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mrm0rgansw0man · 18 days

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hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪

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𓄃 the story of arthur morgan and belle monroe 𓅓

summary:

belle monroe. she was a poor, lost, and broken soul. she had no roof to put over her head, no family to turn too, the only thing she had was her sanity. which was scarcely hanging on by a thread. after a particularly low blow, belle found herself wandering in the forests that were close to a little town called valentine. where in a chance encounter, she met a man. an outlaw named arthur morgan. he was instantly intrigued by the mysterious woman. after all, she was wondering the forest like a ghost when he found her. he took her in, offered her a place with the van der lindes. little did he know, he needed this a woman like her just as much as she needed someone like him.

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Chapter One: The Ghost of a Woman

'Why do people have to be so cruel?' Belle wondered, her bare feet numb against the cold earth underneath her. She couldn't tell you for how long she had been walking. But her feet were numb and surely bloodied by now. Each step sent a jolt of pain through her entire body. Strangely enough though, Belle couldn't feel a thing. Her body was so used to being under constant stress or pain that now, she just felt numb. Even that was an understatement. She truly felt like she was a ghost, floating in the skies above watching over her battered body below. She was seeing things from outside of her body, and even then her vision was blurred. Her hair got caught in tree branches that left tiny scratches on her face. Her knees were bruised from tumbling into the ground over and over again. Her ribs, back, and most of her body bruised and or bleeding from the beating she just took.

This was the last time she ever trusted another living soul. The last time she ever dared to have hope.

Look where that had gotten her. Beaten and bruised, still on this earth perhaps but not in any way that mattered. Whatever had she done in her past lives to deserve the treatment she got? What was it all for? Certainly not for this. Not to be tearing around in her fucking nightgown. In the woods. Alone. At night. Nothing but the spirits whispering in her ears to keep her from collapsing in the river she found herself wading into.

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Arthur let out a sigh. He was tired, so tired. He would give his life for this gang, for Dutch, but god dammit sometimes he just needed to get away from it all. To let himself take a breath away from the confines of camp. Everyone was asleep, so it was quiet.

"For once..." Arthur muttered with a sigh. He had an awful ache in his head tonight. He needed some clear fresh air.

Arthur made his was over to the edge of camp near the lake. He took a couple of deep breaths before pulling out a cigarette and placing it between his lips. Arthur carefully struck a match against his boot and lit the cigarette, inhaling deeply and blowing back out clouds of smoke. Arthur began to walk even farther away from camp, down the bank of the river and deeper into the woods. He walked, he smoked, he breathed. Really breathed, full breathes of air that he could relax and enjoy. Having a moment to himself like this was a rarity, really. Although he could feel the fatigue from the day creeping up on him, he wanted to savor this. He'll allow himself another cigarette before heading back to camp.

Arthur was so deep in his thought he almost didn't notice the woman in the river up ahead.

He dropped his cigarette to the ground and stomped it out, backing deeper into the surrounding trees. He stared at the woman for a moment, wondering what on earth she could be doing. It was the middle of the night, and she was far away from town in nothing but her nightdress. Arthur couldn't make out any specifics of her face yet, all he could see in the pale moonlight was her long dark brown hair blowing in the wind and the bruises that covered her pale frame. Arthur Morgan may have been a murderous outlaw, a wanted man, a hired gun, but he wasn't some heartless pig. He couldn't just walk back to camp after seeing this woman, he had to help her. Give her money, his jacket, something. Arthur stepped out from his place among the trees and walked slowly to the edge of the river, the gentle water splashing against the toes of his boots. He made no attempt to silence himself, but the woman didn't flinch.

"Ma'am? Do you need some help ma'am?" Arthur called out to her. Her head slowly turned to him, and this was the first time Arthur could make out her features fully. Oh god, and the damage done to her face.

She had two gorgeous green eyes, even with the bruises underneath them Arthur saw how they glowed in the moonlight. Her lips were full and beautiful but were badly chapped, and her bottom lip had burst open. Her nose had old blood all around it that was starting to flake off. The pale skin of her face was covered in an assortment of scratches, the worst of everything being a cut on her cheek bone.

Belle could barely hear the man over the ringing in her ears, but she thought he was asking her if she was alright. The ringing in her ears slowly subsided as she waited for the man to speak again. She wished to tell him that she didn't want any help. That taking some help was the reason she ended up here in the first place, sitting in this river, waiting for the mercy of death to take her. Belle vaguely recognized the man, something in her wanted to trust him so badly.

Arthur held eyes with the woman for a moment, and he noticed the tears forming in hers. He also picked up on the fact that she was shivering violently.

"Ma'am, this is no place to be..." He said softly, taking on a gentle and cautious tone. Like he was speaking to a frightened doe. "Would ya' like a place to stay for the night? You'll be safe there 'nd we can get ya' warmed up, your gonna catch your death out here, Miss."

Arthur didn't know for certain yet, but be felt like he was speaking to a broken woman. A woman who had been through hell- and not just whatever put all these fresh cuts and bruises all over her body. She had that look in her eyes, like there were horrors engraved into them.

