#Ezio is on tippy toes

[sulfies]

“Let them hang, King”

They all should wear less layers all the time…

[fictional-writing]

Assassin Preference: Dancing (with you)

A/N: I kinda assumed this was fairly-formal dancing, but I added in just casual dancing if it applied!

Altair

Altair isn’t the dancing sort of guy. Not when it’s a group of people. He likes to maintain his Assassin image and dancing was not something a ‘true’ Assassin did. Alone, he’ll sometimes hold your hand and slowly move the two of you back and forth across the room. Eventually he has more fun with it, and you swear you've never heard him chuckle so much in one hour. It’s a secret the two of you share. The kisses at the end are nice, too.

Ezio

Oh, Ezio adores dancing! It doesn’t matter what the song is; something lively, something more refined, anything! It’s a chance to be close with you, and to show off his excellent footwork (or so he brags), what could possibly be the downside? He steals a few kisses at the end of each song, and asks you for another dance until your feet are too tired to continue. He especially loves dancing with you at parties; look at how lovely you are, and you’re there with him! Dancing with him! What could be better?

Connor

Connor would be hesitant because he’s not quite sure how to dance with you. A few encouraging words from you would help him get started, but you’d have to lead him through the steps. He pays close attention to your feet, trying to mimic your steps, but that means he’s constantly looking down and not at you. You can’t help but smile at his knitted brows and pursed lips, repeating the same step over and over with you until he’s got it. He doesn’t do anything halfway, that’s for sure.

Haytham

Haytham knows how to dance, but he’ll only do it on his terms. Try to get him to dance when he doesn’t want to and he’ll just give you a nettled “Not now, I’m busy” (And yes, he will say this even when he isn’t doing anything productive). When he wants to, he’ll approach you politely and extend a hand, asking for a dance. He’s a great lead, and he knows it too. Just don’t get too big of an ego there, Kenway.

Aveline

Aveline knows how to dance, and can dance well. She would love to dance with you- whether you’re experienced at it or not. She’ll teach you if you’re new, complement your skill if you’re not. Sometimes she’ll get dressed up and go out to a party to dance with you, but she likes spur-of-the-moment dancing too. What makes dancing with her so fun is that she isn’t good at just one style. From straight-laced ballroom dancing to loose and fun kind of dancing where the two of you just make up moves as you follow the rhythm of the song, she’s a practiced expert.

Edward

Edward’s not much of a dancer. He doesn’t want to be called Captain Tippy Toes for the rest of his life, and trust me, most of his pirate buddies wouldn’t hesitate to call him something like that. If he had to for, say, a mission where blending into high society was a crucial part and there was dancing, then sure. Maybe. He wouldn’t be happy about it and he’d still try to convince you not to dance with him. He’d say he was a bad dancer, two left feet and all that, or maybe he ate too much of that fancy turtle soup (which he also complained about because who ate turtles for fun?), but you know he’s just giving you excuse after excuse. If by some stroke of luck he’s dancing with you, he’s not half bad. Definitely not the oaf he claimed to be. He lacks the formal training of the upper class, but he didn’t make a fool of himself. It surprised him just as much as it surprised you.

Arno

He can dance. Of course he can dance. He’ll dance with you if he gets the chance, but he doesn’t get as many chances as he’d like. Sometimes, on a slow evening, he’ll take your hand and sway with you to no particular music. One (or both) of you start to hum along, making your own songs as you go. It’s one of the things he loves doing no matter how he’s feeling. There’s something so normal about it. So slow, so gentle. Even if it’s a spirited dance- he’s used to getting shot at and having to always look over his shoulder, dancing definitely doesn’t get his adrenaline pumping (which, quite frankly, is nice. Too much adrenaline and coffee is not a good mix).  

Evie

She doesn’t dance. That’s what she told you. You found that hard to believe- she had to at least know how to dance, right? With her grace, it wasn’t a far-fetched assumption to make. Well, you were right- she can dance. But you really didn’t want to ask for a dance after seeing her “waltz” with Starrick. Yeah… you wouldn’t press the matter any further even if you weren’t in danger of her leading with her right foot. You’re just content to know that one day, when she finally wants to dance, she knows how (and can teach you if you do not).

Jacob

Jacob? Dancing? He’s one of the leaders of London’s largest crime syndicate! Do you think he won the boroughs over by dancing?! (Well, now that you mention it…) He’s a gang boss, not some… some… poncy stuffed politician! Do you want him to wear one of those infernal suits again? Don’t answer- I already know your answer. What do you mean you’ve seen him practicing to impress you? That never happened. Never! You have no proof! And you say he’s actually quite good when he thinks no one is watching? What? Ridiculous!

