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.

82. The Kenway Family

Music Inspiration: Hans Zimmer- "One Day"

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The Kenway Family

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25 November 1783

The team arrived in New York with an air of confidence that was nonexistent years prior. Cora was more excited about traveling by sea than landing in the familiar city. She had been nervous about travelling out of Davenport for the first time but now, it had become second nature. Having her family beside her set any fears of strangers at ease, especially after seeing her parents lead a ship to port. They could do anything at this point! Ratonhnhaké:ton was relieved at his daughter's unyielding curiosity rather than resentment or fear for traveling again. He hoped she retained happy memories from that year rather than harbor negative ones.

Unfortunately, the joy of watching the English leave the new shores of America was short-lived. Cora was far too fascinated with the departing ships and cheering to notice what her parents did. Further down the port, the slave trade sales were currently open despite mere meters down people were celebrating their own freedom in a bitter irony. He did not want Cora to grow up believing such heinous acts were acceptable or normal which is why he treasured the diversity of their small town. She would likely experience a form of mistrust when she spoke in his native tongue but her appearance would allow her to blend among colonials as she took on her mother's features.

"Welcome to the new United States of America" Elizabeth stated dryly as the new country offered freedom to a select group of people, despite the aid received by the winning side. Even though she was included in that group based on the color of her skin, her gender was still not on equal footing. Her brother-in-law assisted in the rebellion but he was still viewed as lesser despite his bravery.

"At least Massachusetts outlawed slavery" Clipper reasoned on the bright side so their state was open to escaped slaves now without fear of recapture. The downside was that the new freedom was tied with the lowest paid wages as they became less than equal to white indentured servants. Still, the escaped slaves preferred to choose their own labor and define their new life rather than being forced to live under the rules of another.

It was not a perfect world but there were enough people protesting injustices to make gradual changes. The abolishment of slavery in their state was a start and she hoped others would follow the example to a new realm of ethical conduct. She had never viewed others as lesser, especially after growing up poor, and considered herself fortunate to have friends from diverse cultures. The next generation deserved a fairer world than the one before and Caroline told them, "We might not change the world in one day but we can cause ripples."

"We may have finished two wars but this one will fester through the years" Elizabeth spoke somberly as the fight for independence was won but now, the new country had to prove itself as a growing power. England was a powerful empire that held its own allies and enemies so America would have to skirt around its own similar pool. The wounds were still fresh on either side so she had no idea how the economy would function now that England pulled out its financial strength. They had already begun making their own currency but would it be sustainable? Slavery had been a source of income for the southern colonies and they would likely squeeze their property even more with threats if they dared to seek freedom north. They would not risk a drop in revenue now that the economical impact of the war was still unknown.

"We will aid those we can to travel north to freedom" Ratonhnhaké:ton informed his team since he would not allow any human being to be under the control of another. It was a despicable act and he wondered how the other colonies saw no comparison between themselves and the slaves after achieving freedom from England. He refused to be belittled by anyone and would teach his children the same to prevent anyone from believing such thinking was correct. Cora was too little to understand how slavery worked but she nodded agreeably when he advised her carefully, "Nobody should be a slave."

"Let us lend a hand" Clipper told his fiancée with a witty smile to help the poor families that were being torn apart for the sake of money. He did not condone such actions, especially after living in an oppressive household, and Elizabeth agreed with a silent nod. Without a child in tow, they were free to roam and intervene for the innocent much like their mentors had once been.

Before the two departed for their little mission, Samuel followed with curiosity and piped up, "Can I help?"

Caroline's maternal alarm rang at having Elizabeth take Samuel under her wing in a city far from home. She was not looking to invoke the rage of their mother if anything happened to the only son of their family. While her little sister was capable of handling herself in the world, Samuel was still learning just as she had at that tender age. He could hold his own in a fight but the area was unknown to him if they needed a quick escape. Given that Clipper was with her, she entrusted him to keep her redheads in check and told the couple firmly, "Do not get him in trouble."

Their trip was meant to be uneventful, given that Cora and Samuel were civilians, and Elizabeth reassured her sister, "It will be fine. Clipper and I will make sure of it."

The two redheads ran off into the crowd to disappear in the throngs of people but Clipper was hot on their trail. He was not about to let either of the two fall into trouble and Caroline's shoulders slumped at her mischievous siblings. Is this how her mother felt all those years ago with her? Her fingers tightened over Cora's small hand while the young girl was far too enthralled with the frenzied movements of celebration off to her left. She had only seen such festivities when her townsfolk decided to dance after their reunion dinner, stirring shyness in her heart at their energy.

Her blue eyes switched from the dancing and whooping crowds to the right where a plume of gray smoke erupted. She huddled closer between her parents for protection but her mother was not alarmed by the sight, calming her sudden unease. Caroline saw the smokebombs disperse the crowd gathered at the slave auction, shrouding the poor slaves to grant them time to escape their captors. When she failed to spot a hint of red hair within the thinning crowd, she breathed in relief at their success. Clipper would undoubtedly aid the slaves to one of the underground tunnels spread throughout the city while Elizabeth continued the distraction.

They all had a rendezvous point to reunite in case they became separated but she really hoped they wouldn't have to use it this soon. Despite the war being over, there were plenty of conflicts to diffuse after experiencing the first with the slave trade. At some point, the native-colonial antagonism would resurface with western expansion and the situation was still tense between colonials that supported the crown against those who did not. It was a new dawn but the beginning would be shaky as everyone learned to stand on their own again. The question was how each individual would define their own character in the changing world.

Haytham approached young family from behind, bored by the spectacle on both sides, and flatly questioned, "Are you all done sightseeing for now?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton hoped the months between them would soften his father in the smallest portion but that hope was painfully short lived. He did not want to engage with him unless it was absolutely necessary but it could not be avoided today. Cora was more than happy to see her grandfather, releasing her mother's hand to scamper over to clutch onto his hand with a welcoming smile. Caroline did not like using her child as a bargaining chip but she did notice Haytham was more amiable when she was involved. The problem with Ratonhnhaké:ton's village had been divulged to Haytham through his own channels shortly after the war ended so he engaged his son through letters about the situation. They agreed to meet in New York where the issue originated for the disputed lands and Ratonhnhaké:ton narrowed his gaze to point out coolly, "We were watching your departing English."

"I may be English but the crown is my farthest allegiance" Haytham shot back snippily at having any loyal ties to his birth nation after decades of traveling abroad. He had lived in the colonies longer than his wayward son existed so he was not leaving anytime soon. Now that he had a granddaughter and an Order to rebuild, his roots would be even deeper in American soil. He smiled fondly at Cora before pinning his son with a wry glance to point out firmly, "Just because you claim independence, it does not make you any less English in blood."

Cora carried a variety of bloodlines from both the Old and New World as she became the face of the first American. She was born towards the end of the Revolutionary War but her parents lived through it, retaining those firsthand accounts for her one day. For her sake, Haytham hoped there would not be another war lurking down the road. Otherwise, his son would be pouting for another decade. Caroline was not aiming for another father-son quarrel, much less in public, and cleared her throat to remark, "Can we save the arguing for the lawyers?"

Haytham reluctantly agreed to the standstill, dropping the matter, but Ratonhnhaké:ton glared when he added in hastily, "I still have a few choice words for your founding fathers."

"Mr. Kenway" Caroline admonished politely with clenched teeth because they hadn't even begun walking to city hall. She held out her hand for Cora to rejoin her and her daughter pouted slightly before obeying her. Why couldn't she run freely between her family? Her fingers wrapped around Cora's a little more tightly to keep her child rooted to her, aware that Haytham was still a Templar.

"Fine" he sighed dramatically to dismiss the matter and turned around to head deeper into the business district. Why did people refuse to listen to him despite his decades of stellar experience? The outcome of the privileged few was still advantageous in the supposed new nation while the poor were still poor. His son fell prey to their dreams of freedom when his aid allowed them to progress faster than without it. Despite that, he was still not on equal footing. He would not say it in front of Cora and Ratonhnhaké:ton stepped back instinctively when his father dove towards him like an annoyed rooster to lecture, "Like I warned years ago, Washington would need capital to fund this new economy after the war and your mother's lands are now the prize pick."

Ratonhnhaké:ton conceded that he was now stuck with his father no matter what he tried and walked forward to create distance between himself and Cora. While the smaller girl tried to keep up with his steps, Caroline kept her stuck beside her skirt to keep the men's conversation private. Her husband did not want Cora exposed to their secret life now that the war was over and she would happily keep her from it. There was no need for her to know of that part of their past until she was much older. The two fell behind, much to Cora's disappointment, and Ratonhnhaké:ton informed his father firmly, "But we have his written agreement for those lands."

"This will help, yes, but the man requires money to rebuild" Haytham stated bitterly since his son did not achieve anything more concrete than the man's signature. At least it was something. Otherwise, it would be their word against a general's and they would become the joke of the day. Land was the new hot commodity now that the colonies had free reign of government and the highest bidder would be providing for the new treasury. The men in power or those clawing to have a chance at it were the ones to benefit from the 'unclaimed' land. He had seen this outcome years ago when he first arrived in the colonies and chastised his son, "Have you seen his Mt Vernon estate? Full of slaves and you think he will give you native lands out of the kindness of his heart?"

"I aided their revolution" Ratonhnhaké:ton pointed out vehemently for his work in battlefields, tracking down provisions, and naval missions. He had worked with the rebellion despite his clan's disapproval in the hope that it would aid them and stop the Templars.

