Color The Sky

by Mystic Blade

Connor's life at Davenport homestead brings a sense of family after leaving Kanathséton as he makes new friendships with the residents and finds himself slowly assimilating into one large family. He partakes in a part of life that isn't tied to the assassins while one young resident tackles the new wild frontier to carve a dream for herself as they cultivate their new community.

71. Cora Ohasera Burnett

Music Inspiration: Lorne Balfe- "Your Majesty" for Cora's birth and "Future King" for Cora's Theme (since he composed AC III, I had to use his work for Cora's introduction)

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Cora Oháhsera Burnett

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Ratonhnhaké:ton hailed Dr. White at his home to alert him of Caroline's condition. The physician promised to follow once he finished with his last patient and would close the clinic momentarily. In the meantime, Catherine didn't hesitate to run behind her son-in-law while Diana headed to the clinic to help Dr. White get moving and gather supplies for the Burnett home for delivery. Catherine was even in more of a shamble than Ratonhnhaké:ton when the duo arrived back at the homestead. She ran straight to her daughter's side as she lay in bed with Elizabeth sitting by the windowsill keeping watch. Both women tried not to grin when their mother leaned over Caroline, grasping her shoulders, and asked worriedly, "What is it? Is it pain? Vomiting? Bleeding? Oh, Carrie-"

"Did he tell you I was dying?" she asked hurriedly since Ratonhnhaké:ton could make the most heart-wrenching expressions possible under dire situations. He wasn't one to hold a thousand looks but when he did, they were meaningful. She glanced at the man in question, who was now pulling out more blankets from their trunk to place them over her. He wanted her comfortable through this phase in their lives and kneeled beside her bed. Caroline, on the other hand, felt she would overheat by the large bundle pooled over her legs. She placed a hand on his cheek and smiled down at her beloved, "You sweet silly man."

"No, but when Connor is worried, I worry" her mother fussed as she sat down on the opposite side of the bed to feel her forehead. Caroline smiled softly at the motherly care, remembering this motion every winter when Catherine made sure all her children didn't have a fever. The Burnette matriarch didn't leave anything to chance when Ratonhnhaké:ton came running for her aid, especially with her pregnant daughter ready to deliver. He kept her children safe for years and she would be there for the couple during one of their most important milestones. She heaved a sigh of relief at seeing her stable daughter, standing upright again, and spoke earnestly, "He told me you were in pain."

Caroline explained everything that happened inside the barn and her mother concluded, "Well, today you will be a mother. It starts with pain and exhaustion but you will have a little babe by the end."

"How much pain are we talking about?" she asked warily since this was her first pregnancy and grasped her covers under her chin. Elizabeth handed her sister a warm cup of tea to keep her comfortable, squeezing her hand as it shook slightly through another contraction. She didn't like seeing her sister in pain, a reason why she stayed out of the birthing rooms and wondered why womankind endured such a trial to bring life into the world. Caroline shook her head as she sipped the tea before setting it down on the nightstand and confessed with nervousness, "I've been through Prudence's and Martha's births, both screamed murder. I normally don't admit my fears but I'm scared, mama."

"We all are, dear, it's only natural" Catherine soothed with a motherly smile to what the human body was capable of to breathe new life. Martha had been terrified from the pain and initially refused to push until her body demanded it. The first baby always brought the most uncertainty due to never experiencing such a physical event. Caroline dreaded never-ending pain for long hours but the fear of losing her baby outmatched it.

"Please don't leave me" Caroline pleaded with her loved ones to have support and others to focus on. Being distracted through the pain would help and she had done the same with Martha until the last stage of her pushing. She knew childbirth was not a quick or easy process so she wanted her loved ones nearby to help her cope. Most of all, she wanted her husband beside her – not outside waiting for news.

Catherine would not leave her at all while Elizabeth's face paled at having to see a baby come into the world. She preferred to see the cute swaddled baby and a tidied-up mother rather than witness the raw pain. If she needed to, she would stick in the corner close to her sister's head rather than the end of the bed. Ratonhnhaké:ton would not budge from his wife and Catherine told the couple, "Childbirth can be too strong for a father to bear."

He would not be deterred from Caroline's side after everything they had gone through and shook his head to decline, "My wife comes first, not fear."

"I need him with me, mother" Caroline pleaded quietly because she would not allow colonial customs to keep her husband away from her. He deserved to hear their baby's first cry and hold them with his fatherly protection. They had planned for him to be in the delivery but she granted him leave if he became overwhelmed. Everything was new for them but Ratonhnhaké:ton had seen a lot in his young life to be chased away by a baby being delivered. This was his first child and he would not fail them by leaving their mother to toil alone. He smiled faintly when Caroline grasped his hand tightly and pouted with conviction, "He's not leaving."

With a second set of hands on deck, Elizabeth flicked her thumb to the open bedroom doorway and informed them, "I will be in the front to wait for the others and keep away from . . . fluids and screaming."

"Thank you" Caroline chuckled at her innocent discomfort but she had been in her shoes once before. Martha bested her at observing childbirth without flinching while she'd scattered behind Ratonhnhaké:ton. She could witness carnage on a battlefield but not childbirth. Elizabeth quickly scattered out of the room to make herself busy in the main room with boiling water for the impending birth.

Catherine saw that they were not budging from each other and they would be the first couple to witness their child's birth together. They had never been conventional in lifestyle but she would not object to their choice. She patted the end of the bed so Ratonhnhaké:ton could get off the floor and rest his legs after his frantic running. Never before had she seen him run like he had that day to fetch them. She would help Elizabeth in setting up a delivery table with tools for Dr. White and a snack platter for the couple afterwards. She smiled warmly at the two as they began the road to parenthood and chuckled, "You two have always been rather inseparable. I will bring you both a light snack."

The older redhead left the couple alone in their bedroom and Caroline smiled fondly at her spouse. He had never left her side when she was in pain or ill and she treasured him for it. She was not a fan of the labor contractions and released a long sigh, "All right, let's wait for Dr. White."

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Much like Martha, Caroline was steadily laboring through the hours to deliver the baby. Dr. White arrived promptly to assess his newest mother-to-be to ensure no heavy bleeding, visible umbilical cord, or a foot or butt-first delivery was not occurring. The long hours of painful labor passed on as noon fell into the afternoon and Caroline continued talking to her baby to usher them out faster. Her sisters were present to care for her household and her comfort while the men handled the leftover chores. Godfrey, Samuel, and Patrick set up the animal feed stations before corralling their animals into their respective pens. With only horses, hens, and a turkey, it ran smoothly for the trio.

Ratonhnhaké:ton refused to leave his wife's side during labor and though Caroline appreciated it, she didn't want him more nervous than her. She needed that strong conviction that she witnessed every time he dove into a battle because she would be prone to crying and fear during labor. While the labor gradually progressed, Dr. White handed out orders to the women to ensure a healthy and safe delivery for the newest baby of Davenport. Elizabeth kept trying to sneak out of the house whenever her sister subdued her pain with a groan. Catherine gave her the task of running for food at the Mile's End, which she happily obliged to escape and took Samuel along for the trip.

Dr. White furrowed his brow at hearing footsteps circle the room for the tenth time and glanced at the father-to-be to sigh, "You'll wear out the floor with your pacing."

"There's nothing else for me to do" he pointed out fussily since a warm compress to his wife's back stilled her pain while she rested on her left side. He hated feeling helpless when his wife was in pain but this was the process of birth. How could he bear putting her through this ever again?

"Did you bring in the laundry?" Caroline requested through a pained grunt that soon became quick panting to vent the pain. She learned that steady breathing calmed her heart through each contraction and it served to control her logic before it ran amok. She did not seek her husband to be troubled by her pain, curling into her soft bedding with a faint smile to murmur, "It's been- by the heavens!- out there the entire day."

She did not want the clothes to fade against the bright sun or to fly off and land in the dirt. Catherine, who sat behind her daughter, reached over to rub her shoulders to help her relax. She appreciated the help of her family and didn't want her husband to be distressed. Ratonhnhaké:ton was not convinced by her suggestion at all, uneasy about leaving her for more than five minutes. He shook his head at taking in the laundry and disagreed calmly, "Caroline, I'm worried about you- the laundry can wait."

"I'm not going anywhere and we can't let the colored clothing fade" she ordered briskly to keep his mind occupied since his worrying made her worry. It was sweet to witness because she didn't doubt his love but they had to function efficiently as a team like they always did. Besides, colored clothing was far more expensive than the everyday simple white color. She wagged her index finger at him in reprimand before reminding firmly, "I spent hours dyeing that fabric after Ellen taught me. I refuse to see my work ruined."

And so, Ratonhnhaké:ton obeyed his wife and picked up every piece of clothing from the hanging lines outside their home. He was rather surprised at the amount washed and wondered if she had pre-planned this to prepare for the baby. Nonetheless, he filled the wicker basket faster than ever before to avoid missing anything new. He didn't know where his wife wanted the laundry so he made the quick choice of tossing the basket in the guest room. He did not want to be yelled at if her sisters saw their undergarments if he left them lying around in the main room. When he returned to their bedroom, he found no new changes and she asked with a sweet smile, "And fed the chickens?"

"They're plump enough from the first feed" he objected swiftly to their morning feast but quieted at her pain induced glare. He would not dare incite that rage. Samuel and his father had done him a favor by feeding the livestock but his wife was apparently adamant about keeping him busy. He did not mind being productive as long as he could stay indoors. Throwing his hands in the air, he sighed in defeat to agree, "Fine."

"Feed Sir Cornelius as well!" she called frantically to make sure he didn't forget their guard turkey roaming the perimeter. The poor fowl was likely wondering why so many people were scrambling in and out. Thankfully, he behaved so Ratonhnhaké:ton would feed him handsomely to induce him to sleep. She didn't know how long her labor would last but she was approaching six hours and counting. Shifting in bed, she peered over her right shoulder at her mother to ask quietly, "I'm not making too much of a fuss for him, am I?"

"I did the same with your father for Alice and Samuel" she chucked softly because she made him march right out of their log cabin to fish while she labored. His nervous fishing did indeed calm him down and Godfrey caught enough fish to feed her for days. She highly doubted Ratonhnhaké:ton would abide since he did not budge from her daughter's side easily. She understood his worry, given his childhood history, and found it endearing that her Caroline was well protected.

Dr. White joined the conversation from his spot by the couple's desk and agreed, "It will help him clear his mind."

"I don't want to tire him" she stated worriedly because she needed him sharp to care for the baby. As much as she wanted to boast confidently that she could tackle motherhood immediately after birth, she could not. She knew her body would be tired and in pain which would not provide the best care for her baby if her husband was also asleep.

"I don't think that's possible" Diana chuckled with warmth at the young man's tenacity to survive fearful odds. Hearing about his adventures against wildlife and dangerous people was enough to point out his strength in survival. A few chores would not dent him.

Outside, the hens scuttled nervously around Ratonhnhaké:ton to fill their bellies and avoid the aura of tension. Normally, they clucked incessantly with zesty energy during feeding times but only subdued clucks escaped their beaks this time. Sir Cornelius simply stared at his master with his pitch-black eyes, standing at attention for any trespassers with his beady eyes. While the hens flocked around their pens in circles, the turkey stood outside with his own little mound of grain to feast on. The assassin became fond of the turkey after his victory attack against his father and deemed him worthy enough to protect the homestead. Caroline talked him out of purchasing a hound for the time being since their turkey came of his own free will with his services.

"Everything is fine, keep an eye on the flock" he instructed the vigilant turkey with a firm nod and turned away to return to the cabin. As soon as he was out of earshot, the hens increased in volume to return to their old zest and feast without restraint. Sir Cornelius quietly fed on his serving but kept his eyes on the property, eager to return to his multiple hiding spots around the property.

