Wilde West 10

Josie was chatting with the weird taxidermist! And dancing. [6/21/2013 10:52:49 PM] Khiro: Yep. Having fuuuuuuuun. [6/21/2013 10:54:08 PM] Josie: Josie is just talking to him now. That doesn't count, right? [6/21/2013 10:54:29 PM] Khiro: Depends on if she's enjoying the conversation. [6/21/2013 10:55:51 PM] Josie: Josie is! Uhoh! [6/21/2013 10:56:07 PM] Josie: Josie but there's been no hanky and absolutely no panky whatsoever! [6/21/2013 10:59:04 PM] Khiro: Well, no. She did already threaten to shoot him. [6/21/2013 11:00:03 PM] Khiro: Might but a kibosh on romance, there. [6/21/2013 11:00:40 PM] Josie: Josie changed her mind, though! [6/21/2013 11:03:24 PM] Khiro: Well, anyway, he's sipping at some sassparilla. "Want some?" [6/21/2013 11:07:03 PM] Josie: Sure! [6/21/2013 11:07:32 PM] Khiro: He pours you some. "You like sweet stuff?  IT's pretty sweet." [6/21/2013 11:08:16 PM] Josie: Yeah. Prob'ly shouldn't, but I do. [6/21/2013 11:08:31 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Why shouldn't you? [6/21/2013 11:10:24 PM] Josie: Frivolous. [6/21/2013 11:10:46 PM] Khiro: Ebenzer:  Well, sorry, there's no tasteless gruel for you here. [6/21/2013 11:11:01 PM] Khiro: Ebenzer:  I could see if they can whip some up for you, if you want. [6/21/2013 11:14:07 PM] Josie: Gimme the sasparilla. [6/21/2013 11:14:33 PM] Khiro: He smiles and hands it over! [6/21/2013 11:15:03 PM] Josie: You like teasin' me. [6/21/2013 11:15:17 PM] Josie: Josie takes a sip. [6/21/2013 11:15:23 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I like teasing everyone. Don't take it personal. [6/21/2013 11:18:00 PM] Josie: Don't mind it too much, I guess. [6/21/2013 11:18:41 PM] Josie: Josie does not understand the concept of pigtail-pulling! [6/21/2013 11:18:42 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  You sure? Dont' want to get shot. [6/21/2013 11:18:53 PM] Josie: Josie dropkicked the kid that pulled her pigtails when she was in school! [6/21/2013 11:21:54 PM] Josie: I don't shoot folks who don't have it comin', Mr. Dingo. [6/21/2013 11:22:03 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Good. [6/21/2013 11:23:56 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Getting shot is not fun. [6/21/2013 11:25:46 PM] Josie: Ain't that the truth. [6/21/2013 11:25:49 PM] Josie: ... who shot you? [6/21/2013 11:29:22 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  A disgruntled butler back home. [6/21/2013 11:31:10 PM] Josie: You had a *butler*? [6/21/2013 11:32:26 PM] Khiro: EBenezer:  My father was rather rich. [6/21/2013 11:32:37 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, *is*. [6/21/2013 11:33:22 PM] Josie: You're *rich.* [6/21/2013 11:33:46 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  My father is. [6/21/2013 11:34:04 PM] Josie: ... but not you? [6/21/2013 11:34:35 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, I'm here, and not in London. [6/21/2013 11:35:18 PM] Josie: That just means you talk funny. [6/21/2013 11:36:23 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I wanted to be my own person. Not just my father's son. [6/21/2013 11:37:35 PM] Josie: Know what that's like. [6/21/2013 11:39:55 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  You didn't want to be your father's son either? [6/21/2013 11:40:53 PM] Josie: ... or daughter. Neither. [6/21/2013 11:45:41 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Why not? What did your father do for a living? [6/21/2013 11:46:18 PM] Josie: ... don't want to talk about it. [6/21/2013 11:46:53 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:   Fair enough. Why'd you become a marshal? [6/21/2013 11:47:53 PM] Josie: Fixin' injustices. [6/21/2013 11:49:16 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  No vengeance for a lost love? No criminals stealing your family's silver mine? [6/21/2013 11:49:56 PM] Josie: Don't have a family silver mine. Ma's a teacher. [6/21/2013 11:50:03 PM] Josie: ... don't have a lost love either. [6/21/2013 11:50:43 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I was joking. Marshals in books always have some reason for becoming marshals. [6/21/2013 11:52:43 PM] Josie: Oh. Well, I don't, I guess. [6/21/2013 11:53:17 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Oh, I wouldn't say that. I'd say you have the best reason. [6/21/2013 11:54:50 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [6/21/2013 11:56:37 PM] Josie: Well. Mightn't be much of one, but I don't have a better one. [6/21/2013 11:56:46 PM] Josie: ... huh. Lost love. [6/21/2013 11:56:57 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I'd say that just doing something because you think it's right is much better than being driven by vengeance or something. [6/21/2013 11:57:10 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  What about lost love? [6/21/2013 11:58:18 PM] Josie: Never had one. Reckon it's silly. [6/21/2013 11:58:52 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Having one or not having one? [6/21/2013 11:59:50 PM] Josie: Havin' one. [6/22/2013 12:00:10 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, I wouldn't know. [6/22/2013 12:01:20 AM] Josie: Me either. [6/22/2013 12:01:50 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  But, I read a lot of bad fiction. [6/22/2013 12:02:11 AM] Josie: What for? [6/22/2013 12:02:24 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  It's fun. [6/22/2013 12:02:39 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Mind you, I read