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The day is a hot one, perfect for playing at the river. Your 11 year old nephew watched as you walked deeper into the river in search of the hole you've been baiting for the past week. He knew better than to follow you in the water. With all the rain and melted snow the river has risen and had the strongest current you have ever felt. Finally finding the deep underwater nest you knelt down until the cool water was up to your shoulders and reached in the hole. A wide smile stretched across your nephew's face as you nodded that the hole was not empty. The movement of water that hit you hand indicated that a sizable fish has pushed farther back in to the hole to avoid your grasp. You had no choice but to go under. With a deep breath you submerged your entire body and laid on the river bottom reaching as far in the hole until you felt a powerful thud against your arm. You pushed forward forcing your fist into the mouth of the fish, clasping the bottom jaw and pulling it out into the open water. The fish was strong and was not going to surrender without a fight. The fish fought back and started thrashing around jerking you left and right. The fish's body was solid muscle and you were not going to win this tug of war underwater, you needed to end this quickly. With every move the fish made it's two bone whiskers came dangerously close to stabbing you. Pushing off the floor of the river you launched out of the water dragging the unwilling fish to shore. Once on land you notice your nephew was no where in sight. "Ben...Benjamin Jones I swear if you don't get your scrawny little butt over...here..." you stopped mid-threat at the sound of giggles coming from a near by tree. Two small feet were swinging from a large branch hanging over the water. "And what do you think you are doing?" Ben couldn't help but giggle again, "I thought I might be able to see you under the water." A sigh escaped you lips before turning your attention back to the fish which was now struggling to breathe. An older gentleman was approaching you while you were putting an end to the fish's struggle. He was a dark skinned man. His face was wrinkled from age but his dark brown eyes gleamed with life. His body was hunched and worn from years of physical labor and strain. He walked with a slow steady pace with the assistance of a cane. "That was an impressive show" the old man stated with a warm smile. "Thank you. He is a little bigger than I anticipated." It took both hands to lift the fish up to your shoulders. The full length of the fish ran from your shoulders to your knees. It was a very good catch indeed. Your small talk with the man was interrupted by a splash from the river behind you.
It took less than a second to register what happened. A few small limbs hung from the tree Ben was playing in but there was no Ben. As if in slow motion Ben's motionless body caught your eye. He was face down in the river being swept away by the fast moving current. A huge knot formed where your heart once was. "BENNY!" In a full sprint you raced to catch up to Ben and with every ounce of strength you had dove off of a fall tree that hung close to the middle of the river. Swimming with the current your (e/c) eye's scanned the surface of the water looking for any sign of Ben. A few meters ahead of you a white blur flew from the tree tops diving into the water. A hooded man had reached Ben and began swimming towards the shore against the current with ease. When you reached land you carelessly pushed past a couple of bystanders to find your nephew laid out on the ground. His lips blue from the cold water and lack of air, his chest was still. Immediately kneeling beside him you placed a couple of fingers under his jaw bone to feel a faded thud. Pinching his nose shut and tilting his head you placed your mouth on his forcing air into his body. After a few breaths you placed your hands one on top of the other and used your body weight to push on his tiny chest. With no reaction you started to process over again and again.

Just as you were about to begin the breaths again Ben's body contracted and water began to overflow from his mouth. Quickly you grabbed his shoulder opposite from you and rolled him on to his side to face you. A sigh of relief left your body as you listened to the sound of the small boy coughing and gasping. A hand was resting on your shoulder and you turned to see the man with the cane smiling down at you. "You did a fine job there Miss..." "Oh uh (y/n)" you managed spurt out between breathes. "Ah. And I am Achilles. This here is Connor." You turned to see the hood man kneeling across from you. His rich brown eyes burning in to yours. "Connor. I can't thank you enough for what you have done. This heart attack waiting to happen is my nephew Ben." Ben groaned as you patted him on the back. "Is he going to be alright?" Connor asked with a concerned look on his shadowed face. "How are you felling Benny?" patting him on the back once more. "Uuuugh. Don't tell mom." "Yep he'll be alright! Don't worry sweets I'm not going to tell her." Ben sighs in relief. "You are going to tell her" you said "Right after we get you looked over by a doctor. I need to make sure you are fit to run for your life when Sarah finds out what happened." Ben groaned again causing you and Achilles to chuckle. "Would you two like to join us for dinner. It is the least I can do and I'm sure my sister would love to thank you in person for saving Ben." The two men glanced at each other before Achilles gave you a nod and Connor offered to carry the fish for you.

