What Are Friends For?

3 March 1775

The spring thaw had arrived in Davenport as lingering snow melted away to make room for the green to grow out of every corner. Ratonhnhaké:ton was undertaking a mission for Achilles to retrieve a chest within a cave system in Davenport. Unfortunately, the mouth of the old cave had collapsed which blocked him entrance. Achilles had already advised him beforehand that he would need explosives and Ratonhnhaké:ton requested Norris' assistance. The miner had been more than happy to help his friend and fetched his gear to create an entry point. The two men walked together towards the cave from Norris' mine as he carried a small keg of gunpowder and Ratonhnhaké:ton directed him. As far as friends went, the two were total opposites in personality as Norris chattered happily while Ratonhnhaké:ton was quiet most of the time. Nonetheless, Ratonhnhaké:ton found himself bonding with the miner since they were the closest in age range compared to the other men of Davenport.

Ratonhnhaké:ton followed Norris to the cave entrance as he kept an eye on the seemingly innocent keg. The miner, however, carried it as he would a package of lumber but his footsteps were careful after years of experience.

The peaceful quiet of the forest was disrupted when Norris pondered aloud, "Myriam is interesting."

The assassin wasn't entirely surprised to hear the comment since Norris had begun spending time with Myriam when either wasn't working. The huntress often kept to herself but Norris' infectious friendliness had begun to rub off on her after long days of tracking wildlife. He related to the two as they reminded him of himself and Caroline when he was just beginning to figure out how to tell her of his sentiments.

He remained quiet with his private life but agreed to Norris' opinion of the huntress, "Certainly not your typical colonial woman. A deadly shot."

Norris slowed his steps to glance back at his friend with a wide smile and boasted proudly, "She brought down that cougar! She is strong. Capable."

His eyes darted around the empty forest, as if it concealed hidden spies of Myriam, and he asked with a whisper, "She has no husband?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't help but be amused by the smitten man's behavior and wondered if he'd been like that. Hmm, no, he'd been more flustered internally and stuttered awkwardly. As awkward as it had been to ask Achilles advice on courting a colonist, he'd had support. With that in mind, he would help Norris in return if he would ask him. He shook his head to reply to Norris' inquiry since Myriam would've mentioned it upon arrival and stated, "Not that I am aware of."

Norris smiled at the cloudy sky, balancing the small keg of explosive, and admitted with admiration, "I never met a woman like her before. I would like to know her better."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was familiar with the sentiment and gently encouraged his friend, "You should speak to her then."

Norris was modest when it came to women since most in the colonies avoided him based on his origins. Either that or laughed at his accent. Myriam had yet to do so when he approached her to make idle talk so he would pursue more interactions. Nodding to himself to boost his self-confidence and chances, he told him, "I might try."

As the two crossed a low creek that split through their trail, Norris raised his little keg higher and walked slowly through the water. The water was quietly still but that didn't mean the momentum in their walk wouldn't splash them with water. He heard Ratonhnhaké:ton's footsteps behind him as he treaded through easily and Norris called back, "Hey! Don't splash, don't want to get the powder wet."

His friend was quick to reply with denial to that claim, "I didn't splash. . .my feet simply raised too much water for the next step."

Norris couldn't help but snort to the native's reasoning and dismissed it with amusement in his voice, "Uh-huh. Do you think she likes French men?"

"A woman should care for who you are, not what you are" Ratonhnhaké:ton stated firmly because he never judged anyone by their skin tone, voice, or culture. It was their heart, their views, and who they were as a person that mattered. Otherwise, he would've steered clear of Caroline and wallowed in misery for unrequited affection. Despite the current situation of their relationship, he hadn't regretted approaching her with his feelings.

Norris sighed halfheartedly to that since life hadn't been that kind to him for the past years. His friend was younger than he was but his words resounded from one who was far older and wiser. That, or he'd had better luck with women already. Flashing a friendly smile to his quiet companion, he stated, "You sound wise for one younger than me. Have you ever been smitten by anyone?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton was caught by surprise to that question because nobody had dared to ask him that. There had been shared jokes between his assassins and the other residents before his relationship but he ignored them. Caroline had been tentative about skirting around the question until he made it clear that she was the only one in his mind. She'd been the only one and he missed her every time he was by himself or with the Burnetts. His altercation earlier in the year left him melancholy because although she was able to communicate with him, he hadn't been given that option. He pulled himself free of his old happy memories of strolling the knolls with her and replied quietly, "I . . . Once."

"May I ask what happened?" the miner asked with disbelief since he was incredibly private with his life. He had expected a negative in that aspect and wondered if it was another native girl or possibly a colonist. When it came to his quiet friend, anything was possible. Still, he appreciated being trusted with the answer.

"She left to wander the east coast on a ship" he answered vaguely since the Burnett children would sometimes tag behind Norris. As sweet as Alice and Samuel were, they tended to be chatterboxes like Norris. He didn't want people prying into his private life with Caroline until they could tie the loose ends of it. He wrung his fingers absentmindedly to the romantic drama in his life and uttered quietly, "I've no idea if she'll ever return."

