Music Inspiration: Hans Zimmer & John Powell- "Peace Tree Of Wisdom (Gotta love Oogway in Kung Fu Panda XD)

A Dream to Be Shared

Supper was cheerful as all of the children wondered how life in Boston was now that they'd been away for many months but they were glad for it. Their comfy home, courteous neighbors, open terrain, and the fresh food made them miss absolutely nothing about the cramped inn in the bustling city of Boston. The Burnetts were glad for the peaceful quiet since their neighbors had become family and awaited the upcoming winter since it would be their first Christmas inside a true home. Their small meal of a hare stew with a roll of bread was enough to fill their stomachs and the children were soon asking their father about his first trip back to Boston when Catherine informed them.

Lance had helped the two lumberjacks prepare the largest wagon between them since he would send a few pieces of furniture to see how they would fare in the city. Alice caught sight of the golden softwood chairs and thought they were beautiful- maybe even better than the ones that her boban made for the house- but asked no questions. Ratonhnhaké:ton had left the children's gameplay to fetch his own catch of fur pelts to add them to the bundle of goods and Samuel frowned when the prettiest red fox pelt from his father's own catches was added to the wagon. He really liked that one. . .but Ratonhnhaké:ton told him he'd find another for him to keep. The young man had helped the men with tying everything securely from the top since he was the lightest but carried strength comparable to the lumberjacks. When the sun left a beautiful orange-yellow ring in the horizon, all had parted ways and wished Godfrey their best for his trip early before dawn. The children were surprised since they expected their uncle Terry to head to town but their father had the most experience under his belt to make the best sales so he would go.

Godfrey couldn't answer all of their questions as they shot off a flurry with big smiles but Catherine calmed them down by reminding them to wash their plates in the wooden basin. Children had to mind their manners at all times, no matter how excited. Each child took their turn cleaning their tin plate and cup, except for Samuel since he was too small and could slip trying to lean over the basin. The eldest girls helped their mother clean the table by shaking the tablecloth free of crumbs outside; the birds would have a treat feasting on crumbs. Meanwhile, Godfrey indulged his other four children by reciting an old tale and explained with a warm smile, "This tale is called 'The Salmon of Knowledge'."

"Fionn MacCumhail was just a lad when he was sent from home to the poet and great master, Fineagas, for education in many subjects − above all, on how to become a true heroic warrior. The old fellow had been living alone for many years, in a little house he built himself, beside the River Boyne and he enjoyed the company.

Fineagas kept a very close eye on the Boyne, day and night, should he spot a unique fish named 'Bradan an Eòlais – The Salmon of Wisdom'. Apparently, the first person ever to taste this fish would become the wisest in all Ireland. Everyone who had so far tried to catch it had been disappointed, and Fineagas dearly hoped that where others had failed he would be successful.

One day Fineagas and Fionn were sitting on the river bank enjoying a stimulating lesson, when the tutor noticed a glorious big salmon swimming towards them. 'This surely is The Salmon of Knowledge' he cried and rushed to get a net – a fine strong one, to haul it in. He knew also that he mustn't look into the fish's eyes or he would fall fast asleep, and he was careful not to do this as he struggled to net the beast of a fish.

Alice gasped quietly in awe and placed both hands over her mouth to stop herself from interrupting her boban.

"And then, without warning, the salmon leapt out of the water in his direction. The old man panicked and looked straight into the eyes of the fish, and immediately fell into a deep sleep. Fortunately, young Fionn saw this and shook Fineagas awake. The old teacher commanded Fionn to tear his dark-coloured shirt and tie it round his eyes so that he could no longer see the fish. Fionn obeyed, and a blind-folded Fineagas and a tenacious salmon quarreled and fought for the rest of that afternoon until the fish eventually gave up the struggle. Fineagas had caught Bradan an Eòlais. He would be the wisest person in all of Ireland.

As you'll understand, this great effort had exhausted poor Fineagas and he asked Fionn to cook the fish while he took a recuperative snooze. Fionn promised not to taste the salmon. The monster fish was placed on a spit above a good-going peat fire and it wasn't long until it was ready for eating. Fionn called Fineagas to come and taste it, but as he did so a small drop of burning fish-oil splashed up onto his finger – his thumb actually. Fionn simply stuck his finger in his mouth to quell the pain.

