[Video]

[secondborn]

[Alastair is sitting on a roof, looking out at the city. He has a couple of blades next to him. It looks like he might have been in the process of sharpening them when he took a break.]

The change of seasons here is pretty dramatic, isn't it? One moment we still have green, the next...

[He nods out to the suddenly awe-inspiring fall colors of the trees.]

Did it happen like this before? I'm ashamed to say I didn't notice if it did, I was... [He wets his lips and ducks his head a moment,] ...preoccupied. [Preoccupied with being corrupted. Oops.

He lifts his head and smiles.]

Regardless, it's lovely, even if it's a bit sudden. Back home... [A distant sort of look comes over his face as he remembers.] Back home it was always very slow. There was never any one day you could say "now is the end of summer," because when things were Balanced, or at least close to it, it was a slow transition from one season to the next. Maybe our seasons were longer, it's hard to tell.

[He sighs deeply and is quiet for a long moment, then smiles again.]

There's beauty in the world, everywhere. Sometimes it's hard to find it, but every now and then you have to stop and look around and remind yourself why you're fighting.

[His grin turns sheepish and he shakes his head.]

It may seem silly, and believe me, I sound a little ridiculous to myself sometimes, but do me a favor and take a moment out of your day to just appreciate the beauty around you, and remember the beauty of home.

Comments

[secondborn]

Yes, but if the overwhelming majority disagreed, I'd be at least a little concerned for the fate of the worlds.

[grandsassmaster]

One could hardly blame you, of course.

[secondborn]

[He shrugs.]

As it is, I think everyone could do with a reminder every now and then.

[grandsassmaster]

What a blessing that we have a fine young man like you to make sure we don't forget then.

[secondborn]

[He raises his eyebrows.]

Assuming you're being sincere, thank you very much.

[grandsassmaster]

And why would I not be sincere?

[secondborn]

[He shrugs.]

I don't know you very well. It's not an explanation as to why, but I didn't want to misread your intentions.

[grandsassmaster]

[He laughs softly.]

We will just have to get to know each other better then.

[secondborn]

[He smiles.]

I suppose so.

[grandsassmaster]

I'm pleased to see you're in agreement. We should find a chance to meet each other in person soon.

[secondborn]

Of course. I look forward to it.

[It's a daaaate.]

[grandsassmaster]

Do let me know when you are free and I will pry myself away from my duties.

[Because why not. Interesting young man is interesting.]

[secondborn]

I can be free most afternoons, really.

[And Alastair thinks it's entirely unfair the reaction Haytham gets from Alastair's fellow Assassins. He'd like to find out more about the man they seem to dislike so much.]

[grandsassmaster]

Perfect. We should arrange a day then. Would tomorrow suffice?

[He knows this young man is close to the Assassins so he think he should be friendly with him. Keep him wondering what is going on.

It'll be fun.]

[secondborn]

I can manage that. Tomorrow's fine.

[Let the games begin.]

[grandsassmaster]

Where would you like to meet?

[This will be good.]

[secondborn]

[He shrugs.]

I have no preference.

[It's tempting to invite him to the Needle in a Haystack but he knows better.]

The park is fine, unless you have someplace in mind yourself.

[grandsassmaster]

The park is perfect. I will meet you there tomorrow afternoon then.

Have a good day.

[The taps the rim of his hat to him with a nod.]

[secondborn]

[He nods.]

I look forward to it.