The Wild Frontier

"I can take the reins if you're tired, you know" Caroline offered for the fifth time as Roger's hooves clacked against the dusty path leading away from the bustling city of Boston. Her partner didn't budge from his lead position because he was adamant to ensure a safe trip home for her. Caroline's entire body went lax as she leaned against Ratonhnhaké:ton and pressed her cheek against his shoulder blade to sway him one last time, "Please?"

His courteous yet irritating response was, "I promised to get you home and I shall."

Caroline frowned to his strong sense of duty because she'd been trying to coax him to unwind since leaving the borders of the city. She had bid her loved ones goodbye with an ecstatic smile as she rode away to freedom . . . only her driver was taking everything meticulously careful. She'd expected them to blow the city and its residents into their dust since the open road called for such wonderfully dramatic exits. Her dear partner, however, decided to take their route slowly and she sighed, "You're really going to listen to my boban about the detour part?"

"Yes, I am here to guide you all the way home" he replied politely because he wouldn't break Godfrey's trust over a horseback ride. They were still within the limits of the city as they passed people down the road every few minutes and he wouldn't want to be fined for causing a ruckus. Not only would he worry Godfrey but he'd receive a lecture from Achilles as well- both not appealing. He would make sure she returned home with every little hair on her head and pointed out firmly, "You are my responsibility and I care too much to have you injured."

"Connor, I'm not made of glass!" she pointed out to his polite mannerisms and blamed the Boston road as they headed north. They'd received a few looks of wariness and disgust as they left together and she didn't want him acting proper for her sake. They had a right to act natural like everyone else because he was as kindhearted as any white settler. She dared anybody else to make a displeased face and promised her partner, "I will yell at all of these louts if you don't treat me with the same respect I'm giving you."

"I am treating you with respect" he shot back matter-of-factly and she aimed a small glare at his back. How was being treated like an inanimate object a good thing? At the rate they were moving, the clouds overhead would reach Davenport before they did! Since he couldn't exactly see her face, he took her silence as a bad omen and sighed with a hint of exasperation, "Caroline, please don't give me that silent treatment."

She blinked as her nonverbal behavior was perceived in a different direction and corrected, "Actually, I was making a very horrid face at you but that will be my level two defense now that you mentioned it."

Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't have time to argue about her sense of independence on her first trip home alone and withheld a sigh. He admired his partner's defiance to bend to conformity but sometimes, they needed to hide within it to find safety. Godfrey had placed a great trust in him and he wouldn't disappoint her father, stating firmly, "Caroline, I would be more than happy to make a few safe stops along the way but I'd rather leave here quickly and get on the road."

She understood his reasoning for staying respectful because he held her family dear and wouldn't compromise that relationship. The rising conflicts in Boston kept escalating and a squabbling scene between a native and English settler would only stir up wandering travelers. She didn't want to cause a commotion out of her own making simply because she wanted to lead Roger down the road and dismissed it quietly, "You're right, I'm sorry. I didn't intent to heckle you in any way."

The next few minutes were filled with silence, except for the clacking of Roger's hooves, and Ratonhnhaké:ton broke it to assess the tension, "I really don't mean to upset you but your safety is my main concern."

Caroline couldn't argue when he had her best interests at heart, resisting the urge to press her forehead against the back of his head, and admitted earnestly, "No, I understand, it's just . . . I haven't seen you in weeks and I've missed you."

Her fingers tightened their grasp on his coat to convey the emptiness he left when he was away and she deliberated, "I worry about your safety, whether you have food, or a roof over your head while I'm safe at home. You don't know how happy it made me to see you at that store- if Amelia's test had been later, our paths wouldn't have crossed. I. . ."

She didn't want to purge out every emotion coursing through her heart since he was quiet with his own, only speaking them when he needed to. His actions spoke more for him and that often left her bashful because she didn't want to make him feel awkward. Their friendship had blurred their cultural differences but as they secretly courted, she had to read every signal more carefully. Her hold on his coat loosened as she sat upright again to grant him his space and murmured dejectedly, "We can have lunch in a few hours down the road."

He didn't want to risk their first argument in the middle of an open road but didn't want to appear unappreciative of her. She wanted to return home by his side and their outings through Boston only solidified their affection so he wouldn't be ungrateful. He had never been the best at expressing his sentiments due to his culture since Caroline's own was more vocal and used physical touch more than his did. Hurting her or making her feel unappreciated was the last thing he wanted her to believe and admitted quietly, "I've missed you as well, Caroline."

Her lips curled into a smile to that comment and she squeezed his midsection to relay a nonverbal display of affection. He preferred the quiet subtle route until prompted otherwise by Caroline and she blushed with delight when he moved one hand from the reins to cover hers. His soft voice was louder in her ears than the echoes of chatter further behind them when he uttered, "I might not be the most expressive but my feelings for you are true."

"A lady needs to hear it sometimes" she whispered bashfully since she wasn't the type to demand displays of affection from him. Simple words would do and knowing her stoic partner, he would skirt around physical affection.

"You'll hear it. . .just not out in the open like this" he replied cryptically because they would have to make camp sometime and he'd be able to be open with her. True, there were moments his stomach sprouted butterflies and his mouth dried up but that wouldn't hinder him. His younger years of adolescence were behind him and now, he had a possible future with Caroline to look forward to. He would not let it pass him by.

Caroline spent the next hours hearing of his adventurous exploits and she'd laughed to his misadventures with the frontiersmen. When he'd recounted his tale of climbing to the top of a lighthouse claiming to be haunted by a woman, he found a hoax of a scarecrow on top. He continued to recount another story, with a hunting club this time, where he'd chased down a bobcat that had become a danger to travelers on the road. He'd almost fallen numerous times chasing the feline but quick use of his rope dart ended the chase. Another story had led the naïve Ratonhnhaké:ton into the middle of a fight club when he'd been searching for a specific building related to assassin business and well, someone lost a few teeth for being in the way of his fist.

Recounting his adventures bridged the gap that was often left by his leave and he felt better at confiding his thoughts and opinions with her. He didn't really have an equal of his age to talk to but Caroline since Achilles was his mentor and Faulkner was his travel companion (and partner if he counted the money they received protecting trade routes). They were at the center of each other's worlds when they stepped away from their daily duties and Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't want to change that.

As they traveled on the solitary road, Ratonhnhaké:ton's grip on Roger's tightened and Caroline felt his back muscles tense immediately. She managed a peek over his left shoulder as she looked away from the tree line and caught sight of two men walking towards Boston with their horses in tow. Caroline didn't find anything out of the ordinary with them and squeezed his shoulders gently to relax him. Her partner, on the other hand, remained tense and he pointed out to her, "I've heard rumors of two male robbers that have been wandering the roads to Boston and the descriptions match them."

