Firstborn of the Frontier

The sensory ping of my Alarm Wards has become a constant in my life, so much so that I almost ignore them out of hand.

Pretty much invalidates the point of an Alarm, when it gets to be more nuisance than actual warning. My fault for setting them up so close to the docks where folks are always stepping off to the side to rest or let wagons pass. Haven't had time to relocate them just yet, but it's moved up on the list of things what need doing so I don't have to keep putting up with the constant interruptions. Can't just ignore them though, because that's how you get got, so when they ping on Friday afternoon, I look up mid-Etch like always. This time, it's more than habit however, as there's an inkling that this time is different, a feeling I can't quick place.

The thing about Alarm Wards is that they don't exactly set off sirens in your head. You can rig them to set off actual sirens if you got a little know how, but by default, they just sorta let you know when the target types you designated pass through the Ward. They do this by tugging at a mental string in the back of your head, one you fixed in place while laying the Ward or keying yourself to them. Not so bad when you only got the one Ward, but when you've got a whole village covered to give you a heads up if anyone steps out of line, then you gotta get real organized to see any real use outta them Wards.

Mostly because knowing someone tripped a Ward without knowing where that Ward is ain't all that useful. Takes me a bit of mental gymnastics, but after a hot second of thinking, I figure out what's got me out of sorts and the realization is accompanied by a spike of anxiety. Namely because the Ward sounding off is over to the south of the village, not by the docks or the north side where all them folks are working.

Getting up from the desk means the Etch on the section of finger I'm working on is junked and I'll have to start over from scratch, but that's why I work in sections after all. Hitting up the wall with the recessed screens reveals yet another flaw in my security system, namely that the monitors take forever to turn on and display anything of value. Might be I have to eat the extra expense of leaving them running 24/7, because the precious seconds spent waiting to see what's on camera could literally mean the difference between life and death. Fact is, after Levi dropped in to surprise me, I figured I could use an Alarm Ward at the front of the big house where I spend most of my time, and they ping just as the screens light up to show that my uninvited guests hoofed it right up to my front door.

Uninvited, but not unwelcome, and I manage to stow my guns away right before Elodie presses her face up against the glass next to the front doors. "Bonjour Howie," she exclaims, waving up a storm before turning to the side and pulling Chrissy into view. Our Princess is looking real flush and out of sorts, no doubt having been hauled off her horse and dragged along for a run when Elodie couldn't restrain herself any further once her goal was in sight. Can't help but smile to see it, because the Princess could stand to do a little more exercise, but can't none of us bear to put her through it except for Elodie.

Course, that also reveals the weakness of my defenses, as Mr. Mueller was less concerned about security than he was about aesthetics. That's why he installed glass-block sidelights on the front doors of his workshop, so I should probably replace those with reinforced glass or remove them entirely. Or leave it as is and build my own place with defense in mind, because I would hate to ruin the ambiance of the village I've grown somewhat fond of. Then again, the signs I installed saying 'trespassers will be shot' and 'solicitors will be shot twice' kinda already do it, but can't no one say I didn't give fair warning unless they can't read so good.

Won't be having to pay Mr. Tillman no extra fees today though, because it seems Tina and Chrissy done come to visit and brung Elodie along with. And more too, as I discover when I glance at the screens to see the rest of the Ranger recruits along for the ride, though no sign of Danny or Noora. Makes me glad I spent most of yesterday cleaning up the big house, because even though it went untouched during my absence, I hadn't left it all that spic and span. Least I got all the dirty laundry out of sight and cleaned off all the dirty dishes. The living room still smells like weeks worth of hunter's stew, and the floor could use a pass with a broom and mop to clear out all the fur and feathers from Cowie and the kiccaws, but otherwise the place is about as presentable as one might expect when rolling up on a bachelor unannounced.

Checking perimeter cameras real quick and spotting nothing amiss, I mosey on over to the front door and throw it open just as Chrissy is about to knock. Which gets her shoulders to slumping, so I blink, close the door, and wait for her to knock before opening it again, at which point she's all cheery and bright as she throws her arms around me in greeting. "Hi Howie," she says, squeezing me oh so tight as I twirl her about even though it's only been a few days since we parted ways. "Dinner party."

"Hiya Chrissy. A dinner party sounds great! Thanks for comin' out." Can't help but grin to hear it, as I found myself missing her more than I thought I would, so I hold the hug a little longer. It helps when Elodie takes it upon herself to turn this into a group hug, and we're all still hugging it out when the rest of the gang arrives at a more sedate pace. Elodie breaks off the hug to do her own thing, but while the others settle their horses, I spot Tina hanging back out of shyness, so I wave her in for a hug too. My cheeks strain and stretch to see her face light up as she runs over to join in, and I do myself a favour and ignore whatever looks the others might be trading amongst themselves.

