Wick

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

@December

Good to hear. I really look forward to more writing time with you.

Rebellion is Our Calling, and why we rise!(closed)

A little while later Anna returned to the tavern and started cleaning up the second she walked in. She didn't see Alex right away. She was lost in her own thinking.

Alex watched her clean up, not saying anything. There was obviously something very important on her mind, and Alexander didn't wish to disturb her. After a few minutes he finally decided to say something. "So..... what's the plan?" He did not want to push her into making any choices she would later regret.

Anna didn't even look up she just kept wiping the table. What was she supposed to say to him? After a moment she stopped and stood still while not looking at him, "I know we were together last night but you also know how I feel about Verrick. I'm not sure if you and I- can ever be more than friends. Let's get away from here. I need time to think and going to sea sounds so peaceful and wonderful right now." She looked up at him and the pleading look in her eyes would have made lesser men cry. "Please."

Alexander stood up and walked over to where she was. He stopped her cleaning and looked down at her. "Go get whatever you want to bring, I will get some people to come clean the tavern while we are gone. You can stay at my estate until you feel comfortable enough to come home. I will have the ship ready to go sailing anytime you like." Alexander's heart was breaking to see Anna so conflicted.

Anna wrapped her arms around him in a hug, "Thank you Alex." Her lips brushed his cheek and she stepped past him and went upstairs to get her things. Anna basically packed almost everything she owned into a couple of bags. As she was packing she opened the drawer that held the few baby things she had kept. They were the only reminders she had of that time. Her hand shook as she touched them and she quickly shoved the small blanket and toy into her bag. Maybe eventually she wouldn't need them anymore. A few minutes later she came downstairs and took all of the money out of the cash drawer and she tossed all of her throwing knives in her bag.

"I'm ready, if you are." She said looking around at the tavern where she had spent most of her life. She felt sorrow and grief. She had a lot of loss happen in this place. She gave Alex a soft smile.

When Anna came down stairs Alexander had been writing something on a napkin in the tavern. Alex smiled back at her then went back to writing. When he finished he loomed back up at her and nodded. "I have two questions. One, where is the nearest messenger station, and two, where would you like to stay? I have a castle in the woods or a manor in the center of town. Up to you." Alexander held the writing utensil at the ready.

"If you have anything going out I'd really like to be on the ship and learn how to sail. Treat me like part of the crew. Besides, Verrick said to get out of town. I'm not sure it's wise to stay anywhere around here right now."

Alexander finished up the note and signed the bottom of it. "Come with me and then we will leave. After walking out the door he turned into the stables and began to saddle up his horse. "Get your horse ready for a ride, and let me carry your bags. I think I may be able to get us there faster than by land, if my memory serves me correct." Alexander patted his horse when he finished getting it ready, "I may have a friend in town with a boat."

Anna went back out and she jammed the door shut to the tavern behind them. She had a distinct feeling that her life was about to take a major change. Climbing up on her horse she looked out over the city as they rode away.

As they rode out of the city Alexander stayed on the path for about an hour then suddenly stopped. He looked around for a bit seemingly looking for something. Out of nowhere Alexander shouted "Aha!!"and took a right off the trail. He waved for Anna to follow then started off into the woods. After about three minutes they came out of the woods following a trail that seemed to run parallel with the road. After riding on this new trail for about 30 min the path opened up to reveal a small harbor. It was only a few docks, with one actual building nearby. The cove itself was more of a hidden inlet, with only a small opening for ships to come and go. Alexander turned back to face Anna with a big grin on his face. "May I present the wonders of smuggling."

Anna had been following and wondered why they were going into the woods. Upon seeing the dock she grinned excited to see the ship in the dock. "Smuggling? Seriously? Why M'lord I never expected you to be an element of the criminal kind." She teased him a little. "What have you been smuggling?" She smirked.

Anna slid off her horse and looked up at Alexander. "What about my horse?"

Alexander slid off his horse and stood next to her looking out at the ships. "I am a lawful citizen and have never smuggled anything in my life, at least not while I was captain. That smaller ship out there belongs to one of my oldest friends and one of the most successful smugglers in the business. You don't need to be worried about your horse, these men have snuck everything past the king's navy, including live animals. I think you will like him." As Alex said that he began to walk down the trail towards the beach leading his horse by his reins.

Anna petted her horse and murmured something to the animal before taking her things down to the dock. "I can at least swim so if the ship sinks I might survive." She halfheartedly chuckled. She couldnt help but feel heavy hearted. The last twenty four hours had been an emotional roller coaster and she felt relieved to get away from where the stress was centered, her Tavern. She walked across the wooden board that served as a walkway onto the ship.

Some of the men on board of the ship looked at her with their jaws dropped and others looked a little hungrier than she liked. "Alexander? Should I be afraid of these men?"

Alexander looked back at her and saw she was worried. "I know the name of every man on this ship, and you all know who I am. You will treat my companion here with the utmost respect. Now where is Gibbs?" As he said that name a smile came to his face and he looked around. Out of the crowd came an older man with graying hair. He had a belly that spoke of his love for his drink, and an ever constant smile on his face.

"Now what have I done to deserve the honor of having such an esteemed individual on my poor little sailboat?"

Alexander grinned at him, "Last time I saw this tub was back at the race one moon ago, where have you been drifting to since then?"

Gibbs gripped Alexander's shoulders and his smile grew even wider, "Last I remember my little tub beat your Folly fair and square. It is good to see you boy."

"Me and Anna here need passage to my docks, and we're wondering if you would be enough of a gentleman to take me home. You wouldn't leave me stranded, away from home would you?"

Gibbs looked behind Alexander and studied Anna real quick. After a few seconds the smile was wider than ever and he stepped past Alexander and held out his hand to shake her's. "It is nice to meet you Miss Anna, I hope Alexander hasn't caused you too much trouble."

Anna's mind thought You have no idea mister but she smiled at the friendly man and shook his hand. "It is truly my pleasure. I'm looking forward to being at sea." She kept getting the feeling that she was being scrutinized by a pair of eyes. It gave her a distinct feeling to be extra careful when she was in close quarters.

"Aye, I think you will. Now that that is taken care of let's get your horses up here." As he turned away he began yelling at his crew to do something about ramps and pens.

Alexander turned towards Anna and smiled. "I'll show you where you will be sleeping. On this ship there isn't much room, so there are only two rooms isolated from the rest of the beds. The captain gets one and the other is a small room just off the side of it. That second room will be for you. Follow me and I will take you to it." As he walked to the rear of the ship he opened a small door near the right of the captains door. Having to duck low to not hit his head he entered the room and made way for her to enter.

Anna had been following him still nervous about being in such close quarters with so many men. She had almost corrected Alex's introduction. She knew that the word companion typically signalled relations between them and she wasn't sure about anything in her life right now. She was glad she didn't. She was certain she wanted them to think she was with Alex so they would think twice before messing with her. She walked into a tiny room that was about a third the size of her room at home.She put her bags on the floor in the corner and turned around.
"Where are you sleeping?" She wasn't sure if he could sense her nervousness or not. She didn't want him to think she was incapable but she was just not used to being trapped on a vessel with men who might not be pure of heart.

"Anywhere there is room for me, that is typically the case when someone is an unexpected passenger." Alexander could see she wasn't feeling comfortable with this and thought he might know what the problem is. "You don't have to worry about the men on board. Most of them are retired sailors from the royal navy. They may look at you weird, but that might be because there are almost never women on ships such as this." Alexander could tell his assurances might not be enough. "If you want me to I can sleep on the floor in here, so no one can get close during the night." His eyes became sad when he looked at her. He didn't want her to be nervous, he wanted her to enjoy her time on the ship.

Anna nodded. She barely knew this man. It was hard to believe it had only been two days since she met him and she had already slept with him. In her sober mind she wondered what had come over her but she knew and she wasn't going to make excuses for herself but she was going to make sure she acted like a lady and not slip again. She could only blame Verrick for so much but her having sex with Alexander had not been his fault that was all on her.

"I would appreciate that. I'm sure the men on board are fine. I'm just not used to such tight quarters." She smiled and tried to remember that she was the one who asked to go on the ship. She looked around at the room and felt a little claustrophobic. "Shall we go up?"

"Sure" Right as Alexander said that the ship gave a massive lurch and Alexander's hands shot out to support himself and Anna. After waiting a few seconds not moving Alexander let go and checked on Anna. "Are you okay? I believe that was the men bringing up the anchor and pushing off." As he opened the door for Anna the ship began to rock slightly and the ship began turning towards the exit of the cove.

Anna had found herself leaning against Alex quite suddenly as she went to leave the room. After righting herself she nodded. "Yes, just wasn't prepared for the ship's movement to be so rough. I figured it would be smoother."

Anna smiled awkwardly and she hurried up the stairs worried that she might be tossed off of them if it lurched again. She went to the railing almost as soon as she got topside. Her hair whipped in the wind and the breeze on her face made her feel better than she had in a long while. Looking around the ship she noticed that most of the men were busy and barely paid her any mind at all. She was much more relaxed about the ship once she felt the sun on her face.

Anna turned and watched the captain give orders and steer the ship. This was what she needed, she was sure of it.

As Alexander stepped out onto the deck he felt at home, the sea was where he truly belonged. Alex watched Anna rush to the railing and smiled, people typically weren't used to the cramped quarters of a ship. Alexander walked up next to Anna and while taking hold of a line in the rigging leaned out over the edge of the ship smiling at her. "So do you enjoy it better out here or in there?"

Anna smiled, "Out here for certain. I just want to be free and smell the fresh breeze." Her joy was pure and she thought how small her problems seemed from the bow of the ship. She reached up and hugged Alex and kissed his cheek. "Thank you! This is what I need." She kept her hand on the rail but didn't move the other one from his waist right away.

