Celia Hawkins

Celia Darling, twin to Alice Darling
Occupation: Ranch hand
Current home:
Class: Worker
Character Model: Bonnie
Age 18

I'm Celia, my parents separated when we were very young, as a result mum was forced to divide us siblings among friends and family members. I was shipped off to Auntie Mildred's and her husband, Uncle Joe. Having no kids of their own they welcomed me, being a rather quiet and simple couple, I was raised alone; although I am a loner by nature I didn't mind being isolated to the ranch in Idaho. I became very close to Uncle Joe and was very saddened by his passing from a heart attack whilst out cattle rustling, Aunt Millie, heartbroken died of consumption shortly after. By then I was of age I had decided to go in search in New Austin for my twin Alice that my aunt had mentioned to me before her death. It took all my money I had inherited to finally locate her in Texas. I feel that she is out there somewhere. I am easy going, relaxed, loyal, and a bit of a smartass. I am a loner, shy and quiet by nature and prefer it that way. I have the curiosity of 10 cats which can get me into trouble sometimes. I can't wait to see what this new horizon and adventure will bring me.

Dear Diary,

I found my sister! I got off the boat in Blackwater and sent a telegram to Armadillo for my sister Alice(SilentDove)! We met up there where she took me to meet her husband Lieutenant Howard(LtHoward). I love my sister and she makes me laugh, we tend to get into some silly antics, I have noticed she is rather over protective of her "Little" (me being younger by 8 minutes) sister, which is refreshing and pleasant.

Dear Diary,
Recently divorced, Alice and I took off on our own to seek employment and housing in the meantime. We managed to procure housing in a cosy cabin at McFarland's Ranch. I love it! It has a writing desk and shelves of books to read! Our job is to manage the surrounding ranch, which I find very fun indeed! Tending the cows seems to be the most hectic as they are stubborn and dodging the bull is a bit painful as he doesn't like his ladies messed with! I think collecting eggs and tending the horses satisfies me best. I'll leave the cows to Sissy! 

Dear Diary,
Life as I mentioned is rather humble but not without its excitement! Sissy was captured and taken hostage! I was so scared! Thankfully there was help at the ready and we managed to flee to safety! While sister was unharmed save a few rope burns and being exhausted, I think I've found someone I am interested in but I am too shy to pursue it, and darned of I can remember the gentleman's name, but he was very kind and helpful.

Also, Sissy received a telegram accompanied by a picture of us as infants and our Ma and Pa holding us. We asked around Thieves Landing and found our Pa, Red(Valkain)! He explained his story and told us that he had been watching over us for awhile. We are working on bonding with him.

Dear Diary,

Life so far on the ranch with my sister has been pleasant if rather mundane in its routine. After work we tend to ride off to do some fishing, or even a bit of swimming in a favourite hole, afterwards sunning ourselves on the dock and occasional rides into the towns for a drink and look about to see if anyone is around.

Dear Diary,

Sissy managed to get out of me the man I had thoughts for, though I couldn't give her a name because even though he has been seen (more)often at the ranch, and having offered him coffee several times (He's never complained so I can't attest to the taste) I am always too shy to ask him his name! I think Sister has gotten father's bravery and strong personality, as she very boldly asked his name! I was so embarrassed I went and hid! I am guessing I got my shy, soft spoken nature from Ma. 

After work one day Alice went off to do her own thing, so started some supper and went off to our swimming hole, when I got unexpected company! I was him, Mike... Oh my, I think I was blushing redder than the sunset! He asked if I would like to go riding into Armadillo with him! I had a good time and a good laugh as my old horse left his pretty much in my dust, I threatened to start calling him "Dusty".

Earlier I had gotten a telegram telling me that Alice had gone missing, so I went and found Pa and the Marshal/army to search for her. I caught up with them in Thieves Landing, after they had found her up in Tall Trees having been attacked by a bear (not by Bear). After getting her home and having been lain ill from an infection in the wound on her leg, subsequently her recent break-up from her husband, loss of mobility, and illness brought about such a depression she felt she needed to end her life by throwing herself off of the high peak at Repentance Rock. Father and I managed to talk her down with words of encouragement. Hopefully she realises how much she means to Pa and I and many others.