"This is why I ordered you to question everything" his father shot back matter-of-factly at his blind loyalty to the side that treated him nicely. There was a motive behind everything in life and kindness was rare in the world, at least in his experiences. The only innocent parties were children but that optimistic rose-colored naivety was soon destroyed by harsh reality. His assumption that the end of the war would open the new unclaimed land to the American citizens paid off when the advertisements began to be printed. Even from his home in Virginia, he was able to buy a portion of the land by selling what he had left in England. He would not be returning anytime soon and Ziio's land would be given to Cora upon his death. Everything at his disposal would be hers as his legacy and he aimed to make it a positive one after tarnishing his chance with Connor.

Ratonhnhaké:ton scowled at the reprimand but he reluctantly accepted his shortsightedness about the rebellion. He had granted them aid and it wasn't until his wife drafted the contract for the village and Davenport that he understood her concern for the future. If they did not have that paper, nobody would likely believe him. Haytham and Achilles chastised him about yelling from rooftops so he had to be smarter now, especially with a family to protect. Cora depended on him for her future and he glared at his father when he boasted proudly, "Given that I am the purchaser of a good portion of the land, it will help us in the argument. Cora will be the one inheriting her grandmother's lands and she has a stronger birthright than yourself right now."

"If your aim is to make me dislike you again, it's working" he snapped coldly at raising an invisible barrier once more against the man. He was not the easiest man to hold a conversation with and wondered repeatedly what his mother saw in him. Would Cora one day wonder about him and Caroline? No, they were a cohesive team and never lied to one another.

"Good, trust no one" Haytham agreed coolly to keep his head on straight rather than believing anyone's random dribble. His son was tenacious like his mother but he held a softer heart with the world. It was an admirable trait but anyone could take advantage of that good nature, which the rebels had by enlisting his aid but keeping it hushed. He would not have his family deceived, even if his words incited them, and he told him, "Except your wife. She has common sense."

Haytham rarely trusted anyone and despite his son tried to forge a relationship, he admitted to not making it easy. Even from his own viewpoint, it was simply a transaction that would have benefited him and the Templars. The ironclad bond between Caroline and Connor was not one he had witnessed in his lifetime, even with his own parents. The two defended each other fiercely and did not allow anyone to question their loyalty. Haytham was satisfied that he found someone to rely on instead of having the entire world break him apart, a boon he was not privy to in his life.

"Gentlemen, can we enter the building and complain to them now?" Caroline questioned calmly to keep the family infighting to a minimum and focus on the larger target. She wanted her husband to have a somewhat decent relationship with Haytham since he would be around for a while now. They couldn't exactly say they would visit a grave like they did back in 1781. Cora was also a happy camper in having two grandfathers that scared people away easily, just like her parents. The family approached the stone steps leading up to the brick three-floor building and she told them, "I would rather we be a united front."

"Yes, I am in need of a battle" Haytham declared airily to take the lead on this family venture to make sure they succeeded. This was no time for softheartedness but cold calculation to win the land that was rightfully Ziio's. Now that there was no need to fight for one's life, his days were dreadfully boring. This would be the highlight of his week before returning southbound again and promised his unenthused son, "You will have your mother's lands, even if I have to break in and sabotage everything."

Ratonhnhaké:ton refrained from sighing at his bluntness, glad nobody was nearby to hear them. Crossing his arms, he spoke with a firm expression, "Please don't teach our daughter that."

"It could be one of many grandpapa and Cora adventures" his father reasoned easily because he refused to have his granddaughter be a dunce. Nobody would take advantage of her once he taught her everything he knew. She did not come from a normal civilian family so her upbringing would bear a different education. He shook his head at the thought of her being a simpleton and squandering her potential, chastising the couple, "She has to learn stealth somewhere."

"Pop-Pop adventures!" Cora cheered perkily at continuing the family reunion to another colony to sightsee. She waved her left fist into the air to show her enthusiasm for their unity and Caroline withheld a sigh, wishing her daughter's excitement would truly bring them together. The fracture between Haytham and Ratonhnhaké:ton was a chasm that required serious repair.

Haytham winced slightly at the dreaded nickname that refused to fade and sighed under his breath, "Still a work in progress."

"Can you return these lands to her?" Ratonhnhaké:ton questioned skeptically because his father made many claims in the past that proved false. His childhood home was dear to him as one of the last connections to his mother and he wanted Cora to be able to visit that homeland. After everything he endured in both wars, he wanted to salvage something for Cora and any future children of his.

Haytham scoffed at being undermined in his skills and reassured him, "I will do my best or -"

"Please don't utter anything illegal" Caroline interjected hastily before he taught any further bad manners for Cora. She was no longer a toddler but an impressionable child that would remember all this one day. As a mother, she had to shield her from the unsavory bits of their family drama. Now she understood why her own mother shooed her and her siblings indoors whenever her father created a ruckus outdoors.

"You two are dreadfully dull" Haytham sighed dismally but they were doing a better job than his own parents. He refused to have his son perish in saving Cora back in Monmouth for his own inaction against Lee, avoiding repeating the past. There was already enough tragedy in each generational line and they were all working together to prevent the same from occurring in Cora's. Caroline would be teaching her eldest to care for her future siblings to keep their family tight and to never turn on one another.

"We prefer living" Ratonhnhaké:ton corrected tightly on living a simple and humble life rather than plunging into danger. He was no longer a boy trying to save the world but a man protecting his family from a dangerous world. Haytham turned away to ascend the steps but acknowledged his son's decision would indeed keep him alive longer.

"Come along, let me unleash my eloquent fury on the reception desk instead of you" Haytham ushered hastily to start the debate on the disputed lands. He would not sugarcoat anything and would verbally dive for the jugular to get his way. His son would learn how to win a battle with wit and evidence . . . and flash a weapon if the need called for it. With that in mind, he glanced down at his granddaughter and instructed her carefully, "Cora, stay beside your mother at all times."

Caroline clutched her daughter close to her side, creating space between the men again, but quietly asked her husband, "Are we ready for a legal battle?"

"It will be far less painful but tediously boring" Haytham assured the couple with a dismissive wave of the hand. After the brutalities they had witnessed, this would be a walk in the park. Legal battles were not won easily and were lengthy if both sides would not compromise. On their end, they would not withdraw until the lands were secured in their favor and he told them cheerfully, "It will be the first Kenway family fight!"

With that said, he opened the heavy double doors to hold one open for the trio. Ratonhnhaké:ton glanced at him with skepticism for his enthusiasm and told him bluntly, "Can our family not be known for fighting?"

Haytham was not having any sass from his family today and chastised him snippily, "You're far too down the generational tree to complain at this point."

He headed inside the building, his footsteps echoing as he strode confidently to the first desk in the center of the room. With a new wave of power assembling in the newly freed colonies, the state buildings were busy. Given that they held overall say over the new lands, Haytham approached the first unlucky receptionist and demanded, "You there, fetch me the most senior lawyer representing the sales of the Iroquois lands."

The blond man sitting at the table was puzzled by the newcomer's snap, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair to question with the same tone, "And you are?"

The Templar narrowed his gaze to burn through the young man for the lack of awareness and he stated sternly with a sarcastic bite, "Haytham Kenway, you backwater simpleton. The owner of half those lands and the child beside me is the rightful inheritor to all of it by blood . . . and we demand an audience."

Ratonhnhaké:ton thinned his lips for having his daughter placed in the middle and whispered tightly, "Please do not exploit my child."

"She will thank us decades from now" his father reasoned as the benefits outweighed the risk while she was young. They would do the fighting for her until she was ready to tangle with humanity alone once she came of age. She deserved to live out her childhood freely without a care, a fate not given to either men. For once, he was willing to sacrifice himself for another and it was due to her existence as a growing seed in the world. Haytham adjusted his cold gaze to the receptionist to get him moving and ordered coldly with a wave of the hand, "Go now, while you're young. We will wait."

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The Burnett-Kenway family assembled in a well-decorated office of the homestead officer in charge of the new land now being dubbed the Northwest Territories. The crowd gathered at the port to witness the departing English allowed the family to beat the crowd of interested prospectors. Ratonhnhaké:ton was simply fighting for the land that rightfully belonged to his people, especially after aiding in the fight that freed the new country. He and Haytham sat beside each other in separate chairs in front of a hardwood desk while Caroline took a seat on a plush velvety sofa at the rear of the office with Cora in tow. Her daughter was fascinated by the soft burgundy fabric, running her palms over it with a curious smile while she eyed the paintings over their heads. For a child yet to reach five years of age, Cora had traveled to numerous colonies in her short life to explore more lands than her parents combined at that age.

She paid no mind to the wiry-haired gentleman in black clothes that was attempting to shoo away her grandfather as the lawyer spouted, "I am aware the new ordinances of land purchases are a dream come true for many-"

"Spare me the spiel, I have already bought half in the valley of upstate New York" Haytham interjected swiftly with a wave of the hand to cut into the meaning of their arrival to save himself the boredom. He had pounced on the sale of the Iroquois village to save a portion of it for his granddaughter since the new government was unlikely to sell natives their own land. Even then, the tribes would find it insulting to purchase lands that had been theirs for centuries.

