Ratonhnhaké:ton woke up early with intentions to condition his body and train. However, the stabbing pain that shot up his back and aching muscles opposed his intentions. The long days of physical labor combined with sleeping in a small cot took a toll on his body. Ever since the day that old man gave him a nice room with a bed, Ratonhnhaké:ton found himself looking forward to going back to homestead after finished a mission just so he could go back to a comfortable life, if only for a short while. It was the reason Ratonhnhaké:ton opted to build his own hut with a bed when he returned to the village.

Ratonhnhaké:ton stretched, fighting through the pain as he moved his body. He held back a groan as others were still asleep in their cots and on their mats. He looked at the sleeping faces of his people. Kahionhaténion's face was scrunched into a hard grimace and his arms were folded across his chest. He looked like a ferocious warrior while awake and asleep. His older brother Teiowí:sonte looked relaxed and carefree as he slept on his back. A noise coming from the entrance of the hut caught his attention. A little boy stumbled into the hut. The boy's eyes were closed as he hobbled inside. His eyes were still closed as he slipped onto his mat, next to his father. The boy's father stirred and covered his son with their fur blanket before he went back to his sleep.

Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled to himself. His back ached from sleeping on the cot, but he enjoyed being amongst his people and seeing that they were safe and sound. Ignoring the pain in his back, he hopped out of his cot. He looked down at the pot resting beside the burnt kindling. He wouldn't forget to return the pot to its beautiful owner. Ratonhnhaké:ton picked up the iron pot by the handle and began to walk out of the hut.

Ratonhnhaké:ton felt better as he walked through the village. A few warriors who patrolled the village at night greeted him as they walked past. He looked at the sun peering over the horizon. He was a bit behind on his daily routine. He usually left the village before dawn on days when he wanted to train. Since he was in a bit of pain, he would probably rest today. He wanted to gather a few supplies from his hut and do a bit of work. It would have been nice if he could use this day of rest to lie in his bed.

"Come and go as you please…"

Ratonhnhaké:ton remembered the words the woman currently occupying his home told him last night. Those words said by her did very little to ease the worries that came back to him when his hut came into view.

Ratonhnhaké:ton told himself over and over again not to have any sort of feelings for Aveline de Grandpré. She was an assassin and he was not certain of her intentions. He knew that she came here to see Achilles, a renowned assassin in this region, but did not want her to tell his old mentor of his whereabouts. Additionally, if Aveline found that he used to be an assassin, she would definitely feel as he misled her. He wanted to find out everything about Aveline and her past before he would allow her to go. He would only allow her to go after he knew that she was not an enemy. Until then, he wanted to keep a careful watch on her. He did not expect that he would have somehow have feelings for her while considering her a possible enemy. He was in a complicated dilemma.

He placed a hand on the door of his hut and gently pushed. The door seemed to creak louder than usually as he carefully made his way inside. As soon he was safely inside, he placed the pot near the fire pit. The hut was quiet and the woman on his bed was still. He glanced at his bed before he went to his supply table. He remained as quiet as possible as he gathered some things he needed for the day and secured his bow around his body. With the supplies collected, Ratonhnhaké:ton began to walk toward the door. A noise from behind stopped him. Without meaning to, he turned to look at the woman on his bed.

Aveline's long curly brown hair was in a tousled mess and covered her face. She slept on her side, the neckline of her nightdress was loose and revealed a bare shoulder. She sighed again as she moved and snuggled into the soft furs of the blankets. He looked down at the down at the foot peeking out from under the blankets. He remembered watching her like this when he first brought her to village. Back then she would often cry in her sleep and tossed so wild that he feared she would reopen her wound. Looking at her now, Ratonhnhaké:ton believed he were seeing an entirely different woman.

Ratonhnhaké:ton stood at the door of his hut, mesmerized by her beauty. He took a single step towards her. Before he could stop himself, Ratonhnhaké:ton found himself approaching the bed. He slowly crouched down to her level. He carefully covered her with the fur blankets, making sure than his movements would not wake her. Aveline slept so soundly that he wondered if she were truly an assassin. He was sure that she was trained to wake at even the slightest noise. Aveline sighed and turned, her eyes were still closed. Her pink lips peered from behind her long brown hair.

As Ratonhnhaké:ton studied her, he wondered if he should convince her to stay in the village. It was true that he was attracted her. Kanen'tó:kon and his people were very close to convincing him to wed her and keep her in the village. If only things could be so simple.

Ratonhnhaké:ton gently brushed her cheek with the back of his hand and moved her hair away from her face. It was a gesture he often did when she used to toss and turn in her sleep. He wondered if he should confess his knowledge of the Creed and the reason why he did not want her to leave. He wondered if he should allowed her to leave if she so desired.

