SkullsandSlippers

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

Something felt different in the room and Lillian was pulled from her nap. Her eyes opened slowly. At first she didn't really understand what she was seeing. A dream? There was a figure in a nearby chair. Her hands grasped for her book as if she could throw it and dispel the apparition.

When her hand came down on nothing and her vision focused Lillian was greeted with the sight of Vance Hamilton sitting there, in the parlour with her.

"How-" Her confusion was clear. A hand came up to her chest as she looked around. Lillian sat up slowly. "Hello, Mr Hamilton."

She tried not to seem to surprised but it was difficult. Her legs shifted, her feet lowered to the floor. She was careful to adjust the skirt so no part of her legs were visible.

"I am sorry. You have caught me off guard. It is nice to see you." Now, slightly more composed Lillian smiled. Her eyes caught sight of her book in his hands. "Do you always rescue wayward books from the hands of their sleeping reader?"

Her pulse was racing. She was alone in the room with a stranger and while she was not afraid it did bring back some of her rather sensual dreams from the previous night. Dreams that had included Vance Hamilton thanks to Anna's observations.

Lillian had tried to reason that her cousin in law was simply trying to tease but there a small part of her that found herself longing for the attention. She had never been a flirt as Jenny was but she had at one time been far more social than she was at present. Mourning changed a woman's obligations.

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

Drinks were filled and Johnathan settled in. He needed to play conservatively tonight. He already owed Noah Grady a lot of money and his boys, the Iron Club gang had already given him more than one warning that payment was overdue.

The game ebbed and flowed. Just a he felt his luck turned Vance took his hand and others began leaving the table. It wasn’t his night. He sighed and pushed his cards to the dealer.

“Nature of the game.” He gave a shrug at Vance’s apology. “Shall we go have a drink at the bar now? I should be getting home. Early morning.”

As he stood, waiting for the man to collect his winnings he eyed Vance. An eyebrow raised as the man inquired into his cousin.

They moved to a small table with comfortable high back chairs. They seemed more like something one would find in a parlour than a saloon but this part was set up for men to relax in hopes they would end up with a whore in their lap. Johnathan ordered drinks for them both. He sat, leaning comfortably in his chair. A woman began approaching but Johnathan waved her away. His money was best spent on cards, not women.

“Lilly?” Johnathan never could understand what men saw in his cousin. She was doe eyed, fair faced but too educated in his opinion. He liked women who focused on the home, like his mother. His aunt and uncle had always encouraged their children, Lillian included to read, discuss and debate. It was something Johnathan found tiresome in the opposite gender. Bruce had liked Lillian for her face and her brains. It appeared Vance at least had an interest in her physical features. He figured the man would grow weary of his cousin but in the end it was none of his business. At least for now.

“Let’s see. They married a year and a half ago….when was that….” He took a drink. “Oh yes, they married late spring at aunt Helen’s insistence. The accident happened in….” Johnathan ticked off months on his fingers. “She has been in mourning for about three months now. Two at home before they sent her out here to get away from Boston. They thought the air out here would put the colour back in her cheeks or some such nonsense. Women…”

Another sip of his drink went down. “Bruce, her husband was trampled you know. He was taming a horse and it turned on him. She has money, let me tell you. Married well that one and yet she does nothing with it.”

Johnathan sighed. He knew his cousin had wealth that she simply just sat on. Bruce had come for a wealthy family and when he died he left the estate to Lillian. When she headed out west she left it in the trust of caretakers and advisors. She received weekly reports though. Again, something Johnathan found unattractive in a woman. Other than household basics women had no place in money or business.

“If Jenny manages to pull off this party I think she will be out of her mourning clothes in a week. If not, who knows if she ever will.” He smirked. “You have an eye for my little cousin then? You would be far different from her husband, I assure you of that. I will see to it that Jenny invites you to the party though I doubt she will need any convincing.”

When his drink was done Johnathan bid his farewells and headed home. The ranch was quiet as he turned in.
*******
Mornings came early on a ranch. There were cattle to feed, milk, check in on. There were other parts of the ranch that needed tending. They took care of themselves with chickens, fields and a kitchen garden. Between the three Stewart men, their few ranch hands and the house staff the whole place ran efficiently.

Their only issue was at night. Every morning the Stewart men checked the livestock in hopes that none had been poached. This morning found their numbers accurate. Benjamin was pleased though that Vance was coming to speak with him this morning. He hoped the man was as true as what he said. They needed a man or men to keep watch over night.

In the house the women were up and dressed. The men had headed out before the sun was fully up but now they all sat around the table enjoying breakfast. There was a little talk but overall quiet.

