Low voices sang old sea shanties while the chirping of women mixed into it.

The light of the camp fire drew their shadows on the ground and made them tremble like souls trapped in the pits of hell fire.

Arthur made sure that you remained unnoticed as he guided you behind a tent.

"Wait here.", he said and handed you the reins of his horse. "I'll bring Dutch."

With those words he turned on his heel and vanished into the night.

The horse let out a deep breath.

Warmth stroked your cheeks.

You flinched.

"Easy, lady.", you mumbled and held the reins further away from you. "Horses aren't my preferred kind of friends..."

She shook her head. Ears moved and a soft sound escaped as if she was trying to protest.

Nervously, you moved to the side to bring some distance between the two of you.

Her eyes followed you and without warning, she started to move as well. Now she had trapped you between her body and the wall of the tent.

One more step and you'd fall over.

With your hands raised in defence, you sucked in a sharp breath.

"Please don't come closer.", you begged, already feeling the sweat grow on your face. "Really... Be a dear. Please?"

Another breath made her nose rise.

She came closer.

Squeezing your eyes shut, you turned your head to avoid her running you over.

But she didn't.

Instead, she lowered her head and started pushing into your chest.

Confused, you examined her.

"I don't have food.", you checked your pockets. "Nothin' I swear."

She let out a sound of disappointment. Her ears moved.

Again, she started to push into you.

"Do you... do you want me to scratch your ears?", carefully, you reached out and started scratching a spot right under her ear.

Satisfied, she lowered her head and let one of her hooves tap the ground as if she was approving.

The fur of the mere felt soft and smooth. Even the hair of the mane felt clean and not at all dusty.

Arthur must take good care of his horse.

A soft smile appeared on your face.

"Y'know, you're not that bad.", you chuckled. "I might could get used to you, Bodea."

"It's Boadicea.", Arthur's voice started you. "Don't call her wrong names. Makes her jealous."

Struck by surprise, your head snapped around.

"How are you so silent?", you asked, confused.

"Our Arthur is sly as a fox.", a voice answered in his place. "Can't hear him until it's too late."

A man emerged from the shadows.

He was dressed in all black and white. His attire looked more fancy than Arthur's, with a proper dressing shirt, matching suit pants and a vest. A pocket watch was strapped to his pocket.

"I assume you're the one Arthur referees to as Dutch.", you offered him a hand in greeting. "(Y/N)."

Arthur had said that it was best to keep your mouth shut until Dutch wanted you to talk.

However, you thought that respect and a good amount of confidence gave you better cards.

With his arms crossed in front of his chest, Dutch eyed your hand before giving it a firm handshake.

A bunch of expensive looking rings adored his fingers.

"It's Dutch van der Linde. Founder of the Van der Linde Gang.", he tapped his black hat. "Dutch is fine."

You nodded your head.

"Pleased to meet you."

He huffed.

"We'll see if it's pleasant or not.", he glanced at Arthur from the corner of his eyes. "My boy here told me you've got us a nice offer to make peace. Not gonna lie, your boy really did take the cake by tying to steal from me."

Your lips curled.

"Karl isn't mine. But... well, he's got his issues.", you handed Arthur his horse back. "But that's not what I came here for."

One of Dutch's dark eyebrows rose.

"Tell me about it.", he tilted his head to examine you from top to bottom. "Usually, people stick together against folks like us. Why don't you?"

You shrugged.

"I have my reasons."

"Ain't enough."

"Make it enough then. That's all you will get from me as an answer."

A shadow of disapproval crossed Dutch's face. Curling his lips, he scratched the side of his black beard.

"Arthur said you're good people.", he looked at Arthur. "You never disappoint, why are you starting now?"

A low breath escaped Arthur.

His pale blue eyes jumped to you, gave a silent command and then returned to Dutch.

"I know I'm not the brightest, but I know my way around people.", he said and pointed with his thumb at you. "That one's a fine fella."

"Bit big mouthed.", Dutch noted.

Arthur shrugged.

"Just like the rest of our bunch. C'mon, Dutch. At least listen to the offer. Ain't got nothin' to loose."

Agreeing, Dutch hummed.

"You always knew how to convince me.", his gaze returned to you. "So. You said you've got business to make."

A smirk appeared on your lips.

"Sure do.", you said and did a gesture to invite him for a walk. "Be my guest."

With a hint of mistrust shimmering in his eyes, he raised his eyebrows but followed you anyways.

You guided him to the top of the hill, right where you had seen him for the very first time.

From that point, the entire town could be seen.

Lit windows filled the night like square fireflies.

Night life filled the silence.

For a brief moment you allowed yourself to take in the sight.

A cool evening wind stroked through the strands of your (H/C) hair.

You shivered.

It was chilly.

"So?", expectantly, Dutch crossed his arms in front of his chest.

You pointed at your farm, outside of town.

"That's my place.", you said. "Gimme your word that I'll never see you or any of your people there without my permission and I'll tell you all the good stuff."

His eyes narrowed.

"And why would you do that?"

A bitter smirk made your lips move.

"Because I don't care for anyone but myself. Does this answer satisfy you?"