The Legend of Green Eyed Red

[robotguru]

'define soon' erm...long before you're actually gonna put the poor girl out of her misery



heh, nice update.

------------------



There can be no rainbow without rain, you cannot know true happiness until you know sadness first.

[Viximon]

Stupid brother poor Tara have . Would Will put her out of that predicament. I'm sure Tara would be grateful ju ju ju (overload mind of mine, it's already with the smochies )



Love the story, is going great. Want to know more about Willow past and to Tara be aware of her gender already... and.... uaahhh speeding thoughts again



Well we would see how all go , wouldn't we?

Continue soon, please

[hermitfish]

Hey Cameron...It was great climbing up to the bar and finding two updates to read. Willow's already frettin' over the difficulties in Tara's life...poor thing. I bet she could help out by getting to that back room and rolling a hand or two her way with the suave card skills. As per usual, you stylistically set the stage for more interesting developments. I'll be sitting in the corner, self-medicating on your fine spirits 'til next update.



~Cyd

---

What is love but whatever my heart needs around

~Trespassers William

[babyblue]

Quote:

---

The old timer was so wrinkled Willow feared his face would fall right off,

---

ROFLMAO. Oh my, what a perfect description of Clem!



This is a really nice set-up chapter, with great introduction of other characters. Several folks have wondered whether the Mayor's daughter is Faith--which makes sense given their canon relationship. My suspicions lead me in a different direction though. My guess: either Buffy or Cordelia. What that says about me, I'm not sure.



--blue

[onlyhalfevil]

eep, fast updates! just to reply to earlier, well yeah, i'd choose reading over infomercials, rearranging a sock drawer which i don't have or even my exams, actually. that's not to say your fic isn't engagingly well written, quite the opposite. (and since i'm on the feedback bandwagon, i also read your short fics that day and they are a RIOT! - i dunno if there are rules for this but it's just weird to me to go all over posting outdated feedback to the same person, hope it's ok.)



like your detailed descriptions and patient build up. i actually feel a little bad for Donnie in your story. sounds good if Will beats the hide off the Sheriff and take Tara away with her.

[hotydnic]

oh oh.. thanks for telling me this..

will go check it out straight away..



hope you have a nice time processing the next updates.. haha.. can't wait to read more...



Updates.. more .. more.. ^^ok. i will be good and read your other fics 1st..

[UnveilTheSoulbound]

wow... i love the theme of the fic... barmaids and saloons and horsies... and of course our two favorite girls... willow and tara...



really really interesting...



more please...

***Cail***

To Love is to receive a glimpse of Heaven-- Karen Sunde

Love isn't a decision. It's a feeling. If we could decide who we loved, it would be much simpler...But much less magical... -- Trey Parker and Matt Stone

[Rhiannon9891]

Wow! I just stumbled onto this fic...it's great,so I'll just mosey on over to the end of the bar and quietly sip on a beer and wait for more "Will Smith"(that's too good) and Tara and Miss Horsie and the rest of the gang.

Can't wait for more.



Rhiannon

[silentinformer]

So we have another wonderful update and I have to say I love your Willow with her kinda shy attitude but then she has lines like

Quote:

---

Why did I have to be so damn charming? It’s a curse is what it is.’

---

so then you realize she does have an ego of some sorts. Poor Tara though i have a feeling its going to be Willow to the rescue at the Poker table. Can't wait for the next update

[tarawhipped]

Howdy Kittens! Chapter 6 (with a healthy dose of angst, be warned) is coming up next, but first...



pipsberg: Hi pips. Willow's protective streak is a direct product of events in her life, and while her mysterious past won't be revealed for some time, wild speculation will start flying before long. I like your summation of Tara, and she has been the one holding things together and letting her own dreams slide. Her feisty side will be coming out soon, though.

Oh, if only you did own BtVS! *dreamily envisions long lingering shots of Willow's pants* NOTE:Anyone who doesn't understand this reference, go check out The Rosenberg Institute...you'll be glad you did! Thanks pips!


