misguided-intention: I've not seen that film yet, but I hear it's pretty good. And anyway, red haired, scottish AND a fighter, what more could you want? :D I'm glad you like my story :)
TAyukii: Oh don't worry, I know what it's like! I'm glad the lighthearted parts come over well, I really don't want this to be depressing all the time, even though Eleanor's living through some really hard times. And that's exactly the impression I wanted to give! Thank you so much! :D Oh I can't wait to see what it looks like :)
LurkingLady: I know, he commits suicide in the book as well and I was in shock when I read it. I thought about keeping him alive in my story but it would be changing his character too much. And I just love his story so much, even if he's only a minor character. Mouahahaha yes that's exactly Nora! XD I picture her as a really commanding, bossy girl x)
AssassinsGurl2012: I know, Holden deserves more love :( I really really loved him in the book, I wanted him to go back to America with Haytham but nope... Glad I made you laugh, I had fun writing them argue like kids xD
misguided-intention: Haha good to know that I made you laugh! Glad you're enjoying this :)
The Biggest Geek In The World: Aww thank you, that's really kind! It really makes me smile to see this story get so much love :3
edgaryg: I read Forsaken and I discovered this whole other side to Haytham's personality. I mean I loved him in the game but the book was like WOW. So I'm getting all of this side from there, exploiting his lovely soft side :) I'm relieved that it's working well within this story! I'm still scared of making him out of character from time to time. I guess I'll always fret about it. I know I feel with other fictions so it makes me feel honoured to know you feel the same way about mine! You're too kind :3

Have you guys seen the news about AC4? Black Flag featuring a pirate Edward Kenway, father to Haytham. I don't even know if I believe it, it seems weird that they would release the next game so soon (unless it's just an extension like Brotherhood or Revelations) but then if that's what it is, it wouldn't be called Black Flag... And if it is a whole new game, why are they going back in time rather than forward? And we all know how Edward dies, it would be weird if the main character got killed in the end... I dunno. I don't want this to be true. Even if I would die of excitement to see Haytham as a child. What do you guys think about this?

As usual, a HUUUUUGE thank you to EVERYONE! You are all so wonderful :3

" Up! Get up! " Someone was shouting at me while I slept. " Come on Eleanor, get out of bed quickly! " I opened my eyes, groaning and insulting whoever it was under my breath and focused my vision on the face that was hovering over my face. Khan.

" What the hell? " I managed to mutter, pulling the covers up to cover my shoulders.

" The redcoats are going to attack my village at noon. Hurry! " He pulled the covers off of me and threw my clothes at me before taking off. I dressed quickly and ran downstairs to join him. Haytham was in the kitchen and raised an eyebrow when he saw me run in to pick up a slice of bread, the buttons on my shirt undone revealing most of my chest to him. He smirked and tried to approach me but Khan appeared in the doorway.

" Come on! " He scolded me, tapping his foot on the floor.

" Coming, coming! " I cried to him, struggling to do my buttons up as I held the bread in between my teeth. " Goaa hep ans vige, oats aaing mm " I attempted to explain to Haytham as he looked between Khan and I, confusion spread on his face.

" I beg your pardon? " He laughed.

" My father's village is being attacked. We're going to save them. " Khan said for me, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the door. " We'll be back later. Eleanor says goodbye! " And before I knew it, Khan had lifted me onto a horse and got on behind me, ushering the horse forward. Have I mentioned how much I hate horses? I've been scared of them since I was five years old, when one of them reared and nearly attacked me back in London. So I sat uncomfortably atop that horse as Khan raced us into frontier land to his mother's small village.

Kahnaka:tonke, or whatever the name was because I couldn't for the life of me pronounce anything in their language, was twenty minutes horse ride from the Southgate of Boston. I was overjoyed to finally arrive and jumped off the horse quicker than I should have and landed rather ungracefully on my backside, making Khan laugh at me. He pulled me up and we made our way into his village, where everyone knew us already. Khan had been brought up in Davenport Homestead as his father had left the village from a young age, but frequently visited his family there. We were greeted by the village elder, Khan's grandmother, an old woman with grey hair who I nicknamed Kanen when I couldn't pronounce her name.

Khan proceeded to explain the situation to her in their native language and I could do nothing but smile at her when she looked at me for confirmation. Of course I didn't understand a word or what Khan had just said so I could only shrug. She smiled back and said something to Khan, who grabbed my hand and took me back to the entrance of the village. " What's going on? " I asked him, confused.

