Knockin on heavens door

[paper_stars]

Sand made the ground seem as though it moved as the hot wind shifted its way through the town, the desert sun beating down against the earth with a throbbing fist. Steel heels dug into the dirt as the figure walked down the road; spurs spinning with each step the figure took. The boots looked like something out of a old western, brown leather stitched up with thick black thread. The figure would stop, and time would seem to shift as the out stretched shadow moved with the changing angle of the sun.

Long legs lead up to round hips, covered with jeans underneath leg muscles would tense and flex. Past rounded hips a flat stomach would lead a detailed trail to round lush breasts tightly restrained by an off white and dirty t-shirt; underneath that was a thin long sleeved undershirt. The obviously female’s shoulders would be covered with a sash of brown cloth wrapped all the up and around her head to protect her skin from the sun; her nose and mouth from sand. Only hazel eyes would be showing and a few wisps of black hair that teased just the top of her brows. The bit of skin that could be seen around her eyes would give a hint to how much sun she actually saw; copper almost close to being brown.

Three black belts wrapped around her small waist, one held a makeshift sheath in which she carried a knife similar to a machete; another belt held a broken compass and a small Swiss army knife. On her back she carried a small backpack that of course carried the rest of her supplies.

Gloved hands clapped together lightly, causing a bit of dust to linger in the air. Her eyes would settle on the establishment in front of her, something that was rather hard to miss in fact. Underneath the cloth on her face, she was smiling and her eyes sparkled deviously.

“Hello father for I am sin.”

A dangerously playful nature would arise, as she once more started her stride.. her steps relaxed but not as slowly paced. Long legs carrying her straight towards a newly routed destination; the church.

Step by step she was brought to the door, her head tipping back to gaze up at the cross for a moment or two.. It was a monstrous looking thing. “Cute.”

The woman would place her hand on the door and ultimately let herself in. So what would she do here? Pray? Repent her soul? Hardly.. she had no soul repenting to do, in fact she was very content with the sort of person she was and even further more she absolutely loved herself. Her aura would painfully seep her confidence and extensively large ego.

She would slip in and let the door close behind her, inside she felt it strangely cool from the sun and calm.. her lips twisted into an evil grin under the cloth as her eyes took the interior of the church in.. checking to see who, if anyone was here.. or if there even existed some sort of preacher.. Priest or boy loving pope.

Hell she didn’t even know what religion this place would even stand for.

All that foolishness just ran together into a bunch of useless jumble in her head.. silly god worshiping people.

"Knock Knock."

[Kings Anointed]

In the back Gabriel was washing with the water he'd collected from the ravine wanting to wash off the disdain he felt for the fact he felt for the condemned raider. "Pity he wouldn't repent Lord, now that man is burning in the pits of Hell seprated from you having never known your love and mercy." Rising out of he medium sized tin wash pot Gabriel grabbed a towel as he heard someone had come in as they made their presence known with the words. "Knock, Knock." Right away he broke down the tone of the persons voice it was one obviously over confident almost condescending in nature. "Who could this be now? Another mocker from out of town?" He said to himself with a sigh but he knew as God's speaker here on earth it was his duty to greet the person with love and understanding. So grabbing his towel tightly relinquishing his frustration into it letting it flow out of him he wrapped the cloth around him and began drying off. "I'll be out there in a minute, Just getting out of the tub a preacher has to be presentable y'know!" He finished drying off and slipped into a cleaner set of clothes a cleaner dirty off-white shirt with tattered sleeves and a slightly loose pair of patched jeans and worn brown belt with a turquoise and silver buckle. He slipped his feed into a pair of straw woven shoes which were well ventilated. Gabriel came out with a smile from his room walking toward his new guest. "Greetings. I'm pastor Gabriel."

He'd examine the person standing before him obviously female and dressed as most travelers who would pass through town and come for supplies and such. She looked as though she had a nice figure for someone that spent most of their time traveling. The wear on her boots up to the top of her and the rag around her face and look in her eyes told him she was indeed a desert walker. On a wooden antique looking hand-made table to his left there was a pitcher of water what Gabriel had kept from being bath water, to the side of the pitcher were two small wooden mugs. "How may I help you today ma'am? If you're thirsty there's water here for you as I have for all guests. As well as my congregation." Gabe sat down on one of the seats one of the parishioners would sit in to listen to him preach on Sundays and sometimes Wednesdays in the afternoon.