Mabel was working on a short list of things they were need from the general store. Jenny was sitting next to her discussing her plans for the party.

Lillian had risen early. Her sleep was plagued with dreams that had bordered on the scandalous. She blamed Anna’s bluntness before she had gone to bed. This morning she felt better, pushing aside those less than ladylike thoughts with the book that rested on the table beside her.

She had bathed and smelled of lightly scented soap. It was lily of the valley, a scent she had always favoured. Her hair was swept up and pinned loosely. A few stray strands fell about her ears. Her dress, still black was a less formal cut and material. Lighter and with a sheer fabric over her bodice that allowed the garment to breathe in the Arizona heat. It was not a style that suited her youth or figure but it was appropriate and Lillian wanted to ensure her aunt had no objection.

“I must go work on some paperwork before I meet with Mr. Hamilton. Good day ladies.” Benjamin rose and headed for his office.

Anna yawned and stood. “I think I will nap.”

“Already?” Johnathan frowned. “Should we send for the doctor?”

The rest of the table looked up and towards the woman.

Anna sighed. “No need. I am just warm and pregnant.” She moved off towards her room.

Her meal finished Lillian rose, taking her book. “I think I will go read.”

Johnathan looked over at her. “So, cousin will you be changing from those clothes for the party? A little colour perhaps?” He was curious, bolstered by Vance’s question the previous evening. He wouldn’t let that little secret be known yet.

Jenny practically bounced in her chair. “You should order a new dress! In lavender. It is the colour that is in style at the moment. I was going to order a dress for the party too. Perhaps we could go into town later together.”

Lillian scanned the table. It wasn’t the cost that had her worried but the timing. Was it enough? Shouldn’t she mourn for him for a year? “Perhaps.” Her tone was tentative. “We can talk after the men’s meeting and luncheon when our guest will be gone.”

Johnathan snickered under his breath. Jenny’s cheeks turned red. “Oh yes! Mr. Hamilton is coming. That should be fun to learn more about him.”

With that Lillian gave a slight nod of her head before moving to the parlour. She sat on the chaise with her feet up and began reading her book. Greek mythology. She enjoyed the stories of gods and mortals, monsters and quests.

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

Current dress
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/a3/56/32/a356320c50c2ca428cb834e63926fec3--dinner-gowns-evening-gowns.jpg

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

Lillian found him extremely fascinating. He was well traveled, at least in the sense that he had been lots of places and some were quite distant. She wondered what he had done in each place.

It seemed he may come to work for the ranch and Lillian realized perhaps, she may get the chance to ask him more.

As they were leaving, each of the men escorting their wives to the door, Lillian was stopped as he offered his hand. She took Vance's hand.

"I will be there, at the ranch. I imagine I will see you when you come by, after your talk with my uncle." Something about the way he was looking at her, that he had stopped her a little longer than the rest made Lillian's pulse race.

"I hope to see you as well Mr. Hamilton." Her voice was soft and she looked away demurely before pulling on her black gloves. She should have had them on before taking his hand but it couldn't be helped now. Lillian could feel the warmth where their hands had touched.

She followed her family out but cast a slight look back over her shoulder at Vance before moving out the door.

The family piled into the carriage and headed home.

It didn't take long for Johnathan to vanish back out into the night, a card game calling him away.

Lillian sat in the parlour with Anna, who had her feet up. Two cups of tea were brought in for them. Her aunt and uncle had retired for the night. There was no sign of Maxwell and Jenny.

She lifted the tea to her lips and blew on the hot liquid.

"He likes it you know. When Jenny flirts like that. He is probably fucking her brains out right now as they talk about that man taking her while he watches."

Lillian almost dropped her tea. Anna's tone and language shocked her. There was such lewd suggestions and such bitterness behind it.

Anna chuckled a little, she saw the shock on Lillian's face. "It's true, just not something polite people talk about. Just you watch she will throw that party and be all over every man she can. Maxwell will play the uninterested husband but as soon as they are alone..."

Her mouth was open and it made Anna chuckle harder, her round belly shaking. "Your husband never had something like that? Johnathan likes cards and gambling more than me or whores. I guess that is a blessing..." She took a drink of her tea.

Lillian shook her head. "No, we- I mean he -" She was flustered and her face turned red.

Anna smirked. "You just weren't married long enough to learn what he liked. That first year all men tend to be more gentlemanly but soon they want more."

Lillian looked down at her tea. "I suppose that could be true. I would not know."

Anna sighed tiredly. She lifted herself out of the chair slowly.

