{|ACIV:BF|} Over and Out {1-on-1 rp}

The heat was sweltering but she did her best to ignore it. Without her hoodie, it was a little bearable now. The lighter cotton clothing helped as well. She had long since started to miss the old comforts from her own time, however.

It was quiet aside from the voices around them. Mia spared a glance around, taking in the people around them. She saw a few drunken men still wandering about. Somewhere, someone was playing a violin. That was a pleasant sound to her.

He eventually answered her, as blunt as it was. That left a pang a guilt running through her. True, she felt she had a right to feel sour over the entire locked up thing but she took it out on him more than she should have. At times, she simply didn't notice it in between the bouts of heavy silence.

"I'm sorry," she finally apologized again. "I'll...try to keep a handle on that."

It wasn't a moment later did he brush it off, motioning around them. His words were light as they had been before. She wasn't sure how he managed it in this heat. Trying to enjoy the day was difficult when she hated the heat as it was. She didn't mention it however. For all she knew he'd already picked that much out.

"I don't know how you stand this heat," she commented, briefly after a moment.

She spared a glance around looking for a path toward the beach. Mia hadn't had a chance to see the ocean close having been so closely guarded in Charlies home. This was the first time she had gotten the chance to move out and about so why not try and see it now? Mia wasn't one for ships or even open water but standing on shore would be comfortable.

"Do you sail often Charlie?" she inquired, rubbing her forearm briefly if only to keep her hands busy for the moment. "I'm not...expected to follow you onto a ship, am I?"

----[x]----

For a brief moment, a strange look overtook her features. Ah Tabai didn't make mention of it but Daniel shot a quick glance at her. He appeared ready to question it and seemed to drop the idea a few moments later.

He heard Daniel offer an amused snort in response to her words. If anything, she was showing quite a bit of enthusiasm already. That was a good sign. Perhaps she would loosen up a little more as the days and weeks passed.and she settled in.

"I will certainly keep that in mind," Daniel jested in return to her words.

When his warning came about, she offered a short shrug, simply accepting things as they were. If it became too much trouble for her, regardless of what she said, he would step in. There was no need over whelming her in a situation she was already a little troubled over.

"You will find a way to take these things in stride," he answered after a brief moment of silence. He paused, studying her carefully for a brief moment before he continued. "I...am unsure if your friend has been found. I plan on keeping in contact with the base in Havana."

For a moment, she seemed to mull over the words. She might have expected that plan all together, for all he knew. There hadn't been word yet and he figured a moment to explain that would be best. Worry did cross her expression and he frowned a tad at that.

"They are still searching, I assure you, but it takes time to gain information, mi'lady. I apologize if I worried you in any way."

It was unavoidable for her and he sympathized. A loved one or friend lost or used by the Templars was not a comfort. No doubt, she had worried about that outcome in the end of it.

Mia had cringed, apologizing then. With a shake of his head he waved her off without a word on the matter. He hadn’t said it for apologies, Mia gave too much up without a fight and that just wasn’t fun—at least not when it was a conversation. He didn’t dwell on it past that, however.

At the very least she was speaking now, trying to draw on a conversation. ’Progress, in the least,’ Charlie mulled. He wouldn’t point this out, however, or risk her lapsing back into that passive agressiveness she’d preferred oso far.

“Born for it, poppet,” Charlied chimed with a flourish of his hand for effect, “it’ll grow on you.”

He kept an eye out on their surroundings. Assassins were persistent rats and if they caught sight of Mia they might start a ruckus, not that it would sour his day. Preferably he’d just like to see it coming before they had the element of surprise to hinder him with. A good skirmish was not something Charlie could just turn down, after all.

As he observed the area and the people milling to and fro he was aware of the paths she lead them on. From the looks of it she was doing her best to make some sort of a beeline to the beach not that it would be far. Charlie felt comfortable when he could easily make it to port and onto a ship if he had a mind to without delay, after all.

“Of course I do!” he scoffed, sounding as if the very notion that he did not was insulting, “though the arrangements for you might be debatable…”

Honestly, he wasn’t sure what they might do, it would most likely depend on the situations therein. Charlie left it at that, however. There was no need to mention them if there wasn’t a pressing concern about it at the moment. Besides, assassins had ears everywhere and any news of Mia was best kept from their reach.

----[x]----

The conversation had drifted into silence though only briefly. Whatever either man thought was kept from her thought that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. There were things on her mind she wasn’t so keen on sharing, after all—everyone had such thoughts, it was only natural. Still, some of hers were troubling, given the situation.

Ah Tabai broke that silence, sharing a bit of information. Karissa could only nod in return, taking it in and mulling it over. She had hoped that some kind of news about Mia’s whereabouts would have beaten her here. It was hard to tell if it was good or bad that nothing had. Not knowing was always the worst, leaving the imagination to fill in the blanks.

Her gaze drifted away as she thought and Karissa was biting at her lip before she knew it. The worst was what came to mind and they weren’t exactly something that helped things. Eventually she wondered “could they have taken her away from Havan without anyone realizing it?”

It was possible, after all. Maybe the Templars had gotten her and whisked her from the city they knew assassins would be looking for her in. Where else she might have been taken was the question, if that was the case. Karissa didn’t care for the possibilities, it meant it would be a slimmer chance to find Mia at all.

He was apologizing then, snapping Karissa out of her thoughts. She could only blink at him for a moment before she shook her head in turn. “N-no, it’s fine. Don’t worry,” she assured. Truthfully, despite the lack of news, it was better than wondering if there’d been any at all or not.

There was that quiet again, at least between the three of them. Karissa sniffled again, ignoring the want to bury her face in her coat for the moment. She wondered if she’d acclimatize to this place and the high humidity or if her sinuses were always going to be a problem with her here. It was just a good thing they were in the shadows, the light casting all sorts of patterns over everything. It was hot enough for her already and she was one who preferred summer to winter.

There wasn't much said after she had apologized though she didn't put much stock into it. It wasn't her intention to be nasty to him, more so just the situation, but somehow he took amusement out of it. Charlie seemed to like picking at her, she noticed. If it wasn't for the given situation, she probably would have played along a little easier.

Mia wasn't sure how she felt about the crowds or how noisy the place was. She was used to quieter, calmer atmospheres. Havana was a mess of people of all different shapes and sizes. If anything, that fact alone interested her a little bit.

She blinked when he spoke again, drawing her out of her thoughts. She had doubts that she would simply get used to it but didn't say anything on the matter. Mia still hated the summer time when she was home, only preferring that of the occasional thunder storm or being able to get out and about.

"I don't know," she replied quickly. "I've always preferred the cold."

For a short time, it was quiet again. She didn't mind as she withdrew into her own thoughts again. Mia hadn't heard word of Karissa so perhaps she found a way to get out of here. If the assassins had found her, she would be alright and far from Havana, Mia was sure.

Mia was glad when they got closer to the beach and things thinned out a little. A few ships were at the docks, something she spared a long glance at. She didn't like the thought of being on them but she admired them from afar all the same. Only when Charlie spoke, feigning insult, did her attention return to him.

"I'd rather it remain debatable then," she replied, stepping out onto the sandy beach. It was a strange feeling for her never having really hung around beaches much less the ocean. "I get terrible motion sickness and I don't care for the thought of spending my days throwing up off the side of a ship."

Mia tried to lighten her tone at that though it was a little difficult. If anything, she manged it a tad, an improvement from days before. She didn't pay too much mind to it instead trying to enjoy the sights around her.

----[x]----

She was quiet for a long moment, taking everything she could in. Ah Tabai didn't push her to speak. She seemed to be mulling a thing or two over. He'd give her that time uninterrupted.

He spared a brief glance Daniel's way. The younger man could only offer a small shrug in response. He knew little of Karissa, it seemed. The woman no doubt had her worries and shared little.

When she spoke, more of a question to herself, Ah Tabai frowned. Her words were true, it was entirely possible and she'd picked up on that conclusion quickly. If the girl was spotted around Havana, that would at least bring a little light to the situation. For the moment, Ah Tabai had little solace to offer in ways of information.

"It is possible," he answered, studying her expression for a brief moment. "However, until we hear of news, we are holding onto the chance that she is well."

"If the Templars have gotten to her first, I doubt they will bring her any harm, Daniel explained afterward. "They're struggling and will jump on the opportunity to get information out of her, no doubt."

That much was true though he was unaware of their methods. He could only assume she would be well if the Templars did want to gather information from her.

After he had offered his apology, she quickly responded looking startled for a moment. He spared a brief nod, watching her expression. She sniffled again seemingly effect by the whether. Ah Tabai hummed at that, trying to think of any medicine that might aid her later.

