Welcome to Choteau, Montana, in 2018. What was once only a small city focused on fossils, has now started to turn into an equestrian mecca. Everyone still knows everyone, so the question remains, what will you become?
06/04 - Site opened 18/04 - Update log #01 including new features! 27/04 - A New skin has been released!
While this freak snow storm had caused plenty of issues, not in the least the fact the goats were not keen on being kept indoors, and Desmond was being less inclined to walk than usual, it also brought its own amusements. While Embra, Jackpot and Callie had positively turned their nose up at the snow, Merlin on the other hand was all for romping in the snow.
So it was Ivarr had sorted out a long leash (okay technically a long length of rope), that was tied to Ronin's saddle horn, allowing the over enthusiastic labrador to bound through the snow, as the placid gypsy vanner just trudged through the snow. Desmond meanwhile, apparently dressed up in very unneeded but (in Ivarr's mind) exceptionally cute little booties and a blue faux fur lined jacket, was seated on the vanners broad rump, watching the world go past quite happily, and barking down at Merlin.
Ivarr almost easily reached back to stroke Desmond, trying to shush the over excited Corgi, as he -had- wanted to try and spot any birds he could find. Which Desmond was totally trying to ruin. Obligingly Desmond shushed, just looking around panting softly as he shifted easily, nose twitching. Now all that was surrounding them was Merlin barrelling through the snow, and the crunch of Ronin as he broke through the snow crust. This was soon broken as Merlin bounded over trying to catch the small balls of snow being kicked up by the vanners movement.
With a slight shake Ivarr pulled out a tennis ball, carefully throwing it, Merlin charging after panting eagerly, finding it and bringing it back, more than content to bound along once more.
Age: 32Gender: male Online: Jul 2, 2018 1:17:00 GMT
Alias: kamiMoney: $ Posts 18
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inally, Clyde had found good reason to keep a cell phone around. Weather alerts. Radars. Blizzard warnings. So three reasons, arguably better than the original good reason for phones, only for the moment. The man's eyes cut a glance down to the woman seated beside him at the thought, wondering how possible it was to retrieve a hidden folder from a destroyed phone. If he ever managed to fish it out of the Red River first.
No phones, no credit cards. Only a cranky 80's model F-150 and Bonnie, his girl, tucked under his arm. Newly-found renegades thinking they could fight off a Montana blizzard. The large 'out-of-stater' card glistened brightly against their foreheads. Needless to say, Clyde had invested what little cash resources the couple had in a cheap motel. "Can't decide what's better, the ground or that hotel mattress." Clyde commented, leaning forward into the steering wheel to stretch his back a moment. A continuous clanking sound sported him to pop open the driver-side door and slam it shut, only to hear it clank ever louder as the truck rolled along the plowed one lane road. By now he should have known better, nothing but fire would solve that issue.
Clyde glanced down at a foldable map, 'Clary Coulee' printed in bold letters at the top. "Think we're in for a hike. Road keeps on, up there." Directing a finger to the windshield, Clyde pointed out their path. A snow bank caused a dead end. Pulling up to the large mound, Clyde threw the truck into park and sat back. He drug a hand over his scruffy chin. "Probably three-quarters of the way there. Is the tent worth it..." He glanced down to Bonnie, his expression already sold on making the tent a total loss til spring. The thought of a hike in the snow was not favorable.
Bonnie was partially sleeping against Clyde’s side. The rocking movement of the truck trying to put-put through the snow and over the terrain was lulling her to doze against Clyde’s shoulder. When he opened and slammed the door closed, Bonnie lifted her head and yawned a little. His comment made her laugh sleepily as she shrugged a shoulder in response. She leaned away, out from under his arm to rub her hand along his back, massaging the heel of her palm against the tight muscles. “I’m tellin’ you, this is part of growing old. Pretty soon it’s viagra and amnesia. Maybe not in that order, there’s no telling with you.”
