Uduak

It was raining. The drops sounded like tiny pattering footsteps at they came down upon the wooden roof of the church. All else was silence.

The doors opened, sending in a flood of evening light, and footsteps approached where I sat between the pews.

I came to the church not for the prayer, for I had my own Gods, but for the silence it brought. Within the walls of the church there was silence, peace. Such things I needed in my troubled time.

The sound of footsteps arose behind me, followed by the steady patter as rain water dripped to the floor from soaked clothing. His steps were calm, observing, much like a predator hunting its prey, unaware of the prey's next move.

" It is done."

" Is this what you want?" I asked. I'd asked the question a hundred times, once more would not hurt.

" It is what you want," he answered, and for the hundredth time more my heart skipped a beat.

I shook my head, sending loose, tangled hair trickling across my cheeks and down my shoulders. My fingers tightened around the pew in front of me, and without meaning to my eyes glanced up to fall upon the cross perfectly lined against the front of the church, the carved image of the man named Jesus crucified upon it.

" It is what is necessary," he added.

" What of the others? There are still those out there who need-"

" It is done," he said his voice firm.

" Yes," I said, softly. " Of course."

I moved to stand, my trembling hands barely supporting my weight as I gained my footing. I turned slowly to him, willing my face to show nothing more than acceptance, instead of sadness and regret.

He stood before me, tall and bold, arms outstretched, in his hands the folded clothe of his robe, atop it the sword I had forged for him, covered and harmless.

His offering to me, his promise.

What will taking all that he worked for make me?

He did not rush me, as I slowly with violently trembling hands reached for his offering, his surrender. When my hands finally fell upon the bundle of cloth and metal they did so with perfect stillness.

The weight of it all felt foreign to my arms, and I fell back onto my knees, unable to grasp the weight of it. The sword-his surrender fell from my hands onto the floor as I sat back weeping.

Connor

What is it that you really want Uduak?

He wished to ask her, but the words failed him as he walked beside Uduak examining a pomegranate the merchant was showing to her.

" Straight from Asia," the merchant said. "Sweet as an crisp apple. Here a sample for the lady." He lifted a bowl of red, flesh covered seeds.

" May I?" Uduak asked.

" Of course," the merchant said.

She removed her glove, reached into the bowl and took a pinch of seeds. Juice dribbled down her fingertips as she brought the dripping seeds to her lips and enclosed them in her mouth.

Eyes closed she savored the taste of the fruit, a small smile on her lips.

" Do you like them?" The merchant asked.

She opened one eye slowly, then the other. " Excuse my ignorance sir, but do I shallow the seeds?"

" Ah no," he said chuckling. " You spit them out."

She did so with as much grace as she could muster, slipping a small clothe from her bosom as the last seed was discarded and gently wiping her lips with it.

" I will take two to of those sir," she said reaching for her purse.

Connor had the money ready before she could open her purse. He slid the money into the merchant's hands.

" Have your pick of the lot," the merchant said.

He watched her considering her options for a moment before the sudden rush of people, then the call of voices caught his attention. Without thinking he trailed towards it, following the crowd, blending without meaning to.

The crowd took him to a dais, atop it men and women, their skins almost as black as coals stood, chained and half naked, eyes downcast.

The sight both disgusted and angered him. The auctioneer yelled from the dais calling the prices of the slaves into the crowd.

Connor and the Assassin's had been successful in their latest mission which involved freeing slaves, and eliminating those who called themselves masters. Yet after it was all done he was still dissatisfied with their progress.

" We cannot win them all my brother," One of the Assassin's, a transfer from the south, named Brutus had said placing a large hand on Connor's shoulder. " Go home, have a drink, make love to your woman. Tomorrow is another day, who knows what troubles it brings."

He'd agreed, reluctantly and returned to the homestead where Uduak and Ngozi were waiting, just as he'd left them days before.

" Connor," Uduak called now beside him. "You know not to leave me alone; I may just buy the entire market." Her hands slipped around his arm.

"Is there something that you want?" He asked. He would buy her entire market if that is what she wanted.

She gave him a puzzled look, and then smiled.

The noise of the crowd was getting further and further away, and it took him all of an entire minute to realize she was leading him away from the dais, the slaves, the shouting actioners.

