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Belching, Josie stumbled up the street, his heavy stomach already warmed from the last bar he stepped into. Looking around he tried to find the Ale House, he needed the money to get some more ale! 

Rounding the street, he saw the warm windows, and could hear the din of a busy Tavern from where he was. Excitedly he trotted up the street faster. Coming to a bit of a pause when he saw some small man exit the building. Shrugging he passed the man, noting his short beard and badly dyed cloak quickly,  but not placing their importance flying past his brain from the drink.

Pulling the door open, he fell into the warm inviting atmosphere, already searching for the fine little handful of an owner. Maybe a little coin could talk her into his bed tonight, those strange people paid him well enough to get most whores there. Coming up to the bar, he saw the woman talking to some handsome tanned man, and he became cross. He'd been looking to get her tonight and this man here thinks he can swoop out of nowhere and steal his lay? 

That wouldn't work. "Bah' maid! I wanna drink Bah' maid. " calling out to her sloppily, he hoped to pull her attentions onto himself. 

Anna heard the call of the newest patron and she left Alexander at the bar and walked over to the man. He seemed to be about thirty-ish, not a soldier but definitely an ale drinker by the gut on him. She smiled welcomingly as she stepped up to the table. 

[color=8dc73f]"What can I get for you tonight? Will it be whiskey or ale?"[/color] Anna appeared to be normal to those around her but she was wondering if this was the guy Verrick was looking for.

Seeing her smile caused a tightness to the man's core, one that would to a tightening of his trousers given half a chance. Leaning forward, he peered at her and said "I'm not looking for a drink yet. Why don't you come here so we can talk about that, eh?"

Reaching forward, he showed her some gold clutched in his callused hand, the glint of it drawing the eye." If this isn't enough, I'll be getting paid tonight" the confidence from the alcohol rolling through his system, had Josie sure of his success.

When Verrick left the place, he glanced to his left to see Josie walking passed him, drunk as hell. Why couldn't the prick come sooner? Grumbling once again, he turned back around and reached for his bow...only to realize he left it in the corner in his fit of anger. Cursing himself silently he moved back into the bar. As he did though, he unclasped the brooch that held his cloak on, quickly rolling it up in his arm. He did this, only because of the whispers of him earlier after that bout between him and the earl. Feeling awkward now, for two reasons, One being without his cloak, feeling much colder now without its warmth, the second being him walking back in just moments after an awkward confrontation between Anna and him...and this dillweed of a earl. Verrick moved passed Josie, and towards his old chair. Grabbing his bow he turned around and moved closer to the bar. Getting close enough to study Josie, and figure out where he was holding onto the paperwork. He looked at Anna, with a grumpy look.[color=007236] "I'm sorry miss. I just need to sit here for a minute or so...then I'll be out of your hair."[/color]

Anna was instantly aware of the way the older man was looking at her. [color=8dc73f]"I'm sorry sir the only things on the menu are ale and whiskey. If you are looking for companionship there are a few brothels in the capital but there are no whores here. Could I interest you in some ale?"[/color]

She was so focussed on the man in front of her that she noticed Verrick coming back in but didn't take notice of what he said very well.  She glanced up at him and nodded. She was more concerned about keeping the demanding man in check.

Hearing her turn him down brought red to the man's cheeks. How dare the bitch deny him. That's fine with him. He'll just come back tonight. She can say no as much as she wants then, it'd only make it more fun. 

Pulling his hand back, he decided he'd make his current visit hell for the woman. What did it matter to him? He was getting his payout tonight. "I want ale, but this isn't over yet." Leaning back, he looked at her, his face showing his displeasure with her refusal. This was fine.

Tugging on his beard he waited for her to bring him his drink thinking about his plans that night.

Anna turned and went to the bar taking her time to get the ale for the obnoxious man. If he weren't the one that Verrick needed she would kick him out right now. She suspected that was the case when Verrick had spoken to her as if nothing had happened just mere moments before. Filling the glass up, she kept her eyes on the man as she walked back to him. She didn't trust him as far as she could spit. Upon arrival she set the glass down and turned to walk away.