EasierSaid: I'm glad you liked the poker party, Heather. Clem's gotta be one of the best recurring characters on the show, and I had to include him. What's a Western without a 'Clem'? More of the gang will appear, and the Mayor is that Mayor, but at this time I cannot confirm or deny your speculation regarding the identity of his daughter. Well, I could, but I ain't gonna. You're p.p.s. was very sweet, but there's a big difference between writing it and being it, believe me! Thanks Heather!


alysagoddess85 Jeez, mel, could you get any larger with the butch??? Don't worry, there will be no unauthorized ass grabbage. Well, I can't speak for Wimpy...

Sex on the bar will...not be happening, but thanks for the yummy visual! More angst in the next update, but the couple after that should be lighter.


WickedReds: Hey Gina, call off your girlfriend! She's threatening me and I'm fragile. No fighting over Donnie, I promise, and yes he will keep losing. But a certain someone will be coming to the rescue before long.


hotydnic: Glad you liked it and more is up next. Thank you so much for your feedback, not just here but for Secrets and Spies also. I can't believe you read it all in one night--that's crazy! Now go get some sleep!


wimpy0729: Glad you liked the introductions Wimpy. As I told Heather, I adore Clem, and just had to work him in. Willow's protective streak is gonna kick into overdrive real soon, and a different side of Tara will appear before long. And whaddya mean torture?! It's all love.


robotguru:Hi Chris. Nice chatting with you the other day, and I'm glad you liked the update. A lot of stuff (more as I go along, it seems) has to happen before Tara discovers the real Willow, but getting there is half the fun, right? Right?


Viximon: Donnie is definitely not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and Willow will be coming to the rescue eventually. As for Willow's past and her identity, both will remain hidden for now. No smoochies yet, but lots of flirting (not so much in this chapter, but soon). Thanks Vix!


hermitfish: Cyd! I wondering where you were. You're already anticipating Willow getting to the back room, and she will at some point. Other scenes keep popping up, though, and I'm kinda happy just moseying along. This was indeed a set up chapter, which I feared people would find boring, so your kind words were very appreciated. Thank you!


babyblue: Thanks r.e. the Clem description, I was hoping it would get a laugh. As I told Cyd, I was worried that the lack of action would put people off, but needed to establish some stuff. I hate writing set up chapters, so it's nice to get positive feedback on it. I'm also keeping my lips zipped on the Mayor's daughter. Not that it really matters, I just like making y'all wonder! Thanks blue.


onlyhalfevil: Funny that you mention exams, cause it was back around my midterms last Spring that I became addicted to fan fic. You may be the first person to express sympathy for Donnie, but I am going to make him more so in the near future. So many characters from the Buffyverse changed over the years, and I'm picking some from specific periods and going with that version of them. Donnie's the only character I'm really radically changing, however, and I hope it works. Thank you!


UnveilTheSoulbound: Thanks, Cail. I'm glad you liked it, and more is on the way.


Rhiannon9891: Welcome! Glad you stopped by and thanks for your kind support. Update next...


silentinformer: Yes, Willow definitely has two sides to her personality (at least!). No rescuing yet, but at some point. Thank you!

---

What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

Edited by: tarawhipped at: 12/4/04 10:22 pm

[tarawhipped]

Title: The Legend of Green Eyed Red

Author: tarawhipped (Cameron)

Email: tarawhipped@hotmail.com

Rating: R (just to be safe)

Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy

Feedback: Throws head back and screams YESSS!!!

Distribution: Take it, just tell me where to visit it!

Summary: A redheaded stranger rides into a town full of trouble and meets a blonde barmaid. Can they save each other and the town?

Setting: AU (the Old West)




Chapter 6



The night wore on and the crowd grew and dwindled. Long before the piano player placed his upturned stool on top of the console, Xander bid his goodnights and scurried off to meet his sweetheart. Willow nursed a beer and swapped stories with Larry and Clem, always carefully diverting the conversation away from herself. When the two men rambled off onto topics not of her interest, she skillfully redirected them to the ones she was curious about: namely Tara and the Sheriff.


“’Ol Warren was mighty smitten with Miss Maclay when he first arrived here,” Clem revealed. “But she wouldn’t give him the time of day.”


“Damn right!” Larry slurred, slapping his palm onto the table for emphasis.


