Disclaimer: I do not own Assassin's Creed 3.
This chapter is brought to you by pure procrastination.
"Ah Uduak, nice to see you well," Luke said as I glared at him. I turned to Connor seeking some explanation; he refused to look at me.
The old woman set across from me, her long staff rested on her lap, while Piyali took her seat beside her, gently shooing Anuprabha out of the door when she tried to sit next to me. Connor sat cross legged to my left while Luke was forced down to my right next to Brianna.
"Connor, tell your people I will not fight," he said irritably, " No need to push."
Reluctantly Connor said something to the old woman, and she turned her ashen eyes to Luke, examined him a long moment and nodded.
They let him go, yet refused to untie his hands when he lifted them up. " Yes, right," he protested," Because that would be asking too much." It was quite obvious that if Luke did wish any of them harm, like Connor, tied hands would not stop him.
Ignoring him I turned to the old woman who seemed to be in charge, " What is happening?"
She made no reply and I started to ask again but Piyali shook her head.
" Uduak, this is our Clan Mother," Piyali explained.
" It is a pleasure to meet you," I said softly, bowing my head, unsure of the proper customs that came with addressing someone who seemed so important. I glanced up looking at Piyali for a sign, and she nodded, before saying what I only assumed was her translation of my words in Mohawk for the Clan Mother. "And thank you, for letting me stay. I know this must be quite the burden."
Piyali translated my words again, and this time the Clan Mother spoke back, her words thick like bark, each syllable seeming to underline as it filled the air, as if as old as time itself. The sound of their language, spoken with such experience, reminded me of my own people's, thick and complex, foreign to the untrained ear.
" She says it is not often we allow strangers into our village, she says she did not know there were others like Ratonhnhaké:ton."
It took me a moment to realize what she meant by this, but when I did, I nodded gravely. She continued, Piyali translating as she paused.
"Ratonhnhaké:ton has told us how your people are chained, and forced to work in the fields and homes of the white men, and of what you endured. She says her heart weeps."
I glanced over at Brianna, then back at the Clan mother, " As does mine," I replied not knowing what else to say. I had my opinions on the matter, and it was my wish to see slavery end as much as any of my people, but I felt that discussing such a thing sitting in front of them was inappropriate.
"This is quite engaging," Luke announced loudly and everyone turned to him. "But there are more important matters at hand.
I frowned at him, "Luke what are you doin-"
He smiled at me, a quick move of his lips that was there and then gone in an instant.
" I still fail to understand why you've taken me into custody, when I made it quite clear I only wished to speak to Uduak." He lifted his bond hands and shook them. " I would like to do so now. You lot may stay if you like. I will be on my way afterwards. I can assure you I have no desire to stay among you."
From the corner of my eye I could see Connor shaking his head, and sighing, but not attempting to move. Likely more contented with letting Luke run himself into a hole.
They started to pick him up from the ground, when the Clan Mother said something to the men in Mohawk. They dropped him and he made an exaggerated show of plopping back down upon the ground, then grinning at the men.
She turned to Connor and spoke, and he spoke back.
" I do believe they are discussing me," Luke said leaning towards me. I had the urge to call him an idiot but I withheld glaring at him instead.
The Clan Mother and Connor finished their conversation and the Clan Mother turned to Luke, her old eyes searching his face, her own expression unreadable. And he looked back, half a smile on his thin lips. She narrowed her eyes at him, and his smile widened
" You should no-' Piyali started but the Clan Mother raised her hand.
"Circe has told us of you," the Clan Mother said suddenly, and I felt myself gasp in surprise. I hadn't expected her to know English.
" Quite," Luke said still smiling. " Good things I hope."
Circe…how do they…
The Clan Mother shook her head, " I see truth in her words."
Luke leaned back, mocking surprise, " Why Clan Mother, I barely know you. You must not judge a book by its cover."
