Part I, Chapter 2 - May, 1716
"I know de face of a man in love."
Adéwale casually mentioned this to his captain as the Jackdaw sailed gently in the moonlight; the quartermaster of Edward's beloved ship did not miss much. While the salty ocean waves rocked the Jackdaw to and fro, creaking the wooden boards, the pirate captain looked towards his colleague, suspicion lurking in his gaze.
The quartermaster went on as Edward looked back towards the twinkling specks beyond the horizon, "Do tell me your eyes have found anoduh treasure to lust ovuh apart from de Observatory. I wonder… Ah! You have discovered de location of de seven cities of gold?"
"Hmm. I'm already wed, Ade. Nothing to lust over," Edward responded, amused and relieved. He would not have his quartermaster or any crewman- or anyone, really- knowing about his ever-growing fascination with James Kidd and his fetching personality. The way the boy held himself… He was rather charming. Edward knew he absolutely would not have anyone suspecting that he was highly anticipating the Jackdaw's timely arrival to Tulum, the place, as Kidd put it, "Twenty degrees, three minutes latitude, jus' off the coast o' Yucatán".
"Of course, but you nevuh speak of Miss Caroline," the dark man replied. Edward stiffened at the name while Adéwale shook his head side to side in puzzlement, "So not de seven cities of gold? What could it be dat has you enchanted, captain?"
Edward quickly replied, "You're certain we've gathered enough to last the journey to the location Kidd pinpointed?"
"More than enough, captain. But nevuh too much that we ah weighed down. An' you have got my attention now dat I see you are so desperate to change de topic of our conversation," he smiled knowingly at Edward.
Blast.The blonde shifted his weight from one leg to another and released one hand from the wheel. "The reason I seem restless is that this is the greatest lead we have on the Observat'ry. I must keep myself on Kidd's good side if I want more information."
"'Restless' is a mild way of putting it, man," replied Adé.
Edward tensed up in his efforts to keep his secret, "How does one recognize 'the face of a man in love'?"
"I could see it most clearly in you when you speak of de observatory. But as of late, you have had dat gaze in your eye in de most unexpected times."
"Such as when…?"
"Such as when you look at a map, or even when we an' de crew are speaking of something raduh gruesome. It looks as if, while your body is wid us, your mind is somewhere distant. You have an unusually fond expression an' you stay very still- almost frozen ovuh. Why is dat so?"
Edward scoffed softly. "It is as I said, Adé. It is the observatory I have my mind set 'pon."
Adéwale shook his head side to side again, almost admonishingly. "It does not add up, captain. You have known of the observatory long before I noticed these episodes of yours. And de way you answered my question jus' now- a man crazy ovuh de observatory would have a more passionate tone when talking about it," his sigh made Edward's heart sink, "Keep it to yourself if you wish. I am jus' very… how do you say it?"
"Astonished. Disappointed," Edward offered glumly.
"More like curious. As to what could have Edward Kenway acting dis way." He laughed amiably, and Edward, feeling not much more relieved, joined him nervously.
Upon their arrival at Tulum, Edward and his crew discovered not a city of sword-clad, rum-drenched pirates, but a place packed with men and women garbed in linen hoods and wrist blades. None of them seemed very welcoming to outsiders. The next time I'm to meet with Jim, I need to expect a go of hide-and-seek, in which I'm both the one hiding and seeking, the pirate captain thought bitterly, combing the jungle in search of James Kidd.
Most of the while, he ducked and crouched in the dense vegetation to avoid the watchful eyes of the island's inhabitants. At times, he was forced to silence their cries and conceal their unconscious bodies in the shrubbery, but he would not kill them. After all, they were supposed to be a sort of kin to Kidd. Killing them would make him angry with Edward. The lad wouldn't have it.
He managed to navigate the scenic jungle, not without looting a few chests, of course. At the end of his search, Kidd stood at the entrance to something like an ancient temple. Edward briefly brightened up in relief before somberly and impatiently greeting his old friend, "Jaysus, Kidd. Ya led me into a mess! Is it these monks guarding the treasure ya promised me?"
