#Too much Versailles!Arno

[a-m-pyra]

I'm that close 🤏 to write a fanfic Arno x OC with a vibe of soft Prince Charming.

[peridot-tears]

Thoughts on what if Shao Jun met every assassin protagonist?

Between her and Altaïr, it would be complete and utter respect. Until he does something stupid, like stare at the Apple way too long. She'd be sneaky and snatch it away from him.

Edward. Edward. *sigh* She has a chaotic streak, but she'd also think he's too much. She'd run off with Kidd and Anne Bonny instead. Adéwalé would watch her go off like, "Ah, finally, a working braincell."

I wrote a modern AU headcanon where she and Ratohnhaké:ton train in shengbiao in Beijing together, go to the Beijing Zoo, and spend a long time at the panda exhibition because who wouldn't. During Ratohnhaké:ton's storyline, though, she would spend time at the Homestead with him and Achilles and train him as well. I think they'd bond over their shared desire for revenge. She would eventually think of revenge as self-destructive and try to dissuade him, but be proud of him regardless when he gets it. She doesn't approve, but she understands.

Kassandra is such a himbo, she'd follow her along like, "Yes Kassandra," "whatever you say, Kassandra," because they share a love of the high seas and compassion for the people around them. Shao Jun would be very fond of her. Depending on how old they are when they meet, they'd probably sleep with each other.

Nothing but respect for Bayek, oh my God. She'd be like a niece to him and Aya. Although, I think she would clash with Aya a lot during the game's storyline. Not because their personalities clash, per se, but because Aya is so cold and driven by a singleminded focus that they would miscommunicate like hell.

Her dynamic with Jacob and Evie would be: Jacob: Idiot who runs headlong into bullshit Evie and Shao Jun: Idiot who pretends they're too good for it but is secretly just as bad. Jayadeep: The only sane one who gets dragged along on their mishaps.

She would be so mean to Arno. It would be completely out of concern for him, especially when he gets drunk at Versailles, but dear God, she only has so much patience before it runs thin. It'd be like "get off your ass and drink this jug of water, we're going Templar hunting."

Same with Shay. At the beginning, she'd lend an ear to him, unlike Hope and Achilles. At the end, though, she'd be the one throttling him from behind like, "You killed your best friend?????"

[thatcrazycrowgirl]

Hello, darling Crowie! 💜 Thank you for opening your inbox for ficlet requests! If you have the time and energy, could you please give us a cozy winter ficlet with Arno and a female partner? Something short and sweet! Thank you so much!!! 💜🥖❄

Hello, hello, dear Susie! Thanks for dropping by! ^_^

I'm happy I finally had the time to write this, because I was all for writing this adorable scenario! I hope I captured some of the 'cozy' vibe you were looking for and that the writing isn't too clumsy - it's been a while since I've written for dear Arno.😅Regardless, I do hope you enjoy this piece; I had fun writing it! Thank you again for sending something in! <3

January, 1789 Versailles

A barrage of giggles that failed to be stifled broke the quiet air of the kitchen as you and Arno hurried in out of the snow, back from your bend around the city, which had lasted until three in the morning.

You knew Monsieur de la Serre would kill you both if he discovered you had stayed out so late - regardless of the status you and Arno had as his wards - but you were so high on love and wine that you honestly couldn't care less at that moment.

Arno clearly didn't care either as he pulled you down to the floor in front of the low-burning fireplace and kissed you once more, his hand clumsy as he blindly jabbed the live coals with a poker at the same time, in an attempt to liven up the fire.

But despite his kisses, the once-warm wine had begun cooling in your blood - and reminded again of the chilly dampness of your petticoats, you got up to prepare some hot chocolate for the two of you.

"Here," you smiled when you sat back down again and handed him a mug of the hot drink, "this'll warm you up."

"Mmm...I'd much rather you," he flirted as he slipped his arm around your shoulders and pulled you in close for another, albeit softer, kiss.

The sweet moment was broken, however, when you heard the familiar, heavy sound of the cook's footsteps; you both looked towards the door with alarm, instantly sobering up.

"Well, thanks to Providence, I've been granted again the key to my room..." Arno began as he rifled through his pocket, and held up the object with a smile, "...so, what do you say we take these drinks up there and get nestled in, eh?"

A small voice in the back of your swimming mind warned you against falling asleep in Arno's bed, but the lovely image of waking up in his arms to watch the falling snow in the morning quickly overtook the possibility of getting scolded by your guardian...

Seconds later, the cook was greeted with an empty room...but despite being alone, he swore he heard distant laughter echoing down one of the hallways...laughter belonging to a pair of wards who got a thrill out of breaking all the rules.

[teecupangel]

Hello! I just discovered you recently, dived headfirst into several your fics and am so in love with them. I'm also incredibly grateful because I'm in the middle of putting a house on the market and your fics are saving my sanity. My most recent read is 'Ouverture', and I love bitter, slightly elitist and secretly disdainful Desmond. Now I have so many questions about Unity cannon (that you've cannonballed) if you wouldn't mind just head cannoning some future what if answers?

Does Arno return to France and get caught up in the revolution? Does Des come with and keep out of sight? IS Des considered a traitor by the Paris Assassins? Arno have an opinion on the Parisian Brotherhood? Does he have better Eagle vision since Des trained him? Do Paris Assassins read blue or white to him? Does he meet Elise again? What has become of the de la Serre family?

The French Revolution:

*random rooftop after absurdly flashy physics breaking move that avoided the lookout of five Paris Assassins*

Pierre: "Pisspot."

*arrogant eyebrow game at max and full permission from Des to be an asshole*

Arno: "0uncle Pierre."

Pierre. "Figured. Only one other who could hold eagle vision that easily to evade everyone with that stunt without breaking his neck. He would have kicked me as he flipped over my head."

Much love and thanks! And sorry for the long submission!

Hello! I’m so happy my fics were able to help you during such a hard time and please don't apologize. I love getting submissions and asks, no matter how long or short they are (although I am quite late in answering them TTATT). I hope selling your home is going well!

Okay, so let’s talk about the possible future of Ouverture and A New Way To Do Things in relation to Arno.

Arno will, of course, grow up in the homestead in this one. Unity officially starts 5 years after the end of AC3 when Arno is around 21 years old. Arno returns to France because he actually followed Desmond back to France (while Ratonhnhaké:ton and Clay had to stay behind for the Brotherhood and tells Desmond that they’ll catch up to him instead). Desmond returns because Lafayette requested their aid (he and Lafayette talked a lot during the American Revolutions as two French dudes doing whatever they can) and Desmond agreed to help his ‘motherland’.

This means that Desmond and Arno went back to France without the Parisian Brotherhood’s ‘approval’ so they’re going rogue (although Charlotte gets a visit and she cries because of how much Arno has grown).

Arno now calls Desmond ‘dad’ in this one too although he still calls Charles Dorian ‘father’ and they become embroiled in AC Unity’s plot as well, with Desmond having bad feelings because there’s something in Paris that just makes his skin crawl.

Desmond is sorta in a very precarious position in the Parisian Brotherhood, especially now that Sophie Trenet is a council member. A lot of the council members have a more forgiving stance on Desmond, especially after they hear how he helped Ratonhnhaké:ton take back the ‘colonies’ from the Templars but they’re not necessarily happy that he’s back. Sophie’s the one who is pushing for him to regain his old rank (not that Desmond wants it) though because she remembers him as being a good man and a great Assassin.

Desmond and Arno actually visits Bellec in prison and that’s how they reunite. Well…

That and the cannonball that ‘started’ the prison break…

Arno is officially a member of the American Brotherhood of Assassins (like Desmond) so he’s not thought of as a traitor but more like an outsider. Arno doesn’t mind though because his memory of France felt more like a distant dream. He doesn’t like to go to Versailles though.

Arno’s opinion of the Parisian Brotherhood is pretty much nonexistent. Desmond doesn’t like to talk about them, not even to complain about them. Other than say their ranking system is ridiculously long but Arno is pretty sure Desmond was being sarcastic (he was not).

Because of this, the Parisian Assassins appear as either blue (Bellec and Sophie) or white to him. They’re polite to him but also sorta cagey because he is not one of them as far as the Brotherhood is concern.

