Sir John Blackburn - Chisholm Trail or Thereabouts

One key... "Traits" to be an mercenary (or atleast an successful one) was an imitating look so John was unsurprised when the Frenchmen began to glare coldly at him before blabbering some nonsense in his native tongue. A pointless language in john's mind that only useful for two things: insulting Frenchmen like the Frog and seducing married women.

However halfway though what John assumed was threat or an insult the Crapaud suddeny stopped and looked over to the bushes. "Merde..."

Huh?

whatever the Frog has spotted Franz also saw as he sheated his knife and drew his Massive Gasser pistol. "Kaufman, Anglais! Over here!" The frog then shout before turning to the driver. "Get back into the carriage! You two..."

"What the devil is going on? have you spotted something?" John asked as he unsheathed his sword and also drew his Howdah Pistol.

suddenly a deep rolling growl, porbably from a panther-like critter came from Bush the Crapaud pointing towards. the Frog didn't even hesitate befoe shooting. "SHOT THE FUCKING THING!" He cried as franz also fired off two shots from his revolver too.

John himself did not fire... His Howdah pistol was rather deadly to critters (indeed that's what it design for) but he had limited ammo and there a good chance the frog and Franz shooting had aready killed the critter which had since gone quiet....

Then out of nowhere was a scream and the sound of clothes...tearing? but even worst it appeared to be coming from the coach!

A second beast?

John turned to see coach driver get dragged behind, the coachman fired his shotgun at the beast, a panther from the looks it before attempting climb out of savage beasts reach but it was too late and man was quickly dragged back behind the coach by the second Panther

[Persuasion!] "unhand him you savage beast or Face my wrath!" John shouted before charging towards the back of wagon, Sword and pistol ready [Fighting] [Shooting] Hopefully he could shoot the panther before it could kill the men.

ooc: Persuasion check is more of a joke but would sort of be funny if it worked.

Off Chisholm Trail, Near to Selina

Attacked from the front and snucked up on from behind the Englishman chose to leave the first beast in the capable hands of his two compatriots and charged toward the back of the wagon. As he rounded the corner he saw him the ruined body of a quickly leaking out coach driver and a panicky coachman with his head fully engulfed by a rather large rather angry cougar's maw.

"Unhand him you savage beast," the Englishman yelled, "or Face My Wrath!"

Lucky for that badly wounded coachman the Englishman had a way with words, or perhaps simply a particularly tasty looking face, for the cougar dipped his head and released his hold, allowing the coachman to scoot his arse back cradling his battered and bleeding head in shaking hands. Not one to let a golden opportunity pass the Englishman leveled his rather large Howdah Pistol on the beast. With nothing between him and that cougar Blackburn had a golden opportunity that must be seized upon less he forfeit that opportunity to his foe.

Acquiring his sights he quickly shot twice. The first round lodging itself just below his target, the beasts head, while the second shot due to recoil and the beasts reaction merely grazed the cougar's head digging a furrow leading from just above it's left eye and up through it's ear. The Englishman had only just reacquired his sights upon the beast when it dug in with it's hind legs to pounce, shuddered, and fell. The first shot had done the job. From close range and with nothing to obstruct his sights it was clear to Blackburn at least that he had struck a fatal blow.

The coachman rises unsteadily, leaning against the coach and using it for support makes his way over to the beast aiming his shotgun at it. He pulls the trigger having momentarily forgotten that he was on empty.

"Shit..." he mutters trying to work the mechanism to reload but finding it difficult with his hands bloody as they are.

They might not all have realized it all at once, but this battle was over. That first cougar, the one in the brush, it slinked away after taking one of Kaufmann's rounds in the shoulder. It wouldn't be goin' no where too fast, but it were smart enough to know when it were beat. Trail of blood led out and away from the trail, but even wounded the damn thing would move much faster through the brush than a man. Trail of blood would help follow it fer sure, but without a good tracker trying to keep an eye out for it it would slow them down even more.

The coachman kicks the body and nearly trips over it, weakened as he is.

"Gotta get out here," he says wiping blood and thick cougar saliva from his face, "all that racket an' all this blood'll bring other critters. Reckon I ought to get sewed up too."

He leans against the coach resting his bloody head on the wood paneling, "Bounty," he mutters now becoming harder to understand, "on the c..at. Just gotta drive it back," then reaches up to climb into the driver's seat and falls over.

