{open party post | who is the tall, dark stranger there?}

[tubemods]

The sun rises on another day in Devil's Creek, painting the night sky a burnt orange and the edges of clouds a pale yellow. Although not a large town by any stretch of the imagination, the early morning hours are the most quiet it will ever see. The night's chill still holds close to the dirt, keeping people inside, tucked away in their beds.

A perfect time for a return.

Three horses, three riders with one less rider than they left with come into town at quiet trots. Anyone awake this hour and foolish enough to look outside their window may recognize the silhouettes, but most are smart enough to leave it be. The riders don't linger long, going their separate ways in town. A long, low howl of wind whipping through the distant gorge signals the night's work is done.

In a few hours, the sleepy town awakens. It's a busy day today. Although the general goods store is always there and always open for business, shipments and other businesses from the city have arrived today for some trade and everyone could use a few supplies they won't get for another couple of months. By the time everyone has set up their carriages and stalls, the sun has climbed into the sky, warming the city's dusty town square as well as its streets and alleys.

There also seems to be the arrival of some more new faces this morning and to these outsiders, there seems to be something that's going without saying among the natives. It's the same thing they've thought of the other newcomers to their little town over the past couple of days.

Old Nibbles might just have a feast in its near future.

Comments

saloon

[hellofist]

Cassandra had watched the riders returning from the window of the Black Rock, feeling that inevitable surge of relief when it had become clear all was well. Trust your leaders to put things to right, she'd told herself, and had opened up for business.

By the time the Mayor's come in and taken his place, the saloon has reached its typical afternoon state, which is... well, dead. There's not many people who come until the sun sets, after all. Still, Cass pours Yusuf his drink - the good stuff, none of the watered down whiskey she serves her other patrons - and arches an eyebrow at him.

"It all went smoothly, then?"

[kanca]

Reliable and discreet, Cass is one of those he'd might actually regret sacrificing for the good of the town if it came to it. Good thing there are enough strays and sinners that it won't. He takes an appreciative drink, and grins at her thinly over the glass.

"As smoothly as water, thanks to the good Sister."

Which can't be said for the reactions to her sermon this morning, but since that's likely to be a topic come evening, he won't wear it out just yet. "The girls will be relieved, eh?"

[hellofist]

With a smile, Cass ducks her head and starts to swipe a rag along the surface of the bar. The way things work is carefully lined out and she knows what the stakes here are, she won't risk stepping on any toes.

"They'll be pleased. One of the men ran off in the night, left all his things." She says it like it's some big mystery, but the grin at the corner of her mouth says she knows exactly where the man is now. "I'll see to it anything they haven't claimed has been donated to the proper establishments."

She'll let her girls have first pickings at clothes and money before giving over what's left to the big three, is what she means.

[kanca]

Which is, as far as he's concerned, their right. Seeing as they provide an effective honey trap and distraction for the town's work.

"I'm sure they have earned what they take twice over. Ah, speaking of which, a little bird tells me you already have a new guest..."

[hellofist]

Of course she knows that if they're in need, they'll look to her saloon. It's too easy, the unsavory will find their way there and drink and gamble and think that they're safe. Lulled by alcohol and the promises of flesh, who they truly are is shouted to the rafters and a target is painted on their backs.

It only makes sense that is where the Mayor would have his office. The whole town is one well oiled machine, but few dare to look close enough to see the way the gears turn.

"I think you'll be happy to know you'll likely get a good look at him tonight. If it's who I think you mean, he's made himself known." She makes a face, unimpressed. "It won't be hard to spot him."