She pressed her face into his arm. " I want so much," she began.

He glanced down at her then. Her hair was curled and pulled up into a tight twisted bun, held by a tie of flowers. She wore an elaborate pale blue dress, the sleeves and ends ruffled and flaying into wisps of curled silk and clothe. She wore no paint or powder as was usually her custom, but was bare of all that wasn't the natural tint of her own skin.

She let him go suddenly, taking a few steps back away from him. Her daze was downcast as she said, " Go."

He tried to take a step towards her; she took a step back shaking her head.

"When you are finished her, return to me my wolf, I'll be waiting." She started past him, hands balled tightly in the fabric of her dress; he grabbed her forearm stopping her. Still she refused to look at him. " Don't die."

" I will try not to," he said softly a small smile catching the ends of his lips before he could stop it.

She glanced up then, her eyes steady and determined, her lips curled into a frown. " Don't. I'm too young and beautiful to be a widow."

" Uduak…" he began. She came forward then in a couple fast steps leaning up onto her toes and kissing him. When she pulled back she did so smiling. Then before he could say anymore she let him go.

He refused to watch her go, knowing that if he did we would follow her. Instead he walked forward, towards the madness.

Myriam

Myriam saw Connor before Uduak did. It seemed she always did. Or perhaps she was always looking. He came and went so often, that she never knew his schedule. But perhaps Uduak did. Perhaps that was why she never actively searched for him.

He stood in the doorway of the inn, shadowed and huge, his gaze focused on one thing among the hustle and bustle of the inn's pub.

Uduak.

Myriam had censed to be surprised at the amount of attention Uduak commanded. Even now, more than half of the men in the pub, mostly sailors were giving her their full attention. Shaking cups half filled with whisky, rum or beer, howling at the game of arm wrestling that would decide which man got Uduak's blessing, bestowing compliments-it went on and on almost all night with no apparent end.

Uduak was born and bred to adored, admired and noticed in more than one way. Myriam knew that the moment she met Uduak, all premed and painted, demanding attention without once opening her mouth. Thinking back on it, Myriam realized she hadn't much liked Uduak at the beginning for that very reason.

" After I wins this fight, the fair lady will give me a gift aye. Perhaps a sweet song, or a gentle kiss aye?" the man chuckled then winced as his hand began to fall under the strain.

Uduak pressed a gloved hand over her mouth and giggled. " Perhaps," she said, " If you win."

Myriam took a sip of her ale and stood. Connor had walked fully inside the inn, and still Uduak had not noticed.

" This is a regular thing," she said approaching Connor. " You might as well take a seat. Here I'll clank my cup to get her attention. That seems to be all she hears."

She let her eyes roam over Connor's face, the frown he always carried, his attentive gaze.

He always looks so focus and intense…yet sad. She'd only seen him truly smile in front of her a hand full of times, grin once. The sights were as rare as shooting stars, and just as beautiful.

He always smiles for Uduak…They were small, sudden almost unnoticeable smiles, Myriam doubted Uduak even saw them, so busy she was watching for everything else. But Myriam did. She should not be, noticing something so private, so intimate, but she could not help it.

" I did not know she worked here," Connor said suddenly breaking her thoughts. His eyes had moved from Uduak to the men arm wrestling at the table. One was an inch away from winning and was not shy about announcing it. Beside them Uduak glanced on pretending flattery and surprise.

Connor's frown deepened.

Uduak can't you see your hurting him…

Without thinking Myriam clinked her now empty cup against the table. Uduak, noticing the familiar sound glanced up.

Myriam grinned and pointed at Connor. Uduak's eyes widened.

" You did not have to do that," Connor said. He did not sound angry, nor gracious, but strangely aloof. Still his eyes said something else entirely as he watched Uduak slide from behind the counter.

" I needed a refill," Myriam said forcing herself to look away from him, from the flash of want and hope that crossed over his face as Uduak approached.

Out of all the women…and he chose Uduak…There was no doubt in Myriam's mind that he was in love with her. Just when Myriam was starting to believe she couldn't imagine Connor being with anyone, letting anyone truly know him, Uduak proved her wrong.

