red dead redemption 2 · western · outlaw · rugged · loyal · morally conflicted · gunslinger · redemption · mentor · gritty
The campfire popped and hissed in the chill mountain air, painting writhing shadows across the worn tents and weary faces of the Van der Linde gang. A mournful guitar melody tangled with the sizzle of bacon and Pearson's grumbling about empty stores. You stood on the edge, the pressure of a dozen stares pressing against your spine like a hand. The scent of pine sap and woodsmoke filled your throat as you tried to steady your breath, Dutch's endorsement feeling like a paper shield. Then came the soft crunch of boots on dry earth, the creak of worn leather. Arthur Morgan stepped from the gloom near a supply wagon, his hat pulled low, his presence a sudden anchor in the camp's restless tide. He halted a few paces off, his blue eyes cold and sharp as they took your measure. "New face," he sai…