Norris smiled sympathetically since a broken heart wasn't easy for anyone and declared kindly, "You're a good friend, Connor. You'll find a good woman and I should only be so lucky."

They arrived at the cave's entrance as rubble filled it to the brim, giving no leeway for entry. Norris simply placed the small keg at the overfilled mouth of the cave, accustomed to blowing up stone in his line of work. Ratonhnhaké:ton wondered if the cave was safe enough to traverse, if they managed to open it, and commented, "I see why he encouraged me to enlist your services."

Norris shrugged casually to the sight before him while Ratonhnhaké:ton was more cautious. The miner simply waved a hand of dismissal as he turned around to find a safe place to take cover at and chuckled, "Pas de probléme. We blow it up."

He found a dilapidated log to duck behind to protect him in case of flying rubble and gave the go ahead, "Be my guest. Duck and cover!"

Ratonhnhaké:ton found his own place to hide off to the right behind a sturdy boulder and unholstered his pistol. He closed his left eye to steadily aim the gun at the small barrel and squeezed the trigger to shoot. The bullet entered the keg clear in the center and its spark lit the combustible gunpowder, blasting the cave entrance wide open. Stone and loose dirt flew in every direction as the two ducked and covered their heads. Norris was used to the harsh sounds and heavy vibrations over the earth but Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't, taken aback by the force. This was exactly why he didn't visit Norris during active explosions in the mines.

Norris laughed as he stood up to dust off his hat and shoulders, complimenting, "Ha! That's a nice one!"

The assassin stood up more cautiously since the cave was surrounded by a high wall of pure rock. If it collapsed from any fractures created by the detonation, they would need to run to safety. Dusting off his shoulders, he replied with a faint smile, "Thank you."

"Bienvenue!" Norris replied cheerfully but as the dust settled to give way to a clear view, he wasn't confident about the stability of the cave. The endless darkness and smell of wet mildew wasn't appealing either. He glanced back at his friend with uncertainty and advised worriedly, "Doesn't look safe in there so be careful. I'll be at the mine, meet me there if you wish to talk afterwards."

Ratonhnhaké:ton nodded with thanks for the miner's help and Norris walked away, pondering aloud, "What you said about Myriam is interesting..."

Norris' interest in Myriam was amusing to the assassin but he set that aside to focus on his task. He needed to enter, find that chest, and exit the cave in one piece before it decided to collapse on him. Years from now, he'd more than likely reflect on the crazy missions he'd undertaken in his youth and if he lived a long life. . . this one would be on the list.

Ratonhnhaké:ton had traversed the cave after an uneasy trek and retrieved a wrapped parcel from the chest. On his return, the entire cave system decided it was time to collapse from the aftermath of Norris' explosion. He had barely managed to make it out of the mouth of the cave on unsteady feet as the ground shook below him and the structure finally collapsed. Rock and debris hit his backside as he ran forward to escape being struck by larger rocks, holding the parcel tightly between his arms against his chest like a cradled child.

When the trembling did stop, he took one glance back at the ruined cave and saw the mouth had shattered outwards. Boulders and dirt filled what used to be the opening and he knew that system would never be reopened for years to come. The damage had been extensive since his travel to the parcel had been shaky to begin with.

That was too close, he thought with wonder to how lucky he'd been to escape just in time. Otherwise, he would've suffered grievous injuries if he wasn't fast enough on his feet.

He headed back down the path and over the creek to return to Norris' mine to inform him of the aftermath. Halfway down the path to the miner, Norris came rushing down the trail at top speed. Ratonhnhaké:ton was surprised his red hat held onto his head and quickly stepped aside before Norris ran him down.

The miner dug his feet into the dirt to stop his frantic run and shot up a small cloud of loose dirt. Turning around to face the amused Ratonhnhaké:ton, he threw up his hands with fearful wide eyes and declared worriedly, "I heard the most terrible noise a miner can hear! A cave-in! I'm glad you're all right. . .gave me quite the scare. Mon pauvre coeur."

Ratonhnhaké:ton chuckled softly as Norris' worried expression touched him. He looked worse for wear than he did and assumed Norris had come flying down from his mine to make sure the cave-in hadn't killed him. The assassin patted him on the back because all was well and to reassure him that he wasn't about to fall over unconscious. Norris caught his breath with relief that he didn't have to fetch his friend's corpse and noticed the new package he carried, quickly pointing to it with surprise, "All that for a parcel?"

The assassin raised the paper wrapped package between them and commented frankly, "I don't know whether to admire or be dismayed at the danger I was placed in."

Norris offered a friendly smile to his light joke and teased, "You didn't anger the old man, did you?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton shook his head since the flicker of stubbornness against his mentor had fizzled out. He'd been resentful of Achilles' words against his brash actions towards sailing everywhere to find Caroline. In retrospect, it only would've endangered him which he begrudgingly accepted after she'd escaped him. Nowadays, their disagreements related to dealing with the Templars rather than his wayward lover. Curiously, he asked, "No, why?"

