Elle||blue skies, smiling at me

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

King was cantering down the route towards the Iron Star Ranch, the one he was pursuing. He wore dusty jean pants that were almost now the color of the dirt itself. He arrived to the entrance of the place. It was just dawn and the sky was painted with all sorts of pastels, the kind only Colorado skies could produce.

He heard a coyote call out from far off, and an answering call from a different direction before it was left to the birds to make all the noise again. All sorts of flocks fly by, left and right before settling into the tall weeds at the base of a wide oak tree. He trotted threw the large arch and looked around at the Iron Star. Better than he'd imagined.... Not as nice as the Bar Blue Steele Circle. He had to laugh though because the initials were BS in the brand. He smiled softly, thinking of the cattle back home.

He shifted his mind back to the Iron Star. He swung off his mount with the grace only a cowboy could pull off. He left the horse standing there to park. He walked toward the door. Dusting his boots off before knocking briskly before stepping back to allow the door to open without nailing him in the face.

Meanwhile he looked around, seeing the stables, a few mazes of corrals, more than likely for branding season, or when they rustle up a few wild horses for breaking, if they do that here, he was sure they were all pretty much cattle here though.... He could hear footsteps inside so he brought his mind back.

[beth]

It was rather early in the morning when Elle heard a knock at the door from her bedroom. She had been in there trying to mend some of her things under candle light before the sun came up and people started to drop by. Apparently she had run out of time though she put down her tools and clothes. With them situated on the bed she got up to her feet and headed out into the main room and to the door.

As she peeked out the window she saw that there was a strange man standing there. He was a fine looking man. Elle only then realized that she probably looked like half a pathetic sight. She had hardly done anything with her hair that morning and was certain it probably looked like just that. In a panic she ran her fingers through it as she went to open the door.

"Hello, sir." Elle's words came out rather slowly, but that was better than them being rushed. "Can I help you with something?" All she knew was that they were not expecting anyone as far as she had been told. "Because I'm rather certain we weren't expecting... we weren't expecting anyone, sir."

She paused for a moment as she thought about how she had said the last part. It was weird, she hardly ever did that when she spoke. Maybe she was just tired. Part of her doubted that though, since she was use to being up at that time and had gotten a rather good night's sleep. Just the same she decided not to focus on it. Otherwise she would become just that much more anxious about it all.

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

King was rather surprised at what he found when the door opened. In a bad way, mostly cause he felt a certain need he didn't want to think about. Instead he bit his tongue a second before saying evenly, "I was told by a few rather rough gentlemen at the bar that you are looking for a few ranch hands." He stated rather than asked the question, as if he were so sure of himself he could never be wrong. Which also made people kind of confused when they first met him, they usually feel like King would be a fool or even just a cruel man, but he had never once done a harmful thing, at least in what they've seen.

He had taken off his stetson hat at her presence, only now just realizing he'd done so, gripping the felt Texan styled hat. He had his bandanna on backwards and it was starting to itch up a storm on his back, the little edges meshing against the fabric of his shirt. But he didn't move to itch it, he was too... mesmerized?

King couldn't help eying her tousled hair. As if she'd just woken up. Heavens, she probably had. "Excuse me if I disturbed your sleep." He let his eyes make contact with her hazel eyes. "I'm King... McCallum by the way, I would prefer if you just called me King," he said with a slight lift to the corner of his mouth.

It was bad enough that the man acted like a king to actually be called one. He'd honestly picked up the name from his childhood. Him and his brothers would play King of the Hill and he always won. As well as when they were cowboys and indians or in the war against some country they probably had no knowledge of. Or even when they were messing around in Ma's Orchard.... Then again no one won when they played in the Orchard.

He'd have to get used to McCallum as a last name, he was also going to have to 'lay low' or not start fights or draw attention. The Calhoun name was popular, but hopefully not popular enough for anyone around here to really know him... he surely hoped.

[beth]

Elle did not know what to think of the man as he started to speak. Of course she knew he was not a native of the town. She would of recognized him if he was. The way that he was dressed and the way that his voice sounded only confirmed that. "Are you sure you like it around these here parts, sir?" After all she kind of figured there might be better looking places where you might actually have more of a view while you worked. Although she certainly would not know if there were or not having been in the same town her whole life. "Because if you were to become a ranch hand you would have to stay here."