Hero John Blackburn - The Bloody Chisholm Trail

John charged behind the wagon, sword raised like he had done years before in the Birtish Royal Army. As he rounded the corner he saw that coach driver was dead, his throat had been torn open by the vile panther. The coachman however was still alive but wouldn't be for long with the panther maw engulf around his head, looking to bite him like it had done with driver.

need to get the critters attention

"Unhand him you savage beast," the Englishman yelled, "or Face My Wrath!"

it appears wild vicious critters could be persuaded as the panther released the coachman from it's deadly Maw. With the coachman haltering out of way John didn't waste this golden opportunity. Aiming his Howdah Pistol at panther he fired and then fired again to ensure he did not forfeit this opportunity to gun down the critter in one go.

the first .476 Enfield bullet found home in panther heads whilst second shot unfortunately only grazed the panther's head. Fearing he was about to get pounced on John aimed and prepared to fire again only for panther to shudder and fall over dead...

ha-haw! Another critter falls to the Howdah

The coachman John had saved slowly stood up, clear shaking he walked over to dead panther and fired his coachgun... having momentarily forgotten that he'd fired both shots.

"Rest easy coachman, the Vile beast is dead unfortunately I was unable to save your friend however." John stated as he looked at dead driver body... John himself was not an religious man like his wife had been but everyone... well most non-French people atleast deserved a good burial.

take the body to town and bury it there..

The coachman kicks the body and nearly trips over it, weakened as he is. "Gotta get out here," he says wiping blood and thick cougar saliva from his face, "all that racket an' all this blood'll bring other critters. Reckon I ought to get sewed up too."

"Yes, hopefully there is an doctor Selina or atleast some who can patch up enough to get the local city... Dodge city I believe it's called

He leans against the coach resting his bloody head on the wood panelling, "Bounty," he mutters now becoming harder to understand, "on the c..at. Just gotta drive it back," then reaches up to climb into the driver's seat and falls over.

"your in no position to drive or shoot for that matter, take seat inside and rest, we shall handle it from here." John said as he opened the coach door and helped the man climb inside.

man is panicking... needs to rest and calm down

sheathing his sword John walked around coach to Franz and Crapaud who had since killed or scared away the first Panther "Franz, F-Constantin... The coach driver is dead but I have saved coachman and killed a second panther.."

"the coachman seemed to suggest there is an reward for kill panthers and it's good meat so can you help me load up the body along with driver? the least we can do is take him to town for a proper burial."

John Reloaded his howdah pistol as he continued speaking "Once that's done however let's get the bloody hell out of here. Not sure about you gentlemen but I've just about had enough bloody Trail."

Selina

As a number of the townsfolk, and newcomers, made their way toward the town's bar they heard and seen a terrible battered coach arrive, pulled by three exhausted and confused mares. Though in form and function it weren't no different than any of the hundreds of coaches passing through Selina and other similar small towns in those days, it would soon kick the town into action. The tumult would begin as soon as the harried horses dragged the ailing coach close enough for folk to see just what it were that were stretched out atop it, lashed to the roof.

First folk to see it and take note were Spring Star and his boys, though one were closer now to a man he were lookin' awful hard done lately. Awful skinny now and sunken of eye he were. Anywho, the seent it first and Spring Star he got a curious gleam in his eyes, watchin' it pass by into town before the three of them made their way out to camp somewheres.

Soon as it got close enough for the townsfolk to judge a cry rolled out and folk gather'd round to see just what in tarnation were comin' in to town. Boy was they in for a shock. From more buildings then not they comed runnin'. Smell of blood and sight of that big damned beast strapped all up on top brought 'um. Zeke, he were among the first, eager to inspect the body and see if'n them boys what kilt it weren't a mite thirsty.

Strange lookin' foreign fellers they turnt out to be, turrible coach drivers but hell they'd made it back and as the gathered crowd learned near immediate they'd rescued the proper driver. Father O'Flanagan took a bit too long getting to the scene to help, but some of the good citizens of Selina had helped to gather the poor man up and carry him on a stretcher to get the help he so sorely needed.

"Alright fellers," Zeke said with a smile as he looked up at the great dead beast, "why don't you come in my shop now and collect yer bounty, one drink for each a ya on the house too."

It were lookin' like a mighty interestin day in Selina. Bunch of strangers come in and a few of 'em had killed one a them damn cougars.

Selina

Aveline's morning continued quietly. The visitors on their horses headed towards the town's bar, as most visitors did. The sun was getting quite high, and the heat was beginning to bother the woman. Although her curly hair was cut short, a side affect of the surgery to remove the bullet from her head, the humid air was still stifling. Aveline was about to head into the cool church, perhaps to find Father O'Flanagan and a task to complete, but she could see another coach on the horizon. The quiet woman's eyes widened. While upon first glance the coach seemed like every other wagon to roll into town, but as the crowd began to gather Aveline could tell this was no ordinary group of travelers.

The smell of blood was a dead giveaway.

