Disclaimer: Assassins Creed is owned by Ubisoft and Kuroinu: Kedakaki Seijo wa Hakudaku ni Somaru is owned by Studio Company; Majin.
I neither own these two franchises, if I did then I would be hella rich! I only own this fanfiction story and the OC's within it.
Ezio didn't know how tired he was from his first day in this new strange world, but he did know that he was exhausted enough that he immediately fell asleep in less than a minute.
Under this minute, he felt his body no longer feeling the fluffy mattress beneath him last night, but a cold hard exterior instead
'Eh?'
This strange new sensation prompted Ezio to open his eyes. Did he fall to the floor? He remembered doing that several times in his youth so maybe his new body also regained that habit.
Only to see not the wooden floor of the room that he purchased for the night but the gray-ish smooth floor with its signature blue and golden lines coursing through it like a vein.
"Ah… Back to this place again" He commented as he rolled his body to look up into the sky littered with the same gold and blue veins.
"Where else did you expect to meet me but here, my dear Ezio?" The same melodic voice called out to him, making Ezio move his head to see Venus, the Isu Immortal, sitting down on a comfortable chair.
A table laid in front of her with a tea set on it with another chair, the same one as the Venus is sitting on, on the opposite side.
"Come, sit with me" Venus asked with a soft smile on her face, different from the flirty ones that she used on their first meeting.
Ezio only nodded in silence as he stood up to from his laid down position, walking to the empty chair on the opposite side of Venus as he sits on it.
Venus did not say anything, silently grabbing the teapot as she fills the two empty teacups on the table before adding two spoons of sugar into it.
"How do you like your tea, Ezio?" The Immortal asked the man in front of her, patiently waiting for his answer
Ezio didn't really drink tea all that much back on Earth, the only few times he did drink it was when he was in England to meet an assassin-sympathetic client and tea was the first thing they often served to him.
"Just one spoon of honey, Signora Venus" Ezio replied to the Isu, he's quite fond of a large variety of anything sweet. Cakes, grapes, wine, that weird sweet roll from Norway, etc. However, he prefers his tea slightly bitter.
Venus merely complied as she dropped one spoon of honey into Ezio's cup before placing it in front of him with the saucer. To which Ezio accepted.
"Please, just call me Venus- I am not entirely big on formality, especially if we're working together for a long time." She said as she placed three spoons of honey into her tea before stirring, staring into his eyes not with lust as he would expect from her but with… something else.
" Very well then, Venus" Ezio merely complied to the Immortal's request -Or was it a demand? – to which the Isu woman smiled at. They both drank their tea in silence for a moment.
'Oh, a very peculiar taste…' The tea that the Assassin was drinking tasted very… different with a hint of alcohol in it?
"We call it 'Tilio', quite popular back in the day- The Greeks of your world seemed to have rediscovered it and called it by the same name. Coincidence, huh?" Venus spoke what Ezio is thinking, making him twitch at her sudden explanation.
Ezio sighed a little as he placed down his tea "Venus, mind stop reading my mind? It's very uncomfortable"
The Isu giggled at the Assassin's slight discomfort "I did not mean to, after all- We are in your mind and soul so your thoughts can be seen or heard by me, whether I want to or not. However, I can place a barrier between me and your soul if that'll ease you if you want."
Ezio thought upon it before nodding "Please do."
The Immortal merely obliged as the room suddenly brightened up for a moment before going back to their normal levels of light.
"Now, I am guessing that you are here for details and information, my dear assassin?" Venus stated, as if she already knew what Ezio is planning on asking.
The Assassin nodded, accepting the chance of allowing his questions to be answered.
"Tell me about this ongoing war that's been going across Eostia. I thought the war you mentioned when we first met is purely between the The Elves and Dark Elves who were supposed to span for centuries." Ezio asked, remembering the 'century-long war' that the Isu Immortal told him about as well as the current war that is ongoing.
