RATING: R - for violence and sexual content. Some content may be disturbing to more sensitive readers.
UNIVERSE: Old West (The Original and Still the Best)
SERIES: History Will Know The Seven
ARCHIVE: Yes, but ask first please.
DISCLAIMER: If only wishes did come true... Reality is harsh.
John Watson and CBS own The Magnificent Seven and all of its characters.
No profit shall be received from this narrative.
I claim All Original Characters as my own.
Please, DO NOT use them without my express permission.
WRITER'S NOTES: The references to Greek Mythology used here can be found in most Encyclopedias.
It was necessary for me to learn the game of poker, although it doesn't take up a lot of the plot. I'm told I got it right.
The Native Language used here is authentic, but I did take small liberties with some of the translation. I must apologize for the appearance of the written words. The standard computer keyboard does not allow for Cheyenne punctuation.
My story has no true basis in reality, but the references made to Native American cultural beliefs have a basis in fact. The creatures of the Four Winds do exist!
This is an updated verion of the original story. I've learned a lot about writing in the past then mnths and just thought I'd make things a little easier to read. A big thanks to Elizabeth for re-posting the story.
My thanks to Antoinette for her friendship, guidance and patience. Thanks also, to Amy, for her enthusiasm and tenacity. And, thank you to Carrie and Marnie, for their eagerness to help.
For those readers who desire a little more detail, there is also an 'Adult' version of this story available on this site.
Vin Tanner had quite a nice little camp set up. He'd had lots of time to work on it. After all, he'd been here now for more than two weeks. He had been seven days out of Four Corners when an eagle circling high above had caught his attention. They weren't that unusual up here in the mountains but he'd felt like this one was talking to him. Gazing up at the circling bird, the woman's words floated back into his consciousness. Call all you want my friend! She won't find me here.
He had voiced the words but wasn't convinced of what he'd said.
His wagon was backed up against a stand of trees, while the workhorse and his horse were secured on long ropes. There was plenty of grass to feed the animals and their lines allowed them to get to the stream. The tracker had built a lean-to beside his transportation to shelter supplies. Securing a good spot for his fire, he had set out a circle of stones. During the days, he did a little scouting and hunting. At night he sat by the fire and watched the stars. He'd missed being out in the wilderness.
This afternoon he was sitting at the edge of the lake doing some fishing. The water was calm and the sun was warm. He sat relaxing against a boulder, using his spyglass to watch some deer on the opposite shore. All of a sudden, they scattered. Vin sat up. He couldn't tell at first, what the reason for their anxiety was. Then he spotted two men. It was obvious to the sharpshooter that the two were inexperienced hunters. They tried to get close to the deer again and scared them off a second time. He laughed to himself before pulling his pole out of the water and returned to camp with his catch.
A couple of hours later Tanner was busy cooking up the fish when he abruptly became aware that he had company. He slowly straightened up from his position over the fire and rested a hand on his mare's laig. He waited and listened but didn't move again until they were inside his camp.
"Howdy there friend," the big man greeted the sharpshooter.
The tracker turned to face the two intruders. He wasn't going to be taken in by their polite tone or manners. He smiled a little. "Can I help you fella's?" he asked. His hand still rested on his weapon.
"Nice of ya tah ask friend," the other man put in. "Ain't had much luck with our hunting fer a spell. Sure could use some of that there fish you's frying up."
The sharpshooter's ears were listening to the smaller man but his eyes were focused on his much larger friend. The big man had taken all of about thirty seconds to size up Vin and his camp. It was obvious he figured they could handle the tracker and relieve him of his supplies.
"Reckon you got enough supplies for a while. You got company or you just figuring on stayin' around a might longer?" the larger man asked. He eyed Tanner's weapon intently.
The sharpshooter smiled cordially. "Reckon I can spare some of the fish," he replied. He tried to distract the man from his plotting by offering the smaller man a seat near the fire.
His companion happily accepted the sharpshooter's invitation but the big man stayed back.
"Ain't you hungry?" he tried once more to bring the other man forward. If they caused problems, it would be easier to have them both in his sights.
Shaking his head ominously, the big man stood back by the wagon while his companion served himself some fish and started eating.
Tanner took note that the smaller man had laid his rifle down and his pistol was under his plate. He tried one more time to draw the big man closer. "Reckon you should probably get some before ya friend here eats it all."
The big man just smiled at the tracker. They both stood their ground.
For several minutes, the only movement in camp was the shoveling motions the smaller man made to get the food into his face.
And then, without warning, the big man went for his gun.
The sharpshooter reacted quickly. He hit the ground and rolled. He got off two rounds and managed to take the big man down but his friend by the fire had been given more than enough time to draw his pistol. From where he was at, there was no way he could miss the tracker. Cussing his stupidity, the sharpshooter laid down his weapon and raised his hands.
"You'd best say yer prayers, young fella," the smaller man snicker, "I ain't planning on taking no prisoners." He leveled his weapon at Tanner's head and smiled.
The tracker looked the man straight in the eye. If it was his turn to leave this world, Vin was determined to do it with his eyes open.
... A single shot rang out across the lake.
The smaller man stared questioningly at the gun in his hand. He exchanged disbelieving looks with the tracker before his eyes rolled back in his head and he fell down beside the fire.
Not letting his momentary relief cloud his judgement, Vin looked anxiously past the two dead men and into the tree line. Someone was out there but he couldn't see or sense a presence. He slowly reached for his mare's laig and pulled it in close.
There was movement... and then... a familiar figure moved from the shadows.
Aiming his weapon at the stranger, the sharpshooter hesitated. "Athena?" he whispered to himself questioningly.
A big floppy hat and black duster hid the gunman from view, just as they had done the first time he laid eyes on her. Yet, the sharpshooter couldn't feel or hear her in his thoughts. He was confused. Back in Four Corners, he knew she was around by her presence in his mind. Even before she'd hit town he had known something was different. It can't be her... can it? ...Damn! ...Looks like her... but I can't feel her.
The stranger watched as Tanner cautiously got to his feet.
The tracker couldn't take his eyes off the shadow figure. "Athena?" he called out to her.
Cocking her head, the woman slowly holstered her colt. She stood for a long time, just looking at the young man. Taking a deep breath, she slowly let it out. The last one...
The past month had been like a dream for Athena. Never before had she questioned herself so much. It had all seemed like any other calling, at first. She had felt the chaos and the spirits had shown her the way to that little town. She hadn't realized that the task would encompass a group of seven men but initially; she had hoped that only one or two were in need of her guidance. In helping a few, she could make sure they saw destiny together. It wasn't until her eyes had first gazed at the small group that she had understood that they were four separate paths for her to travel. And, her initial fears had been right. These responsibilities were asking more from her than she'd ever given before.
Athena shut her eyes tightly, trying to block out the memories. But, these men would not leave her consciousness so easily. Her guidance for the first two men had been relatively simple... but the third... Oh, how she wished she could forget... but in her heart, she knew she would always remember...
Athena's instincts had forewarned her that the gunslinger would take more from her than she would normally ever give. In many ways, ...her feelings had been so right.
The departure from his home being a day later than planned... With no clear guidance from her spirits, Christopher's invitation to delay her journey for just one more day had been accepted readily. But, his deepening state of mind compelled her beyond her normal boundaries. Yet, Athena held no real regrets... she knew in her heart, that everything that had past between them had happened for a reason. For all that he had taken; Larabee gave her so much more.