“He did not take it well. I think he decided right then to get back at her. He started cozying up to Mayor Wilkins. Donnie was courting the Mayor’s daughter at the time, and Warren stole her from him just out of spite. He’s determined to ruin the Maclays.”


“Well, can’t someone do anything?” Willow hissed.


“Like what?” Larry asked, his voice suddenly meek and resigned. “Anyone tries and they just land wind up dead or in jail.”


Before Willow could respond she saw movement from the back room, and the banker and mortician filed past her. She watched out of the corner of her eye as the Sheriff and preacher conversed quietly beside the bar. She had to will herself not to bolt for the door when she saw the Sheriff point at her and the preacher nod his head. A moment later, Mears exited the saloon while the preacher hung back and ambled over to Willow.


“Excuse me…Mr. Smith, is it?”


“That’s right,” the redhead answered flatly, casually moving her right hand to rest by her hip.


“Sheriff Mears tells me you’re new in town, but…you look rather familiar. Have we met before?”


Willow didn’t bother to look at the man but continued to stare directly ahead. Her fingers curled around the hem of her coat, poised to flip it back and reach underneath.


“Don’t believe so.”


“Ever been to Saint Louis?”


“Can’t say as I have.”


“I’m fairly certain I’ve seen your face somewhere. Oh well…it will come to me eventually. I have an excellent memory. Good evening to you all.”


Willow waited until she heard the swinging doors creak behind the man before she relaxed her shoulders and shakily reached for her glass. Clem looked curiously at the retreating figure then back to Will.


“Wow. That was weird.”


“Yeah,” Willow replied nonchalantly, sipping her beer. ‘That was too damn close,’ she thought. ‘If he knows who I am…it’s not safe for me here…good thing I’m leaving first thing.’


“I don’t trust that guy. Hell, my longjohn’s are holier than he is,” Larry bellowed as he hauled himself to his feet and stretched. “Come on Clem, let’s go follow him.”


Willow stood and raised her empty mug in salute as the two staggered out of the saloon, leaning into each other for support.


“Goodnight Miss Maclay!” Clem called back over his shoulder.


“Goodnight Clem, Larry.”


In the sudden quiet, Willow turned and saw that not only was she the last customer in the bar, but that Tara was standing only a few feet away from her. Willow froze, all of her earlier confidence evaporated as she looked at the blonde, who smiled warmly despite her obvious exhaustion. Before either could speak, a loud rip followed by an even louder thud drew their attention to where Donnie lay in a heap on the floor, tangled up in the red curtain. Tara rushed to his side, Willow close on her heels. Together they extricated him from his velvet cocoon.


“’M sorry Tare,” he slurred, weeping and sniffling as his head lolled from side to side. “They made me…I din’ wanna…that…fucking Warren!”


Donnie thrashed out and tried to push himself up off the floor, but his legs gave out underneath him. The two women stood and looked at each other. After a glance at the stairs, Tara cast an apologetic grimace at Willow, who nodded. Each grabbed one of Donnie’s wrists and draped an arm across her shoulders. Laboring under the weight, they dragged him to his feet.


“Come on…Donnie…you…have to…walk,” Tara pleaded, a hint of irritation rising in her voice as the three lurched erratically toward the staircase.


Willow firmly gripped Donnie’s wrist in one hand and wrapped her other arm around his back, inhaling sharply as she felt it rest underneath Tara’s. It took all of her concentration to focus on simply putting one foot in front of the other and hauling Donnie’s bulk up each rung. With every step however, she could feel Tara’s side pressing against her knuckles, tempting her to flex her fingers into the blonde’s soft hip. They paused at the top to catch their breath and readjust their grips. The back of Tara’s hand rubbed up against the side of Willow’s ribcage, and the redhead jumped.


“Sorry,” the blonde mumbled and turned her head, but not before Willow saw the blush in her cheeks.


“S’okay,” she replied as her stomach fluttered wildly.


They dragged the now completely unconscious Donnie to his room and dumped him onto the bed. Tara removed his boots and threw a blanket over him before ushering Willow back downstairs.


