~~ The South Wind ~~

by TJ


For too long, Vin had defined himself in other terms, seeing his celibacy as a weakness and not as a gift. Athena needed him to be rid of his doubts, once and for all. She wanted him to have an experience he could truly remember as his first time. But, most of all, she meant to have him tonight… every ounce of strength that coursed through his muscles. Every droplet of sweat he would earn… and she would savor.

The sharpshooter returned her stare. He could only wonder what mischievous thoughts raced through her mind as she stood there staring at him. He had a few of his own. Things he’d heard talk of… things he hadn’t dared think about… until now. "You gonna stand over there all night," he grinned. "Sure would be a waste…"

Athena could only smirk. She licked her lips and walked over to him slowly. Hiking her skirt slightly she sank to her bedroll beneath them. Gazing into his beautiful blue eyes, she whispered seductively, "Do you trust me, Vin Tanner?"

He glanced away before looking back. A broad smile shone on his face as he cocked his head. "Girl, that’s the dumbest question…"

Athena’s eyes narrowed and her grin grew more enticing as she reached for his trousers.

The tracker couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows as she began to unbutton first his pants and then his drawers. "Don’t I even get a kiss?" he mused.

She didn’t answer.

His breath caught as her hands reached inside his clothing and touched him. Ever so gently, her silken fingers coaxed his growing organ from its confines and Vin couldn’t help but be curious as to her intentions. "I reckon that ain’t such a good idea, Boon."

Athena frowned as she moved closer. "Again with this designation, Vin Tanner. I do not understand," she frowned "… but I will not be distracted…"

The sharpshooter grinned. "Is that right?"

The woman narrowed her gaze and pushed his pants down on his hips. Taking him in her hands, she traced the length of his growing organ with a finger. She circled the tip as a sparkling droplet appeared at the top. Athena looked at him through downcast eyes. "I will have what I desire." Licking her lips seductively, she leaned down and blew warm breath across his lap.

"Ummmm," he swallowed hard. "Now, what would that be?" he whispered. Watching her tongue reach out for the head of his penis, he held his breath as she touched it. He was a little uneasy with the thoughts that ran through his mind but her tenderness persuaded his doubts to back off.

Swirling her tongue around the tip, the woman slowly drew it down one side of his shaft and back up the other. She moved her body into a better position and repeated the actions several more times. Looking back into Tanner’s blue eyes, she smirked. "This is something that you like?"

Vin pulled her to his lips and kissed her wantonly. "Reckon I never knew… there was so many different feelin’s… I was missing out on," he breathed deeply. "But I’m thinkin’… you should be leavin’ that tongue in yer mouth... where it belongs."

She couldn’t help but smile. "As you wish," she moved back to her previous position.

"Athena!"

"I will honor your request," she opened her mouth and casually licked her lips.

The sharpshooter couldn’t help but gasp as his manhood disappeared into her mouth in one quick movement. She held her position until he began to breathe again.

"‘thena… I…"

She began to slowly move him in and out of her mouth. Like so many parts of his body, this muscle was rigid and strong. She savored the power, as the rest of his body seemed to wither at her touch. Her deliberate pace didn’t change as his hands gradually began to caress her shoulders and hair.

"’thena…" he pulled at her head as it slowly moved up and down. "’thena…"

Still holding the tip in her mouth she glanced up with her eyes and beckoned.

Vin licked his lips amorously. "‘bout that request," he panted.

She grinned broadly before releasing him from her mouth. Settling her body closer to his, she licked at his cock teasingly. She drew her tongue over it several times, tickling the head and shaft with equal pleasure before engulfing him once more. Her previous steady rhythm ensued but this time her ever-present tongue taunted him playfully at the apex of each purposeful stroke.

Minutes ticked by slowly but she never let up.

Tanner’s breathing began to quicken and he finally started to pull her away. "Stop!" he drew her lips to his. Kissing her forcefully, he held her body tight as he forced back a burning desire.

When Vin let up on his embrace, Athena looked into his sparkling pools and cocked her head. "You are learning…" she whispered.

He couldn’t help but blurt out a laugh. "That what this is all ‘bout? …Hell, killin’ me would be easier!"