Alexander put his arm around her and looked out to sea, "It really is so much better on the water. You can just forget about all your problems and focus on the task at hand. Whether it is sailing the ship or just enjoying the view. You can really just be yourself, and not have to worry about anyone caring." As Alexander said those last words he got a bit closer to Anna.

Anna was almost giddy and she couldn't ever remember smiling so much. The wind had shifted. She was certain that she would have to re-braid her hair as it had mostly come down and was flying around her face making it difficult to see at the moment.

"Where are we going exactly?" She said laughing as she pulled her own hair out of her mouth.

"We will be heading south for a bit, then cut east and from there it is a straight shot to Thrakia. From there we can rest for a few days while my ship prepares, then go where ever you want to. Is there anywhere in specific you wish to go or see?"

Anna shook her head. "I've never left the surrounding area of the city and my parents first house. Just take me wherever your next trip goes." Anna paid no mind to how close he was holding her or to how the men were looking at them. She was currently no longer concerned with anything but the view in front of her.

"Is that a shark?" She asked curiously if not a little excited at the sight of the fin in the water. Her grip around him tightened slightly.

"It looks like it, wanna get a better look? They are quite amazing beasts, though dangerous." As Alexander said that he pulled out his knife and waited for her answer.

"How would we get a better look? We can't really get closer without getting in the water and I don't think that would be smart." Anna looked at the creature wondering what it looked like.

"The interesting thing is that sharks are drawn to blood. That is one the most dangerous things in a ship wreck, if quite a few people bleed these creatures start coming to it." As Alexander said that last line he drew a thin line on his palm with his knife. Not enough to do any real damage, but enough to draw blood. He held his hand out over the edge of the boat and squeezed, causing a bit of blood to drop into the water.

When the blood hit the water the shark could be seen turning around and swimming towards the spot. Once it reached the spot the shark searched for prey, at one point coming close enough to the surface to see it's entire body. It was about 16 feet long and terrifying.

Anna backed up a step. Her heart was thumping so hard in her chest she could hear it in her ears. "It's definitely ...frightening. I'll be certain not to fall overboard." She was suddenly aware that there was so much more in this world than she had a clue about and it was humbling. She suddenly realized that she had a death grip on Alex's waist and she eased back her grip but she didn't let him loose. She looked at his hand and pulled a cloth out of her pocket and wrapped it for him. "You didn't need to cut yourself for me to see that."

Anna shivered as the wind picked up. The sky was getting darker and she realized that a storm was coming in. "Should we be out here during a storm?"

Alexander looked up at Gibbs and pointed towards the clouds. Gibbs noticed that and nodded then waved him away. "Why don't we go back to the room and get some rest. This crew has been through many a storm. Or if you don't want to go back in there you can tie yourself to the mast." Alexander looked at her with a grin knowing what her answer would be.

"I think I'll opt for the tiny room. Is there food on this ship?" She asked as her stomach grumbled at her. She felt the wind shift and the ship lurched and she lost her balance and fell against the railing fairly hard. She felt the hard wood slam into her back sending a searing pain across her spine and she grabbed onto it remembering the shark below. "I think we should go now."

Alexander helped Anna get to her feet and nodded, "Aye, we should get going. Watch your step." Alexander followed right behind Anna making sure she didn't slip and fall. As they got to the door he looked back up at Gibbs and saw him tying himself to the helm. It was one of the most terrifying moments in a captains life, knowing if your ship sank in a storm that you were going down with it. Alexander tried to push his worry for his friend aside and focus on getting Anna indoors.

Anna clutched onto the railing on the way down and she held her hand up to the wall to steady her as she walked into their room. When she got inside she almost collapsed onto the bed. Her back was aching something awful. She was a little concerned about the ship sinking and sharks. "We aren't going to die out here are we?" She felt her back stiffening up so badly that she started to raise her shirt to get a look at it. It was turning black and blue and she had some splinters in her back where the scraped skin had pulled away from the railing. "How bad is it?" she asked Alex.

"We probably won't die, these men may be idiots at everything else, but they are good sailors." Alexander looked at the bruise and winced, "It looks painful, let me get a few of the larger splinters out now, and we will have to wait to get the rest." After Alex pulled out some of the larger splinter he handed her a rope that had been piled on the floor and handed it to Anna. "Here, tie yourself to something in here that wont move. The ship at times will go almost straight up into the air and we don't want you ending up on a wall."

"It's gonna do what?" She said expecting him to say 'bite on this' for the pain. The ship was going to be tossed around? This she hadn't prepared herself for. "What in this room will not move? I don't really see that happening." Anna just lay her head on the pillow a moment as he pulled the largest of the splinters out of her back. As she lay there the ship lurched back and forth with the storm. "You'd better get up on this bed or you might get hit when it slides." She murmured. It wasn't too bad, she thought. It was kind of soothing, liked being rocked in a cradle that was being shaken by a madman. She patted the bed beside her for Alex to join her.

Alex moved to lay on the bed with her, making a point to keep 3 points of contact to the ship at all times. "It has been a while since I have been in a storm while not the captain. Normally I don't have to worry about slipping off the ship, just steering the ship." Alexander laid back on the bed and looked over at Anna. "Just don't fall off the bed and you should be okay."

Anna put her head down against his arm and tried not falling off of the bed as it was shifted back and forth. If she had had a weaker stomach she might have been sick. "Please tell me your ship is easier in storms. I'd hate to think it was this bad on all ships." Anna watched as he bags fell over and her knives and some of her other things came out and onto the floor. When she saw the baby things fall out of the bag she leaped off of the bed and rescued them.

When Anna asked him about his ship he grinned, "Well it will break the waves sooner, that is all I can promise." When her stuff fell out onto the floor Alex hopped down to go help. While she got a blanket and something else he couldn't see he got the knives that were now scattered across the floor. It seemed like a dangerous game, with them sliding across the floor, having to decide to grab a sliding knife or dodge one of the others coming at his feet. He decided this game was not one of his favorites after the fifth time his hand got nicked.

Anna tried to hide the baby blanket and toy before Alex asked her about them. She shoved them back into the bag but after repeated attempts to get everything back in and back onto the bed she was getting frustrated. "There has to be a better way than this." She said annoyed.

Alexander was trying to think of something when he froze, the boat hasn't rocked back yet. "Quick get on the bed, feet toward the stern. Now!!!" As he said that Alexander grabbed the edge of the bed and held on. The boat slowly seemed to be rising upwards and slowing down.

"What's going on?" Anna did as he demanded and held on tightly. Why wasn't the boat sliding back the other way yet? Panic set in the instant she realized what was happening. "Are we tipping over?"

"No, it's a rogue wave. We were lucky enough to hit it with the bow first, we would tip over if it was any other way." As the boat kept tilting upwards Alexander could hear the muted sounds of the oarsmen yelling out a count. Their only chance was if they could crest the wave before the wave came back down. The ship kept rising more and more until it was nearly at a 70 degree angle. The ship seemed to freeze in one place then the bow dipped rapidly downward and the ship rushed down the back of the wave. They had made it.

Anna felt her stomach threaten to empty itself. She decided she wasn't too sure about ships if the trips were normally like this. Another thought hit her, the captain was outside! "Alexander? What happened to the captain? He has to have fallen overboard! We are going to die. That shark is going to eat us." She seemed a little panicked and accepting at the same time.

Alexander reached over and took Anna's hand, "In the case of a storm the captain has his crew tie his hands to the helm. It is to prevent him from falling off. Gibbs is perfectly fine up there. A little wet admittedly, but just fine."

Anna was relieved to hear that they had not lost Gibbs. It was clear on her face that the thought of being tied to the helm in a storm was terrifying to her. She wiggled his arms around her, hoping that she wouldn' be so scared. For the moment she wasn't going to think about anything other than the ship and what they were going through. Her mind wouldn't even register anything else until she saw the baby blanket sliding across the floor. Verrick.

Alexander held her close to him and was slightly sad. It was disappointing that this had to be Anna's first time sailing with him. Trapped in a little cabin while the sea around them was trying to rip the ship apart. Hopefully when they were on his ship there would be no major storms. Alexander was letting his mind wander when he caught sight of a small blanket. "What is that?"

Anna closed her eyes when he asked her about the blanket. "It's a baby blanket." She didn't say anything waiting to see if he asked her anything else.

Alexander smiled a little when she gave her response. "It is adorable." He decided he might as well try to distract her mind from their current situation. "Tell me about your childhood."

Anna started laughing. That was not what she expected to hear next. "Seriously? That prompts you to ask me that?" Her fit of giggles slowed down a minute or two later.

"What, I saw your baby blanket and my mind went to you as a child. I only ever grew up as a noble's son, tell me what a normal life is like."

Anna smirked. "I'm not sure I could tell you that. My parents were well off enough to own a tavern. I started serving ale when I was about ten or eleven. My mom taught me how to read, write and do arithmetic. I played with kids and I met Verrick at a young age. After both of my parents were gone I inherited the tavern. There really isn't much to tell. How was yours? Were you spoiled silly?"

"For the first five years my life was one of the typical noble's son. Doted on by my mother I got nearly everything I asked for. My father didn't like it, but he loved my mother too much to say no to her. Unfortunately she died when I was five. A plague had been going through the city and she caught it. After that it was parenting the Markos way: you were to be a leader and a soldier."

"Every morning it was wake up at dawn for a run. After the run it was a quick breakfast then military studies. After that it was training with the sword, a different style every month. Then lunch in the barracks with the men. After that he would tell me about the politics of the kingdom and make me come up with solutions to the kingdom's problems. After that it was governing the small village he had told me to manage. Once the official business was over it was dinner with whatever guests he happened to be entertaining that night. Finally before going to sleep it was another run."

"It was that almost everyday for ten years. It wasn't fun, but it prepared me for my responsibilities as a baron."