Ratonhnhaké:ton returned to his home after yet another chore to occupy his mind and keep his wife happy. He was aware childbirth was not a speedy process but he didn't expect the minutes to stretch into torturous hours and the hours into days. He felt he had aged five years by the time he returned to his home! Caroline smiled happily despite the contractions when he entered their bedroom with a firm expression and thin-lipped frown. Had the chickens caused a ruckus? She patted the free left side edge of the bed reserved for him and he sat down, his features relaxing when he met her gaze. Her right hand patted his forearm to hearten his inner distress and she spoke calmly, "This is just part of the process, my dear."

"I do not like seeing you in pain, I never have" he admitted sullenly because he strived to keep her happy. He would be a pretty lousy husband if he left her miserably in pain. Having children was meant to be a happy moment but he wasn't certain anymore at the ticking hours of painful labor. Could he put her through this again repeatedly for a family? He would wear craters into the earth if they ended up with a large family like hers.

Caroline managed a weak grin of adoration for his sweet concern but this was part of childbirth. Every pregnant woman had gone through this walk of life many a time. It was her time to experience the same, even if their child was fighting tooth and nail to stay inside for longer. He squeezed her hand between his, attempting to dry her damp fingers as she internalized her pain to stay strong. She squeezed his hand to offer her own inner strength to him and wished to kiss his lips but not in front of everyone.

"This will be our longest day" Caroline reminded him, pursing her lips to breathe rapidly to tackle another contraction ripping down her spine, and squeezed his hand. He winced slightly at her unyielding grip but tolerated the pinching pain to support his wife. Catherine pressed a hot compress against her lower back to decrease her pain, earning a happy smile of relief. She and Diana knew firsthand how painful contractions were so they kept hot water handy by the bed. Caroline didn't want him to bear witness to her pain and suggested with a helpful smile, "Take a walk, one of the girls can fetch you when it's time."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was not keen on leaving her yet again and disagreed, "I can't leave you-"

"Ten minutes, that's all" she reasoned softly, massaging his knuckles and palm in silent apology for the contraction-induced squeeze. He ignored the dull ache when he faced worse during missions and leaned down to press his forehead against hers. Leaving her alone to writhe in pain wasn't part of their team effort for the delivery. She was already sweating bullets from pain, generally uncomfortable, and wanted to kick her blankets whenever Dr. White said she wasn't fully dilated yet. Nudging her nose against his with a fond smile, she urged him, "Clear your head. I will need you once I'm screaming bloody murder. For me, please?"

His gaze swept from her wincing expression to Catherine, whom nodded gently with a motherly smile. She would fetch him in an instant when it was time, just as she had done with Matthew's birth. Except this time, her son-in-law would stay for the birth. Ratonhnhaké:ton reluctantly agreed for what felt like the millionth time but conceded that his wife knew better when he was flustered. Kissing her damp forehead, he promised to return and to be called immediately if she began pushing. Caroline chuckled at his concern with a bright smile and assured, "Believe me, you'll hear me scream for you when the first push arrives."

He lingered for a few seconds before sighing in defeat, standing upright to leave her in the care of her mother, Diana, and Dr. White. The latter two were enjoying reading a book and knitting to pass the time. How were they so calm through all of this?! Exiting the bedroom, he gave his wife one last glance and she offered a farewell wave of the hand to send him on his way. Turning away from the doorway, he shook his head at his silly heart palpitations. He had seen plenty of their residents give birth, why was he reacting in such a manner?

Caroline's sisters caught his silent brooding as he headed for the front door while they prepared snacks and continued boiling water. Martha and Alice worked on preparing finger foods of sliced cheese, crackers, and sliced pork sausage to go with the incoming food from the Mile's End. If it was anything like Martha's delivery, everyone would need a boost of energy for the long night ahead. The brunette had brought her little one along while Walter worked but little Matthew slept soundly in his bassinet in the main room. Amelia kept an eye on the boiling water to empty it out into pails that she would drop off to Diana to repeat the process. The old water would be tossed into the garden to keep it fed while its fruit was being used in pitchers of juice for the group.

"We'll find you, don't worry" Amelia promised with a calming smile to reassure him that Caroline wasn't kicking him out intentionally. Her sister worried more for him than herself and didn't want him to watch her groan in pain for hours on end. She did shoo him out in a much gentler way than Martha, who hurled her folded cloth compress at Walter to keep her pain private.

Ratonhnhaké:ton thanked the women before exiting his home once again and sighed against the cool air. The sun would set in a few hours and he hoped the baby would also progress at the rate of the setting sun. Otherwise, his wife would likely curse the heavens for the extended hours of nonstop pain and lack of pain medicine. Hearing a skitter of tiny feet on the floorboards of the porch, he spotted Sir Cornelius by the right corner of the house. The stealthy but plump turkey peered over the side of the home at Ratonhnhaké:ton to survey the threat before forgoing caution.

Placing his hands on his hips, Ratonhnhaké:ton stared down at the fowl and asked matter-of-factly, "Shouldn't you be prowling the rear?"

Sir Cornelius said nothing, of course, but his infinite black eyes held unknown questions. The turkey held his ground, unmoving as he stared back at his master. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't trust his unmoving form as he stood his ground and admitted with a reluctant sigh, "Fine, she kicked me out. I'm only a worried husband and father."

The turkey finally replied with an acknowledging gobble to his plight and the assassin smiled at his little friend. Descending the steps of the porch, he waved his left hand at Sir Cornelius to summon his company and instructed, "Come with me. We can close the barn now that the horses are settled in."

Sir Cornelius scuttled off with surprising speed to follow the assassin loyally, stirring a tired smile from Ratonhnhaké:ton.

---

Ratonhnhaké:ton finished closing the barn for the night before surveying the perimeter of his property for anything suspicious. Sir Cornelius stuck close to the assassin, ready to dash forward to protect his territory valiantly. Nobody had yet to call him to return to Caroline and each passing minute wrenched his heart at her trial. He would never experience childbirth but he wanted to show his wife that he was there to support her every step of the way. Like himself, she was private at licking the wounds of her pain and playing it off as nothing. This time, it was not only her health in jeopardy but their child as well. Parenthood still felt surreal to him but he vowed to be different than his own father.

He forced himself to linger by the porch rather than storm back inside to avoid being shooed out again. Sir Cornelius wandered the front of the property to pick at any interesting bites hidden between the blades of grass. The scene would almost be serene if it weren't for the fact his wife was laboring inside. He was snapped out of his pensive thoughts when he heard footsteps behind him, turning away from the quaint view of the town. Godfrey nodded in welcome to the young man as the lumberjack finished early at the mill to see how his family was faring. He heard about the labor from Samuel when his son arrived for his shift and shooed him away for the day to help his sisters.

"The waiting is always the hardest" Godfrey spoke up with a sympathetic smile as he watched Ratonhnhaké:ton shift between pacing and leaning against the porch. He knew firsthand how gut-wrenching waiting for one's wife to labor in pain to bring life into the world. He had watched Catherine live through eight deliveries with only six of their children surviving childhood. He had been the most anxious with Caroline as the first and then Elizabeth and Samuel after their previous siblings passed away. Being a parent was not easy but there was a great capacity to protect and love one's child. Patting his son-in-law on the shoulder, he advised with a fatherly smile, "The first child is the worst but she'll pull through just fine. As will you."

Ratonhnhaké:ton leaned back against the porch fence, his shoulders slumping at the prospect, and asked hesitantly, "The nerves never leave?"

"Not when your wife is your other half" the lumberjack chuckled with sympathy because he never stopped worrying for Catherine. He wore the floorboards down with each of their children and they would have felt utterly alone without the Galloways when Elizabeth was born in the colonies. Now, their daughters were delivering their own children which felt surreal to him. When had they grown up so fast? His eldest knew her spouse from childhood so they were intricately tied to each other and he reminded gently, "Your sun and moon."

"My stomach has not stopped clenching nor my heart stopped hammering" he muttered despondently at watching his wife bear through labor. If he could take away that pain and switch places, he would. His wife would likely laugh at that suggestion but at least it would prove as a distraction. How did his father-in-law handle so many deliveries and survive without gray hair? He was already expecting to age by his child's first year.

Godfrey laughed heartily, remembering his own nerves decades prior, and reassured him, "Quite normal, son."

"Will she recover quickly?" he asked worriedly, unable to imagine how passing a child through one's body could leave one in perfect health afterward. Martha didn't leave her home until Matthew was a month old so he expected Caroline to recover gradually from the birth. Would she need help walking? Dressing? He highly doubted eating assistance. Oh, he would need to cook for her though. He did not want her to bear pain after enduring a long labor and told him hastily, "If she endures this much pain and it lingers for months, I don't think we will be adding a second child."

"It takes time, be gentle and care for the baby while she recovers" Godfrey advised kindly with a fatherly smile since the first child was a rude awakening to parenthood. He was worried endlessly with Caroline but she brought them double the happiness. The worst days were illnesses while their happiest days were filled with laughter. He hoped twice the good luck would follow the couple for all their hard work in town. His wife would not leave their daughter alone during the toughest trial of her life and stated confidently, "Catherine will stay with her. A mother always sets one at ease."

He was fortunate to have a good family and that urged him to pose a burning question, "What . . . what if I'm not a good father?"

"That's impossible" Godfrey laughed boisterously at such a thing because he held the ideal traits of a father. His children chased behind him fearlessly and he protected them every time they left the homestead. He rescued more than his fair share of residents in mishaps so his child would be just fine. There was not a bone in the man's body that would dare to bring harm or disappointment to his child.

"I do not want to be like my father or have them lose either of us during a vulnerable age" Ratonhnhaké:ton admitted quietly at becoming his worst fear or having his child alone. Thankfully, he and Caroline were lucky to have a bountiful family to care for their child if anything were to happen to them. He was already trying to prepare for the worst scenarios before their child was born. After enduring a lonely childhood after his mother's death, he did not want to repeat the same. Traumatic memories never faded and he whispered with melancholy, "I did not stop having nightmares until I married Caroline."

"You two will be fine parents" he encouraged to alleviate his negative thoughts and clapped him on the shoulder again. Ratonhnhaké:ton relaxed slightly for the vote of confidence, seeing the optimistic similarity of his wife in her father. Godfrey had no doubt the two would raise fine children and the jitters from a first baby would fade once everyone was stable. Every parent wanted the best for their child and those that hurt or jeopardized a child did not deserve that label. He saw kindness in Ratonhnhaké:ton despite his tragic childhood and stated matter-of-factly, "You and my Carrie were my second set of eyes on the children when Catherine and I weren't there. Your child will be in good hands."

He was happy for the positive words because he did try his best to protect his loved ones. Hopefully, that would be enough. His son or daughter would have a great grandfather to look after them if he did accidentally mess up a few insignificant things. The older lumberjack was a role model in fatherhood, taking him in without question, and he smiled with gratitude, "Thank you, I am scared that I will ruin them before their memories form."

Now, that was impossible to Godfrey. Being aware and cautious of negative traits as a father would go a long way to not becoming that. There was not a malevolent bone in either of their bodies and he told the young man cheerfully, "Don't let negativity cloud your judgment, always stay positive or look deeper for an alternative."

He never had to look far to be reminded of his wife when he spoke to her family and Ratonhnhaké:ton chuckled softly, "Is that why Caroline is so sharp?"

"That girl was smart from the moment she could talk but I doubt it's from me" her father laughed with pride for his oldest, who defied his expectation of settling down to have a quiet family. Instead, she set sail to see the world along their coast and married a native who treasured her more than himself. Together, they built a homestead and a town that thrived and took care of one another. As a young man that had once dreamt to see past his hometown, he saw the same in his oldest and both had accomplished their goals. His grandchild would carry the traits of the young couple and he spoke optimistically, "Your children will be even better than yourself, hold onto that hope."

"I will, thank you, Mr. Burnett" he agreed with a grateful smile for the words of advice from an experienced father to a new one. The role of fatherhood was uncertain and shrouded but he would protect his little one, especially from his secret life. Caroline would be there to protect their home but he could not let anyone malevolent step onto their homestead. He already worried about his father trying to approach the cabin again.