When Fineagas arrived, he immediately noticed that Fionn MacCumhail looked really quite different. He could see from the gleam in his eyes and the glow from his cheeks that something had happened to him. 'Did you have any of the fish flesh?' he demanded. Fionn had to tell the truth. 'No' he said'. 'Did you try any of it at all?' he asked. And with that, Fionn remembered that he had.

Fineagas understood there and then, that the special knowledge which came only from that cooked salmon on the spit had been granted to Fionn, and not him. Despite his loss, Fineagas was happy for the lad, since he knew that he would grow up to be a most wise man and a great hero. From that day forth, Fionn MacCumhail would be the ablest and most celebrated leader the Fèinn ever served."

The children clapped in delight for the story since they enjoyed hearing good stories before bedtime. When their father wasn't tired, he regaled them with another or added a song to liven their spirits. Tonight, however, Godfrey would offer only one after working and setting up the wagon since he'd have to wake very early before dawn. Samuel leaned over in his seat over the floor and asked with shining eyes, "Boban, can I find one?"

"No, but minding your parents and keeping to good virtues will bring you all the wisdom you need" Godfrey smiled warmly with a chuckle to their enthusiasm and stood up with a yawn, excusing the bear-like sound as his children giggled. He'd finished packing the last of the lumber onto his wagon and was exhausted completely after working his hardest but he was ready to begin his business. Helping his little Alice stand up, he informed his children it was time for bed and smiled to usher them onwards, "All right, on to bed. Your boban has a long day tomorrow."

"Be careful, boban" Alice whispered worriedly as she sat up to hug her father, wishing he didn't have to leave them alone. Would he be safe in the dark woods? When they'd set out from Boston, she'd been frightened at leaving the safe city as the tall dense forest threatened to swallow their little wagon on the trails.

"Mind your mother while I'm gone" he reminded his children to instill their household rules and they nodded firmly with crestfallen faces. They didn't want him to leave them alone for days, even if their uncle Terry would keep watch over them. No, Godfrey wouldn't have to worry about his bairns and with five girls- he was fine. His oldest girls were helping their mother cover the fireplace with a pink patchwork quilt to keep the cold from trickling inside their home and smiled at the two, "Amelia and Caroline, watch over your siblings and keep to your chores."

"Papa, can we buy hot chocolate?" Martha asked softly as she clasped her hands to the thought of the hot sweet drink but knew it could be a little expensive. The powder was delicious to eat alone but adding it to milk was wonderful- even better than using molasses! The other children headed on to their warm beds to change into their nightclothes as their mother moved to help unbutton the back of the girls' dresses. Being a boy, Samuel didn't need help and tended to rip his clothes off to scurry inside his soft feather-filled mattress and change into his pajamas. Martha fiddled with the blue ribbon at the end of one braid as she tried not to step out of line and added in hopefully, "Winter will be soon."

"Depends on how much we sell, darlin'" he replied gently since he didn't want to instill false hope on them and hugged his daughter. He'd give them the world if he could but he couldn't put them in debt either. Martha smiled understandably since they didn't have much most of their lives and told him to be careful on the road; his safe return would be enough for them. He would take his trusty rifle to make sure wildlife or bandits didn't test their luck and reassured warmly, "Of course, now off to bed, Martha."

Caroline shook their clothes to free them of dust or anything that tried to hitch a ride and set them over each bed, quickly unbuttoning the back of Martha's dress when she asked. Amelia ushered the young children into bed when she finished braiding their hair (except Samuel) and fixed their night cap onto their heads. Alice mumbled with worry in her bed when she couldn't find Henrietta and her mother handed the corncob doll to her child since she'd dropped it while dressing. Amelia struggled with Eliza when she protested she wasn't sleepy yet, her bare toes kicking into the air in defiance, but Martha pulled her inside the covers. She couldn't help but laugh at the two moving lumps underneath the blankets as they sought their respective spaces.

Caroline walked towards her father as he finished packing a bag of overnight items for his stay in town and politely cleared her throat to suggest, "Papa, if you need an extra hand in starting this business in town, I can take orders and since the printing presses are there. . ."

