Nathan followed the black haired, black eyed woman back to the ranch house, all notions of clean clothing wiped from his mind. Not that it was that hard considering his lack of sleep. In the kitchen, he found her making herself at home. A cup of coffee poured out and sitting on the table, a place setting laid out while she was busy making what looked like a sandwich out of last night's pot roast, and the bread Nettie had left out for the guys' breakfast. He was still standing in the door way as she turned around with the plate in her hand and another cup of coffee in the other.
"Aren't you going to sit down? You have a long day ahead of you." She gestured to the seat that now had the sandwich placed in front of it.
"How do you know that?" He tried to put some menace in the words but must have failed as she smiled at him, her whole face lighting up.
"You're a healer aren't you? Healers always have long days." she sat down in the chair beside him, savoring the aroma of the coffee. "Besides which, from the look of you, you wouldn't be up unless you had to be, so whatever it is, must be important."
"Yeah." Nathan gave up on trying to figure it out, and just started eating the sandwich. Earlier had decided to give up thoughts of food, knowing he really didn't have time to make anything before he had to leave. But with the food sitting in front of him, he gave into his hunger. Besides which, the woman, Chat or something equally strange, was right. It would be a long day. Of course, he had to think about what he was going to do with the virtual stranger sitting beside him. He watched as she leaned forward, taking a sip of the coffee, wincing slightly at the taste, as a long strand of hair floated in front of her face. He followed it as it settled back down, and down, and down. Her hair was sweeping the floor as she sat.
"I need to do something with this mess." Nathan looked at her as she spoke and blinked owlishly. He should have let Chris stay up with his own damn damsel in distress and gotten some sleep. "I hate riding with it down, gets tangled up in everything."
She reached behind her and pulled the mass forward, quickly separating it into three strands and had it braided so quickly her fingers blurred. Then she wrapped it around itself and tucked the end in, leaving a large, neat bun on the back of her head. He'd always wondered how women do that so it stays up, without any pins or anything! He was inclined to think it was one of those mysteries women giggle about when the men aren't around. Shaking his head at his whimsical thought process, he realized, that he REALLY had to start getting more sleep.
This was more than just last night, but a culmination of the fact he hadn't gotten a good nights sleep in over a month. Between his brothers constantly getting roughed up in their duties as peacekeepers, the people they rough up in town, the usual bumps and bruises around town, his brothers getting roughed up out on the range (how they manage to find trouble in the middle of an empty field was still a mystery to him), the babies that always insist on making an appearance at three in the morning, and idiots who get themselves banged up with stupid stunts (he'd include his brothers in that category, but he would like to live out the rest of his life in one piece) he never seemed to have a moment's peace. He dragged himself up out of his chair and was halfway out the door before Chat interrupted him.
"You should check on your patient upstairs, before you leave. She could use something for the pain, and her fever's probably up a little."
He just looked at her for a second before he turned back and went up the stairs. When he came back twenty minutes later, he looked at her wondering if the lack of sleep had finally driven him insane, or if the person in front of him was real. "How did you know?"
She just shrugged, at a lost for words. How could she explain the feelings that always seemed to surround her, how she could almost see the feelings other people emote, and how they color the world around her. This place, this ranch, was a peaceful place, full of care and joy. She'd been in places where the world was almost painted black with hate and fear. "I just knew. The spirits gave me gift. We had better get going."
"We?" Nathan was finally starting to wake up to the point where his mind was starting to kick in, and what it was telling him just confused him more. "What's that supposed to mean."
"I don't suppose you want to leave me here by myself do you. Granted there is your brother upstairs, but I think he has his hands full with the hurt woman. She will need his help to recover. Besides which there are others who need your gift, shall we go see them?"
For some reason, he found himself agreeing, perhaps it was those spirits Chat talked about, but there was an honesty about her that Nathan couldn't deny. While he still didn't know what to think of her, he found himself trusting her.
The clinic was an interesting place. While there was pain and anguish in the background, the hurt of people injured, there was also a peace and calm that almost over powered the harsher emotions. It was the same feeling that the ranch emoted, and it surprised Chat that it was so strong in a place normally surrounded in pain. Not that it was a bad thing, simply something that couldn't be avoided in healing process. Pain let a person know they were alive, and that things were working as they should. It was also a warning. And speaking of Pain...
Chat could feel two people coming towards the clinic, one full of worry and concern, the other simply a mass of pain and shame, both physical and emotional. While she couldn't read minds, she'd felt similar pain before and had a good guess as to the cause. She could feel the emotions surround her and crawl up her spine, her anger growing at the person who could cause such anguish. Yet she could already tell that the woman would be fine, her strength shining out against the maelstrom. It would take time, but she would heal. By this time she could hear the words as the one woman gently guided the other up the stairs.
