A/N: These are oneshots that did not fit in the original story Color the Sky and for the readers to enjoy! I like the fact that I can skip around the timeline to add in snippets that didn't make the original lengthy chapters. This one is for Jmw, who requested Amelia's acceptance to be a teacher for Davenport.

Dreams

3 December 1776

Ratonhnhaké:ton sat at his desk with books, papers, and a small wooden box strewn around him. He had locked himself in his room to handle the town's progress on expansion and account for the bundled donations given over the past year. Despite everyone running their own businesses to fund their town economy, they always gave what they could to improve Davenport. Caroline's idea that they create a communal donation box back in 1774 had very much indeed given rise to the businesses and repairs in town or 'rainy day' moments as the residents called it. Now, he had finished counting the money for the year and there were ideas floating about on what to do with the amount gained.

A general store had been proposed by Walter, the Fortiers, Dr. White, and Lance to avoid heading out for long trips to the cities. Apart from danger in rural quiet roads, winters were harsh and nobody wanted to be stranded on the road during a snowstorm. Not to mention, being harassed by Loyalists. Walter proposed using Davenport's Prospect to haul merchandise from the ports and bring it to Davenport for purchase by the residents. Ratonhnhaké:ton liked that particular idea because he would avoid odd looks for his appearance and could buy whatever he wanted. Currently, his business sent out goods from the town for sale down south and kept it as a covert business for the Assassins traveling in and out of Boston. Now, they could set prices on incoming goods so they could get a small commission since large sacks of dry goods would go fast amongst families. It was an exciting venture and Ratonhnhaké:ton leaned back in his chair to rub his eyes tiredly. Gazing through the room, he realized that the sunlight from earlier was now weak across the floorboards.

Had he been deep in thought for so long? Oh no! Making quick calculations for the cost of lumber at the mill and Lance's rate for furniture, he decided to go with the general store as his first expansion for the town. With that in mind, he didn't hesitate to run out of the manor like the wind to find his newest friend to tell him the news. He had to feed the horses, prep the stable for the night, and prepare dinner while his friend was working the evening shift with his grandfather.

It was at the Mile's End that he found the newest cook for the inn as he wiped down the counter. Travelers rarely passed through the town with winter rolling in but the residents would drop by for sustenance and a good drink to warm the bones. Everything about the little quaint town endeared him and Walter couldn't help but take pride in his decision to live there. Sure, his family wasn't particularly overjoyed that he chose to stay in the country rather than running a business as they intended. He was raised in the cities and expected to stay there like his sisters but he found no joy in it. For him, however, there was happiness and pride in the work he did every day rather than running a store in the city. The wilderness was invigorating and the folk of the town gathered to help each other like family rather than staring at you as a stranger.

Ratonhnhaké:ton approached him at the empty counter, sitting down in the nearest stool, and told him directly, "We can build it."

It took a few seconds for Walter's mind to register what the native meant and he asked uncertainly, "The store?"

"Yes!" he confirmed since it was all they talked about recently, apart from their humorous quips about the Burnett sisters they were courting. With Martha working shifts at the inn, he was not about to gossip and have both women angry with him.

Walter couldn't believe that the town raised enough money to build the general store. He had been putting away a portion of his savings from his work at the inn to invest in the creation of the store. He stopped the circular cleaning motions over the counter and asked skeptically, "Are you sure?"

"Unless my math is wrong" his friend replied casually while glancing at the paper he held in his hands. He had yet to have a problem with arithmetic, given his shipping business, but everyone was prone to mistakes. Handing his sheet of paper with the calculations for the financing required for the store, he suggested, "No, I want you to actually double-check it."

The Englishman grabbed the paper to read over the lines of materials required, amount, and pricing. Ratonhnhaké:ton waited patiently for his feedback but his brow furrowed when Walter remarked with surprise, "How is your penmanship so much better than mine?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't find his writing neat at all but Caroline did comment on his careful writing while she quickly scribbled. Frankly, it was an accomplishment he knew how to read and write English when many colonists didn't. Walter cleared his throat at seeing the other man's baffled expression, focusing on the math, and finally told him, "I mean, yes! Yes, it's fine."

He was glad to hear that they were on the right path and proposed, "Business partners?"

"Rolfe and . . . do you have a surname?" he agreed cheerfully before hesitating about the other's last name, given his lack of close relatives. Martha warned him to not ask about his paternal roots so he carefully skirted around it. He didn't want to blow his chance at making the store come true and hoped he hadn't accidentally put his foot in his mouth.