Anna grew quiet. "After my mom died I demanded that I be taught how to fight and Verrick and I both learned knives. He split his focus though and became better on the bow and arrows. I mastered knives and I'm small but I can take anyone within so many pounds of me on and put up a good fight. I also learned how to gamble and after Dad died I learned how to drink."

She quieted as she thought of Chester. "Chester was like my second father. Even before my parents were gone. He helped teach me everything just as they did and he looked out for me, right til the end."

"Chester seemed like a good man, it is sad he had to die that way. I am sure though that he was proud of you. How could he not Be?" Alexander sat on the bed. "You should rest until the storm is over."

Anna nodded and lay her head down and closed her eyes. Saying a quick prayer that she wouldn't die on the ship while sleeping she hugged the small blanket to her and fell asleep.

Back to Medieval Times

A tired groan escaped Jason as he laid back in his studies chair. He lazily looked through a few documents and reports that had come up in the morning and frowned. The punishment from yesterday was still fresh in his mind and he could not get rid of his guilt. Causing a man that pain was something he never wanted to do again. His wife was able to help ease his nerves, but she couldnt help him sleep.

Brienna had gotten up early and was in the cells changing the bandages and cleaning the wounds on the girl's father. He was still not fully conscious but he was moaning in pain. She was fully focussed on his treatment. She hadn't paid any mind to anyone else, namely William. While she was focussed on the patient he snuck down into the cells and was only a few feet from her.

Lucas watched as William entered the dungeon and frowned. He came around the corner he had been hiding behind and walked towards the door with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. As he reached the door he snapped his fingers and the two men he had assigned to watch him appeared from the other hall. The men quickly made their way to Lucas and bowed slightly. "Apologies sir, we failed to divert him away from Lady Brienna," one guard apologized. Lucas shook his head and looked to the men.

"Calm yourself, I figured this William would be a slippery snake to deal with," he said and carefully opened the door so he wouldnt make any noise. "Im going down there, keep watch out here," he said before entering the dungeons and keeping to the shadows.

William had snuck up on Brienna and grabbed her around the waist and had pinned her up against the wall. One of his hands covered her mouth as he was trying to kiss and touch her. Brienna was fighting him. He had large bloody scratches on his neck and cheeks and she was kicking him with all she had. She wasn't going to let him get away with this she was able to get a good kick in to his groin area and he slipped a little letting her touch the ground and get her footing. That allowed her to push him away from her and she decked him hard. She came back shaking her hand in pain but she was certain it was worth it.

Brienna was breathing hard as her guards came in. She pointed to William who was moaning on the floor holding his junk. "Where were you guys?"

Lucas had heard something happen and rushed down to the cells as he shouted for his men to hurry down, but as he came to the scene he was shocked to see William on the ground groaning and holding his groin. "Slimey bastard," he hissed as he yanked William to his feet and slammed him against the cell. Soon his men arrived and restrained William while Lucas turned to Brienna with shameful eyes. "Forgive me, we should have reacted faster," he apologized. "Throw that bastard in the cells!" he barked to his men who happily tossed him into a vacant cell and locked the door.

"Are you harmed in any way?" he asked with concern.

Brienna shook her head. Her pride was hurt that he had caught her off guard and that he had touched her more privately than she would have ever allowed anyone but Jason. But physically she was fine.

"I need to get some air." Brienna hurried up the stairs and out to the stables. She got onto the back of her stallion. She rode him bareback in her skirts which is no easy feat. "Heeyah!" She called out as she kicked him. Tthe steed nearly flew as he exited the stables.

Jason tried to rub his exhaustion from his eyes as he walked to his studies window. The urge to fall over and pass out grew every second, but he forced himself to stay on his feet. He let his eyes run along the estate, but paused as he saw Brienna rush to the stables. He raised an eyebrow in confusion, but soon felt worried as he saw that she was in a hurry. It was as if she was trying to get away from something. Jasons heart dropped as a thought came to his mind. "William!" he spat before rushing to his door, but stopped as one of the guards had entered.

"My lord!" he said with surprise as the two nearly ran into each other. "My lord there has been an attack on your wife, we have arrested the man, but Lady Brienna has left-" before he could finish his report Jason had pushed pass him and bolted down the hallway. His rage towards William was rising with every second, but the worry for his wife was much greater. He burst from the mansion and grabbed a horse from the stables. With no hesitation he spurred his horse forward and began to travel down the path Brienna had taken. As he continued he started to become frustrated as he couldnt spot her. "Brienna! Brienna!!" he shouted as he continued to search for her.

Brienna had waded out into the chilly water. She had to get the feel of his hands off of her body. The tears that rolled down her face were mostly from anger at herself. She could hear Jason yelling. She didn't answer back. She wanted just another minute before she had to tell him what had happened. She was shivering and she walked all the way in and up to her neck. Her dress was left on the ground near the edge of the lake. She was cold but knew she had to do it. If this was all she needed to do to keep that animal from invading her mind she would do it.

"Damn it! Damn it, damn it damn it!" he growled as he continued his search for his wife. The idea of that bastard touching her sent rage into Jasons soul, but his rage only fueled his worry. "Please, please where are you?" he muttered as he spurred his horse along even faster. After a minute or two went by he rode over a hill that overlooked a pond. Instantly he saw his goal and leaped from his horse. "Brienna!" he shouted as he sprinted to the water. He entered the water up to his waist and looked to Brienna with scared and worried eyes. "Brienna," was all he could say as he found himself without any words.

Brienna could hear the panic in his voice and she moved towards him with her head down a little. She was ashamed. She felt that she could have been more aware and avoided it altogether. She walked into his arms and put her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms around him. Her tears slid down his shirt. She smirked slightly, "You should have taken your clothes off if you were coming in. You are going to freeze." She looked up at her husband and let him see the bruising that was already setting in on her jaw, neck and arms where William had been fighting with her.

Jason was at a lost for words. As he saw his wifes injuries all he could feel were his tears building up within his eyes. He gritted his teeth and hugged her closely as he felt himself shiver from shame, rage and the cold water. "Dont worry about me damn it!" was all he was able to choke out as he held her tighter and let his tears fall into the water. "Forgive me, forgive me, forgive me," he muttered several times in her ear with a shaking voice.

"Forgive you for what? I was the one too preoccupied to notice that he had slipped into the room behind me." Brienna was starting to freeze in the colder air. "We should get out. I need to dress and you need to get home and change. We can talk more about it there." Brienna moved out of his arms and headed to the shoreline. As her body left the water more bruisis appeared on her shoulders and upper back. She stooped over and picked up her dress and pulled it over her head and smoothed it down. She then turned around and started wringing her hair out. Her horse was looking at her with a mouth full of grass and she slapped it on the hind end and sent it home.

Walking over to Jason's steed she climbed up and let him up in front of her and placed her arms around his waist. She closed her eyes and buried her face into his back.

Jason glanced back to Brienna for a moment and gritted his teeth in anger. Without any words he spurred his horse forward and began to ride back to the estate.

Rebellion is Our Calling, and why we rise!(closed)

(night of escape)
How could that woman expect Ritza to babysit children? She could barely stand to be around the drooling monsters. Her mind continued to run as she stormed out from the dungeons from where she had met with the mysterious female. All she had to do was cooperate, and Fenros would be returned safely. But, why her? There had to be another angle that the woman had wanted...How did she know about her feelings towards the General? Or lack thereof, in all actuality. The two had years of intimate moments, but Ritza knew she wasn’t the one that Fenros really wanted. If anything, she was a distraction and a substitute for the princess. The very thought made her growl in frustration.

”Not doing this. At all. Fenros can get his own ass out of trouble. Not putting up with little maggots for the idiot.” And yet, she knew deep down that she would do anything to get him safely back to the princess. Elle was like family- the only family Ritza had left. She knew the princess felt strongly for General, so if there was anything she could do to reunite the couple, she was all in.

As she continued to contemplate different ideas on how to rescue Fenros, her feet carried her to the outer walls of the castle. She clenched her hands into fists and continued to look around at her surroundings. Ritza was getting severely frustrated and badly wanted to injure something- or someone.

Mattias was discussing trade routes with a tradesman when he caught sight of Ritza. “”Excuse me Johann, I have other business to attend to.”

Mattias walked so that his path would cross hers. Keeping his eyes on her he noticed that she was in full armor and carried a full set of weaponry. He couldn’t think why she would be doing that without a confrontation on her mind. He couldn’t help but notice that she had grown into quite a beautiful and strong woman. He chuckled to himself slightly thinking about the last time he had seen her angry with someone. She certainly had a temper.

“Ritza.” He called her.

She was growing more frustrated as her mind ran. Ritza could see no other choice- she had to follow the strange woman’s direction if she wanted the General back alive. The very thought irritated her. Nobody told her what to do. But, as she didn’t know where Fenros was and he was branded a traitor by the king, she had no other option.

With a shake of her head, she noticed a large figure entering her peripheral vision. He seemed to be walking towards her, yet she didn’t want to glance at him. She didn’t have the patience, nor the time, to deal with anybody else for the time being. Yet, he continued towards her before addressing her directly. Ritza quickly recognized his voice and she sighed inwardly. Last person she wanted to see at the moment was a noble. She rolled her eyes and continued walking. ”Not now, Matt, unless you wish to be on the wrong side of my sword.”

Mattias was unswayed by her threat of fighting. It actually concerned him slightly that she was that upset.

“I see you are set to war. What is going on? I’ve heard rumors of Fenros being arrested. Is this true?” His deep voice resonated between them.

Her stance was both defensive and telling. Her posture was straight as if she were tense and her jaw was set in defiance. Something was troubling her and he was pretty certain it was Fenros.

“I also heard that there was secrecy as to what the treason charge entailed.” He watched her carefully and saw the involuntary clenching of her jaw when he had mentioned the treason’s secrecy.