[paper_stars]

Getting out of the tub? Thoughts would run wild as her imagination played with naughty little thoughts, while she stood her ground near the door and waited for the man of god to get his self together. Her eyes explored a little more, though she wasn’t really impressed by the place. Her eyes would settle on the man as he made his appearance and greeted her like a good little host.

“Gabriel?” a small hint of sarcasm would start to seep from her words “How suiting for a pastor.” All the while she was removing the gloves from her hands so that she may remove the sash from her face. She would unwind the cloth and let her shoulder length black hair fall against her neck and face. Delicate lips dry from the heat, her tongue flickered out as she wetted them. On the right side of her neck there would be a hint of black ink hiding under her hair, the tattoo would slip under the collar of her shirt. Her eyes were young but her face portrayed her much older than she was, with circles under her eyes and little wrinkles at the corners. She was pretty, but extremely toughened due to the years of a harsh life and exposure to harsh weather.

Small scars decorated her jaw line and one ran up from her upper lip towards her cheek bone; old scars, becoming faded and lost with age.. one time she had been broken and beaten.

With the cloth and her gloves wrapped up she sat them down in one of the chairs, then she would shake out the sand in her hair and brush her fingers through it a few times before approaching the little table with the water. “Don’t mind if I do.”

Her eyes followed his every movement like a predator watched her prey, the corner of her lips slightly in a smile. “I’m Aaron.” She would defiantly help herself to some water. How could he help her? She thought about it for a moment, rather she thought about what sort of trouble she could cause him.. in away to just pester the poor man for an hour or two before she would leave.

“Tell me pastor..” she would hold up the cup of water and examine it before taking a small drink. “How long has your church been here?”

So she figured the best way to get started with her pestering.. was to start an innocent conversation.

[Kings Anointed]

Gabriel watched Aaron as she removed her facial sash and gloves revealing more of her stunning beauty.She was the most ravishing woman he'd ever seen Even if she appeared a bit more aged than she actually was. The same was true for Gabriel, his face, arms and hands, they were rough and cracked more than they should have been at twenty-five he appeared a few years older. "That water is the best take as much as you need Aaron. It came from the water that flows through the large Canyon south yonder from here it's the best around but, once we break through the rock in the mountain springs we won't even have to leave New Zion for water. It will make our citizens more secure and shielded from those who ravage the land we are separated from by the large chasm all around the city.God has truly been good to us and to our crops."

Gabriel notices she's very defensive and cautious he understood why most were that way, times were tough and less descent people take advantage of others and that seemed to be why she watched him as a hawk. A man more apt to take advantage of a woman but Gabriel smiled genuinely kind and stayed put looking around his church imagining it being filled with people later this afternoon. "We are having a service this afternoon if you're in town you're welcome to come Aaron we'd love to have you and we'll have a warm meal after, also more outsiders should be joining us, I ran into them in the Canyon when I was drawing water."

He brought his eyes back to her and ran a hand through his long brown hair it was still wet thus comb able and and he began untangling it carfully as knowing he should get it cut soon because the ends were all dried out and splitting. He listend to her question about how long had the church been there. "As long as I can remember. I know it was here before I was born when Pastor Eli was alive. My parents died when I was young and he and is wife took me in as their son. When they were both killed by the giant bugs I took up the mantle. It's been about 5 years since then."

[paper_stars]

“A cup is enough.” She would shift her wrist watching the water in the cup swirl around and around. Aaron only ever took just so much, even if it was an abundant source; never did she take more than she needed. She took somewhat of what he said into consideration; the idea of the town being more secure.. she wondered if that would actually work. A brow quirked as she glanced his way “I suppose it helps that this town has such a devoted man, who bows his head to the lord.” She took another drink, finishing off the cup of water.

The tip of her nose would wrinkle at the mention of a service, and she was invited. These church goers were so intriguing.. so open hearted it was sickening. Even more so, she became less interested at the mention of more outsiders. She didn’t care for gatherings, interacting with large amount of people and other outsiders. One on one, it was all fine and dandy.. Easier for her to play. Otherwise, she usually withdrew or disappeared completely and happily go on her way when a large amount of people gathered.

Though the idea of sitting in at a service sounded boring.

