asgardmeridiem | [CLOSED] And so I came to gaze upon the stars, when they were yet unborn

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[CLOSED] And so I came to gaze upon the stars, when they were yet unborn

Who: Ezio Auditore da Firenze (

sicarius) and Malik Al-Sayf (

dai), with added bonus of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (

haydiving) and Kadar Al-Sayf (

kaderp)
What: After hearing about the events of the meeting the previous night going poorly, Ezio is off to apologize for a certain sister's behavior, as well as reconcile for his own.
When: Day 79, afternoon
Where: A Needle In A Haystack
Rating: PG? lmao I doubt it will get violent sooooo... will change if needed!

[It was difficult to believe how something so simple, something he did not consider as dangerous or treacherous, had caused such a divide in the Brotherhood. A simple ally, and the ignorance of mentioning him, had caused a rift between generations. Ezio had been in error, treated the situation as if it were home, and consequently kept information from Altaïr, Malik, and Kadar. And, in doing so, not only proceed to get himself banned from the Order he was invited into, but lose the trust of his brothers, something that would not be easy to win back. If he even could.

Finding a moment where he could speak on comfortable terms was not something that would be found for a long while, and he knew this. But he was willing to agree to their punishment, to avoid conflict between them, and it showed. With the arrival of two familiar faces within the Italian branch, however, he had begun to feel more at ease... until they had begun to run into the other assassins. Laying low was difficult at that point, and sooner or later he knew they would insist on meeting formally, without him there, to conduct ideas and the future of the Order as it remains in Asgard.

Really, it was a timebomb waiting to go off. Either it would explode in everyone's faces, or damage what little ties they still had. He had hoped it would be neither, but personalities will clash regardless of what is agreed upon. That will not change, no matter the time period or the people. So to hear of the terrible relations that were discussed, yelled, and shouted during their actual meeting only leaves him with a single option to try and at least salvage what he can before it plummets entirely.

But he is still gracious, even when he is at fault, and while it was Claudia's words that stung on that night, Ezio is still responsible for her. And he knows that any attempt made by her to right this will not be seen nor taken into account. He must go in to apologize for her behavior, and for his own, from so long ago.

Standing outside A Needle In A Haystack, he pauses, unsure of what else to do, but knowing this is the best chance he has at repairing what was originally his mess to begin with. A hand to the door, and he steps in, eyes glancing for Malik immediately, and when he does, he approaches, bowing his head a little, and speaking low.]

If it is permitted, I wish to speak with you.

[Now all he could hope was that they would not turn their backs to him, and disown him for what was already said and done. He has had enough of their differences, it was time to accept the blame and move forward from it.]

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[The day has been quiet, it had not been anything extraordinary and it had not been anything dull. Yet after the evening he had the day before this one, he would gladly take the silence compared to the shrieking. So this, this tedious work behind the desk, taking inventory, making tea and cutting slices of baklava, it was welcoming in a way because everything that had occurred lately had been nothing but obnoxious and mildly stressful. Here he had thought if he simply threw himself into his research and studies, his map making and his facade of a shop that all this could calm down and it could come to peace eventually once all levels of the situation were approached and taken care of it. How wrong he had been when he had allowed the annoying woman in his store and even treated the situation as civil. She had denied the tea, something that was horribly rude coming from his culture, even if not openly offered to her, and that had him mildly annoyed from the beginning.

The conversation had him from attempting to be understanding and open to her words to essentially kicking her out of the room in less than five minutes. A new record, really. Yet, if it prevented violence from erupting then he had done the right thing. This whole situation was a cluster of gossip and the inability to listen, to understand. It needed to be over with and in this case he would rather deal with a liar than a child who could not hold her temper.

Ironically though, just in that thought process and bringing his eyes from his maps and quill was the very voice that belonged to the liar he was thinking of. It took him a moment to register that that Italian was standing within his store, an act he had told him explicitly not to do, but there he was. So watching his face, taking in his comment and giving a moment for it to sink in he straightened his posture.] You must truly wish an audience with me to show up uninvited, Ezio.