She looked over at the sleeping figure on the cot; he was still tired, but the grey exhaustion was gone. They had gone to check on a few of the people who couldn't make over to the clinic, glad that when they reached town, there was no one waiting for them. While it took a little persuasion, Chat had managed to convince Nathan to get some sleep on the condition she'd wake him if something came up. She was tired herself after the long day of blocking out other people's emotions, but she could sleep later. She went over, and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Nathan, it's time to wake up, someone needs you."
His eyes popped open, and after a quick stretch, he headed to the door. upon opening the door and getting a good look at his patient, his eyes hardened, while he plastered a reassuring smile on his face, and allowed the other woman to lead her in. The bruises marring her fair skin, only partially hidden by her loose, red hair, and her closed demeanor told the story quickly enough. Once she was settled, he glanced over at Chat, and nodded over to the older lady, a quiet request held in those dark eyes.
Chat headed over to the blonde woman, and lead her out the door, leaving it open a bare crack. Once outside in the clean air, the faint bustle of the town surrounding them, the woman looked over Chat with her sharp brown eyes.
"I don't recognize you from around town, My name is Mrs. Williams. And you are?" Worry still colored Mrs. Williams words, but she wasn't about to let anybody endanger her town, or her charges, and this woman, dressed in men's clothes, with her tan skin and black, piercing eyes looked like trouble.
"I'm Courtenay Richard Druilliard, you can call me Chat if you like?" She smoothed out the over large shirt then sat on the bench, and gesturing to the spot beside her, opened herself up more to the woman. This would allow her to comfort the woman, and ease her worry.
"Cat, huh. Well Miss. Druilliard..." Ruth didn't immediately accept the invitation, what kinda of woman called herself cat, even if it was in French.
"It's Mrs. Druilliard, but I still prefer Chat. My Father always thought I had too much curiosity for a child and called me Chat instead." There was a slight easing of Mrs. Williams posture, and while she still didn't sit down, Chat could feel the suspicion drain off of her. Having a husband, even a dead one, earned a woman more respect than a single woman off by herself.
"And where is Mr. Druilliard?"
"He passed on many years ago. As for me showing up in town like this, I have to apologize. I found myself in difficult circumstances and had to rely on the generosity of Nathan and his brothers." As she said this, Mrs. Williams immediately sat down, patting Chat's shoulder consolingly. "I hope to be able to get some more appropriate clothing as soon as I can. Perhaps you can help me in this?"
"I see no problem with that, and I know what it feels like to lose a loved one, my own dear husband passed on ten years ago this summer. While I'm a little bit shorter than you, I have some dresses left behind by some previous borders that might fit."
"I don't know how to thank you Mrs. Williams." Chat said, touched by the generous offer from a woman who earlier looked at her with suspicion.
"Please, call me Ruth."
"Thank you."
It was quiet for a few moments after that, worry again making itself known. After fidgeting with the fringe or her shawl, Ruth asked "DO you think she'll be all right?"
"She will be fine. She has you to help her, and she is strong." Chat's words seemed to comfort her, and she leaned back. At that moment, Nathan came out, asking Ruth to come in for the rest of the examination. Left by herself, on the balcony, she caught a wave of concern from across the street. Looking, she saw a long haired man, dressed in buckskins, his eyes barely visible, peaking out from under his hat. She caught his eye, watching as he turned away, scanning the rest of the street, before allowing his eyes to stray back to the clinic door. He also seemed to be worried about the young woman whom Nathan was examining. Giving him a slight smile, and a nod of acknowledgement, she settled down to wait for Nathan to finish.
After a few minutes, she started to fidget. She didn't want to leave Nathan here, hoping to be able to talk some more now that he was more awake. A loud noise startled her and she jumped up. 'it's just the anxiety of this place, I'm just not used to being around so many people. I'll be fine.' so far she wasn't convincing herself. The more she thought of the people around her, the more she could feel their emotions press against her. A brawl broke out in the saloon across the street. Anger, fear, hate, lust, joy, dazed reassignment, stark rage, and more all started to beat against her. The sudden fear, and disgust from the clinic was the last straw.
Before she could stop herself, she was down the stairs and in the alley, running away from the emotional noise around her. With out a thought, she morphed in to her favorite shape, comforted by the sudden quiet that surrounded her as she reached animal form. The large, black panther, thinking easier thoughts than before, loped out of town, keeping to the shadows to remain unseen. Well, mostly unseen.
