I do not own any Assassin's Creed characters but I do own Moira Haywood and Genevieve Caldwell.
Evie wrung her hands and paced her room, wondering if she should tell her father about Jacob and Moira's eloping. On one hand, she didn't want her best friend to be taken away and for her brother to be miserable but they were running away to London and try to take the Templars on themselves. Evie didn't think they couldn't do it but she was afraid something would happen to them. Evie wanted Moira out of that house and away from the woman but did it have to end this way?
She sighed deeply and bit her lip, trying to make her decision. Risk ruining their happiness or their safety? Evie cursed under her breath then left her bedroom to go downstairs to her father's study. She had to tell her father or else Jacob and Moira could be in a lot of trouble. The elder Frye twin had peeked her head through the door frame and Ethan took notice of his daughter's presence making him look up from his paperwork.
"What is it, Evie?" Ethan asked curiously.
"Father, it's Jacob and Moira," Evie piped up as she wrung her hands again.
"What about them?" Ethan asked quirking a brow and straightening up.
Evie hesitated and frowned, 'I'm sorry, brother... Moira...'
"They have gone to the train station to elope to London!" Evie blurted out.
"They what!?" Ethan shouted standing up quickly, "What are they thinking!?"
"Moira's wicked aunt was going to take her away to Oxford. Jacob was so upset and proposed to Moira earlier so they could make arrangements to leave for London tonight," Evie explained, "I'm just afraid something will happen to them."
"We must find them before they board that train," Ethan replied.
Evie nodded and ran upstairs to get dressed into some clothing then rejoined her father back downstairs in the foyer. Ethan pulled on his coat and headed out the door as Evie followed behind. Evie felt guilty for ratting out her brother and best friend but she wanted her loved ones safe.
Jacob took in a deep breath and let it out only to see it in the cool September air. Autumn seemed to be coming earlier this year than normal. He looked from the stars above to Moira who was asleep by his side. He had an arm wrapped around her as she leaned against him with her head resting partially on his chest. He thought she looked peaceful as she slept, making him smile. He kissed her head then set his head against hers while closing his eyes. They weren't sure how long for the train to come by but they knew they would wait all night if they had to. He could just imagine it now; just him and Moira taking down Templars in the great city. Jacob then felt Moira shift in his embrace and move closer to him.
He looked down to see she was slowly waking up, concerning him, "Are you all right?"
She nodded while gazing at him with tired eyes, "Yes, just a little cold."
He then held her closer while rubbing her arm for warmth, "Hopefully the train will arrive soon. Is this helping?"
"Yes, thank you," Moira said softly with a smile.
"Of course, love," Jacob replied smiling more at her.
Moira rested her head back on his shoulder then held up her hand to look at the engagement ring as her smile grew wider. She then felt Jacob take her hand into his, bringing her hand to his lips to kiss her knuckles, "I'm sorry I couldn't get you anything better. I will get you a more beautiful ring when I get more money."
Moira shook her head then moved her hand to hold his, "It's perfect, Jacob. I couldn't ask for anything more... this shows you want to spend your life with me."
"Of course I do," he replied running his hand slowly along her back, "I love you and I always will."
Moira gazed into his eyes as she stroked his cheek with her thumb. He then brushed his lips against hers only for him to press a soft kiss against hers. He could feel Moira melt into his embrace and kissed back just soft. He hoped that the train would arrive soon so they could finally be on their way. He was also ready to get some sleep as they make their way to London.
Earlier they had gone over their plan on how to start their life once they got to the city. Moira suggested that they visit her friend, Henry, and stay in his shop for awhile until they could get on their feet. As they make money from different jobs, they would find their own flat and eventually have enough money for a small wedding. Jacob knew that they both could do this as long as they stayed together. This had to work out.
For the moment, he was content being like this with Moira. He would take care of her no matter what, even if it cost him his life. He knew that Moira would do the same for him. The impetuous Assassin felt his lover's fingers intertwine with his, making him smile. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head and set his head against hers again, feeling tired.
"Father! I found them!" a voice shouted.
Jacob looked up quickly and knew that was his sister's voice. He then saw Evie appear around the corner with their father. He knew he couldn't trust Evie with something like this. Jacob cursed underneath his breath and felt Moira cling close to him. He held Moira close to try and comfort her even though they were caught. The two lovers were then greeted by the angry face of the elder Assassin and Evie's guilty face.
"What were you both thinking?" Ethan asked sternly while crossing his arms, "What were you hoping to accomplish?"
"By getting Moira out of an abusive household so her aunt wouldn't take her and marry her off to some old sod," Jacob growled as he held Moira closer.
Ethan quirked his brow slightly but continued to his stoic attitude, "And so running away to London is the best choice?"
"We've always wanted to go to London, mentor," Moira spoke up as she looked her teacher with saddened blue eyes, "We want to make a difference... and we know that we can do it together..."
