College Green

"Haytham Kenway." He took the offered hand and shook it with firm grip.
"i do apologise for the hasty extraction Mr Cormac, it seemed best on all accounts. I have all your new paperwork ready, passports etc. For now though i shall escort you to the Guest house so you can rest, get your bearings and we can talk safely."
Haytham gestured towards the carpark, "i know this is all very sudden, but Colonel Monroe vouched for you and we shall extend every rescource to make you comfortable. I've known him a very long time and trust him implicitly."

At least he seems nice enough, Shay thought to himself as they shook hands; he had no intention of gathering allies since the incident at the Davenport Homestead, but everything seemed to be working out nicely and he figured he owed Monro a debt of sorts.

"It's really no issue Master Kenway, it's all for a cause and I appreciate your involvement." With a nod of his head, the Irishman turned towards the carpark and moved along.

"He truly is a man that incites trust. It was fortunate our paths crossed when they did or I may have been somewhat more.... waterlogged." Smiling at his own words, he thought back to the people he met in New York.

"Well, quite. Monroe is a very capable man and an even more capable General, i trust him implicitly. He see's potential in you and together we appear to have a common cause."
He led the way to a sleek looking black car, opening it with a keyring and sliding into the drivers seat.
"It's not far, maybe about 15 minutes drive. If you could get me up to speed on your adventures so far it would be helpful, however if it is too soon then that is also fine, i don't expect immediate answers."

"Indeed, sir. I'm sure we can come to some sort of mutually beneficial agreement." Climbing into the passenger side, Shay fastened his seat belt.

"It's fine. I'm sure Monro told you I was once in the Brotherhood, but a few months back, myself and a fellow assassin discovered the location of a piece of Eden..It was Achilles who personally tasked me with the retrieval of it.." He took a short moment before continuing, remembering the series of events that occurred just before he left the assassins.

"Except.. When I took hold of the artifact.. It caused.." He paused yet again, clearly struggling to find a voice for his words. "It was in Lisbon.. The earthquake back then was the direct result of my actions.. Of Achilles orders and the assassin's plans. Just as it was in Haiti."

The memories of Lisbon flooded back to him, but he refused to let them break him, he needed to use his anger and guilt to make a difference now, to stop the assassin's from causing more suffering. "When I arrived back in America, I confronted my my mentors, but everything thing I said fell on deaf ears and I had no other choice. I couldn't let it happen again, so I stole the manuscript from Achilles possession and fled, but he sent my own brother's to stop me at any cost..." Somberly, he stared out the window. "I was shot in the back as I leapt from a cliff ledge.... The manuscript was lost, but Monro found me. Since then.. I've vowed to stop Achilles and my old comrades at any cost, they can't be allowed to continue such madness..."

"that's quite a tale, and very unfortunate." by this time they had drawn up to a semi rural driveway with security gates, Haytham pressed a button on a remote and they opened up to let the car through.

Having driven around for some time, Shay took in some of the local main streets; he knew he had a map, but it felt much more natural to see things for himself, even if it was dark. He did a good portion of his work at night anyway.

Eventually he found himself on the outside of the university campus by the park he’d met Master Kenway. It would do no good to go wandering the campus right now, even if it was somewhere he’d have to familiarise himself with; it was full of assassin’s who currently had the upper hand, but right now, he could do with a short walk and some fresh air.

Parking up nearby the park, he stayed on the outskirts, wandering for a few minutes before finding a bench to sit on. Taking in the cold night air, he stared up at the stars, although still trying to remain alert to his surroundings.

Having time before and in between classes was a nice change for Arno, usually that time would be taken up with some other tedious task he’d rather not be doing. As he wandered through the green, he contemplated visiting a certain book worm. Realising no real contemplation was needed, he started on his way, knowing exactly where the other man would be.

After finding Napoleon in the library and having what started out as a nice chat over some breakfast in the cafe, Arno made his way back through the park now, needing some space and air before his classes started. He walked slowly for a while before lingering near the middle of the park where plenty of benches and small walls that formed shape around rose beds sat. In the middle stood a reasonably sized tiered fountain.

Taking a seat upon one of the empty benches, the young assassin tried to forge the previous conversation in the best way he knew of, thinking about his success on his first mission. It was a success for two reasons; one being that he'd actually completed it with almost no hiccups, and the second reason being that he'd met Napoleon. Indeed, no information related to the Brotherhood had remained, and Arno gained a friend and possible ally.

As the assassin continued to think of what was to be done next, feeling the breeze touch his scarred face, he noticed a couple, leaning against the fountain. They appeared to be greatly enjoying eachother's company, considering their faces were pushed together so close that Arno couldn't tell where one person ended and the other began.

