The Silver Moon-An Add-on story

[CJF]

Jake said he'd stay with the horses, and Eaton said he'd go to the watch-rock. Jake sat in the cave with the horses, his mind all the while on Delia. She's strong. She'll pull throguh...I hope.

Ugh. WB.

 

[Kookaburra]

The horsemen rode up to the ranch about midday, a group of ten bunched together. To Nai's profound dissapointment, Dornie Shaw was not among them. Somehow, she felt like filling him with lead whenever he looked at Conni.

She stood there as they approached the gate, her black hair blowing in the wind a little as some ebony strands escaped the silk bandanna. She was motionlesss until one leaned down to unlatch the gate. She lifted the rifle in her hand and sighted along it. "What do you want?" she demanded, her voice menacing.

The man who was opening the gate froze. The leader walked into the yard, his eyes hard and shifty. "My name's Wes Davies, and I'm here for Jake Martin."

Nai looked him up and down. "You don't look so tough. I think I could take four, maybe five in the first rush. What do you think, Conni?"

Conni stood lounging against the door. "You couldn't get no more than three, I'm thinking. But I'd get at least four. And the first one I'd get would be Wes. He's got some nice big buttons on his shirtfront that make nice marks."

Wes was no fool. "This ain't the end!" he snarled, remounting his horse. "The law will catch up with that -- " he saw the lift of Nai's rifle. " -- Jake Martin."

Nai pulled back the safety. "I will not stand for intruders on my property. And as for the law, it is not partial. Up to Dodge, they take an awful lot of pride in their three hanging's a day for trespassing."

Wes spurred his horse and wheeled out of the yard. Eaton came down from the rock as Nai bent over Delia again. "She'll be fine after a bit," she said finally. "The bullet hit no organs, and was a clean shot. I say a day before she's fully conscious, and another two until she can sit up. To have her riding as she normally does will take at least two weeks."

Conni looked uneasy. "I'm going out for a ride. I'll be back soon."

Nai nodded. "All right. Be careful."

Conni gave her a contemptuous glance. "I will be."

~~~~~

The dapple gray halted before the large cottonwood tree down a draw, its branches making an arched roof overhead. The horse tossed its head uneasily, then cropped some long grass. Conni didn't have long to wait. The dun stallion came from the direction of the town, and Dornie Shaw slid from the saddle. "Hey! How are you?"

Conni grinned, and allowed him to help her out of the saddle. "I'm fine. Will you try and keep the deputies away from our property? I'd as soon give up Jake and his brother, but I wouldn't stand for them hurting the girl."

Dornie looked troubled, a mask that few could see covered his real feelings. "I'll try, but I can't hold them forever."

Conni nodded, and told him what Nai had said. "Two weeks, and the girl can leave the ranch."

Dornie looked thoughtfully. "All right. You do know it might be rough?"

"I know. But I trust you."

"Really?" Dornie asked, bending over her. For a moment, Conni was convinced he was going to kiss her. She sprang away.

"Not now -- not today. Please."

"Sure," Dornie drawled, mounting his dun. He looked seriously at her. "But I do love you."

Conni watched him ride away.

 

[Grimr]

Name: James McCoy
Age: 37
Height: 5'9
Occupation: Bounty Hunter
History: Just a guy trying to make an unhonest living
Apperance: blue eyes, brown hair, unshaven face.
Weapons: Knife, Sawed off Shotgun, two revolvers

 

[CJF]

Ooooo! Evil!!!!!! I want to ring his neck! *deep breath* I have to calm myself. Okay, now my turn.

Eaton nodded, looking at Delia, then he walked outside and up to the cave. He told Jake of Delia's condition. Jake nodded. It was clear he was glad she would be okay, but had hoped she'd be better sooner. It was silent a moment, before Jake said, "At least she'll be okay."

Eaton walked back up to the rock.

New character time! Yipee!

NAME: Roxanne Lauren
AGE: 27
GENDER: Female
DESCRIPTION:http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/readerart/caran-aiwe.jpg
PERSONALITY: Serious about her job. Friendly to those she trusts. Deadly to those she doesn't trust.
WEAPONS: She has a knife hidden in her left boot, and another knife in her right. She has two pistols, and carries to riffles on her saddle. And to be on the safe side, she has a knife hidden in her belt.
HISTORY: Roxanne was a deputy to the original sherrif, before he was killed and Dan Starless took over. Roxanne was fired, and was pretty much banished from the town. Roxanne has lived in the hills, keeping her eyes on the town. Helping those who need it.

 

[Grimr]

James rode his horse into the small texas town where his new bounty was located. James survayed the town memorizing every shop, house, and bank, every ally and street leading into and out of the town. He then went to the Saloon. What can I do for you sir the bartender asked A drink and information on Jake and Eaton Martin. What do you want to know? Where do they live, what are their habits? How much for this information? twenty dollars and your life James said pulling out his knife.

 

[CJF]

Welcome Grimr!

 

[Grimr]

Hey Darrisons

 

[Kookaburra]

Darrisons? Lol! Though I'm kind of confused. Is James a bounty hunter for Dan Starless? The law doesn't want Jake and Eaton, since they have broken no laws.

