Red Dead has been close to my heart for many years now. Ever since the first game. The story itself is all amazing. And well...it's why I posted this now.

This story will be rated M for mature themes. I was trying to find ways to alert it to T but...that would take away from many of the characters in here.

Hopefully ya'll love the world as much as I did! Enjoy!

Chapter 1

Valentine. It smelled of sheep shit and muddy roads, but it was the closest town to her. Nora didn't feel like going into Strawberry, or venture further than she needed to. Sighing softly as she entered the main stretch of town from the southwest side, Nora leaned down and ran her hand down the black neck of her stallion Khan.

"Good boy," Nora murmured, and his ear flicked back.

He snorted and shook his mane, obviously pleased with the praise. Chuckling softly, Nora lifted her gaze to scan the town. Dropping the reins, she let Khan have his head and he stretched forward happily. If she could avoid coming into town, Nora certainly would have. Valentine was frequented by a gang called the O'Driscoll's. Irish bastards that liked to think they owned the place. Not that Nora had anything against the Irish, but these men were a rough lot. They usually started shooting first and talking later.

Like clockwork, she spotted a few of them hanging by the road near the main stretch of town. Grunting in irritation, Nora kept her eyes on them and quietly encouraged Khan to keep walking. That didn't work though. They never did peaceful.

"Well, well," one of the men smirked, stepping right in front of Khan. "We got a new face in town, boys. Better stop darlin, seems we need to have a little chat."

"I'm not new, darlin," Nora answered, her gazing narrowing. "I've been here before. Kindly move."

"Feisty," he smirked, grabbing the reins, right by the bit. "There is a fee to be in this town, love. I suggest you pay it."

"No thanks," she muttered. "Take your hands off my reins before I make you."

"You're just digging yourself a grave," the other man smirked, coming forward. "But you're a pretty thing…"

Nora's hand went to her hip in an instant, while Khan struck the ground in front of him in irritation. She glanced at both of the men and sighed loudly.

"I do not want to get blood on my clothes, boys," she said, giving them a cold look. "I suggest you fucking move."

"You filthy…."

"Best you get to moving boys, before she makes good on that threat," a man drawled, riding up alongside Nora and catching their attention.

"You ain't welcome here neither," the one holding her horse spat.

"Well too bad," he smiled, and there was violence in that smile.

He maneuvered his horse, and the large gelding easily stepped forward. It made the man holding onto Khan let go, having no other choice unless he wanted to get trampled. The man who had come to her aid smirked at the O'Driscoll, who glared.

"You…"

"Get outta the way, boy," he drawled, his voice turning cold. "Unless you want a gunfight on your hands."

There was a tense moment, and Nora kept her hand on her gun while the two O'Driscoll's thought things over. A breath later they walked off, cussing and muttering to themselves. Gathering the reins, Nora let out the breath she had been holding, and gave the man who had come to her aid a look over. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a well muscled body to complete it. The black shirt he wore fit him in all the right places. He sported a light beard, covering a strong jaw and thick brown hair under the hat he wore. His blue eyes drew most of the attention, which at present were hard, and his jaw clenched in obvious irritation. There was no doubt this man wasn't a simple rancher.

"Well," Nora sighed, asking Khan to walk. "Thank you, but I had that."

"No doubt," he chuckled, and she admired the drawl in his voice. "I'm sure you would have shot both of them and been on your way. But a pretty lady like you doesn't need to attract that kind of attention."

"True," Nora muttered, and shrugged. "I did just get here, and I don't feel like being thrown in jail. I'm Nora."

"Well Nora, it's a pleasure," he rumbled. "I'm Arthur."

"What brings you to this mud pit then?" she mused, as they rode toward the main street.

"Supplies mainly," he replied, glancing toward her. "Maybe a drink...a bath most likely…"

"Well then I'll pay for that drink when you want," Nora offered. "For your...assistance. And a bath might do you good."

"You saying I smell?" he asked, amused.

"Maybe that's just the town," she laughed, and he grinned. "If you change your mind and want that drink, I'll be in the saloon shortly."

"I might take you up on that," he replied, nodding his head. "Thank you."

Parting ways from the man, Nora headed to the general store. She needed to grab a few of the essentials, like coffee and some canned food in case food was scarce. The saddlebags only held so much, and Nora kept all her other things in the bedroll. She needed a mule, or something to carry the things that were really needed. Walking into the store, Nora glanced back at Khan for a moment to check that he was fine.

"Hello ma'am, it's been awhile," the keeper smiled. "What are we in for today?"

"Just a few things," Nora smiled. "How's the wife?"

"She's doing well, thank you," he replied.

