#weatern

Word count: 2021

Arthur had spent most of the day away from camp, wanting be alone and left to his thoughts. He wandered around the land, meeting a few strange people and helping them out. They made him do some odd things, but he met a particular person who wanted to photograph the wild and got his satchel stolen by a fox. It gave Arthur one hell of a chase, but eventually he got it back and the man was able to get the photos he wanted.

He had spent the rest of his days hunting buffalos and some deers to harvest their meat and fur. Ended up going to a trapper to sell him the fur and have him fix up some clothing attires for him. Now he was heading home to camp, wanting to get some food in his belly, maybe some whiskey before he retired for the night. When he entered the camp he noticed it was awfully louder than usual as it seemed everyone was there, laughters and singing could be heard in the night air as he got off his horse and hitched it.

Curiosity overwhelmed him as he wondered what the special occasion was. Entering the camp, his blue gaze instantly went to the campfire where majority of the people were, surrounding two familiar kids.

Jack was currently seated between James and Rosie as the young boy bonded quickly with the two older kids. Abigail was off to the side smiling brightly at the three as she and Hosea cooed at how adorable they were being. Instantly the three became quick friends as they never met kids around their age and took immediate liking to one another. Even shy and timid James opened up quickly as the twins shared their stories about growing up and all the things they would do with their mother. Rosie seemed particularly happy sharing about her experience going fishing, even if others would view it as boring.

James on the other hand talked about books he read with Elizabeth and impressed some of the people by how well he read. Mary-Beth and him were talking about different novels they read. Once you get the boy going, he's a talker, especially when they were discussing about a topic he's interested in.

Dutch was the first to notice Arthur's presence as he stayed a little way back from the group to just observe. Walking over to Arthur, Dutch placed a hand on his shoulders, "It seems these two can change the mood of the camp mighty fast," He mused, his own smile toying on his lips, "What do you plan to do Arthur?"

"What do you mean by that?" Arthur grumbled as he shoved his hands in the pockets of his coat, admittedly wary of approaching the two. He still didn't know where he stood with Elizabeth and the two kids.

"They're your kids ain't they? You plan on ever taking responsibility?"

"She dont want me Dutch, certainly don't want me around her kids," in his mind he kept beating himself up for all the stupid decisions he made, wanting to fix them, but didnt know how. Since he left the mansion yesterday, guilt has been eating away at his mind as he wanted to be there for them. How he so desperately wanted this, wanted this family now that he knew he had one.

"Don't be a fool son, Eliza is still sweet on you after all these years," Dutch boldly claimed as he offered a cigarette to Arthur, to which he took appreciatively. Though he wanted some whiskey as well.

"Please do tell me how?"

"I can see it in her eyes Arthur, now her words are harsh, but she is a mother looking out for her kids. Just take a look at James name, his middle name is Arthur. If that doesn't tell you anything son, then you really do just know how to shoot."

Dutch left him after that to think over what he said. Was Elizabeth still sweet on him or was Dutch just being Dutch? It has to mean something that Elizabeth gave James his name as well, even if it is just something tiny. Groaning, Arthur walked over to where the whiskey was and grabbed himself a bottle before finding a comfortable spot near another fire camp nearby, not wanting to be around the gang right now. Though he wanted to spend some time with the twins, but he supposed he'll wait for his turn.

However, while Arthur was drinking his sorrow away, a certain somebody managed to sneak up from behind him, though not intentionally, when James stepped on a branch and it snapped, Arthur turned around quicker than an Arabian horse trying to knock you down. Surprised by the man's sudden action, James stayed still, blue eyes wide like saucers as he timidly waved at Arthur. The older man realised who it was and mentally cursed himself for spooking the boy, but covered it up with a cough, "Nice to meet you again James. How you liking the camp?"

James recovered from his initial shock and sat on the makeshift chair in front of Arthur, placing his hands on his knees as he rubbed it, "Everyone seems nice and most have been friendly, but I don't really like a big group like that. Rosie fits right in though," He muttered, but Arthur heard him. Heard how tired he sounded.

Chuckling, Arthur put down the whiskey bottle as he stretched his back slightly, "Well that's the gang alright. Like family, but they can get real annoying sometimes."

"Not Mama and Rosie, i'm never annoyed of them," James stated, as if trying to defend his small family. Even with him being all shy, he was the only boy in their family and he needed to protect them. After all, he was raised without a father, but Elizabeth tried to fill both roles.

"It's hard to stay annoyed with Eliza, she has this charm to her," Arthur spoke before he could think.