He does have a better Eagle Vision, one of the more advanced ones, actually, considering Desmond, Clay and Ratonhnhaké:ton trained him (and that means his Assassin style is a combination of his three instructors). The whole “I see their memories” thing Arno is also theorized by Clay as being a mutation caused by Arno’s close proximity to whatever Charles Dorian was carrying with him before he handed it off to another Assassin then returned to France to get his next (and last) mission. Clay believes that it’s some kind of POE and that it sorta mutated Arno’s Isu genes to be more prevalent in this case because he was still young when he was in it’s area of ‘influence’. Of course, that’s all guesswork and Arno just uses it to get more information.

Arno does meet Élise once more and it’s… well… it’s complicated.

While it’s highly possible that Arno would still hold a torch for Élise during that time, it is also highly possible that she would just be a distant memory, the kind girl whose parents may have had a hand on the death of his father (or so Desmond believed). Hell, if you want to add more drama in that front, it could be that Élise and Arno sees each other as ‘enemies’ this time around, their childhood memories being nothing more than the innocence of children that they could no longer go back to (especially with them no longer having any long history with one another so Arno sees Élise as a Templar gone rogue and Élise sees Arno as just another Assassin). (If you want to make it hurt, have Élise be the one to actually carry a torch for Arno while Arno had already fallen in love or may have already gotten married by the time he returns to Paris. To who? Ellen’s daughter Maria who becomes Arno’s childhood friend in the Davenport Homestead). Also, he’s seen as the older brother of Ratonhnhaké:ton’s children as well so, in many ways, Arno feels more at home at Davenport than he is in Paris while Élise’s father died because he couldn’t get the letter meant to warn him in time and she’s just full of anger and the burning desire for vengeance right now, with no one she can trust at all.

Also, also… Desmond has a reunion of his own to rival Arno’s Templar-connection past.

His aunt…

Madame Flavigny.

(Yeah, that’s right. The only person who knew Desmond as Antoine Faroy and his only living blood relative is a Templar, to be more exact, a Templar from the Radical Faction.)

[skrrt16]

On the last mission (I haven't gotten to that part in the book)

Through the book you can understand Elise more which actually gives more meaning to why she chooses revenge over love.

I the book she actually loved him or well had feelings for him. The thing is that the game doesn't show a lot of Elise like how people think Arno is the step brother but in the book it confirms he is just like someone Elise's father took under his wing but not officially adopted. During a trip Elise actually thinks about Arno and her mentor even knows her feelings for him(Arno).

"Arno had saved me from one trap. He would never deliver me into another. I trusted him. I trusted him AS MUCH AS I LOVED HIM"

But she did have feelings for him. I haven't gotten more into the book cause I read when I feel like doing it but yeah during it they both wrote letters to each other, Elise even wanted to flirt with a guy but then felt bad cause she thought it was like cheating behind Arno's back. (Meanwhile Arno being a womanizer en Versailles). She even went to save Arno to the Bastille but it was too late cause he did the leap of faith with Bellec.

Elise was going through so much during that time since she didn't know who to trust that's why she didn't believe Arno at first cause she was supposed to be head Templar (she thought they were the good ones cause that's how she grew up with) but then Germaine kills her dad and EVERYONE LITERALLY EVERYONE turns their back on her. ALSO THERE'S THIS FAMILY FROM ENGLAND that is hunting her cause she killed their daughter. ELISE IS ALSO going through so much stuff BUT IN THE END she still felt something for our baguette SURE was it right to leave Arno? No of course it wasn't. But they both knew the consequences which makes it more sad.

AND SURE I'm not saying she was right but also Arno wasn't doing exactly what the brotherhood did. Elise wasn't exactly a templar both of them were wrong.

And I love both of them so much. Yeah it hurts me but after you read at least some chapters of the book you understand stuff that the game didn't do well to show it. It's like lalaland, Elise went for her own goal (finding and avenging her dad) cause after everything that was all she spent her life searching for.

"Rather I fear that you have lost so much already that you cannot bear to lose more. I think that you would let Germain rule France if you thought it would "save" me"

Elise knew that Arno would have left Germain go just so they could stay together but letting him go would mean putting not just France but also the world in danger.

And she even mentions "know that I made it gladly and do not take the burden on yourself. Be at peace my love and walk what path you will"

She really cared for Arno because she knew that if she died in the end he would feel guilty that it was his fault. She knew him well and she even took her time to write him a letter cause if it was only her she would have just gone without saying something but she wrote the letter to Arno

As she leaves to go get Germain she even hesitates cause she loved Arno she didn't want to leave him there but she knew what was on the table she knew that if she let Germain escape that would be the end.

Elise and Arno

I am going to tell something very bad... But 80% I am right

Elise NEVER loved Arno....NEVER NEVER NEVER.

Maybe she loved him as friend or a brother.

During the game she saw him as a way to get her revenge but she never shown any real feelings

It's sad

[caernua]

OOOOOH tbh i didn't really like how they executed the arno/élise romance in the game (i mean. Esp during the ending) but i like it a lot in theory and the excerpts of the book are so pure it's actually refreshing and cute indeed 🥺 my own headcanon is that, knowing that arno has at least one living descendant, they got a kid together but like élise hid them away, never telling arno, so they wouldn't be a part of the assassin/templar war. I refuse to believe arno found someone else later in life. Ezio did! But Arno is not Ezio

i get that i definitely feel there's bits in the game in which élise comes off as downright manipulative i haaate that scene in versailles when she tells him 'the arno i love wouldn't have to ask that question' and i like that he's quite flippant to her. and as much as i love them together i watch that scene and i have to admit that i get why people got the impression she didn't a give a shit about him and only wanted to use him, not to mention that it's beyond fucked up to lash out at the person you love for not letting you die.

however, at the same time i can't help appreciate how complex élise is and the books really helps show much her trauma has shaped her purpose. and truthfully, the feeling that i got was that arno was the one thing that could have turned her away, but it was too late. i feel like there's constantly two sides of élise that are fighting eachother: the vengeful, pragmatic side that only cares about bringing justice to her father's killer and the human side, that acknowledges arno is the person that makes her the happiest and wishing she could just live peacefully with him. throughout the book she tries to deny her feelings for arno, she actively tries to hate him and fails (which already makes me look at the scenes in the game differently in a way, knowing she's actively trying to fight his feelings for him) but by the time she meets him again, they are after the same goal and élise simply cannot turn away or change her priorities. i really think that if they hadn't been apart in times before her father's death, things might have been different, but it was simply too late by the end of the game and she essentially describes it as an 'infection' that won't allow her to hold back and place her own life above her vengeance. and i honestly??? kinda like that? it's the type of story arc and nuance that usually isn't given to female characters i think it makes élise absolutely fascinating. but it's HEARTBREAKING and i still miss her :(

AND YEA it is very hard to imagine arno with anyone else fghgjf which is just a testament to how well they managed to transmit how élise was the love of his life. but unity is just a small part of his life, and i am personally very happy to imagine him finding happiness again with someone else in more peaceful times and becoming a dad 😭❤

[kiatheinsomniac]

Number 28 with Arno, please?

Versailles Tryst

NSFW CONTENT BELOW CUT

28: “Not so loud, baby.”

The romantic tune of a string quartet and a harpsichord faded into the distance, echoing off the walls around her as (Y/n) found herself wandering away from the party, making her way through the corridors of the grandest palace in France. It wasn't all that rare for her to come to Versailles with her father - him being a foreign ambassador and needing to visit to discuss affairs with the King - but it was rare for her to get the chance to actually admire the place (including the architecture and art it had to offer) instead of stuck-up party guests.

Her baby blue dress twirled around her as she made her way around the corner, the flared cuffs that flowed like waterfalls down her wrists being decorated with lace and the front of the dress being white and frilled at the skirt, the front portion of the bodice being adorned by intricate white lace and golden buttons. She still had the last bite of a strawberry tart in her hand, bringing it up to her mouth when she was suddenly stopped and almost dropped it, gasping as she quickly caught it in her hand, looking up to whomever she had just walked directly into.

"Arno Dorian." She smiled in both thrill and surprise, meeting those warm and unmistakably mischievous eyes as well as his charming smile that sparkled brighter than the crystals at her neck.

"(Y/n) (L/n)." He replied, taking her hand for a kiss, layers of satin and lace from her sleeves falling to the bend in her arm, only for him to find the last bite of the tart in her hand. He quickly took it from her fingers so that he could plant a delicate kiss to her knuckles, lips lingering on her skin, grinning as he pulled back to eat the last of her snack, making her jut her lips out in a pout and playfully hit his arm.