“Thank you for your help, Mr. Smith. My brother…he’s been under a lot of pressure…he’s not usually—”


“Hey…it’s alright,” Willow whispered softly. “You don’t have to explain…but you do have to stop calling me ‘Mr. Smith.’ It’s just Will. Okay?”


“Okay…just Will,” Tara grinned shyly. “But only if you call me Tara.”


“Deal,” Willow agreed, holding out her hand to shake on it. Tara extended her own and they grasped lightly. Willow swallowed hard as the blonde’s thumb caressed the back of her hand, and she felt her palm start to sweat. She reluctantly pulled away and nodded her head toward the door.


“I should…go…let you close up, cause it’s late and you’re probably tired. Well, of course you’re tired, working all day. And I have to get up early, so we should be in bed—beds!…I mean, you in your bed and me in mine…to sleep…cause it’s late, and I’ll be moving on early, and…I already said that, didn’t I?”


“Oh…are you leaving so soon?”


“First thing in the morning,” the redhead admitted sadly, her voice hitching and her eyes reading the disappointment in Tara’s.


“Well, it was um, nice m-meeting you Will. I h-hope you have a s-safe journey. Maybe you’ll p-pass through here again sometime?”


“I’d like that,” Willow whispered.





A war was brewing in her head and, knowing she wouldn’t be able to sleep for a while, Willow decided to check on her horse and cart before heading back to her room. Logically she knew she had to leave Dusty Hollow, that she’d wasted valuable time by stopping in the first place, and that the danger of her identity being discovered was too great. Her brain was screaming at her to stay on track, but every other part of her…


As she rounded the corner of the barn, the sound of voices suddenly broke through Willow’s thoughts and brought her to a dead stop. Two men were inside, standing beside her cart and talking quietly. After a moment she recognized the figures and hesitantly inched closer, straining her ears to catch their conversation.


“—he wasn’t sure, though,” the Sheriff said.


“You think he’s going be a problem? Cause Andrew and I—” Jonathan started.


“No need, if you’re right about him leaving. You are sure he’s leaving, right?”


“Yes, absolutely, that’s what he said.”


“Then there’s nothing to worry about.”


“Still, it’s too bad Preacher Rayne couldn’t remember where he’d seen him,” the desk clerk mumbled.


“Will you stop worrying, already! I have everything under control. This time next week, Donnie will be a fading memory, Wilkins will own Maclay’s Saloon…and Madam Darla will own Tara.”


As the two men walked out, laughing, Willow flattened herself against the side of the barn. Her entire body quivered with rage as she watched them shake hands and go their separate ways. She ducked inside and paced furiously, struggling to calm her racing heartbeat and cool her head. With a heavy sigh, she flipped back her coat and holstered the revolver she’d drawn when the two men had emerged from the barn. Walking over to one of the stalls, she crossed her arms over the rail and gazed into big brown eyes.


“What am I gonna do, Miss Horsey? I can’t go shoot a sheriff, even if he is an evil conniving son of a bitch. I gotta do something, though. I can’t just ride off…but how can I stay here if they’re watching me?”


The horse bobbed her head and whinnied.


“You’re a lotta help.”


The animal repeated the gesture and Willow absently looked behind her. Squinting into the darkness, her eyes rested on an object leaning against the far wall of the barn. An idea formed in her mind and a grin spread across her face. She crossed the floor and grunted as she hefted the weight, then walked around to the back of her cart. With one mighty swing of the sledgehammer, the rear axle snapped in two and the cart creaked and sagged. Willow returned the tool to the wall and brushed her hands together. Standing with her hands on her hips, she nodded at her handiwork.


“Well, Miss Horsey…that settles it. For at least a couple more days, we ain’t goin’ nowhere.”




TBC

---

What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

Edited by: tarawhipped at: 12/4/04 10:55 pm

[pipsberg]

Cameron,



Oooh another update! This part was great! I love Will and Tara's brief flirting. Willow breaking the wheel axle on her own was hilarious. I'm really into this story and am excited to see the romance develop. Will's here to save the day... More soon!!

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

[Viximon]

Lovable, Love it very much.

So cute

Quote:

---

she could feel Tara’s side pressing against her knuckles, tempting her to flex her fingers into the blonde’s soft hip. They paused at the top to catch their breath and readjust their grips. The back of Tara’s hand rubbed up against the side of Willow’s ribcage, and the redhead jumped.