Desmond

Desmond is good at dancing next to you. Not so good at the whole ‘with you’ part. Who ballroom dances anymore? Not Desmond, that’s for sure. Not that he’s against trying- he just never learned how to do it properly. He’s also not the best dancer even in a situation where he knows what he’s doing, but it’s endearing. Why does he move his hips so much? What’s that goofy smile always on his face? He will always look at you while dancing, to watch your face go a little red and that one half-embarrassed, half-adoring smile spread across your face. It’s one of the best parts about dancing, in his opinion.

[deepestballoonllama-fandoms]

Chapter 14: Saffire’s Past

The day that Saffire was brought to the headquarters of the Assassin’s hideout, it was one that was going to be remembered as a horrifying day. She was only a few hours old, still crying out for her mother to hold her. The person who brought her was a midwife, and along with her was a novice, one that Altair and Azure had found themselves.

Altair was called out by someone, Edward, and he heard the faint cry of a baby and yelling. He, along with Ezio, went into the courtyard to a woman was holding a baby and the assassin was trying to explain what was happening over the yelling.

“Everyone! Quite!” Altair hollered out.

The people in the courtyard quieted down, looking at Altair to know what happens next. He saw that his son, Darim, was there, along with Edward, Ezio, two mothers with the children, Connor and Aveline, and the doctor.

He looked at the young assassin,” You. Explain what’s happening. The rest of you, shut up and listen.”

 The assassin looked around,” Master. Master Soteria took me, and a midwife to a compound a mile or so outside of the city. When we got there, there was, was this woman, and she was in labor. I didn’t know what was going on. He told her,” He pointed at the midwife. “To help this woman. I asked him, and he said, he said that she was his wife and giving birth to his daughter.” He took a deep breath.” When I got a closer look at her, I realized she was a Templar. I started to tell him that he, he shouldn’t be doing this, but he said that he was taking care of it. When the baby was born, the templar died. Master said that her name was Celeste, after her mother. Then he told us to come here. I don’t what he’s gonna do.” The assassin hunched over, hands on knees and breathing heavy, still trembling.

Altair looked at the novice, then at the midwife holding the baby. He took a step towards the baby. When he was close enough, he looked at the child, wrapped up in black and white blankets. The child, this child didn’t what was happening, all she wanted was her mother and father.

“Doctor, take the child and make sure she’s okay, then bring her to me. Novice, you come with me, as well as Edward and Ezio.” Altair ordered.

He turned around and headed into the castle that was in the middle of the compound. Edward, Ezio, and the novice followed him. From where the three men were standing, they could tell that Altair was in a battle within himself. On one hand, a person who he considered one of his closest friends betrayed the Brotherhood, but on the other hand, he knows what it’s like to love someone you’re not supposed to. But, Maria saw the ways in her errors, and the Templar that Azure had had his daughter with was the next Headmaster, raised since birth to do it, the person who was going to take over the Templar knights, there is no changing a person like that.

“You three, this is not to get out until we know everything about what’s going on. Novice, I want to keep these rumors under control and make sure that the others who were there to not go talking.”

“Yes, Mentor.” he responded.

“Edward, Ezio, in the room, now.”

The three men walked into the room, the one that Altair uses to oversees the training, the missions, and the progress of the Assassins. There was a desk that had papers, maps, progress reports, new and old missions, and the profile of each Assassin, scattered all over it. Surrounding the desk there were bookshelves, four in total. The books including information on the past Assassin's, their fight against the Templars, information on the Brotherhood and its tenets. There was even some books on different fighting styles, and weapons, and techniques that only the masters could accomplish.

The three of them stood around the table, looking at each, but not saying anything. Each of them trying to read one another on what they thought about the situation. “This is a very complicated situation. Yes, there has been romance between the Assassin’s and Templars before.” Altair spoke first, breaking the silence.” But not one like this.”

Edward spoke next, “The most likely situation is that since the child’s mother had died, it is likely to assume that Azure had taken his life as well, leaving her an orphan.” He paced in the room that he had. “What should we do with her?”

Silence took over the room, none of them knew how to answer. Altair’s wife, Maria, used to be a Templar, but she turned to their side, and not many situations turn out like that. Knowing who the mother was, the Templars were going to try to get her on their side when she grows older, they had no idea if they knew about her now.