Ratonhnhaké:ton, however, did not mind answering and replied quietly, "Kenway but I will hopefully change it to Burnett next year."

Walter gasped with surprise at his secret and smiled widely at the rare piece of news. Ratonhnhaké:ton was quick to nip any leaks on the truth getting out because he didn't want Caroline to be aware of it. He wanted to ask her in a private place where they could create a beautiful memory and warned him, "Do not tell Martha!"

"Of course not, I am a vault with secrets" he promised earnestly, placing his right hand over his heart, and nodded firmly. He was not the type to slip out the truth and could guard the secret as if it were gold until it was time for the reveal. He left the man's future engagement a mystery and refocused on their new business franchise. They needed legal backing to secure their land and business to prevent trouble down the road, given the recent revolution. He still had a few contacts for assistance and informed him, "I will write to my father's lawyer to write up a contract to ensure nobody robs us blind and you get your fair share."

"We can go to New York on the Aquila, it's only a few hours by water" Ratonhnhaké:ton suggested since travel would be faster by ship than by wagon. With the Aquila at his disposal, the errand could be run easily while he picked up goods for the town. Given the chilly weather after sunset, an early morning run would provide plenty of time in the city before returning home to the warm comfort of home. Neither of them wanted to be out of town longer than they needed to and he assured, "We'll be back the same day."

"That sounds great!" Walter exclaimed happily at starting on their road for expansion. He couldn't wait to begin drawing up a draft and picking a plot of land to apply for a business deed and license. Now, he could earn extra money by running a general store and helping at the inn to save up for his homestead. This was the best news of the day and he held out his right hand, "Partners?"

"Partners" he agreed with a polite nod and accept his hand to shake it, sealing their new business venture. Their new town would benefit from a store that would spare them time away from work and running a homestead. He was glad to provide a new addition to help Davenport grow and flourish even more.

Walter chuckled warmly to his new business partner and jested gently, "Rolfe and Kenway . . . pending."

4 December 1776

Once the general store was confirmed as the new town project, Ratonhnhaké:ton still found himself with a surplus of funds. Davenport had raised enough money with their donations that they could erect another building. The question was: what purpose would it serve? He didn't want meaningless structures created over the earth but enrichment for the community. As much as he tried to fit in with modern colonial life, he was still between worlds at finding answers.

Whenever his mind could not draw conclusions, he sought his closest confidante. Now that their summer quarrel ended and their relationship renewed, he found security and endless love in Caroline. He would never forget to not act foolishly with the one person who stood behind him through thick and thin. Seeking her input, he looked for her the following morning at the Burnett homestead. Morning snow had piled onto the hill to coat it in a thick blanket that swallowed half of his lower legs. While he treaded the untouched snow, he found his partner shoveling snow to create a path down the hill. Amelia and Martha helped to collect the fluffy white snow into buckets for boiling, leaving their sister to finish clearing a path.

For Caroline, the chore was nothing compared to pulling ropes to control the angles of the Aquila's sails. White smoke billowed from her lips and she waved in welcome to Ratonhnhaké:ton at seeing the blue color of his overcoat. He was happy to her cheerful demeanor when she bounded up to him to kiss him on the lips and he took that chance to pull the shovel out of her hands. She laughed at his sneaky gesture and told him she would find another shovel to help clear the snow. While she left to the rear of the house for their supplies, he pondered over the family that took him in and the redhead that began their charity box. Was there something that they needed?

Caroline was happy serving at the Aquila now and supplemented her income at her father's mill. His beloved redhead would be his bride one day and everything under his name would pass to her. Elizabeth ran his horse rehabilitation center flawlessly and one day, it would pass to her if she was willing. Samuel was young but he would inherit his family's land and business which meant he required a sharp mind to continue his father's work. Alice was still finding her meaning in the world and often looked to her sisters for role modeling. Martha worked at the Mile's End and though her dream of tailoring was put on the backburner, he thought of opening a tailor's shop to help her grow. There was also Amelia, who had begun her teaching career but it ultimately ended after Bunker Hill. She continued her efforts in town by giving lessons to children, even if the parents couldn't afford it. While Martha required a teacher to learn her craft, Amelia had already learned hers and could provide a valuable service.

