I do not own any Assassin's Creed characters except for Moira and James Haywood!
Summer 1863
Moira Haywood had her arms crossed and a stern look as she looked out the window of the carriage. She was not happy about leaving her home in Oxford to move to Crawley. She understood that they would be closer to her father's friends who were also Assassins, just like her and her father, but she hated leaving the place she lived all her life. Oxford had her home, where she was born and where she became an Assassin. She had no idea what would be waiting for her in Crawley but did her best to put on a happy face for her father. Though she did hear many stories about her father's two friends, George Westhouse and Ethan Frye. Apparently she met them but she was too young to remember either of them. Ethan Frye was a very skilled Assassin and even taught George the ways of the Creed. Ethan had trained many Assassins and was also in process of training his children. The only thing Moira knew about Ethan's children were around the same age as her and that they were twins. Her father even mentioned about her training with Ethan to further more of her skills which the young Assassin was excited about.
"Moira, sit up, please," James said, "A lady doesn't slouch."
Moira sighed and sat up but still kept her arms crossed, "I wasn't trained to be a lady, father. I was trained to be an Assassin."
James chuckled and shook his head, "Of course. My mistake, dear. Though at least act a little ladylike to Ethan and George."
Moira sighed again and glanced up at her father with dark blue eyes, "Father... I understand you wanting to be close to George and Ethan but I didn't want to leave Oxford..."
James saw the disheartened look in his daughter's eyes then placed a hand over hers, "I know, darling... I didn't want to leave either but we need to bond with more members of the Brotherhood, especially since you are of age to learn more tactics that even I can't teach you alone. You also expressed interest in learning from Ethan."
Moira sighed then nodded, "You're right. I'm sorry, father."
"I understand that Oxford is where you grew up... it's also where I met your mother..." James replied as he trailed off a little, "but we will make a new life in Crawley and learn from our Brothers."
Moira half smiled at what he said, "When you put it like that, I am even more excited."
"You'll also meet Ethan's children too," James replied smiling big, "They should be your age so hopefully you can make friends with them."
"I am sure that I will," Moira replied with a soft smile.
The carriage had finally arrived at their new home which was decently sized and had around two stories. It was a little smaller than their home in Oxford but it would be comfortable for Moira and her father. She still had a feeling of being homesick since Oxford was the home she knew so well. Moira continued to stare up at the little house then felt her father's hand on her shoulder.
"What do you think?" James asked looking up at their home with her.
"It will do," Moira replied almost hesitantly.
"Oh, come now, Moira," James replied patting the top of her head, "It will be wonderful. It will take time to adjust to new surroundings."
Moira knew that her father was usually right about these things. Though there was something nagging at the back of her head that something felt off. They both made their way into the home to see that it had a large foyer with a kitchen close by and a study where her father would surely take over. As her father looked around the foyer, Moira headed up the stairs to look at the rooms. She took note that there were at least three rooms and one would surely be a guest room. Moira stepped into a decent sized room that had a large window with a window seat. She walked over to the window and opened it to let in fresh air since the room smelled like it hadn't been aired out in awhile. She leaned on the window sill to look out at the view to see there was a lovely park nearby and she could see people walking along the streets. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. After all, she had a place where she could read and gaze out at the world.
Moira then sat down on the window seat and curled up on it, letting out a sigh. She thought of her old home where she had many fond memories, especially when her mother was still alive. She didn't like change all that much and preferred if things stayed the same. She was curious as to what surprises Crawley would bring to her. Cerulean eyes glanced down to see four people approaching her new home. She wondered if these were the other Assassins her father was talking about. She then took notice of the Assassins to see two older gentlemen and a male and female around her age. Judging from their appearance, they looked like the twins her father had mentioned. She saw the male twin look up at her and she could of sworn she saw him smirking at her. Clearing her throat, she got up from the window seat and closed the window. She didn't really want to interact with anyone right now since she was still getting used to her surroundings. Moira let out a sigh when she heard her father call for her to come downstairs. She might as well go greet her other Brothers.