These moments are too few and far between to let shame and embarrassment stop me. Why should I care what other people think? Ain't nothing untowards about our relationship, and if anyone else thinks otherwise, they best learn to mind their own business before I mind it for them. Not that I think I'll have problems with present company, but I know good and well I got a hair trigger temper and can all too easily sour on someone over a wry or knowing look. Can't keep burning bridges though, because the fact that they even here means they're working hard to stay in contact, while I could clearly be working harder.

That's why when I greet them all with a big smile, it's actually a genuine one. First and foremost is Sarah Jay, but no Errol which comes as something of a relief. She ain't looking in the best mood, but ekes out a small smile when we clap hands and bump fists which is more our speed when it comes to greetings. Michael gets a firm handshake which I imagine is also how he greets his dad, while Gabriella gets a little bow over her proffered hand. Though the self-professed tom-boy acts all tough and boyish with her loose clothes and close-cropped hair, I know she got a love for all things Arthurian what with all them knights and ladies and whatnot, so even though she scowls to see it, she also gotta fight the urge to curtsey in return. Big Al gets a punch on the shoulder which he gently returns in kind, while Ike and Antoni get high fives and claps on the biceps. Last, but not least, Kacey gets a nod before I give Inari a quick boop on the snoot while she's snuggled in her girlie's arm, which earns me a suspicious glare that says Kacey knows I'm planning on feeding the fox some junk food and ain't none too pleased about it.

The workshop ain't no place to greet friends though, so I invite them up to the big house only to see Elodie hang back in the shop to peer out the sidelights again. Looks darling as can be with a pink hairband holding back her wild, emerald green tresses and a matching ribbon up top, a gift I done got her for Christmas a few weeks back. Less darling is the look of concern etched across her fetching features as she takes cover behind the glass and stares out at the workers moving all about the docks across the way.

Doesn't show her back to the Ranger recruits either I notice, clocking how she moved to the side when the rest of the group arrived. Breaks my heart to see it when I piece it all together and remember how long it's been since I seen Elodie in human form. I'm guessing the whole fracas what went down on the Fourth of July must have scared her something fierce, but seeing her in the here and now makes it crystal clear just how bad it shook her up. "Howie," she whispers, glancing over with her emerald green doe eyes all full of anxious concern. "Those men across the street, they have guns yes? Are they dangerous?"

"That they do, Ella-dee," I say, injecting an extra bit of levity into my tone as I move over to stand beside her. At the same time, I plant myself in the doorway between her and the rest of the group, which helps her relax some when she sees me turn my back to them too. That's because my friends are also armed, carrying around new gear from the looks of it instead of the bog-standard Sturm and Kitiara Squires they've had since before Pleasant Dunes. Now Elodie knows I trust them, and she can relax a little bit, because even if there are dangerous strangers out there, she got a fair few dangerous friends on her side too.

Poor girl sees danger in every stranger now, and while I can't say that she's wrong to, it don't seem like she's handling it all that well if she's avoiding people in general and spending most of her time as an animal. It's a wonder Carter ain't decked me in the face again, because hanging out with me is what got Elodie so scared and out of sorts. Makes me cherish his friendship all the more, as even after all this, he's still acting cordial and neighbourly. Owe the man far more than a paltry Christmas gift and a plate of home-made cookies to share with his folk, and I mark it down as more red in my ledger to pay back in time.

Soon as I'm close enough, Elodie leans in and whispers, "Papa says I am not to Shape in front of the others, but if there is danger, I will go off and become a diamondclaw then come back, yes?"

"No need for that. Ain't nothing to worry about, so you can stay as you are. I seen the men you're talking about," I say, pointing at a few who stick out like a sore thumb as they stand around doing not much of anything at all. "They're all here to guard the shipments of supplies heading over to Riverrun and down the Wayfarer River beyond. It'll be a long trip through wild and unclaimed lands for the most part, so they'll need a fair few hands to defend the expensive goods the ships will be carrying. You remember Noora?" My throat tightens to say her name and know that she likely chose not to come here since Tina would've invited her, but I power on through and say, "She's fixin' to be a caravan guard just like them, headin' west with one of her friends to stake claim on some land and strike it out on her own."

"She is leaving?" Elodie's eyes get bigger and sadder if you can believe it, because she took a real shine to the other girl the few times they hung out. Well, that and I can't imagine Elodie's got all that many friends to begin with, so it's just her luck to have made friends with me. "Will she be coming back? I asked Tina why she was not here for the dinner party, but she said it was complicated and could not explain more."