"You look a tad unwell, mi'lady," he brought up then. "Perhaps you would like to rest? It was no doubt a long journey here."

Whatever was on Mia’s mind wasn’t of any consequence to him. So long as she didn’t take to bolting or trying anything funny he didn’t quite care much. Besides, she didn’t have it in her, he was sure. Even if she did get the idea in her head Charlie was more than a match for her.

It seemed she was merely content to walk, leading them towards the sandy shores of Havana’s beach. Despite the humidity and the heat she seemed to adjust well enough. Mia was taking an interest in those around them at least—progress. She could have very well just ignored him and remained unpleasant all around.

“Bah!” he scoffed with a flick of his hand at her insistence that the cold was more preferable. Charlie could never come to agree with that. The cold and the snow and ice that came with it was far too hindering to him.

There was time to listen to all the conversations and noises around them. Someone back there had been playing a violin though the sounds were dying away now. Charlie wasn’t particularly moved or bothered by any of this, long since used to it. It was merely something that was there to be listened to to pass time and nothing more.

“Your loss,” he said simply when Mia did speak up. Getting seasick was not something Charlie was envious about in others and it seemed that’s exactly what held Mia back.

The sand and water was in sight now, un-obscured by buildings and people. Though they wouldn’t be on any sort of a ship Charlie could at least take contentment from the place. There was a breeze that tugged at his clothes and the charm on is tricorne hat, cooling against the humidity but only marginally so.

His boots seemed to sink into the sand though he knew otherwise. The soft grinding of the grains against his boot soles was something that was washed away by the waves against the shore.

----[x]----

Her question, one that had been more to herself than to Ah Tabai or Daniel, was answered nonetheless. It seemed no one was quite sure what plans the Templars would have for Mia if they detained her. Yet again her imagination tried to fill in the blanks with the worst and Karissa did her best to ignore them. There wouldn’t be a point fretting and worrying about it so much that it became crippling and she’d lose sight of things she could do in Tulum, after all.

They both worked to offer reassurances of Mia’s safety however. How the Templars went about gathering information from people must not have been known to anyone here. How Templars treated assassins to how they would treat someone like Mia? Karissa hoped that what Daniel said was true by that logic alone.

“Well, no use sitting around whining about no information, I guess,” she muttered, more to herself than to either man.

Karissa had sniffled again soon after, probably sounding sickly. If she did acclimatize it’d be a few days at best and at worst she’d never be able get a hold of her allergies. That latter thought was a distressing one but a thought she couldn’t shake all the same.

Ah Tabai was commenting on it soon after, offering for her to have time to rest if she needed it. There was no need to think that over and she was shaking her head before she spoke on the matter. Sleeping it off wouldn’t do much good other than a temporary reprieve and she knew that. Karissa wondered if allergies were common knowledge in this time or not yet—she figured it wouldn’t be though.

“I’d rather not,” she started to answer, “this isn’t the sort of thing you can just sleep off.”

If nothing else she’d rather get any questions answered he might have out of the way. It’d clear up the air, at least. ’Or murk it up,’ she thought before she pushed that concern to the side. Ah Tabai seemed like a reasonable man. Perhaps he’d take things in stride or at least well enough to not cause too many problems in the long run.

It wasn't truly silent around them but she ignored the majority of the noise. The violin stood out most to her. The further away they got from it, the fainter it sounded. Maybe if she was allowed to, she'd try her hand at it like she'd always wanted to. She hated thinking that she'd have to get permission to try however.

He waved off her answer but his response was a tad lighter. She tried not to smile, a vain attempt even as a small one spread on her lips. Many people had shared the same sentiment as he did, Karissa had as well, and she found it a tad funny.

She felt her knee ache but it was less so on the sandy beach. A softer place to stand put some of the pressure off of it and she was for once grateful. The heat did it no good but it could be worse at this point.

For the most part, she didn't hear his next words. They were short and didn't quite matter for the moment. Instead, she focused on the waves crashing against the shore. The air was salty something of a foreign taste in the air. The breeze here, while not exactly cooler, was pleasant.

She almost jogged forward to reach the shore a little quicker but stopped herself before she could. Mia would rather not provoke Charlie into thinking she was taking off. As desperate as she might want to, she was out matched and knew better.

"I've never seen the ocean before," she mentioned, drawing closer to the shore. She watched the waves wash up, the sound quite a comfort. It was times like these when she wished she could actually settle on a ship and not feel so sick. "I suppose I've missed out."

She knelt down, cupping her hands over her knees. She remained in this position, gazing out at the waves despite her knee complaining.

"Why'd you get involved with all of this, Charlie?" She finally inquired. She knew the games answer, what was 'written' for him but now that he was more real than simply a character, she preferred to hear it from him. "What part do I play? Am I just here to give you information? If and when that's said and done, what then?"

Despite her silence against him throughout those many days, she had had plenty of time to think and worry. Some of those questions she wasn't sure he would answer or maybe he'd brush them off. It was her life at stake, however, and she'd rather not simply be used and tossed away like trash.

----[x]----

Ah Tabai couldn't find himself ignoring the look of worry that crossed her features. He prayed for word soon. There was no need for this one to fret so much. Still word had not reached him and it could take another week or more to get any news.

He spared a brief glance toward Daniel. A subtle shake of the head told the younger man enough. They would drop the subject and reassuring for now. It didn't seem to be helping so much. Perhaps Karissa already expected the worst of her friend.

Her words were a little sullen but he did not mention it. He felt sorry for her. Karissa had been taken from Havana before she could really see if her friend was safe or not.

Karissa shook her head when she answered him. Despite the sniffles, she looked a little less paler now. She was simply worried and he could provide little fix for that.

"If you are sure," he answered, sparing a smile in return. "If it becomes too much trouble, we may find some medicine that may help."

It was a nice offer, in the very least. Ah Tabai had to wonder where she had come from to cause such negative reaction to the climate. She had to live in a mild climate, he figured, to have this kind of reaction. Those questions, he attempted to quash for the moment.

"Perhaps we should walk about then?" Daniel suggested. "Get you acquainted with the people and area."

Ah Tabai nodded in agreement before he started forward again. Nearby, he could hear a group training. If anything, that was a start. Explaining the routine would be something simple and who knew, perhaps Karissa would take interest.

"Perhaps if you take interest in training, you can join our ranks," he noted, getting a conversation started. "We can train you here, mi'lady, if you ever express a wish to fight our cause."

Karissa had more of a reason to now, given what has possibly happened with her friend. If she chose to join their ranks, he would not begrudge her the opportunity. He would simply keep an eye out for her the next few weeks and note how she adjusted before suggested anything again. He held out hope better news would arrive to him in that time as well.

Once their feet hit sand Charlie noticed the way she picked up her pace, making a beeline for the shore. He shook his head at that. For someone who claimed seasickness she had a fascination of that body of water. Perhaps that was why, being unable to fully appreciate it out on a ship and this was the next best thing for her.

Already she was speaking up on matters Charlie hadn’t asked about. Funny that, considering how she was so apt on keeping her mouth shut tight the last few weeks. The change of pace was almost jarring.

“Which begs the question how you got to Havana without seeing the ocean once,” Charlie pushed, eyebrow raised.

She had said some things before, about the Piece of Eden drawing them here, but that didn’t cover the holes in the story. When she’d given her account it had been clear that Mia was picking her words carefully and hiding something. What that was was still a mystery, however.

Instead of answering him even when he knew that she had heard him she asked him something else, trying to change the subject. Charlie hummed at that, eyes half-lidded as he studied her. What was her game?

“It seems to me we all have secrets, poppet,” he said finally. If Mia wouldn’t share her answers than Charlie would do the same. It might have been childish but it might just work in their favor later on if this kept up.

He beamed at her when she tossed him a look for that, as if she were the captor and expected answers of him instead of the other way around. It was a little funny, Charlie would admit. Especially since, until now, she’d been so apt to sulking and being passive aggressive.

----[x]----

For having just met Ah Tabai seemed quite concerned with her health. Perhaps it was just the way he was or maybe he was afraid of something without a cure catching around Tulum. The latter would definitely be a concern with medicine in this day and age not nearly as advanced as what Karissa knew it would be.

She spared a nod in return to his concern and offer to find something to ease the ‘illness’ if it could be found and if she felt it was needed. “I’ll keep that in mind if I need it,” she answered.

Daniel was pitching ideas again, ones that might leave Karissa more familiar with the place. It was a little ironic, that. Sure she’d be seeing the place up close and firsthand for the first time but it was all already familiar to her. Saying that now, out in the open like this, might not be for the best though. So instead she spared another nod, gesturing for one or both to take the lead.