"Then he's got no reason to kill you off" Norris pointed out easily with a bright smile as if he'd solved a mystery. The assassin said nothing about the potential danger of being deceived by the person you trusted most. His friend brought up an interesting thought though because Ratonhnhaké:ton believed the best in everyone, never questioning when they would stab him in the back. If he began to view everyone suspiciously, he'd be no better than a Templar itching to force their control on another.

"I have to question my blind loyalty for doing this" he muttered glumly since a few seconds could've meant life or death for him. Despite this, he believed Achilles placed him in these situations to learn from them and become stronger than their enemies.

Norris scoffed to his worry, shaking his head, and reminded firmly, "You're a good person and you help people, it's what you do. Don't be ashamed."

Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled faintly for the vote of confidence since he questioned himself multiple times that year and he sighed softly, "You're a good friend, Norris. Thank you."

"So are you, Connor" the miner piped back with a friendly smile and motioned for him to follow him back to the mine. They could leave that nasty cave business behind and move forward. The two friends walked uphill together and Norris suggested excitedly, "Have you eaten lunch? I have chicken sandwiches and potato salad. Probably not the best compared to the women but they make do."

Ratonhnhaké:ton gladly accepted the invitation and the two headed back to the mine for lunch.

12 March 1775

A week later, the talk of Myriam returned yet again as Norris and Ratonhnhaké:ton crossed paths on their way around Davenport. The assassin had been heading south to hunt for a few pelts while Norris headed north to start his day at the mine. As always, the miner had a smile on his face as he held the leather straps of his day pack and waved in welcome to his friend. He waded into a gentle river that was fed by a small waterfall off to the left and Ratonhnhaké:ton took the same path without hesitation.

Norris opened his arms in jolly greeting as he exclaimed, "Connor!"

The assassin was much quieter in his approach as he nodded in recognition, "Norris."

The miner hesitated on how to voice his curiosity, wadding deeper into the river. This would be his spot to search for any ore in the water for a few hours and he sat down on the highest rock above the water. Gazing up at his friend, who crossed his arms, he voiced uncertainly, "You know Myriam?"

"Of course" he replied truthfully since he was familiar with every resident in Davenport. If he was bringing them to live in their small community, he had to ensure they were benevolent and trustworthy.

The response perked up Norris because this would give him access to knowing more about Myriam. He had his own conversations with her but Norris felt he needed more help in the courting department. Most women were either confused or recoiled from his French accent but he hoped to impress Myriam. Letting out a small sigh, he asked with intrigue as he proposed, "What does she like? I want to give her a gift."

Ratonhnhaké:ton felt he was the wrong man to ask advice from because his own romantic life was practically a whirlpool. His first gifts to Caroline had been a hit or miss but she'd accepted them nonetheless. Myriam was different than his redheaded partner by being more outspoken and he admitted simply, "I really do not know..."

Norris' face fell at having no figurative straws to draw from and his shoulders slumped. She was elusive by living in the far north but he counted himself lucky for being the one she spoke to often. Still, he appreciated his input and nodded forlornly, "Alright."

"Let me call on Prudence" Ratonhnhaké:ton suggested to give his friend a fair chance in the courting game. Norris appeared sincere with his affection so he would do his best to help him. He could think of only one woman that could help without drawing too curious an eye for the inquiry. Norris lit up to having a lady's touch in the matter and the assassin added in, "She may be of service."

He left Norris to begin his day at work as the miner fished out a tin plate used to filter for small sized sediments. The walk south was easier than the walk to the north due to the cleared landscape for the homestead but Warren and Prudence's farm was still based in the north as well. Raising farm animals, they didn't want to clear their land completely and preferred to be closer to the wilderness like Myriam.

He found Prudence working with the outdoor oven as orange embers escaped from the burning wood deep inside. The daylight hours found the farmer's wife tending to their harvested produce and making their meals while Warren cared for the animals. Prudence brushed the back of her hand over her forehead to wipe away sweat from the heat pouring out of the round oven. Baking bread took its time and she'd be patient, turning around when she heard footsteps approaching her. She smiled with delight at seeing her young neighbor, wondering why he was out in the north side, and he greeted, "Prudence."

Prudence decided to let her bread bake for a few more minutes, keeping a keen eye on the open oven, and replied, "Good day, Connor. What can I do for you?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton took the most vague route on explaining his visit to save Norris any embarrassment and began hesitantly, "Norris is trying to . . . court . . . a woman. What do- you- women, like . . . in terms of gifts?"

Prudence smiled widely since she'd been in the same scenario before when he was smitten with Caroline. Back then, he was a bashful mess trying to figure out how to be meaningful rather than bold with his gifts. It wasn't any different now than back then as another heart searched for its partner and she chuckled softly, "Connor, you've given gifts to a young woman before. Don't tell me you've forgotten."