[Placing the quill down he kept his voice low in his own reply.] I hope that you will take my trust in allowing you this worth while. Come, let's speak elsewhere.

[Turning from his desk he moved out from behind it and gave a glance to the man before he started to head off to an office space beyond the kitchen.]

[For a moment in the silence, Ezio watches Malik before he speaks, partially dreading the answer he will receive, before slightly relaxing and taking his words carefully.]

Sì, I do.

[The maestro follows, not speaking out of turn or questioning where they are going. He trusts Malik, and while the other does not trust him in return, this act and willing to talk is definitely a step forward in progress.]

Edited 2012-05-09 03:08 (UTC)

[Heading through the kitchen, Malik reaches out with his singular hand to a doorway and pushes it aside, stepping within and holding it open for the other--looking out to the shop once more before watching the elder figure approach and enter the small office space that was full of store business. Documents, paperwork, filing and everything that was to due wit the work of the facade, nothing to do with the bureau, nothing at all. The design was simply, there was a small sitting area with old chairs and a desk on the other side of the room that was stacked with books and rolls of parchment.

It looked cluttered but Malik knew where everything was and gods be damned to the person who messed up his system. Waiting for the other he murmured.] Come in.

Let's get this over with and see what you have to say.

[It seems almost ages ago that he has been here, helped all of them build the Bureau, build the façade, start everything from the moment they met. Malik's words draw him back out of his memories and he glances back to the other, nodding a little and forcing himself to speak. It is difficult but he knows it must be done.]

I have come to apologize. For Claudia's behavior-- [He gestures to show that he is being honest, and that is what he wishes to do. No tricks, no gimmicks, no trolling or jokes.

And he pauses, knowing this part will be something of importance to the dai.]

As well as for my actions to the Order.

[Kadar had a Habit. A habit of heading into the kitchen to get snacks (and leave notes for Malik about how much he'd taken, so he didn't mess up any carefully written inventory). So it was just sort of automatic for Kadar to head over, a cup of tea in one hand and some tabouleh in the other, a piece of pita bread tucked in between his teeth. Passing through the office, well, that's just habit as well-- he knows enough of Malik's organizational habits to know where to put a note about needing more bread.

Instead, he comes up short, eyeing Ezio and then Malik with a wary eye that clearly shows he knows he's intruded on something. He reaches up, takes the pita bread from his mouth and carefully balances it with his tea, then offers Malik a bright smile.]

We need more bread, brother. [and then, after a quick beat;] Am I interrupting?

[It was unexpected--not Kadar walking into the room but what Ezio had to say. After the entire ordeal had transpired he had lost a great deal of faith in the Italian man and after the meeting of his sister, he had lost even more if she was what he chose to represent him in a conversation. Yet, he was not only apologizing on her behalf but also on his own and in his thought process he was right, Malik did appreciate his last comment more than the other as it was of great importance to him and this situation that had grown immensely out of it's original proportion with the inclusion of new faces.

It did not quell all of his annoyance, all of his anger but it was a start.

Still, before the dai could say anything the door opened and in walked his brother. Bristling slightly at the sudden intrusion he simply let out a breath, a sigh and focused his attention on his blood.] Yes.

Do me a favor to make up for it though. Go and fetch Altaïr then both of you hurry back here. [He looked to Ezio.]

We all have things to discuss.

[His reply is silent, much different from his usual social attitude- but this is a serious matter and Malik is correct, they all needed to discuss this. It was long overdue and while he had given the Bureau and its residents space, with things changing so quickly, it was more imperative than ever that they needed to be united. Dividing would only worsen their troubles and put more of a burden on all of them, destroying the trust that needed to be re-established in order for them to continue.