She had bid her fair-haired cavalier a pensive farewell and headed out in search of the final lost soul she needed to send home. That had been fifteen days ago. Now she stood before this fourth man, a lost soul herself. As the East and West winds had guided her closer to his position, her bond with them had deteriorated. Yesterday she had caught sight of the tracker across the lake but could not sense his presence in her mind. She understood that the spirits would not be able to assist her in this final phase, yet she felt completely lost without their guidance.
How can I possibly help this man if cannot feel him?
Not only had her spirits abandoned her but the tracker had also mastered the ability to block his thoughts from her mind. The woman had known before he had left town, that when she saw him next, she would not be able to hear the reflections of his soul.
Just as she had been with Larabee, Athena was uncertain of what to do next. Yet this time... she was truly on her own. Standing here staring at Vin now, she knew she could never allow herself to be that vulnerable again... but how could she ever help him without understanding...
Considering how close he had just come to death, Tanner wasn't taking any chances, if this wasn't the woman he knew. Still peering down the barrel of his mare's laig, he called again. "Athena?"
Slowly she looked into his eyes and realized he was as confused as she was, with the lack of contact they had in their minds. She took off her hat and her long braid fell over her shoulder. She smiled gently for him.
The sharpshooter didn't relax his hold on his weapon. His eyes recognized the woman but his mind was telling him different. He frowned. "Athena?"
She lowered her gaze. She knew in her heart why he questioned her. "Nanomonestotse," she whispered quietly.
Vin understood the Cheyenne word she spoke and he slowly lowered his weapon. It was as though she called softly to the essence of his soul. Yes! ...We can be at peace.
At Athena's insistence, they had loaded the bodies onto the workhorse and she had simply disappeared into the trees with them. Tanner knew she believed them to be 'unworthy of respect' and understood her desire to return them to the creatures of the forest. He had agreed without argument. He didn't feel like digging graves anyway.
The tracker had washed away the bloodstains and set about cooking up some more fish. He never gave it a second thought that she wouldn't return. He was too busy trying to understand why she wasn't in his head anymore. They had exchanged no more words before she left, although he desperately wanted an answer. Now the sun was setting and he looked towards the tree line and wondered if she was coming back.
Tanner knelt to turn the fish when the sound of a horse found his ears. He looked toward the stream and saw the woman and the workhorse drinking from the running water. He watched as she removed her boots and socks to soak her feet. He couldn't help but wonder how she could stand the ice-cold temperature of the mountain stream. The sharpshooter's eyes followed her as she took the workhorse back to his tether and retrieved her footwear from the grass. She moved back into the trees and then returned several minutes later with her saddle and blanket, her rifle and bags. After depositing her belongings under the lean-to, she came to the fire and stood beside him. Vin continued to stare at the woman.
Athena ignored his eyes and sat down to brush the dirt from her feet. "It would be best if you turn the food before it burns," she said softly after a few minutes.
The tracker realized he hadn't been paying attention to their supper and quickly turned the pieces before the pan caught them. He looked at her again and smiled that famous Tanner smile. It had been a month since he had first laid eyes on her and three weeks since he left Four Corners. He hadn't realized that he had missed her company that much. "Took ya long enough tah find me."
She looked across the fire into his sparkling blue eyes then lowered her head before she spoke. "It was necessary for me to guide the others before I began my search for you." She remembered the men that she had left behind. Each memory, in its own special way, she would cherish eternally.
The sharpshooter considered her words carefully. Standish and Wilmington were still in Four Corners when he had left. He recalled how different the gambler had been that afternoon he caught them coming out of the hotel. He remembered clearly the words the southerner had spoke that day '... and I do believe that young lady has shown me where I truly belong'. Vin also considered how uncharacteristic Ezra's actions were, the day of the raid. He surmised that Athena had somehow shown Ezra his true place amongst The Seven. The sharpshooter had questioned her motivation then. Only now did he actually understand. He smiled to himself and pushed the fish around in the pan.
Wilmington was another story. He'd been fit to be tied the morning the tracker had pulled out of town. He'd refused to acknowledge Tanner and Vin thought it was probably for the best. Buck's temper always seemed to get the best of him when he figured his friends were in danger. The kid was usually at the top of his list. The sharpshooter felt he had let them both down the day of the raid and he'd left the tall rogue to his own anger.
Looking back at the girl again, the tracker flipped the fish one more time. Her manner was calm and Vin understood how her gentleness might have soothed the fire in Wilmington's heart. No man seemed to be able to cool the hot head down when he lost it. Vin also considered that the ladies' man's usual passions might have reciprocated the action. It wasn't out-of-the-question that the tall rogue had been relieved of his anger. A smirk crossed Tanner's face as he reached for the plates he'd set by the fire to warm. He glanced at the woman quickly. It wasn't hard to imagine Athena and Buck together.
Vin served the fish and handed Athena her share. She accepted the plate from him but showed little interest in its content. He studied her face carefully and watched as she twisted the end of her braid though her fingers. "What about Larabee?" he asked. He gauged her reaction carefully but couldn't understand the body language.
Athena closed her eyes slowly, licked her lip and then dropped her chin. She deliberated about her answer before speaking. "Christopher has returned to his rightful place." She still didn't look at the tracker.
There was no way for Vin to satisfy his curiosity except to ask the question that was on his mind. He couldn't help but notice the mood the gunslinger was in the night he left. He'd seen the whiskey he took back to his shack. Any sane person would have steered clear of him for a long time but he didn't think Athena would have allowed herself that option. Tanner had also noticed the healing cut on the woman's lip. The thoughts that crossed his mind made him angry. "He hurt you... didn't he?" he asked quietly. The anger was clear in his voice as he stared at her.
Athena closed her eyes and tried hard not remember her first moments with the gunslinger. Nevertheless, as the memories flashed through her mind she covered them with remembrance of her last few hours with the real Chris Larabee. "Your leader has returned," there was a long pause as she looked back at the tracker and studied his eyes. "As must you," she finished off.
There was no way for Tanner to understand the look on her face. Ezra's poker face came to mind as he puzzled over the expression. For an instant, he thought he saw anguish and then it had turned to... something else... Now there was no emotion to be read on the face at all. No... not Ezra. Chris! "He's gone back tah town?" he asked simply.
"He has ... returned to his rightful place." She looked towards the man and their eyes locked, "and so must you," she repeated again.
For three weeks, the sharpshooter had been dreading those words. He'd guessed she would come looking for him and it wasn't hard to figure out that it would be to take him back. He'd had all this time to think on it though. He'd missed being out here where he could think straight. Where he didn't have to listen to any of Josiah's high words or Ezra's complaining. Where he didn't need to bother with Larabee's moods or the healer trying to look out for everybody. And then there was Wilmington and the kid. Tanner closed his eyes and smiled. Well, maybe he missed their constant bickering just a little bit. "Don't see no reason tah go back... Reckon we's never gonna really know each other anyway." Vin set his empty plate on the grass and leaned back to stretch. "I'm doin' just fine out here on my own."
There was a long pause before she spoke. "You have never let anyone know you... completely."
The tracker turned slowly and looked deep into her eyes. He studied the face carefully and suddenly realized that there was something missing... Something she didn't know. It didn't make any sense. Vin was so used to Athena knowing everything about him. "Why don't you know... me?" his gaze took in her changing expression and all of a sudden he realized the truth. It wasn't just him.
"You can't get inside my head, anymore." He sat up but never took his eyes off her. "Can you?"
Athena stared back at him as he recognized the reality of the situation. She got to her feet and turned to stare across the lake.
Following her, the sharpshooter looked bewildered. "Why?" he shook his head questioningly.
