sixwordstories | (no subject)

How'd you know?

[Matthew sniffs the air thoughtfully.]

You're right. Rain tonight, heavy rain, probably with thunder and lightning. Dammit, I was hoping to leave town today and be on the road, but the weather won't be good for traveling.

[He's also noticed the scent of another wolf, but it feels a little rude to call that out.]

I can smell it in the air....on the wind. Thunder will be rolling anytime now.

You caught it too, huh? Yeah. It is unmistakable once you know what it smells like.

[McCree's a lot more open with his lycanthropy when he's around someone who smells like a shifter...or vampire or whatever else. He knew, however, that a lot of folks were not. He also smells another wolf, but won't refer to anyone but himself as such until he's sure the other person wants to be open.]

Nope. Definitely not. I always have a hard time getting the wet smell out of my hair when it rains.

You'd think the hat would be some help with that.

[Matthew chuckles, but at the same time, he seems a little nervous. He's been staying in a rusty abandoned equipment shed while passing through town--he knew the roof had holes in it. It wouldn't be worth shit in a storm.

Perhaps he could capitalize on their shared lycanthropy to get himself proper shelter for a night?]

Are you, uh, a local, or just another drifter passing through?

Kinda is...most of the time.

Passing through myself. I'm not looking to make myself at home in someone else's territory. You said you were leaving town. You a local or passing through the same?

Passing through, yeah. So it's not my territory, in particular. From what I've seen the past couple days, it's not anyone's claimed territory. There's a coven of witches that meet in the woods up north, though. I've been avoiding them.

Hmph. So that's what that magic smell in the air was. Well, if there's a coven of witches, we're in their territory. I don't know these ones, but most witches I know can be reasoned with.

Makes sense. I could stick by you, if you go talk to them, so you're not showing up alone?

[Creative wording to make it seem like he's not asking for help there, isn't it?]

Well, you're welcome to stick by me if you like. I was gonna try to avoid them. Stick to my trailer and truck. You're welcome to stay if a few witches got you riled up.

I...don't mean to pry but...are you new to this sort of thing?

...dealing with witches? Very. Being a werewolf?

About a year. I was bitten on a camping trip, in my senior year of high school. My girlfriend was killed by the same wolf, I was suspected of doing it, after my first shift a month later. I've been on the run since then.

I ain't ever had any trouble with witches...but ah...I also ain't given them any reason to have a problem with me.

Aw...well, I'm dreadful sorry for your loss. I'm a born and bred wolf, myself. You...you got a handle on it?

Uh. Most of the time. Except the full moon, I don't have any control of myself, then.

I've been handling it as best I can, trying to be way out in the woods or locking myself up, so I don't hurt anyone.

I heard that's the trouble for people who...change later in life. I've been shifting for as long as I can remember...so I can't tell where the wolf starts and the man begins...its just the same.

So at least you've got a plan. A pretty solid one. Do you remember what the wolf does when you shift?

Some, in flashes. It tends to hunt. Rabbits, squirrels. I took down a deer, once--in the morning, I was able to save some of the meat, so that was nice. Not the hide, it was torn into ribbons.

[He seems perhaps a bit jealous now, but there's also an edge of respect for a more experienced wolf. Without even thinking about it, his posture's turned a little more submissive, not seeking eye contact and hunching slightly so his head is below Jesse's. It's something most humans wouldn't pick up on consciously, if they saw it.]

Quite curious. The weather is notoriously hard to predict. Many has tried and failed. The wind can quickly change.

Just like anything in life, I guess.

Pleasure to meet you, stranger. The name's McCree. What's yours?

The name is Aiden. Can't say I have seen someone like you before.

Your wolf is a messy eater, huh?

[He can't help but smile. It is his nature to find humor in dire situations. McCree noticed the posture change. Shifters noticed that kind of thing straight away...at least experienced ones. He nodded, acknowledging it without bringing it up. He didn't want to make this whole situation more awkward than it had to be for this youngster.]

If you want, I can try to help you with that.

I'll take any help I can get at this point. And I think you're probably the closest thing to an expert I'm going to find.

Though, uh, I couldn't help but notice you're armed. Do you need to use that revolver often? [Because lowering his head, he happened to catch sight of the six-shooter. He really hadn't been expecting that.]

Yeah, well, there ain't too many folks like me, so that explains that.

[He gives the air another audible sniff.]