" Your eyes speak of one without mercy, compassion, they are the eyes of the men beyond the valley. Pale and cold like snow. There is no truth, no love within them.
Luke's smile faded a little but not completely. " I would have to correct you Clan Mother, I love just as well as I hate, my mercy extends just as far as my cruelty, and my compassion is extended to any who wish to reach for it. My eyes only extend the window of my soul I wish others to see. The raw makings of a man. These things should not be hidden. To do so would make me a liar, and I would very much like to amend that part of myself."
The Clan Mother nodded accepting his explanation, yet her eyes still searched him and her face grew more hard and serious.
" Speak Luke Rhodes."
He lowered his head in agreement, his eyes never once leaving hers. His gaze so intense I shivered, "The men who wished Uduak harm have been properly disposed of. The men I stationed around your walls have been removed, and on my word your village is now safe."
" Your word." The Clan Mother said, "Of what faith if your word? Others have given their word before, and their words they break."
Luke smiled again, then his face grew serious, " When it comes to matters of my direct interest I tell no lies."
Their gazes locked again, and the Clan Mother said nothing for a long moment. Then she nodded abruptly, accepting. Then she turned to Connor. She said something to him, in which he shook his head and replied back. She nodded accepting his words. Then without another word she stood and walked out, Piyali following along with the men, leaving a bound Luke and a very silent Connor with me.
I glanced down at the ground, preferring not to look at either one of them, although I knew without looking, Luke was smiling playfully across me at Connor, and Connor was in turn glaring at him. It was suffocating how I was aware of them both, their thighs pressed against mine, their heat radiating from all sides.
" Disposed of?" I asked turning to Luke.
He was rocking back and forth, his devilish eyes on Connor, his lips, as I expected curled into a cunning smile. When he noticed me looking he turned his gaze and smile to me.
" You doubted us?"
I shook my head. " No, I just thought…"
"The Savage and I have bonded," Luke said, " Over these past few days. Killing together for a common cause will do that."
" What are you talking about?" I asked frowning at Luke. Something had happened, something they weren't telling me.
I turned away from him and stood shakily, pressing both my hands against their shoulders for support, then turned to face them so they both appeared in my vision.
" What happened?"
Luke blew out a puff of air and lifted his hands, they were now unbound. Connor's frown deepened.
" You-" Connor began.
" Quite," Luke said dropping the untied ropes and standing. In one quick stride he was in front of me, his hand on my bruised cheek, his form blocking my view of Connor. ""You look horrible Uduak," Luke said.
" Village life simply does not suit you."
I repeated my question this time in a growl and Luke pulled back abruptly, the movement so sudden and forceful I almost fell over. He lifted his arms our wide and spun around to face Connor who was now standing, alert and ready. They stared at each other for a long moment, saying nothing, yet I knew words were being past all the same. Then Luke took one arm and put it around Connor's shoulders. When Connor tried to pull away he tightened his grip, holding on so hard they were practically hugging.
" There must be a level of trust in friendship," Luke said, " It is natural that we seem distant. Our flowering friendship is at stake." He patted Connor's chest, Connor glared at him. " Come my Savage friend, we prepare to leave."
I watched half astonished, half annoyed as Luke began to lead a very frustrated looking Connor out of the doors. Halfway there Connor broke free and walked ahead.
" Come now," Luke called after him, " I thought we were friends. Brothers in ca-"his voice broke away as they disappeared in the light of the day.
Those two…I thought as the wooden doors hung open again and Anuprabha leading the children stepped in, beckoning them forward. They circled around me, staring at my face, my hair, my skin with wide eyes, muttering words in Mohawk. Anuprabha pleased that she was the only one who could communicate with me commented on how my hair was black as burnt wood, and I in turned asked her if she could braid it for me. They all rejoiced at this and Anuprabha as well as three other girls set to work on my hair while the others showed me their dolls they'd made from corn husks, and the boys showed me how they played a game of catch with wooden balls. The fun ending a bit to short when one of the Mohawk women came in, scolding them, and took the balls. Dissatisfied they sat in front of me instead, drawing pictures in the sand, in what Anuprabha told me was their attempt at telling me stories. I listened, happy for the distraction the children brought.
