From Under the Great Oak's Shadow

by TX.Blue

Betrayed all her life, she could not trust. Plagued by a life of loss, he could not love. Forced to work together by fate and circumstance, all they knew to be true was challenged. They were supposed to be enemies.

19. The Beginning of the End

A/N: This chapter has been giving me so much trouble, and I've been staring at it and trying to tweak it for so long that at this point there was nothing more I could do, so here we are! For those who have played the game, there is a series of dialogue towards the end involving Achilles, Connor, Diana, and Lafayette that will be rather familiar to you. I thought about not including it, but it's such an important plot point that I decided to just go ahead and put it in as it appears in the game. Obviously, I take no credit for the dialogue itself - that goes to Ubisoft & their writers. Sorry again for the lapse of time between updates. I'm hoping to get another chapter out by Thanksgiving, and then once the semester is over I'm hoping to be able to get a lot of writing done, but it always seems that when I have the most time is when I'm the least productive with writing. I hope you all will be patient with me! This story WILL be finished, I have most everything planned out. The problem is just that sometimes things aren't going exactly to plan, which puts a bit of a rift in all the rest. Nevertheless, it'll be done eventually. And as terrible as I am to myself, I actually began jotting down some notes for a sequel... Oops!

---

Chapter Eighteen;

The Beginning of the End

---

"We lower our sails; a while we rest

From the unending, endless quest."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Dedication to G.W.G.

---

Hours before sunrise, a soft knock came at the door. Cora woke from a dream with her heart beating wildly, but she could not recall if it had been a nightmare or something pleasant. Though it was usually Connor who slept lightly, he had not even stirred, and so Cora got up carefully, trying not to wake him. Judgment clouded by exhaustion, she did not even think to check who it was before she softly trodded to the door and cracked it open. Only when she was looking upon Duncan's face did she realize that she could well have opened it to an enemy. Though she doubted any Templar would be so kind to knock before entering, she still rebuked herself for being careless.

"I am sorry to bother you," he said trying to keep his voice as quiet as possible. Cora shook her head as if to say it was alright, and Duncan continued, his eyes drifting to where Connor lay sleeping. "Stephane and some of the others want to leave for Boston as soon as possible, lest any Templars come looking. He means to have us leave before sunrise. It is a little earlier than we had discussed last night, but they have grown restless."

Frowning, Cora glanced at Connor's still form. Between his wound and the bruises his body had taken, she had hoped he would be able to rest longer. Still, she knew Connor would want to leave as soon as possible if there was reason to believe it was necessary, so she turned back to Duncan and nodded.

"I will wake him." Duncan tipped his head toward her before moving on, and Cora shut the door, sighing as she made her way to light a few candles. Embarking on such a long ride was the last thing she wished to do. All she wanted was sleep. She could not imagine that it had been longer than a few hours since they had finally lay down to rest, and she certainly needed much more than that, as emotionally and physically exhausted as she was.

Cora sat next to Connor and lay one hand gently on his shoulder, the other upon his cheek. As she whispered his name, his eyes opened and he touched her arm lightly, as if to ensure she was really there.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, his eyelids still heavy and his words slightly incoherent. Normally he was alert as soon as he woke, and seeing him so delirious only made her more concerned. All she wanted was to tell him to go back to sleep, but instead she repeated Duncan's words.

"Duncan came and said we are to leave before sunrise." Connor nodded grimly and rose to a sitting position. Though he tried his best to cover it up, she could tell that his wound pained him as he moved. When he stood, he struggled to keep his arm from moving to cradle his side, and Cora grabbed his shoulders gently, looking him in the eye.

"Are you alright? Should I get Jamie?"

Connor shook his head, but his lips were pressed into a tight line, and Cora knew he was not feeling well.

"Perhaps this isn't a good idea," Gently, Cora pushed him back onto the bed. "You look terrible."

Connor shook his head. "I am fine," he insisted. "We need to leave as soon as possible. I have no doubt the Templars will come looking, and I don't want to be here when they do."

Cora didn't like it, but she knew there would be no convincing him. Instead, she made him stay still as she gathered his clothes, placing them on the bed next to him. As he dressed, she packed what few things they had scattered about room, putting on her own clothes once she was finished. While she finished braiding her hair, Connor set their few bags that Cora had packed on the bed and checked to make sure they were not forgetting anything. Still working with the tie of her braid, she watched him moving about the room, and was struck by how mundane, how normal it all seemed... They could have been any couple staying the night during their travels, on the way to visiting family or friends. Try as she might, Cora could not keep herself from imagining what it would be to have such a life with him. Though she knew a life with him could never be so simple, the thought of it made her heart swell. For so long she had thought such things were out of reach, that they were impossible – silly little dreams of a silly little girl. Yet now... Now she could see herself waking up next to someone, loving them with everything she was, sharing struggles and happiness and home.

Cora felt her eyes burn at the realization of it. She turned away from Connor so he would not see, her hands moving to wipe any tears away before they fell. Feeling quite the fool, but so jubilantly so, she covered her mouth, imagining the life and family she could have. Thomas and Oliver had told her there was no future for her, no love or safety, no husband or child, no adventure or happiness or freedom. And the child she had been, she believed them. Now she knew how wrong they had been.

Hands took her softly by the shoulders, and she could feel Connor behind her.

"What is it?" Though she could not see his face, she could hear the concern in his voice, the same desire to banish all her fears and pain that she felt for him. Turning, she let her hands fall from her face.

"Nothing," she breathed, smiling. Connor furrowed his brows, his thumb brushing over the hint of wetness at the corner of her eye as if to point out that there was obviously something. With a breath of a laugh, she took his hands. "I am happy," she said, placing a kiss on his palm. Connor gave her a confused look, but as he opened his mouth to say something, she kissed him tenderly.

"Is that so strange to say?" She wondered aloud after, her hands still lingering on his neck. "Amidst all of this... Do you think it even possible to be happy in a time like this?"

Cora looked away, sighing, but Connor lifted her chin and spoke tenderly, "I am beginning to." At that, she smiled and leaned into him. As they stood silently in the embrace, Connor thought about the truth of what he had said. Indeed, Cora had seemed to unlock some hidden part of him that could laugh and smile and even sometimes forget about the things that plagued his mind otherwise. Happiness, once an occasional luxury, was now a common occurrence, and he loved her all the more for it.

They did not move when another knock came at the door and Duncan's voice called into the room. "We're all ready down here," he said. As he spoke, Connor ran his fingers against the side of her neck, and Cora struggled to pay attention to what Duncan was saying. "Just waiting for you."

"We'll be down in a moment," she called out, wishing that the Assassins, their duties and the Templar threat could just disappear for a few hours. When the sound of Duncan's steps faded, Connor kissed her where his fingers had just been, and she shivered as his lips then covered hers. Though he had meant it to be a quick gesture, Cora held him there, savoring the sweetness of the moment before finally drawing away. He laughed softly as she straightened her clothes, and she gave him a look before making for the bed to grab some of their things. Intentionally, she left Connor only the lightest bag to carry, and when he offered to take the others, she said she had it under control.

All the Assassins were assembled when they came down the stairs. As Connor thanked Dobby, Jacob, and Jamie for all their help, Cora readied the horses. She found herself smiling like a fool as she secured their bags, and it was only when Victoire came up behind her that she tried to feign indifference.

"Good morning," the blonde woman said, smiling as she began to see to her own horse. Cora smiled warmly, looking over at her as she stroked Ealga's neck.

"How are you feeling?"

"Sore and tired, but well enough," Victoire shrugged.

"Duncan seemed quite worried over you last night," Cora said, trying to keep from looking amused. Victoire's eyes widened and she blushed straight away, but then a placid look settled on her face and she shrugged again.

"I suppose. Everything was a bit chaotic, and he was the one who was insisting Jamie take a look at Connor and I."

Cora nodded, making her way closer to Victoire. "Still, I have never seen him so frantic, our level headed Duncan..." Victoire said nothing, refusing to look Cora in the eye. "I think he fancies you," Cora said plainly, crossing her arms and smiling.

Victoire's eyes jumped up and she stuttered, trying to come up with something to say. Cora only laughed, laying a hand on her shoulder. "I saw the way you two looked at each other. I am not blind!" It was only then that Victoire relaxed, a smile coming forth. "Plus," Cora added, "there was the fact that you two were both missing for quite some time the night before last..." she brought her hand to her chin, looking off into the distance as if she was thinking. "I wonder what that could mean."