"It could be just about anyone" she reasoned because men were often the majority gender that traveled into the big city. If the voyage took longer than a day, wives and children stayed behind on the homestead to maintain the house and chores. Her father and Uncle Terry always traveled in that manner when they lived in the logging camps. A traveling duo was safer on the empty roads than a man alone against not only the wilderness but mankind.

"I doubt mere travelers have working horses while their attire is fine in appearance" he commented in regards to the outfits the men wore that were better in appearance than his own. Their coats were made of average linen but the waistcoat and breeches were of finer fabric- even their boots were of fine cured leather. If someone wore well-made clothing, the horses would match that style and theirs didn't. Travelers often used horses that were equipped to travel long distances like the ones they all had in Davenport. Only Godfrey's mares were working sturdy horses but he never brought them together to Boston. Ratonhnhaké:ton wouldn't bring any of his horses but Roger after the long distances he could cover in a day.

He slowed Roger to a slower trot because he would be keeping an eye on them and stated simply, "Trust me on these matters, Caroline."

Caroline sighed under her breath because she never wanted to see another robber in her life after the first scare. She hoped that if they were thieves, they would perceive them as poor folk and just keep walking. Mostly though, she just wanted them to be normal civilians that gave off an eccentric aura. Ratonhnhaké:ton had been trained too well in assessing danger by mere observation so she trusted in him to get them out of whatever bind sprouted at them.

Unfortunately, she and Ratonhnhaké:ton were the ones that gave off a different light and the men stopped in front of them. They were far older than her but not old enough to be her father so she pinpointed them in their early 30s. Caroline lowered her hands to Ratonhnhaké:ton's waist to maintain a casual appearance but her posture straightened in alertness to the newcomers. They didn't have roguish or evil looks about them, merely simple everyday faces, but appearances could be very deceiving. Just like Ratonhnhaké:ton, her body tensed instantly when she heard the shortest of the two declare, "Well, it's not every day you see a native with a settler heading into the countryside."

"My wife and I are merely heading to Lexington" Ratonhnhaké:ton lied to keep their valuables safe and their identities hidden. He had grown to be wary of people he met out on the road, even those that required help, but he'd always been able to distinguish looming trouble. Caroline tried to feign the appearance of a meek wife as she kept a downcast glance but her heart squeaked at hearing the word wife from his lips. Regardless, her hands slowly crept down his sides to where his belt lay on his waist. Ratonhnhaké:ton nodded once in regard to the men and politely stated, "Have a good day."

Caroline was more than ready for Roger to bolt into a run but the leader of the two, who she figured as the shortest, stated aloud, "Now, it wouldn't be fair of us to assume this little lady is your wife without hearing her talk. For all we know, this is a kidnapping."

Ratonhnhaké:ton had half a mind to fall into the stereotype of his people and chase them off with a tomahawk but he held his hand. Caroline's fingers tucked around his leather belt from behind and she looked over his shoulder to state clearly, "Of course I'm his wife! I wouldn't be here with anybody but my spouse."

The taller of the two, whom had a more rugged appearance, shook his head and spoke up for the first time, "See, this going native trend needs to be nipped-"

"We've lingered here too long, let's go" Caroline interjected quickly before she said something out of line because she wasn't an actress of theatre. Ratonhnhaké:ton loosened the reins to signal Roger to trot but he stiffened when he heard the sound of a pistol being drawn.

The shorter man ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair and chuckled dryly, "It would've been easier if you were also breaking the law here. We're all for tolerance to a limit here but not bedding the blasted natives that keep harassing us."

Caroline was ready to fire a retort until she was reminded that they were being held at gunpoint and thinned her lips. Roger sensed their apprehension and became uneasy immediately, neighing to Ratonhnhaké:ton that they leave. The young man merely narrowed his eyes towards the men and stated coldly, "So you are the ones that have been robbing travelers."

"That we are and we wouldn't have if you'd just kept going" the leader stated with a smirk that unsettled Caroline because she had every intention of leaving with her belongings. Growing up as a child with hardworking parents, she wasn't about to relinquish anything without a fight. The man pointed his gun towards the cloth sacks they'd tied to Roger's saddle and ordered, "Untie that. We'll be taking that with us."

Caroline didn't move an inch since she was closest to their packed belongings and the man emphasized the weapon in his hand by aiming at her. Ratonhnhaké:ton glared at the two men as they put him in a predicament with Caroline's safety and raised his arm to block her somewhat. He didn't want her harmed nor did he want her to witness what he was capable of if he disposed of them. Reluctantly, he reached back with one hand and untied the knot holding their single knapsack to the leather saddle. Caroline heard the thump of it hitting the ground as Ratonhnhaké:ton returned to his defensive position in front of her. She wasn't about to be robbed blind by degenerates of society and fury swept through her blood at the thought of it. There was only one thought of action that flashed through her head and she took the option. A hand pressed against his back as she leaned close to his hooded head and whispered privately, "I have your second pistol in my hand at this moment. I can aim at one to disarm them and you can dispose of the other."

He was surprised to her plan because he expected her to look to him for answers just as she had after the robbery attack in February. The harsh encounters of the world were slowly hardening Caroline into being perceptive of how to handle herself and this was no different. She and Ratonhnhaké:ton had good intentions while the others would only keep robbing if they weren't stopped. Now that she was older and exposing herself to the world around her, Caroline realized that life was a constant struggle but she would walk with the virtues her parents instilled within her. As the men approached them with pistols drawn, she feigned a whimper of fear for their benefit and whispered afterwards, "I have your back and the closer they approach, the closer of an aim we have. I can lure them by becoming hysterical if you wish."

"They'll also have better aim if they attack first" he hissed back quietly because he couldn't endanger her life by having her fire. She had no argument of rebuttal because he was basically her human shield at the moment and didn't want him injured either. It was a tough predicament to think through but time was against them and Caroline wanted the men gone.

Caroline waved a hand at the bag Ratonhnhaké:ton had dropped and declared shrilly, "There, just take it and leave us be!"

She hoped to distract one of them so the other would be left vulnerable and since the thieves believed her to be an innocent woman, it proved to her advantage. Women were not supposed to be a threat to men and Caroline would use that. They paid her no mind over her dramatics as they saw her partner as the main threat and kept their weapons trained on him. As the taller man bent down to peruse through their goods, she saw an advantage to strike and dipped her head to whisper, "Tell me when and I will fire."

The short man standing looked to Caroline as he focused on something on her attire and demanded, "Throw down all of your jewelry."