She looked him over, weighing him and the idea he proposed; what she could possibly gain from going to such a service.. he said there would be a meal, though that didn’t really intrigue her either.

An idea however, popped into her head..a grin seeped across her face as she turned to face the man fully with her hands on her hips. Of course she wouldn’t propose her idea just yet, she waited for him to answer her question so she wouldn’t end up interrupting him. “Five years you say, and you haven’t lost your mind yet.”

Hazel eyes sparkled and her hands slipped from her waist, she leaned forward and places both hands on either side of his thighs; which brought her face just a few inches from his own. “Pastor.” Her voice would soften sweetly, almost sensual the whisper of her lips so close to touch his own. “Earlier you mentioned something about a tub. “ a pause as her eyes would hold his own in a stare. “ I’ll stay for your silly service, I’ll even actually listen to it.. if you spare me the use of your tub. “ grinning she would straighten, though as she moved her head back there would be an ‘accidental’ brush of her nose against his as she did so. A few steps would be taken backwards and her hands would once more rest on her hips.

“Do we have an agreement?”

[Kings Anointed]

Gabriel nodded to her and smiled softly watching her finish the cup."You looked thirstier than that but I suppose you know your body best and its needs Aaron." Looking off to the side thinking of cleaning up before service Gabriel took his attention off her he still had to prepare a message to encourage the people who did come to convince them that continuing in God's ways were worth it no matter what tragedy or hardship came their way. Individually or collectively as a community. The lady's who sang before service started would be coming soon also they were widows most of them anyway but they loved to sing praises to God for his goodness and plow the hearts of the congregation before Gabe would bring the word.

Gabriel was thinking about a good message one that would speak to his congragation as he nodded to Aarons words about him being devoted not noticing that she may have been seeking to flatter him for some reason. Also to her comment about, "Five years you say and you haven't lost your mind yet?" Nearly struck a chord with he would sigh for a moment. His mind was elsewhere until she came up and got into his face and touching him on this thighs asking to use his tub she was using her femine wiles which evidently she was very talented at using to get the things she wanted. Soon as he was sure the use of his tub was all she wanted. he agreed, with a nod looking into her eyes still having his wits and mind about him without giving into the temptation of lusting. Smiling he replied, "You may use my tub Aaron, I know you are most likely offering to come and listen to me and I appreciate that but I'm not going to force God or my self on anyone who's not willing to open their heart to God's words of life and love to us." With that he cautiously backed the chair up away from her and rose to his feet and spoke again. "You don't have much time to bathe so don't linger, the singers will be here soon to begin warming up and I have to prepare my message."

Gabe then turned around and headed into the back and prepared the tub, she'd hear metal clanging as stoked the coals under the fire to heat the water back up making it warm. He came back out and said, "First opening on the left there'll be a dry towel for you when you finish. Now if you'll excuse me I have work to he said with the calm kind town he carried through out their conversation and interacting together. "And all you had to do was ask about using the tub Aaron." he smiled softly and winked kindly and bowed his head before turning back around to head into his office.

[paper_stars]

She would bite the tip of her tongue idly as she watched him get up and go freshen up the bath. She would gather up her sash and gloves. She turned when he reappeared and she smiled “Don’t worry father, my will wouldn’t break even if you did try to force it..” her eyes ran another once over as she walked past him. She dismissed the remark about not taking long, personally she’d take as long as she’d want..Be nice Aaron. She had to tell herself though, she stopped at the door way and gave a glance over her shoulder. “No peaking.. father.” Biting her lower lip she would give him a wink before he headed back to his office.

She would go into the room close the door and drop her sash and gloves on the floor. Followed by her backpack, her belts and then her shoes came off next. Her fingers worked to unzip her jeans as she wriggled her hips to slip out of then, panties being removed at the same time; she kicked them aside. Then last of all she removed the two shirts and tossed them into the pile she had created.

Her body was lean and hard, muscles well formed under her skin; scars lined her body in all sorts of places. The skin on her back was nearly disfigured with array of scars caused by whips, knives and god knows what else was used. Then one scar seemed to be the prefect of all, a straight line from under her breast to the top of her bellybutton; the scar itself looked like it was a surgical incision.. only if you looked closer you could see another line not so neat moving towards the left, like a perfect square.. or rather the shape of a book as though someone tried to peel that skin back.