Victoire laughed then, giving Cora a playful shove. "Oh, alright. I suppose I deserve it after all I said about Connor."

"I'll say," Cora said, crossing her arms. The two women laughed, but soon Victoire grew serious.

"Listen, Cora," she said, looking as if she was about to deliver terrible news. "Once we see you and Connor safely to to the homestead, I will be returning to Boston."

Cora almost stepped back, shocked. That had been the last thing she expected...

"Is it because of our fight? Victoire, I never meant-"

"No!" Victoire shook her head urgently, taking Cora's hands. "I promise you it is not that. My brother needs help in Boston. The Assassins need another set of hands, and Duncan..." She looked away, as if not wanting to admit it. Cora smiled sadly. She would miss her friend dearly, but there was no way she could ask her not to go. Trying to lighten the mood, she made an exaggerated face and reached for Victoire's belly.

"You are with child?" Victoire swatted her hands away, glaring at her.

"Of course not!" Then, once Cora snorted, she burst into laughter, and embraced her.

"Oh, I will miss you, mon amie."

"I will miss you, too," she said, hugging her tighter.

"Oi, you two," Stephane called, his voice a hushed yell as he stuck his head out the door. "We have some things to discuss before we get going, you need to come inside. And Cora, better bring that map."

Once Cora had retrieved the map from her bag, the two women made their way in and took their places at the table. Around them sat Connor and all six off the other high ranking Assassins. To Cora's dismay, Ezekiel had not been left out of the meeting, either. He had been of no use to them, and why he still remained, she had no idea. The whole of his time with them had been spent keeping to himself, so when he stood to speak, Cora was met with a suspicion.

"Before you begin, I must relay my regret that I have not been able to be of more help. I thought I would be able to give more insight than it turned out I was, and I have decided it would be best for all that I leave." As he spoke the last words, his eyes drifted to Cora, and she gave him a cold look.

"I agree," Connor said carefully. "The information you gave about the Talley Manor was very useful, but if you have no more to give, I think it best you go."

"There is one more thing," he said solemnly. "Something I had hoped would not become urgent enough for me to have to bring up..." He trailed off, looking intently at Cora, who stared back and curled her lip, making no attempt to hide her displeasure with his words and presence.

"Well, out with it boy," Jamie said, waving his hand toward him.

"I know that you are aware of Oliver's intentions for you." As soon as he spoke, Cora could feel all eyes turn to her, but she did not acknowledge it. Though anger rose within her at the fact that he had brought it up in front of people who did not know everything about her and the situation, she tried to keep her calm.

"That I am," she said, her voice tense. "I do not need you giving me a lecture on what is safe and what is not, and how I should be careful and vigilant."

Ezekiel furrowed his brow, and she could see that her words had wounded his pride. The fool, had he thought she was ignorant of what was going on? It was as if he had not been paying attention to anything in all the time he had been with them.

Frustrated that she was not being quite as gracious as he had expected, he furrowed his brow and kept speaking. "Before, he planned to take you prisoner. Now, I am not so sure he has the patience to gift you with such a fate. Luckily, I happen to know that he is hiding in -"

"Fort William?" Cora said flatly, finishing his sentence. Giving a slight chuckle, she stood, her chair scraping loudly against the floor as she pushed it back. She could almost feel the tense energy coming from those looking on awkwardly. "Do you think the Templars did not train me as well as they did you? I am no foolish child." Connor lay his foot gently upon hers beneath the table, as if to suggest restraint. Though her stubbornness kept her from looking at him, she instantly felt the suspicion of some of the Assassins who knew little of her past, and her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

The fact that Ezekiel remained externally calm only made it worse, making her feel quite the foolish child indeed. Ignoring her words, he continued on. "He searches for your brother, to use him and any remaining family against you. I have been told he grows closer to achieving his goal, and I wished only to warn you against this plot and give you what information I have of his whereabouts, should you decide to make use of it."

Taking a deep breath, Cora sat down again, trying to regain her composure. "Henry told me as much before he died." Ezekiel gave a curt nod, his lips pressed together in a hard line at the mention of Henry's death. "Though I did not know Oliver was close to finding anything," she conceded, her voice low.

"I hear he has sent people looking. If I find out anything more specific, I will be sure to send word immediately." Cora nodded, looking away. As he made his goodbyes, her head swam with the thought that her brother may be alive. Though Henry had seemed sure of it in his letter and Oliver obviously thought it true, it was still hard for her to entertain the thought. Though it was hard to admit, even to herself, she was even a little afraid of the prospect of seeing her brother again, if such a thing ever came to pass. Of course she hoped for it, and longed to know even part of her family had survived, but still, she could not help but wonder if she would be too different, too changed... Perhaps he would not even want to see her. Perhaps he had found out about what happened to Maebh and blamed her for it...

Connor's voice broke her thoughts. "What do you think, Cora?"

"What?" Flustered, her face grew hot as many of the Assassins turned their eyes upon her again. Whatever good thoughts of her that remained in the minds of the Assassins after her exchange with Ezekiel were surely gone now. However, Connor acted as if he hadn't even noticed that she had not been paying attention, giving a quick explanation of what they had been talking about – Jamie, familiar with the city, had said they were tunnels but that they may have been filled in at the start of the war to prevent infiltration.

"I think it likely, especially if the Templars are there now. I would guess that they at least kept one way open but if so, it would be very heavily guarded."

"We will check it out and send word as soon as we find their condition," Dobby said. "I think there to be a good chance of getting to Lee. The best chance we've seen in a long time, that's certain."

"Aye," Duncan agreed, nodding. "The opportunity is too good to pass up."

"It will be difficult, if I know anything of the Templars and Fort George," Cora warned. "But if we can up with a careful, thoughtful plan, it may be possible."

Connor nodded, studying the map with furrowed brows. It was hard to get a read on what he was thinking or feeling, but Cora knew he would not – perhaps could not – say no.

"There is nothing more we can do right now. Once we find out about the tunnels, we can see if there will be any way to successfully breech the walls. If there is a chance... I must take it."

"We will be behind you," Stephane said, with resounding agreement from the others.

"We had best leave as soon as possible now that we have discussed what we could," Victoire reminded them. As everyone got up from the table, Cora bid Dobby, Jamie and Jacob a quick goodbye before shrinking back, feeling the need to be alone. Her mood had quickly fallen from the happiness she had felt with Connor earlier. Now she felt burdened, though by what exactly she could not quite figure out.

After the rest of their goodbyes had been said and beginnings of their plans agreed upon, the group set out from the tavern. As they settled in for the long ride to Boston, Cora found herself lost in the sound of the horses' hooves against the cobblestone streets of New York, lulled into calm by the easy gait of her mare. Victoire rode beside her, with Connor and Stephane ahead and Clipper and Duncan behind. Victoire looked exhausted, cradling her side where she had sustained quite the bruise the night before. There was little conversation among the group as the hours dragged on and the sun raised ever higher in the sky. Soon, after so long alone with her own thoughts, Cora found her heart rather heavy, as she had been able to think of little but her family. She had not dwelled on such thoughts in a long time, and that fact that such pent up feelings were finally flowing free only seemed to make the burden of it even worse.

It was mid afternoon when they stopped to give the horses a brief break after such an early start. They had chosen a place by a small stream, far enough from the road that they hoped there would be no passers-by. Once Cora had seen to her horse she slipped away unnoticed, heading towards the water as Connor saw to redressing Victoire's wound. With Stephane and Duncan hovering over her and Clipper consumed with his own steed, no one even noticed her leave. She walked a few minutes upstream, wanting to be alone but not so far as to cause the others too much worry when they inevitably noticed her absence. Once she found a suitable place, she knelt next to the stream and took a long drink, splashing her face and arms for reprieve from the summer heat. On a whim, she even unlaced her boots and set her feet into the cool stream, watching the water move by as she tried not to dwell on her mood.

Soon enough, she heard someone approaching from behind and she turned, adrenaline flooding her system. Her hand made for a weapon before she saw Connor, who held his hands up.

"It is only me," he said quietly. Cora gave him a wry smile and turned back to the water, releasing her weapon and dropping her hand to the stream, feeling the light resistance of its flow against her fingers. "Can I join you?"

"Of course," she said, motioning to the spot next to her. They sat in silence for a while, but soon Connor spoke.

"Is everything alright?"