Both men stood upright at attention when Alice bounded down the porch steps and called out, "Connor, I think it's time!"

Her round face was a mixture of eagerness and nervousness and she gripped the porch banister to peer down at the two men. Catherine had left the bedroom to usher the young women in the main room to fetch him just as Caroline began actively pushing, requesting her husband. Ratonhnhaké:ton quickly bid farewell to Godfrey and sped up the porch steps, questioning aloud, "How did it go from a few errands to delivering a baby?"

Martha walked through the open doorway with Matthew in her arms, the little dark-haired baby babbling happily at his uncle. He was already switched out of his cool linen clothes for a cozy white wool pajama as the evening approached. Ratonhnhaké:ton was even more confused because the baby had been sleeping the last time he had seen him. What time was it? She saw the confused expression in his eyes and explained easily, "You've been in and out of the house for two hours."

"Really?" he asked baffled at being able to function for more than an hour without fretting over Caroline. How had she not called for him yet? Was their baby that stubborn to stay inside their mother? How had he not realized how much time had passed?

"My sister is quite sneaky in her tactics" Martha chuckled at her subtle strategies at keeping him occupied rather than worried. She never expected to find the stoic man pacing circles and racing back and forth for her sister, who distracted him with chores. Their father's pep talk did the trick in calming him and dissipating any negative perceptions. None of them doubted he would be a great father, especially beside their vigilant sister.

Turning around one last time, he pinpointed Sir Cornelius at the bottom of the steps as he observed the human ruckus. Ratonhnhaké:ton pointed directly at him and gave him one last order to behave and protect the property, "There will be screaming so do not think we're under siege . . . but stay close just in case."

Godfrey talked to his horses and large livestock but never the chickens or any other fowl, leaving that to Alice. He needed a good laugh to ward away the fatherly concern for his laboring daughter and held his sides. Sir Cornelius gobbled obediently before skittering off to the left side of the house to begin his newest perimeter search. He couldn't believe the commitment of the turkey and stifled his laughter to ask, "Are you talking to the turkey? Now I've seen everything."

Alice darted forward to push her brother-in-law forward before Caroline began yelling for him. There was no time to waste with the baby incoming and urged him hastily, "Go on now!"

Amelia, who stayed indoors to prepare a basket of folded clean towels, tried not to laugh at the petite Alice innocently shoving Ratonhnhaké:ton through the door. He understood the message clearly and entered the home to return to his wife. Amelia pointed to the wooden platter full of crackers and cheese to offer a quick snack since nobody knew how long the pushing would take. She didn't want him to become lightheaded after the birth and faint from the drop in energy. Dr. White would not be happy at having three patients instead of two. Their sister would need him to be strong to tend to their baby and she suggested, "Take a few since it might be a while."

He diverged from his straight path to his bedroom and stopped to grab a few into a cloth napkin to take them with him. Caroline would likely not eat the dry crackers with her parched throat but the cheese was feasible. Martha shook her head as they became the temporary caretakers of the couple and handed Matthew to her father so they could bond. Godfrey didn't worry for them one bit, scooping up the infant to tickle his tummy, and reassured the girls, "They'll be fine."

Ratonhnhaké:ton quickly gulped down a few crackers and cheese to feed his gurgling stomach. Since he set his wife in bed, he had only grabbed finger foods here and there. He didn't bother to knock in his own home and opened the door to find his wife grasping the sheets as she pushed. Her face was rosy from the pushing effort as she tried not to sit up from the pain, grunting with pain. Dr. White and Diana were already set up at the end of the end bed to help the laboring woman through her pushing. He ran forward to sit down at the edge of the bed, throwing his bundled snacks on the night table, and grasped her shoulders from behind. Catherine pressed a cool compress to her head while she labored and he settled behind her to tell her, "Caroline, I'm here."

She clutched him tightly with her left arm while using the right to balance herself in bed, screaming out through the contraction. He had never heard her yell from pain but the primal howl that left her lips was uncanny. This was childbirth?! He tried to maintain calm at hearing her scream through her pushing, looking to Catherine for guidance. She nodded quietly with sympathy since this was the hardest part that left one physically drained. With the contraction ending, Caroline relaxed in her husband's arms to breathe heavily. He held her tightly to him, hoping his affection would comfort her, and she exclaimed breathlessly, "How do women do this more than once?!"

"Think of it as one day of pain for the nine months of creating your child" Catherine tried to lighten the situation for her daughter and smiled kindly. The first baby was daunting for every woman and she counted Caroline as her hardest delivery. She could not take the pain away as much as she wanted to but using diversion and comfort measures would help. Caroline, on the other hand, panted with every pulse of pain shooting down her spine and shook her head. This was not the kind of pain she agreed to! She'd rather take a bullet to the arm than bear through childbirth.

Ratonhnhaké:ton held her in his arms, gently rocking back and forth to calm her heart. The redhead wiped her eyes before she blubbered from pain, sniffing deeply to prepare herself for the next push. How had her sister and all the mothers in town suffered and lived through this? She had to remain strong to bring their child into the world and he comforted her, "Clear your mind and keep pushing."

"I can't" she whispered weakly with apprehension at failing to push efficiently, shifting in bed to relax against him. She wasn't comfortable lying flat at all to push, feeling like a flailing fish out of water. Having her husband behind her, she was able to sit upright somewhat and breathe deeper to focus on the next rising contraction. What if she couldn't push her baby out? What would happen then? What if her energy plummeted and she tired of pushing? She thought herself prepared but now, waves of self-doubt flooded her.

"Yes, you can" he stated firmly to bolster her courage through the pain and not let fear conquer her. Pain could incapacitate anyone but he would encourage her until his throat was raw. Caroline pushed down the nerves of being unable to tolerate labor, placing her hands over his as he held her by the shoulders in a bear hug. She was grateful that he was with her and he whispered against her left ear with much needed tranquility, "Deep breath and push. I'm right beside you."

Dr. White also did not want fear to override her maternal instinct to push and patted her right knee to joke gently, "You've fought people from all over the colonies, this will be a breeze."

"Focus on pushing and imagine holding that wee babe in your arms" Catherine advised her daughter with a gentle smile and brushed back damp strands of hair from her forehead. Caroline met her gaze with a flicker of nervousness but her mother silently nodded. They were not women that shied away from danger, especially if it meant protecting their loved ones. She could not disappoint her baby before they were born and nodded in return, more for herself than anything. They believed in her and she had to do the same for her child.

"We will all help you through this" Diana assured her worries to have a well mother and child by the end. Childbirth was dangerous in their times, particularly in their rural town, but having a physician was their advantage. After helping to deliver babies back in Glasgow and in the logging camps, Diana was also proficient in aiding childbearing women.

Caroline stuffed her self-doubt to the deepest pit in her mind and imagined holding her baby in a white blanket, agreeing with conviction, "All right, breathe and focus. Breathe and focus."

---

An hour of dedicated pushing from Caroline spurred the redhead to deliver her child while declaring several profanities. Unlike her husband who was quiet and collected, she dropped all reservation. She needed her child to arrive and earned the right to holler, scream, and even pep talk herself whenever she left Ratonhnhaké:ton stunned. He stood by her loyally, keeping her upright to help her push and laying her down whenever she wanted to try a different position to push out the baby. He could do nothing except support her alongside Catherine but he breathed in relief when a faint cry finally echoed through the house.

Dr. White grinned with delighted pride as he brought a new life into the world, watching the newborn in his hands wriggle furiously. Rubbing their back, their bluish-purple appearance quickly turned rosy-red with a lungful of air and he clamped the cord with alcohol-sanitized twine. Caroline's tense body went slack against Ratonhnhaké:ton as the loud crying signaled that she could stop pushing, looking to Diana, who nodded to confirm. Tears filled her eyes as adrenaline left for the surreal moment and she clutched her husband tightly. He leaned down to kiss her damp temple, complimenting her strength in birthing their child. They couldn't see over her linen-covered bent legs as the two evaluated the stability of the baby. The persistent crying was reassuring and Caroline breathed deeply as she turned to her mother and husband to declare, "Never again. No more children."

Catherine squeezed her daughter's right hand while using the other to dry her sweat-drenched face and neck. Ratonhnhaké:ton stroked the top of her head with a modest smile because he would not be asking for children anytime soon after this. Catherine chuckled warmly at their shell-shocked expressions and comforted the couple, "All of us say the same but we're here again years later."

Diana peered down at the dark-haired baby wriggling in the doctor's hands and smiled at the new parents, "Bigger than Martha's baby."

"Have you seen my child's father?" Caroline smiled weakly since the man would not be giving her small babies in the slightest. Both of their families were tall so there would no little bundles of joy. Would she have to bear such pain every time a child emerged into the world? The long hours were bearable with her loved ones beside her but absolutely nothing dulled the pain. She grasped his left forearm with a weak grip after tearing at the sheets and instructed him, "See to our little one, my love."

Ratonhnhaké:ton obeyed instantly and turned to their night table to fiddle through the first drawer where he stored the baby blankets. Grasping the first one on top, a cheerful canary yellow, he left the two women to approach Dr. White and Diana as they wiped clear fluid from the baby with towels. For the first time, he felt bashful at witnessing his first child as they thrashed wildly with fury for entering the world. Rosy limbs wiggled in protest while little pink gums peeked out from their screaming lips, eyes shut close, and a matted fluff of black hair stuck to their forehead. Diana snapped him out of the mystified stupor by grasping the clean blanket and quietly handing it to the doctor to wrap his first child. Dr. White quickly swaddled the little baby, their little rosy cheeks flushing red as they cried angrily for leaving their warm home for the last nine months. He rocked the baby for a few seconds to calm them and smiled at the new father to congratulate with a smile, "You have a healthy daughter."

He handed him the newborn to finish the afterbirth with Caroline while the woman rested with relief on the bed. It was over and her baby was in the world now. A girl! Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled at the wriggling form that cried with toothless gums and held her close to provide warmth. Her flushed face slowly disappeared when she felt two strong arms encasing her for the first time and the cries turned to little whimpers. Her little tuft of dark hair became messy wisps as she moved her head around to explore her new world and he smiled at the precious baby in his arms.

She was his beautiful child.

"My daughter" he whispered softly in his native tongue before pressing his cheek to her tiny temple. She whined softly to the new sensation of touch and her tightly shut eyes briefly opened to peer at him. Unfocused blue-gray eyes were visible before she closed them again to whimper with discontent. He clutched her close to his chest, treasuring her tiny form, and promised to protect her every second of his life.

She was in their world now, vulnerable but safe. His first daughter was the most beautiful little being he had ever seen in his life. He couldn't wait to show Caroline as Catherine smoothed back her damp hair and promised to take care of her. The younger redhead smiled happily with the same joy her mother felt when she was born. She was a mother now and she was eager to glimpse at her beloved daughter as she wiggled within her blanket. Only little wriggling fingers were visible as they grasped at the air. Catherine beamed happily for her new grandchild, her first granddaughter, and told Caroline dotingly, "Your love for that child will be eternal. It never fails or withers."

Caroline squeezed her hand as she pushed back tears of joy and agreed, "You're right, mother."

Ratonhnhaké:ton returned to his spot on the bed and showed them the whimpering baby as her tiny clenched hands wiggled. Caroline teared up to the beautiful child that was theirs and prayed they could keep her safe for years to come. Her scrunched rosy face was amusing but her dark hair was exactly like her father's and in the same abundance. She was proud to see that trait carry on and smiled tearfully at her husband to compliment, "Look at her precious dark hair. Just like her father."

She traced a finger carefully over her smooth plump cheek, touching her first child after numerous kicks from inside, and cried, "She's really here. All of our hard work paid off in this wee babe. Look at all her tiny fingers."

Their daughter tried to swat her away with a hand for the sensation, wiggling closer to her father, and he chuckled, "She looks strong to me but we will keep her safe."

