Sorry it's been a while since the last update, been sorting things out for racing college and it was my 21st birthday on the 11th anyway enjoy!
Though their time had been short in Kingston, it had been well spent. The sun had long since set, the sparkling stars; shined clear in the Caribbean sky. The dull warm glows from the fire lanterns burned through the night, as pale shadows danced along the walls.
The three had taken their stay at Marley Brewery Tavern. The pub packed with people, the sounds of life surrounding the place. The echoes of clinking tankards and laughter along with the merry Tavern songs and sailor's sea shanties.
Haytham slowly brought his ale to his lips, taking a sip while overseeing the map Johnson was busy scribbling notes onto. Amelia's fingers traced the rim of her glass, never taking a moment to actually drink. She slowly leaned forward, her eyes meeting with Haytham's as her chair creaked against her weight.
"My Assassins have informed me that Charles has taken residence of Laurence Prins' old home. He's to hold the masquerade ball in a few days' time."
"Excellent that should give us enough time to plan. If we're to obtain the key back from Charles we need to attend unnoticed, the masquerade provides us with the perfect cover. Johnson do you suppose you could find us the proper attire before the ball?"
"Of course Sir. In fact I believe I saw a Tailors not too far from here."
"Very well. I will leave you to take care of this task then. You can leave first thing in the morning."
Johnson gave a stern nod before almost immediately going back to his notes. Haytham turned back to Amelia only to find that his love had left. The skilled Assassin in her never making a sound. Excusing himself he left the Tavern, stepping out into the hot humid Jamaican air. Rushing through the crowds of people that stalked Kingston's paths, he took a short walk up a steep hill. As he reached the top; the sight of the large windmill stood tall against the night's dark glittering canvas. And at the very top sat Amelia.
Letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, he quickly took to climbing the structure before finally reaching the top. She sat alone, dressed only in a single shirt, breeches and boots. Hugging her legs to her chest, her eyes cast out to the view below. Her face blank and eyes cold. Haytham approached slowly, shrugging off his jacket and gently draping it across her shoulders to shield her from the slight chill from the brisling winds so high up. He silently sat beside her, never speaking a word until she was ready. The only sounds the chirping of the crickets against the calming gushes of the oceans waves.
"He's there Haytham."
Following her gaze she was staring at the large mansion below, the land surrounding now crawling with Redcoats.
"The man that killed my mother in there right now. And there's not a thing I can do."
His heart broke when she looked at him. The darkness in her eyes, the pain. He was all too familiar with it. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close to his chest. His hands entwined as they lay rested against her stomach.
"I know. He will pay for what he did Mila. To you. To me and to your mother. This I swear to you."
On the night of the ball ,the mansion and its land were quite grand given its years of neglect. The Templars clearly taking the time to restore the property to its former glory just as Edward had described in his journal from his years spent in Kingston. Fire lanterns lit the pathway to the home, while ribbons and flowers hung decoratively.
Amelia almost admitted it looked rather pretty. With Johnson taking his position by arriving at the ball an hour earlier, she was left to attend with Haytham. Not that the Assassin would've ever complained but a small part of her wished that for once she would've had the chance to actually dance with him.
She took a deep breath against her corset, this dress an improvement from the one she wore back in New York. Given that it allowed breathing room and long sleeves for her hidden blades. Both dressed in a deep royal red, she pulled her mask down over her eyes. The dark lace and single feather itching against her skin, scrunching her nose for a moment before it sat comfortably in place. She took hold of Haytham's arm as he led them up the path. Slowly leaning in as he brought his lips to brush with her ear.
"According to our sources, Charles will be taking a meeting with the Templars tonight. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Of course. Johnson will signal when he's found the documents, the two of you worry about finding the map... Leave the key to me. This isn't my first ball Haytham."
Amelia felt the butterflies flutter in her stomach as Haytham chuckled at the memory.
"Ah, of course my dear. How could ever I forget?"
As they entered the ball they were greeted by a home filled with breathtaking suits and gowns; magnificent masks and the gentle flow of a playing string quartet. The Assassin took in each sight as she made her way through the crowds. Finally emerging to see the beauty of the ballroom, each couple gliding across the floor like angels. Once again finding herself captivated by it. The rush of emotions skipping her heart, fluttering in her stomach till she breathed heavily.
