Chapter 15

When Nora opened her eyes again, it was still dark out. She hadn't been out too long, maybe an hour. Hell, she didn't even know what time it was, she was just guessing. They had taken her weapons belt, and she was left in nothing but her underwear, and brassiere. It would make things easier at least. If she transformed into something small, she'd be able to get out of her bonds. Pushing her transformation into a snake, she got free and turned human again. Pulling on her underwear, she inhaled sharply in agony. The transformation had seen the bullet from her leg, but now it was bleeding. Badly. They hadn't hit anything major. She'd have been dead if they had, unless she'd been able to treat it.

The door opened again to her horror, and halting whatever plan she'd been forming. Nora looked right at James, who smirked at her. She flinched at the sight of him. He was disgusting, as were most people who lived out here. They were hardly people.

"Well, look at you," he said slowly. "Clever little thing, out of your bonds. But it don't matter, not with your leg bleeding everywhere."

Scrambling away from him, Nora's back slammed against the wall as he stalked forward. Outside, she could here the others, who sounded more animal than human. She looked around the hut for a weapon. Using her powers were possible, but he had a gun and she didn't want to get shot again. Nora tried hard to control her breathing as he reached her, grabbing her throat. He hoisted her up, his body pressed against hers. She readied herself. This was not about to happen.

"Yea, just fine," he smirked, his hand going to his pants.

"Sure will," she smiled, and it distracted him.

Nora yanked his gun from his belt, kicking him between the legs. James gasped, stumbling back from the sudden attack. Nora took a moment to make sure the gun was loaded, and focused through the pain. Before she could pull the trigger, she heard the sound of hoofbeats. A gun went off moments later, and there was chaos outside. Swinging up, James rushed her, trying to get the gun out of her hand. Nora cried out as he slammed her back against the wall. The breath left her lungs but she pulled the trigger. He fell dead instantly, a hole in his throat.

She dashed for cover as someone walked up the steps, their boots heavy on the wood. She pressed against the corner of the counter, shaking as the door flew open. It banged against the wall, making her shudder and grip the gun harder. The person who walked in stopped when they reached the dead body. Pressing her lips together, Nora tried as hard as she could to stay quiet.

"Nora?"

"Arthur?" she whispered, shocked to hear his voice.

"It's me," he rumbled, coming slowly around the counter. "You're all right."

As he came into sight, Nora looked up at him. He knelt in front of her, and took in her state. Quickly, he took his coat off and wrapped her up in it. Reaching out slowly, he took the gun from her hand, only when she loosened her hold. Arthur glanced back at the man who lay dead behind them. Nora looked at the body as well, and her jaw clenched.

"You do that?" he asked, his voice low.

"Yes," she answered, her voice weak. "You…how are you here?"

"Well, we got Jack back," Arthur murmured, guiding her to her feet. "We were on our way out of the city and Khan came galloping up the road. I managed to stop him and he led me to where you were taken. Here I am. Looks like I was too late…"

"No…they…he didn't do anything," she whispered, taking in how deep his voice got. "I was…I was trying to get out of here, but they shot me."

Arthur scanned her body then, and she showed him the gunshot wound. It was slowly healing, and he glared at the dead man. Turning, he found her clothes, and took the jacket off her to get on her shirt. It hung past her hips, so he folded her pants and helped her into her boots. He grabbed everything else that was hers in silence. His lips were pressed together, his expression furious. He wasn't angry with her though.

"Come on," he rumbled, handing her things to her. "Let's get you out of here."

She would have walked out of there, but he moved forward and picked her up. He'd made it clear what he was about to do so she didn't panic. Fuck she was jumpy. Once Arthur had her in his arms, Nora pressed her face into his neck. She couldn't stop the tears that streamed down her cheeks. It was from pain and anger, not from fear damn it. Anger that she hadn't been able to think clearly. Next time, she was just going to use what she was.

Nora didn't remember how he had managed to get on Cash, but suddenly they were in the saddle. She was still safely in his arms. Khan whickered loudly, and his muzzle suddenly pressed into her hair.

"Good boy," she whispered, reaching out to stroke his cheek. "I'm so glad you're okay."