Aveline stood up from her rocking chair on the porch of the church, taking a moment to gather her chalkboard and chalk. The coach rolled into the center of town, a large group of townsfolk gathered around. Aveline tried to get closer, but was blocked by the crowd of curious people. She settled for standing up on her tiptoes and peering through the gaps between the people. The large cat strapped to the roof of the wagon was quite shocking, it was enough to send a buzz through the normally sleepy town. Zeke was quick to take advantage of the situation, but at least he offered the men drinks.

She watched as people began to tend to a rather injured man, and eventually even Father O'Flanagan joined the scene. Aveline was concerned, and knew she should probably help the hurt gentleman, but she figured the others could handle it. If they needed her she wasn't hard to find. To quell her feelings of guilt she said...er...thought...out a quick prayer. Pleading that He watch over the recovery of the coach driver.

The quiet woman turned her attention back to the interesting men, a wistful look falling over her face as she began to day dream about the adventures they must have been on.

Rick - Selina

Rick stood outside the town’s bar, small looking place, just like the town. He got off Civil, and the horse went about to wander around town. Rick had nothing to worry about; the horse knew how to protect itself, last bandit that tried to steal it, ended with kick to the head that nearly killed him. Besides, Civil hated being tied up and tended to get itself loose.

Rick walked into the bar and sat himself down on a table overlooking the entrance and window that looked outside. He leaned back on the chair, and put his boots up on the table. A waitress came along, older woman, looked annoyed at him. Probably didn’t appreciate him putting up his feet on the table.

He looked at her, and handed her some coins, “Bottle of bourbon and a cigar.”

He waited for her as she returned and handed him a bottle, a glass and a cigar. She poured him his first drink, and after lighting his cigars and giving it a few puffs, he leaned further back and tilted his hat down, covering his eyes. He just sat there smoking and drinking as the town went about it business. He listened as people talked. Nothing interesting, just your usual small town chatter; how crops were growing, cattle prices, who was shagging the local school teacher, nothing of interest to him.

He was nodding off, when there was some commotion outside. It made him wondered if someone tried to steal Civil, and had been knocked out cold. He tilted his hat slightly up, and could see some wagon pulling up, with a dead cougar on top. Rick just smirked, and tilted his hat back down, and poured himself another cup.

Franz Kaufmann

The last time Franz had driven a coach was three years ago when his business was still getting off the ground, and he had to deliver his firearms himself on occasion. He’d since hired a man to take care of that part, which he was regretting as he nearly crashed into a house on the way into Selina. He hissed under his breath, “Scheiße…” Constantin reacted accordingly (OOC fill in angry French words here)

The town was coming out in full force to greet them, gasping at the sight of the dead beast strapped to the coach. He brought the horses to the best halt he could, and people immediately began surrounding them. “We have a hurt man…” he started, but the townspeople jumped into action regardless of anything he was saying. The injured coachman, God help him, was carried off on a stretcher. Franz jumped off the carriage, preparing to explain what had happened to them and ask for the man who could dispense their due bounty, when a local businessman pushed his way to them.

"Alright fellers," the man said with a smile as he looked up at the great dead beast, "why don't you come in my shop now and collect yer bounty, one drink for each a ya on the house too."

Franz smiled back, though the man was difficult to understand. “Thank you,” he turned to Constantin and John. “This man has our bounty and drink. Let’s go.”

Selina - Zeke's Hunter Lodge - Taxidermy Shop

Zeke heads out through the bar, beckoning the strangers to follow, and quickly cuts through a walkway into the taxidermy shop.

"Been a long time since I heard a voice like that," he says over his shoulder as he walks between a large bear eternally stretching to it's full height and roaring and an eagle perched and staring at the counter which Zeke makes his way to. The counter is thick old wood, heavy looking, littered with receipts and order forms and some sort of Silver Dollar looking shop coin.

"Name's Zeke, Zeke Ritter. My parents you see, they were from Germany too," he pulls out a flyer announcing the bounty and slips it over to Franz, not paying much attention to anyone or anything else in the room for the time being.

"Come to America for a new life," he turns back to appraise you but seemingly seeing something agreeable he continues,

"I fought for the Union you know. You got that look about you too. Hard to see sometimes, like that feller you saved? You know he was a Rebel? Well a Reb Deserter but a Rebel jus' the same."

His right hand, resting on the table shakes until with concerted mental effort he steadies it.

"About your money though," he counts out $50 dollars lining them up in two lines across his counter, pushing some of the coins out of the way for room.

"Now then as you can see the reward offered were fifty, but since y'all only killed the one..." he gathers one line and returns it to the register.

"Them critters been botherin' the town fer some time now. You and yer boys go out and hunt the other'n and I'll give the rest of the money, even though I'd say now with just one a them damn things the town could probably handle it...but I'm gonna offer you a deal"

"I'll work my magic on this here kitty, you let me display her here for a few month, and then you can have it. That's free taxidermy now and I ain't no slouch."