good fiction, too. [6/22/2013 12:02:57 AM] Josie: Josie admits, "Read a fair few of 'em myself." [6/22/2013 12:03:19 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  What do you like to read? [6/22/2013 12:05:42 AM] Josie: Josie lists a few authors, all of penny dreadfuls. Trashy novels of all kinds. [6/22/2013 12:05:50 AM] Josie: Josie does seem a little embarassed about it. [6/22/2013 12:06:24 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I've read a lot of those. Could never get into those vampire stories, though. [6/22/2013 12:06:29 AM] Josie: Spend a lot of time on trains. [6/22/2013 12:07:23 AM] Josie: Got to do somethin' to occupy my mind. [6/22/2013 12:07:54 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Ever read any of the Jack of Blades' stories? Those were my favorites. My nanny still sends them to me from London when there's a new one. [6/22/2013 12:08:51 AM] Josie: Don't think I've seen those. You got a copy I could borrow? [6/22/2013 12:09:31 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I've got a few. Come on by the shop, I'll give them to you. Never loan books. [6/22/2013 12:09:48 AM] Josie: Don't have to do that. [6/22/2013 12:10:21 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I've got a few copies. I insist. [6/22/2013 12:11:05 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  It's about a nobleman who fights crime using his wits and a prodigious variety of edged weapons. [6/22/2013 12:12:10 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Usually in that order. [6/22/2013 12:12:50 AM] Josie: Wish it was that easy in real life. [6/22/2013 12:13:55 AM] Josie: Josie checks to see what that guy who was eyeing her earlier is doing. [6/22/2013 12:14:25 AM] Khiro: He's currently talking to Marta. [6/22/2013 12:14:37 AM] Josie: Josie approves! [6/22/2013 12:16:03 AM] Josie: Usually isn't. [6/22/2013 12:16:08 AM] Josie: An' there's a lot more paperwork, and you got bosses. [6/22/2013 12:16:55 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, penny dreadful writers usually aren't terribly concerned with facts. [6/22/2013 12:18:22 AM] Josie: Ever read any 'bout a taxidermist? [6/22/2013 12:18:42 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  One or two. They're usually villains. [6/22/2013 12:19:34 AM] Josie: Which you ain't. [6/22/2013 12:20:25 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, I don't hunt people for sport and then stuff them. Which is the plot of at least five taxidermy plots I've read. [6/22/2013 12:21:18 AM] Josie: Josie snorts. [6/22/2013 12:21:26 AM] Josie: Wouldn't think people'd be good for that anyhow. [6/22/2013 12:23:22 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  For stuffing? Probably not. [6/22/2013 12:23:53 AM] Josie: Can't imagine you hurtin' anybody. [6/22/2013 12:24:37 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Never really had a reason to. [6/22/2013 12:25:22 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  At least, I've never had a situation where I had to resort to deadly violence when a well placed cutting remark would do. [6/22/2013 12:26:14 AM] Josie: Happens sometimes. [6/22/2013 12:32:49 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Oh, I know. I once shot a robber in the leg. [6/22/2013 12:33:23 AM] Josie: Really? Good on you. [6/22/2013 12:34:41 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I do have quite a few guns. [6/22/2013 12:37:33 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  People don't try to rob me anymore. [6/22/2013 12:38:00 AM] Josie: I'd love to see 'em. [6/22/2013 12:40:03 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I'll show you when you come by for the books. [6/22/2013 12:41:35 AM] Josie: Josie smiles. [6/22/2013 12:42:13 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  That iddn't sound like innuendo, did it? It was not intended as such. [6/22/2013 12:43:45 AM] Josie: ... huh? [6/22/2013 12:44:13 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Oh, I suppose it didn't, then. Good. I don't have an ear for that sort of thing. [6/22/2013 12:45:49 AM] Josie: What sorta thing? [6/22/2013 12:46:15 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Innuendo. I... say, what's that? [6/22/2013 12:47:17 AM] Khiro: He nods across the dance floor to a small disturbance, where three obviously drunk young men are accosting a third young man who has horns. [6/22/2013 12:48:27 AM] Josie: Don't know, but I'm gonna find out. [6/22/2013 12:48:32 AM] Josie: Josie goes over there. [6/22/2013 12:50:56 AM] Khiro: Three young punks are harassing a fourth, and are starting to make a scene. [6/22/2013 12:51:53 AM] Josie: All right, break it up. [6/22/2013 12:52:58 AM] Khiro: The three are clearly drunk. The ringleader looks at you. "This is between me and him and him and him, missy.  Got some things to settle." [6/22/2013 12:53:22 AM] Josie: That's Marshal Candlemas. An' if you don't leave him alone I'll settle it for ya. [6/22/2013 12:54:03 AM] Khiro: One of the other drunks slurs some words at you. [6/22/2013 12:54:28 AM] Khiro: The third one translates:  This devil-boy put a spell on my friend's girl, made her leave him! [6/22/2013 12:54:35 AM] Josie: Josie draws her gun! [6/22/2013 12:54:48 AM] Josie: Fine, I'll talk to 'im an' investigate it. [6/22/2013 12:55:59 AM] Josie: You go on, enjoy yourselves at the festival. [6/22/2013 12:57:40 AM] Khiro: The horned kid looks at you, putting his hands up. "I didn't do anything!  