“I’ve hiked before, on a broken ankle. I think I can handle the snow. Your arthritis might not hold up, though,” she teased, grinning broadly. Boy, she was on a roll. She situated herself back under his arm just before he put the truck in park. “Oh I don’t know. It’s worth it to watch you drudge through the snow and grumble all the way there.” She elbowed him playfully in the side before scooting away to open the passenger door. “Come on, old man. Let’s get you going. IT’ll take all night at your pace.” She had no idea how he put up with her and her sassy-ness. Blame it on bad sleep and no sex. That’s probably what it was. She hadn’t had a good tumble in a while.
Bonnie shrugged into the thick coat she managed to lift from a store just before Clyde woke up. Yes, Bonnie went exploring and caught site of a coat that would possibly keep her warm. Fur lined and leather. It was nice. She reached into the bag and pulled another jacket out for him, “Think you can fit this over those shoulders?” It was his size, of course. The coat was lined in wool, and like hers, leather.
She stopped for a moment upon hearing dogs bark and frowned. There weren't any dogs the night before. "Think someone found our campsite before us?"
Post by Ivarr Haurkson on May 22, 2018 17:26:59 GMT
Ivarr stood in the saddle as he noticed a strange shaped hummock in his past, frowning slightly. It almost looked like a tent. He scanned looking for signs of life, and upon seeing none he frowned. Carefully he turned the gypsy vanner, riding him into the relative shelter of a stand of trees before drawing him to a halt, carefully slipping off, gesturing to the dogs to stay, trusting Ronin to not actually wander too far.
Found what may be a snow buried tent, going to check it out, look for signs of life
Was the quick message he sent to Kristian before he reached to bring down the combat knife and its sheath, strapping it onto his belt before he slowly but surely moved to start to approach the tent, constantly scanning. The only reason for the knife was some people ... strongly disliked someone opening a tent flap.
As he moved he kept his scanning, his movements slow. The silence was broken only by his trudging through the snow, and as he approached the strange shape in the snow he started to move round, trying to gauge which side was the entrance... and then he was reminded that he should probably announce himself.... but then there were no other tracks around other than his own.
Which meant that either the person, or persons, were in the tent or they were out in the wilds... which choice to take was the question.
Post by Clyde Daniels on May 22, 2018 19:46:17 GMT
Age: 32Gender: male Online: Jul 2, 2018 1:17:00 GMT
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lyde scoffed at the old man comments, but he secretly appreciated the massage. "No purple pill assistance needed with you in front of me." He turned a crooked grin at Bonnie before reaching under the steering wheel to tighten his boot laces. Glancing out the windshield, nothing but white and bare trees welcomed the couple. For a moment he wondered the state of the tent, if it was hidden under a blanket of snow or not. Hopefully what little tree cover it sat under helped disperse the snowfall.
Leaning back, Clyde rolled his eyes and looked down at Bonnie, still tucked under the arm. She was fiery today. Well, that was everyday. More than usual today. "You might have to carry me to make it before nightfall." The man grumbled, though was teasing as they piled out of the truck. He was debating carrying Miss Invincible against her will, figuring her pride would probably rear up, but it'd ease the stress on her ankle.
Meeting Bonnie on the passenger side, Clyde rose a brow at the sight of the coat she offered. "You snagged two of them? Rebel." He eyed her with a grin as he took the coat and pulled it on. The biceps and shoulder area did hug some, but it was comfortable. Warm. Clyde motioned to speak when the distant barking caught his attention. His expression hardened. "Sounds small. But coming from that direction." The man observed, looking off down the empty trail which led to a small horizon of a hill. Their campsite wasn't too far past it, but he discouraged the idea of search dogs. Bloodhounds bayed and Shepherds gave a deeper, baritone bark.
Regardless, Clyde retrieved his 1911 from the cab and slipped in into his back waistband before moving to lift a bag of new supplies and their overnight totes from the truck bed, keeping his right hand free. For quick draws, if needed. He kept an eye on the trail. "Come on, we'll move in quiet." As not to bring attention to themselves. Locking the truck, Clyde stood at Bonnie's side and gently pressed his lips to her temple. He offered his arm to her and motioned to begin their hike back to camp.
