EP: Kate Barlow | Outside, Stables / Main Bar

[ikissdhimbck]

It's been a long time since Beaut's had the pleasure of startling the bar with her presence. The front door admits the five-foot cowgirl and her mount, obviously on their way someplace else, depositing them smack dab in the middle of the bar.

Beaut snorts.

"Oh, come now. S'good t'be back, ain't it?"

Kate wins an ear twitch for her trouble. With a chuckle, she sets about navigating the tables and chairs — and waitrats, we mustn't forget them. She'll get Beaut resettled out in the stables and check on the stock, and once she's done there she'll find a calendar. Once she knows the date and has stopped to look for messages in the stables, at the board, or with the Bar, she'll settle in for a while.

Then again, it's such a beautiful evening out. Maybe she'll take advantage of the lingering light and give Beaut a proper ride up the mountain path.


[ooc: I'm so sorry for inundating the bar! I did try to space everything out. ~sheepish~ Post open indefinitely; catch Kate anywhere you like, she'll be making her rounds and she's in a great humor.]

Comments

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate covers her mouth.








"Oh."

It's all she says for a moment, words stuck in her throat.

"Oh, Lohengrin. I'm — I'm so sorry. I'm so very sorry."

The last time she saw him, they were celebrating. Champagne. Laughter. This all feels so surreal.

[knightoftheswan]

He nods and drops his left hand again.

"Thank you."

He's heard the words before from others and there's only so much help words can be. There's only so much hurt words can be. But Kate is nothing if not sincere as far as he's known her. If anything, he certainly appreciates that.

[ikissdhimbck]

She knows it must be cold comfort. She's been on the receiving end herself, and she bears few fond memories of people offering their condolences.

"Is there anythin' at all I can do?"

Even as the words leave her, she knows. What can she do? What could he possibly ask from her?

[knightoftheswan]

Lohengrin shrugs a little.

"I wouldn't know what to ask of you or anyone."

Well, he knew what to ask from Autor when Autor wouldn't stop talking about it.

"Life goes on, if not with me than around me," he tells her. "And though it stops here life continues to trickle through Milliways."

[ikissdhimbck]

She nods somberly.

They're true words, and wise. Kate dislikes feeling helpless when it comes to her friends, however. And, as much as it contradicts every wall she's constructed around her heart, she thinks just maybe his honesty with her deserves a little honesty in return.

"I admire your strength. I've been though somethin' very similar. An' I — it took a long while for me t'heal. I ain't sure I really have yet."

She toes the dirt, eyes on her boots.

"In fact, I've — I've lost two men that I loved very dearly."

[knightoftheswan]

Lohengrin immediately wants to counter her claim. He's not strong. How can he be strong when all he can think is why?

He holds his tongue, however, and listens to Kate. He finds it easier to hold when she's done. To suffer it once is already difficult to bear but twice?

"They were fortunate to have you," he manages to speak when he thinks he can. "And if you recognize strength in me, it's because you yourself are strong."

[ikissdhimbck]

She chuffs softly.

"As anyone would be fortunate t'have you."

I'm just bad luck, all around.

"I know it ain't much, 'specially not now. But maybe, if I understand even a li'l of what it's like, y'can come talk t'me. Anytime."

[knightoftheswan]

It's better than the likes of others. The Knight's mind calls up the visiting Princess who expressed a wish to share his burden. He much prefers Kate's way of offering.

Though this is likely because they knew each other before. Tutu doesn't have that advantage.

"I'll try to be mindful of that."

[ikissdhimbck]

She nods.

She'll say no more on the matter; this is enough, his knowing she's there.

"Have y'been out here long? I don't suppose you'd mind a partner?"

[knightoftheswan]

"I haven't been out for long, really."

His grin turns a bit wry.

"If you'll put up with my offence, I wouldn't mind a partner. I encountered a woman out here firing at the targets and I had upset her when I confessed that I've never loaned anyone my bow. I had made the mistake of wording it at first as, 'I've never let a woman use my bow before.'"

[ikissdhimbck]

She chuffs softly, sympathy creasing her brow.

"I promise t'go lightly on you if y'are to make such an offence. However, I've never fired a bow before. I was thinkin' I might use my gun."

She rests a hand on the six at her hip.

"But I wouldn't mind learning, either."

[knightoftheswan]

"Lady Andrea had a pair of guns but they were a sort of practice weapon that shoots little paint pellets. The subject of my bow came up in an offer to trade for a little while."

Lohengrin shrugs.

"I've never taught anyone how to use a bow before. I suppose we could see how well I can remember Father's lessons."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Paint?"

She's never heard of such a thing.

"I'm a quick learner, but I'll submit t'your preference, Sir Lohengrin."

[knightoftheswan]

He nods.

"They can be used in games of pretend war without causing serious injury. Lady Andrea arranged a game shortly after I met her."

The Knight smiles a little more. The paintball game was the most fun he's had since the events of the midwinter.

"I've not seen a gun as an actual weapon before. If you don't mind, I'm curious to see you use it."

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate's eyes light up.

"Y'know somethin', I think I saw a notice for that on the board inside. Only I didn't know what it was. Perhaps if there's a next time I'll go investigate."

She pulls her Colt from its holster, forgoing any fancy twirling or tricks to let it speak for itself. It's a finely-tooled First Generation Colt SAA, chambered in .44-40, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel. Nickel plated, with rosewood grips, it's a beautiful and functional piece.

"I had this commissioned by the forge god here. Weyland, if you've heard of him. It packs a li'l kick, an' y'might want t'cover your ears."

[knightoftheswan]

"There was talk of a next time. It was a free-for-all the first time around but there was talk of organizing it into teams should we do it again."

Lohengrin looks over the gun. He can recognize the fine craftsmanship even if the weapon itself is foreign to his time and place. At the warning, he takes a couple of steps back and places his hands over his ears.

[ikissdhimbck]

Once he's off to the side and ready, Kate can't help smirking a touch sharply.

Like a jungle cat getting ready to pounce on its prey.

She levels the pistol at the first three targets, letting out a quick succession of BANG BANG BANG, hitting dead center on all three.

[knightoftheswan]

The Knight jumps at the first bang, louder than he remembers the paintball pistols. Once she's finished with the first three, he surveys her work.

"Excellent marksmanship," he comments.

[ikissdhimbck]

"I do this a lot."

She smiles wryly.

"It's important, where I live. An' it helps me relax."

She might chase that last statement with a little laughter. It's probably not readily obvious how something that makes such a ruckus could be relaxing.

Then again, he was out here with a weapon first.

[knightoftheswan]

"Do you use it for hunting?" he queries.

[ikissdhimbck]

"This? No. I got my daddy's old rifle for that. An' t'be quite honest, Miss Bar's spoiled me rotten."

She laughs quietly, tipping her head to one shoulder.

"This is more for protection."

[knightoftheswan]

"Did your father teach you as well?"

[ikissdhimbck]

She smiles so much softer than before, gentleness sneaking into her eyes.

"He did. He taught me the rifle, anyhow. My daddy owned a ranch, an' there were lots'a things y'had t'do t'take care of it."

[knightoftheswan]

"Smart of him," he says as he nods towards the targets, indicating he's going to set up new ones. "I wonder if Mother or Aunt Dindrane have any interest in learning it."

He wouldn't have thought of it before. It's strange what Milliways can do to a person.

Once the new targets are set up, he continues, "I suppose Father knew I was going to follow in his footsteps, serve the Prince the way he serves the King."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Do you have interest in learnin' it?"

She's offering.

"They're fine footsteps t'follow in. He trained you up, then?"