She pulled out the last of her savings from her first job out of her dress pocket since she'd hoped to buy her family something nice for Christmas. Unfortunately, they needed it for another purpose and they would all benefit from it. Besides, she wouldn't venture into town herself anytime soon since they were too young for long travel. She placed the metal coins into his hands to close his fingers around them and told him optimistically, "Use what I have to place a small advertisement about the mill. It should be enough to run for a few weeks and many people read it nowadays with the defiance against the crown's heavy taxation."

Godfrey was surprised to say the least to her sudden generosity and declined to allow his child her first savings in life, "Caroline-"

"We need every advantage and I want to carry my own weight here" she insisted because as the oldest, she had to take the burdens when her parents couldn't handle any more. Her savings weren't much but it would suffice for a small ad and wanted to help in any way she could. She'd seen her parents work hard for what they had and she wasn't taking no for an answer, "I want this to be our permanent home, for decades to come. We came to this land for a reason so please, let this be a small ripple in the dream we're trying to carve."

Her father smiled with gratitude for her small contribution and embraced his daughter to sigh proudly, "We did good with you, Caroline. I just wish I could've given you more."

"I learned my basic schooling and mama tried her best to continue it on the road" she disagreed kindly since she'd spent hours practicing her arithmetic and grammar on her slate. It wasn't mandatory for women to be literate, especially those of low stature, but Caroline was proud for whatever schooling she received. Society required young ladies to grow up properly to obey men and fear God but Caroline wanted to roam free- like Connor. She was happy working alongside her parents at her current age and squeezed her father tightly one last time with a soft whisper, "Have a safe trip, father."

She embraced her mother to wish her a good night and scuttled off across the room to kneel for her nightly prayers to the lord. Amelia had drawn two wooden chairs with a blanket covering both to form a half-circle drape, which they both used to change since they were slowly becoming little ladies. The night drew goosebumps on her skin after Amelia untied the buttons at the back of her brown dress but she was cozy once the flannel nightgown was over her head. Amelia was already brushing her long copper hair when she slipped into bed and the younger girl whispered nonchalantly, "I saw what you did . . . thank you."

"Not you too, Amelia" Caroline chuckled softly and grabbed the wooden brush to smooth her sister's hair as the other girl turned around. Her fingers waved through the crimped hair from their everyday braids but Caroline loved the beautiful hue in her sister's hair. It reflected beautifully when the sunlight struck it while hers held brownish undertones in her auburn hair but her mother said her shade held the ability to shift between red and brown just like Amelia's shifted with its gold. Regardless, they had hair to be happy about and jealousy was never a good trait for respectful ladies. She brushed the ends to work out the last knots and chuckled softly as Amelia smoothed baby hair that poked out from her hairline. Amelia wanted her hair to be as smooth as her mother's as she grew older and Caroline admitted, "I like it here despite the wilderness around us. We don't have to fear danger from our own and we're free to live how we want."

She began to braid her hair carefully into one loose braid and Amelia questioned softly, "What about supplies? We can't run to the general store every time we run out of something . . . why didn't we open up a store? We could've eaten candy from the bowls whenever we wanted."

Caroline muffled a chuckle behind her hand and replied earnestly, "Papa's never been the type to keep an inventory on different goods and he likes working with his hands. It would've been nice to live in our own house upstairs with a business below but . . . well, the lord decided a different route for us. We can't linger on what could've been and besides, we never had the money to open a business until now. We're so close, Amelia."

"I hope it works because you don't have to be away anymore with mother" Amelia smiled thankfully since the days in Boston had been lonely when she was in charge of their lot. Their mother had taught in the town's grammar school after earning her certificate while Caroline had dipped her feet into the workforce to earn an income to put into their savings. Their father hadn't approved of lying about her age due to the long hours of labor that would leave his child exhausted but understood her determination. While all three were away in the morning, Amelia had become the head of the household as she handled chores and prepared food for her siblings when her mother stayed extra hours past noon. Caroline smiled fondly at remembering Amelia's hugs after each arrival home since they'd been inseparable for years. She handed Amelia her white sleeping cap to keep her head warm during the night, along with her hairstyle.