Kidd was direct as well, "I told ye I 'ad a secret to share… but I didn't say it'd be easy. Now let's get this door open and I'll show ye what's inside."
The two were about to enter the ancient door when Edward sensed someone behind him approaching. His attempt to point his pistol at his assailant was a moment too late, and he was pummeled by a tan, hooded man. Even without attacking Edward, the man immediately appeared dreadfully earnest. Yelling quickly and to the point, he was obviously angry at Duncan Walpole's betrayal to the assassins and what they stood for. It made matters worse for his troubles that Edward aided in his betrayal… for greed. The touchy hooded man was all the more infuriated by the blonde's honesty in admitting his greedy aim, and for his heartless murdering of his "brothers and sisters in Havana." Murder? A strong word…
The tan man's bitter tattoos on his face fit his bitter mood, and Edward was left speechless and unable to defend his actions. Kidd supported the dumbstruck pirate, "He has the sense, mentor."
Sense? Mentor? Who in flaming hell are these people? What is this "sense" Kidd speaks of? Hold on- is he talking about the sense I used to find that stela back then… The tan man, tongue-tied in thought, gaped back aggressively at Edward. The pirate captain looked at Kidd uncertainly as the man with the hood and tattoos spoke, in a softer tone, of something about Templars and the sage. He then left Kidd and Edward to explore the interior of the temple so the latter could confirm the identity of the sage.
Inside, Kidd indirectly introduced Edward to the angry tattooed man, Ah Tabai, and briefed him on the Assassin order. Edward liked the sound of their creed, though the boy argued that he did not fully comprehend it. Kidd also claimed to have saved Edward's life, talking the assassins out of vengefully taking the selfish pirate's life.
I thought things were too calm after what went down in Havana… And Kidd would defend my name…? "Well, cheers for that."
"Aye. Cheers." Kidd sounded far too bitter for Edward's liking, as if this Ah Tabai fellow was speaking through the boy, and as if Kidd sort of regretted defending Edward.
Kidd navigated voyaged the ruins smartly and suavely; Edward even had trouble keeping up. He was rather impressed with the boy- for both his ability in getting around, and for convincing the vindictive assassins to leave him be. For a moment, he fancifully thought the boy saw something special in him, then he remembered the tone he adopted in his last response. The two continued talking as they made their way across trenches, under water, and up walls.
"Must be a great treasure beyond", Edward noted, a trace of hope in his voice.
"Treasure," Kidd responded dully, "Right."
What's up with Kidd? The two soon found an exquisite lock mechanism to a towering door. It turned out to be rather easy to straighten out, what with their teamwork, and Edward confirmed the sage was who he claimed to be. The centuries- no, millenia-old sculpture of his head made him shudder. Its brown and blue eyes matched the sage to perfection. But how, if this was that old? And why was it so hid away?
Upon finally exiting the temple, Edward and Kidd were met by the nighttime jungle, a still grouchy Ah Tabai, and another surprise. Both the assassins and the Jackdaw crew were captured by a Templar-funded excavation. With the blowpipe Kidd handed Edward just then, however, the pirate captain managed to set free several of the prisoners without taking many lives. After he made sure each crewman was alive and well, Kidd pointed out a Mr. Laurence Prins escaping in a frigate. It turned out the slaver had brought the soldiers to Tulum, and had apparently been a slippery target for years.
Edward paid no mind to Kidd's assassination business, and instead sensed Ah Tabai approaching in time to turn and point out, "By God, you bravos are a cheery bunch, eh? All frowns and furrowed brows."
"Captain Kenway. You have remarkable skills," Ah Tabai answered.
About time I've received acclaim, "Thanks, mate. It comes natural," he replied, taking full advantage of the praise.
The master assassin went on sternly, "But you are churlish and arrogant, prancing around in a uniform that you have not earned."
I've remarkable skills, right? You lot practically need someone of the likes of me. "Everything is permitted. Isn't that your motto?"
"I absolve you of your errors in Havana and elsewhere." That's a start. "But you are not welcome here."