Ben's check up was quick and was given a clean bill of health apart from the slight bruising from your rescue attempts. On the way home you were answering Achilles questions of you background and how you came to be in Boston. You explained that you were currently staying with your sister since her husband left on a trip. Being an over protective little sister and your brother-in-law not liking the idea of Sarah and Ben home alone the decision was made for you to stay and watch over them in Michael's absence. This bit of info intrigued the two men even more. You couldn't help but to roll you eyes at them. "Honestly! Just because I am a women doesn't mean I don't know how to handle myself in a confrontation. I've had to set a few fellas in their places either because they were giving me or Sarah a hard time. Some of them are even my friends now which is nice. It gets exhausting having to watch your back all the time." "How is it that you came to be so..." Connor began to ask before getting cut off by Achilles finishing his question with "independent" and giving Connor a stern look. "Well I was going to say stubborn but independent works also." Well at least he is honest you thought to yourself while laughing. "It's okay Achilles. I'll take it as a compliment. My father taught me how to take care of myself. I was never much of a girly girl. I liked playing outside and running and climbing which was more than okay by my father. My mother on the other hand was not so amused. I know it wasn't easy for him to come home to a house full of women so maybe that's why it didn't bother him so much that I wasn't much of a lady like my mother or sister. When he wasn't busy in town he would take me out to the woods and let me play. He taught me home to climb and even ride a horse. When I got a little older he started teaching me about weapons and fighting. Nothing to start fights with, just how to protect myself or someone else if I needed to. I think he knew he one day he might not be here for us anymore and teaching me was giving him some sort of peace of mind. Well this is it. Home sweet home. Alright Ben, let's get this over with."

Sarah gasped in shock as she turned to see you accompanied by two men, one of which was towering in the doorway. "What did you do this time!?" All you could do was let your mouth hang open while Achilles fought back a laugh. "Why do you always assume I did something?" you retorted with a bit of sass in your voice. Sarah shot you an oh please I'm freaking related to you look which even amused Connor. You caught Ben by the shoulder as he was trying to tip toe out of the room. "Sarah, I would like you to meet Achilles and Connor. Ben, why don't you tell your mother how we came to meet this two nice gentlemen. I am going to go out back and start cleaning the fish for dinner." Ben told his mother about the afternoon excitement and was sent to do chores while Sarah tried to regain her composure. Connor and Achilles sat at the kitchen table snacking on bread and drink while Sarah enlightened them with conversation while preparing dinner. "It scares me to think what might have happened if you two hadn't of shown up when you did. I don't think I can ever repay you for saving Ben. I suppose I can't be to mad at the poor boy. He is just as adventurous as Michael and (y/n) and even my father. I guess it is in his blood." Connor excused himself and went to find (y/n) outside to offer any help. Achilles and Sarah carried on their conversation as he began asking Sarah questions about Michael and your father. Michael began working with your father about 13 years ago. They didn't talk much about their work but you both knew it was something dangerous. Sarah couldn't tell him much but about her father but said maybe he could find out a little more from (y/n). She had a closer relationship with their father than Sarah did. (y/n) even played match maker and introduced Michael and Sarah. Apparently (y/n) had known Michael for some time meeting him on her outings with their father. (y/n) grew to love Michael like a brother and decided to introduce him to her sister and it was love at first sight.