Cora sighed, part of her needing to speak of it and the other part wishing he wouldn't have brought it up at all. "Yes," she managed, looking at the stream instead of Connor. She could feel him watching her despite her assurance, but he pushed her no further, which was almost worse than if he had kept digging for information. Sighing again, she lay back, draping an arm over her face. "I don't really know what exactly it is. I just keep thinking about my family..."

"Is it because of what Ezekiel said today?"

Cora sat up again, pulling her feet from the water. "Yes," she admitted. "At first I kept thinking about my brother, whether he would even want to see me again, after what I let happen to my aunt, to my sister..."

"Cora, you should not-"

"I know," she said a bit more sharply than she had intended, cutting him off. "I just... I started thinking about that, and then I started thinking of my sisters, my parents... Especially my mother." She looked away, closing her eyes, but the feel of Connor's hand on her shoulder made her turn back.

"Tell me about her."

Cora's eyes widened and she turned away, beginning to put her boots back on. "I can't," she said abruptly as she worked the laces a bit too aggressively.

"Why not?"

A sudden streak of frustration burning through her, she swung her head in his direction. "You tell me of yours!" As his face hardened, caught in her trap, she flew to her feet. "Don't ask me to do something you won't do, either." As she walked further upstream, he got to his feet and went after her.

"I did not mean to upset you," he called after her. Cora stopped, but did not turn to face him. She had expected him to react equally to her harsh words, even wanted him to. If she was being honest with herself, a fight was what she wanted – to yell and scream and cast her anger away... But he did not deserve to be the brunt of that, and his calm response softened her. "I thought it would make you feel better to talk about it."

Just as she turned to say something, Clipper emerged, calling to them. "We need to head out soon," he said, an awkward look passing over his face once he realized he was intruding on a rather serious conversation.

"We will be right there," Connor assured him, his voice strained. Once he was gone, Cora sighed, looking wearily up at him.

"I'm sorry," she muttered. "I suppose I'm rather touchy today. There has been much to think about..."

"It was my fault, I did not mean to push you." Connor took her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her palm. Without a word, she leaned into him and he let his arms fall around her, holding her close. Though she had not expected such an easy resolution to her bad mood, she found the simplicity of the embrace rather comforting. Her remaining anger melted away easily into the heat of the summer day.

---

When they finally arrived in Boston days later, Connor and Cora spent an extra day there to rest. It had been a long journey after a physically and emotionally trying mission, and Connor felt no guilt at allowing himself and Cora the luxury of rest, even if only for a short time before they would have to head to the Homestead. However, Connor wasted no time being unproductive. There was still the matter of finding a way to breach the walls of Fort George after all, and no time could be spared in the pursuit of a solution.

Midway through the day, he received news.

"I have received word from Dobby," Duncan said, handing him a letter. As Connor opened it, Duncan summarized the content. "It seems the tunnels are blocked, but they don't think it will be too difficult to clear them."

"Very well. Have them begin as soon as possible. Who knows how long it may take..."

"Aye, I'll have a letter out by the time we leave." When Duncan turned to leave Connor to his work, he called him back.

"Has there been any news of my father?" He had hesitated to ask, but Duncan had made no mention of it for some time. It had been the previous spring that Connor had asked Duncan to inquire on the matter, and though he knew the man would have told him if there had been anything new, he could not help but ask anyway.

"Nothing," Duncan said softly. Connor nodded, and Duncan left without another word, seeming to sense that there was nothing else to be said about the matter. Setting the maps and notes aside, Connor rubbed his temple.

On one hand, he was glad that there was no trace of his father. Any news to be told of Haytham Kenway would only be bad for what Connor wanted. News would only mean he was becoming active in the Templar cause again, that he was beginning to take direct action again instead of work quietly behind the scenes. Connor was not so naïve to believe that his father gave no cause for news because he had turned from his Templar ways. No, he knew he had to be somewhere working alongside Lee, even in some quiet, silent way.

Still, part of him wished for news of his location, for the chance to see him and speak with him, to have another chance to make him see the error of his ways. Though deep down he knew it was impossible, as the man was as convinced of his cause as Connor was of his own, still some small part of him clung to hope of reconciliation and peace between them.

Soft footsteps sounded behind him, and he turned his head just as Cora came up behind him, resting a hand on his shoulder. He covered her hand with his and she ran her thumb against his wrist in a comforting manner.

"I thought you wanted to take an extra day here in order to rest," she said gently. In truth, the injuries he had taken in New York had affected him more than he let on, and he knew he should allow himself a break, but he couldn't quite bring himself to follow through. The news of Lee's trial had only spurred him on. It seemed that though the judge had found him guilty of the charges, Washington had chosen to spare his life. The anger that had come over him had surprised him, and he had settled into a state of bitter irritability that only Cora had seemed able to break through, but it seemed even she could not cut through his current state of mind.

"Come on," she said cheerily, extending her hand. "Don't you want to go downstairs? Duncan has promised to bring out his fiddle again." Connor took her hand and let her pull him to his feet, but did not start for the door or make and kind of sign of agreement.

"How about a walk then? Perhaps fresh air would do you good."

Connor sighed, looking out the window. "Cora..." He watched as she pursed her lips slightly, a moment of weariness passing over her face at his refusal.

"Alright, then I will stay here." She dropped onto the bed, crossing her arms as she stared him down, trying her hardest to suppress her annoyance.

"There is much to be done," he said as Cora leaned forward, about to chastise him about working too hard when he was supposed to be taking it easy. "I just need to be alone," he said finally in a small voice. Connor knew he was being insensitive and that Cora was only trying to help, but he found himself sending her away anyway. Accepting one of her offers or suggestions would have been best, but he was angry and weary of the endless pursuit of Lee, and the only thing that seemed to calm him was devotion to ending the man and his threat once and for all.

"Fine," she said sharply, rising to her feet. Before he could even draw forth some excuse to make her stay, or at least to prevent her from leaving angrily, he found himself standing mutely by as she pulled the door closed behind her.

---

It was less than a day's ride to the Homestead from Boston, and the four of them made good time. Only a few miles separated them from their destination, and Cora was determined to spend every last minute possible with Victoire. The two of them hung back behind the men, neither of whom seemed to be in a talking mood themselves. Cora and Victoire had been chatting about mindless things, laughing and engaging in rather pleasant banter, but Victoire then grew more serious, and turned the conversation to a subject more associated with the paths of their lives.

"What will you do after Charles Lee and Oliver are taken care of," she asked boldly, her blue eyes catching Cora in a glance that she dared not defy.

The dark haired woman sighed, almost seeming to slump in her saddle, and Victoire wondered if perhaps she should have kept the question to herself. "Perhaps I should tell you I do not know, but I have been thinking of searching for my brother. I do not think I shall ever have peace until I know what has happened to him."

"Do you truly think he is alive?"

"If the words had come from Oliver or Thomas or even Ezekiel, I would have thought it was nothing but mind games, but despite all Henry did... I trust him, and his word."

Victoire nodded solemnly, waiting to see if Cora wished to continue the conversation before asking any other questions, as she did not want to push her to speak about it if it made her uncomfortable. She was slightly surprised when she did not change the subject.

"If I may admit," she said in a low voice, as if trying not to be overheard. She stopped in the midst of her thought, looking to her friend with a serious gaze. "Do I have your word that this will stay between us?"

Victoire nodded, giving her a gentle smile. "I will always keep your confidence, mon amie."

Cora turned forward in her saddle, twisting the reins around her hands. "I asked Clipper to keep an eye and ear out for any news, and to send word immediately if there is any sign of him, or that the Templars are close to finding him. As much as I am determined to kill Oliver, I would abandon that path in a moment if it meant keeping him safe."

"Does Connor know?"

"No. I have asked Clipper not to speak of it to anyone, but I suppose if you wished you could, now that you know."

"I will keep my attention toward any sign of him, as well," Victoire promised. Cora smiled sincerely, reaching over to take the woman's hand.

"Thank you."

"Anything for you." Victoire smiled broadly and they turned their conversation back to more pleasant things.

Soon, the familiar sights of the Homestead were alongside them, and they were riding up the path toward the Manor. Ealga was eager to be back in a familiar place, and she hastened her pace anxiously. Cora led her into a run and Victoire followed behind, shouting curses at her as they began a sort of impromptu, unofficial race. Connor and Duncan had moved well ahead of them, and they were already dismounting as Cora and Victoire rode up, both of them laughing.

