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(day of escape)
Anna had gotten some kind of closure at least. It oddly felt like she was lighter even though she was not happy about the ending of their conversation. She wiped her eyes and went back to the bar to talk to Alex.

[color=8dc73f]"Hey, sorry that took so long. Can I get you another glass or do you want to do a shot with me?"[/color] She said handing him a shot as she slung hers down.


Alexander looked back at her and downed the shot right as he got a good hold of it.  He set it back down and went straight back to the ale he had in another cup next to him.  After finishing off the tankard he looked up at her with a grim face.  Gone was his smile from earlier, there was no cheer in his eyes.  [color=0072bc]"Just give me anything you have that has alcohol in it."[/color]

Anna had been hoping the earl would make her laugh some more. [color=8dc73f]"What happened? Why are you not happy? We can't both be unhappy who will cheer us up?"[/color] She poured herself another shot.

Alexander shook his head when she asked him the questions.  [color=0072bc]"Turns out a man I knew and respected was arrested yesterday.  He was one of the few good ones up in that cesspit of a castle.  This is why I stay away as much as possible.  It corrupts everyone who goes there, but the few unlucky ones who don't get corrupted die.  Too many good people die for saying something the king just doesn't agree with."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"I'd love to k-..."[/color] she stopped and looked around. She grabbed a bottle of whisky and two glasses. [color=0072bc]"We shouldn't speak about this stuff in public. Come on I'll show you to your room."[/color]

Anna smiled at Chester and said [color=8dc73f]"Thank you."[/color] She led Alex up the stairs and pointed to his room. She sat down near the small table and poured them shots. Handing him one she told him how her mother died and what over. [color=8dc73f]"I was told the guard died sometime later but it was her attack on the king and I get it, but it was too extreme a punishment. I'd love to kill him and all of the ones that think like him." 
[/color]

Alexander shook his head in disgust when she told him what had happened to her mother. [color=0072bc] "I would like to shake the hand of whatever man killed that guard.  Maybe in the beginning the kings lineage were good kings, but no longer.  They are all twisted and depraved, only looking out for themselves.  I swear someday those people will get their due, and when it comes I plan on being as far away from them as possible."[/color]

Anna shook her shot glass in her hand absentmindedly as she spoke. [color=8dc73f]"I have heard rumors of a rebellion and I would love to be a part of that." [/color]She was serious. [color=8dc73f]"I get information in here all the time so for me it would be easy to help."[/color] She stretched and realized how tight her muscles were from all of the stress she had been through today. 

[color=8dc73f]"What I wouldn't give for a good back rub."[/color]

Alexander smirked at her as she said those last few words.  By talking it out for the first time in awhile Alexander had been able to actually deal with his emotions instead of just penting them up.  [color=0072bc]"It would almost seem as if your asking me, an earl, to give you a back rub."[/color]  As he said this he stood up and stretched his back.  [color=0072bc]"Well now I am offering a back rub.  What kind of host  would I be if I didn't do that." [/color] As he said host he swung an arm around the room in the most lordly way he could.

Anna laughed at him and repositioned herself on her stomach on the bed. [color=8dc73f]"This is going to be something I can tell my grandchildren about."[/color] She frowned and murmured. [color=8dc73f]"Assuming I have any." [/color]She stretched out and kicked her boots off onto the floor and waited for him.

Alexander frowned as she murmured about never having grandchildren.  As Alexander leaned over and began to massage her back he decided to speak about things that might calm her.

[color=0072bc]"Did you know that far away from here, there is a country that sticks needles in people as a massage?  I tried it once, but it was more stressful than relaxing.  I learned that day that I don't like watching needles going into my skin."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"You mean like a sewing needle? That's crazy. Who would do that?"[/color] She began to relax as his hands massaged the tension out of her back. She kind of liked the pain that it inflicted as it released the pressure on her muscles and she sighed happily. [color=8dc73f]"By the way that feels so good. And why would you let someone stick needles in you?"[/color]

[color=0072bc]"I was intrigued by it, it was something different and I wanted to try it.  I think I was 19 at the time it happened.  And down south there are massive animals.  As large as a building with massive tusks, and they are extremely gentle until threatened then they become unstoppable.  They actually train them for war and fight with them.  It is terrifying to watch."[/color]

As he said this he continued with his massage now reaching her lower back.

Anna groaned as he found a hard knot and focussed on it. She realized he couldn't get to it quite as well because of her pants so she wiggled them down a little so he could reach the spot. She was drunk enough she didn't think about it being something she might not do normally. She trusted Alex. [color=8dc73f]"Try that spot again? I think you can reach it now."[/color]

Alexander saw her move her pants down and raised an eyebrow at that, but followed her instructions nonetheless.  As he massaged her lower and lower he then began to reminisce about the days he sailed without a worry in the world.  Maybe it was the alcohol, but he was saying it aloud.  From the time he survived waves 30 feet tall, to his first drink with barbarians far to the north.  He told her of the friends he had made while in the south learning to ride elephants and his enemies in the west who raid and pillage for a living.  He didn't know why, but he was sure this information was safe with her.

Anna sighed happily and raised up and turned over onto her side. She was enjoying listening to his stories of his travels. She patted the bed next to her and moved over so he could lay next to her. When he lay down she laid her head on his shoulder and asked him questions until she fell asleep in his arms. It was the first time in a long time that she slept well.

Alexander didn't notice she was asleep till some time after.  He didn't want to disturb her by moving so he just lay there, boots on and everything until he fell asleep.  His last thought before falling asleep was that this just might be better than sailing.