She left him because he's an ass!" [6/22/2013 12:58:57 AM] Josie: Josie concentrates on the other guys. "Now go on, get on with you. I got justice to mete out, you go on." [6/22/2013 1:00:05 AM] Khiro: Ringleader:  You're an ass! Your mom was a cow, that's why you got those devil horns! [6/22/2013 1:00:43 AM] Josie: Shut up, move on, or I'll shoot you. [6/22/2013 1:00:45 AM] Khiro: Third punk:  Yeah, shoot him, Marshal. Don't suffer no witches to live, or however it goes! [6/22/2013 1:01:49 AM] Josie: I'm takin' care of it. So go on with you. [6/22/2013 1:02:08 AM] Josie: Josie holds the gun. [6/22/2013 1:02:40 AM] Khiro: Ringleader: ...fine. But if you ain't dead, devil cow boy, we'll find you tomorrow and fix that. [6/22/2013 1:04:34 AM] Josie: I can shoot you right now an' save the trouble. [6/22/2013 1:04:50 AM] Josie: 'cause I'm the justice around here, not you. [6/22/2013 1:05:35 AM] Khiro: Ringleader:  My daddy says the law around here are a bunch of demon-lovers who side with them folks over their own kind. [6/22/2013 1:06:51 AM] Josie: Don't love nobody, an' if you try to get your own justice you'll run right up against me, that is if you don't run up against Statler first. [6/22/2013 1:09:53 AM] Khiro: Ringleader:  Fine, guess we'll move on. See you later, Rupert. [6/22/2013 1:09:59 AM] Khiro: They wander off drunkenly! [6/22/2013 1:10:39 AM] Josie: All right. Rupert's your name? C'mon, come talk to me. Have some pie, it's real good. [6/22/2013 1:11:46 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  I didn't do nothing. [6/22/2013 1:12:09 AM] Josie: Didn't say you did. Pie. [6/22/2013 1:13:37 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  No thanks. Makes me break out. [6/22/2013 1:14:18 AM] Josie: Oh. Sasparilla? [6/22/2013 1:15:09 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  ... I think I"m just gonna go.  Thanks for stepping in, Marshal. [6/22/2013 1:15:28 AM] Josie: Not so fast. Tell me what happened? [6/22/2013 1:15:45 AM] Josie: What's the name of the girl? [6/22/2013 1:16:42 AM] Khiro: Rupert nods over his shoulder.  "Marta. She left Billy, the blonde guy after two weeks. Billy and his friends always hated me, so it just got all conflated." [6/22/2013 1:18:04 AM] Josie: Oh, Miss Marta? She likes you, huh? [6/22/2013 1:19:13 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  Me?  Nah.  She's just nice to me.  But Billy an them, that's enough. [6/22/2013 1:19:34 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  eNough for them to blame me for... something. [6/22/2013 1:20:51 AM] Josie: You like her? [6/22/2013 1:21:21 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  Well... not like you're thinking.  SHe's nice to me, that's all. [6/22/2013 1:22:09 AM] Josie: No witchcraft, huh? [6/22/2013 1:22:25 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  No, ma'am. [6/22/2013 1:22:54 AM] Josie: Don't reckon it'd take witchcraft to make Miss Marta be kind to anybody. Go on with you, if they bother you, come tell me. [6/22/2013 1:23:32 AM] Khiro: Rupert:  Thanks, marshal. [6/22/2013 1:24:36 AM] Josie: Good evenin'. [6/22/2013 1:24:43 AM] Josie: Josie puts her gun away and rejoins the taxidermist. [6/22/2013 1:25:02 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer looks at you. "What was that about?" [6/22/2013 1:27:34 AM] Josie: Idiots. [6/22/2013 1:27:51 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I see. [6/22/2013 1:28:22 AM] Josie: Some fellas don't like it when a girl chooses her own friends. [6/22/2013 1:28:57 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, some fellows are idiots. [6/22/2013 1:30:21 AM] Josie: Can say that again. I just hope they don't take it out on 'em tomorrow. [6/22/2013 1:30:46 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Probably won't even remember. [6/22/2013 1:31:47 AM] Josie: Hope not. You know Miss Marta? [6/22/2013 1:32:30 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Sure. Nice girl. [6/22/2013 1:34:26 AM] Josie: She don't need a spell to be kind. [6/22/2013 1:35:07 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  ...no. Why would she need a spell for that? [6/22/2013 1:36:11 AM] Josie: She don't. [6/22/2013 1:37:27 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Okay? [6/22/2013 1:38:18 AM] Josie: Exactly. Have some pie. [6/22/2013 1:38:33 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  ...don't mind if I do, actually. [6/22/2013 1:38:37 AM] Khiro: He has some pie! [6/22/2013 1:41:22 AM] Josie: Think Miss Marta's got her own fish to fry in that regard, anyhow, and it ain't Rupert. [6/22/2013 1:44:54 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  That the young man you said was watching you earlier? [6/22/2013 1:45:06 AM] Josie: Yeah. Still not sure why he's eyein' me. [6/22/2013 1:45:44 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, again, you do look very nice. [6/22/2013 1:46:40 AM] Josie: It ain't that. Folks are usually real obvious when they're interested in folks. [6/22/2013 1:48:32 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Usually, but it's harder to notice when you're the one being interested in. [6/22/2013 1:50:16 AM] Josie: Josie eyes him, a bit exasperated. [6/22/2013 1:50:20 AM] Josie: Ain't *nobody* interested in me. [6/22/2013 1:54:46 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  You sure? [6/22/2013 1:56:50 AM | Edited 1:56:55 AM] Josie: Sure, I'm sure. [6/22/2013 1:57:34 AM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, if you say so. [6/22/2013 1:58:55 AM] Josie: 'course I say so.