Ethan let out a sigh and shook his head, "You're not ready yet. You have no chance against the Templars that run rampant in that city. You're lucky that Evie told me what your plans were."
Moira looked away and closed her eyes, "So that's it then... I'll be taken away to Oxford to be married off to another..."
"Moira, I will take care of your aunt. Don't worry," Ethan replied fixing his gaze on her.
"How?" Moira asked nearly in tears.
"When you were born, your mother and father had asked me to look after you if anything ever happened to them," Ethan explained, "I will have a talk with your aunt tomorrow so that she will go back to Oxford and stay out of your hair. I had no idea that she was even visiting and controlling your decisions. I have heard stories about her from your mother and honestly, she is a beastly woman."
Moira was surprised to hear about this. It made sense now of why Ethan would check on her as much as he did and to make sure she was doing all right. He was away on a mission right as Genevieve came to visit so he was oblivious to what was going on. She just hoped that her mentor was able to take care of this problem. Moira then set her head on Jacob's chest only to feel him stroke her hair back.
Jacob then looked at his father, "Will you have a say in our engagement?"
Ethan looked at them both to see them holding one another affectionately. He remembered when he was like that with Cecily. How James was like that with Isabel when they were in love. He knew what young love was and it was a wonderful feeling. Ethan wouldn't be the one to separate his son and his student. Though they were still young and had a lot to learn.
Ethan then spoke up, "That is both your decision since it was made so quickly. Though I can see how much you love each other... willing to elope to be together... Just like Isabel and James did."
Moira now knew and felt what her parents went through when Genevieve cursed their courtship. She looked up at Jacob only to have him look at her. Immediately getting lost in his hazel pools, she knew what she wanted. She loved him more than life and saw a future with him.
"I don't regret my decision I have made tonight. I know that I want to spend the rest of my days with Jacob... no one else," Moira replied while taking one of his hands into hers to squeeze it lightly, "I love him very much."
Jacob smiled lightly as he intertwined his fingers with hers, "When Moira told me that her aunt was taking her away to Oxford... I would have given anything to make her stay. Even if it meant eloping to keep her by my side... I love her..."
"Then we will settle everything tomorrow," Ethan replied, "For now, it is late and we all need rest. Next time a problem arises, speak to me or even George first."
Moira and Jacob both nodded in defeat and grabbed their things before following behind Ethan and Evie. The lovers were a little behind as their hands were still linked while walking. Evie turned to look back at them then waited up for them. Moira noticed Evie stopping and saw the expression on her best friend's face.
"I'm sorry... I just wanted to make sure you two were safe," Evie apologized.
"It's all right, Evie dearest," Moira replied quietly, "It wouldn't have been the same going to London without you. I just hope your father can fix this mess."
"If not, we will find a way," Jacob replied giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Moira smiled and set her head against Jacob's shoulder making Evie smile,"I am happy for the both of you but Moira."
"Yes?" Moira queried.
"Are you sure you want to marry my brother? I mean, you could run off to London and I won't say a word," Evie laughed.
Moira couldn't help but laugh heartily while Jacob glared daggers at his sister. Evie laughed at her brother's reaction and thought that it was priceless. Shaking her head, Evie gave them a heartfelt smile, "You know I am joking. I am still happy for you both."
"Thank you," Moira said softly, "I'm happy as well... so very much."
Jacob smiled and kissed the top of her head, "As am I, love."
The walk back home was silent with all four Assassins. Though Moira and Jacob enjoyed each other's company as they continued to walk. As they arrived back at the Frye residence, Ethan suggested that Moira should stay the night and that they would sort everything out early in the morning. Moira agreed to stay the night and was given the spare bedroom. Evie was kind enough to loan Moira a night dress to sleep in.
Moira was sitting in her bed while looking out the window. She couldn't sleep with all the excitement that had gone on tonight though she felt like it would have tired her even more. Even though she knew Ethan would take care of everything, she still had that fear in the back of her head that things could go wrong. How would her aunt react? Would still still forcefully take her away? Moira then heard the door to the room open carefully only for Jacob to walk in. Moira felt relieved to see him walk in, knowing he could distract her.
"Figured you were still awake," he replied softly while closing the door behind him.
Moira nodded and sighed, "It's been a long evening but I can't sleep."
Jacob then climbed onto her bed, "I feel the same. I'm still wondering what will happen tomorrow."
"Me too," Moira replied clutching the covers slightly, "But no matter what, I will be by your side."
Jacob took her hand into his to see her engagement ring, "As will I, love."
Moira then slightly pulled on his hand, "Stay with me?"
"Thought you would never ask," Jacob replied softly.
He moved under the covers with her only for her to cuddle close to him. She nestled into him as her head rested on his shoulder and arm draped over his torso. Jacob wrapped an arm around her to bring her close to him while nuzzling his face into her hair. He kissed her forehead lightly while closing his eyes.