Okay, Alexander was somewhat confused.  Anna went to go deal with a patron like normal, but then the little runt of a woodsman walked right back in.  Alexander just watched him as he got his bow and sat down at the bar saying something to Anna.  Then after all that drama she just nodded at him and kept on talking with the patron.  Seeing that she wasn't bothered by the woodsman being here Alexander shook his head and looked around him for his drink.  There was something he didn't know about and he really didn't feel like learning right now.

Leaning forward when the woman went to get his drink, Josie watched the sway of her hips, eyes drawn to the muscles in her pants dipping down to her legs and back up to the curve of her backside. Licking his lips, he whistled lowly "I will get my hands on that ass." Shifting in his seat, he leaned further forward, propping his elbow on the table and resting his chin on his hand, his eyes planted on her lower half. 

Seeing her come back up, his eyes drifted back up her body, drifting along the swell of her breast for a moment before settling on her face, before she walked away again, if she'd passed closer, he would have made a pass at her, one she couldn't have refused even if she wanted to.

Alexander had his head tilted back taking a long swig of the ale.  He put the cup down and looked over at Anna.  As he looked over his eyes panned over the room and glanced back at the woodsman.  As he looked at the ranger he noticed the drooling creep staring at Anna.  Alexander just glared at him for a second then looked over back at the ale.  He then sighed then began walking over to the staring man.  The man was so intent he didn't notice Alexander walk right up next to him.  Alexander looked down at him for moment then whistled.  As the man turned his head to look up all he would see is Alexander's fist swinging straight at him.  Alexander's fist hit the man in the cheek bone, knocking him to the ground.  Alexander then turned around and walked back to the bar to get back to his drink.

Verrick growled as he watched the josie eyed up Anna in a disgusting show of unbridled lust. He couldn't deck the man, he needed him still to lead him to the people he was selling information to. However he was about to forget about the mission and break the man's wrist for the way he looked. He glanced at Anna, but suddenly heard a whistle, then when he looked back Josie was sprawled out on the floor, knocked out cold. 

Facepalming himself he grumbled a few choice curse words for the brute seafaring noble. 

Anna turned around at the sound of something breaking. Her eyes widened as the somewhat drunk earl punched the man known as Josie in the face. She had no way of knowing that the man was staring at and making comments about her backside and his plans to have her later that night. She did know she was extremely uncomfortable around Josie. She felt she had to at least ask him if he was okay, but first she was going to give Alexander some grief.

Anna walked back over to Alexander and looked at him. She couldn't tell if he was annoyed because of the man or that his glass was empty again. It was very hard for her not to laugh at the expression on his face. [color=8dc73f]"Why did you just hit one of my customers?"[/color] She asked calmly and Chester was staring at Josie like he might strangle the man. [color=8dc73f]"What happened?"[/color] She asked the earl quietly.

Alexander looked at her when she asked him the question.  Alexander felt a grin come to his face and he knew he was pretty drunk.  [color=0072bc]"He was staring at you wrong, and I didn't like the feeling he gave me."[/color]  Alexander looked over her back at the man still crumpled on the ground.  [color=0072bc]"I am pretty sure he isn't dead."[/color]  He felt his stupid grin get larger at his own joke. He then leaned down, picking up the man's wallet. [color=0072bc]"Here, this is for the emotional distress."[/color]

Great... he's drunk. And he thinks he's funny. Verrick rubbed his face, Anna was about to buy into the whole knight in shining armor routine as well. He watched in pain as these two flirted back and forth, it was painful to watch for the reason it was cheesy. He had to say something. 

[color=007236]"Wonderful. You knocked out a man who was about to fall over himself."[/color] He said while giving a sarcastic clap or two. 