Dear Diary,

Sister and I have managed to relinquish our positions at McFarlane's Ranch and found work at Beecher's Hope. While I am thankful for another job and a roof over our head, I have to admit I am rather heartbroken as I miss our cosy cabin with the writing desk and shelves of books we shared with Pa and the work that we did there. Although it's rather easy work and very peaceful, the hours we keep there are so long I find my precious daytime is gone by the time we finish. I try to keep a happy face for Sister as she seems to improving. I hope I can continue to be strong for her even though I feel like I'm losing myself and growing more introverted in the meantime. I find I am distracted a lot of the time and constantly seeking solitude. I suppose missing a certain someone doesn't help much either. Right now I feel like I simply exist, I long for the future to be better; I know I can do it.

Dear Diary,

Last few days have been rather interesting. Did busy work on the ranch rounding up horses and making horseshoes. We have a new worker there by the name of Sam(?). He is Irish and a very nice guy. I welcome his company. Spent time with Mike(Bomber) around about and in Blackwater where we spent time swimming. Michael knew that I was saving for a horse and gave me a gift of the most beautiful white horse I named her Charlie. Now I can save up for my own place perhaps as it seems Alice may become a permanent residence in Beecher's Hope. I am hoping to settle down somewhere and soon. Life it seems is simple right now which suits me just fine.
Started my first day at Manzanita Post, went over the inventory, did busy work, sweeping, chopping wood and whatnot. It's rather very peaceful and quiet there...For now. 
As I was working Pa came in passed out on the floor bleeding profusely from his face, he was attacked by a cougar! Sam, that sweet ranch hand from Beecher's Hope came just in time to help me take Pa into Thieves’ Landing to see the doctor. Unfortunately the doctor was nowhere to be found so Sam once again rode off to find one at McFarlane's Ranch. The Doctor arrived and stitched Father up nicely, and I stayed by his side through the night. Pa was a little confused when he regained conscientiousness, and went a little crazy.

Later on Sam and I rode down to the river and talked of books and writing, continuing to Blackwater as it seemed a storm was coming, we had a nice meal and chat in the saloon and went on to the hotel and got rooms. The thunder and lightning was terribly frightening so I sneaked into Sam's room where he comforted me whilst staying ever the gentleman. 

Sam had a conversation with Pa as well, not sure what they were talking about....

Dear Diary,

I think I have managed to settle into a routine up at Manzanita post, though it's not officially opened yet I keep busy clearing the place up to look presentable as it seems a bit neglected, and helping the locals that tend to wonder about. Dixie comes in sometimes and I feed her Jerky and loads of belly rubs. It should up and running proper in no time. Pa invited us girls down to Armadillo for a nice steak dinner, where we met a nice gentleman, and goodness I don't even know his name! Afterwards, Alice had an injury and bless her after she re-cooperated a bit she helped me kill several cougars at my new home.

Dear Diary,

Sam hasn't been around for a few days, I suspect busy at his job, I miss him very much. I can't wait to tell him that I've managed to get my own place; it needs a lot of work but is still nice and do-able. I hope Pa and Alice come to visit often. I hope to eventually buy Rathskeller Fork and try to make a go of it. For now though I intend to still work and stay most of the time at Manzanita Post, as we still need to income and I really do love it up there, if I could live up there permanently I certainly would.

Dear Diary,

Did a little maintenance work around Manzanita Post before riding off to Armadillo to meet the banker to discuss the purchase of Rathskeller Fork. On the way there Sam lead me down to a lovely spot next to the waterfall and we had a picnic. After we ate Sam proposed to me! Of course I said yes!!! I think we will be happy together as Sam is a sweet and caring man and makes me smile and laugh often. 

Dear Diary,

After walking into McFarlane's Ranch to tell Pa of the good news we continued on to Armadillo. Leon(Crackerboy) was nice enough to give Pa, Sam and I a tour of the place. Sam and I decided we want to try to make a go of it there and start our new life there. Come to find out Leon is studying to be a Preacher and will marry us in 3 days time, just as soon as he graduates from the seminary. And as a wedding gift he gave us a discount from the purchase price.