Before either of them started off Ah Tabai was already offering the possibility for Karissa to work to join the assassin ranks. She bit her lip, a little amused at the prospect of not joining. How much had Ah Tabai been told about her from Rhona and Daniel’s first meeting of her anyways?

“I suppose I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t considered it,” she admitted, following after them.

Nearby she’d been hearing the clang of metal on metal, presumably where some were training. She’d paid it little attention so far as it was still a ways away and out of sight. With the things they’d said Karissa wondered if that was the way they’d take her, however.

As they walked her attention would drift this way and that, taking in the little houses, the foliage, and the people. The smells in the air were interesting—some of them familiar while others were not. The salt in the air when nearer to the shore and the smell of moist dirt was an interesting combination. Seeing it all in person was strange, hard to put her finger on really.

Mia had remained as still as she could, occasionally only having to shift her weight to her heels. The sound of the waves crashing on shore filled the silence.

His words drew her attention again and she glanced at him studying his expression. She wished she could say he was an easy read, that she knew exactly what was on his mind, but she was finding less and less that she couldn't. What she had 'known' of him was little scripted information for a fictional character.

With that thought in mind, her gaze drifted back to the water. "I already told you," she said, her gaze watching the horizon. "That...'Apple of Eden', as you called it, brought us here. Before that point, we lived in a valley. There was nothing but hills and trees as far as the eye could see and certainly no ocean."

She left him to mull over his own conclusions. The Apple did strange things, no doubt he knew that, so why would teleportation seem strange?

Her question never was answered. Instead, he withheld the answers, looking rather smug as she shot him a look for it. She heaved a sigh and turned her attention elsewhere.

Mia did debate just coming clean with all of it. She had for weeks now but always stopped short in actually doing so. She wasn't even sure how to explain it all much less if it would be believable or not. There was also the fact that while she had kept a somewhat neutral view with the games, having a hand in aiding the Templars made her nervous.

"You wouldn't believe me if I did tell you anyways," she finally decided mostly to herself.

For her, that was true. A story of being sucked into a different time all together, centuries after this one was nothing but myths and legends. Who in their right mind would really believe that?

----[x]----

Ah Tabai made note to see someone about medicine for her if she needed it. She was a guest here and would be taken care of. If Karissa chose to branch out later and try other things, he would allow it, that was if she was truly serious about it.

The sounds of metal clanging against metal was a familiar one to him. He often over saw some of the training and these sounds had become more of a comfort. For most others, especially beginners, they were almost afraid of it sometimes cringing against the sound. Many eventually simply ignored after a short time.

Sparing a quick glance back, Karissa otherwise seemed unbothered. In fact, if he had to guess, she appeared a little fascinated. There was a hint of excitement behind all of that worry. Ah Tabai had to question why, adding another question to a pile of them.

"You will have to forgive my, mi'lady, we do not have much." he brought up in the momentary silence. "But this place, I am sure it will grow on you."

For the majority, it had. People came from all sorts of places, stayed here and trained. He'd seen many come and go in that time.

A soft chuckle left Daniel. "Don't look so anxious now," he teased. "I can give this one some credit. She at least looks determined."

Ah Tabai spared a soft smile toward the pair as he halted near the ring. "That is a good quality." he answered. "As long as you are not too bull headed."

It was a poor attempt at a joke, mostly simple truth. Some simply were and didn't think, putting others at risk. For now, he could only assume with Karissa. Her situation was no doubt dire but he hoped that would never cloud her judgement if she had a chance to find her friend again.

The answer she gave him was curt and not at all deviating from the one she’d originally given. This didn’t deter Charlie’s opinion on the matter, that she was hiding something still. There had to be more to it and besides Charlie had gotten good at reading people and guessing when they hid things from him.

He rolled his shoulders back, meeting her gaze squarely and said no more on the matter. For the moment. She would share eventually, Charlie was quite sure of it. Perhaps she was only holding back because of that friend of hers… he resisted scoffing at that.

Mia remained just out of reach of the waves though she dipped her fingers and hands in the water at one point. Mostly she’d just tossed him a sour look that did little to faze him. When she’d turned away she’d mumbled another answer.

“Why, little poppet, that’s not for you to decide,” Charlie retaliated easily.

If she thought it unbelievable than that was her prerogative but until he heard the story he’d never know. There were a might number of unbelievable things in the world, after all. The Piece of Eden was one of them. While it was to be believed that it had teleported her and her odd friend here it was no less strange. Perhaps she merely thought it insanity that even that was something that had happened.

He shifted his weight from foot to foot then, waiting. What he was waiting for he couldn’t say. Instead he just listened to the gulls and the waves. They were familiar sounds, comforting ones. Whether Mia felt the same about the gulls or not was yet to be seen, perhaps she saw them as merely annoyances.

Charlie lifted his face to the breeze, scenting the salt in the air. The humidity did little to faze him. He’d lived through worse days, after all. For now he’d enjoy the moment for what it was, the silence between them unbroken for a long stretch of time. This gave him some time to sort through his thoughts on the matter.

----[x]----

They pace they set was an even one and after all that time out at sea it was a little strange to be back on land where it didn’t rock under her feet. In a way Karissa already missed that though she didn’t say anything about it. There wasn’t much need to, she felt.

Her gaze was torn from their surroundings and back to Ah Tabai moments later. She shook her head at his apology. Truthfully the whole world wouldn’t have ‘as much’ as her time had had though pointing that out now didn’t seem like a good idea. She’d just have to get used to the idea, especially so if the Piece of Eden would not fix what it did. In a way Karissa was already trying to find ways in which this wasn’t so bad, the obvious problem with Mia being in danger aside.

“It’s fine,” she assured, “it’s more than I had when I ended up in Havana.”

That certainly wasn’t a lie, at least. All she had on her now was the coat, her other clothes ditched when she’d gotten the new ones and Karissa wasn’t even sure why she’d held onto her coat. She reasoned it was because it was the last things she had, that and her meager jewelry.

There wasn’t much time to dwell on that though, the topic already turning to possible training. Daniel had spoken up before she could about her determination or bullheadedness. Probably for the best, Karissa didn’t want to try and talk about what qualities she felt she had, they’d see in time anyways.

“Hey, I’m right here, you know,” she shot back at Daniel, giving him a half-amused look.

Ah Tabai seemed to try to get in on the joke as well though none of them seemed quite comfortable with it yet. Perhaps it was because of how new Karissa was to this place, they still knew nothing about her for the most part. They were probably just being cautious so as not to step on her toes on accident. Nonetheless she gave an indulgent chuckle, ducking her head as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

His answer wasn't exactly a favorable one for her. Whatever she chose to do or say to dodge around the situation, he'd still be waiting for answers. How long would he give her before alternative methods would be used? That left a pang of fear running through her.

She traced odd patterns in the sand, mulling over what to do or say. Occasionally she shot him a glance but nothing more. What was the best thing to do here given the situation? For her, it didn't seem like there was any real benefit in telling him.

She placed her hand on her lap again, sighing through her nose. The humidity did nothing to help clear her head. He wasn't pushing for answers at the moment and for that bit, she was grateful.

Eventually, she shook her head, unable to come to any other conclusion. If she waited around expecting him to cave, she would probably regret it. The assassin's, wherever they were, were probably searching for her but she hadn't been out and about for days. Who knew what they might have believed became of her.

"I was born in the year nineteen ninety one. Karissa was too, just a few months after I was," she finally explained. "When we found your Apple, the year was two thousand and fourteen. In other words, your Apple didn't just pull us from one place to another, it pulled us through time entirely."

She fell silent then, didn't glance at his face to study his expression. For her, it was simply a crazy notion that he would believe her words. She sniffled, wiping at her nose quickly before her hand fell back to her knee.

Guilt weighed on her with that confession. Was this the right thing to do or not? She could only assume with whatever Charlie decided to do with it.

----[x]----

A lot seemed to be on her mind but in the very least, she appeared to be comfortable. That was a little odd for him if he admitted it truthfully. She was relaxing far easier than he would have expected. This, he kept to himself however.

There would be much he would like to ask her when he had the moment. Perhaps he would start within a few days, see how she took to thins here. If she relaxed into a routine and seemed willing, he would start his questions.

He spared her a glance when she answered. That was a curious answer though he didn't dwell on it. All he knew was that she had been in strange clothing at the time. He could only study a few strange and smooth looking tattoos on her body.

"Than you should be well here," he responded sparing a small smile.

This conversation passed quickly like the others. The banter between Daniel and Karissa was a comfortable one. Ah Tabai heard the young man chuckle at her response.

"You've certainly done little to hide it!" he had joked in response.