The mentor walked away, as venomous as ever. Kidd seemed somewhat more forgiving, thankfully, "Sorry, mate. Wish it were otherwise. But ye do deserve scorn, Edward. Prancin' about like one o' us. Bringin' shame to our cause," he replied stiffly. The title of mentor really is suitable. He even scolds like Ah Tabai. "Prancing about", eh? I'm no little boy, Kidd.
Edward felt a pang of guilt that was heavier than necessary. "And what is that? Your cause?" he barked, only causing himself feel darker.
"To be blunt…" he unleashed his wristblade, "we kill people. Templars an' their associates. Folks who'd like to control all the empires on earth, claimin' it's in the name o' peace an' order."
I've heard that before… "Sounds like Du Casse's dying words."
"Ye see? It's about power, really. About lordin' o'er people. Robbin' us o' liberty."
Just then, a messenger pigeon flew into the coop. "That another message from one of your friends?" Edward questioned.
More surprises? "Aye. I'll show ye." Kidd smirked, finally. Just about the first time he lightened up this whole blasted trip. "I know ye ain't exactly impress'd by our creed. So would the sight o' money make you more friendly to our ways?"
Edward lifted his head in increasing approval. "As ever."
"Then work these contracts 'round the West Indies fer us, and we'll pay ye. As simple as 'at."
"A sort of truce, then?"
"View it in that light if ye like," Kidd gave a slight nod and suggested, "I'll be retirin' now to the huts. Care to join us in our recuperatin'? I advise ye not to expect a warm welcome, however."
"Ah, I'll have to pass. I've my own bunch to gather again as well," he kindly declined.
"Eh, figur'd as much. 'Til next we meet, then, Edward."
The blonde nodded in acknowledgement, all the while not sure how he was feeling about the events of the day.
Back in the Jackdaw, Adéwale and the crew met their captain with one of their usual celebrations: drinking, dancing, arm wrestling, and music. Something a little different this time around, one crewmember was displaying his tattoo while others were showing off pieces of jewelry.
Left and right, Edward was met with thanks and praise for liberating them from the soldiers earlier that evening.
"'Ere's to our kind cap'n, eh?" shouted a man Edward recognized as a crewman named Thomas, holding up a tin brimming with rum.
"Hear hear!" The rest of the crew cheered, raising their own tins.
"Now, now lads. I'm no captain without a crew to bully and push over." Edward grinned dryly as they wheezed in drunken laughter, "Benjamin! Pierre!" he yelled to the musicians, "Put on Cap'n Kidd, would you kindly? I've a craving for the tune."
Not long after, the people on board shared all kinds of stories ranging from childhood memories to hunting feats. All around, men were enjoying life as pirates.
"Oi, Cap'n Kenway! 'Ow were life before piratin'?" Thomas eagerly asked.
Edward had hoped they wouldn't interrogate him on his private life. He preferred putting off discussing his personal affairs for his closer mates, "I was a privateer, like you all". He met eyes with Adéwale, sealing the silent deal between them that the quartermaster would help create a distraction if ever the crew pried too far. The darker man nodded in recognition of their agreement.
"Before that, even," uttered an Italian crewman named Antonio.
Edward didn't have a chance to answer, and Adéwale didn't need to create a distraction, as one of the crew members shouted out, "Ahoy there, lass!"
All those present under deck turned to the guest, one of the female assassins who had seemingly tagged along with a crewman. "Ahoy there yourself," she responded pleasantly. Her hood was down, revealing her dark wavy hair. The crew started to flock around her, some superstitious ones expressing worry about having a woman on board and some ogling shamelessly.
Edward took the chance to sneak out to the main deck. As he latched the door, he gazed at the woman wearing white and red that matched her bold lip color, and he, too, was taken with her charm. The lad that brought her on board knows his stuff, he thought briefly. Standing on deck and looking toward the ruins of Tulum, he observed a bright fire where Kidd was, in all likelihood, smiling and having as much fun with his own band of mates. And he felt dismal and delighted at the thought.