Josie was still at the party in all her finery, and had just intimidated(?) three guys into leaving Rupert alone. She was still vaguely fretful about 1. the guy who keeps looking at her, 2. the taxidermist, and 3. that "fun" stuff. [6/25/2013 10:25:50 PM] Coil: Indeed! Rupert had also wandered off. the guy who was looking for her is gone now. [6/25/2013 10:27:06 PM] Josie: Josie will just... dance all night with anyone who wants to! [6/25/2013 10:30:02 PM] Coil: Well, at one point when she's not dancing, Statler comes over. "You havin trouble with them boys?" [6/25/2013 10:31:04 PM] Josie: No, but Rupert was. [6/25/2013 10:31:10 PM] Josie: Hopin' they'll leave him alone tomorrow. [6/25/2013 10:33:48 PM] Coil: Statler:  Any other problems you noticed? [6/25/2013 10:34:34 PM] Josie: Young fella kept starin' at me. [6/25/2013 10:34:51 PM] Coil: Statler:  ... well, that ain't so weird, is it? [6/25/2013 10:35:35 PM] Josie: ... sure it is. [6/25/2013 10:38:48 PM] Josie: Might be lookin' to shoot me. [6/25/2013 10:39:56 PM] Coil: Statler:  ... you seen what you look like? could be he's lookin' for other reasons. [6/25/2013 10:40:39 PM] Josie: ((OH. The concert! That's what the mandatory therapy sessions are for! DUH.)) [6/25/2013 10:41:15 PM] Josie: Josie snorts. "He ain't blind, he's lookin' at me." [6/25/2013 10:42:53 PM] Coil: Statler:  Well, where is he? [6/25/2013 10:43:06 PM] Josie: Josie looks around. [6/25/2013 10:43:13 PM] Josie: ((He's gone, right?)) [6/25/2013 10:43:35 PM] Coil: ((Yep.)) [6/25/2013 10:43:43 PM] Josie: He ain't here. [6/25/2013 10:43:55 PM] Josie: Josie describes him, though! ((What did he look like? ... she gives descriptions like a cop.)) [6/25/2013 10:44:31 PM] Coil: ((He was very fair skinned, had sandy colored hair, was very good looking with clear blue eyes. Tall and pretty built.)) [6/25/2013 10:45:23 PM] Josie: 6'3", 210 pounds, fair skin, sandy hair, blue eyes, no distinguishing features. [6/25/2013 10:45:32 PM] Josie: ((What was he wearing?)) [6/25/2013 10:45:50 PM] Coil: ((Pretty nice suit.)) [6/25/2013 10:46:53 PM] Josie: ((Color, description? Did it fit well? What kind of shoes?)) [6/25/2013 10:48:30 PM] Coil: ((Black suit, well fitted, looked expensive.  Dress shoes.)) [6/25/2013 10:50:32 PM] Josie: Black suit, seemed expensive-lookin'. Had matchin' shoes, too. [6/25/2013 10:53:16 PM] Coil: Statler looks around.   "he talk to anyone?" [6/25/2013 10:53:31 PM] Josie: Not sure. Marta kept lookin' at him. [6/25/2013 10:55:13 PM] Coil: ((You did notice her talking to him, too.)) [6/25/2013 10:56:01 PM] Josie: ... think they were talkin' at one point. [6/25/2013 10:56:17 PM] Coil: Statler:  Well, maybe she knows more. [6/25/2013 10:58:55 PM] Josie: Suppose I'd better go ask 'er. You don't recognize the person? [6/25/2013 10:59:58 PM] Coil: Statler:  Not by your description, no.. [6/25/2013 11:00:21 PM] Josie: Hm. I'll ask 'er. You need anythin' else? [6/25/2013 11:00:32 PM] Josie: ((I'm thinking about buying the Medical uniforms.)) [6/25/2013 11:01:08 PM] Coil: Statler:  No, just wanted to check in, see how things were going. [6/25/2013 11:01:13 PM] Josie: ((Then I'd get the shortsleeved shirt *and* the skirt-outfit for women, and the McCoy shortsleeved shirt for men. TOS uniform proper *only* has the skirt outfit for women.)) [6/25/2013 11:02:30 PM] Josie: Oh, all right. Well, I'll stay up for a while after I sort this fella out. [6/25/2013 11:02:33 PM] Josie: See you. [6/25/2013 11:02:38 PM] Josie: Josie heads over to Marta! [6/25/2013 11:02:55 PM] Josie: ((I am dismayed by the lack of Klingon outfits. Like, where are the robes and where is the wedding outfit?)) [6/25/2013 11:02:56 PM] Coil: Okay! She's standing by the drinks table. [6/25/2013 11:03:19 PM] Josie: Josie heads over there! [6/25/2013 11:03:20 PM] Coil: Marta:  good to see you, marshal. Enjoying yourself? [6/25/2013 11:03:31 PM] Josie: Sure. Who was that boy you were talkin' to earlier? [6/25/2013 11:04:08 PM] Coil: Marta:  He said his name was Tom. He's new to town, a courier, he said. [6/25/2013 11:04:53 PM] Josie: You like 'im. [6/25/2013 11:05:22 PM] Coil: Marta:  Well, he was awful handsome, but when I talked to him.... [6/25/2013 11:05:35 PM] Josie: He turned out to be an arse? [6/25/2013 11:06:48 PM] Coil: Marta:  No.... just kinda... cold. Not interested. [6/25/2013 11:09:18 PM] Coil: Marta:  Not a lot of personality, I guess. [6/25/2013 11:09:26 PM] Josie: Kept starin' at me. Did he say why? [6/25/2013 11:10:51 PM] Coil: Marta: I noticed that. No, he didn't. Thought maybe he fancied you. [6/25/2013 11:11:26 PM] Josie: ...everybody's twistin' my tail tonight, even though I don't have one. [6/25/2013 11:12:30 PM] Coil: Marta:  Why do you say that? [6/25/2013 11:13:31 PM] Josie: Nobody *fancies* me. [6/25/2013 11:13:46 PM] Coil: Marta:  how do you know? [6/25/2013 11:15:15 PM] Josie: 'cause I'm *me.