The woman pulled away from him and tugged at his pants gently. "Push them down," she directed softly.

The tracker narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"Please," she purred.

He cocked his head before shaking it in disbelief. He had no idea what else she had planned but he complied with her request. With his clothing around his knees, he was beyond curious as she cautiously stood, hiked her skirt ever so slowly and stepped one foot across his legs.

Athena looked down at the sharpshooter and grinned mischievously once more. Pulling her clothing higher on her hips she bared her pubic hair and slowly sank down on his body. Rubbing her moisture on his hardened cock, she kissed him deeply as their lips met.

The sharpshooter’s eyes rolled in the back of his head as she wiggled against his straining flesh. He broke their embrace. "This ain’t a good idea," he whispered.

Reaching down, the woman took his organ in her hand and rubbed it against her opening. "This is a better idea than you know," she came down on him hard.

The tracker grabbed her firmly and held her still. "Don’t!" he growled. His eyes were wide.

Athena relaxed her body and smiled at him. "Do not think about what is happening down there, Vin Tanner…" she murmured alluringly. "Look into my eyes."

Where his laugh came from, the sharpshooter wasn’t sure but he stared at her in utter amazement. "Don’t think about it?" he repeated her words sharply. "Hell… can’t think of nothin’ else. It just feels… so… damn…good."

"Look at me," she requested again.

"I am lookin’ at ya, Boon," he protested. "What else would ya be expectin’ me ta look at?"

Placing a hand on each temple, she pulled his head as close to hers as she could. "Look into my eyes… think of… the questions that ran through your mind when you first saw me… think of the fear that pressed you to find the Red Wolf."

He took a deep breath and studied her carefully. Don’t think about it! Think about… her questions…

A minute passed as they simply sat and stared.

The sharpshooter’s eyes narrowed. "First time I saw you, I thought you was a man, ‘thena."

She smirked. "Good," she slowly began to move her body on his.

They held each other’s gaze as her slow movements continued.

Tanner closed his eyes as he tried not to think about the growing pressure between his legs. "And I can’t exactly say I was afraid… I was just needin’ tah find out if you were really…"

Moving her hands to his shoulders, the woman slowly increased her pace.

Vin was beginning to understand what she meant by distractions. He thought about the words that had begun to float through his head this afternoon. Poetry seemed to come to him easily when he was emotional and the last couple of days had sure been one hell of a ride.

The words just seemed to spill forth without warning. His voice was passionate and unyielding in its intensity. "From illusion came good fortune… Yet, my eyes did not see… Burdens twofold and strong… Spirits cryin’ to be free…"

Athena stopped. She couldn’t help it.

" Hope lost to the winds… Until luck returned, none too soon… A gift of esteem, trust and confidence… This blessin’… I now call, Boon."

Moments before she had been in complete control… Now she simply stared…

Tanner smiled so softly. "Do ya like it?"

His innocence astounded her.

There wasn’t a single declaration that could possibly describe the way she felt… At a loss for words, Athena wrapped her arms around Vin and kissed him passionately.

Their embrace did not end as they drew closer. Without really knowing, their bodies began to grind against one another.

She took hold of his hair and curled it around her fingers as their lips changed position.

Vin pawed at her back, urging her movements, awareness of their joint need growing feverishly in his loins.

Coming up for air, the woman threw her head back as she forced his cock into her purposely. The swivel of her hips pressed her body against his in just the right way. Her own desire welling dangerously close to the surface, she couldn’t stop now…

The sharpshooter couldn’t help but smile. What she was doing to him was having the required effect and she was experiencing it, too. He touched the swaying breasts beneath the material of her top. The nipples certainly weren’t hard to find and Athena let out a soft moan as he played with them. Her pace seemed to quicken once more, as he continued the gentle caress.

This was too good… too right… too much…

Tanner’s hands drifted quickly to her hips and pressed them onto him. Every taut nerve ached for mercy as his orgasm took over.

Athena felt him tense and she ground her pelvis into his groin. The stimulation, both inside and out, became too much for her as well. Her body succumbed to her own intense pinnacle of pleasure. She couldn’t help but ride him… draining every last vestige of gratification from their bodies.