Cora dismounted, giving a soft groan as her weight shifted back onto her sore thighs.

"Saddle sore, are you," Victoire teased as she came up beside her. "I myself feel as if I have just spent a week in complete relaxation."

Cora snorted as the blonde women slid from her horse, trying to bury a wince of her own. "That's a bad lie even for you," she said, laughing. Victoire chuckled, but her face fell as her gaze focused on something behind Cora. Furrowing her brow, she turned to see what was going on, and her eyes fell on the sight of Diana speaking with Connor, Duncan standing only a step behind. Connor dropped her head and Cora's heart sunk into her stomach. Whatever it was, it could not be good. When he went into the manor, paying no mind to anything else, Cora decided to give him space and take care of the horses before inquiring into what had happened. If it had been direly serious, she was sure he would have said something.

Cora was in the process of unsaddling Ealga when Duncan approached the two women.

"What is going on," Victoire asked. Cora was glad for her initiative, as she had been unable to ask the question herself. Part of her was too fearful of what she might hear.

"Achilles is ill. It came on very quickly and has not left," he said solemnly. It was the words he added that completed the blow. "Diana does not think he will recover." Cora dropped her head and Victoire laid a light hand on her back. Though Cora certainly felt her own sadness and grief for the eventual loss, she knew Connor would be devastated, and that was worst of all. He had lost so much, and Achilles had been the only constant in his life for so long... This would be a huge blow to him.

Once she had seen to her horse and Connor's, as he had gone inside so suddenly, she made her way into the manor. Diana was gathering her things by the door when Cora came in, and the two women shared a look.

Diana smiled solemnly. "I'm glad to see you both home safe," she said softly. "But I am sorry to have to deliver such news."

Cora nodded, pressing her lips together. "How is he?"

Unsure of which man she spoke, Diana gave account of both. "Achilles is enduring. He sleeps much of the day, and I come every few hours to check on him and do what I can. Dr. White stops by every few days, as well. There is not much more we can do at this point. Connor, I think, is not faring quite as well. I think perhaps a gentle word may ease his suffering." Diana gave a knowing look and left, closing the door behind her without another word.

When Cora reached Achilles' room, her eyes fell on Connor before anything else. He sat in a chair in the corner, his brows furrowed deeply. He looked so weary, as if he was twice as old as his twenty-five years should suggest. Cora glanced at Achilles, who was asleep in his bed and looked rather sallow-complected. When her gaze drifted back to Connor, she found his eyes on her. For a moment, she thought he would cast her aside again, but instead he got up and moved into the hallway so that they could speak without waking Achilles. Connor led her to another room, shutting the door behind them. They regarded each other in silence for a long while before Cora finally spoke.

"Eksá:'a has been seen to," she said simply, clasping her hands in front of her as if unsure what to do or say. "She is resting comfortably in the stables."

Connor felt instant guilt for having disregarded the mare. He had seemed to forget all else besides Achilles when Diana had broken the news to him. "Thank you," he said softly. Cora nodded but said nothing more, her concerned eyes searching his face. He sighed and dropped his head, drawing a hand across his face. It was so much at once – the news of Lee, the lack of news of his father, the strained relationship he had experienced with Cora the past few days, and now this... It was too much to sort through.

Cora's heart stirred at his reaction and she crossed the room, pulling him into an embrace. At first, he almost seemed to resist her, as if not wanting to give in and acknowledge what he was feeling. "It will be alright," she whispered. She had wanted to say something more profound, but those words were all she could muster in her attempt to comfort him. It was only then that he relaxed, returning the embrace and leaning his forehead into her shoulder. Cora had a hard time believing those words herself, but she was learning to have hope.

---

Victoire and Duncan left early the next morning. The goodbye was harder than Cora had thought it would be, but the two promised to write and visit when time allowed. Victoire, always more free with her emotions, had wiped away tears when she hugged Cora goodbye. She even gave Connor a tight embrace as well, paying no mind to how caught off guard he was. When they were gone, Cora felt more downcast than she had expected and spent much of the day sighing forlornly and doing chores to keep herself busy. Connor had immediately retreated into the basement, no doubt to work on his plans as he had been doing every moment since their return to the homestead. At lunch, Cora had tried yet again to draw him away from his work, even if only for long enough to share a meal with her – or alone if it suited him, really, as long as he was not pouring over his maps and notes and letters.

Despite her good intentions, they had ended up bickering. Cora had left abruptly, knowing it was her only chance before they devolved into a full on argument, but not before she could yell an insensitive remark about leaving him to sulk in his misery. Frustrated, she had decided to forsake the few chores that remained in favor of a ride. Ealga was still in need of rest from the long journey, so Cora took the dappled gray that she had ridden in her race with Connor so many months ago.

So much had changed since then. That ride had been one of the first time she had felt something towards Connor besides frustration and malice, and now they had shared so much, in both body and in their hearts... Thinking of how far they had come only made their fighting in the past days more difficult to accept. It was as if they were going backwards, and that was the last thing Cora wanted. All the same, she struggled with figuring out how to get through to him and fixing the rift that had begun to form. Perhaps they just needed to speak honestly instead of bickering about things that had nothing to do with the real issue.

She did not stay out long, and on her way back to the manor she had come across Prudence, Catherine and Ellen in the road. They called out their greetings to her, and Cora stopped to say hello.

"Diana told me you were back, it is good to see you in the flesh," Catherine said warmly.

"We were all wondering when you would return," Prudence echoed. "Sometimes Connor is gone for a few days, other times for months."

Cora smiled, unsure how to respond. "How is he?" Ellen asked.

"Burying his nose in his plans," she shrugged, trying not to sound bitter. If she did give off a sense of resentment, none of them made any show of noticing.

"And how are you?"

"Well enough. Tired, if I may admit. In more ways than one." Cora looked down, surprised she was being so vulnerable with them.

"Perhaps you need a break from all the stresses that Connor must bring you," Ellen said with a jesting smile. "Would you like to join us at the Mile's End? Apparently there are some musicians passing through and we decided none of us could pass up a song."

She knew she should say no and instead go talk to Connor or see to her own plans for Oliver and her brother, but she found herself nodding. A break from the things that troubled her seemed too appealing to decline. The women led her to the tavern where they laughed and talked, and Cora eventually felt herself relax in spirit as well as body. Much of the time she spent observing the others. She had always been a people watcher, even before she was trained to do it, and doing it on the Homestead always seemed to give her valuable insights. The relationship between the people on the Homestead seemed so easy, so close... And for the first time since she had arrived there, she felt almost as though she fit into it, too.

After a few hours, she took her leave and headed back to the manor in a much better mood. The music and companionship had helped her immensely. However, the lightness of her heart faded as she passed Achilles, laying asleep in his bed as he had continuously since they had returned. She observed him for a moment, sighing as she decided she should go talk to Connor without delay. Tension between them was the last thing either of them needed, especially at a time like this.

Connor was in the basement, but this time instead of sitting at the desk he stood with his back to her, his hands on his hips. He turned when he heard her come down the stairs, and to her delight, there was no signs of lingering annoyance from their earlier spat.

"How is it going," she asked, folding her arms against her stomach as she approached.

"Well enough. I have come up with a tentative plan for you."

Cora furrowed her brows, confused. "For me?"

"When I am carrying out the mission in Fort George, you and whoever you wish to accompany you will go to Fort William and take out Oliver. I have not worked out the details yet, but-"

"Don't I get a say in this?" Connor looked surprised, as if her reaction was not what he had expected. He knew her well enough, though – did he really think she would take kindly to things being decided for her in such a way?

"I thought it would be what you wanted," he said.

"Well perhaps you should not make such assumptions," she said sharply. A hard, detached look like the one he held earlier returned to Connor's face, and she knew she should not have reacted so harshly. Just as she was about to try and redirect the conversation, Diana descended the stairs.

Her voice was quiet, filled with sympathy. "Connor? He's asking for you." Nodding, Connor gave Cora a weary look before following the other woman up the stairs. He had not meant to upset her, but in retrospect he should have known not to put the idea before her in such a way that gave her no input. With so much on his mind, it seemed he was struggling even to communicate.

Knocking softly on the post of the door, he waited to be sure Achilles had not fallen back asleep. As soon as he made himself known the old man had stirred, shifting and propping himself up into a different position so he could see Connor's face.