When Caroline returned with a new shovel in hand, he asked her directly, "Do you think if I built a school, Amelia would oversee it?"

Caroline had not expected that out of the blue question while shoveling snow. Her owl eyes that stared awkwardly stirred a quiet laugh from his lips and he began shoveling snow to the side. The redhead stared at him with a suspicious eye, wondering what he was planning. He told her earlier that week that he needed to plan the donation gift for the coming year. Was this part of it?

"You'd be making her dreams come true" Caroline answered easily because her sister's dream to teach didn't wilt. The trauma from Bunker Hill lingered in her longer than expected but who really knew how to handle such shock. Everyone was different and she stayed by her sister's side for half a year before venturing on her own first voyage after that battle. Amelia was a reserved and introverted individual that was happiest in a quiet and calm environment. The way she was treated by her first employers still infuriated her and she didn't blame her at all for not wanting to return out there. Her fond smile disappeared for a serious expression and she admitted solemnly, "I know my sister and she doesn't want to venture out there anymore. Not after Bunker Hill."

He remembered their first night in the single room in the Boston mill office after the infirmary released Amelia. The friendly redhead was tearful, frail, and delicate, seeking to sleep and hide from the impact of being in an active warzone. Caroline had to convince her to eat, sharing bites with her, while he looked over the two as the eldest sister held the younger one for security. They had appeared like younger girls than their true age that night while he wished to have their parents comfort them. Each person had desires about life and he asked her carefully, "Does she still want to teach after all of that?"

"Her dream was to teach, just as mine was to see the world" she agreed earnestly since her sister continued teaching their father and the little kids of Davenport. She didn't let that flame wilt and still bought her books with the extra money she made. Her sister might not achieve a college education like a man but she would do her best to help her reach one unofficially. Like her father, she wanted the best for her siblings and told him, "That never fades until its achievement."

"I would like to build a school to teach the younger generations" Ratonhnhaké:ton proposed for his second and final construct to help the town. Everyone would benefit from an education, just as he had. Without it, he would be lost trying to read print or communicate with the colonists. Amelia had been a great help when he began learning and he would not leave her astray with her dream. He could help Martha by finding a tailor to move to Davenport but Amelia was more than prepared to handle teaching. Digging his shovel at the base of the snow to stay ahead of her to clear the heavier load, he pointed out, "You and Amelia, apart from your mother, taught me well when I was younger. The town would benefit from having a school here."

"I couldn't say no to you" she chuckled warmly with flushing cheeks, picking up the small clumps of snow he left in his trail. His help was greatly appreciated and she would return the favor in his search for the donation gift. Her sister would be delighted over a school, even if she didn't feel ready to step into that profession again. Its creation could finally stir her to fit on her old teaching shoes again. She would be there to convince her if she chose to and smiled brightly, "And she will not say no."

With her vote of confidence, he decided to build the school with the mindset that Amelia teach the curriculum. This project would require more steps to be undertaken, unlike the general store, to build it and have Amelia accept. Pausing in his shoveling, he gazed at his partner and told her secretly, "I was never here."

Caroline, however, wasn't eager to let him escape and pointed at the half-cleared path with her shovel to question, "Does that mean you're abandoning me to finish this?"

As much as he wanted to run off, he couldn't deny helping her and pointed at the redhead to state matter-of-factly, "I can't say no to you either."

Ratonhnhaké:ton returned to the Burnett homestead later that day, ascending the now clear path to the cozy cabin at the top of the hill. He decided to visit a few hours before dinner to avoid taking time away from Amelia with helping her mother. Caroline had given him information on the best time to find particular members of her family, if he ever had secret plans that he didn't want her catching wind of. Amelia was mainly home for the most part, leaving only for purchasing items or visiting the residents to lend them a hand. She and Alice were the ones that stuck to the homestead while their siblings all left for the day.

When the redhead heard a knock on the door, she peeked through the nearest window by the porch for a quick look. At seeing it wasn't a stranger, she opened the door to greet Ratonhnhaké:ton with a friendly smile. Now that he and her sister were back to courting for a second time and not fighting, she was happy to treat him like a brother all over again. If only that would lead to quicker wedding bells for the two but like Caroline, she would support her sister in all her decisions.

"Connor, what brings you out here?" she inquired since her sibling usually set up a meeting time with her paramour. Unlike Martha and Elizabeth, she didn't tease the two about their shy romance. Opening the door fully, she beckoned him inside to let him wait for her sister and informed him helpfully, "Caroline is out at Myriam's."