Grabbing some coffee and a few dry goods that would last her a bit, Nora moved quietly through the store. She grabbed a coat as well, along with some new shirts. It was still cold out, and she was going back out into the wild. Paying for everything, Nora said goodbye to the man and went back out to Khan. Packing the saddlebags, Nora made sure everything was secure, before glancing toward the hotel. She needed a bed, and a bath. Deciding to stay the night, Nora walked Khan to the stables. The young man who greeted her smiled and took him.

"He'll be fine ma'am," he nodded.

"He's a good boy," she smiled. "I'll be back in a bit."

She lingered long enough to make sure the stallion was taken care of, before she headed to the saloon. Grabbing a table by the door, Nora sat down so that she was facing the entrance. It wasn't too packed, but enough to make her position herself so she couldn't be snuck up on. The bartender came over with a smile.

"What can I do for you today?" he asked, so she glanced at the small menu.

"I'll have a bottle of good whiskey, two glasses," she nodded. "And a bowl of your beef stew please."

"Yes ma'am," he rumbled, and walked off.

The whiskey arrived first, and he came back out with a hot bowl of stew. The one thing that this bar did right was make food. At least they had that going. Valentine wasn't exactly a horrible town, Nora hated them all the same really. As she finished her meal, the doors swung open and a hush fell over the crowd. Nora glanced up, because not much made these people go quiet. Arthur was walking in slowly, but he kept his eyes in front of him. Chuckling a little at the looks everyone was giving him, Nora kicked a chair out. The noise drew his attention immediately.

"You must be here for that drink I owe you," Nora smiled, and people returned to their conversations.

Amusement flashed through his eyes, relaxing his posture just a little. Shaking his head slightly, he walked over and sat in the chair she had pushed out. He had bathed and changed clothes, making Nora smile as she poured him a glass.

"Why not," he mused. "Thank you."

"Not much makes these people go quiet," she mused, and he smirked. "What did you do?"

"Got in a brawl with a man here in town," he replied. "It was purely self defense. But I may have got a little carried away."

"Hmm, a brawl that gave you this sure must have been bad," Nora answered, and Arthur snorted.

"A little," he admitted. "But like I said, it was in pure self defense. The man was twice my size."

He took his hat off and set it on the table, running his free hand through his hair. Nora took in how heavily armed he was, two nice looking revolvers on each hip, and a gun across the back. He'd had two more rifles on his horse when she had met him in town. Regular people were never armed that heavily, but the wild wasn't a safe place. Then again, this man didn't have the farmer look about him. He didn't run with the O'Driscoll's and since they knew him, he had to be part of some other gang.

"So," he said, drawing her attention. "What's a lady like you doing out here?"

"Assuming I should be married and popping out children?" Nora asked pleasantly, and he almost choked on his drink.

"No," he laughed, coughing. "No, that's not…"

"It's okay," she smiled. "Truth is...most men around here...well they ain't really men now are they? Why would I wanna marry one of these pathetic things."

"No they ain't," he agreed, chuckling. "Just sheep herders and drunks…"

"I prefer the wilderness to places like these anyway. I only come here when I really need to," Nora added, taking a drink. "I make my money when I need to, and that's that. I plan on staying out there till I can't."

"I think that's something you and I can agree on," he replied, looking at her. "I can't stand civilization, it's…"

"Dirty?" she offered, when he was searching for the word.

"Yes," he laughed. "I hate it."

"Agreed," Nora grinned, taking a shot and pouring herself another. "So, what kinda business are you really here for, because you definitely ain't no farmer."

"What gave that away?" he asked, tilting his head.

"You're armed to the teeth," she replied with a smile. "And you don't seem like the farming type."

"I'll have you know I'd make a great rancher," Arthur snorted, taking a drink.

"I have no doubt," Nora laughed, as he leaned back, looking at her.

"And you then. What are you really here for?" he asked, arching his brow seriously.

"A hot bath and a bed," she replied honestly. "I don't feel like heading up to the hot springs."

"You seem to know the land well," Arthur rumbled, and Nora shrugged.

"Mostly. Mostly where to avoid," she chuckled, and he smiled.

"It's a dangerous thing, for a woman such as yourself to be out there alone," he said seriously, and it wasn't a threat.

"I appreciate the concern," she replied gently, touched by the honesty in his gaze. "But I've been doing this a long time. I'm far from helpless."

"No doubt," he drawled, and Nora couldn't stop the smile that came to her face.

Nora poured him one more drink that they enjoyed with easy conversation. Half way through that, the doors opened again and a man looked around the bar. He had a black mustache, with black hair to match. It was hidden under a hat. His outfit was well put together, and the way he carried himself was like a man who owned the world. It was utter confidence. Glancing toward them, his eyes landed on Arthur and he walked over with purpose.

