Methos was relieved to see that Joe, Duncan and Richie were already in the bar when he and Anne arrived. He had called Joe before and informed him of the slayer/immortal problem, but Joe hadn't been sure if he would be able to get a hold of Duncan. Methos was hoping that Duncan would agree to train the girl with a sword. Even though she protested it now, he knew eventually he would be able to convince her of its necessity and when he did, he felt Duncan would make the better teacher. He had more patience than Methos, and truthfully Methos felt he was already more involved than he cared to be.

He hadn't invited Richie, but didn't really mind the young man's presence. In a room full of older people, Anne would likely feel quite intimidated, despite the bravery he knew she possessed. The kid would help her feel more comfortable if nothing else.

He looked over at the girl and saw her smiling a thin lipped smile, that told Methos she was nervous. Part of him wanted to reach over and squeeze her hand in reassurance, but he refrained. She's a slayer, he reminded himself, and far too young. You're not here to make friends. That can get too painful. Don't forget that. Not that he could. Slayers were a breed apart from any type of person he had ever known, immortal and human. They tended to live, and die young, but usually possessed a maturity that was centuries old. It was something each slayer possessed, something that couldn't be hidden to those who knew where to look. Their eyes were like windows into centuries past, holding wisdom and emotional strength that most thousand year old immortals never acquired. She may look it, but she's far from young. He thought to himself. Poor girl.

"Joe!" He called out, trying to keep from letting his brain go down that path. It was easier to avoid pain, if you didn't allow yourself to dwell on it.

"Hey Adam," Joe called back in response. He checked his watch. "We were beginning to wonder if you and your girl would show. There's been beer here for at least an hour and a half. It's beginning to wonder where you are. You feeling OK?"

"Joe thinks he's funny," Methos told Anne with a small smile. "I would like you to meet Anne Sommerville. Anne, meet Joe Dawson, Duncan MacLeod and Richie Ryan."

"Hey nice to meet you!" Richie exclaimed, eyes nearly popping out of his head as he took in the slayer. Idiot kid. Methos thought. He jumped up, and offered her hand which she shook, her timidity being slowly replaced with warmth.

"A pleasure," Duncan added with his usual charming air and friendly smile. Methos was mildly surprised that the girl didn't swoon automatically at the sight of the handsome Scot...most did, although from what he had seen of this girl, romance seemed to be the last thing on her mind.

"Adam tells us you are the slayer?" Joe posed it as a question, but everyone knew that was indeed what Methos had told them. Anne nodded.

"Since I was fifteen."

"And an immortal?" Duncan sounded skeptical.

"You felt the buzz," Methos pointed out to him. Duncan nodded, but still looked curious.

"You really fight vampires?" Richie asked eagerly. To him they had always been fantastical creatures in stories, not something real. Methos had to constantly remind himself that not everyone knew of the existence of such things, even in the immortal world.

"Used to," she told them with another forced smile. "I...uh, I don't slay anymore. I'm finished."

"I wasn't aware you could just...quit." Joe said in genuine puzzlement. "I thought that slayers were slayers until they..."

"Died?" Anne cut in testily. "Yea, well I've changed that rule OK? I took off. Adam said you won't turn me in, but if you do plan on it, could you do me the courtesy of letting me know so I can get a decent head start? I'm not going back."

"Nobody is going to make you go back to anything you don't want to," Duncan reassured her. She seemed calmed by his tone and his smile which bothered Methos slightly. How was it the Scot was able to get to people like that? "We're just curious. I don't know much about slayers."

"Yea, well I know a bit." Joe told them frowning slightly. "I have my theories on how this happened, but you'll have to let me keep 'em to myself till I have something a little more concrete. In the meantime Anne, sit down and have a drink on the house. Whatever you want. Enjoy some blues. If Adam asks you to play cards with him though, be careful. He cheats."

"I do not!" Methos replied, offended not that Joe had been telling the truth about him cheating, but that he had been careless enough to allow Joe to notice it. Rotten observant Watcher! Way too good at his job if you ask me.

Anne smiled, significantly reassured and took a seat next to Richie, who proceeded to start an animated conversation. Duncan shot a meaningful look in Methos' direction letting him know that a talk would be had when they had an opportunity. Why do I feel like I'm being sent to the Principal's Office whenever he looks at me like that?