~~~~~

Nai stared after Eaton as he went to Jake. Who were these people? On a simple ride into town, she'd come away without supplies and burdaned with two fully-grown men who might be outlaws (although something in their manner told her otherwise) and a badly wounded girl. She shrugged her thin shoulders under the threadbare shawl, her dark eyes roving the adobe room.

There was a light footstep at the door, and Nai turned towards Conni. "Keep an eye on Delia . . . I must go to town and get our supplies."

Conni nodded reluctantly and dipped a wet cloth in water, draping it over Delia's forehead. She followed Nai outside. "I really don't think it'd be wrong if we gave them up. After all -- "

Nai turned on her. "You get back in there. I run this house, and I know for a fact that these men are not outlaws or anything of the kind!" Conni slunk away into the house, her face cloudy.

Nai saddled up Excaliber and readied the buckboard to carry the supplies. Then she rode off to town, dust swirling in her wake as she crossed the salt flats. Her large buckskin took the road at an easy pace, swinging across the plains.

She rode into town about midafternoon, and she rode straight to the general store, and dismounted. She ground-hitched Excaliber and tied the packhorses to the hitching rail. She bought her supplies and as they were being carried out to the wagon, she remembered something. Striding quickly down the dirt road, she entered the saloon.

It was as if a bomb had gone off in the room. Men turned and looked at her, astonished. The noise level stopped completely except for the tinny music playing in the background. She walked purposefully up to the bar, and stood there, glaring at the bartender.

"Well!" she said, her words hissing between her teeth. "After all these years, we meet again!" Her words stung like a whip. "Cain Brockman, the man who killed my best friend!"

Cain's face blanched white. He had been in the middle of saying something to one of the customers, and now he had nothing to say. One of the cowhands sitting at a table got up and walked over. "Is what you're saying the truth?" he asked, his hard grey eyes pinning the flabby bartender to the spot.

"It is. He killed her while on the way west, crossing the Tascosa mountains."

Several men got up from their tables and walked out.

"Where are you going?" whined Cain. "You didn't pay for your drinks!"

The man with the grey eyes turned and looked back. "We don't hold to killing women. I reckon we're going to get a rope."

"Starless won't hold for this!" Cain shouted, his face turning red.

"It don't matter what he thinks," said another. "We're going to have us a hanging."

Nairre Daimond walked out, her head held high. Finally . . . justice. She wheeled Excaliber and left the town at a flat gallop, fighting the tears that were rising. "Oh . . . Tara!"

 

[Grimr]

oops my apologies darrions i misspelled and Kook lets just say James is doing a bounty for someone Jake and Eaton ran into at California.

 

[Grimr]

have you seen the Two Towers?

 

[Kookaburra]

Yes, of course. Unfortunately, I am a missionary among inner-suburb snobby rich kids who go to the movies every afternoon.

<< sigh >>

 

[CJF]

I saw it! I just got back two hours ago from seeing my fourth time.

