first sequence // video

[seventeenth]

So, I'm back. I guess? [Desmond still sounds -- and looks -- a little dazed.] I didn't realize the bracelets were that important. I'll have to keep that in mind.

[He grins, a little, his confidence returning.] So... what did I miss? Did this turn out to be a surreal fever dream while I was out of it, by any chance?

Comments

[sicarius]

Si. Malik and Altaïr have returned.

[There is a definite "but" attached to his words, and he lets the other slowly take that in. Ezio speaks as if Desmond remembers, but in truth, he knows he doesn't. So, to clarify, he gestures and finishes what he means to imply.]

They are different from the last time they were here. You may not remember, but we were not on good terms before. Different views on the Creed caused our conflict, and I was the one to start it. We eventually came to an agreement, after much time avoiding each other, and then they disappeared.

[A hand bats away something that isn't there, and Ezio continues.]

I have already spoken with Malik about this, and he was much calmer than I last remembered him. Still, it went over well, though I suspect he will be keeping an eye on us for a while. ["Us" meaning the Italian branch.] I would prefer that over a harsh tongue and cold stares for days.

[seventeenth]

[Desmond's initial response is to perk up at the mention of Malik and Altaïr. He may not have spent as much time with Altaïr as he had with Ezio, but the presence of another Master Assassin can't be anything but good, right? However, hecatches the implicit but in Ezio's tone and waits for him to finish.]

[Though it's still mostly good news, Desmond can't help but notice a certain omission.] What about Altaïr?

[sicarius]

When Altaïr was last in Asgard, he was calm, level-headed, understood and followed the Creed. He was steadfast but respectable, and knew how to respect those he did not know within the Brotherhood.

[Can you tell where this is going yet, Desmond? Ezio gives an unamused look as he continues.]

From what I have heard and now seen of him, however, he is nothing more than stubborn and full of pride. He holds no respect save for his Master, and everything he does he views with arrogance.

[It's clear Ezio doesn't take this well, especially since he holds much respect for Altaïr in general. But the flighty and testy attitude he was given a few days ago, not to mention what he has heard of the other's actions, is leaving the Mentor disappointed.]

[seventeenth]

[... Oh no. Desmond knows where this conversation is headed after the first few words, and he's grimacing by the time Ezio finishes.] Great. [Desmond brushes a hand over his hair.] Perfect. Just what we needed, right?

[He gives Ezio a smile, but it's fleeting.] Did he mention anying about Solomon's Temple? Or some sort of demotion?

[sicarius]

[Ezio shakes his head at this, but there is some good news attached to this bad news as a whole.]

Altaïr did not mention anything of Solomon's Temple, nor his demotion- but Malik did. He spoke of their Master stripping him of his rank for his failure, and how he is now on a journey to redeem himself in front of the eyes of the Order.

[seventeenth]

[Oh, perfect. Desmond manages to not heave any dramatic sighs over it, but relief is obvious in his expression.] At least we've got that much. [It could be a lot worse, though it does raise the question...] So what are he and Malik gonna do? Work here?

[sicarius]

[And that gets a snort from the Italian.]

Malik will, I am certain, he does not enjoy leaving the Bureau unattended. Altaïr...

[Considering how awful he is right now... yeaaaaaaah.]

I would not know.

[seventeenth]

[Desmond nods, unsurprised by the news about Malik. Malik could never just let things sit, after all. He does have a smirk when Ezio mentions Altaïr, however.]

Altaïr won't be able to stand not being in the middle of things, if he's acting the way you say he is. He'll come around.

[sicarius]

After consistent banter that will be ignored, perhaps. I doubt he will want to do any missions given to him by-

[For a second, Ezio pauses mid-sentence, gears turning in his head, a very familiar grin slowly creeping on his face.

Someone just came up with an idea. A very, very, very, very trollish one. He turns back to Desmond and keeps that grin on his face, explaining what he just thought of.]

Desmond, how well does Altaïr respond to challenges of his skill at this point?

[Challenging the Great Altaïr with a mission that looks normal, but is purposely for trolling? Oh hell yes.]

[seventeenth]

[That grin... that grin spells trouble. Desmond blinks at the sudden question. Challenges of skill...?] Uh... angrily? He thinks they're beneath him, but he won't turn them down. [At least, that's what Desmond recalls. He gives Ezio an odd look, though he thinks he knows what the Italian man is getting at.]

Why?

[sicarius]

Va bene, that is what I needed to know.

[He isn't dismissive, and he knows Desmond should be able to pick this up from him, so he simply shrugs.]

I am simply thinking of a challenge he could not refuse, and for us to have a little fun at the same time.

[seventeenth]

Well, whatever it is you've got planned, count me in. [It sounds... interesting, to say the least.]