Making his way into the captain's cabin, Edward stripped off his garb, wiped off his eyeliner, and slipped into bed.
"Oi! Jim!" Edward began to grin, but immediately suppressed it. Kidd was lying down on the beach Edward had arrived in the day before. The boy got up as the blonde pirate inched towards him.
"Ah, Edward! Swell to see ye 'aven't been driven off the island."
"I'd like to stay for a while longer. And as long as I don't stir up more inconveniences, there should be no reason for Sir Face-Tattoos to seek me out."
"That so? What's keepin' ye 'ere?"
"You-," he interrupted himself, "Your assassin order is something any man would want to know more of. What got ya hooked, Jim?"
Kidd scoffed, "It's s'prisin' that ye'd rather investigate another man's allegiance than question yer own… Or jus' go off lookin' for more coin while yer here!" he chuckled as he started towards the jungles, "Come along, mate. I'll show ye around without botherin' the mentor. We'll talk in the meantime."
Edward simpered playfully, "But an order of assassins? What have ya gotten yourself into, mate?"
Kidd matched his smile, but answered more seriously as they slowly headed away from the shore, "Well, they give me a place to belong. Some'n to follow an' blieve in. I can't simply lay about. Got to make some'n o' me life.I find it by protectin' the peace. Doin' a service to the world. ¿Comprendes?"
That last bit wasn't English, was it? "Hmm. But what of the way of pirates?"
"O' course, I can be a pirate as well, Edward!"
Edward made a sour expression and tightened his lips. How could these people take away Kidd's undivided attention to plundering? But he didn't dare argue against it to the boy. "So, how's it like, being an Assassin?"
"It don't change too much, but it feels quite foreign. The biggest lifestyle adjus'ment's perhaps bein' assign'd missions that actually puts an end to someone's life. I used to kill only when me life was in peril. An', before now, I wouldn't know much about who I was finishin' off", Kidd stopped in his tracks faced Edward head-on, "Ye've been in with the Templars. Ye've walk'd amongst our people, albeit as an outsider. What're yer thoughts 'bout it all?"
"That I wouldn't want any part of it. I've my own plans, as you know-"
"WATCH IT KENWAY," Kidd shouted as a jaguar lashed out at it. The boy lunged at it with his wristblade flicked out, effectively putting the predator at rest. He then swiftly and skillfully skinned the animal.
"Why skin it, Jim?"
"Don't see a reason not to. Might as well make use o' what's left."
Edward remained startled but impressed as Kidd carried on with their walk and conversation, "But the observat'ry, eh? Gain a fortune an' win back yer wife who left ye, that's it? That's 'ow yer makin' some'n o' yer life?"
Edward raised his gaze to the sky, forgetting the jaguar and envisioning the glory the legendary place would earn him. "Aye. Riches at my reach, mate! RICHES! That's the life for a man." But… even then, something would be missing, wouldn't it? Likely because I have to show it off once I've earned it. Not just to Caroline. Kidd should also be impressed. All the while, however, he's the one person I can't speak to of the observatory, since he's part of the people who need it for their war for world peace against the Templars. Damn…
"Z'at so? An' why would the observat'ry give ye riches?"
"Quit playin' me, Jim. Ya know prolly more than I do how unimaginable the wealth is!" Perhaps because you think you will get to it before I do… Well, it's certainly possible that Kidd became an assassin to gain insider information on finding the observatory, ain't it? But… No. We already knew that the way to get to the observatory was through Roberts. Er, that's not right either, is it? To know just why Kidd associated himself with the Assassin order, I must know when Kidd joined these assassins.
"I'm merely attemptin' figurin' out 'ow that head of yers werks," Kidd smiled a greeting to a passing assassin.
"Me head is of no importance. When did ya join this order of yours again, Jim?"
Kidd shrugged, "When I joined's o' no importance."
Edward gave the boy what he hoped was a cold look, but the boy kept a straight face to compete with it. Well, turning it over in my mind more,, I reckon that he must have joined before I acquired the Jackdaw, and that's all I really must know. There was no need in asking, after all.