"Hello, Connor," the old man said in a tired, gruff voice. Despite his fatigued state, he seemed glad to see the younger Assassin and motioned for him to enter. As Connor pulled a chair to the bedside, Achilles struggled to sit up and settled for laying slightly propped up on the pillow, obviously lacking the energy to do much else. "Come now," the old man said as he caught the look on Connor's face. "Your sadness won't sustain me any more than that fool woman's soups and potions." Connor almost smiled – even in the midst of such weakness, Achilles was still the same man, it seemed. "Tell me of your latest exploits."

At this, the smile was swept from his face, and he could feel himself grow angry. "Charles Lee has been exposed and the Patriots finally rid of him. They march now to secure the remaining cities that this country might finally be free."

Achilles eyes lit up, and he gave a faint smile. "Then you have won. The land and your people are safe." At the old man's words, Connor sat back in the chair, looking away with a far off anger in his eyes. Achilles knew the boy well enough to realize that such a change in his demeanor was not something to be ignored. Furrowing his brows, he questioned him further. "Yet you seem troubled..."

Connor said nothing for a moment, not even wanting to speak the truth out loud. "Washington spared Lee's life," he said, every movement of his face and sound from his mouth emanating anger and spite.

"So long as he lives, all are in danger." Achilles sighed, not wanting to bring up Haytham but knowing the boy needed to hear it. "The same is true for your father." At the mention of his father, Connor looked down, as if he could not bear to hear it. All the same, Achilles did not let it go. "When you first came to me, you understood what had to be done. Swore you'd see it through. If not for the Brotherhood, for your people – and all those threatened by the Templars."

A pleading look passed over his face, one Achilles knew would be full of excuses. "But with Lee gone, my father might-" He extended his hands, trying to explain and hoping that Achilles would agree but knowing deep down he would not. Achilles grabbed his hand, trying to make him understand the reality of the situation.

"Listen to me. You have not come this far to throw it all away over misplaced sentiment." His words were sharp, and he could see the effect on Connor. Achilles had long feared that Connor would come to feel this way, that he would lose sight of his goals over such idealistic hopes. Still, he did not pretend to believe that it was easy for him to accept this, and so he softened his tone, speaking gently. "Both men must die."

Connor shook his head, not willing to accept it. "Achilles..."

"There is nothing more to discuss," he said bluntly. Connor sat back, defeated. It was then that a fit of coughing overtook the old man, and Connor pressed his lips together at the sight of it, despising the feeling of helplessness. As he closed his eyes to rest again, Connor opened his mouth to speak, but then found himself silent. Frustrated, he pushed back from the chair and made to leave the room, but found himself pausing, looking back at Achilles' still form and wondering if perhaps he really was right. Perhaps he truly was throwing aside all he had worked for in the hope that things could be different between him and his father...

Cora was right there when he turned toward the hall, breaking him away from his thoughts. She was staring at him, and when his eyes locked with hers, he knew she had heard everything. Her face gave no hint to what she was thinking, and he longed to go with her somewhere they could speak alone. So many things seemed to be happening all at once, and the last thing he wanted or needed was to be in a continued state of argument with her.

The look between them was over as soon as it came, and when he turned the corner, he found himself face to face with Diana, looking rather annoyed and frustrated as she pushed away from the wall where she had been leaning, her arms crossed. The source of her annoyance stepped from behind her, and Connor tilted his head in surprise.

"Connor, I came as soon as I could," Lafayette said, his voice heavily accented. Sympathy was written all over his face, but Connor did not to play into it – more pity was the last thing he needed. Diana gave the man a sharp look, throwing her hands out in annoyance. Obviously she was not happy about his presence, but Connor held out his hand and she fell back, crossing her arms again. Lafayette stepped triumphantly from behind her.

"Tell me you bring good news," Connor said, his voice weary. Cora could not help but feel like there was a part of him almost begging Lafayette not to tell him that Lee had escaped Fort George, that the British had won, or some other disastrous thing.

Instead, the Frenchman nodded, extending his hands excitedly. "The Comte de Grasse said yes. You need only join his fleet in Chesapeake Bay and they will serve as required." At this, Cora found herself gaping. What the hell was the man talking about? She had heard nothing of this Comte de Grasse or whatever request Connor had made of him. Anger hummed through her, and as Diana made her way for the door, knowing it was not her place to be there, she gave Cora an empathetic look. As slipped out the door, Connor glanced at her, nodding slightly as if to thank her, but when he turned back to Lafayette, he caught the fiery look in Cora's eyes and knew he would soon have hell to pay. "But what exactly is it you intend?" Lafayette asked, his eyes quickly glancing at Cora.

Despite whatever it was he felt inside, Connor's voice was controlled, even hopeful. "It is better that I show you." As he motioned for them to follow, he gave Cora a quick look, as if to tell her they would talk later. Though it did not satisfy her, she knew this was not the time for her temper, and so Cora took a deep breath and followed without voiced objection.

As they descended the steps, Cora caught Lafayette looking almost uncomfortably at the display of Templar portraits on the far wall. No doubt it was unsettling to see such a thing, with all their faces crossed off. She remembered how ridiculous and even cruel it had seemed when she first had seen it, but now she paid it no second thought.

"Charles Lee may have been dismissed, but it does not mean we are safe," Connor began, stepping toward a well crafted wooden copy of the map Cora had retrieved. It was a perfect replication of the layout, and Cora furrowed her brow, wondering where in the world he would have gotten such a thing in so short a time.

Lafayette's questioning turned her away from her thoughts. He stretched his arm out, obviously surprised at Connor's dissent with Washington's decision, no matter how subtly he had voiced it. "But the Commander-"

Not willing to humor the Frenchman, Connor held out a hand and spoke sternly. "The Commander underestimates the threat and no more time can be wasted trying to convince him otherwise. I must do this on my own."

"Do what, exactly?" The air of uncertainty with with he spoke held almost a hint of anxiety, as if he was afraid of what Connor was going to suggest. His reaction amused Cora, and she let out a soft breath, smirking.

"Kill Charles Lee." Never before had Cora heard him speak with so much ill-intent and malice, even when they had first met and been so harshly at odds with each other. Sure, his words against her had been full of ire and anger, but this was something else altogether. It was some suppressed rage that she had never seen from him before, and it left her stunned. "He hides within Fort George, which is itself surrounded by a militarized district. I cannot hope to infiltrate it directly – so I will go under instead." Turning the table, he revealed a wooden recreation of the maze of tunnels, leaving both Cora and Lafayette in a state of awe.

"Incroyable."

"The tunnels leading to the fort have been filled in. While I secure the admiral's ships, I need you to clear them for me. Some of my Assassins have already begun, but your help will speed things along."

"And the ships?"

"When signaled, they will bombard the fort -"

"- breaching its walls and creating a distraction, I see!" Lafayette nodded, obviously impressed as he finished Connor's thought.

Connor hinted at a smile, glad to see his positive reaction. "In the chaos, I will slip inside, find Charles Lee, and silence him forever." As he spoke, Cora found herself realizing that though she knew Connor was determined to end the life and threat of Charles Lee, she never had truly understood how deep the anger and hatred ran within him.

As Connor suggested they continue upstairs, Cora found herself reminded of her original intent to resolve things between them. She had meant to talk with him, to listen and explain and forget about the past few days of conflict between them. However, after what had just happened she had no doubt it would not come about. She was furious and hurt that he had kept so much from her, and there was no way she would be able to keep herself from breaching the subject. From the way Lafayette spoke, it had been obvious they had been speaking of some sort of a plan for a while, and the fact that he had said nothing to her was not something she was willing to let go.

"We will be up in a minute," Cora said, feigning pleasantry as she stepped between Connor and Lafayette. Connor narrowed his eyes but said nothing, and Lafayette smiled at her, nodding his head before hastening up the stairs as if he sensed what was coming and did not want to stick around any longer than necessary.

Cora waited until she heard the Frenchman shut the door behind him before turning back to Connor, who immediately opened his mouth to defend himself.

"Cora-"

"When were you planning to tell me any of this," she asked sharply. "The Comte de Grasse? The ships? What the hell is that?" Her voice was shrill with anger.

"I meant to tell you, I did not know Lafayette would come so-"

Cora narrowed her eyes, unsatisfied. "Even so, how long have you been sitting on these plans? The way he spoke, it seems to me as if you have been planning this for months!"