Dear Diary,

Sadly upon riding home I received a telegram saying my twin sister Alice had been killed in Fort Mercer, I went back to McFarlane's to see how Pa had taken the news, he hadn't heard and he then rode off to Fort Mercer. I was so scared he would do something foolish and be killed as well! I couldn't lose another family member! I was so nervous and near tears. All went well and he returned home safely.

Dear Diary,

A man named Jed(DracoEques) came into Manzanita Post and asked for a job I said as soon as Rathskeller was up and running he was more than welcome to be employed there. I'm pretty excited about this new venture both of marriage to the best man in the world and opening a functioning business!

Dear Diary,

Last few days have been successful as I have finalized my purchase of Rathskeller Fork. I am so happy! I really think Sam and I will be happy there and making it our own, it needs some work but we can do it together. We also pooled money and bought us a covered wagon for when we need to buy supplies. Sam I think is anxious for the wedding and to get settled into to married life together, I am really a lucky gal to have such a nice and supportive mate. On our way to the bank we came across a young lady on her way to Armadillo looking for her friend Randy, she seemed quiet and reserved. I believe she said her name was Adele Clementine(SilentDove), I hope she finds what she is looking for.

Some excitement however whilst Sam was out hunting strange things happened up at the homestead, I found dead chickens and one of the dogs mysteriously laying dead in the courtyard. Sam found the very helpful but strange man Leon from Armadillo was hiding on our roof. We laughed it off and Sam and I decided to go off for a ride only to find smoke coming from the direction of our place! We rode frantically back to Leon riding off and coming back saying he chased the men who had set the fire to Twin Rocks. Thankfully we got the fire out with minimal damage. It couldn't have been the nice man Leon, could it?

Dear Diary,

Our "ownership" of Rathskeller Fork was short lived. Back to work at Manzanita Post.

Dear Diary,

Well, Sam and I are officially married. The pastor was very well versed in his ceremony and made it very special, however the congregation was rather rowdy, I thought it will be forever memorable. We had our honeymoon in Silent Stead, cleaned out wonderfully for us by Adele. Went back to work at Manzanita Post where Will gave us Tanner's Reach for a wedding present, A very gracious and generous gift. I am sure Sam and I will live there happily until we can move on to our future. Also, went for a short ride with Mike as I think he needed a break from his "partner" and thanked him for coming to the wedding, it meant a lot, and I hope we can continue to be good friends. I miss my twin…

Dear Diary,

Nothing short of living life in Texas, work and a bit of socialising with my friend Mike, who was kind enough to Help me with the news of the body of my sister being found in the river, my Pa being killed in jail for burning down Ridgewood Farm, and my beloved Sam killed hunting... 

Dear Diary,

This is indeed a hostile place at times. Mike helped me take a wagon into Armadillo to get coffins and take them to Blackwater cemetery to bury my twin Alice and Red. I will always remember her antics to make me smile and the times we spent fishing and our special swimming hole where we cooled off after a long day of work. And Pa, I knew him such a short time, but I know he was protective over us girls and was always there for me. I made sure they were laid to rest with the respect they deserved. I will be sure to visit them often. Sam... My beloved Sam I think I will miss him most, he always put a smile on my face with his silly jokes, he was always there for me, to look over me. I loved him so, and he took part of my heart with him to heaven, I burying him next to our cabin Tanner's Reach, it was pouring rain as I dug the hole made a simple cross and carved his name into it, and lined it with stones. I am truly heartbroken, but I keep my pain inside even though I feel beat up inside, I spend nights sitting in front of the fire thinking of memories of them and tears spilling down my cheeks. May they rest in peace.
Last few days were uneventful, keeping busy up at Manzanita Post. Couldn't sleep at night without Sam by my side, so I rode down to Blackwater cemetery picking flowers along the way. My good friend Mike must have been busy, hadn't seen him in awhile.
A time for reunions. 

Dear Diary,

Seeing as Sunday was my day off, Mike and I took a ride into Blackwater where I attempted to "race" Mike. However I always win even though his horse is considered the better of the two. We stayed the night there and rode off in the morning and ended up at the swimming hole where Alice and I frequented after long hot days of work and where Mike first asked me on an outing with him. We sat on the dock where he very simply and somehow sweetly asked me to marry him, I said yes. Going back to Manzanita Post afterwards.

