XLVI.
By and By

Edward led her through the jungle, her hand warm in his though the rest of her body felt very cold. Coming here had struck Mary silent, as what Edward wanted to do. It was painful and she found herself hesitating and he pulled on her hand gently to get her feet to move once more. She began to breathe harder as they got closer, feeling the pain close up her chest. She couldn't do this. She said as much and Edward stopped, allowing her to take a moment to protest before once more pulling her along and finally they emerged in the clearing.

The single stone was still there, looking a little worn, but to Mary it was just the same as the first day it was put there.

Edward didn't let go of her hand and had her walk over to it. She shivered as if struck with sudden cold. They both kneeled before it though and Edward leaned towards it. Her stomach churned and she trembled gently as she heard the snick of his hidden blade catching. She closed her eyes and focused on becoming calm once more and ignoring the sound of scratching stone. She felt Edward lean back towards her and she looked at the gravestone, which had nothing on it previously, but now had a few lines.

Annabelle Lin Read-Kenway

Love lost before she had a chance

1720

They had decided on naming her Annabelle after Anne who had died just days before her birth. Lin was a shortened version of Edward's mother's name as Mary would have nothing of her own mother's name in her daughter's name. They had decided on using both of their last names since they were not married but she was the daughter of both their blood.

Edward put his hand on her knee and squeezed. "She deserved a name" His voice was soft.

"Aye" Mary replied, just as soft. "It eases my heart, just a little, now that she has one"

They sat there a little longer, just looking at the gravestone. She would be two years old already, walking and talking and exploring. She would be curious and very loved. Mary knew that, had her daughter lived, she would be very loved. By the Assassins, by herself and perhaps by Edward. No, she knew for a fact that Edward would have adored his daughter just as he was going to adore his and Caroline's.

Then she rose and Edward stood next to her. She looked up at him and he leaned down, kissing her forehead. She felt a few tears make their way down her face. Edward brushed them away gently and hugged her close. They stood until she had calmed again and she looked up at Edward and smiled. She stepped away from him and he brushed his fingers against her cheek.

"Ready?"

"I have to be"

Then he took her hand and together they left the past behind.

October 1722

Most of Edward's crew would remain in the West Indies and so they had been celebrating. They drank, they danced, they ate, they slept and jumped back up to repeat the cycle again and again, over and over. The few that were to go with him helped keep the others from getting hurt or from hurting each other. They guided them to beds at night, staying sober in body and mind because of the journey to come. Over the months, Assassins also began to come to Edward's hideout, mingling with the drunken sailors, curious and wary at first but with clear joy at their victory. The Templars were nearly wiped out in the West Indies; it was a true victory for everyone.

Edward stayed sober, perhaps having one or two drinks in the waiting months. Mary had more than him, but neither of them got pissed once for there was no need. Their minds were too heavy for drink. They often took to walking in the jungles together, hand in hand and sometimes if Edward were of a right mind, they shared a few tender moments. They often sat in trees together, one holding the other, whispering of an unsure future.

Ah Tabai had only arrived the day before and had been looking over the island. Mary hoped he liked what he saw. It was a decent place to live and stay, but she knew he had bigger hopes for the Assassins than hiding on an island, but moving their base camp was a big step forward.

She was currently sitting at a table, an untouched rum before her, Ade sitting next to her, a rum hardly touched before him. Ah Tabai and Edward stood a ways off, speaking but Mary wasn't listening. Ade was silent but she knew he had something to say and so she waited.

"Miss Read, it's amazing the influence you've had on Edward" He said finally. She glanced up at him.

"He worked most of it out himself really." She waved her hand, waving off his comment.

"Yes, but when he thought he lost you, he really changed." Ade stated, a serious look on his face.

Mary had to chuckle. Ade gave her a curious look and she sighed, leaning back slightly. "It's just…when a person's entire world crumbles, when their hope is lying bleeding and broken, something…beautiful happens to their character. A…humility…a nobility…a higher intelligence, purpose if you will, emerges at the exact point where their knees hit the deck."

"And you know this from experience." It wasn't a question.

"I know it very well." She sighed, a sad look settling about her. Then she noticed Ah Tabai and Edward watching the two of them. She forced a smile and leaned over, slapping Ade's shoulder. "You had something to speak to Edward about, correct?"

But before he could answer, Ah Tabai's voice cut in. "Mary, may I speak with you?"

"Aye." She called. He began to walk away and she gave Ade another pat on the shoulder before rising and walking over to where Ah Tabai stood a few feet away. "What is it, Mentor?"

"Do you intend to stay or go?" he asked.

"…I'm not sure. Edward and I have discussed it countless times now. I want…I want to be with him but I fear further involvement with him is…inappropriate given all circumstances." She shrugged and tried not to look too sad.

"You love him." Ah Tabai stated. He made it sound so simple. "If that's true, you should go with him."

"I do not want to force myself on him."

"I doubt you are" Ah Tabai smiled a little. "I have already sent a letter ahead to the English Assassins so that they know you may be arriving. Even if you do not remain with Captain Kenway, you may find a place among the Assassins in London."

"London is the last place I want to go" She may have said that under her breath but Ah Tabai heard her.

"Just know, whatever you do or do not do, you always have a place here with us, Mary" And those words hushed Mary for a moment. She turned to look out to the sea, the blue sea she was so accustomed to seeing.

"I fear if I leave these waters, I will never return" She admitted.

"And that may be so." Ah Tabai's words were accepting of the fact. He had probably already worked it out for himself though. "And you will be sorely missed. You are a wise woman Mary, perhaps even wise enough to earn the title of Mentor in time." That made Mary blush, but he went on. "I believe that your heart does not dwell in these waters though and that if you stay here, it would only be postponing the inevitable."