She paused and ducked her head, tucking her hair behind her ear. At least she was relaxing and quickly at that. This was a good sign. Perhaps it would not take too much time for her to adjust after all.

"You've certainly made me curious," Ah Tabai added after Daniel. "Perhaps I will see this determination with my own eyes soon. Though, I suppose mi'lady appears a little bashful about it."

When she ducked her head again, he offered a chuckle and waved it off. There were all kinds, after all. As determined as she might be she might have had a softer side as well.

Mia was quiet for a long while and Charlie lost track of the minutes that passed in this fashion. It was of little consequence right now, having the waves and the gulls to listen to instead. When he’d glanced at her Mia had taken to drawing random patterns in the sand. They were just far enough out of reach of the water that they weren’t washed away seconds later.

Charlie hadn’t paid much mind to her doodling, turning back to survey their surroundings. There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary here, no stray person nearby to eavesdrop. That was a weight off of his shoulders at the moment, one less thing to keep an eye on.

Nothing was said for a long while before Mia broke that trend. As she spoke it sounded as if she were forcing the words out and with each one she said it was clear why. Charlie was glad she at least hadn’t spilled this secret out in front of so many others. His eyebrow raised, listening quietly until she’d finished.

She must have thought Charlie had been stunned into silence. Really he had to take the time to mull over this information. The Piece of Eden had teleported them to Havana, that much was clear but time travel as well? If they could harness that ability than the opportunities could be limitless.

It would explain a thing or two about Mia, to boot.

“That certainly makes things clearer,” he said simply, leaving Mia to wonder what else he might have thought on the matter. It was clear that she was with the way she’d glanced at him.

The silence was back again. Perhaps Mia felt she’d said too much or something. It was clear that she’d been doing her best to hide this information until now, after all. No use worrying about it now, Charlie felt, the cat was out of the bag, so to speak.

----[x]----

Occasionally Karissa could feel eyes on her, not that that was surprising. She was the newbie around here, in all senses of the word. She tried not to let it bother her too much. It would pass in time, she was sure of that. It’d just be waiting for that moment when the stares would lessen.

It was hard to keep that assassin tattoo concealed, keeping her coat over it for the time being. There was no cover story for it, even if she’d had it in mind to prepare one Karissa wasn’t sure any story she’d come up with would be believable about it. Ah Tabai might have already received word about it anyways. If that was the case when would he bring it up?

The thought was put to the side for the moment, instead taking part in the conversation as they neared the training pairs. The only ones not paired up were off to the side, practicing on dummies that had been set up or on imaginary opponents. It was a little interesting to see them all, their hoods drawn up and chatter at a minimum hear but for the occasional tip.

Karissa had only given a shrug at the mention of not hiding being there. With how things were she wasn’t sure if she’d even be able to just slip into the background, so to speak. Ah Tabai himself had some sort of a curiosity about her, it would stand that it might end up attracting others to be curious about her too on that basis alone.

All she could offer was a chuckle at Ah Tabai’s mention of her behavior in the following seconds. She might have had some sort of self-confidence and determination but the former was usually reserved more for when she was around situations or people she was most familiar with. Karissa didn’t have that luxury here.

“Something like that, I guess,” she relented, sparing a glance Ah Tabai’s way. He looked a little amused at that.

She let him mull over her words, a little unsure of how to go on herself. What did he want to know after that confession? What more could she tell him? Things about her time and if so, where to start? It wasn't as if he was dropping any hints.

When he spoke, his response was simple. She spared a glance though said nothing more. At least he got it now. Mia hadn't expected him to accept it so simply but maybe he was expecting something like this, something very strange.

"I expected a little more surprise," she answered honestly. "Or at least some amount of doubt. I suppose I was paranoid about it all for nothing."

Mia pushed herself to her feet, her knee complaining a little. The ache in her knee ebbed away when she leaned her weight onto her other leg.

"What now, then?" she inquired, glancing over his expression. "What more am I supposed to tell you?"

She couldn't be sure if that's what he even wanted. Charlie was a little bit of a hard person to mark. When she had thought she figured him out he quickly proved her wrong. They didn't really know each other, after all. Mia spent most of her time ignoring him and he had mostly left her to that.

Mia shuffled her weight a little, glancing away briefly. This felt far too odd for her and the worry about this was gnawing at her. Just what would he do with any information she gave up? She feared the answer to that.

----[x]----

Her gaze wandered on and off. No doubt, she felt eyes on her as well. Some stared at her briefly while others glanced and then looked away. She would deal with this for a while until those curious enough would branch out and speak to her.

She was fussing with that odd coat of her, covering something or other up. Ah Tabai resisted a hum of thought. He had been informed of the symbol tattooed on her arm. That was as much a curiosity as she was in a whole.

"Not getting nervous, are you?" Daniel asked catching the young woman fidget here and there. "I suppose it would all be a tad overwhelming."

Ah Tabai had to silently wonder how overwhelming it was for her. Where was she from? Did she have a family that she left behind? Aside from her friend, was there anyone out there important to her? Could she get home? There were so many questions and no answers. He hoped to clear these things up in time.

It was easy to clear his head when he watched her duck her head again. A small smile graced her lips and her response was a softer one. He wanted very much to see how this young woman would adjust to this place.

"I am sure you will be fine," he added afterward. Ah Tabai paused, studying her for a moment. It was difficult to ignore his curiosity and he found himself itching to find some answers. "If you don't mind my asking, mi'lady, where is it you call home? Before ending up in Havana?"

Ah Tabai watched her expression, only passing a glance Daniel's way. Despite his attention, he appeared a little curious as well. Karissa probably didn't share that information with him either.

Charlie scoffed at her answer. All of her assumptions were beginning to wear thin on his nerves. It was not his fault if she chose not to listen the first time and instead fancied her thoughts and feelings on the matter. Still, it grew tiresome when it continued to happen time and again in the short weeks that had passed.

“You assume too much, poppet. Bad habit, that,” he said simply.

She pushed herself back to her feet carefully looking as if she were in pain. Mia hadn’t said much about it though he figured she had some sort of an injury to tend to. Charlie didn’t push it considering an injured leg would make it hard for her to dart away anyways. Less things to worry about in that case.

A scoff escaped him when she began her own interrogation. Mia had that habit it seemed, as if she expected any answers she sought.

“For now those are minor concerns,” he stated with a wave of his hand, “you’re curious mind’ll be the death of you, kitten.”

Mia was giving him dirty looks for that again to which Charlie merely smiled and otherwise ignored them. Besides, that was up to the Grand Master to decide now, once Charlie handed this information over—for the right price of course. He sympathized with the Templars, sure, but he needed a bit of coin to keep his way in life as well.

He wouldn’t mention those plans, just in case Mia decided then was the best time to run away. That was the last thing they all needed.

----[x]----

Daniel was picking at her again, something he seemed to take to doing the last week or so. All the same Karissa shot him a look for it, swatting at his arm with her free hand. She didn’t quite like it being pointed out when she was nervous or anxious.

“Not on your life, Danny-boy,” she scoffed.

He chuckled at her but otherwise said nothing in return. Despite herself Karissa had shook her head and ducked it again in answer. No one every believed her when she said those things. In time Karissa would have to work on that, she didn’t like everyone knowing those things, in a way it made her feel vulnerable.

Even when they’d neared the training assassins no one made a move to speak with any of them. Maybe that was best, given how many of them looked to be concentrating hard. No one wanted to see any of them slip up and injure themselves or their partner because they were spoken to in the middle of training without warning.

Ah Tabai had spoken up soon, however, drawing her attention back to him. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that he’d asked about her home. Still, her heart jumped unpleasantly. Karissa didn’t have a good answer to that yet.

“Well, I know it’s supposed to be a long way up north, but the details are lost to me. Lots of snow and ice for a good chunk of the year, though,” she said, keeping it simple, “might explain why I’m so pale that I’ll probably glow in the dark when the sun sets.”

The simpler something was the easier it was to believe, besides spilling a bunch of details out at once would make it sound scripted. Hell, Karissa couldn’t do the latter anyways with a lack of a story to fall back on. Besides, she really didn’t want to lie to the assassins much less to Ah Tabai…

She could only hum in response to his words. If anything, they were true though she felt she had her reasons. Despite the Apple doing what it had done, most would have considered her insane if she spouted that story to anyone. People doubted things very easily and she expected much the same from him.

The thought was a fleeting one after she'd gotten up. He never asked if she had hurt herself or what injury she sustained. Mia didn't mind any way. As long as she could stay on her own two feet, she was fine. It was rare that her knee gave out anymore but she had to be cautious about it in this humidity.

His reply left her shooting him another look. They might have been minor to him but not so much for her.