Her movements persisted sporadically before slowly weakening. His hold on her hips gently loosened. Wrapped in each other’s arms they came down from their joint indulgence.

Some time passed as they just held each other tightly. Caressing fingers provided the only signs of life.

Finally, Athena pulled her head from his shoulder and looked at the wooly tracker. "Your words are most inspiring, Vin Tanner… As, too, is your body."

He couldn’t help but grin. "Reckon, that means I got it right," he whispered softly.

"So very right," she whispered softly. Kissing him tenderly, she played with his hair and caressed his shoulders. Her hands didn’t seem to want to stop there. Making their way to his chest, her fingers pulled at his buttons.

Vin felt his arousal gaining strength once more. The tantalizing whispers of her touch on his nipple made him think of hers. Reaching behind Athena, he untied the cloth and whisked it away into the darkness. He traced the curve of her hip to the roundness of her breast and then ventured onto the flesh. He circled the nipples before brushing them gently. They immediately responded to his touch. "My lady has tasted forbidden fruit… and is in need of more?"

The woman grinned at his words as her hands copied his movements. The sharpshooter’s own flesh responded as hers did. Taut chest muscle flexed as fingers pressed into them. She blew warm breath across his chest hairs, causing goose bumps to rise beneath. "I have no poetry to offer, Vin Tanner. But, I have never spoken falsely. Your words breathe fire into my soul and stir my heart as never before. Yes… I am in need of more," she looked deep into his eyes. "I am not afraid to tell you this. Nor ashamed of my desire."

Continuing to caress her breasts, the tracker closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "Poetry comes in many forms, ‘thena …And your words are as sweet to my ears… as any verse I ever spoke."

Their eyes met again and so too did their lips. Another followed… a long, hard, passionate embrace. Hands, fingers and arms explored and pampered as the heat between them slowly began to rise once more.

The sharpshooter fought to kick off his boots and pants as she giggled and wiggled at his attempts. Finally succeeding, he kicked them aside and quickly discarded his socks.

Athena’s expression grew increasingly enticing as she pushed the shirt from his back and sat back to admire the now naked tracker. She could feel his hardness growing below her and she smirked coyly. It had only been a short while since their fever had driven the seed from his loins, yet he was nearing full awareness once more. Being spent and aroused again so soon would mean that they could enjoy each other for some time. The idea only served to spur her appetite. Twirling the soft hairs on his chest, the woman slowly drew her nails down the soft flesh of his sides.

The tracker growled his pleasure and pushed the woman to the ground playfully.

She giggled.

"That ain’t nice, Boon," he whispered. Grabbing her legs before they settled to the ground, the tracker rolled her over and began to undo the ties on her skirt.

"Vin Tanner is in a mischievous mood this evening?"

He huffed loudly pulling at the material on her body. "Ain’t we both," he tossed the skirt aside and rolled her back over. "Ain’t that the point," he lay his body on hers.

Squirming beneath his weight, she reached between them and took hold of his growing penis. "Your observation is valid… but perhaps this is more to the point," she caressed his manhood.

The sharpshooter pursed his lips. "For who?"

Athena leaned up and kissed the tracker before resting her head back down. "Turn around," she whispered softly.

Vin frowned.

"Turn around," she repeated, this time licking her lips.

He couldn’t help but grin. Cocking his head he slowly moved off her and turned his body.

The whole process was quite amusing to both of them. They started to giggle when a stray knee hit an unsuspecting forehead.

He sat back on the bedroll and looked at her seriously. "You done this before, right?"

Athena tried desperately to control her grin as she shook her head.

"NO?" he leaned back to kiss her. "Then what they heck are we doin’?"

There was no expression on her face as she spoke softly. "I too, have heard stories… Can we not learn together?"

The grin disappeared from his face as he realized the importance of her declaration. He had naturally assumed that she knew everything… hadn’t really considered that she wouldn’t.

The woman sat up partially and leaned into his lap. Finding the object of her desire awaiting her attentions, she blew warm breath across it before fondling. Cupping the balls gently, she maneuvered closer and tongued the tip.