"It's different, this is Norris" he pointed out since was helping a friend and couldn't afford to fail him. His relationship had been cut short and he didn't want to jeopardize Norris with his own past errors. Part of him was still coping with the idea that his actions played part in causing Caroline to leave. Her letters wrote the opposite but there was still that gnawing uncertainty, especially at watching her slip through his fingers last year. He was not the best person to talk to regarding relationships and admitted with uncertainty, "I don't want to ruin his chances at courting."

"A nice bunch of wild flowers always brightens my day" Prudence declared with a dreamy sigh to the vibrant bouquets Warren would bring her. Each season in Davenport brought an array of color and she loved each blossom he gave her. When she was able to harvest the seeds, she attempted to grow a few in her garden. Her brown eyes warmed with curiosity at the news about the miner and she asked, "Who is it Norris fancies?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton hesitated on breaching the private topic and remarked quietly, "Best not say for now."

Prudence already knew all of the small number of women in their town so it wasn't hard to figure out. Half were married and the other half weren't of courting age yet. Well, Martha Burnett was an unlikely one at age sixteen and Elizabeth Burnett of fourteen was pushing it. By the power of deduction, it only left Myriam Davis as the obvious choice. Still, she would keep matters private to avoid being labeled a gossip.

"Fair enough" Prudence allowed with a soft chuckle since seeing young couples blossom in happiness boosted the spirit of their town. They had all been ecstatic when Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline had announced their courtship by simply holding hands. Unfortunately, it had been short-lived, but Prudence still held hope for them. She pointed behind him to help his search and explained, "Best ones are atop the bluff to the North West. A bit tricky to get to but they grow large and healthy in the full sun."

He agreed to her suggestion, partly to have one gift option for Norris and the other because he'd often done the same for Caroline. His partner, however, had been homebound and loved her family whereas Myriam was independent and preferred to keep to herself. If Myriam refused the flowers, he and Norris would be back to the drawing board- one that was completely blank.

Ratonhnhaké:ton nodded with thanks and excused himself to head behind her gardens towards the rocky cliffs. He spotted Warren rounding the fence of their property with his trusty hound dog and the farmer waved in greeting. Before the young native shot past him, he asked with intrigue to his haste, "What's got you heading out so quick?"

He had no idea how to answer that because declaring that he was picking flowers would draw even more questions. Prudence had had a good laugh and he was sure Warren would be the same. The farmer's gray dog sniffed Ratonhnhaké:ton's leg with curiosity and the native rubbed the top of his head, a wagging tail being the reply. Bending the truth slightly, he spoke slowly with a hint of awkwardness, "Gathering. . .plants for. . .gardening?"

Warren blinked to his words since he'd seen the boy hunt more than he gardened. If his friend was indeed curious about a new hobby, he'd send him on the right path. Pointing in the same direction that Prudence had, he suggested helpfully, "You might want to head that way."

Again, he offered hasty thanks and shot down the property to jump over their wooden fence. The things he did for his friends.

Ratonhnhaké:ton patted his new bundle of flowers as they laid nestled in a small sack on his belt. He was glad that he hadn't crushed them on his landing from jumping off the tall cliffs. By the time he had finished his quest, he was on his way north to the river when Prudence, who was now scrubbing cleaning her domed bake oven, informed him that Norris dropped by to say he was heading home. He was glad for his long stamina or he would've knocked off his friend's red hat the moment he saw him.

What he didn't expect, however, was to find himself knocking on Norris' outhouse. The front door to his small home had remained unanswered when he'd knocked and peering through the windows yielded nothing. The only place left, where he could hear faint whistling from, was the outhouse.

"Norris" he called to determine whether it was his friend inside or a random stranger. He heard shuffling inside, followed by stumbling footsteps, and he asked, "Are you in there?"

A sheepish voice quickly called out, "Uh, oui!"

"Oh" Ratonhnhaké:ton faltered with light embarrassment to interrupting the man's privacy in the privy. Nothing spoke of true friendship like sharing a conversation next to an outhouse. He decided to grant his friend time to finish his business and excused himself swiftly, "I . . . will find you a little later, then."

"Non! Non!" Norris exclaimed as he practically burst from the door, hoping everything was tied down modestly. He hadn't expected to be found in his outhouse of all places. It was not the most respectable location when plotting to lure a romantic partner. Thankfully, he'd been tying his breeches when his friend knocked and reassured, "It's all right. What is it?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton hesitated for a few seconds to wrap his mind around what had just happened. Sometimes, he could use a little more tact in approaching certain situations and promised to take a few steps back in non-urgent situations. He untied the sack of flowers from his sash belt to hand it over to the Frenchman and unveiled the suggested gift, "Prudence advised a bunch of wild flowers."

"Really? Are you sure?" Norris asked skeptically as he opened the sack to find several brightly colored flowers of red, purple, and orange. Myriam didn't strike him as the type to enjoy flowers and it didn't fill him with complete confidence. However, he was grateful that his friend had brought a prospective gift while he laid emptyhanded. His brow furrowed to the thought of handing a bouquet of flowers to her and he murmured, "Doesn't seem right."