* [6/25/2013 11:16:02 PM] Josie: You can stuff peacock feathers down a chicken's gullet but that don't make it a peacock. [6/25/2013 11:16:29 PM] Coil: Marta:  could be people fancied you before but you were too scary for them to admit it. [6/25/2013 11:16:44 PM] Josie: ((It didn't go through! Says something about how it'll be back online tomorrow! These people have a real issue taking my money!)) [6/25/2013 11:16:58 PM] Josie: Josie snorts again. [6/25/2013 11:18:28 PM] Josie: I got a nose 'bout the size of the Rocky Mountains, I'm short and brown and skinny as a weasel. You done a good job but there's some things that even you can't do, Miss Marta, an' bein' a mean old cuss is one of 'em. [6/25/2013 11:27:22 PM] Coil: ((Sorry, phone call!)) [6/25/2013 11:27:30 PM] Coil: Marta shrugs. "I don't think you're terribly mean." [6/25/2013 11:29:26 PM] Josie: Says more about you than me, Miss Marta. [6/25/2013 11:29:44 PM] Coil: Marta:  Mr. Dingo seems to like you. [6/25/2013 11:30:29 PM] Josie: Get along all right, I guess. [6/25/2013 11:31:45 PM] Coil: Marta:  I'd say it's more than that. [6/25/2013 11:32:02 PM] Josie: Like what? [6/25/2013 11:34:03 PM] Coil: Marta:  Can't say. But *more* 'getting along all right'. [6/25/2013 11:35:25 PM] Josie: Josie looks at her, baffled. [6/25/2013 11:35:44 PM] Coil: Marta:  He fancies you, Marshal. [6/25/2013 11:36:14 PM] Josie: Josie *stares* at her. [6/25/2013 11:36:31 PM] Josie: Josie actually bursts out laughing. [6/25/2013 11:40:18 PM] Coil: Marta stares back! [6/25/2013 11:42:35 PM] Josie: That's a good one, you're funny. [6/25/2013 11:47:50 PM] Josie: Josie shakes her head, still giggling. [6/25/2013 11:47:56 PM] Josie: (( http://strangelykatie.com/princessprincess/?pid=66  Supercute.)) [6/25/2013 11:48:26 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... I wasn't joking. [6/25/2013 11:49:08 PM] Josie: Ha. Ha. [6/25/2013 11:49:56 PM] Coil: Marta:  ...someone was real mean to you when you were a child, weren't they? [6/25/2013 11:50:44 PM] Josie: Not much, why? [6/25/2013 11:53:26 PM] Coil: Marta:  ...why's it so hard to believe someone could be interested in you? [6/25/2013 11:54:26 PM] Josie: ... I'm *me.* [6/25/2013 11:54:53 PM] Coil: Marta:  And he's him. Don't you like him? [6/25/2013 11:56:07 PM] Josie: Never said I didn't, why? [6/26/2013 12:00:10 AM] Coil: Marta:  Just trying to understand why you find the idea so ludicrous. [6/26/2013 12:02:01 AM] Josie: 'cause it *is*. [6/26/2013 12:03:11 AM] Josie: It *is* ludicrous. [6/26/2013 12:03:34 AM | Edited 12:03:48 AM] Coil: Marta: Why? [6/26/2013 12:05:12 AM] Josie: ... oh, Marta, you're *serious*. [6/26/2013 12:05:35 AM] Coil: Marta:  and don't try to tell me it's because of how you look. [6/26/2013 12:06:41 AM] Josie: Not *just*. [6/26/2013 12:09:55 AM] Josie: You see that Tom fella, you tell him to come talk to me. [6/26/2013 12:10:17 AM] Coil: Marta:  ...if you say so, marshal. [6/26/2013 12:10:26 AM] Josie: Josie tries to tip her hat, but has none, and just sort of bobs awkwardly at Marta before she goes back to Ebenezer. Or whoever's around. [6/26/2013 12:15:23 AM] Josie: ((You all right?)) [6/26/2013 12:16:11 AM] Coil: ((Yep, getting ready for bed.)) [6/26/2013 12:16:24 AM] Coil: Ebenezer is still there! "What was so funny?" [6/26/2013 12:17:02 AM] Josie: Josie snorts. [6/26/2013 12:17:10 AM] Josie: She got some crazy ideas, that girl. [6/26/2013 12:17:28 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  About what? [6/26/2013 12:18:20 AM] Josie: She thinks you're sweet on me. [6/26/2013 12:21:34 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  ...what's so funny about that? [6/26/2013 12:22:05 AM] Josie: No, she thinks you're *sweet on me.* Me! [6/26/2013 12:26:29 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  What would be so strange about that? Just.... hypothetically. [6/26/2013 12:28:27 AM] Josie: *Me.* [6/26/2013 12:28:43 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  so you're odd. Everyone's odd. [6/26/2013 12:30:39 AM] Josie: ... well you *aren't,* are you? [6/26/2013 12:31:20 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  Odd? Pretty sure I am. [6/26/2013 12:33:22 AM] Josie: No, sweet on me! 'course you're odd. I'm odd too. [6/26/2013 12:36:38 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  Hmm. I do like you more than I thought I would after our first meeting. [6/26/2013 12:38:01 AM] Josie: Well that's good, but it sure ain't the same. Man. Miss Marta's a good girl, she sees folks better'n'they are, is all. [6/26/2013 12:38:16 AM] *** Josie sent sluggo.jpg *** [6/26/2013 12:40:02 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  I'm british, marshal. We don't really say things... out and out like that, but I suppose I do fancy you a bit. [6/26/2013 12:40:15 AM] Coil: ((Nice!)) [6/26/2013 12:41:22 AM] Josie: ((But I still can't do it, 'cause they don't let me give them my money!)) [6/26/2013 12:42:34 AM] Coil: (((Weird!) [6/26/2013 12:43:34 AM] Josie: Josie 's jaw drops. [6/26/2013 12:43:39 AM] Josie: ... you... you *what*?