" They have heard about the attack already and have sent out someone to try to stop the attack. " He explained. " But if he should fail, we are the only ones to protect the village. "

I nodded, mentally preparing myself for a full on attack. " Why are they attacking anyway? " I inquired. " What have these people done? "

" Nothing. They want the land to extend Boston, and when they refused to sell the land, they threatened to attack. That is all. " Khan grumbled angrily. I sighed, cursing humanity for making everyone so cruel, and wished once again for the world peace I knew I would never see.

Then, through the trees appeared a man on horseback. When he grew nearer, I identified him as William Johnson, the only Templar other than Haytham who seemed kind. He didn't seem surprised when he saw me and nodded politely. He got off his horse and extended his hand to me. " It's good to see you again Eleanor. " He smiled.

" And you. " I said hesitantly, shaking his hand. " What brings you here? "

" Haytham informed me of the situation and thought I might be able to help. " He explained. " This is your friend? " He asked, looking over at Khan who was eyeing William with distrust.

" Yes. Khan, this is William Johnson, he works for Haytham. William, this is Kahnawà:ke. " I introduced both men who shook hands, though Khan was still unhappy about his presence.

" Hello young man. " William said politely as ever. It was as if the fact that we were both assassins didn't bother him in the slightest, quite the contrary. It surprised me that he was so open-minded but I reminded myself to be careful in case it was just a false image. " I believe I may be able to help your village in this dire situation. "

" Oh? How so? " Khan asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

" If I understand correctly, the British mean to buy your land, by force if need be, and use it to extend the city of Boston. " When Khan nodded, William continued. " I propose this: if I were to buy the land, the British would have to go through me, and I will most definitely refuse to sell them my land. " He explained. " Furthermore, I will leave your village intact and your people will prosper. "

" What's the catch? " Khan asked immediately.

" May I speak with your elders about this? " William asked politely, but I could tell that he was getting annoyed by Khan's angered voice.

We led the Templar inside the village to the elders and I stepped outside to stand guard as they negotiated for about half an hour. I could hear Khan's voice rise from time to time, his grandmother's voice rising to calm him down and then William's soft laugh, followed by a few other people's laughter. I was growing confused about what was going on but then I caught sight of the first few armed red coats through the trees near the entrance to the village. I opened the door to where the meeting was taking place and called inside. " They're here. " I informed them and they all paused to look up at me.

" It's alright, everything is sorted. " William said happily and stood to shake hands with the elders. Even Khan seemed happier than he had before and nodded thanks to the Templar. The three of us then made our way out to encounter the red coats, William taking charge as he went to meet with the small force's leader.

" My name is William Johnson. I hear you desire to purchase the land this village is sitting on? " He asked.

" So what? " The leader answered unhappily. " Get out of the way. "

" I have just purchased the land myself and I'm afraid I'm not selling. " William smiled innocently and I couldn't help but smile as well when I saw the look upon the man's face.

" You can't do that! " He shook his head in disbelief.

" I'm afraid I already have. Now, if you would like to take the matter to court, please do. But leave my land alone or I shall sue you. I have the contract here, signed and legal if you need proof. " I admired William for being so bold and sure of himself and found myself loving the turn of events.

The leader frowned angrily and grumbled something I couldn't hear, and left with his men following suit. Khan then turned to William and shook his hand. " Thank you, Templar. That was uncharacteristically kind of you. "

William only smiled. " Not as unusual as you might think. " He said, and winked at me. " Haytham asked me to let you know that he shall be away tonight but wants his breakfast on his plate for tomorrow morning. "

I laughed. " Tell him he can get lost. " I said, and William smiled, taking his leave. I looked over to Khan who looked completely bewildered. " What's wrong? "

" Templars. " He spat. " They keep coming to your rescue. "

" Well, they are knights, they're supposed to. " I laughed, hugging him. " He only came because of Haytham, stop fretting. " I reassured him.