Still, Kadar's entrance is a welcome change, and he does not object when Malik tells him to get Altaïr. He simply returns the other's gaze and waits, knowing fully well his ancestor is not going to be exactly pleased to see him within a place he was specifically told to keep out of.]

[Kadar nods, adjusting his food a little in his hands so that it wouldn't spill.] Of course, brother. [He nods his head, then turns to leave. On the way, he offers Ezio a reassuring smile. It's cool, Ezio, Kadar's still got your back! For however much that's worth.

Then he's exiting out, setting his food on the nearest available counter (and taking a bite out of the bread, so everyone knows it is His Food and not to be moved), and then goes to find Altaïr.]

[Watching Kadar leave the room, he allows another sigh to escape his lips before resting his hand on the end table, eyes glancing downward before resuming their attentions to the Italian. It takes a moment to assure that Kadar is out of the room, and he's wary about that smile he shared because the idea of Kadar waffling alliance is not something that he needs in his life right now. His brother though, he was always an open minded spirit, sometimes a little too much so.

Another pause and he spoke, his accented tone low.] As much as your apology is appreciated on your sisters behalf, it should be her offering it--not you. With that, I'm not calling Altaïr here to speak of her.

This conversation has nothing to do with the situation she has created for herself, am I understood? There are far more important matters to discuss.

[Ezio simply listens, allowing Malik to speak freely and does not object to what is being said.]

Of course. [He refrains from using much Italian in this case- if only for the sake that because of the tension here, it is better to understand everyone when they are all speaking the same language.]

Certo, she knows of her errors, and that is all I will say.

[He will not argue for her sake, that is not why they have agreed to let him stay. It is more important to mend the wounds that have created this whole mess than to simply try to cover them up with things that will only be temporary.]

[The other is making all the right choices right now and dare he think that this is refreshing compared to what he was greeted with the night before? Yes, he would dare consider it because he would rather deal with someone who kept secrets than a child. Children were insufferable, as was his sister until things could come to pass.] Then that is fine.

Let's focus on creating an understanding before we are all at our throats again and regret even attempting to unite in the first place. [An exhale, and all there was to do now was wait for the pair to arrive--hopefully quickly because Malik never took to kindly to being in a small space with someone he did not necessarily trust.]

Edited 2012-05-09 04:41 (UTC)

I would appreciate it, sì. I do not want to cause even more of a mess than I have started.

[A simple statement to counter a simple suggestion. Ezio is making sure what he says counts, because he knows the actions he says and does will have an effect on how things are run, both in Asgard and how he views himself back home. It isn't the easiest, he is not like the others who grew up with the Creed, but he is still trying and giving his utmost to make sure this works.]

Edited 2012-05-09 04:52 (UTC)

[Altaïr did not question Kadar when he found him and let him know that Malik requested his presence. He had simply followed the younger man back to the shop, through the bottom floor door and back to the kitchens, ending up ultimately in the doorway to Malik's claimed office space.

It was only upon seeing Ezio that he turned to cast a quick glare at Kadar, making a note to himself for future reference to make sure he gets specifics before following him anywhere ever again. Drawing in a breath he turns back to the occupants within the small room.

He had done well to avoid Ezio since that night and given the recent interaction with his sister he had very little to say, and none of it good, to the Italian Assassin.]

What is this, Malik.

[Kadar offers a cheerful smile back at Altaïr in response to the glare, sliding into the room and closing the door quietly behind him. He casts a mournful look at his food, growing cold without him, before the door is closed, but sets it aside. It's not the first time he's had to wait for food, and this is certainly a less trying situation than most.

Kadar steps over to hover between Malik and Ezio, off to the side and in the background. He tilts his head a little to watch. Malik would have said immediately if Kadar was not welcome to the conversation, back when he was sent to retrieve Altaïr, so instead Kadar simply waits and is (thankfully) quiet.]