Edward sighed and mused, "How shall I get to the observatory?"
Kidd answered to that, "Well, ye already know that. All ye go'a do is capture Roberts again. Jus' like-"
"Jus' like wee-ah," Edward interrupted in a high-pitched voice, continuing sharply, "Is that right? Aye, I'm well aware."
"So," Kidd smirked and crossed his arms at Edward's childish behavior as the kept stepping over patches of grass, "Yer truly aimin' to be an enemy now, are ye?" By now, they had practically retraced Edward's steps from the day before, went past the area the ruins were in, and ended up on the other beach.
"Not quite. I'm a pirate, Kidd! Neither Templar, Assassin, privateer, nor soldier. I take no side save my own!" Edward swiftly motioned to his docked Jackdaw; its black jolly roger flag, to be precise. "You should know the feeling, mate! You're still a pirate, are you not?"
The bandana-donning boy added a laugh to his charming pose and kept his eyes on the sea, thinking for a few moments as Edward ceased his outburst and quieted himself. The blonde waited patiently for an answer or some spoken reaction out of Kidd. But the boy crouched onto the sand and lay down, his hazel eyes shutting.
"Now what are ya doin', Jim?"
"Take it easy, Edward. Feel the sun shinin' down on that handsome scarred face o' yers. Enjoy the rhythm of the waves", he took in a breath, "An' quit yer frenzy o'er the observat'ry. Least fer now. Perhaps it'd help ye sort yer life."
Kidd didn't see the blonde's puzzled expression, "What the devil are ya saying, mate? I could say just the same to you. 'Relax!'" You're the one that's far too serious! Joining an order of assassins! The boy ignored him. …He's not kidding.
"Jus' try it, mate. Or do ye not trus' me? Per'aps yer not the adventurous type as I thought."
After a second, Edward puffed out a sigh, "This isn't my style really- I prefer something more extravagant, but," he gave a pause before continuing on in a voice laced with Kidd's accent, "I s'pose I'll give it a go. Some'n a li'l different to spice up me life, eh?"
"Stop pretendin' ye don't wan'a do it. Ye need to try some'n new often." Here's an opportunity to see how much he sleeps around. "Some'n besides a new lady every week." Will Edward fall for that?, he wondered.
Edward stopped in the middle of lying down and narrowed his eyes. "What else do ya know about my private life that you're hiding?"
"Well, looks like he fell fer it. Kenway does sleep around," he grinned.
"Hell. Sneaky ain't ya?" mumbled Edward guiltily as he finished pressing his back to the sand. Finding his ponytail was inconveniencing him as he shifted his head about the sand, he tugged off his hairtie and gruffly threw it aside.
Kidd chuckled all the while. "I'm a bloody assassin after all. Alright, let's both shut up an' relax, eh?"
Edward did as he was told and remained silent. He was thankful for a palm tree leaf that shaded their eyes from the warm sun.
The only sounds were the rising and falling of the water against the sand and the mild wind Edward felt brushing the skin not covered by his bulky outfit. Kidd had a good point; Edward wasn't expecting it to be this pleasant. Especially with Kidd right next to me.
He turned his head to the left, where Kidd lay, and saw that the younger man was looking right at him. "It is a good life we lead, Edward. The best?"
The pirate took a thoughtful deep breath as he felt a slight rush of some sort, "I'm not quite confident about that, Jim."
"Edward Kenway ain't confident? What could've done this to 'im?" Kidd paused, "Or is that wanin' of self-possession comin' from inside of 'im?"
"Whatever gave society reason to believe I was confident in the first place?"
"Yer blind if ye can't see the cockiness ye give off at times. Don'tche know 'bout the reputation yer buildin'?"
"'Old it, man. Is this 'reputation' of mine tossed amongst your hooded mates? Them Templar fellows? Pirates? …Or the West Indies in general?"
"Eh, mostly 'mong pirates, mate. But it won't be long 'til the name 'Edward Kenway' elicits wimpers from most grown men'n general if ye keep up yer act."