He gestures out at his shop, "Don't answer yet now. Take a look. It's a good deal fer both of us why you'll get a beautifully stuffed critter and I'll..."

Old Zeke's not lying about that. He's certainly a skilled taxidermist. All the predators on display here look like they're just a moment from opening you up from belly to neck. Don't have that weird look that preserved critters can get, where they look like they been opened up, emptied out, and dried on a rack...though of course they have, or something like that anyhow.

Before Zeke can finish his pitch there's a slight racket from the bar.

Selina - Zeke's Hunters Lodge - Bar

Man was a fine tall glass of water, Lilly the waitress thinks to herself. Weren't exactly silver tongued but then he didn't really have to be. Had that look about him, the right sort of trouble. Trouble was interesting, not like these dried out Okies out here. Didn't want nothing but to drink and fornicate and fornicate and drink. There was a time for that of course, but there was more to life wasn't there.

As she walked between tables, sneaking glances at the rather dangerous looking man, she felt an unwelcome hand glide down her back and pinch her rather ample ass.

Though slight and quite womanly she delivers the single greatest blow of her life in response. Stepping out as she turns she unconsciously gets the full weight of her body into her hand as she slaps the daylights out of the handsy customer, who tips back in his chair and nearly but not quite regains his balance and dignity. Feeling himself approach and then surpass the tipping point he reaches out for the table, taking it with him, and falls over spilling his drink all over himself.

Lilly steps over the startled man with a sure gait, sticking her head through the doorway that separates the Bar from the Taxidermy Shop and exclaiming in no uncertain terms "I've had enough of this shit Zeke, I quit. I'll be on the first train back to Virginia!" before storming out.

As she heads to the Bed and Breakfast she gives the still sprawled over handsy customer a light kick in the ass, knocking him back into the dirt.

Selina - Zeke's Hunter Lodge - Taxidermy Shop

"Shit, I figured this day were comin' but she were my best waitress yet. Fine specimen too." Zeke says with a whistle after Lilly heads off on her way.

"Anyway, what do you say? I know a few folk in town would be willin' to go back out there with you and get that puma's mate. Another $25 in it for y'all. Me an' you could talk about the old country, share stories. Ain't too many make it out this far."

ooc: Updated to include correct bounty price ($50) instead of $500

Sir John Blackburn- Selina

Never again would John underestimate coach driving.

With the coachman injured, the driver dead and the three euros made an 45minute - 1 hour coach ride to town into an painstaking two hours, any long and horses would have dropped down dead from exhaustion, the coachman following them not long afterwards. Helping the coachman exiting the coach it appeared the town was coming out in full force to greet them, seeming gasping at the sight of the dead Panther strapped to the coach.

There attention quickly turned however when they noticed the injured coachman, within a few minutes several town folk, a elderly catholic priest and stretcher had come and took the injured man to church which is likely doubled as the town "clinic" a common feature in small towns like Selina which lacked an proper European trained Doctor.

Note to self: Do not get injured in this town.

Despite the commotion John noticed one town's people, an young woman carrying some sort of board was looking at them "Howdy Ma'dam"

Just then however John was distracted by Franz calling to him and the Frenchman. "This man has our bounty and drink. Let’s go.”

Following the short man (ooc: what does Zeke look like?) John & Franz followed him into a bar and then across a walkway into a taxidermy shop. John was unsure how successful this man was but judging by roaring Bear and perched Eagle he was atleast a very skilled taxidermist. Have them jump out at you'd be half convinced it was real bear attacking you.
what's someone as skilled as him doing in middle of the bloody desert?

"Name's Zeke, Zeke Ritter. My parents you see, they were from Germany too," he pulls out a flyer announcing the bounty and slips it over to Franz who he had seeming confused for an german... "Come to America for a new life"

could use this to our advantage.
With Zeke being happy and perhaps more likely to talk in the company of an fellow "German" John remained silent and hoped Franz would too.
turning back he looked at Franz, seeming looking him up before continued. "I fought for the Union you know. You got that look about you too. Hard to see sometimes, like that feller you saved? You know he was a Rebel? Well a Reb Deserter but a Rebel jus' the same."

"well technically both sides are rebels to Great Britain." John joked as he noticed Zeke's hand was shaking. "alas that was settled long before any of us where born."

"About your money though," zeke stated as he counts out a large pile of American money dollars into two lines on his counter, pushing some of the coins out of the way to make room. "Now then as you can see the reward offered were five hunnerd, but since y'all only killed the one..." he gathers one line and returns it to the register.

"You and Constantin injured the panther did you not?" John asked Franz "Possible that it's aready bleed to death."