Arthur still couldn't stop himself from noticing how beautiful they were, though.

Belle broke at the man's gentle tone. He talked to her so sweetly, like she was actually human. It was the most kindness that she had been shown in ages. Belle's vision became clearer, and she realized just how much pain she was in. And how she was so cold it hurt. Suddenly, Belle was really glad the man had found her. So glad that it motivated her to speak.

"P-Please, just don't hurt me." She quietly begged, her voice hoarse not only from lack of use but from screaming for her life earlier in the day.

Arthur let out a sigh of relief. "On my honor, I promise no one is gonna lay a finger on you while I'm around. Do ya' need some help getting up? " He said, making sure his voice was strong and reassuring. What he really felt was heartbroken. Heartbroken because upon offering this woman help her first response was begging to not be hurt.

Belle only nodded, truthfully it took all her strength to stay sitting up right. She was in so much pain. But she was touched by the man's promise, shocked that a stranger would offer her anything other then a glare or some harsh words.

Arthur stripped of his worn leather jacket and waded into the water, and though he knew it couldn’t be warm in their the sheer cold seeping into his boots and clothes astounded him. How the hell was this woman still alive? He got out of the water as quickly as he could, picking up his jacket and draping it over the woman in his arms. He ran back to camp as quickly and as steadily as he could, the last thing this girl needed was to be shaken up anymore.

"What's your name ma'am?" Arthur asked, quickly down at the woman in his arms. He could see the camp in the distance, but she wasn't looking to good. "Just hold on a lil' bit longer! We're almost back."

"I'm Belle..Monroe." Belle said through chattering teeth. There were still chills wrecking her body, but she felt like she was sweating. "I don't wanna die, Sir. 'M so sorry for all the t-trouble."

"Save your strength Miss Monroe." Arthur said softly. He noticed the sheen of sweat forming on her forehead and upper lip. "We're here! DUTCH! MISS GRIMSHAW ANYONE WAKE UP I NEED SOME HELP OUT HERE-"

Belle wearily lifted her head, taking in her surroundings. She knew she had been put down, but something wasn't right. It was all she could do to tug on the collar of the man lying her down before losing consciousness.

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"Arthur Morgan this had better be worth it!" Grimshaw yelled, leaving her tent followed by an equally angered Karen. Both visibly softened when they saw the woman in his arms.

"She's messed up real bad- I found her in the river she needs help now." Arthur said urgently, already opening the flaps of his tent. He felt Belle tugging on the collar of his shirt and by the time he looked down she had already lost consciousness.

"In the river?! The hell is wrong with her!?" Karen asked, mostly to herself. She followed Ms. Grimshaw into Arthur's tent, looking at the woman laying down in his cot curiously. Karen swore she knew her or saw her somewhere before.

"Karen, go to the wagon and grab an extra blanket or two, and get me some clean cloths to wash her with. " Ms. Grimshaw ordered, Karen nodded and was off, all thoughts of knowing the strange woman pushed aside.

"Arthur, What's going on?" Abigail asked, a sleepy Jack propped up on her hip. "Jack was having trouble sleeping, we heard you askin' for help."

"I went walkin'.. and ran into some trouble. Found this girl, she was in a state when I first saw her I swear." Arthur said, his voice distant as he watched Ms. Grimshaw look over Belle's injury. "She was in the river, hurt and.. I don't know. She's seen some things that's f'sure. Let me help her though."

Abigail nodded, taking in Arthur's words. Karen arrived back just as Abigail had started making her way back to her tent.

"I've got an extra blanket, a bucket of water and cloths, and some clothes for her to dress in once she's up 'nd warm." Karen said breathlessly, she handed the supplies off to Ms. Grimshaw before turning to Arthur. "Want me to wake Dutch? He's sleepin' like the dead!"

"If it ain't too much trouble f'you." Arthur answered, though he couldn't tear his eyes away from Belle. He watched as Ms. Grimshaw washed the blood and dirt from her shivering body. There was so much he wanted to ask her, like why was she out there? Who had hurt her? How did she end up entranced in the river? By the time Arthur turned to look at Karen, she was already at Dutch's tent yelling at him to wake up.

"You think she's gonna be alright?" Arthur asked quietly. He hoped she would, this would be an awful way to go. Cold and unconscious, with no family or friends.

"I'd say she is." Ms. Grimshaw nodded. "You did right bringing her back here. Now that she's clean and warm, I think she's doin' just fine. Poor thing is just banged up."

"Probably gonna be asleep for a day or so." Arthur concluded. He didn't let his voice give away how relieved he was. "I think Miss Karen is done screechin' at Dutch, I should go talk to him."

"Goodnight Arthur, you get some sleep now." Ms. Grimshaw said with a light chuckle.

"Yes ma'am." Arthur said and nodded. He made his way over to Dutch's tent and scratched his neck. Dutch was already waiting outside, how the hell was he going to explain this? He was still taking in the fact that Belle was a real woman and not some spirit from the forest. Arthur thought she was a ghost at first, honest to god. But no, she is real, she's hurt, and she is now sleeping in his cot. Where she will be for god knows how long.