Ain't all that complicated really. Noora wanted to be happy, and I was bringing her down, so she cut the dead weight and moved on. Sounds terrible when I put it like that, but it makes me feel better just a bit, even though there are no hard feelings between me and her, only bitter regrets. "I dunno if she plans on coming back to visit," I say with a shrug, before giving Elodie the best smile I can muster and say, "Anyways, you don't gotta worry about those armed men. They're just here to do their job, and they'll be leaving with the last ships soon enough."

Well, not all of them, as I'm pretty sure there are a couple armed thugs mixed into the crowd, folks sent just to keep an eye on me to see if there's anything that can be done. Like Skinny Sam and his crew, who thus far have stayed at the campsite since I been back, without ever heading back to Rimepeak or boarding a boat bound for New Hope or Riverrun. Might be some folks here for my head even, though if they are, they being awful skittish about it, as I ain't seen no one scouting me out these last two days. Been making a big show of appearing wounded and tired too, though it ain't much of a show, as I do be hungry and tired all the time while it still hurts to move my left arm.

Course seeing the faces of family and friends puts a bounce in my step like I'm hale and hearty as can be, and I do what I can to reassure Elodie that it's safe enough to come out. Even show her my camera setup, and don't mind letting the recruits see it either, because it's always nice to know you on camera whenever one is setup. Elodie finds all the tech absolutely fascinating, and same goes for Chrissy and Tina as they all get to oohing and ahhing over the flows of Aether as opposed to the nothing burger that's being shown on screen. Gives me a chance to properly greet everyone else though, and bring them up to the kitchen so they can put down all the food and drinks they brung with.

Suppose this wasn't a spur of the moment thing, nor was Chrissy exaggerating when she called this a dinner party. Sarah Jay explains as much, saying they was having one last drink last night at the saloon in celebration of shipping out to their new posts come Monday. "Hope you don't mind the intrusion," Sarah Jay adds, after laying it out for me to hear. "All of us inviting ourselves over like this, and expecting to stay the night to boot."

"Course not," I say, waving her concerns aside. "I'm more than happy to host y'all any time you feel like dropping by, and I got plenty of room for it. Just pick any room in any house really, and there'll be blankets and bedding in one closet or another, and firewood nearby." Yeah, Mr. Mueller and the rest of them didn't pack all that much with them when they left, so I got a veritable fortune in cotton sheets and pillowcases just lying around. "Hit them with a Prestidigitation before you sleep though, because they been sittin' around for more than half a year now."

At least most of them have. As for the rest? Well, let's just say I didn't look too too hard at them labourers' handiwork…

"Man, I figured you'd be up to your ears in applications from folks looking to move in," Antoni says, sidling up real close to Sarah Jay as he leans on the counter, but not so close as to call it overly familiar. Still, if I was Errol, I wouldn't be none too happy to see it, but I don't say word one since it ain't none of my business. Besides, Sarah Jay's a big girl who can take care of herself, and she does as she moves around to the other side and grabs a knife to help me chop veggies while I'm browning meat. "This here is prime real estate," Antoni continues, not at all phased by what went down, which makes me wonder if he even done it on purpose or is just a friendly sort of fella who forgot himself for a tick. "Plus with the Proggie finally put paid to rest, it'll be plenty safe out here, with a clear-cut route out into the water to get away from any Abby attacks. Could hole up in New Hope or Riverrun easy, and move even further west along the Wayfarer if things get hairy."

Lotta talk of that going around of late, as folks are gearing up for the Watershed that could happen any time now. Could be tomorrow, or it could be three years from now. Don't no one know for certain, as measuring Aetheric Concentration levels ain't an exact science. Even if it were, there ain't much for your average settler to do besides keep on carrying on. Life will continue uninterrupted all throughout the Watershed, because even if all the Proggies of the Divide kick it into overdrive and pump out Abby and baby Proggies at a fair rate of knots, that's a problem for the military to concern themselves with. Your average, everyday person is just gonna keep loading wagons, tilling soil, machining parts, filling forms, or whatever else they do in the here and now to help aid the war effort.

With the only caveat being that they'll be ready to run at the first sign of trouble, and maybe have to hunker down in town in things get real bad. Or get ate up by Abby, which is always a possibility, but with a fortress town every 50 klicks and the Rangers working overtime to keep the badlands contained, I'm thinking it'll be bad for a few weeks, then things will settle down into normalcy with maybe 2 or 3 extra attacks a year on top of the 2 or 3 we already deal with. Ones that'll be larger in scale, but it don't matter if you up against 10 Harpies or 100. You just ready, aim, and fire until there ain't no more Harpies to shoot or no more bullets to load, and then you move on from there.