There was a long pause before she answered. "The spirits guided me to your town more than four weeks ago Vin Tanner... to you. To your friends... It took time but I could sense the truths they denied. I was able to guide them back to become more complete than before." She turned and looked at him again. Her face showed confusion and disappointment. "Your secret still remains yours... I cannot resolve what I do not know... I have failed you."
They stood silently and looked into each other eyes.
The tracker spent most of the night tossing and turning in the bed of his wagon. Athena had refused to say anymore before curling up under the lean-to. She had ignored him completely and he knew something had changed.
Vin woke well past sunrise to the smell of biscuits cooking. Frowning, he stretched and crawled from his bed, only to be greeted by something he hadn't expected. He gazed at the woman as she tended to the biscuits baking in the stone oven she had constructed. She had on a flowing skirt and a colorful cloth, tied about her waist and neck. Her back and shoulders were bare and her hair swayed freely as she moved around the camp. If not for the gun belt strung around her hips, the tracker wouldn't have guessed this to be the same woman. He watched her curves as she mixed some more dough. He could see the tattoo below her hair and he wondered again, if the young woman had been cursed or blessed. Shaking the lingering thought away, he jumped down from the wagon and he moved to join her. He marveled again at the sight. She's definitely a woman! Taking up a seat on the large log beside the fire, Vin grinned. "Mornin'."
She smiled her reply before laying a plate of biscuits on his lap.
Tanner's 'thank you' was an even bigger grin. He watched as Athena busied herself removing the remaining biscuits from her oven. When they were all safely on the extra plate, she took one for herself and sat at his feet facing the fire. He munched on the food and looked curiously at the construction off to one side of his fire pit. Although buried partially in the ground, the stones stood up proudly. "Reckon you done ya self proud. Quite the little oven ya got there," he said after a while.
They sat quietly and enjoyed the biscuits before she leaned over and retrieved a fourth one for him.
The sharpshooter thanked her again with another smile. "Where'd ya find them flat rocks?"
Looking pleased with his comment, Athena looked over her shoulder and pointed to the stream.
Vin nodded slowly, "'Course," he replied. He'd never even considered building what he saw. But then again, he probably wouldn't have even come close to her perfection. Finishing off the last biscuit, the tracker motioned no when she offered another. He did accept the coffee she'd made though.
Seated together, as they were, anyone traveling by might have suspected a much deeper bond between these two strangers but this couldn't be further from the truth.
Athena sat staring at the countryside wondering what she was supposed to do now. For the first time in her life, she was a woman without any special gifts. She had a mission to accomplish and nothing to tell her how she should proceed... yet she could not fail... To lose one would be losing them all.
Her urgent need to send this man back to where he came from was her only reason for being here... If not for that, Athena knew she would never have come. But, ...there was a strange satisfaction in being alone in the wilderness with this near stranger. An unusual peace seemed to be enveloping her... something that she could never remember feeling before. Even the telltale whispers in her mind were strangely quiet. Confused by her apparent normality, she felt as though she knew nothing... but she also felt compelled to finish what she had started. She simply just... didn't... know how.
The sharpshooter eyed the woman carefully. He'd trained himself to gauge people by the façade they presented, but nothing had prepared him to deal with this woman. At first, she was a strong forceful presence in his subconscious. Her personality was a confused mixture of ups and downs and he hadn't had enough time to understand what he perceived. One minute calm and focused and then efficient and intense. Each facet had played an intricate part in his last eleven days in Four Corners but after the incident, his doubt and anger had taken over and all he'd thought about was getting away.
Those men were his friends but they didn't understand him. He'd let them down. He had no more reason to stay. But then Athena had come back into his thoughts. The quiet, peacefulness of his surroundings made Vin think of the woman that now sat below him. Glancing at her reassuringly, he couldn't help but see the natural beauty this place brought out in her. He knew his oneness with the wilderness brought out something special in him but he'd never met a woman for whom, it did the same... until now.
Vin spent the morning showing the woman around his little part of the mountain valley. In the afternoon they wandered further out to check on his traps and brought back a rabbit and some wild roots. The sharpshooter now busied himself fixing a hearty stew to go with the left over biscuits while Athena sat quietly on the lakeshore. They had talked very little throughout the day, although they both had things on their minds.
The woman's thoughts wandered as she stared at the majestic surroundings. Different shades of green and brown dotted the hills. The deep blue of the lake contrasted wonderfully with the rich hue of the clear sky high above. Everything seemed so fresh and alive and Athena found it hard to concentrate on the task that she was here to accomplish. Glancing back at Vin, she smiled gently. It was rare to find a man who appreciated this kind of beauty as much as she did. Yet, he seemed more at peace here than he had before. She didn't need to see the reflections of his soul to understand the quiet calm that filled his spirit. Clearly, they were both drawn to this existence but...
Interrupting the woman's musings Tanner called, telling her that the stew was ready. Neither spoke during the meal. The cautious smiles they exchanged seemed to be enough convey their mutual contentment. When the food was gone, Athena got to her feet first and took charge of the dishes. They smiled at each other again as she headed for the stream.
When Athena returned he was sitting on the large log again. A blanket and her coat were resting beside him. She stowed the pot and plates in the lean-to and moved back to the fire. Vin offered the woman her coat and watched as she put it on and sat down at his feet again. The sharpshooter laid the blanket gently across her bare feet and legs.
The setting sun cast long shadows across the valley as the two sat quietly and surveyed the spectacle. Tanner couldn't help but watch the girl, too. He knew his own reasons for enjoying this life so much but he wondered what the appeal was to Athena. The more he thought about her reasons, the more he thought about her. So many different questions flooded into his mind. A half-hour passed before Vin finally broke the lingering silence. "Do ya hear everyone's thoughts?" he asked softly.
Athena glanced at him quickly before hiding the hurt in her eyes. With the peacefulness of the day, she had all but forgotten what she had lost. She shifted her position and her gaze wandered to the far off lakeshore.
The minutes ticked slowly by.
"I do not know how I perceive another's reflections... But, no," she finally answered quietly. "I only understand those who need my help... and sometimes those who are closest to them." She closed her eyes and smiled as she thought about the other men that made them seven. "It is always different... what I can understand. This time there have been many images."
There was another silence as Athena turned back to Vin and looked at him doubtfully.
"Your Josiah and Nathan. They are good men, with good hearts. No matter what may come, they will ground your friendship. I knew they needed no guidance to ride through the storm..."
Tanner considered her words and he couldn't help but think about his friends. He knew she had come for four of them. Sanchez and Jackson made six. "What about JD?"
A grin appeared on her lips as she looked up at the tracker slyly. She understood that he knew the answer himself but she would speak the words for him. "He is young and impressionable. His emotions may not yet be controlled but his bonds are strong. Your town is his home now. He will remain..." she looked into his eyes, "no matter what."
Vin smiled. She seemed to know them all so well but... As he stared at her hazel eyes, the tracker again thought about her. He bowed his head away from her gaze. "Tell me about Athena," he prompted quietly.
Still looking at him intently, she lowered her head and considered his request. It was almost like an unwritten rule... no one ever asked about her... and even if they did, she never responded. Athena pursed her lips in frustration. Closing her eyes, she thought about what he had asked. Maybe... revealing long kept secrets...
An idea slowly crept into her mind. Maybe the way out of this predicament was for them was to discover each other's secrets. She knew the sharpshooter's confidence was very important to him. Perhaps if he felt that she was sharing her own, long kept mysteries... then he might reveal his own. Several minutes passed before she replied. "I will tell you what I can... then you must tell me about...Vin Tanner."
The sharpshooter smiled at her words. Her talk was always very calculated. She knew exactly what to say and when. "Alright," he nodded.