Amelia grabbed the brush to repeat the same process on her sister's hair since Caroline's hair was a tad thicker and the oldest admitted, "It is nice but I want to work when I'm of age until I find what I like. I thought teaching would be nice but we saw how that turned out with the boring books and being a governess. . ."

She shuddered because it would be uncomfortable for her living in another home that didn't hold familiar faces and gazed to the other side of the house where her mother helped her father fix his belongings. It was her perfect picture of home and she would never find anything better (well, unless she married far into the future). That is what she wanted to see day after day, even if she didn't live with them and whispered sincerely, "I guess I'm like papa. I'd rather be working with my hands or doing something productive."

"I actually thought about teaching, when I'm of age to do so" Amelia brought up modestly since she'd been pondering about her future and she loved assisting her mother with school lessons. There weren't many options available to women and those of their class were less. Unlike Caroline, who fell asleep reading her mother's certification books, Amelia found herself immersed into a world of academics she liked. She tied a ribbon of torn white linen at the end of Caroline's braid and murmured about the downside of teaching, "But I'd have to travel away from Davenport to do so. I doubt a schoolhouse will open up soon."

Caroline placed her sleeping cap over her head as Amelia blew out their candle with a contemplative pout and the two settled in for the night. The climate was becoming increasingly colder but it had nothing to do with the temperature when Caroline embraced her younger sister to encourage softly, "I have faith in you, Amelia. Chase your dreams."

21 November 1770

When Godfrey returned, both families were expectant to see what news awaited them. Every time the clack of hooves or wagon wheels was heard, they peeked out of their doors to see who drove the horses. Most of the time, it was men heading north to deliver cargo for the Aquila on the bay since the large warship would travel soon to protect a trade route. Well, so Connor said, but the children remained respectful by not prying further and asking about its captain. They imagined it to be Mr. Faulkner since the man could drone on endlessly about his boat but Elizabeth, Samuel, and Caroline enjoyed his tales when he visited their father. On the third day in the afternoon, a wagon rode into the Davenport homestead but the families had decided to wait inside rather than run outside to see nobody familiar.

Alice played with her little corncob doll near the doorway as her mother allowed for five minutes of outside play since the wind had started becoming chilly. The clacking of hooves drew her attention and the brunette girl called for her mother when she noticed the distinct pattern on the horses, "Mama, Molly and Dolly are back!"

As soon as the words were said, numerous footsteps followed with Terry in the lead to greet Godfrey. Alice had barely managed to stand when everyone was outside standing at attention as they awaited the horses to stop at their picket fence with a cheerful Godfrey. Instead, they found themselves surprised to see Connor leading the wagon with Godfrey perfectly asleep beside him. Catherine could only blink in bewilderment as the sight registered while the children wondered how he knew how to drive a wagon. Most young boys began learning at sixteen when they came of age to work and Samuel hoped he could learn while young as well. As always, the young man greeted them politely with a faint smile, "I hope you do not mind but I drove after seeing his exhaustion."

"Ah, Godfrey" Terry sighed to his friend's nap but chuckled since the man always returned tired from long trips and decided he'd take the next one.

At hearing familiar voices and the lack of movement, Godfrey snapped awake with a sharp jerk as his snoring was cut short. Wiping his bleary eyes, he caught sight of the numerous faces staring at him and he smiled widely with a refreshed face to explain, "That was the fastest nap in my life. I saw ol' Connor here walking the trail home right a few miles back and brought him back to save him the trouble. Can't have a boy his age walking the trails at night, can we?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton said nothing since none of the residents knew of his capabilities or true line of profession. He'd yet to achieve the skills required to eliminate Templars but doubted many would approve of murder since his heritage already had many eyeing him with distrust. One day, he might explain his true purpose for living in Davenport but for now, he would keep his life private. He hopped off the wagon gracefully to land on the dirt and tied the horses' reins to the picket fence to keep them in place. He adjusted the red fox pelt he wore over his shoulders to keep warm against the light breeze that carried into the chilly weather. The wind no longer carried a gentle caress against one's skin and began penetrating into one's bones without warm attire.

"It seems he brought you back" Catherine chided her husband gently as she patted his hand in welcome, happy to see his safe return. Their trails were solitary but one could never be too trusting that they would be void of danger. She was glad to see the young boy since he never failed to help their families and gushed sweetly with a motherly smile, "Thank you for the help, Connor."

