A/N - Here is chapter 2 of my RDR story. :) Hopefully things will be more interesting in the chapter as Eva's life on the ranch begins. Don't worry, Jack will make an appearance soon! (next chapter in fact!) This chapter was to just explore Eva a little more and show how skilled she is at handling a gun and explain a little more about her life before coming to the MacFarlane's ranch. In the story when Eva had a bath I put they had running water. I don't know if they had it back then, or if only the rich/city people were the ones who had it, not the people who lived on a ranch... either way I wasn't sure what to put so I just put that they did. *shrug* Ah well. Thank you to everyone reading and alerting this story. :)
Also; a massive thank you to TannerBananer for her very kind review. Thank you, I'm glad you like my story. ^-^ I was especially nervous on writing for RDR as it's a lot more difficult and it's set in real life; I also have to come up with a totally original plot, everything is new and I get to write it in my own 'style'. Anyway, don't worry! You don't have to wait long for Eva to meet Jack! And I'll try to update fast (which I probably will since I have a few chapters already written out.)
DISCLAIMER: I do not, nor will I ever own Red Dead Redemption or anything related to it. This fanfiction is purely fan made and I only own characters and places that are new. I apologise if any of this material offends any one. I assure you I don't mean to offend in any way, shape or form. This story will contain coarse language and graphic violence.
Chapter 2 – Cattle drive and trigger twitch.
The next morning came quick. I awoke as soon as the rooster's crow cut through the crisp morning air. I sleepily opened my eyes and scanned the room. For a moment I felt confused as to where I was then I remembered. The MacFarlane ranch. I got out of bed and stretched, waking up my limbs. Afterwards, I gathered my clothes for the day and changed. I was now wearing a chequered shirt which was tucked into my blue jeans, kept tight with a black leather belt. The buckle had a skilfully crafted 'W' on it, decorated with intricate engravings. I then slipped on my boots and tied my hair up in a messy bun. I smoothed out my clothes and stored away my old ones, before poking my head out of the room and into the hall. I welcomed the smell of breakfast as it assaulted my nostrils. It made my mouth water and led me downstairs and into Bonnie's kitchen. I walked in to see Bonnie standing, cooking, at the stove. "Good morning Bonnie," I said as I sat down at the table. Bonnie turned and looked at me over her shoulder and smiled. "Good morning Eva. I trust ya slept well?" She said, turning back to her cooking.
"Yes, I did. Did you sleep well?" I asked. Bonnie replied without turning to face me.
"I slept jus' fine, don't ya worry." I nodded and changed the subject.
"So, what's for breakfast?" Bonnie turned around with a plate of sausages, eggs and toast. I grinned. She walked over to the table, her boot heels clip clopping on the floorboards, and laid the plate down in front of me. "Here, we've got a busy day ahead of us," she said smiling. I nodded and began to dig in, hungry and looking forward to today. As I was eating I made conversation. "Bonnie, what jobs we got today?" Bonnie finished washing the pan before glancing at me over her shoulder. "Well, we got some cattle out in the pasture and they needa' be brought in. Then there's tending to all the chickens and horses, and then my vegetable patch out back needs tending to. Do ya mind helping?" She asked. I mentally listed all the things in my mind and nodded. I finished my last mouthful before standing up and taking the plate to the sink. "Thank you, Eva. Now, do 'ya wanna start work and go round up the cattle from the pasture?" I grinned and tightened my bun.
"Show me the way!" I said. Bonnie smiled and nodded, also adjusting her hair.
"Well, we just need to meet a few ranch hands then we can go."
Bonnie and I walked out the house and towards the stables. I took in a deep breath of fresh air. Call me crazy and lynch me but the air smelt, and felt, different to back home. It felt fresher and lighter and filled me with a new enthusiasm. A smile spread across my pale lips as we walked into the stables. The familiar smell of horses met my nose and it relaxed me. Dot Dot Dash stood with his head poking over the stable door; his ears perked and coal black eyes shining. "Mornin' Dash," I said, reaching up and tickling his muzzle. He stuck his lip out in response. I giggled and walked into the stall, pushing Dash back. I reached up to a hook on the wall outside the stall where his bridle hung. I picked it up and slipped it on. Dash snorted and cleared the dust from his nose, jingling the reins. "Come on boy," I said as I held the reins and led him out. I walked him outside where I let him stand still as I fetched his saddle. When I came back Dash was in the same place, not moving. I slung the saddle and blanket on and adjusted the girth. Once it was all on right I mounted and trotted him out where Bonnie was waiting. "Took ya sweet time," she joked. I smiled and dipped my head.