She moved closer to him and rested her hand on his knee. They looked at each other for an eternity before she spoke again. "Everything..."
The sharpshooter could have sworn an hour passed before either of them moved. They held each other's gaze. He could not move... nor did he want to. "Alright," he whispered slowly.
Athena turned back to the fire and tucked the blanket around her curled legs. She leaned against him and made herself comfortable. A long, meditative breath preceded her words. "The child was born in a city called St. Louis... The woman who bore her could not understand the child's essence. Much anguish finally drove her back to her family. Her brother accepted her request for help... The Uncle had spent much time with the tribes. He was a teller of their tales in the white man's language. He told the woman of a guide who might understand her child..."
Shifting her position, Athena sighed heavily. "Together the Uncle and the woman took the child to the plains tribes he had stayed with. The elders remembered the man and told him the child was chosen for a path he and his sister could not provide... The Uncle stayed for a while as he had done when he was young. He understood the teachings but he wanted the girl to know more... The elders helped the child to understand the whispers. They introduced her to the spirits... The Uncle taught the girl his language and literature. He was there and gone many times... until the red wolf came... Then he came no more."
Vin took his own deep breath. He'd heard her words. He's also understood the emotion in her voice as she related this life story. Clearly, this wasn't something that she shared easily. "That child was you?" The tracker already knew the answer but he was curious as to why the woman referred to herself in the third person. It was as if she were trying to deny that it happened to her.
She only nodded her head in reply.
Looking around at their darkening venue, Tanner couldn't help but continue his questions. "Who gave ya yer name?" he asked quietly.
Athena's eyed betrayed her convictions. "The woman knew her child was not like others... She believed the name reflected a strength the child did not have... She who bore me did not understand but the Uncle has always smiled when he hears it. He believes it a fitting name."
Vin smiled to himself. Her mother may not have known about her daughter's gift but both the woman and her brother were right about the name. It was a fitting name for one so strong and mysterious. "When was the last time you saw them?"
Athena lowered her head at the recollections. "When the woman left I was not yet four... She could not understand... The whispers possessed me. I was not hers to hold..." she glanced up at Tanner. There was no expression on her face as she rested it back on his knee. "The Uncle was there and gone many times. I learned new things each time he came. The white man's way, he said, would keep me from harm. I last saw him in my twelfth year amongst the tribe... but I send him my accounts. He sends me readings and teachings... and your money, too."
Vin closed his eyes and listened to her words in his mind. He didn't really understand what she meant by whispers but he knew they had plagued her since she was born. They had driven her mother away but they had also given her another family instead. She'd learn both the Indian way and the white man's way... and she had learned of the spirits as a way to calm her mind. He knew that's why the tribal council would have marked her with the tattoo. Only the guardians of the four winds could communicate with the spirits. "The elders marked you when you were sixteen?"
She simply nodded her head.
"Through the cycle of the moon?" he questioned.
Athena turned and looked at the man again. She knew of his time with the tribes but she had not realized that he understood their teachings so well. "The receivings took much effort," she closed her eyes as she turned away. The memory wasn't pleasant but...
The tracker couldn't see her face but he felt her distress though the quiver of her words. They sat quietly for a few minutes and just watched the fire. "Why you?" he finally whispered.
"Many times I have asked this question," she replied after a while. "But each time there is a calling, the spirits come as the elders foretold. I can help... and each time I do... I know the answer in my heart... I am guided I know not where but when it is done I can go forward again because my essence is stronger than before..."
Vin shook his head. "I hear the fulfillment in your voice, Athena... But I also hear loneliness."
A long silence preceded her words. "The spirits keep the whispers at bay. For this, I am always grateful. People cannot understand... what I am driven to do. But I am not always alone." Again, the woman readjusted her position. "I have the time with those I guide through their journey..." she lowered her head away from his eyes. "It is difficult to know someone's thoughts... and not become... attached for a time... and when there is no calling... then I can return to the tribe... I always have the spirits."
Spirits, callings, whispers, journeys... Vin had to admit that he didn't completely understand. He closed his eyes. Raising his chin high, he smelled the sweet odor of fresh air and listened to the sound of the mountains. No matter what terminology she used, he understood in his heart what she was saying. He remembered how quickly he and Chris had become close friends because they seemed to 'understand' each other so well. He recognized the attraction she might feel but he sensed her solitude, too. "But... your spirits have abandoned you now."
Athena listened to the crackling of the fire as she stared off to the distant lakeshore. "I am not lost to them... I understand I must complete this journey without their help. I do not know why... but I do not question their wisdom..." She turned to face the tracker again and looked deep into his sparkling eyes. The firelight reflected in them but she could not feel his heart. She missed hearing his thoughts and closed her eyes to the absence.
Tanner thought he saw suffering in the woman's eyes. He reached down and held her face in his hands. He couldn't help but think he might be the cause. "Why do you believe you have failed me, Athena?"
Opening her eyes slowly, she placed her hand over his heart. She spoke softly. "You have a secret deep in your soul that is important to you... I could not reach it with my thoughts... I know only that it exists... and..." She looked up at him again and tilted her head in his hands, "and that it keeps you from the others."
The sharpshooter looked at the woman. He shook his head gently as he acknowledged what she had said. It instantly became clear to him what had happened back in town. Before that day, she had bided her time, searching out their souls in an effort to understand each man's reason for being with The Seven. Each man's weaknesses were made clear to her so that she knew in which direction to guide them. She hadn't spoken to him then, because he hid something she did not understand. Her ability to comprehend the other's reasons had helped her return them to the group but she couldn't sense his reason as she had done so easily with the others. Vin lowered his head as he released hers. "I guess it ain't important to most... but it's personal to me..." The tracker gently moved her aside as he stood and retrieved a stick to tend the fire. "I know they see me different than I really am," he continued as he stoked the fire and added more wood. "Reckon I'm more comfortable being me out 'ere, alone... than havin' tah hide... than always havin' tah play along... pretend I'm that way!"
Athena watched the tracker as he tended the fire. It was obvious that he was uncomfortable with this topic but she had no idea what it was. "Can you tell me?" she asked, "... maybe I can help."
Tanner looked at her warmly. Yeah, ... she could help. Just don't have that kind 'a courage is all. He was glad she couldn't read his thoughts tonight. He turned his eyes from hers. "What's gonna happen if I don't go back?"
She looked at him for many minutes then followed his gaze to the far off mountains.
Four days passed with very little change...
They shared each other's company so easily, yet there was always underlying frustration. It was as if they shared one spirit at times... and then some small thing would be said and they would remember the tension. Vin would remember his reason for not wanting to go back and then he would recall her real purpose in being there with him. It wasn't to enjoy his company, as they did so easily... for this, he resented her intent... but try as he might, the sharpshooter couldn't stay mad at the woman.
Athena would remember her task and her need for a clue... perhaps the only thing could help her return this man to where he belonged. Oh, but he loved being out here in the wilderness. She couldn't get the thought out of her mind. What right did she have to send him away from here? The more she reconsidered her own purpose, the more anxious she became. Why were this man's innermost feeling beginning to plague her, just as Christopher's had done. Her vulnerability troubled her when she lingered on it too long... but then Tanner would smile... and all her misgivings would just disappear.
Four days had passed and confusion, doubt and bewilderment mixed freely with admiration, wonderment and a growing attraction. Neither party quite willing to acknowledge any feelings... both quietly aware of every single emotion that baffled them so.
The following afternoon, they were walking across a nearby meadow when the tracker casually glanced at the woman. It was early summer, yet there was an unusual chill that filled the mountain air. Athena had on her long coat to cover her shoulders and Vin couldn't help but smile at the image. The garment was so obviously a man's, yet the long, flowing hair covering it didn't match at all. Suddenly he felt an urge and unlike any such impulse he had ever had before, he acted upon it... the sharpshooter reached out and took the woman's hand.