When he left the Creed, Ratonhnhaké:ton sought to do everything in his power to protect his village and people. He never considered settling down with anyone or starting his own family. Watching Aveline brought back memories of his old friends at Davenport Homestead. He remembered standing at the alter at Norris and Myriam's wedding. He remembered the day his friends Warren and Prudence gave birth to their first son. Back then, as he watched the young boy grow, he thought about what it would be like to start a family of his own.

In some way, Ratonhnhaké:ton understood what Kanen'tó:kon said about Aveline seeking a new home and new life. In another way, he didn't want to be tied with the Creed and wanted to do everything to protect his people and his village. He wanted to ask her to stay but knew she would fight to leave. Aveline would never stay here and he would not force her. She was so close to him yet so far away. Their paths in life led in opposite directions.

Ratonhnhaké:ton slowly stood, his eyes never leaving Aveline as he attempted to forget his past.

Sooner or later she would leave and he could only hope that they would never cross paths again. Just as Ratonhnhaké:ton drew his hand away from her, the door of the hut suddenly swung open.

"Aveli –!"

Ohkwa:ri' froze when he saw Ratonhnhaké:ton. He quickly closed his mouth shut when Ratonhnhaké:ton gestured for him to be silent. The boy's glance went from Ratonhnhaké:ton to Aveline and back again as he tried to make sense of the situation. He never encountered Ratonhnhaké:ton here before. The two remained still as they watched Aveline stir at the sudden noise and moved around. She turned her back towards Ratonhnhaké:ton and snuggled in the fur blankets. It wasn't long before she went back to sleep.

Ohkwa:ri' felt his mouth go dry as he cowered back in fear. Ratonhnhaké:ton stalked towards him, his eyes pinned directly at the boy as he quickly moved. The boy glanced at Aveline's sleeping form and wondered if he should wake her. He tripped backwards as he left the hut and found himself on the ground. Ratonhnhaké:ton towered over the boy. His glare was so fierce that the boy dared to not speak.

"Why are you here?"

Ohkwa:ri' wanted to run away but he could not speak or move. He usually visited Aveline every morning and helped with morning chores before he ran off to play with the other children. He was only a bit earlier than usual but his intentions were still the same.

"I-I always visit Aveline…" Ohkwa:ri' stammered in Mohawk, frightened that he ran in Ratonhnhaké:ton again. He was aware of the rumors that Ratonhnhaké:ton would marry Aveline and was afraid he would be punished by the Native warrior. He knew that there was some relationship between Aveline and Ratonhnhaké:ton but never dared to ask. As long as Ratonhnhaké:ton was away, he believed those rumors were false. He lowered his head, afraid to look him in the eyes.

"Why?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked as he glared down at the boy, embarrassed that he'd been caught spying on Aveline. He looked the boy up and down. He was aware that Aveline and the boy were close but it bothered him that the boy hardly left her side.

"I wanted to help her with chores for today and read…" Ohkwa:ri' mumbled in Mohawk as he avoided Ratonhnhaké:ton gaze. "I-I'm sorry…"

Ratonhnhaké:ton glanced back at his hut with careful consideration of the woman inside. He understood that Aveline and Ohkwa:ri' were close, however, the boy should be training to be a warrior and learn how to fend for himself. Ratonhnhaké:ton knew that Aveline could not train the boy to use weapons since he kept them from her. Because of him, the assassin Aveline de Grandpré was forced to pick up a pot instead of her blade and a spoon instead of her whip. Soon she would fashion those utensils into weapons as well. Ratonhnhaké:ton smirked at the thought.

Looking down at the boy, Ratonhnhaké:ton recalled the time he had to beg that crazy old man to take him under his wing and train him. Even if he did not voice his gratitude, Ratonhnhaké:ton was grateful to Achilles for being his teacher and a father figure in his life. He was not so stubborn as that old man and would not make the boy beg. He motioned for the boy to stand.

"Come with me." Ratonhnhaké:ton commanded as he turned and walked away.

Ohkwa:ri' slowly stood and hesitated to follow the warrior. He looked back at the hut and as he took a few steps following Ratonhnhaké:ton. Ohkwa:ri' felt as if he should at least greet Aveline before he left. He still did not trust the warrior. If he was not out playing with his friends, he would be by Aveline's side. He did not like that Ratonhnhaké:ton took him away from her but was too afraid to go against him.

Ratonhnhaké:ton glanced behind him and saw that the boy was still hesitating. He continued to move forward. After giving the hut a final glance, Ohkwa:ri' caught up to Ratonhnhaké:ton and followed the warrior pass the entrance of the village and into the territory of Kanatahséton.