He blew out softly against her hair, and then stepped back. Arthur turned Cash, knowing he didn't need to tell Khan to follow. They left the place behind, cantering gently back toward the road. He kept the smooth gait going all the way back to Shady Belle. Arthur kept one arm around her as he rode, and she kept her face against his shoulder. Arthur murmured soft words, comforting her as they rode.

As he rode back into Shady Belle, she could hear the party that was going for Jack. They were celebrating his safe return. Nora was glad they had found him. Arthur had said he'd been very safe, but it could have been a dangerous situation. When they got fully into camp, he didn't announce their presence, which helped her. She didn't want to be seen right now. Pulling Cash up to a post, giving them all room, he sighed. Kieran walked over slowly, but noticing something wrong, he hurried over.

"Do you need some help?" he stammered, and Arthur sighed.

"Can you tend to these two?" Arthur asked. "I got her."

"Yeah, yeah sure. Of course!" he nodded, his body shaking from the motion.

"Oh, goodness, Arthur!"

Dutch had spotted them the moment Arthur had swung to the ground. He walked over, Hosea quickly following him. Arthur had managed to keep the drop out of the saddle smooth. Her whole body hurt from this stupid ordeal, but she knew she'd be okay in the morning. Nora was so tired, so she pressed her face against him. Arthur adjusted his hold gently.

"Is she all right?" Hosea asked.

"Yeah, just a run in with the swamp people," Arthur rumbled. "She's okay. Hey, Kieran…she bought a few things today, can you bring them to my room?"

"Yeah, I'll get Mary-Beth," he nodded, and hurried off to find her.

"Nora, Nora my girl I am so sorry," Dutch said quietly, making her eyes open.

"It's okay," she murmured, but pressed her face back against Arthur's chest.

"Well…you're safe now dear girl," he said gently, and it was easy to see why people gravitated toward him. "I'll make sure to keep extra eyes out for these folk, so we don't have any more problems."

"That would be wise," Hosea agreed. "Do you need anything, Arthur?"

"No," he answered, and walked around them.

He headed into the house quickly, and up to where the room was. It was one that connected to the balcony, and it was pretty big. Nora didn't want to let go, but when he sat her down on the bed, she braced herself when he let go. Arthur took the coat off her, and gave her another look over.

"Well, let's get this cleaned up," he murmured. "You…"

"I'll heal," she murmured, and Arthur began to clean the blood from her leg.

She sat quietly when he moved the wash basin over and began to work. The wound was pretty much closed, so the bleeding was done. Arthur worked slowly, taking his time and making sure he'd cleaned everything. A knock on the door had him getting up to answer it.

"Here's your things, Nora," Mary-Beth said softly, setting the clothes on the table.

"Thank you," Nora murmured gratefully.

"Of course. Arthur…"

"I'm good, go back to the party," Arthur rumbled, having come back to finish tending to Nora's leg.

When he wiped the last of the blood away, he helped her out of her shirt, and into something to sleep in. There was blood on her face too, which he cleaned. She wanted to wiggle away from him, but he insisted. Arthur knew she didn't like to go to bed dirty. Once he was finished, he helped her lay down, and drew the blanket over her body. Leaning down, he ran his hand through her hair. His fingers drifted over the bruise that was across her temple.

"Can you heal that?" he asked, and she nodded.

"That'll fade. My body focuses more on the bigger things," she murmured. "It'll be okay."

Arthur frowned, but wiped the blood from her hands and made sure everything was fine. Again, he ran his fingers through her hair making Nora sigh softly.

"I'll be up in a bit. Sleep," he murmured.

"Thank you," she whispered, and he gave her a small smile.

"I'll tell you everything tomorrow," he promised, and got to his feet.

Nora fell asleep shortly after he closed the door.

ARTHUR'S POV

He waited just outside the door until he was sure she was asleep. Part of him wanted nothing more than to have her be part of the party, and he was sure she wanted to be there as well. It counted for something. All these feelings he had for this little woman, he made sure to keep locked tight inside. No one needed to know how important she was becoming. Speaking of important, he had somewhere to be.

Walking down the stairs, he headed out of the house and to the party that was going on in camp. Javier was playing music again, and he could hear everyone singing. Abigail had taken Jack to a quieter part of camp and he was playing with a few of his toys. Arthur walked over to the little boy and squatted next to him.

