Starter for @foulperfectionsworld
It's been weeks since Cassidy had started chasing down this trio of outlaws. He had been right on their tail, following them out into the desert, but unfortunately for him, he didn't quite time things out correctly. The full moon came and went, causing him to lose track of where the small gang ran off to, and all he gained was a few bruises and a bullet burning into his shoulder.
Thankfully, he had just barely enough supplies to properly dress the wound, and had wandered far enough with his horse to find civilization. The town was rather quaint, definitely older with its buildings being made of rotting wood, he could practically hear them groaning in the wind.
Cassidy stopped occasionally to ask some of the townspeople if there was a doctor around, or anywhere he could buy supplies, but most of them simply brushed him off or told him he should try a different town. The bartender at the saloon, not really understanding his questions, mentioned a woman living a little way from town who might be able to help, but he couldn't get more than a sentence or two out before some other patrons chimed in.
They all sounded incredibly superstitious, or they were just wasted—saying things about how she supposedly sells poisons, and is a witch sent there to curse the town. Cassidy wasn't believing a word they were saying, cutting them off with an annoyed sigh and leaving.
While he doesn't know who this woman is, he doubts she's as terrible as they're saying. Not to mention that she'd be his only source of help out here. He takes his horse, a black and white Appaloosa, by the reigns, and walks it to the little caravan he was hearing about.
Soon enough, he's at the door, and he gives it a little knock, not wanting to just let himself in.
@melancholicmoonlight
The day has been long once more for little Alyssa. The weather ruined her last crops, meaning she had to start over again. Which cost her time. And sleep. She did try her best to finish the last orders from her few loyal clients who weren’t listening to what the town folks were saying. Which she was grateful for, otherwise she didn’t know how she would live. No matter how the young woman tried to be as independent, doing things herself, building her own materials, harvesting her own ingredients and finding her own supplies, she still needed money for certain necessities.
Finally now she could rest, it was a quiet afternoon. She had just finished orders and tidying her shelves. Her arms resting against the wood of the counter, her eyes looking unfocused as she daydreamed. About a better life perhaps, with a family, with friends, or just even someone who would stick around. It sounded like despair but Alyssa would call it loneliness… a desire to not just be by herself and her thoughts.
But her dreaming state was soon interrupted by someone knocking on her door. Alyssa opened her eyes wide as she almost sounded startled by the noise. Being so used to the silence. But she quickly composed herself as she walked toward the door to open it. Her soft eyes met the somehow harsh ones of the man in front of her. He looked imposing, strong but not threatening. “Good day sir .. what may I help you with ?” She asked with a soft voice that carried professionalism but also a hint of care.
Cassidy was, admittedly, expecting someone much older than him when he heard people calling her a witch. Seeing the young woman before him made him wonder what exactly caused them to think that, other than her selling herbal medicines and rumors getting out of hand. It also made pity her more, based on the fact she seemingly lived completely alone. He wouldn't doubt the townspeople were the cause of that.
The man offers her a polite smile, his features softening slightly, though his teeth look more like fangs. An attempt to be as nonthreatening as he can, since she seemed frazzled. His voice is warm, yet gruff when he speaks, and there's definitely a bit of a twang to it. "Sorry to disturb you, ma'am, do you have anything for infection or pain? The folks in town said you sold medicine."
He decides to leave out the fact they used the word 'poison'.
@melancholicmoonlight
“You’re not disturbing me at all, I am here to help and assist you after all” said the young woman with a smile as she saw how gentle and polite this man was to her. It gave her a good feeling. “Come on in sir, you may take a seat if you want, there’s a jug with fresh water as well with citrus on the table” she said before closing the door behind her.
“Of course I do have things for infection and pain. But I must ask questions to know what would be more suitable for you” she explained before serving him a glass. “So first thing first, do you have any conditions, physical or mental ? Do you have any allergies ? As for your infection, what caused it ? Where is it located ? And for your pain, where is it located and how bad is it ? And lastly, does it cause you any side effect, such as nausea, headaches, stomachaches?”