Still, for all the happiness Uduak showed now, Myriam often saw differently when Connor was not around. Uduak spent most of her time at her home, or within the walls of the church. Sometimes on bent knee or sitting her back against the pews eyes closed. She never told Myriam what was wrong, and Myriam doubted she ever would again. The time for that was over. Even through Myriam had kept the secret of Ngozi from Connor, she'd sworn she would not keep something like that from him again.

It was hard to think about, Myriam realized, for there was once a time when she, herself was in love with Connor, and at times, as embarrassing as it might be, wondered if she still was. Perhaps it was his strength, how he could take down wolves, bears….men with his bare hands, which had always been a point she looked for in men. Or his bravery and valor, he so often defended and helped the weak and needing without being asked or seeking anything in return.

Or it could be his looks…Myriam thought. He was handsome, with his hard almost stone like features, and built stature. He reminded Myriam of the painted pictures of Greek Gods, from books on canvases. Certainly the older women of the homestead had no complaints or shame for that matter when they called upon him to help with their daily chores. Even Prudence had blushed and nearly swooned when she happened upon a shirtless Connor helping Warren repair a leak in her roof.

" Connor…I wasn't expected you back so soon," Uduak said pushing back a stray piece of hair that had trailed in her face. " Myriam how long have you two been sitting here?" She turned her now concerned hazel eyes on Myriam. Her brows furrowed, and her mouth set into a frown.

Myriam couldn't help but smile. Uduak was not good at frowning. The action alone made her look like some mask on a stage during a play.

" Relax," Myriam said. " It's only been a few minutes."

Uduak looked to Connor for confirmation. He nodded solemnly.

Uduak let out a sigh of relief but she still looked concerned. " Were the two of you testing me?" She asked stubbornly. " To see how long it would take me to notice you came in?"

" I must know my wants from my needs…"

Why am I thinking of that now…

Her thoughts were drifting to the day of her wedding, her marriage to Norris. She'd ran away, under the pretense that she was afraid of becoming a housewife, of adhering to the standards set by men, but that was only part of it. She'd run away because she'd felt guilty, guilty that perhaps she had loved another more than Norris, and was merely settling.

" I want you…" She'd said in a huffed desperation. The words had come out, uncontrolled like bile, and once she released them they were impossible to put back in. Still Connor had said nothing for a long time, not until she finally turned to face him.

" You need Norris." He'd said the words so clear and confidently that they'd melted all resistance Myriam felt in her heart.

She could only guess that Uduak was who he needed.

" You will get no tip from me," Myriam said laughing. She placed a hand on Uduak's shoulder.

A roar erupted from the counter then as the winner had rein victorious and all eyes turned to Uduak. She grinned from where she stood, pushing down her wrinkled dress, before throwing up her hands.

" A sweet song was it?" Uduak said.

The man grinned, he was old and missing most of his teeth. " Or a sweeter kiss," he said.

Uduak trailed across the room to where he stood. " A kiss it is then." She pressed palm of her hand to her lips and blew him a kiss. The man roared then clutched his heart.

" Lads I think I be in love."

Uduak ever the great actor blushed and bowed before announcing her leave, signaling a surge of protests.

Myriam rolled her eyes at the show, laughing when Uduak stuck out her tongue and crossed her eyes in a silly expression.

" See you tomorrow Myriam," she said taking her place by Connor.

She is so small compared to him…Myriam thought as she examined the two of them standing side by side.

" Wouldn't miss it for even the biggest stag in the forest," Myriam said. " Goodnight Uduak. Connor."

He nodded at her, and left the pub, Uduak following, her dress the color of the sky trailing behind her.

As the door shut, the tendrils of something Myriam could not quite describe arose and wrapped around her heart.

Connor

" You work in the inn now?" Connor asked his voice coming out harsher than he intended. It had been a while since he saw her act that way.

She turned to him then, her head cocked to the side, her full lips parting in a grin, revealing the glint of teeth, pulling the fullness of lips.

" Are you jealous Mr. Kenway."

He refused to look at her, at her teasing face and twitching lips that were seconds away from a laugh.

" No," he said stubbornly.

" They asked me to help. A ship full of sailors took dock today."

" We have money," he said.

" It was not about the money," she corrected.

" What is it that you need?" He asked. Whatever it was she wanted he would give, she need not ask twice. She should have known by now that she was to want for nothing.