The sensations he had felt earlier came rushing back into his body. Vin moaned appreciatively as she played with him and then took his cock in her mouth. Gently, ever so carefully, she nibbled at the tip on her up stroke.

Athena felt him moving and laid back as he moved his body over hers. They moved fluidly and no accidents occurred. She was now lying on her back, the sharpshooter’s organ hung pleasingly above… well, within reach, yet not crowding. Pleasantly surprised by the accessibility of this position, she let her hands roam his torso, as she continued to tease and suck his cock.

Vin had settled his body into place over hers and closed his eyes as she began to tempt his penis. The sensations were extremely satisfying and curiously mystifying. Whatever Athena was doing, he liked it… a lot.

Opening his eyes, the sharpshooter studied an unfamiliar sight. From this angle, his lady’s slender hips were rounder and her legs appeared to go on forever. But, as she wiggled, clearly enjoying her new indulgence, Tanner’s eyes were drawn to the mound of flesh hidden below a soft drift of mousy blonde hair.

Curiosity can be a dangerous and wondrous emotion.

For so long, the tracker had pondered exactly what it was about a woman that men sought out. Pleasures of the flesh… he knew that much. And now he understood that warmth himself. Knew what it was to be buried so deeply inside a woman’s body… to feel the silken skin of her breast in his hands and mouth and the feel the unbelievable embrace of her inner chamber. Her bosom he understood. They hung freely for all to see. They were no real mystery. But, this… he knew the real term. He thought of all the other words that he’d heard used. Some men had no respect…

Vin blew gently across the hairline and Athena’s breath caught. She withdrew his penis from her mouth and gazed down between their bodies.

Sparkling blue met hazel...

"Do men…" he licked his lips. "Are we supposed tah…"

She smiled, knowing his question. "Some men touch," she replied earnestly. "Those that take the time…"

He looked back at her mound. "Where…?"

The woman slowly moved a hand between their bodies as she spread her legs slightly. Reaching into her folds she touched her clit and rubbed it gently. "Give me your hand," she beckoned.

Vin did as he was asked.

Feeling along his hand for the index finger, Athena separated it from the others and drew it to her vagina. She carefully rubbed it against her clit. "Do you feel the small pebble?"

He could detect a hard little button of flesh amongst the softness. "Yeah."

"For a woman, this is the most sensitive area. As you would your own hardness, treat it gently and it will bring the same pleasure."

He studied her folds again. Another question came to mind. "What about… inside?"

She understood his curiosity. Everything was so new. "If they are progressive and kind… there are few touches that are wrong…"

Vin considered her words.

Hearing no more queries, Athena removed her hand and traced her way back up his body. She tickled his balls and applied gentle kisses to the head of his penis. She was about to indulge when…

"And my tongue?"

Silence.

"I… have experienced this."

"Do ya like it?"

She sighed. "It was very sensual…"

Once more, there was silence.

Athena felt his breath across her headline again and she smiled. Reaching her tongue out for his cock, she lapped at it hungrily. She took him in her mouth before her eyes closed at the sensation she felt between her legs.

Vin directed his breath at the folds of skin below the hair. He carefully touched the button she had showed him and was curious how it felt. He rubbed it gently and watched, as it appeared to swell. He had seen her nipples do this. He knew his own organ responded this way. He continued his soft downward caresses.

When Athena moaned with pleasure, the tracker understood he was doing it right.

With one finger busy, Tanner reached the others down to touch the opening to her channel. Moisture appeared as she squirmed and Vin couldn’t help but wonder what it felt like in there. His finger left her clit and began to explore further. As gently as he was able, he touched, then pushed. His finger slipped in easily. He smiled. Warm and inviting…

He slipped in a second finger and was surprised when Athena pushed against his hand. Her hips rose to meet his probing and he grinned. Slowly, he withdrew the fingers and pushed them in again. Athena’s legs spread a little wider.

She could feel the gentle touches and it excited her. She lapped hungrily at his cock. The more inquisitive his touches the more purposeful her motions became.