The next day, I met a man who said he was my Uncle Duke(Valkain?) he came looking for Pa. He is a strong man like Pa if a bit more rugged. I hope to get to know him better. Meanwhile another man arrived looking for Mike saying he was looking for his brother! Goodness... Family the ties that bind.
After riding into Armadillo and catching up with his brother, Mike and I had decided to stay the night there. However there was a disturbance and Mike stayed behind and I rode on home. 

After passing through McFarlane's Ranch I decided to pick some flowers along the way in Hennigan's Stead. As I knelt to pick some flowers I was bitten by a snake... I managed to tie it off and cut it open in hopes to drain some of the venom from the wound. Feeling weak I managed to find shade in hopes that Mike and/or Clyde would find me before I passed out. However that was not so, after I woke up from being unconscious I managed to get on my horse to make my way back to Manzanita Post, when Mike caught up with me. Thankfully he and Clyde took care of me and when I was feeling stronger Mike and I went down to what is to be our new home after we wed. We have decided to wait until his good friend returns to marry us. Until then we will take the time to get to know each other and perhaps work together on fixing up the old place. I still intend on keeping the cabin up in Tanner's Reach, although rather hostile with many cougars it's still quite peaceful and off the beaten path.

Dear Diary,

Work at Manzanita Post is rather quiet these days with Fort Mercer becoming a booming locale it seems. I do not mind the quiet and laid back task of maintaining it, even though Mike complains that I spent too much time working, I laugh at him, as I always appreciate getting paid for my work. I might get the idea he wants me all to himself and at home keeping the chickens in the yard, his knickers hung on the line and the babes out of the river! I tease him, as he is such a quiet and laid back man. Bless him; I do care for him very much.

Dear Diary,

Where to begin today? Work as usual, met a newcomer today I think his name was Colin(Spearhead5), new to New Austin I believe. He came to Manzanita Post to inquire about a job as a huntsman, Seemed a nice enough fellow. I believe he is staying up at Clyde's cabin at Aurora Basin for the time being. Hopefully he can deal with the wild life, in Tall Trees that is. 
Mike and I took our wagon to the homestead and relaxed there enjoying the peace while it lasted. However shortly he had to go take care of Ranger business, and I rode off for a ride about the plains for some time to think to myself. Wolves attacked my horse and I was bit again same place as the snake bite, arm is rather sore but I think it'll be okay, Mike put ointment on it and wrapped it. He's sweet to worry so.
Hopefully tomorrow our big day will be a success; life I feel could be hard with a Texas Ranger...

Dear Diary,

I am not even sure where to start, Mike informed me that he was to enlist in the army. I am quite heartbroken over it to be very honest. I suppose my intended marriage to Mike was supposed to moving on point for me to get past my grief of burying 3 of my closest family members all in succession of one day. He will be gone indefinably and barely a decent farewell was had betwixt the two of us. He seemed fairly anxious to be off; perhaps he wasn't all that serious in his intentions to marry me. I suppose as life would have it, one can only take it one day at a time.

Celia

Dear Diary,

Things around New Austin have been rather quiet with all the men enlisting in the army. Manzanita Post however has picked up business as it seems we are the only general store open most times, there have been a few stragglers that have come in and a couple of Native Americans. As a sense of duty to help with the war effort after closing shop I have gone down to the Camp to make the soldiers supper, they seemed grateful for the cooking as it seems they are a bit lost at that. I write Mike often and hope he is well wherever is and returns home to me safely. 

Celia

Celia

Dear Diary,
Well, live was not in the ordinary the last few days. After closing up Manzanita Post for the day, I rode home the long way through Bearclaw camp, not knowing that there was Native Americans residing there. I continued on my way to my cabin in Tanner’s. They swarmed around me and followed me to the cabin. They threatened to take my home as they seemed to think it was owed them as their territory. I stood my ground as they issued a warning to clear out in a day’s time. Thankfully, the army intervened in time to offer protection and take me safely out of harm’s way before my place was ransacked. I didn’t want to go however and tried to return to the cabin but was persuaded to go back to Manzanita Post. I snuck out the back door later to return to my cabin to find it disturbed, windows broken and things thrown about. The army men were able to capture the Indians and straightened things out. The natives seemed pennant and restored the cabin to order if not more so. To my surprise Mike has returned to me! I was so happy to see him again; we rode off the together side by side, and wonderful way to end the days of chaos. Understandably the natives are treated unfairly; hopefully in the future we can all live peacefully amongst each other.