"Them critters been botherin' the town fer some time now. You and yer boys go out and hunt the other'n and I'll give the rest of the money, even though I'd say now with just one a them damn things the town could probably handle it...but I'm gonna offer you a deal"
I'm sure they could but good chance someone would die, why not use the courageous outsiders who no-one gives a shit about.

"Go on." John repilled

"I'll work my magic on this here kitty, you let me display her here for a few month, and then you can have it. That's free taxidermy now and I ain't no slouch." he stated as he gestures out at his shop and the various critters he aready had stuffed. "Don't answer yet now. Take a look. It's a good deal fer both of us why you'll get a beautifully stuffed critter and I'll..."

Before Zeke could finish his strange sales pitch there something appear to happen to Bar, with what sounded like someone falling over and followed up by cute waitress John had spotted earlier pooking her head through the doorway "I've had enough of this shit Zeke, I quit. I'll be on the first train back to Virginia!" before storming out.

"Shit, I figured this day were comin' but she were my best waitress yet. Fine specimen too." Zeke says with a whistle after Lilly heads off on her way. "Anyway, what do you say? I know a few folk in town would be willin' to go back out there with you and get that puma's mate. Another $25 in it for y'all. Me an' you could talk about the old country, share stories. Ain't too many make it out this far."

"excuse me for an movement." John said as he picked up his pile of cash and walked outside, leaving the German and the Non-German to discuss the "Old country." although John reckoned Franz could keep him busy just talking about Prussian little war with France.

porbably be happy to hear about Germany becoming it's own country and everything.

leaving the Bar John went outside and found Constantin "I know I was the one to shot the panther but I want you to have this." John said as he handled the French Frog half of the money "If you hadn't of spotted it.. well it might not have just be the driver we lost."

John then held up the other half of the money and pointed to the Bar "Someone in there just violated the young waitress, teach that uncultured swine a lession and you may have the rest."

---

Selina

Constantin LeBlanc

---

Constantin had been a grim shadow, unmoving and unflinching, silent and brooding after the short battle against the local wildlife. Boarding the coach he had taken care of his rifle and kept his mouth shut, while the party had made its way towards the city. Only one time, when they almost hit a house on their way, loud cursing had left his lips. Yet, once more he was silent, as he climbed from the coach down into the dust of the city. He could feel his mind racing, and the distant allure of the pipe filled his thoughts. A cold shiver ran down his spine, as he took a deep breath, once more feeling the taste of the smoke along his tongue.

It was the horrid accent of a german, that took him out from his thoughts, and his face would betray his disgust over the german, happily greeting Kaufman, to grind his teeth, as he felt an old anger building up in his chest. Many words came up which he wanted to throw at that man, yet he was able to calm his thoughts, after learning that he was born in the US and not that upjumped state of barbrians. Still, the anger had mixed with his desire for a pipe of opium, leaving him in a dark state of mind, as he stayed outside waiting near the coach as he leaned against the coach. It would be Kaufmans and Blackburns decision how it would go from here, and as long as he was in for his cut, he didnt minded it one bit.

A bit of ruckus inside caught his attention, as a rather pretty waitress was leaving the establishment, in a hasty fashion. Raising an eyebrow, he saw Blackburn approach, before taking the money of his hand without saying a word. To his suprise, it was an offer that followed. "You dont say, Rosbif.." His eyes locked onto the money, before he took a moment to look into Blackburns eyes, and a sharkish grin moved onto the Frenchmans lips. Taking the rifle from his shoulders, he stored the money in his side pocket, before pressing the Gras Model 1874 in Blackburns grip. "Hold onto this for me, will you..." Without another word, he stepped into the establishment, his eyes quickly finding the fallen over table, and the man behind it. "You there! Hold up a moment...let me help you.." His steps were calm, as he approached friendly and with his hands raised. Not that Constantin was above feeling up a Wench himself, yet he for one had earned himself more smiles then slaps. But this was for a payment...

"Here we go..." Offering his hand, he helped him up, only to smash his left fist right into his face. A kick into his side followed, before Constantin would reach for the head, holding it into his hands, before smashing his knee into the visage. Should anyone around be so foolish to raise from his seat, the frenchman would quickly turn around, screaming a: "SIT YOUR ASS DOWN..." His hand moved onto his pistol on his side, before he would turn one more time to the man on the ground. "You still have something on your arm. You spilled your drink? Wait, i help you...fils de pute!" His boot would now where to hit, to dislocate a shoulder...

Rick - Bar
Rick downed his second glass of bourbon. It was the cheap stuff, but it did its job. He was about to pour himself a third glass when he heard a loud shout and clattering. Seemed like one of the patrons got handy with waitress. Rick didn’t pay it much attention, it was common in most places, and he wasn’t one of those romantics that went on about protecting a women’s virtue.