Besides the branding of so many scars she had a tattoo that went from her neck down the front of her chest around her breast and under her arm; it was the design of a snake with evil beady eyes and a jagged tail that just barely touched the top of her hip.

She would stretch her arms above her head before she slipped into the tub, the water sending goose bumps over her skin as she lowered herself down into the water. Literally sinking as far as she could into the water, her head hiding the edge as she relaxed back a soft sigh leaving her lips. It felt great.

She could sit in the tub forever.. but she was going to be nice today.. a bath like this was a rare commodity, so even if she wanted to lavish it some more she would restrain and simply clean herself up.. wash the sand from her hair and skin and get out.

It only took a few minutes and she would get out, snatch a towel and start to dry off. As she did her eyes stared at the pile of clothes she left. “hmmn..”

Once dry she set the towel down and dug through her backpack.. past the few odds and ends she pulled out some cloth that was rolled up into a tight little ball. She undid the tie and shook the cloth out revealing a simple summer dress with bright vibrant flowers. It was a tad wrinkled but she didn’t care, she slipped the dress on and adjusted it, trying her best to pull out some of the wrinkles.

It did show off a lot of her scars and skin, but it was a nice dress.. it was somewhat decent though it cling to her muscled body just a bit. She slipped her boots on and folded the rest of her clothing up for now. She put the belt that had her weapon around her waist.. it didn’t go with the dress but she wasn’t about to leave it in the room with the rest of her things.

“All done.” She smirked, it’s been a long time since she had a chance to wear the sun dress.. and she did like dresses quite a bit.

Her things she would leave behind as she left the room, her legs bare up until her thighs; her boots not matching the dress.. it did look someone strange on her but she was comfortable in it. That showed as she walked with her head held high and an attitude of ‘I don’t give a shit what you think’. She would strut, sway her hips and be as she always was.

Herself.

[Kings Anointed]

Gabriel ignored her further words not to be rude but because he felt God placing a message in is mind and he rushed into his office to begin righting like a maniac because it was only 3 hours before crunch time. "The need for being Godly in a godless time." Sounded good to him Gabriel drew on his experiences from earlier today with Ira and the Raider whom was now dead most likely. "Never let pride cloud your judgment for you will fall." Gabriel continued writing and thinking with his right hand on his Bible and other writing the message on a sturdy piece of cardboard. He stuck to key points to elaborate on and side notes with scripture references. "Give to those who ask of you with cheer in your heart." Then, "God won't give you what He won't give through you."

He made sure his points agreed with the word of God according to the Bible and changed any of his words that didn't measure up so he wouldn't go off half cocked and fall short or lead his congregation astray. Things were bad enough these days and the people were hanging by a thread the hope in Jesus Christ was the thread they hung by even that was wearing thin lately with people being afflicted by cancer and other diseases, the good crops helped, but weren't enough. They needed clean pure water the water in the north would be another weapon in their arsenal against disease. God was indeed good but it seemed Gabe and a few of the others recognized it. They needed a miracle and fast. Gabe knew it and the whole town did too.

[paper_stars]

Aaron wondered how long she would have to twiddle her thumbs, she wandered a bit up and down the row of chairs. A smirk playing across her lips as she took a seat in one of the rows “Mom would flip in her grave.” Then again, back then.. things had been different, life had been different. If things didn’t happen the way they did, maybe she would have been a church goer, maybe just…maybe her beliefs would be different.

She would sigh and tip her head back looking up at the ceiling, she always had time to think to herself.. she always thought to herself, also talked to herself.. but sitting in the church was different, she almost didn’t like it.

I can hear my thoughts echo..

Memories would rise, play and skip as she stared to dream and stare off into the distance. It always happened like this, when silence was the only comfort. Your mind can’t help but constantly think, and her mind twisted to the haunting past. Lips pursed together softly as her eyes saw beyond the ceiling she looked at and through the eyes of her past self; reliving her experience the way an old war vet would with his. Everything was all too real, and in this reality it was still real.. still there, still a chance of everything happening all over again. The past was more than just the past, every corner you turn you see someone else in a similar predicament.

God.. where was this god? Oh yes, she knew the usual answer.. he is within you, he is the rock, the sky and the sea. He is all and everywhere. She shook her head and crossed one of her legs over the other. Pathetic, where was this god when the world went to shit? When the devil played his hand at a devastating evil; this god never helped the people from the past times, why is it a belief he would help them now? Give them miracles?