"It was of no trouble, ma'am" he replied kindly since the Burnetts had cared for him like one of their own since their arrival and he'd do anything to keep them safe. He'd actually thought of setting up camp if he couldn't make it back to Davenport but the wagon had rolled by with a helping hand to bring him back home. If anything, he should've thanked Godfrey again for the lift since he would've been walking at this hour.

She smiled sweetly to his mild-mannered courtesy, the cold air already turning her fair cheeks rosy, and sighed softly, "You are just the quietest darlin' boy."

Elizabeth grinned impishly and nudged Samuel's left side with her elbow to chide, "That means you're the loud darling boy. Careful, mama might swap Connor for you."

Samuel quickly ran to his mother, his small feet scurrying with haste as he tried to avoid that horrible reality. He loved his family and would do anything to stay at their side, clinging to his mother's full yellow skirt to exclaim urgently, "No, mama, no! I'll be good!"

"Eliza" Catherine warned her child as she managed to start another ruckus when her father barely arrived. She helped her husband off the wagon as he stretched his tired legs but Samuel's whimpers ended when his father picked him up. The red haired boy practically molded himself against his dear boban to prevent losing either parent. Elizabeth, however, was certain she'd earn a stern lecture that evening for frightening her little brother.

"Papa, what about the business?" Amelia inquired quickly to the question on everyone's mind and Caroline nodded eagerly as their hopes came down to one answer. She huddled next to her sister to link their arms to keep warm and both girls looked to him with expectant eyes.

"I sold all the lumber, the wood was of the best quality I've found so far" he explained carefully to make sure every word was understood and nothing was lost in translation. Ratonhnhaké:ton blinked in surprise when little Alice grasped his deerskin trousers since she'd been left without anyone to grab for support. Usually, it was her mother or Amelia but he'd been closest. He laid a hand on top of her head, similar to how his mother reacted when he'd been worried about something and she smiled thankfully. Godfrey juggled Samuel into one arm as the boy clung on, insistent to be beside him, and continued with his travel tale, "Meanwhile, I looked to old clients for private and business offers while giving the ol' Godfrey charm. I seized opportunity by the neck with each hour and that paper with our business started paying off by the time I was leaving. It seems we had a good reputation of dependability and honesty with people when we worked under company contracts. As of today, I'm full with orders varying from lumber for homes to logs of firewood for the month so we're in business!"

All of the children and women exclaimed with joy to their second success in the new land after making their first home. Catherine embraced her husband, ignoring social etiquette as their dreams came true while Amelia brushed back tears at seeing everyone's happiness. The emotion was contagious as it matched the potency of fireworks and Caroline embraced Amelia tightly as she pushed back her own tears after working long hours to pay to add her little coins into their savings. They could stay in Davenport for as long as the business kept running and it would be their home for years to come.

"Winter will make it a bit slow but we can load two wagons for easier transactions" Terry spoke thoughtfully as the second mastermind of their business since clients hired you by your work ethic and pricing. With their new distance, they would have to make sure roads were clear when snowfall finally arrived but they could work for the next weeks until it happened. After that, a walk to the nearest town outside of Boston to sell firewood would bring in a decent income since it seemed the winter would be a bit harsh that year. He decided to join the celebratory mood for now and worry about the plans later on that night, scooping up his daughter to smile broadly, "It seems your boban will be able to buy you a pretty yard of wool for your first winter dress in Davenport. You will be as beautiful as your mother."

Ann merely wiggled her legs in happiness and hugged her father while one hand stretched for her mother. Diana merely chuckled to their daughter's giddiness and kissed the center of her smooth forehead to smile, "You'll be growing up with food on the table and that's all that matters."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was taken aback when Godfrey grabbed his right hand to shake it vigorously and laughed, "I can't than you enough, Connor."

"This was your hard work, Mr. Burnett, not mine" Ratonhnhaké:ton replied earnestly as he smiled bashfully for the outpour of emotion. He hadn't done anything but driven the wagon that day and found himself surprised to the handshake. After earning glares and hushed whispers wherever he traveled, the residents of Davenport always showed a different aspect of white culture and embraced him like family.