Part of her was just testing him. Every now and then she liked to test some of the men. Just because it was kind of fun to see how they would react to it. It was sure a hard habit to break as well.

When the man apologized for possibly having had woken her up she shook her had ever so slightly. "Well, King, you had not disturbed me from the sleep. I just have been busy doing some chores that us women are expected to take care of. The time is sure seems to be passing quite quickly today, if I may say so." Elle's words were rather forced. Partially because the man had made eye contact. That sure made her feel rather uncomfortable in a way that she could not easily explain.

"Did your parents give you that name or did you name yourself that? King doesn't seem like a name someone would name a child." She then looked him over some. Indeed he kind of seemed full of himself in a way she found. He really did not seem like your normal kind of ranch hand either. Elle was just glad that she was not in charge of hiring them, that was her father's duty for the time being. Although she was rather certain she would never really end up with it. If she got married her husband would probably get that responsibility, which was fine by her.

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

"Are you sure you like it around these here parts, sir?" She seemed to pause. "Because if you were to become a ranch hand you would have to stay here."

A grin split across his face, his eyes had a charming sparkle, "I do indeed intend to settle down here." His eyes seemed to read the knowledge that he knew she was messing with him. "And ma'am, pardon me if I do say so, you and I both know cowboys are typically a loose canon type of breed. You can no longer tell a cowboy to stay than you can tell a bird to stop flying. You can clip a bird's wings just as you can tie a cowboy down," he said, hoping it would convince her enough. "Unless you were to be proposin' I should get hitched?" his drawl became mixed with a few suggestive tones. His eyes sparkled before he stepped a little closer, putting one elbow on the frame of the threshold and he looped the thumb of his other hand in his pocket, the one holding his hat. He then crossed his legs, keeping one foot just in the way of the door, if she decided to try and close it on his face.

"Well, King, you had not disturbed me from the sleep. I just have been busy doing some chores that us women are expected to take care of. The time is sure seems to be passing quite quickly today, if I may say so."

He seemed to sober a bit. "Well I don't know about you but I could use a strong sip of some Arbuckle's," he said, referring to coffee. "Would there be a place one could find some?" His eyes danced across the features of her face before they settled back on her eyes.

"Did your parents give you that name or did you name yourself that? King doesn't seem like a name someone would name a child."

He leaned in real close and whispered, "One day, if'n I know you well enough maybe I'll let you in, but as for now it'll be my secret." He signed the secret with a wink and a little dip of his head. "Now, for that coffee."

(this was mostly just a catch up thread lol sorry if it didn't bring much excitement)

[beth]

Elle felt herself start to feel rather strange when he said he was going to settle down there. It was weird that it seemed like someone was making her feel that way, especially someone she hardly knew. He then gave a speech about cowboys and she had to agree. Cowboys certainly were a dangerous breed to get attached to. They were more like natural heart-breakers she figured. Just the same, when he asked her his first question she could feel her stomach flutter with nerves more so than before. Her cheeks than turned flush. "You must o' been hearing things because I wasn't proposin'," Elle told the man in a slightly raised voice. After she had said it she had realized that he had pressed a button. Deep down inside of her she knew that there was something vastly different about this guy when it came to her.

She tried to not to focus on him or look at him in any sort of way, but was far from successful. Her attention got drawn to his eyes, like a young child to a toy. The way that he moved also caught her attention, but not as much as his eyes did. Elle's eyes kept going back to his. She just could not get over them for some reason, and soon Elle was in her own world just staring into his eyes.

It was only when he leaned in real close and whispered to her that she snapped out of it. His actions and words had startled her some. The words that he said about knowing her well and and her in seemed rather odd to her. As he winked at her dipped his head a little she knew that he he was going to be a problem. Elle knew he knew how to deal her back what she dealt and then some. At that in a way that disarmed her. She then clumsily stepped out of his way so that he could come into the house and get some coffee.

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

Noticing here defeated look he stepped over the threshold into the house and stood in the room, making the parlor seem shrunken. He looked at the room, it seemed... homey. He then, what would have seemed rude, walked threw the house until he found the kitchen and started making his coffee. It was quite odd to see any man, a cowboy no less, making their coffee in a house that wasn't even their's.

