meds4sale | Open Post

The winter passed without much incident beyond the bitter cold; but they both found remedies for that. The Medicine Seller was well-supplied for winter, only needing to take two other trips into town before the thaw came. As much as he fancied the time in the cabin, his wanderlust was starting to overtake his lust for Arthur, and he was glad when the snowdrifts had melted into muddy roads and Buell was saddled and loaded with their gear and supplies.

He packed his medicine box with what was left of their food and pelts; spring may have finally saw fit to sprung, but bitter winds still whipped through the trees at night, and body head could only do so much.

"I am ready when you are," he called to Arthur, closing up the top compartment of his box. He cast a glance back at the cabin; it was the closest thing he'd had to home in a long while, but there was a good chance that if they came back at all, it would be claimed by someone else, and so he was grateful for the warmth and safety it had provided over the winter.

Arthur had no plans to abandon the cabin just yet but after a long winter largely stuck in it and with what happened with the gang, the want to move was high. He stuck a piece of paper on the front door that simply said 'Gone hunting.' And hoped that'd deter most folk from trying to squat. Just in case though, he took all his personal belongings and they'd run out of meat on purpose a few days ago so there wasn't anything of great worth in the place.

Buell wasn't like Edelweiss, she'd been born in the mountains and eager to ride fast. Meanwhile, Buell was slower, older, and fine with a steady ride. But he was bigger than the snow white Arabian was and would be able to carry the pair with less fatigue.

Still...

"We ought to get you your own horse." Arthur said as they mounted up "Expensive to buy but could train one for yea from the wild if we can catch it." Not only to help divide the weight but as much as he liked having the other man resting against his back, he didn't want folk doing double takes.

The sign got a soft chuckle from him as he stepped out. It wasn't much of a deterrent to more determined squatters, but it would have to do. The Medicine Seller had plastered a few paper talismans on the walls inside to keep the darker entities away.

As much as the Medicine Seller liked riding behind Arthur, the man had a point. It was all well and good during the colder months when the Medicine Seller was neatly bundled under nearly half a dozen layers and any passers by could hardly tell his gender at a glance. But summer would be upon them soon, and he'd be out of his layers while traveling, and people did a lot worse than sneer in disapproval at unconventional couples.

For now, however, he settled himself comfortably on Buell's back. The horse was like a sofa with legs and he gave the beast an encouraging pat. No treats today, but that would be remedied soon enough when he'd foraged some.

"I have never had a horse before. Normally such a privilege would have been reserved for those serving a lord."

Well, back when there had been lords. But that wasn't even half a century ago; not a long time at all for the Medicine Seller who was only a couple decades off from his nine hundredth birthday.

"Well, not really any lords here, or at least horses ain't exclusive to them no more. We'll find or maybe buy yea one." he concluded.

Catching and training one would be a bit of work, but they could handle it.

As they said goodbye temporarily to the cabin he asked, "By the way, what was them papers you put up?" still learning just what the medicine seller did.

It was pleasant to be out and about again. The spring air was brisk but there was warmth on the breeze promising summer soon.

"They are called 'ofuda'. Protective paper talismans. They will do nothing against earthly squatters, but they are a formidable protection against beings of a more spiritual nature," he explained. He didn't feel the same reservations about explaining his work as an exorcist. Now that Arthur had experienced the other side of things, had seen the Medicine Seller for what he truly was, there was no point in couching things in metaphor.

"Most of my arsenal is for foes that are not flesh and blood."

"Good thinkin'" he said, not wanting to return tot he cabin and find it inhabited by anyone-or anything-he couldn't shoot or tear apart as a bear.

The pleasant weather was wonderful, they'd already started to take advantage of it when they didn't freeze half to death fishing in the lake. Fresh fish was wonderful, especially the way the medicine seller prepared it. Which was almost always different every time. Once in awhile when it was his turn to cook, just roasting it with some herbs and boar fat was enough.

They rode for about an hour, heading southwest, heading toward Emerald Ranch to perhaps sell to a Fence he knew. Some more of Hamish's old things he couldn't make use of. The open Heartlands were also prime deer and pronghorn hunting, maybe bison if they'd come back to their breeding grounds there.

"Hey, you thought about them names I suggested?" he asked. He hadn't brought it up since mentioning them to the other man, assuming he'd tell him in his own time but, it'd been awhile, figured he'd ask.

The Medicine Seller rested his cheek against Arthur's back, arms wrapping lazily around his waist. It would be a while before they made their way to the main roads so the chance of seeing anyone on the path right now was low and he could get away with a bit of intimacy.

"I am leaning towards 'Todd'. 'Caduceus' is lovely, but it sounds far too auspicious for one such as myself."

And a little tricky to pronounce.

"Todd?" he looked over his shoulder at him, not expecting the man in the least to pick one of the names he'd chosen.

He'd never named another human before. Isaac had been entirely on Eliza, she'd picked it out even before he was born, though couldn't recall what she would have named him if it was a girl. And while he helped Abigail with baby Jack more than John ever did, he had no input on that either, though did remark at the time giving the boy a nickname of his no-good father wasn't bright. He got slapped for that, and he didn't blame her.

