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She sat on the end of a log, at the edge of the campfire, cradling her most trusted companion in her arms. Her guitar sat lightly in her arms, strings plucking out a soft melody as even softer hums left the woman’s lips. The sun had set over Horseshoe Overlook a couple hours ago and most of those present at camp had turned in early, still exhausted from the long trip down from the Grizzlies. But sleep was evading Marlie Chadwick this night with no reason to give as to why. It’s not like her body wasn’t absolutely exhausted from the weeks spent shivering in the cold. But here she was in the firelight, practicing her lifelong trade.
It seemed sleep was also evading the young Jack Marston, no matter how many stories his mother Abigail recited to him, the lad just wouldn’t settle in their tent. Hearing the soft guitar at the fire made the woman consider using her last resort, realizing she had no other choice left. She rocked back onto her heels in her knelt down position, squinting to make sure it was Marlie by the fire before getting up and slowly walking about halfway to the campfire. She couldn’t trust herself to have Jack completely out of her sight at this moment.
“Miss Chadwick?” She called out in a low tone, catching the woman’s attention as Marlie’s eyes drifted to meet Abigail’s gaze, a light smile reaching them as she tilted her head to the side in curiosity. “Jack won’t settle, do you have anything that may help?” The exasperated woman gestured to the guitar in the hand of the other.
“Of course I do.” The blonde whispered back over flames, carefully getting up so as to not disturb Javier and Charles asleep under their tent beside her. She made her way over to Abigail, following her over to the tent she shared with her son, “Good evening Jack.” She spoke softly as she sat on the ground and leaned against the nearby barrel as support.
“Miss Marlie, are you gonna sing me a song?” The boy asked wide eyed, tiredness evident from them although he fought sleep off like a wildcat.
“I am, now you just settle down there with your mama.” She said, coaxing the boy to lay on his sleeping bag. Jack quickly tucked into Abigail’s side, eyes still trained on the lady before them as she began to play.
Now the sun is sleeping
And the moon shines overhead
Come magic creatures creeping
Around your little bed
The song was something Marlie had learned from her mother, something that lulled her to sleep many a time in her childhood. One of the only things she had left from her mother. There was a slight ache whenever she played it or thought of it, but she couldn’t just let the melody die.
But be not afraid my child
For you are their creator
Out of your dreams they're styled
As beautiful as their maker
Jack listened in amazement, still fighting sleep and keeping his eyes open but his foe was slowly gaining ground, eyes drooping and breathing slow.
They dance about on silent feet
As lightly as a feather
In rhythm with the unheard beat
Then bowing all together
Toward the edge of camp, Arthur Morgan rode back in from a long day doing God knows what out in the Heartlands. He tied up his horse and pulled some pelts off its rump, rolling them up and beginning his walk over the unmanned chuck wagon to drop them off.
And all the while I watch you
Amazed by your perfection
No length I wouldn't go to
To give you my protection
The sound of the drifting song caught his attention, unsurprising but he would’ve thought she would be asleep like the others by now. He paused on his way to his tent and sat at one of the tables for a moment or so, wanting to listen.
I wonder if you know
How much you mean to me?
This love that through me flows
Is deeper than the sea
Brown eyes traveled over camp and rested on the tall figure moving through, mindlessly focusing on Arthur as he returned for the night. Most likely heading out in the morning once again, maybe he’d take her with him.
I soar every time you smile
And worry whenever you cry
So here I shall stay awhile
Just to be by your side
She pulled her gaze from the man across camp after what felt like an eternity, looking upon the mother and son beside her. Abigail had her eyes shut but it wasn’t clear if she was asleep yet, Jack however was sleeping soundly in her arms. Though her work had been done, Marlie continued to sing.
But all too soon the dawn arrives
And hence the spell is breaking
Your creature friends must say goodbye
Before you are awaking
Letting her gaze drift once more, she looked up towards the sky at all the stars above her. Partially obscured by the pines, they were still a fascinating sight to behold.
One final dance and then they're gone
Beyond this world once more
The echo of their parting song
Now fades out through the door
The strumming of the guitar slowed, from the song reaching its end and maybe from sleep starting to approach Marlie’s mind. She probably wouldn’t make it back to the ladies’ tent that night, there probably wasn’t enough room for her and she didn’t want to wake her friends.
Yet in their wake, birds start to sing
To ease you from sleep
So delay no more my young sweetling
The world is at your feet