xxx λ thinking

[assemblatore]

[There's that familiar-yet-unfamiliar Italian accent, deeper than usual:]

My time here has been short, and yet in that time I have seen things unfathomable to the people of my time... things that I find relieving, and things that I find deeply troubling. Men are not made to weather such changes in such a brief time, but I have enjoyed it for what it is, and will continue to do so.

Interesting, too, to get a better understanding of history, and the legacies that have been left by the most influential people of my time. Strange that some I thought would would be spoken of for centuries barely register with the people of the future, and others have risen out of nowhere.

[sigh]

I wonder what those men would have done differently, had they only possessed the gift of foresight. But at the same time, who can say history might have happened any differently, given man's inherent weakness, his proclivity towards selfishness and opportunity, even at the cost of another's? I should like to think it is different in the future, where good will towards men is readily taught, but in my time, who can blame a man for stepping on others to avoid starvation if none have taught him a greater morality and code of ethics? Even if he had received instruction, could a virtuous constitution prevent a man from becoming tyrants? I do not feel it is possible.

I would also like to believe that suffering is always worth someth––

[A pause to having a considerable coughing fit, though one muffled by his sleeve.]

Ah... What was I saying? It matters little. I am sure I have worn this topic thin over the years, and I am weary of it.

[A pause.]

It is unfortunate that my memories of this place are clouded by age. I would have liked to better remember what it was like to be a young man in this place.

Comments

[assemblatore]

I would be concerned if mere obligation drove you to spend time with me.

[secondchances]

Never. It's always been a pleasure.

[assemblatore]

I could imagine that in my youth, but now all I have is stories... and I know young people prefer to live stories than hear them.

[secondchances]

I love me some adventures, but I like hearing stories, too. You're not lacking in anything.

[assemblatore]

You flatter me.

[secondchances]

Only telling the truth, Ezio.

[Flatterer.]

[assemblatore]

[Just a rumble of amusement, as he sorts through his wardrobe.]

[secondchances]

[She'll entertain herself by straightening out her sleeves, letting Ezio take however long. It's tempting to pipe up and ask if he needs help finding something, but she bites her tongue. Let's not insult the guy.]

[assemblatore]

[He finds that cloak he was looking for and pulls it on, and then rummages for gloves. He knows he saw them somewhere X(

EAGLE VISION PLS.]

[secondchances]

[RUMMAGING X( Steph can't help it. Must... be... helpful... she gets up.]

Whatcha looking for?

[assemblatore]

Gloves. I will find them in a moment.

[CODDLING >:(]

[secondchances]

Ah.

[She nods, and she'll just casually look around for them, too.]

[assemblatore]

[He finds them, eventually, and pulls them on. He pulls up the hood on his cloak, too, which is basically a newer, better-sewn version of his old cloak.]

Let us go, then.

[secondchances]

Let's go.

[She smiles and goes to open the door for them.]

Maybe we'll get some hot tea after we freeze outside, sightseeing.

[assemblatore]

[He follows her.]

It is not that cold, is it?

[secondchances]

Nah. I'm just over-exaggerating. It's a thing I do.

[And because it feels like she should ask before just making a grab at him:]

May I have your arm?

[assemblatore]

[He's onto you, Steph, but he lets her.]

Is it usual, for the women of your time to be so fond of clinging?

[secondchances]

Wow. You just called me clingy. [Fuck, this is a weird week. She never thought she'd hear Ezio Auditore complaining about contact. How things change...

She takes his arm >:( ]

I'm letting you be a gentleman. I thought that was a thing, in your time.

[assemblatore]

Not like this.

[But he'll drop the subject. He can't really fault her for caring, he supposes, even if it's fucking annoying to be treated like an invalid.]

[secondchances]

[She frowns at that.]

What would you like me to do? I could--not. Do this, I mean. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable.

[Though it makes her more comfortable to have a hold on him. She's not sure how much walking he can take, and she's not sure how easily he'd admit to being tired.]

[assemblatore]

[He feels suitably guilt-tripped, and as always, it's hard to say no.]

I harvest grapes every year and play with my children and take day trips into the city. I can handle a walk, that is all I am saying.

But if you'd prefer, you can hold on to my arm.

[secondchances]

[That makes her feel a little better.]

I'll hold onto it as a friendly gesture, then. We'd do this when you were younger, too.

I'm sorry if I've been overly clingy. I just want to help, not make you feel like you're incapable of doing simple things like taking a walk. I'll get the hang of this.

[assemblatore]

[He wasn't married, then, but he'll deal with it. He takes her arm.]

I know you are only trying to help, but I was the leader and mentor of the Assassins. We do not let time steal our abilities so readily... and while we may be slower and quicker to tire, we can still outpace and outfight any Master Assassin worth his salt.

[He's still a bit cocky.]

I am fine, and I have years in me yet.

[secondchances]

[Just a bit. But it makes her smile.]

I'm sold. No more sneaky mother hen antics from me, I promise.

[assemblatore]

Good.

That is the office of my wife, and my wife only.