Caroline merely had a pearl brooch that her mother leant her since she required her grown daughters to appear presentable. Since she would be traveling with Ratonhnhaké:ton on the road, she pinned it on the calico ruffles at the front of her throat to prevent it becoming bent or broken in the bag. However, Caroline wasn't going to simply hand over her mother's belonging and her father's hard earned money to a stranger. Without a second thought, she pulled out Ratonhnhaké:ton's pistol from its left holster and aimed it at the man to fire. After months of lessons, it wasn't hard to shoot the arm holding the weapon and Caroline waited to see the man's reaction.

The shot echoed through the silence and blood stained the dusty road as the man clutched his injured right shoulder. Ratonhnhaké:ton expected them to run off afterwards and fired into the air to show that he would grant them mercy. However, the men were more than ready to fight for their loot after stealing from multiple travelers and moved to fire their own pistols. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't waste a second and shot the injured man one more time in the heart to deal a critical blow. Simultaneously, he released Roger's reins to grab his pistol from Caroline's hand and fired at the crouched man.

She'd never seen him move so fast in her life as he shot one man and brought down another in less than ten seconds, blinking in surprise. Caroline yelped with wide-eyes when he leapt off Roger to pounce on the latter man and she could only compare him to a lithe cat when he landed atop the robber. The man was breathtaking in dexterous movements alone! There was no struggle from the taller man as Ratonhnhaké:ton hovered over him and moved one arm in an angle she couldn't see. A second later, she watched him walk away from the very still body of the man and towards the first man that they'd fired upon. Caroline watched him kneel but this time, she caught sight of a thin blade slipping out from underneath his leather gauntlets. She blinked with confusion because she'd never seen that weapon and when he removed his hand from the man's neck, both were clearly dead. What had he done to the men with the weapon?

Ratonhnhaké:ton met her gaze as she caught him using his hidden blade for the first time and stood before her to await her reaction. For the first time, he feared that she would run away or blame him for finishing off injured men. He had become the vanguard for those who had no voice and he would take action to prevent harm from befalling the innocent. Caroline dismounted Roger's saddle carefully and grabbed the reins as she approached him to have her say. He straightened his back to prepare for the worst but instead of questioning him, she rationalized her own behavior rather than his.

"I gave him a warning shot- if he wished to leave, he was free to do so" Caroline reasoned for her shot since this was the very first time she'd hurt someone intentionally. Multiple thoughts had run through her mind from the consequences, repercussions, and the questions of whether she'd done right. All she could remember was that February day with the robber and how she never wanted that paralyzing fear struck in anybody else. People deserved the right to live free of danger at the hands of man and she would not stand powerless against it. Because of it, she'd fired without hesitance and looked to him for understanding as she explained, "I don't want the same fate befalling other travelers, especially families, like it did to mine. Powerlessness is not in my vocabulary and I did what I had to."

"I know and I eliminated them for attempting to kill us" he replied calmly since death had become an everyday occurrence for him after his initiation into the assassins. He'd been a nervous mess internally when he'd had to make his first human assassination but it was for the greater good. He wanted to make the world a better place for future generations and he would hold onto that as his saving grace. Slowly, he approached her and grasped her hands between his to state gently, "There is nothing you have to apologize for."

Caroline smiled at his approval but her hands stiffened when she felt liquid touch her knuckles. Her fingers had grazed the start of his gauntlet and droplets of blood had fallen onto the metal when the blade had withdrawn. Ratonhnhaké:ton quickly wiped away the crimson smear on her knuckles before she felt faint and apologized, "I am sorry but I doubt there is a weapon that doesn't leave blood in its trail."

"Words" she supplied with a weak smile to tell him everything would be fine and avoided looking at the corpses. Death was natural in the colonies due to the rampant illnesses and danger in the world but she'd never actually seen a dead individual. Ratonhnhaké:ton gave her strength to face unbelievable odds and she breathed deeply before leaning down to pick up their bag away from the dead robbers. They had their sentimental belongings and her mother's goods inside so there had been no way that she'd have parted with it. They all worked hard for what they earned and Caroline hated to see others take advantage to claim it as their own.

Ratonhnhaké:ton squeezed her shoulders once with support as he blocked the sight with his stature. She smiled with thanks for the gesture since she'd played a hand in it and wanted to leave the area with utmost haste. They couldn't dawdle in the road because anybody could spring up on them at any moment and he didn't want another altercation. Looking to Caroline, he motioned towards Roger and requested quickly, "I need you to keep an eye on the road while I hide the bodies."

"I. . .of course" she faltered as she realized they'd truly committed murder by having to conceal the body. Had she really broken the law so easily without a second thought? How could she do that after her mother taught her to be a reputable citizen? On the other hand, it could be them that were being buried if the shoe were on the other foot. They had not looked for ill intent but Caroline stood behind her decision of self-preservation because she had a family waiting for her. She couldn't question herself on her decisions and chose a side to stand on. Sometimes, justice had to be taken into one's hands to protect the dozens.

She returned to Roger as the brown horse neighed to her comforting presence and she rubbed his snout. The stallion relaxed under her touch as he saw that everything was fine now and she scratched the back of his ears with a smile. She hoisted the bag onto his saddle once more to tie it carefully and redo the work Ratonhnhaké:ton had done earlier before departing Boston. While doing so, she kept a lookout on each side of the road to make sure nobody approached them unexpectedly. From behind, she could hear the sound of gravel being moved and assumed Ratonhnhaké:ton was dragging the bodies inside the forest.

She tried to deafen the sound by whistling a tune to keep herself occupied and it helped somewhat. There was no need for her to know what was occurring because it would only increase her anxiety. This hadn't been on their plans for the day but again, they hadn't been the ones looking for trouble. Her heart beat rapidly as she kept watch, hoping nobody would discover their little secret and glanced at the sky. The puffy white clouds that normally delighted her with their odd shapes couldn't cheer her up as she itched to leave. She hoped this moment wouldn't come back to haunt her but the optimistic side reminded her that if she hadn't been here, things could've gone wrong for Ratonhnhaké:ton. Oh, who was she kidding? The man was more than capable of taking care of himself!

Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't take long in hiding the bodies since he only needed to conceal them for a few days. They would be long gone from the road since it split into a fork in a few more miles and he'd take a different route to Davenport. Thankfully, the forest was large and dark enough to conceal anything and he'd been back to Caroline's side within fifteen minutes. His redheaded partner talked to Roger about growing potatoes to displace her feelings and he regretted killing the men in front of her. He'd chosen the most subtle of weapons but Caroline wasn't accustomed to seeing death in that manner.