"Sorry ma'am," I said. Bonnie chuckled and spurred her horse. I followed quickly on Dash, his tail swishing side to side with excitement. We walked to the other end of the ranch, near the train station where a collection of about five men on horseback were resting in the shade of a tree. When they spotted Bonnie and me they nodded their heads. "Miss MacFarlane," one greeted. Bonnie nodded. "Howdy boys. We all set?" They nodded. "Well then, boys this here is Evelyn White. She's here from the White ranch in Westwood. She's here to help the ranch in any way she can, right?" Bonnie turned to me. I nodded with a smile on my face. "I'd be happy to help with anything ya need," I said, nodding to the men. The men chuckled in response.
"Well, in that case I think I'll let you take all the night shifts," one man said. The man had short black hair with a black cowboy hat sat proudly on his head. Everyone chuckled and Bonnie playfully slapped his arm. "Now, Ed, don't you go working Eva to death. Or her father will skin ya alive." The other men and I chuckled as Ed's face paled. A black man spoke up. His face was lined with wrinkles and he had thin white hair, mostly hidden under his brown hat. "Say, Miss, may I ask why 'ya jus' called her Eva? I though' her name was Evelyn?" Bonnie and I chuckled.
"It is sir," I said. "But I just prefer being called Eva." The black man nodded and smiled, satisfied with the answer. "Now," Bonnie clicked her tongue and her horse began trotting off. She called back over her shoulder, "Let's get going!" The rest of us spurred our horses to move and we followed along behind Bonnie. As we moved along the dusty path a man rode up alongside me. We were going at a canter now and he smiled and tipped his hat at me. "Hey there Miss." He greeted. I looked at him. He was young, probably only 23, not much older than me, and he had a clean shaven face, with blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. I nodded in greeting and corrected him, "Now, please call me Eva. None of this Miss business." He chuckled.
"Okay Eva. My names Thomas, but 'ya'll can call me Tom for short." I smiled.
"Hello Tom."
"That's an unusual lookin' horse you got there." He stated, admiring Dot Dot Dash. I grinned and patted Dash's neck. "Yeah, he's special all right. He's an appaloosa." Tom nodded.
"I'm afraid I'm not too good with my horse breeds. Now cows, I can tell a breed from a mile off without a moment's hesitation," He boasted, grinning. I smiled.
"Really? See now I'm the total opposite. I can tell you a horse breed but not a cow," I said. "I guess growing up on a ranch didn't make me any better at it." Tom chuckled.
"Now, Miss, can I ask what your age is? I don't mean to sound funny or anything..." I cut Tom off by raising my hand. "It's Eva and I'm 19 years old," I said. Tom raised a brow.
"Really? You look older than that."
"I feel older," I admitted. Tom chuckled slightly and his horse whinnied, throwing its bay head up in the air. "Ah, them cattle must be near," Tom said. I grinned with excitement.
"This is gonna be fun."
As we arrived at the pasture I saw many cattle milling around, chewing cud. Bonnie whistled and called me over. "Eva, you get into position behind the herd and drive them forwards, I trust you've had experience?" I nodded.
"Lots. Don't worry, you can trust me." Bonnie smiled.
"Good. Now, everyone get in ya positions!" Everyone did as they were told, and took up their positions. I moved to the back of the herd. Dash pawed at the ground as we waited for Bonnie's signal. "All right, let's get these animals back to the ranch without losing any!" Bonnie shouted, causing all the cattle to bunch together and moo out. I clicked my tongue and moved Dash forward, sending the cows trotting forward. The rest of the men and Bonnie moved around the cattle, keeping them from spreading out and thinning. "Come on Dash. Work," I said, requesting for Dash to move into a canter. The cattle had sped up and we were now going down a small slope. Dash snorted as some of the dust brought up from the cattle's thundering hooves billowed back into our faces. I coughed slightly and wished I had a bandana. As we kept going, I noticed a sandy yellow cow break from the herd and veer off to the right. I sighed as it charged back up the hill. "Bonnie, there's a straggler, I'll go get him," I called before turning Dash around and spurring his sides. "Come on, let's go!" Dash shot forward, chasing after the stray cattle.
