I had arrived sooner then I would have liked to. the cold wind of winter's soon arrival in the morning sun blow over me gently causing me to brush back stands as I looked on to the lone manor on the hill, I shifted uncomfortably on the dirt road debating my decision of returning to this place. Why did I come back?

Finally making up my mind I continued my tread,adjusting my sack of belongings to the shoulder adjacent. As I drew nearer to the familiar steps leading to the manor door I stopped when I saw Connor speaking with someone, I was unsure if he had noticed by presence for he gave no acknowledgement and continued to speak on with a man who looked like he was from Connor's tribe.

Again, I was conflicted with the choice I had made to return to my former home. I almost turned away when I noticed the talking had stopped. Both men exchanged hand shakes and the tribe's man took his leave,passing me with a curious glance, Connor finally noticed me and I wasn't sure how to read his face, he looked genuinely surprised.

"Anya?" he said.

For a moment we were silent, I wasn't sure how to respond and he drew closer down the steps, his movement made me tense and a second I was taken back to the time he and I fought. He noticed my reaction and halted, looking almost sadden.

"You came back, I wasn't expecting to see you return" he spoke again with a sad smile on his now aged face. I noticed the time etched into his skin,the tired look in his eyes made me feel convicted for the lost time between us.

"It certainly has been awhile, hasn't it Connor," I finally answered moving up the remaining steps to meet him, getting closer I almost forgot how tall and broad he was but had wrinkles and some grey in his dark hair. His clothes had changed as well still retaining there assassin details but with more of his tribes furs and prints,he looked like a true leader.

Resting his hands on my shoulders he drew me into a tight hug which I hesitantly but gradually returned, I felt a wetness in the corner of my eyes when he said softly "It's been too long but I'm happy to see you return home," then finally let go. I wiped my eyes hoping he did not notice.

"Please come inside," he offered and we both made our way into the manor, once inside I was greeted by the familiar smells of old wood,nothing had seemed really change except for more decorations of tribal pelts. memories flooded through me as I followed him down the hall into the study but I paused for a moment when we passed Achilles room. Nothing had change, nothing had moved for some time,he left it exactly the way it was all those years ago when we had lost the old man and I reminded myself to visit his grave later.

In the study took his place behind his desk,not taking a seat but shuffling through papers and for a moment things seemed like all was well...but it wasn't and I reached into my pouch for the letter.

I held it up to him.

"You sent me this,asking that you needed help but for what? Everything seems at ease," I questioned, perturbed.

He looked at the paper with his handwriting then back at me,a seriousness in his eyes as he tried to form words but he simply sighed,

" a walk with me, I'd liked to show you how much has changed," he said.