Arthur Morgan rolled off his cot in the early hours of the morning, ready for the day. He felt refreshed and rested in ways he hadn't felt in months. His chest felt clear and each experimental deep breath had him smiling gratefully, tho only when no one was looking.

The sun was shining and the sky was blue.

Arthur scurried around camp keeping himself busy by doing as many chores he could get his hands on. Anything to prove to the others he was improved enough to where he could FINALLY step foot outside the camp.

He hauled hay barrels to the horses and sacks of grain to Pearson's wagon, he practically had to tackle the ax out of Charles's hand so he could chop wood and tho he had to dial back the peppy spring in his step, he carried the water over to the cart. The resulting wide damp patch on the outside of his leg didn't detract from his mood at all.

He was healthy and happy and the entire camp seemed to feed off his jovial attitude. Even earning a few well-intended monikers from Uncle for his "youthful exuberance."

Pearson's stew even tasted great and he wolfed it down fast enough that Hosea let him have seconds before he even got his first plate.

"I think our boys going stir crazy," Hosea said watching as Arthur polished off the second helping. "Perhaps there's some way we can help?"

Arthur perked up like a bloodhound smelling its favorite treat and Dutch couldn't help but laugh.

"So you're saying we should give him a job to do?" They were playing coy but Arthur didn't care, he was about to get his way.

"Well, doesn't Pearson need supplies from Strawberry?"

"I don't know, perhaps we should ask him?"

Arthurs pride was the only thing that kept him from snapping. He wasn't about to beg like a kid wanting to go on their first mission. So he settled for a healthy glare at his mentors.

"Aw Arthur we're just messing with you." Hosea chided happily. "Heres the list of supplies, I expect you'll take Charles with you."

"I don't need a babysitter," he growled casting a glance over his shoulder to where Charles was drinking his morning coffee with the Girls.

"If history has shown us anything, I think you do. But if you like being the damsel in distress, then by all means, go alone. I'm sure Charles won't mind riding to your rescue again."

"Fine." Arthur relented, his tone portraying a more sour tone then he felt. "I'll ask," he said getting up from the table.

As casually as he could he approached Charles, wiping his hands on his pants as he did so. "Hey, Charles. I'm ah, heading into town, wanna come?" He struggled not to fidget as Charles gave him an assessing glance.

"You sure that's a good idea? You've only been on your feet for a few days now."

"I managed to wrangle the ax out of your hands, didn't I."

Charles smiled, tipping his head in agreement. "Alright, as long as Hosea and Dutch are ok with it."

"It was there Idea, and why does everyone suddenly think I need a nursemaid?"

Charles gave him a poignant stare as they both walked towards the horses. "Because your luck is the worst of all of us."

"If anything it's karma finally catching up with me."

"Karma isn't always bad."

"It is when you do what we do."

"Exactly, what WE do. Yet your the one who gets the TB scare."

"But it didn't turn out to be TB." Arthur pointed out as he slid into the saddle.

"So we're agreed you do have some good Karma?"

"Sawd up," Arthur growled playfully as they rode leisurely towards Strawberry.

Arthur had good memories of Strawberry. Mostly it was Micah in jail but it was a very happy memory. Overall the town was a nice size, quaint and just big enough to have all the supplies they'd need on hand but not so big as to have a huge law presence. Tho it was a bit too close to Blackwater for Arthurs liking. He fished out the list Hosea had given him and headed towards the general store.

It was a relatively short list this week. Strauss and Pearson had put their heads together and scheduled weekly grocery runs to keep huge expensive trips to a minimum. It seemed to be working, tho the food still tasted like shit.

"I'll meet up with you in a bit," Charles said, veering off on his own. "I'm gonna go get a copy of this morning's post and check the mail."

Arthur waved his consent and began gathering the supplies, as well as a few goodies for the others. Like candy for Jack and some honey sticks for Tilly. She secretly loved those things.

As he checked out at the counter he casually opened the catalog and began perusing the available items. He flipped through faster when the cashier was about done totaling up the supplies. Closing it with a well warn flop as the price of the last item was added.

Arthur was about to dig into his pocket for the cash when he saw it. Behind the counter, nestled in a velvet lined case. A gold harmonica. Immediately his thoughts turned to Charles. He could vividly imagine him bringing it to life in the warm glow of the crackling campfire. The beautiful tone he'd be able to create from it. The smile it would bring to Charles's face. Soft, genuine and carefree. Charles would certainly love that he thought wistfully.

"Say how much for that?" he asked.

"Oh, this? We just got it in today." The store clerk said scratching the side of his chin like he had mange. "It was a mistake, should have been sent to Saint Denise but here it is. Finest German-made craftsmanship, real gold too. Beautiful thing, one of a kind man-made. You won't find anything like it ever again." he said sliding the item towards Arthur. "the price is pretty steep tho. $300."

Arthur hummed as he lifted the instrument. Elegant engravings stretched to every available surface. A complex tapestry of ribbons flowed down and around, over and under making the item not just beautiful, but art. Made Arthur wish that even he knew how to play.

Arthur thumbed through his wallet checking how much cash he had on hand. "I can only do 250, that ok?"

"Unfortunately I can not. It's a bargain at that price Mister."

"Alright, understandable," Arthur said, loath to have to place it back in the velvet box. "Maybe some other time." he consoled himself as he paid for his items. "Have a nice evening," he called as he passed through the doors.

Outside he set about finding Charles. His mood dampened further when he saw the deep frown across his face.

"What happened?"

"Went to the post office and found a letter for Dutch... from Micah."

Arthur growled in frustration as he skimmed over the note. "He wants to meet up where we met up with Colm that time."

"There's more," Charles said, his voice dropping. "Don't look, but we're being followed."

Arthur sighed, it was fortunate Charles was here with him since he's probably the only one who would have noticed this.

"This isn't a coincidence Arthur. Whoever is following us knows about the letter."

"You think Micah is scheming some kind of revenge for kicking him out?"

"Maybe. It's your call Arthur. Should we draw them out and take care of them?"

"How many are there?"

"Three I think."

Arthur pondered his options for a moment. Quickly peacing the information he had on hand. "No, I have a better idea."