"Hi, Uncle Arthur!" Jack smiled. "Where is Nora?"

"She's sleeping, little man," he smiled, softening his expression. "But she wanted me to tell you she is so happy you're safe."

"Oh yes," Jack smiled, and looked at his toys. "I did miss all of you!"

"I know you did. Here, I got something for you while I was in the city," he rumbled, and handed him what he was carrying.

He'd bought him a box of horses and soldiers. Jack was always playing with wooden toys, so he figured why not. Jack's face lit up with pure excitement and he took the toy from his hands.

"Thank you!" he gasped, totally engrossed in his new present.

If only all of them could have the innocence of a child. Arthur chuckled and rose to his feet as John walked over with two glasses of whiskey in his hand.

"Here," John murmured. "I...thank you...Arthur...I…"

"I know," Arthur rumbled, and took the glass that John offered. "We got him back. That's what matters. Now go be with your family, John. I'll drink to that."

"So will I."

Both of them turned to see Nora walking over to them. She was fully dressed and the only evidence of what had happened was the cut and bruise across her temple. John turned toward her immediately. He hadn't been down here for more than thirty minutes, so it was a surprise to see Nora up.

"Jeez, Nora. Shouldn't you be resting?" he asked, and she arched her brow.

"Being down here seemed more important," she replied, just as Jack cried out.

"Nora!" he cried, and she knelt so that he could throw his tiny arms around her neck.

"I am so glad to see you," she smiled, hugging him back. "Your momma and daddy were worried sick. We all were."

"I'm okay," he grinned, leaning back. "They fed me good, and gave me clothes."

"Well how nice of them, taking such good care of you," she teased. "And we thought you needed rescuing."

"Oh, I did," Jack replied. "I did. I missed momma and everyone."

She chuckled and let him down again so that he could show her his new toy that Arthur had bought him. Arthur didn't miss the soft look she sent his way. He quickly focused on taking the shot of whiskey. Abigail came over to hug Nora as she stood up and Arthur took a step back. John did as well.

"Looks like there were two rescue missions to celebrate tonight," John teased.

"Nora would have been fine...had she not lost her guns," Arthur rumbled. "I found her more pissed than anything. A little beaten up...but I think she'll be okay."

"I hope so," John mused, as they watched the women talk. "She's….she's good for you."

Arthur looked at the man in surprise, and John shrugged quietly. Seemed the man paid a bit more attention to things than Arthur originally thought. He cracked a slight smile, and poured himself another glass of whiskey. He poured one for John as well, who thanked him quietly.

"Got an extra glass?" Nora asked, finally joining them.

"Uh…" Arthur turned around and went to Pearson's wagon. "Do now."

She snorted at him in amusement and let him pour her a glass. He shifted his stance as she came to stand near him, and allowed her shoulder to touch his. He hadn't exactly been open about their relationship to the camp, but it was pretty obvious at this point. Plus he knew she needed the comfort. John looked over as Abigail joined them again, having gone up and put Jack to bed.

"Let's go sit around the fire," she smiled, wrapping her arms around one of John's.

"Sure," Arthur drawled, and they headed over to the main campfire.

Charles joined them not long after, and he touched Nora gently on the shoulder. She reached back and gripped his fingers for just a moment, before he went and sat down. It was clear the people she had come to value in the gang. Javier was softly playing the guitar, and soon Hosea walked over.

"Oh, Nora it is good to see you up," he said, smiling at her.

"I'll be fine," she assured him, after downing her glass of whiskey.

"Good, good to hear," he smiled, sitting down beside Javier.

"Are you?" Arthur found himself asking, but kept his voice soft.

"I will be," she replied gently, and her shoulders dropped.

He looked at her and glanced up as Abigail shifted slightly from where she sat beside Nora. They were listening to Javier play, which added to the peace. The party was still going, he could hear everyone talking and laughing. Uncle and Susan were singing, and he could hear others as well. Charles chuckled softly from where he sat, and then glanced up. Lenny said something that made him laugh again, and Arthur found himself pouring Nora another glass of whiskey.

"Careful," he teased, and she snorted.

"Numbs the pain," she admitted, and he glanced at her sharply. "I'm fine."