Arthur smiled, "Okay, Todd you are. Hello Todd." he greeted happily, giving the man's hand on his waist a pat.

"Hello, Arthur," he replied, a playful lilt to his tone as he gave his lover a squeeze around the middle.

"I have never had a name before. This will take... some getting used to."

"I'll use it often so you learn." he assured him, caressing his arm.

Especially when they were in bed together...Now he had a name to call out, apart from "darling".

Rocky slopes and tall trees gave way to more open lands, though it wasn't until they stopped midday to rest the horse and get something to eat that they saw their first rider. Arthur gave the passerby a polite head tilt and "good day" as he fed Buell and the man returned the greeting but kept on riding without further glance. Being out in the world again was admittedly a little daunting and Arthur hoped he wouldn't have to draw his revolver on anyone.

He wasn't sure how recognizable from his wanted poster he was anymore. Despite the winter, he was healthier now than he was when he and the medicine seller-er, Todd-first met. Well fed, no sign of the disease that wracked him, and cleaner too thanks to the regular baths. real test would be the ride into Valentine. They wouldn't linger too long, just for supplies and such that Annesburg and Van Horn came up short on.

Were it not for the familiarity of Arthur's scent and the time he'd spent intimately getting to know every inch of the man, he never would have recognized him at a glance, even from when he'd first met him. His chin full of whiskers hid Arthur's distinctive scars, and at this rate, his hair was going to be as long as the medicine seller's.

Not that he was remotely complaining. He'd watched Arthur regain his strength and put on a healthy amount of weight through the winter; every day that fullness returned to his cheeks and colour returned to his skin was a rush of relief.

When the rider passed, he emerged from the foliage carrying a basket full of foragables, sneaking a few butterbur shoots to Buell before snaking an arm around Arthur's waist.

"It is a good spring this year. There are many things growing already."

Arthur hoped to get a haircut while in Valentine, a small bit of vanity but he was tired of the long hair and he needed his whiskers trimmed by a more professional person than himself.

He turned at the touch, putting his arm around Todd's shoulders. "Good to know, much as I like your cookin', bit tired of stews and soups" he chuckled, kissing his temple before finishing with Buell.

Some movement across the way caught his eye and he shielded his eyes with a hand, squinting in the bright spring sun. He grinned.

"Hey, there's a herd of horses out there..." He looked to Todd, "Ready to try your own mount?" he asked

He peered out towards where Arthur was pointing and sure enough there were horses; grazing and frolicking and doing horse things just all out in the open. He'd never seen horses running wild before.

Giving Arthur a light squeeze, he peered up at him with a sly smile.

"Ready or not, it seems now is the time. Why not show me how it is done, horse tamer?"

They mounted up and rode out a bit closer. Buell was no roping horse so they'd have to do this on foot. Not impossible, how he got Edelweiss after all.

Arthur got his lasso ready and after leaving the old boy behind, he had the medicine seller follow him. They walked slowly, but not creeping up on the herd. When they were close enough to have a decent look at them all, he crouched, watching them all, judging which ones would be ideal.

"You got a preference? All seem in good health, those two mares are pregnant so let's avoid ropin' them." he said, indicating two of them were far more heavy in the middle than the rest.

"One that will not throw me off would be nice," he remarked.

"Riding behind you has been ... instructive, but I suspect that it will be very different riding on my own."

Settling next to Arthur, he watched the herd for a time, observing the temperaments of each of the horses. Eventually he gestured to a dappled gray mare, who seemed less skittish than the others, having even approached them twice before seeming to think better of it and veering off to graze.

"What do you think of her...?"

Arthur looked at the one he indicated and nodded. "Yea I think she'd be a good one." he agreed and stood up, slowly so as not to alarm the herd which had taken notice of them but were only paying attention just enough. He got his rope ready, having already put on a pair of gloves to enhance his grip.

"Alright here we go." he said and calmly and slowly walked toward the mare.

"Easy there girl...Ain't gonna hurt yea..." He spoke to the mare who'd raised her head, chewing a mouthful of sweet spring grass, ears pricked toward him. He kept up the encouraging words, calling her pretty and assuring her he meant no harm.

She trotted away with a snort, the rest of the herd backing away too, but they didn't bolt which was a good sign. Arthur tried again. The mare seemed more interested this time but, again, strange man. They shifted once more. He was patient, he knew form experience this could take some time, but third time's the charm and he managed to get quite close-

"Gotcha!" he roped her around the neck and began a sort of tug-of-war with her. The rest of the herd ran for it while the gray bucked and reared, but Arthur kept tight hold of the rope and began to wear her down. When she'd calmed enough to stop jumping, he in turn leapt upon her back, and she didn't like this at all.

Holding on for dear life to the rope and to her mane, she bucked and jumped and reared again to throw him. But his grip remained solid and he held, still speaking to her, though now jostled a lot.