Ain't a mindset most are accustomed to even though we coming up on 19 years since the Advent. Even though the days feel long, the weeks feel short with time just flying by in the blink of an eye. Seems like yesterday when I was stood with Tina and Chrissy on their birthday while we listened to Uncle Teddy list off the fallen heroes of yesteryear, including Marcus who was so near and dear to our hearts. That was 8 months ago, two thirds of a year, and I can't hardly believe it. Even though so much has happened since, it still don't feel like most of a year has passed me by, because I ain't nowhere close to where I thought I'd be.

That's the thing about life though. It don't care if you having trouble moving on, because it'll keep right on trucking and leave you in the dust if you let it. That's why you always gotta be facing forward and running headlong into the future, though most folks stop after the first step and are happy to just go with the flow instead.

Like the kinda folks Antoni is talking about, the ones he figured would be lining up in droves to move on out here. "You'd think so," I begin with a shake of my head, "But I only got my first taker the day before yesterday if you can believe it. Turns out them dock workers been squatting on my property while I was up in the badlands and…"

By the time I'm done telling them about Gordie and the debacle here, Tina, Chrissy, and Elodie are done marvelling at the security system and want to know what they missed out on, so I gotta tell it all again while cooking up a real spread. It's a strange thing really, to feel so happy to be put to work, as I'm happy as a kid on Christmas morning while cooking up a veritable feast. Probably because it ain't for me, but for friends who've come to pay me a visit since I can't go in and visit them.

Or if I'm being honest, never really thought to. I ain't much of a friend methinks, as I never dropped in on any of them or asked how they was doing these last few months. Plus, I ain't all that friendly in general. Just look at how I done dumped Sarah Jay back with the Rangers once I decided I couldn't be bothered with teaching Errol. I ain't been much of a son or brother either, and just a god-awful … whatever I was supposed to be to Noora. Boyfriend I suppose, but I done a piss poor job of showing it, so it's should hardly come as any surprise that she's leaving for greener pastures.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Ain't no cure for regret though, so best I can do is face the future head on and do better with what I still got, namely a bunch of friends who're working hard to stay friends even though they all gearing up to spread their wings and head out into the world as Rangers proper.

"You tellin' me," Sarah Jay drawls, once I've filled everyone in on what happened with Gordie twice over and Tina, Chrissy, and Elodie all head out to play with the animals, "That in six months, you've only had one person come up to you and ask about movin' in?"

"Technically two," I say, and I tell them all about Levi too. "I don't think a middleman counts though, as he wasn't looking to move in himself, but leech off of others looking to move in instead."

"Mortgages," Ike says, with a shudder full of dread as he settles in next to Antoni, and it's funny to see this from a man I caught cackling after facing down a whole horde of Abby in Pleasant Dunes. "My pops was telling me all about them, how I should get one to buy some property instead of staking my own claim soon as I turn eighteen. Says it's a raw deal, doing all the hard, backbreaking labour settling your own land only to hand it over to the government and pay taxes after the fact, so you might as well just buy what's already available and save yourself the hassle."

"There's some merit to that," I say with a shrug. "Now's probably a good time too, if you can secure a rate under fifteen percent. Plenty of land up for sale round here as folks move West on account of the Watershed." Like Noora, but she ain't the only one, so I push on through and try to stop fixating on her absence. "Think it's safer downriver in the sticks, insulated on either side with plenty of advance warning should the Divide or the West coast be overrun, but they overlooking the fact that the central regions are undeveloped for good reason. It's all thick and treacherous forest with plenty of hills and hard work to be had. Proggies too, and even though they mostly loners rather than whole colonies like what we got in the Divide, they still plenty dangerous since they mostly been left unchecked to scavenge and forage for whatever they need."

Plus newer settlements in the central region won't have the sturdiest of walls or staunchest of guards, assuming they have any at all, but I ain't been out west in some time now. Hence why I been thinking of going come Spring. Not to chase after Noora, but to see the sights before meeting up with Edward and other old friends to take stock of where we all stand. Plus, I'll get to take a look-see at the Deadlands and gauge how it compares to the Divide, and maybe even fight some aquatic Abby that done come up out of the ocean.

