It was against my better judgment to leave Abby alone with Haytham. Yet, I did it. I did it mostly because the man had not expressed even the simplest bit of unkindness to my daughter in the three days he had been consistently visiting her. Haytham played with Abby, he spoke to her, he praised her on how advanced she was for her age. He even doled out small amounts of affection in the form of light pats on her head. It was with a silent remorse that I noticed how much Abby adored Haytham. All she talked about when he wasn't around were things he did, things he said. She was ecstatic to have him in her life. And she called him Grandfather.

I wasn't the only one daunted by the bond that had developed between the Templar and my baby girl. It bothered Achilles as well. I didn't try to keep Haytham's visits a secret from the old man. It would have done no good. Even if Achilles hadn't noticed the newcomer on his own, Abby would have told him. She related everything to Pops. Every detail of all she had seen and heard was discussed with the man I considered to be my father. Achilles would only frown at her when Abby spoke of Haytham, but I could see the concern on his face. He didn't trust Haytham any more than I did. But his love for Abby kept him quiet about his worry.

I had my reasons for wanting to speak to Connor alone before he got home. Only the least of which was my desire for an explanation to his father's presence on the homestead. I had been anxiously checking the harbor for the Aquila periodically over the last few days. My impatience was finally rewarded as I noticed her dock just after Haytham arrived for his visit. I didn't have too difficult a time convincing Abby to wait for me at home. She was excited to see her father again after nearly four months away, but she was content to stay with Haytham while I rode Akosha:tens down to get him.

The crew was busy unloading supplies under the watchful eye of the first mate when I arrived at the shore. Bobby looked at me as I approached the deck of the ship.

"Afternoon, Faith," he said. "I take it you're here for the captain?"

I nodded at him. "Where is he?"

Mr. Faulkner nodded to the door of Connor's quarters. "Changin'. But I guess he won't mind if you go in."

I ignored the implication of the grin he gave me and entered without knocking. Connor glanced at the door, his frown turning to a smile as he noticed that it was only me invading his privacy. He had already removed his naval outfit and was in the process of donning his Assassin's attire. He hadn't gotten very far. All he had on was his pants.

"She:kon, kheksten:ha," he greeted, dropping his shirt on the bed. He came over and embraced me tightly. "You did not bring Awe:ri with you?"

I shook my head, hugging him in a distracted, but relieved way. I couldn't keep from worrying about Connor's safety when he was gone. No matter the amount of assurances he gave me on how well the crew did their job or how dependable the Aquila was, I always breathed easier when I saw him home unscathed.

After a moment of relishing the feel of my husband's arms around me, I pulled back, releasing Connor and looking at him. I noted the content grin on his face and was loath to break the pleasantness with solemnity.

"How was your trip?" I asked, hoping to gain insight.

Connor thought for a second, his expression becoming less glad and more unsure. "Interesting," he answered.

"I imagine so," I murmured.

Connor gazed at me, his brow wrinkling at the underlying intent in my words. He knew I was stalling, that I had something on my mind. I could tell he did, too. Connor had very few tales when it came to hiding information, but I knew him well enough to point out the reluctance in his body language. The way he stood, that slightly shame ridden stance he got when he talked about work. The way he wouldn't fully meet my eyes, but focused mostly on my mouth instead. I could tell he was hiding something, and that he knew I was aware of that fact. Connor and I had vowed not to keep secrets from each other. That gave me a tad more reluctance at voicing what I had to say.

Connor noticed my hesitation, noticed I was disinclined to speak to him. He watched me for a moment, trying to be patient.

"Is there something you would like to tell me, Faith?" he asked. The tone of his voice was soft, supportive.

"Yes," I said.

Connor met my eyes. "Yet, you fear I will become angry."

I nodded.

He sighed and took my hand, leading me to the bed. We sat on the edge, turning slightly so that we were facing the other. Connor didn't release his grip on my fingers. "If I give you my word to remain calm when you speak, will you make me the same promise?"

Considering I already had an idea of what Connor wanted to say to me, I gave him a nod. I was irritated that he had obviously spoken to Haytham at some point, but I understood that he hadn't gotten a chance to fill me in sooner. I hated that we couldn't converse about such things daily, but knew that was just how it had to be.

He made a motion for me to go ahead. I took a moment, deciding on how best to phrase what I wanted to say. I had never been very good with words, nor was I eloquent. I spoke bluntly when I expressed my thoughts. Connor had gotten used to my crass nature during our time together, but I could tell he still didn't always like the way I voiced my opinions. And the last thing I wanted to do was start a disagreement.