"For you, perhaps not." she answered simply in return. "But I suppose it doesn't matter. It's not like I've much to lose anyways."

She started off along the shore than, mulling it over. If Karissa was safe, everything would be fine. Mia left most of what was important to her in her own time and world. She had little here and the lack of interest or concern showed.

Mia wasn't sure if the Apple could correct what it did and take her back. Thinking about that left a pang running through her.

She ran a hand through her short hair trying to ignore the heat beating down. Charlie trailed along after her though whatever he thought, if he thought anything at all, wasn't voiced for the moment.

----[x]----

Ah Tabai offered a chuckle at Daniel. He flinched away, simply waving a hand dismissing her statement looking amused. In the very least, the two seemed to get along. For all that had happened, Karissa could have merely withdrawn into herself all together. It appeared she had not done this.

She ducked her head again but Ah Tabai could only assume why. He tilted his head briefly, wondering what was on her mind if anything at all. With nothing said he tried to brush it off for the moment.

When he did speak to her, it took a moment for her to find the words to say. She looked a little nervous at that. Ah Tabai didn't mention in however. Putting her on the spot anymore than he already was wouldn't be pleasant.

Both he and Daniel listened to her words intently. It explained a thing or two about her reaction to the weather. If she was used to a cooler climate, it was no wonder she was suffering a little.

"I see," he said thoughtfully sparing a small smile at her joke. She really was a pale one compared to most he was used to seeing. "And you came to be in Havana how? Where did you find the Apple?"

Ah Tabai was aware that he might overwhelm her with all of these questions. He couldn't quash his own curiosity with this one however. In the very least, she seemed to answer him honestly. That much left him at ease now knowing he wouldn't be dealing with someone dodging around what he had asked.

It was a little boring how she kept her reactions to herself. Charlie scoffed when she hummed, waving a hand at her in a dismissive gesture. For what it was worth she seemed to ignore this too.

Mia was scoffing at him right back, mentioning her position. Charlie offered an insincere shrug to this. She would find out in due time what her lot was in this. It would be easier for her to cooperate thought that seemed to be like pulling thorns out at this point.

“An unfortunate lot for you to be sure,” Charlie answered, “though you make things unnecessarily difficult, poppet.”

Whether or not she agreed to that mattered little to him. In the end they would get their answers. Mia started off then, her pace slow as her knee must have complained at the motion. Charlie followed after, keeping a bit of distance between them. She might very well be in a bad mood now and might lash out. She hadn’t so far but she might surprise him.

It seemed there might be something weighing on her shoulders again. No doubt she was worried for her friend and her own predicament. Nonetheless Charlie would not spoil the surprises. In truth, he wasn’t sure what the Grand Master might want to do with Mia anyways. Rather annoy her than give false promises, Charlie would really rather not face the wrath of a woman scorned.

Until Mia said something more Charlie would remain silent, unless something particularly pressing came to mind. He saw no need otherwise.

----[x]----

Karissa could only wait for either of them to answer though they seemed to take their time, mulling over the brief bit of information she’d shared. She was lying by omission but how well would they take time travel of all things? It would be best not to mention that right away, if at all. No one really knew what the Piece of Eden was capable of but that didn’t mean they’d all accept that information so easily either.

Ah Tabai’s next questions didn’t surprise her much, not after that last one. Nonetheless Karissa was quiet for a minute, trying to decide how best to phrase it even as the two waited for her answer. It was a little unnerving how patiently they waited.

Finally, she shook her head before she spoke up, “I’m not really sure how I ended up in Havana, honestly. I’d been closing up shop and Mia had found the Piece of Eden. We went from snow to humidity just like that.”

As Karissa waited for their answers this time around she sniffled again, going so far as to pinch her nose closed briefly to avoid sneezing. Another sniffle later and she’d turned back to Ah Tabai and Daniel. Once again she hoped that she’d just get used to the climate but she dreaded the fact that she might never do that. She could quite possibly just suffer from her sinuses like this without pause. That thought was a little distressing and Karissa quickly shoved it aside.

It seemed that now that he’d started to ask questions he only had more to ask. Karissa would be patient and from the looks of things Ah Tabai had something more to ask. Karissa just hoped she’d have any answers he sought.

She was aware that he was more or less looking for a reaction out of her. Mia didn't have it in her to be angry or lash out or argue. It was far too hot and that made her feel wary enough. Her worries and mood didn't help matters for her.

She swiped at her nose again, trying to ignore her sniffling. the cold weather she was used to and loved was long since behind her. The change from cold to humid was so quick, her body seemed to still protest occasionally.

Mia tried to ignore it and the thoughts that lingered in favor of toying with the hem of her shirt. The fabric was a strange sensation compared to what she had normally worn from her time.

Charlie didn't speak up again which seemed like a rarity from the norm she had seen these passed couple of weeks. He was normally talkative even when she was not. Whatever brought about that habit, if he was simply looking to draw her out of her shell or something else, she was never sure.

She ducked her head briefly, watching the sand beneath her feet. All of it was a strange sensation being no where near the ocean in her time. She would have enjoyed the new experience if it wasn't for the situation.

Mia's gaze wandered briefly but didn't land on anything in particular. Havana was a very foreign place to her, more so than Charlie would ever understand.

"I'd like to go home," she finally muttered more so to herself. "I wonder if ma is worried."

Worried was probably an understatement. Mia knew she would be downright devastated. Thinking of that made Mia feel guilty. It wasn't as if she could have known that Eden Piece was real. In a world where all of this was more or less fiction, what could she have expected.

----[x]----

Karissa took her time after the question was asked. Ah Tabai didn't push her anymore than he had to. If she'd rather not explain, he would drop it. Of course, that would leave a few more questions lingering in the back of his mind.

The sound of metal clattering against metal was the only thing that filled the silence. He focused on the occasional voice, someone else attempting to instruct another novice. These were normal things to him though if Karissa took interest, she didn't show it.

Several quiet minutes passed before she finally answered. Daniel hummed in response but said nothing more. His attention turned to those training briefly and whatever was on his mind was left to himself.

"Interesting," Ah Tabai mused in response. "I would not have believed the Apple was capable of pulling someone from one place to another. I do hope it is safely recovered. I would like to study it myself."

Daniel turned to them again then, motioning toward the pair.

"If it is recovered from the sea," Daniel added afterward. "Better there than in the hands of the Templars."

Ah Tabai watched as Daniel spared another long glance at Karissa. He seemed to debate a thing or two before he shook his head.

"How did you know the Apple was so important?" he asked. "Pursued as you were, I could understand assumption but you seem to be aware of quite a bit."

This was news to Ah Tabai. True, he'd been informed of that tattoo on her arm but she didn't seem to be involved with the Brotherhood.

As he glanced around at the ever-familiar sights of Havana’s shoreline he could occasionally hear Mia sniffle loudly. It was something that happened often but at least he’d noticed this on days she’d wandered out of that room of hers. They hadn’t been many but they’d been enough to catch it. Charlie didn’t question if she was sick, if it got too bad she could say something about it but he wasn’t her caretaker. Not in that sense, anyways.

As they walked Charlie made sure to stay far enough out of reach of the waves. His boots were durable but he’d rather not get them soaked if he could help it at the moment.

His eyebrow rose when she finally spoke. Homesickness? That was to be expected for sure though Charlie hadn’t expected her to say anything about it to him. Charlie offered a shrug that would go unnoticed by her.

“Well, that’s your lot in life now, hmm?” he said simply. There was no comfort offered merely a fact of life. Dwelling on it wasn’t going to do Mia any good. Outright saying that would probably mean she’d ignore his words, however.

Gulls crying, waves lapping up onto the shore and the sand beneath their feet were the only sounds for a long moment. It seemed that she might not be will to carry on that conversation. Not much of a surprise. Unless she was preparing to lash out at him for that comment, of course.

“Being productive is usually a good way to ignore such pesky thoughts, poppet,” Charlie offered, yet again quite casually.

----[x]----

On any other day Karissa would have wasted no time in exploring the area and maybe trying her luck with the currents and waves on the beach. She’d always wanted to go swimming in a place like this but for now there were more important things that kept her rooted to the spot. Even if the clanging of swords and the option to watch other people train, and maybe hopefully join in at some point, also drew her attention occasionally.

It took Ah Tabai a moment to answer. Karissa merely offered a shrug in return. If anything Karissa was learning not to doubt what the Piece of Eden could do, combined with this and what she’d seen it capable of in Ezio’s story there was no telling the limit to its power.

She gave a short jerk of her head to one side in place of another shrug when Daniel mentioned the last whereabouts of the Piece of Eden. It had been the best idea at the time, at least to Karissa it had been.