"Mr Hamilton seemed quite taken by you. He couldn't take his eyes off you." She gave Lillian's shoulder a squeeze. "Night."

With that Anna left Lillian alone with her tea. Lillian's mind now went places that caused her whole body to flush. Her mind flashed with images of Vance's eyes. She could still feel where his hand had taken hers. Images shifted to that hand on her arm, her back, her neck as it pulled her in-

Lillian put her tea down and began to unbutton the bodice of her dress. She was impossibly warm. She stood fanning her exposed neck.

Her dreams that night proved interesting.
-----
Johnathan arrived at the saloon. He surveyed the room as he removed his hat. His eyes fell on Vance, amusement playing on his features.

"I see I got you interested in learning poker..." It was a jest. Many men hid their interest in cards as women could be such judgemental creatures.

"First drink on me then?"

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

They all waited as the man came and joined them.

Lillian watched him as he took a seat across from her. His name was Vance and he had only just arrived in the town.

Jenny was pleased as punch when he sat down. She grinned to him when they were introduced. Lillian couldn’t help but mark that it was almost as if she were a schoolgirl and he, her crush. She forgot about Maxwell it seemed though her cousin was more engrossed in his food at that moment.

As she watched Vance hand over his weapon one slender, dark eyebrow rose. He was certainly aware of what others noticed.
They talked. Vance’s meal arrived and slowly everyone ate as they conversed. The men did most of the talking while Jenny fawned over the man. Lillian listened intently to any answers the man gave. Something about him was alluring, interesting but she couldn’t put a finger on what it was exactly. Perhaps it was just his person, his general presence.

Anna sighed when her husband brought up poker but she said nothing. Maxwell and Jenny were keen to hear Vance’s response. Johnathan put a lot of stock into a man he might win money from at cards.

His answer made Johnathan pout as Vance seemed disinterested entirely. Anna perked up and the others tried to ignore the topic.

Lillian had her fill of her meal. She wiped at the corners of her mouth and took a sip of her sherry. Her uncle prattled on about cattle and the ranch, the town and how they had done well.

“We do have to deal with cattle thieves and I think we may have to look at hiring a few more ranch hands to help protect them. Daytime isn’t the issue mind but nighttime the men simply want to drink and it is hard to find someone willing to do that job.”

Her glass was empty. Her hands folded in her lap as the hotel staff began to clear the tables. Sherry was poured for everyone with empty glasses. Desserts were ordered by her aunt for the whole table, including Vance.

Maxwell leaned back in his chair a little to look at Vance. “What brought you to Willow Springs?”

Jenny clapped her hands together. “Oh yes and what sort of work are you looking for. Perhaps you could work at the ranch!” She batted her lashes at Vance. Anna sighed at Jenny’s behaviour.

Lillian tilted her head a little and licked her lips. “Please forgive Jenny, Mr Hamilton. She is the social butterfly of the family and is very keen to get to know everyone. Perhaps you can start with where you arrived from? I am very interested, as someone who only arrived here a month ago, to know where people have come in from.”

She raised her glass to her lips and took a sip. She could feel her cheeks warm from the alcohol.

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

She would be wearing something like this at the moment
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/9a/dc/ef/9adcef8220f1ca7de467be4815bf4fd7--black-wedding-dresses-black-weddings.jpg

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

The family went back to their meal. The others had turned their conversation to ranch and the baby. Lillian paused to take a sip of sherry and to look out the window again. Her gaze never made it to the window. The man, the new arrival was sitting in her line of vision. He had removed his hat now and was studying her.

Unconsciously her head tilted as if observing him as well. Soft, brown eyes moved over his features a moment before she blinked and looked away demurely.

She ate a little more of her meal as the others talked. At one point she looked up, watching the stranger through her lashes. To all who looked it seemed that Lillian was engrossed in looking at her meal but her attention was elsewhere.

This man was interesting. She watched him put a coin on the table.

Curious.

“Don’t you think so Lily?” Jenny’s voice startled her.

“I am sorry? I was lost in thought for a moment.” Lillian pulled her eyes to the woman.

“I said I think we should have a little party before the baby is born. A last gathering before we all tiptoe about trying not to wake a sleeping infant. Don’t you think so too? Wouldn’t it be fun?” Jenny was excited and wanted the woman on her side.

“Oh! I just had a wonderful idea! It would be the perfect time for you to change from your mourning clothes. Think of it a party and no more black. Perhaps you might even meet someone.” Jenny was practically bouncing in her seat.

Lillian paled and opened her mouth to respond but the waitress interrupted her.

“Here you are sir.” She put a new bottle of sherry by Benjamin.