Completely taken by surprise, the woman withdrew her hand hastily. This was a gesture that she had never experienced before and she was shocked. She gazed at him questioningly. The twinkle in his eye and the smile on his handsome face explained his intentions as nothing but involuntary indulgence, yet she couldn't help but feel uneasy with his beckoning. This simple touch could mean so much more...
The tracker looked at her and frowned. He cocked his head and grinned reassuringly before holding his hand out for her to take.
In his contented demeanor, Athena watched all the confusion of the past few days disappear. She didn't comprehend any significance to the gesture but she felt such a strong urge to place her hand in his... any meaning to this touch didn't matter anymore. Slowly she reached out to wrap her fingers around his...
An eternity elapsed as they stood and stared at one another. Then they simply continued on their walk as if nothing had past between them. Their hands remained joined as they made their way back to camp.
Dusk found them settled by the fire as usual but Vin had chosen to sit on the ground this evening. Athena was curled into his shoulder. "You cold?" he asked as she snuggled even closer.
She looked up at him and smiled.
The setting sun had cooled the temperature even further. Tanner gathered the blanket from the log and wrapped it around both of their shoulders. They had dressed for the cooler weather today but he too was feeling the cool breeze. "Spring's been 'ere a while. Reckon it's a little left over wind off the mountains."
She nodded her head in agreement and glanced up at the man beside her. She grinned at his easy manner.
The tracker looked down at her and could see only comfort in her eyes. He pulled her closer and ran his finger through her hair and across her cheek. She rolled into his caress and then looked back at Vin. They gazed deep into one another's eyes and kissed gently.
Athena was comfortable in his arms and with his touch, yet she resisted him when he wrapped his arm around her waist. She was so used to knowing a man's thoughts when she was this close.
Tanner felt her mood change and looked at her questioningly. "Somethin' wrong?" he asked quietly.
"No..." she replied as she adjusted her position a little. She looked at him and rubbed her hand across his temple. She closed her eyes. "I just wish I could hear you." She looked into his eyes again then returned to her place on his shoulder. "It is more lonely than you can know," she added.
Taking her hand from his face, Vin set it over his heart. "You can hear me, Athena," he closed his eyes briefly before focusing on her hazel reflections. "Just a matter 'a learnin' what tah listen fer is all." The tracker held her in his arms and whispered that everything was going to be all right.
The loneliness and frustration eased as the hours slipped by. She couldn't hear this man's thoughts in her mind... but he was right... being close with him... almost made up for it.
They spent that night together under the lean-to... each in their own bedroll, one blanket laid across them both.
The following afternoon found them at the lakeshore. The woman was lying on a blanket a few feet away from where Tanner was fishing... or at least, he was supposed to be catching their evening meal. Like any man put in a similar situation, Vin was distracted by the view. Yesterday's cool air had vanished with the morning sun and the day had been exceedingly warmer. When Athena had said that she didn't get much opportunity to let the rays of the sun warm her bare skin Vin hadn't understood her meaning. He'd settled himself, put his line in the water, and then turned to see the spectacle beside him. That had been two hours ago. She hadn't moved once in all that time.
With her hair pushed up over her head, Athena's back was completely bare and her skirt was pulled down to reveal the small of her back. She had obviously undone the knots in her top and discarded it. The skirt also rode high on her hips exposing her legs completely to the warmth that she craved.
Besides the material across her backside there wasn't a spot on her body covered up and the tracker couldn't help but admire her soft skin and ample curves. Feeling the dryness of his lip, Vin decided it was time to divert his attention from the distraction he kept eyeing. He took the harmonica out of his shirt pocket and thumbed it a while. Finally deciding to do something with the instrument, he began his usual attempts to play it.
Athena slowly opened her eyes. With curiosity written across her face, she turned her head to look at him.
Tanner noticed her movement and smiled at her.
Still lying flat on the blanket, she returned his grin. "Tahpeno," she asked.
The sharpshooter frowned. This word was unfamiliar. He shook his head and shrugged. He didn't understand.
The woman looked down at the blanket and smirked. They could still learn things about each other. Many things, in fact... but his inability to understand her wasn't the only thing on Athena's mind. Lying in the sun her mind had wandered. Her skin radiated the sun's warmth and this only served to arouse her senses. She gazed at the sharpshooter and felt a familiar longing. This man was handsome in a rugged, natural way. His appearance was as untamed as the wilderness that surrounded them but the beauty that shone in his eyes revealed his gentle, caring nature. He was so very attractive... and the woman wanted to know him...
Seeing Athena begin to stand, Vin turned his back to give her privacy. He continued to blow on the harmonica as he heard her moving about. Suddenly, there were hands across his shoulders.
She ran her hands over his lean muscles and down the front of his shirt. Slipping her finger into its folds, she slowly unbuttoned the garment and ran her hands across his muscles. Her hair fell softly across his baring shoulders as she pushed the shirt from them. She fondled the hair on his chest. "A flute," she whispered in his ear as she nibbled it gently.
Tanner's eyes were closed. He was enjoying her caress when he felt her own bare skin touch his back. He knew she hadn't redressed herself and he hesitated. "No ... Harmonica," he whispered back.
She moved around his shoulders and kissed him softly.
He returned her kiss and instinctively put his arms around her. Athena's naked breasts pressed against his bare chest and Vin suddenly pulled away from their embrace. He opened his eyes to look directly into hers.
She did not need her spirits to sense his mood change. She frowned as he moved away and got to his feet. His eyes refused to meet hers and she saw him close them and ball his face in frustration.
Pursing his lips, Tanner cussed under his breath. "I'm sorry," he said curtly, before turning away and heading back to camp.
Athena watched him walk away and gathered the blanket to cover her nakedness. She peered out across the lake and struggled with the thoughts that ran through her mind. What did I do? Why won't he let me close? Now, more than ever, she wished she had his musings in her mind to tell her what she had done wrong.
Another day saw the events of yesterday all but forgotten. No matter what transpired between them, Vin and Athena could not seem to keep their eyes from one another. The attraction was so natural for both, yet when she tried to act upon it, he simply pulled away. And, even as they grew closer, the woman could not forgotten why she was there. When she had tried to question him about his 'secret', he simply ignored her. When she reminded him of his promise to tell her, he just walked away. There were times when they were so far apart... yet, in the evenings when they settled in each other's arms... the day's conversation disappeared.
The battle seemed all but lost, and as Athena returned to the fire, she was ready to give in. She had been there more than a week now and was no closer to a solution than she had been when she followed those men round the lake head eight days before. The tracker was enjoying his time here in the mountains and since the woman had joined him, he felt like he should never leave. The woman closed her eye and swore at her incompetence. What am I to do? Sighing heavily, she stepped closer. "What must I do to convince you that you must return to The Seven?" she asked, sitting down beside him.
Vin looked at her and took his own deep breath. He was really starting to hate her perseverance. "Not tonight 'thena. Bringin' down that tree this afternoon, plum wore me out." The sharpshooter moved in closer to the woman and tried to cuddle her.
She sat straight up and did not curl into his arms as she normally did. "I did advise you against your efforts but you did not heed my warnings." She turned to face him. Her manner and her face were stern. "You are intent on building a shelter on this mountain," she gazed away. "I have not failed you, Vin Tanner ... I have failed your companions." She stood up and moved away from him before turning to look at him once more.