Don't get it twisted. Bad as the Divide might be, the ocean Proggies are far, far worse. This world is mostly water after all, and Abby that done been built to survive the pressure of thousands of thousands of litres of water pressing down on them from above are right proper tough. It's a whole different ballgame when fighting aquatic Abby, as most are so thick even Penetrating Bolts don't do much to them. You can still bring them down under volume of fire, but what you really want to be using is Elemental Bolts to really ruin their day. Lightning is usually most effective, but them Proggies also know that and utilize it often enough in their own internecine wars against one another under water. As such, they know how to defend against it too, so you want a backup Element to use just in case. Usually not Fire or Frost, which leaves only Acid unless you care to jump over to the more esoteric 'Elements' like Radiant, Necrotic, or Corruption.

Oddly enough, there ain't no Bolts that can do Mental or Spiritual damage, like the sort of beating I took from froggy Matías before he got all fat and gooey. Makes sense I suppose, and I make a note to study more Spells that do that sort of damage since they seem right useful when you up against Resistant Abby. Helps that Divination got a fair few of them, like Hunter's Mark, Mental Mark, and my daddy's go to Big Spell, Psionic Blast.

Chatting it up with my friends really puts things into perspective though, because soon as we get to talking land and Abby, everyone got something to say as they're all in the same boat as Ike, looking to strike out on their own and stake their own claims. Ike himself is heading down south with Antoni, Kacey, and big Al to help shore up the defenses in the new settlements going up. Dangerous that, since they'll have to deal with Abby and Qin raiders without walls or watchtowers already set up to help out, but it ain't my place to say nothing about that. Gabriella is headed up to Deadlock Bay like she suspected, which ain't any safer if I'm being honest. At least down south, they'll know who's side they're on. Up in Deadlock bay, any one group might be at odds with another with no real rhyme or reason to it all, as familiarity do breed contempt.

Tina's staying in New Hope of course, though she failed to mention it before heading out to play and I had to hear it from Sarah Jay. "Was hoping I could stay too, but no dice," she says, quirking her lips in a fetching pout. "Mama ain't none too happy to see me going all the way up to Meadowbrook. Even New Hope is too dangerous for her tastes, and she been talking about heading back over to Riverrun once I'm gone." And possibly back into the arms of her abusive ex Oswald, because that do be how it is sometimes.

Ain't much I can say to that, aside from knuckling her shoulder as a show of support. "Well, tell little Jimmy and Mary Ann that if they ever need anything, they can talk to Aunty Ray or even come out here to see me." Small consolation that, but it's better than nothing, as I can't even promise I'll check in on them regularly, not if I'm fixing to head west come spring. She gives a little nod to hear it, but then I stuff my whole boot in my mouth by failing to see the signs and asking, "What about Errol then? He headed up to Meadowbrook same as you?"

Which is a fair question, as it would make sense to send their one black Ranger recruit up to their one predominantly black community. Problem is, halfway through the question, everyone outside of Sarah Jay's sightline gets to looking like deer in headlights while Gabriella does her damnedest to warn me off the topic. Too little too late, because the question done been asked and Sarah Jay goes real still and silent for a second. While I wilt in ignorance beneath Gabriella's fiery glare, Sarah Jay takes a breath and answers in a low and husky voice, saying, "No. He already left. Headed south to Redeemer's Keep before New Years. Signed on with the Knights Templar he did, the day after you left for the badlands without so much as a discussion."

…Explains why Uncle Rigsby was up here then. Not to check up on me, but to recruit a promising young Paladin into the order and maybe even take him under his wing. Well if that don't sit in my craw like a mouthful of nails, and it's gotta be so much worse for Sarah Jay. She gave up on the Rangers for him, was ready to throw away a promising military career to come slum it alongside me, then happily gave up on that too because Errol wanted back into the Rangers. After all that, to hear that he signed on with the Templars without talking to her about it makes me want to punch him even more than I already did, and from the sound of things, Sarah Jay ain't all that far off from feeling that way herself.

"Said it was God's plan," she tells me, after taking a couple deep breaths in complete and utter silence as me and all the other guys stand around like deer in headlights, while Gabriella and Kacey move in close to provide moral support. "Said that the Templars was where he could do the most good with his holy gifts, and that this was what was meant for him. That he'd love it if I went with him, joined the Holy Order to fight Abby in the name of God, but he'd understand if I didn't want to go along. He'd understand." The rage Sarah Jay puts into the word hurts me to hear as she gets back to chopping veggies with a vengeance. "Of course he'd understand. Why would I want to give up on the Rangers again for an uncertain future with the Church, one that wouldn't even consider taking me on until I done been converted over from a different flavour of Christianity? Let's not mention the Vow of Poverty most Knights Templar take on, with others taking Vows of Chastity and other stupid oaths that make no difference to anyone besides themselves because it brings them closer to God."