“Have you been to see Fenros? What has he said?”

She was getting more angry by the second. As he caught up to her, Ritza never slowed her pace. She needed to keep her attention on the people around them, especially if he was only going to speak about the arrest. The kingdom had ears in every nook and cranny; she was not about to get arrested for speaking out against the king.

And the man just kept asking questions. Her face quickly set into a scowl and her hand moved to the hilt of her sword. She spoke to him as she looked around, her voice lowered and steady. ”Hes no traitor. Nobody outside the castle knows what's going on. And no, he was gone when I got to the cell.”

Ritza decided to keep her conversation with the strange woman a secret. She scoffed and shook her head. ”I have no idea where he's gone, or how he left.”

“Ritza, I want to help. Where are you going?” He sensed that she wasn’t going to tell him much more but he had to be able to help Fenros. They had fought side by side for many years and now would be the time that his influence could help sway the king.

He reached out and took hold of her arm firmly but gently. In an authoritative but low voice he said, “I want to assemble some people so we can get things....accomplished. I would like to join you on your quest to find Fenros. He is a good friend, like your father was. I’m not going to allow him to suffer the same fate your father did.”

He looked at the young woman in front of him and saw the anger in her. She’d had it ever since her father died. He had always been suspicious of Liam’s death. He was positive that the king had something to do with it. Mattias looked at Ritza with a softness for just a moment. His other hand was on the hilt of his own sword. If she wanted to fight, he would fight her, and he would win.

She wasn’t going to tell him anything. The less people that knew about the situation, the better the possible outcome. Ritza would do her favor to the woman, get Fenros, and get back to the princess. Maybe even behead a king in the process…

The thought was definitely in the front of her mind- until he grabbed her. She quickly stopped in her tracks and eyed the hand around her arm. Her eyes darkened as she slowly looked up
into Matt’s face. Ritza was about to make a remark until he mentioned her father. With a growl, she quickly pulled back, releasing his grip on her. Her face became hard as she kept her eyes locked on his, her own flashing with pain and rage. ”Do not talk about my father. This has nothing to do with my father’s death. Nobody is ever allowed to talk about him. Or what happened.”

Her eyes caught sight of his hand going to his sword. She snarled her lip and turned back around to walk off. ”You must have a death wish, Matt. I don’t need anyone’s help. I never did.”

Calmly but with an edge to his voice he admonished her attitude.

“You are a stubborn girl! Be mindful you don’t get yourself killed. You say you don’t need help but what if Fenros needs more than just your help. You are not thinking straight Ritza. I’ll try to speak to the king.”

Mattias sighed deeply and decided to follow her for a while and see where she went.

He continued to build and poke at her rage. Clenching her hands into fists, she kept her pace steady as she walked. She knew from experience that Matt wouldn’t back down so easily. The man was mistaken if he thought she was still the girl from her childhood. Everything had been easy back then; so simple. Maybe she could have even imagined a normal life with someone like him. However, fate had different plans for Ritza. She had to toughen up. She had to be strong. She needed justice.

It took a lot for her to keep the hatred from her voice as she responded to him. ”I don’t need you to speak to the king. He obviously is not of sound mind at the moment, what with him accusing his best soldier as a traitor. There’s nothing you can do to help me, Matt. So stop.”

Mattias watched her with a combination of frustration and heartache. He knew she was just a ball of rage but he remembered her before she shut down her feelings. He knew the girl who danced and sang when she thought no one was looking. The happy girl, the girl he had fallen for all those years ago.

“I don’t like the king anymore than you do but right now he is the one holding all of the cards and we need answers. Fenros’ sister works in the castle. I’ll see if she has heard anything.” He glanced at her and wished he had told her a long time ago how he felt. Maybe it would have made a difference.

Normally he didn’t open up much to those he wasn’t close to but he wanted to tell her. However he was almost positive that it wasn’t a good idea just yet. He felt a change of subject might be in order.

“Ritza, did your father ever tell you anything about anything he and I were working on before he died?” Couldn’t hurt to see if she knew anything, right? Part of him laughed, it could hurt. It could hurt a lot when she skewered him.

What was with this guy? He was the only one who treated her as if she was still the girl before her father was murdered. That girl was long gone, never to return. Ritza of the past died when her father did. Yet, she couldn’t deny that there were certain moments that made her want to go back. When Fenros spoke of the princess, when Elle glanced at Fenros when she thought nobody was watching…

She quickly shook her head at the thought. That life wasn’t for her. All that mattered was getting the truth from the king about her father’s passing. His life would be her consolation prize. Glancing at Matt from the corner of her eye, Ritza bit the inside of her cheek when he spoke of Fenros’s sister. The girl was loyal to the crown and the king, and Ritza was definitely not a fan. But, would Ayla side with her brother? She wasn’t too sure the girl would.

Stepping aside to let a few servants passed, she barely caught Matt’s last question directed at her. She rose a brow at the man and looked over at him. He was working on something with her father? ”I thought I said to not talk about my father, Matt.” Though, her curiosity was now piqued. Folding her arms across her chest, she narrowed her eyes and tilted her head towards him. ”Why would my father work with you on anything?”

Realizing he had her attention he gave her a soft smile and said, “I asked your father for your hand in marriage six years ago. We were planning on talking to you about it when he got back from that battle.” He waited for her to strike him at this news. He couldn’t help but think if he had asked her before her father left things would have been different.

Well. That was definitely not what she expected. Ritza couldn’t do anything but to stare at him. If he spoke to her father about this, and they were going to have a conversation together, then that meant her father had accepted. Her stomach sank at the thought. All her father had ever wanted for his little girl was to be happy. And, apparently he saw Matt as being a part of that…

She finally broke eye contact and blinked. No. There was no way her father could do that to her. Her and Matt weren’t even a couple! Sure, there might have been some innocent flirting, but nothing had ever developed past that. Clearing her throat, she looked away from him. Maybe he was lying. But then, why would he lie about something like that? Matt had always been honest with her. But again- this was six years ago, and now she was in a desperate search for Fenros. Had Matt heard about their relationship? Was this a man reacting in jealousy? Ritza wouldn’t be a pawn in some man’s game.

Shaking her head, she looked back at him. ”Why the hell would you bring that up? Why? Where does that get you right now? Sure, you may have asked for my hand, and my father might have allowed it. But the girl you asked to marry isn’t here anymore. She’s dead. Which makes your offer invalid.”

He nodded his head. “I’m not asking you for anything, telling you gets me nothing but rejection.
I am aware that things are different now. I just wanted you to know that there is still someone who cares very deeply about what happens to you.” Mattias awkwardly answered. He leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead and turned away towards the castle.

Ritza couldn’t do anything but stand stock still. What had just happened? Slowly bringing her hand up to her forehead, she lightly dragged her fingertips across the spot his lips had touched. She cleared her throat as she gave a slight turn of her head to watch as he walked away from her. Maybe there once was a time where she would be giddy and gushing over how handsome the man was. Now, she couldn’t afford that luxury. Any simple act of softness from her would ruin her spot with the men.

Letting out a quick breath, she rubbed the back of her fist against her forehead. She tried to erase the past few moments from her memory to no avail. Ritza couldn’t allow this revelation to be at the front of her mind. She had a job to do. Quickly shaking her head, she turned and hurried back to her quarters to await word from the strange woman.

Rebellion is Our Calling, and why we rise!(closed)

Anna inspected Alex for wounds and remembered the ferocity with which Verrick had attacked him and she became thoughtful. Maybe he really wasn't the same man she remembered. Her heart sank and she nodded slowly her voice almost cold.

"You should probably go. I need to take care of ....this." She looked around the room, at all of the death and her eyes watered. They threatened to spill over.

"We won't mention that you were here or that these men were anything other than just men that started a fight."

He eyed Alexander one last time. " You better, because the Inquisitors even hint either of you have dealings with me...They will torture you." He picked up his things and said to Anna as he walked out. "I'm sorry this happened to you Anna..." Before disappearing into the night, as the sound of men in chainmail running started to faintly be heard.

Anna turned and hugged Alex before the inquisitors got there. She said, "I'm sorry for what happened between the two of you. He is different than he used to be and that makes me sad and frustrated. Whatever I do when they get here just go with it ok?"

Alexander grinned up at her and nodded. "Whatever you say, I am really too tired right now." Alexander leaned back into his chair and muttered, "I am going to make that man's life a living hell." As Alexander slowly closed his eyes and remembered one thing. His hand reached into a pocket in his pants and pulled his family ring out. Putting it on his fingers he held it up to the light, letting the blood red jewel reflect the candlelight. "This should help deal with the city guard."

"Thank you for stopping him from doing what he probably wanted to do with that knife. I am pretty sure he was going to slit my throat and say it was an accident. You don't mind if I stay the rest of the night, do you?"

Alexander looked up at her face and got serious for a second. "If you ever need a safe place to rest and take shelter you are welcome to use my home. If you look in the left pocket of my saddlebag you will find a key in there. It will let my guards know to let you in. You are welcome to use any of my feif's resources anytime. I don't know how I can ever thank you enough."

Anna smiled and looked at him and decided that he wasn't messed up enough. She reached over and took a knife to his shirt and then she reached over across her own shirt and pulled it forwards and ripped it so it was exposing most of her breasts. Then she stuck the knife into her thigh and pulled it back cutting her leg so that it bled all over her pants. Her eyes teared up as she realized how much that one hurt.

"Well now we should look bad enough I think." She could hear them coming down the street and she leaned down and kissed him soundly and sat on his lap and put her arm around his shoulder and looked at her leg. "Remember, follow my lead."

Alexander thought for a moment that he finally knew what true happiness. Maybe this wasn't such a bad day after all. That was before the guards came rushing in ruining his moment. Maybe he should get in more tavern fights.