The sharpshooter was frustrated with her statements. " 'thena," he called. He smiled reassuringly and patted the spot she had just vacated. He was tired from his activities and wanted only for her to return and comfort him.
His casual manner got the best of the woman and she turned away from his beckoning. She was angry with herself and the tracker but his gently way made it so hard to stay mad. She cleared his handsome face from her mind and focused her thoughts on her task. "If you will not go back, then I must..." she said sternly. "I will tell Ezra that his doubts were justified... and that he may return to his untrusting ways."
Athena was becoming upset and Vin could sense it.
"I shall tell the cowboy that his temper is fitting and that the strength of his passions are not enough to hold this fellowship together." The woman turned to face the tracker and looked him directly in the eye. "I will return to Christopher..." Her breath was suddenly taken from her as memories flashed in her mind. Her eyes wandered as she fought for the right words. "And tell him that..." she took a deep breath. "What passed between us was unavailing." She turned away again and stepped further into the shadows. "I must let him know that the peace he has made in his heart was in vain." She looked out at the darkness and closed her eyes. "I must let them all know that you will not return to them... that it is my failure, not yours... and not theirs."
Tanner called her again but she disappeared into the darkness. He stood up abruptly and shouted her name again.
There was no answer.
Vin stood and stared out at the blackness surrounding him. Realizing that she needed time, he shook his head in annoyance and sat back down. He stared at the dancing flames and recalled Athena's words. She had just described the last month of her life through the journeys she had taken with his fellow peacekeepers. The sharpshooter hadn't fully comprehended her task until now. He had not completely understood her commitment and the sacrifices she'd made in the name of that task. He closed his eyes and sat quietly listening to the fire crackling. What am I gonna do?
Two days passed and there was no sign of the woman anywhere. Tanner checked all the places they had visited and all the places she'd wanted to go. He was angry with himself for only thinking about himself and he was angry with Athena for making him feel this way. As the sun set on the second day, he made his way back to camp. He stopped suddenly and realized that she had returned.
Athena was under the lean-to packing her belongings.
Vin stood in silence and watched. So many emotions went through his mind as he saw her readying to leave; yet, he knew he didn't want her to go. In his heart, the tracker realized that there was only one thing he could say to her that would make her stay. He walked up behind her slowly. "I can't just tell anyone," he finally whispered as he sank to the ground.
The woman stopped what she was doing and lowered her head. "I am no longer a stranger to you, Vin Tanner. We have shared much... I know I can help..." she whispered back. "Let me try..."
Neither of them moved as the sharpshooter's thoughts weighed heavily on his mind.
Athena's chin rested on her chest. Her eyes were closed and she was desperately trying to hear a sign.
The tracker was staring intently at the back of her head. He so much wanted to trust her. If he couldn't reveal himself now, he probably never would. He set his hand on her shoulder and closed his eyes, too. He squeezed her gently, moved round in front of her and kissed her forehead lightly. "Stay with me for just a few more days... I'll try tah find the courage in my heart ... to let you in."
Tears welled in her eyes but she would not let them fall. There is nothing that I would not do for you, Vin Tanner. Please, let me help you... please...
Athena did not leave... but Tanner felt as though he'd lost a part of himself. The comfort and ease he had enjoyed in her company was gone. The simple, shy smile that made him laugh had vanished, as well.
He sat and watched her across the firelight and wondered if he could find courage to tell her what she wanted to hear. But, the thing that weighed heaviest on his mind, was the thought of what would happen if he didn't. He so wanted to hold her in his arms... but she had refused. Vin felt as though he was losing something precious and his heart wanted nothing more than to fix that which he had broken... her trust.
In the morning, she did nothing but stare. He had tried to relax their moods by drawing her into conversation. Now he understood how frustrated other people felt when he didn't respond to their queries... or answered them with a single word or a grunt. They both became frustrated and Athena wandered off. He watched her go and the longing he felt in his heart choked the breath from his lungs. He had to do something... and soon.
Setting out after her an hour later, Tanner found the woman sitting in the long grass in the meadow. He hadn't seen her at first but finally spotted her blond hair blowing in the breeze. He wandered over and stood behind her. "Hey..." was all he said.
Athena lowered her head. Several minutes passed before raised her chin in the air to smell the breeze. Her eyes were closed. She was confused and angry... but most of all hurt. She had no idea what it was that Vin couldn't share with her yet, that wasn't the pain she felt the strongest. Deepest in her anguish was his inability to trust her... but that baffled her too. Why should she value his confidence so much? She had no answers... she was vulnerable... and she hated feeling this way!
The tracker sat beside her and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Ever hear of a boon?"
There was no reply.
The sharpshooter licked his lips nervously. "It's a blessing... good fortune..."
"I know the word," she blurted out in frustration. Leaning her head towards his hand, she hesitated. She didn't want distractions. She wanted to be close to him but that would bring her no answers. "Why are you afraid, Vin Tanner?" she asked quietly. She opened her eyes to look up at the mountains.
The tracker lowered his head and squeezed her shoulder. "Ain't much I'm afraid of..." he started to say. Licking his lips, he tried again. "Everyone just reckons they understand me is all. Most men probably just..." he swallowed hard. He wanted to tell her. He just didn't know how.
Athena could sense his hesitation and she turned to face him. His emotions suddenly overwhelmed her and she ran her hand across his jaw line. Turning her body completely towards him, she smiled. "Whatever it is, Vin Tanner, I will listen... I will not judge you because of it... I... could never see you with different eyes."
The sharpshooter listened to the emotion in her voice and knew, beyond any doubt, that she spoke the truth. He suddenly felt as though a huge weight had been lifted and a gentle smile touched his face. He leaned in to kiss her and Athena melted at his embrace. When their kissed ended another, more passionate one ensued.
Her body pressing against his as they slowly lowered to the ground. Athena kissed him again but as she lay on top of him, something pressed against her chest. She reached down between their bodies and retrieved the offending harmonica from his pocket. A mischievous grin crossed her lip before she looked from Tanner to the instrument and back again. Without warning, she flicked it into the tall grass.
"Hey," Vin complained as he pushed her aside to retrieve his property.
Athena rolled and tackled his legs as he tried to move off in the direction that she had thrown the instrument.
The sharpshooter was caught in a quandary. He'd hunger for her touch for days now. He knew the woman didn't understand the importance of what she had just done. He wasn't really mad, he just wanted to find his harmonica. Yet, the sharpshooter also couldn't help but feel excited by her playfulness. He pushed her away carefully and continued his search
It wasn't in Athena's nature to give up that easily. This time she climbed onto his back and forced him to the ground. She was giggling like a child as Tanner squirmed beneath her
Vin was enjoying their little game. Her amusement was pleasing and he tried to continue his search. In his usual agile manner, he rolled her off his back and pinned her against the soft ground. They both smiled happily but as they followed each other's eyes, the grins slowly disappeared. The tracker gradually lowered his body on to hers and kissed her passionately.
She kissed him back just as deeply and then rolled him again so that she was on top. A coy smile returned to her face. Her expression was so gentle and inviting as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his chest. Moving back to his mouth, Athena kissed him again as she reached down to loosen his gun belt.
Feeling the belt slip, Tanner pushed the woman away. He sat up as the strap dropped to the ground.
The sharpshooter's quick movements and forcefulness startled Athena. She pulled away from him as he reached for his weapon. She frowned in confusion. What did I do? She couldn't have read him wrong ... could she?
Vin looked at Athena and took a deep breath. Oh, no... God, no! His torment was clear. He tried to reassure her with a smile and ran his hands across his face. Anguish shone in his eyes as he got to his feet. "I'm sorry," he muttered under baited breath. He turned to walk away.