Sarah Jay got a whole lot more to say on the subject, and none of it is even remotely flattering, so I repress my on-again off-again Catholic sensibilities and suffer through it in silence until she done run out of steam. "So no," she concludes, once she done massacred all the veggies I done laid out before her and finished venting all her frustrations on my cutting board. "He ain't headed up to Meadowbrook same as me."

Guess I ain't the only one who's heartbroken, which don't make me feel any better, because I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone. So I shuffle on in at Gabriella's unspoken prompting as her glare pierces through me like a Penetrating Bolt and awkwardly give Sarah Jay a couple pats on the back. Earns me an eyeroll it does, and Michael suffers some collateral damage as the fiery red-headed Irish gal hits him with a glare too. Smart man that he is, he drinks his soda and pretends not to notice, but I ain't in no position to step aside after I done kicked all of this off. "Knew he was dumb, but not that dumb," I say, which gets a choked chuckle out of Sarah Jay. "Mark my words, he done made the biggest mistake of his life walking away from a gal like yourself. Even though he feeling all big and special now that he gonna be a true-blue Paladin, they a dime a dozen down in Redeemer's Keep while you one of a kind Sarah Jay."

"You sweet for saying so," she says, turning to give me an eye-roll that tells me she ain't buying it one bit. "Now enough of all this maudlin talk now. That boat ride over worked up a mighty hunger, and I don't see you sweatin' over the stove, so get to work."

"Yes Ma'am," I reply, grateful for the reprieve as I snap off a salute with my right prosthetic, then my left like I'm supposed to even though it hurts just so I can play the fool. Gets me a few chuckles, and Sarah Jay even helps me out by changing the topic to something less touchy.

Or rather, she brings it back on track to before Ike derailed things and led me in a bad way, so I'm thinking he deserves half the blame. "Still can't believe you've only gotten one or two takers in six months," Sarah Jay says, peering out the kitchen window to look over the idyllic frosted ranch where the horses and cattle are all running about with Tina, Chrissy, Elodie, and Old Tux, who no doubt went right around back without paying me any mind. "I tried talking Mama into comin' up this way to check it out, since she was always saying how she wasn't used to how busy New Hope was, but she wasn't havin' it." Mostly because she bought into the whole 'Yellow Devil' schtick I was really playing up, so I don't hold it against her. That there is a pit I done dug for myself, so I'll have to lay in it until I can pull myself out.

Least it keeps the riffraff away, like them criminals out there that keep glancing my way every time I step outside. Feel so stupid for not noticing the stragglers before, the folks who stayed at the quay day in and day out without ever leaving. Sure, workers are always coming and going, but I should've clocked it when I kept seeing the same folks stick around for multiple days. It's a 12-hour trip up to Rimepeak and even longer for anyone headed to Riverrun and further west beyond it, so they should be coming and going all the time, not hanging out here for no reason.

Course, it also scares away the settlers like Sarah Jay's mama, so I try to say something in her favour. "Well, the place is nice, but ain't all that safe." I shrug and gloss over it like I ain't talking about me. "No walls for one, and while open waters make for a great escape, don't no one like the idea of cuttin' and runnin' every time trouble comes a callin'." Getting back to work on my stew, I tell them about my plans to put up walls maybe and other upgrades I'm thinking of.

Which earns me a fair few chuckles and shakes of the head. "Man's got his own village and decides he's responsible for everyone's safety without so much as an election," Michael says, with a twinkle in his eye that says he knows how it is. "Can't help but take on more burdens, now can you Sheriff?"

"As if you one to talk," I retort, because if there anyone more duty-bound than I am, it'd be Michael. "Which reminds me, you ain't said where you been posted."

"Here and there," Michael replies, which gets Gabriella to rolling her eyes. "They're sending me west for a bit, but I've been told not to put down any roots, because there'll be a lot of back and forth."

Which gets me to thinking, and the answer comes easy, because if there ever were a man marked for Officer training, it'd be Michael here. "Good for you," I say with a nod and a smile, even though I don't feel much like smiling now that I know why he didn't say nothing until now. Because he's gonna be working under the Marshal most like, learning the ins and outs of not just being a Ranger, but managing and commanding them too. "Sounds like it won't be long before I got to start callin' you sir and salutin' every time I see it."

"Looking forward to it," he says, his hazel eyes a twinkle with mischief. "That and not having to work for a living." We all have a laugh at that, because it's an old military tradition to poke fun at cake-eaters, but Michael ain't the type to kick back and relax. No, he's a go-getter he is, eager to do work and do it well, so I've no doubt the Marshal is happy to have a by-the-book protégé to mould into a proper, stand-up leader of the next generation of Rangers.