It was hard to keep up with Ratonhnhaké:ton's pace as Ohkwa:ri' followed the warrior. The boy was nervous as they were trailing further from the village and into unfamiliar territory. After what seemed to be an eternity, Ratonhnhaké:ton stopped and dropped his supplies. He looked down at the boy who fidgeted under his dark gaze. If Ohkwa:ri' were standing in front of Achilles, the boy would tremble like the legs of a newborn fawn. Ratonhnhaké:ton sighed. He would have to start off small. It would be a while before Ohkwa:ri' could run the hidden course he constructed within the woods. The boy had a long way to go.

"Run until I tell you to stop."

Aveline de Grandpré woke up to a beautiful sunlight and cool morning air. When she sat up, she noticed that the pot Ratonhnhaké:ton took from her last night was now placed near the fire pit. She smiled and stood. She held the pot and wondered when he came by. She placed the pot on the table next to an array of dirty dishes she would wash today. Aveline was surprised that Ohkwa:ri' hadn't woke her up or stopped by as he usually helped her in the morning. Figuring that he would show up later, Aveline continued her morning routine.

Aveline washed her face, dressed into the garments made of animal hide and braided her curly hair. She tidied the hut and swept the floor. Since Aveline tended to the hut, the place was kept clean and as organized as possible. She fought the urge to straighten Ratonhnhaké:ton's messy supplies as it was not her home. Whenever she used his things, she put them back as they were before. After the hut was as nice and tidy as she could make it, she finally stepped out of the hut with the pile of dishes in her arms.

Aveline walked to the stream. The village was bustling and the smell of smoked meat filled the air. She scolded a group of children that ran pass her as they almost made her drop the dishes. Looking among the group, she did not see Ohkwa:ri'. She walked past a group of women tending the crops and garden. They greeted her with bright smiles before they continued to work.

Aveline had now become a part of the village. When she wasn't helping the village women, she spent her free time teach Ohkwa:ri' and other Native children English. She learned the daily routine of the village and learned how to prepare a few meals. The women who tended to her when she was injured now treated her like family. She learned many things from them and they were there for her when she needed help.

The other women at the stream greeted Aveline as she approached. They were laughing and chatting she they washed everything from clothes to dishes. Aveline washed her dishes and wished she could speak their language. She only understood parts of their conversation. She could only say a few phrases in Mohawk and knew some words. She froze as she looked at the plate Ratonhnhaké:ton used the night before. A smile formed on her lips as she remembered how he ate her food last night. Aveline was happy that he finally ate dinner.

"That is the face of a woman in love." Aveline looked up and noticed the women were looking at her. Some of them giggled as they pointed at her. She could not fully understand what they were saying.

"Me?" Aveline pointed to herself and the women began to laugh and nod. She wished she understood what they were saying but knew they were talking about her. From what she heard from Kanen'tó:kon, they were probably teasing her about her relationship with Ratonhnhaké:ton.

"Maybe the village will be blessed with another child." A woman with a baby secured to her back said as she gently bounced, rocking her sleeping child. She smiled as she looked at Aveline and nodded towards Aveline's belly. "Maybe more." Aveline could only grin and nod as she did not fully understand their conversation. She'd gotten used to being teased about Ratonhnhaké:ton and didn't mind it anymore.

After Aveline finished washing the dishes and struggled to make it back to Ratonhnhaké:ton's hut, she was soon dragged out by a few village women. The day passed quickly as Aveline was kept busy with preparing meals, collecting and harvesting various herbs and food and other tasks. When she found she had a break, she would ask someone if they saw Ohkwa:ri'. She was a bit worried that he hadn't shown up to greet her for the entire day. It was very unlike him and she missed seeing his bright smile. She became quite worried as she walked back to the hut with ingredients for dinner.

"Aveline."

"Hello, Kanen'tó:kon." Aveline smiled and greeted her ally as he approached her. Ever since Kanen'tó:kon agreed to her request that he returned her weapon if necessary, the two came to a understanding. Kanen'tó:kon also began to trust Aveline as she made friends within the village and became a mother figure to Ohkwa:ri'. "How are you?"

"I am well, Aveline." He curiously looked down at her basket of ingredients. "It seems you will preparing dinner again. What will you make tonight?"

"Onénhsto," Aveline replied with a bright smile as she lifted the basket in her arms. She learned how to make the corn soup from the village women today and wanted to make it tonight for dinner. As soon as she was well enough to move around, Aveline wanted to cook and fend for herself. Aveline loved cooking for herself and Ohkwa:ri'. She learned quickly as she shadowed the village women throughout the day. They were also eager to help her. "Would you like to join Ohkwa:ri' and I for dinner?"