Tanner wasn’t oblivious to the effect he was having on his lady. Settling his chest gently on her abdomen, he had twisted his wrist slightly to allow better access. Two fingers rested gently inside her and he wiggled them from time to time. With his hand turned this way, his thumb now had access to her clit. He busied himself tempting the button, just as he had done before.

The tracker was truly amazed. He remembered Athena’s words… Some men touch... those that take the time… It was so easy not to spend the time to touch here. Vin couldn’t help but pity the men who didn’t. He could feel her twist and wiggle under his manipulations and her attentions to his own private area had increased in their intensity since he had been ‘playing’. It excited him, knowing that such simple petting could make a woman react this way.

Few touches are wrong… There was still one touch that Tanner wanted to try. He slowly edged his face closer to her body. The fragrance was something he had not experienced. It was unusual, yet alluring and he couldn’t help but wonder about the taste. Gently reaching out his tongue, Vin touched her clit.

The coolness of his mouth startled Athena. Her enjoyment of his body stopped temporarily as she concentrated on his actions.

The slight saltiness didn’t shock Vin. His tongue stroked her little button and he couldn’t get over how different it felt. He gently lapped at it, twirling his tongue as Athena had done to the tip of his cock. He knew his actions were right by the way that she reacted. Her movements had ceased when he had first tongued her; now she was readily engrossed with his organ once more.

This top and tail placement was providing both partners unprecedented access and neither wanted to change positions any time soon. Slow, gentle actions reigned for a while. Athena was busy teasing, nibbling, licking and stroking Vin’s cock with hands, tongue and mouth. She loved the feeling it gave her to enjoy a man like this. Seeing him gyrate and thrust as she tickled his fancy.

For the sharpshooter, this was all new but where he was now was of particular fascination. Combining his thumb and tongue actions on this little button of hers had produced some interesting effects. Athena’s hips squirmed under his chest. Her body came up to meet his touch and then would pull away without warning, almost as though it had a mind of its own. When his tongue was alone, his hands reached out and tantalized her legs. Drawing his fingers up and around her tender thighs caused identical wiggling. The added weight of his chest on her hips made him swayed with her movement. He could hear soft giggles and moans and he couldn’t help but smile.

Her deepest moans came when he combined his touches. One or two fingers inside caused her hips to push up, driving hard against him. This allowed both his thumb and tongue alternating access to her clit. The more he did this, the more excited Athena became. Moisture abounded and Vin was finally putting all the pieces together.

Athena suddenly released her hold on his organ and withdrew it from her mouth. Panting heavily, her eyes rolled in the back of her head. "You… must stop… Vin Tanner."

The sharpshooter opened his eyes and turned his head to hear her. His thumb and fingers stayed in place and continued to play. "I’m thinkin’… you don’t mean that, Boon," he smiled coyly.

Athena’s eyes narrowed. "I wish… only to share it with you," she whispered through heavy breath.

Again, the man’s grin was as wide as the mountains. "It’d be my turn tah please, ‘thena. I got you here. I’m aimin’ on takin’ ya all the way. Like you said before… there’s plenty ‘a time." With those words he turned his head and put his tongue to better use.

Her eyes fluttered as she reveled in the sensations. She knew he was inside her and she couldn’t help but push against him. She could feel his tongue teasing her… but there was something else. He was touching her like she had never been touched before and pleasing her as never before. Realizing that he was taking her to an incredible orgasm, she closed her eyes tight, and slipped his cock in her mouth, sucking and tonguing as she rode out the waves of pleasure that racked her body.

Vin heard her squeal and then felt her clamp down on him hard. He relaxed his body and allowed her complete access while he worked furiously on hers. She bucked frantically under his manipulations. Her fingers groped desperately at his back. He pushed his fingers into her and wiggled them while his thumb and tongue continued to tantalize her clit. As her arching motion began to subside, the tracker slowed his actions, keeping pace with her downward slide.

Her eyes still closed tightly, Athena released his member from her mouth and took in a deep breath of air.

Tanner gently removed his hands from her body and quickly turned around. In one movement he lay down on her and clamped his lips around hers.

The woman couldn’t help but reciprocate the action. She wrapped her arms around him tightly and sucked at his lips and tongue.