[The instant he hears Altaïr, there is a hesitance in arriving. Their last meeting, he was two seconds from flicking out his hidden blade and making a highly tense situation into a dangerous one. Here, it is no different, in a sense. In the silence, Ezio debates on speaking for himself, or letting Malik do it for him. He doesn't want to offend them, but he won't let others entirely run him over, either. Not that he expects them to, but he insists on still having a voice, despite being the one in error.]

I am here to reconcile for my actions, Altaïr.

[It is said calmly, without any sort of defensiveness or hostility, just explaining why he is there. Whether or not Altaïr listens or takes his word over Maliks is yet to be seen, but at least he has made his intents known.]

[As soon as it became clear that his brother failed to inform Altaïr of the situation that was at hand, or at least who was around in the very lease he shot him a look from across the room, narrowing his brows in that silent, scolding manner that made a point to quietly remark they would speak about this issue later. Now was not the time though to throw glances at Kadar while the tension of the room seemed to increase ten fold. This whole thing though, in it the tension was understandable because while Malik was not showing it as openly as his proverbial brother, it was there and it made him feel unsure, put him in a state of uneasiness, wariness.

Still, it needed to be discussed and now was better than never, even if he was not sure he was ready for it, not sure he was honestly open to completely forgiving the brother fallen out of their good graces.] I felt that you needed to be present for this.

I apologize for the information of who was present here not being shared with you while in transit.

[Altaïr raises his hand slightly to wave away Malik's apology, keeping his eyes trained on Ezio.]

We spoke with your sister recently. Is your presence here so soon after related to that?

[Because he finds it odd that the other man would suddenly seek them out, when they told him in no uncertain terms to stay away. Ezio may have made himself untrustworthy but he wasn't stupid.]

[Kadar offers his brother a slightly sheepish smile at the mild chastisement. You can't blame him-- if he had told Altaïr that Ezio was there, Kadar has doubts that Altaïr would have gone with him at all, and it certainly would have taken more time and explanations than Kadar felt they had time for. He fidgets a little, shifting his weight to his other leg and eyeing the three Assassins in turn.

Best to stay quiet, really; this concerned him in that it was his brothers, but in the same turn-- it was not something that he needed to interrupt. He had no real problem with Ezio or his behavior, and was, perhaps, too forgiving-- and he had missed the problem with Claudia entirely.]

Sì, she has told me. Both of the meeting, and of her temper. I would be lying if I said I did not come partially because of that.

[He understands their wariness. And he does not blame them. He shifts to meet Altaïr's gaze fully, to face his ancestor as he is.]

But this is my fault, and I will not drag others into something that I should have known better. Something I should have understood from the beginning. It has become ridicolo with those from home, and I'm sure you will at least agree to that.

[Listening to the others reasoning, he shares another glance with Kadar before focusing on the other two--allowing them to have their conversation without interrupting, waiting for what Altaïr would say in turn as he dropped his hand to his side.

Attentive.]

That I can.

[And he notices, notices that Ezio does not simply refer to these problems as affecting just the two Auditores, as if there are more of them from his home.]

You say those. Is there anyone else here from your world besides you and your sister? [He suspects the answer already but he will await a solid answer. He's had enough with all of them trying to guess at intentions and looks over using words to communicate with each other as they should have been doing from the beginning.]

[Kadar tilts his head, curious for the answers. It's an interesting on the answers themselves as it is on how Ezio delivers them-- Ezio is clearly seeking a peacable conclusion, and Kadar can respect that.]

[The maestro nods.]

Sì, and you have met her. Her name is Caterina Sforza.

[Despite Caterina wishing to remain unlabeled, if Ezio wishes to obtain any sense of trust, withholding or lying about anything will only damage the situation further. He doubts any of them will do anything to her, as she is an ally of his, but a part of him hopes he will not receive the brunt end of their ire, if there is any.]