The fight wasn't a long one and after a couple minutes she slowed, and stopped her attempts to break free. When Arthur was confident she wasn't going to throw him, he eased off his grip and slid off her back, stroking and patting her neck, giving more words of encouragement before waving Todd over.

He truly hadn't expected it to go quite so quickly, but then, he supposed Arthur knew what he was doing.

When waved over, he approached slowly, offering the mare a consolation of treats while letting her get his scent.

"You truly do have a knack for earning the affection of wild things," he remarked, stroking the horse's muzzle. She snuffled irritably, trying to get at the butterbur shoots he'd tucked away in his sleeves.

They were lucky, sometimes the horses were too skittish to even be seen, other times they’ll eat right out of your hand. Depended on their prior interactions with humans, if any.

“That include you?” He grinned, pecking the man’s temple and making a makeshift halter for the horse while she sniffed for treats. She jerked her head at the rope around her nose but a few kind words and pats and she realized it was okay.

“Will have to pick up some gear for yea in Valentine but let’s try without it for now. Hop on up her back” he instructed.

He smiled, and brushed his fingers along Arthur's jaw, pleased that he got the insinuation.

Getting on the horse was no issue; his upper body strength was much more than it seemed and he'd gotten quite used to the posture for riding, but he looked a little lost as to what was next.

"I take it she would not appreciate me holding onto her mane...?"

Arthur smiled at the touch, though a bit sad that they’d have to cease such gestures while they were in and around town.

Once he was up, he had the medicine seller shift to sit properly and where to settle his legs. He then explained, yes, yanking the mane too hard could be uncomfortable but to hold onto it for now along with the makeshift bridle.

He then led the pair around, letting both horse and rider get used to the feeling and one another while still in about as much control as he could be. Steadily, the mare relaxed, realizing the being on her back was not going to hurt her and happily accepted treats from both men when things went right.

Eventually Arthur brought Buell over and they began a very slow walk side by side, a steady circle in the area.

“Not bad at all” he praised, watching the both of them.

While he was no natural at riding, he was able to hold on well enough. When Arthur returned with Buell, the mare seemed to calm a bit more walking and trotting along as the Medicine Seller tried to get his bearings.

The remark earned Arthur a softer smile as he got comfortable riding along side him rather than from behind.

"Thank you. I did spend a bit of time observing you when you suggested I ought to have my own steed."

“Got a long way to go, the both of you, but not a bad start at all.” He praised with a crooked grin, giving Todd’s shoulder a squeeze.

They retrieved their gear and Arthur steered them back on the road toward Valentine at a steady walk.

Once the mare and her new rider were comfortable, they all moved into a quicker but steady pace. The mare was still very wild and whenever they came across another rider or something near the road like a skunk, she’d balk and fight for control. But between the medicine seller and Arthur’s guidance, so far the medicine seller didn’t end up being bucked.

Getting her used to being ridden was going to be a process and he diligently followed Arthur's instructions (though the skunk that had spooked her had left him hanging on for dear life).

The ride into Valentine was otherwise uneventful, his horse following Buell's lead, though she remained on the twitchy side of things.

He was not a great rider, but he was a practiced trader and Valentine had a much bigger market for his pricier luxury goods. Incense, perfumes, fancy herbal soaps, and oils were traded or sold for supplies and coin. He wasn't too fussed about a saddle, but he had traded a handsome lacquer box of incense for a fine bridle.

"I am not sure what to call her yet," he admitted as they made their way through the city.

"I was never any good at names."

Valentine had hardly changed since Arthur last visited it some months ago, then again it was a livestock town and he doubted much of it would for a long time. But it was the better than Annesburg, despite smelling just as bad, though instead of coal burning, it was sheep.

They stopped first at the stables, Arthur recognized a couple of the men but they didn’t seem to recognize him, which he was grateful for. Though their attention was largely on Todd and his feisty new horse.

They stocked up on couple things and got the medicine seller some gear for his mare, who was-as predicted-rather jittery around folk. But oats and some kind words and pats and she settled down. Getting the bit in her mouth was the hard part though and took them quite awhile to coax her-with more oats and an apple-that all was okay. The saddle was easier and soon they were leading their horses out and through town.

At the medicine seller’s comment about not being good at naming things, Arthur chuckled, “So I noticed. Horses are a bit easier to name than people I think. Can be as simple as something like-“ he paused, looking at the mare and her dapple gray coloring, “Stormy. Or somethin’ more elaborate. Before Edelweiss I had a horse named Boadicea, name of a Welsh queen who fought against the Romans. Hosea helped me pick that one out. Fit her nice I think.”

"Stormy, hm?"

He turned it over in his head, idly scratching the horse's velvety muzzle as they strolled through the town. He'd have to think on it for the time being. But she did have rather storm-like colouring.

"You are well-verse in Welsh folklore and history," he remarked as his horse snuffled around his voluminous sleeves in search of any hidden treats.

"Have you considered, perhaps, one day traveling there to see it for yourself? I have heard that corner of the world is very green."

Open Post

skipping sounds excellent!

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jdljdslkflk sorry for the slowness - holidays have been absolute murder