The Last Stop was the beating heart of Ruby Flats. Doors always open, regardless of the hour. Warm oil lamp light and the inviting scent of a home cooked meal spilling out into the main road, drawing all kinds of folks in.

Talia Henderson wasn't one to turn anyone away, no matter their background. She fed people first, asked questions second so long as they weren't there just to cause trouble.

She filled the space without needing to say a word. Smile lines were carved into the corners of her mouth, crow's feet at the corners of her warm hazel eyes. Eyes that could see straight through a lie, but she wouldn't call anyone out unless it was a threat to the town's relative peace.

Tonight was like any other night. Most folks had already filed out, except for a couple near passed out drunk in one corner or another. It had been fairly peaceful. She hadn't had to call for the Marshal. Red next door called for a few bottles earlier, but even her place had settled.

The rag she usually had slung over her shoulder was in her hand as she wiped down the same glass that had been clean for probably the last five minutes. Her mousy brown hair was slipping free from the bun piled at the back of her head and she paused, tucking a strand behind her ear. Talia stifled a yawn. She'd turn in soon, leave the saloon to be watched by a serving girl.

Talia finally set the glass down beneath the bar. As she did, the familiar sound of boots scuffing on the worn wood steps just outside reached her ears. She rose just as the woman stepped through the doors.

The first thing Talia noticed was that the woman looked tired. Not just the kind of tired from being on the road too long. The kind of tired that usually meant someone was running. From someone or somewhere. "Evenin'," she greeted, voice rough from the long day.

She turned to the pot resting on her wood burning stove, still warm. She snagged a bowl and spooned some of the hearty stew into it. The smell of vegetables and spices drifted lazily through the space, cutting through the faint haze of tobacco lingering in the air.

Talia set it down on the bar, pushing it towards the woman. "Didn't think anyone'd come 'round this late. Good thing I hadn’t finished cleanin' yet," she said, slinging her rag back over her shoulder and offered the woman a soft smile that made her eyes crinkle at the edges. "You look like you might be carryin' somethin' heavy. A meal won't fix it, but it'll warm ya up 'til ya figure out what will." She braced a hand on the bar, giving the woman a once over. "If ya feel like talkin' 'bout it, I've been told I'm a good listener. If not, just say the word."