"Connor," I began soothingly, "do you remember me telling you how I tried to get General Putnam to release you from prison?"

He nodded, a faint grimace on his face at the memory of his incarceration. It had been an unpleasant experience for him, one he didn't like to discuss. He still had the scars – both mentally and physically – to show for it. That was one reason I loathed bringing up this topic. It was one of the reasons I had stayed silent all this time.

"Putnam wasn't the only one I went to for help," I stated.

Connor watched me with a wrinkle in his forehead, one that told me he knew what I was going to say next. I didn't see any point in trying to sugar coat it, so I just told him that I went to see Haytham. Connor gazed at me for a long moment in complete quiet. The only sounds were the muffled sloshing of waves on the hull of the ship and the distant sounds of the crew as they finished their duties. When Connor finally spoke, it was with a soft tone of acceptance that made me feel somewhat more relaxed.

"You approached my father and asked him to help me?"

I nodded.

"And he refused."

It wasn't a question, but I nodded again anyhow.

"I understand why you would go to such lengths in an attempt to aid me," Connor said. "What I do not understand is why you chose now to reveal this. I doubt you did so without purpose."

"No," I agreed. "I'm telling you now because I want you to hear it from me not...someone else."

Connor emitted a short hum. "I get the feeling you know I have spoken to my father recently."

"He told me," I said. "When he came to visit Abby for her birthday."

Connor's eyes widened perceptibly at the revelation. It was a shock to him that Haytham came to see us. That let me know the idea had been solely Haytham's and that my husband had not extended an invitation.

"He was here?" Connor asked in disbelief.

"He's here now," I told him. "At home with Abby."

I didn't miss the hint of disapproval in his expression when I told Connor that I had left our daughter alone with his father. But he made no comment about my decision. It eased my mind to know he was as conflicted about the Templar as I was. Our doubt at least gave us a common ground, one that we could stand together on, despite everything.

After a tense time of quiet, Connor sighed loudly. "Let me finish dressing and we will go home."

"I'd like that," I said.

He stood up and went to get his clothes, putting them on while I gazed around the room. I had been here before, a few times. But I had never really paid much attention to the contents of the quarters. It was Connor's space, just like his office at home. I respected it, avoided being nosy.

My eyes fell on a sack in the corner near the door. What it contained was large. I stared at it for a while, wondering about what was inside. Connor must have noticed me looking at it.

"Awe:ri's gift," he said.

"What did you get her?" I asked.

"A saddle," Connor murmured.

I turned to my husband. He was fastening his bracer on his wrist, not meeting my eyes as I favored him with a glare. "We agreed she couldn't ride until she turns five," I reminded him in a stern voice.

Connor peeked over at me, giving me a sheepish shrug. "But she will need a saddle."

I frowned deeply at him. "Giving it to her now will only make her more impatient."

Having finished what he was doing, Connor came over, took my hands and pulled me to my feet. He looked at me. "I will not let her ride alone," he told me.

I was still unhappy with his decision to let Abby ride in the first place. I gave him a faint grimace. "I wish you wouldn't go behind my back and give her what she wants."

"The way you did with Okwaho?" Connor asked with a goading grin.

"That's different," I said quickly, pointing my finger in his face.

He stared at me with defiance, daring me to give a reason for my disagreement. I couldn't really think of one at the moment, but I tried my hardest.

"Awe:ri is responsible for her age," Connor said. "You do not need to worry about her so much. I will not allow her to do anything if I think it dangerous. I promise."

I could think of nothing else to do, so I exhaled loudly and nodded. "I know."

Connor smiled at me and pressed his lips to my forehead in a sweet kiss. I couldn't keep from grinning when he did that. It was one of the small ways he let me know how much he loved me. Along with one of my favorites.

"Let's go home, yohskats."

I knew he was only calling me that in an attempt to make me feel better. I was both flattered and irritated that the words succeeded so well in their purpose.

"I'm curious about what led to you telling Haytham about Abby's birthday," I said as we left the cabin.

"It is a long story," Connor said. "I will tell you on the way home."

I nodded, content to wait a few more minutes to hear whatever excuse Connor was going to make. I knew he would think it a good one, but I didn't hold the same hope for my own opinion. Yet, I would accept his side of this. He was my husband, after all. It was my duty to stand with him, even if the entire world crashed to our feet around us.

Kanien'keha:

Akosha:tens - horse

Awe:ri - Heart

She:kon - Greeting

kheksten:ha - my wife

Okwaho - Wolf

yohskats (iohskats) - beautiful