Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: Bound to Grace

When she had taken his hand, she had taken him by surprise. Something in him itched like a bad memory out of his past, from a time when he actually cared. Perhaps it was the way she readily took the hand, moving wobbly to her feet, finding the strength through one helping hand. It was that moment of the memory filtering through his that caused that pause when he reached for the door. The way she moved then belied the recent emotional turmoil she had gone through, or it was a ploy of some sort. Was she hiding something or protecting something. Crooking his brow line with curiosity at her gesture while she explained they had perished and no one else was inside, his olive eyes read the lines of her face a moment, as if pondering why she would take the time to offer that there is no one else inside. He didnt care about anyone else, only the doctor and his wife. Now, Ms. Jansen, he began, taking the offered hand, and then he paused. There was no recognition if he had heard the cough from inside but his eyes seemed to lower towards her grip on the door. The hand holding hers let it go reluctantly and moved to adjust the hat atop his head. Then both hands fell to his sides for the moment. I can tell youd prefer if I didnt enter the coach, he said, So then, perhaps, you could simply show me the doctor and his wife. Half a smile, even though he wouldnt get full pay, he was still going to be sure that his charges were dead after all. Ill check any papers they have and then Ill just leave you to the coach here. His eyes sought after hers a moment, as if to penetrate there, to see what truth there might have been. Though, I wouldnt recommend staying much longer, no telling who the buzzards will attract. Not that the birds where near just yet, but there were a few black winged things between the coach and the horizon, circling their way closer. Unsure the trouble was over, but hungry just the same it would seem. As if on cue, Star whinnied a little and hooved at the ground. Then again, whatever the horse was on about, it went right back to grazing as if nothing was wrong in the world.
Thread: Bound to Grace

Joanna stood in front of the coach, her hand still on the door. She wanted to trust this human, but after what had just happened she was having a very hard time doing just that. Certainly, he'd not killed her but her only thought had been to protect Sarah at all costs. It was then that Joanna realized, that she actually had thought of nothing else but Sarah. She hadn't considered that the man had acted as a gentleman. He'd offered her assistance in a very non threatening way. Even now, he was using reason as he spoke of his deceased charges. Joanna's eyes fell to the ground as she shuffled her feet, her hand releasing the door. The doctor and his wife are in here. She stepped aside hesitantly But I'm afraid Mr... her voice trailing off as she remembered he hadn't given his name I'm afraid I owe you an apology. I wasn't truthful with you. She looked up into olive eyes with her own emerald orbs trying to convey her sincerity. The good doctor and his wife have perished but there is another passenger. Please, you must understand I didn't know who you were..I was trying to protect her. Joanna's hand returned to the door of the stagecoach, pulling it open. For a moment the stranger with no last name would see her blocking the doorway and hear her speaking You can come out now Sarah, it's safe. After a bit of rustling and some small noises of a whimpering sound, Joanna would turn around, the young blonde hair girl with curls clinging to the angels neck as she set her down. It's okay Sarah, we are safe now. She assured the girl with tear stained cheeks. Joanna turned her attention back to the sheriff. This is my daughter, Sarah. Of course Sarah wasn't her real daughter, but she felt as though the child were hers now and certainly she was her responsibility. Sarah, say hello and thank you to the nice man who rescued us. The child who was frightened seemed to quickly forget the past several moments as a smile broke out across her fair complected features, bright blue eyes staring up at the man with the stubbly cheeks. Hello the childs voice almost a melodic sound that filled the air Thank you for saving us. The girl with the pale blue and yellow dress on did a little curtsey then as Joanna had taught her to do when addressing her elders. Joanna couldn't help but smile as the tiny sis year old caused her to feel a great swell of pride rising in her chest. Even under these circumstances, Sarah seemed to hold a special quality about her.
Thread: Bound to Grace