"It's all we have for now" the assassin pointed out since he'd treaded a river, trekked over hills, and climbed rocky cliffs to fetch the gift. Norris would have to give him time to think of something else since he'd promised the Burnetts that he'd be there for dinner. He had one last trick up his sleeve that he could try and told him with confidence, "I can ask Mrs. Burnett and Mrs. Galloway for more ideas."

"Oh no, one might have me logrolling and the other fighting a bear" Norris declined quickly since the two Scotswomen, particularly Catherine, had married husbands that brawled for fun. He'd heard the men regale their old tales of Scotland where they would wrestle wild animals and join sporting contests. Norris was not that type of man, preferring the quiet outdoors with a timely explosion, but appreciated the help. His friend didn't have to do what he did today and he smiled with appreciation, "Thank you. . .for helping me."

"You'd do the same for me" Ratonhnhaké:ton joked gently to decrease Norris' anxiety over the gift.

The Frenchman laughed modestly to the thought of running and climbing adeptly like him, "Oui. I would. . .but not as stylishly."

20 April 1775

Ratonhnhaké:ton had heard from Elizabeth that Diana had gone into labor early that morning. The redhead was unaffected as she tended to the rescued horses by the manor since her mother had things handled with Diana. If Martha chickened out as an assistant though, she'd swoop in to help. Without Amelia or Caroline at home, their mother only had them to depend on. She had laughed at his alarmed expression since babies were a new concept for him and he'd practically run down the hill towards her homestead. Elizabeth simply kept brushing the horses with a content smile since the baby would arrive one way or another. Besides, the Galloway house practically had every woman assisting. Between boiling water, cleaning soiled cloths, cooking food for the help, keeping up the house chores, keeping little Ann occupied, and Terry from freaking out- they were just fine.

As the assassin approached the fenced homestead of the two families, he noticed Terry and Godfrey off to the side. Terry was throwing a ball towards a blocked off rectangular area, which surprised him given the situation. Was Terry not concerned about Diana's wellbeing? An impending newborn was not the best time to play a game but he said nothing as he greeted the two men. Both men were talking animatedly in Gaelic and he wondered if he was walking into an unknown quarrel.

Instead, Terry waved him into their fold with an exuberant grin, "Connor! How about a quick game of bowls? You ever played bowls?"

"No, I was unaware of the game" he admitted simply since he hadn't seen that game outside of Davenport. Maybe it was based around rural areas? Was playing a game common for colonials when one's wife was in labor? Crossing his arms, he remarked with concern, "It sounded like you two were arguing again but I was mistaken."

Terry laughed boisterously to the energetic common day occurrences between him and Godfrey. They were accustomed to roughhousing when emotions ran high and today was one of those days- at least for him. He juggled the leather ball between his hands as he explained to the young man, "Oh yea. We're always at each other for one thing or another but more oft than not we work it out in the end."

Pointing to his home, which had the door closed and curtains drawn, he sighed with anticipation, "I'm just waitin' for Diana to have the baby, this is all I can do to keep me grounded and not have the women inside yelling at me. That, and argue with this lug here."

Ah, now it made sense. Ratonhnhaké:ton understood that everyone worked together to help both mother and father keep calm during this pivotal moment. There was a tense stillness in the air as everyone worked in their separate areas until the baby arrived. Otherwise, Terry would be pacing back and forth inside the home while Diana would hurl a shoe at him for wearing out their floor. Godfrey clasped his friend's shoulder to humor him and lightened the situation by joking, "Terry knows he couldn't beat me in a fight. It wouldn't be right for the wee bairn to see his boban a shoddy mess right after being born."

Terry's face shifted into a mixture of amusement and feigned offense as he snapped, "You rat!"

Godfrey burst into laughter at his friend's outraged face and pointed to the game pieces decorating the ground, "That's why he built this Bowls pitch- so he could beat me at something. Still can't though, can ya Terry?"

Terry forgot all about Diana and her labor as his pride was dented with Bowls. He didn't want people to think he was lousy with his favorite childhood game and waved the ball in front of Godfrey's face. The other Scotsman did his best not to laugh to the frantic swing as Terry declared firmly, "I was winning 'til Connor came along!"

Godfrey allowed a smirk to form on his lips as he ruffled Terry's feathers again, "Su-u-ure you were."

The front door of the Galloway homestead burst open and Martha hurried outside, cheeks flushing, to inform swiftly, "Uncle Terry! The baby's here!"

"The baby!"

Terry threw the ball into the air from the suspense of his new child and quickly ran into the house as if his shoes were on fire. He needed to be sure his wife and child were all right- forget Bowls! Ratonhnhaké:ton caught the ball as it fell downwards and watched Terry run into his home, shutting his door loudly. He couldn't blame him since he would've been the same had it been his own child being born. There were times he wondered if he'd have that in store for the future but his path diverged into dangerous unknown roads.

Tapping his fingers over the discarded leather ball, he pondered with a whisper, "How lucky one is to have a home, wife, and child waiting."

