As he took his seat within the royal box of the theatre, Haytham couldn't help but smile to himself. Naturally he was looking forward to the performance but for a reason to which only he knew of. For within the orchestra pit sat his youngest child, now fully grown, ready to play their part. As the conductor took his place, the audience applauding as they did so, the smile grew more though it was brushed away as he remembered where he was, leveling it to one of slight amusement. As the music began to swell and grow till it seemingly filled the entire building, he relaxed back into his chair, shifting it back slightly he closed his eyes, listening to the music which he had hear develop many years ago, listening closest to the string section his mind went back to the last time he had been in the same box as he was now alone.
It was nearly twenty years ago; he was a man of thirty one years and had made the Templar Order a permanent position within the Colonies, along with becoming the Grand Master of them. He had been residing there for the past two years and had made himself a true home there. On this particular night, a rare occasion which he had time for himself he had decided that he would finally get to see The Beggar's Opera from beginning to end. Though it seemed fate had other plans, for the moment that the actress playing Polly Peachum walked onto the stage his eyes were locked only her, missing everything that occurred around her. After the opera had finished he made his way down swiftly to her dressing room. After finding it he knocked firmly, clearing his throat slightly as he dusted himself off.
"O is it?" She called, her French accent coming out clearly now.
"Haytham Kenway, Madam. I wished to only congratulate you on tonight's performance if I may." The sound of clattering came through clearly before she coughed overly loudly.
"Oh, well sank you Monsieur, please do come in," the moment he heard her he opened the door, his heart slightly swelling with slight hope only to be shot down once again as he entered the room. There before him were three men, much younger than himself all three with fair light hair, soft smooth skin and clothing which was near identical to each other minus the colour. One was in red was leaning against the far wall, one in green sitting backwards on a chair at the dressing table while the last one who was wearing blue sat on what appeared to be a foot cushion. He mentally shook off these strangers, his eyes going back to the reason for him being here. He took off his hat and bowed to politely low level, as he rose back up he heard her giggle and clap. "Oh, you Inglishmen are so much more... Polite zan zese Americans... So what can I woman like me do for a gentleman like you?"
"Well Madam, I came to congratulate you as I said and had also hoped to perhaps speak with you?" She smiled brightly at him, nodding as she beckoned him forward.
"But of course you may Monsieur; it would be my pleasure to speak wiz a man of your class an stature... Boys, kindly do Mama a favor an leave us along, please." At hearing this hope returned once again, a slight smile playing on the older man's lips.
"Mama, you cannot be serious" the one in red objected standing fully. The other two nodded and went to protest as well but were cut off.
"Oh yes I can, my little ones, now please no more fighting or arguing. Mama wishes to speak wiz ze gentleman alone so... GO!" She said, sternly. The boys sighed; the two sitting rose and followed the red one out of the room, closing the door behind them with a great bang.
A similar bang woke Haytham from his memory as he opened his eyes to see that Charles, one of his most loyal and hardworking followers, had joined him. He bowed his head slightly; Haytham nodded and indicated the seat beside him which Charles immediately took.
"I apologies for being late sir" he said softly, "thing's took a slight turn for the worst but have been dealt with now, hence my delay... Have I missed her?"
"Good, at least things are still on track, and no I don't believe they have reached the first interval..." He said as the music came to a screeching halt. The two men looked down to the stage as the manager of the theatre walked out in front of the curtain which was now closed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we apologies profoundly for this interruption, but Madam Marian Denzel is unable to continue in her role. The opera shall continue, however, in a few moments time where the role shall be filled with Miss Christina Kenway. Until the young miss is ready we bring you a..." He looked down into orchestra pit, before nodding and looking back up, smiling embarrassedly. "... A newly written extended version of the ballet from the first act. Again we apologies for this delay and assure you all things will continue as planned in mere moments, thank you for your patience. Maestro, the ballet, if you please" he said, before quickly leaving the stage as the music began.
Haytham sat back in his seat, smiling to himself once again as Charles watched as the orchestra shuffled before returning to playing. He turned to his Master, offering him his hand.
"I have to say sir, congratulations on this your daughter's debut. I am certain she will be quite brilliant."
"But of course you do, as her fiancée what else would you want but for her to BE brilliant" he said, before taking his hand and shaking it firmly. "Of course I wish the same but... I would have preferred more notice." He said, making Charles chuckle slightly.
"As would I sir, but it is merely speeding thing's up, which is good... Is it not sir?" He said taking his hand back as the other man turned back to the stage, sitting slightly lower in his chair.
"It certainly is Charles, it certainly is"