yourunichase | (no subject)

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Now, families of town, please don't think this is any cause for your children to miss school. Remember the best thing for them is not to have idle hands or idle minds.

[Miss Mercy Parker was walking up the street from the school house to the boarding house where she lived. The teacher was putting in all her spare pennies (of which there were very few) into buying a house of her very own. So far it wasn't going very well. Each day, on her walk, she'd pause and stare at this house or that, her blue eyes peering below the brim of her hat. She was good at peering at things. For a moment her fingers just flexed in their gloves; it wouldn't be long now. Hopefully]

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The town is peaceful enough; perhaps the rumors are wrong. They very likely are to be; it happens so frequent-like.

The Sheriff will make things safe, you watch.

He's a good fair lawman?

I've got a brother who's a ranger out in Texas. Moved out of state you see. [a trace of an accent shows in his voice] Always said you could tell a sheriff by how he treated his criminals-christian ways and the like.

He is, yes. I think so, anyway.

[Mercy smile a bit and nodded, she did like the Sheriff in general.]

He treats them well, I think. I've never heard any complaints.

My brother once said you can tell a decent man by the way he treats his prisoners. If he treats them enough so that there's no complaints from town and country? That'll be good enough for me.

Can't imagine the stress on that, couldn't pay me to take a job where you have to deal with people and their ...darker nature.

[he fakes a shudder]

Edited 2011-05-18 00:02 (UTC)

[Parer steeled herself for a moment, holding herself incredibly still. Her voice was soft.]

Sir, even those who have a darker nature are in need of kindness, compassion and understanding. A person shouldn't need to be paid to do it.

[That stops his feet]

Do you really believe that's true?

The Christian concept of forgiveness? ...My brother'll rejoice to hear it.

Yes, I believe it's true. This whole town's here for second chances; second chances are what the good book teaches us about forgiveness.

[Good lord just what kind of a place did he come to? He grips the bridle of his horse a bit.]

I have heard stories ma'am. Terrible stories of things men have done and seen things myself that have made me question the lord's teachings.

However if you're half right, I shall have to linger here a bit longer Miss...

Miss Mercy Parker. I am one of the town's school teachers.

[She inclined her head a bit, and then looked about for a moment; a lady did not simply offer someone her hand, and Mercy Parker was a lady.]

[He extends his hand to her after doffing his hat ] Frank Bisner. Business man. Sorry to say I don't know how long I will be staying if you Miss Parker are one of the teachers.

Edited 2011-05-18 00:22 (UTC)

A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bisner. [Even though Mercy didn't actually think so at the moment. She lowered her eyes for a moment, her voice soft.]

Thank you, Mr. Bisner, but I'm afraid I'm gonna be late for super. You have a fine day.

May I walk with you a moment? Just a moment.

[Well, she didn't expect that, and inwardly, she frowned. Mercy didn't want him to be gettin' the wrong idea about her.]

For a moment.

Just a moment. [He nods] You and I seem to be heading in the same direction so far. I appreciate the company greatly.

A lady should not be unescorted. [he grins] even if it's by a vagabond like me.

[Parker's smile was set on, and she inclined her head, holding her purse a bit as if it were armor.]

I'm pleased to have you then.

[Even if she really weren't pleased at all.]

That's very kind.

[His own expression now sounds forced.]

I apologize for not offering you an arm. My horse is occupying the majority of my mind. He is the spawn of the devil on his good days.

He does seem to be a spirited piece of horse flesh.

[Parker smiled appreciatively at the horse, because she was rather fond of them.]

How long have you had him?

About three years now? I bought him off a man in Missouri for a steal. Sadly I don't think the man knew horses and given that I didn't know either...we both got more then we bargained for.

[He pats the horse on the flank. For in reality he knows exactly how to handle horses-and he really did steal this one]

I've given him a name too. Isn't that awful? He's Blanco. How original.

[The name Blanco made Mercy smile a bit, and she leaned over and patted the horse quickly, soothing it with splayed fingers.]

I bet he can be soothed with sugar.

If you happened to have some.

[Blanco noses forward as Bisner keeps a hand on the reigns.]

Can't think of a beast alive that wouldn't turn down sugar. When I was a boy I lived for the moments I could have peppermint sticks.

I'm afraid I ain't got any on me right now.

[Parker inclined her head for a moment, and then scratched the horse's muzzle.]

[He strokes the horse's head with a sad look] Pity. Not too much sweet left these days after the war.

I shall have to lead him to a stable and take you up on that suggestion however.

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