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[LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS, TO DEFEAT THE...daily duties of the brotherhood. Vacation's nearly over, Assassini.]

[It's hell to gather all the Asgardian Assassins in one place at one time, so after some experiments with the bracelet to be really sure, he dares to make a filtered post instead of alarming everyone with another check-in message. Even though he's still a bit suspicious of magic jewelry :T]

I know many of us have been taking a break, and we've needed it—but not for too much longer. There's still work to be done for the brotherhood and your own individual training.

[In other words, mandatory parkour runs are in everyone's short-term future. Everyone's.]

During the chaos of Thiazi's attacks, we were joined by Connor. [He nods over his shoulder at the bear of a man in white robes in the background, who looks a little wary but not overtly distrustful.] He was brought from several centuries in the future compared to Ezio and I.

And I believe most of you have met Malik—he is from Masyaf as well, and a valued asset to the order. He's come from a few years behind me. [And that's all he'll say about that. Sob.]

I understand a number of us plan to pay a visit to the natives' village that Honir spoke of. That's fine, but when we're all back, I want to see us working harder. Spar with someone you don't usually fight; no one should get too comfortable. There was nothing anyone could have done to stop Thiazi's last attack, but it won't be the last.

So we need to be ready when it comes.

[Open Action Option — A Needle in a Haystack is having a sale! Stopping into the shop today will great you a break on food, and perhaps some easier haggling on the rest. Come on by and say hello to Harmless Merchants^TM and an extremely burly Mohawk man. ~~Just don't touch him~~.]

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[He inches away a step, looking down briefly to break eye contact. It never fails to be unnerving, strangers acting so familiar with him, insisting they've met him before when he hasn't a single memory of them, knowing a name only a handful of people outside his village were ever told.

He's not even sure his own father knows his 'real' name. Or can speak it without butchering the pronunciation, if he is aware of its existence.]

I... appreciate the kindness you offer me, but I am comfortable with the clothing I am wearing now.

[What Connor doesn't realize is that Caterina's like this with everybody.

She crosses her arms.]

Yes, I am quite aware of that, but as those are the only clothes you own, not only will they become filthy and wear out much faster than they should, but it will quickly become obvious to everyone that they are the only clothes you wear, which will entirely defeat the purpose of blending in.

You will note that your brothers do not always wear their hoods. This is not because they do not have pride, quite the opposite. Discretion means adaptation. You are here with us now, like it or not, and now you must adapt.

[Okay, he's just staring now.

And trying very hard to mount an argument. Very hard. He starts to lift one hand, stops, puts it down again, and holds up the other hand instead. His voice stays soft, not rising in volume in the slightest.

If anything, he actually gets quieter as he goes on.]

I... I am able to... I do not think my wearing other clothes will... assist in any blending in I need do. And I... It... is not a matter of pride, I assure you. I only...

[Where's a conveniently-placed escape route when you need one.]

I would not burden you with such a task.

[She watches him patiently as he attempts to construct an argument, and even smiles a little as he does.]

I understand. A matter of comfort, perhaps? Of not wishing to give up the tangible aspects of home that still remain? [She shakes her head slightly.] I am not trying to force you to give them up entirely. I just want to expand your wardrobe.

And believe me, it is no burden. [She smiles a little.]

[There's a small, almost guilty duck of his head at her second guess. He sidles another step away, meek as can be as he tries to come up with a better excuse.

None of his other ideas seem fit to propose. He can imagine this woman dismissing each of them in turn.

Connor finally sighs in apparent defeat.]

If you are sure it is no imposition...

[VICTORY. But she smiles kindly.]

It is no imposition at all.

[His life is suffering. Soon to be clothes shopping suffering. He forces a smile in return, but it's a touch grimace-y.]

I... do not know your name.

Caterina Sforza.

[She sweeps a curtsey.]

And you are Ratonhnhaké:ton, though if you'd prefer I can easily call you Connor instead.

Caterina... Sforza.

[Connor bows his head in return to the curtsy.]

Connor is fine. Your pronunciation is very good, though. [Disconcertingly good. He has to wonder if there's anything these people don't already know about him.]

Grazie.

[She smiles at him.]

It is a beautiful name. I thought it would be a shame if it fell into disuse.

[His expression closes off at that. A shame if his name fell into disuse... He fears it will one way or the other. But he recovers his thin smile quickly. A subject change is in order.]

What was that you said to me? Graz... Grazie, was it? That is... Italian?

[It doesn't escape her notice that's for sure. But she won't comment on it just now.]

Grazie, yes, it is Italian. It means thank you.

Grazie.

[A pause.]

Niá:wen.

[Caterina's head tilts as she hears it, and she repeats it over in her head a couple of times. She attempts to repeat it out loud, but she immediately can tell she's pronouncing it poorly.]

Nia wen?

No, that's not it. Say it again.

[His eyes light a little at the prospect of having found something she doesn't know.]

Niá:wen. Nee-ah wuh. [With a nasal-y note to the end of the word there.] Thank you.

[Caterina, on the other hand, is always excited to learn, and languages fascinate her. She tries again, and this time she very nearly gets it perfect.]

Niá:wen.

[He nods, impressed.]

Most people will not even try.

In the presence of a common language, most would not bother to learn the ones they do not know. It is simply easier. But one's mother tongue should not go unused, even in a place like this where everyone is given a common tongue. In fact I think it's especially important not to forget where you come from in such a circumstance.

So. I would like to learn, if you would be willing to teach me.

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