A few moments later, the town guard came rushing in the front door. Suddenly surprised at seeing all these dead men with only a man and a woman in the center of the room, both looked beaten and injured "What happened here?"

Anna had let the tears fall after she cut her leg and so now there were streaks run across her face. She played it up.

"These men came in and started trouble. We were upstairs ....when we heard a crash and came down the stairs to find the bar under attack with my bartender being killed." At the thought of Chester real tears formed.

"Luckily he took a couple of them down and then my... uh...the earl here was able to take most of them down. I'm pretty good with knives but I still got cut up a little." As she held her shirt closed she said, "One of the men grabbed me and tried to...." At this point she turned away and feigned crying into Alexander's shoulder.

Alexander put his arms around her and held her close. "I am very sorry this has been very traumatic for her. Do you mind if I answer the rest of the questions? I just don't think she would be able to do it right now. Let me continue..... oh yes. So the man comes up to her from behind and attempts to uummm you know, but she managed to get a nice kick in which led the way for a blow from my sword. After that a few more of the vicious brutes tried to come at the lady, but I managed to fend them off. After seeing my brilliant swordplay the remaining bandits ran off into the night back to whichever foul hovel they came from. After that you men arrived to protect us from any further incursion by those fiends. Any other questions?" Alexander was doing his best to copy the style of speech often used by the nobles who thought they themselves as little kings.

Rebellion is Our Calling, and why we rise!(closed)

(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.

"Hey, sorry that took so long. Can I get you another glass or do you want to do a shot with me?" 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. "Just give me anything you have that has alcohol in it."

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

Alexander shook his head when she asked him the questions. "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."

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

Anna smiled at Chester and said "Thank you." 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. "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."

Alexander shook his head in disgust when she told him what had happened to her mother. "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."

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

"What I wouldn't give for a good back rub."

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. "It would almost seem as if your asking me, an earl, to give you a back rub." As he said this he stood up and stretched his back. "Well now I am offering a back rub. What kind of host would I be if I didn't do that." 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. "This is going to be something I can tell my grandchildren about." She frowned and murmured. "Assuming I have any." 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.

"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."

"You mean like a sewing needle? That's crazy. Who would do that?" 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. "By the way that feels so good. And why would you let someone stick needles in you?"

"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."

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. "Try that spot again? I think you can reach it now."

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.

Rebellion is Our Calling, and why we rise!(closed)

He let out a scoff, besides that he was still as a stone. How the hell did she figure out it was him? He knew this was not a good idea from the start. Clearly she was still angry about their fight all those years ago. Hell he was as well. "Appreciate it." He said rather shortly. This was not how he envisioned ever speaking to Anna once again. He looked down at the drink that was spilt. "Honestly thought you would get better at handling drinks after all these years."

Anna hadn't realized that she was holding her breath till he spoke. She turned away from him. Good, he was being an ass. That made it easier to treat him like she didn't care. Without saying anything else to him she stormed back to the bar. Rounding the corner of the bar she picked up two knives and put one in front of Alexander and forced a smile while she tried to calm down.

"My turn," She raised up her arm and threw the knife into the middle of the bulls eye as if it were nothing at all. She had barely looked at the target before throwing it. Her eyes passed over Verrick and kept on moving back to Alexander. She smiled at him.

"You are up earl."

"Wow......", Alexander looked over at the knife in the bulls eye and winced. He already knew he probably couldn't hit the target so he decided to just throw as hard as he can. He walked over to where she threw from and looked at the target. He took a step back from the throwing point and cocked his arm back. He took a large step forward and swung his arm with all his strength.

He didn't hit the bullseye, that was pretty obvious from the start of the throw. He hit around the third ring on the target, the outer edge of the third ring. The part that was fairly impressive was how far it had gone into the wall. He had thrown it with all his strength causing it to bury itself nearly up to the hilt.

Alexander walked over to the knife and gave it a tug, and it barely moved. Alexander put both hands on the knife and pulled hard, stumbling back when the knife came out of the wall. He smiled at her and turned around and shouted to the tavern, "All drinks are on me the rest of the night!!!"

Smiling he walked back to Anna and just handed her all the money he had on him. "That should cover the wall and the drinks." He had seen how angry she had been when she walked back from the customer in the corner and was hoping the extra business would make her happier.

Verrick let out a sigh when she walked away angrily, immediately regretting his words. Honestly it was better this way, now he could focus on his work...if this man ever showed up that is. He watched as she threw the knife effortlessly into the bullseye. Memories of him teaching her the basics came to mind. The fond memory was quickly put away at the back of his mind. He didn't deserve to think of that after what he just did.

After the man threw his blade, Verrick wondered if the man was genuinely that bad or did it on purpose. He imagined the latter...but it was hard to tell. He didn't reach for his drink at all, only folding his arms under his cloak as he prepared for a long wait.

Anna had chuckled when his throw had landed. When she realized how far in it had gone she cursed under her breath. As he pulled on the knife it really gave him a lot of resistance. Anna had on occasion done this before but not in her bar. She half grinned as it came out.

Looking at the money he gave her she smirked and stuffed it into her pocket. She felt her eyes welling up and she looked up at the ceiling and then quickly went behind the curtain to the back room and started wiping her eyes so there wouldn't be wet streaks down her cheeks. Her sniffles were quiet and she took a moment for herself. She couldn't understand how he...she got mad and turned and kicked over a mop bucket full of water. Frustrated the tears wouldn't be held in check and she got down on her knees to mop up the water.

Alexander saw the tears well up and watched her rush into the back room. Alexander thought for a second on what to do then decided to follow her. He opened the door to her mopping up the water, and moved to help. He began to mop the water with her and stayed silent. If she was going to talk to him she would talk to him. He didn't want to push her to say anything she didn't want to, and he silently feared he did something wrong. Maybe she was sad about the wall, or he said something hurtful without knowing it. He would just wait until she either decided to talk to him or told him to leave.

Anna stopped and looked at Alexander mopping the floor on his knees. She reached over and stayed his hand. "Why are you mopping my floor with me? This is not a job for a baron." She looked away and wiped her tears away and forced a smile that refused to stay put.

"An earl's job is to lead his people. Whether that is commanding an army, making legal decisions, or mopping the floor, a leader must always be there for his people."

Alexander was sad that he had to explain that. To him that meant the lords that ruled today did not do so for their people or for their countries, but for themselves. To him that meant they were a failure. For the privilege of ruling they must pay through service to those they rule.

"In fact I do believe it is my job to mop the floor."

Anna listened to him speak and she couldn't believe that he was that honorable. She hadn't seen that kind of chivalry and thinking since she was a child. She took his hand and stood up pulling him with her.

"Please, go and enjoy yourself. I'll be out in a moment. I just need to wash my face." Anna insisted. She couldn't walk out there as she was and have Verrick see that he had had that much of an impact on her. She didn't want him to have this effect but it had happened. There was little she could do at this point. She dropped her chin just a little a little embarrassed that he had caught her crying. "Please."

Alexander wanted to stay and try to help, but he knew he wouldn't be any real help. He nodded and walked out of backroom and searched the room. He looked towards the corner of the room and saw the man sitting in a chair. He began to walk over to the man in the corner and stared straight at him. He raised his eyebrows as he noticed the mottled cloak of a woodsman, and started to wonder what he was doing here. As he reached the table he looked down at him and growled, "What do you want here woodsman?"

Verrick watched as the earl walked out of the back room and made his way directly towards him. Raising an eyebrow, wondering what was said between the two... clearly having missed the fact that Anna was crying. He didn't move as the man spoke to him. Asking what he wanted.

Growling under his breath clearly she told him something. He moved his head, looking to the Ale on his table...then back to the man. Then back to his drink. Raising his right hand, palm up. He indicated the drink. "I would imagine the drink on my table would be a little obvious..." He said in a gruff irritated tone.

"I know you aren't here for a drink, I have worked with your organization too many times to not recognize a woodsman on the job. In fact I believe you are waiting for something or someone. I don't know what or why, but I do know how to ruin your plans. You see, you are going to agree that after your job here is done you will leave and never come back and bother Anna again. If you do not ,all I have to do is say the word woodsman loud enough for those around us to hear. We both know how suspicious the commoners are of your order. You will be immediately singled out and isolated. Do you understand?"

Verrick eyed the idiot before him. Yes as an earl, he was sure that was true, but it was the fact he was saying he was going to ruin his plans. He leaned back in his chair and cocked his head to the side, barely revealing more of his face to the light. He acted amused, though his lips were straight as a board. "If you did work with the woodsman before...then you do realize getting in our way makes you an enemy to the throne?"

"Oh I know that, but can an earl really convicted of treason for accidentally raising his voice? You know I am pretty drunk right now, and I don't know if I can keep my voice this low. It is a weird thing I do when I am drunk. I end up yelling for some reason." As Alexander said those last words he let a smirk come to his face. Even though he hated all the sneaking and conniving he had to deal with when talking with the other nobles, he was bound to pick something up.

"Yes." Verrick said flatly, Not backing down from this earl. He's dealt with these types so many times. "I've heard of dukes being set for treason on less. Just a simple look. A drunk earl's word against a woodsman wouldn't hold for a second in the king's ear." he said confidently. "Just because you threw away your money, trying to gain favor of the lady of the tavern, doesn't give you the means or reason to get into her business or mine for that matter. Now move along before I put you down." He said low, a clear edge to his words.

"Maybe, but your mission would still be ruined. I don't care if you are a Woodsman, you will not harm anyone that has committed no crime, king's justice or no-"

He cut him off. "Honestly I don't know what your talking about now. " He said waving him off, "Get back to trying to woo the owner and leave me be you drunken fool, before you do anything stupid." He said with a growl.