Ain't Michael's fault I didn't make the cut, so ain't no hard feelings to be had, and we all have ourselves a grand old time chatting it up until it comes time to eat. Ain't nothing fancy, just a big old stew with fresh baked bread and a whole wheel of cheese that I was too lazy to break out just for myself. Got a fair few side dishes too, but nothing worth mentioning. The gals are all raving about the salad that most beeline for even though the dressing and dried fruit probably means it's as calorie dense as the bread. Ain't much call for slimming down in our line of work though, because if you doing it right, then the job will keep you in shape good enough. Never trust a fat Sheriff or Ranger, that's what I say, and it ain't because I don't like fat people.

Well… not just because of it. Takes some real doing to get fat on the Frontier, so that usually means you ain't doing your fair share while adding to the burdens of others who're forced to support you.

"Since this might well be the last time we all gathered together, I brung up something to celebrate." A declaration made by Sarah Jay of all people, just as we settling in to eat. Then she goes and surprises me even more by bring out two bottles of top-shelf cognac that done been shipped over from Meadowbrook, with more bottles stashed away in her pack judging by the clinks coming out from within. Seeing my look of muted disapproval, Sarah Jay flashes a bold grin and says, "Same stuff Captain Marcus served us on the way up to Pleasant Dunes. You missed out then, and now that you eighteen, I figured it'd be a shame if you didn't get a taste."

"I've had cognac before," I say with a smile, remembering how much trouble the big guy got into when Aunty Ray found out he let me have a sip from his cup. Granted, I was ten, but it was just a small taste, a few drops at best before the taste hit me like a right hook to the nose. "And drinkin' age is nineteen."

"Well it's eighteen up in the Métis Nation," she retorts, pouring out cups for everyone to take, with a generous hand I might add. "And sixteen in some Euro countries, so unless you fixin' to turn us in to the Sherrif, grab a cup and raise your glass."

I do as I'm asked, smiling all the while as I make Tina pour more than half her cup into mine. Lucky for me, neither Chrissy nor Elodie seem eager to try, as they much prefer their sweet fizzy sodas, so there's that at least. Especially since no one else seems willing to stop after a single cup, not even responsible Michael who really looks torn up about having to part ways with Gabriella, and she seems to feel the same judging by how they sat pressed up next to one another like they never want to part ways ever again. Ike and Antoni don't need no encouragement, and big Alfred knuckles under their peer pressure as he's wont to do, while I spend my time playing defense for Tina who's all too eager to be like Sarah Jay. Which normally ain't a bad thing, but the tall brunette is throwing back glasses of cognac like its apple cider, then drinks even more once she learns the magic of mixers and gets to experimenting.

Course, what she don't know is that while cognac is sweet, smoky, and a just a hint of spicy to start with, it's got a wicked kick that hits you hard and fast. That's why Marcus only handed out a shot glass each, not because he was being stingy, but because that's about all the boots could take without getting right proper tipsy, and Sarah Jay done had far more than a single shot. Makes for some fun times though as everyone unwinds and enjoys the food and company, some a whole lot more than others. Michael and Gabriella are first to head out, their romance blazing hot and unafraid to show it as they stumble off to find a bed that I'll most likely have to clean without touching. Ike and Antoni are next to punch out, but not of their own volition as they try and fail to outdrink big Alfred. The big guy drinks them into a stupor with a smile, then gathers them up in one arm each like they children so he can bring them off to bed in the house next door.

Then there's Kacey, who's mostly silent throughout it all, until her steady sips of cognac loosens her tongue enough for her to vent about having to pick up everything and head south to help her people settle in. She don't much like the idea, because she wants to be a Scout, but ain't much call for a Scout when you digging in to defend. Plus there's the whole racial tensions thing to worry about, because the Nipponese do not like the Qin very much and the same applies in reverse, so they been hit harder than most by the constant raids. I doubt the likes of Jinfeng would show any mercy to Kacey, or that common Americans can tell the difference between Qinese and Nipponese, even though I think they look pretty different.

The Nipponese got rounder faces usually, with softer jawlines to boot, while the Qinese got sharper, more angular features. Got the same slant to their eyes too, though Nipponese got a gentler slope as far as I can tell, but it's subtle and I don't got a wide pool of experience to draw from. Kacey do be gorgeous though, as gorgeous as Jinfeng, I can't help but compare the two, even if I got no designs on either one. Can't help but wonder how they'd fare facing off against one another, the Qinese Battle Monk against the Nipponese Ninja, because I'm pretty sure that's what Kacey is.

Here's hoping they never face off though, because heated as I am over the battle-monk's betrayal, I do see that Jinfeng didn't have much choice in the matter since she was at odds with the fatty.