Sighing, Connor tried to explain himself. "I put things in motion as soon as I found out that Lee had taken refuge in Fort George-"

Cora cut him off yet again, refusing to let him finish his account. "So you have known about this for over a month at the least and never said anything to me? I thought we were in this together," she said bitterly. Though her eyes were filled with the fires of anger, Connor could see that his failure to be completely open about it had hurt her. Even so, he found himself more and more frustrated every time she cut him off, and that coupled with his earlier discussion with Achilles, he found himself lacking the patience to have a discussion instead of an argument.

"It was not your burden," he said, coming off more dismissive than he intended to. Truthfully, he had only kept it from her because he didn't want to add another trouble to her mind when she was already dealing with so much. The death of her friend, the threat of Oliver and regaining her strength and health had taken a big enough toll.

"Not my burden?" She scoffed, offended. "Do you think me so self consumed that I cannot contribute to anything that's not about me? Or were you so naïve to think that I couldn't handle it?"

Connor had reached his limit then, and felt himself losing his calm. "Will you stop jumping to such conclusions? You had enough to worry about when I-"

As Connor began to raise his voice, Cora sighed and backed down. Fighting was not what she had come to do, and she had let her anger run away with her. "Alright," she said, raising a hand to cut him off. "It doesn't matter anyway," she grumbled, turning to go. She could have gone on, about the searching for his father and other things she had overheard him mention since returning to the Homestead, but at this point it would be counterproductive, and she let it be.

Connor would not give up so easily. "Obviously it does, or we would not be having this conversation. I admit I should have told you, but-"

"Just forget it," she said, turning to go. "I don't want to keep you from Lafayette."

"Cora..."

She did not look back as she ascended the steps, but Connor did not move or speak to call her back. Part of her wished he would, as she was only even more disappointed and frustrated that things had gone so badly yet again. Too proud to face Lafayette and too stung to play as if things were alright with Connor, she retreated to her room, aiming to rally and make a final attempt at fixing things later, once they had both cooled. She would have to resolve not to go in so boldly and accusatory. In the state Connor was in, she knew he would not respond to it, and no progress would be made. As she lay in her cot, she sighed and threw an arm over her eyes, wishing Victoire was there to lend a wise word.

---

After Lafayette left, as he had only been passing through, Diana had taken her leave for the evening, as well. With Achilles asleep, it was only Cora and Connor awake in the manor, but things between them had been strained after their argument and they had hardly spoken. Connor had taken his dinner in the basement, and Cora had found she had little appetite herself. She knew well enough that she would have no peace until they had resolved their dispute, and so she made for the basement as well, though part of her wanted to let her stubbornness rule, and instead wait for him to come to her.

He was studying the map of the tunnels when she came down the stairs, and though she knew he heard her enter, he made no sign of noticing her.

"Can we talk?" Cora tried to make her voice as gentle as possible, but she knew her tone was not completely lacking in aggression. He nodded and stood to face her, exhaustion on his face. For a moment, she thought of letting it be until a time when he was less weary, but figured leaving after asking to talk would only make them fall into another argument.

"Ever since we have gotten back to the homestead, you have become so serious..."

At her words, Connor crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "Things have become serious. It is time to stop playing games." Stung, Cora stepped back.

"Am I a game to you, then?" Her voice was small and wounded, and Connor's face instantly changed as he realized what he had implied, even accidentally so. Yet before he could right the situation, fire flashed in Cora's eyes and she took a step forward, making a sweeping gesture with her hand. "Because if I am, I will leave. But I want you to know that this is serious to me. All of it. And I want to help you, but you have to let me. I know you think you can do all of this alone, or maybe that you have to, but you don't! Achilles, the Assassins, the people here, me... We all want to help you. But you refuse to let anyone in! You keep things inside, shut me away and keep everything private. I won't do it, Connor! I won't!" By the end, she was almost yelling at him, and Connor was rather frustrated. She always went on about him not being open enough, yet she often did the same thing. He understood what she felt, as many times the roles had been reversed. Still, he refused to give in.

"You scold me for keeping things to myself, when you yourself have not told me that you plan to search for your brother."

"How did you..."

"I overheard you and Victoire speaking." Cora felt her cheeks fill with heat, then narrowed her eyes. "That is different."

"Is it? How can I incorporate you into my plans or help you with yours if your heart is in another place, your mind occupied with planning something else?"

"Alright," she conceded, her emotional exhaustion overcoming most of her stubbornness and pride. "We both need to be more open," she said, her voice still raised. Stubbornness breaking through again, she stepped toward him, placing a hand on her chest. "But at least I am trying! You are perfectly content to stay down here and work on perfecting every detail of your plans and not talk to me."

"That is not true," he protested. Cora did not stop to listen, and as she began to speak he stepped even closer to her, so that they were no more than a hand's width apart.

"Is it?" Groaning softly, Cora felt herself beginning to lose control. "Look at yourself! Wasting your days away, keeping every thought carefully boxed away, only released in controlled situations."

"You do not understand-"

"Don't I? I have been through just as much as you have, and at least I try! You are just some boxed up..." as her words became incoherent, Connor grabbed her lightly by the shoulders, trying to make her understand.

"Cora, listen to me."

"I want you," she interrupted, her voice more controlled, but then raising again when she spoke again. "I want this." As she spoke, she raised her hands to his face, trying desperately to make him understand. Connor's features changed as she laid her hands upon his jaw, his face softening slightly though his eyes still held an exhausted anger. Furrowing her brows in desperation, she forced her next words to be calm. "Do you?"

She stared him boldly in the eyes, refusing to let him look away until he spoke. Instead, before she got her answer she found her lips upon his, though she was not sure who had initiated it. He kissed her roughly, with a complex passion she was unsure they had shared before, and she grabbed at his clothes, trying to pull herself closer against him. Suddenly, Connor was pulling away, his hands grasping her face as he looked at her.

"Yes, I do," he said, his voice low and serious. Though his words were few, the effect it had on Cora was incomprehensible. She stared at him for a few long moments, her heart pounding in her chest, and then pulled him back to her, her hands making for the buttons of his jacket. To quicken the process and have her arms around him again, he aided her, shrugging out of it and helping her to unbutton his waistcoat and pull his shirt over his head. When he stood bare chested in before her, she pulled away to look at him, her fingers dancing over his skin. Though they had been together before, it had been so dark and they had not really been able to appreciate the other in such a way. She kissed his chest and then rested her forehead against him, her fingers stroking the skin of his back. The moment was tender amidst all the passion and emotion spurred on by their argument, and he smoothed her hair, holding her close. Soon, though, Connor longed to kiss her, wanting to make her tremble with pleasure beneath him. He raised her chin, tilting her head back so he could truly kiss her well. As his hands worked at the ties of her blouse, she reached behind and untied her petticoats, letting them drop to the floor, which left her in only her shift.

Once she was free of them, Connor backed her gently toward the table. As soon as she felt it press against her from behind, Connor grabbed her waist and hoisted her onto it. As he settled between her legs, his lips moved to her neck and she hummed softly, her breath catching when he ran his tongue over a sensitive spot just below her jaw. Renewed with a fresh bout of desire, she struggled to hoist her shift above her hips, but it was caught under her and she couldn't get leverage to lift herself to free it. When he realized what she was doing, he yanked the fabric up from behind, letting his fingers dig into the soft, supple skin of her hips and lower back. She let out a heavy breath and hooked her leg behind his hip, pulling him close enough that she could feel his erection hard against the pulsing between her own legs. A rasp escaped him and he caught her lips again, his kiss rather assertive. The last time they had been intimate it was she who had taken the lead, but now the roles seemed reversed, and it was she who was the focus instead. Though one part of her wished to fall back into the familiar comfort of her previous role, another was content to allow him to take over. This time Connor was confident and direct, but instead of falling into aggression and control like so many others had, she could tell he remained carefully aware of her every reaction. It was obvious that in that moment his sole attention was her pleasure, as he altered his behavior to bring about a better reaction from her instead of doing whatever was good for him. Indeed, he was certainly learning the tricks of her body quickly, and wasted no time before putting them to use. Aggravatingly slow, he eased her shift from her shoulders. With her patience running thin and desire coursing like fire through her, she moved her hands to the buckle of his pants, but he caught her wrists, pulling back to look at her. With a wry smile, he stared at her, and she furrowed her brows as he kissed her palm and set her hands aside. Clueless as to what he was doing, she rested her hands on his waist and let him have his way. As the smile left his eyes replaced by some sort of tender reverence, he moved his hand toward her. His fingertips traced her collar bone and moved down the center of her chest, his eyes following the same path. When his fingers were mere fingertips from her breasts, he looked up at her, seeking permission. Smiling, she grabbed at the hem of her shift and lifted it over her head. She watched as he looked at her, his chest rising and his eyes slowly moving over her body. Oh, how bold he made her... There was no hesitation or fear to lay herself so vulnerable before him, no anxiety over what he would think of every scar or stretch mark or part of her body that she was overly conscious of.