As she began to descend the stairs, everyone's attention was now on Moira since they all were at the base of the stairs. She could feel herself getting a little nervous since she didn't feel comfortable with so many eyes on her. James smiled up at his daughter then back at the Assassins as Moira joined her father by his side.
"Gentleman, if you remember, this is my daughter, Moira," James replied proudly as he placed a hand on Moira's back to lead her to one of the elder Assassins, "Moira, this is George Westhouse. He will be happy to train you as well."
"It is very nice to see you again, Moira," George greeted with a gentle smile, "You have grown up so much since I last saw you."
"Happy to see you, Mr. Westhouse. It really has been a long time," Moira said, "I am excited to learn from you."
"Your father has told Ethan and myself about you and how far you have come in your training," George replied.
"I am always willing to learn more," Moira replied with a soft smile.
"And we are more than willing to teach you more techniques to further your skills, Miss Haywood," the Assassin standing next to George piped up.
Moira then looked at him with blue eyes, "You must be Mr. Ethan Frye. I am so happy to see you as well."
"It's very nice to see you as well. You were barely up to my knee since I last saw you," Ethan said with a heartfelt grin, "Your father has spoken highly of you and we are looking forward to working with you along with my son and daughter. Moira, please meet Evie and Jacob."
Moira turned then approached the female twin who smiled softly at her. Moira thought that she was extremely beautiful with her flawless skin, freckled face and striking blue eyes. She was almost jealous of the girl before her but smiled back at her.
"It is wonderful to finally meet you, Moira," Evie said taking Moira's hand into hers.
Moira blushed a little and chuckled lightly as she held Evie's hand, "I am happy to finally meet you as well, Evie. I've heard wonderful things about you from father."
"As have I," Evie replied heartily, "I hope that we can learn from each other. It will be wonderful to train along another Assassin besides my brother here and actually take it seriously."
"You enjoy the laugh and know it, sister dear," the male twin spoke up in a cocky tone.
Moira then turned to look at him and cocked a brow at him, "And you must be Jacob."
Moira looked over the male twin and knew that he was the one who smirked at her while walking up to the house. As she looked at him, he seemed like a complete opposite of his sister. She noticed that he didn't share the same blue eyes as Evie but they were a bright hazel that caught her attention. There was something about him but she couldn't put her finger on. Though judging from Evie said, he didn't seem focused on the Creed.
"Lovely to meet you, Miss Haywood," Jacob replied grasping her hand into his, lightly kissing her knuckles.
"Charmed, Mr. Frye," Moira replied as she scrunched her nose and pulled her hand away.
"Moira, be nice," James scolded.
Moira huffed slightly then moved back to her father's side, her gaze looking over at Jacob to once again to see his smirk. She didn't like him one bit especially with him giving her a cheeky smile which infuriated her a little. She decided not to pay him any mind and ignore any of his childish actions. She had a feeling that she was going to get along well with Evie but her brother on the other hand, Moira couldn't stand already. If he wasn't going to be serious, then she couldn't work with him.
"Since you both have traveled a long way and still need to unpack, would you like to join us for dinner at my home tonight?" Ethan asked James.
"You are very kind, Ethan," James replied smiling, "We would love to join you. Right, Moira?"
Moira looked up at her father and nodded, "Yes, it would be nice."
Ethan then looked at George, "George, you are welcome too of course."
"You are kind, Ethan. I would love to join as well," George answered.
"Wonderful, we will see you around six this evening," Ethan replied with a nod.
"We are sure that you will love it here in Crawley," George said with a smile as he headed towards the door.
Evie walked back up to Moira, "It really is wonderful to meet you and I am excited to learn from you."
Moira grinned at her and nodded, "I am as well, Evie."
Evie walked with George and her father towards the door then Jacob passed by Moira, "Until later, Miss Haywood."
"A dubious honor, Mr. Frye," Moira replied crossing her arms as she looked at him leave, the smirk still evident on his face.
James and Moira stood at the doorway and watched as their fellow Assassins left down the cobblestone walkway. Moira eyed the twins closely to see Evie chastising Jacob a little. Moira then felt her father's hand on her shoulder which made her look up at him.