Roxanne rode into town, her long blonde hair flowing behind her. She looked around. The toen had changed since she;d last been there. For some reason, she felt as if there was something outside of the town, waiting for her. She rode a little ways, and saw some horse prints in the sand. She followed them up through the hills, to a ranch. She rode further up to a house. A young girl called to her through the window to stay where she was.
"I come in search for Eaton Martin." Roxanne said, in hopes this girl would know who he was. Ever since she'd last seen in him in California, she'd been looking for him. The girl didn't answer. Roxanne decided to give a breif run through on why she needed to see him.
"My name is Roxanne Lauren. Eaton saved my ranch from being burnt, more than six years ago. He never once asked to be repaid. But I've come to pay him what I ome him. If you know Eaton, could you please tell me where I might find him?"

Eaton was walking back to the house when he heard a familiar voice. He walked to the side of the house in time to hear the name "Roxanne Luaren." Eaton was suprised. He hadn't expected her to come all the way to Texas to repay him. He did it out of kindness. Not for the money. Eaton walked out in the open. When she saw him, she smiled and dismounted.
"Eaton, I've come-"
"I heard." he said. He motioned for her to follow him. Once they were a safe distance behind the house, Eaton told her to keep her money.
"Eaton, I'm not going to keep this money. You may not want it, but you are going to take it. I wont rest until you do."
Eaton couldn't fight with that. He sighed and took the three hundred dollars she had in her hand. Roxanne's eyes narrowed.
"You haven't slept for a few days." she said.
Eaton explained what had happened, and how Delia was shot.
"How is Jake doing? He talked about her often, so she must be pretty important to him."
"She is. He's doing better, now that he knows she'll be okay. He's eating more, and actually sleeping. If it weren't for Nai and Conni I don't think Delia would have made it. And I would proably have been without a brother."
"Well, when she's ready to see people, tell me. I'm interested in meeting her. I never heard anything but the highest praise of her come out of Jakes lips."
"I don't think that will be possible. Jake and I and practically outlaws of own home town, after what happened a few days ago. You'd better go back to town. And don't come back up here."
"Why don't I stay here? You seem to be in need of help. I can help Nai take care of Delia. She's probably wore out."
Eaton thought for a moment. "I'll ask Nai what she thinks. But if she thinks it best that you stay in town, promise me that you will."
"I promise."

Jake paced back and forth in the stables. He couldn't help but get impatient. He didn't want to see Delia until she was fully concious, but he couldn't stand it! He almost walked into the house, but decided to stay in the cave instead. Jake sat on the cold floor thinking about her. It was obvious he loved her, even though he hadn't declared it yet. He was never good at saying things. He was always to emotional. But what if she had...died...without knowing my true feelings for her? he thought. Right then and there he made up his mind that he would tell her when she would be able to hear him.

The next two days were long, and hot. Delia was able to sit up without too much pain. She was able to stomach a little bit of breakfast. When she heard that wouldn't be able to ride her horse regularly for two weeks, Delia was disapointed. Well, I'm alive. she kept telling herself.

Jake was patting his horse,(Roxanne had went into town at night, and had gotten Jake and Martins horses. And Delia's too, even though she wouldn't be able to ride it soon.) when Eaton walking into the cave.
"Jake, Delia's ready to see you." he said.
Jake darted into the house, and into the room where Delia was. The moment he saw her sitting up, relief flooded his mind. He pulled up a chair, and sat next to her.
"How do you feel?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm fine. You never would have thought that a small thing as that bullet would hurt so much. The darn thing stung like a dozen wasps. My side is mostly numb. I'm just glad I was unconciouss for the most part."
Jake smiled. He took her hand in his and kissed it. Looking up at her, he tried to talk without being to emotional. But as he was getting ready to talk, tears came to his eyes. He looked back down at his hands, trying to hide his tears. He heard Delia shift in the bed.
"Are you okay?" she asked. Jake nodded.
"I'm just glad that you're okay." he said quietly. "I have something to tell you Delia. Something I've been wanting to tell you for quite sometime." Jake said, looking up at her. Delia was waiting patiently for him to continue.
He tried to continue, but he was lost for words. He didn't know how to tell her. He knew what he felt, but he couldn't put it into words. Instead, he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I love you." he whispered as he sat back down.

Delia was awstruck. She had waited for this moment. And now she couldn't believe it had happened. Delia smiled, and silently whispered, "I love you too." At first she thought Jake hadn't heard it. But looking up at him, she knew he had. Jake smiled, and told her to get some rest. Standing up, and taking her hand, he said "Until we meet again m'lady." he kissed her hand, and left. Delia lay on her back, smiling, before drifting off into a dreamless sleep.