"No but thank you for the offer." Kanen'tó:kon was curious to see how Aveline's food tasted but didn't want to disturb the small family growing in Ratonhnhaké:ton's hut. He was quietly rooting for Ratonhnhaké:ton to admit his feelings to Aveline and was happy to see his friend return with to the longhouse with Aveline's food. It was only a matter of time before they shared dinner together. "You should prepare enough food for Ratonhnhaké:ton as well. He will probably return to the village with Ohkwa:ri'."

"Ratonhnhaké:ton is with Ohkwa:ri'?" Aveline questioned as she and Kanen'tó:kon started walked towards the hut. She was a bit nervous about this but somehow felt that Ohkwa:ri' was left in good hands. Althought she did not want to admit it, Aveline somehow trusted Ratonhnhaké:ton and was beginning to grow fond of him. "Why?"

"I am not sure." Kanen'tó:kon did not know for certain why Ratonhnhaké:ton suddenly decided to take the boy with him when he left the village this morning. As he watched them walk out of the village, he could somewhat get a sense that Ratonhnhaké:ton was taking the boy under his wing. If that were the case, he hoped Ratonhnhaké:ton would go easy on the boy as to not anger Aveline. "They should arrive soon."

Aveline could not ask another question as a group of men approached Kanen'tó:kon. He waved goodbye to her as he scurried off with them, leaving her alone at the front door of the hut.

Aveline de Grandpré sighed as she stepped into Ratonhnhaké:ton's home. She placed the ingredients for dinner on the table, happy that she collected enough food for three. She started a fire in the pit in the center of the hut. She hummed to herself as she prepared her ingredients. It was not long before the aroma of meat filled the hut. She stirred the corn soup, adding spices and herbs as needed to enhance the flavor. She was tasting the soup for a final time when the door slowly opened.

Ohkwa:ri' trudged in the hut, his arms dangled limply in front of him as he walked. His hand was tightly wound in a bandage. Aveline stood, a bit worried about the boy's condition. Ratonhnhaké:ton entered just as she approached the boy and held him in her warm embrace. She looked down at the bandaged hand and noticed how the tips of his fingers were bright red and a bit swollen.

"What happened to you, Ohkwa:ri'?" Aveline asked as she held the boy's face in her hands and smoothed back his dark hair. "Are you all right?"

"I am fine." Ohkwa:ri' mumbled as he took a place around the fire. Ratonhnhaké:ton ordered him to eat and get some rest because he had to wake up early tomorrow to train again. His back, arms, and hands hurt from shooting arrows all day. His legs hurt from running a course in the woods. He fell more times than he could count and he was still forced to keep going after a brief break. All Ohkwa:ri' wanted to do was sleep. He didn't even have an appetite to eat dinner. He closed his eyes and nearly tipped over as he was starting to sleep. He swayed, waking up briefly only to fall asleep again

Aveline did not like seeing Ohkwa:ri' in this condition. Usually the boy would smile and ask her to read to him or run and play with the other children after eating. She knew the boy needed to be trained by someone. She only had an idea that some of the older boy's were instructed by men on how to fight and shoot arrows. She even saw Ohkwa:ri' learning how to properly use the bow and arrow with some other children a few times. He, however, did not return to her like this. Anger flashed in Aveline's green eyes as she looked at Ratonhnhaké:ton. He turned his back towards her and started to leave the hut.

"Ratonhnhaké:ton."

Ratonhnhaké:ton only wanted to escort the boy back to Aveline. He did not come to fight with her. He spent his entire day of rest training someone. That took energy out of both the instructor and the pupil. Not only that, Ohkwa:ri' gave him more grief as he was a bit younger than most kids that began to train. It would take a lot of work but he was willing to spend time training the boy. Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't help that he took some harsh cues of training from his old instructor. If it were up to him, Ohkwa:ri' would probably be sleeping in the woods tonight. She should be happy that he came back hardly harmed at all. He turned to face Aveline, ignoring her fierce glare.

"Stay for dinner."

Both Ratonhnhaké:ton and Aveline looked down as Ohkwa:ri' went to the floor and curled into a ball. The sound of his light snores filled the hut. Ratonhnhaké:ton walked towards the boy and easily picked his small form off the floor of the hut. Aveline watched in silence as Ratonhnhaké:ton carried the boy in his strong arms. She was shocked that he was so endearing towards Ohkwa:ri'. The anger in her eyes disappeared as she watched him. Her heart softened as she remembered that Ohkwa:ri' tragically lost his parents. She felt as if she could relate as she was raised by a stepmother for most of her life. As Ratonhnhaké:ton turned to face her, he noticed the single tear that fell down her cheek. Aveline wiped the tear quickly as looked away from them. Ratonhnhaké:ton studied her carefully, wanting to know what made her cry. It seemed as if she became a mother to the boy.

"I will return soon."

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