But I guess that makes us even. I ain't ever smelled anyone like you before, either.

I ain't too much of an expert...but I've got a lot of experience. First thing anyone worth their salt learns is you ain't ever gonna be an expert.

[He patted the gun in his holster.]

What, this? Don't worry. Peacekeeper doesn't have silver bullets. It ain't for monsters.

[He sighed.]

Ideally? No. Sometimes? Yes.

Really? What do I smell of? I did take a bath not long ago.

Peacekeeper. I can't decide if that's the greatest or most egotistical name for a gun I've ever heard. [It's both, given it's the only named gun Matthew's ever come across.]

What do you mostly use it for?

Nothing I ever smelled before...but magic of some type. It ain't witch magic...or fae magic...it is something else...but no soap known to mankind can wash off the smell of magic.

Impressive. It's not magic but divinity. [With that he allows his aura to shine through, a warm light filling the area.] I'm Áedán, son of Altwidus the Wise. I'm a demigod.

You're a werewolf are you not?

Edited 2020-09-24 06:20 (UTC)

[He shrugged.]

That is a new one. When you've been at this as long as I have, the unique smells really stand out.

[He tipped his hat at the glow.]

Fancy.

Yep. Born and bred.

Comes with the job. [He dials it down to not blind the other.]

I'm familiar with your kind. [There's no hostility in his voice. Just a simple matter of fact.] That metal arm of yours caught my interest though aswell as your attire. [He has after all never seen a cowboy before.]

Uh, it is the greatest.

[There was a smile in his voice.]

Not so nice people or Omnics who try to take me in. There's a bounty on my head, but I ain't keen to be caught. I made some enemies in high places in my day, but I'm no danger to average folks.

Edited 2020-09-24 15:30 (UTC)

What did you do to earn that bounty?

[He's not 100% sure he actually wants an answer to that, but asking felt important. Better the devil you know, right?]

What can I say? I had a dangerous job with generous hazard pay...and I've got a penchant for old cowboy movies. Nostalgia and whatnot.

My kind, eh? What others have you met?

I know a lot of things about a lot of people. Also...I may have set up the theft of a top secret military weapon...but she ain't a weapon, she's my friend. Echo deserves better than being kept in a box.

What's a "cowboy"?

Oh I have met a lot: vampires, werewolves, fey, elves, orcs, halflings, gnomes, dwarves, dragons, angels, demons, dryads, kelpie, banshees, druids, hellhounds, ... do I need to carry on? I've been around a few hundred years by now and I enjoy traveling a lot.

Ah. That makes sense--no one should be kept in a box.

Definitely not. So, I kinda sorta...let her transport info get to some old gang pals of mind and let them sack her transport train...I just made sure to spring my pal.

So she's free now, and you're wanted for stealing her. Makes sense, I suppose.

How do you get by on your own, with a bounty on your head?

What's a...cowboy? You ain't heard of 'em? What kind of nonsense those so called divine beings teachin' you?

Cowpokes, boys and girls, lads and ladies and whatever else, were explorers of the American West. They were ranchers, miners, gold panners and some folks just looking for a new start. I know its a rose colored view of the past, but I have a mighty respect for those setting out into the great unknown....though I'm sure my ancestors had plenty of reason to.

Well, sounds like you've got a regular bingo card of supernaturals all filled out there.

That's about how the cookie crumbles.

Easy. The Federales are looking for Jesse McCree, not a three legged wolf.

Ah, makes sense. They don't know you're a wolf at all?

There is no such thing as "American West" in my world. There are sailors, traders, raiders and caravan drivers though. No cowboys. But we do have cows.

My doctor purged my file after I left. Before that, only ten or so people knew in my close circle. A few of 'em are dead and I know for a fact those left would never tell a soul.

Well, today is your lucky day. You could go back to your world and invent cowboys and be a legend.

Sounds like it'd be a lot of effort.

I'm tellin' ya, you're missing out....but to each their own.

Having people you can trust to that extent...that must be really nice.

It is really nice. I'm a lucky man and I count my blessings.

Otherwise, when I drive my truck, I drive the speed limit...and carry a forged driver's license. I know some folks who make the good ones. Comes in handy for a wolf like me.

I'd have to create an entire new continent... do you realize how much work that would be?

Might be worth it....but hey, it doesn't have to be the American West...it can just be anywhere...if you rock the look...and maybe have a horse.

But as far others go I'd just have an odd look.