In the alley, Lilith Todd watched the strange transformation with fascination.
Buck stepped out of the house and watched as Connie sat under the tree and seemed to be talking to her eagle. He smiled and walked over.
"Hello there."
Connie looked up and smiled. "Hi."
Buck sank down beside her, well away the birds sharp beak. When they got to the ranch Buck had learned that the strange girl who came to town with Vin was gone. No one knew where she disappeared too. Josiah had searched for her with the help of Vin but no luck.
Connie watched Buck not noticing when Angel jumped from her arm to his bent knee until it was too late. Buck jumped as the eagle landed on his knee digging its claws in to get a better grip. He yelped and moved away from the frailing wings.
"Oh Buck I'm so sorry."
Buck held his leg. "Thats alright. She didn't get me too bad."
"Her claws are pretty sharp...." She leaned over and started to examine his leg.
As Connie came close he could smell the scent of roses. He closed his eyes and let the scent take him away.
Connie looked up and smiled as she saw the calm expression on Buck's leg. She didn't think he felt any of the mending she did to his leg. She called to him softly. "Buck?"
Buck heard his name and opened his eyes. He came face to face with Connie's smiling face, he then looked down and saw that she had patched up his leg.
"You should have a doctor look at your leg."
"I will." He took her hand and kissed it. "Thank you. You have a very soft touch."
Connie blushed deeply. "Thank you."
The sound of hoof beats made them both look up. Josiah rode into the yard and dismounted. "Howdy Josiah."
Josiah smiled, "Afternoon Buck, Miss Connie." He noticed Buck's leg. "What happened Buck?"
"Its nothing." Buck said waving his hand dismissively.
"You better let Nathan look it over. You know what will happen if you don't?"
Buck made a face and thought about the long lecture he would get if he didn't show the healer his leg. "I will as soon as he comes home."
Josiah nodded and excused himself and headed into house.
Connie stood. "Maybe we should get you inside so you can rest that leg." She held out her hand to help him up.
Buck grinned, "I'm not going to get mald again am I." he looked up in the tree to see Angel watching them.
Connie smiled. "No I don't think you have to worry its about dinner time for her anyway."
He nodded and allowed her to help him up. Connie drapped his arm around her shoulder the other going around his waist and helped him to the house. Buck smiled as Connie helped him inside.It felt good to have her arms around him, he hoped they could get closer soon.
Slowly opening her eyes Chi looked around the room. Hoping what she could remember from the last time she woke was a dream.
Seeing the blonde from the other day asleep in the chair next the bed. She knew it wasn't a dream.
Throwing back the covers Chi slowly sat up. trying to ride out the pain quietly so not to wake him. As the pain subsided she looked around the for her dress. Not seeing them she sighed and shrugged. the shirt she had on was long on her. She figured it must belong to the blond.
Standing slowly and using the furniture to lean on she slowly made her way across to the window. Clutching tightly to the window sill she thought about her family. "Well momma I'm still alive for the most part. I did manage to get away from the army. I don't remember coming here to this ranch. One of the men who own it has been really nice to me while I heal up. "
Chris woke at hearing a soft voice. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes while he stretched his the sleep from his bones. He thought he was hearing his late wife. Sitting up more he saw his charge over by he window. Standing he walked over noticing her white knuckled grip on the window sill to stay on her feet. "Hey there You shouldnt' be up. Your still to weak."
Chi turned to face him. With out bothering to wipe the tears away. "I didn't mean to wake you MR. Larabee. But I just had to see outside."
Seeing the tears tore at his heart. He knew she was remember something. Putting his arm around her waist to steady her. He couldn't help it but want to hold her and take all her pain away. "Please call me Chris. Whats wrong are you remembering something?"
Leaning into him she whipped the tears form her face. Trying to pull herself together didn't seem to be working. "I remember some of what happen." She wrapped her arms around him feeling her knees finally give out.
Catching her Chris carried her back to the bed. Sitting her down and sitting next to her. He gathered her in his arms. "You can tell me, I want to help you in anyway I can."
Taking as deep of a breath as her wound would allow she began her story or part of it anyway. "The Army came into my villege. The next thing I remember is I was shot. I laid with others that had been killed. They must have thought they killed me bacuse they left me alone."She couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Burying her head in his chest she let all her pain come out.
The seasoned gunfighter and rancher just held her with the upmost care letting her get it out. "Take your time."
Chi nodded. "I watched them murder my father and brother. Then rape and murder my mother and younger sister."