As he poured his third glass he sat up on his chair as a man came through the door of the adjoining store. He started to pummel and kick the groper. He was agitated, and everyone in the bar was afraid or intimidated by the man. Rick stood up and walked over to the man while holding his drink in his hand. He firmly placed his hand on the man’s shoulder, “I think he had enough? How bout you lay off him?”

---

Selina

Constantin LeBlanc

---

Since he had been a young child, Constantin had understood violence as a simple, but effective solution. Once, the other kids had mocked him as a bastard, and called his mother a whore, but once he had started to take teeth and crack noses, nobody said anything. Sure, the teacher would hand him beatings that would make him cough out blood the day after, but at least he no longer had to deal with their laughter and mocking...

Pulling his foot away from the smashed shoulder, Constantin spat out, as he glared at the man on the ground. "Whats the matter? Oh, something on your face? Wait i wipe it off your..." A hand on his shoulder made Constatin turn around, his hand on his pistol. His scared eye met Ricks, as he narrowed his glare, before pushing his hand off his shoulder. "Take your fucking hand off, Yankee.." Breathing heavy, Constatin slowly let the rush of anger and Adrenalin fade away, as the thought of opium filled his mind. It was in moments like this, that he longed for both a woman and a pipe in equal measures. "Now ge..." His words were cut short, as a man entered the Establishment, his face covered by the shadow and the glare from the outside, yet the golden star on his chest made it clear who he was...the sheriff of this town.

Aveline, always the silent observer, watched as the gentlemen took the slain beast off the top of the coach and into the taxidermy shop. Drat Aveline thought Zeke got to them before I could ask about their adventures! She was about to return into the church, probably to assist with the injured man in their party, when one of them acknowledged her. It wasn’t much, but as the towns backetcase it was more than she normally got. Aveline smiled and waved at the gentleman, knowing attempting to speak back would be difficult, before he too went into Zeke’s shop.

The town began to disperse, the excitement of seeing the dead animal fading. Aveline herself was about to retire to her rocking chair and magazine, when more commotions came from the taxidermy shop and it’s attached bar. Aveline could hear Lilly, bless her, screeching that she was quitting. Aveline didn’t blame her, the woman had a difficult job. As the olden woman stormed out of Zeke’s Aveline offered her a sympathetic wave and smile.

Things only got more elevated as one of the strangers left the taxidermy shop and had a quick conversation with one of his friends. And while Aveline could not quite make out their conversation she could recognize the stern mans foreign accent. Aveline tried not to feel too excited, she wondered if he traveled from far away. The stern man than entered the bar, and caused the commotion to continue with full force. The sounds of fighting and violence were obvious.

Aveline chewed her lip anxiously. Where there were fights there were injuries. She briefly considered finding Father O’Flanagan, but decided to take the initiative. She gathered her skirts and walked across the street towards the bar, peering in to assess the damages.

Selina - Just Outside Zeke's Hunter Lodge

As he stepped toward the three men the Sheriff did not present a particularly intimidating figure, though he was well groomed he was out of shape and he did not appear as a man who particularly enjoyed living in the West. His only worrisome aspect really was his eyes. Too sharp, though in that they matched the rest of him. He was entirely too clean. His mustache too precisely trimmed, his clothes too clean and arranged to artfully. Dark Pants, a grey dress shirt, and a nice black vest to embellish the shine on his badge. It was a rather nice badge.

"Calvin Higgins," he said quickly and to no one in particular, "Sheriff in these parts."

"Looks like he's learned his lesson don't you agree Mr? Well I suppose I missed your names. I'm Calvin Higgins."

The man on the ground pushes himself up to a sitting position and wipes the blood and snot from his face. While the Sheriff reaches a very clean hand out to make your acquaintance. As he does so he leans back a bit at the waist and tips his hat to the young woman approaching.

"Miss Aveline."

---

Selina

Constantin LeBlanc

---

Ever since his first run in with the law, Constantin had done his best to avoid its long arm. Sure, he still had an bounty on his head in the Congo, for beating an green colonialist to a pulb, after a stern kick for making the fire to bright had let him to call him a "french bastards", which had sparked an vile outburst from Constantin!
But this was a different situation! He had no quarrel with the man on the ground, but the brit had offered good money for it. Taking a deep breath, Constantin took the hand. "Constantin LeBlanc! I dont take kindly to the abuse of women, nor do the people where i come from! But i agree, sir! He has learned his lesson."

It was in this moment that he noticed the silent women entering the establishment, an a grin moved on his lip.

"Mademoiselle..."