She sighed heavily, " I need you to stop trying to start an argument. There are more pressing matters to attend to."

He let the matter go for the moment, falling silent to give Uduak time to speak.

" Tomorrow is Ngozi's baptism," she said. It was Ngozi's Sixth name day as well, Connor knew. " He also wants his markings," she added touching her own shoulders where her swirls of tattoos lay. " Circe has agreed, but I do not know. Ngozi understand that the baptism by Father Timothy is necessary, expected even as a child of the Homestead…but this…"

Connor understood her blight. Uduak was very protective of the boy, she was his first born after all, and all she had when Connor was not around, but in some ways her sense of need to protect him also crippled Ngozi. Connor knew full well the feeling of overwhelming love that a boy could feel for his mother, but also the overbearing smothering of her embrace.

" I agree, in this there must be some consideration, Connor said." But in some things you must let him choose."

Uduak nodded, " Perhaps you should speak to him. He tells me so very little anymore," she sounded saddened by this. " Whenever you can of course."

" I will see him tonight." Connor answered.

Uduak raised one black eyebrow. " You will be here that long?"

He nodded, and she wrapped a firm arm around his own, and pulled herself close, purposely pressing the curve of her body into his side. Her skin was warm, almost feverous through the cloth of his robe.

It was strange, how just the mere touch of her skin, the sound of her voice made him feel. It was a mixture of being weak and strong at the same time, knowing and not knowing.

" Thank you," she said her face still pressed into his arm. "For caring. It makes me happy."

She says these words and yet she does not look happy…

" You do not look well," he said.

She glanced away, " I am fine."

She was lying, and the knowledge of that lie, angered him. Still he did not let it show.

" Are the Assassin's here as well?"

" They are in the Manor."

She kept her gaze down. " All of them?"

He knew what it meant without having to ask.

He nodded, " All from the south."

" Yes of course," she said.

She's wanted to say more, he could see it in the curve of her lips and brow, the way her nails dung into the soft flesh of her palms. Since that day in the church when he'd offered her everything he had to give and she refused to take it, when it came to matters of the Assassin's she often held her tongue.

This is not what she wants…he thought. Yet were he to try and quit, to give up everything yet again, she would leave him. This he was sure of. The thought of it, of her leaving him again, forever was too much to bear.

" Connor."

He turned at the sound of his name to see Aveline coming towards them. Uduak's hand stiffened about his arm.

" Madame Uduak," she said, " A pleasure to see you again."

" You as well Aveline," Uduak said.

" Such an elegant dress," Aveline said. " It is quite beautiful on you."

Uduak smiled. " It is the handwork of our local seamstress," Uduak let his arm go. " But I doubt you've come to speak of dresses and the like," she said wiping her gloved hands against her dress as if wiping the matter off. "It is Connor you want I presume?"

" With your leave of course," Aveline said sounding amused.

Uduak smiled. " Of course."

Aveline nodded, and Connor took a step forward. Uduak moved out of his way, hesitating for a moment before heading towards her home. He watched her go warily, before turning back around to face Aveline.

" Everything is in place," she said. " They will return in a couple of hours. I regret to say we may need your help."

Connor nodded slowly.

Aveline reached out a hand and touched his shoulder, " Until then my brother." Then she was gone back out into the night.

When he'd finally found the will, he traveled up the path to Uduak's home, he expected Ngozi to spring from the house, only to find that he was bathing himself and the wolf pup.

" Do not distract him," Brianna said, " He will see you when he is done." Then she led up him the stairs to Uduak's room.

Slowly, and with sore tired legs, Connor followed her stopping at the door. Uduak stood by her vanity stand, gone was her sky colored dress, so that all she wore was her shift, petticoat and stay. She'd pulled out the band of flowers holding her hair up, so that the once tight curls now bounced loosely over her shoulders, and her bangs trailed in her face.

Walking to the bed, Brianna, looking as wiry and tireless as ever, gathered up the discarded dress. She regarded Connor with cold brown eyes, before turning to Uduak, asking without words if she wished for her to stay. It was times like this that made Connor wonder whether the old woman still saw herself as Uduak's mistress than she did her guardian and adopted mother.