He was already aware of her whereabouts after she told him they were going to prepare pelts for sale before heavy snow blocked the roads for those traveling on foot. She teased that she would be keeping an eye on a pelt suited for him to buy it for his winter wardrobe. Her sentiment was appreciated but he caught enough sizable game that he could make one for himself and her with more to spare. He lingered outside since the chill of the early evening had not arrived and told her, "I came to see you."

"Me?" she asked surprised with a blinking stare, confused as to what he would need of her. She wasn't Elizabeth that excelled with horses and hunting or Samuel that whittled or hiked into the mountains. She, Alice, and Marth didn't carry the skills that their other siblings were masters at.

"I wanted to pose a question" he began carefully to keep the atmosphere light and friendly. If he became serious or direct, the delicate redhead could bolt. Caroline had laughed when he told her that she reminded him of a fawn while his beloved matched an eagle while the smallest of their sister redheads was a wild mare. Leaning against the porch post to remain nonchalant, he asked her, "Did you decide whether to seek work in the cities this spring?"

"Quite honestly, I don't want to" Amelia answered frankly without hesitation, crossing her arms. She had not been forthright with her parents about it but internally, her heart could not bear leaving her home. She desired to teach again but the fear of staying alone in a large city with nobody to lean on in an emergency was daunting. She did not carry the tenacity of Caroline to travel in dangerous waters and heal her own wounds. It was an admirable skill but her own set was different. There were times when she chastised her skittishness and told him, "I know my parents expect me to return but I don't have the heart."

Ratonhnhaké:ton sympathized with her uncertainty and assured her gently, "I'm sure they will understand."

"No, they've done more than enough for me" Amelia sighed softly, shaking her head with disappointment. Stepping onto the porch, she left the door slightly ajar to maintain privacy but not shut herself out. She confided greatly in Caroline and she trusted him just the same. He protected her family from the day they all met and she confided in him with a soft voice, "I studied endlessly for this certification and even had my father take time away from work to bring me to the test. And what do I have to show for it? One job that wasn't completed? Fear and isolation in town?"

Tears stung at her eyes for tarnishing and wasting her potential by caving into her fear. She did her best to help her family at home to compensate for her lack of a job despite her certification. With Caroline, Martha, and Elizabeth all earning living wages, she couldn't help but feel left out at times. Alice's never-ending kindness was a great comfort to her and the two grew closer as sisters. Still, it didn't stop for her vulnerabilities to strike when alone.

Ratonhnhaké:ton, however, saw no fault in her decision and pointed out, "You experienced a traumatic event."

"So did you and Caroline but you've both moved on" she refuted to their tenacity to survive against fights and the elements. They reminded her greatly of her parents as the years passed. The couple matured and grew stronger while she felt stagnant in life, living day by day. It was a happy homely life but she didn't want to feel like a burden on her parents. They did everything for her since birth and she blinked rapidly to clear away tears as her voice broke, "Meanwhile, I'm stuck behind. I'm so ashamed after promising to do my best-"

"Nobody expects anything more than your good health" he interrupted to prevent her crying because he meant to bring her happiness rather than pain at reliving the past. He knew that better than anyone. She deserved to find her true place in the world like her siblings and should not be embarrassed by her current situation. His idea of building a school was mandatory now to give her that confidence booster. She was a vital piece to the Burnett family and he confessed quietly, "Your family would much rather have you at home than away from here. I was here after you left for Boston and there was a void when that happened. Caroline missed you terribly, she sought you first when she left while I was left with the dreaded goodbye letter."

His nose wrinkled slightly to that painful chapter of his life but he survived it. The point of his story was that Amelia was an important part of Caroline's life and her family. Amelia cleared her tight throat with a soft laugh at his annoyed expression and spoke earnestly, "But you're both happy now. I wish I was strong like you two."

Ratonhnhaké:ton saw the strength in each Burnett family members as each carried their own attributes. Amelia was a teacher by heart and a caretaker of future generations. She should not think of herself as lesser and he encouraged her with a firm tone, "You have your own strength, Amelia. Don't blame yourself for events out of your hands."