---

With parts like it you have me eating of your hand



yay! Will is going to stay at DustyHollow, I'm sure Tara will be pleased wouldn't she?

jejejeje I can't wait for more. Update soon.

[hotydnic]

Wow!! Will is definitely staying and will do something dramatic i bet.. wow!!

poor tara..

[Artemis]

Darn it, I did it again: "I'll leave feedback in the evening, no hurry..." Phooey. Gotta stop doing that.



So, the earlier chapter - love the card game. That was a good choice of barflies for Will to sit down with, I can easily see all three of them in a Wild West setting (especially Clem, for some reason ). And now Will's got some valuable background on Dusty Hollow - valuable, of course, because she's not going to be able to walk away from a mess like this, is she?



Moving onto the most recent chapter - no, she certainly isn't. It may only have been a day since Willow set eyes on Tara, but I think it's pretty plain already that it'll be six-shooters at noon in Main Street (or, for this town, Only Street) before she'll let Madam Darla, or any of the Mayor's varmints, anywhere near her. I don't imagine Tara will take it lying down either (so to speak) - she may not be a wandering lawgirl with leather pants, a pair of Colts and a cowboy hat...



(Excuse me while I fantasise...)



...but she's clearly not the type to let anyone walk all over her.



Ethan as a preacher makes me giggle every time So he knows Will's face, does he? Perhaps he's seen her as Willow, and that's why he's having trouble figuring out who 'Will' is? That's bad news for Willow, but then again, by the sound of it no matter who she is she'll be earning the ire of Team Warren once they notice that she hasn't quite rode out of town like they were led to believe she would.



Looking forward to more.

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[meretricious]

o.k., how on earth did you take dragging a drunk up a flight of stairs and make it sexy? bonus points for degree of difficulty on that one.

i love willow's poker friends, i'm almost positive i've never seen any fic where larry and clem interact, and clem is an inspired choice for a "festus" kind of character.



go resourceful willow! i wonder who you've cast as the blacksmith, maybe an ally? cause warren, jonathan and andrew seem more of an "apple dumpling gang" kind of western, but preacher rayne seems like a really bad dude-his almost recognizing "will" gave me a shiver (and not the good kind) you've got some very rich groundwork laid here, can't wait to see where you take it~mary

let's do it let's do it let's jump
in with both feet~julia fordham

Edited by: meretricious at: 12/5/04 6:10 am

[hermitfish]

Ingenious gal...busting up her ride to aid the pretty lady. Methinks Will is gonna get large with the butch in the meantime. Their nervous interaction while hauling drunk Donnie was very cute and flitter-worthy. And, wow, you weren't kidding about quick updates...I tip my dusty hat to you in appreciation.



~Cyd

[shuyaku]

First off, I just have to say the last two updates have been fantastic. I can so picture "the boys" in their cowboy duds, tossin' back a few beers and playin' cards - especially Clem. He just totally fits, baggy skin and all. And obviously, Donnie is one step (or one night as the case may be) closer to losing the saloon to the Sheriff. Tip fer Donnie, maybe if ya weren't drunk, ya might not suck so much at poker. I'm just sayin'...



Will helping Tara carry Donnie up the stairs was great - and we got touching Although, I do wonder whether Willow gasped just because Tara touched her ribs or because ribs are closer to *ahem* other parts - parts a certain Mr. Smith should not have



And it just donned on me, with everybody speculating about the Mayor's daughter being Faith, how right and wrong that could be. I don't really have an issue with Faith being the Mayor's daughter - totally believable. But really, can you imagine Faith giving Warren or Donnie the time of day?



-shuyaku

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[behindhereyes]

Tarawhipped



Sorry that I just caught up with this great story, my horse threw a shoe. The time period you've chosen, along with the language, and effort you've put into the set-up are fantastic.

Madame Darla better keep her whorish hands and mind away from Tara, or she just might find herself hit upside the head with a spittoon. I'm just gonna mosey over and sit with the others and wait to go to the whorehouse.