"Have you decided on a name?" Diana asked them with a kind smile, happy to see another family branch out. Caroline had always tended to the children from both families and it was time she deserved one of her own. Both she and her husband tended to the entire town and they now had a blessing for their hard work.

"Cora, short and delicate to bear similarity to ours" she smiled sweetly and leaned against his shoulder with a tired sigh. She had never seen a more beautiful sight in having her husband hold their daughter. She was not a small baby but in his strong arms, she was petite. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she gazed at their daughter and couldn't imagine a more darling child. Gazing at her angelic round face, she finally understood why her mother said the pain was worth it. Simply having her presence before her made up for it. She tried out the name for final approval since she would always carry a piece of them, "Cora Burnett."

"I will be giving her a name from my own as well" her husband stated to carry on his own tradition and she agreed with a soft laugh. He worried that granting her a middle name in his native tongue would label her as an outsider. Caroline, however, refused to have their child hide their roots and she found his own name fitting as he rose against the obstacles thrown at him. It would be a piece of her father that she would always carry with her and he smiled with affection at his little baby, "One unique only to her."

"I wouldn't have it any other way" she smiled tenderly and smiled when he placed a kiss on her forehead. Although propriety took precedence, they were among family and it was forgiven. He wouldn't be pushing past a chaste cheek or forehead kiss. His wife accomplished a powerful feat to bring life into the world and deserved his unabashed love. The home and family he promised her finally came true as their Cora wiggled in her blanket, puckering her lips as her little face scrunched up.

"My Oháhsera" he greeted his daughter with her own Kanien'kéha name and leaned down to kiss her tiny forehead. Like her mother, she was the light of his world and would banish all darkness. Her fingers reached out to search for the new stimuli and he smiled when they tapped against his chin, curling in an attempt to grip his face. He placed his right pinky in her small hand and she latched on instantly, clutching his finger to her chest with a content coo. She was such a beautiful baby to him and couldn't contain his joy, clutching her close yet again to rest his cheek on top of her head. A head full of dark hair identical to his. He couldn't help but smile with pride at his firstborn and tried out her full name, "Cora Oháhsera Burnett."

Dr. White stood up from his spot at the end of the bed as he held a small cut piece of Cora's umbilical cord. Ratonhnhaké:ton had requested a piece of it for his tribe's tradition and grant his child protection and good luck. The doctor held out his right hand with the wiped severed appendage and informed the new father, "This is for you. Can't say I've seen an umbilical cord kept."

"It is for the baby's good fortune among my people" Ratonhnhaké:ton explained with a modest smile when the oldest women glanced at him with curiosity. Each culture held its own traditions and little Cora would have double as she grew up. He handed the baby over to Caroline, who scooped her into her right arm, and bundled her close to her body. With the baby settled between her and Catherine, the new grandmother smiled sweetly at the drowsy baby. Ratonhnhaké:ton fiddled with the night table again to retrieve a small circular piece of deer skin and walked over to the doctor. Lyle dropped the severed piece of the umbilical cord, the yellow-white appendage falling into the center of the cloth, and Ratonhnhaké:ton bundled it snugly. He held the wrapped cloth between both hands and finished, "We wrap it in an animal cloth or birch wood and keep it in a safe place. I want her to have a better future than I did."

"Oh, she will" Diana assured him with a confident smile because they would all watch over little Cora. The children of the town were protected fiercely by everyone, no matter whose they were. The new generation would receive the same dedicated care while the growing older children would look after them just as the Burnett children had done years ago.

Caroline couldn't keep her eyes off her little baby, treasuring her little button nose and tiny digits, and smiled widely at everyone, "Thank you all for helping me through this, especially you, Dr. White."

"It's not a problem, I'm proud to do this and see families grow" he replied easily with a merry laugh and walked over to wash his hands in a basin on the nearby desk. He was done with the entire delivery with no complications and Caroline was happy to finally straighten her sore legs. She curled around her slumbering baby with a content smile, kissing her tiny forehead, and Ratonhnhaké:ton tucked away his daughter's keepsake on top of the dresser to let it dry. Dr. White dried his hands in a clean white towel and told the two with a boisterous laugh, "You two are our unofficial governing family, after all."

"We are not but thank you for the vote of confidence" Caroline chuckled softly at being perceived highly in the community, humbled by the notion. The town was their safe haven and now, the permanent home of her first child. Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled at the tender interaction between his wife and Cora, happy at his growing family. It was as if the pain did not register at all with her. How was that possible? Caroline peered up at her mother, who was cooing softly at Cora, and asked softly, "Can I see the girls? I hope I didn't scare them all away."

Martha and Amelia had been in and out but the duo became terrified at the profanity laden screams of their eldest sister. They were sure Father Timothy was praying profusely in the community church in apology for her. Diana approached the redhead with a fresh blue nightgown in her arms to keep her tidy after the delivery. With Dr. White being finished with the delivery and heading out, it was her turn to take over to care for her goddaughter. Caroline had done the same with Martha but her sister was currently tending to a hungry infant, leaving it to her and she smiled, "Let's get you fixed up a bit."

"Do I look that terrible?" Caroline grinned tiredly and debated on letting exhaustion or self-consciousness strike. She felt nothing like herself as every bone ached and her body demanded sleeping first rather than mingling. Her hair was likely a frizzy mess from her angry thrashing through her pushes and she reached up to brush back her hair absentmindedly. Her husband shook his head at that because she looked beautiful to him after everything, especially with their daughter nestled beside her.

Catherine chuckled gently at her insecurity because they would make sure she appeared tidy. The bed required a changing for fresh clean linens, Caroline needed new clothes, and Cora needed a bath after her first feeding. A quick wipe down of the face and neck along with fresh attire would do wonders for comfort as the hours ticked by and Catherine answered, "No, but you will feel more comfortable in clean clothes."

Ratonhnhaké:ton motioned to the sleeping newborn and informed Catherine, "Acquaint yourself with our little Cora while we help Caroline."

Dr. White waved in farewell to the group of four and carefully reminded them one last time, "Do not hesitate to fetch me if bleeding occurs."

They all agreed instantly because Ratonhnhaké:ton would leave fire in his trail to fetch help. He was not leaving his wife unless absolutely necessary and she couldn't kick him out now that Cora was born. Dr. White left the group and closed the door shut to grant them privacy, walking into the main room where the other women and Godfrey awaited for news.

"It's a girl!" he revealed ecstatically to the first female born in Davenport and sighed deeply at another success. The girls exploded into a happy chorus of cheers and laughter, clinging to their father to share their joy. The lumberjack was happy to hear about his newest grandchild, holding his daughters close to keep his composure. His first granddaughter!

Inside the room, Ratonhnhaké:ton helped his wife sit up but she winced when placing weight on her pelvis, shifting to readjust for a more comfortable position. Catherine leaned down to scoop the baby to her chest, enjoying her light weight and angelic features. Even at an hour old, she had the curliest eyelashes she'd ever seen. She remembered holding her oldest just the same so many years ago and sighed with adoration, "Oh, look at you. My second little grandchild but oh, how I remembered holding your mother. She was my first but such a resilient child and your father's a tough one himself."

She stood up from the bed to bond with the little newborn that warmed their hearts. Diana would need to remove the soiled linens and replace them with the fresh blue set sitting on top of the dresser. Ratonhnhaké:ton focused on making his wife comfortable to help her change clothes and would grab a basin with warm water for quick wipe down. He kissed her forehead as he clutched her under the arms to support her weight against his and she smiled tiredly. What would she do without him? She couldn't help but cry against his shoulder as the heavy emotion overwhelmed her, leading him to hug her tightly instead.

"Step by step, we can do this" he promised quietly to the new changes in their lives and focusing on her well-being after the delivery. He would do his best to keep her comfortable for the entire night while juggling with their slumbering newborn.

---

Ratonhnhaké:ton ensured his wife was fresh and pretty as a flower to keep her comfortable when her family piled inside to meet the baby. Catherine brushed her hair into a neat plait to keep it away from her face while Diana fetched her a revitalizing snack. At this, Amelia was ready with a snack platter for her sister full of sweet pastries and fresh fruit while they awaited the return of Elizabeth and Samuel with dinner. The younger redhead reunited with her sister to help her eat and allow Diana to bathe Cora for the first time. The dark-haired baby was not happy to be taken from her snugly blanket and doused in warm water, crying hysterically in defiance. Ratonhnhaké:ton was stuck between worry and alarm at his feisty newborn until she calmed at the head massage during her hair shampooing. While Ratonhnhaké:ton was trying to figure out his child's volatile emotions, Caroline couldn't help but be amused by her.

While Cora was bathed, Caroline devoured the entire snack platter provided by her sister while Amelia sat beside her. Another member had been born into their family and Amelia was proud to be the godmother of her first niece. She ran a hand down her sister's head to comfort her but Caroline focused on tearing a cherry pastry apart. After having nothing to eat since noon, she would take whatever was available to fill her rumbling stomach. Martha and Alice piled into the room just as Cora splashed at the water while Diana bundled her into a towel to begin drying her. Matthew, who was wide awake in his mother's arms, cooed excitedly at hearing a baby cry and tried to pinpoint the cause of the noise. It helped his hearing when Cora began another wail at being dried rather than continuing the head massage.

"How are you feeling?" Alice asked her sister with a worried smile for the long hours of labor. Caroline returned a comforting smile and nodded swiftly with a mouth full of pastry. Between the sisters, it translated to 'I'll survive'.

"Better than she was before" Amelia answered for her since she was happily eating to renew her energy. Ratonhnhaké:ton worried enough for Caroline so she and her mother took over to prevent wearing the poor man out. They let him observe Cora's first bath to let him relax and Caroline hoped he would learn a few tips when it came time for her next dip. He was an observant father from the start which was sweet to witness.

"Welcome to motherhood" Martha congratulated her eldest sister on surviving the toughest part. They were all cautiously watching the redhead for any changes in consciousness, pallor, fever, or severe pain. Childbirth was dangerous for women in the colonies, particularly in rural areas, but all the women in Davenport had been lucky thus far. Her son waved his right hand at his aunt, who smiled back from her spot in bed, and he wiggled happily for the attention. He was still too little to sit up on his own but that didn't stop him from socializing with his family.

Caroline shook her head at the new role and chuckled at being a mother, mainly because her body was telling her to fall asleep for the next five days. She wiggled her feet under the covers to offer enough circulation and told her sisters, "Tell me that tomorrow, my knees are still numb."

A knock on the open doorway pulled all their attention and Godfrey's uncertain voice spoke from the other side, "Is it safe to enter?"

"Boban, it's fine" Caroline laughed softly, trying not to let it become a belly laugh that would make her poor pelvis ache. Her family could be a barrel of laughs during happy occasions but her body would not tolerate it today.

Godfrey walked inside with a happy smile, relieved to see his smiling daughter and a fussy baby in Diana's arms. The dark-haired baby was none too happy about being dried, fighting tooth and nail with her little limbs, and earning laughs from her aunts. Godfrey walked over to his daughter, going around the bed since his other daughters were gathered there, and joined his wife on the opposite end. She hugged him with welcome to reassure him their daughter was fine and he leaned down to kiss Caroline's forehead. She couldn't help but be reminded of her childhood when she and Amelia bundled into bed and he reasoned easily, "I know better than to intrude during a delicate time."

"I want my family here" she stated earnestly because she wanted her most trusted beside her. Having her husband through the delivery helped the most to cope with the pain but she smiled with delight at seeing him stand beside their crying daughter. Just like her own father, she had no doubt her husband would be the same doting father with their firstborn.

"Congratulations to you both" he told the couple with a proud smile at their next milestone in life. He never thought his daughters would grow up so fast as they did, missing their presence at home now that two left to build their lives. He would not doubt if Amelia or Elizabeth began their own homestead plans in the coming years. The days when they chased after him with curiosity about their travel to the logging camps were long gone. He was content at seeing their happiness at finding their own sense of home and sighed with melancholy, "I can't believe my girls are mothers now."