His brown eyes widened slightly when Godfrey placed a supportive hand on his right shoulder. Had he overheard him? Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't ready to start a family but having the chance was just as important. It couldn't be now but someday- he held onto that hope. The lumberjack squeezed his shoulder and assured him with a fatherly tone, "You will, son."

Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled faintly because he couldn't help missing Caroline whenever he was in Davenport. They had grown up together for the last five years and he'd expected their relationship to flourish from courtship to marriage. Instead, she had decided to live on the high seas for adventure and escaped his grasp without him being none the wiser. He was proud of her ability to deceive him as a man but it stung just the same to receive it. Glancing at the father of his dearest, he yearned for any updates of her and asked softly, "Have you heard anything from her, Mr. Burnett?"

"No, Kate showed you the last letter" Godfrey answered with a small sigh since those little envelopes were what kept his wife's strength nowadays. Every time he returned from Boston, she looked to him with the hopeful expectation that he'd brought another. The last one had arrived in late February so Catherine was on the lookout and he deliberated solemnly, "She keeps waiting for more and every month that passes without one, she thinks the worst."

"She's stubborn, I'm sure she's on an adventure out there" Ratonhnhaké:ton encouraged to lift his spirit since the Burnetts raised a strong daughter. He remembered watching her wield an axe for the first time to chop wood and had been in awe of her. She wasn't delicate and meek like Alice so he expected her to come back safe.

Godfrey shrugged halfheartedly to his unfortunate situation and agreed, "That's what I keep telling myself. Still, I'd rest easier knowing where my little girl is."

A modest smile reached his lips since he could imagine her protesting for being called small. She'd grown from barely reaching his kneecap to past his shoulders; he lamented how fast time had passed. He threw one of the balls into the playing field to let it roll towards the left corner and chuckled in bittersweet remembrance, "Well, she's not so little anymore but . . . she was my first child, Connor."

Their days in the outskirts of Glasgow seemed like ancient history but caring for Caroline while Catherine was heavily pregnant with Amelia had been the start of their hardships. It wasn't easy to raise a family but he wouldn't have traded it for anything, regaling a bit of his past, "Kate would stay up with her when she had fevers and during cough spells, I would hold her in my arms in a bundle of blankets to keep her warm. She survived life in Glasgow, the journey to the colonies, life in the logging camps, and I expected to watch her grow old here or in the cities, not run off into the unknown."

The worried lines on his brow disappeared slightly as he declared with proud enlightenment, "Maybe she does have more of her old man than I expected."

Godfrey motioned for him to throw his own ball over the dirt but Ratonhnhaké:ton was more concerned about his friends than a game. It might have helped Terry cope but it wasn't doing much for him as he watched the ball roll behind Godfrey's to bump it. Had he lost? Gained a point? He had absolutely no idea.

Godfrey's voice was low against the twitter of birds and the flow of the river below their hill as he advised gently, "You've been quiet about all this but I know you miss her too. She cared about you and you're practically a son to me so this change can't be easy."

He couldn't deny the hurt that had been left in his heart but what could he do? Crying and writing in a journal would only be temporary solutions and yield nothing. Talking about it felt meaningless because actions spoke louder for him as they showed results. He would be shrewder in observing people when he wandered a dock but he avoided the topic by asking softly, "Is this why you play Bowls?"

The lumberjack allowed him the privacy to keep his concerns to himself since the lad had been that way since childhood. Still, he'd be there as a father figure if he needed someone to talk to. He picked up another ball from the ground and prepared to throw it as he grinned, "That, and to irritate Terry. Life isn't easy, son, but I know you'll make the best of it."

Ratonhnhaké:ton hadn't revealed the incident with Caroline to anyone, not even Achilles. He didn't know what to do with that information since he'd struggled to grasp losing her yet again. His heart had been taking a beating in the past year but he failed to speak about it. He didn't want to trouble anyone, especially when he didn't have a plan, but he respected Godfrey highly and confessed hesitantly, "I didn't tell Mrs. Burnett about this when I arrived earlier this month . . . but I wanted you to know. Caroline always admired you and I trust you as well for advice."

His brow furrowed as Ratonhnhaké:ton allowed those suppressed memories and emotions to surface for the first time. When it was fresh in his mind on that fateful day, he'd locked himself in his quarters to topple a few chairs and tables from the outraged disappointment. Now that he was home, he simply wanted a sympathetic ear and her family was his ideal choice. Catherine was frail with her emotions regarding Caroline but Godfrey was like an oak tree, he took the damage and carried on.

Abandoning the game temporarily, Ratonhnhaké:ton wrung his hands and his voice wavered with restrained emotion as he recounted, "On my last trip to North Carolina, I received a letter from her. I assumed I had been followed by a male sailor aiming to rob me but they escaped me when I chased them. I was so close to catching them or should I say, her. Apparently, she was there on her vessel and spotted me first while dressed as a man. She wanted to ensure I knew her presence and safety there."