"Hey!” But he could tell she wasn’t too angry by the smile on her lips, “I heard from Élise that you weren't invited, what changed?" She raised a brow and he offered the young woman his arm in order to guide her through the palace as they spoke, beginning to continue his route to the ballroom. Though, she seemed to have other plans: guiding him away while uttering about the haughtiness of the guests already working on her last few nerves.

"I stole her father's clothes and lied about my identity." He winked as he followed her lead towards the gardens, watching her throw her head back with a hearty laugh, putting a hand over her chest, giving him some time to admire her smile while her laughter died down as they exited the palace towards the gardens. It only made him happier, prouder, to know that he was the source of such melodious laughter from her.

"I just can't believe they kept you from your own step-sister's returning party, it's been so long since she's been here in Versailles and they won't even let her own step-brother see her. How ridiculous!" She rolled her (e/c) eyes.

"Exactly!" Arno agreed, "And she'll be leaving for Paris before I get to see her. This party is my only chance but I have all the guards looking out for me." He let out a sigh and cast an angry glance towards the palace

"Then I'll try not to take up too much of your time." She flashed a wink and a smile as she leaned into his side, sighing as the warm summer breeze hit their skin, crickets chirping in the distance and still able to faintly hear the music along with the trickling of fountains.

"We have plenty of time here. Laying low for a while will likely be better in terms of the guard situation anyway." He shrugged before tilting his head and raising a brow when (Y/n) ducked down to lace his arm over her shoulders, glancing up to him before resting her head against his warm body.

"It's been too long since I've last seen you. . . Olivier always keeping you busy and too eager to go out gambling instead of visiting me. . ." She pouted.

"We have some time now." He leaned down to press a kiss to the top of her head, "I'll come by yours later this evening, likely when you're asleep. I'll wake you up and we can spend some time together, how does that sound?" He hummed, taking one of her hands in his and rubbing his thumb over the back of her palm.

"After you've seen Élise?" She murmured, eyes falling to the gravel under their feet.

"If I get to see her at all, yes." He replied, sighing, missing what little family he had left, not knowing anyone else other than the De La Serre's who had taken him on as a boy. This only made her feel guilty, deciding to make the most of what time they would have together this night.

(Y/n) took the lead of their walk once more, taking the two of them over to a sheltered red rose garden where she sat down on a stone bench and turned her body to look up to Arno, a hand reaching up to caress his stubbled face.

"I really have missed you." And he smiled at the softness that glimmered in her eyes, reflecting from the light which emitted from the palace, dimly illuminating their secluded area of the garden. A large hand went to rest against the side of her neck, bringing his face closer and closer until she reached up to close the small distance, sighing as her other hand fell against his broad chest. His lips moved gently but confidently against hers, freehand roaming up and down her side.

His kisses became more demanding, tongue darting out to coax her to allow him entrance, feeling her soft moan as she melted into his arms, now circling around her waist to pull her in closer. Her hand ran down his chest until she reached his pants, cupping his groin and earning a groan, feeling him grow firmer in her hold as she swayed with each dizzying kiss.

He leaned in, a hand on her breasts softly guiding her to lay back on the cold stone of the white bench, watching her shiver slightly at feeling it against the skin of her back that was exposed, eyes glancing up to him, dancing with teases of lust in them. He let out a low hum as his lips brushed over her jaw and got right to the creamy skin of her neck, pausing to deeply inhale her lavender perfume that was dappled there.

She gasped when she realised that his other hand had already bunched up the front of her skirts and hiked them well above her knees, going down to explore what laid under those torrents of creme and baby blue satin and lace, nimble fingers running over the thin fabric of her pants, hearing her moans that were muffled against his lips.

"Shh." He winked, flashing his pearly teeth in a grin as those pants were quickly pulled down her legs, one hand reaching down to stash them in his pocket while the other held her thigh against the side of his head, lips grazing over the soft skin there, tantalisingly making their way between her legs. (Y/n) threw her head back with a whine before glancing down at him, dark brown eyes alight with lust and admiration through those thick lashes of his.

Her lungs stuttered for a breath, raggedly gasping at the first hot lick at her sex, letting out a hum of desire as one hand went down to caress the side of his head softly, coaxing him on with her fingers gently carding through his hair, her other hand helping him to keep her layers of skirts and petticoats back.

"You're always far too good at- at this." She moaned lowly, fingertips caressing his cheek as he chuckled, one hand coming up to part her lips, giving his wet tongue direct access to her clit, hearing her small gasps and watching her breasts rise and fall with each pant, even from within the restrictions of her tight bodice.

"And you always taste so good when I do it." He sighed against her wet skin, kissing downwards until his tongue could poke at her entrance, hand having to push her hip down, watching her bring the back of her palm up to her mouth to muffle her moan when he licked upwards and wrapped his lips around her clit, sucking down hard and flicking his tongue over it. Her hips stuttered in time with her breaths as he continued, that hand from earlier now caressing her folds, sinking the tip of his middle finger inside of her and hearing the breathless 'please' that escaped her, taking it as the go-ahead for pushing it the rest of the way in. With another moan, now sharper than the last ones, her hand came back down to rest on the side of his face, cupping it, fingers tangling in his hair, messing it up slightly.

"I need-" But her words were cut short by another moan when he continued sucking at her clit after stopping to press kisses to her very inner thighs. He hummed, pulling away as that finger curled upwards and he started to pump it in and out, seeing her grip on her skirts turn her knuckles paler.

"I need more, need you, please. . ." And he smiled softly, licking along her slit a few times before pressing a wet kiss to her clit.

"Patience, mon amour. . ." He murmured before getting back to work, pushing his ring finger in too and hearing her moan his name, feeling her hot walls contract around him.

"Arno, please-" And she pushed him away by the shoulders, fingers delving even deeper into her as she sat up to kiss him, feeling her whine at the contact before she grabbed his wrist and guided it out from under her dress. Swinging her leg over him, she moved so that he was straddling his lap, reaching down to feel his hardened member straining against his pants which now seemed far too tight. He groaned when her trembling fingers eagerly fumbled with the buttons keeping them done up, a hand tangling in the hair at the back of her neck while he peppered her neck in kisses, biting down into the softness of her flesh and soothing each one with a hot lick. She opened her mouth to protest, not wanting marks to show up during her stay at the party but he softly shushed her, pushing her hair aside to leave more, making her give in to his temptation.

Her hand freed his erection from his pants, pumping her hand over it a few times to hear his breaths grow heavier, guiding it to press against her entrance, hands raking over his chest to his shoulders as she sank down onto him with a much louder moan at feeling her walls stretch around him, her head falling to rest against his shoulder, fingers digging down into his shoulders as his hands moved down to her waist, guiding her to start riding him, grinding her hips down into his, moans increasing at the pleasure of it all.

One strong arm remained wrapped around her waist while the other came up to trace the tops of her breasts, continuing upwards to her mouth, pressing his palm down over it and groaning at the look she gave him when her eyes opened, watching her melt under his touch.

"Not so loud, baby." He sighed, thrusting up into her until he threw his head back, then looking back at her. "So beautiful." His other arm staying wrapped around her waist but moving his hand downwards enough to grip her ass through her dress. She ground down on him to get her hips at a different angle, making him hit a spot inside her that had her fingers gripping the back of his hair while her thighs trembled violently, almost collapsing on him and feeling his hands continue to guide her hips over him.

Her cry of his name was muffled against his palm as she came around him, walls clenching and pushing him to his own release, spilling his hot seed inside her, bringing both arms around her waist to hold her close as she collapsed against him, head resting on his shoulder while both of them panted heavily. (Y/n) let out a long hum as her lips brushed against his neck, pressing a breathless kiss there as he eased her off his lap, slipping out of her.

"I've missed you." She smiled softly as he cupped her face, leaning in to press a loving kiss to her lips, thumb brushing over her cheek as he brought her legs onto his lap, pulling her pants up over her calves and letting her stand for a moment to pull them up entirely. He tugged softly at the skirts of her dress, organising them and arranging them to look as though nothing had happened at all, watching her press her thighs together at feeling his cum leaking out of her. She laughed softly as she leaned forwards, smoothing down his hair and pulling at the ribbon to tie it back together neatly. She set herself down on his lap and turned her body to wrap her arms around his neck.

"You should head back before someone notices that you're missing and I need to find Élise." He spoke with a hint of sadness in his voice at having to part with his lover.

"You promise that you'll come and visit me later, promise?" And her eyes bore into his, making sure he put a very part of his soul into the truth.

He pressed a quick kiss to the end of the nose and squeezed her waist a little when he replied:

"I promise."