"Do not go, Vin Tanner."
The tracker stopped but did not turn to face her. He could hear the devastating plea in her voice and he fought back his own empathy. She'd given him so much. She'd given them all so much... The woman's pledge finally hit home. For her, he wasn't only giving up his chance to face down his fears; he was also giving up The Seven. The tracker couldn't let her bear such a burden. He wouldn't let her believe this was her fault. He couldn't...
Sucking back his tears, Tanner spoke softly. "Ain't afraid 'a much 'thena... Just ain't never found the courage..." He lowered his head and told her what she had been waiting to hear. The five simple words were coated in so much anguish, shame and disappointment that the woman could hardly contain her own emotions. He had finally revealed himself to her completely, just as he had promised.
Athena wiped a tear from her eye as she watched him walk away. She sat in the meadow most of the afternoon, flipping his harmonica repeatedly in her hands. His words replayed over and over again in her mind. He was right... There was no way she... or any of the men that he rode with... She shook her head to clear her thoughts. There was just no way anyone who knew Vin Tanner, would have ever guessed his secret. She now understood completely why he held it so close to his heart. She closed her eyes as she replayed his words in her mind.
The sun was nearing the horizon when Athena came back to his camp. She could see him leaning over the fire fixing something for their supper. And, as the woman stood silently and watched, she slowly came to the realization that having a plan in mind wouldn't have helped her this time. A smile graced her lips. The spirits that guided her had known what they were doing all along. There was no way to deal with this situation in his town. There was no way to plan a solution ahead of time. This was the only place this shy, gentle man could have revealed the deep secret that he held in his heart.
The smirk was still on her face as she walked casually back into camp. She gathered the plates and utensils from under the lean-to as though nothing had happened. They didn't look at each other as they waited for the meal to be ready. They didn't speak while they consumed it, nor when he gathered the dishes to take to the stream.
The sharpshooter took his time cleaning the dinnerware. He needed space to consider what she would be thinking. She had shown no reaction when he had revealed his confidence to her. Somehow, he hadn't expected her to. But, what was he to do now? Surely, she would be trying to formulate a plan. He'd found the courage to tell her but he wasn't positive he had the courage to end the impasse. But, if ever there was a time ...
His daydream passed and Tanner headed back to camp. The sun was completely down and Athena had built up the flames up to keep them cozy. He couldn't help but notice the bedrolls beside the fire and he watched as the woman laid the blankets on top of them. Vin put the dinnerware away and made his way to the fire. He sat down beside the lady who had kept him company for the last nine days.
Everything was quiet for the longest time. Neither of them moved nor spoke.
Athena sat with her eyes closed and listened to the sound of the fire and the soft breeze across the lake.
As she lifted her head to take in the warm night air, Vin glanced at her and smiled. She did indeed understand the peaceful splendor of the wilderness, just as he did. "Beautiful night," he whispered.
The woman slowly looked at him and her expression softened. "Beautiful company," she replied, looking back towards the fire.
Tanner dropped his head to his chest then deliberately looked back at the woman. His smile was as wide as the mountains that surrounded them and he moved a little closer to her, pulling his arm around her shoulder.
Athena, in turn, snuggled and put her arm around his waist.
The crackling of the fire was the only sound heard for the next hour. The couple simply snuggled and breathed in the fresh mountain air.
More than enjoying the renewed comfort he felt with Athena tucked at his side; Vin sighed heavily when he knew it was time to turn in. Unwrapping his arm from around her body, he reached for some more wood to build up the fire. "Suppose it'd be 'bout time to settle in fer the night," he said glanced back at her.
Acknowledging his sentiment, the woman dusted off her feet, removed the gun belt and crawled into her bedroll. She watched him contemplate the flames before moving around to take off his boots and belt. As he slipped beneath his blankets, she turned to look up at him. Smiling gently, she caressed his cheek. "Beautiful company," she repeated again.
The tracker looked at the woman. I can't agree more. He leaned down to kiss her. For several minutes, they embraced, paused and then kissed again.
Athena played with his hair then reached down to unbutton his shirt as they continued to kiss. But, as she tried to push the shirt from his shoulder he took hold of her hand and pulled it to his mouth.
He kissed her fingers before looking deep into her eyes. He shook his head, no...
The woman's eyelids fluttered closed and she took a deep purposeful breath. She wiggled the hand that he still held in his and glanced back at the sharpshooter coyly. She moved her fingers between his and pushed him back and down. Ever so gently, she used the momentum of his falling body to move hers into a straddling position.
The tracker looked at the woman sternly as she sat across his body. " 'thena." The words carried the harshness of his look.
A soft wind brushed past their bodies and the woman closed her eyes for a fleeting second before gazing at him again. She took hold of his other hand and pushed his arms outward as she leaned in to kiss him softly. She whispered in his ear, "Do not think, Vin Tanner..." she raised her head and look into the sparkling blue pools that held her soul. She kissed him passionately and took in his wondrous gaze once more. "Just feeeeeeeeeeeel," she hissed seductively before releasing her grip on his hands. Once more, she kissed him wantonly.
The tracker lay still as the woman sat up and smiled the most sensual smile he had ever seen. Ever so slowly she raised her head to the breeze and reached around to untie the knot at the back of her waist.
The cloth blew gently in the wind and he caught a fleeting glance of the roundness of her breast.
Slowly she manipulated the shirt from his back.
As she leaned in to kiss his chest several times, Tanner closed his eyes. His mind and heart were playing a terrible game with each other but the desires this woman brought out in him were slowly providing his heart the edge it needed to win. Cautiously, he reached around and released the knotted cloth behind her neck.
Watching her top fall beside the sharpshooter, Athena gave him that smile once more.
They kissed again as their bare chests warmed each other for the first time. As their lips parted, she slowly moved down his body. Her hands massaged his muscles before finding the buttons of his trousers.
Vin closed his eyes and an eternity passed as she found her way beneath his coverings... and slowly relieved him of them.
The only thing that separated them from each other now was her skirt and she wasted little time in removing that. She kissed every inch of his body as she carefully made her way back to his mouth. They embraced repeatedly as they lost one another in the touch of their skin. After many minutes of being joined in each other's arms, Athena positioned her body over his and smiled. She gently placed his hands on her hips and looked at him.
They were two people frozen in time. Neither moved, nor smiled.
Athena watched and waited... Waited for him to signal his readiness... waited for him to step resolutely from one life to another...
An eternity passed before he gently tickled her hips. She relaxed her leg muscles and slowly, ever so slowly, rested her weight onto his body.
His reaction was instantaneous. Vin ran his hands quickly up her body and out to her hands. Their fingers locked hard as he pulled his head and their hands to his chest.
She did not move. She did not need to. She allowed her body to just be there for him as he rode out the waves of ecstasy that pulsed through his.
Many minutes passed before his body relaxed. He let go of her hands, wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her close.
They held each other and just experienced the moment.
Ten minutes went by before he moved. When he spoke his voice was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry."
Athena pushed herself away from him and frowned. "There is nothing to be sorry for, Vin Tanner" she answered softly.
He lowered his eyes from her gaze as she smiled at him gently. "Ain't it supposed tah be fer both of us ... not just me."
Athena lifted his chin so that his eyes met hers. She pondered the sparkling blue, shook her head, and smiled. "There is time..."
The tracker smiled back at her and took a deep breath. A fleeting thought had suggested that perhaps he had messed up his chance with the woman. Yet, he slowly came to realize that she had known what might happen. She knew exactly what she was doing. One more time he had underestimated her resolve.
A moment passed before she broke the ensuing silence. "Thank you," she whispered.