"Did you know Mama?" James asked, completely unaware about their relationship.

Arthur chuckled lightly at the irony of his question as he couldn't help but feel bitter. He so desperately want  to claim to be James and Rosie's father, and the only thing stopping him was his insecurities and Eliza, "Knew for awhile, then she left and I haven't seen her in awhile till yesterday," the Outlaw replied vaguely, not knowing if Eliza would appreciate him telling her son about her Outlaw days. The two of them did bad things, but Eliza escaped before she can do anymore bad things.

James nodded, not saying anything for a minute as he gathered his thoughts. His mother's past was always a mystery to him as she would simply say that the past is the past and shouldn't worry about it. His mother also never talked about his father all too often and if she did it would be quick and short answers, "Mama always said my Pa was a good man, but just did bad and stupid things. Rosie and I sometimes wonder if our Pa loved us, but Mama said she was the one who left him."

Words got stuck in Arthur's throat as he stared at the glum look that adorned the younger boys face, he couldn't help but feel like he was responsible for it. However, a small chance of hope lit up within him as Eliza thought he was a good man. Maybe she was just saying it so the kids don't think their father was this horrible guy, but it still made him feel giddy inside. Elizabeth was trying to paint him in a good picture, "Let me tell you this James, whoever your father is, he deeply cares for you and your sister."

"You really think so Sir?"

"He's be a damn right fool is he dont," it was taking everything in him to not up right and say he was their father. He could easily say it, show him a picture of when Eliza and him were together, but Elizabeth would most likely bring a pack of wolves down on him. Plus, he had no right to, Eliza's been the one raising these kids.

"What was Mama like before she had us?" This was the young boys chance to learn more about his Mother.

Taking off his hat, Arthur ran his hands through his grimy and oily hair, he made a mental note to go into Valentines and have a bath before he meets Eliza again, "Your mother was a lot like you I guess. Prefers small crowds and don't really like meeting new people. She was a hell of a fisher, caught a fish half the size of her once. I remember she likes reading as well," There was more he could have said, but he'd rather not tell James that his mother was the sharpest shooter out there and was one hell of a robber if she wanted to be.

"Do you like reading Sir?"

"Not really, I write in my journal sometimes. Your mother was the one who bought me one and got me into writing," Eliza didn't appreciate it whenever Arthur would silently fume in anger and would occasionally snap at her or ignore her. So she got Arthur the journal a long time ago as some therapeutic thing he could do whenever he was bothered. Of course she was still with John at the time. The first couple of pages he wrote was about his jealousy towards the male and his desire to be with Eliza.

That was something he did not want anyone to read.

"Mama writes in journals a lot to!" James said excitedly as he glum expression brightened up, "She always rights in it everyday and had over a dozen of them journals. Though Mama won't ever let me or Rosy read it. Said it was personal."

*****

What in the world did I just do? I allowed Rosie and James to go with Hosea to wherever the camp was. Hosea said it was near Valentines, and that's so far away. I'm terrified for them, the world is such a cruel and unfair place, but I trust Hosea to keep them safe. Plus, Arthur knows he's the father to them so I only pray if any danger comes to them he'll protect them. It's unfair of me to think like that, after all I basically told Arthur that I didn't want him involved with them.

However, as each days past, the kids grow more curious of their father and with that curiosity they want to know who he is. I can only make so much excuses before they get angry at me and demand for real answers.

Maybe Arthur will say something to them during their stay there? Maybe he'll tell them he's their father, and I don't know if I'll be angry, happy or I just don't know. Since they were born I always thought of the possibility of the four of us being a happy family, but then I am thrown back to reality whenever their actions are the talk of the town. Is it selfish of me to want Arthur to change? Is it wrong of me to want him to leave the gang and be with the three of us? The world is so dangerous for Outlaws and I don't want my kids to be live that life.

Word count:2239

The gang hadn't seen her in nearly 6 years, she just up right and left them in the middle of the night. Some thought she was kidnapped, died in a ditch somewhere or the law got her. Made plans to search for her, but stopped once they found a letter and neat cursive writing. She was the only onc that ever wrote like that, so neat and and proper as if she grown up sophisticated, in which she did.

To the Van der Linde Gang,

Don't come looking for me, I've gone off and away from the gang on my own accord. I'm not going far, but hopefully you won't be able to find me as easily, so long you stay far away enough in the West, away from all the civilization you've been running from. The world is changing and they no longer want Outlaws anymore, best remember that.

