Thread: ~A Highwayman Comes Riding~ (For Vivid Fizz)

He held back a scowl at the thought of this man who had earned the ire of this girl, one who in such a short while had proved to Johnathan to be of kind heart and soul if not a little absent-minded with horses. It seemed that almost all men of standing and wealth in this land lived only to torment the lesser and downtrodden folk in order to take what little happiness they had. It was moments like this, watching a pretty young things face turning red at injustice, that served to strengthen his resolve in fighting back against the crown in the only way he could. Of course he'd be lying if he said he robbed to bring justice to the poor and not for the money, but part of him always when out to the victims of the greater criminals that called themselves nobility. He was aware of their guest before she was, sensing eyes upon him and hearing the faint steps of the rat as he encroached upon their privacy. He made no more show he knew, letting Bess talk of her hatred for the noble. If it was someone from the Red Coats he would have to leave, but the way Bess was whispering and seemed to cast an eye around told him that it was not he that was the center of attention. He let the matter be, enjoying himself more as Bess came closer, their bodies a few scant inches away. With just a slight push he could have touched her, could have ran his fingers down her side and caressed her thigh. He could smell her even over the stable, a unique feminine scent mixed with the sweat of a hard days work. All too soon it was over and she pulled back, aware of their proximity. He smiled like nothing happened, letting her lead the way. Food sound wonderful, though it pains me to see that I saved your life only to have you distressed by such a man. If there was something more I could do for you in this regard, I would. As he followed her inside he thought on the matter, wondering if he could. Someone in his position, outside the law and already on the run had so many more options than the common folk. And as he entered the quaint inn his thoughts on the matter doubled, for the first thing his eyes met were those of James himself. You could tell a lot of a man from the way he looked at you, and all the highwayman saw in him was cruelty and hatred, there was not even the slightest hint of kindness or charity whiten them. ------------------ The screams from the kitchen caused James to jump somewhat in his chair though he moved to hide it at once. God how he hated this place and its people. Well that, he said to the bartender, is something that can be trained out of any woman. At the sound of his bride to be entering he turned at once, putting on his airs and smiling in false anticipation. His eyes widened at the sight of her, her features that of several woman he had taken in his time. The little whore...she couldn't have...wouldn't have...the bitch would not DARE go against him in such a way! He got to his feet, stepping towards her when his eyes locked on to the man behind her. Dressed in black and with the face of a rouge if he ever saw one, James at once felt an intense loathing for the figure. The way he held himself was one of confidence and charm and James did not miss the sideways glances the his bride-to-be would give as the entered. The man in black looked back at him just as intently, his eyes almost daring James to act against him. The noble steeled himself, ignoring the stranger for the moment and turning to his fiancee. Elizabeth, his voice was cold and demanding. Where have you been? And who is this?