Her hunger was incredible and Vin felt a satisfaction like none other. They kissed long and hard for several minutes before she came up for air. She continued to grind her body against his. His smile was broad and his eyes were passionate. "Reckon I figured out how it all works," he smirked.

Athena’s mouth wanted to speak but the grin on her lips wouldn’t allow it.

"Yep," the sharpshooter concurred. "That ‘bout says it all."

She slapped his back playfully and hid her face in his shoulder. "For Vin Tanner… a small amount of knowledge is a very dangerous commodity."

The tracker pulled back and looked into her eyes as she settled back to the bedroll. He frowned. "Ya make that sound like a bad thing, Boon."

She smiled knowingly. "That was never my intent," she whispered.

"And just what was yer intent?" he leaned down to kiss her.

When her lips were free, she spoke happily. "Clearly… my instruction is no longer required. My intent is merely that of enjoyment… and fulfillment."

Tanner smiled shyly. Bringing his legs up, he moved into a straddling position across her hips. "Enjoyment and fulfillment," he repeated as a slowly began to traced her silken neckline to the breasts below. Each hand chose a target and homed in naturally.

Athena closed her eyes as he stimulated her nipples. She reached up to copy his motion, dragging her fingertips over his muscular chest and stomach. Finally finding his penis, she began slow, rhythmic strokes, tickling his balls as they rested against her body.

Trapping her hands, the sharpshooter leaned down and licked at her breast. Tonguing a nipple, he played with the other one. Alternating his touches, Tanner slowly drew each pert bud to new heights. He cupped her beasts in his hands and played. "Does this fit yer meanin’?" he whispered coyly.

With her hands still trapped between their bodies, Athena lifted her legs and hips to push his body upwards.

Being forced out of position, the tracker pushed back down on her body and slipped his legs between her knees. "Was that a yes?" he questioned, retrieving a nipple into his mouth.

Athena breathed heavily into his ear, using all the strength in her abdomen to lift her head. "Your attentions are required elsewhere, Vin Tanner," she wrapped her thighs around his buttocks.

"Is that so," he grinned. Pushing his hardened love muscle against her pelvic area, the tracker nibbled at her ears too. "Anywhere I might ‘a been before?"

The growl that erupted from her lungs was so uncustomary that Tanner had to stop what he was doing and look at her. He sensed her wiggling under his weight, he felt her hands fighting for freedom and Vin was amused. He leaned back to her ear once more. "Yer mood’s a little wild, Boon. I’m guessing… you’d like somethin’ a little hard between your legs."

Again, she pulled her head up from the ground to meet his eyes. "Little, No! …Hard… oh, yes!" she forced her groin into his and spread her knees so that he slipped further between her legs.

Vin had lost track of how many times he’d smiled at her words this evening. It felt so right that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Lifting his body, he released her hands and instantly he felt them snake around to his back and dig into his skin amorously. The sensation shot through his torso and went straight to his hips. He squirmed in her wetness and together they succeeded in making both parts meet. Vin knew she was more than ready and he knew she wanted his cock as much as he wanted to give it to her. In one quick, hard movement, he drove his engorged organ into her.

She screamed out her pleasure and Vin couldn’t help but join her. Their sounds grew to moans as he continued to pump into her body. Her legs rose and her thighs wrapped tightly around his buttocks. This position gave him full access to her and he filled her voraciously.

His long, forcefully strokes sent shivers down her spine and Athena couldn’t help but grind her fingers into his flesh. She traced her way to his arms and continued to knead.

The steady pace grew as all other movement ceased. They had one mind set. There was one single focus for both of them; all nerves were taut and ready. It built slowly... five exhausting, pleasurable minutes passed in the blink of an eye. The tracker’s body glistened with sweat but he had no thoughts of stopping. Athena’s eyes were closed tight as she relished the feeling growing steadily in her body.

And then… his breath caught. Their eyes met as he hesitated. Deep, panting breath forced from his lungs and his head shook gently.

Athena was there too. Her eyes watched his wantonly and she could only nod her willingness to continue. She knew he couldn’t stop and she didn’t want him to. Her own burning desire was only moments away from a climatic conclusion and she wanted it so badly.