Aaron would roll her eyes with an agitated sigh and sit up in her chair. “Stupid.” She muttered to herself and ran her fingers through her damp hair a few times, contemplating leaving..

What the hell was she doing here anyway? Going to sit in on a stupid service.. for what? Food.. she didn’t want their food, she could get her own. Of course she had to use her big mouth and agree if she would use the bath to stay!

“Uhhg..” she rubbed her forehead and stared at the floor. This service needed to get started already.. she already felt the urge to leave.

[Kings Anointed]

Gabriel came out into the sanctuary having just finished his message and found Aaron there sitting contemplating leaving he saw the frustration in her eyes and sighed. "You don't have to stay Aaron it was kind of you to offer but I hate to be the one also to tell you that there are No other civilizations for 50 miles or more in either direction. Also, Jericho the last known town not far from here is no longer viable. I have received news on has been looted and its inhabitants murdered by raiders. In short, I would personally like you to stay as a guest. And I advise you stay. If you do, you don't have to come to the services but you do have use of the tub I hope it was adequate."

Gabe looked down and sighed knowing this was the decent thing to do to offer her the option of staying but also the one of leaving with a warning of care for her safety. "Well things should be getting started soon The sermon will last may be 30 minutes then prayer for the sick after. It all depends on what God puts on my heart. We don't see many miracles but, we count the blessing we are still alive and haven't been attacked yet as one." He went and sat down next to her he liked the fact she dressed up he didn't mind the tattoos but, when he saw her scars his heart caved. "You were tortured?" His voice practically cracked sympathizing with what she must have went through. Gabriel, recognized the marks as such people slavers make on people they take as property. Some people in the town had managed to escape that life and make it to New Zion.

[paper_stars]

Aaron would laugh softly as she tossed her head back giving a childish roll of her eyes. “Father, you don’t have to father me on the things that are out there, where the next town is. I have traveled these lands here and there for some time.” A brow would raise as she regarded him, watching as he sat down next to her. “You advising me to stay? As a guest?” she would grin and shift in her sit as she turned just a bit more towards him. “I’m not known to stay in one place for long…” her voice trailed off when he made a note of her scars, the grin just slightly left her lips at his words the way the emotion in his voice as it cracked; sympathy.

She hated sympathy.

After a few seconds the grin would be gone from her face and she turned her head away from him. “You could say that.” Deep seeding hate emitted from her voice, it was obviously a slightly touchy subject.. she wasn’t exactly comfortable talking about it with anyone, let alone a pastor.

So she would make a forceful change of subject.

“I’ll stay for your sermon, father.” Idly she waved her hand in the air dismissing the last subject. “I’m curious to see what it is you have to say to these people.” She looked at him once more, again regarding him.

“I need to get supplies anyway” She continued on “So perhaps a day or two I’ll take you up on your offer. New clothes, a bigger backpack and so on..” she sort of rambled off as she mentally ran through the list of things she wanted to buy or trade and even haggle for.. she didn’t have a lot of money, or really any items she could trade with.. but that’s normal, and she usually managed anyway.

“So father…”

Another grin would form on her face as she leaned back more comfortably in the chair. “Does anyone around here sell any kind of weapons? Somewhere to buy clothes would be nice too; I’d appreciate it tomorrow if you could point me in their direction.”

[Kings Anointed]

Gabriel noted that getting direct with her about her scars and about advising her was clearly something he shouldn't concearn himself with. He also noted the hatred emitting from her voice as she turned away from him. "I see, you're quite sure of yourself then and strong willed and not willing to talk with me about your past. I understand that is something most people are touchy about nowadays."

One other thing that bugged Gabe every time someone new came to town. The called him "Father" He disliked this reference and title, it went back to the scripture in the New Testament, "You shall call no one else Father but me." As it was written in God's word. Gabe would simply say, "Please call me Gabriel, Pastor Gabe, Pastor G for short like the kids call me, or Preacher. I don't care for the term 'father'. I am a 'Sheppard' of souls, Keeper of Christ's flock, I didn't birth them." He smiled as he spoke softly to her watching carefully when she turned back to him even though she grinned once more. If she was trying to unnerve him it wouldn't work.