Uduak nodded slowly, eyes downcast, and Brianna left the room holding the dress. Connor knew very little about dresses, but he could tell it was the work of Ellen. From his understanding the woman was obtaining a good number of rich clients from the city, and often called on Uduak to model her dresses in exchange for being able to keep them. He could only assume the dress Brianna was taking away was one such case. Even so, the dress was beautiful on her. He could not imagine anyone else wearing it, and looking nearly as beautiful as Uduak had.

Should I have told her that before? He was new to this, and the complications of relationships were lost on him. The women in the homestead had tried, subtly of coarse, to coach him on such matters. Pointing out whenever Uduak was around how beautiful or refreshing she looked, cooing him to do the same, or mentioning something Uduak had said to them as jest, hoping he would get the message and prompt into action. Such things when carried out awkwardly, gained him a small smile, a light touch on the arm, or in extreme cases a queer puzzled look.

" She is very beautiful," Uduak said breaking his line of thought. He glanced up, not knowing to who she was referring. " Aveline," Uduak finished without hesitation.

Connor said nothing. He knew he should not deny nor accept that statement. For it would end the same either way.

" That dress suited you," he said instead the words coming out harsher than he intended them to.

" I suppose so," she said. A small smile touched the ends of her lips. " I have gone so long not wearing them, or a proper stay for that matter, that I've forgotten how uncomfortable they are." She shifted uncomfortably, pressing her hands against her straightened back. " It took Brianna and I two hours to dress. If only dressing were as easy as undressing."

She folded her arms across her chest and walked to her vanity stand where jars of rose water and half-filled tins of power and paint sat.

" Do you have to meet with them tonight?" She asked suddenly.

" Yes," he said slowly. " If they need me."

" Yes of course," she said her hand falling on a teacup. She brought the cup to her lips and took a sip. When she sat it down, Connor noticed her hands were shaking. " I should go to Brianna…to get out of these undergarments. You should rest until then, you look exhausted." Her words sounded forced. He could tell she was not happy with the decision, the fact made even more clear as he took the furthest route through the room as not to pass directly by him.

This is hard for her…but it must be this way. She'd been in enough danger already throughout the years, the time for that was over. He was going to make newer enemies, stronger enemies that would do anything to hinder his mission, hurt anyone. He would keep her and Ngozi out of their sights and their minds.

When she returned filling the room with the scent of rose water, he was no closer to rest than he had been when she left. Instead he lay stilly on her bed, rid of his heavy weapons, and hot robe, eyes closed, taking in the scents of paints and perfume. He'd been thinking of the days ahead of the missions he would soon have, the slaves that would be free, the dangers and enemies he would make, and how he would handle it all.

Sometimes it felt like to much, like he would collapse under the strain of it all.

The feeling of the bed shifting beside him, and the softness of flesh against his arm brought him back to reality, to the situation at hand. He turned to face her, to see she'd dressed in her nightclothes.

She frowned at him. " Why are you not sleeping?"

How can I sleep? At a time like this?

" I am not tired."

Her frown did not move. " You should rest," she said, " You may not get another chance-"

" I am much more concerned for you," he said, " And Ngozi."

She lifted the pillow and pushed it against his face. Familiar weight settled on his lap. He lifted the pillow to find Uduak had straddled him. She furrowed her eyebrows and leaned in closer to him, until their noses brushed, and her loose hair tickled his cheeks. Her breath smelled of camille mint tea and honey.

" Do you truly think me so weak?" She asked her voice soft yet demanding. " That I cannot care for myself and our son?"

He knew not the words to say. He did not see her as completely weak yet he felt the overwhelming need to protect her, to shield her from the worst the world could offer, even though he knew she's seen and experienced the most of it, long before he had.

It was what he'd felt in the inn, as he watched her carelessly flit among the men, seemly unaware of what most of them were capable of.

She kissed him, before he could answer. He opened his mouth under hers, a swift movement that sent a sigh of breath between them, as refreshing as a cool drink of water on a hot summer day.

She pulled back first, denying him as he leaned forward to capture her lips again, to bring back the feeling of her embrace. It was times like this that he forgot the sadness at the death of his mother, and Achilles, his people leaving, the state of the country.

She pressed her hand against the side of his face, and leaned in as if to kiss him, only to pull away at the last second and brush her lips against the side of his jaw, down his neck.

