xxxv λ musing

[assassino]

[All things considered, Ezio has had a busy day, but now he's out and about. He's hit up a dozen or so stores in town, mostly for painting frames and books, and perhaps you've see him running errands.


Later, however, he will be sitting down at his desk to scrawl out:]

I seldom write in this journal. I think that is funny; for every boy who knows how to write, three sit without education, and here I squander my gifts and ignore books. My sister does more writing than I do, and her talent is a rarity amongst women!

It has been more than a year since I have arrived –– closer, still, to thirteen months -- and each day I learn new things about the future, history, science, and even the human body. I do not think many days have passed in the past four hundred that saw me sitting idle and failing to learn!

Yet still, when I spoke to a young woman the other week, she was hard-pressed to believe that I would return to my time, forsaking the knowledge and science and hygiene of the future. I prefer the conventions of my time, and my culture, and I have work to do. So, I wonder, then...

How many of you would go home with another, to their time instead of yours?

I'm going to miss plumbing. I think that is what you call it –– "plumbing." Even after all this time, sometimes it is fun to turn on the "tap" simply to marvel at its convenience. It is a wonder there is so much water about without the streets being flooded like the canals of Venezia.

And I have such good memories of the miracles of showers, with thanks to some of the beautiful women in this castle.

E. Auditore.

Comments

[assassino]

Perfect. That is exactly what I like on my birthday. No one has come close to making me sick of attention, though.

[secondchances]

We'll see about that.

[She says as if she has an idea! But she doesn't, not really. Maybe she'll get people to be obnoxious and sing him Happy Birthday on his next birthday. That's annoying attention!]

[assassino]

That is your challenge for the next five months, then... to find out how you could possibly overwhelm me with attention.

[secondchances]

I have a feeling that involves an ungodly amount of coffee.

What if I pay someone to just follow you around, constantly gushing praise? "Oh, Ezio!" all day, all night. Even when you have to pee. They'll follow you into the bathroom. They'll perch on your nightstand when you sleep and babble at you.

[Not that anyone would be crazy enough to do that, but.]

[assassino]

Hmm. It would depend on who this person is.

[secondchances]

Bathroom time, Ezio. Sleep. No quiet time, ever.

[assassino]

Is this person a gorgeous and naked woman?

[secondchances]

No. Maybe it's a man.

[assassino]

I have no interest in men.

[secondchances]

Ha! I found the key to you getting sick of attention!

[assassino]

Ah, so you want to vex me for my birthday?

[secondchances]

Nah. You know I'm not that mean.

[assassino]

I thought I knew, but apparently not.

[secondchances]

I wouldn't be able to find anyone willing to do that job, anyway.

[She reaches up to grab his cheeks and wiggle them, because she's annoying.]

Don't worry, Ezio. Stephanie will make sure you get adequate attention on your 30th birthday. It's the least anyone can do for an old man.

[assassino]

[He kind of laughs and pulls his face away.]

When I turn 30, I expect the kind of respect an old man receives!

[secondchances]

And what does that consist of, exactly?

[assassino]

Whatever I ask for!

[secondchances]

Like you don't usually get whatever you ask for anyway.

[assassino]

I know. I am very fortunate.

[Hug :')]

[secondchances]

[Hug :') ]

So spoiled.

[assassino]

Very spoiled.

[secondchances]

As you should be. [Nothing but the best for her friends :') ]

[assassino]

Of course.

[He nuzzles his chin against her hair for a moment and then lets her go.]

[secondchances]

[She smiles.]

I'll let you get to your... [she glances over her shoulder, to the wall. The smile's just a little strained around the edges when she looks back] decorating. Maybe I'll go shop for a plant.

[assassino]

[He notes that strain, but does not comment.]

Hmm? But it is winter.