Ebenezer:  Well, I do. [6/26/2013 12:50:23 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  Not saying i'm going to propose, but I definitely wouldn't mind seeing more of you while you're in town. [6/26/2013 12:52:03 AM] Josie: ... but... but.... [6/26/2013 12:56:07 AM] Coil: Ebenezer:  .... but? [6/26/2013 12:56:43 AM] Josie: Josie slowly turns bright red, balls up a fist, and *stares* for a moment, before turning to run away like a fraidycat! [6/26/2013 12:57:16 AM] Coil: Ebenezer stands there blinking! And we'll end there.

Josie [6/26/2013 8:55:14 PM] Coil: Kate had tactically retreated when last we left! [6/26/2013 8:55:26 PM] Josie: Josie was running like a coward. [6/26/2013 8:55:37 PM] Coil: Tactical retreat. [6/26/2013 8:55:44 PM] Josie: Josie was not even running *to* anywhere. She was just running *away.* [6/26/2013 8:56:35 PM] Coil: Falling back! [6/26/2013 8:57:09 PM] Coil: So, she runs off. Where abouts would she end up? [6/26/2013 8:59:27 PM] Josie: Josie has no idea! Probably just outside of town. [6/26/2013 9:00:50 PM] Coil: Roll a d10! [6/26/2013 9:01:40 PM] Josie: ((3.)) [6/26/2013 9:02:08 PM] Coil: She hears someone calling after her. "Marshal!" Sounds like Marta. [6/26/2013 9:02:41 PM] Josie: Josie slows down, and stops, and looks behind her. [6/26/2013 9:04:08 PM] Coil: Marta is hurrying as well as she can in her gown. [6/26/2013 9:04:41 PM] Josie: ... what? [6/26/2013 9:04:48 PM] Josie: Josie is still red-faced! Very! [6/26/2013 9:05:32 PM] Coil: Marta:  .... what did he say to you? [6/26/2013 9:07:49 PM] Josie: ... did you put him up to it? ... nah, that ain't like you. [6/26/2013 9:09:21 PM] Coil: Marta:  Of course I didn't. What did he say? I figure if it was really bad you just would've punched him or something. [6/26/2013 9:09:59 PM] Josie: Can't punch anybody 'less they break a law! [6/26/2013 9:11:19 PM] Coil: Marta:  What did he say? [6/26/2013 9:12:15 PM] Josie: He's cracked in the brain! [6/26/2013 9:13:35 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... even if he is, and he told you that he liked washing his hair with cake frosting, that wouldn't make you run! [6/26/2013 9:14:55 PM] Josie: No, 'cause that'd be *harmless*. Man's fit for bedlam! [6/26/2013 9:16:02 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... Oh. He said he did fancy you, didn't he? [6/26/2013 9:16:22 PM] Josie: Yes. Well he's a foreigner, they're all crazy! [6/26/2013 9:16:39 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... my mother is a foreigner. [6/26/2013 9:17:28 PM] Josie: Josie concedes, grudgingly, "Well the *men* are, anyhow." [6/26/2013 9:18:12 PM] Coil: Marta:  He's odd, but he's not crazy. [6/26/2013 9:21:01 PM] Josie: Sure he is! Rich people're always crazy too! Prob'ly eats fish eggs on crackers! [6/26/2013 9:23:05 PM] Coil: Marta giggles. "Well, maybe he is a bit crazy, but he was being honest.  He's not the sort to lie about something like that." [6/26/2013 9:23:36 PM] Josie: Don't think he'd *lie*, just think he's *looney.* [6/26/2013 9:23:40 PM] Coil: Marta:  Do you not like him? [6/26/2013 9:24:24 PM] Josie: Huh? [6/26/2013 9:25:04 PM] Coil: Marta:  Do you find him unappealing? [6/26/2013 9:25:31 PM] Josie: No, what's that got to do with anything? [6/26/2013 9:26:09 PM] Coil: Marta:  Just trying to figure out why such a smart, perceptive girl can be so dense. [6/26/2013 9:27:36 PM | Edited 9:28:39 PM] Josie: Now just one doggone minute! Just because I can't follow the innermost workins of a deranged mind don't mean *I'm* stupid. [6/26/2013 9:29:58 PM] Coil: Marta:  You're going through some impressive mental calisthenics just to avoid the conclusion that a man can find you attractive. [6/26/2013 9:32:01 PM] Josie: Sure he can, if he's *bonkers*! I'm barely even a *girl.* [6/26/2013 9:34:06 PM] Coil: Marta:  And who told you that? [6/26/2013 9:36:08 PM] Josie: Don't need to be *told* it! Haven't worn a dress in more'n'a decade, can't walk in them pointy shoes you got, don't know *how* to pile all my hair up without it lookin' like it exploded, got no manners t'speak of neither! [6/26/2013 9:38:53 PM] Coil: She rubs her eyes. "You're not as bad as you seem to think you are, Marshal.  And you're not exactly impartial here." [6/26/2013 9:40:50 PM] Josie: Well neither are you! ... got to get a third party judge, is all. [6/26/2013 9:41:06 PM] Coil: Marta:  Why aren't I impartial? [6/26/2013 9:41:18 PM] Josie: You're the one done me up. [6/26/2013 9:48:31 PM] Coil: Marta:  .. there's more to this than your looks, Marshal. [6/26/2013 9:50:08 PM | Edited 9:50:16 PM] Josie: ... like what? [6/26/2013 9:52:57 PM] Josie: Josie is, once again, baffled. [6/26/2013 10:02:31 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... like personality, smarts? [6/26/2013 10:05:28 PM] Josie: ... don't have a *personality* like a girl either! [6/26/2013 10:08:54 PM] Coil: MArta:  ... what do you think makes up a 'girl's personality? [6/26/2013 10:09:30 PM] Josie: ... don't know, really, but it ain't much like mine. [6/26/2013 10:09:56 PM] Coil: Marta:  How do you know? [6/26/2013 10:11:18 PM] Josie: Good question, I guess I don't? [6/26/2013 10:13:45 PM] Coil: Marta:  Look at me. I'm a girl. I like reading books about blacksmithing, cowboy novels, and fencing. Not terribly lady like. [6/26/2013 10:17:03 PM] Josie: ... well, you got a point there. An' men like all kinds of things too. [6/26/2013 10:17:46 PM] Coil: Marta:  Right. What makes more sense... that Mr. Dingo likes you, or that he's nuts? [6/26/2013 10:17:52 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... wait, don't answer that. [6/26/2013 10:19:20 PM] Josie: That he's nuts! [6/26/2013 10:20:30 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... I said not to answer. [6/26/2013 10:22:18 PM] Josie: Sorry. [6/26/2013 10:23:23 PM] Coil: Marta:  ...well, it's your choice, I suppose. If he said he liked you, it's your move. You hoenstly thing he's nuts, then nothing comes of it. If you don't reciprocate the sentiment, nothing comes of it. [6/26/2013 10:25:13 PM] Josie: ... reciprocate what sentiment? [6/26/2013 10:27:01 PM] Coil: Marta:  That would be the 'liking' part of the situation. [6/26/2013 10:27:59 PM] Josie: Oh *lord.* What difference does it make? [6/26/2013 10:30:27 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... well, none, if yo'ure not going to do anything about it.