[deviousspleen]

Arno Dorian sleeping image

Okay I have those headcanons in mind I have to share on this summer morning. 

First of all, Arno isn’t a morning person. Considering the fact that he gets drunk easily (which I totally understand myself !), it’s not easily a good idea to speak with him right after he gets up. 

However, he does have his little routine. He wakes up with the sun on his face like it’s a caress. He takes his time to fully wake up when he knows there is no rush and lays in bed for a few minutes. 

The first sounds he hears are from Paris: a cart delivery for the café downstairs, the steward delivering the first orders to the servants.  It doesn't bother him since it was almost the same thing at Versailles at the de la Serre's.

When he comes out of a drunken night out at a tavern, Arno sleeps dressed, usually not bothering to take off his shirt or even his shoes. But when this is not the case, it can happen that he only keeps pants.

He’s a delight to watch sleep when he isn’tt the result of a drinking contest. Our french assassin doesn't move that much in his sleep and sleep is usually restful, even with nightmares that can haunt him.

His breathing is calm and he usually sleeps on his back, one hand resting on his stomach. He's slightly serious and can frown (grumpy Arno I love you so much). The morning light makes him attractive if you like the Parisian aesthetic. 

Tips to wake him up :

Proceed with caution.

Wake him up with kisses

Don’t be noisy or too speed. He needs a moment or else, he's in a bad mood all morning and worst, all day.

When you know he’s awake, rest your head on his chest and look at him slowly realizing you’re not a dream. He will smile and hug you and it’s the best !

[cosmiciaria]

Assassin’s Creed Unity Review/honest thoughts/discussion - SPOILERS (long post)

So I decided to finally settle on a proper review – although this one is going to be more of what here in Argentina we call a "sincericidio": basically I will spit my guts out and cry in one corner, while being completely honest about my feelings. I will try to keep most spoilers at bay, like I always do, but there's just one thing I cannot not talk about which is THE spoiler so – I want you to be considered warned.

Before I start, I should state, since this is my review and reviews are quite personal actually, why this game is so important to me and why I wanted to play it so bad. There's a combination of factors, and obviously this game isn't going to strike the same chords with everyone, so bear in mind that this is strictly subjective and, right now, personal.

First factor and I think the most important one: I like writing. Wait, don't leave the review just yet. I like writing and creating characters. I have many. Lately I've been revisiting a character that had a very sad backstory and added quite long happy ending for him. I made him fall in love again. He's black haired, wears a short pony tail… his new love interest is a redhead with wavy hair… ok, you get me now, don't you? And what's worse, is that their story takes place in a fictional world that resembles quite much Europe of 1800's. So clothes and ballrooms and palaces and big, fluffy dresses are a thing in this story of mine. I think that, if you've ever created a character, to find another fictional, similar character in any medium is going to draw your attention to that product right away. It did happen to me with Cal Kestis from SW Jedi: Fallen Order, I have another redhead baby boy that needs to be protected at all costs. It's a way for us to 'see', let's say, or imagine our characters being brought to life.

Second factor: I love Paris. I visited Versailles and Paris back in late 2018, and I went there with zero expectations, only to fall in love with France. I love the Château de Versailles. I love palaces. I love the Seine. I love the Louvre. I love it. All of it. If I could, I'd live there. Sadly, I'm poor and speak little to no French at all.

Third Factor: I'm learning French! I dream with the day I can speak like five languages as well as I speak English (I studied it for ten years so… it kinda makes sense that I feel comfortable with it). I'm still struggling with French, but I will get there someday. I will. Because I love it. I love the language. Oui.

Fourth factor: I also really really, really like the French Revolution, and I've never, much to my surprise, watched or played any series, videogame, movie or anything that takes place in such a context (if you have recommendations, please drop them right away!). And I say "to my surprise" because I really like that part of History! So, to live in almost first person how the French Revolution unfolded – to hear the chansons and to see people gathered in crowds at every corner, listening to a liberty preacher wielding the French flag – that was glorious.

Fifth and yeah we're done: I love Les Misérables. I know it happens way later than the French Revolution, but since this musical (and the 2012 movie) became my 'home', I can't help but feel a stronger connection with everything I said above. I can watch that movie over and over and I will still sing Empty chairs and empty tables with tears in my eyes, despite its flaws.

I had like every reason to play this game. And it paid off.

Before plunging into it, I did read the novelization. Sadly, it was only to satisfy my soon-to-be-fulfilled obsession with the game, since I don't think the quality of the narration was, uhm, that good – it felt like you needed to have played the game before reading it. And I get it, it's a videogame adaptation, that's fine, but when you look at it as standalone book, it doesn't stand alone that good. What disappointed me, though, wasn't the narration, which was what I totally expected it to be, nor the dialogues or the ending – it was Élise. I was bit weary about this because she came across as completely different character than what I had in mind about her, and I didn't like her. At all. In the book, at least. I didn't like her because she had a few comments and took some decisions that made her look like she was stupid and/or selfish. I can understand the selfish part; I do not want to even believe that she's stupid. So that's why the book was a bit of a letdown for me. I recommend it, though, if you're a fan, because there's a book exclusive character that really gets the plot moving and he's endearing: Mr. Weatherall. Oh, what a man.

Now, regarding the game itself – it shouldn't come as a surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I've stated in another post, this game is barely an Assassin's Creed, since you delve like zero into the AC lore, and it's just an excuse for your character – Arno – to know parkour. Which in fact he knows before becoming an assassin, so it begs the question, why is this game even in this franchise? I digress. It's an AC game at the end of the day and that won't change.

But do not jump into this game expecting it be your average AC story. I firmly believe that the creators wanted to convey a different story here. For starters, Arno is no hero. Arno doesn't want to save the world. Arno doesn't care about any artifact or magic or creed. Arno only wants to discover who's the man behind De La Serre's death. That's his main driving force. And behind that, there's this undeniable and yet quite destructive feeling that pulls him forward: Élise.

Élise and Arno's relationship goes deeper into this story than it's noticeable at first glance. When you look back upon the plot, you discover that without their love 'subplot', there's no plot at all. If I may be so bold, I would even argue that Arno's story is a tragic love story. All the assassin's lore, all the betrayals, the first few assassinations, it all falls back into the background when Élise returns to the stage almost halfway through the game. And even though they only share like one kiss or two during the 40 hours of gameplay, there's still this latent, persistent motivation behind each of Arno's actions, that he wouldn't be doing what he's doing if it wasn't for Élise.

And it all comes down to that one line: What I wanted was you.

I cannot stress enough how much I loved all of the drunkard memory of Versailles. I think it embodies Arno's perfect character development. The constant rain and the bluish filter on every framerate added to the overall depressing atmosphere. I felt miserable while playing those quests, and the moment he steps out into the entrance of the Château de Versailles and reflects on his past decisions – decisions that have been stolen from him, because he could never defend himself nor change the course of actions on his own accord – that exact moment that he sits down and cries, I cried too.

Because all the game, all the memories, all the dialogues go in a crescendo only to crumble into this abyss. And this, in turn, creates a fleshed-out character, with a believable development, believable feelings, believable motivations. I can feel for Arno, I can understand him, I pity him, and I want to hug him. The whole game reaches its peak in its main character's worst moment: when he realizes that he's screwed everything up.

And not always do we get a story where the main character doesn't win. He just doesn't. Underneath its revolutionary streets, this story reeks of inexorability and fatality. You know it, you know it in the back of your head, but you push that thought apart because you want to enjoy jumping over rooftops and finding the best strategy to kill that man. There's this underlying, looming melancholy in every memory that you play in, and that's why the end doesn't surprise us.

It makes us cry, of course, but it didn't come as a surprise at all. If you're shocked about the end, then you haven't been paying enough attention to Élise's dialogues, to the tone of the story, to her letters, to where this plot was going. Because, like I said, the story is about Arno and Élise's relationship, it isn't about defeating the bad guy. And there was only one way that story could end.

*cries in French*

*Je pleure beaucoup*

I know the game has been panned by players for its performance. And being the 2020 year of our lord, I cannot say I reject those allegations, since it's been 6 years since the game was released. I hope enough patches were implemented to salvage the bugs. I only came across one bug in my entire playthrough which bothered me a little: some NPC's would sometimes pop into cutscenes and phase through the characters like nothing. At first it was funny, but then towards the end it happened two more times, in important cutscenes with our lovely couple, which kinda destroyed all immersion, if you know what I mean. The rest was fine: it never crashed on me, I didn't encounter the infamous, horrendous bug that unleashed memes in internet, never a T-pose or something that rendered the game unplayable – nothing, only that funny bug I mentioned. I did see the drop in framerates, specially in very crowded areas – but to be honest I never saw a game with so many NPC's together in the same place, like, hundreds of them, each with unique animations and varied models. I only come from playing Syndicate, and even there the number of NPC's was lower. Here is jarringly unreal, I didn't know the French Revolution was THIS jam-packed with people!