Celia


Dear Diary,

Mike and I finally managed to get hitched. The crowd was real rowdy and I am quite upset about that. Seems we never get a quiet moment. However, I managed to buy Rathskeller Fork and we took up homestead there in hopes of once again making something of it.

Mike and I are still getting settled in, managed a day at Manzanita Post while Mike went off to take care of some ranger business that needed tending. We had another customer, a very nice gentleman named Daniel(LyricalBandit). He was very polite; I can tell he is well liked. I hope he stops by often.

After Mike made it back home we called it a night. In the morning we took the wagon into Armadillo for supplies and stopped into the saloon for a bite to eat. The next day we had planned on hunting but ended up in Armadillo where Mike had to rush off once again. I took the wagon in to get the wheels fixed, meanwhile it got stolen. We’ll figure out what to do about that later. Did manage to get a deer on the way home.

Celia

Dear Diary,

Let me start with goodness the rain! It had rained for days straight. Mike and I had plans to go hunting in Tall trees and went off despite the pouring rain.  Hoping that it would stop we headed out and stopped for a bit in Armadillo to inquired about our stolen wagon. After breakfast we once again made way for Tall trees hoping for a short reprieve from the rain and it was short lived as it began to rain again once we were in Tall trees but we made our way around looking for elk, with no luck and the weather still bad we waited it out at Manzanita post, I took a nap whilst Mike sat on the bench eating apples, he’s always so hungry!

Still no luck on hunting or weather we stayed the night in Tanner’s Reach, and of course Mike had to ride off for ranger business, in the morning on our way home I told Mike that I was in the family way and he was very happy, I hope, it was hard to tell because we were soon interrupted again. The wife of a ranger is always so busy!

As always life is not without its excitement as an intruder came into our residence in Rathskeller and I got shot! I am alright though and I got a lucky shot in as well and took the guy down. When we inquired about his business there, he said it was about our stolen wagon. It all got worked out before Seamus from the Armadillo Saloon wanting drinks with his breakfast and Clyde had come riding in with a stagecoach, we were going to Mexico! Mike and I decided not to go as we neared the border, close enough to our house on the river. And as always ranger business once again and Mike had to question an errant Mexican.

I am hopeful things will settle down some once the baby comes. Mike, I think is hoping for a son.

Celia

Dear Diary,

Things sure have gotten hectic around here. Mexicans it seems have invaded Texas causing all sorts of chaos! I was frightened for our life and well being. Most all of Blackwater, Armadillo, and Manzanita Post/Tall Trees were burned to the ground. I barely escaped Rathskeller Fork having heard the whooping and hollering of the approaching miscreants. I was hit by a passing bullet as I fled, only a flesh wound but hurts none the less. Sadly my Rathskeller Fork was burned, though the main structure is still standing everything else was lost. Mike and I have started rebuilding the place along with a few hired hands. Shortly after a Major Beck rode in with more help and asked if the men could be stationed there for the duration. The help is much needed and Mike is off and on again about the place. This for sure will keep him busy with his ranger duties. I cannot complain he is a good man. God help us all in Texas.

Dear Diary,

I am happy to say that the reconstruction of Rathskeller Fork is complete due to our hard work, the help of the Army, a hired hand named Randy and, that real nice Texas Ranger Danny, whom I hope visits often as I find his company rather enjoyable and he was vigilant in trying to protect me from harm in Mikes absence.

Mike and I, he finally coming home again for who knows how long, had taken a nice stroll around Gaptooth; it was nice to have him home again at last, though I am sure it will be short lived. We talked of his desire to retire soon and of baby names. He insists if it’s a boy it will Mike Jr. and for a girl I am to decide, which I will happily do, as he suggested Celia Jr. He does make me laugh at times, bless him he is my life and I do love him so.