"Your father gets sentimental with new babies" Catherine chuckled sweetly over him missing their old family pastimes but time never stopped flowing. Only four of their children remained but Amelia and Elizabeth were already independent without needing her fussing. Alice was gradually outgrowing her dependence on them while Samuel pretended he was on the same track but enjoyed the coddling as their last child. Each of them had grown into fine people and Catherine was very proud of that.

"She's my first granddaughter, I'm allowed" Godfrey reasoned hastily at the new generation of Burnetts sprouting in Davenport. He was still in awe that he had a grandson, who was curious about the new baby, and another grandbaby had just arrived! Just like his children, he didn't want to miss out on watching them grow up. His three eldest were the only ones who met his parents and he wanted to be held in fond memories by the new generation.

Cora screeched at being diapered and placed into her new cozy clothing for the night. Ratonhnhaké:ton tried not to smile at her fury as she fought against Diana but the blonde had endless patience for the baby. That, and numerous practice on dressing newborns after helping during deliveries. Cora decreased her wails into whimpers when she realized she was no longer wet but snugly warm. Her father turned to the group with apology for her volume and smiled faintly, "She has strong lungs."

"Only with water, hunger, and diaper changings" Diana assured him with a kind smile at the new father, who was eyeing everything carefully not to forget the bathing process. Cora settled into content coos from her new cozy heaven and her blue-gray eyes peered at the ceiling with lazy focus. Diana handed the calm infant to her father to let them bond, smiling at how closely he clutched his precious daughter, and told him, "Once she's dry, warm, and bundled tight, she is a little doll."

"Do not cry at your poor father, I am trying my best" Ratonhnhaké:ton apologized to Cora with a modest smile, pressing his forehead to her temple. She whimpered at the touch before leaning into him with a curious coo, her left hand reaching for his face. He would move mountains for his daughter now that she was breathing in their world. Hopefully, he would not make crucial mistakes with her that would make her question his love.

"You will do fine" Godfrey encouraged with a hearty laugh at seeing the uncertainty on his face. He remembered that expression far too well with every child but mainly his first two daughters. His worst fear was failing them and Catherine but they grew into healthy adults that refused to budge far from his homestead.

Alice approached her brother-in-law, clasping her hands over her chest, and peered down at the cooing baby to dote, "Look at her."

Cora whimpered as she tried to hide into her new white blanket and Diana chuckled softly at Catherine, "She reminds me of Alice."

The brunette blushed at being reminded of her newborn days but it was a delight to match her first niece. She couldn't believe she was an aunt at fifteen! Her oldest sisters would likely have a better grasp on babysitting but she would do her best. Caroline agreed with Diana's opinion since Alice resembled a doll with her dark eyes and hair against her porcelain skin. She couldn't wait to see the progress of her first daughter as she grew and told the family, "She has the dark hair too, no fair red on that scalp."

"Careful, we thought your hair would be blonde until it began shedding" her mother warned playfully with Caroline's birth story since the rosy-cheeked newborn decided to be glued to her bosom or would screech. She loved the first year with her first baby but Amelia popped in before the year's end. Caroline never fussed about sharing her and bonded to Amelia like a twin.

"No, I want her to have his hair" she murmured sheepishly at the thought of her daughter resembling her entirely. That would be horrible! She wanted traits of her husband to shine in her just as they did in her from her own parents. Cora carried the blood of her father's tribe and her own Scottish roots. Ratonhnhaké:ton deserved to have his handsome features pass onto their children and she stated confidently, "Our daughter should have a few traits of her father, just like I have boban's eyes and freckles."

Ratonhnhaké:ton brushed his fingertips over her clean dark hair with a fond smile. Would her hair stay dark as his? As long as she remained healthy for all her years, it didn't matter. He couldn't help but offer his beloved daughter to meet her grandfather and offered to Godfrey, "Would you like to hold our Cora?"

Godfrey hesitated at holding the newborn, afraid he could hurt her tiny form, and chuckled awkwardly, "Aw, she's a wee babe-"

"She's not made of glass, dear" Catherine chastised gently and reached out to scoop up the cooing baby into her arms. Oh, she could just melt from looking at Cora. The baby perked up at hearing her grandmother's voice and her little hand poked out to catch it. Catherine handed over the baby to her husband, who nervously clutched her close as if she were precious gold. He had been the same with each of their children and she reminded him, "She comes from two very strong people."

Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled at each other as her family swooned over Cora. He sat down beside her, gripping her left hand to squeeze it, and Caroline told everyone with a grateful smile, "Thank you for everything, especially for bearing the yelling."

They all understood what severe pain could do to a person and everyone coped differently. She blushed faintly with embarrassment for the slew of bad words that likely sent Father Timothy into several prayers for her eternal salvation. Godfrey, on the other hand, laughed at each swear word like a jolly father. Martha understood her reasoning and chuckled softly as she juggled her son and admitted, "You inspired me to do the same next time I have a child."

"I've been frightened away from daring such for the next five years" Amelia stated dryly since she had no desire to have a child anytime soon. Despite she was courting Michael, she wanted to make sure they were compatible before she began daydreaming about the future. After witnessing both of her sisters deliver children and leaving the room for this one, she was more than happy to push back the idea of children.

"Hello?"

Their chatter stopped at hearing Elizabeth's voice echo, alongside with a rumble of footsteps across the floorboards. Caroline sat up instantly with glee that delicious hot food was just down the hall, only to lean back when her lower back ached. Too early. Still, her mouth was practically salivating at devouring a meat pie. Samuel's voice called through the house to echo his sister's sentiment, "Where did everyone go?"

"We're in here!" Alice informed them as she scuttled to the open door to avoid hollering to scare the baby. Cora was happy now that she was being fawned over rather than screaming bloody murder, cooing softly at her grandparents. Her parents were happy to bond with their first granddaughter and she was ecstatic to have a little niece. She couldn't help but let out the news to her other siblings, "The baby's born!"

They heard wood land upon wood as dinner arrived on the table and Patrick's voice urged, "Leave the food to stay warm and let's see the new baby."

Two sets of footsteps moved in the direction of the bedroom but they halted when Elizabeth's voice questioned from the main room, "Before I rush in, is it safe?"

Caroline tried not to laugh at her sister's wariness on childbirth but Martha turned away from the drowsy Cora to laugh aloud. Matthew smiled happily at seeing his mother's smile, snuggling against her with glee. The redhead shook her head at her tough little sister withering at the sight of a child and called out to chide, "Eliza, you're disappointing me in your lack of bravery!"

"There are certain things I won't face!" she retorted dramatically at where she drew the line. Patrick and Samuel entered through the doorway, eager to meet the new baby of the family. The duo wore their lumberjack attire but their clothes weren't full of sawdust this time since Godfrey sent them on chores for Caroline rather than working full-time at the mill that day. He would not have his newest grandbaby's tiny lungs around wooden debris. Catherine was happy to show off the new baby and the two redheads burst into perky smiles and baby babble.

Caroline leaned against her husband's right shoulder with embarrassment at Elizabeth and he tried not to laugh, holding back a smile. Their brave redhead assassin in training had plunged in confidence whenever labor and babies were involved. What would she do if she came across an abandoned baby? Leave them to the elements? Caroline highly doubted it but it was an interesting quirk of her sister's. Ratonhnhaké:ton kept a straight face when his wife hollered to egg her on, "You want to meet your niece or not?"

They heard a rapid shuffle of feet towards the door and soon, Elizabeth peeked over the open doorway with suspicious eyes. Was the coast clear? Seeing all her family gathered around a baby, she wandered inside quietly to join her family. She tried to ignore Caroline's intense gaze, peering down at the cute dark-haired baby instead, but finally conceded with a humorous pout for her cowardice. Caroline snorted to save her pelvis the pain and this earned a smile from her husband as the two were thoroughly amused by Elizabeth. Everyone was prone to an innocent vulnerability every once in a while.

The clean baby drew her interest immediately, especially at the tiny fingers grasping the blanket, and her heart shamefully melted at her. She didn't want her niece to think she was weak in the knees about babies but she couldn't bear painful screaming from her loved ones. It was fine when she could do something about it but labor could only be helped by comfort and having a baby. She could, however, fetch food to feed the family so there was that. Grinning with delight at her first niece, she doted on her delicate features, "Oh, look at her."

"Her head's a little misshapen but it happens with all first babies" Diana reassured the new parents, at which Catherine nodded vigorously. Caroline's left eyebrow raised and wondered how her own head came out during that first day. No matter, she was already grown and getting older while her little one was new to the world. Besides, her head endured a bump or two wandering the colonies with her spouse. They would be gentle with her for her next bath to the point that it may take them twice as long.

"She looks like you both" Patrick told the couple since Cora was a perfect blend of her parents, even as an hour-old baby. Caroline was happy to hear that compliment and hoped it would be true as their Cora grew older. Her fingers brushed against the back of her husband's head to thread into his hair and smiled affectionately at him. He deserved to have their children take after him after all the turmoil he experienced in his life.

"Connor is over the moon, he's more attached to her than me already" she stated with a fond smile at having both a husband and daughter. They had reached the best milestone of their lives and being able to experience it in peace was gratifying. Ratonhnhaké:ton was just as happy as he'd been during their wedding day and though he wished his wife didn't go through such extreme pain, their daughter was healthy. The resounding whine when she was juggled into Godfrey's right arm was proof of that.

Ratonhnhaké:ton did not want to hoard time with Cora away from his wife, given that the mother-baby bond was sacred in his tribe, and asked quickly, "Am I interfering with your bonding?"

"No, you relax and sit down for once" she chuckled softly with a quick peck to his right cheek. He had been the perfect husband and father throughout the whole day and she had no doubt he was tired now. He had not stopped being on the move since they left the barn at noon and Amelia had informed her that their homestead was now impeccable, alongside their livestock. She rubbed circles over his lower back to relax his worn body and suggested, "Let Cora mingle and be awed over by her family."

"She's sleeping right through it" Amelia smiled cheerfully to the content Cora as she decided it was time to slumber yet again. She would gladly take the few moments of an alert baby that cooed sweetly rather than the fussy crying baby.

"That's a baby for you" Catherine doted and refrained from touching her round cheek to keep her asleep. Alice had been her last daughter to hold, missing those old bonding moments before her little one set off to sleep in her own bed beside Elizabeth. She had been so nervous and worried about handling Caroline as a new mother and now, her child had borne her first daughter. It was such a delight to see another generation expand.

Caroline looked at Amelia with an amused smile and encouraged her, "Get in there and hold your goddaughter."

Amelia would not be stealing the spotlight or hogging the baby, shaking her head to chuckle modestly, "After mother and father are finished."

"Here you go, dear" Catherine told her happily to let them hold the baby and passed her over to her surprised daughter. Amelia scooped the baby to her chest, similar to her father, and supported her neck and bottom firmly. Matthew's arrival helped them all become familiar with holding an infant but a new baby brought a hint of nerves at holding such a vulnerable human being. Catherine and Godfrey smiled at each other with relief and happiness for the wellbeing of both their daughter and granddaughter. Nerves bit at her stomach with each of her daughter's deliveries but so far, everything was going well. She wanted her family to bond with her and reassured everyone, "We'll have plenty of time to hold her."

"She is an adorable baby" Amelia spoke with love for her new niece and would be a good example for her. She learned all she knew from Caroline and knew that same strength would follow in Cora's heart. The tiny baby would become a young girl like she had once been and her door would always be open to shelter her. Nothing less would be acceptable for her niece and she promised with a kiss to Cora's forehead, "I will always protect you when you escape your parents."

Caroline grinned with amusement since she and Ratonhnhaké:ton were natural wanderers. She couldn't wait to see their daughter running from home to home in Davenport to visit her family. It was day one and they were all having the best hopes for her potential. Samuel waved his hand to draw attention and blurted with an excited smile, "Can I hold her? I'm her only uncle."