On a graphical department, this 2014 game still holds up. Very well. I think it even looks better in some scenes than some of its successors. The cutscenes were sometimes very cinematographic, with close ups, zoom outs, certain angles, with quite real lighting and shadows. I know it's not Naughty Dog and it doesn't have the whole Sony battalion behind, but damn if some of the character's expressions were really good. It didn't happen often, so when one of them had this very specific face I was like *insert surprised pikachu meme*.

I also enjoyed the music a lot. I don't know why but the one from the main menu stuck with me for a while. All of the songs have this Versailles, aristocratic tone to it which put me in the mood.

I have only one minor complaint and its entirely optional, let's say – I want to platinum this game. But I don't own PS plus, because it's, uhhh, expensive in my country (do not want to indulge in dollar exchange rates right now). And there are like two trophies only obtainable through multiplayer, which renders my trophy hunt useless. But, alas, I knew this before buying the game. I think that games shouldn't come with multiplayer trophies for the platinum. If you have to pay extra for something, it must be completely optional. And so should be the trophies related to it. It's a bit disappointing, though, because after finishing this game I want so bad to return to it, but if I can't platinum, I don't see myself coming back to it soon. Either way, I could still earn the rest of the trophies, but that would only enrage me more when the last 3% is going to be locked forever *cries again*.

All in all, my major question at the end is: why does this game receive so much hate? I guess if I came from a hardcore fan standpoint I could understand it more. If I had played all its predecessors before this one, I would also feel that the gameplay and the objectives are repetitive. That the challenges are bs. But the stealth aspect has been improved, the parkour has been redesigned and adapted, and as of now, bugs aren't a problem anymore. I want to believe that when a remaster for the PS5 comes out or, I don't know, if someone by divine grace has an epiphany in the near future regarding this game, people will change their mind on this one and will appreciate more what it wanted to be, than what they made it to be. After all, this is Arno's story. Arno's tragic love story.

Also this game is beautiful JUST LOOK AT IT LOOK AT IT!!! 

Sorry couldn’t help myself

[lunavadash-creates]

Soulmate AU

Little, 2 chapter story about Arno and his soulmate :D  Chapter: 1/2 Pairing: Arno Dorian x OC Warnings: some angst Next chapter Read on my AO3!  "Elise, wait!" Arno shouted and soon laughed, as he saw red-haired girl jumping over the vegetable cart. She was fast and agile, precise and confident, so she was always the one winning all their races. She only shot him a quick smirk but never slowed down to wait for him.Arno tried his best, but he always focused on his surroundings too much as he was too afraid of risk. He wanted to keep Elise safe, even if there was no safer place for them than Versailles. It was a city they grew up together, through the good and the bad, always side by side, supporting each other and sharing all those secret kisses. Arno loved Elise, and he couldn't wait to be with her officially.His soulmate tattoo was still a black outline of a single cornflower just above his wrist. It was small, subtle and it fitted Elise just right. He still remembered that the very first flower he gave to her was precisely this one - a single cornflower in a beautiful, deep shade of blue.

 On that day Elise told him that is was her favourite flower, but sadly, Arno’s tattoo remained empty.Arno shook off those memories and focused on his race with Elise. He really wanted to win this time, so he decided to risk more than usual. He jumped on barrels standing next to the tavern and soon stood on a roof of a building. He saw Elise running in the distance, and he dashed himself, ready to catch her.He never expected that the slick roof tiles wouldn't support his weight enough, so he fell off the rooftop suddenly, landing on his back on the hard, dirty ground. The impact took away all the air from his lungs, making him stunned for a few seconds. Above he saw only the blue, cloudless sky. A second later pain pierced his left arm. It wasn’t broken but definitely bruised."Are you alright?"A silent voice made Arno shiver. He tried to stand up as fast as possible and looked at the lady in front of him. He was dumbfounded. The woman, or maybe a young lady, in front of him, was beautiful. Her brown hair in a shade of milk chocolate was combed in a single brain and she was wearing a black dress. She looked at him with concern in her big, green eyes and in the same moment, Arno felt a wave of warmness spreading through his body, accumulating in his wrist. He looked down at his left hand and saw that his tattoo was full now. The cornflower had an elegant, green stem in the colour of the lady’s eyes, and the flower turned blue. But not some average blue. It was the most beautiful shade of deep blue, almost purple, Arno had ever seen. He raised his gaze toward the woman, who was also looking at her hand. On her left wrist, there was a tattoo of a carnation flower. It was white as snow, and the frame of each petal was in a dark, pink colour. Arno recognized this flower immediately. It was the same flower his father put on the grave of his mother."I'm-""No." Arno interrupted immediately. He was angry. And when he looked in her eyes and felt his heart turning into a tight knot, he got even more upset. It wasn't supposed to be like this!She couldn't be his soulmate. He refused to believe it! He had Elise - his beautiful, lovely Elise that was winning their race. He couldn't be with some random, meaningless girl."No. It can't be you! You can't be MY soulmate!" He screamed. The girl took a step away from him, stunned and shocked. Hurt and disbelief visible in her green eyes that were now shining. She was holding back tears."I will never accept you. I will never love you. You will never be part of MY life. I don't care who you are. We will never be together!" He growled and saw the tears run down her cheek.But he didn't care for her.He didn't care for a stupid tattoo.He couldn't.Arno woke up from a nightmare suddenly, sitting in his bed. His shirt was wet from sweat, his breath sharp and shallow. He felt the pain in his chest, one he knew so well. And then he looked at his left hand. The cornflower was still there, reminding him of his greatest failure. The blue of the flower became a bit weathered, contours not as sharp as they used to be. And the worst part? His soulmate, the woman he was supposed to spend his life with. The woman who hurt him the most was sleeping a few rooms away from him. And she wanted neither to talk to him nor to see him. She wanted him to disappear from her life."I will make sure you will keep your promise, Monsieur Dorian and will never be a part of MY life," She growled at him when he saw her for the first time after all those years. It was the first thing she had ever told him. And the last as she denied speaking to him at all.Arno couldn't sleep anymore, but fortunately, it was already early morning. So, he decided to clean himself before putting on his robes. But as he washed his face, another deep sigh escaped his lips as he saw his tattoo even more weathered than before. The flower looked like a waned picture - grey and blurred. If Arno didn't know it was, once a beautiful, cornflower he wouldn't be able to tell it now. It looked like a picture from a little child - a flower but one that can't be found in the real world.He ran his fingers gently over the tattoo, thinking about Vivienne. She was so close and yet so far away from him. In return, he soon felt a pinch in the wrist and winced. She always did that. She could feel when he was touching the tattoo and thinking about her, so every time, she made sure it would only bring Arno pain. Whenever he caressed his tattoo, she pinched it back.His heart was aching, and he could only blame himself, his stupidity and arrogance. Everything that was happening between them was his fault.Soon he left his room. He needed a distraction, and the best thing he could do was to devote himself to the cause. He was going on a lot of missions lately, accepting every task. But yet, his thoughts were always going back to Viv. To his soulmate.It was late evening when he came back to the Café Théâtre, he was bruised and tired, but still had been holding a flower in his hand. It was single cornflower he found on his way back and thought it was some kind of a sign as he had never before seen that flower in Paris. So, he took it and decided to give it to Vivienne. Or at least try to. So far, she had never accepted a gift from him. Even when he was leaving them directly in her room, she had always been throwing them all away. He found so many bouquets of flowers in the garbage can. The jewellery on necks and hands of workers of Café Théâtre and children eating all bonbons, all those were presents from him. He tried to say sorry, but she never stopped to listen to him. He tried to write letters, but he always found them in his room again, unopened. But he didn't want to give up on her. He already did this once, and now he had to face the consequences."Arno!" he heard the voice of Dimitri. He, Gerard and Philip were his friends. His best friends - the people who had been there for him whenever he needed. Because of them, Arno was not only an assassin, but also found a sense in his life. Without them, he would never be able to pull himself together after what had happened to Elise."Where are you going?" asked Philip."You look you terrible. Where you again running away from dogs?" asked Gerard, mocking him with a wide smile. Demetri was first to notice the flower in man's hand and frowned."You definitely shouldn't do this. Vivienne said she doesn't want you. Stop trying, or she will kill you eventually."The other Assassins looked at Arno surprised, noticing the flower in his hand.When Arno joined the assassins, Gerard was the first to find out that Arno had a soulmate. But at first, Arno didn't want to talk about it. He was still in love with Elise even though his feeling were fading away, changing. Arno felt like he finally understood that they weren't meant for each other, but it was hard to accept. Because he still remembered that pretty girl in a blue dress, looking at him with tears in her eyes.He told them accidentally when after Elise’s death, they found him drunk. He pointed at his tattoo, that already was going grey. And then he lost it and told them about the girl who he had hurt so much. About tears, he saw. About words he said. And then he told them about the worse part. He told them that the assassin who just came back to Paris, Vivienne, was the one who was meant to be with him.Demetri knew Vivienne the best. They often worked together, and they were good friends. He knew that she had a soulmate, one that she hated the most in the world. So, he tried to do the only thing to help he could; keep Arno and Vivienne far away from each other, which was hard as they served in the same Brotherhood. In the end, Demetri knew the reason why Viv didn't want to be with Arno. But he promised her not to tell anyone."Arno. You are our friend, but I'm afraid you have to finally accept that Viv will not accept you.""I know I hurt her but...""There are no buts. Go to Viv if you must but leave her alone if she will tell you no again." Demetri moved away, letting Arno through.He knew how this would end because both, Arno and Vivienne, were too stubborn to listen.Arno found Viv in a training room but didn't dare to interrupt her training. He just watched her moves. She looked like she was dancing the dance of death and destruction, the sword was cutting through the air with a whistle, steel shining in the last rays of the sun slipping through the windows. Her moves were fast and precise, but as soon as she saw him, she stopped and looked at him displeased. Arno saw drops of sweat shining on her forehead, few strands of chocolate hair sticking to her face. But she looked beautiful. If only those green eyes looked at him with something else than hatred..."I'm sorry to interrupt you," Arno said, taking a few steps to close the distance between them but Vivienne raised her sword before he got too close. She never let him near and so it was this time."What do you want again?" She asked anger in her voice made Arno's heart sink in his chest. But he couldn't give up. He showed her the flower. A single, blue cornflower, one that should be uniting them.Viv lowered her sword and came closer to Arno reaching for the flower.For a few seconds, Arno felt happiness blowing inside his body as he thought that maybe, maybe they can make peace with each other. He looked at her with a smile and hope in his brown eyes. He wanted to show her that his feelings were genuine. He wanted to be with her. To love her.But Viv took the flower and torn it to shreds, dropping remains on the floor under Arno's feet."Are you stupid?! What is so hard to understand when I say I don't want you! Stay the fuck away from me, I hate you! I don't want your stupid flowers, your presents and pathetic letters. You will never be a part of my life, so give up already. I wish I never met you!"With that final note, she left the room, leaving behind her one torn flower and one broken heart.Arno dropped on his knees, taking in his hands remains of the flower. He didn't know why his vision was blurry until one single tear fell on his tattoo. His fragile heart shattered into millions in tiny, sharp pieces digging into every organ and every tissue of his body. He bled. He knew he did when he took all the pieces and close them in his hand.Demetri appeared next to him soon, kneeling next to him and putting his hand on Arno's shoulder. Neither he nor Philip and Gerard wanted to see him broken again."I think you should know why she did that."