The saloon is not yet fully functioning but we can worry about that after the impending war with the Mexicans. Word is that General Cordova is building armies and training, much like we are here in Texas.

With the men stationed at Rathskeller it has been rather lively, especially when two Mexicans wandered in to Rathskeller, and that nice gentleman Jack, who it seems had lost his horse. People are rather suspicious of any Mexicans roaming about Texas. The Mexicans were rather rude to the officers as well as Mike! They shot Mike and a few of the soldiers, in the end they were executed by gunshot. I am sure this is not the end of strife with the battle between Mexico and Texas ensuing. God willing peace will be brought again upon the land.

Dear Diary,

Tensions it seems have grown stronger between the Mexicans and Texans, with skirmishes frequenting the borders. Keith rallies the men into unifying the cause and worth of fighting for what is ours. Mike as usual and being Keith’s right hand man was there to show support. I am hoping their efforts will be rewarded. God be willing watch over the men of Texas as they fight for our land and livelihood. Hopefully Mike’s son will be born into a peaceful world.

Celia Darling-Thompson

Dear Diary,

Since the conflict with Mexico seems to be over for the time being things have settled down. Not quite back to normal, but getting there. The post office is open again in Armadillo, which is nice. I think things will start looking up again.

Rathskeller has been full of excitement, Pedro Rodriguez proposed to hold horse race to begin there and finish in Black Water, in order to bring in some customs. So needless to say the activity is quite vivacious as of late. Though money has been coming in, the rowdy men have disarmed me at times, not being much for a ruckus. Though, most were very helpful and polite in Mike’s absence whilst he was off hunting. I tried to ride into Armadillo for some peace and quiet and to pick up a few small supplies and some materials to make some things for the baby which should be here soon enough.

A nice man named Andrew stayed a night after I had wrapped his gunshot wounds. He had stopped earlier for directions to the mines in Gaptooth. Afterwards he read a bit from War and Peace. It was quite nice though hard to hear over the rowdy men outside. Mike should be home again soon with some much needed meat. What would I do without him; he is so protective and strong. The best man in the world, well, at least all of Texas!

Celia


Dear Diary,

Well the races and fight clubs have ended, Mike didn’t win but we enjoyed watching anyway. I have to say Pedro makes me laugh!

Mike and I have decided to sell Rathskeller and make a venture in Armadillo, opening the Mercantile there, and living in Benedict point. Mike has also thought about rejoining the Texas Rangers or perhaps becoming Sherriff of Armadillo, as I knew he would eventually. I will miss him once again when he is absent and enjoy his company all the more when he is home. I won’t be entirely lonely however with the baby coming soon. Life is forever changing for us, new faces and places. I do not mind as long as we are together.

Celia

Dear Diary,

So much has happened since I have last written; hopefully I remember all that has taken place since. We are still residing at Benedict Point, however remote and seemingly docile. Life is as usual as Mike works in Armadillo and we have decided to open the stables up there. Unfortunate news, as I went into Armadillo to visit the general store I was shot multiple times by a mad man running rampant thru the town, I only had enough time to hide in the bank. Unfortunately due to infection and fever from the wounds I lost our son. I buried him out back in a small grave and sent Mike a telegram. Life seems to be a bit unsettled for the time being and will hopefully return to its original happy and peaceful splendor. As long as I have my Mike by my side it will be all right.

Celia

Dear Diary,

Three years have passed since I have least written. I gave birth to our second child, a daughter. She had her father’s eyes and my laugh and the prettiest wavy brown hair. Sadly, her life was short lived. We had been out picking flowers on the prairie one spring day and she was bitten by a snake. She passed later that night as there seems to be no steady doctor anymore. We buried her along with her brother, Aunt Alicia, and Papa Red in the Blackwater cemetery. Her name was Cora Elise and lived to be 18 months old.

Mike is absent much of the time as of late. The subsequent deaths of family members and the absence of my husband have sunk me into a time of darkness. Nights are spent sleepless; I wake early to watch the sunrise. Days are spent wandering; I occupy my time alone in deep thought. I have no care for my life anymore, though I hold hope that perhaps I will find happiness again.