(Tips my hat) Ma'am





behindhereyes

Kim

"To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world"

[wimpy0729]

I think I know what Miss Horsey was telling Will, and it was a very good idea. Now I know what else Miss Horsey will tell her about how she can be there and maybe not be as well known...but I'm not tellin'.



Of course, loved the touching and the fluttering...always a good thing.



Now I see Will's forming a plan to save the day and Miss Tara. Oh boy! I can't wait!



But I guess I have to wait...right here in the whorehouse line...can we please at least peek? I'll keep my hands in my pockets.



Wimpy





"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[onlyhalfevil]

exams, the great catalyst for much doing of unrelated activities. i was having mine, but that's exactly when i went around bookmarking new fics too, rofl.



hmm. it looks like some action is heading our way, yes? can't wait to see what happens when her secret identity is revealed by the good preacher.



um, but the update wasn't angsty!

[trashxmyxheart]

Great update! More please

[silentinformer]

wow your quick with the updates I loved this update because there were more illusions to Willows past can't wait till we find out what went on and we finally have tara witnessing babble The next update is soonish i hope

[WickedReds]

Cam ill try to call her off... i may have to tire her down.. shes very protective... like a pitbulll hehe...

smart girl... sticking around... something big is goin down

hey that rhymed



-reds



Mein Banane tanzt für Schmutz

Smutbunny Anthem: *sung to tune from Goldfinger* Smutbunnies...they'e the bunnies, the bunnies that love the smut...and Willow's butt. They surf for smut fiction...always lookin' for the next naked sweaty fix...of Tara's tits.- Written By Cameron(tarawhipped) For Us Smut Bunnies

[EasierSaid]

Willow's breakin' axle and stickin' 'round! Whoo-hoo! I reckon a pretty barmaid's gonna be mighty pleased indeed when she hears that news. Jonathan, that cowardly such-and-such; seems like Warren and Ethan might be on to our redheaded gunslinger (or at least, gun-haver). Loved that Willow jumped when Tara's knuckles ventured a little close to her ah... her er... ah you know. Tara at Darla's place... I don't care if it is the best little whorehouse in ficland, I just can't see a certain redhead letting that come to pass (nor a fiesty blonde going without a serious fight). Can't wait to see where this goes from here; great job Cameron!

Edited by: EasierSaid at: 12/5/04 5:03 pm

[Idgie]

I'm so loving this story. I can't wait to see how Willow comes to Tara's rescue (though I imagine Tara is capable of taking care of herself to some extent). I'm quite curious about Willow's past as well.



I'm wondering if Buffy will show up since you've included so many canon characters (which I love). Willow could use someone stronger than Xander, Larry and Clem on her side.

[Rhiannon9891]

Cameron,

Yeah!!! Will is going to stay in DustyHollow.I can't wait to see how Will helps Tara,there's no way Will would let Darla own Tara.



I'll just stay here at the bar with my beer and wait to see if a gunslinging slayer shows up.



Rhiannon.

[VixenyTarasHot]

I like it... I like it a lot! haha

I know I've been a little.. a lot... ish.. behind on the feedback, but finals week.. blah.. other shit.. blah.. so sorry bout that.

Anyways, Just wanted to let you know I am still readin and I still think you got yourself a mighty fine tale here. I can't wait to see where Tara and Willow get together.. cuz they gotta.. and I really wonder what Tara's reaction will be when she finds out Mr. Smith here.. aint much of a mister



Hope to read more soon

Ashleigh

"...A-and I'm gonna make it up to you. Starting right now."

(Starts to smile)"Right now?"

[alysagoddess85]

HEY!! large with the butch?! moi??!?! hehe...cam im the pansiest girly girl out there so no worries...ill be nice and fun and playful from now on.



as for the update...preacher rayne?! lmao...thats an interesting man to make a preacher...guess if hes gotta be corrupt though then who better hey? and willow and horsey seem to be getting along sorta nicely...and shes going to stay! yay...so now all we gotta deal with is the un-mistering of mister smith...that should be fun.



~mel

'The Cat in the Hat' is fine, just not during sex.--Alyson Hannigan

[photographer02]

UPDATE!!UPDATE!!!!!



*cough cough ahem ahem*...



please?



photographer02