Anna came out of the back room and looked up for the earl and when she spied who he was talking to she grabbed a bottle of whiskey and rushed over to that table. She put the bottle on the table and her hand in Alexander's hand and squeezed it. Looking at Verrick she said, "Sorry it took me so long, it's on the house sir. Enjoy." Pulling Alexander behind her she took him back behind the curtain and when they were far enough away from the others she turned and leaned against the wall and gave him a worried look.

"What were you doing? You can't do that. He can get my place shut down and us hung. Well he wouldn't get me hung, but he sure as hell would you!" Obviously more than a little freaked out she began to pace back and forth in a three foot space.

Alexander watched her pace for a bit then decided to get to the bottom of all this. "Why are you so mad with him. What is going on between you two, because I am really confused and starting to become annoyed." Alexander looked at her and sighed. This was much more drama than he was planning when he decided to make the trip up here.

Anna took a deep breath and said calmly. "We were a couple a very long time ago and we hadn't seen each other since then. Not until tonight. I guess old hurts still hurt sometimes. Please just stay out of his way because I can't do anything to mess up his job. It just hurts that he chose a job over me."

Anna was surprised that last part came out and she looked almost as surprised as she felt. Was that really the part that hurt so much? She did still care about him and the pain was almost as bad as it was eight years ago if she let it get to her. She really didn't want to cause him trouble but he chose the man who caused her mother's death over her. That part really cut her deep.

Alexander looked up at the ceiling then back down at her. "If he hurt you so much just let him go. You shouldn't hold something so painful so close to you. If he chose his job over you that means he is just too stupid to see what is really important. If he could see clearly he would realize that is you." After Alexander said that he tilted her face up to look at his and said, "I can see what is truly important." After he said this he leaned down and kissed her.

Verrick shook his head as she dragged him back into the back room. Looking at the bottle of whisky she left behind. He glanced at the others in the room and noticed a few people looking towards him. Well done, his cover is blown. Growling as he decided what to do next.

He stood up and grabbed the bottle and quickly moved to the bar, and whipped the curtain back seeing the earl holding Anna's face and kissing her. Seeing this felt like a donkey kicked him right in the gut. Without looking he placed the Whisky bottle rather roughly on one of the shelves. When they would obviously hear it he would be there standing with a look of disgust and pain on his face."Oh I'm sorry, Did I interrupt? I hate it when someone screws up someone elses plans...." He said rather pointedly to the earl. Just be careful, she might give you an ultimatum to give up doing some good in the kingdom in your position."

Alexander looked down at Verrick when he heard the bottle being set down and listened to what he had to say, and thought for a second. "Unlike you, I will make the right decision. I am willing to sacrifice a simple job for someone so much more valuable than any of that."

Anna was surprised at the kiss but Verrick appeared immediately afterwards and she felt like she was doing something wrong suddenly. She felt like it was eight years ago suddenly and all of the pain came back instantly.

"You can't do this to me. You can't! It's been eight years and YOU left me! You don't get to keep me trapped in this world of pain that you put me in." Anna was nearly shaking with emotion and she couldn't do anything about it. "Verrick, please."

Verrick scoffed at both comments, cutting off Anna "Easy there killer...you just met her what today?" Looking to Anna, "I'm not trying to hold you back. You've done that yourself, perhaps that saying something?" He wanted to tell her he did it for her, but he couldn't...not now, not then. He would keep his promise though....not that she ever heard the promise from his lips.

Without another word he turned and left the bar. Dropping money onto the counter for the ale that was spilled, and for the bottle of unopened whisky. Pushing this out of his mind he would now have to wait for this informant outside of the bar.

Rebellion is Our Calling, and why we rise!(closed)

Day of Fenros escape (Half a day ride from coast city to Capital)

Alexander pulled hard on the rope that held up the little dingy that hung on the side of his ship. He and his crew had spent the better part of the morning loading the ship up for another voyage up the coast. He was thinking they might head up and hunt in the forests up north. It had been too long since he had been able to go sailing with his crew. After his last little escapade his steward had almost imprisoned him inside his own office. His steward had even given the guards double pay for keeping him locked in the room. Only after catching up on all the paperwork had his steward finally let him leave. Alexander couldn't stand all the boring and mundane paper work he had to put up with. A majority of it was small things he thought really shouldn't have made it all the way up to the earl's office. A few of them were even just disputes between farmers that had been given to him for no apparent reason.

Alexander took a deep breath and looked out at the sea, no more paper work and no more disputes about goats. He looked back towards the dingy he was holding and realized he had been letting it slip. A few of his crew noticed the boat dropping and moved out of the way, but one poor sod didn't move fast enough and got knocked on the head. It wasn't fast enough to do any real damage, but it still caused a scene. Alexander ran over to apologize only to stop in his tracks when he saw it was the bosun. He was the man tasked with keeping discipline among the crew and wasn't afraid to yell at Alexander. The bosun's face nearly turned red with anger and immediately started his tirade.

Anna climbed into the rig and urged the horse forwards. She was heading to the dock this afternoon. Several of her casks of ale were empty and she needed to send them back to be refilled. Hopefully her refilled ones were on today's ship. Glancing at the street she took in the surrounding people on the road. Most were still running their daily errands or shopping for wares in the market. Chester always helped her load the casks into the cart so she waved as he went inside the tavern to await her return.

It had been awhile since she had gone on her own. Since her father died she had sent someone in her stead to get them or she had just had them delivered. She missed the sea air so she was excited to go today. As she approached she saw a decent sized ship at the dock she was supposed to make her pick up at. Chester had told her that they had changed captains since she had gone. She brought the horse and wagon as close as she could without putting them in the way.

After jumping down she went round to unload the casks. Anna looked around for the captain and saw a man get hit by a falling dingy that had been hanging above him. Her eyes widened and she hurried over to the ship to see if he was alright. After things calmed down she asked the boy nearest her where the captain was and he skittered onto the ship without saying anything back to her.

She sighed a little irritated at the boy's manners or lack thereof. The sun was glaring in her eyes so she was shielding them with her hand. She could only see a figure coming towards her but not who it was.

The bosun had been yelling at Alexander for a good minute before a cabin boy ran up and asked to speak with the captain. The bosun walked away glaring at Alexander all the way until he turned a corner and was out of sight. The boy told Alexander that a woman was in front of the ship asking to see him. Alexander thanked the boy and sent him on his way, and began to walk around his ship towards the front. As he rounded the corner he looked for whom the boy could be talking about and immediately saw her waiting. Unlike the majority of women nearby she was wearing breeches instead of a dress, something that was fairly uncommon for a large town such as this. She was also standing a bit away from a wagon that was undoubtedly hers. He began to walk over curious who would be asking for him seeing as most of the people in town knew him by name seeing as he was their earl. As he got closer to her he called out, "What can I do for you today Ma'am."

Anna still couldn't see the man in front of her for the sun's glare. "I have empty casks from the Ale House do you have the refills on board and can someone help me with them? They are nearly bigger than I am." She stepped to turn around and she caught a glimpse of him as shadows from the ship temporarily covered the sunlight from her eyes. Her interest was piqued.

Alexander nodded his head while he listened to her question and smirked at the comment about the casks. "I have ale aboard my ship, but I don't believe it is for you. You probably want to talk to the captain of the Sea Serpent. He docks about two ships down." He felt sorry she had gotten ready to unload the casks only to have to put it all back together and go even farther. "How about me and some of my crew head over there with you and help you out? My name is Alexander by the way." After he said that he whistled over at his ship and called a few names and told the men to get over here. Now that he was closer to her he could see that she was quite beautiful, but had a glint in her eye that said she wasn't a pushover.

Anna shook her head. "My order comes in on The Earl's Folly every time. You would be used to dealing with Chester though. I haven't been to the docks in a while. I'm Anna, the sole proprietor of the Ale House. The order is under A. M. Smith."

While Anna watched the men leaving the ship she was sharply aware that most of the men were tanned, shirtless and muscular. She cleared her throat and wondered again why she hadn't done more with the romantic side of her life. Then she pictured Chester in her mind and realized that none of the men she ever met looked like these men. She felt her cheeks flush and hoped it was thought to be the heat of the day.

Alexander rolled his eyes when he heard Chester's name and nodded when she finished her sentence. "Sorry about the confusion, I didn't know you were with Chester. He has never told me who the deliveries are for, I just bring them as a favor to him. He just enjoys the free deliveries, and even pays my crew to tell him when I am thinking of heading out, so he doesn't have to pay as much. He just knows I am the only person in town who won't ask for money. I'll have my crew start unloading from the hold and hopefully it won't take us too long." Alexander asked her to wait for a minute then started to jog back to his ship. He told the men already walking out to get the empty casks out of the wagon. He grabbed his first mate and a few others and climbed down into the hold to find the ale. As he and his men started to pull the casks out of the hold Alexander was thinking he should tell Chester to at least tell him who the order is for next time.

By the time he was done Alexander had become extremely sweaty from the hard work. He had taken off his shirt and was now using it to wipe the sweat from his forehead. He walked back to Anna with a grin on his face gesturing towards the men loading the casks onto the wagons. "I hope we did a satisfactory job, and I was wondering just where exactly your Ale House would be, because me and my men are looking for a new place to spend some money and unwind."

Anna smiled, "It's right up the street across from the mercantile store. If you'd like you are welcome to come up with me." Anna handed him the money for her ale and she climbed up in the seat and waited for his answer.

"I'll make sure to stop by and get a drink, I believe I deserve it." As she held out the money he shook his head and smiled some more. "No need for the money miss. If I pay these men any more they might be able to buy their own ships, and I can't sail my ship alone. They needed a good workout, and sad to say so did I. If only paperwork exercised more than just my hand." Alexander sighed and looked towards the center of the town where his manor in the town was and muttered something about next time he will make the farmers share the goat. He looked back up at Anna. "It was nice to meet you and I hope it won't be the last time either." He was somewhat disappointed that the conversation had ended, but he became determined to visit her tavern, if only to get another chance to talk to her. She intrigued him, because she didn't try to curry favor with him which was fairly unusual. It also didn't hurt that she was beautiful.