His fingers clenched together as he attempted to keep his voice steady but he felt so foolish that day. How could he have missed pinpointing her features? He'd seen her face under the sun, starlight, candlelight- what kind of tracker was he? He couldn't meet Godfrey's gaze out of shame for losing his daughter, choosing to peer at the floor, and he finished with disappointment, "She happened to find the Aquila and handed a letter to Mr. Faulkner. By the time I realized he had mistaken her for a sailor, she was gone. I tried, Mr. Burnett, but she-"

Godfrey grasped him by the shoulders to hold him steady and met his gaze with a firm look to enforce, "Don't blame yourself, I know you tried your best. That girl, though, she's something else . . . I'm very proud of her. Unfortunately for us, she'll be giving us lots of headaches."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was forced to accept that bitter reality because he wouldn't be able to play hero in every mission. It was a heavy burden that he carried as it filled his heart with the weight of a wagon load of bricks. She had brought him the most happiness, especially after feeling alone for the past years, but he hadn't been able to provide that. He closed his eyes briefly with regret as Godfrey squeezed his shoulders with support and the young assassin whispered weakly, "All I've wanted was to bring her back. . .but she didn't want to come home."

"I know, son, believe me" Godfrey reassured with a wavering voice as he felt that pain constrict his own chest. He didn't doubt his resolve at all and wanted him to forget placing any blame on himself. It was easy for Ratonhnhaké:ton to conceal that hurt but now that it surfaced, it reflected in Godfrey's brown eyes since they both missed her. All he could do was reassure his unofficial bairn and stated firmly to remind, "Yer a strong one, Connor, always have been. I want you to remember that."

The young man nodded quietly as he took a deep breath to recollect himself and Godfrey released him. He wasn't open with emotions but when he was, they struck hard. Godfrey clapped him on the back to boost his spirit and informed with a warm smile, "I'll handle telling Cath-"

Terry practically tore open his door as he ran out with joyous laughter to raise his fists in the air and declared proudly, "It's a boy! I have a son!"

Godfrey clapped with enthusiasm for his friend's newborn and laughed when Terry danced a little jig from happiness. His excitement pulled the ruminating Ratonhnhaké:ton out of his grim thoughts and warmth returned to his crestfallen face. The redhead almost hung from the front beams of his porch in prideful joy to his new son, announcing it as loudly as he could. Godfrey doubted Diana was in the same dancing mood after the labor, especially if the child wasn't small, and he exclaimed cheerfully, "Oi, that calls for a celebration!"

Pointing back to the front door, where he could hear Corrine giving out orders to the women, Godfrey ordered quickly, "What're you standing out here for, man? Go back to your wee one!"

The redhead listened to his longtime friend faithfully this time, offering no rebuttal, since he and Diana had been waiting for their next child. If he did become too overly cheerful indoors and began to obstruct the women, Catherine would rein him in. Shaking his head in amusement, he glanced at his quiet friend and suggested, "Let's fetch some dinner for everyone from the Mile's End and update Ollie."

A few days later after the Galloways welcomed their newest child, Ratonhnhaké:ton decided to visit Norris to gather an update on their covert operation. At least, that sounded far better in his mind than matchmaking. He never imagined himself trying to set up two of his friends but he'd done stranger things in his young life.

Norris was cleaning his leather boots for the following morning, smudging at a stubborn stain at the heel of one. He was wearing a casual blue tunic and dark trousers, his vibrant red hat gone from his dark hair as he cleaned. Ratonhnhaké:ton approached him at the front of the small home as Norris sat on a log bench, his shadow hovering over the miner. He paused in his work as he met the native's gaze and stated glumly, "Not the right gift. She hated them!"

Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't even have to ask what he referred to as Myriam had become the main topic of their conversations. He'd promised to check on the man's progress with the flowers he picked to see if they'd gotten a hit or miss. Ratonhnhaké:ton held onto the hope that she had a preference of flowers and suggested, "Maybe not those types of flowers? We have many here."

Norris sighed with melancholy to botching his first attempt but nodded to listen to his friend. After all, he'd managed to have a relationship while he was struggling to even get the words out. He would give it another go and agreed with renewed pep, "All right, I'll try a variety but if not, I need another plan."

"We'll find the right gift" Ratonhnhaké:ton assured confidently to let him know he wasn't alone in his romantic quest to woo Myriam.

2 May 1775

Ratonhnhaké:ton walked up to Warren, Prudence, and Lance standing around a crib that Lance had crafted. He hadn't seen a crib since Daniel, the Galloway's new son, had been born. The elevated hardwood crib that colonists used were interesting when compared to the wicker bassinets and cradleboards of his tribe. Curiosity bit at him since little Daniel was a delight to hold whenever he stopped by the Galloway homestead and wondered why a new crib was being made. Was somebody else expecting?

Lance caught his inquisitive look and laughed jovially as he patted the headboard of the cradle, "Didn't expect to be making another so soon."

Warren glanced down at his wife, who was smiling from ear to ear, and asked gently, "You want to tell him, my love?"

Prudence couldn't keep the news from the young man who had helped them rebuild their home. She didn't know where they would've gone if their paths never met and she revealed happily, "I'm expecting!"

