Round 2, challenge 1: Womenfolk

[srichard.livejournal.com]

TITLE: Womenfolk
RATING: G
QUESTION: Who did you look up to most as a child, and why? Do you still admire them?
CHARACTER: Mal



I assume you're going back a ways, before the time when I decided my mama was womenfolks and not very interesting. Before my biggest hero was whoever could hold the most liquor, rope a steer the quickest, ride the longest, hardest day.

So I guess that answers the question right there. Mama was the smartest woman I ever saw before I met River, and she's still the shrewdest. I was a little squirt, and I couldn't imagine anything better than being with her, sitting in front of her on her horse, listening to her talk to the men and how every single one of them paid attention to her and spoke respectful. Wasn't just 'cause she owned the place, it was really because she was just that good.

Been my lot to be surrounded by amazing women, such as could make you wonder exactly what's so special about being a man. Got two now that I know'd walk through a barren desert with me if the world fell apart, and that's more than any man deserves. They're both like her too, strong and powerful. Had the worst deal the universe could throw at 'em, and they both came out harder and stronger. More powerful. Not that the others ain't special and amazing too, because they are. More than I'll ever let on. But these two...

So, yeah, I still admire my mama. Admire her every time I see Zoe, standing tall at my side, or River, when her face smoothes into knowing. Every time it hits me how very dead I'd be if either of them was less than what they are. And knowing that they never could be, any more than she could.

Like I said, amazing women.

Comments

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Great! It sounds very much like Mal.

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[frodolyn.livejournal.com]

This is really brilliant and soooo cute! so Mal too! i was really excited about hearing Mals answer and you dont disappoint.

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!

[lvs2read.livejournal.com]

Ooh, very nice. And very believable! Well done!

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[vae]

Poor Mal, doomed to be surrounded by amazingly strong, intelligent women - and Simon and Jayne ;)

Great answer.

[srichard.livejournal.com]

It does seem a bit unequally balanced, doesnit it? *g*

[vae]

It does rather. There's strong, intelligent Zoe, strong, intelligent River, intelligent Kaylee, intelligent Simon and strong Jayne.

Hmm. I'm sure the boys have other characteristics that are equally as admirable.

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Well, Simon might have Zoe beat on morality. She's pretty amoral through most of the series. Jayne...well, Jayne's funny. *g*

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[rabid-x.livejournal.com]

Very nicely done! I can easily see the Mal grins as he tells this bit.

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thank you!