It was the kind of grin, that had got him in trouble quite often, and earned him more then one slap himself, yet more often then not, it left the woman aimed at blushing, and in some cases even smiling. Doubling down, he took a step closer, reached for her hand, and placed a kiss on it. "LeBlanc, at your service, Mademoiselle!" His hand on hers, would leave a light trail of blood, as he turned back to the Sheriff. "I hope, this little incident will not cause any problems for all involved..." His eyes once more narrowed as he kept his hand on his belt.

"Now look what you did to him," the Sheriff says with no affect whatsoever when it is clear LeBlanc isn't going to batter the fool any further, "Busted his nose all up. That's alright though. Never liked him anyway. Don't reckon we do have a problem Constantin long as you don't go about pullin' that pistol now."

Sheriff Higgins looks over to Zeke, who is shaking his head at the loss of his waitress and will now likely have to clean the blood up himself, and shrugs. As the Frenchman kisses the mute woman's hand for some gul darned reason he smiles; curious to see just how the rather odd rather quiet young thing reacts

Before Aveline could make her way into the bar she was cut off by the towns sheriff. A polite woman, Aveline let him into the building first. Not that she had anything against the man, he seems to think she is an idiot due to her head injury. Not that she could blame him, it was easy to underestimate her, especially when she can barely verbally defend herself. She noted that the sheriff was being rather...lenient...on the attacker. Aveline was unsure if this was being the stranger had just slain a beast that was bothering the town, or if because the sheriff knew he couldn't take the stronger man in a fight. The sheriff was at least...fair...but he was a simple and clean man. So taking the talking route really didn't surprise Aveline. What did surprise Aveline was the other mans reaction. Honestly, she expected more violence, or at least a rude response, but the other man seemed to compose himself completely.

Not only that but his name and accent spoke of far away places.

The quiet woman was about to fall into another one of her day dreams when the man, Constantin, stood up, and addressed her. Now, Aveline wasn't beginning to pretend she knew what Mademoiselle meant, for all she knew he was insulting her to her face. But it...sounded...like the word madam, and that way he said it...Aveline took a quiet, but deep breath. No need to look unprofessional.

She attempts to keep a neutral look on her face were tested further when he kissed her hand.

Aveline did not think she had ever been kissed on the hand. She wasn't exactly a ticket item in this town, and most of the men living in Selina were far too crass for such behaviors. Plus, she lived and worked in a church. Aveline's eyes widened and her jaw tensed as she attempted to keep herself from blushing. What would Father O'Flannagan think if she was to be fawning over some stranger. No less a stranger who had only been in town for less than an hour, and already got in a fight during that span of time. Aveline became aware that she was staring and falling into her thoughts.

The young woman retracted her hand, gave Constantin a polite smile and bended her knee, preforming a quick curtsy. She then stepped around Constantin, turning her attention to the injured man on the ground. Aveline navigated around the broken glass and spilt drink, knelling in front of him to assess the damage. The sheriff was right, the man's nose was quite broken. Even if he had been...inappropriate...he deserved at least a little help. Looking over the damages, and how she could possibly alleviate the pain, Aveline would like to make a [Healing] Check.

(OOC: Yo, Bangoskank, can I attempt to cast a spell? Or would that be a PM thing? Or perform some sort of heal check?)

(OOC: EDIT, Yes Lewis251 is a brilliant person)

Dragonbud: maybe a [Healing] Check?

OOC: Also John speaks with an Yorkshire (think Sean Bean) accent.

Sir John Blackburn- A Frenchman walks into an Bar

"Hold onto this for me, will you..." the Frenchman stated as he pressed his inferior French garbage, Gras model 1874 rifle into John's hand..

no wonder they keep on losing with shit like this...

"Umm Okay?" John replied interested to see if Constrain would follow though with John's request.

Without another word, he stepped into the establishment with John watching from the door. "You there! Hold up a moment...let me help you.." His steps were calm, as he approached man who had insulted the waitress "Here we go..." Offering his hand, he helped him up, only to smash his left fist right into his face. A kick into his side followed, before Constantin would reach for the head, holding it into his hands, before smashing his knee into the visage.

"Interesting... Even with me he's willing to perform "jobs" John muttered to himself as he watch Leblanc scream "SIT YOUR ASS DOWN..." to one of the local who was about to help his friend... only to have second thoughts after the Frenchman yelled at him.
very intimidating could be useful when I can't persuade someone
"You still have something on your arm. You spilled your drink? Wait, I help you...fils de pute!" the rabid Frenchman declared as he stomped on man's arm attempting to dislocate a shoulder...

"Hmm... maybe abit to brutal, will have to specific." John muttered to himself again as another man stood up. This man had the whole "cowboy" look going on with his double revolvers, the dusty Trench coat and large black hat but a different accent to most of people John had heard in frontier.

