( uno )

[universale]

[ the journal picks up a thick Italian accented voice, murmuring excitedly. whatever he's saying isn't really understandable though. there's the sound of flipping pages and then he speaks up again, clearly reading something aloud.

in fact, for those who read the journals frequently, and especially in the past few days, what he's reading may sound familiar.

yeah, it definitely sounds like he's reading entries from the journal aloud. so if you've made a journal entry in the past couple of days? chances are, you're hearing it read back to you in an excited Italian accent. ]

How marvelous! All of these different entries -- I would love to [ he starts mumbling now ] get to know the authors. Perhaps they could help me understand this strange new place.

[ and back to journal entry reading he goes.

meanwhile, he's walking everywhere through the castle, still completely immersed in reading the journal. out loud.

yep. ]

Comments

[assassino]

You will have to see. I swear it to be true.

[universale]

[ he nods ]

I trust you, Ezio.

[ and perks, clasping his hands ]

So! Tell me everything! I want to hear it all about your stay so far. How long have you been here?

[assassino]

I have been here for nine months! I have made many friends -- mostly women, for some reason -- and I have been thoroughly bored without my usual work to go about.

[universale]

Nine months? Yet, you had only just come to see me at my workshop! Time here must certainly be strange then, si?

[ rubbing his chain again and then catching himself before he can sucked into that train of thought ]

At least you are meeting new people, mio amico. Though I must say that I am not surprised by your compatriots.

[assassino]

That is how it works here, for some strange reason... it is as though time does not matter. There are very few people from our era here at all, in fact. Save two others -- [he makes a slightly strained expression] -- most people here are from the 21st century.

[universale]

Oh?

[ that throws him off a little ]

It is only 1486 though! To be from the -- [ he hesitates a little ] -- the future as such?

[ and he sits, brows furrowing, hand still on his chin ]

I must understand this.

[assassino]

Your mind is greater than mine... perhaps you can figure out what I cannot.

[Pause.]

But you may be surprised at their reaction to you...

[universale]

I will most certainly try, Ezio. This may be the most curious challenge I have ever discovered. Even those codexes of yours do not see not seem to compare to understanding this wonderful world. [ he smiles bashfully ] Though they are still very enjoyable.

[ but then he pauses as well ]

What do you mean?

[assassino]

[He nods.]

The people in the 21st century... they all know of you. Every man, woman and child learns about your life and your work in school, which everyone attends.

[universale]

[ alright this is legitimately the most confusing thing ezio's said so far ]

I -- I see. I did not ever think that I would ... that I would be so well-known. [ he laughs a little ] I am but a simple man.

[assassino]

You were wrong about something, then, Leonardo.

[universale]

[ he tents his hands, staring down at the ground ]

It is surprising, my friend.

[assassino]

Well, tell me if they are annoying, or if they insist on calling you "da Vinci." I'll sort them out.

[universale]

[ ok he's laughing ]

Do they really call me that, Ezio?

[assassino]

They do! It is maddening to hear them butcher not only our language, but your name.

[universale]

They do not know better. I will be happy to correct them and help them improve. After all, one's mistake is also their gain.

[assassino]

You have much more patience than I, Leonardo.

[Says the guy who punches minstrels.]

[universale]

Well, I certainly cannot deny that. [ he grins teasingly ] Now then! [ standing again and fixing his cape ] Let's see what this castle has in store for me, si?

[assassino]

Of course, of course! What would you like to see first?

oop si am the worst and slowest

[universale]

Perhaps there is somewhere where cadavers are kept, mio amico?

[ is he serious... ]

that's okay me too

[assassino]

Cadavers? Really? You are here in a magic castle and you wish to see what you can see back in Venice? Leonardo, please.

[Pause]

... Why do you want to see cadavers?

[universale]

To cut them open, of course! Study the dead! It is good for you!

[ he pats ezio on the shoulder and grins ]

I am more curious in what this castle must be hiding. I have explored some places, but I have only found what looks to be bedrooms. A building so big -- it must have many secrets and interesting contraptions.