He would not be leaving until he made a dent in their favor to earn the rights for the land and held up the receipt of his purchase for evidence. Unlike his son that believed a verbal agreement would be enough, solid proof was needed to barter with the government. He had already bought the land so it was not a simple homestead without a certificate and pointed out, "I have my receipts of purchase after the decree in September. The issue is the remainder of the land which is rightfully native land-"

"Natives cannot own land" the lawyer interjected vehemently as if it were an abomination for anybody else to lay claim. Caroline tensed at the harsh tone but her husband would not lash out for the disrespect. She drew Cora's head to her chest, keeping a hand over her ear, mystifying the girl for the sudden action. Her heart dreaded moments like this, which would occur over the years, but she would teach her daughter to be strong against such slurs.

"Who are you to command what land is yours when your people landed like locusts on what was already ours" Ratonhnhaké:ton questioned firmly to his hypocritical stance as he leaned forward in his chair to glare heatedly at the man. It was not only himself fighting for his right for freedom but countless tribes that were living in what was their home. They did not ask for colonials to breach their shores and disrespect the land by reaping it until it laid barren, unusable for generations. Their plan was likely the same as they headed west now that the English departed with the aim to push aside the natives. He did have one thing in his favor and that was intimidation born from the colonial's innate fear of the unknown and told him bluntly, "We have lived here for countless generations, born of this earth while you sailed from across the sea as foreigners. You simply steal and cry when we defend what is ours."

Haytham tried not to smirk when the man's fair cheeks turned a scarlet red and the lawyer glared with insult, "Unruly natives have no place-"

"They saved people like you in the war" Caroline interjected calmly to lay down the facts to continue their push forward for the land. They had to put their foot in the figurative door to have a fair fight before the rights were seized by another buyer simply aching to lay a claim. Her husband had gone on risky missions for the rebels to save lives on both sides rather than prolong the fighting. She remembered the battle of Bunker Hill from her youth and digging through the rubble to seek Amelia and rescue her before she became a casualty under the siege. Many others did not have the luxury of having their loved ones return, like Amelia's husband. Her blue eyes narrowed to stare down the spindly man that had likely never lifted a rifle in his life, hidden behind the safety of his work and rank, and questioned coldly, "Where were you when the redcoats were firing bullets into the streets and raining cannonballs on rooftops that tore people apart? Were you on the front lines with him fighting to turn the tide for the Patriots or hiding in the safety of the outskirts?"

She had joined her husband in his travels for the revolution to ensure he stayed by her side. Her heart longed to live the life they dreamed in Davenport but they agreed to continue the fight for both the Assassins and the budding country of the United States. They were humble people that would not traverse the higher socials circles like Haytham did or have their names in the printing presses but they were satisfied in leaving behind a better world. Haytham, on the other hand, sought to claim what he deserved and Cora had earned the right to inherit the same lands from her grandmother than any other colonial would inherit from their own deceased parentage.

"My son aided General Washington in the war and he has a written agreement of the lands deemed for sale to be granted to him for his services" Haytham explained matter-of-factly since the fighters of the rebellion deserved some merit for their aid. Of course, current politics would try their best to omit any aid was rendered from any non-whites to bolster their image. The tendency of humankind to switch from friends to enemies overnight is why he dealt in transactional deals for fairness. His son, on the other hand, believed the best in everyone but it opened the door for betrayal. It was not a trait he wanted vanquished but sharpened to stay ahead of everyone and plan to correct or dissuade any deception. He tilted his head to the side as he tucked away his papers into his coat pocket and told the man absentmindedly, "You are selling land that is not yours. I don't mind bequeathing my purchase to him but we are here for what is her birthright. A future homestead."

The flushed-face man realized there was a small child tucked away behind them all as the redhead woman held onto her, almost hiding her. He expected to see a native child of bronze skin and hair as dark as the night to match the incensed father but the fair skinned, blue-eyed child only held dark hair. She could easily be disregarded as a white child, not one of mixed blood. He was still dubious on the claim as he gawked at the small girl and questioned Haytham, "Her?"

Cora waved innocently with a sheepish smile when she noticed the stranger's stare, unaware of the attention, and Haytham emphasized heavily, "Yes, my grandchild. An American child with rights of land ownership through citizenship."

It was easy to deny anyone that did not appear to descend from the Old World but the child threw a stick in the wheel. Relationships between white colonials with anyone outside of their society was improper and frowned upon, especially if the mother was white. If mixed-blood children began to rise despite their norms and laws, it would affect the rules of land ownership if they could pass off as white. He would not be entertaining such foolish ideas when the new colonies needed to expand its own members and disagreed tightly, "That's not how it works."

Haytham raised his brows in amusement, enjoying the flustered man's reaction at their request, and questioned, "Really? Because the law decrees residents can purchase land and given that I bought this land and my son has been granted his, there is no issue for her to claim what is hers."

The lawyer would not be swayed by words or a slip of paper and pointed out, "How do I know it's not a forgery?"

"Do you want us to bring Washington ourselves?" Ratonhnhaké:ton offered simply as he crossed his arms to await his answers. He was not a kidnapper by nature but if it meant saving his lands, he would attempt to compromise with the general to honor his word before bringing the law to his attention. He wanted to be done with everything and live his life beside his family rather than traveling with them away from home.

"I don't mind kidnapping the general from piecing the country back together and having him face his own penmanship" Caroline spoke up nonchalantly to gently stir the pot since the state would not want that kind of attention. The general was currently the hero of the country and marring his image would not bode well with such an inquiry. Years prior, she and her husband chastised Haytham for attempting something similar but they would now agree on revealing harsh truths for the right cause. She raised her left hand, which held the contract Washington signed years ago in Valley Forge, and spoke confidently, "Given the lack of trust in the government being able to keep its word with any native, a written contract was deemed necessary over a verbal one. We will not repeat the mistakes of the past. You may write to him all you want to confirm the evidence but I can assure you we can track him faster than any messenger you send."

Ratonhnhaké:ton left all of their paperwork in her hands for safekeeping since he would always be the main target. They did have enough evidence to prove their point under the law but the lawyer reminded them, "I can't simply grant you lands in one meeting."

Haytham stood up to reach into his vest pocket and Ratonhnhaké:ton flinched slightly at expecting the lawyer to be killed. Instead, his father pulled out a small rectangular piece of parchment and held it out to the man to say, "Then I will leave this with you."

Puzzled, the older man reached out to grab it between his fingers and asked, "What is-"

"My lawyer will be sending correspondence on our behalf" Haytham informed him with a charming smile to begin the legal battle for the Iroquois lands. They had made their stand and he didn't expect to be seen that very morning so that was a positive on their side. Now that he was aware of their claim, they could begin preparing their side of the argument and put the sale of the land on hold while it was being legally contested. Cora's citizenship would lend credence to the claim but her gender would make it tougher to win but he was not a quitter by nature. For once, their family stood as one to fight an injustice and he enjoyed the frazzled man's discomfort when he claimed suavely, "It will be rather interesting seeing General Washington explain himself in a courtroom under oath on how he enlisted aid from a native, signed an agreement granting him land, and became a hypocrite of his word. How will America react to their hero?"

Having New York become the newest spectacle by summoning a general to court case could shake the recent unification of the country. Haytham did not mind sharply jabbing the new government as a civilian rather than a Templar and turned away when the man declared indignantly, "Now, wait a minute-"

"The new government is off to a great start by lying" Haytham called over his shoulder as he ushered out the young family before they were officially kicked out. He would rather leave on a clean but dramatic exit to shake his enemy, especially after being a dormant kitten for almost a year. Despite age caught up with him, he still practiced his skills to regain what he lost in Fort George. Ratonhnhaké:ton glared at his father for not being able to get a word in but Haytham shoved him out the door before holding it open respectfully for Caroline and Cora. Exiting behind them, he added one last word in before shutting it closed, "Why am I not surprised?"

Caroline led Cora away by the hand to keep a distance in case her husband and Haytham had another blowout. They had not argued over one another but focused their verbal finesse against the state to save the village. Having ownership of some was a step in the right direction but her husband would want the land open to the Kanien'kehá:ka to return their home. Cora was a linchpin in keeping her father's home in the hands of their people, not for private ownership by strangers. Ratonhnhaké:ton would not berate his father but he couldn't help but ask, "Did you have to say all of that?"

"You want your enemy to shake in their boots, not determine how much they can get away with at your expense" Haytham answered tightly because this was simply another form of battle and his son should not give them any quarter. Ziio was resilient in keeping her home free from trespassers and her land was a peaceful one by the way she spoke. She was the outsider by taking arms to protect them but she considered it a worthy sacrifice. Their son walked in those same footsteps, even more so now that the village evacuated, and he advised him firmly, "Take off the gloves and fight for what is yours."

"You said it would be long and boring" Caroline remarked dryly to his earlier tone outside since she preferred a tedious battle of letters rather than fists. Ratonhnhaké:ton shared a dull gaze with his wife at his father's changing moods and wondered if retirement was making him fussy at living a normal life.

"Yes, but I was attempting to breathe some life into the journey" he sighed despondently at the lengthy legal course awaiting them and waved for the two to move forward as he told his granddaughter with a brighter tone, "Come along, Cora, grandpapa will buy you a cake."

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17 January 1784

The cold chill of winter cast its wave over the small town but Davenport was in high spirits to celebrate the newest wedding of the year. The Burnetts had the highest marriage rates compared to the other residents but the family was a bountiful one when they arrived in 1770, branching out plentily. Elizabeth had been vocal in demanding a simple wedding to leave her and Clipper with little to plan. Much like Myriam's, theirs was a quick ceremony at church to appease her parents since they were not as devout. Not that they would publicly say that or earn Catherine's ire.