Her arms enveloped him the moment she saw him and he returned the embrace. She apologized for placing his life at risk when she'd fired and promised that he'd be the one in charge of dangerous decisions. Ratonhnhaké:ton whispered that everything was fine because they didn't need to worry anymore. If they decided to delve deeper into what they'd done, they would definitely feel that regret but he couldn't do so. All he could do was support the decision they had taken together.

"May I ask you something?" she asked quietly as a different light had been shed on his capabilities and he nodded. She'd seen him bring home large game so she had to expect that he was formidable in strength but to see it. . .that was entirely different. Although he was the tallest man she'd met, he hardly made a sound until he was right next to you. Her fingers roamed over his biceps, wondering just how much strength lied there, and questioned evenly, "Is this the first time you've killed someone?"

If he revealed the number, he was certain she'd recoil in horror but his life wasn't going to be pretty. He decided to go with the subtlety that always gave him leeway and answered, "I think you can reach that conclusion on your own, Caroline."

"Is it . . . fast? Painless?" she asked uncertainly because she'd never witnessed death at the hands of man nor expected to partake in it. Her fingers had reacted instinctively to protect herself and Ratonhnhaké:ton but she would never want to inflict more pain than she needed to. Whenever her father hunted for food, he always told her that a painless death was the best mercy. Now that she had done that to a human being, those teachings hit her with full force.

"Yes, there are tricks to achieve that mercy" he answered truthfully and Caroline nodded quietly with satisfaction. She wasn't the type to wish ill will but if she had to use her hands, she would make it fast. Ratonhnhaké:ton had slowly begun to desensitize himself to death over the years and understood her worry. She had been raised with strict principles and to break them for self-preservation was not an easy transition. He held her close to his chest to ease her fears and soothed with honesty, "If it comforts you, they would've done worse."

"Let's keep this confidential, my parents might decide to lock me away" Caroline said slowly as her gaze remained locked on the trees. Her parents had left the city to avoid the dangers of urban life and here she was smack in the middle of trouble. Oh, her mother would lock her up until she was forty if she ever found out.

"I was going to suggest the same" he replied as he slipped a small bag of coins into her right hand. She blinked with confusion to what he'd handed her since she'd put away all of their belongings. The small cloth bag jingled between her fingers and he informed with a faint smile, "Compensation for the trouble since they no longer need that."

"We should donate this" she suggested immediately to the money neither had earned through good deeds. The thieves had profited from others and it wouldn't be fair to keep it themselves after trying to make the world a better place. He quirked an eyebrow to her suggestion and an idea popped into her head that was too great to ignore and she blurted, "We'll give it to Davenport! We can start a donation box and build our dream of a small town. It might not be much now but imagine having a school, library, a trade ship, or simply buying fruit trees to help Davenport prosper in the future? We can be a beacon to those that need shelter away from danger or just find a new place to call home."

"You have a good head on your shoulders and a heart to match" he complimented her clever idea because the money would go towards good use. Caroline could never accept money that came from ill deeds and Ratonhnhaké:ton could never keep it for himself. He took the small bag and pocketed the money with the intent to craft a collection box once he returned home. Their community was small now but they were slowly growing and he smiled with pride, "I believe you might have a knack for business, Caroline. A few more years of experience and you could be handling Davenport's finances for me."

She shook her head to the idea since women were a rarity in business and if they were, it wasn't in a field dominated by men. Even then, the ownership would be in the husband's name. Still, if he were her partner, Caroline wouldn't mind one bit. Her shoulders shrugged with uncertainty and she admitted honestly, "I've yet to find my calling but I doubt it's that. Let's go home, Ratonhnhaké:ton."

He'd never been gladder to hear the words and he helped her back onto Roger.

They made camp in a familiar isolated area that he sought whenever he headed towards Davenport and together, they built a fire. It had been the first time for Caroline since her traveling days on a canvas covered wagon had prompted her parents to make one and Davenport had put an end to them. Alongside Ratonhnhaké:ton, she mimicked his movements as he guided her through the process and had beamed at the tiny flame they produced. While the fire grew with kindling, she dug one hole at each side of the campfire with her knife while he whittled two Y-shaped sticks to stab into the holes she made. Patting down the dirt to wedge each stick tightly, Ratonhnhaké:ton placed a simple stick over the forks for a makeshift cooking area to roast a hare he had caught. He hadn't felt comfortable leaving Caroline alone in camp but she promised they were far enough from the road and she had her handy knife. When he returned from his hunt, Caroline fetched water to drink from a nearby creek and they shared their first cozy meal under the stars.

"I've never camped out in the wilderness so how do you bear it?" she asked after their bellies were full and the single plate they'd shared was washed. The two reclined against a log Ratonhnhaké:ton had pulled into camp to use as a bench to pass the night away. Caroline watched the twinkling diamond stars overhead and she longed for the safety of her little wooden house. She'd never wandered deep into the wilderness after dark and being smack in the middle of it without shelter made her nervous to say the least.

"I've played in the forest much of my life and danger is quite easy to spot" he answered truthfully since he'd fallen down as many hills as he'd climbed. His instincts had been honed to detect the lightest noise of danger and with Caroline in tow, he wouldn't fall into a false sense of security. Caroline wasn't reassured by that because they were beings of soft flesh and bone while stronger animals lurked in the darkness. Ratonhnhaké:ton offered a small comforting smile to set aside her fears and assured, "Lonely nights also offer a peace of mind from earthly worries. Don't fear the unknown, I will protect you."

"And if a bear barrels into camp?" she teased playfully but her nervousness pitched her tone higher than normal. Having a dangerous animal sneak into camp while she slept in a canvas tent was not comforting in the slightest. Her partner might have lightning fast reflexes but she certainly didn't have that in her corner.

"You've seen me bring a few bears home, I can handle it" he stated confidently and she smiled to the cocky little smile that pulled at his lips. Well, this was certainly a new face on the normally quiet Ratonhnhaké:ton. She had never witnessed any form of boastful comments from his end and didn't doubt his capabilities. The arsenal of weapons he carried were enough for her to believe it and his physical build alone . . . you did not want to cross him. He pointed towards a small mound that protruded from the earth where he'd buried the hare bones and explained simply, "The trick is to never have any form of aromatic food with you."

Caroline had usually tended to her siblings while her parents took care of their makeshift camp during travels so she didn't know much. Building a fire in a home was easy but asking her to build it in the wild with only sticks and stones- she'd be lost. With the frontier being explored by adventurous colonists, it would only be a matter a time before women tagged along for the ride with their husbands. Her gaze shifted upwards to the dark glittering sky and she spoke modestly, "I trust you with my life. Still, I'd like to be able to protect myself when you won't be there. My culture puts the man as the protector while the woman expects to be saved. Frankly, that's great if a husband can be a good defender but I am a young lady in turbulent times- I want to trust myself."