Venus looked saddened at Ezio's question but answered it seriously "While I am an immortal as well as the creator of life upon this world; Even I do not know everything; I mostly studied how my children's evolutions…" The immortal briefly paused to herself before continuing
"-But the war between the two elven races did spark this decade-long war. Merely another war created by the previous one."
"So… A consequence?"
"Something like that, all I know that the two Elven races were a part of this one. The question is if they intended this or not, that I do not know." Venus finished, taking a sip from her cup of tea calmy.
'Hm… Guess I'll have to do my own research or perhaps ask an historian' Ezio filed away that little task of his into his mind. At one point, he'll get more information and even Venus will be more aware of what is going in this world.
Seeing that the man infront of her was pondering even for a few seconds, Venus pouted her red lips as she gazed at Ezio, who noticed the subtle change.
"Mou~… It's quite rude to not pay attention to the lady infront of you, dear Ezio" She said with a bit of neediness.
Ezio smiled at that, chuckling under his breath. Venus' constant wants for his attention certainly reminded him of Claudia's attitude when they were younger back in Firenze.
"My apologies, Venus- I did not mean to ignore you, I was just pondering on what you said"
Venus merely sighed as her smile returned to her face "Please, Ezio- Put your attention to me during our alone time. Being alone for centuries and not having anyone to talk to like an equal is not healthy, you know? Especially a handsome man like you do wonders for me" She lightly flirted
"What do you mean? Can't you just appear and walk the earth?"
"Unfortunately, I am still a foreigner according to the world- I cannot manifest myself into a form, not without help of course. Athena used her vaults so that she can appear but even that has its limits." The Isu sighed "Even after centuries of watching my children live and die, I still cannot find a solution. I even influenced one of the former 'Reincarnated Goddess' to see if she could help me but nothing"
"I see… If I can anything that might help you be released from this… place" Ezio gestures to the room "Then I'll let you know" The Assassin offered his own help, feeling a bit of sympathy to the Isu but a part of his mind says to remain cautious just in case. Being an Assassin tempered that cautiousness mindset into him just a bit.
Venus merely bitterly smiled, as if thankful for the help but doesn't expect much "Thank you, Ezio"
Time passed as the two talked over tea; Ezio with wanting to know more about this world and to be a conversation partner for the lonely Isu with Venus doing her best to provide said information while looking somewhat happy at the activity.
'I don't know how long I've been in here but atleast she's smiling\
== The Eagle Savior ==
It has been a week since Ezio entered this world and lived upon it as a young man once more. During those two weeks, he almost has most of the districts scouted out as well as the current state of the City of Curwell.
Despite it's surface image, the city of Curwell has been struggling with it's economy- It's main money maker, trading, has been very scarce for the past 4-5 years or so; Leaving valuable trading goods to lower it's prices even more for the few Caravans that do manage to make it. Due to it's slow path of poverty, many shops have been closed which further worsened the economy.
Sources from the De Forum and his, newly personal secretary, Favena as well as from the workers from the Tavern he frequently stays and eats; Say that the source of the problem stems from the current ongoing war.
Horrid creatures from the snowy north began descending into the kingdom, raiding villages and caravans. Bringing carnage and misery wherever they go. However, due to the war against the The Queen of the Dark Elves and her army of monsters, The Princess Knights and The Reincarnated Goddess gathered most, if not all, of their capable soldiers to fight – Leaving their kingdoms mostly bare of professional personnel.
While other cities are doing their best to combat this new issue, Curwell are the ones who took the raids the hardest as their nearby forests provided the perfect terrain for ambushes, hence the slowly diminishing state of their economy.
'Despite the Guild's best efforts, there is still an abundance of Kill and Bodyguard Quests in it's boards but not enough adventurers to do all of them.' Ezio thought to himself as he walked towards the door of the De Forum, opening it as he silently drew the attention of most of the adventurers inside without meaning to.
During the two weeks of scouting the city, he also did a lot of low-ranking jobs for the guild- Racking up some coins enough to perhaps buy some decent gear and weapons as well building up a reputation for himself.