Anna glanced down at the earl and thought he was extremely different than she had thought he would be. "It was my pleasure. Have a good day sir and thank you for your help. It was appreciated." She hoped that he couldn't see her blush when she smiled.

Urging the horses forward she turned and went up the street and turned once more to look at the sea. She would come back later and take a walk by the water when it was less busy, she thought to herself. Heading back to the Ale House she chanced another quick look at the captain and smiled.

Rebellion is Our Calling, and why we rise!(closed)

(Day of the arrest)

A heavy sigh escaped Victor as he walked towards the kings room. He had always felt nervous when visiting the king, but as one of the kings Vanguard he felt it was his duty to ensure his lords safety and health. Plus it was his turn to check up on him. Victor tightened his grip on his swords hilt as he neared the kings room, but paused as he noticed Ayla reaching the door before him. “Lady Ayla!” Victor called out to her as he hurried to her. “Apologies for stopping you, but I was hoping I could assist you with the king,” he said as he removed his helmet. His face was covered in dirt and a few scratches thanks to his daily training in the yard with his men.

Ayla looked up to see Victor coming up to her. She smiled at him. He was a nice guy and one of the only vanguard members she saw somewhat regularly. “Hello Victor, I hope you are well this day. I was just going to take the king’s tea in. Is there something I can help you with?”

Victor shook his head and gestured to the kings room. “Well I was actually hoping to check in on the king, but I feel it is better to accompany you seeing as how you are the one who takes care of our lord,” he said with a small smile. He thought it was somewhat an honor to be so close to the king, but knew it was more of a womans job to aid the king with such things.

Ayla smiled. “I dare say I’m hardly the only one but I do help wherever I can.” She looked at the king’s door and quietly said, “Don’t speak to him. Just stand inside by the door and observe. He is getting worse a little more every day. He has been very irritated lately.” She returned her smile although it was a little sadder and much more tense than it had been. “I have to ask him some questions about something and I’m not sure how he will behave.” She looked at him and slowly opened the door and stepped inside the room.

Ayla saw the king sitting at his desk looking at a book. He was scribbling something into it and he paid her little attention. He looked up and he had a paranoid voice as he spoke to himself. “It was him… I know it.” After that he mumbled something she couldn’t hear and appeared to try to make himself small. Ayla put his tea on the desk out of his book’s immediate vicinity.

“Sire, I have brought you your tea and some cookies.” The king hesitantly pulled the cookies off of the plate and shoved them in his pockets.

“Be gone, I won’t let you starve me!”

Ayla smiled at him. She felt so bad that he was so sick. “Sire I can bring you more if you like.”

The king seemed like he disappeared inside of himself for a moment and suddenly asked her, “What time?”

Confused she asked. “What time for what sir?” He started pulling on his shirt a little and ignored her. Ayla had to ask about her brother. She leaned on the edge of the chair nearest to the desk. “Sire? What happened with Fenros? Why is he locked up?”

The king’s demeanor became volatile and accusatory. “He is a traitor! That Fenros is a bad apple... and I like apples you can cut them and make cider with them.”

Ayla could see she wasn’t getting anywhere and tried again. “Fenros is a good man sir. Did he do something?”

The king stood up and grabbed a goblet and threw it at her hitting her in the arm with it. ”Fenros is a traitor, and threat to my crown!”
Holding her tongue she backed out of the room. As she got to Victor she ushered him outside.

Once out of the room she couldn’t seem to stop shaking as she leaned up against the door. “Some days he has good days. Today is not one of them. I wish I had some medication that would make him feel better, normal.” She looked at the scratch from the goblet on her arm.

Victor wore a blank look as he looked towards the kings door and felt a sense of dread to see his king in such a condition. He wished he could use his skills to help his lord somehow, but he knew he was useless in that field. He looked back to Ayla and frowned slightly. He felt sad for her as she was struggling with her brother and the kings health. He prayed she would be able to handle herself and be able to help the king. Victor was taken from his thoughts as he saw the scratch on her arm and let his instincts take over. He quickly reached into the pouch on his waist and pulled out a thin white rag. “It’s not much and I’m no healer, but I would feel better tending to it,” he said before he held out his hand as he offered his help.

Ayla watched him and let him tend to her arm. It was not too deep but she wasn’t used to getting this much attention unless it was orders to do something. Men never paid her any attention unless it was to stare at her eyes and that usually made her uncomfortable. She couldn’t help blushing at his touch. He may look big and bulky in his armor but she realized he was very deft with his ministrations. Once he was done she smiled more than a little pleased at the attention.

“You didn’t have to do that Victor. It’s not very deep but it does feel better now.” Ayla wasn’t sure what else to say. Her mind wandering back to the king she thought to remind him. “Please don’t say anything of the king’s behavior. He is much better on most days than he is today.” She put her hand on his to strengthen her plea.

Victor looked to Aylas different colored eyes that he honestly hadn’t noticed until now and nodded his head. “Of course, the reality of the kings poor health is nothing to spread around the castle. You have my word, Lady Ayla,” he said with a smile as he gently patted her hand.

Ayla felt such relief that he wasn’t going to tell anyone that the king was out of his mind. Her smile brightened. “I know some people wouldn’t be so kind. I appreciate it very much. How are things going for you in the Vanguard?” She started slowly walking down the hall and so did he.

Victor couldn’t help but chuckle as he rubbed his dirt covered chin. “Ah, well if I’m to be honest it is actually sort of slow. My men and I are of course training hard, but we’ve been assigned to train new members of the Vanguard. Nothing but a pair of noble blooded boys who have a hard time making a fist,” he sighed and gave a small shrug. “Though I will admit it is fun drilling them until they drop, I can see why our old drill instructors enjoyed it so much,” he admitted with a smile. “What they really need though is a actual mission out into the country, but sadly I’m only allowed to teach them how to swing a damned sword,” he said with disappointment.

Ayla chuckled at the disappointment on his face. He looked like he really enjoyed fighting and training. “You never know when things will turn violent so you must get them trained up. I can tell you one thing is for certain. If the kingdom ever had to depend on my ability to fight we would all be doomed.” She grinned and laughed at herself. “So what do you have to do now? Do you have to get back to the others?” Her thoughts went back to her brother. “Have you heard anything about Fenros?”

Victor shook his head and sighed. “I wish I could help ease your mind, but sadly I was not told much of your brother. Apologies,” he apologized with a small bow. “I will ask around about him and see if I can help, but I can make no promises,” he said. He stood up straight and sighed as he looked back towards the direction of the training yard. “Would you mind taking a walk with me? My men have things under control with the training,” he said with a smile.

Ayla smiled and nodded. It was past her time to work. “I would like that.” Ayla blushed a little and walked next to him. Once they were outside she visibly relaxed and gave him a sidelong glance. “So when you are not training or fighting what do you do? Are you one of the men who gamble and get into trouble at the taverns?”

The look on his face gave little away. She was teasing him and she was enjoying herself. She looked at his armor and asked him. “Do you wear your armor all of the time? Wouldn’t you be more comfortable without it?”

Victor chuckled and shook his head. “I’m not much of a gambler and I’d rather stay out of trouble, but when I have free time I mostly take care of my sword and armor, or do patrols around the castle. I must always be on the ready,” he said before knocking on his helmet with a grin. “As for my armor, it is a symbol of my service to the throne. I will live as the thrones guard dog and this armor shows it,” he finished with pride.

Ayla smiled with pride at his answer. She was glad that she wasn’t the only one who cared so much for the royal family and what they stood for, unity and strength with compassion thrown in. She reached over and took his hand in hers a little shyly.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one to notice the good that has been done in their name. I know recently...there has been a lot of unrest about what happened with Fenros and….I’m pretty sure it’s just a misunderstanding and it can be fixed...somehow. I feel that you and I are on the same page with them though."

Victor was silent for a moment and avoided eye contact before sighing. “Lady Ayla, your brother is an amazing fighter and brings the mens morale higher up, but I have no say in whether he is innocent or not. I can only follow the king’s orders, but if there is a chance I can aid your brother in proving his innocence then I swear I will make sure it is done. You have my word as one of the thrones Vanguard,” he promised with a smile.

Ayla looked around as it was getting dark quickly. Shivers ran down her spine. Uncertain as to what happened the other day on the training field she kept a little quieter than usual. “Did something happen the other day on the field with you and Fenros? It seemed to get quite intense there for a while.” Ayla looked as the outside torches were lit and the entire kingdom had a soft glow around it. She smiled at its beauty.

Victor chuckled nervously and scratched his dirty chin. “Ah that whole exchange,” he paused as he glanced to Ayla and mentally sighed knowing he could tell her the truth. “We were just trying to put a fire in one anothers belly. Seems I lit more than enough of a fire within his gut,” he chuckled as he recalled that duel. He noticed that Ayla was shivering and began to look for something that could help. With no blankets around he looked to a nearby torch and took it from the wall. He lowered it down to where it would keep Ayla warm and nodded. “It’s cold and I’d rather not have the Generals sister get sick,” he said with a smile.

Ayla felt her joy fall just a little bit when he referred to Fenros. “Oh, thank you.” Ayla was tired of being seen as Fenros’ younger sister, or one of Eleanor’s ladies. No one ever seemed to realize she was more than that. The fact that Victor referred to her that way just proved that she would always be stuck that way.

Victor nodded once again and looked at the sight Ayla was so attached to earlier. “Stunning sight isn’t it?” he mumbled as he let his eyes travel along the beautifully lit kingdom. “So many have laid down their lives to preserve this sight, yet many wish to see it to ash,” he muttered with a hint of sadness. “Many like me fight to preserve this beauty. We protect the beauty of the throne, the beauty of our culture and of course the beauty of our people, including your beauty of course,” he said with a chuckle. Victor will admit that the females mind is rather confusing to him, but he figured they like compliments like this.