Edward shrugged and lifted his head to gaze the horizon. "Aw Jaysus! The sun's beginnin' to dive. Ya think it's 'bout time to get back for a bite?"
Their stomachs growled in unison. Kidd responded with a grin, "A brilliant idea, mate. I think me 'crew' wouldn't mind makin' merry with yers. It's you they've got issues with, not them. I bet I could convince the Assassins to join the Jackdaw crew for a gatherin' long as yer underlin's don't pry on our business. What do ye say?"
"If I can join and you have Ah Tabai's approval, I say it's a fine plan."
"Then let's meet at this beach. A bonfire'll be prepar'd. Fair 'nuff?"
"Aye. Lovely."
The bandana-donning boy jumped up and brushed the sand off his costume before lending a hand to Edward.
"Yer hair," the boy pointed out Edward's loose blonde hair.
"Aye. It's starting to get particularly hot and humid, and my mane's pasted to my neck like glue."
Kidd picked up and handed Edward his hairtie. The pirate captain took it and shoddily wrapped the strands in it.
"Not like that," Kidd directed him lightheartedly, "Give it 'ere, mate."
"Jim? What in God-," before he was able to finish, Kidd had tugged the slick locks back. After a couple more uncomfortable twists and pulls, the dark-haired boy had them tied up. Edward's hair draped his face and flowed across a shoulder.
"Do that when ye've wash'd it thoroughly, an' ye'll be turnin' 'eads- moreso than ye must already," Kidd suggested with a single pat on Edward's shoulder. The blonde wondered what the boy's words and actions meant as they parted ways for the moment.
Pirates and Assassins associated at a meal held not an hour later. The pirates, knowing their captain wouldn't accept them badgering the hooded men and women about what it is they did and why they wore such uniforms, held their tongues regarding the matter. Edward kept aloof and stayed mostly with Adéwale and Kidd, both of whom appeared to be popular with both parties, but Kidd in particular was approached from people of both groups. Assassins looked to him as a brother while pirates acknowledged the reputation the boy made for himself despite, or perhaps because of, his age. Tales were told and drinks were poured, though most of the assassins turned down the latter. At one point, a friendly sparring match was held, cutlasses against wristblades, with no one in particular winning. As the festivities dwindled down, Edward and Kidd separated themselves from the group and walked off into the nighttime jungle, stars illuminating their view.
"I've nearly fergo'en to ask, Edward," Kidd started, "'Ow's our mates? Been ages since Vane an' I've crossed paths."
Why Vane specifically? "They're all fine- Thatch, Hornigold, and Vane should be farin' well, though I haven't encountered Vane in what seems like years. Prolly has been years. I suppose even Bonnet's finding success, the chap," Edward tightened his lips in a sort-of smile before realizing something, "You're not familiar with Bonnet, are ya?"
"Stede Bonnet? We're 'cquainted. He's become a full-fledged pirate now."
"That right?"
"So I've 'eard."
"No kidding," Edward thought over the almost naïvely amiable merchant he met in Cape Bonavista. He ran his hand over the fabric he snatched from Duncan Walpole's body that day, glad for the progress his friend was making now, and contemplated his own progress.
Kidd climbed one of the thicker trees and went on, "The man prolly 'as much more to learn, but I believe he'll find success in time."
"Ya believe in the man?" Edward asked from below, leaning against the trunk.
Kidd lied down on a thick branch, "Well, the man's got different ways than ourselves an' our mates, an' that's what makes him rather interestin'. No one's expectin' a man like 'im to be a pirate. Like a secret weapon, I s'pose?"
"Aye," Edward nodded a nod Kidd didn't see, "And me. Do I have potential?"
"Always thinkin' fer yerself an' about yerself, eh cap'n Kenway?" Kidd asked back tauntingly, "But I'm happy yer thinkin' 'bout the significant areas o' life. If yer merely thinkin' about yer petential, I'd say that's a definite sign ye've got a potential."
Edward was impressed. How could he be so serious yet so free and easy? Wise yet playful? It's rather… attractive. Edward's voice had more promise to it as he asked, "What else do ya think?"