Half of the jobs were basically erranding with rewards as he often delivered some type of document or helped someone deliver something that they couldn't, or too lazy, to do it themselves.
His speed and quick free-running skills, not to mention his strange clothing, quickly made him an instant favorite in the guild for Delivery missions. He was too good that they had to put a limit on how many delivery jobs he can take and do as he might leave none for the other low-ranking adventurers.
His natural charisma and mystery vibe he's got going, quickly gathered up some admirers – Unintentionally, he adds.
'I didn't exactly mean to charm anybody here, I'm just being me…' Ezio sulked to himself, not realizing that his usual self is his charming self.
Not to mention that his frequent chatting during his deliveries also scored up some good relations with some of the locals.
'Feels strange for young girls to chase after an old man like me, even though I am physically young again. Mused the Assassin in his mind as he walked towards Favena, who quickly realized him and turned to face him with her usual smile that he's gotten used to seeing these past two weeks.
"Another delivery done, Ezio?" The Guild Secretary stated as if she already knows that he's completed it.
To which Ezio nodded with a smile of his own, handing over his parchment that had the signature of the client.
"Of course, Signoria, was there any doubt?"
"None at all, and please Ezio, call me Favena- I don't mind." The Secretary said as she accepted the parchment and took out the reward money
"My apologies, I tend to stick to professional titles during business" Which was half a lie as he often acted casually during his younger years but most of that dissipated once he was older.
"Then call me that outside of business, okay? Also, Ezio, are you free right now?" Favena once again reached into her desk, prompting the Assassin to raise a brow.
"Hm? Yes, I am, why?"
"Well…" Favena then took out a rolled-up parchment and gave it to the Master Assassin, whom accepted it with a confused look.
"I didn't accept any other quests for today, though" Ezio remarked as he looked at the parchment curiously then to Favena.
"It's a letter of recommendation, The Guild thought it was appropriate since you did a lot of quests for us over the past two weeks, more than most adventurers at your level anyway."
Ezio piqued his interest at that as he went to unstring the parchment to reveal it's contents, Favena held up a finger, wagging it side to side as if saying "No no no~"
"Ah ah ah! Not now, the Guild Master must see it first- Speaking of the Guild Master, he actually wants to see you right now in his office. Just take the stairs to the second floor then the right hallway and another left till you see two double doors"
Ezio gave the Secretary his thanks with her response being "Good luck!" as he followed her directions. Walking up to the stairs and entering the second floor, he notices that there's a few doors on each side of the hallways with a red carpet on the wooden floor and walls looking very nice and clean.
It didn't take him long till he found himself infront of two double doors that looked slightly different from the others.
'I wonder why the Guild Master requested for me' Ezio thought to himself as he knocked on the door a few times.
"Come in!" a muffled voice from inside answers back
Ezio rose a brow at the voice 'Despite it coming from the side, I can already tell that it sounds a bit… young?'
The Assassin shook his head to rid such thoughts for now before opening the two doors and entering through it then closing it behind him.
The room was quite spacious in terms of size, decorated by paintings of various subjects and bookshelves with some vases filled with flowers that Ezio does not know of. A desk with a chair laid empty at the far opposite side of the room.
In the middle of the room were two blue couches with a table in the middle but what garnered Ezio's interest was the person whom is sitting on one of the couches with a cup of tea in their hands.
The person looked very young, probably in his pre-teens. Their features remind him of a child bordering teenage puberty till he noticed something peculiar…
'An elf?'
Ezio has never seen an elf before, only heard about them from the one who brought him to this world. But Venus always pointed out their one unique feature, the long-pointed ears.
The person in front of him fits that description pretty well.
The unnamed Elf looked and opened his emerald green eyes, he looks happy to see Ezio if his smile is any indication.
But Ezio is not convinced by this, he knows an act when he sees one. The Elf seems to be putting up a front, for some unknown reason.
Breaking his focus from the elf, he looks up to see that he is not alone. Behind the couch and standing behind him is a gray-haired woman in her early twenties if he guesses, holding to a staff with a gem on top of it.