You were pulled out of your concentration when Connor's deep voice came from beside you. You swear you never even heard him come out of the house. "Is there anything I can help you with (y/n)?" "Oh! Jeez Connor you startled...me." You slightly lost your train of thought when you noticed Connor's appearance had changed. His hood was lowered exposing his smooth copper face. He was stunning. Your eyes traced along his strong jaw line and down his neck. And the way sunlight was shining on his face made is eyes seem more golden than the flat brown you thought they were when they were hidden under his hood. You had to fight the urge to bit your lower lip as you tried (and failed) not to stare at his kissable lips. Why is my heart racing, he is just a man! A beautiful hunk of man that puts the term tall dark and handsome to shame. Shut up (y/n) and you mentally slap yourself from these thoughts. And that's when you noticed Sarah's grinning face beaming out of the kitchen window knowing full well what was going on in that head of yours. Connor broke his gaze from your face and quickly shot his eyes down at your hands as if to distract him from his thoughts. "Um well I was just finishing up actually." Not sure of what else to say you placed the perfectly cut pieces of fillets on a plate and gathered up the undesirable parts of the fish and headed towards the corner of the fence while clicking your tongue. Just then a calico cat came sliding out from under the wooden stairs by the back door and scampered over to the meal you had laid before her. Connor seemed amused by this. "What?" "I've never seen anyone willingly feed a stray before" he replied as to not offend you. This made you smile. "Well she isn't a stray anymore. This is Olivia. We have a little arrangement you see. She keeps the rats and other pests away and I feed her some good scraps." Connor grinned and nodded "That seems fair." "Yeah Sarah seems to think so too. Especially since that night she decided to go out for some fresh air and found an unexpected visitor. I swear you would have thought she stumbled upon the boogeyman the way she screamed" and you couldn't help but bust into laughter at the memory. "Can I ask you a question? If it is to personal you don't have to answer and I apologize in advance." Connor lifted an eyebrow as he wait for your question. "What is your real name? It isn't Connor is it?" you asked as you reached up to touch the feather in his hair, feeling the softness as it slid between your fingers not noticing your finger tips grazing down the side of his face. His body tensed at first but grew to like the warm sensation of your finger tips and had to resist the urge to lean his head into them. "Ratonhnhaké:ton." He spoke it slowly pronouncing every syllable so you could understand. You said it a few times just as slowly as he did before speeding up the pronunciation. You guessed no one really called him by his real name since he seemed to be enjoying listening to you practice his name. "I'm really glad we met today Ratonhnhaké:ton. I like you (what the hell did I just say!) Um may I call you my friend?" (whew smooth cover idiot) Connor's face seemed to blush but he regained his composure quickly. "I would like to be your friend as well (y/n). Maybe one day I can get you to visit the homestead. I think you would love it. Since we are friends now I would like to ask you a question. I'm not sure where you were staring off to but you made a face on the way home. Had I said or done something to upset you?" "Oh no. Nothing like that. It's just, well the emblem on you sash. It looks familiar. I've seen it before in my father's study. I'm sure of it. But not like it matters now. We should get inside. Dinner still needs to be made and I smell all sorts of awesome right now." You stood and Connor followed but he seemed to be lost in his own thoughts.

Once inside you gave the plate of fish to Sarah and excused yourself to get cleaned up before dinner. A hot bath with some scented oil was just the thing you needed to unwind from the days excitement and rid yourself of the unappealing fish smell. However the bath was not long and relaxing enough since you did have guests downstairs so you soaked just long enough to release the tension in your muscles and let down and untangle your (h/c) hair that been pulled away from your face most of the day. You decided on a casual form fitting outfit and pulled your hair over to one shoulder not bothering with tying it back again. Once downstairs you can't help but feel Connor's gaze upon you. Unsure of what to do you set the table and prepare the plates with the nights meal. You enjoying the lively conversation and laughter over dinner. Achilles telling stories of funny mishaps and Connor's adventures in the frontier. Both men recall their thoughts of watching you from shore. You do have to admit it isn't something you see every day.
Sarah: "SPEAKING of lady like behavior..."
You: "Oh no. Please no. Please don't say it."
Sarah: "Mother is coming for a visit tomorrow..."
You: "UUUGH! Well it is a good thing I have plans tomorrow."