[6/26/2013 10:32:00 PM] Josie: ((Slug looks so cute in her new outfit!)) [6/26/2013 10:37:23 PM] Josie: ((And Pere looks hot in it too!)) [6/26/2013 10:37:31 PM] Josie: ... what would I do, anyhow?

[6/26/2013 10:47:04 PM] Coil: Marta:  Well, first, you gotta figure out for yourself how you feel about him. [6/26/2013 10:47:11 PM] Josie: Feel? [6/26/2013 10:47:32 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... yes. [6/26/2013 10:47:43 PM] Coil: ((What is this.... kiss?)) [6/26/2013 10:49:06 PM] Josie: ((RUN AWAY FROM IT OR PUNCH IT IN THE FACE.)) [6/26/2013 10:49:19 PM] Josie: ... well... I mean... I don't know. [6/26/2013 10:50:01 PM] Coil: Marta:  Well before anything else, you have to figure that out. [6/26/2013 10:52:06 PM] Josie: ... what difference does it make? [6/26/2013 10:52:38 PM] Coil: Marta:  So you don't want any kind of relationship? [6/26/2013 10:53:34 PM] Josie: Well I ain't about to settle down an' quit my job, no! [6/26/2013 10:53:58 PM] Coil: Marta:  ...that's only one kind of relationship, marshal. [6/26/2013 10:54:46 PM] Josie: .... what? [6/26/2013 11:04:35 PM] Josie: Josie is, once more, baffled! [6/26/2013 11:05:39 PM] Coil: Marta:  ...it could turn out you end up as friends and nothing more. Maybe you have a brief fling. Maybe he starts traveling with you as a traveling... taxidermist? [6/26/2013 11:06:07 PM] Josie: Josie turns bright red again. [6/26/2013 11:06:18 PM] Josie: Fling! I'm a respectable woman! [6/26/2013 11:08:42 PM] Coil: Marta:  .... well, not that then. My point is, if you like him, you owe it to yourself to see where it might lead. [6/26/2013 11:09:50 PM] Josie: I do? [6/26/2013 11:10:16 PM] Coil: Marta:  Yes, yes, you do. [6/26/2013 11:10:42 PM] Josie: ... h...how? [6/26/2013 11:11:53 PM] Coil: Marta:  ...do you like him? [6/26/2013 11:12:31 PM] Josie: Well how should I know! [6/26/2013 11:13:20 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... I can't help you with that one, marshal. [6/26/2013 11:13:38 PM] Josie: Well how do *you* know? [6/26/2013 11:15:05 PM] Coil: Marta:  ... well, if I find him attractive, that's a big one. [6/26/2013 11:16:00 PM] Josie: ... but how do you know *that*? [6/26/2013 11:18:05 PM] Coil: Marta:  .... well, if you have to ask... you might not be attracted to him. [6/26/2013 11:18:37 PM] Josie: Josie mutters something unintelligible. [6/26/2013 11:19:49 PM] Coil: Marta:  What was that? [6/26/2013 11:21:26 PM] Josie: I said I ain't fourteen anymore moonin' over some man where everybody can see it! [6/26/2013 11:22:03 PM] Coil: Marta:  .... is that a yes or a no? You don't have to moon over anyone. [6/26/2013 11:24:34 PM] Josie: Good! [6/26/2013 11:28:01 PM] Coil: MArta:  But still, you didn't answer my question. Do you like him? do you find him handsome or charming? [6/26/2013 11:29:57 PM] Josie: Josie reddens. [6/26/2013 11:30:04 PM] Josie: ... like listenin' to him talk. [6/26/2013 11:32:59 PM] Josie: He ain't dull. [6/26/2013 11:33:18 PM] Coil: Marta:  Well, there you go. That's something. [6/26/2013 11:33:37 PM] Josie: Josie covers her face with her hands. [6/26/2013 11:33:40 PM] Josie: What do I *do*? [6/26/2013 11:34:41 PM] Coil: Marta:  Keep talking to him. Maybe don't run away from him. Definitely don't punch him. [6/26/2013 11:36:53 PM] Josie: Keep talkin' to him! How'm'I gonna talk to *anyone* now? [6/26/2013 11:38:23 PM] Coil: Marta:  Just tell him you got sick. [6/26/2013 11:40:10 PM] Josie: You want me to *lie*? [6/26/2013 11:41:08 PM] Coil: Marta:  Well, you did get sick. You know, emotionally. [6/26/2013 11:42:13 PM] Josie: ... does that count? [6/26/2013 11:43:20 PM] Coil: Marta:  Sure. [6/26/2013 11:44:22 PM] Josie: ... oh. [6/26/2013 11:44:35 PM] Josie: Oh lord, what're you talkin' me into? [6/26/2013 11:44:53 PM] Coil: Marta:  Maybe nothing. [6/26/2013 11:48:07 PM] Josie: Maybe nothin'? [6/26/2013 11:48:19 PM] Coil: Marta:  Maybe something! You