 

[Kookaburra]

Nairre stood looking out over the plains and hills, feeling the restlessness of her mount. "Yes, Calli. It's ours . . . the hills, the plains, the valleys." She almost cried as she murmured, "We're home."

The buckskin stomped his hoof an tossed his mane, eager to be off. Nairre gave him the bit and they flew down the hill, a streak of gold on the umber hillside. Some might have wondered if they saw her then, her eyes shining and her jet hair flying past her shoulders. She hung close to Excaliber's neck, flying across the turf fleeter than a gazelle or a falcon on the wing. She revelled in the speed and power of her horse, head extended, brown tail streaming out behind like a banner. Finally, she slowed him and they cantered to the top of the ridge, looking down on her ranch.

Her eyes darkened when she spotted the extra horse at the hitching rail. "This is my ranch," she muttered. "Not a highway." She dismounted and looked at the newcomer. She couldn't keep her angry attitude at seeing Roxanne's smile towards her. She obviously knew Eaton, by the look of it. A slight twinge of jealousy, then it passed. Of course, Roxanne must have known them long before. Rather reluctantly, she had to lay down the law to them. "Come into the house, there is coffee on the stove."

When they were all inside, she turned to them. "I can't keep you all here," she said regretfully. "We're poor, and spent most of our money on the trip west. Not to mention acquiring the ranch. I don't even have money to hire anyone besides our cook and two cowhands. And even then it will be a stretch to pull through."

She waited for them to answer, and for the first time, the wear and tear was telling on her face. She envied the weak. The weak always had friends to help them through. People are drawn to the weak -- they love to feel needed. The strong? They need nothing. People seemed to shun the strong. Conni was weak -- she knew that. But Nairre had inherited her father's strength. She stared at the crackling fire, flames dancing in front of her eyes.

 

[CJF]

Roxanne nodded. "I understand."
She stood. "If you ever need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask." Roxanne walked out to her horse, and rode back to town. She had once been a depute of Silvermoon, until the Sherrif was kiled and Starless took over. She went to California, and there she met Eaton and Jake. She had come back, to avenge the death of her brother.
Roxanne tied her horse to the railing, and walked into a hotel. She asked for one room, and was led upstairs to a small, but cozy bedroom. She set her things on a chair, and fell onto the bed, imediatly falling asleep.

Jake checked in on Delia around four times a day. Each day she got better, stronger and healthier. Eaton noticed the change in his brother as she continued to succeed in her health.

 

[Kookaburra]

Nai's eyes softened, and a slight smile rippled across her face. "Thank you. Before long, they will know me an enemy of this . . . Starless. Then they will come for me."

Conni stood in the doorway. "But you're a woman ! "

Nai sighed and stood up. She walked out of the adjoining doorway without a word, letting the woven mat swing shut behind her. Inside the house, there were no wooden doors. Only on the outside. Conni looked in confusion at Eaton.

"She's right, Consuelo. They'd as soon kill a woman as soon as a man."

"Especially that Dornie Shaw. Why, he's killed at least two woman. Both of 'em were indians though, so no one complained."

"I don't believe you!" flared Conni, her eyes sharp with anger. "Mister Shaw is as nice a man as you'll find in the West."

Eaton's eyes were faintly amused. "If that's so, the whole lot of us westerners are woman-killers."

