crack_van | The Legend of Mission Creek by MacNair (PG-13)

Fandom: Highlander
Pairing: N/A
Author on LJ: unknown
Author website: Fic at Daire's Fanfic Refuge
Why this must be read: I wanted to rec something that showcases one of the great appeals of the Highlander fandom - the infinite span of history that our characters encompass. You can go forward or backward in time, evoking places and events and societies and when that is done well, and includes our beloved characters, it can be a real joy. Most stories that capitalize on this use flashbacks, and there are a number of great ones that have already been rec'd. But this story is set entirely in the past, in the Olde West and features Duncan and Connor MacLeod working together, learning together and fighting together, complete with spurs and chaps and branding irons, all lovingly described. Their foe is a product of the time and the place and of nature, but it is a very scary threat, nonetheless. I have a quibble or two about some Connor characterization, but this story is a terrific example of how the Highlander fandom is so much more than attractive characters who take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

There was much for Duncan to teach his clansman. He called him Connor in private, but there was little private time in the constant work. Before the week was out, the elder Scot had segued into his chosen name so thoroughly that sometimes Duncan fumbled momentarily for which one he needed in the given situation. He called him Kinsley in the presence of others just as all the other ranch hands did. And he said it with a sigh when his friend did something wrong, which was often at first in the brisk pace of a cattle ranch.

Learning to rope was quite the art. Kinsley had a good arm, but failed to get the swing correct to keep the loop open. Calf after calf escaped him — to the merriment of the seasoned ropers. When his circle landed on target the first time, he was thrown off the front of his horse when the experienced animal jerked to a halt to down the animal. The branding stopped entirely while the watching cowhands laughed. Kinsley slapped the dust off with his hat, looking sheepish, and climbed back on his horse.

The next time he set the lariat correctly, Kinsley wasn’t thrown off, but he did acquire an odd expression from the ride up onto the saddle horn when his mare skidded to a stop.

“Set your fanny deep when the rope settles and lean back!” yelled Duncan to his student. He grinned through the dust knowingly at several other cowboys. “No seeing the ladies for him today, eh?”

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Daire's Fanfic Refuge - MacNair