[investigation] [knowledge] John attempt to recall where that accent came from.

“I think he had enough? How bout you lay off him?”

this man looks like he could actually put up... how will the dog handle this?

turning around the Frenchman glared at the "cowboy" "Take your fucking hand off, Yankee.." as he Breathed heavy, seeming attempting control himself and not ruthless beat this man like he had done with the other.
so he does have some control.

suddenly the bar doors swung open, John turned and looked at the rather well groomed sheriff enter the Bar. For someone living out the bloody desert this man was rather well clean, looking more like an London gentleman and an frontier town sheriff. His sheriff badge however was rather nice looking. Why couldn't John's department get badges like that?

"Calvin Higgins," he said quickly and to no one in particular, "Sheriff in these parts." he followed up as he looked at man on floor "Looks like he's learned his lesson don't you agree Mr? Well I suppose I missed your names. I'm Calvin Higgins."
Back in the UK Leblanc would have been arrested on the spot.. interesting

"Constantin LeBlanc! I dont take kindly to the abuse of women, nor do the people where i come from! But i agree, sir! He has learned his lesson."

"Miss Aveline."

that was John and Leblanc noticed a silent women entering the establishment, it was women John had seen outside not helping with the coachman but before he say anything the French's Grin moved on his lip. ""Mademoiselle..."

Goddam it... why can't there be a married woman here when you need one.

the wannable seducer LeBlanc a step closer, reached for her hand, and placed a kiss on it. "LeBlanc, at your service, Mademoiselle!" he said as he place his hand on hers, leaving a light trail of blood.

"God dam it LeBlanc, you got blood all over the young lady hand!" John said as he left the shadows of the doorway, reaching into his Jacket pocket john pulled out a crimson red handkerchief from his Jacket pocket and offered it to the lady.

"here take this gar-rifle back" John said as he handed LeBlanc his inferior French Rifle before turning to the sheriff "Sir John Blackburn at your service." he said before giving an small gentleman bow.

"Me, LeBlanc and our companion Kaufman, have to American to investage this new ghost rock material we have hearing all about cross the pond. If anyone here can help or has any information that leads to finding an sizeable source, that we can use I'm willing to pay a commission…"

John then remember these where Americans he was talking to "No wait what do they call it here... ah yes, a Finders fee?"

Aveline continued to examine the hurt man's face, helping him sit up against a wall so he would not suffocate on his own blood. Yeah...the busted nose was pretty bloody, but not unworkable. Behind her she would hear Sheriff Higgins questioning the travelers about why they were in Selina, as it was obvious that they had not come all this way just to assist the town with their big cat problem. But eventually this chatter just fell into background noise in her scattered head. Aveline rolled up her sleeves, flashing the injured man a smile that would hopefully reassure him that he was in good hands. She was about to get to work when she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye, one of the men was offering her a handkerchief. And while the man might have intended on it being used to clean the young woman's hands, she quickly interpreted this as a tool to help with the broken nose. Aveline smiled and tipped her head in thanks before turning back to her work.

Moving quickly, as to not give the man time to dread the pain, Aveline placed the handkerchief over the man's nose and twisted it quickly to the side, resetting it back to it's normal position with a sickening crack and pop. And while it would be rather painful, it should heal just fine, it would make the man's breathing easier than living out his days with a crushed nose. Aveline quickly wiped up the remaining blood with the handkerchief, picking a cup unidentified alcohol off a nearby table and offering it to the now recovering man.

Aveline stood up, trying to utilize the now blood soaked handkerchief to clean her hands, when she finally tuned back into the conversation around her. Something the Englishman mentioned suddenly flooded her mind with thoughts. Of the friend of Father O'Flanagan, the deceased miner Charles. If these people were looking for a strange ore, Father O'Flanagan might know something. Aveline quickly scanned the room for her small slate board and chalk, wiping her bloodied hands on her dress before hurrying over to it. She began to write out a quick message, glancing up at the travelers to make sure they did not leave.

When she was finished the mute woman moved over to the men, waving her hand slightly to get their attention. She turned the board around, and there written in clean handwriting reads:

"I might know someone who can tell you about someone who owns an active mine!"

Clearly not a clear message, or a well thought out one, but regardless Aveline looks up at the travelers expectantly.

Selina - Just Outside Zeke's Hunter Lodge

"Oh," the Sheriff reacts with a genuine grin, "More prospectors out to make their fortune? How droll. The woman, I believe she is referring to the Father's friend. Had a claim out someways, suppose it's lost now. Not sure what he found, but he didn't seem quite as excited as I would have expected."

"Aveline," he calls out in an unnecessarily loud voice, "Be a good girl and show these men to the Father won't you."