“Yeah, I, uh… I smacked that thing as hard as I could into the ocean like a baseball,” she said, mimicking the motion. It was a little difficult, with her coat draped over her arm but she managed.

To the confused looks at his she shook her head, a look crossing her face as if to say “never mind.” Whatever curiosities they had about baseball were put aside for the moment. Daneil was the one who took to interrogating her further, however. It seemed as if he’d been waiting to ask that for awhile now.

Karissa brought a finger to her lips, more out of thought than to tell either one to be silence, as she bit at her lip. There still was no way to get around such an answer than the one he sought. She was sure they’d deem her insane.

She sniffled before she answered, “that, uh.” A pause followed, in which she shook her head and chuckled a little nervously. There really was no way to sugarcoat that answer at all. “I’m about a hundred percent sure that the answer to that is gonna sound completely made up so, uh… I’d really rather not say when there’s a bunch of people that can listen in.”

As she spoke she couldn’t stop from biting her lip to stop from smiling and chuckling nervously, cringing a little at one point. She was nervous and it must have been obvious though she wondered if the would take that as a bad sign or not. Would they assume she was an enemy or something? Karissa hoped not, that was one complication she really didn’t need with the others right now.

The walk was aimless, more or less, but the most she'd done in the passed few weeks. If she was completely honest, she hadn't been doing much. She realized she hadn't eaten much either when she thought about it.

She hadn't really expected him to respond or really pay mind to what she said. Mia spared a glance back, a hard frown on her lips. The words cut deep enough though he might not have been aware of that.

"You're very kind," she mumbled turning her gaze away. She fell silent again, her stomach twisting in knots. It wasn't a pleasant feeling though it was becoming familiar now. Most days she was fighting it off, slipping into glum moods very easily.

Mia pinched the bridge of her nose ignoring her glasses there. If it avoided another headache, she would have done away with her glasses all together. It was difficult to see without them however.

The motion did little to help and her hand fell back to her side again. He had spoken up again though she wasn't sure how she felt about the words. Distractions came off like avoidance to her at times.

She bit her bottom lip briefly, trying to push the thoughts aside. This wasn't exactly easy for her though whether he was aware of it or not, she could only assume. She knew he was a run away at the age of ten so perhaps it was a foreign feeling to him.

----[x]----

For the most part, he could only wait on her to speak up. When she explained how she had gotten rid of the Eden Piece, he spared a glance toward Daniel. The words were foreign to him and by the look of it, Daniel wasn't sure of them either.

It was easily dismissed however. Karissa didn't feel the need to explain that particular part of her explanation. Perhaps Ah Tabai would inquire upon it later. They were already putting quite a bit on her now anyways.

Daniel seemed intent to get this answer out of her. He must not have had a chance to inquire further on the ship.

She took her time, bringing her fingers to her lips before she answered. Daniel raised an eyebrow when she answered.

"I am sure it's not so strange," he said. "We know that it is capable of doing a great many things already."

Ah Tabai tilted his head briefly when she bit her lip, making attempts not to giggle. He rose a brow, sparing another questioning glance toward Daniel. The man could only offer a shrug in response.

"Well, whatever it is, it certainly seems amusing." Ah Tabai added briefly.

Still, regardless of that, she looked nervous. Ah Tabai could sympathize but she had already hinted she let on more than what either of them knew. She couldn't fall silent now or at least, he prayed she wouldn't.

Mia had mumbled something though Charlie didn’t catch what it was. On the off chance that she’d turn and look at him he’d leaned towards her, hand cupping his ear. She didn’t glance at him and so the gesture went for naught. Charlie shook it off, not at all bothered.

Charlie didn’t get what all the fuss was about. Then again he’d heard some people were supposedly close to their family. He scoffed at the idea, shaking his head.

That quiet between ‘em was back though and there didn’t seem to be much Charlie could do about it. Mia was being sulky again and he was finding it was usually less of a hassle to just leave her to it. Only when he grew particularly board did he fuss with her, attempting to get a reaction out of her. These only sometimes worked, most times she took to ignoring him.

Still, it was quite boring like this…

Charlie reached out, prodding her shoulder with a finger. When he received a curious and frustrated look he said “who said lil’ poppet gets to be mopey again? You get annoying when you do that.”

If she lashed out at him at least it’d be better than the usual. That was just boring and kind of pathetic to watch. In this way he could claim to be helping—in his own way, of course. Not that Mia needed to know any of that. She could just continue thinking he was teasing her for his own amusement if she so pleased and it wouldn’t matter to him.

----[x]----

Though Ah Tabai had grown quiet Daniel didn’t quite let up yet on his question. She figured someone would be bullheaded like that and in a way it was to be expected but it didn’t make it any easier. She shook her head again, still gnawing at her lip though she stopped when another giggle escaped her.

“You say that but I bet you-“ she paused here, brow furrowing, “oh, what the hell currency is used here? … Reales! I bet you ten reales, I do not have that it’ll be the last thing you would have ever thought of.”

Karissa turned to Ah Tabai as he mentioned her habit of giggling at the moment. In a way it really was kind of funny. How many people wished to be placed in the world of their favorite series? And here she was without an adequate cover story. She’d just have to hope that Ah Tabai wouldn’t say she was lying when she told him.

For a moment she said nothing, bobbing her head this way and that minutely, her hands seemingly following the motion—an odd little thing she did from time to time when she got this animated. “Eh, to me, I guess? And probably in a way that’s not going to make much sense to anyone else around.”

She fussed with her coat again, wishing she’d had a longer sleeved shirt for once. Normally she avoided them, uncomfortable with anything over the length of her arms if she could help it. Now it would have helped to conceal her tattoo until a time when it wouldn’t be so weird that she’d have it in the first place. Karissa would have to find something to bind around it until that time.

There was a brief wait then, perhaps as both men took in what she said and tried to theorize what she had to say. If Ah Tabai had it in mind to take her to the side and speak about it now then there was little to do about it but comply. Karissa didn’t want to kick up a fuss for the assasins.

Whatever he had done in response was ignored. She tried to collect her own thoughts instead, sort everything out and make sense of it all. It was difficult to make sense in a situation that wasn't as such however.

It wasn't until he prodded her shoulder did she break them. She paused, glancing at him more confused than she was annoyed. She didn't like to admit it but this was becoming to general norm anymore.

Mia blinked, taken aback by his words for a moment. She wasn't sure what to say to that. It annoyed him that she drew into herself to think? Well, she supposed that would be true for the majority. She was often so isolated, albeit by her own choice, that this was the easiest way to cope.

Her gaze drifted to the sea for a brief moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. They weren't too far from the waves, just out of reach of it lapping at their feet. A short hum left her at that before she glanced back at him.

With a quick motion, she grabbed hold of his shoulders and shoved him toward the water. Unbalanced, he fell into the water, the waves washing onto him before receding back.

For a moment, he looked so bewildered that she couldn't help but smile. She rubbed her mouth with the back of her hand, as if to hide it away.

"Is that better? Not too boring, am I?" she asked, taking a few steps forward. She held out a hand to take. "That was mean, I'm sorry."

Mia wasn't sure why she'd done it. Maybe she just felt she needed to get one up on him. Whatever it was, the smile helped lift her spirits a tad though, at his expense entirely not that it seemed he minded. After that alarm passed he just appeared amused and no doubt ready to shoot a few comments back at her.

----[x]----

She was gnawing at her lip, giggling away as she had been before. Daniel didn't appear as if he knew what to make of this behavior. Ah Tabai could offer nothing in terms of clearing up the confusion.

She started speaking again only to pause when she had to think of the name of their currency. Ah Tabai's brows furrowed at that. She had never been anywhere near Havana, according to her, much less here. How did she know about their currency here.

"How do you...?" he started before she plowed on, making a bet that she obviously wouldn't be able to own up to.

Daniel rubbed his chin, looking a little bewildered for a long moment. He appeared to be debating on speaking again but stopped short. Neither were sure of what to make of her answer.

Ah Tabai shook his head at that. It might be best to pull back. She was nervous and it was obvious aside from this fit of giggles.

"Perhaps this is something we can discuss at a later time," Ah Tabai suggested. "You will be here for a while, no doubt."

It seemed in their best interest. If they really wanted to learn anything, they would have to be patient. Daniel spared a nod in agreement.

"Is there anything you would like to do instead?" Daniel asked instead. "I know you expressed interest in the ocean when we were on the ship. We could head back to the shore if you would like."

Ah Tabai watched Karissa's expression briefly. She seemed to be settling though fidgeted here and there. Whatever she was hiding, it was apparent that it was rather important.