About an hour into the session, Piyali came in. The girls had finished my hair, a long braid stretched down the length of my bandaged back, twisted within it feathers and flowers my uneven bangs twined with smaller braids and thick colored strings, the ends fastened with beads. Anuprabha nodded in approval as she surveyed me.
" It is pretty," Piyali told Anuprabha and the girls, " Now it is time for you to go, you need baths."
They left without complaint, and I turned to Brianna who'd taken to cleaning the room, not satisfied with keeping still.
" Here," Piyali said handing me a cup. I took a sip without asking what it was. The liquid was bitter and sour. I gagged.
" What is this?"
Piyali smiled, " Better not to ask. Just drink."
I pinch the bridge of my nose and ducked the contents in my mouth, swalling in one fierce " gulp." The mixture made my tongue sting.
" It is a mixture from Circe. It will help with sleep. Sleep helps with healing."
" I leave tonight," I said.
Piyali nodded, " I have been told.
" I wanted to stay a little longer," I admitted. " See more of where Connor grew up."
" There is time after you heal. Now sleep."
" I don't want to sleep," I said, but I lay back anyway suddenly too tired to argue. Sleep only brought nightmares, reliving of events. The boy's head being cut from his body, the feel of his lifeless flesh in my hands, the crunch of Ailsa's bones as they gave between my fingertips, the pain of the whip. Then like smoke, the transparent faces of Connor and Luke, both giving me the same saddened, solemn look, both the same, yet equally different.
" I'm sorry," I whispered to them, but they'd already faded into the air, gone like smoke to the wind.
I closed my eyes and slept.
Haytham walked through the path of cleared earth, where the bones lined at his side, creating a walkway of sorts. As he walked he examined the trees, decorated with hanging skulls, ten of which he counted to be the skulls of men.
He reached the doors of the cottage and they opened without him having to knock. Standing upon the doorstep a young woman who keenly resembled Uduak, abet the shape of her nose, the color of her eyes.
" You are expected Haytham." She beckoned him inside, with a simple wave of her hand. It was then she realized she wore no top, the twist of beaded necklaces the only cover.
" I take you to be Circe?"
" No, she is inside."
He stepped inside. Years of training and adapted caution made me press a hand to the sword at his side, yet appear casual as he took in the nature of the home.
It smelled of wood, and herbs, animals and flesh. An aroma that he found made his nose burn, despite his having grown used to the disgusting scents that plagued the city streets. They past rows upon rows of cabinets, each holding jars, some filled with liquid, others plants-plants and liquid, brownish sand, small animals, suspended in animation, pickled and preserved. He tried not to think about what this woman—this supposed witch used these things for.
The young woman stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, and gave the wood two short knocks. Haytham glanced back slowly, finding that despite the feeling of having walked on forever, the hall was not as large or as long as it appeared.
The door opened and a dark skinned woman stood in the frame. She like the younger woman was bare from the waist up, necklaces of skulls and large wooden beads braced the skin of her upper body, and bangles of gold covered her arms. She wore a simple skirt of cotton, a belt of bones, the same golden bangles that braced her arms, were on her ankles as well. Her face gave the slight appearance of a skull, which while fully noticeable, the dark of her skin still shone underneath. Whether it was paint or some gruesome tattoo, Haytham could not tell.
Even so, standing in front of her, he did not feel alarmed, nor cautious, not even the least bit afraid, but calm, almost trusting, more tired than anything, as if all he wished to do was lay down upon the wooden floor, and sleep, soaking in the smells of wood and earth, plant and flesh.
" You come seeking answers," Circe said. " Some I have. Others I do not."