“You know how to win over a girl’s heart,” she teased him about the comment he made in regards to not needing a purple pill to get hard and happy. “I’m relieved. Just so you know, I’m only with you for the sex.” This, of course, was a lie. While he shrugged into the jacket, she looked on appreciatively. No, there was more than just sex between them. This guy meant a lot more to her than anyone she’d ever been with. Bonnie, in her teen years, had a reputation as a bit of a flirt and — well it was no different than now, only she had several guys and not one. Some would call her a whore if they were brave enough to do so to her face. But Clyde was different. He stuck around. If it wasn’t for him, she’d probably still be stranded in the desert.
“It’s attractive, right? What can I say.. old habits die hard.” NJ and Bonnie lifted a few things in their life, but it wasn’t something she did all the time. This was necessary and the lack of funds permitted her from actually buying them. Once he was ready, she forewent his offered arm so he’d be free to pull that nice piece just in case it was called for, but followed beside him. “Yeah, after this, we can go get some real camping stuff. Who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky tonight after we’re settled,” she teased him, “How’s that for motivation.”
The hike was a decent one, but somehow she managed, they managed. She was tired and sore just half way through the hike, but Bonnie didn’t complain. As their site came into view, she noticed a decent sized horse that was hard to miss but the more interesting human counter part snooping around their tent. “Now see.. I can’t exactly say you’re trespassing, but you are in a dangerous position, mister.” She called out. Not exactly an intimidating site with her cheeks flushed, lips pale and a bit winded, but Bonnie could jack shit up if she wanted too.
She stopped for a moment upon hearing dogs bark and frowned. There weren't any dogs the night before. "Think someone found our campsite before us?"
Post by Ivarr Haurkson on May 23, 2018 17:55:32 GMT
Ivarr narrowed his eyes as he heard someone call over, adjusting his position so he could be clearly seen, and clearly see them. Because hey there was no way he could sneak away. Not now he'd been sighted anyway. Which - at least in his mind - put him on the back foot. His skill set wasn't so much close range.
Consider it less someone interested in trespassing, and more someone as a concerned civilian wanting to make sure no one was trapped
He signed slowly watching them both, his eyes flicking between the two of them. He'd also lowered his hand to the hilt of his knife just in case.
Also, be aware, that someone knows my route, knows that I stopped to check a potential buried tent, and knows what time I should return. Should I not the appropriate authorities will be alerted, and judging from it, that may not be something you want
He'd much rather defuse the situation however without having to use full blown threats.
Post by Clyde Daniels on May 23, 2018 20:20:58 GMT
Age: 32Gender: male Online: Jul 2, 2018 1:17:00 GMT
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ilence spread between Bonnie's motivation proposal and an answer. The corner of Clyde's mouth turned up in deep thought, thoroughly bullshitting. "Mmm, I think it'll do." He shrugged nonchalantly, shooting a smirk at his girlfriend as they set into their hike.
Luckily the snow hadn't been as deep as Clyde guessed, but he quietly noticed how the fresh powder still winded Bonnie. The forest was relatively silent, birdsong was scarce if even audible. Hare tracks dotted around evergreen brush and bare aspen, leading the man's inquisitorial eye to a fallen tree split into pieces by its fall. A firewood prospect. Though Clyde had spent most of his training in a cockpit tens of thousands of feet in the air, the military left a decent set of survival skills instilled in him. Such skills are what had led Bonnie out of the desert alive, that and the power of miracles. Clyde cleared his throat at the thought, releasing a brewing tightness in his chest.
Clyde caught onto the intrusion just as Bonnie did. Glancing from the lone horse and dogs to their tent, he set a steady gaze on the man as Bonnie called out. He watched the stranger step away from their tent and into the open, intently studying his hands as they began to move in motions. Nearly sixty yards stood between the couple and the man. Slowly, Clyde's arm rose to the back of his waistband as the stranger's own hovered at the belt, though kept an ease in his expression. The man was signing to them, but both parties held equal suspicions.
