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

[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.

[secondchances]

[UHHHH]

Remembering your days as a troublesome banker, hmm?

[heloise]

Banking must terribly boring that you would resort to such dangerous pastimes for a little excitement.

[assemblatore]

[Ezio is confused by this, and it shows on his face; what does she mean, banker? He's never been a banker. An investor, maybe, but he's not sure what they're talking about.]

A banker...?

[secondchances]

[Ooooooh, shit. He doesn't know. Stephanie hopes he's sharp enough to play along with her as she smiles and gives his arm a squeeze.]

Banking, the family trade. It wasn't that long ago.

[She sends a purposely worried look Lucrezia's way. Poor old, old Ezio. Then, in a very gentle tone she's sure will annoy Ezio:]

You remember, don't you? You feeling okay?

[PLAY ALONG, PLEASE.]

[heloise]

[ The whole act just confuses her!

Thirty years is long enough for one to change occupations, however. She wonders how lucrative banking would be in times of war. ]

The Medicis have been disgraced, last I heard. All their gold has vanished.

[assemblatore]

[Frown...]

Yes... the Medicis were largely gone by... was it 1490? Sometime around then, my memory is wearing thin with age. I've been a wine grower for a decade, and for decades before that I was a teacher...

Banking was a distant time.

[secondchances]

[TEACHER? Oh, that's fine, just don't say you teach Assassins...]