The white landscape contrasted beautifully against Elizabeth's green dress, its dark color matching her lively personality. She had chosen the earthy color to commemorate the shade she wore on Caroline's wedding day when she finally allowed Clipper their first dance, opening the door for a chance at their future relationship. It had not been love at first sight like Martha or a sweet friendship that became more like Caroline's but one chiseled out of respect. Clipper did not quit in earning her affection after proving his worth and none of the invited guests were surprised to see him smiling more than the redhead when he entered the Mile's End. Elizabeth's cheeks tinted pink as she tried to keep a polite smile on her lips but her cheeks dimpled shyly.

The heat emanating from the inn was welcoming to the couple as the cold air licked at their backs, ushering them inside as the last guests. Elizabeth had opted to have all their guests gather at the inn first while she savored her first moments as a married woman by taking a quiet stroll with Clipper. It was a small reprieve to themselves because the rest of the night would be lively. She did not like becoming emotional publicly and cleaving her identity from a Burnett to a Wilkinson within the span of a sentence was daunting. After living on his own at sixteen, Clipper did not have much of an identity to change since he bid his old family goodbye a long time ago.

He was on a happy cloud when he strode into the inn in his grey attire, holding the door open for his new bride. Elizabeth held down the sides of her puffy skirt rather than picking it up to walk inside, shaking it slightly to dust off the powdered snow off the hem. If she ignored it, another lecture would follow from her beloved mother. She was the least ladylike of her sisters but this would likely be the last time she wore a beautiful dress to commemorate a special event. At least, until either Alice or Samuel married and she hoped that was far, far away or their father's hair would truly go gray.

The newlyweds were happy to greet the faces of their family, friends, and neighbors. The end of the war allowed the Assassins to travel for the festivities and nothing would stop either Stephane or Duncan to witness their friend's wedding. The three were the first Assassins to be trained under Ratonhnhaké:ton for the English colonies and they managed to succeed. Dobby attended to represent the New York branch since Jamie would not budge from his clinic and Jacob was busy corralling his family. After being sent on missions through the years, he was more than happy to spend time with his family to catch up on lost time and keep watch over the north colonies to help his boss take a much-needed break.

Clipper was happy to have his Assassin family present while Elizabeth would bid her own goodbye. Neither she nor Clipper had built a homestead in Davenport, unlike her sisters, and decided to live at the Mile's End. Her parents were confused by their decision but they were explorers by nature with no means to settle down. Now that Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline were settling down with their family, they were the new fresh faces that could head out in their stead to continue their work. So, they could spend the entire night mingling and partying since their board was upstairs. They smiled widely when the ruckus of happy voices sang in unison to welcome them inside, "Congratulations!"

Catherine embraced her daughter as another flew from the flock and Elizabeth squeezed her tightly since this would be their last day under the same roof. Despite being gone for two years, she would miss the safe comfort of her childhood home. The older redhead cupped her face with a motherly smile before she glanced at Clipper to remind the two, "Take care of one another."

Godfrey was not far from his wife's footsteps as the tall lumberjack appeared burlier in his wool coat and he wagged a finger to add in protectively, "If I find anything is amiss-"

"Boban, Elizabeth is more liable to put up a bigger fight" Martha interjected to save the couple the grief from her overprotective father bear. With each marriage, he had become stricter with his rules for marriage and she did not envy Alice when her time came as the last daughter to be wed. They appreciated his show of love instead of a father that simply rejoiced at marrying them off and having fewer mouths to feed. She and her siblings were fortunate to have parents that worked hard to put food on the table and show their affection through actions.

Elizabeth snorted to hold back a laugh since they did train together in hand-to-hand combat to stay afoot of their skills. However, she would not tell her father that part. Her hands reached out to scoop Rebecca out of her mother's arms to kiss her on cheek, enamored by her nieces. Martha was more than happy to release her infant, ignoring the desolate blue eyes of her daughter at being given away momentarily, as she focused on her father. Elizabeth was happy to see her sisters in their wedding attire, requesting that all the couples wear their wedding attire to make the occasion more joyous. Caroline and Martha had to have Ellen alter the waistline since Martha's golden dress did not fit as loosely after two deliveries while Caroline was silently carrying her newest cargo which demanded space in the blue dress. Ruth omitted the top of her blue wedding dress for a cheerful yellow like Catherine's but kept the skirt as her pregnancy reached its half point. Only Amelia and Myriam slipped into their wedding dresses to add their blue and white shades to the mix of bell-shaped skirts.

Godfrey's shoulders slumped in defeat at having the fight fluffed out of him and he furrowed his brow before telling the brunette matter-of-factly, "I have to give this threat to every man as your father."

"I didn't receive it" Ratonhnhaké:ton spoke up tentatively since he was more afraid of having to ask him twice to court Caroline. They were the only couple of the four to have broken up before reuniting after working on their problems. He feared rejection due to being a native more than anything else but Godfrey simply wanted the couple to communicate more to avoid future problems. Otherwise, their insecurities would indeed break their trust.

Walter, Clipper, and Michael shared a mutual look because neither of them carried the physical intimidation and power to kill someone in seconds. Samuel playfully nudged his brother-in-law's right shoulder for his naivety yet again, earning an eye-to-eye small glare for the jab. The redhead laughed at his protest, enjoying his new height against his brother, and straightened the collar of his grey jacket to say nonchalantly, "You're the only son-in-law that can take him head-on in a fight."

"And I never doubted you" Godfrey added in swiftly to evade the truth now that age was catching up to his bones. He had met Ratonhnhaké:ton as a mere thirteen-year-old but the boy was an impressive survivalist on first impression. Not even his eldest bested the native at the same age and he had been teaching Caroline all he'd known from the moment she could talk. Their similar spirits were why he was not surprised the two decided to court and he couldn't help but laugh fondly at the old memory, "You were but a lad when we met."

Caroline squeezed her husband's arm supportively when he glanced away sheepishly at the years gone by. Cora was closer to that age now and he smiled at the warm sight of his daughter attempting to teach Grace how to dance on her wobbly legs. The infant was sturdy to stand but walking was a different story as she navigated her new freedom, batting at her green dress for help. It was like seeing his wife with Amelia all over again and he met Godfrey's gaze to speak softly, "I will always appreciate your kindness to me."

Godfrey was satisfied with the paths his children were leading, even with his adventurous Elizabeth. Their safety and happiness was all he sought for their futures and Ratonhnhaké:ton never failed in protecting the town. His decision to raise a family in Davenport paid off and it was time for his children to do the same with their own. He was grateful for his life in the quiet town and he advised his oldest son-in-law with one last task, "All I ask is that you watch over the family one day when I'm not here."

"Boban" all his children groaned at his despondent remark because they were there to enjoy a wedding, not a future funeral. They didn't want to ponder about a day when their parents wouldn't be around for them.

"I'm only planning for the future!" their father insisted helplessly for the rebuttal and appealed to his wife, who returned a similar firm expression. Catherine did not want to ponder about that part of her life yet, choosing to enjoy the present now that her family was all together again.

She smoothed down her bright blue skirt to ignore her husband's flailing hands as he sputtered about protecting their children's future. She ushered Elizabeth and Clipper deeper into the inn to allow the rest of the town to congratulate them. Elizabeth quickly handed Rebecca back to Martha with an embarrassed apology before the babbling infant became her newest dress accessory. Their sadness as parents was not the spotlight and Catherine motioned for her husband to make his way over to the other townsfolk before emphasizing, "Let's enjoy the wedding."

The Burnett children instinctively stepped back when their parents marched through to head in the direction of the residents. Their generation was now aging into middle-age but none of them stopped their work in the town. Now, eight-year-old Hunter helped his parents by learning about farming to continue their work once he came of age while seventeen-year-old Maria assisted her mother in commissions to become a seamstress in her own right. Daniel was now learning to cut logs of timber to help around the house but at nine years old, he was still too young to work at the mill. Samuel, on the other hand, had taken over Caroline's old job with Patrick by overseeing the accounting but continued their work in the field. Caroline had begun teaching her little brother on balancing budgets with the ledgers of her husband's business and Ratonhnhaké:ton was subtly nudging the redhead to become the town accountant. Samuel, on the other hand, dreaded such a boring and predictable job. Anne and Sebastian were the last teenagers to take up jobs at the general store to assist the Rolfe's after Rebecca's birth. With Oliver and Corrine becoming older, the younger couple took the reins of the inn and Martha's recipes were becoming just as popular as Corrine's.

Little by little, the town was growing with the first generation of children taking over with their own careers. Ratonhnhaké:ton was now the official leader of Davenport, no matter what the new government said of their town. In time, however, he would need a legal representative for Davenport's needs. Why colonists placed such heavy emphasis on money and material things was unfathomable to him. One could never control nature but live within it to thrive.

Amelia smiled at her husband when Grace giggled loudly at finally managing a jig in place with Cora. The two were becoming close and Matthew wasn't far in making sure the little girls weren't getting themselves in trouble. Instead of having a guardian older sister, they had a watchful brother in Matthew. It was simply beautiful to her. She turned to her last two siblings that would live with their parents and teased gently, "Only two left now."

"I'm not going anywhere" Samuel declared confidently on remaining single for the foreseeable future, crossing his arms to drive his point across. Alice shook her head from behind him since she began to notice his wandering puppy eyes towards Anne. She would never say a word or risk Terry's ire since he would be very much like their father with his daughter's suitors.

