[CLOSED] Now bless me father for I have sinned--

[sicarius]

Who: Ezio (sicarius) and Claudia (auditor)
What: Ezio buries his pride and goes to apologize to his sister
When: Day 120-121? SOMEWHERE IN THERE.
Where: More than likely at Rose Blush
Rating: PG-13 yuuuup. IT'S ASSASSINS, AND IT'S PISSED ASSASSINS AT THAT. So yeah, violence is imminent.

[If there was ever a moment where Ezio did not want to be somewhere or do something, this was it.

Standing within Freya's district was not intimidating- but the closer he came to Rose Blush, the more tempting it was to turn back, to walk away from this and pretend he was never here. He was good at that, disappearing in a second's notice, fading into the grays of the city without even a moment of hesitation. He knew though, that if he went back on what he'd agreed with himself to do, to go against what he knew was right and what he should do as the older brother... then what kind of mentor, let alone a brother and a person, would he be to those around him? All those years of work, of learning, of becoming a maestro, would be for nothing.

The arrival on the bordello's grounds comes too quickly for his liking, but there he is all the same. More than anything else, he's sure Claudia is going to tell him to leave. If not that, then definitely punch him upon seeing him, both of which he rightfully deserves at this point. But he stays, and slowly, forces himself to move forward towards the door, to the interior. And once he does, he is certain several pairs of eyes are on him, especially considering what happened opening night. It's a feeling he hates, being watched like a hawk, just as Altaïr and Malik did when they took him back into the Order, but he shakes it off, speaking with a courtesan nearby.]

I need to speak with Claudia. Your madame.

[It's difficult for him to say, calling his own sister that- but this is what she has chosen, in order to help him, and he has to accept it sooner, rather than later. So there he waits, hoping that at least Claudia will see as to why he's here, instead of turning him away.]

Comments

evening of 120! claudia is busy for 121, and she works late...

[auditor]

[ the courtesan is polite — trained by claudia, obviously, to possess the mannerisms ezio would expect of high status women in italy. some customers do enjoy the feeling of shame, of power, to fuck a woman that seems to have no self-love. but the image of respect, comfort, ensures customers return. they create a rapport. ...and guards notice them less. after several minutes, the woman returns. without claudia. ]

She'll see you in her office.

works for me!

[sicarius]

[There is a nod at her words, Ezio simply returning the courtesy that he would back home. And while he is thankful she'll actually see him, he's not stupid. Being called to the office meant it was away from prying eyes and eavesdroppers, so much more could happen there than in public. And what that "more" was didn't always mean it was good.

He finds his way through the lobby and down to where her office is, feet heavy and fists clenching open and closed in the process. He knocks, gently, after hesitating for a moment.]

Claudia?

[auditor]

Come in.

[ she stands far from the door, by a window, and the light from a streetlamp gives her an artificial glow. how appropriate. her jaw is tight; her expression, neutral; and her hand, on her hip;. she doesn't know why, exactly, is here. she can guess, and hope, but ultimately, she waits. claudia will deny her brother, but she will not deny her ally. they had done so in rome. if he chooses to be less of a fucking idiot, they will do the same in asgard, too. ]

[sicarius]

[The tension between them is almost suffocating, at best. Anything more and it could explode before his whole point of coming here is explained.

He enters, eyes noticing her and her neutral stance immediately, and it only makes this apology that much harder to say. He breathes through his nose for a moment, then finally speaks.]

Mi dispiace.

[That's not good enough now, not after what he's done to others and talked with them about it. He could just be apologizing for his behavior on opening night, or he could just be throwing the words around to make things easier. No. It has to be made clear.]

I would like to apologize. For everything.

[And while that is better, it's not the full message.]

For both my behavior on your opening night here, and for not listening when I should have, with you.

[auditor]

[ almost, claudia appreciates the apology. but then... in an instant, it becomes clear he doesn't understand. she isn't angry he refused to listen to her, no. she is angry he refused family but not reputation. as it is, she gives little thought to the changes of time — and why would she? it has changed her so little. (or she she sees, anyway.) does it matter, though? she wouldn't have forgiven him. an apology would have only softened the betrayal. ]

The brothel's doors are open to you. [ they have an alliance, at least. but not a brother or sister. claudia is not an idiot. ] Who told you to do this?