"Let's start with those you do then," Haytham said.
She turned her back on him and walked into the room. It was bare besides a table and two chairs. She sat in the chair facing him, and held out both hands, her palms were reddened, as if coated in blood.
" I see only the beginning, and the end, the life and the death, the climb and the fall, what one once was, and what they will be, nothing more, nothing less. You are strong with the power of the Gods'. You will do well."
" And if my death is not to my liking? Can I change it?" The question as not serious of course, after all he did not believe a word of what she was saying. But the clearness in her eyes as she glanced up at him revealed that the question was serious to her.
" Do sheep choose their pastures?" There was no irony to her voice, not even a hint of sarcasm. The answer leaked from the very room, twitched at the side of his mouth, yet he did not answer. Instead he sat.
His father Edward, had once told him that men were quick to look toward a future they did not wish to have, even quicker yet to accept it without fight, or question.
Do sheep choose their pastures…?
No…he thought as the images flashed through his mind, No I would suppose they do not.
Hot… Everything was too hot. Hot and painful. Hands were on my skin then rolling me onto my side. Relief followed, then the raw feeling of urgency.
I opened my eyes slowly. Brianna's stern face swam in my view.
"Brianna…where?"
I let my eyes wonder from her face to the walls, covered in paintings. I was home, back in my own room, in scents of paints, and perfumes.
" Careful now Uduak, you have a fever."
" Dr. Lyle," I said blinking. His face appeared in my view then, smiling, relieved.
"You gave us quite a scare there."
" Where is Luke…and Connor?"
" Uduak you must stay still."
I pushed his hands away, " I am fine," I said marveling a moment later at how much I sounded like Connor. Now I knew how he felt when all he wanted to do was move, and people were constantly telling him he couldn't. " I mean…I just need some fresh air."
I felt groggy and sore, irritable and more than a little angry that Luke might have left without saying goodbye, without telling me where he was going. I threw my legs over the side of the bed and stood. I to stumble and immediately sit back down. I'd spent all my time sleeping and resting, it was no surprise I was weaker than I normally was.
Still I was determined. Accepting the insistent need to help from Brianna and Dr. Lyle I stood and walked to the door, then after much insistence on my own part I persuaded them to let me walk down the stairs on my own. I made it to the bottom then spun around slowly to grin at the both of them. Then I attempted to walk to the door leading to the outside.
Brianna stepped in front of me. " You are in pain."
" I will bear it," I said, " There are worse things."
She moved out of my way then, reluctantly, and I opened the door.
I expected Luke to be sitting there at my door step, I expected him to turn and grin at me. To say, "Well good day Uduak. May I just say you look a touch tired. Perhaps more sleep," or something along those lines.
But he wasn't sitting there, and the thought that he might have left burned my insides.
Luke…you bastard…
I walked slowly to the manor, cherishing the clean wind on my face, the smell of wood and fruits. When I reached the front door, I knocked with no answer. I tried again with the same result, then decided to open the door without knocking the third time.
Achilles sat in his chair, sleeping, and did not bother to lift his head, if he'd heard me approach. Still I knew where Connor was without having to ask.
He stood in the secret room below the house, facing the walls, readying his weapons. He did not turn when I approached, probably taking my shuffling, weak steps as those of Achilles, or maybe so deep in thought he barely registered anyone coming at all.
I called his name, his true name, the name his people called him and he shifted, the action so violent, so intense his weapons clinked together, filling the silence of the room with the sound of shifting metal and leather.
He turned to me then, eyebrows farrowed.
" Your leaving aren't you?" I asked before he could say anything. " To find Haytham."
He glanced away then, as if he were child caught in the act of doing something he wasn't supposed to.
" Yes."
I nodded.
So they are both leaving…
Still I hadn't the will or the right to stop him.
Without thinking I grabbed his arm, my hands gliding over his concealed blade. The metal was cold a stark contrast to the warmness of his flesh and the room, the metal surrounding the blade smooth. He paused.