Patrick tried not to laugh at her incredulous expression since she was very much like Amelia, focused on her work rather than seeking a husband. This led the bubbly brunette to completely gloss over the fact that she had her own potential paramours floating through town. He would not burst that safety bubble and encouraged the last two, "You have all the time you need."

The sisters smiled contently when Ruth sighed softly at the happy couple in the midst of the music, "She looks very happy."

"I didn't think I'd see the day" Martha told the others with a bittersweet tone at reminiscing of the rages she put her through. She was no delicate peach at all, earning her own lectures for being uptight, but they both learned from their mistakes. Her little sister had sternly refused to ever marry anyone, even when she and her sisters tried to convince her otherwise. Now, she had finally found someone worthy of such.

Walter burst into laughter at her astonishment since his wife found it uncanny for someone not to desire a spouse. Each couple was different and some individuals preferred to be solitary in nature. He had erroneously assumed that about Ratonhnhaké:ton when his sister showed interest and he dissuaded her, only to learn from the native that he loved Caroline. Elizabeth was another he expected a similar mindset from but she chose Clipper, a gifted rifleman. Martha thinned her lips at his reaction and he continued his laugh, managing to say, "You're terrible."

Alice was happy for her sister but she did take note that she failed to build a home. Amelia was the only one to move into a home since Michael built it for his siblings while Martha and Caroline had a say in the creation of theirs. It left a sour note in her stomach, especially at knowing her lively sister, and she asked them softly, "Do you think they'll settle?"

"That is up for debate" Patrick answered uncertainly to avoid breaking her heart since Alice wanted everyone to stay together. It would be an impossible task, given the hefty size of their families. Elizabeth enjoyed traveling and her husband was exactly like her with neither dreaming of starting a family. Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton shared a similar passion for travel but their goal after aiding the revolution was settling down to enjoy their lives together. He would not be surprised if Elizabeth left within a few years to stake a claim elsewhere.

"We will enjoy the time we have with them" Michael piped up optimistically to contrast the redhead's pessimism to spare Alice. He shot his brother-in-law a Catherine-worthy glare for the remark since Alice always became teary-eyed at weddings. His wife was gentlest with her out of all her siblings so he took a protective wing over her, similar to Ratonhnhaké:ton. Patrick sighed despondently when the native aimed a deadpan expression at him for the slip, earning a laugh from Ruth.

"We're together now, that's what matters" Martha pointed out sharply to enjoy the present moment and worry about tomorrow on another day. She handed her daughter over to Alice to let her little sister dote on the baby and refocus her energy into joy again. Rebecca would have to grow used to being the family teddy bear but she didn't mind the attention as long as her parents were nearby.

Caroline quietly excused herself from her family before gently pulling her husband with her by the wrist. Unfortunately, Ratonhnhaké:ton was also pulled into Rebecca's orbit of cuteness and Caroline failed to budge him. She was forced to playfully flick the end of his left ear for attention, ignoring the pull to play with his ponytail. The end of the war allowed him to finally grow out his hair like it used to be but portions would have different lengths. With winter, nobody cared about hair but summertime would have the sun bearing on one's head so her husband would be ready to sport his old look. She still held hope that he would grow out his hair past his shoulders like he had before Cora's birth.

Ratonhnhaké:ton followed his wife when she ushered him into the nearest corner to have some privacy. He was curious to why he was drawn away from the jolly conversation and Caroline reached out to run her fingers over the silver buttons of his gray coat. Her heart sung with joy on their wedding day, still finding it surreal that six years had passed from the moment they took their vows. She stopped her button fiddling to refocus, smiling sheepishly and begin, "With this joyous occasion, there is something I would like to tell you."

Her cheeks flushed when his honey-toned gaze swept over her face before his soft voice beckoned, "Go on."

"I am with child again" she revealed softly to keep the admission private but the echoing music of Corrine's piano and Terry's fiddle were enough of an eavesdrop deterrer. The festive mood would undoubtedly have an ale land in her midst, given her youthful gaiety before Cora's birth, but not today. Her return to Davenport had allowed her to sneak one in with Myriam when the two spent time together but not anymore. She kept a sober and healthy diet that Ratonhnhaké:ton oversaw which indeed brought a sizable Cora that screamed murder upon arrival.

His eyes widened slightly at the news because he expected a shy admission of affection, given the mood. Instead, his wife unveiled that they would indeed be adding a second child to their family. He did not expect for her to carry in the family way this soon but it had not been for a lack of trying now that Cora loved her new room. He smiled fondly when her hands flew to her midsection, stirring the question of whether a daughter or son lurked inside, and asked, "How far along?"

"Two months" she answered happily but quickly removed her hands before she accidentally revealed her secret. They had to act casually but it would be her reason for him when she excused herself from the lively dancing and celebrating. She had treaded carefully with Cora's pregnancy but this one was flowing more easily without the severe dry heaving. Her husband was unaware of the whole pregnancy so that was a good sign but she pointed out, "It's early but I wanted you to know first."

He snuck a kiss to her forehead as his heart soared happily at being a father once more. Caroline smiled widely at his affection as they stayed tucked away in their corner to hide their crime. He would be by her side just as he had with their first child and admitted with worry, "Cora was not an easy pregnancy."

"We're home now so I will bear whatever comes" she assured him because his help was tremendous in handling the severity of her first months. Without him, she doubted her body would have carried Cora to the end and treasured Ratonhnhaké:ton infinitely. The lack of danger would allow them to enjoy this second pregnancy since the first pulled her husband from his sadness after his friend's death. This time, their second born would be his gift for ending the war and returning home forever. Their children would be his strength and she wrung her hands nervously to say, "I will feel more assured when their fluttering begins."

"Cora will be happy for the new addition" he chuckled softly since their daughter kept playing with her dolls to pretend it was their newest baby. She would not stop asking for a sibling after every playdate with Grace or Matthew and Caroline reminded her that she could not displace her cousins for a new baby one day. That usually deterred Cora but the same scene would play within a few weeks again. The couple hoped that she would indeed feel joy rather than jealousy for no longer being the only child.

The two were disrupted from their private corner when Ellen called out to them from the circle gathered around the dancing floor, "You two are glowing!"

"We're happy for Elizabeth and Clipper" Ratonhnhaké:ton called back with a warm smile for receiving two worthwhile moments that day. He held out his right hand for his wife and Caroline latched on with flushing cheeks, allowing him to guide her to the gathered crowd. They were not surprised to see Myriam and Norris entering the fray of dancers where Elizabeth, Clipper, Dr. White, Patrick, Dobby, and Stephane were already wearing out their shoes. Caroline would have joined them, along with Ruth, if they weren't carrying their little bundles inside. Instead, they clapped along with the rest of the guests that opted out of the lively dancing.

Alice was not surprised when Martha heckled Samuel, Anne, Sebastian, and Maria to join the dancers since they were in the prime of their youth. Her older sister was indeed becoming the new matron of their family instead of Caroline. Her eldest sister opened her arms to provide safe cover for the brunette before she was nudged into the circle and Alice embraced her, smiling at her never-ending support. Despite the years made the two adults, Alice would always be a little girl in her arms.

Prudence smiled fondly at the two sisters, remembering their bobbing braids in the wind whenever they arrived to help her farm, and told them, "Everyone is here together, as it should be."

"Our town can finally rest easy" Lance agreed since their protectors were now the children their generation protected from danger. Ratonhnhaké:ton had always been a force to be reckoned with in his own right upon arrival in Davenport but everyone looked up to him, no matter their age. His absence for the past two years was palpable every day until the announcement of Lee's death and the end of the Revolutionary War reached the town. Then came their long awaited return and the town was not disappointed in their victory.

"We'll always be here to protect it" Ratonhnhaké:ton promised the residents, earning a fond smile from his wife at being included in the fighting force. There were no more fights that he would be running into or choosing to fight in, prioritizing the fortification of the Order and raising his family. He had fought for thirteen years to end the Templar threat and he could finally rest in the town he loved.

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5 March 1784

The silver blue of sunrise colored the sky as another morning ushered over the small town. Songbirds tweeted to greet the dawn as a gentle alarm to wake every ear trying their best to keep slumbering. It was easier to bear the chilly mornings now as spring began to gradually creep in. The Burnett homestead was abuzz with movement as the adult siblings and their children gathered to bid their sister farewell. Traveling required waking early to cover ground faster before the heat of the afternoon wore out the horses and riders. Most trips out of Davenport were short to Boston or other nearby cities but this one would be one-way trip to the west.

Elizabeth and Clipper decided their new life would breach the new western frontier, now that the war was over. They had traveled enough along the northern-southern coast for their Assassin missions, comfortable leaving it behind to their colleagues. The west was new unexplored terrain as the Treaty of Paris expanded relinquished lands west of the thirteen colonies to America. The lands east of the Mississippi River lay ready to be mapped out for future exploration and the new couple was eager to be the first to set eyes on the land. The only way to reach the west was via wagon and the Wilkinsons prepared a sturdy one to survive the journey, much like the Burnett wagon survived its own trip north decades ago.

Catherine was not surprised her daughter itched to see new lands but the parting did not make it any less painful. She was confident in her sturdy nature to survive but the maternal care would never end. For a brief moment, she had almost dreaded Caroline's family would throw in their hat with the move but they had not. This would be Elizabeth's sole mission toward a new life and Catherine smoothed her fingers over the fur cap over her daughter's auburn hair to fit it snugly. She was no longer a little girl but Elizabeth would miss these little moments with her mother, solemn that there would be no more for years to come – if at all. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep a tight lid on her emotions and her mother advised her gently, "Do take some cornbread with you."