[fictional-writing]

Assassins Preference- What do they do with their kids?

An old request from Anon! I decided not to go past Syndicate protagonists because I haven’t played Origins, and only a little of Odyssey, and I stuck with the main protagonists for the sake of time.

Altair He would teach them all the life skills an Assassin would need to survive and carry out their tasks. He would often take them to busy places and give them a “mission” to test their skills once they’re old enough in his eyes. He would be a strict mentor, having learned from his own pride and arrogance when he was young. When he wasn’t actively teaching them assassin skills, he’d be more likely to leave them to their own devices, provided they were old enough to look after themself. He’d tell them stories of his own youth (toned down on the violent details, only covering vague details about the way he killed his enemies and focusing more on how he evaded danger). He’d try to spin his stories to impart wisdom on them in a way that wasn’t so obvious. 

Ezio As an old(er) man, he’s not so quick to offense, and is able to let himself be more open to his kids. Depending on where he had his child(ren) live, he’d take them to see the sights of the bigger cities nearby, keeping a close eye on them at all times so they didn’t get into trouble. He wouldn’t tell them about their Assassin lineage until they were around the age he found out about it, but he’d teach them how to climb by sneaking outside with them when their mother wasn’t looking and climbing up to the roof to stare out into the landscape. He’d tell them stories, both real and made up. If they were caught, he’d begin to sing in hopes of lessening their mother’s discipline. He’d take them riding if they were old enough to stay mounted on a horse, but if they weren’t, he’d let them sit with him. Besides that, he’d do whatever his child(ren) wanted- he was a softie for them and he wouldn’t hide it.

Connor  We’ve already gotten a glimpse at what he’d do with his child(ren). He’d teach them to track, hunt, and navigate the land with ease. He’d teach them the traditions of their people, and maybe when they were old enough he’d take them to Boston or New York, and depending on how it went for them he’d take them back every so often. He’d let them roam the Homestead, trusting the other members of the community to keep an eye on them for the most part. However, he warns them not to venture too far into the wilderness alone. When they were older than ten, he’d take them sailing, letting them stand at the wheel but keeping a guiding hand nearby in case things got out of control (the wind and sea is not exactly consistent). 

Edward We’ve also gotten a glimpse at Edward as a father! As a man of wealth, he is happy to dote on his children, keeping them in line but offering advice on how to commit mischief around the house without their mother catching on. He’d cover for them if they ever did arouse suspicion. He’d take them to experience things he never got to as a kid, or as a young man. Performances of all sorts, fine dining, all of it. He considered taking them sailing, though depending on their age he’d be less likely to do so. He at least took them all sailing once, reliving his youth quietly while his children experienced the open sea, possibly for the first time. 

Haytham I don’t count what Haytham did in the games as “fathering”. With a child he actually got a chance to raise, he’d be distant at first, but as it got older he’d impart all the teachings of the Order on them, without divulging the true nature of it. He’d emphasize fighting and developing their tact, being an unrelenting mentor for both. He’d often take them along to templar business if it wasn’t overly dangerous. He’d end up leaving them to their own devices while he worked in the shadows. When they neared adulthood, he’d send them on templar missions while tailing them to watch how they’ve grown. If they were successful, he’d offer critiques but also a few bits of praise. If they failed, they would expect to get a sigh and a condescending comment, but little else. He’d fix it himself. 

Arno He’d be a calm, but somewhat distant father. By the time he’s had his child, he’s grown a little less hostile to the world. He’d take them to the Cafe-Theatre, watching shows with them and introducing them to the staff (unless, of course, they still live in the Cafe-Theatre). He’d take them out of Paris often, on “adventures” into the countryside with their mother. It’s a good escape for him mentally, and he takes the time to focus on the child’s fun. When they were old enough, he’d take them to Versailles, telling them stories from his childhood. He’d avoid too much detail on the people- he still mourns Elise even if he found love again. 

Evie Evie may be straight-laced most of the time, but she can be an entirely different person around her child. She encourages use of the imagination, taking them to bookshops and encouraging them to read as much as they could. She’s play board games with them, hoping they’d learn how to strategize from the many games they play. On nice evenings, she’d take them around London, visiting the parks and enjoying the street performances. She’d teach them all about flowers, and if they showed an interest, would show them how to press flowers to preserve them for longer. If her child was her daughter, she’d spend a lot of time putting her hair into nice updos, but rarely would she force her into a dress. If her child were a boy, she’d be sure to keep him from following the example of her uncle- though, she supposes, either child is just as likely to follow Jacob’s example. 

Jacob He’d be a father with a lot of ideas, some of which are even good! He’d take them exploring London, showing them the train and letting his old friends look after them for a little bit so they got more interesting experiences. He’d encourage any bold action, to an extent. Depending on when he had the kid, he either learned quite a bit from Jack, or will scramble to keep them safe when Jack begins his bloody spree across London. He’d teach them to fight, and patch up any wounds they get in scraps with other kids. When they’re old enough, he gives them their own grappling hook and tells them not to do anything he wouldn’t do with it (which isn’t as much as he thinks).