Celia Darling-Thompson

Dear Diary,
Things have settled some. Mike is still busy doing work for the Sons of Liberty, chasing down the bureau and such.

We have bought Beecher’s Hope and have settled in nicely. We have one hired hand, and bless I have forgotten his name, but he is very helpful around the place in Mike’s continued absence. Though, it is not the bustling farm like Ridgewood or McFarland’s, we keep busy. I still stay once in awhile in my beloved cabin up in Tanner’s. Life is good. May god continue to bless us. Also, I am hoping to start up a woman’s circle of sorts as I am lonely for some womanly company as it is seems so sparse in these parts, I know of Keith’s wife and Rachel up at Manzanita. Well, we’ll see.

Celia

Dear Diary,

I suppose if it is not one thing it is another, the Mexican war seems to have settled for the time being but new factions have shown up. Much activity has been going on between the Sons of Liberty, Blackhawks, bureau, and Cerberus.

Beecher’s has been established as a safe house for the Sons of Liberty. Mike being away much of the time doing work for the Sons of Liberty and hunting, and being the wife of a member of the Sons of Liberty certainly has its risks. As I was sleeping one night some members of the bureau had entered the house and kidnapped and took me to Blackwater where I was held captive on top of the hotel. Keith Hawkins had shown up to negotiate for my release, luckily Mike showed up and sniped the agent, but not before I feared greatly for my life and was shot twice. The man was apprehended after I was safely returned to Beecher’s where Mike stayed by my side. Thankfully he was there, he always manages to show up when I need him most.

I make due as best I can by tending the ranch as well as making baked goods to sell for a bit of money with the help of Blackhand, the native new to New Austin having come to seek his brother and to start a group called the Brotherhood of Peace. He is helpful and good company, and has helped me tend the farm as well as plowing and planting an acre of corn, tending fish traps along the river and making whiskey and wine in the shed out back.

Hopefully Mike will return soon and things can resume. Life at Beecher’s is content for the time being despite his absence.

Dear Diary,

Mike is still gone, perhaps for, I am not sure. Beecher’s is pretty active as far as passersby asking for Mike and his whereabouts as well as Bureau agents and other various organizations looking for other member or inquiring about information I may have. I try to be helpful but I must admit the resistance to putting a shotgun to a bureau agent’s head and pulling the trigger does quite satisfy the imagination.

Family friend Archer visits once in awhile which is nice, he promised to take me to meet Trish and Keith Hawkins. In his sporadic absence I took it upon myself to ride on down to Ridgewood Farm to visit, as Mike suggested that perhaps some womanly company might be a nice change for me. And indeed it was. Trish was very hospitable, showing me about their lovely farm. Eli was a delightful little boy as well. I couldn’t help but slip him sweets once in awhile. We also rode into Armadillo for a bit of shopping. I had a great time with some new friends. Trish has promised to come visiting soon along with Eli, I think we will have great fun making a trip into Blackwater and perhaps Manzanita as well.

Celia

Dear Diary,
Trish and darling Eli came to visit Beechers at last, but not without its excitement. We met up in Armadillo and had drinks and sandwiches before riding back to Ridgewood for the night. First thing in the morning we started off towards Beechers, stopping at McFarland’s Ranch to pick out new puppies, we named them Zorse and Zola. Just as we were about to arrive at our destination I saw a cougar racing towards us! I yelled to Trish to warn her, but those things are so fast and vicious! It gunned right for her and took down her horse and her as well, thankfully Eli was unharmed and there happened to be a few kind and helpful men in the vicinity, however I did manage to kill that cougar with great satisfaction I might add. The months of living on my own without Mike has made me a little more brave and a much better shot.

We managed to get Trish settled at Beechers and get her leg nicely stitched and cleaned up, it was a close call, once we got her resting comfortably I sent a telegram to Keith informing him of the incident. He promptly came to Beechers where I welcomed them to stay as long as needed before moving Trish back to Ridgewood. I looked after Eli and the puppies and Keith stayed by her side. Oh! And Archer showed up. It was such a lovely surprise to see him after so long. Much to our embarrassment Keith insisted Archer take me up to Tall trees to watch the night sky.