[color=0072bc]"Didn't see you doing much to stop his staring.  Maybe you were afraid he would fall over and crush you?"[/color]

[color=007236]
"Or maybe because this was the man I was waiting for so he could lead me to the people who was buying his information. Thank you for getting in my way once again."[/color] He grumbled.

[color=0072bc]"Hey just search his body, maybe he left some evidence.  Or follow him when he wa-"[/color]

Cutting him off[color=007236] "I DON'T NEED THE EVIDENCE you fool I need him with his senses." Verrick snapped back at him.[/color]

[color=0072bc]"I really don't see how this is my problem.  I was just defending the Anna's honor."[/color]  Alexander was smirking when he said this.  He knew how much the Woodsman hated all the pomp and show that went with "honor".

Verrick literally fell back against the bar in disbelief.  [color=007236]"I'm sorry...Not a fool then. A complete and utter moron. Anna, can defend herself by herself, I've seen it many times."[/color] He growled as he moved over and slapped josie a few times hard on the other side of his face.

[color=0072bc]"Yes, but why should I bother her with that when I could just solve it in one punch?"[/color]

Anna looked over at Josie then to Chester who nodded to confirm what had happened. A shiver ran down her spine and she looked at Josie again. [color=8dc73f]"I'm not moving him but we can't leave him there."[/color] She looked up at Verrick and frowned.  For a fleeting moment her mind forgot about the pain between them and her eyes softened. It was gone so fast that no one would have seen it but him. 

[color=0072bc]"I'll move him, but he might be a little too heavy for me.  Maybe the woodsman can finally make himself useful and help me carry him.  He will probably take the man to the king's torturers since he couldn't talk then kill him once the drunk's usefulness was over."[/color]

Verrick looked like he was about to knock the earl out himself. His lips a thin line and his eyes closed as he calmed himself. He glanced up to see Anna frowning at him.... That was too much for him to bare. Looking quickly away he grabbed his bow, slinging it over his shoulders and quickly putting on his cloak one more time, with out the hood before putting his arm in front of Alex and shoving him back against the bar rather roughly, and surprising strength for a man five inches shorter than the baron. 

He held his hand on his chest and Growled. [color=007236] "I think you've done enough. I don't need your [i]help[/i] with him.[/color] He reached down and with a hard pull, yanked the man up enough to hold him with his shoulder and by the collar Then dropping to his knees, he allowed the bigger man to fall over him, shoving himself up once more, catching him across his shoulders and holding him much like hunters did with deer. His years of pulling back a longbow has given him great upper body strength.

Alexander growled back at the man, but he was not speaking.  It was a low guttural sound, more primal than anything.

Looking back to the Earl, He raised an eyebrow. As if mocking the fact the Earl needed a smaller mans help to carry this piece of garbage. [color=007236]"I don't need torturers to get my own information.[/color] he said coldly before glancing at Anna... it was clear he wanted to say something....anything... to her. Just pain she could see in his eyes though, after which he looked away before he started to walk out of the Tavern and over to the hitching post.

Anna looked at Chester and downed another shot and said [color=8dc73f]"Take over."[/color] She walked outside behind Verrick and followed him.She stood there as he walked over to where the horses were, just next to the water trough.

[color=8dc73f]"Verrick, we need to talk."[/color] Her voice shook and she waited for him to turn and say something awful to her. 

He lowered his head as he heard her voice, stopping in his steps. He closed his eyes as he heard how her voice shook, and turned around. He looked at her long and hard, His eyes not angry, nor his body language. He just stood there...knocked out fat drunk just draped over his shoulders. [color=007236]"What is there to talk about...?[/color] he asked Genuinely. All signs of his sarcasm and anger gone.

Anna had expected him to put the fat bastard down first but she wanted to say this before she lost her nerve.

[color=8dc73f]"I'm sorry...I never should have pushed you away. It was the grief talking and I....by the time I realized what I had done you were gone."[/color] Her eyes filled with long held in pain. She stood there in silence afraid he would walk away without saying anything to her.