“I didn’t order this.” Her uncle frowned.

“No sir, a gift. From the gentleman at the table over there.” The waitress gestured to where the stranger sat.

Lillian looked up to see his eyes on her once more though he nodded in the table’s direction. That had been what the coin was for. Now she wondered why and who he was. Curiosity pulled at her. She adjusted the lace that played at her throat. The action allowing her to keep her eyes up and watch the man without staring.

Benjamin gave a nod back. “Well, that was nice of him. Just leave it then.”

Johnathan, silverware in hand, looked over at the stranger. “Curious that. Why would he send that over?”

Benjamin took a bite of steak. “Perhaps he knows who we are. Maybe he is just a well mannered gentleman.”

Mabel dotted at her mouth. “Perhaps we should invite him to join us.”

“He doesn’t have his food yet and we are half done. We wouldn’t want to put the man on the spot while he eats.” Maxwell glanced back towards the man.

“I think we should invite him over.” The flush had returned to Jenny’s cheeks. “It is the only polite thing to do. We can take our time so he isn’t eating alone.” As if to emphasize her point she put her silverware down.

Benjamin was engrossed in his steak once more. “I will go and thank him, introduce myself. That is-”

“Invite him over.” The words came out without thinking. Lillian looked at her uncle. Benjamin was staring at her as if she had grown a second head.

“It would be more polite to invite him over and introduce him to the whole family uncle. He may have business here that might be good for you and the ranch.” Lillian felt her throat go dry. Her eyes shifted back to the stranger.

“Very well. It seems I am outnumbered by the women in this household. Anna, do you care to weigh in as well for good measure.” Benjamin stood up and placed his napkin on the table.

Anna leaned back in her chair a little, hand resting on her round stomach. “Never hurts to meet the new folks who come to town.”

Benjamin grunted and walked over to the man’s table.

“Evening sir. Thank you for the sherry. My family and I would like to know if you would care to join us at our table. It would only be polite since you so graciously purchased the bottle for us. I am Benjamin Stewart.”

He put his hand out to shake the man’s.

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

“You cannot be serious Johnathan.” Anna was hissed under her breath at her husband. She had only been staying with them a month but Lillian had already learned to tune out her cousin and his wife’s bickering.

“Well, why shouldn’t I? You will just want to go home to rest and I am not tired.” Her cousin, Johnathan shrugged. “While I cannot wait for my son to be born, I do not wish to sit at home every night with you as you moan and groan about your ever growing stomach.

Lillian turned her chin a little, offering some sort of privacy as the two argued. It seemed Johnathan wanted to play cards after supper but a heavily pregnant Anna wanted him to stay in. They had not even ordered their meal yet and already this discussion had begun.

Johnathan’s poker habit seemed a constant source of strife and from what the maid said, it had gotten worse when Anna became pregnant.

Her eyes moved about the table. Her uncle and aunt sat, menus in hand and faces covered as if they could pretend the couple and their discussion did not exist. Her other cousin, Maxwell and his wife Jenny sat across from her. Jenny gave her a strained smile.

“I believe I will have the steak.” Her uncle Benjamin declared as he put his menu down. “And some sherry for us all to start. Yes, yes I think that is a good idea.”

Eventually, the table ordered, the sherry was poured and the men discussed the cattle. Lillian smoothed the black material of her skirt before looking off towards a far window. The setting sun had cast the sky into shades of rich blues and purples with splashing of orange.

Inside was warm, lit by oil lamps that cast shadows on the patterned walls. The Stewart family had a long table given the size of their party but also the table at the far side of the room. They were one of the more well off families in the area with a large cattle ranch that was prospering well.

Lillian picked up her sherry and took a sip. She missed the smell of the sea in Boston but there was something about this place that she found endearing. Maybe it was the normalcy of her family, away from the societal obligations of a city like Boston. Maybe it was the land. Or maybe it was that nothing here reminded her of her dead husband.

“Very good sherry. I should find out what it is and get some for the house.” Benjamin’s declaration pulled her from her thoughts.

“That would be lovely dear.” Her aunt interjected.

“Jenny, you should paint the sunset at some point. I have never seen such lovely hues in the sky.” Lillian’s eyes were on the window again.

“Oh yes, well it is lovely but you get used to it. I prefer to paint the flowers.”

Lillian nodded, “But of course, and your paintings are lovely.”

With that the conversation moved into its normal ebb and flow. The only difference between tonight and any other is they had chosen to go to the Golden Eagle Hotel and not at home.

