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[With trembling hands, heavy breaths, she's trying to settle herself. There's no sense of panic or anger on her face. Just curiosity. As she tries to catch her breath, she takes her time walking the street, observing every little thing. Every detail.

But her attire is less than to be desired. The girl with long dark hair and bright green eyes takes time to look down at her blood-splattered apron against her dark blue dress. Maybe she looks like she's from a story, maybe not. She frowns.]

Out to the streets of London and that cat told me that even if Wonderland was shattered, everything was safe. Well, if this is neither Wonderland nor London...

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It's a deception all too familiar. You cannot rely on anyone else but yourself.

That is the insidiousness of this lie. Men are not turned into mindless slaves, their will is not forcibly taken from them. They believe nothing is wrong.

It heartens me to know you will not so easily be fooled but it is important to find those you can trust, those you can rely on.

Not quite, no, yet there's not that great of a difference. Who knows when that time will come. What then? Is the only way to be on guard is to reject their object and assurances of comfort?

[Would that be a compliment? It certainly makes Alice feel slightly proud of herself. Of course, then the question comes... who can she rely on? She bites her lip in thought, hesitant.]

Does it really, sir?

Everyone I have ever relied on has deceived or hurt me greatly.

I would say it is important to be vigilant, to be aware of their attempts and mindful of how they are trying to bend you will. Choices are never so simple that we can reject all they offer. I do not see how any of us are to survive if we should.

And yes.[He says this first without hesitation, because he believes in it fully, knows that he would not have come as far as he has without his Brothers.]

[And then he pauses, momentarily dwelling on that betrayal which he'd only recently defeated.] But you are right, your company does have to be chosen wisely. I made a mistake recently that cost dearly. ...I still have not fully felt the consequences but should we ever return to the places we've come from I've no doubt they will be there, waiting.

What about the rest of these people? They willfully play along with this deception, does that make them dependable? Do they see it, too? After a while, there's only so much that can be done, even ourselves.

[It's strange, Alice felt a small burst of self-confidence, but now it seems fleeting. Undeserving. She's shaking her head. He's so sure of himself, Alice is a little jealous.]

Do they wish to kill you, sir?

I suspect there are others who see the problems of this place, who know not to trust those who are so quick to ask for it.

It isn't easy and it never ends. It is possible to grow weary of it, if if your convictions are strong. For this I can understand what my old Master did and why, though I cannot forgive it.

[He pauses. Were they able to see each others faces she might have been able to catch his fleeting smile.]

Yes. Though I hope to still yet make some of them see the deception for what it was. Too many men whom I called Brothers are dead because of it. I would not enjoy the death of more.

And time will tell if any more grow weary of it or it may even be too late. There will be others lost in the process, that's how it happens.

[Her voice grows flat, detached.]

How can you understand what your old Master did? The man I once saw refuge in I could never forgive -- not that his presence matters anymore.

[Alice frowns, feeling the smallest twinge of sympathy.]

My condolences, sir. I wish you the best of luck to stop that horror from happening again.

Because he is dead by my hand, his words can no longer poison my Order. His death grants him the right to peace, as does it grant me the ability to try and understand his motivations, in order to better grant me the peace of mind. [He sighs quietly. The whole event was so recent, still feels fresh and painful though he has done well to force it away to deal with his present situation.]

I thank you. Your own endeavors do not sound free of struggle. I wish you the same favor in dealing with them, when we do return.

[As similar as that situation is, this is different. Alice assumes that it weighs on him. Someone he knew very well. Quite honestly, she doesn't understand how he can be free of anger.]

I suppose you're right. This is... the "big picture", as they say, isn't it? You seem very accepting of all of this. I will admit I am almost jealous of you, sir.

Thank you, I suppose, if there's an end to struggle, it has yet to be seen. I, too, ended a man's life for that reason. His death doesn't grant him peace, it gives his victims peace and that's more important.

[Maybe Alice would prefer it here, in the end, she's not sure.]

Do not be jealous. You do not know the details of my past, nor I yours, you only discredit yourself by pretending our situations are more than superficially similar. [His words are blunt but not meant to be unkind.]

I see little point in dwelling on things that nothing can be done about. My Master is not someone I can concern myself with right now, not when we are trapped here with people who claim to be gods, with powers that are loaned to us for their own benefit. The best we can, the best I can do, is learn all I can and choose the right moment to do something about it.

But I wasn't pretending.

I was hoping.

[With hesitation.]

No one would believe a damn word I said about mind control and a man of high standards wiping the memory of children so he can abuse them further.

[She huffs. After a moment, Alice can understand where he's coming from.]

Yet you're right. To learn what this land is and does as these gods manipulate us is far more important.

[Just a matter of time how much Alice can put up with it.]

Forgive me, it was a poor choice of words.

[He considers that second part but only for a few short seconds. As wild as it sounds he has seen the power of the Apple, seen the minds of men overridden and turned against their companions. A power more insidious than the Templars.]

At another time I would have difficulty believing your claim as well but much has changed since then.

Just know that there are people here who will work with you, who will help you. If you need it, or if you just need to give voice to your concerns, I will listen.

You're forgiven.

[Is this relief? It means she's not crazy, she doesn't have to worry about something like Bumby happening again. Someone understands. Breathe deep, Alice. The tension releases as she exhales.]

And at another time, I would have refuted your offer, but... I will humbly accept it. It's... reassuring.

Ah, and it seems all this time, I've forgotten my manners. My name is Alice. Alice Liddell.

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Speaking with you has been an illuminating experience, Alice. I thank you for that.

You're welcome, Altaïr.

Likewise with you.

[She adds a moment later.]

Thank you for your confidence.

[His silence conveys his agreement.]

I believe we shall speak again soon, Alice.

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