Sarah: "Great! I already have a dress laid out for you. You can have a nice long visit with mother and I and maybe..."
You: "Whoa! I am NOT wearing a dress. And I am not staying here all day tomorrow to entertain mother. We don't get along. She will have a better visit without me here."
Sarah: "You could get along if you weren't so stubborn. She just worries about you."
You: "She only worries that I will give her nosy friends something to gossip about. Heaven forbid I don't get married and magically transform into a perfect house wife. Did you know she was secretly matching me with her friends sons! She even tricked me in to meet a few of them. She asked if I could escort her from a brunch party and locked us in a room with her friends and their sons!"
Achilles: "That sounds like a fun story I would like to hear."
You couldn't help but stick out your tongue at him before laughing. "Oh yeah. Looking back on it now it is amusing. Their faces were priceless when I removed my jacket and they saw my belt fully loaded with blades. I didn't even bring my pistol with me that day. I'm pretty sure one of the men screamed when I got into a comfortable fighting stance and yelled bring it on. I thought mother was going to die! Father would have been proud." Everyone including Connor boomed with laughter. "Hey Sarah, is that Mrs. Donavan? What is she doing out this late?" Sarah gasped when she spotted the gray haired woman walking the dark empty streets alone. Quickly standing you walked into the neighboring room and pulled out a few throwing knives from a box you had hid for safety and placed them in the hidden slots in your boots. Walking back to the main room you found Connor waiting for you by the front door hood up and ready to go.

"Mrs. Donavan! You heading home?" you called out as to not startle her as you and Connor approached. "Ah (y/n) dear. Yes I am. Have you made a new friend?" she asked giving Connor a small smile and he nodded in return. "Oh well you know me, can't pass up a chance to make new friends! This is Connor." "Nice to meet you dear" she said taking her left arm and looping it around Connor's right and her right arm around your left and began walking with each of you on either side making Connor smile mostly at himself with the woman's informality. Mrs. Donavan is a retired doctor's assistant who runs a free clinic out of her home for people who can't afford the high prices of the city doctors. People often pay her what they can but when they don't have money they usually compensate her with some form of goods even though she never requires anything for her services. She was on her way home from retrieving some herbs and medicines but with her age she wasn't able to walk as fast or as far as she use to. We had just turned the corner with Mrs. Donavan's house in view when Connor spotted two guards leaning against some barrels conversing with each other. Connor slowed to a stop, "It may be easier for you two to get by them without me. I have a reputation with the guards. I will be close by in case there is any trouble, do not worry" and you nodded in reply and watched as he disappeared into the shadows. "Okay Mrs. Donavan, if we do in fact get in to a little trouble I want you to stay behind me and maybe keep a little distance. I don't want you to get hurt" and worry spread across the older woman's face. We began walking again her arm still in mine when we passed the guards on the other side of the street. So far so good you thought when all of a sudden a voice boomed from one of the guards "HEY! And where do you think you are going?" Now both men headed in your direction. You let go of Mrs. Donavan's arm and planted yourself firmly between her and the two men. "Just escorting my friend home, now if you will excuse us" as you turned your back and started to walk away when one of the men grabbed your arm and spun you around. "We aren't done with you yet. You are a pretty one aren't you" he said rubbing his knuckles down the side of your face. "Get your hands off me" pushing him away from you. "Please just let us be on our way" Mrs. Donavan spoke from beside you angering the guard even more. He raised the back of his hand to her but before he could strike you grabbed his arm with one hand, lowered your stance and punched in an upward motion underneath his ribcage knocking the air out of his body. As he started to hunch forward you grabbed the back of his head and pushed him down making his face meet your knee half way down and he was out. His friend on the other hand was half way down the street screaming for more guards. "Crap! Mrs. Donavan try to make it to the house and stay clear of any guards." "(y/n) behind you!" she yelled while making her escape making you spin to see a large man towering over with his axe ready to strike. You dove to the right to avoid his swing when Connor appeared flying off of a near by roof burying a blade in the man's neck killing him before he hit the ground. "Are you alright?" glancing at you giving you a once over for any injuries. "I'm fine. We need to end this now before anyone else decides to join the party." With that the two of you put your backs together ready to attack the surrounding guards that had managed to circle you.