"You know..." Moira replied sleepily, "You won that bet..."
"Mmm?" Jacob groaned while rubbing her arm.
"To get me to smile and be happy," Moira replied, "I'm happier than I have been in so long. What do I owe you?"
Jacob chuckled lightly, "You already gave me my prize."
Moira then looked at him with half lidded eyes, "Which is?"
"Your love," Jacob said while kissing her forehead.
Moira smiled and closed her eyes again while placing a few kisses on his shoulder, "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Jacob murmured gently.
Jacob kissed her forehead again and brought her closer to him. Even though his plan with Moira didn't go through, he was still engaged to her. They were still going to be married and joined forever. This alone made the reckless Assassin happy and looking more towards the future. He could tell Moira was already falling asleep as her breathing was even, making him smile. Not long after her did he feel sleep begin to take over.
The next morning, Ethan had gotten the three young Assassins up so that they could head over to Moira's home. No doubt, Genevieve would be awake and looking for Moira to take her to the station. As they walked, Moira grew more and more nervous as to how everything will transpire. Ethan could see the worry on his student's face and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Everything will be all right, Moira," Ethan replied softly.
Moira gazed up at her mentor to see the sincerity in his eyes and with a slight smile on his features, "Thank you, sir. I appreciate what you are doing."
As they arrived at her home, they entered and could hear Genevieve running around frantically. Once she arrived in the foyer, she looked to see her niece with her lover as well as an older gentleman with a young girl. Genevieve's eyes instantly narrowed onto Moira and crossed her arms.
"You! Where have you been!?" Genevieve hissed.
Moira held onto Jacob's arm for comfort and stood her ground, "I decided I didn't want to stay here in this house with you anymore, Genevieve."
"So you spent the night with this brute!" Genevieve snapped as she referred to Jacob, "I knew you really were a little harlot."
Ethan knew that it was time for him to step in. The older Assassin wouldn't stand for her insulting his son let alone his student. He remembered stories from Isabel and James and he could see what she was really like. He also believed Jacob after what he said about what this woman was doing to Moira. Ethan was not fond of bullies at all and Genevieve was definitely one of them.
"Excuse me, madam," Ethan spoke up to get her attention, "My name is Ethan Frye and I am Jacob's father."
Genevieve's attention drew to this man as her glare transfixed on him, "So you're the one who can't control this brute?"
Ethan's expression darkened a little, "This "brute" certainly has a lot better manners than you, madam. On that note, I want you to return to Oxford and never look back."
"Now wait just a moment!" Genevieve snapped, "I am not leaving without my niece."
"Yes, you are," Ethan replied, "I have been named as the guardian of Moira ever since her father died. James and Isabel strictly wanted me to take care of her if anything happened to them both."
"You have no proof," Genevieve replied crossing her arms, "As far as I know, I am her only living relative."
Ethan then pulled a sheet of paper from his coat and held it up, "The last will and testaments of both James and Isabel Haywood. Both state that I, Ethan Frye, will be the legal guardian of Miss Moira Haywood should anything happen to either parent."
Genevieve's eyes widened in shock as she looked at the documents before her. Reading the script in front of her in James and Isabel's handwriting, it was indeed true that this man was her niece's guardian. She couldn't help but feel a little betrayed by her own sister. Genevieve clenched her hands into fists and stared at her niece. She could see anger flare in the young girl's dark blue eyes. Letting out her breath that she felt like she was holding for forever was released from her lungs, signaling her defeat.
"I had hope for you, Moira," Genevieve said, "You are the only piece of Isabel I had left but I know that are much like your father."
Moira eyed her aunt, "Yes, I am but I am still like my mother. She didn't want to be confined and bound to a man she didn't love. She knew what she wanted and went for it. Her happiness is what matter most."
Genevieve only sighed and turned her back to them, "If that is the case, then I want nothing more to do with you. When things go wrong in your life, I do not want to hear about it."
"Fine by me because nothing will go wrong," Moira defended, "I have support from my new family and the love of a good man who risked so much to make sure that I am happy."
Genevieve still didn't face her niece but began to walk up the stairs, "I will take my leave now."
"May I at least take you to the station, Miss Caldwell?" Ethan offered.
"I must reject your offer, Mr. Frye," Genevieve replied, "I can make my way to the station just fine."
Moira frowned at her aunt's attitude, thinking that her aunt was acting like a child and not getting her way. It didn't matter to her anyway, what mattered now was that she was able to stay in Crawley and free to marry Jacob. She now knew her parents knew that something like this would happen so they made Ethan her guardian in their wills. Her parents were trying to protect her from a life that Isabel nearly had. She was grateful for all that has happened. She then felt Jacob grasp her hand lightly, making her smile.
A/N: Thank you everyone for your continued support. I do appreciate it very much.