Upon closer inspection, Arno could now tell that it was a man and a woman. The man was only a tad taller than the woman, he had his arms wrapped around her waist to steady her, as she was so clearly tipping backwards as her figure arched slightly. The lady, well, she was a sight to behold. Long dark brown hair pulled up into a messy bun, a white low cut tank top with a pastel yellow mini skirt, and white pumps to finish.

Arno turned away slightly at the sight of the clearly happy and over the top couple as they continued making out so close to the fountain. He wondered if Napoleon and his love were that passionate. Shaking away the thought he stood up, intending to be on his way. He left the couple to continue with their heated and fairly over the top display of affection.

Stalking out into the College Green, La Volpe didn't move too far from the main entrance to the building. If he was lucky, or rather if Arno Dorian was lucky, he would be able to catch him before he went into his first class.

Maybe telling Niccolo about the theft at the museum hadn't been the best course of action to begin with; perhaps he should have approached Giovanni first or spoken to the boy before hand to get more of a grasp of the situation. La Volpe liked the French kid, he was fun and high-spirited, maybe a little absentminded on occasion but he deserved to keep his head on his shoulders. At the end of the day, he did exactly what had been asked of him, but perhaps he forgot a few details, who knew.

Leaning on a small wall near to the double doors, he waited patiently, fortunately having no class until just before lunch.

After arranging to meet Napoleon again later, Arno decided he best make his way to the training area, maybe stretch out his sore muscles and get in some practice. He strode through the Green, a permanent crooked grin painted across his face. Nothing could downturn his happy mood in this moment, all he could think of was the older man, already giddy with anticipation as he thought about seeing him again.

As he wandered on through the area, he spotted one of the mentors, waving and smiling politely. It was La Volpe. He couldn't help but walk over, he got on particularly well with a few mentors, even though he didn't know the man very well, he seemed like a nice guy. Other students were also particularly fond of him.

He tilted his head slightly as he approached getting a vibe that something was wrong or off. He paused. "Hello, mentor", he looked up at the man, nothing but respect in his eyes.

"Ah, Arno, just the man I was looking for." Moving his weight from the wall, La Volpe approached his student. "I don't wish to alarm you, but you best be ready to grovel. Niccolo has it in his knowledge that there were some other goings on on your last major assignment." Knowing full well he couldn't go into specific details, he hoped Arno would catch on.

"You may have missed or withheld information? Either way, if you want to survive this, you'll need me there."

Arno's smile faltered, as he listened to his tutor. "Oh..? Well, alright then. I'll see what details I can remember, it ended up being a rather odd encounter actually. I'll apologise also, to the both of you." He nodded to show his understanding.

"I appreciate it, whatever it is, know it wasn't intentional."

"It's not me you've got to worry about~" La Volpe smiled at the younger man. "Come now, I'm sure we can stop him from mentally destroying." Turning into the building, he signalled for Arno to follow.

"I suggest being polite, don't make jokes and strictly no sass."

Once all classes had ended, Altair found himself strolling through the park. He knew Malik wouldn’t be finished for a while yet and couldn’t be bothered to wait around that long. So he figured he could pick the brat up after a small break and head on home, maybe convince the other to piss off over to his friend’s for the night. He’d convince Malik that it was Kadar growing up of course. Sitting down under a tree, hood pulled up right over his eyes to block out the sun, Altair decided to enjoy the quiet for a while. It wasn’t often that he got much quiet these days, and usually the park was a lot more crowded. Finally he could speak with Kadar, they needed to discuss their next step. He also needed to warn the kid about De Sable, knowing all too well of the other man’s capabilities.

Malik had of course briefed Altair quickly on what the Al-Sayf brothers had spoken about a couple of weeks ago. This Maria, though suspicious, didn’t seem to be too involved. That said, they would need to keep an even closer eye on her. It sounded as if she was caught up in something she didn’t know much about, and as unfortunate as that was, no risks could be taken with her. It was good to know that she could take care of herself at least.

Thinking back to Malik, Altair smiled ever so slightly, the older man could be ruthless at times, especially in bed. The older man had been busy for a few days, and Altair would find it difficult to remain composed when the other came home later.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kadar was making his way through the Green to meet up with Altair, he’d managed to get out early which was good.  He smiled cheerfully, not noticing the figure that was tailing him. As he reached a small clearing in the forest area, he spotted Altair sat under a tree, he knew it was the older man because he’d recognise the other’s favourite hoodie anywhere. The older always pulled it right down over his face, but Kadar could still tell it was Altair. “Hey Alt, how goes it?”

Before Kadar had managed to get into the clearing, the older man had sensed his presence. It wasn’t something he could explain, but Altair had this…talent. He didn’t know if he was born with it, but it had developed slowly as he had grown older. The mentors had told him it was a great gift and that it wasn’t bestowed on many. They referred to it as some sort of eagle vision.