Her green eyes flickered towards her love to notice he was smiling at her. So obviously caught up with her fascination with the ball. She smiled warmly in return, though it quickly faded when he took her hand and led her to the center of the ballroom.
"What are you-"
"It occurred to me that I never asked you to dance in New York. A regret that I'll confess had somewhat stayed with me. I think it's time we rectify that don't you?"
She smiled as he placed his hand against her waist, pulling her close. Their eyes locked and arms entwined as they slowly began to dance. The soft melody playing seemed to surround them, leaving her breathless. As the dance came to an end they slowed as Haytham brought Amelia's hands to his lips, gently placing a kiss on the tips of her fingers.
She failed to hide the blush creeping on her cheeks, that only seemed to deepened at his signature smirk. Clearing his throat he quickly let go when he noticed Johnson standing in the doorway. Taking a moment remembering why they were there.
"I'd better go. Charles' meeting is being held in the garden, be careful."
"Always."
He kissed her check before quickly making his way through the crowd towards Johnson. Taking a deep breath Amelia moved towards the wooden doors leading outside.
The music was muffled outdoors, the only sounds being the chirping crickets and distant sea. The click of her shoes on the hard stone path sped up with her pace. The garden almost scarce in comparison with the guests indoors. The odd couple sneaking out for a quiet moment alone, the lonely drunks sitting in the grass mumbling to themselves. And the distinct sound of upper class accents and laughter.
At the top of the garden stood a tall wooden canopy. Inside a round table holding the each Templar that had sided with Charles Lee.
"Well gentlemen, I am pleased to say we have acquired both the map and the precursor key needed to gain access to the Observatory. I've made plans to leave soon."
"And what of Johnson?"
Charles eyed Benjamin Church with a scowl.
"I assure you that traitor will be dealt with when I have the time. Although at this moment, he alone poses no threat."
"Oh really then wot about Hayfem' and that Assassin bird of 'is?"
The Templars glared at Thomas Hickey's slurred words as he went back to downing his bottle of wine.
"I admit that was most unfortunate. However I'm sure once the Assassin is dead, Haytham will eventually see reason. Allowing us to bring him back to the Order. Now please gentlemen enjoy the ball..."
The men mumbled their thank you's, before dispersing. A few of the Templars even tipping their hats to Amelia as they passed by. When the coast was clear and every man had gone, Amelia made her move.
She slowly approached the path leading to the canopy, stepping inside. Her eyes locked on Charles as he sat alone at the table. Extending her hidden blades she stepped cautiously before jabbing the blade into his back causing him to flitch.
"Hello Charles."
"Ame-Amelia?"
As he attempted to turn to face her she drove the blade deeper into his back, earning a pained wince in response.
"Ah ah ah...I wouldn't move if I were you. Or even think of calling for your guards. You wouldn't want to cause a scene in front of all these lovely people now would you?"
"Why are you here?"
"I think we both know the answer to that. The key...Where is it?"
"I see you've figured out my plans then? After all why else would you be here..."
"I don't have time for conversations Charles, the key...now!"
Her anger boiled inside her, her eyes blank of all emotion. The darkness creeping up as she drove the blade even deeper into his flesh drawing blood as it seeped into his clothes. He hissed in pain, his hand fiddling in his pocket before holding the precursor key for her to take. She snatched the artefact from his grip, placing it into her pocket. Her hands now trembling.
"I suppose you're going to kill me now Assassin?"
She thought about it. The pain he'd caused her, the months of being locked away. Killing her mother and taking Haytham away from her. Her whole being trembled with anger, tears swelling in her eyes. Her heart racing. She twisted the blade harder, enjoying the sound of his pained breaths. Before snapping the hidden blade back and stepping away from him.
"No. Killing you won't bring my mother back, and then I'm no better than you. No more Charles, I'm done."
Her skin crawled at the wicked chuckle from the Templar as he casually leaned back in his chair.
"Then I suppose you'd better leave while you can, my dear Amelia."