You either adapt to this world or you die. Life ain't fair, humans were never created equal, and I've learned that the hard way from my time riding with you all. Me abandoning you out of nowhere ain't fair, so to compensate, underneath my bed there lays $10,000, use it however you please.

Don't come looking for me and don't bother my family Dutch, I am still an Outlaw and if you cross me, I won't hesitate putting a bullet through your head. To think I saw this gang as family at one point, to think the very person who allowed me to stay, would betray me. The world ain't fair Dutch and I reckon you won't ever get that big score you want. You'll come crawling your way to civilization, you'll loose your sanity and most importantly you'll loose your gang.

Hosea, I owe you my life and plus some. You have been nothing but a father to me and you have shown nothing but kindness towards me. It is you that is stopping me from ruining this gang, so you best stay alive if you want to protect it. If the time comes and you do find yourself in Civilization and backed up in a corner, come see me. We will make arrangements and we will see what will happen when our paths cross once more. 

Till this time comes, remember that actions have consequences. Your past will come back to haunt you and it will most certainly not be pleasant. My patience and kindness can only be tested so many times, do best and remember that.

Sincerely,

Orléans

When the gang had read the letter, many did not know what to think. Many turned to Dutch and about his supposed betrayel towards the women, but he didn't utter a word. The man only retreated back to his tent and there he stayed still the next day. Everyone was left to wonder about what the next course of actions would be with the large sum of money that was left to them

Some were heartbroken that the girl had left and wrote such a threatening letter. They didn't understand what had happened for the girl to change sides so quickly, to make her abandon them. She acted as if they all betrayed her and yet they couldn't quite understand how. Under Dutch and Hoseas orders, no one looked for her, no one spoke of her and they simply acted as if she was never part of the gang.

Dutch never did fufill his promise to the gang and instead of going farther west, he set his eyes towards Blackwater. There they stayed, wanting one more big score so they can just disappear. However, that never happened and it was as if Orléans was a fortune teller.

The Dutch Van der Linde gang found them closer to civilization then ever before, and needed desperate help.

*****

They have never before been this close to civilization and they were tense as they rode their horses carefully through the streets of Saint Denis, taking great measure to not hit anyone. Last they needed was more Law on their back, they've already had Pinkertons to worry about after the botched Ferry Heist in Blackwater. With the gangs mood down and in desperate place to stay, away from the people who wanted them hanged, Dutch, Hosea, Arthur and John found them selves in the heart of Saint Denis.

It wasn't as pleasant as everyone made it out to be, the place stunk of garbage and smoke and it festered with so much life. Most importantly there was Law in every corner and they were worried that their faces would be recognized. However, they tried their best to not act suspicious as Hosea lead them to where their supposed salvation should be.

"It's been years since we last saw her," Arthur spoke out to Hosea as he brought his horse next to his, "do you think she'll even remember us?" He asked eerily, skeptical of the plan. Anyone would be after reuniting with a person after all these years and the last they saw each other where not in the best circumstances.

Hosea kept calm like he always did, providing a mental stability in which the gang needed, "I know the girl better then I know you Arthur," his tone was fatherly as it's always been towards the boy, "her parting words were harsh, but I know she cares for the gang. If she didn't, she wouldn't have left a letter at all nor the good amount of cash."

Arthur never knew what happened to all that money that she left for the gang. Dutch just took it and said he hid it somewhere safe for when they were ready to disappear. That was years ago and he never saw the money again, probably left and abandoned in Blackwater. It was tempting to go back for all the money left behind, but as soon as he steps into Blackwater he's a dead man for sure.

The man fell to the back of the group to where John was following behind Dutch. He was relatively quite unlike his usual self, seemed more reserved, "what's up with you? Did the wolf eat your tongue or something?" Arthur asked sarcastically.

"Just..." John started, trying to find the right words to portray his thoughts, "We haven't seen her in years. Don't know how to feel with meeting her again now," it was true. He had a history with her before Abigail joined the picture. John Marston, the man who just recently accepted Jack was his son, pictured a life with Miss. Orléans all those years ago. He was madly in love with her, but something changed when Abigail joined the picture and he made a poor and stupid choice of abandoning her for Abigail.

Arthur didn't say anything back to him as he was lost in his own thoughts. The few little things he had in common with John was that he had a romantic history with Orléans as well. Ever since Hosea found her and took her into the gang, Arthur fancied her a lot and was sweet on her. However, his love was futile as the girl directed all of hers to John. Watched from the back bitterly as the two cozied up as a couple. Luck would have it that John made a careless mistake of leaving her for Abigail and he swept in to take his place. Of course not before having a turn with Abigail. Yet, just like John, Arthur left Orléans for another women, Mary to be exact and that was his greatest mistake.