The meals arrived and everyone was engrossed in their plates with the stranger walked in. Maxwell and Johnathan noticed right away. Eyes took in the man, landing on his weapon before looking to each other. Neither recognized him.

Jenny noticed but for a different reason. Colour rose in her cheeks as she muttered “oh my” just under her breath.

Lillian looked up and noticed the stranger as well.

“It is rude to stare and you were brought up better. As if you have never seen a new person before.” Mabel scolded the younger generation. “This town have plenty new who come in all the time. Put your peepers away, all of you and have some manners.”

The men chuckled at the scolding. Jenny’s blush deepened. Lillian pulled her eyes away and back to her meal.

"Blood and Guns" (A Vampire Tale from the Wild Wild West)

http://www.asset1.net/tv/pictures/movie/bram-stoker%27s-dracula-1992/di-Bram-Stokers-Dracula-3.jpg

Name: Lillian McGregor (nee Stewart)
Age: 22
Height: 5’4
Hair: Dark brown
Eyes: Brown

Basics:
Lillian Stewart married Bruce McGregor were married in Boston a year and six months before his death. He was trampled trying to tame a horse on his family’s estate in Massachusetts.

When he died Lillian went into mourning. At her family’s insistence she traveled out to visit her uncle, Benjamin Stewart, her aunt Mabel and her cousins. They have a prosperous cattle ranch in Willow Springs.

Family:
Benjamin (uncle)
Mabel (aunt)

Johnathan (cousin)
Anna (his wife, 7 months pregnant)

Maxwell (cousin)
Jenny (his wife)

Mabel and Benjamin
- married for love and mutual respect
- she is traditional, proper
- runs a tight household
- they make a good couple given their individual strengths

Johnathan and Anna
- married because she was in love and he knew it was a good match
- she has some traditional values but has grown a little bitter, sad as their marriage progressed and his love of cards became the main focus of his life outside the ranch
- she is excited to have the baby though worries it will drive them apart but knows that isn't uncommon (thinking her parents were similar, a marriage no longer about love but appearance)
- Johnathan is all business and cards. Not much of a man for whores or intimacy. Some conversation if he might prefer the company of men but is not the case. He just doesn't have the same level of desire that other men do for women
- he finds the idea of women who are not like his mother less than appealing. Very traditional ideas as to a woman's place

Maxwell and Jenny
- Maxwell is very different from his brother, as if making up for his lack of desire by having an overly heightened sexual interest
- Jenny was a socialite and they met at a party
- both enjoy more alternate ideas of sex (he likes to watch her with other men and then join, she doesn't enjoy him with other women however)
- she is flirtatious, has no interest in having children yet
- Maxwell is more like his father when it comes to business though he enjoys his fun and freedom more

Time of the Hunter (Skulls and Bing)

March 1983

Smoke filled the bar. She lifted the glass to her lips and let the whiskey flow over her tongue. She needed that burn, that warmth. Everything about this job felt wrong to her. It wasn't that she didn't understand why but the fact that it went against every code, every rule that they followed felt wrong to her.

Ella looked up, eyes focusing on her reflection in the mirror behind the bar.

Behind her a bar band was doing a bad cover of 'Hot Blooded' by Foreigner. She had picked this place because she figured it would be easy to hide away. She didn't realize when she first pulled in that it would get so crowded. For all the roughness of the songs this band seemed to attract a crowd.

Or maybe there is just nothing else to do in this town.... The thought rolled through her mind as another drink of whiskey moved over her tongue.

She wasn't here to party or dance like the rest. She was just passing through. Ella had a job to do, even if she didn't agree with it. Mark was sick. Cursed more than sick and it was her job to find the one thing that would help them. Her problem was, as s hunter she was supposed to destroy such items, not recover them. That was their sole purpose. Find and destroy, take down those supernatural things and people tied to them.

Of course that is what got Mark cursed to begin with.

Then again he was sloppy so.... She let the treasonous thought pass. Mark was in charge. Even if he had let his guard down and go caught was it right for her to criticize the one who tasked with keeping them all organized?

Ella couldn't help but wonder if it had been one of the other hunters if they would have been so quick to find and salvage this thing or if the hunter would have been left to die so that they didn't go against their code? Part of her felt Mark and the council were more concerned about saving his hide than the code.

"Another?"

Ella looked from her reflection to the bartender. A glance down found her whiskey gone.

"Double this time, please." She slid her glass away. The man picked it up, giving her a smile.

"Careful now hun, some of the men here might try and take advantage if you get too tipsy." He looked her over.

"I'll be fine. Promise." Even at 5'5 Ella was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Fighting and defense was part of what she spent her life training to do.