" You should be resting," he said pulling his arm back slightly, but not completely away from my grip. His face was tense, serious.
" I am sorry," I said, " For everything." My voice I realized sounded brittle and dry, fighting my best efforts to straighten myself up before I arrived, I probably looked as sick as a felt, and I smelled like whatever solution Dr. Lyle and Brianna had put on my skin.
I owed Luke an apology to, as well as an explanation. Although I didn't know the words to say just yet, nor did it trust myself to say them.
" You don't-"
" I do," I said tightening my grip around his arm even though I found, the heat of him unbearable against my chilled, feverous skin " I need to make it up to you…to Luke, to everyone. I'll find a way." I slid my hand up the length of his arm to one of the straps he'd left partially unbuckled, and buckled it. "Be careful," I said.
When he said nothing, I added, " Is there anything I can do? Does your robe need mending? Have you eaten anything?" I wanted to badly to do something for him before he left, let him know I was here. Wounded and weak, but here. I wasn't going anywhere. "I could cook your favorite before you lea-"
The feeling of hands against my arms stopped my jumble of words, and the force of his forehead against, the tip of his nose touching mine, made my breath catch. His hands were hot almost burning through the thin cloth of my dress, and I felt suddenly conscious of how I looked, smelled to him, standing so close.
I should have listened…and not come here…
Yet I did not pull back. I couldn't even if I wanted to, the grip he had on my arms was a squeeze away from painful, and as strong as iron. His eyes were closed, his face tense, I could tell from the tension in his jaw that he was clenching his teeth. There was something he wanted to say.
Of course I can do nothing for him…tell me I can't…just tell me. It won't hurt to hear what I already know. I don't know how to make you happy…anyone happy without hurting someone else.
Yell at me.
Curse me.
Push me away.
I deserve it…
I called his second name, his colony name, the one I'd known since the moment he walked into my life, as silent and strong as ever. I'd meant to tell him all that I thought, how I deserved whatever scorn he wished to heap upon me, I would take it without complaint. But as I opened my mouth and the words started to bubble forth the touch of his lips on mine, stopped me.
He swallowed my fallen words, taking them from me as swiftly as wind took away the leaves, and I despaired, despaired, because I had not the decency to pull away, to yell at him the truth. I bathe in his administrations, pushing my hands up under his shirt, running my fingertips over heated flesh, muscle, and bone, tracing the raised lines of scars, the bump of spine. His breath hitched as I did this, and he pulled back first.
" I have to go." He said sternly, I nodded and untangled my hands from his flesh. The tips of my fingers tingled as if stuck with pins and needles, and my arms ached where he held them. " I will be back." Of that he sounded sure. Then again he always did when he told me that. So far hadn't he told the truth? Or some version of the truth. For each time he left and then returned, he seemed different somehow, some piece of the man who'd left gone, replaced with a part of someone different, someone colder more distant.
I feared for the day that I would look into his eyes, and see someone who wasn't familiar to me, who wasn't the man I'd known, the man I loved. Although I knew it would happen someday, his eyes would be as cold as Haytham's or Luke's, and mercy would extend only as far as he allowed it.
I shook the thought away. " Of course," I said looking down my face heated. I pulled at the sleeves of my dress, the action causing the cloth at my back to run across my wounds. I winced at the pain, having forgot it.
He left then without another word and I watched him go, the feeling that nothing would ever be the same again boiling in my gut.
When I finally ventured back up the stairs, I kept my eyes lowered as I walked past back to my house. When I raised my gaze I was standing at my front steps. Sitting upon it a large square package wrapped and tied with cloth.
"You look flustered my dearest savage," Luke said as Connor approached him at the docks. A ship was at port.
" What will you do?"
