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 suppose your Giovanni is a grown man in my time, isn't he? I must admit I do not know your later children terribly well, but Giovanni is a good boy.

[secondchances]

I wish I could meet all of your kids. [Wah, the closest she'll get is Desmond.]

[heloise]

[ She watches him somewhat warily. Would Giovanni be known as hers then? What politicking did it require to achieve that and secure a marriage for her too? ]

I hope he takes after his father more than me.

[assemblatore]

[Perotto or Cesare? Ezio's smile is a little tight at that, but he's not going to bring up that topic.]

I have never met Giovanni's father, but your boy is under the apprenticeship of a friend of mine –– Francesco Vecellio. He is perceptive and clever, gracious and confident. Would that describe his father?

[secondchances]

[Her Narcissus, duh! Steph totally called it.]

Those are some traits his mother has, too. [She tightens her hold on her arm just a little bit.]

[heloise]

Not too perceptive, one hopes.

[ She rewards Steph with a terse smile, at least. This Vecellio is a stranger, with the privilege of bringing up her son when she herself can't be allowed to. ]

What of your son, Ezio?

[assemblatore]

[The most perceptive of them all.]

My son, Marcello, is only nine. He likes to read, and will read any book you put before him... which, of course, delights his mother. I am sure he will be a scholar someday.

[secondchances]

A charming scholar. [There's some joke about books and charming ladies in here, she's sure, but her audience might not get it. Alas.] But I'm sure both of you will have kids that grow up to be incredibly smart and talented adults.

[heloise]

[ That never stopped Steph before!!

Lucrezia fiddles with her necklace and lets Ezio answer that. ]

[assemblatore]

Giovanni is certainly growing up that way... and my children will as well, no doubt.

[secondchances]

[Steph's learned to read Lucrezia decently, she feels, so she does her best to comfort her while not being totally obvious--which translates into more gentle arm squeezing.]

Ezio's children probably won't try to dress up as statues.

[heloise]

[ Lucrezia let's go of Steph's arm instead, switching to hold her hand. ]

Will you teach them how to climb, Ezio?

[assemblatore]

Perhaps, when they are older.

[secondchances]

It'll come naturally to them, I bet.

[heloise]

Does climbing require talent or simply practice?

[assemblatore]

Practice, I think, and sturdy boots.

[secondchances]

Talent wouldn't hurt, though.

[heloise]

I never understood its purpose. Climbing, I mean.

[assemblatore]

Adventure. That, and humanity has built all of these monuments to architectural skill, yet they are so imposing that even their creators are dwarfed by them... it is nice to still be able to conquer them.

[secondchances]

That, and the view is nice from high places. You almost feel like you could fly.

[heloise]

It is a matter of power then? Power and freedom.

[assemblatore]

Of course.

[secondchances]

And fun.

[heloise]

That is barring any falls.

[assemblatore]

Those are easy to avoid... and when your life is riding on a jump or lift, you do it with utmost confidence.