She mulled over his words a moment. Yes, he was right. If she stayed, she would probably find one reason or another to leave. She sighed, mostly to herself and closed her eyes gently. When she opened him, Ah Tabai was giving her a sad smile. He saw the decision in her eyes, but she herself wasn't completely sure. There was one last thing to discuss…

"Thank you, Mentor. As usual, your wise words have eased my heart" She smiled at him and her eyes were sorry. He clasped her shoulder.

"You will always be in our hearts. Good fortune to you, Mary Read. May the winds favor you always" Then he walked away, leaving her standing there with an aching heart.

She moved to the edge of the balcony and leaned there, looking out over the town and port. The breeze was light and ruffled her hair, which she had left down today. She didn't mind though, it may be the last time the air smelled of salt and water and fire and jungle. Her heart was heavy with sadness but filled with a new light. This was what she wanted right?

Edward joined her, his arm touching her's. "What are you looking at?" He asked softly.

"Just…everything. I want to remember it for the rest of my life"

"Does that mean you've decided to come with me?" He looked over at her, smiling brightly. She looked over at him, making her face as stern as she could. His smile didn't dim at all. He was used to what he called her "bitter looks". They no longer scared him, if they ever even scared him in the first place.

"I will sail to England with you" He grabbed her in his arms but she grabbed his forearms tightly and leaned back. "Listen to me Edward! Just because I'm coming with you, don't mean I'll stay!"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, what if your girl don't like me? It's more than just you now!" Sometimes he was just so clueless.

"How could she not love you? You're the bravest, strongest woman I've ever met. The most fearsome as well. You're a regular role-model. If there's anyone I'd want my daughter to look up to, it'd be you" His words were so honest they disarmed her. She shook her head and quickly got her bearings back.

"I doubt I'm the type of person for a woman of any means to look up to"

"Mary, you can piss standing up. If that's not admirable, then I don't know what is."

She rolled her eyes at him. Leave it to him to find something stupid to say, but it caused a smile to pull at her lips. It didn't help that he was still grinning down at her like a fool. That was until they heard a call from the port "Sail, ho!" They looked and indeed, a ship was ever so slowly pulling into port. Edward's face became a mask of worry. She patted his shoulder, stepping out of his arms.

"You're a good man. You'll be a fine father too, Edward" She reassured him. He nodded, his lips looking a little white.

They stood side by side at the top of the stairs and at the same time, they both happened to glance back. Mary's eyes were drawn to the table Edward had been asleep on…oh how long ago had that been? Very long ago it seemed, another lifetime. Well before he was her lover. Now there were several jack-tars seated there, laughing and drinking and as Mary looked…well…she thought she could see her old friends.

Blackbeard was there, roaring with laughter at something with Ben Hornigold. Vane was shouting at them, so they were probably laughing at something he said. Rackham was sitting there, Anne standing just behind him, her hand on his shoulder and they were smiling at one another. Even old Bonnet was there, playing with the eye patch Thatch had given him, watching Vane shout at Thatch who just laughed harder – though Mary had only met that man once. She wondered if she were the only one seeing this last memory of her old friends, the people she had cared so much for. Edward's fingers clasped her and she knew she wasn't the only one. She wasn't the only one who missed them.

She looked up at him and he down at her. She could see tears glimmering in his eyes and she felt them in her own. Then she squeezed his hand and together they left that old life behind. Each step was nearly painful for Mary in its own way. She was leaving behind everything she knew and loved. She had been here in the West Indies for over ten years now – this place had been her home. She knew if Edward left though, it would cease to mean anything to her though.

Edward paused, letting go of her hand, to stop and pick some flowers. She laughed softly, watching him pluck the two red flowers so gently. He stood, giving her a wryly smile and then slipped one of the red blossoms behind her ear, keeping the other in his hand. She found herself silent and blushing and it was his turn to chuckle.

Together they walked through the town, not saying a word. Many gave them solemn nods of farewell which they returned just as sadly. Soon they were on the docks and the boarding plank was lowered from the visiting ship. The Captain of it appeared and he was grinning ear to ear, proud of making it here so quickly probably.

At his side was a girl of only nine years. Her short brown hair was in a braid and her eyes were bright and blue just like her father's. She was beautiful and especially so when she smiled. Edward kneeled down and offered her the flower which she accepted with a gentle motion. She stared at her father for a moment and then she squealed with delight and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. After a moment she released him, stepping back, but the bright smile never left her face.

"I never thought this day would come!" She heard her say softly.

"Neither did I, Jenny." Edward agreed. "Neither did I. Now what do you say about sailing home?"

"Already?" She seemed shocked.

"Well I do have a ship of my own" And he motioned to the Jackdaw. The young girl's eyes got very wide and bright and she squealed with delight once more. She raced over to the boarding plank before the Jack and waited for Edward before she boarded, hand in hand with her father. Mary followed behind, silently, not wanting to interrupt Edward's moment with his daughter.

And Mary had never seen Edward smile so brightly as he did with that child. It was a new beginning, for all of them. Mary couldn't help but smile brightly herself. A new chance, a new life and this one would hopefully be a good one.

A/N: I bet you all know what I'm going to say next; this isn't where its going to end. I still have more planned for our couple. A bit more conflict, a bit more passion and a few more questions to answer before I consider this story complete. It obviously won't have a sequel so I need to answer everything before sending Mary and Edward off.

Also: Credits time. What Mary says to Ade about Edward improving himself is gotten from a quote by Marinne Willamson. And the title of this chapter was inspired by the hymn "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" I listen to quite often and it actually always makes me think of the scene where Edward sees all his passed away friends at the end of the game. But, all and all, this is not the end so I'll see you all in the next chapter.