" I'm not fretting. He seemed genuinely concerned for my people's safety. It's just confusing, that's all. " He shrugged, squeezing me in his arms. " Come on, grandmother wants to speak to me before we leave. "

Khan and I spent the entire day together. First we had lunch with his Mohawk family, where I didn't understand anything anyone said and had to rely on Khan to translate for me. Then I took to climbing trees and getting better at free running. I was ridiculously slow and Khan only had to walk at a slow pace to keep up with me on the ground, but at least I could see a clear path through the trees at last. It would take time to learn to navigate up there, but I was determined to be able to do it. I loved it up there, it was so beautiful and so peaceful. I felt like I made only one with nature and felt serene. We then retired back to my home when the sun had set, and I cooked us a hot meal to fill our stomach's after the day's work. We talked and talked until I eventually fell asleep in his arms as we curled up on the sofa in front of the fire.

When I woke up, Khan was still sleeping underneath me but I was covered in a blanket. I yawned and got up to find Haytham in the kitchen, writing in a very full journal. " Morning! " I called happily, trying to peer over his shoulder to see what he was writing.

" Good morning Eleanor. " He replied unenthusiastically, shutting his journal. " Did you sleep well? " He asked almost accusingly.

" Alright I suppose. Why? " I shrugged, picking up some bread. When he didn't answer I turned to look at him and found him frowning deeply, looking thoroughly unhappy. " What? "

" You slept on top of him. " He scoffed. " On top of that Mohawk. "

" Hey! " I scolded him. " You know very well what he is to me, stop getting so jealous all the time. " I frowned up at him. " And he has a name. "

Speaking of the devil, Khan appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, immediately understanding the situation. " Good morning Mr Kenway. " He waved his hand half-heartedly.

" Assassin. " Haytham answered after a second, and I knew he had wanted to pronounce his surname but realised he didn't have one. And proud as Haytham was, he refused to use his nickname so Khan was always referred to as 'assassin' or 'Mohawk'. " Did you enjoy having Eleanor all to yourself? " He sneered, stepping nearer to me possessively. I rolled my eyes, I knew what was coming. In the year since they had met, they kept sparring over me. At first it amused me, but now it only bored me. It was childish.

" I did actually. " Khan smirked. " Did you enjoy sending help after her like you do after a child? "

" I merely had the natives' best interest at heart. " Haytham shrugged.

" You do not know my people. You do not know what is best for them. " Khan's voiced rose.

" I know a lot more than you imagine, assassin! "

" And how did you find that out, through dodgy Templar doings, eh? "

" Actually, yes. I aided some natives and in return - "

" An honest man asks for nothing in return for a favour! " Khan's voice was now rather loud and Haytham's face darkened menacingly. I didn't like the way things were turning but I didn't know what to say to either of them.

" And I suppose killing innocent people makes you an honest man, does it? " Haytham threatened Khan. " Or do you simply take pleasure in diminishing my order? "

" Your order is as innocent as the crown. You confess to want justice but - "

" But justice can not be obtained when people are left to riot and cause chaos! "

" Stop it, both of you! " I cried, putting myself in between the two men. " Just leave it alone! "

They both sneered at each other, fuming mad. I pushed at Haytham's chest to put some distance between them in case one of them had the stupid idea of swinging a fist at the other.

" I've never trusted you. " Khan added. " It was stupid of me to give you the benefit of doubt. "

" You don't even know me. " Haytham growled. " Eleanor at least sees me for who I am. "

" What? No, don't bring me into this! " I exclaimed, jumping away from him to stand on my own. " This is between the two of you. And right now I just want you to both shut up! "

" He's right Eleanor. You supposedly know him the best here, surely you should see that this man isn't trustworthy. " Khan spoke darkly to me. " You can not stay with him. "

" Khan you know very well that isn't true! " I disagreed. " How many times have I said - "

" You've said a lot of things about this man but all I've ever seen is a man making you doubt only your allegiance to the assassins but also your own beliefs. That isn't a man you should be around. "

" And it's taken you four years to tell me this? " I cried, outraged. " You can't speak to me in that way, you're supposed to be my friend! "

" What sort of friend am I if I leave you with this… This monster? " Khan shouted.

Silence fell upon all three of us as we realised exactly what was happening. I had to choose. I had to choose between the only man I had ever loved, who made me feel happy and complete, and my best friend, the man who had protected me and supported me through the last twenty years of my life.

" Khan… " I whispered, taking a step towards him.

" Choose. " He replied coldly. At that moment I barely even recognised the eyes I was looking at, the voice I was hearing, the face I was seeing. When had he changed so much? Where was the kind, loving, happy Kahnawà:ke I had spent half my life with?

I shook my head, tears forming in my eyes. " Please… Khan, please. " I begged him as he swallowed and nodded.