At this, Cora sneezed to clear lingering amniotic fluid from her nose and whined with complaint to her own body. Elizabeth took her sudden shift from complacency to fussiness as her cue to wait until Cora was a bit older before holding her. She had done the same with Matthew while Samuel was more than happy to be the doting uncle. Flicking her thumb at her little brother, who was waving his hands at the now awake Cora, she stated aloud, "He can have my turn. I don't trust wriggling babies."

"You hold Matthew all the time" Martha pointed out firmly with a frown at her squeamishness. If she wasn't holding her son, she would bat her over the head like she used to when younger. Her little sister offered to watch him now whenever she needed to run a few chores or work for a few hours. Even during winter, she had brought him pelts that she'd dried and prepared into throws to keep him snug through the cold. It was heartwarming for her after their childhood spats and found it humorous that newborns, not infants, drew her away.

"That's only because he can hold his head up somewhat and sit in my arms" Elizabeth justified swiftly because the weak neck area made her palms sweat. What if she didn't hold them right? What if the baby moved suddenly and her hands slipped? What if something scared her and she dropped the baby?! She was not ready for that responsibility and decided to stick by the sidelines to simply watch Cora.

"I can't believe I passed a child through . . . will everything work fine afterwards?" Caroline asked worriedly because now that the birth was over, the aftermath was a new wagon hurling down a figurative road. Catherine assured her everything would return to normal but rest would be needed for the first week so they would need someone to help around the house. Like she had done with Martha, she would offer to stay with them overnight if they sought her help. Being a new mother was overwhelming for Caroline and she admitted modestly with a weak smile, "I have so many questions about caring for the baby, even myself."

"I will help you with all the questions" Martha comforted her older sister to help her through the first night of motherhood. The baby care was not complex but the recovery portion was what wore every woman out for the night. Thankfully, she had a good husband in Ratonhnhaké:ton whom would stay by her side and tend to any concern.

"Thank you" Caroline smiled with gratitude for the extra help since her mother and Diana were a blessing. Having her sisters help with food while the men cared for the chores around the homestead eased her mind. Otherwise, she'd be jotting down on what they fell behind. Cora decided to intervene at this moment with a fussy cry when she was passed to Alice, whose brown eyes widened at the red-faced baby. Caroline chuckled at her sudden gumption against her gentlest aunt and told the family, "I should feed her before she really explodes."

"She might have Connor's hair but she has your personality already" Godfrey laughed heartily at the tenacity of the newborn born from two headstrong fighters. Ratonhnhaké:ton shared a laugh at the comparison, earning a gentle bat on the shoulder from his wife before she joined them.

---

Ratonhnhaké:ton sat in his bed, leaning against the wall while he read a novel by candlelight. Every once in a while, he would gaze down at his sleeping newborn daughter to make sure she was safe under his watch. Cora had been dressed snugly to settle into her bassinet after her last feeding. Last night, it was simply him and Caroline but now, Cora had officially entered their lives. His marriage to Caroline was the dream he believed would never happen and having a daughter added another layer of happiness in his heart he didn't think was possible. Had his mother felt like this after his birth? The unwavering love and protectiveness over her tiny child? Caroline's right arm rested over the bassinet in her own form of protection while she slept. She refused to take her eyes off Cora but he convinced her to sleep while he stayed awake.

Catherine opted to stay overnight in their guest room, similarly to how she had done with Martha's first night as a new mother. Everything was new and though her own mother tried her best with Catherine, neither was in a financially stable position to have her away from home. Now, she was able to stay with her own grown daughters while her other children ran the household without a worry. Caroline adored her mother, wishing there were more like her in the world that helped her out of bed and taught her how to tidy up after having a child. She didn't feel like herself at all after the birth and after a few shed tears in the bathroom, Catherine encouraged her it would all be better day by day.

Cora whimpered in her sleep, twitching her closed hands against the air, and breathed deeply. Withdrawing further into her cozy white wool blanket, she snuggled into her slumber once more. He smiled fondly, enjoying every little movement from his daughter, and reached down with his right hand to rub her tiny left hand with his pinkie finger. It poked out from the wool blanket and he was in awe to the resilience in her fragile form when she clung onto his finger. He didn't want to wake her prematurely and rested his hand in the crib to let her hold onto him, not that he minded at all. He would never let her go until Cora decided it was time.

Caroline stirred from her sleep as the soft sounds from their daughter beckoned her to wake. Her entire body was sore after the delivery, feeling like a rolling wagon ran her down, but she was grateful for the end of the labor pain. There was still regular cramping that Dr. White informed would occur for several days but she would take that over what she endured hours prior. After her family left, she had collapsed from exhaustion and only woke to feed her little one. Ratonhnhaké:ton slipped his finger from Cora's hand to peer over at his wife, smiling fondly at her. She returned it with a sleepy smile and wiped her eyes to mumble drowsily, "How long was I asleep?"

"About two hours, go back to sleep" he answered to let her know that they had no obligations to anyone but their family that night. He could watch over Cora with no problem while she continued recovering. Their little one would wake when she was hungry or when he checked for a soiled diaper. He was more than ready to take the reins in fatherhood with his little girl.

"You need yours as well" she pointed out since he had not slept at all and bustled repeatedly through the property to tend to it and her. He was her relentless wolf but he needed his rest as well. They could keep watch over Cora in shifts and Caroline trusted her mother to tend to the baby for an hour to give them a break. She didn't want him to become sleep deprived since Cora needed them both to stay sharp. They were over the moon in joy with her but they could not forget that their enemies still lingered outside Davenport.

"I didn't give birth" he replied matter-of-factly, reaching over to brush back her loose hair with a soft smile. She leaned into his hand when it rested on her right cheek, enjoying its warmth while he silently checked the warmth of her skin. Normal. He had two people to keep safe now, even if it meant no sleep for an entire day. He had been through worse in his travels. He prepared for this day for months and would not disappoint his family by ignoring their needs. He shifted in bed to rest his head against the wall and smiled at her, "I can sleep later."

"I don't know what time it is but the silence in the air tells me it's late" she remarked slyly at the lack of echoes emanating from the bustling town. Even the forest was quiet that night and only the sweet melodies of the crickets hiding in the grass were faint. It was a perfect first night for their baby to sleep through. She still couldn't believe their little one was no longer inside her but nestled safely in her handmade bassinet. Her husband had designed it beautifully and crafting it with his own hands made it a family heirloom to pass down with future children.

Ratonhnhaké:ton chuckled softly at her declaration because their home was closer to the quiet cove than the bustling town center. It was why they chose their homestead to live a quiet and quaint life, especially now that their first child arrived. Cora kept sleeping through the conversation between her parents and he pointed out, "We rarely hear noise, Caroline."

"Even better for her" she claimed with a perky smile, trying not to laugh to avoid triggering any cramping. She was resting her pelvic region as much as possible, still in admiration that she pushed out a living being. Childbirth was no easy challenge but finally understood what her mother meant in the pain being worth meeting her baby for the first time. Cora would grow up in her childhood town and experience the same freedom in the green hills and mountains that she and her husband traversed. She was a baby now though and Caroline smiled tenderly to dote, "She'll be surrounded by nature. Just like you and I were."

He remembered the eager redhead with pigtails wandering the dirt roads on her first week and asked, "Is that why you were the only one willing to step out of your home during the first week here?"

"Yes, I grew up with the sounds of the forest" Caroline explained at the dense woods in the rural outskirts of Glasgow. There were beautiful emerald fields as far as the eye could see when she left the woods and she was always in awe when her parents visited the city. Rivers and forests were her home from her very first memories as her father kept to logging camps and she was happy to continue that tradition. For the first time, parenthood struck her but she felt somewhat prepared for the role after caring for her bundle of siblings. The years had passed by quickly for her and she mused softly, "Martha was little and would be spooked by the howling wind and wolves in Glasgow while Amelia stuck to me. Everyone settled well here though."

"I wish she could see where we were born" he whispered solemnly since they both left their birthplaces for a broader dangerous world. If they had not, their paths would never have crossed and he would be absolutely miserable without her.

"She can see the village when she's old enough" she smiled with hope that the two could travel one day to see his homeland. Her husband was still wary about returning but she never hesitated to remind him that he worked tirelessly to keep the village safe. Regardless of how the tribe would feel, her daughter would one day have the right to visit her grandmother's birthplace. It was her birthright and they would encourage her to seek her roots. His native land was closer than hers and she shook her head at imagining her child traveling across the sea, "Not sure about Scotland."

"Maybe she'll have our sailing spirit" he proposed at the unlimited potential of their daughter. Her skin tone was closer to Caroline's than his own so he hoped she would fare better in modern colonial society than he did. If his child ever wanted to pursue a life of adventure, he would have to let her go to respect her choice but worry endlessly. Is this how Godfrey felt whenever she traveled with him before their marriage?

"She's absolutely precious" Caroline whispered at the little bundle wrapped in blankets and tried not to snort when Cora briefly covered her face with her arms. Was she trying to tune them out already? She gripped her small hands to bring them back inside the cozy blanket, earning a defiant whine as she stirred in her half-asleep state. It was time for her next feeding but Caroline wanted to slowly wake her to avoid any unnecessary crying. There would be enough of that during the diaper changes. She smiled sweetly at their daughter and told him with glee, "I can't believe we're parents. Our family is growing."

He agreed with her joy of branching their family with their first child and was relieved that the entire delivery had gone smoothly. Granted, his wife scared most of her family out of the bedroom but both she and the baby were safe. That was all he wanted after wearing trails into the grass around his homestead and hoped the grass would grow evenly rather quick. Closing his eyes as he leaned back against the wall again, he told her with a tired smile, "Marrying you felt like a dream and this is surreal. I would not change a thing."

"She's the result of our love" she piped up proudly, basking in the loving afterglow of meeting their baby. She still would not want to relieve the birthing part anytime soon. The desire for a large family had been temporarily thwarted after her experience and would have to be revisited someday. Their daughter was beautiful but both knew they had to be careful not to spoil her. They didn't have much to their names, apart from the homestead and their growing businesses, but it would all be hers. Someday, she hoped to have stronger assets to gift Cora as an inheritance since they decided to split their belongings equally among their children. She didn't want Cora to be an only child forever though so she would not be alone when they passed one day and smiled, "A living, breathing gift from our bond."

He was proud to be a father and have the opportunity to guide a new seedling in the world. Cora would be his legacy and he would teach her everything he knew (aside from his secret work) and agreed, "She will be the best of us, a seed of our best traits."

Caroline yawned into her left hand to fully wake herself for the next twenty minutes and mumbled sleepily, "All right, time to wake her for the next feeding and you will get some sleep."

Ratonhnhaké:ton had no trouble fighting back sleep and he leaned down to scoop the baby from the bassinet. Cora wiggled at being removed from her refuge and whimpered sleepily at being disturbed. He brushed a finger down her round face with affection, earning a soft coo as she tried to lean in to nibble on his finger. She was indeed ready for her next feeding and kissed her forehead in apology for accidentally tricking her. Chuckling softly, he passed her over to his eager wife and reassured her, "I will be fine."

"I have to take care of you just as you do me" she pointed out with a loving smile at keeping him in optimum health. He never hesitated or questioned helping her or providing for her so she would return that support endlessly. Both were tired after that trying day and he deserved a nap beside their daughter. Besides, her stomach would growl after she fed Cora and she would have to fetch herself something to eat from the bundle of food her family left behind. More importantly, he deserved some shut-eye after that special day and winked at him to say, "Happy birthday. May this one be your best yet."

"The best one" he spoke earnestly with joy at sharing the same day of his birth with his firstborn daughter. It was a rarity but it was another special moment he could share with his daughter when she was older.

