he arrived as thunder might -- loud, prideful. each step a deliberate march. there was bravado rested comfortably on his lips as he came upon bachelor's paradise.

he knew not its name, nor the intents of those who called it home. but, if anything, gilead was a fellow who yearned for anything but monotony. and he hoped, with all hope, that this may be the cure for what ailed him.

it reminded him of a place that he was unlikely to visit again, a place from his youth. a place where a brawl came easy, and glory was hard won. it reminded gilead of a time when he himself was a soft whelp needing a lesson or two--and time considering, was not that long ago. he disliked being nostalgic, being taken by such whimsy thoughts. rarely did the memories come fondly, but in this chapter of his life, the pages fresh, he found himself inwardly gleeful.

the traces of it's inhabitants filled his nostrils, speaking of mischief and freedom. it was certainly, as some might say, his type of joint and thusly fitted him with something not unlike joy. the cowboy stood, at the atrium of the lagoon, his eyes sought out the figure of any would-be leader, or at least an individual who would allow him a place to roost.