He set his coat on the back of a chair before rolling up his sleeves and lifting the wood into the cast iron stove. He then proceeded to light the wood and fix up the coffee. "Do you want any coffee?" He seemed to almost know exactly where everything was, as if he knew his way around a kitchen. His presence in the kitchen was the same as in the parlor, it took up almost all the space the room had to give.

"So, tell me. What are you looking for?" he said, his question seeming to go deeper than what it was meant for. For a second he almost waited to see what she had to say, but decided it would be better not to rattle her too much. "As a working hand I mean."

He heard the door open just as the coffee started to perk. He gave it a few seconds before taking it from the cast iron stove. He then left the pot on the counter, letting the flames either die or, if she wanted to make breakfast, keep it going.

He heard a rough cough and then some boots clatter on the floor boards before an older man walked in threw the door of the kitchen. "Good morning Mr. Emerson," King said."Checking on the breeding cows I suppose?"

[beth]

Slowly Elle closed the door and followed after the cowboy to keep and eye on him. She was still a bit shaken up, and to be honest she did not know how to handle having him around. It was as if he had some kind of force over her without even having to touch her. In her mind that was the only way she could really explain it. As he asked if she wanted any coffee she really did wonder who he really was and why he had this strange sort of affect over her. "No, I rarely drink that stuff."

His next question surprised her. It was a loaded question to say the very least. There was a lot of ways it could be meant and a lot of ways in which one could take it. Before she could take it the wrong way he clarified how he had meant it. In her mind she was thankful he meant it in the way that he did. "I'm umm... not in charge of..." She then heard the door open. To her that meant that she was most likely off the hook for having to answer the question.

Soon enough her father made had let his presence be known. Part of her knew he was going to be shocked that she had let such a cowboy make himself coffee in their house. At the same time she also knew that the men would want to talk business. So she headed over to the stove and got everything to start fixing breakfast.

As she tended the stove she heard her father, a man of few words as of late, talk to the cowboy. "Yes son, now why don't you tell me what you're doing here. Does it have to do with this here ranch or my daughter?" Her father's words were stern and to the point. Elle was also more than certain that he had realized that she had been a little off when he had come in. Usually she did not startle so easily as she did around the new cowboy in town. Part of her sure did wonder who would end up tying who down or up.

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

Not many a man could unsettle the Cattle King. His father even took orders from King. So it came easily to King when the old man held his protective tone towards his daughter, which was a good thing to know. "I'm King McCalum. I'm here for a job, sir," he said evenly, extending a friendly hand. He looked to the side, watching Elle work as he poured Mr. Emerson and himself a cup of coffee.

He took his seat next to Emerson. "If'n it's ok with you I need a job and a few men in town told me you were the best place for cattle working." he said. He kept his eyes on Emerson, keeping the eye contact was important, and King, as previously stated, was used to giving orders. The only good thing was, he wasn't over bearing or anything like a control freak, maybe about Elle, but Elle was different for him, she was... just so different.

"I've worked on many'a ranch before and have done well. I was a foreman on a ranch but the man was in shifty dealings and the ranch was sold to keep it running. They got a new foreman and now I'm looking for a new job." King said.

His eyes might have been on Emerson, but his attention was still focused more on Elle than anything. He sat with his legs slightly apart, one hand hooked on his drink and the other hand resting on his upper thigh. He was leaned slightly over himself as he blew into his coffee to cool it down from burning himself.

[beth]

There was such a thing as being distracted and Elle was certainly just that. Sure she still had things relatively in order, but her eyes kept wandering over to King. Her eyes seemed to love looking at him. Elle could not really blame them, but she had to do what a woman was suppose to do around the house. She could not be bothered with what ever was going on between her and the cowboy. No she had to focus on many things.

"I do need some more men," her father said as she started to finish up the first serving of eggs. Slowly she put them on a plate and took them over to her father. She knew he had to have been hungry, and he needed as much energy as he possibly could get. He was no longer one of the young guys, and well it showed a little more now that he was getting older. As she placed the plate down on the table she focused on the task at hand. When she went to go back over to the stove though her attention wandered over to the cowboy once again. So much so that she stopped mid stride for a moment before realizing what she had done. Elle then continued back over to the stove with slightly flushed cheeks.

