gun for a tongue.

Right, well... It's moreso cautious than jumpy. And she's my fr- sister. And now that you know, who exactly are you?

How would you like me to prove it, darlin’? Well, don’t tell me that now that you know it’s here an’ if it ever presented itself to you, you wouldn’t grab it and cash it. My brother an’ I decided to stop here ‘cause we needed a place, but then we heard the rumors of gold, so we thought we’d stick around a bit. I’m glad she wants to stay, ‘cause then I get to see you around more often.

Oh no, you'll have to figure that out on your own. And I never once said that I wouldn't take the chance if it came to me, I was just tellin' you that gold ain't why I came here. I have no desire to be part of this massive gold rush, but if the gold came to me, then it ain't ladylike to turn it down. Maybe it was a good choice on her part, then.

Well, I hope that’s soon, because I never intend to lie to such a lovely woman. You’ve been lied to, miss. It may be just a small part of ‘em, but part of everyone here wants that gold one way or another.

Mm, I'll believe you when you prove that to me. I haven't been lied to, darlin'. Because I know what my purpose here is and gold was never on my mind. I, unlike some apparently, wasn't even aware of it's presence here. My sister, well she thought this might be a nice place to stop before we continued our journey and now she seems to want to stay.

I’m just sayin’ with your composure and beauty, you don’t deserve those men. Well, not always- we’re all here for gold in some way or another, aren’t we?

Well, you're one with a nice charm about ya. I'd say thank you, but I'll save that for when I'm sure these compliments of yours are genuine. But you're mistaken, some are here for refuge and a place to rest their heads... Or so I'm told.

Endure and defeat is a lesson I learned long ago. Sadly, it doesn't always work out too well for women such as myself, but it's a way of life that I learned from the very beginning. However, perhaps I will learn how to use my body to my own advantage. I always thought it was pointless, but if this is the kind of town I'm in now, well...I'm not about to lay down and take it. You're...French?

A woman like me? And what exactly are you gettin' at with that statement, darlin'? I can handle myself quite well, thank you. But, you're right; a man's greed will be his downfall.

Oh, well, that's...comforting. Nice to know you have a nice set of morals instilled in ya. But, you're a bartender? That's interesting, I'll be sure to stop by when I am in dire need of a drink.

And here I thought maybe you'd be the type of man that's content with giving me a send off without knowing my name. Claudette.

Hm, okay. I'll consider taking that kind of advice to heart. ...Thank you for the welcome. If Jack's your name, then that's what I'll call you.

Who's askin'?

Perhaps you are correct there...perhaps. I've never been much of one for going against my gut feeling, but I suppose exceptions can be made. It'll grow on me for sure, but whether that's like a good feelin' or a rot, is to be determined. But perhaps your advice will be put to good use.

Well, only if you want to of course. And I’m sorry for that, but I can’t tell you a lie now can I? One week in Ember and you’ll see what I mean! I have no doubt you can.

When you give me a good enough reason to forget your name, then I will. And I don't know...can you? For all you know I could have every intention of lying to you. But we shall see, maybe I'll last the week.

Is that so? And what's got you saying a thing like that? What my gut was telling me though, I'd rather keep to myself.

Well hello there! I’m Dollie, how’re you doing? And if I were you, I’d listen to your friend Lorraine. Half the people are too crazy or too drunk to bite much after their bark.

Dollie? I might remember that. Saying people are either crazy or drunk, well that ain't too much of a comfort. But even if they did bite, I can handle myself there.