Desmond He’s be an awkward father, for sure. Not really used to being around kids, he treats his young kid like they were made of glass. As they grew older, he’d try to take them to movies, restaurants, parks... all fairly local and within his limited budget. He tries his best to support their interests, whether that be by buying them crayons and coloring books or signing them up for a martial arts class. Eventually he gets better at budgeting so he can support them better, and if he can get involved he won’t run away, though he certainly wouldn’t be insistent on always being with his kid. He gives them space, but lets them know that he’s always there if they want him. 

[eagle-raider]

Can I get greedy and ask for another one? Because I was 'kinda fishing' for some snippets about that French Revolution thingy and I should have been way more precise with my previous ask 😅

Ah, sorry :) the French Revolution one shot is called Mein Engel (for now at least but it's highly subject to change). 

It takes place within the same universe as EOTB and follows the same pattern as that one chapter in EOTB. The story spans over decades (from around 1770 to 1793).

It's not so much about the Revolution as it is about the Royal family slightly before/and during that time, and more precisely, about Marie-Antoinette. I think AC Unity covered the uprising from Paris and the folks’ perspective, while this fic isn’t even taking place there, but in Versailles. You can look at it like a parallel to Arno’s story, perhaps (I haven’t played Unity and I won’t, but I might look up a few vids on YT). With what we know of the Staff and Kassandra’s work as the Keeper, there’s absolutely no way she’d have missed that :D

But really, my main motivation was that I wanted to see Kassandra strutting down the Galerie des Glaces of Versailles, looking all swag. Think the Rose of Versailles (Lady Oscar) meets Game of Thrones - that’s what I’m going for.

Excerpt under the cut because it's a bit long and rough (400 words).

Kassandra stood near the window, watching the Countess of () fawn over (Louis' bro). Her smiles and forced laughter would have been less wasted on a brick wall. The man wasn’t paying any attention to her, his attention was drawn to (OC)'s back like a moth to a flame. 

Kassandra kept herself from frowning. She would have to tell (OC) to be more careful when crossing the forecourt, next time. The glint in his eyes wasn’t boding well for the girl.

She breathed in and removed herself from the scene. The tick-tocking of a hundred clocks bounced off the large room. It was soothing in a way, and for a second she could almost understand why Louis liked this place so much. 

Almost. 

“I like you, little prince,” Kassandra turned on her heels, facing the ostensibly large desk and the gentle, hopeful smile sitting behind it. “But I don't care about you.”

The wood creaked under her steps, adding their own thumping to the small cacophony of gears. She leaned over the desk, fists on the table and watched Louis squirm under her gaze. 

“I care about her (MA), and right now she's being blamed for your own shortcomings," Kassandra threw a sidelong glance between his legs. 

His thighs snapped shut almost immediately. Louis sunk down on his seat, shrinking, like he wanted the cushions swallow him whole.

"I—I will talk to the C-court. Ask them to leave her a-alone," he squeaked, looking every bit of the twenty year-old boy he was. 

Barely out of childhood, and not a man yet. Pudgy cheeks and kind eyes, the prince hadn’t grown out of his baby fat. And to think Aletheia wanted him on the throne of France. It was laughable, really. 

A lamb in the midst of wolves. 

Kassandra tutted and shook her head. "Enough talk. The Court works like this," she leaned forward again, entering his space. "I don't want you to talk, I want you to act,” she took the vial from her concealed pocket and waved it at him. “I want you to drink this. Then, I want you to think about your clocks, whatever gets your little friend going," Kassandra pointed downward with a flick of her hand. "And tonight when the Court leaves, I want you to do your job. Am I clear?”

Marie-Antoinette's life was on the line. Pregnancy assured her safety from the dissonant voices calling for her blood. There was too much at stake—Kassandra's whole plan for the decades to come relied on him, and she had waited long enough. 

She was practically in his face by then. Louis gulped at her raised eyebrow, before nodding briskly. "Yes. Y-yes, General." 

Kassandra withdrew herself, standing straight. "Good," she nodded. 

[storytimefromthecreed]

A Friend in Need

Greencoat kissed both her cheeks and she threw her arms around each of them, holding them tightly. When Demetrí had written that there was an emergency, she thought the worst. “Thank God you’re ok.” 

“Not all of us.” Ghost kissed both her cheeks and offered to take her coat.

Axeman, Gérard to those closest to him, hugged her so tightly her feet rose off the ground. “Mentor.” She complained, but she loved it. When he set her down, she looked around. Arno was missing. “Where’s Arno?”

“That’s the problem.” Demetrí unraveled a map that they huddled around while Phillíp gently explained to her what had occurred. Arno’s removal from the Brotherhood, the death of his Elise. (Y/N) gulped.

“I’ve been here, here, and there. Cafe is empty, as is the Dorian estate.” Demetrí pointed to each location.

“Del le Serre’s is empty too.” Ghost frowned. “Checked the Bureau as well, but no one has seen him.” Axeman growled a curse, and they all leaned in as Ghost explained. “Two nights ago I broke up a bar brawl on my way home and found Arno at it’s center. I should’ve walked him home, should’ve talked to him.”

Axeman put a hand on the Assassin’s shoulder. “Arno is a grown man, Phillíp.” Gérard gruffed, “If he thinks drinking his life away will bury his sorrow, then we can’t help him anymore than we have.” They sat silently.

Ghost shrugged, “Still should’ve stayed with him. He was gone with drink, and I should’ve escorted him home.”

“Gérard,” She asked, “You’re not proposing we give up on him?”

“Heavens no!” Axeman boomed. “But we spend half our time getting him out of trouble and returning him home only for him to stumble into it again. Arno said he doesn’t want our help and that we should respect his wishes. So we should. To a point. If he wants to get into trouble, let him get it out of his system. He gets any worse then we’re kidnapping him and taking him to the Bureau.”

“But before we get to that plan,” Demetrí leaned in, removing his green hood. (Y/N) found herself entranced in his grey eyes. “Can you talk to him? He’ll listen to you.”

“Where did you tell him to go?” (Y/N) asked, shouldering Ghost. The Frenchmen had trained her, became her friends, and it was no secret she had a soft spot for Arno. Protecting his reputation from the other Assassins when he was exiled and running around with his Templar girlfriend landed her in many a fight which the Frenchmen kept pulling her from. To be fair, she would have done the same for any of them.

“I told him to go home.” Phillíp’s frustrations were easy to hear in his tone and his eyes scanned over the map. “But we’ve checked ever place.” They put their heads together, and (Y/N) thought fondly that home where was the heart was and that her heart felt most fill around these men. No matter how far she would travel, they would always be her home. Home.

The realization hit her like a smack, and she kissed Phillíp on both cheeks. “There’s a reason you’re the brains of the Frenchmen! He’s at Versailles!” Before they could answer, she was running out the door.

This she heard, “Why there?” Phillíp pondered aloud.

“He’s the brains?” She could almost imagine Demetrí pouting.

When she finally scaled the wall and ran throughout the whole, broken, palace, she found Arno in the main bedroom. How he’d gotten in was beyond her as she had to break down the door, but there he was. Head tucked to his chest, his eyelids fluttered at the sound of her enterance, and his head shot up. “Um- I...” Then he grabbed his head and groaned. Beside him were barrels of wine.

“How the hell-?” Then she shook her head, thought better of it, and approached. Sinking to her haunches before him, she gave him her best smile and most teasing tone. “Good morning, sleep well I take it?”

But Arno was not in a joking mood as his bloodshot eyes glare up at her. “They sent you in after me, have they? Well, I’m going to have to give them a piece of my mind.” Arno growled and tried to raise before the blood rushed to his head and he groaned again. “Later.” Resting his head to hit the back of wall, he kept his eyes closed and frowned. 

The scruff of his neck was ragged as his beard almost grew in, and his shirt was dirty with sweat and, was that blood? (Y/N) took a seat beside him, keeping her arm against his and resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m disgusting, (Y/N). Don’t do that.” Arno growled. but didn’t push her away.

“What would you do to them, hm? Our friends? Because that’s what they are, Arno, your friends.”

“I don’t need help. Give me time-”

“Do drink yourself to death? Or fight to death? Because you could turn to us for either.” She looked up at him, and he finally opened his eyes and looked down at her. There was a time when that look would’ve stopped her heart, now it just ached for her friend. 

The expression in his eyes softed, as did his eyes and set jaw. “They didn’t have to send for you.” Arno breathed, “I just need time.”