"Well you all seem to be in a good mood," Micah said, finally joining them.

"Were," Nora muttered, but the man didn't hear her.

Arthur and Abigail both snorted in laughter, which made her smile. Abigail and John rose to their feet then, and quietly bid everyone goodnight. Arthur gave John a glare, but the man just grinned as they hurried off. Taking the free space, Nora laid down on the log and put her head in Arthur's lap. He took a drink right from the bottle, as Micah sighed.

"You know boys, there ain't no being saved," Micah said, and everyone glanced his way. "Ain't no being lost. Them fights was over long ago. Or never happened, was only invented to make you feel something out of nothing. Doesn't make a difference. Ain't sure nothing makes a difference. Can't see how. Tide comes in, tide goes out. You was born...you die. In-between you do what you do...ain't no good, ain't no bad. Just things. Things that make you feel good, things that make you feel sad...just the length of time between being born and dying. That's. All. There. Is. There ain't no old man judging. Ain't no heaven. And maybe there is damnation...I'm sure I'll be right at home there. And that's it. See it for what the hell it really is."

"Only someone like you would see it that way, Micah," Nora said, irritated. "Listening to you is like listening to rocks grinding against one another. If that's what you truly believe, then it makes you as a person a whole lot clearer to me."

"Oh sweetheart and you believe I'm wrong?" Micah sneered, turning his attention toward her.

"Ugh," she grunted, and Arthur glanced down at her. "If anyone listens to you about the way of life I feel sorry for them. There is more than the tide going in and out. Life is worth more than just things, but it's obvious you'll never see it that way. Don't expect us to see it your way."

"You better, sweetheart. The sooner you do the easier it'll be," Micah snorted.

"Nah. I'd rather listen to Dutch," Nora replied, and the man clearly grinded his teeth.

Arthur lifted his gaze then and pinned Micah with a glare. No one had really listened to him talk anyway, and with Nora calling him out it just pissed the other man off. Arthur had silently cheered her on. A few more shots and she'd take on everyone. Charles came over and sat down beside Arthur and they both shared a similar amused look. Nora laid quiet after a moment, clearly resting after taking on Micah. Everyone turned their attention when Dutch walked over, and he heard several give him warm greetings. If only it could stay like this.

"My loved ones," Dutch said gently, as everyone slowly walked over. "There is a plan. A real plan. We are going to leave this place, and find our own paradise. We will leave this dump."

Arthur listened quietly as Dutch went over where they might go, as long as it was far from here. He could tell Nora was listening as well, but her face was composed. He quietly took the empty glass out of her hands, and she let go rather easily. Everyone warmly agreed when Dutch finally stopped talking, and he lifted his gaze toward the man who practically raised him. He gave Dutch a smile, one he reserved for those he cared for.

Walking over, Dutch patted him on the shoulder and then looked down at Nora. The woman opened her eyes and looked at the gang leader.

"Good to see you up my dear," Dutch rumbled, and she smiled slightly.

"Thanks for letting me stay," she said, and he gave her a smile.

"You're family now, Nora," he replied, patting her hand. "We look after each other."

As he walked off, he saw something shudder through Nora's expression, but she quickly masked it. Sighing softly, Arthur moved when she rose to sit up like she hadn't had four cups of whiskey. She gave him a gentle glance and moved her braid over her shoulder.

"I'm heading to bed," she murmured.

"I'll join you," Arthur rumbled, as thunder clapped loudly overhead.

Everyone began making their way into shelter, and he walked with her back into the house. She didn't say much, and he noticed that she was still favoring her injured leg a little. It was a subtle thing, but he noticed. As he headed toward the room, Dutch drew their attention.

"Arthur," Dutch smiled, and he turned toward him. "Thank you. For riding with me today."

"Always, Dutch," Arthur rumbled, nodding his head. "Always."

"Nora, my dear," he added, drawing her attention. "You are sure you are all right?"

"I'll be back at it in no time, boss," she replied. "You should see the other guys. They're dead."

"Of that I have no doubt," Dutch chuckled. "Good night you two."

Arthur guided Nora into their room and he got ready for bed in silence. She copied his actions, and pulled on her shift from earlier. Once she was done, he brought her to his bed, since it was large enough to fit them both.