---

16 April 1779

The first week had passed in a flash for the new parents as they dealt with caring for Cora and running their homestead. Ratonhnhaké:ton handled all of the chores to allow his wife to rest, earning a helping hand from the townsfolk. Between tending to their home and helping his wife with Cora, he was exhausted by the end of the evening. For Cora, her day was still ongoing as she woke for diaper changings and feedings. The former he could take care of but the latter left Caroline tired as she tried not to fall asleep in mid-feeding. He would often have to sit up and lean against the wall and hold her while she held Cora so none of their backs ached. Now that Cora was born, Caroline was slowly returning to her old light chores to keep her home tidy while leaving her newborn within eye's reach. The soreness in her body took a day or two to disappear but she was happy as a clam to be on the mend after nine months of carrying her baby. Cora was a dream for the new couple, even with the poop disasters, screeching, and endless feedings.

The couple did not have to worry about cooking three meals a day since her family and the town dropped off food for them. They were able to ration food for that first week to let them rest and fall into a new routine to care for Cora. The little newborn slept on in her new world, waking only for food, cleaning, and affection. Ratonhnhaké:ton loved every coo, whine, gurgle, and sleepy whimpers that came from her as they bonded. When she was not in the bassinet or her mother's arms, she was in his while he rested between chores and before bed. Although she was only a week old, he hoped her head full of dark hair never changed. He couldn't help but smile when Caroline rubbed both their heads affectionately whenever they were lounging together.

Cora quickly became the heart of her family as her parents tended to her every whim to keep her safe and happy. For a one-week-old baby, she was in heaven. Being the daughter of Ratonhnhaké:ton, she was already popular in town and he was happy to receive congratulations on his new baby. This meant his home was visited by the residents and gifts were dropped off to help them along in their new roles. The couple was grateful for food, drink, extra linens, and chopped wood that helped them every day. They were humbled by the outpour of kindness by their neighbors but everyone reminded them how they never hesitated to help the town. All of Davenport awaited the arrival of Cora and they would help her parents with anything they needed.

Caroline's family had dropped by to make dinner so they could all share a meal together, which almost put the redhead in tears. She missed having dinners with everyone present just as she had as a young girl and it brought nostalgia that overwhelmed her emotional state. Elizabeth and Samuel easily made her forget any sadness and remain cheerful with reminders of how they would squabble for space when they were teenagers. Catherine was happy to cater to her whole family as her little children had now become independent young adults and her grandchildren were nestled in their mothers' arms. Matthew was blabbing at Cora with wiggling hands in Martha's arms while Cora watched him lazily in Caroline's arms. The women were sitting in the dining room chairs to mingle with the family but Caroline soon passed her daughter off to Ratonhnhaké:ton to let her family bond with her. Her little would return to her once it was her mealtime once again.

"I love how she's brought us all together" Caroline told her mother while Catherine stood by the roaring fireplace, keeping an eye on the bubbling chicken and vegetable stew. Matthew and Cora brought more time for reunions which made everyone happy to see each other like they had when they all lived together. She missed the laughter from her old home from her bountiful family but also appreciated the serene quiet in her new home, especially now with Cora's arrival.

Martha chuckled in agreement since her infant was curious about the new baby. Even at four months, he was attuned to Cora's cries and would whine in unison when she began. It reminded her of how Alice would cry whenever Samuel did the same when he was born. She would make sure her son had plenty of time to spend with his new cousin and admitted, "Matthew's already eager to take naps beside her."

"She really has Connor's hair, it's so soft" Alice smiled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her little ear. Babies appeared fragile to her and she didn't want a hair to be harmed on her niece. Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled at the compliment of their matching hair as his daughter peered at him with her stormy eyes. He tickled her soft belly but it only stirred her legs to kick at him and a pout to form on her lips. Her pink attire betrayed her offended expression and he rubbed the sole of her covered left foot. This, however, caused her to draw in her leg and earned a half-curious gurgle.

How could he not love the tiny Cora? Even when she screamed, he would do his best to cheer her up and end her crying spells. Usually, that meant food, a clean diaper, or being held. He noted that his lullabies in his native language soothed her faster than simply speaking to her. Amelia peered down at the wriggling baby and smiled brightly to compliment, "She really has all of your features together so far."

Caroline chuckled to the fawning since she was only a week old and enthralling everyone. They had been the same with Matthew and were still fascinated with every milestone he reached. All her siblings circled around her husband while her father finished arranging the new pile of chopped wood beside their fireplace. It would save them a trip in the early morning and Godfrey had plenty of energy to handle chores on their homestead on his day off. Caroline was delighted for the family bonding in her home, gazing at her smiling husband, and smiled sweetly, "She's perfect. They're my world."

She treasured the never-ending support and could never see herself living far from her loved ones. Times were changing with the ongoing war but she hoped they could stay there all together for years to come. Like her mother, she wanted to see the new generation grow and thrive in Davenport just as they had. Traveling was fun for her now but relocating her daughter to different cities could make her long for stability and was not ideal for raising a family. She looked between her siblings and her mother with a hopeful smile to admit, "I'd love for all our children to play here. You'd be swamped with little hands, mother."

"I would welcome them all" she smiled proudly to bask in her new role as a grandmother. Piling freshly sliced bread into a basket, she placed it on the table to begin setting the table for dinner. Martha and Amelia had already set down plates for their large family, which was only growing larger. They had started as a large family of eight that now grew with the addition of Patrick down the road in his homestead, Walter with his marriage to Martha, and Ratonhnhaké:ton with his marriage to Caroline. Catherine was expecting Michael to become the newest addition and was aware that Patrick was keen on Ruth while Elizabeth was trying to ignore Clipper but failing miserably. Nonetheless, her children were all happy and that was what mattered most.

"They will never tire of all our bedtime stories" her father laughed jovially since his children enjoyed the nightly stories after dinner. Caroline, Elizabeth, and Samuel clung to his words on adventurous tales of his youth and travels through the colonies. It was a pastime he missed now as a father but his three children and nephew would find time to make a campfire outdoors for a new tradition. With Caroline's current state of healing, their bimonthly tales were put on hold. Still, he would have even more stories for his grandchildren to know about.

"It's been a tradition since Glasgow" Patrick agreed with a friendly smile, nodding at Caroline, who chuckled at the memory. She and Patrick were the first of their generation to hear his stories but back then, they were of his youth and the forests around them. Once her family departed Scotland, she was eager to continue the storytime in the logging camps. Her sisters usually scattered to find their mother but it was only until Elizabeth's birth that she found a new buddy to partake in the storytelling with their father.

Martha stood up to hand Matthew over to her husband, who was hypnotized with Cora like all the others. At seeing his smiling rosy-cheeked baby, he scooped him up to take over for his wife. She appreciated his help so she could assist her mother with setting dinner by grabbing the bowls to begin filling them with soup. Catherine stepped aside to accept the extra hand and asked her oldest with a motherly smile, "Are you doing all right?"

"Tired but better each day" she answered honestly since the frequent wake-up calls from Cora wore her out. She didn't mind spending time with her daughter during nighttime feedings but the disrupted sleep meant she was sleepy during daytime. Compared to childbirth, she would take the lack of sleep and the horrid pelvic cramping from the first few days had dulled considerably. She rubbed her eyes before yawning aloud, covering her mouth with embarrassment for the slip, and told her mother, "I love Cora but I don't know how you did it with all of us. I think I might be satisfied with her alone."

Catherine brushed her hair back with a tender hand since the first week of new parenthood was an abrupt change and smiled with a mischievous glint in her eye, "You can't control all the forces of nature, dear. Just remember to take it easy and always have a reputable doctor or midwife."

Caroline would poke Ratonhnhaké:ton with a stick to keep him at bay if it meant no babies in their near future. She wanted to focus solely on watching their daughter grow in her first formative years rather than adding another child to juggle. Staying at Ratonhnhaké:ton's side during missions would change drastically now but her husband always managed to escape sticky situations. She didn't want her role as a mother to compete with the wife and Assassin roles that were deeply enmeshed with protecting him. Her rumination was interrupted when Alice laughed aloud to declare with glee about Cora, "Oh, look! She yawned."

"She does a lot of that and crying" Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled fondly and squeezed his daughter's tiny right hand. Her entire limb fit in his palm and treasured that delicate nature of his baby. Eventually, she would grow just like Caroline did. Her fingers instantly latched onto his with a curious coo, tugging at his finger, and he joked, "She's also incredibly strong."

"Of course, with a man like you and a strong Burnett, that child is strong as a buffalo" Godfrey laughed with pride and clapped him on the back with enthusiasm. He had no doubt that the children from the couple would be stout and headstrong individuals like their parents. They also had survivalist grandparents that nurtured that drive in Cora's parents. With a strong bloodline from both sides, Godfrey knew Cora and any future siblings would do just fine. Like his wife, he was happy to see the couple joyous with their first daughter and told him, "I've never been prouder of you and my Carrie."

"Thank you" he smiled with gratitude for the fatherly words and met his gaze with Caroline's. The adoration in her eyes never faded and neither would his own, peering down at their beloved Cora. She would now be a new seedling to love and nurture before unleashing her potential into the world, no longer bound to the safety of her mother's womb. He would always protect each and every one of his children until his dying day. Running the back of his hand across her soft hair, he spoke softly with nostalgia, "It seems long ago that Caroline and I played like children yet here we are with one of our own."

Cora kicked her little legs out as she began to fuss for being overstimulated by all the happy voices. Her young mind did not capture the reason for all the noise and preferring to nap now, she whined to be left alone to slumber. Caroline couldn't help but hold back a smile at her fussy newborn but Ratonhnhaké:ton knew what to do for their daughter. His little newborn whimpered when he held her over his right shoulder and rubbed her back in circles to soothe her. Her closed fists gently rapped his shoulder in weak defiance but she quickly found the physical caress comfortable compared to simply being held. He spoke gently in his native tongue and Cora calmed to the soothing notes in his voice, snuggling against her father to relax with soft exhales from her tiny nose.

Godfrey chuckled as he remembered doing the same in Gaelic to Caroline and sighed aloud in fond remembrance, "That brings back memories with Carrie. My girls are no longer so little."

"We'll always be your daughters, boban" Elizabeth reassured him because he was irreplaceable just as their mother. She and her parents missed the presence of her older sisters but they knew it was only a matter of time before everyone left their homestead. None of them hesitated to remind him that they would never be forgotten.

Caroline smiled sadly since her days as a young girl were long gone and smiled at her husband to say, "She's probably sleepy. It's all she does besides eating and soiling her undergarments."

The family took this as their cue to disperse and Caroline stood up to approach her husband with a blue blanket to cover their dozing daughter. The blanket hooded over her head to provide shade to fall asleep and it was hard not to see Ratonhnhaké:ton reflecting from her. Her round cheeks were flattened against his shoulder while her face sought warmth against his neck, ignoring the world around her once more.

"All right, let's sit down and eat dinner" Amelia called out to usher everyone to the table and allow the new parents to settle down the baby. Caroline spotted the wicker bassinet laying on one of the wooden benches and retrieved the light crib to bundle Cora inside. They had not tried a cradleboard yet since Caroline was staying indoors and she could carry Cora in the small bassinet with ease. Their daughter didn't mind the basinet one bit and always fell asleep instantly after being tightly swaddled by her father.

"I've missed get-together's like this" Samuel piped up happily since the old family dynamics of his childhood were long gone. He didn't get to complain about Martha anymore or tag along Caroline on her woodland adventures. Meals like this were all he had to remember their old times together and he was happy to have them. If his older sister ever moved away, their family would not be the same.

Placing the basinet on the wooden armchair behind them, the arms of the chair secured it and allowed Ratonhnhaké:ton to place Cora inside. Her hands rose into the air at the loss of stability and firm comfort for slumber. Her stormy eyes opened briefly while her head moved side to side to find her father again. He wrapped her snugly in her blue blanket to keep her cozy and imitate being held to lull her into sleep. He and Caroline were hungry after bumbling around the home to keep it running smoothly while caring for Cora. Some dinners were interrupted when she required feedings and Caroline hoped she would be settled long enough for her to have a few bites of her food. If he needed to, Ratonhnhaké:ton would offer to feed his wife while she fed their child.