Now it was the tracker's turn to be confused. "For what?"
Her expression was pleasing as she leaned in to kiss him long and hard. They held each other tightly before she slipped down beside him and cuddled into his shoulder. "For allowing me the honor... of being the first."
The tracker adjusted his position and pressed her down as he rolled on top of her. He grinned. "And the second ... " he kissed her again as his smile grew. " And the third..."
A small laugh escaped her lips. "Go to sleep, Vin Tanner," she snuggled against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"Yes, ma'am," he sighed. Gazing up at the full moon, the sharpshooter couldn't help but admire the beauty of his surrounding. Looking back at the woman in his arms, he felt a peacefulness that he had never felt before. A great weight had been lifted and he owed it all to her.
Sanchez was finally seeing to a loose shingle on the church roof when he glanced up and spotted a familiar wagon turning the corner at the other end of the street. He took a deep breath and lowered his head to his chest before raising it high in the air. The preacher didn't quite know whom he was acknowledging for the safe return of their seventh but the way he saw it, they all needed to be thanked. "Hey, Nathan," Josiah called over to porch at the clinic.
Jackson glanced up from the bandages he was wrapping.
Seeing he had the healer's attention, Sanchez grinned as he set his hammer down. "Guess whose wagon just rolled back into town?"
It took Nathan no time at all to realize what Josiah was talking about. The six men had mentioned their fondest wish several times, since Larabee had returned. Smiling happily, the healer put his task aside and got to his feet. He walked down the stairs and met Sanchez at the bottom of his ladder.
Both men made their way towards the spot reserved for a certain wagon's return.
Vin glanced at the restaurant porch and nodded casually to its occupants as he passed on by.
Chris sat playing a game of cards with a bandaged up and an obviously still healing southerner.
The sharpshooter smirked at the site and shook his head solemnly. He couldn't believe how much one person could change the people he cared about. Yeah... she's been here all right!
Larabee and the gambler exchanged knowing smiles as they folded their cards. They too, silently acknowledged the work of a certain young lady. The gunslinger helped Ezra to his feet and they cautiously followed the wagon.
As he neared the jailhouse the tracker reined in the workhorse and looked at Buck and JD on the porch. The kid was enjoying a dime novel out in the open and Wilmington was whittling a piece of wood with his blade. They both put down their distractions and smiled broadly as they looked up to see their returning friend.
"Vin!" John Dunne yelled out. His exuberance was obvious in his tone as he bounded to his feet too quickly. Wincing in pain, he grabbed his chest and the support post at the same time.
"Whoa there, JD," Jackson grabbed the kid and steadied him. "I told ya not tah move so fast."
Dunne nodded, reaffirming the healer's orders. "I'm alright, Nathan. Vin's back... I'm allowed to get a little excited about that, ain't I?"
Jackson and Dunne shared a moment of quiet understanding before refocusing on Tanner.
Josiah reached up to shake the tracker's hand as he arrived beside the wagon. "Glad to have you back, brother."
The sharpshooter grinned as he shook the offered hand. "Good tah be back, my friend," he studied the four familiar faces and then glanced over to see Chris and Ezra as they joined the little group. "Boys," he continued to study their faces.
Wilmington stood to free up the seat for the gambler and Larabee helped the man into the chair. The blond smiled at Ezra before turning to gaze at his long absent best friend. "Been two months, Tanner. Was beginning to wonder."
Chris and Vin held each other's gaze for a long moment.
Standish grinned. "There was never a doubt in my mind, Mr. Tanner. When our young lady sets her mind to a task..." he lowered his head as he remembered his own dealings with Athena.
Seeing the sudden loss of words in the southerner, Wilmington cocked his head. "She sees it through to the very end," he added softly.
Larabee broke his eye contact with the tracker. "No matter how stubborn the jackass is," he concluded. He couldn't help but look away as he recalled his time with Athena.
Vin rolled his eyes and turned his head as well. 'Stubborn!' Now, there was a word that fit all of the parties involved...
A week ago he'd been forced to ride away from the most beautiful spirit he'd ever seen. Oh, how he'd wanted her to come back with him. He had invited her... Hell, he'd begged her. And, Tanner knew he hadn't been wrong at seeing her hesitation... Yet, she had declined the suggestion and refused to discuss it any further. She had continued to remind him of his promise to return. It was a covenant he had meant to keep. Trouble was... he wanted her, too. Even his mournful tears hadn't touched her consciousness, as he had desperately hoped they would. He'd tried everything he could think of. His only option had been to deny her wish and unpack his belongings. As much as it hurt him to disappoint Athena like that, he'd at least forced her hand and got a concession from her. He just had to hope that she'd hold up on her end of the bargain.
Looking back at the three men who had just spoken, the tracker smiled. He knew how close he'd grown to her and he knew it hadn't taken much time. Suspecting his companions of mutual admiration, Tanner thought he might understand her resolve all too clearly. "Reckon she done what she needed to," was all he could say. He moved down from the wagon and shook Wilmington's outstretched hand.
Sanchez glanced at the four men as they stared at each other. He'd only had the opportunity to talk to the woman once but she'd made her message so very clear during their brief conversation. It was obvious to the preacher that these four men shared something very special. "Reckon we can get this wagon put back where it belongs?" he asked as he looked over at Nathan.
Glancing at the tracker anxiously, the kid stepped forward. "You are stayin'... ain't ya, Vin?"
Tanner smiled back at the kid and looked around at his six companions. He slowly nodded his head.
JD let out a loud holler and smiled at his friend. "Sure is good tah see ya back," he said happily. Moving to the rear of the wagon, Dunne untied Vin's horse. "I'll let Yosemite know you're back in town," he added before guiding the horse towards the livery.
Jackson pointed a finger at the kid. "Go slow," he instructed as he jumped into the bed of the wagon and took up the reins.
JD just waved and smiled.
Nathan glanced at the sharpshooter and nodded. "Good tah have ya back again, Vin," he smiled at the young man before ushering the rig forward.
Sanchez nodded at the tracker before following behind the wagon. Turning into the alleyway, Josiah and Nathan were intent on getting Vin's things back where they belonged.
Watching his rig disappear, Tanner looked around town. "Things been quiet since I left?"
"Well hell, son. We needed some peace and quiet after that last... incident," the ladies' man lost his words as he looked back at Ezra. He smiled regretfully and tapped the gambler's good shoulder.
The sharpshooter looked solemnly at the big man and then at his other two companions. "Reckon we all needed time to collect our thoughts."
There were several long minutes, before the silence was broken.
"Vin?" There was a definite question to Larabee's voice.
The expression disappeared from the tracker's face. He wasn't sure he understood the gunslinger's reasons for asking but he knew exactly what he meant. Tanner suspected they all had their own, very personal reasons, for caring. "She's just fine, Chris," he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. " ... Just fine." He looked at the blond and forced a smile. He distracted himself quickly by looking up and down the street. "Reckon we're all... just fine."
There was another long, pensive silence as each man took in the satisfaction of just being there with each other.
Noticing their three friends returning from down the street, the gambler smiled coyly. He couldn't help but reflect on Athena's words. "It would appear that 'The South Wind' blows true, after all!" he spoke softly.
The others looked back at him curiously. They followed his gaze to the three men in the street. Seeing their returning companions, each man frowned at Ezra's statement.
Laughing at the apparent confusion, the southerner's green eyes sparkled and a cocky grin spread wide across his face. He whispered the words with such elegance and grace. "I would never be so presumptuous, as to pretend that I understood her meaning. Nevertheless, gentlemen, it appears that Athena was right... History Will Know The Seven."