"Well, dear," James started, "What do you think?"
"It's going to take some getting used to," Moira replied with a sigh.
"Indeed it will," James replied then patted her shoulder.
"Though there are certain things that need to change," Moira added.
"I want you to be nice to Ethan's son. He's a very nice young man," James said sternly.
Moira scoffed as she left his grasp to head back into the house, "I can't promise anything, father. I am not fond of his attitude."
"Honestly, dear," James sighed while closing the door and narrowed his eyes at his daughter, "You only exchanged a few words. Right now, I'm not fond of your attitude."
Moira rolled her eyes and began to make her way up to her new bedroom, "I'm going to start unpacking my things."
Moira managed to get some unpacking done by setting up some of her personal items and placing her books on the bookshelves. After awhile, she found organizing her things didn't pique her interest at the moment, she pulled out a book by George Meredith called Modern Love. Moira thought it was a sad set of sonnets about a husband and wife's love just crumbling to where the wife ran off with another. Moira had always read about love in stories but she never experienced it herself. She didn't know if she ever would since she thought of the Creed as her life. Reading through so many books, she wanted to experience the overwhelming feeling of happiness and warmth love could bring but always had the fear at the back of her head of her heart being shattered to where she didn't want to love again. Though she did have the occasional daydream of having a loving husband who helped her raise their children and love her until the end. The thought made her smile but she knew that it wouldn't be a reality. Not the love that would happen today in this day and age.
She was happy that her parents weren't like other others who wanted to marry their daughters off to a rich man or a lord. She knew that her parents didn't want that life for her, especially not her mother. Her mother went through something similar in her youth and that's why she was rebellious with her marriage choice. She didn't want to be betrothed to a boring, stuck up man and had eloped with James. Her mother's family were infuriated for the life she chose but she didn't care, all the mattered was that she was happy. Moira's mother and father wanted their daughter to choose and fall in love with whomever she wanted. Though, she never found interest in any man, not even in the Brotherhood. Moira decided to dedicate her life to the Creed since it truly made her happy. She would like her lover to be an Assassin as well but if she found love along the way with anyone, she would at least try.
After an hour of reading, James had told her to get ready for dinner at the Frye's home, stating that she had to dress presentably too. Moira had decided on a violet dress with short, slightly puffed sleeves and black ruffles along the front. Since they didn't live too far, Moira and her father had walked the couple blocks and arrived at the Frye's home. James knocked on the door and they were soon greeted by Evie opening the door.
Evie smiled at both of them and stepped aside, "Hello, Mr. Haywood and Moira, please come in."
"Thank you, Evie," James replied with a smile as he stepped inside.
"Hello, Evie," Moira greeted as she walked in.
"You look lovely, Moira," Evie replied as she looked over the violet dress.
"Thank you," Moira giggled while looking down at herself and glanced over Evie who was wearing a burgundy dress with draped sleeves and patterned with vines, "You look lovely as well."
Ethan and George then walked into the room and greeted James with a handshake, "It is nice to see you both. Dinner is just about ready that Evie has helped prepare."
"I hope that you will like it," Evie chirped, "It is a beef roast that father and I picked out this morning."
"Well it smells divine," James complimented.
"Thank you, Mr. Haywood," Evie chuckled lightly.
Ethan then looked towards the stairwell, "Jacob! Come on down! The Haywoods are here!"
Ethan then turned to James and led him into the living room with George, leaving Moira and Evie to talk amongst themselves. After a bit, both female Assassins heard footsteps coming down their staircase to reveal Jacob. Moira noticed that he was dressed in a crisp white shirt, a dark navy waistcoat that had an intricate design, a black coat and black pants. Moira cocked her eyebrow at him when he waltzed down the steps, the younger Frye twin grinning at her.
"Miss Haywood, you look radiant," Jacob replied.
"And you certainly clean up well for yourself, Mr. Frye," Moira replied eyebrow still cocked as Evie snickered.
"I do my best," he chuckled lightly.
"Excuse my dear brother, Moira," Evie replied crossing her arms over her chest, "He doesn't know when to leave a pretty girl alone."