Charlie waited, eyebrow raised as Mia didn’t respond right away. That was before she took hold of his coat and swung him around as best she could into the sand. Charlie had to stop himself from reaching for his pistol when he realized she was not about to dart off, instead laughing at him.

He remained where he was for a moment, the waves washing up around him before receding. There was a moment of silence before Mia spoke, laughing at him more before she offered him a hand. Charlie didn’t seem to hear her for a moment, instead checking his flintlocks. As he suspected the powder was wet and would be useless for a time if the assassins came after them.

Carefully he holstered the pistol again before meeting Mia’s gaze. Instead of reaching for her hand he instead grabbed hold of her leg, yanking it out from under her and sending her toppling backwards against the sand. Before she could get up he was over her, a knee on either side of her as he held up the other pistol. Just like its mate the gunpowder was wet and useless.

“You’ve gone and wet my gunpowder, luv,” he stated accusingly though there was an odd lighter tone in his voice. For a moment his eyes were on the pistol, twisting it this way and that before Charlie’s gaze was on Mia. “You don’t go and wet a man’s gunpowder!”

It looked as if Mia wasn’t sure what to make of this situation. Well, if she wanted to play he could play. He was a pirate and a Templar, he wasn’t exactly gentle though he made a point not to actively hurt her.

----[x]----

Her giggles were short, more to fill the silence rather than to endure it. Still, it must have been strange to see. Then again Karissa felt it was justified, how else was she supposed to react with having to eventually share the news that they were all fictional where she was from in the future? She expected the worst in preparation of that time.

She turned to humor and betting when Daniel expressed disbelief at her assertion that it was quite a strange answer. There was a moment of silence and she caught Ah Tabai’s brow furrowing, a tilt of his head following. He cut himself off before he really asked how she knew the currency.

Karissa held up a finger as she answered his unfinished question, “in due time. I promise.” Besides, she wasn’t sure if it was the fact that he came across so trustworthy to her or because she had something of a crush on him already but she couldn’t quite stomach the thought of lying to Ah Tabai if it could be helped.

There was that silence again, stifling when combined with the humidity. Another sniffle or two was given before Ah Tabai relented to settling this another time. Yet again Karissa hoped it might be sooner rather than alter. At least if someone knew it might be a brief weight off of her shoulders, even if they did think she was crazy for her answer.

“If you’re sure,” she said before Daniel spoke up, offering for Karissa to pick to do something. At the mention of heading back to the shore she couldn’t deny getting a little excited. “What are the currents like around the shore? I’d like to go diving if I’m able to.”

It was something she’d been thinking about a long time. She’d loved the sequences in Black Flag but actually being able to swim in the Caribbean? That would be a dream come true in itself! Karissa would have to work on her swimming however, she wasn’t exactly the strongest one out there.

For a long moment, he only inspected his pistols. Mia pulled her hand back, tilting her head, waiting on him to say something. Despite this, he didn't speak. Instead, before she could do anything about it, he'd grasped her right leg and tugged hard.

"Not that!" a yelp left her as her back hit the ground, preventing her from finishing. A sharp pain slowly ebbed away in her knee from his quick motion, "leg..." she managed to finish, her gaze fixated on the sky.

She started to get back up when he was suddenly over top her, his knees at her sides restricting her movement. Her heart hammered wildly at that and she could only manage to stare up at him for a long moment.

When he spoke, reprimanding her for getting the gunpowder in his pistols wet, she wasn't sure what to say. For a brief moment she could only gape at him.

The surprise passed after a short moment, giggles starting to pass her lips. She wasn't sure why she found that funny. Perhaps, in all these down moods, she needed something lighter after these long weeks and anything would do.

"I'm sorry," she started, pushing her glasses up over her head and rubbing her eyes. It was hard not to laugh, thinking it so simple, especially given in her time six shots could be fired from a pistol easily. "I wasn't thinking, I swear. I forgot your pistols need to use gunpowder to work."

She settled her glasses back onto her nose before she tried to twist out from underneath him. It was a vain attempt. He seemed content leaving her on her back for the time. She squirmed a little but he wasn't relenting and she gave up, simply laying her hands on her stomach.

"You've put me in a very awkward position," she brought up, giggles still passing her. She turned her gaze away from him, her face feeling hot. "Never before did I think I'd end up under a man I hardly know."

----[x]----

Eventually, she calmed herself, her giggles turning into silence. Any question asked was met with waiting. Ah Tabai would be patient with her. Perhaps she simply felt there were too many here and she didn't want to speak openly about it. If it was as unbelievable as she said it was, he couldn't begrudge her this.

The silence was back only briefly before Daniel brought up her interest in the ocean. She looked a little excited about that fact, quickly asking about the currents. Ah Tabai's brow rose again.

"Do you know anything about diving, mi'lady?" he inquired motioning toward her. "If it is foreign to you, I would suggest a bit of caution."

It was only out of concern he said this. She claimed to be from a land of snow, far from the ocean. Something like diving might have been simple for them to learn but there were still dangers.

"Not that you can't learn," Daniel responded. "We can take you onto a somewhat smaller area until you've grown stronger to swimming in the ocean. I believe we'd all rather avoid anyone drowning themselves."

It had been somewhat of a joke but Daniel started to lead them off anyways. Ah Tabai decided to fall, observe what this girl might do. She was certainly a strange one. Perhaps she might surprise them all.

Given her previous answers and almost determined look she shot Daniel's way, he could only assume what might come of this.

"You appear a fair bit of excited for it, that is for certain," Ah Tabai mentioned, sparing a small smile.

Perhaps she was simply looking for an experience. He could only assume. Between those she had met, Daniel probably knew her the best at this point, as little as she might have shown him her habits. It was clear there was much on her mind. Ah Tabai liked to think those thoughts had settled a little bit however.

Charlie had paid no attention to her warning. If she wanted to play rough and shove him then it was fair game to him. It wasn’t as if he’d broken her leg anyways.

Even when he was over her she squirmed and had tried to sit up and back away. That was a short endeavor before she’d stilled. From the corner of his eye it seemed as if her face might have turned red though he didn’t bother to look too closely just yet. Instead he was focused on his pistol for a long moment.

When Charlie did speak he was met with giggling. An eyebrow raised at this as he waited for an explanation. Wet gunpowder wasn’t much of a joke, after all. In fact Charlie would count that as being serious business.

He waved the now useless pistol as he said “best remember, luv. Plenty useful against those assassin rats.” With that he shoved the pistol back into its holster at his hip.

Mia was giggling again then and now that Charlie took the time to look her face had turned red. He offered a shrug, a smirk playing at his lips. And here she’d been doubting just how great he was. He hadn’t taken up the moniker for his own well-being, after all!

“Ah, a little romp on the beaches is every woman’s fantasy!” he trilled, “besides, told you I’m great.”

With a wink Charlie rose to his feet, leaving her to scramble up on her feet. Despite his words there were things to do rather than to play and fuss about on the shore.

----[x]----

The topic of diving was such a change of pace that the mood was almost something you could feel in the air. It was a lighter thing, less nerve wracking and easier to talk about in a whole. Daniel was already starting them back towards the shore, or maybe an area near it.

Ah Tabai’s question of her diving knowledge was to be expected. Still, being called ‘mi’lady’ was almost flattering and left Karissa’s heart fluttering in response. Even if he did seem to take calling women that, recollections of when he did so with Anne Bonney coming to mind, it was something she liked to hear all the same. She wouldn’t be making any mentions of that, however.

“Well, I know a little, mostly technical stuff,” she said, reaching up to toy with her earlobe as she did so. She did this mostly for something to do with her hands. Silently she added ’mostly about diving gear and the bends though.’

Daniel was mentioning practicing in smaller areas with less currents to worry about. She scoffed at this however, waving a dismissive hand at the idea. She knew a fair few things, after all.

“I have learned how to float, you know,” she scoffed, “I’m a wealth of weird knowledge like that.”

It was only a moment later that Karissa realized that last statement could possibly cover a lot of things she might randomly spout out without thinking. She did have a habit of doing that, after all. Still, it might not be enough to sate their curiosities until they got their answer.

Pushing that thought aside for now she turned to Ah Tabai. He seemed to have taken up walking at her side, not that she minded this. “So, what does Ah Tabai do when he is not tending to lost girls or assassins?”

She only paused to frown once when he spoke of the weapons again. In the days that had passed, she had nearly forgotten the positions between the Templars and assassins. It wasn't as if she had heard of any direct involvement, though that might have been because the assassin's far outnumbered them.

She couldn't offer much in the way of words much less an argument. Mia was already very aware of this war, as much as he might have known that, and it worried her again. What involvement, if any at all, would be decided for her.

"Yes well, I've never had much of an interest in weapons or violence," she jested in return, "though it seems to suit you well."