We crashed through the undergrowth as we came to shady area. I looked around for the cow but couldn't locate it. "Damn cow, where the hell is it?" I said to myself. I sighed and walked Dash forward, checking everywhere for the cow. As we emerged back into the growing morning sun I shielded my eyes from its rays and spotted the cow grazing not too far from me. I smiled and rolled my eyes. "Of course, off eatin'." I clicked my tongue and moved Dash into a trot and circled around the cow. The cow mooed and swished its tail. I urged Dash forward, making the cow move. "Come on ya silly bovine, move. You've lost all ya friends!" The cow mooed again and charged forward, back through the bushes and trees, the way we had come. "Move it, move it," I encouraged as the cow tumbled through the brush. I clicked my tongue constantly, keeping the cow motivated to keep moving and not stop for a snack.
Eventually we ran up the hill and broke over the edge. I spotted the herd not too far off. "Move it! Move it!" I shouted, urging the cattle to charge forward as fast as it could as I followed behind on Dash. Soon the cow had rejoined the herd, its beautiful sandy colour lost in the swirling sea of black and white and brown. "The cows back, we can keep moving!" I shouted at the men. They nodded and began yelling and cheering at the cattle, urging them to move faster. Dash whinnied and followed after the thundering herd. Nearby noises were drowned out by the pound of cattle hooves accompanied by horse hooves. I patted Dash's neck. "Good boy, not too far now." Eventually, the ranch came into view and we all cheered. "Come on, let's get these cattle really movin'" Bonnie yelled from up front, speeding her horse up. We all did as we were ordered by the blonde woman, and sped the cattle up. I made sure to keep them going in the right direction. Soon, the cattle were rounded into their pen, and the wooden gates swung shut. I sighed in relief and ran a hand over my brow. It was still early but the sun was already heating up the land. "That was some mighty fine herding there, Eva." Bonnie complimented as she walked her horse over. I grinned.
"Thank you Miss." Bonnie gave me a stern look. "Sorry, thank you, Bonnie," I corrected. She replaced her stern look with a soft smile. "Now that's over, how about them chickens?"
"Oh my god, I've never had to work that hard back at Pa's house," I gasped as me and Bonnie entered her house. Bonnie chuckled and closed the doors. "Well, I'm sorry if I've been working ya too hard," She said. I shook my head.
"No, no, no. Look, I absolutely love working hard, I really do! In fact, I prefer this to working back at home! In fact, let's work even harder next time!" I cheered. Bonnie burst out laughing and laid her hands on my shoulders. "Slow down there, cowgirl." I smiled and rolled my eyes.
"I'm sorry, I guess I'm just getting a little excited," I said. Bonnie smiled softly at me.
"Well, jus' you calm down a bit, or you'll run yourself down. Ya need to save all that energy for tomorrow," she said. I cocked my head to the side.
"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow we're going to Armadillo to meet my father and escort him home. I also thought we could do a little shopping while we're there."
"Oh, okay. That sounds fun, I have yet to visit Armadillo."
"Well, it's a lovely town, though I'll warn ya, there's a saloon," Bonnie said and she watched as my eyes widened. "A saloon, oh great," I sighed and scowled at the floor. Bonnie only chuckled softly.
"Don't worry, I don't think the men'll be that bad." I nodded and smiled a little. I wandered into the living room and sat down on the couch. I was careful not to make it dirty or dusty and reached up behind me and pulled my hair from its bun, freeing the brunette strands. Bonnie suddenly walked through carrying a tray with cups and a tea pot on. "Want some tea?" She asked. I sat forwards a little more, running a hand through my silky hair. "Yes please." Bonnie set the tray down on the table and began to pour the drink into two cups. "I got some beef stew on the stove; I hope ya don't mind stew again?" Bonnie said, looking at me uncertainly. I giggled and shook my head.