"You led us here to build our homes and now, our business" Terry agreed wholeheartedly since they would've been searching other places at this time if Ratonhnhaké:ton hadn't offered a place in Davenport. Not mention, he wouldn't even be alive to hold his little Ann or kiss his dear Diana. The simple act of kindness had paved the way to fulfill a road of dreams and he stated truthfully, "We owe you many thanks, Connor."

The cheerful rabble drew Lance from his home further down the road since he'd seen the carriage stroll in and took the loud noise as good news. If he managed to get a few coins for his wares, he'd be glad since he didn't need much to sustain himself unlike the Burnett family. The lack of hassling from taxing officials allowed him the freedom to craft his wares and sell them without heavy taxation that practically left him penniless.

"O'Donnell, your wares sold well" Godfrey congratulated merrily and handed over the profits to the woodworker in a small cloth bag. Lance smiled in relief that he'd have something to show for his hard work and the lumberjack clapped him on the back to encourage him. He placed his young son in the wagon so he could retrieve another bag filled with goods from the general store that Lance had requested to help him through the winter. The woodworker smiled when the other man handed his powder beverages and other groceries since they'd keep the chill out of his bones. Salt was incredibly useful to prevent the spoiling of meat and he'd pickled the rest of his perishable food with help from the woman. Godfrey clapped him on the back as the happy faces of his family brought him a smile and he declared, "If our businesses boom, we could make a furniture partnership, eh?"

"Well, I've never had such close distributors" he laughed in return since working alongside the two men had helped create his wares faster. Not to mention, building furniture for his home had been incredibly fast with the suppliers bringing him logs for his bed and dining furniture. The money from Achilles' renovations and sold wares would be enough to last him through the spring since bachelors didn't need much to survive.

"Don't let your head go into the clouds just yet" Catherine warned lightly but she was beaming with joy for the news and adjusted the cozy wool shawl around her shoulders. The sun lay low over the green hills as lilac began to cover the sky and knew the colder wind would settle over the land quickly. She didn't want her children catching illness and clapped her hands as she began to lower the wagon gate where cloth sacks lay over the bed. Quickly, she beckoned her children to help unload the wagon so they could be warm inside their home and start supper, "Children, help your father with his things."

All of them were more than happy as Godfrey spoke to the two men about business and dealings in Boston life. Caroline and Amelia were eager to hear about the power play between colonists and the crown but they had to help their mother. Adult talk was not yet open to them until a few more years and until then, they had to obey their parents and mind their manners. Catherine warned her children not to dawdle in the cold when Elizabeth and Samuel decided to peek into the bags, closing them quickly to avoid a lecture on hastiness. Alice stood next to Ratonhnhaké:ton as she held her little corncob doll against her chest and bit her bottom lip to tell him worriedly, "I have to put Henrietta inside or I'll lose her."

He found the flint corn doll with a violet linen fabric pinned around its body amusing since he'd never seen anything like it. In his village, girls played his corn husk dolls but this natural alternative was interesting as well and he offered kindly, "I can hold it for you or I can help your sisters while you run inside?"

"You're smart, Henrietta thinks so too" Alice piped up sweetly as she lifted her doll and ran towards the house as her warm red wool coat made her look puffier than she was. Ratonhnhaké:ton may not have had siblings but Alice was quickly worming her way into his heart for the number one spot.

"You're very sweet with her, thank you" Caroline spoke up from behind as she carried her father's knapsack over her left shoulder and had seen their interaction. Alice was always the shy one but she'd grown out of her shell rather fast when introduced to him and hadn't run off to hide behind her mother like Martha. Her little sister often had trouble finding friends since she carried such a sweet naivety of the world and believed everyone was good. She was extremely gullible for falling into pranks by other children and never saying no to a question or request. Their mother had lectured her sternly when she'd given away her new shoes when somebody asked for them but Alice held a very kind heart. It reminded Caroline of Connor's as he helped everyone without needing to be asked. She didn't see the 'savage' negativity of what Bostonians spouted because the young boy had been endlessly kind to her and smiled warmly, "If you ever happen to find strips of torn fabric, she likes to use them for clothes on Henrietta. I plan to make her some for one of our holidays next month."