"Can we come back tomorrow?" Alice asked her mother as she helped to pass around the bowls of hot soup. Everyone was free to grab bread from the basket and dab on salted butter for a smooth herby taste. They all managed to squeeze around the rectangular table, using extra chairs and stools to make room for everyone. Only Cora and Matthew did not require a seat but in their parent's arms while eleven seats were taken at the table. Well, it would be eleven once Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton returned.

Catherine chuckled softly since it was not her place to say and pointed to the new parents to remind her, "Don't ask me, ask your sister and brother-in-law."

Caroline had no issue with her siblings staying over and they had become a tremendous help in the last months. She knew all of them were busy with work and chores so she would gladly accept the time they could offer to see her family. Cora was too little to understand the fuss over her but Caroline was happy for the love emitted from her family of origin. She turned around to smile at her youngest sister and assured her with a merry laugh, "You're more than welcome to see Cora but don't mind me if I'm asleep."

"Time for your basinet while ista and rakeni eat" Ratonhnhaké:ton instructed their daughter as her little arms kept waving to find his warm shoulder again. He rocked the bassinet gently and hummed to her to lull her back into sleep. She calmed at the rhythmic movement and yawned silently, her arms dropping gently beside her head. With the lack of sound around her, she was finally able to enjoy the silence.

"It's time to sleep, yes, it is" Caroline cooed softly and brushed her hand over her round head. Their daughter eyed them drowsily as her eyes fought to stay awake but she was losing the battle terribly. The couple smiled fondly at Cora, every little movement drawing awe and love from them. She was thriving well in her first week and Caroline would do her best to continue that development with ample feedings. With that in mind, she promised her with a motherly smile, "I will greet you later tonight, my dear."

Ratonhnhaké:ton tucked her hands under the snug blankets to settle her down, smiling when she stilled with a soft content exhale. Little by little, he was becoming familiar with the happy and unhappy signals from Cora. Hopefully, she would slumber for an hour while he and his wife ate a good meal from Catherine's skilled hands. He would return to her with Caroline and whispered softly of his promise, "It's all right, my little heart. We will not be far."

Their daughter settled into her warm bedding with another soft exhale and finally closed her eyes to dream.

---

In the far future . . .

"How do you do it, rakeni?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton glanced away from the enchanting white glow of the full moon to gaze at his oldest daughter. The two were enjoying the cool summer evening on the log bench on the porch of their home. In the fall, he had grown used to seeing his children bundle into cozy throws to spend time outside. Nowadays, they all tumbled outside to create a human mountain by piling onto the closest bench. Cora wore a casual cotton green dress to avoid sweating profusely during the daytime with her long raven hair pulled into a neat bun. Her oval face, bright eyes, and freckled cheeks reminded him greatly of his wife and he asked calmly, "Do what?"

"Everything!" Cora answered with admiration for his leading ability, wishing she could attain his level of mastery one day. The young woman still couldn't believe her father led the Assassin's Order from adolescence while she simply entered it in her youth as a recruit. Sure, she learned from her parents from the moment she could walk but they tried to keep their work secret until she stumbled upon it. At her age, he was already married with a homestead while she still lived at home with them. Her parents never attempted to shoo any of their children away and she treasured that kindness. She shrugged noncommittally, trying to vocalize her own vulnerabilities at reaching the success of her parents, and told him, "Make decisions and hope it all turns out well. Dealing with fallout and criticism when missions don't go well. Remembering not to let go of what you're fighting for."

He never worried about his eldest daughter after watching her interactions with people. Sure, she had a bit of dry sarcasm inherited by his father and her aunt Elizabeth. However, her sharp skills on the field and extensive travels provided a world's view similar to his own decades prior. He had not traveled to other countries in his youth but his daughter benefited from meeting other cultures and people. She was far more level-headed than himself, taking after Caroline, which was ideal for a leader. She preferred sneaking and planning carefully like her rather than charging forward like himself.

"I have lived through many conflicts in my life that it has become second nature" he confessed, ruminating over the losses and wins in his life. For him, ending the Templar threat and being able to live his life with his family was enough. Though he hoped for a better society, he no longer believed it was a short-term plan but a long road that he would likely not witness. His daughter, however, was walking through a similar road now in her own journey and he advised, "You will learn through time and experience. I will not lie and say there will not be heartbreak."

"I don't want to lose people" Cora admitted quietly, not accustomed to leadership over a team but wandering on her own. She understood why her paternal grandfather chose such a path to prevent needless casualties and to ensure that any failures were her own responsibility. She did not want to risk the lives of others if a plan went awry and bear the burden of blame. Like her father, however, she believed in the best in society by being an example of her ideals.

"It is never easy" her father stated easily on unfortunate deaths, choosing to focus on their accomplishments. There wasn't a day that he had not worried about Caroline and Elizabeth. Now, he worried over Cora though he tried to keep it internalized to avoid worrying her. It was a natural parental instinct that he felt over all his children but he saw the same burning gleam of adventure growing in his second daughter. He could not shelter Cora from the harshness of the world any longer and sighed softly, "All you can do is hope and plan your best. Always have a backup plan, I learned that from your mother."

Her brow furrowed at the conundrum of forming bonds of friendship, only to lose them for her own mistakes. It was a great burden to carry but her parents managed to handle it well – at least on the surface. Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled sympathetically at his pensive daughter and placed his right hand over her head to snap her out of it. Her blue eyes shifted from intense focus to dull amusement to the old childhood move whenever her mental wheel required a stop. Her father spoke gently with wisdom that she hoped to achieve someday, "You don't always have to be a lone wolf. I know that better than anyone."

Cora nodded silently with appreciation for the words but leaned over a second later to hug her father tightly with a fond smile.

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A/N: Apologies for lapsing on updating on my monthly schedule but I recently lost my beloved dog of 15 years which was devastating and put me in a funk for a bit and other life deadlines didn't make that easier. Anyway, this chapter has culminated in the arrival of Cora who will ultimately carry on her father's work and like her mother, protect her siblings. Connor and Caroline will treasure her but they will also have to release her into the world to realize her potential one day like they once did. She will have a lot of her dad in his ideals but there's a touch of Haytham in her that the other children won't have, which will lead to humorous squabbles with her younger sister, who is very much her father's female copy. For now, however, she will be a baby for a few chapters.

Thank you for the new alerts and follows, as well as for the last chapter reviews!

ThyDevoutBeliever: Thank you! Now that Cora has been born, he will try to be a good person - at least, as a grandpa - while he continues his self-reflection in the Templar Order. With Cora's presence and Caroline's heckling that everyone get along, he might finally start to listen. Connor, on the other hand, isn't holding his breath and will try to kick him out of the house every time he visits.

East Coast Captain: Haytham is quite complex and no character truly unravels that depth. Cora, although small for this era of the story, will try to push past and see him as her grandfather rather than a Templar (at least until she's much older). I don't know why I am thinking of imaginary tea parties between them with Connor hiding somewhere nearby to protect Cora. I do plan of having Cora in that area, to both learn and meet Arno while having her go to England and meet her great-aunt. There's a lot of AC lore in Europe for her to tap into.

iHateFridays: There will be shenanigans every time Connor and Haytham are in the same scenes.

IcyAltheon: I won't lie and say I haven't thought of exploring a Cora/Arnor team up against Shay. After everything Connor went through and being lied to by both Haytham and Washington, I think he's out of cares to give about Caroline's identity. Haha. It also put to rest his desire to tell the commander the truth which showed that both Achilles and Caroline were right in determining who to trust. You have a great idea of Connor's supporters and his legal documentation helping with Davenport's establishment. And thank you for the PM, it was appreciated!

Next Chapter Excerpt:

Nobody said parenthood would be easy but Ratonhnhaké:ton was ready to rank it high as eliminating a strong Templar. Their baby decided to sleep more during the day and awake at night, disrupting his sleep cycle since he refused to let Caroline stay awake alone. He would hold her to support whatever feeding position Cora desired and keep his wife comfortable. The feedings were numerously endless and he had taken the side job of a wash maid for her little clothes. He loved his daughter endlessly so he would bear all of it, even the soiled diapers. It just meant his baby was thriving and growing day by day.

Whenever a cry erupted in the night, he would investigate for a soiled diaper before rocking her to sleep. If it worked, he and Caroline cheered silently before returning to bed to snore like hibernating bears. Most of the time, however, she was a hungry girl. The first month felt terribly long, mainly because they attempted to switch Cora's sleeping habits to normal human hours. True, it was wonderful to do housework and chores when she slept soundly but they required sleep at night as well. Thankfully, the Templars kept quiet and he wondered if it was on his father's order after he realized his wife's pregnancy. Or was he being lulled into a false sense of security? Suspecting the latter, Clipper kept a closer eye on Davenport now that summer arrived. Elizabeth was able to hold her own as a new recruit but she would not travel outside the town without either himself or Clipper.

Caroline swore she used Cora's diapers as soon as she pulled them off the clothesline. Her little one was still cute as a button and getting plumper with her ravenous feedings. She did not mind that part and enjoyed snuggling her after each feeding to bond with her. Her hair still matched her father's and her stormy eyes were clearing to resemble a pale blue. She had been fetching another set of squeaky clean diapers off the clothesline when her husband's yells caused her to dash back into their home rapidly.

What had caused him such a reaction? Her heart thudded rapidly in her chest as she ran fretfully for the first time in half a year. Her footsteps thundered over the porch steps as she entered her home and ran straight to the rear of the cabin when she didn't see her husband in the main room. She expected something awful had happened to their dear child but Ratonhnhaké:ton was the victim. She found him in their bedroom with the front of his brown flannel shirt covered in . . . baby poop. Cora, meanwhile, cooed innocently from her spot on the changing table.

Caroline stared in bewilderment that she had run desperately for this and tried not to grin when her husband groaned miserably, "She was like a cannon! She exploded and . . . oh, I need to change."

She took his spot at the changing table to change her little one and watched Cora coo happily as she tried to reach for her mother. Ratonhnhaké:ton hastily left the room, practically ripping the buttons off his shirt to change swiftly in the bathroom. Their daughter was blissfully ignorant to what she'd done to her poor father and Caroline smiled sweetly as she cleaned her up, "You are a handful, my little Cora. You've made an Assassin flee the battle and not just any Assassin, mind you."

Cora merely wiggled her legs with glee while her mother tidied her up and focused on her right hand to nibble on it. Her eyesight was more focused on items now compared to her first week and her hands were the newest fancy. She and Ratonhnhaké:ton had to frequently pry a fisted hand away to prevent her from turning her skin red. Caroline couldn't help but chuckle at his frantic yell and hoped she wouldn't bear the same attack soon. She could only imagine if she had a son instead and her husband was splashed with a urine stream.

Nonetheless, her father proudly carried her after being tidied up to see the beautiful fields of Davenport. With summer in full bloom, the gorgeous blanket of colorful flowers covering the hills were perfect for a leisurely stroll. Gazing from the northern hills out into the cove was a warming sight since their little cabin was faintly visible under the cover of the trees around the shore. His chores would take longer that day with his stroll but his Cora came first. Her merry blue eyes were lighter than her mother's but she was a stunning little baby that never took her eyes off him. The little white bonnet that Caroline placed over her head made her eyes bright like sapphires. He couldn't be prouder of his first child!

He would visit Achilles with Cora every week since she would brighten up his day now that age caught up to him. She was a fond reminder to the old man that Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline had been the first children of Davenport. They never hesitated in helping him, especially during the cold and hot seasons, and he couldn't help but see them as his extended family. He may not have Abigail and Connor anymore but Cora reminded him of his first year as a father which were joyous days. Ratonhnhaké:ton was happy to see his mentor bond with Cora by reading to her while he tidied up the manor for him. His mother always lingered in his thoughts whenever he wandered between Godfrey and Achilles but she would've loved his little Cora as well as he did - she did inherit his freckles.

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Thank you for reading and stay safe out there!