" So be it. " He held his head high and started to walk towards the front door.

" KHAN! " I shouted, rushing after him and grabbing his arm.

" Eleanor, as long as you side with that Templar, I'm afraid I cannot be your friend. You're not yourself anymore. " He said sadly, sighing and then leaving me to stand staring me at my front door, tears streaming down my face.

" Kahnawà:ke…. " I whispered, pronouncing his full name in desperation. I felt as though my whole world had just fallen apart and even as I felt Haytham's arms wrap around me, his body pressed against my back in a reassuring embrace, I felt no better. Nothing would make me feel better. Nothing, because I loved Khan, he was the only family I had anymore and I needed him. And now he was gone forever. All because of me. Because I just had to fall in love with a templar.

" Eleanor… " He started softly, but I wriggled out of him embrace and turned to look at him, tears streaming down my face.

" Make him come back! " I ordered him. " Don't just stand there, do something! " I shouted desperately. He tried to take me into his arms but I pushed him back. " Don't touch me! Make him come back! " My voice broke because of the strain and swallowed hard, trying to push the tears back.

" I'm sorry. " He muttered, not knowing what to do with me in such a state.

" But I need him! I… I love him, Haytham bring him back, make him come back… " I sobbed, finally letting him wrap me in his arms and burying my face into his chest. " It's not fair… " I whispered.

" Life never is. " Haytham said distantly, holding me tightly in his arms as he rubbed my back soothingly as I gripped his shirt in the palms of my hands, scared of letting go in case he disappeared as well. I had never imagined life without Khan, it just wasn't an option I thought possible. There was no life without him, it was as simple as that.

Haytham was the one I had lost my heart to. He stopped me from feeling lonely, made me realize that I could be happy in life and share things with someone. He made me laugh, he made me think, and I was a better person since I had known him. I had grown up, learnt to care not only for myself but for those I loved, and finally realized what was important in life. I wouldn't live without him, and I needed him by my side to face the world.

But Khan… He was the one I would run to whenever I had a problem. He was the one who shadowed my every move, ready to pick up the pieces whenever I was hurt. He taught me to defend myself, taught me to never let anyone put me down. He was the only constant in my life, the rock on which I rested. He was the one who dared me to be who I was, who knew me like the back of his hand. I couldn't live without him either, and I couldn't bare to be away from him.

Haytham carried me to bed that night and pulled the covers up over us in the darkened room. I curled up to him, listening to his heart beat under my head, caressed his naked chest with the tips of my fingers. I had stopped crying but my eyes were still red and puffy, and if Haytham hadn't been there then I would still be in the hallway in a state of shock. All day he had cared for me, bathed me, cooked for me, he even attempted to read a book to me. But I hadn't spoken a word and barely made any eye contact. I knew he felt guilty, I knew he was suffering, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Khan was gone and it was my fault. All my fault.

" Try to get some sleep. " He muttered quietly as he brushed his fingers through my hair. I liked the way his chest rumbled under me as he spoke, and rubbed my cheek against his skin. " You'll feel better in the morning. "

I lifted my head and kissed him softly on the lips to thank him and curled back in his arms to try to get some sleep. I lay awake in his

The next day I walked around Boston all day in attempt to find Khan. I dropped by his usual bakery where he bought bread every morning, but he wasn't there. He wasn't down at the docks either, where we usually sat and watched the ships come into the harbour. He wasn't even at the tavern where he always bought a drink at lunch time with his friend Steven. I only gave up when Haytham found me wandering the streets, my eyes wide with sorrow, and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. " Let's get some hot food into your stomach. " He smiled sadly to me. I didn't stop scanning every inch of the streets as he guided us home.

" Would you like some bread with your soup? " He asked me over the dinner table. I nodded and he passed me some, watching me carefully. " Did you sleep well? " He tried to get me to talk but still I refused. I was too deep in thought. " Eleanor, speak to me! " He cried desperately.

I looked up from my smoking soup and watched him. He was frowning, his eyes full of worry and regret. His mouth was partly open, his bottom lip red with teeth marks. " I'm sorry. " I whispered.

" What are you sorry for? " He shook his head.

" I should be stronger. " I sighed, looking down at my food with disgust.