"I never thought a battle would seize my dream of teaching" she admitted quietly to how one single event destroyed her joy of teaching and shattered her trust in strangers. She was not able to recover everything she lost in the damaged home but appreciated Caroline returning for her salvageable items. Her life was one of serenity and peace, not chaos and danger, which was only achievable in her childhood home. Peering at the cloud covered sky in the horizon, she remarked with regret, "The war always seemed far from us until that moment."

"I will make sure it never reaches our borders" he promised her since he would kill any Templar or Loyalist that treaded near. He knew the stories of the residents that had been harassed and humiliated by the British Army and he refused to let that happen again. Amelia smiled faintly, believing in him just as everyone else did. Ratonhnhaké:ton did not wish to dwell on negative topics and he began to explain his reason for visiting, "I am going to expand the town with a new building. A school."

Her blue eyes brightened immediately to that prospect and she gasped with delight, "Oh, that sounds marvelous!"

The idea was absolutely perfect for their town! She couldn't believe nobody had thought of it before. Or maybe he had but couldn't afford it. He had done many great things for the town with some at his own expense before the town fund was created. A school would benefit many of their townsfolk since the closest neighbor was Boston and no child could walk the great distance safely. Creating one close to home would provide ample learning opportunity which was something neither she nor Caroline had until living close to the cities.

Ratonhnhaké:ton surprised her even further when he proposed carefully, "Which is why I am here to ask if you would accept the position of the Head Teacher?"

Quickly, he corrected himself about the creation and staff of the school, "Granted, you'll be the only teacher for now but-"

"I can teach the children in town?" she blurted with delight but her sudden impulsivity caused her to blush for being so forward. Ratonhnhaké:ton found it humorous how different Caroline was from her closest sister. Amelia, like all the other Burnett siblings, was his sibling more than a friend. She could not believe the proposition and had made her peace with becoming a homemaker in marriage or earning her keep with cleaning or washing. She had not told the latter part to her parents after seeing how physical labor exhausted them and they sought a better life for her. It felt like a dream to her and she inhaled deeply before asking, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, you're more than qualified" he reassured her with a warm tone to her disbelief but she was the only one he wanted to oversee the school. Amelia blushed humbly to the compliment because she had only started teaching before it abruptly ended. Was this truly happening? His next words only confirmed her hopes when he explained, "I am hoping to have it set by spring to begin classes."

He interpreted her happy expression as a positive sign and promised, "I will pay you myself and the school will be under your supervision. No leaving town ever again if that is what you wish."

"It is!" she exclaimed happily, sniffling as tears of joy filled her eyes instead of those from painful memories. Retrieving a white handkerchief from her skirt pocket, she dabbed at her eyes to remain presentable. Otherwise, her mother would ask what happened. She couldn't believe her luck that day and her heart hammered happily to the new opportunity. Her dream to teach had never left her and Ratonhnhaké:ton was offering her the best present of her adult life. Taking a shaky breath, she admitted to him with a watery smile and bright eyes, "I moved around my entire childhood, never placing roots until arriving here. I never wanted to leave Davenport. Unlike my sisters, I don't want to venture out and see the world. I'm quite happy in the land my parents chose for our homestead."

He was pleased that the idea of a school was accepted by her and couldn't wait to tell Caroline the great news. They would have a new education system for their residents by spring and told her with pride, "Good, your family will be pleased when you tell them."

Amelia, however, didn't want to spoil the surprise since she never sprung one upon them. Placing a finger to her lips, she requested with a sneaky tone, "Can we keep this between us? At least until everything is confirmed?"

"We can tell them at the annual Christmas party" he agreed with a soft chuckle to her innocent request and granted her that favor. The event was not far from occurring and it would allow him to create plans for both buildings by the time he unveiled it. He would just have to be extremely careful not to let it slip to his partner or both women might hurl a spoon at him.

"That's perfect!" she remarked with delight and clapped her hands with a happy laugh. She couldn't believe her heart could experience such joy again after earning her first job. This time, it would be different. She would be surrounded by her loved ones rather than strangers, who would support her rather than abandoning her. Her family was incredibly lucky in meeting him so many years ago and she smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Connor. Not only for this but everything you've done for us."

"I want my family to be happy" he admitted sheepishly on accomplishing his own dream with Caroline. A new year was approaching and he would save as much of his earnings as possible to prepare for the next phase of his life. That is, if his partner agreed to be his bride and have a family. For now, however, he could make the dreams of two people come true.

Thank you for reading! The next oneshot will feature the main couple and their two girls.