"I'm just not all that'a certain how I feel about having a hand around that has such and affect over my daughter." Elle looked over at the men just after he said that. "It's fine father." She then turned back to focus on her cooking. "Well I guess the better question there is you're hungry or not son. I wouldn't want one of my hands going about starving." At that moment Elle partially began to regret her words because now she would be constantly distracted. Part of her wondered if this was some kind of punishment for how she had been in past years.

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

King, surprisingly, got a little pink around the ears at Emerson's comment on Elle. It surprised him more than it Did Emerson, he had never had that happen before... even with Gwendoline. "No thanks, I had an early breakfast, I just needed some coffee. I will leave you two in peace and go look for your foreman," he said evenly, to be honest, as much as he loved the fact Elle had just about stumbled threw the whole kitchen on his account, he didn't quite like Emerson being their chaperon.

With a nod to both Emerson and Elle he stood up, settling his hat on his head before grabbing his coat and slipping his arms threw. He pushed the chair back where it belonged before he grabbed his cup, downing the last bit before rinsing it and leaving. Gliding quietly threw the house.

----

The sun was hot and King had long since took off his coat, it was in the bunk house he was sharing with several other men. King and the rest of the hands had stumbled across a few heads of cattle and calves, calves that SHOULD have been branded but must have been lost in the hillsides. They had to, unfortunately, stampede them into the corrals because one of the rookies thought they were supposed to run them hell bent for leather into the stockades. When the stampede was locked in the gates King canter his mount towards the young kid. He spoke low and everyone watched a slow bright flush settle across the kid's face. King patted him on the back before turning his horse to go back to the corral. They opened the gate for him and he grabbed his rope. He aimed for one of the calves, he aimed and got close enough to throw the loop over the calf's head, quickly tying it around the horn of his saddle and halting the horse. The calf fought hard until a few more ropes settled over his feet and another around his head. King was first on the ground, another rope in hand as he quickly tied all four feet together before blocking his feet and head with King's knees as a guy walked a bright yellow-orange brand over towards them. The Calf cried to it's mother. The cow called back. The cows were being cut out of the herd and sent back into a different area. When the calves were branded they were let out on their own. All the calves joining to run the fence lines for their mothers.

King swung up on his horse when the calf was free and he pushed that one toward the other gate and out it to the other calves. King started helping them separate the cows. He kept his eyes on the legs of the cows, making sure all of them fared well. They all had a little scrape here and there but not bad. King trotted his horse towards the gate, he opened it, bending half off the saddle and unhitching it. He trotted the horse out before shutting the gate after him. He slid off and walked his horse to a water pump. He grabbed a little bucket and pumped some water into it. There was a water trough a few feet away that horses were drinking out of but apparently King didn't want that water.

The kid, who had started the stampede. Walked over, holding the reins of his horse. King was splashing himself with the water before he left the bucket to his horse. "Why don't you use the water trough?" the kid asked.

King smiled, "Horses get sick by other horses, sicknesses can run in the water." He saw the skeptical look on the boy's face but he said nothing. When he thought King wasn't watching the boy emptied the bucket into the water trough and poured clean water. King smiled and shook his head. "Greenhorn." He untacked his mount, letting him go out with the other horses before slinging the 60 pound saddle over his back, the bridle threw his arm and went off looking for a fresh horse.

(Was thinking Elle could be watching him or something or be down in the barns or something...)

[beth]

Elle was glad that King did not stay all that much longer. It did seem like all he really wanted was work and a cup of coffee. As he left she could finally fully focus on some eggs for herself. After she finished them her father took care of the stove for her as she sat down at the table eating. He did not anything, but she knew him enough to know roughly what he was thinking. Just the she did not want to think about what he thought as she half rushed through eating her breakfast.

After she cleared her plate she headed back into her room. Elle worked on fixing her hair so that it actually looked normal. Although it's curly and wavy texture hardly ever cooperated with her to look like too much of anything. Indeed she rather envied those with straighter hair. She then checked herself over. It all did seem rather trivial now that King had already seen her, but there was such a thing as a second impression she thought to herself.

When she figured she looked alright she found some more things that needed to be mended and gathered it together in one of the bigger baskets that she had along with her tools. She then hurried out to find where King and the men were. The search lasted a bit since she did not usually spend too many days out and about around the men when they were busy working. Usually she was closer to the house doing her duties. So today was a bit of an adventure for her.