Chris bit back his anger. He knew some of the pain she was feeling. He didn't know what to say so he leaned his head down to her her muffled voice. Stroking her hair he asked very gently. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her anymore. "Do you remember your name?"
Nodding she took a few steading breaths, "It's Chianna. But I was always called Chi."
Smiling Chris repeated the name to himself quietly. "It's a real pretty name. I'm glad to meet you Chi. How about I find you some pants and we go sit on the porch for a while?"
Sniffling she looked up. "I don't have anything other then the dress I had on."
"That's okay. You look about the same size in the waist as my brother Vin maybe a little shorter. You might have to roll them up some" He said as he whipped a tear form her cheek. He couldn't help staring into her eyes. They seem to have grabbed his heart with out him knowing it till now. Gently cupping her face he leaned down and kissed her.
Chi's slid her arms around his waist. She didn't know what it was about this man. But she felt safe with him. Something she never thought she could be with a white man.
When he kissed her. She got this funny feeling in her stomach. Kind of felt like butterfly's.
Pulling back Chris smiled. "Sorry. I couldn't resist any longer. I haven't wanted to do that since my wife and son were killed."
Helping her sit up. Chris knew it would take time for her to fully trust him an the others. But he was willing to wait till she was ready. After all her people were treated rudely by the white man. He planed on showing her that not all white men are like those that hurt her and killed her family. Standing up he turned back to her. "Let me see if I can find a pair of pants for you. I'll be right back." He resisted the urge to reach out and touch her cheek. Giving her a smile he left in search of some pants for her.
Chi looked at the bed side table after he left. She smiled at seeing a brush laying there. Picking it up she smiled he had brushed me hair while I was asleep. Running the brush through her hair Chi knew she wasn't afraid of him. She didn't know or care why either.
Chris whistled as he went down the hall towards the stairs. He wasn't watching where he was going and nearly knocked Nettie back down the stairs. Grabbing her out stretched hand he pulled her back towards him. "I'm sorry Nettie I wasn't watching where I was going."
Nettie smiled back at him. "It's okay. I'm not hurt. But be more careful next time. What put that smile there?" She asked full well knowing why it was there. She's getting her memory back. She remember some of what happen and her name. It's Chianna but she likes Chi."
Nettie smiled "Thats good. I'm glad thaa she's getting her memory back." She spotted him reaching for the door to Vin's room. "And just where are you going?" She placed her hand son her hips.
Pulling his hand back he looked down at the floor. "Well I was getting her a pair of pants. She's about Vin's size. Then I was going to take her to sit on the porch. I don't know what happen to her blouse and skirt she had on when I found her."
"That's because her clothes are in my mending basket. Stay out of your brothers room. I have a pair of his old pants down in the lundary room. They need a little mending. He wont miss them. They've been there for a while now."
"Thanks Nettie." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. Then he headed off to get the pants.
********************************************************
After finding them Chris headed back up to his room. Opening the door her smiled at her, "Here they are. I'll just step outside while you dress." He said as he laid them on the bed and went back out the door shutting it behind him.
Chi slowly pulled on the pants. After getting them on she slowly made her way to the door and opened it. "Their a little long but fit good."
Chris smiled, "I'll have Nettie fix them once your back on your feet."
"But won't your brother be mad. I don't want to come between you two."
Grabbing the blanket and wrapping it around her. He picked her up and headed for the stairs. "You wont. Nettie gave them to you. She'll handle him. If it bothers him. But I don't think he will be mad."
Descending the stairs he passed Josiah on his way to the door.
"Hey Chris, Ma'am" Josiah said raising an eye brow at his younger brother.
"Oh Sorry. Josiah this is Chi. She's the girl I found shot by the barn."
"Oh right. Sorry. Nice to meet you Chi. I'm Josiah. Chris's older brother."
Chi smiled at the big man. "HI. I'm greatful to your brother for saving my life. I dont' know how I'll repay you all for this."
"OH don't you worry about that. Seeing the smiled on Chris's face is enough. He's a good man. He's changed since he found you."
Chi blushed
"She's still real weak. But is starting to remember things. I was hoping being outside for a while will help her feel better."
Josiah nodded "It just might."
Chris gave him a quick nod and headed outside.
Josiah couldn't help but think that Chris was starting to come out of his depression. He had been in since the deaths of his wife and son. She's good for him. Josiah smiled as he went into the office.
Sitting her on the bench right outside the door. He sat next to her after making sure she was wrapped up good. He watched her looking around. He pointed out the different things they could see form where they sat. Chris felt happy finally. He knew he had to stop grieving and move on.