"We already have a basket, it will spoil" she whispered with a faint smile at her kindness since they had a wicker basket full of cakes. Her sisters and mother had set to work to prepare enough food to sustain them for the week, carefully wrapping each bundle of provisions to hold off spoiling. Walter and Martha had taken care of the dry goods to last them months across the west to ensure they would have enough sustenance.

Clipper interrupted the two women to accept the gift and nodded to his mother-in-law to reassure her, "We'll take them for the road."

Amelia and Alice took care of packing the trunks for their sister after commissioning Ellen for warm clothes. The winter required wool underclothes and cozy furs to keep the biting cold at bay during the night and early dawn to fight off frostbite. Elizabeth was not one for wearing layered dresses and preferred comfort over appearance so she would be wearing her hunting attire to ward against the wind gusts. Although the winter had frozen many rivers, she did not doubt there would be a few that thawed and would require her to aid the horses in crossing the water. She would not be allowing her husband to do most of the work and she turned away from her mother when Amelia asked, "Do you have everything packed?"

She managed a weak nod as she pushed down the flutter of nerves at traveling once more. This time would be different than all the others. There would be no return to Davenport unless they faced an impassable road but she refused to give up on this rare chance to explore the west. With the Assassins gaining complete control of the colonies, she would aid Ratonhnhaké:ton in expanding their Order to ensure the New World was theirs. Their history was forged in the east but the future lay in the west.

"Given we just married, we don't have much so less to hitch" she assured her older sister on the little belongings they shared together after years of travel. Their life together was still fresh and their lack of material belongings allowed the two to live at the Mile's End for privacy. Although her parents and Caroline invited them to stay with them over the winter, the young couple preferred to keep to themselves at the inn.

"Will you be safe on the wagon out there?" Alice asked faintly with concern for her older sister, crestfallen that she was leaving. The redhead was too headstrong for her to believe she would stay but Alice hoped they still had more time together. They had only just returned last fall and were ready to depart once more but without a return date. This would be the last day she would likely see her older sister and it crushed her heart at that sobering thought. As a child, she believed they would all live together and as a teenager, she knew time would slowly pull them away . . . but time moved too fast.

"We made it here" Elizabeth stated confidently at their hefty family wagon that held together through the narrow rocky roads. She had been a small girl then, clutching to her oldest sister as they braved to peer out the back of the wagon to meet their new home. This time, she would travel alone to define her own home and she smiled weakly at her siblings to tell them, "If worse comes to worse, we take our packs and the horses. We're not strangers to hard travel."

"Do not remind me" Caroline sighed under her breath, not wishing to start the trip with foreboding thoughts. Their nerves were already thin at having the couple leave alone but nothing would change. Her little sister was sharp and she didn't doubt she could escape the most precarious situations. The west was unexplored by any of them and only Ratonhnhaké:ton had traveled westward to his village but never beyond. She clutched her slim shoulders to meet her similar blue shade and reminded her sharply, "Stay vigilant of everything and everyone."

Cora's shoes crunched over the light dusting of snow as she clutched her father's hand to ask quietly, "Rakeni, why can't we go?"

The news of her departing aunt and uncle disappointed Cora after spending time with them more than any of her other relatives. She wanted to travel with them like they had a year prior but her parents informed her this time was different. Her heart burned to go with them but she was too little to wander alone without her parents. Maybe one day, she could visit them. Ratonhnhaké:ton squeezed her little hand with support to ease her heart before answering gently, "Because this is Aunt Eliza's adventure."

"Home is always here" Martha reminded her little sister, reaching out to embrace her tightly and kissed her left temple. They had fought relentlessly as children, ignorant of the larger world, but came together as adults as they realized what truly mattered. Elizabeth returned her embrace with a tight-lipped smile, longing for more time but they had already pushed their deadline into the spring and could no longer wait. She would miss seeing their familiar faces but took solace in the new sights that would await her. There had to be a positive with the heartbreak of leaving everything behind.

Clipper did not want to leave the family with a heavy heart and promised them, "If we do find a new one, we'll write about it."

Elizabeth shook her head since she wasn't looking to set roots anytime soon, especially with the turbulent politics about. She wanted to push her physical boundaries until there was no more land to explore before deciding to set up a claim. Even if she did desire a homestead, she would yearn to be at a midpoint to her family. She doubted any of them would move westward anytime soon with their young children and told her husband, "Doubtful, we like to explore."

"Watch out for one another" Catherine advised the couple to keep them bound as a team rather than allow tempers to create rifts. Her daughter was tempestuous so she had to relinquish control in her new marriage to avoid arguments. Clipper was calm and easygoing, much like her other sons-in-law, but he married her most stubborn child. Being alone in the wilderness would bring the best and worst of them so they had to be a tightly fit team.

Godfrey pressed a hand on his wife's back to comfort her lament at releasing their daughter to the western frontier. Their parents had bid them farewell across the sea decades ago and it was time for them to repeat the same with Elizabeth. He would always worry as a father but he trusted them to stay ahead of any problems, telling Clipper with a firm nod, "Take care of our Eliza."

"Always" he promised the patriarch after earning his approval but smiled at his wife to add in confidently, "But she's strong enough on her own."

Elizabeth wrung her hands together to rid herself of the tension in her limbs and chuckled awkwardly, "We will be fine, but we appreciate the concern."

She did not like being the center of attention but it couldn't be helped with her goodbyes. It sounded so much easier in her head than actually speaking about it with them all. There was still so much she wanted to say and lamenting what she would miss but there was little time. Samuel finished tying the back of the wagon cover to seal the couple's belongings inside for the journey ahead. He was used to preparing wagon loads of lumber but seeing his sister off hit differently than a random order for the family business. It was surreal that he wouldn't see her later that day and he smiled solemnly at her to ask, "We will see you again?"

"One day, Sam" she whispered gently but the truth was uncertain on when that would be. She could not lie to him and leave them with false hope but she would return at some point. Nobody knew the future but she would not rest easy without seeing them one last time, even if it meant when she was an old lady that used her walking cane to make her way home. It was hard to consider such a day far away in her life but the trip would not be a short one, given the expansive terrain. She shook her head at giving away her concerns and told him honestly, "I can't say when."

"Please be careful" Alice urged softly as she embraced her older sister, silently hoping she would change her mind. Her childhood dream of everyone staying together in Davenport would not prove true. Elizabeth would be the first to leave permanently and she wondered if she would be the only one. She would sorely miss the redhead's fiery temper and protective nature, treasuring her sister for the time she had her.

Elizabeth groaned at the glossy brown eyes of her sister as she clung to her and shook her head to blurt nervously, "Oh no, don't cry!"

"You will be missed, child" Diana smiled sadly at the young woman who would be the first to leave their town to make her own path. While everyone in town had bid their farewell to the couple the day prior to avoid illness from the early dawn, the hilltop homesteads opted to wake early. Martha and Amelia were the only ones who traveled to their childhood home with their families to bid the couple farewell. The women opted to travel into town together but their husbands and children wouldn't hear of it. Their daughters would be too little to remember their aunt Elizabeth but Matthew would remember his headstrong aunt for many years.

Clipper squeezed his wife's shoulders before gently nudging her to the crowd of awaiting relatives ready to wish her farewell. She had arrived happy as a clam to a new home with her siblings and Anne as a little girl but now, all but two of her siblings were married with families of their own. Cora was now older than Anne when she first arrived in town, drawing the redhead to embrace the blond teen as Anne held back tears. She had watched over her and Alice when Caroline couldn't and she would sorely miss their companionship. Daniel latched onto the women to be included in the huddle, making Elizabeth groan miserably when Samuel embraced them all as he towered over them. Nobody was little anymore!

Catherine wiped her eyes as she witnessed the last moments of her family as one, happy that they were all leaving on a positive note. Diana and Terry embraced their goddaughter with well-wishes, kissing her forehead for good luck before shaking Clipper's hand. The wagon was hitched with two draft horse mares suited for long travel but the couple would abandon their wagon to escape with the horses if they fell into a desperate situation. It was why they carried little belongings beyond their own clothes and weapons, choosing to carry more provisions than anything else. They did not have a family to tow like hers did so their trip would go smoother across the terrain.

She leaned down to embrace Cora and Matthew with a heavy heart, wishing that there was a better form to communicate than letters. She wanted to see them grow up just as she had with her siblings but her road in life led elsewhere. Kissing their foreheads, she smiled fondly at them to whisper, "Don't forget about me, hmm?"

Martha and Caroline ushered their rosy-cheeked and red-rimmed eyed children back to their respective fathers to comfort them. Rebecca and Grace were too little to understand why their mothers were all sad and tearful but one day, their older cousins would retell the story. Cora sniffled against her hands when her father embraced her tightly with a kind smile, pressing her cheek against his arm, while Walter drew his frowning son over while juggling his confused infant. Cora used her father as a curtain to hide her tears and Walter chuckled gently at Clipper to remark, "This is going to be their most notorious memory of Uncle Clipper."

"No, don't say that" the brunette groaned miserably at being blamed for sweeping Elizabeth away from the town. He would have been happy to set down a homestead there but his wife was not ready, desiring to see the west before throwing in the towel. Her hopes and dreams would be his own so he would not stifle her love for the unknown.