Bonnie was going to have to take the lead here. "What's he saying, Bon?" Clyde spoke up, only taking his eyes off the man to glance over his shoulder. Though he knew no more motions past 'thank you' and the more favorable (in his opinion) widely known hand signal that also ended with a 'you,' Bonnie had a mute cousin.
Sign. She could do this! Her cousin, Lazarus, was mute. After a horse accident that caused him to lose all control of his motor skills and more, Lazarus gained everything back but his ability to talk. At that point, however, the doctors discovered it was more of a choice for him to not talk verbally, but keep signing. Within his comfort zone. Bonnie couldn’t hold that against him, considering Lazarus was one of the sweetest guys she knew. No, she wasn’t biased.
She instantly flashed the man a grin. It was dangerous, the hidden threats behind his words but she didn’t let it get to her. She eyed the knife for a moment, then met his gaze again, watching his hands. Bonnie relayed the message to Clyde as the man signed. She didn’t like how he reached for his knife and was instantly suspicious of his true intentions. Granted, no one pulled yet and Bonnie might just be a bit paranoid with all of the shit they’d gone through already. And considering they had big, bold targets painted on their backs, her paranoia was warranted.
“We appreciate you lookin’ out, but everything is fine. Turns out it was a bit more weather than this old guy could handle, so we got a hotel room.” Very true, not a lie at all.
Post by Ivarr Haurkson on May 27, 2018 18:10:19 GMT
Normally people stay away till the weather improves, anything this citizen should be knowing about
Why on earth he felt the need to push when he'd been sent away. There was just something niggling at him, as he scanned the two. One was injured, or at least favouring one side no matter how they were trying to hide it, the other he had to assume had moved to reach for a weapon. Which given no attempts to close was probably going to be a firearm. Which definitely put him in a bad situation. Don't bring a knife to a gun fight he thought to himself with a slight smirk.
Equally most people don't come back to the camping location with such a rapid reaction of wanting to draw weapons to a civilian
He was trying to keep things equally as relaxed, not wanting to provoke anything.
If I may hazard a guess though, I'd reckon you two aren't from round here, got caught out by the weather, and for whatever reason - probably eloping with unsupportive parents - have no money to actually stay at the motel, and so are forced to stay out here in the cold, in a tent that looks like it's in danger of collapsing, with no knowledge how to make a snow shelter
Post by Clyde Daniels on May 29, 2018 18:08:50 GMT
Age: 32Gender: male Online: Jul 2, 2018 1:17:00 GMT
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lyde jerked his head. "You keep callin' me old around people and soon enough I'll get a social security check in the mail." He muttered, shooting a look at Bonnie. Not that they couldn't use the check at this point in time, but then again he couldn't flash an ID at a bank to cash it for the same reason why he couldn't access the money that was already in the bank. Filled with more than enough to house them in a hotel for months. Which was worse, having nothing to your name, or pretending that you had nothing to your name? This was a crock of crap situation.
Bonnie's answer to the man slowly began calming Clyde's nerves, but the stranger didn't sense the cue to leave. Clyde's arm shifted to rest his knuckles against his hip, expression still placid. The pistol remained untouched with no clear reason to retrieve it, but a concerned local was slight of hand. Course Clyde might not be reaching for anything, that it were just a bluff, however the man wasn't a fool. That much Clyde could tell. Carrying was legal in Montana, especially public land. Which gave Clyde reason to believe a lone man in the woods wouldn't also be carrying some form of protection. He could make words of his hands, but it'd take more than that to ward off a bear.
Readjusting the bags over his shoulder, Clyde watched the man sign again. "If he's offering help, we don't need it. Could be a Ranger." He commented to Bonnie. Be a park ranger, or know one.
Welcome to Choteau, Montana, in 2018. What was once only a small city focused on fossils, has now started to turn into an equestrian mecca. Everyone still knows everyone, so the question remains, what will you become? 