Conni spun on her heel and walked out. Eaton shrugged.

~~~~~

"Nai!"

"What?"

"Don't do it!"

"And what'll stop me?"

"I -- I will!"

"Hah! If no one else will, I'll fight. I'll face the town alone, if need be!"

"It's just a horse, Nai. Just a horse!"

"Just a horse?! Conni, that was the pride of our herd!"

"I'm sure it was an accident."

"A bullet through the head at five hundred yards? Do not kid with me!"

"But -- "

"I'm as skilled a tracker as an indian. I would know those tracks I saw them in Washington. They are the tracks of Dornie Shaw's dun."

"But -- "

"Horse stealing is an offense punishable by hanging. Horse-killing deserves torture!" Nai wheeled excaliber and left the ranch yard at a dead run.

 

[CJF]

Jake heard some comotion coming from outside, and walked out of the cave in time to see Nai ride off. Conni was left standing in the dust. Jake, not wanting to get into trouble, walked back inside the cave. He saddled up his horse, and mounted. He needed to go for a ride. As dangerous as it might be, he needed it.

Jake rode around on the hills for quite a while. He felt he should go back. He dismounted his horse, not realizing that someone was behind him. The last thing he felt, before blacking out, was the butt of a pistol.

Eaton looked around for a half an hour trying to find Jake. He looked in the stables and saw that Jakes horse was gone. Eaton ran back in the house.
"Conni! I'm going after Jake! I'll be back when I find him."
And with that, he saddled his horse and rode out in search for Jake.

Eaton had been riding for hours. It was nearly dark, when he saw Jakes hat on the ground. He saw some horse prints leading in the direction of town. Jake had been caught. Eaton rode back to the house to get his guns.

 

[CJF]

Delia had been walking a little bit that day. She got out fo the bed, and dressed into her clothes. She, slowly but steadily, walked outside. Seeing Eaton armed she asked, "What are you doing?"
Eaton looked at her. "I'm going into town."
"You can't go back there. They'll kill you."
"They took Jake."
Delia's eyes widened. She walked over to Eaton.
"Is he alive?"
"I don't know. All I found was his hat." Eaton handed Delia Jakes hat. Delia took it.
"I'm going with you." she said looking up at Eaton.
"No you're not. I wont allow it. I don't think Nai would allow it either." Eaton said mounting his horse.
"I'll bring him back. I wont rest until I do."
Eaton rode off towards town, his mind completly set on getting Jake.

 

[Kookaburra]

Nai pressed on, but she turned her horse about an hour later and saw the specks on the ranch. Someone was leaving. Well, she could postpone judgement another hour. She waited for Eaton to reach her, and when he did, she listened to his story. "I should have liked to have seen the tracks. Now there's someone trespassing on my ranch as well as shooting my horses!" She checked that her rifle was loaded and her pistol ready. Her face was slightly pale, but she wasn't afraid to die if need be. "I'm riding in, and I'll catch that horse killer if its the last thing I do! You'd better hurry if you want to find Jake's captor. He'll be dead if I find him!" she spurred her horse into a gallop and streaked for Silvermoon.

 

[CJF]

Eaton followed. He rode into town, completly ready to get his brother.

Roxanne awoke to the sound of horses riding into town. She looked out her window, and saw around three men, and...Jake! He fell of of the horse he was on, blood running from the side of his head. She watched as Jake awoke, and faught with the three deputes. She looked at her door, when she thought she heard someone coming in. No one was there. She heard a gun shot, and looked back. The men were carrying Jake into the jail. a puddle of blood was on the ground, clearly stating that someone was shot. Judging by the looks of what had happened, Roxanne came to the conclusion that Jake had been killed. It was confirmed, when the undertaker came, and carried away a body wrapped in white cloth.

Eaton krept into the hotel. He walked up the stairs. He had seen Roxanne sitting at her window. He knocked on her door. When she opened it, she hurried him inside.
"Roxanne, I'm looking for Jake. Have you seen him."
A clouded look came over Roxanne's face. "Eaton I'm sorry. Jake's dead."
"Dead? How?" Eaton asked.
"He was shot fighting one of the deputes who was trying to get him into the jail."
"You saw this?"
Roxanne nodded. Eaton couldn't believe it. Jake couldn't be dead. It wasn't possible. "Roxanne, ride to the house, and give Delia the news.I kow she'd rather hear it from you, than from me. I don't think I'd be able to tell her anyways."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going after the guys who killed Jake." Eaton said, leaving the room. He walked down the steps and outside. Killing an innocent man, is against the law. Jake wlked around town, as Roxanne headed out to Nai's ranch.

 

[CJF]

Delia was sitting next to her window, when Roxanne walked into the room. Delia had only met Roxanne once, but they had become good friends since they had met.
"Roxanne." Delia said, standing from her chair. Roxanne smiled slightly. She explained what had happened with Jake. Delia nearly fainted.

Eaton walked around town, circling the jail. The time was almost right, when he would attack.