Luke folded his arms across his chest and glanced over at the ship. " Fancy me a Pirate?" When Connor didn't answer he replied, "I figure it is only a matter of time before you get yourself killed, or Uduak comes to her senses. Either way there is nothing for me here," he paused glanced past Connor's shoulder, as if expected someone to come. " Take care of her, Connor."
He held out his hand for Connor to shake.
Connor glanced at him, trying to find the lie in his eyes, the trick up his sleeve. When he found none, he took Luke's hand.
" Yes," Connor answered solemnly.
"Why Connor," Luke said squeezing Connor's hand, " If I knew no better, I would think you were sad to see me go." He pulled his hand back and placed it on his chest right above his heart, "Are you falling in love with me?" He stepped out of the way as Connor came forward annoyed "Sorry dear chap, I am now a free man. The time we spent together is now over. Yes, I will wonder what could have been between us."
He trailed towards the ship, turning once he was halfway there. "Perhaps," he said bowing, his auburn hair falling over his face. Then he stood up, a half smile on his face, his eyes mischievous and full of mystery.
Connor turned his vision towards the homestead, where he knew Uduak was. In a matter of time she would, if she hadn't already, know that Luke had left. His only regret was that he would not be able to comfort her. For she would despair, and as always, hide her despair from him under the pretense of a smile.
I sat upon my bed staring at the unwrapped package that once sat on my step. It was a painting, of the inside of Verde's shop, from the view point behind the counter. Verde stood at the counter, jars of paint in his hands only the back of his head visible from the prospective. In front of the counter I stood, wearing a plain cotton dress, my hair undone and slightly frizzy, and my face without powder. I was smiling, I was happy. I could only guess this was the first time he ever saw me. A day I did not remember, but he did.
Every detail was in place, every emotion portrayed. The painting he always wanted, me as his model.
In the right hand corner of the portrait hung a folded piece of paper. I took it slowly my fingers shaking as I opened it slowly. Anticipation boiled in my gut as I took the paper flat in my palm and read.
I saw the gleam of the ring first, the tiny diamond held in place by a circlet of silver. I slid it from the paper onto my lap, letting it fall without hesitation, more concerned with the words underneath.
Perhaps…It read.
Perhaps…I thought, perhaps what? Perhaps you're return? Perhaps you will love me? Perhaps I will love you?
Tears welled in my eyes then, thick and salty. The paper crumbled in my palm as I held it to my chest and wept, for what I'd gained, what I'd lost, and my future to come.
I totally had Lanterns on the Lake's song " I Love you sleepyhead," on repeat when I wrote this last part of the chapter where Uduak opens Luke's gift and reads his note.
Perhaps...
It just seemed such a great way to Luke make his departure. I wanted it to be realistic. Him coming back, probably with the hopes of rekindling the relationship with Uduak, only to realize she was devoted to Connor. Despite all his words, his actions, his arguments. Luke's the kind of character who knows when to stay and when to leave, ( even through he appears not to) and at least for now it was time for him to leave. ( Sorry all those who love him...perhaps he will be back). Even so, we don't know what was said between Connor and Luke those days Uduak was out, and they were hunting down the men.
Perhaps we never will.
Muhahahahahahahahahaha
Anyway another point I must touch on before I close out ( yeah yeah I know). So let another friend of mine read this fanfic ( big mistake) and she complained ( half-joking) of the lack of described sex- intimacy between Connor and Uduak. She described the Fic to be, and I quote " A little boring, not bad, just a little boring." After hearing that I scratched my head, like really? How much do they need? Should I put hot-spicy, XXX content in every chapter just to keep the general public entertained? Fortunately this complaint came from a friend whose favorite book is " Fifty Shades of Grey." And while I am not shy about writing those types of scenes ( through I prefer not to get to detailed or dirty) I would also like to accommodate all types of readers. Some like that type of writing, others don't. So I try to scatter a little of what everyone likes across the board. So if that complaint is the same for you, fellow reader please do not hesitate to let me know.
Peace until next time.
Perhaps...
