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Broken streams of sunlight peeked though the tree outside your bedroom window casting shattered light on your bed as you slept. A breeze swayed the branches making the light dance across your face. Why did the morning have to come so early? Sarah asked so many questions and over analyzed and second guessed every detail last night that you went to bed second guessing your own name. Not to mention Mrs. Donavon's little concoction started to make your bed spin after you laid down. You swore never again would you drink that bitter mix. You can manage pain but not feeling in control of your own body was to much for you to stand. Speaking of pain. You pulled the covers over your head and began to roll on your side before getting a quick reminder of the previous days adventures. Sarah practically broke down your door as she entered your room singing obnoxiously. Why did she have to be a morning person. "Goooooood morning sleepy head!" She pretended to be hurt as you shot her and evil look and mumbled a few choice words. "Aww someone isn't in a good mood. How do you feel?" "Oh I don't know...like I've been SHOT maybe." You both start laughing. "It hurts more than it did last night" placing your hand over your bandage. "Achilles said that might happen." You gave Sarah a puzzled look. "Achilles stopped by earlier. He wanted to check on you before heading home. He also said he hopes you visit him soon." This made you smile. Achilles seemed like he was going to be a very good friend. You couldn't wait to have more conversations with him. "Connor wasn't with him?" "No, seems like he had a few things to take care of before heading home. I hope Achilles makes the trip by himself without any trouble." "He is a stubborn old man. I'm sure he can handle anything that comes his way." "I suppose you are right. Mother will be here soon. I've laid out a dress for you. Holler if you need help tending to yourself or getting dressed. I'll be downstairs preparing brunch." You stood as she left the room and began to twist and bend your torso to try and work out some of the soreness in your muscles. You removed your clothes and stained wrap from your waist. Looking in the mirror you examined the wound. It had already began to heal. The surrounding skin was warm and pink, still tender to the touch. Where the wound was once open now laid a scab, underneath tissue and muscles felt itchy but you dared not scratch. The faster it healed the better. You dabbed away some dried blood with a wet cloth and rubbed on some juice from an aleo vera leaf before wrapping your waist with a clean bandage. Now for this dress. Sarah pick out a soft lavendar dress that mother said brought out your (e/c) eyes. No doubt your sister was trying to keep you on your mothers good side. If wearing a dress is all you had to do to keep everyone happy then it was something that you could handle...for today.

You could here your mothers voice as you made your way down the stairs. As you entered the living room you surprised your mother with a soft kiss on the cheek before greeting her and secretly gave a wink to Sarah promising to be on your best behavior. Ben was already at the table sneaking a few snacks in his pocket for later. His cheeks were still red from your mother squeezing them. You sat in idle chat with your sister and mother for a while before you mother brought up you single status. You knew it wouldn't take long for the subject to come up. You stood and walked to the window trying to control your temper as your mother continued on her rant. Sarah came to your defense when all of a sudden there was a knock at the door. Ben wanting very much to escape offered to answer it and ran.

Ben came skipping into the parlor. Your mother quickly inhaled at the sight of Connor standing in the entrance, his hood mysteriously covering his face. He practically stopped breathing when his eyes fell on you. Everything about you captured him. The lavender of your dress softened your (s/c) skin making you glow in sunlight. The fabric hugged all the right curves of your body. Your long (h/c) hair was loosly braided to one side. Even with your arms crossed trying to hide your frustration you were absolutley beautiful. Both Sarah and your mother couldn't help but bring their gazes back and forth between you and Connor. "Connor! What a surprise to see you" Sarah blurted out snapping Connor back to realitly and startling you. Connor? You turned away from the window to see him shift his gaze from you to your sister giving her a nod. You made your way across the room to stand by his side "Connor, nice to see you again. What are you doing here?" "Well Sarah mention you wearing a dress and I decided I had to see it to believe it." Did Connor really just make a funny? "Ha ha. (nudging him with your elbow) So you came to mock my misery, how thoughtful." "Actually I came across some letters and this one was addressed to you Sarah." She took the letter and opened it as she walked away to read it in private. Your mother was now standing next to you bumping her elbow against your arm while eyeing Connor. "Um Connor, this is my mother Elaina. Mother, Connor. We met yesterday." "Nice to meet you Connor." "And the same to you" he replied lowing his hood looking back to you. Your mothers jaw dropped. Sarah came swaying in the room wrapping her arms around your shoulders making the two of you spin in a circle. "Sarah?" "The letter is from Michael. He should be home in a week or two." Seeing Sarah this happy made you smile. It's been a while since you've seen her like this. Ben was just as excited as his mother. Your mother and Connor couldn't help but smile at the two of you twirling. Your mother being the modest nosy woman she was asked Connor if he would like to stay and visit but unfortunatly he was needing to get home. "Oh well do you live far?" "I have a homestead in the frontier. I was going to ask (y/n) if she would like to come with me but it seems like she is needed here." he answered with a half smile. You smiled back at him "Maybe next time your in Boston. I really would like to visit your home and see Achilles again." "Never put off tomorrow what you can do today dear child. I'm sure we've talked about everything we possible could. You've been a dear for staying this long." You ran up to your mom and gave another kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to go change in to something more suitable. I will be right back." "So Achilles doesn't get to see you in the dress?" "Have you even ridden a horse in a dress?" Connor raised an eyebrow. "Didn't think so." And with that you vanished to your room.