Makes me wonder if she'd be anything like Kacey once she was drunk, all full of bitter complaints and girlish tantrums as she coddles Inari who might well also be drunk. I suppose they share senses in more ways than one, and the white fox makes for an adorable sight as she stumbles about in search of snuggles and headpats. Ones Chrissy and Elodie are more than happy to give, and I can see maybe a fox form for the latter coming soon in the future as the green haired girlie mimics Inari's movements in an adorable little pantomime. As for Tina, she seems dead set on getting drunk despite my best efforts to get in the way, and I can only steal her drink away so many times before getting drunk myself.

Or rather, as drunk as Sarah Jay who comes crashing down soon after, hit hard and fast as she runs off to throw up all the sweet, sugary fizz she done mixed in with her alcohol. Alongside everything she done ate for dinner, lunch, and breakfast too, judging by the sound of things, but at least it's lesson enough for Tina whose still clear-headed enough to look after the poor girl. Not alone though, because I get called in for help soon enough only to find that my silly sorta sister done let Sarah Jay throw up all over her ponytail. Ain't nothing to be done except clean her up though, so I set to washing her hair with a Water Sphere and telling her that she gonna be alright. Even though I didn't come down hard on limiting her drinks, there's no way Sarah Jay drank enough to need actual medical attention, just a little bit of mothering and attention is all.

Luckily for me, Chrissy and Elodie are so enamoured with Inari, they insist on sleeping with Kacey rather than trying to sneak into my bed, so once I settle the three of them in the main bedroom, I get Tina and Sarah Jay up in Hailey and Kevin's rooms respectively. Then all is quiet on the home front as I head on down to clean up after the party even though I told Tina I'd do it in the morning when everyone was up and about to help out. I don't mind it though, and I could stand to do a little work before heading off to bed, as I done drunk more than I should've and don't care much for the dreams I'll probably have. Doesn't take all that long either, as the work goes fast when you got hot water on tap and pressure enough to blast away at any stains, and when I'm done, I'm ready to call it a night as I settle into my chair in the living room.

Without my best bird for once, as she done gone run off with Chrissy, Elodie, and Kacey as it were, fast asleep in the guest room upstairs. Really goes to show how the Nipponese girlie done a full one-eighty from her panicked response to Tina on the way up to Pleasant Dunes, as now she's about as sweet as can be with both Chrissy and Elodie, watching over them like a fierce mama gryphikin with her clutch. As for me, I got no one and nothing to snuggle up with, even though I sure would love to have someone here with me. Doesn't even have to be in a carnal sense, as there's something comforting about cuddling up next to someone you love and just falling asleep to the sound of their breath. Would never admit it out loud, but I kinda miss being out on the trail with the family and having three of us tucked in shoulder to shoulder in the back of the wagon.

It's an odd thing for a grown man like myself to want to cuddle up with essentially his mother and sisters, but anyone who's ever done it won't deny that it's a wonderful feeling to be sure.

Might be the wistful thinking, or might be the alcohol, but either way, when I dream of someone sidling up beside me all hot and breathy, I don't fight it like I once would've. The soft press of flesh atop me ignites a fire inside, and I find myself reaching out to whoever it is in the darkness of my mind. My hand slips under a shirt and the warm, smooth touch of skin atop a full and athletic form is a most welcome sensation as soft lips press down upon mine, and our breathing gets hot and heavy as we lock lips in a kiss that I don't ever want to end.

Until my hands get to wandering some more and my brain starts piecing the clues together. This ain't a dream of Noora or Josie, or even a dream at all, nor have I done goofed big and accidentally done groped Chrissy, Elodie, or Tina who come down to sneak in a cuddle. No, it ain't none of them here with me, thank the Lord, but rather someone else entire, a tall, statuesque, buxom, very fetching and exceedingly drunk brunette who's utterly heartbroken and not at all in her right mind.

So I do what any good man ought to do, and reluctantly break off the kiss with a gasp. "We shouldn't be doin' this," I say, hating myself even as I relish in the sensation of Sarah Jay's hips grinding against mine and the sight of her full, half-clothed figure as she pants in obvious desire. "You're drunk."

To which she answers by gagging a bit, then throwing up all over my chest in what might well be the least sexy thing I have ever experienced. Which is saying a lot, as I done seen men and women eaten alive by Abby and a whole lot worse to boot, but this here takes the cake in all ways. So much so that I don't rightly know what to do as I sit there covered in the watery contents of Sarah Jay's stomach while the poor girl sobs and apologizes in a drunken stupor.

Well… that's one way to cool your ardour, I'll tell you what, and I probably ought to rethink that open door policy I got on hosting friends in the future