"Dutch." Arthur said. "Miss Karen tell you anything?"

"That you brought back some 'ghostly' looking woman who was beaten and bloody?" Dutch said tiredly. "How the did you even run into anyone at this time of night?"

"Took a walk. I was smokin' and walkin' along the river, couldn't sleep. She was in the river when I found her, don't know nothin' else really. She let me help her, but Dutch she looks like she's been through it rough." Arthur explained, shortening the story as much as he could.

Dutch chuckled and shook his head. "You've certainly got a way with women, son. You get her name?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Belle Monroe she said it was. You know 'er?"

Dutch's eyes widened a bit. Arthur looked at him curiously, was she a wanted woman? Or maybe some sort of performer? Had Dutch been with her? A part of him hoped not, though he didn't know why.

"I've heard rumors." Dutch said simply. "People think she's a witch. She's supposedly got some sort of gift. She's been passed around and sold to the highest bidder like an animal." Dutch continued, the disgust in his voice was clear.

"Jesus.." Arthur murmured. What the hell was wrong with people? "Y'know, the first thing she said to me was to please not hurt her. I don't think she woulda' let me help her if she was stronger."

"It's a good thing you got her." Dutch said, placing a hand on Arthur's shoulder. "She should stay with us, only if she's willing of course. You talk to her when she wakes up."

"Course." Arthur confirmed. He stifled a yawn with the back of his fist. If he was tired earlier, he was exhausted now. His body and his mind. Arthur had happily given up his cot, but he'd be lying if he said he was looking forward to sleeping on the floor tonight. "G'night, Dutch."

Dutch nodded and retreated back into his tent, Arthur did the same. He debated getting his bedroll from his horse, but ultimately he decided to just sit on a chair next to Belle. As soon as he had gotten back to his tent he was wide awake. He couldn't shake Miss Belle Monroe from his thoughts.

Everything about her was intriguing. She was a witch, supposedly. Maybe that was why he was so stuck on her?

"Did you put a spell on me, Miss Monroe?" Arthur whispered. He never would've said that to her if she was awake, or if anyone else was for that matter. Hell, if he had actually gotten a few hours of sleep he probably wouldn't have even thought it period. Exhaustion was wrapping it's inescapable claws around him. And before he even knew it, Arthur was drifting off into a dreamless sleep.

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Belle awoke with a jolt. Her whole body ached, and she felt sticky with sweat. She was surprised to find herself in a cot, covered in blankets rather that at the bottom of the river. She sat up shakily, kicking off the blankets. She looked down at herself, and the memories from the night before came flooding back to her. The man who helped her from the river, and the man who was the reason she fled to it in the first place. The thought send a shudder through her.

Belle swung her aching legs off the side of the cot, and right as she was about to stand the flaps of the tent swung open. She flinched backward, bracing herself for what could come. But it was only the man from last night.

"So sorry, ma'am! I wasn't expecting you to be awake." The man said, she seemed to startle him a bit too. "How 're you feelin'? I can reckon you're a bit confused."

"You saved my life. That's what's confusing me." Belle said, her voice gravelly from sleep. She cleared her throat before she spoke again. "Why?"

This seemed to catch the man off guard, which was a hard thing to do. Belle could tell just by looking at him.

"Well...I don't know I suppose." The man said. He seemed to think for a moment. "How could I not? I saw someone who needed my help 'nd I helped 'em."

"You don't know me. You don't know who I am." Belle said, her voice twisted in disbelief. "You coulda' just left me to die in the river. Anyone else would have."

"I'm not like anyone else Miss Monroe." The man said simply. Belle noticed now he was holding a bundle of woman's clothing. "For you. You can change whenever ya' feel like you can stand. I don't blame you for not trustin' me, I've heard about some of the things you've been through."

Belle's eyes widened, she shakily took the clothes from the man. She felt like she had lost the ability to speak. He knew her, what people thought she was. He even had an idea of the thing that had been done to her, and yet here this man was. Still helping her. Belle felt her heart begin to ache, when was the last time someone had been so kind to her? She was still weary, but Belle knew in her heart and soul this man meant her no harm.

"But I promise," The man continued. "I want nothin' from you except for you to accept my help. You can stay here, if ya' like. Or I could take you anywhere you wanna go. The choice is your's ma'am- as soon as your feelin' up to it."

Belle felt tears flood her eyes. Was she dreaming? Or was she dead? This man she didn't even knpw his god damn name -not only saved her life, but now he is offering her a chance at a new one. Could she really be free now? Free from the life of being sold, used and discarded like some fucking object? Free from the beatings, all because of false accusations? This man wasn't going to hurt her. She was safe. It was too much for her to believe.

Arthur was worried he had said something wrong when he saw the tears in Belle's eyes, but he simply waited for her to speak again. He didn't want to overwhelm her.

"Please tell me your name." Belle whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "Please."

"My name is Arthur Miss, Arthur Morgan."

"Arthur Morgan." Belle said, her voice cracking. She reached forward and grabbed his hand, holding it tight. Arthur held hers with the same tightness. "You have no idea what you've just done for me."

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