Caterina Sforza? [Malik replied to the name, giving a small arch of his brow because he's run into her before, she seems to have a level head on her shoulders and how he wished it would have been her to show up other than the other woman. Hopefully she would have more sense about her. He moved across the way towards his brother, used to being able to pace behind a desk during these conversations, not hold still.]

I came across her in the library the other day. Is she a member?

[She had said she was a politician. He's not surprised by it though, he refuses to be surprised though he knows already that should they ever run into each other again, and he does not doubt they shall, that their conversation will be a shade different then it already had been.

He raises his brows beneath his hood, wondering at the answer to Malik's question. If she is he would have to wonder why she did not reveal that to him, as Claudia had done. She might have had a better time speaking to them then Ezio's sisters had had, given her claimed way with words.]

[Caterina... Kadar remembers meeting her, however briefly, at the party. She seemed nice enough, but-- at this point, Kadar theorizes that most of the Italians he's met are involved with Ezio.

It doesn't surprise him in the least, really.]

She is, and also a very reliable ally.

[He's surprised Malik comments about her, but hopefully it's not a negative notion, as Altaïr is no doubt having currently. His eyes look back to his ancestor once he finishes speaking with Malik, and addresses him. He knows the other is most likely irked, so he wants to just clear the situation and explain, not defend.]

Caterina did not speak of our alliance because she did not want to make things any more tense than they already were, Altaïr. However, everything she has told you about herself beyond that is true.

Edited 2012-05-12 21:37 (UTC)

[Since this seems to be more of a conversation held between Ezio and Altaïr, the dai shifts his position to stand closer to his brother, watching the pair and offering a nod to the Italian's confirmation. She had been calm enough, and at that moment it could indeed translate into reliable ally because she didn't seem to fly off the handle like the other woman did. Still--he wan'ts to confirm his brothers attentions in all this and his knowledge thus far.

Making the effort, he speaks to the younger quietly in Arabic as to not disrupt the conversation at hand. One ear on the pair, the other on Kadar. He can multitask well enough to interject if he needs to.] Have you met her before?

[He assumes then that when they did meet she had known who he was the moment he's shared his name. Perhaps even before that, if she had recognized his face too.]

Is everyone who speaks that language linked to you one way or another?

[His tone should speak loudly enough that he doesn't require a reply. He can hear Malik murmuring to Kadar, listening to the Arabic with half an ear.]

Fine, the allies you have from your world are not my concern. Instead let us address the real problem here, Ezio, if you really come here to repair the damage you have done. You lied to us. Why.

[Kadar nods, the movement a small jerk of the head-- the same as he would do if he were on a mission, almost by instinct. In this conversation, in this room, he feels it's best that he blends into the background and does not draw too much attention to himself.]

I have. At the party that I mentioned attending. She seemed quite sensible, from our conversation.

Because I treated both Asgard and the Bureau as I would treat a mission or situation at home, when both are clearly not the case.

[If there was one thing he had learned about the other- Altaïr was blunt, but Ezio understands both his harshness and why he is so demanding.]

Things are different here, as we both come from different times and therefore our own methods on being a part of the Order are not the same. I did not respect that, and that is why I lied. It did not seem like one when I acted, but it is clear that I did not consider all sides when doing so.

[His answer is steady, certain. He's had a while to consider all ends of this mess and while he knows that this is how he would act as if back home, this is not Italia, nor anything close to the group in Monteriggioni.]

[At Kadar's response he looks to him and gives a small nod before turning his attention fully back to the pair before them. It's better to keep back and watch at the moment, this is an issue that needs to be solved and too many voices can cause too much complication. So at the others reply--he can hear the sense it in, but it was getting everyone to come to an agreement on what was what that would be the issue.

There had be lines drawn and now was the part of the conversation that Malik had his interests deeply embedded in. So he kept quiet for the moment, carefully listening.]

[It comes to this. He has a choice here, and his decision will change things for them. He only hopes he makes the right decision.