"There you are," he greeted, and Arthur turned slowly.

"Here I am," he replied, greeting the man.

"You been gone for a few days, we were starting to worry," he said coolly. "What's going on?"

"Had to clear my head, and get a few things done. I was about to be on the way back, don't worry," he replied, his drawl lazy.

"Fine. Well when you get back there is work to be done," the man said irritably.

It took her a moment, but then Nora knew exactly who she was looking at, now that this new man had arrived. Dutch Van der Linde wasn't someone that would be easily ignored. His poster was all over West Elizabeth, a hefty reward attached to it. The latest new had come about two months ago, when they had escaped Blackwater. A woman had been brutally murdered.

"I'll be there shortly," Arthur nodded, and sent the man on his way.

Arthur Morgan. She was looking at Van der Linde's top enforcer, the one who instilled fear into many of the O'Driscoll's and those around. It was always said that Dutch was the reason why the gang was strong, but Nora put a good chunk on it because of Arthur. Stories said he moved against enemies with a ruthlessness that couldn't be fought against. He was strong, and good at what he did. There was a reason his bounty was almost as high as Dutch's. Having finally laid eyes on the famous outlaw, she believed every story.

The tension left Arthur's shoulders and he sighed quietly, taking his whiskey in a gulp. Nora leaned back in her chair and finished hers as well. Giving him a thoughtful look, she glanced outside for a moment.

"Well, what a surprise," she chuckled, and stood up. "The famous Arthur Morgan."

He looked at her in slight surprise, and slowly stood up. Reaching out, he grabbed his hat and put it on. The answering smile was charming, but there was something else in that smile. Something that should have intimidated her.

"Not gonna lie to you ma'am," he replied, aware that she had spoken low. "You gonna try and bring me in?"

"Oh please," Nora snorted, and walked toward the doors. "I ain't stupid."

Arthur followed her, and they walked slowly along the boardwalk, out of the mud. She decided she would get a room tonight, and make the journey into the Heartlands tomorrow. Why not. She and Khan both needed a good rest.

"I try to avoid the gangs," Nora offered, shrugging her shoulders. "When I can."

"I won't say we're good people, because we're not," Arthur rumbled. 'We kill. But we don't kill foolishly."

"The woman in Blackwater would like to differ," she replied, sitting down on a bench.

"I guess she would," he sighed, easing down beside her. "But I wasn't there for that."

"I don't think your leader was either," Nora muttered, and he looked at her sharply. "The story is all over the papers. They have been writing about the Van der Linde gang for almost a year now. I read."

"So what's that supposed to mean?" he asked coldly, and Nora sighed softly. "He wasn't there for that."

"I didn't mean that as a dig at you, or anyone," Nora replied quickly. "I just...the way that woman was killed…"

"I read about it," he muttered, and glanced over the town.

"You don't seem like the stupid type," she murmured, glancing at her hands. "You said you weren't there, and it came out angry…are you saying had you been there, it would have been different?"

"Yes," he replied immediately. "It would have. That...it had gone against all the things he had taught us about."

"Ah," Nora nodded, running a hand through her hair. "Well your...gang is not unknown to me. Out here...one makes it their job to know these sorts of things. Who to stay away from, things to avoid. It's the only way to survive."

"You sure are smarter than most women around here," he chuckled suddenly, and crossed his arms.

"Most women around here only think about one thing," she muttered, and he chuckled again.

"That they do," he agreed, and slowly stood up. "Well...thank you ma'am, for the drink. For being discreet."

"You're welcome," she replied, taking his hand when he offered. "Thank you for the company. Maybe we'll run into each other again one day."

"Let's pray we don't," he answered, helping her to her feet. "For your sake, not mine."

"I'll take the kindness you're trying to throw at me," Nora hummed, and he chuckled. "Be well."

He tipped his hat toward her, and then turned to head toward his horse. Nora couldn't help but watch him as he walked. He had a confident swagger, one that told others he was not to be messed with. She watched him ride down the muddy road, before suddenly clearing her throat. No, she was not admiring him.

She headed over to the hotel and was able to grab a room and a bath. While the bath was filling, she put her things in her room. The hot bath was all she needed to wash her irritation away. Being clean was a nice feeling. In the wilds, it wasn't always so easy to wash, depending on where one was.

Lying her head down in bed, Nora made sure everything she might need was in reach. Protecting herself was always something she made sure she could do. She didn't fall asleep till she was sure no one was going to bust her door down. It was the best sleep she'd had in a while.