Chi watched him for a while as he pointed things out to her. She knew the spirits had made this choice for her. She agreed with it.
Chris just knew that somehow his late wife had sent the girl to him. As a way of telling him it's okay to move on and be happy again. He decided he would take it slow. They both had been hurt but the hands of others. He sliped his arm over her shoulders and pulled her close. It just seem right holding her.
Chi leaned against him happily.
They sat there enjoying the day and each others company.
Chris felt a heavy weight on his shoulder. Turning his head just a little he could see she had fallen asleep. He smiled and kissed the top of her head. He decided not to disturb her right now. So he sat there enjoying the trust she seem to put in him.
Lilith paced about her hotel room, a woolen shawl draped about her shoulders. The wooden floor was cold on her bare feet, but she hardly felt it. She had had a dream in which she was a golden kit fox and Ray and Jamie were attempting to put her in a cage. She had been saved by Ezra, and he had cradled her in his arms, crooning softly, "You are all right now. I will protect you."
It had seemed so real that it had awakened her from sleep, and she hadn't been able to get back to it since. She paced once or twice more about the room, trying to relax, but it was useless. She stopped pacing. It was late, but perhaps a walk would help. She crossed to her closet and lifted a russet brown dress from its hook.
A few minutes later she was silently opening the front door of the hotel and letting herself out onto the darkened street. The only sounds that could be heard were coming from the saloon, just down the way a bit. She sighed and began walking in that general direction, hoping that maybe someone would be there for her to talk to. As she walked she pulled her shawl about her, to try and keep out the evening chill.
Ezra chose that moment to step out of the saloon. He casually looked around him and saw the young blonde approaching. Now, he thought, now was the time for him to get some answers to the questions he had been asking himself about her. He started towards her as well. "Good evening, Miss Todd." he said when he was within earshot. "It is a bit late for a lady such as yourself to be out and about. Is something troubling you?"
Lilith nodded. "Yes." she replied. "I had a dream about-about being put in a cage by those two awful men, and it seemed so real to me that I couldn't get back to sleep, so I thought a walk would help."
"Would you like me to accompany you on your journey?" he asked her, extending his arm towards her. "I would not wish for any more harm to come to you." His green eyes looked into hers.
Lilith hesitated only a second before she reached out and tucked her hand into the gambler's arm. "Thank you for your concern." she replied quietly. She looked around behind him. "Where is the older lady I've seen you with lately?" she inquired as they began walking.
"My 'dear' mother has decided that Four Corners does not hold enough excitement to suit her taste and so she has returned to wherever it was she came from on this occasion." he replied. "Quite honestly, I am relieved that she has gone, for reasons that, as we get to know one another, I will reveal." He looked down at the woman beside him. "She, ah, also has told me who you are." he added softly.
A lump of fear gathered in Lilith's stomach. "She-she did?" she answered, trying to sound casual.
"She did." he said, "because I could not quite remember. Shame on me for that because how could I forget such a lovely lady?" He stopped his forward progress and took her chin in his hand. "My dear- why did you not say before what had happened to you? Why did you not tell?"
His voice was soft and persuasive, to the point where Lilith couldn't help but answer; she felt he deserved to hear the truth, after the way she had been acting. "I-I was afraid." she admitted. "I thought that if I told, one of two things would happen to me-that I would be hunted down and arrested, or that someone would- would recognize me, as your mother did, and try to-to exploit my talents." The memory of Ray and Jamie arose in her mind.
"As your late husband did?" Ezra finished for her. His slender fingers absently caressed her chin. And then, seeing her eyes fill with fear, added, "Do not worry, Miss Todd, I will not harm you. Mother told me of the events that occurred in St. Louis which led to his demise. Believe me, you are in no way to blame for any of it. As she told the tale to me, you were an innocent party altogether. So rest assured, you are now safe and able to continue with your life unencumbered." A slight smile crossed his face.
Lilith was so happy to hear what he told her that she sighed with relief. "Oh, thank goodness!" she breathed. "I can't tell you how frightened I've been these last few months...always looking over my shoulder at the slightest noise..." she suddenly sagged and swayed.
Ezra quickly reached forward and grasped her arms as she swayed towards him. "It is all right now, my dear Miss Todd." he murmured quietly, impulsively taking her into his arms and cradling her against him. "Your days of fear are past now. All is well. You are safe."
The young widow, without realizing what she was doing, put her arms around the gambler and snuggled closer, enjoying thoroughly the warmth of his comfort and closeness. "My name is Lilith." she murmured softly. "Please-call me Lilith."