If anything, it was a bit of a compliment. While she was not used to the fact most were outwardly violent in this time, brandishing weapons openly, she knew that for most in this era, it was normal. Mia would need time to let that sink in and become more or less of a normalcy instead of something odd to her.

The thoughts were shoved aside for the moment. He'd taken notice to her face, a smirk tugged at his lips before he spoke again. Only when he boasted did he wink at her and get up, allowing her to push herself back up.

She hated the fact that a pleasant feeling erupted in her stomach. True enough she'd had a bit of a fan crush on him through playing online. Now that he, or rather all this, was real Mia felt she should be feeling awkward or something other than pleasantness. She still couldn't quash it and rubbed the back of her hand against her mouth as if that would cool her face.

"You took a girl no doubt weighing less than you down," she teased in return. "I don't know if that really makes you great, though I suppose playing by any sort of rules isn't your thing either."

She pushed herself to her feet then, ignoring whatever pain might have followed in her knee. That was more or less common now, simply enduring what ached and complained. She started forward again, running her hand through her hair, shaking loose some sand.

"What are you, anyways?" she finally inquired. "I know you're involved with this Templar business as you claim but what exactly do you do? You look like a pirate but I've taken notice that any man, and the occasional woman, does."

That was something she knew that game, when it had been as such, hadn't really touched on. Aside from being a run away and by chance, being raised by a man who sympathized with the Templars, most of what he did was a mystery. In a way, she was a little glad for the insight if he'd provide.

----[x]----

Karissa relaxed with the change of topic and for the time being, that was for the best. She was no doubt stressed out, the questions being asked providing little help. She seemed to be aware they would need to be addressed sooner or later though, he decided not to push it.

He didn't receive an answer right away. Karissa took a moment to think things through though, there seemed to be something else on her mind as well. He didn't inquire however, wanting to avoid putting her on the spot.

When she did answer him it was a little more promising. He'd rather hear she knew a little than nothing at all before taking a risk in diving. Of course, they would be there to fetch her if something went wrong. Avoiding that entirely seemed best however.

Daniel snorted in response when she answered him. From where Ah Tabai stood, he looked amused, no doubt feeling a little knowledgeable in ways of dealing with the sea.

"Well, as long as we can avoid bout of flailing helplessly in the water and drowning, than I'm sure you'll be fine."

Ah Tabai shook his head, watching as Daniel shot a grin in her direction. Ah Tabai smiled softly as, raising a brow as he watched Karissa react to that. At least the lighter conversation was breaking her shell.

"I am sure she will be fine," Ah Tabai agreed. "But if you continue picking at mi'lady, you may not be."

Like before, Daniel only offered an amused snort in response. He didn't mind the prodding and for that, Ah Tabai was grateful. Some were far less patient.

Ah Tabai's attention turned to Karissa when next she spoke. The question was directed toward him leaving him a moment to mull over an answer. He tipped his head momentarily, listening to the sound of waves as they grew closer to the ocean again.

"I suppose I delve into stories," he answered after a brief moment. He glanced at her again, truly finding some amount of intrigue in her. What stories did she have to share? "Perhaps in time, you might share some of your own?"

This young woman held many curiosities, no doubt. He'd like to hear of them when she was comfortable in sharing.

Charlie resisted a roll of his eyes at her rebuttal. Not having an interest in weapons was no excuse. If the assassins got hold of her… He shook his head, ignoring the thought. He wasn’t about to let that happen, not when he was tasked with looking after someone important now.

He did actually roll his eyes at her retort about his moniker. It seemed such insinuations would fly right over her head unless he outright told her of them. Well that was a little boring.

“Little poppet seems to have missed the… implication,” he muttered with a shake of his head.

Whatever her reaction to that Charlie spared it little mind. Instead he’d turned to study their surroundings. The nearest docks were still a ways off and there was no one nearby to have seen them. That was good, the last thing he needed was an assassin lingering nearby and waiting for an opportune moment to strike him.

Mia was speaking again, drawing his attention back to her. He held out his hands, glancing down at himself, or rather at his attire. He would have thought it obvious.

“Is it not obvious? I would have thought it so!” Charlie said, as if to put off actually answering her. In a way he kind of us, just to annoy her a little bit.

----[x]----

Daniel was teasing her again and she lunged forward to shove his shoulder a little in retaliation. It was a playful thing and by the grin he flashed her way he was well aware of it. She didn’t get much chance to say anything before Ah Tabai chuckled, pitching in his opinion on the matter.

Karissa laughed, her head tipped back momentarily as she did so. “Now that sounds like it comes from experience, sir,” she pointed out in good humor.

Only when the teasing and the chuckling had died down had Karissa turned to Ah Tabai again, asking about himself. While she had a crush on him back in her time the game had had very little on his person as a whole. At the very least she’d be able to get to know him, person-to-person rather than through information given from the series developers. The thought was a rather uplifting one.

His answer was succinct and not at all surprising. Though it was nice to hear it from him it wasn’t anything she didn’t already know. Still, Karissa spared a nod and a small smile his way.

“Maybe we could trade a few,” she answered.

The path that Daniel took them on was fairly clear of underbrush or tree roots. Karissa still treaded over it carefully as it wasn’t entirely even. There were small dips or large rocks and the occasional thick root that crossed over to trip over. Keeping her coat over her arm to cover the tattoo from passing assassins was a pain, her arm hotter than the rest of her. It was better than the curiosity that she’d have to answer to time and again right away though.

Only when they passed around a small bend in the path, the shoreline coming into view between the trees, did Karissa speak up again. “Y’know, not to look a gift horse in the mouth or anything, but you’re both pretty chill with this situation.”

They'd started forward again, Charlie occasionally sparing a glance around as if he were looking for something. For all she knew, he was. With his constant threat being the assassins, he might have felt rather naked with his pistols wet as they were. A pang of guilt ran through her at that. Even if her situation wasn't exactly favorable in her eyes, she didn't want to see him, or anyone really, hurt.

For a long moment, it was silent until he rolled his eyes and muttered. Mia furrowed her eyebrows, letting the words sink in. Something had flown right over her head and it took a long moment before she realized it.

Her cheeks felt hot again. "Oh my god! What are you, twelve?" she responded, her tone cracking just briefly thanks to the sudden embarrassment.

Again, she tried to force her face to cool. If he was implying things like that than having been pinned down in that manner just made her heart beat wildly again.

She ducked her head, trying to combat those thoughts. He certainly seemed proud of himself though, easily making implications like that. Mia cleared her throat, feeling awkwardness settle on her again.

She lifted her head, raising a brow at the almost offended way he spoke to her. He threw his arms out, showing himself off as if it was obvious. Perhaps to him, it was.

"I don't know what I've missed but everyone looks like a pirate to me," she responded though, there was a bit of lightness in her tone. "At least the ones I've been seeing the passed several days."

They did, at least to her, have that kind of flair so it was difficult to set apart who was who. This was the age of piracy after all and she could only assume who was actually a pirate and who simply enjoyed the style.

"For all I know, you could just be a wannabe pirate, dressing for the part," she carried on, motioning toward him though her tone was still light. "Though, I'll keep in mind that you really are, indeed, a pirate."

----[x]----

The short shove barely sent Daniel forward. He carried himself quite easily but shot a grin back at her all the same. At least there was less of a stressful feel clouding them now. That was for the best given the situation.

Daniel tipped his head slightly and laughed at her prod. Ah Tabai offered a short chuckle.

"I suppose most everyone would experience it at least once," Ah Tabai added, watching Daniel snort in response.

"It was only once, I ended up fine in the end. Just coughed up sea water for a few hours after."

Despite the light prods, there were obvious dangers in the sea. If Karissa took to it more often, she would discover them sooner or later. Who knew how far she'd delve into it or if she grew fearful. Some had quite a distaste for the sea despite living so closely to it.

He found himself glad that she would be willing to trade a story or two. Honestly, he would have expected some hesitance but she seemed comfortable with that idea. Ah Tabai could only assume why.

Eventually, she spoke again. Daniel shot a look back, his brow raised. "Chill?"
he echoed her words, finding the term foreign. Ah Tabai could only offer a shrug, assuming it meant something of 'comfortable with'.

"Were you perhaps expecting something crueler?" he inquired instead. "I assure you, we're not out to lock you up or harm you."

They were wary enough, true, but she had not proven to be any form of a threat to them. If that time came, they would act upon it. Perhaps she was aware of that. Karissa had not proven to be an enemy so why act upon false suspicions?

"We don't use the methods those bloody Templars do unless it's necessary." Daniel added on. "If you were out to harm anyone, you probably would have tried it long before this point."

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