It was like a beautiful waltz colliding with a nightmare. Every step that was made was effortless, almost like floating, and the rhythmic clashes of metal against metal set a beat to slaughter by. One by one the guards started to drop. Connor using them against each other like they were puppets on string. And you, gracefully gliding under and around stealing their weapons only to use it against them. You was mesmerizing. The last guard decided to make a run for it as you and Connor watched. Fleeing down an ally his fear creeping up on him he turn to face imaginary foot steps that had been following him and fired. Connor grabbed your arm and pulled you out of the line of fire while pulling his pistol and fired. The guard's lifeless body fell as you clutched you side and dropped to your knees. The shot had torn through your shirt and grazed your left side just under your ribcage. Connor's brown eyes widened at the sight of you doubled over. "Where are you hit. Let me see" as he pulled your hands away from the wound. "It's nothing Connor. It just grazed. Nothing deep. It hurts like nothing I've even felt before." "First time getting shot?" "Are you kidding me. Does this happen often. This is not what I meant when I said party." He let out a soft chuckle as he helped you to your feet. You tried to straighten your posture only to involuntarily double over again in pain. Connor wrapped both his arms around your midsection and pulled you into his chest determined to keep you off the ground. If it wasn't for the burning throbbing sensation in your side you would have enjoyed being this close to him a little more. In one fluid motion he moved to your side pressing one arm behind your knees and swept you off your feet. "Honestly Connor I can walk. I just need some time to adjust. Besides you have enough to carry" pointing at everything he had strapped to his body. "Don't worry about it (y/n). We need to find Mrs. Donavan and get this look at as soon as possible. Besides you hardly weigh anything" and began lifting you and lowering you as if doing bicep curls. Not amused by your current state "Ratonhnhaké:ton. I am feeling a little light headed and if you keep doing that I WILL give NO warning." He made an overly exaggerated shocked face that made you laugh and wince at the same time. Feeling a bit tired you rested your head against his chest feeling every breath he took and relaxed your body allowing it to sway more freely with Connor's arm. You felt his grasp around your body tighten and pull you in closer to him not knowing of the smile that rested on his lips.

The old woman gasped at the sight of you cradled in the arms of Connor, the side of your shirt tattered and spotted with red. It didn't taken her long to exam your wounds and patch you up before leaving to clean up while you got dressed. Connor looked relieved to see you as you entered to room using the wall as support. "Will you be okay?" concern spread across his face. "Oh she'll be fine dear. The wound was just deep enough to require stitches. I dabbed some medicine on it to stop any infection. Now (y/n), you need to drink this when you get home. It will help with the pain so you can get some rest okay hun." "Yes ma'am. What do I owe you for the fix up?" "Not a thing sweetie. You saved me remember. Just get home safe and take care of your wound. Next time I see you I want it to be a social call and not a medical emergency." You gave a small smile and started to make your way towards the door when you noticed Mrs. Donavan tug on Connor's sleeve for him to lean over to her. She whispered something in his ear that made him grin and then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "What was that all about?" you asked as the both of you started to make your way down the street. "She thanked me for the help, told me she liked me and that I need to stick around...among other things." "Oh 'among other things' huh? I see how it is. Well I think you should stick around also." You meant to give him a small nudge with your elbow but somehow managed to get cradled in his arms again. You looked up to see him looking down at you with a devilish grin obviously proud of your astonishment. Show off. A giggle slipped from your lips. "Well what are you waiting for?" His whole body seemed to tense at the question. "What do you mean?" "I mean are you going to stand here all night or are we going to go back to the house?" His body relaxed and a sigh of relief escaped his lips yet his face looked somewhat disappointed. As the two of you reached the front door of your house you started to squirm trying to release yourself from his arm but his grip only tightened. "Connor you can put me down now" still squirming. You both started to laugh at your failure until he pulled you up closer to his face "I'm not ready to put you down just yet."