"I've no idea what you are talking about, sweet sister," Jacob replied, trying to act innocent but had a somewhat harsh tone toward her.
Evie rolled her eyes, "You know exactly what I mean, Jacob."
"I am sorry to cease your little fun, Mr. Frye," Moira started, "I am not the kind of girl that wants to fall in love and be a mindless little wife. I am an Assassin and if I marry, my husband will be a well respected Assassin."
"Meaning, you don't count, Jacob," Evie laughed.
Jacob slightly glared at Evie but then looked at Moira with a smirk, "I'll be Master Assassin before you know it, Miss Haywood."
"Right and the Brotherhood would fall to its knees under your order," Evie scoffed then looked at Moira, "Would you like to join me in the kitchen to check on dinner?"
"I would love to," Moira replied as she walked with Evie towards the kitchen, "I'll help you as well."
Moira then began to follow Evie into the kitchen, slightly glancing back at Jacob. She couldn't understand him and why he was trying so hard to get her attention. Moira decided to try and not pay too much mind to it. As far as she knew, she had to focus and wouldn't let Jacob Frye be a distraction. Soon, they all sat down to dinner and the elder Assassins were delved into their own conversation about missions and other matters. Evie and Moira were talking about various things as Jacob listened to them, not speaking a word.
"So, what is Oxford like, Moira?" Evie asked intrigued.
Moira had a soft smile on her face, "It's so peaceful. I remember when mama was still alive, she would take me to the Bodleian Library... that's where I developed a fondness for reading. She would also read to me before I would sleep so I could have grand adventures in my dreams. I also remember the walks my parents and I would take through the parks. We've even gone out on the lake a few times. Walking with mama and papa through the streets of the city, I would always gaze at the many windows of the shops to see if there was anything new. It really is the city of dreaming spires..."
"It sounds wonderful," Evie replied with a smile.
"Do you already miss Oxford?" Jacob piped up.
Moira looked at him then blue orbs cast down sadly, "I do... very much so... I felt like I left so much behind... even a part of myself..."
Evie slightly kicked Jacob, making him jump a little and glared at her. Evie matched her brother's glare then nodded towards Moira. Jacob then noticed how depressed she look as she mentioned her home in Oxford. Jacob couldn't help but feel a little bad for bringing up her home. He would feel the same as her and be upset if he was taken away from his home. Evie knew that she had to help her friend and placed a hand over Moira's.
Evie then tried to lighten the mood, "We are happy to have you here, Moira. You've already become such a good friend and we will be the best in the Brotherhood."
"Evie is right, we will grow together," Jacob piped up, a small smile on his face, "We'll work together."
Moira glanced up at him to see a genuine smile on his face and not like his grin earlier today and smiled to herself, "Thank you, Evie... Jacob."
After the meal and spending some time in the drawing room with tea, James and Moira had said their good-byes to their new friends. As James was speaking with Ethan and George, Moira was saying good-bye to Evie and Jacob. Moira hugged Evie to which Evie gratefully accepted and hugged back.
"Have a goodnight and sleep well, Moira," Evie chirped.
"I will and you do the same, Evie dear," Moira replied smiling softly. She then turned to look at Jacob, gazing into his hazel eyes, "And you have a goodnight, Mr. Frye."
Jacob smiled and grasped her hand again, "Goodnight, Miss Haywood. Rest well."
He kissed her knuckles softly before letting her hand slip from his. James had said his farewells and bid the twins a goodnight before walking down the path with Moira. Moira looked up at the night sky as she walked beside her father. She then felt his arm wrap around her shoulder.
"Well, darling," James started, "Has your opinion changed at all?"
"Well," Moira began then looked back to see the Frye's home and everyone still standing on the porch and smiled, "I guess that it won't be so bad after all."
A/N: Welp! There is the first chapter of the prequel for you guys! What do you think so far? I had to rewrite this beginning so many times and edited it over five times! It was hard writing this but I hope you guys like it! Reviews are very much welcomed. Thank you all for the reads!
Also Moira's father is based off of Galahad from The Order 1886. If you don't know what he looks like, look him up!