Mostly, Elijahs eyes followed Joanna as she moved, catching her own eyes as she looked up into his and something in his features warming when they met. Even as she turned to bring the young blonde haired girl out, his eyes were more interested in the way the curls clung to her neck. When she was introduced as the womans daughter, Elijah lifted a finger to near his hat and offered, My apologies, Mrs. Jansen. A simple correction for only having identified are as a Ms. previously. Then, the young Sarah was out and saying hello and even thanking him. It caught him off guard yet again. Out here, the middle of nowhere as it were, it was like this was where adults did cruel things to each other, not the area where a man finds his charges dead and leaves a mother and her child to find their own way to Vrains Fort. The hand that tipped his apology found the stubble on his face and scratched as he pulled at his chin. Somewhere was a smile waiting to come out though, at the brightness of the young girl, that special something he couldnt place his finger on. It was a twitch at best perhaps, something of a hint at the very corner of his mouth and in his cheek. Maybe the way his eyes sparkled, not quite the same way when he looked at Joanna, this one more pure. Hello there Ms. Sarah, he finally responded, the parchedness retreating the more he talked. No need for thanks really. It was honestly, even if it was honest in implying there was no need for thanks because his intention wasnt to save the Jansens, they were saved by virtue of default. That is, he came to save this coach, they happened to be on it. Even as the smile toyed in the recesses of his mind, Elijah found he was suddenly angry with himself. That was because now he was wrestling forgoing everything hed seen, done, and experienced since becoming a US Marshall, all that which made him hard and, perhaps, cruel to the world. Hed given up on humanity, best to let them rot. Now there was this young girl and her mother and something about this girl, well, it made him care again. He didnt know if he was ready for this, to care for someone else, and he was surprised a child was doing this to him now. There was silence in the air as some of these thoughts may have played out on his face. He turned, not much to look out, two dead people in the coach, one coachman slain atop it, and instead focused on his horse for the moment. Well Mrs. Jansen, here we have a situation. I was comfortable leaving you to your business in the coach once I knew what happened to the doctor and his wife. Your daughter here has complicated that. In good conscious, I cant leave you two out here. Then he turned to look over his shoulder, more at Sarah, Ive only got one horse, hopefully you like to ride. He asked it than was curious at himself, he never offered children to ride on his horse. If it mattered, it probably seemed Star wouldnt mind either. There was still plenty to settle, perhaps it was meant more as something for Sarah to do so Elijah could discuss more details with Joanna.
Thread: Bound to Grace

The name is Ms. Jansen, and I assure you Mr.. He still had not given his name yet but she continued anyhow I assure you that my daughter and I would be just fine without your help. She regretted having said it the moment it slipped from her mouth but his acting as though she were not capable of protecting Sarah had irritated her if for no reason other than was it not she who had saved the girl. Or course, the sheriff had no way of knowing that though, and it wasn't like she could tell him the entire truth anyhow. She quickly offered an apology then I'm sorry Sheriff, it's just that it's been Sarah and I alone for so long now I fear perhaps I am a bit over protective of her. She toyed with the girls blonde locks softly, tenderly as she looked up into his olive eyes She is most precious. Just then Sarah tugged at her hand and on her skirt Mommy mommy, he said that I can ride on his horse. Would that be okay mommy, please? She was answering the sheriffs question of if she liked to ride without even having realized it. Of course honey, if the sheriff doesn't mind? Joanna looked questioningly at the sheriff. She does enjoy riding but never before has she rode such a large horse before, are you rather certain that it is alright? she asked nervously. As Sarah pranced around at the thought of riding such a magnificent animal, Joanna finally managed to steal a glance at the sheriff. Something about him looked hard, but the way that he looked at Sarah indicated that he had not always been such a hard man. Joanna saw past a layer of toughness into something else, perhaps something long forgotten. Perhaps this sheriff had his own demons to bear, just as she herself had a past. It was a past that she would never be able to explain, a past that she had needed to come to terms with. She was no longer one of God's elite, having given it up for Sarah. Her hand rested on the bubbly child's shoulder. Never once had she regretted her decision and she would do it all over again today if she needed. While it may be true that she could not protect the girl in the same way that she once could have, she would die protecting the child if she had too. If it is all right with you we will journey with you back to Vrain's Fort, but I do not wish to burden you with our presence and you will be rid of us as soon as we arrive, I assure you. She cast her soft green eyes to the ground then. I've nothing to pay you with now for your troubles, but if you help us get to the forum, I will find a way to repay you as soon as possible. Joanna knew that with the bandits still possibly around, Sarah and her had a better chance of reaching the fort with the sheriffs help than without it.
Thread: Bound to Grace