Connor busted through the front door making Sarah and Achilles jump. Panic was spread across Connor's face as your body hung limply from his arms. You felt him lower you on to some pillows in front of the fireplace as Sarah rushed to your side. "Oh my God! What happened?" she yelled as she began examining the blood and rips on the side of your shirt. Very calmly you said "Mrs. Donavan made it home safely" and then smiled with your eyes still closed. It was eerily quiet. You peeked your eyes open to see Achilles standing with his mouth hanging open but a smile was starting to form. Sarah on the other hand was fuming. "I. Am going. To kill you." You threw your hands up in defense. "I'm really injured. I'm really injured. I'm really injured. Oh my God SARAH!" And she lunged at you wrapping her hands around your neck but not squeezing. "YOU ALMOST GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK YOU KNOW THAT!" "HAHAHAHA I know, you should see your face right now. Oh my gosh my side!" "Seriously, what happened?" "Guards, that's what. They couldn't mind their own business. One of them threatened Mrs. Donavan so I broke his nose...with my knee. (Sarah raised an eyebrow) Then Connor and I were surrounded which was no problem by the way." (flashing a smile at Connor which made Achilles raise his eyebrow) "No problem huh? Then how did you get hurt?" "I was getting to that! (Sarah poked your side) Ouch! A soldier tried to flee and just so happened to shoot in my direction. If Connor hadn't of pulled me out of the way it could have been a lot worse. (sitting up now you leaned your head on Sarah's shoulder) Mrs. Donavan is fine though. She fixed me up. Everything is fine." Sarah let out a sign, it was impossible for her to stay mad at you. Especially since it hadn't been as bad as it could have been. Connor tossed you the little vile that Mrs. Donavan gave you. "Don't forget to take that." You couldn't help but groan inwardly. As quickly as you could you swallowed the thick liquid, trying to avoid getting it on you tongue, giving you shivers down your back. Almost instantly the throbbing in your side lessened and your entire body relaxed. Achilles and Connor spoke about staying at a near by inn since it was late in the night. It was dark when you and Connor left and by the time you made it back home the moon was almost at it's highest peak in the sky. Sarah was getting antsy as Connor and Achilles were preparing to leave. No doubt wanting details about Connor and girly gossip. She had been watching you and Connor like a hawk ever since she spotted the two of you talking outside before dinner. Your insides fluttered at the memory. You hovered at the base of the stairs as the two men made their way to the front door. Connor noticed your hesitance and offered to help you up the stairs. "Don't even think about it. You carried me all over town tonight. If you think I'm going to let you carry me up the stairs you've got another thing coming. I'm hurt, not helpless. Besides, I think Sarah wants to talk a bit more before bed." Sarah anxious for the chatter to start had a big smile on her lips. Looking a bit concerned now he had to ask. "Is she wanting more details about what happened earlier?" "Among other things." Connor looked shocked at you response which made you laugh. "Not so funny when you are on the receiving end is it" poking him in the chest. His smile almost made you melt. Thank God you were leaning against the wall. "Well I think we best be off. It's is late enough as it is and these old bones want to rest. You ladies have a pleasant night." You and Sarah gave Achilles a peck on the cheek before the old man could make it to the front door. Sarah wish both the men well and went to wait in the living room. You followed Connor out the door. "Take care (y/n)." He looked at you as if wanting to say more but left it at that and pulled his hood up. As he turned to walk away, you bumped his arm with your elbow getting his attention. "Goodnight, Ratonhnhaké:ton." His head shot up in surprise. Even with his hood up his expression was priceless. With that you gave him a soft smile and shut the door behind you.

Sarah came running out of the living room giddy with excitement. You quickly threw your hand over her mouth and peeped out the window. When Connor seemed to be far enough you removed your hand from your sister's mouth and she let out an ear shattering squeal and began hopping in place. "YOU LIKE HIM DON'T YOU! You have to tell me EVERYTHING! OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!"