He nodded quietly and moved forward to help her with the bag but she held out her hand, clasping his between hers with a playful smile. Being an individual that never touched another out of necessity, the physical contact was the first that he'd experienced with a girl (a white colonist, no less) and felt the tips of his ears heat up immediately. Not even the cold licking at his skin could penetrate the blood rushing to the surface. Caroline didn't notice his reaction to her innocent grab and released him with a chuckle, "I can handle myself on this one, thank you. I'd appreciate it if you looked after Alice. Amelia and I will have enough keeping Eliza and Sammy from opening everything-"

"Martha, papa brought hot chocolate!" Elizabeth's voice declared as she decided to break the rules and Martha's ecstatic squealing could be heard.

"Eliza!"

Hearing her mother's stern chastising, Caroline shook her head to smile at him and breathed softly, "And there we go."

A/N: I decided to use a tale that was widespread from Ireland to Scotland during colonial times and this was the shortest I could find to tie into the stories. Everybody likes heroes, right? Lol. Being small, Alice and Samuel sure do. We'll have a cheerful Christmas chapter as Connor experiences his first at Davenport.

thewriter1713: You're right, little Connor deserves a big hug after losing pretty much everything but Davenport homestead itself at the end of the game. I can already see his friends at Davenport becoming enraged to his loss but Caroline will lead him back to New York, just not to see the British leave, but plead a case since Connor did help out the Continental Army.

teno-hikari: He's a good fella that will always get the last blade but he'll win the games in the end. Lol. Those kids will be in awe when they do and I'm sure their parents will have to remind them ships aren't safe for children. Still, they'll get their stories and a simple ride out of the cove when they're much older. Somehow, I imagine Eliza and Samuel being the most excited out of his Assassin job. Seeing that he wears weapons like any traveler in those dangerous times, they might think his arsenal fits into fighting with the Continental Army since so many messengers pop up to the manor and he leaves constantly.

NinjaxSketcheartx: You're totally right on the Aquila ride; I could've sworn it said 1770 since the end of the mission jumped right into 1773 to send him to the Boston Tea Party. Argh. I really hate the large time skips but I did have the conversation with Catherine and Diana after acquiring Lance and doing the Aquila mission but before starting the next sequence. Somehow, I'd imagine Connor meeting the women upon arrival rather than waiting a while since he keeps his eyes on his little community. Lol. You're right about the fast aging within six months since I know the boy was going through puberty but he just shot up with perfectly fitting clothes. XD I can already imagine him altering them by candlelight and cursing his growth spurts. Caroline will be learning about Connor's true profession when he heads out on the Aquila after Church. I haven't decided whether she'll become an assassin since a lot of people in the game talk about families taking priority over the brotherhood (Caroline will eventually want her own little babe) but she'll definitely be kicking ass alongside him in her own way.

AwesomeJellyBean: She is quite the rapscallion for a girl in colonial times. I'm glad you love my characters; I tried my best to give each a unique characterization.

ShizukaRen-Hime: Thank you so much for giving me a visual image of his characterization. Since you have that Gaelic background, I'm definitely going to love having you read this story to make sure it's accurate. I love reading long reviews so I don't mind a lengthy paragraph.

Next Time: Christmas Joy

Their father opened the wooden door and all three Galloways bounded in with warm wool coats, mittens, and fur throws to protect them against the weather. Although it was a short walk, the elements could lash out in a minute and they had little Ann to take care of. Diana removed the white veil covering her face against the freezing wind to reveal rosy cheeks and smiled with a shiver, "We're going to feel the winter out here."

Alice, Samuel, and Elizabeth helped little Ann become free from her thick brown coat as she giggled happily to the pretty dresses around her. Elizabeth warmed her chubby little hands with her own to ward away the cold and combed her blond curly hair to keep her tidy. She was a pretty little porcelain doll with her features and they were certain she'd grow up to be a beautiful woman. Alice hugged her happily since last year, she'd been babbling her first words and could barely walk. Caroline and Amelia helped Diana remove her heavy blue coat, careful not to entangle her intricate braided bun into the soft fox fur cap on her head. The older woman embraced the two girls as she kissed their cheeks and chuckled, "My, the snow is endless this year."