"I imagine that Edward can be a better man than he is now. If he weren't so selfish an' greedy, who knows? He'd make a positive difference not only in the lives o' others, but in 'imslef as well." Again, for the first time in longer than he would like to admit, Edward felt very much appreciated.
"Go on, Jim," Edward clambered up the branches, not quite as graceful as Kidd could, and seated himself beside his friend, "What do ya think of me on a personal level?"
It was a while before Kidd answered, "Where's this comin' from, Edward?" he raised an eyebrow but continued, "I think yer a promisin' man despi'e yer vices. Ye've go' talent an' a good heart. An' it's rather amazin'- yer commitment to yer wife, I mean. Even if ye sleep aroun', a primary reason yer even in the West Indies is to regain 'er respect, ain't it?"
The boy seemed to smile almost flirtatiously. But Edward knew this couldn't be the case. It's not about Caroline, really. Edwardsmiled fondly. "Caroline's respect? I'd like others to believe it, and it's true, but," he opened up, "I'm here primarily for the loot. My aim for Caroline's respect stems from that I suppose," he took a tired breath, "And how'd you figure why it is I'm here in the West Indies?"
Kidd shrugged knowingly and hopped to the ground, rolling smoothly to lessen the impact. He then looked up at Edward and watched the man hang from the branch for a few seconds before dropping to the ground with a grunt.
With a chuckle, Kidd spoke again, "Such poise, Edward. Ye'd make a fine Assassin."
"No thanks, Jim," he dodged the suggestion, "You're rather flowing over with compliments tonight, it seems. It feels," he paused, "satisfying. Tell me about yourself, now?"
"What more is there to know? I'm a pirate who's an assassin as well."
"Well, what is it that you live for?" Edward probed.
"Why don' you tell me, mate?" Kidd responded posingly, crossing his arms and smirking.
"Awright. Ya live to fulfill this creed of yours," the blonde pirate guessed, amused at Kidd's pose, "Ya hope to improve the lives of those around ya in doing so?"
"See? Put that 'ead o' yers to work an' ye can figure it all out. No need to ask me." He started to head back towards the beach.
Edward caught him on the shoulder, causing the boy to look back, "What it is ya do- rather, aspire to do," he began, "Maybe even simply do- no aspiring… How do ya do it?"
"It comes natural. I do what feels right an' satisfyin'," he responded practically, leading Edward around the jungle again, feeling their conversation wasn't over yet.
"What's right"? What is right? "So gaining coin makes ya satisfied, surely?"
"That's what gets that greedy mind o' yers temporarily satisfied. As fer me, o' course the means to 'ave the worldly goods I need is some'n I'd appreciate as well, but it's not completely fulfillin' 'til I know I've done some'n worthwhile- made me mark on the world, ye see?"
Edward still didn't understand why and how Kidd could be so considerate, but he considered that what the lad was saying was over his head, causing the blonde to feel almost inferior to the younger yet wiser pirate. Yet, he could not find it in himself to resent the lad for being better than him.
Kidd continued, "So the observat'ry- ye still believe ye'll be completely sa'isfied if ye only grab a fortune?"
"Ya know it, as well Kidd; I can't let these years of chasing me dream go to waste. I shouldn't distract myself with other people; I must keep my eyes on the observatory. If I earn myself enough, it won't be a waste of me time."
"When is enough, Edward? When yer wife takes ye back jus' fer the money an' prestige? 'Sides, it won't be a waste if ye've done some'n fer someone 'sides yerself. Trust me, mate," Kidd was rather firm, but he remained as encouraging as he usually was.
The pirates at last found themselves on the beach once again, where Kidd gazed brightly at the crescent moon and the shimmer the stars cast on the sea. At the same time, Edward shot his gaze towards the boy himself. He took in Kidd's almost feminine features, such as his flawlessly shaped nose and alluring lips. His hazel eyes appeared especially intense and longing as he watched the scene. Edward hoped the assassin hadn't noticed how fiercely he was, putting it bluntly, checking him out.