“I think we should raise her in the way of the Assassin’s, along with Connor and Aveline. That way, we can keep watch over her, and make sure she doesn’t turn to the Templars.” Ezio suggested, looking at the other men. “It would be good for the Brotherhood.”

“Yes, but what if the girl wants to contain her mother’s legacy. And who would watch over her and train her?” Edward asked.

Before Ezio could say anything, Altair came out with, “That is a good idea, Ezio. Raise her to be an Assassin. We all would train her, to have the most influence over her.” Altair looked at each of the men, “Are we in agreement?” he asked.

The two others looked at each other and nodded. That was the day Saffire’s life was decided for her.

Saffire was just 6 years old when she first chooses to start training. Some, like Edward, would say that was when the weapon told her to start training in the ways of the Assassin. Edward had taken her with him to an ally of the Assassin’s, an ally that just happened to sell weapons. She wanted to spend time with him, he seemed to look after her more than others, not in a fatherly way, that went to Ezio, but more in a…. caring way. To look out for her so she doesn’t make many mistakes, and to teach her about life.

“Edward, where are we going?” the small girl asked, gripping onto his hand as not to lose him in the crowd.

The two of them were in a more shady part of Mistral, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. The crowd that hung around there was a dangerous one, but they knew not to mess with the people who donned the hoods. Some did spare a glance to look at the child, but not saying anything about it, even if she was the only one there.

“We’re going to visit a friend little one,” Edward called her that all the time. “And don’t worry, you’ll like this one.”

“Are you sure? You said the same thing about the last one, and I didn’t like that one bit.” Saffire bit back.

Edward laughed, “Ahh. I still remember that. It was quite funny.”

The two continued without having many conversations, Saffire occasionally asking questions about the shops or people. Saffire didn’t notice what Edward was doing since she was so anormed in her environment, but what she did notice was that he kept looking behind them and on the roofs and what not. While all of this was happening, not once did they let go of each other’s hands.

When they got to the “shop”, it was getting into the evening and cooler. I haven’t been to this area yet. It’s...interesting, Saffire thought to herself.

Edward held open the door for her, and her eyes were wide when she looked at the contents in front of her. There were shelves stocked to the brim, full of medicines, poisons, and other things a doctor would typically have. On other shelves, there were necklaces, rings, and all types of jewelry. There were crystals, and books, and all types of little trinkets. The walls were lined with all sorts of weapons, like the sword, and hatchets, and knives.

“Edward! My good friend. What brings you here today?” A man, with brown hair that had some gray in it, who looked about in his early thirties, but had eyes like an old wise man, kind and inviting, appeared. “Is it this little miss here?” he asked.

“No Ash,” Edward answered. “Celeste doesn’t need anything. I need you look at my pistols.”

“Well, but of course. Bone right this way.” Ash led Edward over to a counter.

Saffire wandered over to a wall that was lined with swords, looking at them with interest. While none of them looked that interesting, a pair of them caught her eyes. She went to the case that they were in and stood on her tippy-toes to look inside. The light brown hilts were decorated in small blue and black jewels, barely noticeable. The blades were slightly curved upwards to a sharp point and shone brighter than most.

The two men noticed that she was looking at the pair of swords with great interest. They both smiled and walked over to where she was standing. She didn’t notice that they moved until Edward had crouched down to her level and she turned to look and got scared.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get the glass dirty. I-I just wanted to look.” Saffire was quick to apologize.

“It’s okay. You were curious.” Ash reassured her. “Do you want to hold them?”

Saffire looked at Edward, and he nodded. She turned back to ash and gave him a big smile with a nod. He lifted the glass on the side and handed them to her. Teaching her how to hold them.  She was hesitant in her grip, feeling nervous to handle weapons she had only looked at. But she became more confident after getting the feel of it.

“Well, Edward!” Ash slapped him on the back. “I say she’s a natural.”

He nodded his head in agreement before turning the child. “So what do you say little one?” he smiled. “Want to start your training?” Saffire gave a big smile and started to nod her head causing the men to laugh.

Saffire was thirteen when she really learned what happened to her parents, and who they were. She overheard Altair and Ezio talking about them that day. About how it was almost the day they died and her birthday. She was never really told who her parents were, or what happened to them. And to learn that she’s named after some big-time Templar, she felt disgusted with her name, but what could she do about that. It wasn’t that best of days for her, but that all changed because of one reason. It was also on that same day she met Jacob and Evie Frye.