Sarah knocked and entered just as you were putting your boots on. "Connor said it is a long ride. Pack some extra clothes for a couple of nights and anything else you might need." "Are you going to be alright while I'm gone?" "Please, like this is the first time I've been left alone a couple of nights. At least I know you will be safe. Just have fun. And remember everything that happens so you can tell me when you get back." You couldn't help but roll your eyes and Sarah sighed. "You and him. Him and you. Riding through the wilderness together, all alone. (Sarah lets out a gasp) What if yall kiss!" "That's it" and you hit her with a pillow knocking her over, leaving the pillow on her face. "It will be so romantic!" she muffled from under the pillow and you laughed. "Oh my God Sarah. Shut up. I've got to go. He's waiting." You stood and threw some extra belonging in a bag and headed for the door, Sarah followed while making kissy noises but composed herself when she made it to the stairs. When you reached the bottom you knelt and gave Ben a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Be good for your mom." He nodded then ran to the front door to looking slightly disappointed. Connor waited for you to kiss your sister and mother on their cheeks before he told them goodbye and following you to the door. Ben was standing by the door when Connor walked by placing his large hand on Ben's headgently shaking his hand left and right making Ben giggle and sway. "Next time if it is alright with your mother, alright?" Connor told the small boy making him smile as he shut the door behing the two of you. Connor pulled his hood up over his head.

"Only one horse Ratonhnhaké:ton?" you asked eyeing him. Surprise slightly showing on his face when you called him by his given name. "With your mother visiting I was unsure if you would come." A faint shade of pink brushed across his cheeks but quickly vanished. As mcuh as you liked the idea of sharing a horse with Connor you didn't want to make him uncomfortable so you quickly thought of a plan. "Hm. Simple solution. Follow me." Connor took your bag and tied it behind his saddle. The two of you headed towards the outskirts of town with Connor's horse following behind. You abrubtly turned to face Connor. "Wait here. I'll be right back." Before he could reply you sprinted away. He watched as you casually walked past a group of soldiers then disappered. After Connor lost sight of you he checked that all the straps to the saddle were secure and climbed up on the horse's back, speaking some gentle words when the horse began to get restless. His mind began to wander as thoughts of you made his heart race. He could almost feel the warmth of you body against his back. He could ride slowly to allow you to maintain your balance to keep some distance but the journey would take longer. A faster pace would require you to hold on...to him. What if it makes you uncomfortable? What if it made him uncomfortable? What if he enjoyed having you close? The latter question make him even more anxious. "What is taking her so..." Yells from the guards pulled Connor from his thoughts. Men scattered like ants as commands and pleas for help filled their ears, overwhelming a few as they watched caos spread across the camp. Carts of supplies rolled away uncontrollably knocking over men and taking down tents that were in it's path. A horse came leaping over a fence with (y/n) atop it's back. "I think now would be a good time to leave!" Connor raced his horse ahead leading you through the gate exiting the city leaving the yells of angry guards behind.

Once alone the two of you slowed your horses to a trot. Adrenalin was still pumping through you making your heart pound in your chest. You looked over to see Connor staring at you. The same wild look mirrored on his face. The both of you burst into laughter. "Do you know how crazy that was?" "It seemed like a good idea at the time" you replyed breathlessly. You stared in awe at the wonders that lay before you. To the right of the trail was a steep cliff leading down to crystal clear waters that shimmered and sparkled. The forrest was lush and green, fertile with animals scurrying away from the sounds of your voices. Connor quietly nudged his horse forward and you followed slightly behind still taking in the scenerey. Your eyes eventually fell to Connor. Disappointment washed over you since Connor still had his hood covering his face. But a man with his skills is surely to be known by the guards, even out of the city. Instead you began to study his array of weapons strapped to his back. Each one sharp and perfectly situated. Gleams of light slid across the edges of the blades entrancing you with their beauty.

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The ride was peaceful especially since Connor lead you off the trail to avoid confrentations with guards and to take shorter paths. Scattered buildings began to appear behind the trees. "Is this..." "Welcome to Davenport Homestead (y/n)." Connor tilted his head up slightly and flashed you a crooked smile giving you an involuntary blush on your cheeks. A few people gathered to welcome Connor home and introduce themselves to you. There was an inn but Connor insisted that you stay at the manor. Achilles probably wouldn't have it any other way so you agreed and promised the townspeople a more formal introduction later. Connor was greeted by annoyed murmers from Achilles. "What took you so long? Next time you decided to...(Y/N)!" You stepped out from behind Connor greeting Achilles with a warm smile and a hug. "I'm sorry. I hope I haven't gotten Connor in trouble." "Trouble? Connor can find that on his own. I'll count you as a blessing. Come in child, how are you feeling?" Achilles tucked your hand under his arm and lead you to the kitchen. Connor happily watched as you and the old man left him at the door. He hasn't seen Achilles this happy since, well, never.