He was appreciative that she still agreed to stay and figured she would be for a couple days which, but wished she would stay. She was indeed the most beautiful woman that has eve come to this town and in light of her ways Gabe seemed to like her but, knew she was merely out to survive the harsh times and hard land. These simple facts helped Gabe not form as strong an attachment to her. "Weapons? What do you plan on going to or starting a war?" Gabriel of course knew she intended on no such thing a side from harsh weather there were also the large bugs which of course not many could easily dispatch in a group much less alone. Especially not one woman no matter how tough she was, not that Gabriel had ever come across.

Then he answered her seriously, "Yes ma'am, we do have weapons, but they are only what we've been able to gather from abandoned military basis. Stock piles of 47's, rifles, magnums, rocket launchers and the sort. Personally own no firearms but I know how to use them. We also have hand crafted swords and long bows which are a bit more expensive because of the process. We use those primarily for hunting though. And yes at the general store we have bags and also slight variety of mens and women's clothing nothing fancy mind you but, they'll last ya a good while." To sum things up they had pretty much everything she'd need to make it out in the wilderness.

Gabe continued talking then the doors opened and the old ladies came through cheerfully as they always do and their eyes fell upon Aaron with curiosity. He called to them and introduced Aaron no longer talking about supplies or weapons. "This is Aaron she's just blown in to town and will be staying a couple days. I know I don't have to even ask but ladies please make her feel welcome." Gabe smiled to them they were truly endearing, tender, and loving old ladies. They were kind to the core, full of love, and man could they sing!

[paper_stars]

Aaron’s nose wrinkled a bit at his comments. “I am very sure of myself.” Her head would tip to the side and she gave a shrug of her shoulders. “It’s the past father, may be a gruesome past and there’s no need to talk about it.” He really didn’t understand, as she thought about it.. people were touchy about it, why was she touchy about it? Well being tortured to the point you no longer want to live and find that you truly lose yourself is something no one would ever want to talk about. Aaron had lost herself, but that time when her breaking point came.. she did not just lose touch with her soul but she had completely changed; a horrifying change.

A war..nah she wouldn’t try to start a war, that would be a big huge mess.. but the whole bug thing, she did need a better weapon though she didn’t care for guns. You always had to get ammo and stuff, she preferred blades.

Though their talk would come to a halt as the old women who came to sing piled in. She wasn’t surprised when he called them over and introduced her, she gave them a sweet smile as she stood from her chair. She’d be nice to them. But her niceness would only hold out for so long..

“Actually I heard some rumors that there was this great choir of wonderful ladies that sang very beautifully.” She would say to flatter them. “So I came to hear for myself!” she clapped her hands together gently and gave a polite bow in their direction before sitting down once more.

She would wait for the ladies to leave before she’d continue up any other sort of conversation with the preacher. “I’m going to put it to you like this, preacher man.” Her voice would be lowered so the women wouldn’t be able to hear. “ I can see it in your eyes you want me to stay longer than I am, but I won’t. I have other plans.” She would give him a glance “and soiled hands, I don’t plan to repent any sins, or wash my hands of the blood that has stained them.” The corner of her mouth twisted up into a slight grin, not to intimidate him.. just a grin of her own amusement. “I plan to soak them a little bit longer too..”

It’s who she was; she felt no guilt for her wrongs, her sins. She would never accept this god they all sought out for hope and miracles, and if one day she were to die.. which at some point she suspected she would then so be it if her soul were to be condemned to damnation.

This world was already hell in a hand basket.

Don’t get her wrong, she’d never hurt someone who never meant her any harm; man, woman or child.. but she had no problem destroying the life of a human being who meant to destroy her own or another person’s … rather an innocent person. A very interesting double ended sword..

But hey, she’s a tad demented and her thought of reason had changed, her mental stability had changed.. that once innocent child had vanished a long, long time ago.

[Kings Anointed]

Gabriel continued watching Aaron carefully, praying that she would not make a scene that would cause him to need remove her, he may be a man built for rough housing and tumbling around he didn't live for it though. Gabe would much prefer the high rode of diplomacy and peace when dealing with people. However, to his delight Aaron put her "church" show on for the women and flattered them with kind words. He would rather he be honest or sincere to the ladies but, this would do fine because it kept the peace and Gabe smiled and rose up from his seat and hugged each one of the dear ladies "Thank you so much for your continued and resilient service of plowing our hearts with worship to God our Father and Jesus our Lord before each service."

