Each word always begins with the letters AS. The two part question has two different sets of clues.

-1. AS + A ruler or chief = The act of inquiring or requesting

-2. AS + A gull-like sea bird with a forked tail and long narrow wings = In or at the rear part of a ship

-3. AS + Confident, as of something awaited or expected = To promise or guarantee

-4. AS + A fenced enclosure for animals = A poplar tree whose leaves quiver in the wind

-5. AS + The top layer of the land surface of the earth = To absolve; pardon or set free

-6. AS + A fractional monetary unit of several countries = The act or process of rising or going upward

-7. AS + Implement for carrying your food in a cafeteria = Away from the correct path or direction

-8. AS + To adjust (an instrument or device) to a specific point or calibration = Any property owned by a person or company

-9. AS + To travel by water in a vessel = To attack verbally, as with ridicule or censure

10. AS + To affix one's signature to = To appoint; to allot

1. Asking - Hi Curly

Bernie

2. Astern

Thanks.

4. Aspen

3. assure

9. Assail

7. Astray

Good ones.

5. Assoil

6 - ascent

Merci.

-4. AS + A fenced enclosure for animals = A poplar tree whose leaves quiver in the wind

Aspen

Edit: My apologies. I missed this one being already solved. My mistake.

8. asset

Thanks Joan. No. 4 has been answered already.

10. assign

Thanks Marian.