This is wrong. Even if I wasn't married, I don't swing that way; especially not with underaged lads almost a decade my junior. How could I- how dare I think this way! What would the others think of me? Caroline would never accept me again if she knew how I've been feeling. And Kidd- he'd be especially disappointed with me if he doesn't feel the same way. There have been moments when he appeared to be making advances, but I doubt he was seriously being suggestive. But, Edward considered, it will come out sooner or later. And if everything is permitted…
"Er, Jim," he started hesitantly, "There's some'n I'd like to get off me chest."
"Aye. Yer pistols weighin' ye down, perhaps?" he grinned, "Well?"
"Well, I-…. W-would-! Well… You're…," he faltered uncomfortably, blue eyes cast to the side.
Kidd raised an eyebrow, crossed, his arms, and smiled, "Edward Kenway- a strappin', fetchin', married, and seemingly heterosexual pirate- spellbound by a lad. I'm flattered."
Edward felt adrenaline rush through him like a drug as he fidgeted, latching and unlatching his hidden blades, "I-! Well, aye. I'm fond of ya," it felt incredibly peculiar, confessing his romantic attraction to a male teenager, "But, again, how did ya know?"
Kidd began to walk around nonchalantly, "Ahhh, so ye were goin' to tell me ye felt fluttery fer me? Well, it was wri'en all o'er ye anyway. We are rather close mates by now. But, even fer close mates, yer all smiles when I'm aroun' ye. When I compliment ye, ye seem to think yer invincible. An' ye can't seem to take yer eyes off me at times."
"W-well, ya must be looking at me now and then to know that. Here I was thinking you were captivated by the landscape!" he tried changing the topic, but was interrupted by Kidd's chuckling, a hint of pity tinting the laughter, and growing slightly louder as the seconds passed,
Edward's face grew warm, and he found he couldn't look at the boy directly. Turning his head away, he said in shame, "Now ya know I think that way. Doesn't change much else, though. Got that? An' keep it to yourself, Jim."
Kidd looked up with a smile, his face also red, though most likely from his laughter. "Or?"
Edward groaned, his mind failing him, "Gah! Flames. What am I-", the pirate realized the predicament he got himself into, and turned away again to mutter profanity.
As Kidd's snickering died down, he laid a gentle hand on his friend's shoulder and looked him in the eye. He continued in a less teasing demeanor, "I'm honor'd to hear it, truly. Know that yer a dear mate. Think it o'er, ye hear?" With a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder, Kidd left Edward alone. After allowing himself an embarrassed minute to comprehend what he'd done, the pirate darted toward the Jackdaw.
"Why de rush, captain?" Adéwale, dutifully checking the cannons, asked Edward as he hurried aboard his ship.
"Gather up the crew, Adé. We're sailing far away from here."
School Rant: Some time ago, I took the AP European History course and exam. I signed up for the course expecting social studiesto be its focus, not rulers and how they controlled their money. I found social patterns (ex. literacy rates) quite interesting, but had trouble remembering the large amount of info on it. It seems that, with my focus on studying politics and economics to counter the lesser interest I had for it, I did not concentrate enough on the portions of the material about overall social patterns. On the exam, there were many questions on these patterns. …Let's just say I had trouble answering the majority of the AP exam (though I passed with a 3).They should change the course/exam title to "AP European Politics, Economics, and Some Cultural History."
How does this tie in to AC4? While I was getting into the series after playing AC2 and exploring the fandom, I noticed how many people, even people from Ubisoft itself, don't really consider how low the literacy rate was back then, especially compared to those from today. According to one source, the literacy rate among English men in the 1600s was 30% (no statistics on women). From 1700 to 1800, literacy in England (men and women) rose from 45% to 63%! According to Wikipedia, 84.1% of the world can read and write today. As of today, 99% of people in the UK are literate, as it is in the US. Check out what the literacy rate is in your country and be proud of yourself (in any case) for being able to read (in English, to add! The reputed "hardest to learn language".) And feel especially proud if English isn't your first language.
P.S. I hope my characterization is fine...