As Aaron sat back down Gabriel did also, allowing the women go to the front of the sanctuary which made was laid out in like an amphitheater style. He watches smiling as they begin practicing and warming up, Gabe then looked back looked to Aaron as she spoke in a whisper laying out her intentions and plans for leaving. Gabe then replied to her comment about how she's noticed he'd like her to stay, "I would be untruthful If I said I would like anything less of you staying Aaron and I know you have no intent on staying and I'm coming to terms with it. If things were different I'd hope your desires would also be to stay. People who come to this town often leave, either because of our ways spook them or because they are running from something. As a man of God I must notice, and allow God to deal with them in his own way according to his plan and not interfere."

Gabe sighed softly under his breath looking into her eyes after a short pause he spoke again now addressing her remark about her sins. "Also as a man of God, it is my duty to tell you all are commanded to repent of their sins so that your blood will not be on my hands when I stand before the Lord at the end of my life. Whether you take this command of God and follow it and repent to, and allow him to heal you is your choice. He didn't cause you to go through what ever it was Aaron.You more than anyone know life isn't fair or just, bad things happen to good people everyday. This evil that plagues us will exist for only a short time compared to the glory that awaits all who will put their trust and cares in Christ."

Gabe finished and nodded softly, not judging her as she told him she wouldn't wash the blood from her hands, and would continue soaking them in it a while longer. He simply asked while all the while speaking to her in a voice only she could here,"And what will this accomplish will it bring back what was stolen from you?" However, he saw in her eyes she felt no guilt or remorse for her sins knowing it'd most likely been a long time since she'd had a touch from God. As much as Gabe wanted to save her, he knew in his spirit and his heart that only God alone was capable of saying her if she'd ever let him.

"Remember, vengence is God's." Gabe left her with and smiled again as he heard the meadous praises being sung to the Lord coming forth from the ladies on stage. "Beautiful, simply beautiful Gladiah, Marta, and Joyce! I wouldn't be surprised of the Lord Jesus himself didn't show up this very minute!" Gabe said cheering them on and began to sang also with a voice like an angel.

"My savior, Jesus, the lover of my soul. Salvation my friend till' the end My heart finds peace in you a a alone!
Thank you for the cross thank you for the cross, thank you for the old rugged cross, Lord Jesus."

[paper_stars]

... or because they are running from something.

Was she running from something? She wondered curiously as he continued on to speak to her. Could it possibly be that she was running from her past? She really didn’t think so, there was really no way to run from it when it was all around them. Day in and day out, she saw it all the time.. Different men, different bandits.. all with the same intent in their eyes. It was something that was impossible to get away from.

The corner of her mouth twitched a bit as he caught her attention with the little bit about her blood being on his hands when his life comes to an end if she didn’t repent. She could feel her temper rising, he somehow struck her nerves; well in fact he actually infuriated her. But she kept her temper in check so not to disturb the ladies singing, or in fact give any hint to him actually hitting her nerves in such a manner.

She just smiled lightly at him with a soft shrug of her shoulders.

A sparkle would shimmer in her eyes as a mischievous grin played across her lips “I will achieve nothing.” She knew by the things she had done, the lives she took she would never gain her life back, that it would never wash away the pain she felt.. that it wouldn’t even make a difference. She knew that, and she understood it as well. But, she did gain something from it.. she gained the pleasure of watching them die each and every time her blade ripped through their skin.. she felt a sort of joy watching their blood soak into the earth around them.

She waited as he cheered on the ladies, he was a sweet man.. but foolish, she did not agree with his beliefs.. or the fact that he considered himself a Sheppard of the lord. In truth she really didn’t even like him that much..

“I am not seeking vengeance.” She stretched her arms above her head and locked her fingers together as she leaned back in the chair.

“I am simply seeking their ultimate demise.”

However..

She had hushed herself when the man began to sing. The corner of her lips twitched as she watched him, he may have the voice of an angel but she sure as hell found his singing beyond hillarious and she was trying very very hard not to burst out laughing. She even held her hand over her mouth just incase she wouldnt be able to hold back her amusement.

There was just something funny about a grown and semi-attractive man singing church songs.