Gently he kissed her then, but the loving tenderness was soon replaced by passion and need, and he moved his lips to her jaw and then her neck, pausing at a sensitive spot at the crook of her shoulder. She tilted her head back as he moved ever lower, his lips dragging across her chest and coming to stop at the fullness of her breast, where he sucked gently at her skin. He could feel the way her breathing hitched, Connor smiled as he moved lower. His kisses cascaded over her belly and hips, and by the time she realized what he intended to do he had already gripped her hips, kneeling before her. She felt his breath against the inside of her thigh, freezing with anticipation. Cora rasped when he brought his mouth to to the source of her pleasure. Grabbing his shoulders, she dug her fingers into his skin as he moved his tongue against her. Cora was not one to vocalize her pleasure too emphatically, but now she writhed under him and soft, breathy noises escaped her lips. Her reaction only spurred him on, and soon she threw her head back, arching her back as she trembled, waves of pleasure washing over her. When she finally relaxed, he stood and wiped his mouth before taking her in his arms and brushing her hair aside, whispering gentle words in her ear as her breathing returned to normal.

As soon as she caught her breath, she pushed him slightly back but kept his face in her hands, wanting to look at him. He looked quite satisfied, and even smiled when she opened her mouth, struggling to find something to say to him. He had left her speechless, and that was more than he could have wanted. Though her words were failing, she was anxious to return the favor and felt for his buckle again. This time he did not stop her, instead helping her to undo it and then stepping away to remove his boots and pants himself. Unwilling to be parted from him for even a moment, Cora eased herself off the table and stepped toward him just as he kicked his pants away. He made to grab for her, but instead she held him at arm's length, looking over him as he had looked at her before.

He was well built, something she had always known but did not often get to appreciate in such a manner. The light of the candles flickered against the warm shade of his skin, making him seem almost to glow, and as she took in the sight of the whole of him, she found herself having to remember to breathe. Yet despite the sight of his body, it was always his face that made her stomach flutter. It was the curve of his lips, the angle of his jaw, the width of his nose, even the scar upon his cheek... Most of all, though, it was his eyes that most captured her heart. A warm amber brown, they looked upon her with understanding and tenderness, and in his gaze she could feel safe, respected and cared for. That was perhaps what she treasured most of all.

After dropping to her knees and pulling him down with her, she kissed him, threading her fingers into his hair and lightly scraping her fingernails against his scalp. He lowered her her back and covered her with his body, pushing inside her. She met him with a loud breath, but before he did anything else, he took her face in his hands, looking into her eyes. She smiled up at him and moved her fingers against his back, sending a shiver down his spine. Connor felt his heart swell at the sight of her smile, and he kissed her before drawing back to look at her. Her brown eyes looked dark in the light, though he knew them to show some green in the sunlight. In them, he found joy and love and understanding. She was a vision, her hair strewn about her head, almost some odd halo around her, and her lips were red from kissing and exertion. Kissing the mole on her cheek, he moved within her, and they held their gaze until pleasure threatened to overcome them.

Cora felt Connor begin to pull away, but she tightened her legs around his hips, locking him in place as he released within her, filling both her body and her heart. They held each other tightly, and Connor made some muffled noise against her cheek as she moved her hips with him, riding out the height of his pleasure. Slowly they began to relax, and Cora could feel his breath against her ear, stirring in her hair just before he pulled back to look at her, smoothing her hair away from her face. His eyes were tender, and she gave him the slightest of smiles. As she tucked his braid behind his ear, the reality of what they had just shared washed over her, but in that moment she had no worries for anything it might mean except the closeness it had brought them. Gently, she pulled his face to hers and kissed him, letting her hands roam lazily over the skin of his back.

When he looked at her again and smiled, she felt the words almost come spilling from her mouth – the admittance of her love for him. She had known for some time that she loved him, truly and strong, but some part of her was still afraid to speak the words aloud. Perhaps it should have been some bad sign, but she did not dwell on it. Such negative thoughts had no place in that moment, but though she tried to quickly banish them she must not have done so quickly enough, for Connor soon furrowed his brow and stroked her cheek.

"Is something wrong?"

Cora shook her head, smiling. "There is not one thing wrong right now," she said softly. All the same, Connor was not satisfied with her answer. He slid away from her, leaving both her body and her arms to ache with emptiness. Resting an arm on his knee, he did not look at her and instead a troubled expression settled on his face. At the sight of him, Cora felt her heart sink. Though unintentionally, she had ruined the moment between them, and she berated herself as she struggled to find a way to recapture it.

"I am sorry," he said finally, turning his face toward her though his eyes were still cast downward. "I did not intend to..."

Oh. The realization of what he assumed made upset her, and she raised herself to her knees behind him, gently grabbing his upper arms and dropping a slow, lingering kiss on his shoulder. "It was I who kept you from it. I should not have done so without knowing for certain your willingness, and for that I am sorry..."

"You wanted me to do it?"

Cora found herself smiling at his words. "Why else would I have held you close?" She said in a low voice, her lips just near his ear. Connor chuckled and turned toward her, rising to his knees and brushing her disheveled braid behind her, letting his hand follow the curve of her shoulder as he did so. "I only worry that I caused you to do something you didn't want to." Her voice was serious and she looked troubled, even disturbed at the thought of it. Wanting to banish such a look from her face, Connor stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"You did not. I just wasn't sure you wanted to..."

Cora gave a low laugh then, shaking her head. "It seems perhaps we should communicate a bit better next time," she said.

"I suppose so," he agreed, smiling. Cora grinned and embraced him, her arms winding around his neck as his wrapped around her waist.

Connor kissed her again and helped her to her feet, moving to collect his clothes from where they had been rather carelessly discarded. As he pulled his shirt over his head, he watched Cora straighten her shift where it had tangled as she put it on. As she shook out her blouse, a piece of hair had fallen from her braid, and refused to stay in place no matter how many times she tucked it away. A breath of a laugh escaped his lips as, frustrated, she blew it out of her face with a little too much force. When she caught him staring, she raised her brow and put her hands on her hips.

"What, exactly, is so funny?" Though her voice was grave, he could see the playful mischief in her eyes, and he found himself laughing again, though he was not sure what for.

"Oh yes, laugh away," she said, grabbing his breeches from where they had fallen from the floor and holding them close to her chest, as if they were hostages.

"What are you doing?" He grabbed for his things as he tried to contain his laughter, but she only shook her finger at him.

"Stop laughing at me," she insisted, though now she too was smiling.

"I will do my best, if you only give me my pants," he said, his hands raised in surrender as he struggled to keep from laughing at her wild state.

"I still see laughter," she said, holding his breeches away as he tried to grab for them again. "Imagine Achilles' horror if he woke to see you sneaking upstairs in nothing but your shirt," she threatened.

Connor's eyes widened, and Cora almost lost it at the genuine look of fear in his eyes. "You wouldn't."

"Wouldn't I? I think it would be quite comical indeed," she said, looking off into the distance and resting her chin between her thumb and forefinger as if pondering some great dilemma. "Or perhaps we could wait until Diana comes to check on Achilles..." As she struggled to keep a smile from her lips, Connor lurched toward her, trying to reach around and take his breeches back. Cora squealed as she spun from his grasp, holding them against her back as she was cornered into the wall. As he came close, she lifted a knee and dug it into his hip, moving this way and that as he tried to evade her attempts to keep his breeches hostage.

"I suppose I could give them back for a favor," she said mischievously. Finally, Connor stepped back, raising his brow.

"And what would that be?"

"Come to the river with me."

He laughed at the impulse, raising his eyebrows. "Now?"

"I want to bathe, and I am too lazy to draw a bath," she pouted. When he did not seem to be budging, she shrugged. "You are well within your rights to refuse, but just know it will be a shameful walk clothed only in a shirt."

He narrowed his eyes and shook his head, but held an amused smile all the same. "You are terrible."

Cora shrugged. "I try to be."