Slowly, Elijah turned back to the woman and child as he took in all that was said. Its Marshall, he offered, seemingly randomly as he moved back towards the coach and started to climb on top of the contraption. Not Sheriff. This is only US Territory out here, no sheriffs just Marshalls. As if that explained everything. Marshall Elijah Anderson, stationed with the fort currently. More talking simply to pass time while he climbed up and then, once there, he began looking at luggage. Anything not marked for Dr. or Mrs. Emmett, was assisted to the ground by Elijah. Not all together roughly, but each item plodded on the ground with a small cloud of dust just the same. He didnt bother to even ask what belonged to the young lady or the child, they could sort that out. As he did this, he continued speaking towards Ms. Jansen. Dont worry about payments. This is one of those doing my job routines. Theres a lot of unrest out here, from real Indians, to bandits like these, and general people up to no good. Like I said before, I cant leave you in good conscience. He pushed a large doctors bag out of the way, something inside seemed to break but he paid that no mind. Then to Sarah, Course you can ride him, he seems friendly to you. Just dont feed him no sugar cubes, Star doesnt need any of that. Let him get a good smell of your hand first. Thinking he had enough from the top, not accounting for anything inside, Elijah began to climb off the coach then. So, just essentials, he hopped off the last few feet, plodding right down with the items he did find up there that didnt seem to belong to the late doctor and his wife. Ill carry what I can, as will Star. But on foot we have a good two weeks of travel to get to the fort and no telling what trouble is waiting out there. Then he moved closer to Ms. Jansen, This isnt to say you cant manage on your own or that you havent done a fair job with the girl as it is. Im sure youre more than capable, but Id rather be safe than going on ahead and wondering if anything has happened to either of you.
Thread: Bound to Grace

Joanna hadn't considered that he would hold the title of Marshall and not Sheriff. She'd just learned his name to be Elijah. Elijah, the mighty one was its meaning if she remembered correctly. It was a good, strong name much befitting of the rather rugged, and handsome man who was now going through the luggage on top of the coach. Sarah laughed with glee when he mentioned that she would be allowed to ride Star. Oh thank you mister! she exclaimed, minding her manners and giving a little curtsey before turning to Joanna, her skirt twirling around as she did so. Did you hear that Mommy! I get to ride the horsie! Joanna laughed Yes dear, the nice man said that you could ride his beautiful animal.' Joanna moved to Star's side then along with the child who offered her hand to him first, to be followed by Joanna's own hand. Talking to the horse lowly she petted his nose. Star gave a soft whinny which she would take to be approval. Then to Elijah she offered a soft smile Of course your right, there are so many dangers here on... She'd caught herself, having almost said here on earth but changed in mid sentence finishing with Here in these wilds. As Sarah continued to pet the horse, Joanna went to her and Sarah's bags, extracting the bare minimum of necessities. She'd remembered that the doctor had a physicians bag with him, a smaller one than what Elijah had found on top of the coach. She pulled it out too. We might have use of these items. She offered to the Marshall, hoping that he'd not object to her desire to take them along with them in case they might be needed. As an afterthought she added then And please Marshall, if we are to travel together for the next few weeks, I'd prefer you to call me Joanna, or Jo would be fine. Truly, there is no need for such formalities. Her soft lips parted into a genuine smile as her eyes moved from the Marshalls to the small child who was still content to rub the horse. Sarah brought a great deal of joy to Joanna. Never a day went by that Joanna wasn't glad that she'd made the decision to heal the girl rather than allow her to die, despite what she knew she would ultimately be giving up. As Joanna watched Sarah and Star, it seemed to her that the girls eyes lit up with an in-ordinary brightness. hmmm Joanna's thoughts turned inward at that point, she still almost positive that this child had inherited some blessed qualities when she'd been saved.
Thread: Bound to Grace

As Joanna picked and choose what was needed, Elijah took what he could to fill Stars saddlebags, to make it as easy on all of them as he could. While he didnt notice or comment on the reference of where the dangers were or how Jo had changed her mind before she completed the thought aloud, Elijah gave a nod about the medical supplies. He took what Jo thought best and, along with the back, attached that too to the growing number of items for Star to carry. Figuring between Elijah not riding and Sarah being the new rider, the new items probably made up some of that difference with a few extra items not being overly heavy for the horse. As he was putting it on and she pondered formalities, Elijah too was watching Sarah and the horse. I think hes ready for you Sarah. He actually had half a smile at the right side of his mouth when he said that, but then his face was business again even while he reached a hand down to help the girl mount the horse. If she could reach a stirrup, hed let her try that, otherwise he would be using two hands to lift the girl from the ground all the way to the top of the saddle for her to get comfortable. As he let her do that, he came back towards the woman. Jo it is then, might as well settle on it now, we have time together. If it pleases you, Elijah or Lige works just as well, no need for the Marshall business. I find that not so comforting as I used to. But he doesnt explain why and instead, So, anything else you need here, or we got enough to move out. Were gonna get off the stage coach path here to hopefully avoid some trouble. Theres some hills further south that are long and flat on top, itll make travel easier and let us see further help us spot trouble, or avoid it. As for Sarah on the horse, he gave her full reigns and let her have that control. Then again, Star was probably use to a few minor vocal commands from Elijah should the need really arise where he would need to help the girl. What didnt fit into saddle bags or on the horse, he slung up over a shoulder, opposite his weapon and weapon hand. Looking at the sun, he indicated if all was in order, they should probably start walking. He hadnt yet checked Joannas feet to see what sort of shoes she had on, but seemed more ready to just get on the road.
Thread: Bound to Grace