"Oh, no I don't mind. I love your cooking Bonnie!" I said smiling widely. Bonnie sighed a little in relief. "Well... that's good." She finished pouring the tea and set down the pot. She then handed a cup to me. "Thank you." I took a sip and sighed as the warm liquid ran down my throat. I and Bonnie sat in silence for a while, enjoying our drinks before she stood up. "Well, I'm gonna do a quick check on the chickens before we have dinner. Feel free to take a bath; you've earned it with all that hard 5work." I nodded and gave her a smile before she walked out of the room. A few seconds later I heard the front door open and close. I drank the rest of my tea before setting my cup down with a clatter and walking upstairs.
I walked into the bathroom where a large tub sat at the side; it was just calling out to me. I turned the hot and cold taps on, making sure to get the perfect balance. The water filled up and, after sitting on the side for a few minutes tracing my hand through the water, I unclothed and climbed in. I sighed as I slid into the warm water and it eased my weary muscles. I quickly washed my hair and body and got out, feeling much, much fresher. I quickly dried and dressed back into my clothes, ready to go downstairs and tuck into Bonnie's lovely stew. I walked out of the bathroom and down the stairs. I yawned and stretched as I walked into the kitchen. Just as I leant over the stew and smelt the beef I heard Bonnie come through the front door. "Eva? Eva, could ya come here a sec?" Bonnie called up from the hall. I removed myself from over the stew and walked out into the hall. I saw Bonnie standing, waiting for me. "Is everything okay?" I asked, concerned. Bonnie sighed and shook her head. "It's those damn coyotes. They've somehow got into the chicken pen and killed a few hens. I'm afraid they might come back for more so I'm gonna do a night watch. Would ya like to join me? Ya don't have to if ya don't want to..." Bonnie explained everything in one breath and trailed off as she looked at me, standing staring at her. I smiled warmly at her. "Bonnie, I'd love to help you with a night watch. Jus' let me grab my boots and we can be on our way."
A few moments later, I was ready to go on a night watch with Bonnie. To tell the truth, I was close to bursting with excitement. It had always been looking forward to working on the ranch at night, and maybe getting to handle a rifle again. I had always been good with guns; my Pa would always say I had a natural talent with them. I hadn't used a gun in a while and I was just itchin' to get a hold of one. "Say, Bonnie, any chance we gonna use guns?" I said, pleading silently with my eyes. She grinned and looked at me as we walked towards the chicken coop under the silver moonlight. "I've heard all about your trigger itch, Eva. Your Pa says your real good with a gun," she said, playfully narrowing her eyes and smiling. I gave a fake 'innocent' look. "Well, I don't know about trigger itch. I'd say it's more of a trigger twitch." Bonnie raised her perfectly shaped eyebrows.
"Oh, trigger... twitch?" She said, giving me a look that plainly read; I don't believe you. I shrugged.
"Lets jus' say I was good with a gun and wasn't afraid to use it," I said, grinning. "So... guns or no guns?" Bonnie rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Guns." I couldn't stop the small cheer that escaped my pale lips as I thought of holding a gun in my hands again. "Ya know, I don't think I've ever met a woman who likes guns as much as you," Bonnie said smiling warmly at me. I blushed and nodded. "I grew up with 'em and they've kinda become a second nature to me. Pa would always bring home these guns from his... err work, and I'd get to try 'em out. 'Course Pa would be there to supervise me and sometimes his 'friends' would teach me. I don't know why Pa taught me, a woman, to handle guns and never taught me how to stitch and cook and such. 'Course I learnt all that from my aunt Annabelle, but that's a different story," I explained, waving my hand dismissively. Bonnie nodded her head as she led us to the Sheriff's office. "Well, I suppose you'll make good friends with some the other men on this ranch. I jus' know you and an old friend of ours would make very good friends," Bonnie muttered to herself as she shook her head. I raised an eyebrow and cocked my head. "Who?" Bonnie seemed to snap out of it and shook her head, clearing her head. "Never mind, never mind."
Bonnie and I walked up to the Foreman's office where a black man dressed in the usual working clothes stood, adjusting his black cowboy hat and his red bandana. "Hello, Dallas," Bonnie said, surprising the man.
"O-oh, hello Miss. What brings ya out here?" he stammered, jumping and straightening. I silently chuckled at the man's nerves. "I'd like ya to supply me and Eva with a rifle each, we're gonna be taking a night watch tonight." Dallas nodded and tapped the brim of his hat.