As she finally found the general area that they were working in she looked around for a nice place to sit down nearby to work on her mending. The pickings were kind of slim, but she eventually headed over to one of the trees nearby that was slightly elevated from the land near it. As she sat down she made certain she could see the men and especially King from at least time to time. Even if she was a little ways away, some sort of visual was better than nothing. Besides she needed to be far enough away from him to be able to concentrate at least a little.

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

King, who had stumbled on a horse, well, more like the horse stumbled on him. several cowboys had the horse tied down and someone was loading the gun. The horse, despite five to six ropes, was still fighting. He had a mean look and looked about ready to kill someone. The horse took one look at King and seemed to lash out. "I'll take him." The men scoffed.

"This horse is evil, he's bein' put to death," the older man said.

"Well, if he kills me you can kill him. I'm getting on that horse," King said.

The man stopped and looked at him. "You don't look stupid. But maybe you need intelligence bucked into. This horse is ready to kill a man."

"I don't have a problem with that."

"He won't amount to much, he'll never have a sound mind enough to herd the cattle," the man said.

"I'll be the judge of that one," King said. He threw the saddle over the kicking horse, worming it around him before it was cinched up good and right. Then he stuck a bridle on him, the horse had trouble with the bit, mostly cause he was more worried in biting King than the bit. When it was in his mouth the horse fought it the whole way. King pulled something out of his coat pocket, the horse seemed to freeze in his flailing and sniffed, he pinned his ears but slowly flicked one forward.

King slipped the bit of sugar in his mouth. He rubbed it into his gums before he lifted his lip to check his hydration. He stuck his gloves on before grabbing hold of the reins and slowly taking the ropes off. The horse spooked as one of the ropes moved under him. He took off bucking and King let go. Horses moved, "HEADS UP!" King called. The horse leaped into the sky, the stirrups flying and flapping. But when he settled down into a trot his legs lifted with ease and beauty. He snorted and came running at King, ears pinned and teeth bared. King pulled out his bull whip and snapped. He snorted, squealed and popped a buck before dodging King at the last second, King, almost stupidly, hadn't moved a muscle. King moved the whip around but wouldn't crack it unless he needed to. The horse continuously tried to run him over, each time getting closer and closer and closer, but King didn't move. The horse stopped, his black shining coat glistening with sweat. He snorted, walking over. He stood in front of King. King stood still, letting the horse figure him out. He reared, kicking out with his front feet as if trying to scare him like he would a cougar. He snorted and kicked out again. King stepped closer. The horse pinned his ears and went to bite him, King punched him in the nose. The horse moved sideways, lifting his tail and trotting in a circle, trying to figure out what the hell hit him.

King went for his pocket again, pulling out another little treat. He extended it and waited. The horse eyed it and stepped closer. He walked closer, extending his neck as much as he could before his lip just barely touched the tip of his fingers. He quickly grabbed the treat before turning.

King stuck the bull whip away and walked over. The horse pinned his ears, but didn't offer any threat. King grabbed the saddle horn and the horse shied away from him. King grabbed the reins, covered the horse's eye with his thumb and had time enough to swing over. The horse leaped in the air and got his head down to buck. King jerked one rein hard and up. The horse's head came up and he started to gallop. King pulled his head in and it forced him into a slow canter.

"Open the gate!" King called.

Nothing happened. King turned the horse towards the gate.
"OPEN IT!" Nothing happened. King got his feet in his stirrups, crouched low and gave the reins, the horse flew over the gate. He landed steadily and King was already back in place. He turned the horse towards the person holding the gate. He stopped the horse and said, "Next time you ignore my order's your threw," King said, not angrily, not happily, not any emotion at all.

The horse shied away from the cattle and King urged the horse on. He went to get his head down and King jerked his head up. "Ah! No." the horse snorted and kicked out at his legs. "You're not mean at all, just frightened. Don't worry, you're in good hands." He patted the horse and walked him threw the herd of cattle. The horse relaxed before King walked him over to a water trough, not feeling like getting off the horse again. He let the horse take a long big drink.