Haytham laughed without humour in his voice and came over to stand behind me and wrap his arms around me. " Never apologize for loving someone. If anyone is at fault here, it is I. I am truly sorry for having come between your friendship, it was foolish of me. "

" Don't ever say that. " I scolded him, turning to face him. " I wouldn't change what has happened between us for the world. "

He kissed me softly and that was the end of the conversation. I knew he didn't believe me, but I didn't have the strength to talk to him about it.

I was still in mourning three weeks later when Achilles sent me on a mission to kill a man named James Brown. He wasn't just a bad guy, he was a Templar. The first Templar I had to kill since I returned from France, and I was a little nervous about it. I didn't tell Haytham for fear he would tell me not to do it, but I didn't have a choice - it was my job to do what Achilles told me to. I myself was rather hesitant to do such a thing, but when I found out that the man was a serial rapist I quickly made my mind up about it. He had to die.

The July sun made the heat hard to endure as I scoured a small town in the Frontier for James Brown. My search had led me to leave Boston behind me and search the empty forests and fields until a young farmer told me about his whereabouts. I wasted no time in travelling to the village and entered the local tavern. I found it full of redcoats drinking their fill even though it was early afternoon, as well as a few other men. James Brown was one of them.

He was young and rather good-looking, his shaggy brown hair hanging around his round face and in his bright blue eyes. He was laughing with a young blonde woman who sat opposite him, looking rather uncomfortable as he drank his ale. I bought a drink from the barman and took a seat at the table next to James' and waited until he made a move. Luckily for me, he did rather quickly, gesturing to the woman to accompany him. I waited a few minutes before slipping outside after him, and followed him down the street to a barn as he opened the door to let the woman in before he went inside and shut the door behind them. I looked around the street and saw no one about, so I made my way towards the barn.

Within minutes I could hear the woman telling him to back away from her, but I waited. Hopefully she would be able to get away and I would strike the moment she left. But her voice started to rise in panic and James was laughing, so I decided enough was enough, and I kicked the door open to find her trapped against the wall, her skirt half way up her legs as James pushed himself against her.

" Get away from her. " I snarled as the two looked at me in surprise. James immediately let the woman slump to the floor as she sobbed and he turned to face me.

" A woman should wear a dress. " He mocked me. " Unless she wants some. "

" I wouldn't touch you with a stick. " I spat, standing a few feet away from him. " Let the woman go and we can settle this between ourselves. "

He laughed and turned back to the crying woman, grabbing her by the hair and making her stand in between us. He then slithered his arm around her waist to cup her breast and breathed down her neck, smirking at me as he did so. " I think you misunderstand the situation, girl. " He taunted me.

The woman was looking to me for help, which only fuelled my growing anger. " I'm giving you thirty seconds. " I hissed, clasping the hilt of my sword in my fingers as I waited, counting inside my head as I was used to doing thanks to the boxing.

At the count of thirty I rushed forwards, pushed the woman out of his grasp and she fell to the floor, but I didn't have time to apologise as the man unsheathed his own sword and we started to duel. The woman had enough sense to run away while she could while I tried to end this man's life. But he was stronger than me, and was using my anger against me.

" Give up now and I'll spare your pathetic life. " He smirked as our swords clashed at eye level, the both of us glaring daggers at each other.

" Keep your smart remarks for when I slit your throat. " I spat back, swinging my sword to try to hit his legs, but he jumped back and attacked my left flank, which I had stupidly left unprotected, and a painful cut was formed all the way down my left forearm. I cried out in pain but continued to swing my sword at him, my vision growing dark with anger as he laughed at me.

Before I knew it, my sword flung out of my hand and I was on my back, staring up at his grinning face as he held the tip of his sword to my neck. " I win. " He teased.

" Do it then. Kill me. " I dared him, desperately trying to think of a way out.

" No need to ask me twice. " He laughed and brought his sword up to end my life. I closed my eyes in resignation, ready to greet death.

" STOP! " Came a commanding voice from the doorway. " Keep her alive, she has useful information. " I opened my eyes to see Thomas Hickey striding in, a vile smirk on his face as he looked down at me. " It's a pleasure to meet you again, assassin. "

" Let me go Hickey, Haytham won't be happy when he hears about this. " I warned him.

" Ah, but that's the thing. Haytham won't be hearing 'bout this. You're my prisoner now. " He grinned evilly and I began to panic. But before I could say anything, James hit me in the head with the hilt of his sword and I fell unconscious.

The beginning of the end of the first part of Eleanor's life! I'm getting so excited now :D