She looks very stern, staring at him with her ruby-like eyes in a steely gaze in silence. Kinda reminds Ezio of his childhood personal teacher back in Firenze except this one is much younger and more beautiful compared to the old nagging woman he got.
The elf proceeds to speak up first to break the silence "Ah! Ser Auditore, a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
Ezio cocked his head at that but moved on "The pleasure is all mine; may I ask who you are in return?"
"My name is Arion, The Guild Master of De Forum here in Curwell." The now-named Arion replied before gesturing to the female in the room "And this is my assistant, Carla."
Carla bowed in courtesy as she spoke professionally "Greetings, Ser Auditore" Short and quick. Seems to be the reserved type.
Ezio returned the bow with a small bow of his own "Well met, and please; Call me Ezio"
"Very well, I shall call you Ezio at your request- Now please, take a seat" Arion gestured to the empty couch opposite of him
Ezio nodded as he took a seat on the couch, his eyes staying on the smiling face of the Elf before he spoke "So, why did you want to meet with me? I recall not doing anything very spectacular to garner the attention of a Guild Master"
Arion merely smiled even more as he replied chirpily "That's because I'm interested in you"
…
…
…
Ezio placed a hand on his chest as he spoke "I am flattered that you think of me like that but I am not interested in that sort of way towards men"
Arion guffawed at that, his laugh heard loud and clear across the room as the woman behind him, Clara, shook her head as if she's dealing with a migraine.
"Hahaha! Oh, my apologies- I did not mean to word like that, Ser Ezio, haha…" The elf spoke through his laugh as they finally died
Clara, however, was not amused by the scene "Arion, please learn some tact when dealing with our clients" She scolded the Elf whom waved it off
"It's only harmless fun, Clara, don't worry too much about it."
The woman sighed at that "Unbelievable…" She commented
Ezio smiled at the two's interaction, It very much reminded him when he was too-easy going back in his earlier days when Claudia complained all the time about his behavior.
'Heh, I pity Claudia's children once they start to get into trouble…'
Thinking of his Sister brought down Ezio's mood just a bit, missing her and the Family he unwillingly left behind. He already made his peace when Venus showed him visions of his family living peacefully with his children doing great things in the future, making him proud at the legacy he left behind.
Still, it'll take some time for pain to go away. How long? He does not know.
"Again, my apologies if I offended you somehow, Ser Ezio."
That brought Ezio from his brief funk, looking to see both Arion with a sheepish smile on his face and Clara now paying their attention to him after their brief interaction.
"Don't worry, I wasn't really insulted" Ezio is telling the truth, the question did catch him off guard though.
"I am glad to hear that, however me being interested in you is partly the reason why I called you here." Arion admitted, relief in his voice.
"Oh?" Ezio questioned, curiosity in his mind and tone
Arion nodded "Two things actually. First is your promotion to Silver! Congratulations, Ser Ezio!"
"Eh?" Ezio did not expect getting promoted if he's being honest "But don't Bronze Adventurers get promoted after a month or two after they're registration?"
Arion smiled, as if knowing that the Assassin is confused over this revelation. Carla answered for him though "Usually yes, but there are exceptions. Your frequent visits and acceptance of various quests on the board made The Guild Master think of you as worthy of being promoted to Silver."
"Silvers have access to more high-level quests inside or outside the city, most of those quests are extermination of someone or something, or escort missions of clients to a destination… But those quests do carry a semblance of danger than the quests that Bronze Adventurers get."
Ezio thought back to his first encounter with Charlie when Carla said that, remembering the four adventurers whom she hired for protection with one of them dying as the result of the attack.
'They're young too… Too young to be in this profession.'
Not like he was any better, he had his first kill and became an Assassin at the age of seventeen!
If Carla noticed Ezio's deep thought process, she paid it no mind as she continued "However, becoming a Silver often needs you to be recognized by the De Forum's local combat trainer and examiner; Logan The Vigorous. But Guild Master Arion always have the final say as to who gets promoted and who does not."