Sarah raced to Stars side, eager to attempt to mount the horse herself. From a distance Joanna watched, wanting to give the girl time to try it on her own as she knew Sarah to be a very determined young girl. Keeping an eye on her, she turned to also listen to Elijah. She offered the Marshall a smile then, nodding her head. Lige it is, then. She liked the way that it sounded when she said it, and something about using the more informal name somehow just felt right to her so she'd settled on it and that is what she would call him hence forth. And she was also glad that he'd settled on calling her Jo. Again, something about it seemed to feel right, like he'd known her for far longer than just a few moments when he spoke it, and besides that fact, the way that his voice sounded when he said it was smooth, and very comforting to her ears. Perhaps it was merely the fact that she'd not heard a man speak her name for so long, or just the fact that he said it so perfectly. Whatever the reason, it had pleased her greatly to hear him saying Jo. Her smile broadened as she saw Sarah finally get a good grip and swing herself up onto Stars back, her tiny melodic voice breaking the air around them. Mommy, mommy! The girl exclaimed rather proudly I did it! Joanna walked over to her and hugged her from her position on the ground by the horse's side. Yes you did sweetheart! Now remember, Stars not accustomed to you yet, so be sure to allow Lige to help you when it's needed. Promise Mommy? Sarah smiled, her pride at having mounted the horse more than still evident upon her face. I promise, Mommy! Thank you Mr. Marshall sir for letting me ride Star! It was Joanna's turn to beam with pride at the child remembering to mind her manners. Her emerald orbs seemed to sparkle as she turned back to the man who had come to their rescue. Please Lige, you have enough to carry and I'm able bodied. Won't you allow me to help you carry something? She turned then in the direction Lige was looking, not the sun. We probably ought to get moving then if we're sure we are ready. Joanna stated matter of factually. She waited then for the tall dark stranger who was quickly becoming their friend to lead them onward on their journey.
Thread: Bound to Grace

Another smile crossed over Liges features, under the brim of his head, as Sarah mounted Star and then was thrilled with the simple completion of that act alone. Turning up as she said thanks, the sun dipped onto his chin and he remembered himself, letting the smile fade again. Dont mention it Sarah. Just dont tickle him, hell rear up on ya. Then he crossed his features a moment, unsure of why he used the word tickle. Star was well trained and indeed, tips of feet under the forelegs with a slight tug of reigns would cause him to rear up, not that he thought the girl could learn how to issue that command in the first place. Still, as Jo offered, he shook his head, Youll need to conserve your strength Jo, well be walking for days on end here. is no trouble at all. As if to settle that he nodded about moving when everything was ready and he jutted his chin back up the hill he came, once again indicating they should head off the man coach line towards the low table hills which should make for easy travel as well as give them some sight advantage as they travelled west. With a hand he suggested Jo walk close to Star to keep the girl safe and, if she felt comfortable, to help with the reigns even though he retained confidence in his voice command of the large horse. Once under way, working up the loose slip to where he had ambushed the ambushers, then on towards those low hills, Elijah found himself focused on watching behind them, to the horizon in all directions, and up ahead along the way they were forging for signs of danger both that danger from man as well as the wilds. Hes hate to miss a snake while watching for bandits or natives and have the horse buck Sarah. Not that Star would react that way, but no telling with the new company and best just to play it safe. He kept a hand ready should Jo slip, he didnt know why he felt so inclined but he kept himself ready to put an arm around her if needed and keep her moving. Then as he was walking and keeping his peace, his mind raced to ponder that he really hadnt kept this close of company with a woman. This only served as a reminder that he was looking more at Jo than watching for danger. If she ever caught him looking, he would find himself started to look in her eyes for a few seconds then back to where his eyes should be. Finally, when they reached those flat table tops and the going became easier, the sun moving from overhead into a lean towards dusk, his curiosity overtook him. Jo, he said, his mouth sounding dry as ever not parched, just a hint of dry, Im not accustomed to seeing woman and child traveling this way alone. I dont want to presume much, but perhaps friends and family await you out west? Which is more to say he hopes theyre not simply traveling alone and trying to make their own way. Everything past the Missouri river seemed to be cut throat and everymanwoman for themselves and yet he couldnt picture Jo and Sarah as part of that world.