Sealed and Delivered
When it first happened, Mario though that it was perhaps an earthquake.
The assasin had been calmly working at his desk, going over reports from his men on the business around Toscana when Ezio had glided past him, en route to the Chamber of Seals. It was not an uncommon thing- the air was cool so far beneath the villa, and what sunlight did trickle through the grate high above was perfect for reading. The place was perfect to relax after a long day, particularly if that long day had been bloody. Mario himself had sat down there a thousand times, staring up at the statue of Altair as he tried to forget the faces of his targets. It was unsurprising that his nephew had found similiar solace in the place.
He had been frowning over news of bandits near the villa when the ground beneath him had egun to shudder. Part of his mind registered both Claudia and Maria's screams, but the forefront of his thoughts were on the man below. If the villa were to collapse, Ezio was doomed. He launched himself down the stairs, incredibly fast despite his age. The instant his boots touched level ground he was reaching for Ezio-
Who stood before the armor of Altair, watching the gate rise.
"Dio Mio..." Mario breathed, though his enraptured nipote seemed not to hear him. "You found the seals."
As his uncle watched, Ezio reached up and very gently lifted the armor off its stand. It was heavy, and the noble was surprised by it. He turned, intending to change here rather then stagger upstairs with this in his arms, and saw Uncle.
"Zio...I found them all."
"Indeed. You surpasse us all. In a thousand years, no one had found any of them." Mario rested one hand on the armor, and the other on the man's shoulder. "I am so proud of you, nipote. Go, now, and try it on! Let us see what Altair has left his benefactor."
And maybe, possibly it will be too big for him. Then I will be forced to wear it.