Kiss Me, Connor Kenway

Crimson Red

I had to wake up early before the ladies came in to check on me, so once I was slightly aware that I was awake, I forced my eyes open, swung my legs over the side of the bed, and pushed myself to get up. Since I was going hunting today, I knew that I did not have to make my hair look so pretty and neat, so I brushed it back away from my face, tying it in a low ponytail, wrapping the cord tightly. I then took off my nightgown and dressed in my shift, socks, and boots before deciding to put on my stays.

"Well... I should be wearing them, it is proper afterall." So I painstakingly laced up my stays and comfortably tightened them before buttoning up my dark blue blouse. It was nice to get dressed by myself, as strange as that sounds. I didn't have to be bothered by the ladies trying to cheer me up as they cooed over me. The lack of independence I've had for the past six weeks bothered me, and now that, as simple as it is, I am dressing myself again, I feel I've regained some of that independence.

After putting on my trousers, I tied a string around the pants so that they would stay in place and leaned over and tucked the ends into my boots. Finally, I took my small belt and fastened it around my hips. I picked up the mirror one last time and checked myself, and for once, I actually felt like smiling, so I allowed it to happen. I let the smile grow on my face, cheeks rising to make my eyes squint. Seeing myself smile almost looked foreign to me, but it was a welcomed change. I gently placed the mirror back down on my dresser and walked out of the room and downstairs to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, I pondered about what I should bring with me.

"Well, I am not hunting big game today, just a few rabbits to hold me over. Let's see... I need equipment to set traps."  I began to search for the lures and ropes needed to create snares. Using the knowledge Connor taught me a while back, I should be successful today. I grabbed two hunting knives in case of a sudden emergency along with a pouch hanging off of the mantle and filled it with bait. Once everything was equipped, I was ready to go and set off for my little trip today. I exited out the front door and took in the early morning pleasantries. I listened to the birds chirping while I saw the dew glistening in the sunlight, the cool air nipping at my nose.

"From what I remember, Connor said that rabbits are most active at dawn and at dusk." I mumbled while scratching my head. Without further delay, I set off into the woods in front of the manor, not really planning on going anywhere specific. As I traveled further in, the woods got thicker, forcing me to slow down in order to carefully step over fallen trees, branches, and general brumble.

In the distance, I could hear water running, indicating that a stream is nearby. Intrigued, I followed the direction where the sound was coming from. After getting branches and leaves stuck in my hair and tripping over hidden roots, I finally made it through and was welcomed by a rather wide, but gentle brook. There were several small ledges that created short waterfalls and as my gaze followed downstream, I saw a pool of water just begging to be jumped into. The sun shone through the branches and leaves, creating beautiful sunstreaks that met with the babbling water, glistening as it danced down to the pool.

"What a peaceful scene." I sighed under my breath. This place was dramatically better than those pointless walks the trio of ladies and I would take. I leaned up against the nearest tree, crossed my arms in front of me, and soaked the scenery in. While looking at this slice of heaven, I was also scanning the area, trying to see if there were any good areas to set a snare for rabbits.

"No, this place won't do. It's too out in the open." After enjoying the momentary bliss, I continued my search by turning around and walking back into the woods. There were a few bushes that were excellent hiding spots for rabbits, so I decided to set up snares in the area. Following carefully the method Connor taught me, I completed baiting the snares spread out in different locations. All that's left to do now is wait.