The few weeks it has been since ousting Ezio from their confidence, barring him from the haven they had created, had been difficult, both in dealing with the tension it created and the isolationist repercussions it had had. Truth of the matter was he was perturbed by the fact that Ezio and his sister knew him by his name, recognized him for deeds he could only assume he had not yet done. No good would come from ignoring that, regardless of his feelings about Ezio's failings. Altaïr could understand the desire for forgiveness.]

They are not but our Order becomes yours. Our ways shape what will be your Brotherhood and I do not know when it changes Ezio, nor why, but I understand the need for it. I have seen what harm the rigidity of our ways can have upon us. [Al Mualim's actions were still fresh on his mind, the turmoil of his Order haunting him. Fighting his Brothers because they saw him not as an ally but an enemy to be slain had been both painful and disturbing.]

I would again count you as my Brother, but the thoughtlessness and ease by which you kept that boy's knowledge of us from us leaves me wary.

[Kadar offers Malik another smile before also turning his attention back to Altaïr and Ezio. He knows he should be wary, as Altaïr says, but it's hard, when he feels that Ezio can be trusted. Theirs is an order that allows little mistakes, and it seems that Ezio's is one that is more forgiving-- Kadar feels they are, really, as dissimilar as anything else, but he hopes they can all actually get along properly.]

Then teach me.

[Like Altaïr, Ezio can only hope his words and decisions will have a positive change for all of them, in both here, and back home.]

Teach me the ways of Creed, since that is how I faltered. Teach me to understand it and respect it as you do, so that this will not happen again.

[The maestro has spent half his life living by the basic rules of being an Assassin, but not by the same methods as his ancestors. Where he was guided by emotions and the missions pertaining to them, they were lead by the Creed and by tradition. Something he does not know or understand, but still wishes to discover.

He truly wants to understand, as they do.]

[The emotions is were the other need to step away, the connection--it was about how one handled themselves and sometimes certain emotions could get caught up, could make things more difficult as he had learned with the issues he held with Altaïr after the incident at Solomon's Temple. Still, if the other sincere then his words can become truth and all of this could be pushed behind them as time passed and everything fell into place.

Malik was not such a fool though to believe it would be an easy task, but he was never very good at being exceedingly positive. It's at this point though that he makes the chance to speak up because to Malik, the Creed is everything.] It's not just something that you can transcribe repetitively then suddenly come to understand.

It takes not only mental practice but understanding in the field as well. [As it was the issues in the field that got them in trouble in the first place.] You say these things but will you hold to them? Should we expect you to withhold your intentions from us once more?

[He listens to Malik. Malik, who had always ever been so critical of him, so quick to call out his flagrant abuse of the Creed. He agrees with him in measure, but he has had doubts about how the Creed has been interpreted. It is not so simple a thing, as Malik says. It does require time and thought, and then perhaps most difficult of all it requires them to agree, if any of them hope to make any progress.

He wonders if Ezio is willing to put this time into understand how they view it, wonders if Malik will dedicate his time to schooling him. The thought is a faintly amusing one.]

As Malik says, it will take time. All our faith that we had in you before this happened cannot be restored immediately, it must be earned back. [He casts a brief glance at Malik, trusting he will draw the similarities all too well.]

In return I would like to learn more of how our Order changes, and what it becomes. No more secrets.

Certo. I do not expect it to be easy.

[If it were, he would not be in this position, and they would not be at odds with each other. A breach of trust, however small, is not something easily repaired. There is hope, however. It has taken twenty years for him to be inducted into the Brotherhood back home, despite not knowing of its existence, so Ezio is more than used to waiting insane amounts of time. ]

But I am willing to do whatever it takes to prove that my words are true, and they will follow with actions. The right ones.

[There is a pause as he considers the options given to him by both of the assassins, and he nods as a reply.]

If you wish to know, I will tell you everything. I have nothing to hide.

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[CLOSED] And so I came to gaze upon the stars, when they were yet unborn

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