" Or are you afraid someone will take all that you've fought for away?" She asked her lips against his skin. When she finally moved back up to capture his lips again, the kiss was rough and urgent. Slender fingers slipped under cotton of his shirt to the warm skin of his chest, moving over scar and muscle, as if trying to memorize every dint, ridge, imperfection. The feeling of cool fingers, brushing against newly formed bruises, and tiny cuts, felt good, refreshing. It was almost enough to make him fall asleep right then and there.

When her fingertips brushed over new freshly bandaged wounds she paused and pulled away.

The wound, caused by a graze from a axe, settled on the skin right above his heart. A flesh wound, that was easily sewed and treated with no major complications. Yet by the look on her face, one would think it was she who received the wounding blow and not himself.

He opened his mouth to speak, to explain what had happened and she kissed him silent. When she finally pulled back they both were breathless. Her hands slid up to cup both sides of his face, and hold his head still, forcing him to look at her.

" I love you ," she said suddenly her fingers trembling. "Regardless of anything else, anyone else. I care nothing for the Gods or fate. I am yours, Connor Kenway. Nothing or no one can take me from you. Do not forget that."

He expected—wanted her to say that he was hers, but she did not, instead she pressed herself closer to his form, until he could feel the complete and utter softness of her, count the beats of her heart, time the rhyme of her breathing.

This was to much. She was too much. He did not come here for this, but to speak to her. On the matter of their son, her health, what she needed-wanted. But somehow she always managed to distract him-and somehow he always let her.

She trailed downwards, moving over his chest , her breath moving through the clothe of his shirt. She continued pulling up his shirt, pressing her lips to his skin, running her tongue over the ridge of muscle and bone, stopping when she reached his groin, the barrier of strings tied into knots that held his trousers up.

He expected her to come back up, to kiss him again, but she merely continued her deft fingers unloosing the strings. She pulled his member from its holdings.

He grabbed her shoulders then, pulling her up.

It had been over a month since he'd slept with her. Because neither of them were in the mood, to tired, or to busy, or angry at one another for something said, done, or not done.

He would be lying if he said he did not want her. But did she want him? Or did she merely feel obligated? So often she'd attempted to distract him, and so often he'd let her. He had no way of knowing if this was one of those times.

She frowned. "They are not here for you yet are they?"

" No," he said reluctantly. She took one of his hands from her shoulder, pressed his fingertips against her lips.

"Don't fret," she whispered kissing his fingertips, the palm of his hand. "I'll take care of you." she moved forward kissing his neck, sliding the fabric of his shirt off his form to continue her descent where he'd stopped her.

He opened his eyes against the gleam of candle, the feel of his arm going numb as Uduak lay against him, sound asleep. He slipped from her grasp gently, careful not to wake her and stood. She squirmed again, frowned then settled. He examined her sleeping for a long moment, how she lay mouth slightly agape, snoring softly, both her arms loosely crossed over her stomach.

Redressing as quietly as he could he slipped out of the room, down the hall to where Ngozi slept. He opened the door the boy's room and eased inside careful not to wake him.

The covers stirred, then fell to the side, revealing a grey, black spotted wolf pup. The pup glanced up at Connor with eyes the color of amber, then jumped from the bed to pounce about Connor's feet, nipping playfully at his fingers.

Ngozi. Connor kneeled beside the bed, hoping the boy had decided to play hid and seek; only to find he was not there, neither was he in the closet.

Still excited the wolf pup ran to the window seal, and with black spotted paws began to hit the partly opened window.

Connor sighed heavily, and walked to the open window. A soft blow of wind streamed in cooling the room. He glanced down out of the window, expecting to see Ngozi hanging from the frame, knowing he'd had taken to climbing the trees and the houses, against Uduak's wishes, following Connor's actions as she jump from obstacle to obstacle.

Creak.

He turned suddenly, catching just a glimpse of the figure before it leapt. Reaching out with both hands he grabbed the leaping figure seconds before they could collide.

" I almost got you," Ngozi said as Connor held him still.

" You almost did," Connor said sitting Ngozi down.

" Fenrir gave me away," Ngozi said growling at the wolf pup, who whined and cowered behind Connor's legs.

" Ngozi, I most go," Connor said turning the boy's attention back to the task at hand.