"Alright, now give them here," he said, defeated. For a moment, Cora did not move, but finally she handed them over.

"I suppose a deal is a deal, even if I would have been perfectly content to continue to look at you without them." Her voice was sultry and suggestive, and she laughed as he blushed. Once he was fully clothed again, he took her by the waist as she tied her skirts behind her, kissing the side of her neck before allowing her to turn in his arms. Despite their playful mood, the kiss they shared was long and sweet, and when they pulled back, Connor smiled, his heart full of tenderness toward her. As she rested her forehead against his, he thought to tell her he loved her, but before he could consider it further, she grabbed his hand and led him toward the stairs, leaving him rather bewildered.

She looked up toward the door and bit her lip, apprehension filling her face.

"Do you really think anyone could be awake up there?"

"Diana should not be back for hours yet, and Achilles has been a heavy sleeper of late," Connor reassured. Cora pursed her lips all the same, considering the possibilities of having to face someone as they snuck away, and Connor took the opportunity to tease her. "Now that I come to think of it, you may have woken him with all your noise." This time it was her turn to blush, and she elbowed him lightly in the side, looking anywhere but his eyes as he chucked beside her.

"Come on," he said, leading the way up the stairs. He cracked the door open and peered out before nodding at her. As they snuck quietly through the manor, she almost imagined that she could have been any girl sneaking away with her lover, trying to keep from the prying eyes of her father and siblings. A pang of loss shook her, but as soon as they had made it outside, she found herself laughing in Connor's company again. Cora looped a hand around his arm and the two walked for a while, being sure to make it far enough away from the homestead that the likelihood of someone coming upon them was low. They spoke as they walked, laughing and teasing and also sharing some more tender moments as well. It was near nightfall when they finally agreed on a spot and began to undress. Cora felt as if she was on a mission, her adrenaline was so high at the idea of what they were doing outside of the safe privacy of walls. The prospect of being discovered was not appealing, but oddly she found it rather easy to cast from her mind.

Before they even entered the water they had found themselves in each others arms again, joining themselves once more. After washing in the river, which had ended up more laughter and splashing than actual bathing, they had gotten dressed and now rested near the riverbank. It had been a long time since Connor had felt so at ease, and though part of him felt that there was doubtlessly some danger lurking about somewhere, Cora's presence eased his anxieties and he was able to relax again. Even now, with Cora's head tucked against the crook of his neck and her legs tangled amongst his, he felt no fear, paranoia or burden to devote himself to ridding this land of the Templars. For the first time in a long while, he was able to take a moment for himself and not worry about anything but he and Cora, and it was a bigger comfort than he ever could have imagined or hoped for.

They had been laying in silence for quite some time when Cora propped her head up to get a better view of Connor's face. She was blushing before she even spoke, but she continued with her question anyway, curiosity burning within her.

"Where did you learn to... do what you did before?" She felt a fool as she spoke, and it seemed Connor felt equally uncomfortable by the way he glanced away.

"I have... overheard things," he managed. Cora raised an eyebrow, rather interested in where he would have overheard such things, then stifled a gasp as she realized the implications of his words.

"That's all?" He nodded, unsure of her meaning, but Cora continued. "You mean to tell me that you have been with no other woman?"

"I'm not sure if your shock should flatter or insult me," he teased as he propped himself up on one arm to look at her. When she did not smile back, he softened his face. "None but you."

Cora sighed and looked down, unsure how to respond. In all honesty, she had never considered such a thing. Sure, he had seemed timid that first time, but she had not taken it to mean that he had never been with anyone in such a way. As soon as her shock eased, guilt edged its way in, and her stomach sank, though she knew such a feeling was ridiculous.

"I wish I could say the same," she said quietly, almost sadly. Truthfully, though of course she would have given anything to change all the times she had been forced and coerced and given ultimatums, there were other times she did not regret. She did not wish to rewrite her time with Henry, for example, despite the complication of that relationship. She felt no shame for what she had done with him, and experienced no guilt for her lack of regret. Connor knew of her past anyway, and to her knowledge had made no ill judgment of her. It was then strange that she found herself so vulnerable.

"It does not matter to me," he said tenderly, smoothing her hair from her face. "There is no reason for it to matter at all, it does not change anything." He furrowed his brow, though not at her, instead dwelling on how foreign and unsettling the colonists' obsession with virginity still was to him. He took her hand and squeezed it, hoping she understood, and she finally smiled, giving a breathy laugh.

"You are too good to be true," she said, shaking her head. "How is it that I have come to be so lucky?"

Connor brought her palm to his lips, brushing his lips against the weapon-roughened skin. "I am the lucky one." Though his words were cliché, she still found her heart swelling, and she gave him a small smile. "Anyway," he began, a familiar look of mischief in his eye. "I did not realize it would be so very... effective," he said, lowering his voice as he spoke. Shocked at his own words, he watched her carefully, afraid he had been too blunt. Yet instead of reprimanding him, Cora only bursted into laughter before pushing him to his back and covering him with her body. As his hands settled about her waist, she leaned close to him.

"Effective indeed," she whispered, her voice quite sensual despite her intent to tease him and poke fun at herself, as well. Cora shared a loving look with him as she pushed a loose strand of hair from his cheek. Connor thought again of how long it had been since he had felt free of any worries, so carelessly happy. It seemed that when he was with her, she shared his burdens and he hers, and in that way all was easier to bear, for the both of them.

---

Catherine wore a smile when she came into the house, having returned from being out late visiting with Corrine at the Mile's End. Diana was up still despite her exhaustion, as her babe never stopped wanting for attention, it seemed.

"You'll not believe what I've just seen," Catherine said, her voice hushed as she took a seat next to Diana. She was positively giddy, so when she did not offer any further information, Diana prodded her to continue.

"Well, out with it then!"

"I was comin' back from the Mile's End, I was, and what did I happen to see but Connor and Cora, laughing and strolling about, looking like they'd been swimmin' in the river, Cora holding his arm. It was the look of two people who have right had a good fill of each other if you catch my meaning." Catherine was rather satisfied with what she had seen rather than scandalized by it, and Diana shared the sentiment. She sat back, shifting her daughter in her arms as she shook her head, smiling.

"Aye, what a sight! Best not to tell Terry or Godfrey though, lest they take him to task." Catherine nodded and chuckled, imagining the disastrous scenario in her head.

"That poor boy goes though enough, best not to add embarrassment to it, too," Catherine agreed.

"Can't say I'm surprised," Diana said. "With the way I've seen them carrying on, trying to be all secretive. I've suspected such things for a long time. I am happy for 'em, though. Connor deserves some happiness in his life."

"Aye," Catherine nodded, smiling. "And her, too. I well remember how her temper ruled her when she first came here. Skittish too, odd enough, and despite all her boldness I could see the sadness in her eyes from time to time." Catherine still recalled their first meeting, how she had jested and acted with headstrong boldness only to become timid and skittish at the mere drop of a hat. Though Catherine had never asked to hear much of the girl's past, she knew pain when she saw it, and in Cora there certainly had certainly been much. "I can't say I've seen either of them laugh and play about in such a way," Catherine said, recalling how Cora had pushed him away at some joke, throwing her head back in laughter. She had said something then and Connor had laughed and caught her by the waist, kissing her in such a way that Catherine knew it was no simple lust or passing affection between them. Indeed, in all her memories of the boy she could recall no moment of such carefree laughter. Even when he smiled she had always felt some serious, solemn manner in him. Cora herself had looked so free of the burdens that seemed to constantly weigh upon her. Though her interactions with the girl had been few and far between, she held an odd affection for her, and seeing them both so happy made her heart glad.

"They are well matched, I think," Diana said.

Catherine nodded. "Aye."

---

A/N: I hope this chapter wasn't too slow. I know it was lacking in action, but hopefully the end made up for it. I didn't want it to come off too filler chapter-y, because there are important things that happen in this chapter, so I think that's why I fussed over it so much. We're about to start getting into parts with some serious stuff going down, so I thought a bit of a pleasant chapter would be good, too.

Also, I was wondering what y'alls thoughts were about the chapter length. Do you like having longer chapters, but also longer time between updates? I was thinking I might be able to work some chapters into multiple ones and therefore (hopefully) give a shorter update time, but I can't promise that will be the case all the time. Or, if you guys don't mind the longer update times and enjoy the longer chapters, I could just continue with that.

Don't forget to review! Thanks to WolfAssassin1927 and killer4853 for reviewing last week!