She embraced the other children with hearty season's greetings and complimented their handsome attire. Amelia and Caroline set their clothes neatly onto their beds in the far corner for safekeeping, quickly scuttling back to hug their uncle to show the same respect. Terry found their joy infectious as all of the children gasped at everyone's pretty clothing and smiled warmly at the girls, "Look at you all, so pretty in your dresses. One day, your father will have to fight off suitors with a stick while I wonder where the time went."

Catherine laughed as she finished pouring the last of the batter onto the griddle and replied earnestly, "With five girls, I can only imagine. We have a few years before they're of age so we will cherish this time and teach them how to be proper little ladies. We might not have much but I'll be teaching my girls to act respectfully rather than gallivanting smugly or shamefully around town."

"I'm not leaving anytime soon" Caroline spoke up meekly as she covered the pile of different flapjacks with a cloth because she loved her family, not to mention Davenport. Her mother waved the batter spoon to remind her little girls shouldn't intervene in adult conversations but she couldn't help but add in, "I want to live here forever."

"I think you'll scare bachelors when you start swinging an axe" Amelia joked gently to keep her out of trouble and Caroline laughed along with her. The copper-haired girl pulled her away to check on the apple cider warming up in a pot as it hung from the metal crane next to the fireplace. Caroline placed a wooden dipper to pull up a serving and poured it into a tin cup so all of her siblings and Ann could have a taste. They let Ann have the remainder since she was the smallest and a guest in their home. She returned the cup to Amelia when she finished and smacked her lips to emphasize its sweet tastiness.

Godfrey laughed at his daughter's knack for logging before she was old enough to find a job and informed cheekily, "I don't know, Amelia. The first time I saw your mother shoot off a rifle, I knew she was meant to be my wife."

"A bobcat threatened to take my family's pig" Catherine reasoned quickly since she didn't shoot guns for fun and had only done so when wildlife threatened to take the pork for their winter. Without it, her family of seven would've suffered a food shortage since her father had been ill that year and couldn't hunt as much as he could. Godfrey lived in the same town and had heard her yelling as he'd been cutting firewood for his own family, leading him to find her in order to help. He'd never seen a girl with bluer eyes than Catherine and he'd been smitten by them. Needless to say, their journey to courting wasn't easy but that was another tale.

Terry laughed boisterously and clapped Godfrey on the back since he was protective of his girls, "We'll be careful not to let Caroline dawdle in logging areas then. She might find a nice lumberjack to carry on tradition."

Caroline's cheeks darkened since she didn't see herself leaving her family anytime soon and boys were still icky in her view. Well, except Connor, he was nice but the rest were nonexistent. They lived miles away from towns now so she wouldn't be developing a fancy to anyone unless Davenport exploded into a town over the next year. Diana waved her hands to quell their humorous laughter and chastised gently, "Oh, stop jesting. You're making her red like an apple."

The men chuckled and Terry handed him a large square bundle he'd retrieved from the stables at the manor earlier in the morning. The children had seen him carrying it inside but said nothing since they weren't to ask questions. Soft whimpering could be heard from inside as the house became silent and the children looked at the box with interest. Godfrey saw their looks, along with the demanding stare from his wife, and smiled innocently, "I bet he's eager to meet his new family."

He set the box down on the floor as the younger couple smiled at the children and Catherine eyed her husband suspiciously. What had he done now? Godfrey grinned with exuberant glee that passed to his twinkling blue eyes and he patted the top of the crate to inform, "All right, this is what Father Christmas delivered to your children just this morning before the snow arrived. You've been very good children and he decided that you deserved something special."

He opened the wooden crate and all eyes were on the box to figure out what made the whimpering noise. At first, they heard nothing but soft sniffing and seconds later, a black shepherd's dog poked its head over the crate to greet them all with a short bark. Its black nose sniffed the air to meet the new people watching him as his pointy ears twitched, his chocolate brown eyes focusing on the small children. The puppy held brown fur around its small belly and a shaggy long tail twitched in the air as he studied his surroundings. The children had never seen anything so small and adorable in their life that wasn't livestock.

"A puppy!"

Thank you for reading my story and please drop a review if you can, they make my day.