Ratonhnhaké:ton was aware of the difficulty the couple had been having for years to have a child. Prudence kept it quiet but the years of failure in conceiving had dented her heart but finally, it was truly happening for them. She and Warren had both agreed their new farm and life had contributed to their life blooming to its full potential. A daughter or son would be greatly loved and Ratonhnhaké:ton reflected their joy by smiling with optimism, "Congratulations!"

Warren was ecstatic but part of him held reservations for Prudence's health. This was their first pregnancy and he didn't want anything to happen to her or their baby. Prudence returned to detailing the final touches of the crib for Lance and Warren stepped aside to speak with his young friend, "It's been a long time coming. It does present a slight problem, however. There's no doctor for miles. Diana had no trouble delivering hers but I'm afraid for Prudence. After trying for so long, I . . ."

Ratonhnhaké:ton clasped Warren's shoulder to lighten his worry and promised, "We will find one."

Warren thanked his young neighbor profusely for the offered help, grateful for the kind gesture. One day, Warren would repay the kindness he'd shown his family and hoped that happiness followed his road. There was only one person that he would allow to care for his wife and mentioned, "I know of one that may consider moving here. His name is Dr. Lyle White. It's been a turn since we last saw him but you might try his old house in Boston."

"I will do so on my next trip there" he agreed because having a physician in Davenport would not only help Prudence but the entire town. There were children that needed medical care as well as ongoing care for the adults. He wasn't one for doctors since he'd been a surprisingly healthy child but he wouldn't always be so lucky.

A/N: A little chill chapter before the next ones that will be filled with action. With the homestead break in Davenport behind Ratonhnhaké:ton, he'll be heading straight into Bunker Hill in the next chapter, along with Caroline. We'll be seeing more romantic humor once Caroline returns, which is soon, since Norris' date game was hilarious to me in the game.

Thank you for the numerous new follows and favorites since the last chapter, it makes me day! For my last chapter reviewers, thank you!

Ennessee: Thank you for enjoying it, I took a very long hiatus with this story due to my job but I couldn't let this story escape being unfinished. I loved the homestead and sailing missions so most of it focuses on that, along with any other pivotal AC3 moments.

East Coast Captain: My brother played Black Flag while I watched but I loved Mary Read's character (whom I had read about years ago and also enjoyed her infamy). Caroline is pretty independent, similar to Connor's mom, so I see their future daughter (at least one) being the same way with the west frontier laying open at her hands after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and I'm sure her Aunt Elizabeth wouldn't mind joining in. As for Caroline, her actual meeting with the assassins will happen around 1777 (estimating by my rough draft).

LRDrummer: I will definitely keep this story rolling! Thank you.

Danelleprae: I'm glad you can picture everything, that's the key that I go for with my stories with character emotions, actions, and settings. Caroline's return to Davenport will be soon as she, her family, and Connor resolve everything that happened.

Next Chapter Excerpt:

While Ratonhnhaké:ton had swam into Boston's harbor to stop the enemy ships, Caroline sped through the demolished streets littered with debris and smoke. There had been no question she was inside Charlestown when residents screamed on their exodus from the township, clutching their belongings, as cannonballs ripped into the buildings. She'd seen schoolhouses, stores, churches, and homes in decimated shambles as a single cannon destroyed years of work in mere seconds.

Her horse friend hadn't given in to the fearful chaos and followed her signals as they galloped through town. Wooden posts and wall debris fell into the street from the dilapidating buildings, causing her horse to hop and quickly bypass the sudden obstacles. She didn't want anything harming her new horse and kept a strict eye on the unstable buildings. The bang of cannonballs being shot from the navy frigates tensed every muscle in her body and the incoming whistling of each cannonball set her nerves ablaze. Her skin had broken in goosepimples from the fear that one would strike them or an area close to them to bring a short end to their lives.

"We got this, horsey" she promised as she kept talking to her four-legged companion the whole way. It was a habit she'd learned from Ratonhnhaké:ton as he treated all domesticated animals with respect.

They weren't far from Amelia's home but the destruction of Charlestown was making it unrecognizable by the hour. She'd wrapped her kerchief around her lower face to prevent breathing in the fumes from ongoing fires as the smoke in the air stung at her eyes as they headed further into town. The wind from the marina and the sun's heat had practically dried the wet sailor along the journey.

Her horse skidded to a sudden halt as burning barrels rolled down the right side of the street, effectively blocking her path. They had been catapulted from the forces of the cannonballs and Caroline quickly guided her horse to the opposite street to escape that area. She wasn't risking her horse jumping over that and who knew what they contained. Thunder erupted in her ears as cannonballs crashed into another building nearby, crushing it like paper, and she could hear more screams follow in its wake.

It was horrible as it send shudders down her spine and Caroline hoped in her heart that Amelia had abandoned Charlestown for home. The attack had started before she'd arrived at port so her sister had to have escaped already, right? Hopefully, she was on a fool's errand and could let the horse nudge her in annoyance for sending it into a danger zone.

Thank you for reading!