She kept her head down, processing the information that she had just learned of when she bumped into a body and fell down. She looked up and saw a boy with hazel eyes looking at her. The boy stood up and-and offered her a hand, helping her stand. She noticed a girl with blue eyes standing beside them.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see where I was going.” Saffire apologized.

“It’s no trouble love.” His voices weren't that deep, but he spoke with a warm accent. “It happens to everyone.”

“Jacob, you also need to apologize. It is partially your fault.” the girl said.

“Right. My sister is right, for once. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay like you said, it happens.”

The three teens stood in silence, not knowing what to talk about, but none of them were leaving. It was Saffire who broke the silence. “So what are you two doing here?” she asked.

“We’re here to train with our father.” the girl said. “My name’s Evie.”

The boy butted in with. “Jacob’s my name, but you knew that.” he smiled at her. “What’s your name?” he asked.

She thought for a moment, not wanting to be known as Celeste anymore. “Call me Saffire,” she answered with a smile.

“Well, Saffire, nice to meet you.” Jacob brought her in for a hug. “I can tell we’re going to be very good friends.”

Saffire smiled at her two new friends, noticing in the corner of her eye that Connor and Aveline were talking, again, while alone. Her smile faltered a bit, trying to figure out what her feelings were. I’m in love with Connor, but he likes Aveline, but that’s okay. I’ll get over it, Saffire thought. She walked away with Jacob and Evie. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad day.

It was a year later that she was named Master Assassin, the youngest ever heard of the history of the Brotherhood. She was proud, while Connor and Aveline, who were the same age of her, were still years away from achieving it. Jacob was still a few steps behind, but Evie was planning on becoming one very soon, most likely in the next year.

Edward, Ezio, and Altair congratulated her, the ones who trained her all these years. Evie and Jacob came up to hug her, while Connor and Aveline smiled at her and returned to their corner. Since she achieved this status she was going to get her own robes as well, she couldn’t wait.

The Frye twins walked with her to get her robes, wanting to see her in them before anyone else. She wished Connor came with, but that was unlikely. He and Aveline seemed to grow closer each and every day. The seamstress who worked closely with the Assassin’s smiled when she saw the three.

Saffire changed into her blue, white, and black colored robes. They fit her perfectly, and she could easily fight in them, and the colors brought the whole thing together. The hood was somewhat baggy, but she was fine with that.

The three came out of the shop together with Saffire adorning her new robes. What the group didn’t realize that one Assassin was watching out of the corner of his eye.

Saffire had come back from a mission, one that she almost failed. She was chasing her target when she noticed a group of people beating up on a boy, one that looked around her age. She knew that she could catch her target before she lost him, so she decided to help the boy. When she got a closer look, she realized it was a monkey Faunus, and she felt more inclined to help.

By the time she scared off the attackers, he looked at her with such hope, and thankfulness.

“Don’t worry, you’re safe now. YOu can go on with your life.” She smiled at him before racing off to find her target.

She had almost lost him, but she was glad that she could help out someone that was in trouble, and take a break from what she would usually do. Evie had just come back from the mission as well, one of her first since she was awarded the title of Master Assassin.

She didn’t tell anyone what happened on the mission, wanting to keep that for herself.

Connor and she were becoming closer like they were when they were younger, and for her fifteenth birthday, he gave her a necklace he made himself. She was happy and thought that he liked him back, her childhood crush.

The next, she saw Connor and Aveline in a room, alone together and it looked like they were about to kiss. She hurried and turned away, going to find one of the Fryes, and wiping away her tears.

Her and Connor grew apart but were still close, just not like before. When she had to do missions with someone, she usually chooses Jacob or Evie, or even Arno, who came here a few years ago, and he went along with Aveline.

It was when she was sixteen that she began to think about becoming a Huntress. Sure she did like helping people while with the Assassin’s, but maybe being a Huntress would be better for her, and it would take her away from Connor, and being hurt even more.

She didn’t tell Jacob, Arno, who she had become close with, and Evie, but she knew that they had the suspicions.

What she didn’t know was that Connor had his too, and his heart almost broke at the thought of her leaving.

A year later, they found out that Saffire had left for Beacon, and had only told Ezio. Jacob, Evie, and Arno had their suspicions confirmed and thought that it was good that she was going out to explore on her own.

Her heart broke when she left, but she knew it was for her own good, to forget her feelings for Connor, but none of them knew that he had felt the same way, and now he would never get the chance to tell her.