never know. [6/26/2013 11:48:20 PM] Josie: I'm gonna embarass myself in front of the whole darn *town*! [6/26/2013 11:49:41 PM] Coil: MArta:  Then go off and talk to him in private. Or do it tomorrow at his shop. [6/26/2013 11:50:07 PM] Josie: In *private*? [6/26/2013 11:50:12 PM] Josie: Josie turns bright red all over again! [6/26/2013 11:50:25 PM] Coil: Marta:  Just *talk* to him. [6/26/2013 11:52:03 PM] Josie: About what? What do I say? [6/26/2013 11:55:22 PM] Coil: Marta:  Whatever you like. What do you usually talk about? [6/26/2013 11:56:21 PM] Josie: I don't know! [6/26/2013 11:58:10 PM] Coil: Marta:  Just talk... normally? I don't know that I can help you here. Just... talk to him, keep talking to him, and he'll get the idea that maybe you're interested, and things will go from there. [6/26/2013 11:58:28 PM] Josie: Josie stares at her. [6/26/2013 11:58:31 PM] Josie: ... what's that mean? Go? [6/26/2013 11:59:14 PM] Coil: Marta:  It means... either things will happen and you guys will get closer... Or they won't happen. [6/26/2013 11:59:32 PM] Josie: Josie wideeyes. [6/26/2013 11:59:37 PM] Josie: ...what kinda things? Things? [6/26/2013 11:59:59 PM] Coil: Marta:  You talk, maybe you go out shooting or riding together. That sort of thing. [6/27/2013 12:01:46 AM] Josie: Oh! ... reckon I could handle that. [6/27/2013 12:02:06 AM] Josie: Aren't men s'posed to do that kinda thing? [6/27/2013 12:02:23 AM] Coil: Marta:  Do what?

[6/27/2013 12:03:18 AM] Josie: ... courtin'. Figurin' out what to do an' all that. [6/27/2013 12:04:17 AM] Coil: Marta:  Girl's gotta do her fair share, too. [6/27/2013 12:05:06 AM] Josie: ... they do? [6/27/2013 12:06:10 AM] Coil: Marta:  Well, sure. [6/27/2013 12:06:44 AM] Josie: But... [6/27/2013 12:09:23 AM] Coil: MArta:  It's different for everyone, of course. Depends on the lady and the man. [6/27/2013 12:09:50 AM] Josie: ... it... it does? [6/27/2013 12:10:00 AM] Josie: But it's *always* the man, ain't it? [6/27/2013 12:10:48 AM] Coil: Marta:  Well, in the books, sure. But out here, a lot of men like the sort of woman who can do for herself, too. [6/27/2013 12:11:38 AM] Josie: .... oh. [6/27/2013 12:12:38 AM] Coil: Marta:  Just... be yourself. [6/27/2013 12:17:13 AM] Josie: But what if he don't LIKE myself. [6/27/2013 12:17:55 AM] Coil: MArta:  Obviously he does. [6/27/2013 12:18:06 AM] Coil: Marta:  Unless you've been being someone else up till now. [6/27/2013 12:18:25 AM] Josie: Don't know *how* to. [6/27/2013 12:18:36 AM] Coil: Marta:  Well, there you go. [6/27/2013 12:20:23 AM] Josie: ... you sure this is a good idea? [6/27/2013 12:21:20 AM] Coil: Marta:  What's the worse that can happen? [6/27/2013 12:21:26 AM] Coil: Marta:  Wait, don't answer that. [6/27/2013 12:23:16 AM] Josie: Somebody could get shot, all right? [6/27/2013 12:23:36 AM] Coil: Marta:  ...why would someone get shot? [6/27/2013 12:25:08 AM] Josie: Well I almost punched 'im before. [6/27/2013 12:26:42 AM] Coil: Marta:  Did you? [6/27/2013 12:27:37 AM] Josie: Well yeah, told me he fancied me! [6/27/2013 12:28:02 AM] Coil: Marta:  ...and you thought he was lying? [6/27/2013 12:33:36 AM] Josie: No, I thought he was crazy! [6/27/2013 12:33:54 AM] Coil: Marta:  Well... try not to punch him. Unless he deserves it, then punch him. [6/27/2013 12:39:29 AM] Josie: Oh, all right. [6/27/2013 12:39:31 AM] Josie: ... now? [6/27/2013 12:43:34 AM] Coil: Marta:  When you're ready. [6/27/2013 12:43:44 AM] Coil: ((Need sleep.)) [6/27/2013 12:44:36 AM] Josie: ((me too.)) [6/27/2013 12:44:43 AM] Josie: ... don't think that'll be *ever*. [6/27/2013 12:45:06 AM] Coil: Marta:  ...then now. [6/27/2013 12:47:20 AM] Josie: ... well... you sure? [6/27/2013 12:47:31 AM] Coil: Marta:  I'm sure. [6/27/2013 12:48:38 AM] Josie: All right... I guess. ... thanks. [6/27/2013 12:48:50 AM] Josie: Josie takes a deep breath, straightens her spine and stomps back to the dance floor!