Ayla dropped his hand and reached up to pluck a flower from a nearby bush and tucked it in her hair behind her ear. Hearing the backhanded comment about her beauty she gave a half smile. [i]Well he isn’t very good at this boy girl stuff[/] she thought to herself. Ayla was becoming convinced he only asked her to go with him on a walk so he wouldn’t be alone.

The feeling that Victor was doing something wrong lingered in his mind. DId he say something that would offended her? Did he do something wrong? He glanced over to Ayla and saw that she had placed a flower behind her ear. Victor was a bit confused at why she put it there, but he felt himself simply staring at her. Something just forced his eyes to stay on her. He finally shook the odd feeling when she smiled and looked away with slightly warmer cheeks.

The more Victor stared at her the more she wondered why he was. Did her hair do something weird or was there something stuck in her teeth? Then she realized it was probably her eyes. Men liked her different eyes. “Victor? Why did you ask me out here with you tonight?” She was truly curious. She was getting mixed signals from him and she needed clarification.

Victor cleared his throat and shook his head. “Apologies Lady Ayla, but I’m not very sure myself,” he admitted. He thought for a moment and looked back to her. “If I were to be honest I would say that I wanted your company. You are very pleasant to be around and I thought this night would be perfect to share with you,” he said before rubbing his chin. “Though I should apologize for staring earlier, it was just something that caught me for a moment. It wasn’t just one thing about you that kept my eyes, but it was everything. It’s odd really, I’m not sure how to explain it,” he paused for a moment and felt his cheeks warm up once again as he looked into her eyes. “I can only describe it as beauty,” he finished, not certain of his own words.

Ayla felt her cheeks blush and she warmed at his words. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve never been complimented in such a sweet way.” Slipping her hand gently into his again she felt his hand clasp hers in his and she smiled.

Victor cleared his throat and chuckled. These type of feelings were strange for Victor, he’s never had them before. “I will admit Lady Ayla, I’m a bit lost on what is to happen next. Do you have these rather odd feelings as well, or am I just crazy?” he asked. Maybe he needed some sort of training to control this sort of behavior.

Ayla stopped walking and looked at him. “Being around me gives you odd feelings?” She smiled. “I guess you could say that I have them as well.” She reached up without thinking and fixed the part of his hair that the wind had shifted and was sticking out. Realizing afterwards that she had done such an intimate thing she blushed and thought about stepping back a step. “I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t have done that.” She stepped back and ran into a wall. Not wanting to embarrass herself further she stayed there as a blush crept up her face.

Victor was a bit surprised, but he only smiled slightly and shook his head. “It is fine,” he said with a chuckle. A small moment of silence was between them as Victor began to piece together his next words. Soon he took a deep breath and spoke. “Lady Ayla I must apologize for my odd behavior, I’ve never dealt with these sort of complex emotions before and never thought I would. I know it is most likely not appropriate, but I would like to see you more in attempts to better understand and control these feelings,” He finished before realizing he had grown a bit closer and was now holding both her hands gently in his. He had also been staring at her face once again and found himself trapped in her gaze a second time. When he regained control over himself he felt his cheeks warm up a bit and took a step away. “Apologies,” he said.

Ayla found herself breathing slightly heavier than normal and she found herself lost in the depths of his eyes. His eyes were so very, very blue and they seemed to go on forever. She hadn’t even realized that he was holding not one but both of her hands. She wasn’t aware of how close he had gotten until he moved back. She squeezed his hands in protest. “You’ve done nothing wrong but you keep apologizing to me.”

A nervous feeling filled Victors gut as she squeezed his hands. With a nervous chuckle he shook his head and smiled sheepishly. “I just do not want to ruin what is happening right now.”

Ayla could feel her chest pounding hard and she was worried that he could hear it too. With her voice almost a whisper she asked him, “What do you think is happening...what do you want to happen?” Ayla was almost positive that asking those questions went against all she was taught, ladies should never be so forward.

Victor thought for a moment. What did he want to happen? He let his eyes return to Aylas and it was as if it held the answer to his question. He took a step closer and raised her chin up with his finger as he grew closer to her face. “I want to continue to have these feelings and I want them to be for you,” he whispered before closing the distance between the two and gently planting his lips onto hers.

Ayla kissed him back and instantly wished he wasn’t wearing a breastplate of armor. She wanted to feel his chest against her hands and his body against hers. She was quite out of breath when their lips parted. Her fingertips automatically went to her lips and felt the swollenness of his kisses on her. Her mind blazed a single thought. That is why ladies don’t ask men what they want. Ayla reached her arm up and pulled him back in for another kiss. In her mind she thought screw etiquette!

Victor was caught off guard as he was pulled into another kiss, but he simply went with it and wrapped his arms around her waist. As the second kiss ended he pulled back and chuckled softly as he stared down at her. “I must admit, I’m more than happy with these feelings,” he admitted before resting his forehead onto hers.

Ayla grinned. “I think we definitely get to know each other better, like you suggested. I’m quite thrilled by our feelings as well.” Realizing that it must be getting very late she hesitated and said, “I’m afraid it’s getting late though and I need to get back inside. Will you walk me to my door?”

Victor nodded and took a step back with a smile. “Of course my Lady, I’d be more than happy to see you to your room,” he said before gesturing her to come along. He was still a little filled with his new emotions, but he regained control of himself and waited for Ayla to lead the way to her room.

Alya smiled and hoped others passing inside the castle couldn’t tell that they had just been kissing. Wondering why he was behind her instead of next to her she turned and reached her hand back for him to take.

With nervous hesitation he took her hand and chuckled. “Are you sure you wish to be seen with a knight of the Vanguard? Some may not see it to be appropriate,” he said as he reached her side.

Ayla smirked to herself. “Who better than a knight of the vanguard to walk me to my door. You are a protector of the realm and any girl would be honored to have a man such as yourself by her side. Why would that not be proper?” Ayla stopped when she got to her door and turned around and looked at him with a shy smile. “I hope I’ll see you soon. I really enjoyed our walk this evening.”

Victor smiled softly and bowed to Ayla. “As did I Lady Ayla and I look forward to our next walk. Please have a good night,” he said before planting a quick kiss on her cheek and turning to walk way. He was new to this whole kissing thing, but so far he has no complaints on it.

Blushing Ayla turned and went into her room. She closed her door and leaned against it. She raised her fingertips to her lips which still seemed to be swollen from the kissing.

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

Alexis

"Wayne! No it's okay!" Alexis grabbed his arm which had turned into a wing and Alexis watched her friend try to warn her mother and her boyfriend to back off. "Wayne...she is my mother." She waited for him to return to his human self. Alexis sat down and looked at her mother's boyfriend who was doing a bit of male posturing. "What happened? Why are you here and why did you leave me? And who is this guy? He is clearly not my father?" Alexis glared at the man drilling invisible holes into him with her eyes.

Marissa walked closer to her daughter and put her arms around her in a hug. Alexis wasn't sure what to do but she let her mother hug her. Then she looked at her and said, "When did you become Hexenbiest? I've killed your kind before." Alexis stared at her mother as Marissa glanced at her boyfriend and started to speak to her daughter.

Marissa sat forward and took a deep breath. "When I was pregnant with you, before I found out about you I was attacked by a hexenbiest but my partner saved me. She had bitten me and used magic on me. It did something to me and I lost a lot of blood. We did transfusions and when it didn't work my partner went and got her. She was knocked out and tied down and we transfused her blood into me. After that my partner let her go and she killed him. I found out I was pregnant with you two weeks later. The first time I transformed I accidentally killed your father." Marissa stopped and let the information sink in. She stood up before continuing.

Alexis felt sick and numb all over at this news. She looked at her mother and she couldn't believe this. Alexis was by all means Elias' enemy and they had had no knowledge of it. Alexis was sure her pallor was gray and getting worse. She stared at her mother as if she were on a train going over a cliff.

"I had no idea if you were going to be okay or not. I couldn't control myself and it ended up taking me a long time before I could. I gave you up so that I wouldn't hurt you while I was learning how to be what I became. I gave birth to you I had your uncle and aunt take you to raise." Marissa stopped to wipe her cheeks and eyes at this point in the discussion. "They raised you as a typical Grimm, which is what I would have had you do." She looked at her daughter and stated, "Apparently you got some of the hexenbiest in you."

Alexis thought about her reaction to other hexenbiests and how her senses were heightened even higher than Elias'. Alexis wanted to know about the magic. If she had any she didn't know how to use it at all. "If I am part Hex shouldn't I be able to use magic? And why does it hurt my head so much when they start their spells?"

Marissa looked down at her daughter and got teary eyed. "I'm so sorry that you have been effected. You have at least some magic but I don't know how much. I can work with you."

Alexis had heard enough. She wanted to ask so many questions and at the same time she couldn't handle anymore news. This explained why her aunt looked at her so badly, why she felt so different. She was a Grimm and Hexenbiest hybrid. Likely the only one in the world. She stood up and Marissa reached for her and stepped a little bit closer. "No! I'm leaving. I've had enough."

"Alexis! Please don't go. There is so much I need to tell you." Alexis turned back to her and yelled.

"NO! You don't get to do this to me and then cry about being sorry!" Alexis couldn't help but think about what kind of reaction Elias was likely to have. She would be lucky if he never spoke to her again...he could just kill her and be done with it. She was both family and foe. She couldn't help the feeling of being ripped apart.

"Come on Wayne, we have a job to do don't we?" Alexis walked out of the house in a barely controlled rage with her cape drawn down letting anyone in the place recognize her and challenge her. She was ready to fight anyone that got in her way.

@December