Eventually the small group got off the Main Street and into a secluded area, where there was less bustling people about. There was one path that lead way out of the city and up into the mountains and the boys could already see the mansion that sat alone on the top. It was big, and it looked rich as they cautiously neared it.

"You sure this is the right place Hosea?" Dutch questioned as they halted their horses in front of a large gate. There were no guards around but it didn't stop him from worrying that Pinkertons or Laws would jump out any second now.

Hosea dismounted his horse before hitching it on a nearby tree, "I'm sure this is the place, come one now, let's not cause trouble for her."

The four approached the gate, trying to figure out what to do, but they didn't have to think for too long as the large doors of the mansion opened. A man stepped out and he was around Hoseas age but he wore an expensive looking suit as his graying hair was slicked back neatly. Dark blue eyes stared at the group for a moment before a slight grin made its way onto his lips when his eyes landed on Hoseas face.

"Mr. Mathews, correct?" He asked politely as he approached the gate and opened it for the group. Bowing slightly, he shook Hoseas hand, completely ignoring the rest, "Miss. Orléans told us to be expecting you soon. Your faces were plastered all over Backwater when I went down there for business matters."

Hosea chuckled lightly, "I hope matters didn't involve Pinkertons?" He asked in a joking matter, but the man heard the weariness behind it.

Quickly shaking his head, the man only patted Hoseas back reassuringly, "Miss. Orléans try's to not involve herself with the Law. How rude of me, I am Timothy Louis, Miss. Orléans right hand man you might say," the man was an eccentric figure as he lead them inside the mansion.

The interior was just as grand as the exterior. However it wasn't obnoxiously decorated like most rich folks houses where. There was a sense of finesse to it, it had more silver then gold scattered around the interior, a dark burgundy contrasting it nicely.

"How has Miss. Orléans been? It's been some time since I last saw her," Hosea struck up the conversation as he gave a look to Arthur and John, one that said that they better not even be thinking about stealing. It would have been easy as Timothy was only paying attention to Hosea.

"She's been well! Business has been thriving and yet she always gives back to the people. Try's her best to share her wealth, but she's been putting a good amount into savings," The man seemed proud when he was talking about her and he was. To him it was an absolute honor to be working and serving under her. Many didn't take her seriously in the line of business as she was a women, but eventually she made a name for herself in the cotton industry.

Hosea listened intently as he tried to envision the girl, wondering how she grew and changed over the years, "has she taken a man?" He suddenly asked, which caught the attention of a certain two as they directed their gaze to Timothy.

Shaking his head, Timothy did notice the intense looks he was receiving, "Many tried to tie her down, but she's either both  not interested or she fancied none of her hundred suitors. Though I think motherhood has something to do with her lack of husband."

"Motherhood?" Hosea asked dumbfounded, his head trying to make sense of what the man said, "what do you reckon by that?"

"Exactly what I mean by it!" Timothy alone, before he opened another set of large doors, which lead to a private study.

The room was spacious as the walls were lined in bookshelf's and it was all taken up by books. In the center of the room was a large wooden desk with several stacks of paper behind it. To the side of the room was two couches that could probably fit three people in it and a dark red wooded coffe table in the middle of the two couches. Behind the desk was the only space that wasn't covered in books and it was for a large window that looked out to the city of Saint Denis. Infront if the grand window was what the boys could have sworn was a Queen.

The women was dressed in a expensive looking red gown. It was accented with silver as it puffed out in the back was a medium size black bow resting on her lower back. The lower half the dress was covered in silver frills that had a rose pattern embedded into it. The upper half hugged her body nicely ass the sleeves ended just pass her elbows and a pair of black gloves covered the rest of her arm. Black hair was curled loosely as half was tied up to resemble that of a bow. One of her hands was raised and in between her fingers was a cigarette.

"Miss. Orléans! The guest have finally arrived, just like you said!" Timothy spoke proudly as he took a step towards the women.

Turning around, dark green eyes observed the four men as her full light pink lips were bent into a small smile. Cheeks dusted with a slight rosey hue as pieces of hair loosely framed her  delicate heart shaped face. Underneath her left eyes was a small circle beauty mark, a signatures of her.

"It's been too long Hosea," the women finally spoke, breaking the tense silence.