a brown eye on his mistress waiting for a chance to take off after the cute little mare.

Hat pulled low Clem hugged her knees watching the fire and meat cooking over it. John's trap had been quite good and they would have fish for breakfast. Clam loved river fish, she couldn't stand little lake trouts, no flavor to them.

She hummed an interesting melody under her breath as she sat in near perfect silence. Liking this companionship. A relationship biult more on a need for another's pressence than alot of flowery words.

 

[afternooner]

John

An owl hooted in the distance and the moon began to rise a small sliver removed from last nites fullness. John took Clems hand as they gazed at the night sky.

"Its sure good to have your company"

He said simply. A shooting star raced across the sky dissapearing into the distance. He caught his breath and knew that Clem had seen it to as she squeezed his hand in hers.

She turned to him in the moonlight, her face one of contentment and peace, her gaze holding his as if nothing else mattered in this whole world, except for them and for this moment they were sharing. His free hand went to her neck and touched the tip of her ear as he pulled her towards him. Their eyes closed as their mouthes came together in a tender yet soulfull kiss. John pulled away.

"Clem, he said softly I never told anyone else cept you.... but my wife ...well we havent. ..that is she had someone else.... I guess being married to a sherrif wasn't what she wanted.... so we just... well any way .. He pulled her back into his embrace and kissed her hard and passionately.
"I want you," he said simply.

 

[Lacewing]

Clem lisened to his words understanding more than he gave away and smiled kissing him in return enjoying the moment given them.

For as long as it would last.


She pulled herself over closer to him curling her form into his and finaly though she broke off "It'll burn" she said indicating the meat and that though she'd love to continue right now they had other things.

But her glittering eyes under the brim of her hat and hte smile on her thin lips promised that later was a different story.

"If'n we're stayin' here long enough to make jerky, perhaps we should make a temporary shelter" she pointed to a dim plum of cloud on the horizon bearly seen but a darkness looming "Looks like rain"