Back and Forth through Time

Introductions

"Cheyenne. Cheyenne, wake up."

"Five more minutes," she grumbled into the pillow.

No such luck. A calloused hand gripped her shoulder and shook her until she batted it away. Groaning irritably, she complied and shifted onto her elbows. Green eyes fluttered open, though she had to rub them in order to keep them that way.

"It's so early," she moaned. For Christ's sake, the sun hadn't even risen fully.

Connor snorted. "Indeed. Now get up."

Cheyenne muttered under her breath, but rose to her feet and stretched. Connor watched for a moment, then left the room when she bent over to dig around in her duffle. After a moment of consideration, she finally reached for a brightly colored dress that went to her knees. She had a feeling the weather would be roughly the same today and had no desire to cover up anymore than necessary.

At least Connor, who was already wearing his white robes, had no problem. He eyed the dress, but said nothing while she followed him into the hallway.

"Connor, I'm sorry," she suddenly blurted.

The native stopped in the middle of the stairs and turned around. His narrowed eyes and tan face were unfriendly, and Cheyenne found herself second guessing her actions. This wasn't what she'd planned to do, but being with him now made her anxious to get the weight off her chest.

"For what?" Connor finally asked.

"For what I said to you last night. I didn't mean it."

"That is twice now you've spoken to me like that."

His voice was hard and disbelieving, enough so that she nearly shut up under the intensity of his gaze. "I know. The stress was getting to me, and I took it out on you. It wasn't right, but I just want you to know I'll do better. I promise."

He considered this, all while eyeing her in a way that made her fidget uncomfortably. After several loud seconds ticked by, he finally sighed and his eyes softened a smidge. "I forgive you."

"I...Thank-"

"This time. If it happens again, I will not be so merciful. Understand?"

His tone was final and she recoiled at the edge in it. "Yes."

"Good. Now let's go."

Cheyenne followed without complaint, her heart pounding as Connor led her downstairs for breakfast. At least he was willing to give her a second, no, third chance. But this time, Cheyenne told herself, she would make sure she didn't screw it up.

The sound of a throat being cleared and a tapping cane broke her train of thought. She turned to face Achilles, his raised brow and disapproving look betraying what his problem was.

"Really?! Are you serious right now?!"

...

A few hours after breakfast found Cheyenne still following Connor around. He'd informed her over breakfast that he needed to check on the many residents living on the land. It'd been a while since he'd done so, but it also would give her a chance to meet them as well. Inwardly, she hoped they would be a little more open minded than Achilles who, despite his disapproval, let her walk out of the manor in her current attire without making her change again.

As soon as she and Connor walked out the door, Cheyenne asked him about colonial women wear. To say the least, it took her completely by surprise. She expected that they covered up more, but the thought of dressing like they did everyday left her feeling worn out.

"So many layers," she muttered in wonder.

Connor chuckled. "Is it that shocking?"

"You have no idea. Why can't women just throw on a simple skirt? It seems overly complicated to me."