"I'll be back" Elizabeth assured everyone with burning eyes as her siblings began to hug her goodbye. It was easier to bid the town farewell and even then, she had held back tears. They were people she had known from childhood but her family were ones she'd known all her life. They were a constant that failed to leave her, no matter how frustrating she could become, and she treasured that endless loyalty and love. Amelia and Caroline kept her safe the most with the latter being her mentor and she would miss her the most. Her hugs lingered with Caroline and Alice as she pushed back tears but burst into laughter when Samuel squeezed her like a ball of dough as the last one in the line of siblings. Their days together as children were long gone and their time as adults finally branched them into different roads. Still, she found her voice to cheer up their crestfallen faces to tell them, "I'm not leaving only to make you miserable."

"We're happy but sad, it's a part of life" Martha sighed softly at the change in family dynamics but they all hoped the best for their sister. No matter how much they irritated one another, they stuck together like maple sap. Although she and her other sisters hoped they would live nearby to see each other grow old, she understood that Elizabeth sought a different future.

"Write to me when you can" Caroline reminded her with a wavering smile, wringing her hands to stop herself from hugging her again. She loved all her siblings but Elizabeth had clutched to her side tightly with her similar spirit. Their traveling days brought her comfort at having her witty banter and familiar face, bonding them tightly as both women and Assassins. On the road, she would watch over her but this was one journey that she couldn't undertake with her.

"I don't think there's post offices that far west yet but I'll do my best" Elizabeth replied somberly at the lack of prompt communication since post offices were still being established. Even then, letters still took several months to travel – worse if being sent overseas. Their parents received a yearly letter from Scotland so her own would likely be the same. She didn't want to think on that loss of contact with them and chuckled awkwardly in one last attempt to add numbers, "You're more than welcome to join."

When Elizabeth had revealed her plans, Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton discussed the potential move of expanding the Order westward. With his clan moving west, it would have allowed them to search for them and target two goals rather than one. Her husband, however, opted to secure their daughter's future by stopping the constant travel to allow her to have a proper childhood free of fear. Apart from Cora's safety, he also had a responsibility to keep their newest child safe inside their mother. His children needed him to be a father more than an Assassin now. He trusted in Clipper and Elizabeth to continue their work now that the Templars were nullified and he would keep his father on close surveillance to ensure none treaded in from abroad.

"No, Cora needs stability after everything that's happened" she declined softly to prioritize her child now that there were no more battles to be fought. Cora still wondered why they couldn't go, rubbing her burning eyes, but could not argue her point to her parents. Caroline fought the desire to tell her about the baby repeatedly, choosing to do so only until their birth in case of a loss. Ratonhnhaké:ton drew Cora close by the shoulders to soften her crinkled face but they all loved Elizabeth. His wife would bear the worst of their separation as her eldest sibling and Caroline stepped away from her with a heavy heart as she nodded firmly, "Goodbye, my little wildfire."

Walter cleared his throat to break the tension that fell over their families and joked, "I don't think the west is ready for you two."

"We're the first pioneers" Clipper agreed since a new wave of settlers would be heading west now that the English had departed. Their only stronghold of land now lay up north with the west diminishing between the new America and old French territories. The New World was branching westward now that it was established well with its booming population and a new generation would forge the next era of expansion.

"Won't be the last" Michael sighed longingly since the pull of unexplored lands and new terrain would draw plenty of explorers. If the government was now opening land to be claimed, new homesteaders would be peeling out of cities for a chance at a larger piece of land. His family had been one of those excited starry-eyed travelers but unlike his in-laws, their story had not ended well until he found Davenport for his siblings. If he stuck to the cities, they would have either starved or been forced to return across the sea. He hoped Elizabeth and Clipper would carry the same fortune as their predecessors.

"We have one coast so it's doubtful we'll be happy not seeing the other side" Samuel told him flatly since he had already attached his name to the Aquila's crew list if they decided to tour down south. He wanted to see the colonies for himself just as his sisters had, especially now that there was peace. Maybe he could even branch out the lumber mill with Ratonhnhaké:ton's cargo company, a prospect that the two had begun mulling over on their return from New York city. He was no longer a child and he could work out a budget to expand his family business and his sister's.

"The downside is the opposition we'll face" Elizabeth remarked grimly because apart from the native populations, other settlers could be cutthroat in their attempts to stake a claim. Their focus would not be a homestead, aiming to learn what lay out there past the great Mississippi River. Her fair skin and auburn hair would be harder to conceal, unlike her husband's, and she smiled impishly, "Not too many redheads out there."

"You are there to live off the land, do not encroach native lands and you'll be fine" Ratonhnhaké:ton advised the couple to keep them neutral from both sides and avoid needless bloodshed. He was fortunate to be accepted by the town but Davenport was a rarity. In all other cities, he was glanced at warily and steered clear of like other natives but the west was not patrolled so laws were nonexistent. He wished the couple nothing but the best and hoped to receive letters from them to read to Cora.

Elizabeth couldn't hold back her departure any longer and smiled weakly to bid them all farewell, "Goodbye."

Catherine strode forward to embrace her child once more, clutching her tightly to remember the warmth and softness of her skin. She would no longer see the flash of red hair or gleaming blue eyes rummaging through the town. She cupped her face to imprint her round face into her memory to last a lifetime and told her warmly, "Carry a piece of us with you."

"You're always with me" Elizabeth promised earnestly because she could never forget her roots or family. She blinked rapidly to brush back tears and cleared her throat to regain control of her expression before she collapsed to her weeping heart.

"And you with us" Godfrey finished with a fatherly smile to bid her farewell and hugged his beloved daughter. She had been a handful to raise but she bested his eldest daughter by embarking on her own journey, much like he had as a young lad. His heart wished for her to stay with his other children but he respected her choice, putting his trust in her husband to keep her safe. With that in mind, he nodded once at the brunette to silently entrust her care to him. Otherwise, he would head out himself to the west to retrieve his daughter.

Elizabeth released her father and swept her watery gaze over the small crowd once more before turning away. She yearned to look over her shoulder to drink every last drop of their faces and movements but she couldn't. Her heart might decide to ditch her plan and stay in Davenport forever instead. Clipper bid her parents farewell with reassurance that they would send a letter soon just as Elizabeth hoisted herself onto the front seat of the wagon. The horses were blissfully grazing at the moist grass and she hoped green grass would truly stretch across the horizon. She was not new to guiding horses after numerous trips to Boston with her father and appreciated those small but priceless lessons. With the wagon prepared by her brother and in-laws, she simply waited for Clipper to hop in beside her before pulling the reins to the left to signal them to depart.

Their long tails batted the air lazily but they acknowledged the order, whinnying eagerly to begin their trek. The call echoed through the silent town and their hooves trotted past the waiting crowd, pulling the covered wagon behind them to descend the hill that Elizabeth called home for over a decade. She kept her gaze low to the ground to stay focused but handed the reins over to her husband once they turned to descend, trusting him to do the rest for her. Despite leaving her home numerous times for missions, there would be no more returns after this.

Little by little, her old life faded with each hoofbeat southbound to leave behind Elizabeth Burnett. She smiled weakly as Elizabeth Wilkison when Clipper reached over with his left hand to grasp her folded hands, taking note of the slight tremor. His voice was soft against the clamoring horseshoes over the rocky road of the river path but firm as he assured, "We'll be all right, Beth."

From the top of the small hill, Alice blinked away tears as she rubbed her eyes and sniffled to her family, "This hurts just like it did with Amelia."

Despite the years, the women had still not grown strong enough not to cry at a departing loved one. Samuel groaned miserably when Alice clutched onto him while his other sisters latched onto their husbands for support. His voice grew louder and earned a few laughs from his parents when Anne and Daniel latched on for brotherly support. Caroline didn't want Cora to cry more than she already was, rubbing her back as they both held onto Ratonhnhaké:ton. Anne sniffled to swallow the ball lodged in her throat and told her old friend, "But she came back."

"And so will she . . . one day" Amelia assured the girls quietly because their souls would reunite one day, no matter where they wound up. They were fortunate to share their formative years together and form great memories to hold onto when times were bleak. She would never give up hope on seeing Elizabeth again and neither would her family.

Cora wiped her bleary eyes, resting her head on her mother's round belly, and smiled at her aunt, "I can wait."

---

New York, 1800

The sun glittered over the water surrounding Kanatahséton, imitating blinking jewels to any wandering visitors. The gentle waves of the expansive lake lapped at the shore, playfully nudging the tips of her brown leather shoes as Cora sat on the shore. She enjoyed the rays of warming sunlight just as much as the diamond blanket of night that hovered above her head at night. The immersion of nature in her life was something she treasured dearly after her parents raised her in the heart of the woodlands. Now that she was an adult, returning to the solitude of the forest was calming after hectic missions or traveling to the dense cities.

The lush green valley of her father's childhood remained in her hands, though the legal battle had not been an easy one with settlers demanding the west but also refusing to be called hypocrites for promising said land to allies in the Revolutionary War. The Northwest Territories west of the Ohio River were now populated despite the Six Nations giving a hearty fight while the southern tribes below Virginia were now entering their own battles for claim to their ancestral lands. It was a conflict that her father prophesized in her childhood when the war was won and continued into her adulthood.

Her blue eyes swept over the longhouses that were still erected to that day and she spoke softly, "This is the land where my father drew his first breath, where his mother was born, and all their ancestors. He fought tirelessly to maintain peace on all fronts despite all the setbacks. All his teachings and traditions, he carried with him into the New World while his village headed west without him."