“From what I’ve heard, you’ve had plenty. Besides, what friend would I be if I didn’t come when my friend needed me?”

“They shouldn’t have bothered you.” Arno sighed and looked away before his eyes darted back to hers. “I’m just not...doing well right now.” (Y/N) tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and offered it. For the first time in a long time, Arno laughed. Tears now brimmed his eyes when they returned to hers, and his crushed heart inflated slightly. Arno’s head rested on hers, and he leaned against her. “Don’t know how you’re standing me right now. Trust me, I’m worse than I look.”

“Remember that time you helped me through that break up?”

“You mean when that arse cheated and broke your heart?” He scoffed, “Yes, I remember.”

“I cried so much, was all snotty and gross, and so angry that the guys were too scared to enter the clocktower.”

“And you ate all of the chocolate in Paris?” Arno remembered fondly and gave a soft laugh as their eyes met. He knew where she was going with the story, but allowed her to finish.

“What did you do? After you threatened to murder him?”

“After I had my talk with him?”

(Y/N) pulled away. “You had a talk?”

Arno’s eyes went wide and he placed her head back on his shoulder with a pat. “Uh, what were you saying?” 

Deciding that was a conversation better had later, she gave him a knowing look. “After you threatened to murder him,” she repeated, softening at the memory. “You bought more chocolate.”

A small smile twitched at his lips, and Arno relaxed fully. Playing with his fingers, he lost himself in better days. “I bought more chocolate.” He nodded, then rose a brow. “You remembered that?” With Demetri giving her flowers, Phillip there to talk, and Gerard being there for fighting matches, Arno felt his part was barely noteable.

Taking his hand firmly and opening it to reveal his palm, she placed his watch in it, and held his fingers closed under hers. “Arno, I am so sorry.” Arno’s forehead hit hers, and he closed his eyes to control his breathing. (Y/N) pulled back, forcing him to open them and look at her. The corners of his mouth were pulled down into a frown, but he kept his eyes on her. “This is where we are now, not you, we, because we’re friends. Let’s go through hell, together.”

“I... I don’t want to be a bother. I’m feel so lost, (Y/N). Like I’m not even worth it.” 

She took his hand and looked him firmly in the eye. “Arno Victor Dorian,” he waited, his breath caught as he suddenly felt very small to the person he’d helped trained. “Let’s get you found.” Tears sprang into his eyes and rolled down his cheeks and off his chin as sobs shook his entire being. Clutching her hand for dear life, Arno covered his face with the other and hung his head. (Y/N) pulled him to her chest where he cried until he had nothing left to give.

[thatcrazycrowgirl]

It's me from the Arno ask! I'm completely fine with headcanons, I actually prefer them because they're easier to read and by "quite down" I meant like sad and tired xx

Hello again! I dearly apologize for taking so long with this. I only just got back into the right mindset to finally finish it.😅Also, I found myself more inspired by Versailles!Arno, so that’s the vibe I went with for these. Hope that’s alright, and hope you like this! Enjoy!

- Olivier had been giving you a pretty hard time lately, and with you being the newest member of the staff for the de la Serre’s, it left you feeling frustrated and upset.

- Not to mention, thanks to a rather hefty mistake you made after being tasked with the previous shopping trip, you had been stuck with some extra chores as punishment - and on your one weekly day off, too. So, you can add ‘exhausted’ to the gambit of emotions you were feeling that morning.

- Not even the unexpected appearance of François de la Serre’s handsome, young ward, Arno Dorian - who had been carrying on a secret love affair with you for some time now - could improve your mood.

- “There you are,” he nevertheless coos with a smile. “I missed you in church this morning.”

- “Liar, you don’t even go to church,” you shoot back, not much in the mood for his nonchalant airs.

- Your irritable temperament is not lost on him, and his smile fades as he asks what has gotten you in such a state.

- You tell him, and he is surprisingly quiet and attentive as he listens.

- “Well, if anything like that happens again, he’ll answer to me,” Arno insists, a look of confidence appearing his face as he walks over to you.

- “And what authority have you over Olivier? You’re not even here half the time,” you point out with bemusement as he takes your hand and kisses it.

- “Not the point. Now, no more talk of Olivier, hmm? I’m much more interested in you right now,” he says sweetly, as his arms encircle your waist and pull you closer.

- He notices that you still look rather sullen, however, so he leads you over to a nearby canapé and sits down, before gently pulling you into his lap and guiding your head to rest upon his shoulder. You two sit in silence for a few long seconds, while Arno holds you, before he slips a finger under your chin and tilts your face up towards his.

- For another few quiet moments, he strokes your cheek and brushes his thumb over your lips, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He soon speaks up again, pondering gently, “Hmm...I wonder what I could do to again bring a smile to your pretty lips?”

- Your mouth quirks, unconvinced that even he could lift your spirits. But if there’s one thing you’re certain about him, he’s determined. (Well, ‘stubborn’ would be more accurate, if you were being honest.)

- “Did I ever tell you about the time I managed to cause an argument to break out between Olivier and those two idiot blacksmiths over which of them I owed money to?” he then asks. You shake your head, and with a mischievous look in his eyes, he proceeds to tell you all about his diversion to slip away unnoticed - and with his pockets still full.

- Against your current mood, you couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at the scenario. Hearing the positive response, Arno pulls you closer and continues to regale you with all sorts of stories about his misadventures around town - silently hoping it’ll get your mind off of your frustrations.

- And what do you know? It actually works.

- Your mood lifted, it soon shifts in a different...more romantic...direction when you start to feel Arno pressing little kisses to your hairline, as he asks softly if you’re feeling better.

- Your response is an unexpected kiss and a smile, which Arno returns, before the two of you lock lips again. You snuggle more into his arms with a sigh. You could stay like this forever.

- Unfortunately, for you both, you hear shouting coming from outside from someone looking for Arno - no doubt in trouble...again.

- You both launch to your feet before Arno rushes to the open window.

- “Supper, later?” he asks quickly, and you nod. Blowing you a kiss, he then jumps out the window.

- You were sad to see him go, as that meant you had to get back to work, but you couldn’t deny that the young man had accomplished what he said he would: he made you smile.

[worldly-diversity]

   ‘ drabble ’ + father — Arno Victor Dorian — ( @irishtemplar )

Ever since he'd been a young boy, Arno had greatly admired his father. Of course, the man was human and likely had many flaws, both as a citizen and an assassin, but Arno hadn't had the pleasure of his father's company since he'd been a child that day at the Versailles palace where his father had been stabbed to death.

Years went by where he was taken in by the de la Serre family, learning very little of his own family history in the meantime. Monsier de la Serre had known his father, that much he'd deduced, but his questions were frequently rebuffed, redirected or ignored, thus going unanswered despite the lad's thirst for knowledge.

Was it then so surprising that, between his own innate mischievous nature and Elise's, he became something of a delinquent? Always getting into trouble, playing by no one else's rules but his own…

That was a trait that followed him into the brotherhood and subsequently had him expelled from it. For all that the Assassins valued freedom, they certainly had a well defined structure and hierarchy…

But then, knowledge about potential ties to his father had been what led him to them in the first place, coupled with Elise's shunning after her father's death. That Bellec claimed to have known him, that his father had been an assassin, meant he could perhaps finally discover more about the man.

Although Bellec too had disappointed, being more interested in training and instilling a hatred for Templars than to regale Arno with any tales. The trend continued, and Arno ended up clinging to the one constant in his life he knew he could trust, despite their estrangement.

For all that casting him from the brotherhood separated him from his father's legacy, the assassins themselves meant very little to him, having served as a means to an end, and not having managed to reach it, in the end. But then he'd grown up that way, so in the end it'd be alright. One day this crazy dangerous adventure would end, and he would meet his father finally in the afterlife. So be it.

[elisexdelaserre]

@ofimaginarybeings​ said: 👕 your  muse  helps  my  muse  get  dressed  after  my  muse  sustains  an  injury  or  illness . 

Élise HATED when she was injured like this. Her back was hurting so much; it was difficult to even move properly. She really hoped it wouldn’t stay like this for too long because she hated it. She just wanted to keep fighting so she could find the one who had made sure her father die, that night in Versailles.

It was so AWKWARD to have Arno help her though. They hadn’t been this close in so long and now, he was helping her getting dress. She didn’t even know what to say or how to act; she felt like a dumb teenager again. 

“Is it me or you’re taking your time ?” She asked, half-teasing. 

TENSION SYMBOL MEME | ACCEPTING