"There is strength in you, never question it" he encouraged because none of the residents of Davenport lacked a backbone. He was proud in helping to build their small community since none of them hesitated to take on a task and the Burnett children weren't new to work. Each of them held calloused hands from years of dedicated work alongside their parents so none of them were weak. He offered a friendly smile to the young colonist that had followed him around to learn skills and pointed out, "Otherwise, I would not have taught you. It is why I agreed to bring you home so you can protect it in your father's stead."

"So it wasn't to spend time with me?" she teased with a warm chuckle as she turned her head to the side to watch his reaction and his cheeks darkened. Had she caught on to his feelings earlier before he'd admitted them? Her shoulder nudged his to let him know it was all in good fun and allowed her head to fall on his shoulder. As she grew older, Caroline slowly began to learn that her family would leave her side and she had to make a life of her own. Apprehension had always settled in her stomach whenever she traveled to Boston with her father but it had disappeared with repeated exposure. The dark forest around her was the newest obstacle to her comfort while being away from her loved ones but there was one guiding light in that darkness. The tip of her nose gently grazed the side of his neck and she whispered fondly, "Even in this untamed wilderness, I've never been happier to be beside you."

"I am very glad to hear it" he smiled cheerfully because he hoped the silence of the night and the crackling fire wouldn't bore her. He was accustomed to a very simple life and he hoped Caroline would enjoy those simple cares alongside him.

When their supper settled in their stomachs, she decided to play a game to keep their minds entertained by guessing animals. Although Ratonhnhaké:ton tended to be awkward in public games, he didn't shy away from one-on-one games. He preferred quiet settings rather than sociable ones and Caroline didn't mind adjusting to it after partaking in a large group with her family.

Caroline leaned against the log to use her hands to mimic an animal she had in mind and began, "I have four legs, whiskers on my face, and black rings over my fluffy tail-"

"Atí:ron!" Ratonhnhaké:ton called out the name in his native language but it was lost to her ears. He often forgot that she didn't know his language as well as he did hers. Caroline merely blinked with confusion since he'd been eager to answer the question and he restated quickly in English, "Raccoon. I meant raccoon."

"Very good" she chuckled to his enthusiasm to play the simple game because they'd brought nothing else to stay entertained. She loved hearing the foreign dialect and attempted to repeat the word to add it into her growing vocabulary. Ratonhnhaké:ton repeated the word with slower pronunciation to make sure she spoke it correctly to avoid verbal snafus. It took a total of seven times as she watched the movement of his lips and the hitch in his voice on the accents for her to succeed. He chuckled when she repeated it twice to herself for extra measure and she smiled with glee, "Thank you. Let's continue before I carry us into the night with this."

"I have two legs, I can fly momentarily, and cluck" he stated with an amused grin as he grabbed a nearby stick to poke the campfire. The glowing orange embers produced wooden debris that the flames engulfed and he turned away with satisfaction to await her reply. Caroline, however, had a knowing smile on her face when he placed the wooden stick on the ground.

"You're going far too easy on me" she chastised playfully with a wagging finger because she wanted a brain twister. Her partner was a sharp one so she knew he had better riddles in mind for her than a mere farm animal. She clapped her hands to grin eagerly and gently declined his question to pry sweetly, "Come now, we have plenty of wildlife examples to choose from."

Ratonhnhaké:ton relented the easy question and decided a to ante up the difficulty, "I have lightning speed, feed on grass and shrubs, and have eyes as dark as onyx?"

Caroline's shoulders slumped as her mind jumped to the first conclusion that made sense and replied dryly, "Oh, Ratonhnhaké:ton, don't tell me it's a rabbit?"

He laughed into his right hand to the easy choice as she answered incorrectly and shook his head to correct her, "No, a deer."

"But. . .oh" Caroline said as the tricky answer dawned on her since both animals had the same characteristics. Her fingertips brushed over his on the top of the log as they shared a laugh and she wished they could play a little game (even for one minute) at least once a week. She missed him dearly when he was away but he displaced that loneliness with his voice alone. She grinned with delight to the twist in the question and requested, "Do another, just like the one you did."

"You like it when I keep you thinking on your feet" he remarked with amusement to what tickled her mind when she wasn't doing chores. Caroline nodded with a modest smile to her curiosity of the world, especially now that he'd managed to sweep her away from both Davenport and Boston. If there could've been a way for her to sneak away into the night for an adventure alongside him, she would do so. Knowing that he captained a mighty vessel, she could only dream of the sights and sounds he'd heard over the high seas.

Caroline smiled as he managed to read her like an open book and answered truthfully, "There is an open world that isn't limited to just Boston and Davenport. I want to know what's out there and if you can paint a picture for me, it will suffice."

Ratonhnhaké:ton obliged her that wish with a rare sight from one of his travels and spoke softly, "I have a fin that's as wide as a bedroom and the body length of a small vessel. I travel with many to the north in the summer and my songs fill the oceans for hours. What am I?"

Now that was a worthy question for her.

When they tired of the game, they decided to bask in the tranquility of the forest as they lay outside their tent to watch the stars. They had brought enough blankets to be bundled up warmly (and safely) for the night as the two decided to share a tent. Ratonhnhaké:ton promised to behave as gentlemanly as possible but Caroline had no concerns since he always treated her with respect. If anything, she worried that she'd make a mistake by being too forward with her displays of affection. They had shared an awkward moment when pitching their tent since Caroline's culture dictated that 'lying together' could produce a child and Ratonhnhaké:ton quickly corrected that was not how children were created. Surely sleeping side by side did not automatically make two people parents but Caroline had insisted that was what the church stated. Frankly, colonist culture was eccentric to Ratonhnhaké:ton but he'd promised that nothing would come of simply sleeping next to each other for warmth. If it did . . . he would be in big trouble and his own culture would have some explaining to do.

"Are we really this small in the great span of life and the universe?" she asked softly as she smiled at the twinkling diamonds greeting her. Alice often joined her to watch the stars, especially during the hot dry summers, and they would try count as many as possible. They always lost count due to their varied arrangement in the sky but stargazing bonded them as sisters.

"We make the most out of our time on this earth" he stated quietly since they weren't eternal and when they returned to the earth, other generations would venture on. They could only hope to make a ripple in the water that would transcend their own mortality to bestow honorable values to others. He didn't know how long he would live but he would make the best memories to carry with him when that fateful day arrived. It wasn't often that he pondered aloud about his thoughts on life with another and he admitted to her, "I haven't had the easiest life but I've been happy in Davenport and it gives my life meaning."