After the Hawkins left, Archer and I rode up this beautiful spot beside the Aurora Basin. We had a nice conversation and at one point I thought he was going to propose. Perhaps another time, I think that would be wonderful. He seems to be a very nice man however a little awkward at times, bless him. We rode on home to Beechers where he stayed the night.

Dear Diary,
Sadly, I have decided that Mikes disappearance is to be permanent as I have not heard from him in months, I do know that I need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible and get the divorce finalized so that I may move forward with my life. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Perhaps soon enough I’ll be Mrs. Celia Hawkins! And then Trish and I can truly be sisters.

Dear Diary!

Oh such happy news!! No sooner than my divorce is final in which I am awarded Beecher’s Hope as well as $5,000 dollars, than my beloved Archer proposed! He took me up to Aurora Basin and proposed by moonlight on the docks and what a gentleman down on one knee even! Then, to finalise the proposal he pushed me into the freezing cold lake! Oh, what a laugh we have together, I did manage however to pull him in as well! We spent the night up at Tanner’s for the night. It was beautiful to say the least. I am the happiest I have ever been in my whole life! Oh, so many exclamations! Life is good.

Celia


Dear Diary,

I suppose past experience should have taught me that being a wife of a SOL member is no less as without risks as being the betrothed to the head of the organization, such as Keith Hawkins has retired as of late. Archer received word to attend a meeting at Fort Mercer so he escorted me to Ridgewood for a visit with Trish and then went on to the fort. I was asleep in my bed when I was awoken by the door being forced in and I was hogtied and taken hostage by the Bureau no less! The agents took me up to the fort as a bargaining tactic to lure Archer out. Thankfully Archer was able to take the agent out and we ran back into the fort to safety where a battle immediately ensued. Some good men were lost as well as most of the Bureau.

Afterwards, Archer checked on me and I reassured him that I was safe and unharmed. He proceeded to apologise profusely that being newly engaged to him as head of SOL would be risky. We made a pact then that no matter what we would persevere and that our love would get us through such struggles such as this in the future.

I know that I have loved and lost much in my life’s past, but I feel for once something right has come in to it and perhaps together I can learn to be strong with the stability he brings me. It delights me to no end when he says I Love you and we get up to our silly antics in which we laugh with such mirth as to look as fools. He is so sweet and tender as well, it is like a dream come true. Goodness, I feel like a silly schoolgirl!

P.S.
It is decided that Keith will be best man and Trish my matron of honor for the quiet ceremony we plan on having. Trish is helping me with details of the auspicious event, I am so excited!

Celia Darling(Soon to be Hawkins!!)

Dear Diary,

It’s been rather quiet here at Beechers with Archer gone on SOL business. I keep myself rather busy mending fences and other various ranching tasks, a mans work but I find I do not mind it so much. Sometimes for a bit of a chat I ride up to Manzanita post to visit Wayne and Rachel, though it seems Rachel is in absence as of late.

After a rather long day mending fences, I thought I would wash up and go in to Blackwater for supper as a treat. I put on the new blue dress I had made whilst visiting Trish last trip. I rode in to town just as the sun was setting behind me. As I walked in to the saloon I got the best surprise of my life! Archer standing there with a beautiful bouquet of flowers! He is so sweet and thoughtful. As if the surprise visit and flowers were not enough he had also purchased what was quite possibly the most precious necklace I have seen. He helped me put it on and escorted me to the café on the corner where we ordered steak, potatoes, and a drink of lemonade for me. He wanted to try that new “Cola” drink.

We talked of his travels with the SOL recruiting, training, and meetings. I tell him of running the farm though I am sure it is quite mundane to hear. He apologized for not helping out more, but I said I did not mind so much as he is off doing just as important work saving the world. He said “I am not saving the world only Texas.” To which I replied, “But Texas is the only world I know.” He also told me about himself, the tragic past of his parents and younger brother Kevin. He is lucky to have his brother Keith.

After we finished our meal we went for a stroll down to the dock to look at the stars. I mentioned that my sister and I had fished there often before she was killed, and I told him about losing everyone I loved in the period of a week. A night for sharing, it was such a special night. We stayed to watch the sunrise before he had to take the morning boat back. I will miss him so.

Be safe my dearest Archer.

Celia Darling