Seeing her signaled intent, Vin pushed into her with every last straining muscle that he had. Five… eight... nine… ten more hard pulsating strokes dropped him over the edge of a chasm so long and wide that the endless spinning forced his body to keep pumping.

The sporadic jerking of his body had the desired effect on Athena. She forced her hips up to meet his ever-increasing motion and she too plummeted head long into an abyss. Wavers of pleasure forced a scream from her lungs. She kissed him long and hard as their bodies moved together. She held on. She held his body for support and comfort… but most of all, encouragement. She needed him to see her safety back to earth.

They made the immeasurable journey together. Motions slowed to a listless pace but didn’t seem to want to quit. Long minute passed before all movement stopped. Her legs were back on the ground... his stretched out on hers. Their bodies were still joined; his muscle still buried happily within her body. His head rested tightly into her shoulder and her face was buried against his cheek. Their arms were wrapped tightly around each other as though never wanting to let go.

And, they didn’t…

Listening to one another breathe… quietly, they lulled each other to sleep.

EPILOGUE

Sanchez was finally seeing to a loose shingle on the church roof when he glanced up and spotted a familiar wagon turning the corner at the other end of the street. He took a deep breath and lowered his head to his chest before raising it high in the air. The preacher didn’t quite know whom he was acknowledging for the safe return of their seventh but the way he saw it, they all needed to be thanked. "Hey, Nathan," Josiah called over to porch at the clinic.

Jackson glanced up from the bandages he was wrapping.

Seeing he had the healer’s attention, Sanchez grinned as he set his hammer down. "Guess whose wagon just rolled back into town?"

It took Nathan no time at all to realize what Josiah was talking about. The six men had mentioned their fondest wish several times, since Larabee had returned. Smiling happily, the healer put his task aside and got to his feet. He walked down the stairs and met Sanchez at the bottom of his ladder.