"Well, follow me young miss," he said turning to me. "And I'll get ya equipped with one of the bes' rifles we have." Dallas motioned for me to follow. I glanced at Bonnie and she nodded, waiting to follow me. I walked into the Foreman's office after Dallas and was greeted by the strong smell of smoke. A small round table sat in the middle of the room, and two cells were on the far side of the room. A man, who I presumed was the Foreman by the gold star that sat proudly on his chest, was sat at the table smoking a cigar. I quickly looked at him, then back to Dallas. "Here, this here is a Henry Repeater, good gun, it is. This'll stop those coyote's dead!" Dallas said, handing me the rifle. I grinned and accepted the gun from him, weighing it and mock pointing it, getting used to its feel. I was left handed so I held it in my left hand, my left index finger poised over the trigger. "This gun feels good, good power and range as well," I muttered. "Can I borrow it for tonight?" Dallas laughed.
"Ya'll can keep it if 'ya wan'." My eyes lit up.
"Really? We'll that would be lovely! Thank you, sir." Bonnie chuckled beside me and laid a hand on my shoulder. "Well, now that that's sorted let's get going. Those hens aren't gonna protect themselves."
Bonnie and I left the Foreman's office, me carrying my new gun grinning widely. Bonnie smiled and held her own rifle ready should we spot any coyotes. "See any?" Bonnie asked. I shook my head.
"Not yet." My hazel eyes scanned the horizon; looking carefully at the bushes and trees in the distance. "Maybe we should walk the perimeter of the ranch, just in case any of them are trying to sneak in," Bonnie suggested. I nodded and prepared to walk off but Bonnie laid a slender hand on my shoulder. "Hang on a second, you go that way and I'll go this way, and we'll meet back here in about an hour or two. But take Charlie with ya, he's a good one at sniffing out trouble." Bonnie whistled and a dog, not too far off, barked. All of a sudden, a border collie with black and white fur trotted over. I 'awed' and bent down, holding out my hand palm up for him to sniff. He did so and wagged him tail, so I took to scratching behind his ear. "He's adorable," I said, smiling. Bonnie laughed. "Well, you go with him and he'll help ya. Good luck." I stood straight and nodded to her before walking away, Charlie following me obediently. As I got to the edge of the ranch I looked down at Charlie. "What can ya smell boy?" I asked, smiling. Charlie barked and began sniffing the ground. He began to walk off so I followed.
I and the dog walked through the brush, slipping in and out of silver moonlight. Charlie had his nose glued to the ground, sniffing for scents. I kept alert and vigilant, listening intently for sounds. However, my mind began to wander as we found no coyotes. My mind flew off to a distant land where I was hunting bears and elk in the wilderness of Ghost man's woods, Westwood...
The rifle in my hands felt natural as I pointed it into the misty distance. The tall pine tree's trunks provided cover as I watched the spot where I had spread my bait. I watched with growing tension as a four legged figure emerged from the mist, like a ghostly apparition. The figure turned out to be a proud stag elk, its antlers large and pointed. A smile spread across my face as I watched it lower its head to graze. I shifted slightly on the tree, pointing my rifle around more; to get a clearer shot. The elk's ears perked up and it snapped its head up. I held my breath as its coal black eyes scanned its surroundings. It lowed its head again, slowly, as it relaxed and I released my breath. I shifted a little more, so I had a clear shot and pulled my twitching trigger finger. The rifle banged and the bullet shot out and hit the grand elk in the head, killing it instantly. I grinned and stepped from my cover, pulling out a knife I had on my side. I walked towards my kill and readied the knife to skin the elk. Just as I bent down to claim my kill I heard a rumbling roar in the distance. My head snapped up and I spun around, wide eyed, as a hulking mass of black fur emerged from the mist like the grim reaper. The hulking animal roared and stood on its hind legs, its red eyes glaring. I quickly pocketed my knife and pulled out my rifle. I held it level and prepared to shoot the grizzly. The grizzly bear roared and charged forward, the ground shaking beneath me as its thundering paws pounded the frosty grass. I pulled the trigger once, twice, three times; sending three bullets whirling towards the bear. The bear leapt up, the bullets making contact and searing holes into the bears flesh. It roared in pain and fell to the ground with a crash, sliding to a stop at my quivering feet. I held my gun firmly, pointing it at the bear for a few more seconds before lowering it and pulling out my knife. I grinned with satisfaction and bent down, ready to skin the dead predator and prey before a sudden howl erupted in the distance...