Verrick looked away from Anna, seeing her eyes. Why now did she have to say this? Why did she make him feel like the asshole. Despite the fact he usually was one. He looked at his life, since then. He doubted she would even love him the same way. He was a different man now. More harsh, and rough around the edges. [color=007236]"I'm sorry I left. There isn't a day I don't wish I would have told you then and there why I did what I did. Leaving you to your grief alone was not right. But you were right about one thing...[/color] he choked... as he turned back around. [color=007236]I can't put you through anymore pain. It's better for me to just stay out of your life from now on. You deserve better than me.[/color] He said as his eyes welled up, close to tears breaking free. But he shoved them back in as he continued his walk to the hitching posts.

Anna looked as if she had been slapped. She didn't know she was crying until the tears blurred her vision. [color=8dc73f]"Why did you leave? Tell me now. Why would you think that you aren't good enough?"[/color] She ran over to the horse and she could see the pain in his eyes. [color=8dc73f]"Tell me. I waited eight years for you to come back."[/color]

He stopped with this fat bastard still on his back, It was a cruel tactic of her to use this man for her so he couldn't slip away fast enough. He sighed as he looked away from her. Deciding if he really should tell her... He growled, as he then said, [color=1a7b30]"I  wanted to find that guard. I didn't stop till I did, and could get close enough. The ONLY way I could was to be a Woodsman Anna. It took me a few years, But I finally was able to get him..."[/color] He said trailing off. Hoping it would be clear that he killed him. [color=007236]" I came back...but I was not the same man anymore Anna...Your father could sense this, he told me to stay away. You looked so happy I did. You don't need a killer like me in your life.[/color]

Anna was shocked that he actually killed the man who killed her mother. It had been what she wished for for so long that it should have brought her happiness to hear he did it, but somehow it didn't. When he mentioned her father she knew why he said what he did and it had nothing to do with that. Anna wasn't sure what to say. She hadn't been happy except for shortly after she realized she was pregnant and her father had been furious about it.

Anna looked even sadder. She needed to tell him but she didn't want to hurt him. [color=8dc73f]"You aren't a killer. You forget how well I know you."[/color]

He growled. [color=007236]"Eight years ago Anna I wasn't. You don't know me anymore." He said as tried to move away, and towards the water trough. [/color]

Anna nodded. She knew what she needed to know and she could see it in his eyes. [color=8dc73f]"Do you still love me?"[/color]

Verrick stopped just beside the water trough, looking back at her over his shoulder. [color=007236]"There will never be a day I stop."[/color] He said with a tiny hint of a smile....before dropping the man on his shoulders into the water trough suddenly. 

Anna smiled through her tears. She put her arms around him and whispered into his ear. [color=8dc73f]"I still love you too and I always will. So what do we do now?"[/color]

Verrick felt his heart jump with joy when she said those words and held him, but he couldn't...he just couldn't hurt her anymore...not right now... not during this time. He had to keep her safe. [color=007236]"Anna... You're not getting it... I won't stop loving you. My life as a Woodsman is extremely dangerous...more than I imagined... I don't want you to get hurt because of it.'[/color]

Anna read the determination in his eyes and realized that he wasn't backing down. He was really leaving her again. She shook her head in disbelief. [color=8dc73f]"You know, I just heard you telling the earl that I can take care of myself. You know this to be true. We could be married and no one would bother me because of your job. So I'm not buying this."[/color]

[color=007236]It's not that simple An..."[/color] He looked at the man trying to get out of the trough and kicked him back into it. [color=007236] dealing with drunkards is one thing, dealing with my world is another. Especially now.[/color] With the rumors of rebellion starting up once again, and with what just happened to Fenros... He would have to leave her again anyways. 

Anna just shook her head, leaned forward and kissed his cheek and walked back into the tavern. She wasn't going to listen to more excuses as to why he thought they couldn't be together. She wasn't going to wait for him either. She had already wasted eight years waiting on him