In her hands, she held onto a dark cherry box that contained about a dozen letters that were shared between her grandfather and his sister, Jennifer. She had been fortunate to travel abroad with her family to see the Old World to continue her reach into her origins and bridge it to her future. Only she and Abigail were interested in reading the works of their ancestors while Charlotte and Nathaniel were more focused on the present. Unlike her siblings, she witnessed the dangerous war between the Assassins and Templars in America while Europe continued that war – a reason why her parents declined to travel abroad as time passed.

Of course, that didn't mean others would not breach their shores.

"Yet you aim to return them" Arno Dorian spoke up placidly since his trip to the new country sent him further west than anticipated. He did not expect a fourteen-year-old boy to offer him a ride to the Great Lakes on a large frigate but apparently, it was a family tradition. The society and culture of the New World was more rugged than he expected when arriving but the Burnett-Kenway family were survivors, given the tumultuous nature of the frontier. Despite all of that, the children of Ratonhnhaké:ton were more optimistic than himself and he remarked dryly, "I have heard of the Kenway stubbornness."

"Through my family's journals and these letters, I have learned that I must expand my own horizon to help those who have no voice" she pointed out easily since she was now old enough to travel alone, much like her aunt and father had done decades prior. It was time for her to gain a different perspective from new cultures and societies so she would be traveling abroad solo. Her grandmother's tribe was resistant to returning east after the negativity of settlers and the promises of land west of the Lakes by the British for those who aided that side, but she would protect them all. There were already Iroquois standing up for the future against both English and American sides and she would join those voices to continue her father's work. She would learn when to keep her enemies at bay and when to destroy them for the benefit of all, telling him, "My father never gave up on his ideals and I refuse to let that dream fail."

Much like her father, Cora was tugged between both worlds as she tried to seek coexistence but Arno had learned it was impossible back in France. The Templar-Assassin attempt at peace failed numerous times and the new American government's stance at neutrality was slowly crumbling in the wake of the conflict between France and England. He could not afford to mull over another peace attempt abroad and stated frankly, "Assassins are not meant to be idealistic."

"Everything is permitted" Charlotte spoke up from her spot behind the two as she sat on a log bench. The brunette was focused on checking her rope fishnet for any holes that required patching but silently eavesdropped. She was never far from her oldest sister when they visited Kanatahséton but that was mainly because their father didn't want her wandering alone. Out of the four, she was the one giving him the most headaches by treading into the wilderness for adventure. While Cora was dressed impeccably in dark colors in her Assassins garb, the teenage Charlotte wore a deerskin outfit much like her father's with her long hair tied into one braid while her sister's was rolled tightly into a bun. Her brown eyes glinted with amusement as she glanced at the Frenchman to speak freely, "I can be as idealistic as I want but also rational on my endgame."

Cora was more cautious in her approach to danger while Charlotte's youth urged her to attack with the quickest way to end a struggle. Their family's involvement in the stalemate that allowed the first alliance to come to fruition would not go to waste with her generation. She and the Templar inheritor of their truce aimed to keep it that way, keeping a mutual eye on society to ensure it didn't break into chaos again. They were both staying out of the conflict abroad but the isolation could only last for so long, allowing her to point out, "I will continue the work of both my grandfather and father, I refuse to let the Old World Templars gain a foothold here. Or for any warmongering Assassins to do the same. These letters only show that three generations of trying to end the war is not in the mind of a few."

He was indeed impressed with the colonial Assassins ability to deter the Templars from conquering the new land. However, it would be a constant struggle to maintain that peace and once the original families of the treaty perished, he would not be surprised if chaos reigned again for control. Still, it was an accomplishment for the history books and he advised her on the uncertainty of the future, "The Creed merely serves as a guide and a warning, rather than a principle meant for one to follow. I've witnessed first-hand how ideals have led to dangerous fanaticism."

Charlotte mulled over his opinion since he lived for almost as long as her parents but she followed their positivism. She could not see herself living and seeing the world negatively at only sixteen years of age and told him, "Peace is a dream shared by many."

"Obsessions can also lead to your death" he pointed out on taking ideals to an extreme, which was the building problem across the sea. For once, he was happy not to be involved with that life and it was hard not to dwell on restarting elsewhere.

"You can view the world with pessimism but I choose the hopeful path of my father" Cora declared with a confident smile because her parents persevered with all the odds stacked against them and their team. They managed to convince her grandfather to relinquish control and he left everything to her and her siblings. She would not waste that opportunity to continue the work they started and stood up to glance at him, questioning, "Now, will we sail across the sea to teach the Assassin Brotherhood of our continued colonial success or will I sail alone to tell them you lingered behind to sulk?"

Arno hesitated for a moment at her bluntness, briefly reminded of Elise when she was pressed for time on a mission. Cora, however, was a child that learned from both Assassins and Templars since birth while his past thrust him from the Assassins to the Templars and back. Charlotte, on the other hand, grew up in peacetime so Cora was cautious on her thirst for braving danger when she had yet to experience harrowing moments. Their views of the world were different but she watched over her siblings, holding back a laugh when he remarked dryly, "You are indeed Haytham's granddaughter."

"Don't have his cunning charm just yet" she smiled faintly at remembering his sharp sarcasm and the jabs shared between him and her father. Although the two men rarely saw eye-to-eye from her memories, she didn't doubt their love for her and her siblings. She held onto his journals for knowledge and insight at home but she carried one of his hidden blades, retrofitted for her smaller forearm.

"Can we go now? I have fish to catch" Charlotte sighed exasperatedly at getting the two moving since she had chores to finish. While her sister was allowed to live her own life as an adult, she was still under her parents' thumb. She had promised her mother that she would fetch their fish for tonight's dinner to give her father a break from fetching a rabbit or wild hen. If she failed in that promise, there would be a lecture attached for her overconfidence. Her little brother and sister were already busy helping their mother with tidying up the longhouse for their stay so it was up to her. With their family being the sole occupant of one, they had plenty of space to spread out and make partitions for their own rooms.

Cora ushered her away from the log with a playful shoo of the hands, earning a defiant wave of the net in her direction, and chastised her, "Charlotte, you have no patience."

"I'm not explaining to rakeni that you let his guest get eaten by a bear" the brunette shot back smartly since it would be best to fish early before the wildlife treaded in for their last meal of the day. Bears were plentiful in the north now that summer was in full bloom and she heard enough tales from her father to tread carefully by the water. Apart from that, wolves and other predators would wander near for any leftovers.

Arno took an instinctive step back from the shore at her nonchalant sarcasm and Cora reassured their visitor, "She's joking . . . but we are in the wild."

"Americans" he sighed under his breath but smiled at their tenacity to hope and persist against all odds.

Before the two ladies contradicted his remark, the trio was interrupted by a young brunette girl who bounded up to them in her pink linen dress, her two braids flailing in the wind until she halted. The light summer dress did not puff up like other colonial attire as the youngest Burnett ran throughout the village to help her parents. Abigail smiled brightly, her blue eyes lighting up as she held a wooden plate full of cornbread for the group to enjoy, and her soft voice piped up, "We just pulled these from the clay oven!"

"Where's Nate?" Cora asked suspiciously in case their brother decided to ditch his chores to explore the woods. Unlike Charlotte that argued relentlessly about her load of chores whenever she could, Abigail obeyed their parents without fault. Nate, on the other hand, would quietly leave his chores half-finished to explore other worthwhile ventures.

"Helping rakeni sharpen his knives" she answered with a wrinkle on her nose since she did not enjoy that type of work. The twelve-year old would often escape that chore by switching with her brother to fetch herbs, skin their catches, and enjoy the life of the woodlands around them by sketching and writing her observations. Abigail and Cora were the bookworms of their family to utilize knowledge as their defense while Charlotte and Nathaniel preferred to beat up danger before talking to it.

As if summoned by his name alone, the hazel-eyed teenager peeked over the open doorway of the longhouse and Charlotte snorted in amusement when his long raven hair cascaded below him like a curtain. Their mother rarely chastised him for running around with unkempt hair while their grandmother Catherine would lecture him about using hair ties. Nathaniel matched his father's physical features but his lighter skin tone and eyes allowed him to escape a little faster than Ratonhnhaké:ton at being detected as a native. He and Charlotte carried his features more than their sisters but his personality matched Caroline's when he hollered at them, "I'm still waiting for my fish!"

"Welcome to the colonial Brotherhood" Cora grinned widely at their newest family member from overseas but she was glad to have another voice that would call for peace rather than bloodshed. She would travel across the sea, just as her ancestors had done a century before, to gain knowledge and return to improve life in the colonies for everyone.

---

A/N: Thank you for reaching the end of this story as Connor finally gets to live his life beside his family and his children carry on his dreams for a peaceful future, which is easier said than done. It was fun writing this story and chiseling out a different outcome for Connor and Haytham where peace can be attained with their descendants carrying on that work for as long as they can.

Thank you for my last chapter reviews:

East Coast Captain: You are not far off from Arno hosting her and vice versa, haha.

IcyAltheon: The new nation is indeed shaky in the aftermath of the Revolution and will gradually roll into the War of 1812. I can see Cora questioning both sides, not only during the Napoleonic Wars but the War of 1812 since natives sided with the English in order to keep their lands safe while the new nation is trying to restore peace but expand westward. You bring up a really neat idea for the future storyboard with her! I would love to extend the lineages of Connor and I briefly pondered the concept of a male protagonist working in the Pinkerton Agency during the Civil War and delving into the Wild West after since Elizabeth is setting up shop for the next expansion of the Assassins, which Charlotte will undoubtedly explore as she gets older.