" Where are you going now?" He asked.

" With the Assassin's," Connor said, " You must-"

" Take care of Mother, I know," he said. " I will." Ngozi paused, then glanced down, his hazel eyes searching the floor beside his bare feet before asking warily, " Why does Mother cry when you leave?"

Connor furrowed his eyebrows at the boy, his unspoken question hanging in the air.

Ngozi nodded, finally beginning understanding after so long with Connor, his father's unspoken ques.

" She cries and then she makes tea and for a little while she stops, then she starts again. She thinks I cannot see her, but I do. Her and Grandmother Bri argue all the time, she says that Mother should stop drinking the tea because it's not good for her." Ngozi rubbed his head, a sign that he was trying to remember something he'd forgotten. " Poppy," he said suddenly. " That's what Grandmother called it. She-"

Connor pressed a hand to Ngozi's cheek silencing him. " All is well," he replied softly. " Do not worry."

Ngozi glanced away. " I'm not it's just-"

The sound of a knock at the door silenced Ngozi's words. Connor stood knowing it was the Assassin's. Only they would arrive at such a late hour.

" Fath-" Ngozi began, when Connor bent down to take the boy in his arms, hugging him close. He was getting bigger and bigger each day; soon he would tower over the other children.

A roaster croaked in the yard, signaling the start of a new day.

Six…my son is six today…Connor thought as he sat the boy down. Red faced and embarrassed Ngozi took a few awkward steps back. A year older than I was when I lost my mother…

" Six," Connor said softly pressing his hand to Ngozi's messy hair covered head.

" Yes," Ngozi said softly.

" Connor." He glanced towards the door to see Aveline standing at the door her face filled with urgency. " I am sorry but we need your help."

" Of course," he said following her out the door, pausing for half a second to glance back at Ngozi, still red faced, glaring down at his feet, the wolf pup beside him whimpering for attention.

He is angry…Connor knew it was because he was yet again leaving. Yet like his mother, Ngozi would say nothing, convinced this was for the best.

He started to call Ngozi's name, if nothing else to have the boy look up, so that he could see his son's eyes before he left. Connor never knew when each night would be his last. But the insistent calling of his name stopped him.

Regretfully he turned from the sight of Ngozi and continued down the stairs once again back into the madness.

Hey guys back with the sequel to Chasing the Moon. I'll be transferring from a community college to a large campus ( USC) cough cough. Go Gamecocks! So hopefully I'll have enough time to at least update this fanfic every 2-3 weeks. Setting Goals, yay!

Anyway I plan on making this fanfic one that dives into the negative and at times positive aspects of Connor and Uduak's relationship. ( You know like normal couples) and the strain that Connor continuing his work will have on their life and relationship. Because lets face it guys, it can't always be cuddles, sex, puppies and rainbows. These guys are going to get hit with a lot. And if you've read the bio ( hope I did not give to much away) they will be facing a potential loss of a child, racism, the outside influences and feelings of others.

Connor is going to see a side of Uduak he's seen before, but does not like, and likewise, Uduak is going to see a side of Connor that is likely to scare the hell out of her.

Also if you guys haven't already noticed, I will do a lot of switching back and forth between other characters that are not Uduak. So she will not be the primary narrator of the story.

Info:

Petticoat- An article of clothing worn by women that is to be worn under a skirt or a dress. It was usually worn by 18th century women to give the skirt above it a fashionable shape. Hence the reason why most of their skirts appear so large.

Shift- Also called a chemise, also a part of the undergarments of 18th century women, was a simple garment ( 18th century version of a t-shirt) worn under the corset and petticoat.

Stay- or a corset was used to both straighten and shape the torso of women ( and some men), into the desired shape of a V. They were usually very tight, and uncomfortable. But hey beauty hurts...* Fun Fact* George Washington wore stays a child, that is how he achieved his sloping pulled back shoulders*

Slave Auctions- Very common in the 18th century, they were usually held in wide open spaces or the confides of warehouses and displayed slaves ( usually Africans) in the open naked or poorly dressed to be examined and picked over like livestock, for the highest bidders.

Yes I threw Aveline in there-no I am not sorry. Will their be shipping? I don't know...as if I have a plan when I write this stuff. Pfffew!

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