"You've given me a home and your friendship, other Scottish girls can't say the same" she smiled amusingly with a fond squeeze to his wrist and a smile lit his face. The fire's glow surrounding their camp gave the night a perfect peaceful aura that deflected all of their everyday worries away. Is this how her mother had felt alongside her father during their early days together? Her mother had always insisted that trust be a main trait in her partner and Caroline sighed softly, "I can't imagine a more perfect life. We've grown up in a harsh world that keeps changing but we haven't lacked in quality with the loving people around us."

Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't agree more since he was surrounded by caring individuals and he was honored to call them family and friends. He sat up to retrieve a wooden flute from his inside coat pocket and pulled out the delicate instrument. Since his childhood, he loved working with his hands and making flutes had always been a favorite pastime. The different melodic sounds always delighted him when he had the time to play and due to his dangerous profession, he often lost them. So far, he'd lost four so he could never make too many. His time on the Aquila offered the best opportunity due to the long lonely weeks at sea so he had plenty of time on his hands. He showed it to Caroline with a modest smile since she'd caught him whittling once during her first year in Davenport and she commented, "I've become so used to hearing fiddle music from uncle Terry and my days in the logging camps but never a flute. Might you play a song for me?"

"I've learned a few over the years" he replied earnestly since it had been his intention all along and hoped she liked it. There was a particular reason he planned to do so in private when they weren't in the public's eye and placed his lips on one end of the flute to begin. She listened to each gentle note as she closed her eyes to focus solely on the delightful music and to prevent making him nervous. When had he learned to play the flute? There were still many things about him that she didn't know but it was a good mystery to solve.

It was a pity that she couldn't keep the beautiful piece of music but cherished that he played it for her. There was no question in her heart whether love was blossoming for him after their outings and his respectful manner towards her. The crackling fire was silenced by the higher notes as the steady low notes broke away for a livelier tone. Oh, how she wished to know if there were lyrics to that song that his people sang to. His music had no sharpness to it at all, just a soft merry radiance that left her giddy to hear more.

He finished after about two minutes but Caroline admired his perfect coordination. Music was not her forte but she wished to include him when her family and the Galloways had music shows at supper. Opening her eyes, she gazed at the young man that kept surprising her at every encounter and wondered what else she would discover with given time. She beamed at him for delighting her hearing with so many sounds and Ratonhnhaké:ton managed a modest smile to her approval. He deemed it a success since she hadn't covered her ears or asked him to stop and his confidence boosted. He placed the small flute back in its rightful place before he lost it again and she asked quietly, "What was it called?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton wondered if she would understand what he would ask of her. Playing the song had already begun the ritual performed in his culture and he had been taught to only act when it was necessary. He hesitated for a moment to gather his words correctly before answering truthfully, "It is a song young men play to the woman they seek as their partner. They play it at night, just like this, outside of the woman's longhouse in the hopes that she will enjoy it and agree to his sentiments. Each can vary in sound by tribe but overall, it is similar as the ending requires either requited affection or rejection for the man."

Her mouth formed an 'o' of understanding but her eyes widened slightly as she caught the message between his words. He was playing the musical piece for her to either reciprocate or reject. Was there any choice but yes for her? No would never be in her vocabulary regarding him. She caught the inquisitive look in his eyes as he watched her with uncertainty, noticing his straightened shoulders, and she smiled sincerely, "I don't see how any could disagree with the song."

"So, you . . . approve . . . of me?" he asked carefully since they'd never stated aloud that they were the only one in each other's lives but their actions spoke greatly. Caroline hadn't planned yet on how to tell her parents they were together since Amelia's success came first and she wouldn't intrude on that. After Amelia passed or failed (she couldn't imagine that outcome happening), they would tell her parents the news and hoped it went over well. Society's laws would be tricky to bypass but Caroline hoped that the fond regard they held for him would help his acceptance. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until she smiled fondly and hoped he'd clinched a yes.

She cupped his cheek for the first time and brushed her thumb over it to smile, "With all my heart."

He smiled fondly to her affectionate words and grabbed her hand to kiss the top of it to show the same care. His heart had never been happier to hear the words and he squeezed her hand gently. She embraced him tightly to show the restraint she'd been using since they left Boston and grasped the back of his coat to clutch him close. He would eventually leave her again and she wanted to make as many memories as possible with him. When her family was not by her side, home was alongside him and she wanted to bask in his company for as long as possible. Ratonhnhaké:ton held her close to ensure he wasn't going to disappear anytime soon and she whispered, "You've given me more than a girl like me ever dreamed of and I cherish you dearly for it."

"There were days I didn't think you did because of our differences-" he admitted modestly as his fingers brushed over her braided auburn hair. He remembered a day when she'd braided his long hair during winter when he let it grow and absolutely hated the look. Of course, he bore it for her sake but he loved the sentiment that she cared enough to do it for him.

"We're not different, the physical aspect is nothing compared to our hearts" she intervened to remove that form of thinking because he was everything she wanted. He was the kindest man she'd ever met and his mannerisms were unbelievably impeccable; traits she loved. There had never been a moment of disrespect towards her or her loved ones and that was something she respected. She loved everything about his physical appearance: his straight onyx hair, his warm brown eyes, his sunkissed skin, and the freckles that dotted his cheeks delighted her. Cupping his face in both hands, she touched her forehead to his and stated lovingly, "You are perfect in every way and I don't care what society tells me is right in a suitor. I know my right from wrong and this . . . this is fate working in our favor. Where else would two people born an ocean apart meet to find such kind friendship and grow together over the years to blossom it further? How can it not be right? Times are turbulent for both our peoples but my heart is yours and nobody will take that away from you, Ratonhnhaké:ton."

He embraced her tightly, afraid this small moment was a dream that would fade at any second. Her heart filled with warmth that rivaled the sun's during summertime when he whispered against the nape of her neck, "My Caroline."

No further words were required to cement their true feelings for each other but Caroline added in faintly, "Always yours."

Her fingers combed through his raven hair as she cradled him close and he relaxed completely under the sensation. She eyed him with a curious glint in her blue eyes and he asked with a shy smile, "What is it?"

"I want to feel your lips against mine" she answered without modesty since her feelings for him were an open book now. There had been many times she wondered how his skin would feel under her fingertips and she could now say that it was handsomely smooth. His eyes widened slightly since he hadn't expected that and could clearly see that he wasn't going to be the dominant partner in this relationship. He didn't mind it one bit as he gazed at her to make sure and she smiled with certainty, "I can safely say I've thought of it for the past month."

This time, she did look away for a brief second as the modesty her mother imposed about etiquette won over. It was a struggle to maintain proper decorum since her heart yearned to do otherwise but Caroline looked to him for input. He was more bashful than she was and she wanted to walk within the lines of respect for him. Her hands squeezed his shoulders to show that it was fine if he didn't share the sentiment and spoke tentatively, "I hope I. . .haven't been too forward or disappointed you?"