Both men made their way towards the spot reserved for a certain wagon’s return.

~~~~~~~ 7 ~~~~~~~ 7 ~~~~~~~ 7 ~~~~~~~ 7 ~~~~~~~ 7 ~~~~~~~

Vin glanced at the restaurant porch and nodded casually to its occupants as he passed on by.

Chris sat playing a game of cards with a bandaged up and an obviously still healing southerner.

The sharpshooter smirked at the site and shook his head solemnly. He couldn’t believe how much one person could change the people he cared about. Yeah… she’s been here all right!

Larabee and the gambler exchanged knowing smiles as they folded their cards. They too, silently acknowledged the work of a certain young lady. The gunslinger helped Ezra to his feet and they cautiously followed the wagon.

As he neared the jailhouse the tracker reined in the workhorse and looked at Buck and JD on the porch. The kid was enjoying a dime novel out in the open and Wilmington was whittling a piece of wood with his blade. They both put down their distractions and smiled broadly as they looked up to see their returning friend.

"Vin!" John Dunne yelled out. His exuberance was obvious in his tone as he bounded to his feet too quickly. Wincing in pain, he grabbed his chest and the support post at the same time.

"Whoa there, JD," Jackson grabbed the kid and steadied him. "I told ya not tah move so fast."

Dunne nodded, reaffirming the healer’s orders. "I’m alright, Nathan. Vin’s back... I’m allowed to get a little excited about that, ain’t I?"

Jackson and Dunne shared a moment of quiet understanding before refocusing on Tanner.

Josiah reached up to shake the tracker’s hand as he arrived beside the wagon. "Glad to have you back, brother."

The sharpshooter grinned as he shook the offered hand. "Good tah be back, my friend," he studied the four familiar faces and then glanced over to see Chris and Ezra as they joined the little group. "Boys," he continued to study their faces.

Wilmington stood to free up the seat for the gambler and Larabee helped the man into the chair. The blond smiled at Ezra before turning to gaze at his long absent best friend. "Been two months, Tanner. Was beginning to wonder."

Chris and Vin held each other’s gaze for a long moment.

Standish grinned. "There was never a doubt in my mind, Mr. Tanner. When our young lady sets her mind to a task…" he lowered his head as he remembered his own dealings with Athena.

Seeing the sudden loss of words in the southerner, Wilmington cocked his head. "She sees it through to the very end," he added softly.

Larabee broke his eye contact with the tracker. "No matter how stubborn the jackass is," he concluded. He couldn’t help but look away as he recalled his time with Athena.

Vin rolled his eyes and turned his head as well. ‘Stubborn!’ Now, there was a word that fit all of the parties involved…

A week ago he’d been forced to ride away from the most beautiful spirit he’d ever seen. Oh, how he’d wanted her to come back with him. He had invited her… Hell, he’d begged her. And, Tanner knew he hadn’t been wrong at seeing her hesitation… Yet, she had declined the suggestion and refused to discuss it any further. She had continued to remind him of his promise to return. It was a covenant he had meant to keep. Trouble was… he wanted her, too. Even his mournful tears hadn’t touched her consciousness, as he had desperately hoped they would. He’d tried everything he could think of. His only option had been to deny her wish and unpack his belongings. As much as it hurt him to disappoint Athena like that, he’d at least forced her hand and got a concession from her. He just had to hope that she’d hold up on her end of the bargain.

Looking back at the three men who had just spoken, the tracker smiled. He knew how close he’d grown to her and he knew it hadn’t taken much time. Suspecting his companions of mutual admiration, Tanner thought he might understand her resolve all too clearly. "Reckon she done what she needed to," was all he could say. He moved down from the wagon and shook Wilmington’s outstretched hand.

Sanchez glanced at the four men as they stared at each other. He’d only had the opportunity to talk to the woman once but she’d made her message so very clear during their brief conversation. It was obvious to the preacher that these four men shared something very special. "Reckon we can get this wagon put back where it belongs?" he asked as he looked over at Nathan.

Glancing at the tracker anxiously, the kid stepped forward. "You are stayin’… ain’t ya, Vin?"

Tanner smiled back at the kid and looked around at his six companions. He slowly nodded his head.

JD let out a loud holler and smiled at his friend. "Sure is good tah see ya back," he said happily. Moving to the rear of the wagon, Dunne untied Vin’s horse. "I’ll let Yosemite know you’re back in town," he added before guiding the horse towards the livery.

Jackson pointed a finger at the kid. "Go slow," he instructed as he jumped into the bed of the wagon and took up the reins.

JD just waved and smiled.

Nathan glanced at the sharpshooter and nodded. "Good tah have ya back again, Vin," he smiled at the young man before ushering the rig forward.

Sanchez nodded at the tracker before following behind the wagon. Turning into the alleyway, Josiah and Nathan were intent on getting Vin’s things back where they belonged.

Watching his rig disappear, Tanner looked around town. "Things been quiet since I left?"

"Well hell, son. We needed some peace and quiet after that last… incident," the ladies’ man lost his words as he looked back at Ezra. He smiled regretfully and tapped the gambler’s good shoulder.

The sharpshooter looked solemnly at the big man and then at his other two companions. "Reckon we all needed time to collect our thoughts."

There were several long minutes, before the silence was broken.

"Vin?" There was a definite question to Larabee’s voice.

The expression disappeared from the tracker’s face. He wasn’t sure he understood the gunslinger’s reasons for asking but he knew exactly what he meant. Tanner suspected they all had their own, very personal reasons, for caring. "She’s just fine, Chris," he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. " … Just fine." He looked at the blond and forced a smile. He distracted himself quickly by looking up and down the street. "Reckon we’re all… just fine."

There was another long, pensive silence as each man took in the satisfaction of just being there with each other.

Noticing their three friends returning from down the street, the gambler smiled coyly. He couldn’t help but reflect on Athena’s words. "It would appear that ‘The South Wind’ blows true, after all!" he spoke softly.

The others looked back at him curiously. They followed his gaze to the three men in the street. Seeing their returning companions, each man frowned at Ezra’s statement.

Laughing at the apparent confusion, the southerner’s green eyes sparkled and a cocky grin spread wide across his face. He whispered the words with such elegance and grace. "I would never be so presumptuous, as to pretend that I understood her meaning. Nevertheless, gentlemen, it appears that Athena was right… History Will Know The Seven."

THE END

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