King trotted up towards Elle, noticing her in the shade. The horse snorted and looked at everything. "Good Afternoon Elle." He smiled at her slightly from under the brim of his hat."How are you doing?" The horse whinnied loudly and pranced a little, stepping a tad too close to Elle. King kicked the horse with his boots. The horse snorted and looked over at Elle, under his dark thick mane, the horse sniffed and went to look at her. King kept the stallion in place, reminding him who was boss. The horse got an angry look in his eyes and took the bit in his teeth. King grabbed one rein, tugging it around so the horse had to turn. Instead the horse backed up. He then stood in a square halt nicely. Any horse could be ridden, this horse appeared not to enjoy it so much. 'Just give me the day and I'll walk you out to the horse herds and let you run free, better than being shot,' The horse seemed to understand and settled down, feeling King relax a little in his seat as well.

[beth]

There was some commotion down where the men were, and Elle looked up from her mending. By the looks of it they were having trouble with one of the horses. She watched on for a little, but with how King was going about things she was rather certain things would be all in order rather soon. Especially with how he seemed in her mind. Kind of like the type that had to conquer and be in charge of everything. It was not long before she was back to focusing on her mending without any distractions.Well that was until she heard someone riding a horse up to where she was in the shade. She looked up to find King there on the horse they had been having trouble with. Her gut told her that was not the best thing. After all horses were rather unpredictable. Even the calmest horses got spooked. Elle knew that because her father had always told her to be extra careful around them. She also knew that past ranch hands had been killed by horses. Just the same she tried her best to stay calm. As the horse stepped a little too close for Elle's comfort though she did become kind of nervous.

"I was doing fine until you showed up over here with that horse," Elle told him as she threw him a look. "I liked it better when you were just tryin' to out play me at my own game. This though, it's just like you... causin' trouble." She did notice how he was trying to keep control of the horse. One just had to wonder if he could get the horse to behave properly. He did seem to have a way with the horse though she admitted to herself. "So you and that horse there should get along just fine."

The more she thought about that horse the less she liked the idea of him having it so close to her this early on. After all it was still a rather unpredictable horse, which made it even that much more dangerous. And if he thought he was going to get her on the back of it, he was crazier than she thought was humanly possible.

"You sure are out to conquer the world aren't you?" The question was not one she needed to be answered. She already knew the answer. With a name like King there was not much to be left to the imagination. "Perhaps no one told you and that there horse of yours that you can't have it all."

In her mind he could act like a king all he wanted to, but that would not get him as far as he wanted to go. A man like that wanted more than to be a simple ranch hand. No, a man like that wanted the ranch and not anything less in the end. The only problem with him wanting the ranch was that she was the one he would have to conquer to get it in the long run. Even then he would still have to take up with her for the rest of his life, if that were ever to happen

[Cassius "Cattle King" Calhoun]

Well, excuse me, but I think youve got my chair.
No, that ones not taken, I don't mind
If you sit here, I'll be glad to share.
Yeah, it's usually packed here on friday nights.
Oh, if you don't mind, could I talk you out of a light.

"I was doing fine until you showed up over here with that horse," Elle said. "I liked it better when you were just tryin' to out play me at my own game. This though, it's just like you... causin' trouble."

King had to smile at that. "That's what my Ma always told me. So far I think I've done a pretty good job." King looked at her, then the horse. "This horse has had a rough time of it, nothing I've never ridden before. It's in a horse's nature to be mean when provoked or scared, but never once have I ever gotten on a horse who wanted to kill just for the sport. This horse is fairly easy. Try breaking a De Oro baby fresh off the pasture in the dead of winter when some green as grass rancher has been feeding all the young horses corn. Now that, if I may say so, is a dangerous horse," King said. "Seeing as it's summer here in ol' Colorado a horse like this will be too hot in that black coat to do much. He may step close to you, but he'd rather turn and run than step on a creature as fair as you," and that was a compliment.

"So you and that horse there should get along just fine."

The horse grumbled. "All he wants is for me to ride him out to those big green open hills, take off this dang saddle and let him run free. As for me, I wouldn't mind being tied down to one lady and a couple of kids. So no ma'am, we're not alike in that sense."

"You sure are out to conquer the world aren't you?" With that he had to chuckle. "Perhaps no one told you and that there horse of yours that you can't have it all."

"Honey, I've conquered enough world to know money can't buy what the heart wants. Trust in me when I say, my Ma has told me plenty a times I can't conquer it all. But does it stop me from trying?"