Subcontiously your hand kept finding its way up to your side. The area around your wound felt like it had it's own pulse. "(Y/n) are you sure you're okay?" Connor asked entering the kitchen while removing his hood. Your heart instantly skipped a beat when you looked up to see his face. Don't blush, don't blush, dammit! "Yeah, uh I'm fine. I'm just a little sore from the ride here." "Why don't you get some rest. There will be plenty of time for visiting." "Achilles is right. I already brought your bag up to your room. Get some rest and after dinner we can meet everyone at the tavern. I'm sure word has already spread of your visit." You left Connor and Achilles at the bottom of the stairs and made for your room, closing the door softly after you entered. You unbottoned your shirt and removed your bandage to examine your wound. It looked even better than it did this morning. A little stretching would work out the soreness. You watched how the your skin pulled as you twisted you torso left and right, careful not to rip the thread as you turned. Having your full range of motion would make exploring with Connor alot easier. When you were finally satisfied with your progress you buttoned your shirt not bothering to bandage your side and sank down into the bed letting your eyes close.

You woke refreshed. Not much time had passes. The shadows had only moved a few inches across the floor. You searched the house but found no one so you left out the back. The horse you graciously acquired from the redcoats had made itself comfortable in the stables. "Well what have we here. You seem to be enjoying yourself." The horse had perked up its ears and took a few steps toward you still munching on the hay hanging from his mouth. You got a little closer allowing him to smell you. "Remember me?" The horse began to sniff from your neck to the top of your head making you bow slightly and giggle. "Yes yes I like you too. How about we get you more comfortable hmm?" Taking his saddle off and setting it near one of the stalls you found a brush and put it to use. Humming a slow tune you brushed the dirt and sweat from the horses back. "I think you've made a friend." Connor had been leaning against the fence watching you for some time. You jumped at the sound of his voice and turned to see him with a slight grin. You narrowed your eyes at him. "I really wish you would stop surprising me." "You shouldn't startle so easy." "Maybe you shouldn't be so quiet." The both of you were grinning at each other now. If Connor was any closer he would be on top of you but you stood your ground. You're not one to back down from a challenge, especially one as good looking as this. I meant fun...as fun as this...okay stop staring at him. "So." "So?" "My side is felling much better. Well enough to keep up with you I think." "Hmm. We will see about that. Tomorrow. We should get going. I'm sure everyone is waiting to meet you."

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Laughter was pouring from the tavern ahead. As we entered there were two men acting out a story as their surrounding friends laughed at their clumsiness. "Oi Connor! Is this the new girl I've been hearing all about!" A slender man began to approach you drawing everyone's attention. Connor's shoulders relaxed as he took in the atmosphere and the warm greetings of his friends. " Yes Norris, this is the new girl." You shot a look at Connor making him smile. Reaching out your hand to introduce yourself you were surprised by Norris wrapping his arms over yours giving you a tight squeeze and lifting you off the ground. Every ounce of nervousness left your body once you were back on the floor. Everyone there was nice. Each one greeted you with their name and small talk of life on the homestead. The two lumberjacks and the carpenter told of how Connor saved them and offered them a place on the homestead. Both Ellen and Big Dave, the seamstress and blacksmith, only spoke of being grateful for Connor's help but did not speak about their troubles they had left behind. Myriam was intriging. She was a very independent woman much like yourself. Conversation with her was easy. She held nothing back. The two of you would become great friends. The night grew late and eventually everyone began to part ways and turn in for the night. A small smile was permantely held on your lips as you took in your surroundings walking back to the manor. You could feel Connor's gaze on you and it took everything you had not to look back at him. He had been watching you all night but you didn't mind. You would have loved to stare back in to those deep chocolate eyes or even walk a little closer to him but both probably would have made him uncomfortable so you ignored him, letting him take all the time he needs to hopefully get past the ackwardness of physical touch and closeness. The lack of conversation was allowing your brain to pull back events of the previous day behind your house. Then, all you could see was the delicate feather hanging from his hair but now. Now looking back all you saw was the way he tensed at the feel of your fingertips brushing across his skin and it made you cringe inside. You had stopped walking about half way up the front steps of the manor and brought your eyes up to Connor's who was standing a step behind you. "I never did thank you for bringing me here." His eyes softened as he looked in to your e/c eyes. "I'm glad you came. You fit in well here." Without thinking you lean forward on to your toes and placed a soft kiss on to Connor's cheek. His skin warmed underneath your lips. In almost a whisper you told him goodnight and went inside leaving him speechless on the steps.

His heart was racing in his chest. Every thump echoed in his ears. He was falling for her. He knew what he was feeling was dangerous. She has feelings for him but are they as strong as his feelings for her. If she did, would him being an assassin make her waver? Worse yet, her father might have been an assassin like him. All those trips to the woods and the playing, was he really preparing her. How could he not have told her. The last thing Connor wanted was to scare her or hurt her in any way but he had many questions he wanted answered.