"Caroline, you can never disappoint me" he chuckled warmly as he cupped her face in his hand and kissed the tip of her nose for the first time. Her eyes closed with content for the affectionate token and for being in such close distance to hold him. Davenport didn't offer the seclusion for it since her mother had caught onto their affection and wanted her to be on the visible trails now to keep a strict eye on them. Boston offered them even less privacy and there wasn't much they could do together without becoming an official couple. Everything in her world was blissfully perfect for the first time and she wished to keep that precise moment. Ratonhnhaké:ton's face shifted with shyness as he admitted facts about his private life, "I've never actually kissed anyone-"

"Neither have I . . . but I asked mother out of curiosity" she admitted sheepishly with a nervous chuckle to that moment when she asked about her mother's courting life. Her mother had been rather flustered to match a tomato but Caroline also pointed out that she was of marrying age and allowed to know about it. She had to know what to expect when she was ready to court, right? Catherine was never one to allow her chicks to leave her nest without correct (and proper) knowledge and had explained it to her on one of their walks around the garden. It hadn't been easy for Catherine but knowing that her oldest and Ratonhnhaké:ton were not exactly platonic anymore called for her intervention.

Caroline raised an index finger in the air to imitate her dear mother and smiled at him, "Proper ladies shouldn't kiss until they are betrothed . . . but you are the exception. I trust you with my life and in the end that is what truly matters."

Ratonhnhaké:ton cradled her head close to lean over and touched his nose to hers as he used it as a guide. This time, he wouldn't shy away and he couldn't blame it on noise since they were truly isolated from civilization. Unfortunately, his sight became blurry and painful as he neared her lips- leading both of them to blink away the discomfort. Caroline chuckled as she rubbed her eyes to rid herself of the odd feeling of being cross-eyed and commented, "All right, that was a fantastically fun failure."

Trying another alternative that Caroline often saw with her parents, she closed her eyes to await his kiss. Ratonhnhaké:ton followed her lead to see if this would yield a better result but as he kept leaning over, he couldn't find her lips. The tip of his nose touched every inch of her face but her lips and she heard him ask with bewilderment, "Where are you, my silent wolf?"

She burst into laughter as their first kiss ended in a travesty and leaned against the log beside him. He released her with disappointment because he really did want to experience that affectionate token with her. She squeezed his right shoulder fondly and ran the tip of her thumb over his jaw to show he hadn't done anything wrong. He had still managed to raise her heartbeat to unnatural levels and flush her face rosy. Her free hand slipped into his to intertwine their fingers and she joked lightheartedly, "Maybe I should ask a brothel worker? They work like sirens and earn coin. . .not that I find that interesting in the slightest."

"You shouldn't" he agreed with clear distaste because Caroline was smart enough to do work that didn't require her to lay on her back for money. She had been lucky not to be born in complete squalor or orphaned while young but he'd rather have her at a menial job than one that chiseled at one's moral character.

Leaning against him, she winked playfully and imitated one of their iconic 'come hither' looks to say, "Come here and. . .they say colorful words that would leave me red in the face for months."

She smiled bashfully to her propriety but he preferred that; otherwise, he would've run in the opposite direction. His mother would've smacked him upside the head if he'd decided to chase a rude indecent woman. He smiled with delight to the sensation of her soft skin against his whenever her cheek touched his neck. Her fingertips brushed over a few dark strands that had become free from his tied hair and she confided earnestly, "Thank you for never laughing at me. Men of your age would've been anxious or frustrated over such a little thing. You never make me nervous- well, maybe a little butterfly flutters here and there- and I appreciate that."

With her head resting on his shoulder as she gazed at him, he leaned down to close the short distance with a small tilt of his head. This time, he clinched a success when their lips met perfectly without their noses obstructing them. His lips covered hers for a chaste kiss and her heart tumbled with joy that rivaled the crashing waves against the Aquila during a storm. Oh, her little heart could just burst from that moment!

"That was magnificent" she sighed dotingly when his lips left hers and ran her thumb over his cheek. He had been as every bit gentlemanly as she imagined, appreciating that he hadn't pressed their innocent brush of the lips further. His lips really were as soft and warm as she'd imagined them, comparing them to a soft feather stuffed pillow.

"It was short" he concluded with mild surprise since he felt no different but he had certainly enjoyed it. Courtship amongst the colonists was very odd to him due to the numerous rules but he cared for Caroline. She was a constant that would never leave his life as she welcomed him back with a smile and open arms after each journey. Why would he not want to come home to that after every mission? If everything continued to go well, especially with Amelia's test, he'd ask for this 'courting' honor from her father.

"Magnificent" she insisted by repeating her opinion and huddled against his side to keep warm. After fixing their blankets for the night, she didn't want to disturb all of her work for one blanket. Besides, his body heat was far better when she snuck her left arm underneath his long coat to wrap it around his side. She could stay up all night with just the fire and Ratonhnhaké:ton to talk to him about anything. She placed a small kiss at the bottom of his chin and smiled with curiosity, "If a mere kiss gives this much trouble, I can only wonder what happens during marriage."

His cheeks darkened for the first time as he cleared his throat awkwardly to that thought. Kissing her had already flustered him enough and to ponder further than that . . . he'd probably faint. Caroline caught his embarrassed expression and rubbed circles over his upper back to soothe gently, "Don't worry, I will ask mother."

"No! Imagine what she would think- she'd chase me away with Charlotte!" he disagreed worriedly since such questions were best left for marriage and they were nowhere near one. Knowing Godfrey, he'd be waiting to hear when the ceremony would be after Caroline uttered such words and knocking on Achilles' door ten minutes later. Her father had been extremely generous to allow her freedom and she wouldn't spoil it by telling the overall truth. This was her first chance to spend time with Ratonhnhaké:ton in a long time and if she could manage a trip like this again, she would pounce on it.

She chuckled softly to his widened eyes as he feared having the Burnetts scold him to the ends of the earth and forbid him from seeing her. Caroline cupped his face in her hands to show her commitment to their hidden relationship and smiled with promise, "Then I would run after you."

If Ratonhnhaké:ton could eliminate Lee soon, he could live peacefully in Davenport and ask for her to be his wife.

"Kiss me" he murmured softly before capturing her lips again more ardently to practice their new form of affection. He didn't need to ask because she was more than happy to oblige and smiled when she kneeled to pull him closer. For a brief moment, he was surprised by the tense need in her arms as she embraced him tightly to seal her lips around his. Her fingers weaved into his thick raven hair and they pulled away the leather tie to let it all fall free in a cascade.