Glancing up carefully as his name was called, Altair saw the younger Al-Sayf, smiling down at him. “Hello Kadar, I am fine”, the older man sat up straighter, intending to move, though he was stopped by Kadar, gesturing he stay put.

“Glad to hear it”, seeing the older assassin was about to get up, Kadar waved his hands slightly. ”Don’t worry about moving. I was thinking of heading off with a few friends? Maybe see if I could meet up with Maria again…”

Altair wasn’t entirely surprised that the other had made the decision himself, though he found the other’s wariness a bit suspicious. None the less, he wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Besides, this could be useful, if the younger assassin could find out even more about Maria, they’d be a step further in their mission. “I suppose that’s fine then. Just be aware, and watch your back…”

The younger assassin felt a grin pull at his cheeks. He nodded, turning around to head off in the opposite direction, waving as he went.

Altair shook his head, amusement almost taking form in his expression. That is until an unease settled within him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Well, look who it is. I thought I might come across you, Ibn-La’Ahad. That brat friend of yours needs to focus more on his surroundings.”

The Assassin tensed instantly, he’d recognise that voice anywhere. Swiftly pulling himself up to stand, he locked eyes with a man he really didn’t need to see right now. “De Sable. What do you want?” Fists clenching, Altair turned so his form took on a defensive position. He would rather not cause a scene, but would not hesitate should the situation require it.

“Hey now, slow down. I’m just here to…talk”, the other man grimed maliciously, stepping a few feet closer so he stood an arm’s length away from Altair. “About your little friend conveniently. He’s your fuck buddie’s baby brother isn’t he?” De sable paused for a moment, waiting for the younger man to comment and when no response came he shrugged. “Well, it’s come to my attention that he’s been getting real close to a…friend of mine. Perhaps you’ve heard of her?”

He’s referring to that Maria woman. Didn’t he cast her aside…? Before Altair could reply, De Sable continued his monologue, while the assassin continued to stew silently.

“Maria Thorpe. That little worm brother of Malik’s would do good to stay away, I don’t want him poking his nose around her. So, you best keep him on a leash, or you and your fag boyfriend will learn what I do to those who mess with the set up I have going.”

Altair remain impassive. “What is it exactly, that you think you can do?”

In that moment, the older man’s lips curled into a sadistic smirk, he stepped forward into Altair’s personal space. “Let’s just say I’ll do more than enough to fuck up that useless pride of yours, and those two brothers? I’ll make sure their lives are barely worth living. Once I’m done with them.”

Standing his ground, Altair’s fierce gaze met De Sable’s. “You won’t be able to get near them, we are more skilled than you. Try what you want, I’ll always be stood in your way. You’re pathetic.”

Growling, the older man wrench his arm back, about to send a fist flying towards the assassin. Just as Altair stiffened for impact, preparing for a fight, De Sable stopped, arm lowering. He chuckled. “I have more tact than you know of Ibn-La’Ahad. When our gang is done with you, you won’t have anyone left”, he stood back now, smirking as if he had won some kind of prize. He motioned with his hand towards the trees, some of his lackeys walked out from a safe distance, nodding towards him. He turned towards them now, face still turned towards Altair as he walked back the way he had come from.

“You’ll see what I can accomplish soon, Altair.”

It had only been a couple of weeks since the beginning of his first year of uni and Jon was already miserable. The tutors hated him because he dared to question their knowledge or knew the answer before they had been taught, and his fellow students couldn't stand to look at him on principle of it. Or perhaps it was because he came from a rich family. Could they know he was as bastard child? It wasn't exactly a big deal to have a family with half siblings these days, but he was never truly accepted by the woman who would be his step-mother, not that either of them saw her in that light. She despised him and made sure he always knew his place, and his place wasn't as part of their tight-knit happy family.

It wasn't all bad though. Jon had Robb, Arya, Bran and Rickon; they treated him like family, who his mother was had no relevance to them. Sansa was an entirely different story though, and their father loved him, but he did very little to stop Caitlyn's constant spite and bitterness.

Shifting forward on the bench in defeat, dark curls grazed the young man's cheek as he huffed out a sigh. Slouching, Jon rested his forearms against his lap, staring at the ground beneath his feet; today, he pitied himself, not that he would let anyone else know that.

His last class had finished for the day and before heading back home, he'd decided to take some time to himself in a slightly more secluded part of the park. Jon had started to come here more regularly before heading back home. Some days he just didn't want to leave. Certain thoughts kept going through his mind, and as each day went by, the more he believed in them, the more determined he became.. But... Could he leave Robb?.... And Arya?