I was snapped suddenly out of my hunting reverie by a howl and Charlie's alerted barks. "What is it boy?" I asked, whispering to the dog. Charlie's ears were perked and his were hackles raised. His eyes were focused to the bushes nearby. I readied my gun and walked forward slowly. I had my finger poised over the trigger, ready for anything.
As I crept towards the bushes my heart began to beat wildly. Suddenly, another howl erupted in the distance. My hazel eyes slid towards where the howl came from before they went back to staring intently at the bush. A cool wind blew past, rustling the bushes. My muscles tightened as I moved closer; so close that I pushed the bushes aside with my foot and found nothing. I sighed and relaxed. False alarm. I laughed nervously, surprised at how panicked I had become. I was never like this before... I'm getting rusty. I shook my head, adjusted my bun with one hand, and turned back to Charlie. The dog was still growling at the bushes I was standing at. "It's okay boy, there's nothing here," I said softly, encouraging the dog forward. Charlie only barked. I sighed and turned towards the bushes. "See, there's nothing her-" My sentence was cut short as a coyote leapt from the darkness and snapped its bared teeth at me, barely missing my arm. I yelled in surprise and pointed my rifle at the creature and pulled the trigger without a moment's hesitation. The coyote yelped before it fell to the ground dead in the silver moonlight, its blood creating a crimson pool. I gasped and moved backwards, holding my gun ready for anymore coyotes.
I scanned the area as Charlie barked and growled beside me. I slowly lowered my gun a little, still on guard. Concentrate Eva, concentrate! I bent down a little and stroked Charlie. "Come on boy, let's get the rest," I muttered. Charlie panted and trotted forward, pausing to sniff the dead coyote only for a second before he trotted forward again, following his wet nose. I walked after the dog, making sure to keep on my toes.
Charlie and I searched the area for any remaining coyotes and it was a while before we discovered tracks left in the dust. I bent down and looked closely and identified them as coyote. "Hmm, they're heading towards the front of the ranch... come on Charlie." Charlie barked in response before he trotted forward, following the tracks. I followed as well, still holding my gun ready. We followed the tracks for a few more minutes before Charlie erupted into a fit of growls, snarls and barks. "What? What is it boy?" I asked. Charlie charged forward, leaving me staring at the coyote track marks. "W-wait! Wait ya damn dog!" I yelled at Charlie before running off after him. I saw him dart towards the ranch and immediately understood. "Of course... the chicken coop!" I gasped and ran faster, making a bee line for the chicken coop.
As I got closer I could hear gunshots rip through the air and smell gunpowder. "Bonnie? Bonnie!" I yelled out into the black night and kept running. Charlie's barks and snarls melted into the background as I drew closer to the scene. As I turned the corner my eyes widened, nearly to the point where I feared my eyeballs would pop right out the socket. "Oh my goodness!" What seemed like a hundred coyotes were running around near the chicken coops, a few had dead or dying chicken clutched in their jaws. Bonnie stood, her hair slipping from its bun, firing her rifle at as many coyotes as she could. Charlie was barking and attacking a few coyotes but he was having a hard time. "Eva, I need your help! Now!" Bonnie screamed, firing another two shots, killing a coyote.
"Sure thing!" I shouted back, before I pointed my gun and began shooting as many as I could. I killed one, then another, then another. I moved quickly, remembering my training I had received years ago, and shot many coyotes down. Eventually the last one fell as my bullet went through its brain. I took in a deep breath and lowered my gun. Exhaling I turned to Bonnie. "You okay?" I asked, as she stood there panting. She turned to me.
"Well Miss Eva, ya sure are good with a gun." We both cracked a smile and relaxed a little. Bonnie began to assess the damage. "They got a few chickens, not too many so we should be okay. Thank you, Eva. Without you I'm sure those darn coyotes woulda got a few more," Bonnie said, giving me a tired smile. I smiled warmly back at her. "No problem ma'am." Bonnie scowled.
"Dammit, I said call me Bonnie!"