"I've missed you every day that you've been gone" she whispered as she yearned to be by his side as the years passed, especially now that they were together. Her presence in her home was mandatory until she was married and Caroline couldn't see herself escaping that role soon. She wanted to figure out a way where she could please both her parents and her heart so she could follow Ratonhnhaké:ton.

He yelped in surprise for the first time when she managed to push him down onto his back on the dirt and she smiled broadly to declare, "Now that I finally have you without interruptions, I can show you."

Ratonhnhaké:ton loved every single kiss she gave him that night.

Thank you for waiting so patiently for the next installment, dear readers, and I'd reply to all of the reviews but I'm typing away like a machine to update all of my tales. I do want to say that I appreciate all of your feedback and I thank all of my new followers for the story. In the next chapter, we will see the outcome of Amelia's test and what the impending future has in story for Caroline as they all begin to walk their path to adulthood.

Next Time: Little Women

Caroline couldn't be prouder of the picturesque landscape greeting her as they arrived in Davenport during the early morning. There was no cloud cover in the sky, leaving only the blinding golden orb of the sun keeping watch over them. The heavy tree coverage of the untamed forest filled their noses with different scents of aromatic leaves and wood. Soon, the trees would be ready to have their sap removed and maple syrup would be made to be enjoyed by everyone. The clear blue sky greeted them as puffy white trails of smoke left several of the homes on the sloping land. She could hear the sound of tools upon lumber in the near distance and knew Mr. O'Donnell was at work with his fine craftsmanship.

Her arms squeezed Ratonhnhaké:ton's midsection with joy and it was hard for him not to feel like a pastry being molded. He'd only felt her polite hugs of welcome until the previous night where she'd embraced him tightly as if life depended on it. There had been no question who was the more amorous partner and he'd been left a blushing mess with disheveled hair . . . but worn the happiest smile in years. Caroline smiled as she watched the green grass ripple with small birds foraging for seeds and missed the beautiful sights that Boston lacked.

She wasn't like Martha that dreamed of strong brick walls and cobbled streets that spelled modern civilization. True, their parents aspired them all to be the best that they could but Caroline was happy being a country girl. Her chin rested on his left shoulder as they neared the small hill that represented the purest sense of home for her. Roger's clacking hooves on the dirt trail only heightened her heartbeat as they ascended the path to reach the picket fence. The empty dusty trails, the echo from the roaring river to the east, and their rural homestead had everything she missed in Boston.

It wasn't long before Elijah bounded up to greet them as his acute senses picked up the visitors. His black ears were erect as he caught sight of Roger and his happy bark was known to the horse, leading the thoroughbred to neigh. Just as the human residents had formed friendships, so had the animal companions of each individual begun to trust each other. Ratonhnhaké:ton led Roger closer to the small log cabin as Elijah followed suit, his shaggy tail flicking to the sides with happiness. Two out of his three family members had returned and he would loyally await the last like any faithful dog. The sound of hooves and barking soon had Catherine exiting the house with commanding steps to investigate while Samuel followed suit with his unofficial 'man of the house' title. The young boy was never far from his mother whenever Godfrey left as he assumed his chores and that meant protecting his family.

Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled with amusement to seeing his chest puff out as he strode after his mother. Catherine, however, stopped at the front door steps when she realized who it was and little Samuel ran into her in his haste to follow. The redheaded boy relaxed instantly at seeing familiar faces and quickly apologized to his mother with a sheepish smile. Ratonhnhaké:ton dismounted Roger to help Caroline down and greeted the Burnett matriarch, "Good morning, I was in Boston and ran into the rest of the family in town. Caroline was most insistent to return to help with the chores and Mr. Burnett allowed her to journey home under my protection."

"She bargained until her father caved in, didn't she?" Catherine questioned with a knowing gleam in her eye and Caroline flashed an innocent smile. Although she didn't question Caroline's devotion to their family, she was concerned for her coincidental meetings with Ratonhnhaké:ton. If the two didn't say something to either her or Godfrey, she'd take matters into her own hands. Nonetheless, she was glad to have one of her chicks return home safely and Caroline had never been one to shy away from work. She and Amelia were her best little workers after dedicating her time to teaching them the skills required of them once they were grown ladies.

Caroline leaned down to cup Elijah's shaggy head in her hands to shower him with affection and grinned cheerfully, "Who's a good boy? You've done such a good job looking after mama and the girls."

The faithful dog licked her chin before yipping at Samuel as the young boy ushered him to his side. Ratonhnhaké:ton looked to Catherine as he hoped he hadn't done anything wrong and asked respectfully, "I hope I haven't overstepped any rules in place by offering to escort her home-"

"My only concern is where you two spent the night" Catherine questioned calmly as a mother but there was a sharper tone entwined since Caroline was a young woman. If they were a married couple, she could care less where the two wandered but her daughter would be the proper girl she'd raised her to be. She didn't want her oldest near dangerous areas of the forest nor fighting any kind of carnal temptations. Ratonhnhaké:ton shrank under her gaze since he'd only known her as the kind mother, not the overprotective one. This was one of the moments he feared when his feelings for Caroline came to light and didn't want to be shooed away from their home.

Caroline grabbed her mother by the shoulders to calm her nerves and spoke honestly, "We pitched a tent in the forest to save money and nothing ludicrous happened. You've raised me better than that, mother, so please don't underestimate my actions. There's nobody in this world I trust more than Connor outside of this family."

"And I hold her life more valuable than my own" Ratonhnhaké:ton piped in to reassure her that Caroline would never come to harm under his watch. He was more than ready to protect her to the death against all danger and proved it during the attempted robbery. Of course, he wouldn't say that without risking a fracture with his trusting relationship with Catherine.

"I do trust you both, child, but I wish you would speak honestly with me about certain facts" Catherine stated firmly as she saw her husband's fiery nature peeking through. She might've been a Blackburne in looks but her demeanor was purely fitting of a Burnett's. Caroline thinned her lips as she prepared herself to reply that she was being truthful until she realized that she wasn't. Keeping secrets from her parents had never occurred until she began her secret courting and truly did regret hiding that. Catherine looked her daughter square in the eye to remind gently, "Not all children are lucky to have a mother with an open ear but I am here for you."

"It's not that, mother, it's just. . .timing" Caroline replied simply since they were always busy at home or at the mill. Amelia's test had also put everyone on edge and everyone was eager to know what the end result was. Catherine directed a skeptical look to both of them, leading Ratonhnhaké:ton to wince but Caroline assured, "After Amelia returns, I promise to speak to you about everything. It isn't my choice to keep quiet but this is her time and we need to grant her that. If she fails, she will need us more than ever and if she passes, we have to prepare ourselves for her leave."