Ezio nodded in understanding "I see… But I never met this Logan before nor had my Combat skills examined so why are you allowing this promotion to go through?"
Although the idea of being able to take more dangerous quests out the city sounds appealing, this is a bit too convenient for him and for the Guild Master, whom he has never met before, suddenly allowing a stranger to become Silver?
Quite suspicious, indeed.
Arion chuckled mirthfully, interlacing his fingers together as he said the next words to ease the Assassin's clear suspicion "The reason I allowed such an exceptional promotion to go through is because of your friend's recommendation along with a few others…"
"And who are these people that recommended me?"
"Charlie, of course."
'Charlie?' Ezio's relation with Charlie was one that they consider each other acquaintances, but was it really enough to warrant such a recommendation to a Guild Master?
"You seem very confused, but do not worry- Charlie is a good friend of mine and Curwell as well. She's an honest merchant with fair prices even in this time of economic downturn… Her sincere words about you left no doubt about my decision"
Ezio can see that Arion genuinely values Charlie as a close friend so his suspicion was lowered after hearing the reason.
Though looking at Carla, she looks like she ate a lemon when Arion was speaking fondly of the Tomboy Merchant…
Does she not like Charlie or something?
'I wonder where Charlie even is… I've looked for her but I cannot find her for some reason…' Ezio thought Charlie as that one collectible, that he's very fond of collecting, that is hard to find.
"I see… I will give our mutual friend my thanks once I see her" Ezio remarked
"Very good!" Arion nodded with a smile "Now onto my second request; Your first silver quest, if you will." The elf leaned forward with his folded hands in front of his face.
"So soon after my promotion?"
"Apologies but this quest is an urgent one so we'd want De Forum dealt with it as soon as possible." Arion said
Ezio looked curious but allowed the elf to continue
"We need you to head on over to a village called Erstadt located to the North East of Curwell, it's not far but it'll take a few hours by horseback to get there." Arion said with Carla following up with the Guild Master's words
"The quest seems to suggest that there have been strange appearances outside the village as of late. It's been making the villagers anxious so we want to send over an Adventurer to inspect their findings." Carla added
"Whatever information you find, send it back to us via bird message. Depending on the severity of the situation, we might ask the local Garrison to help defend the village but with their current… state, I'm not sure if they'll be of any help." The elf frowned over the current state of Curwell's local garrison, clearly not pleased.
Ezio can agree with that. Over the past week, with him familiarizing himself with the city- He also notices that most of the soldiers of the Garrison are greenhorns; lacking training, proper equipment and the morale to fight effectively as a unified force.
Ezio asked Jamar at 'A Wayfinder's Rest' inn about it as he seemed to be the type to listen for any juicy info over the current state of affairs.
Being a bartender and listening to the ramblings of drunk men also helped in that regard too.
Jamar said that ever since the war started, most if not all of the experienced and proper trained soldiers have left with both of Curwell's Princess Knights to fight against the Dark Queen's Horde from the north alongside the Reincarnated Goddess.
The fight has been drawn out for a decade, losing valuable experienced soldiers to the jaws of war. Eventually, mass recruitment of new soldiers to replace losses was placed five years ago but all the newly trained soldiers are always sent to the frontlines as soon as they are done with their training.
Leaving untrained and undisciplined militias in cities to be trained by a handful of individuals and to protect the city as a whole while maintaining order as best as they can…
Sounds like a recipe for disaster to rely on untrained soldiers to protect a large city, Ezio mused to himself before Arion's words brought him back to reality.
"And so, that is why we personally asked you to do this quest for us. De Forum's staff knows how quick you are, even when delivering a package by horse. And Charlie is fairly confident in your combat skills judging from her recommendation." Arion finished as he looked into Ezio's eyes.
"Will you accept it?"
Well, being offered a quest personally by a Guild Master – Whom he barely knows, mind you – seems a bit skeptical for Ezio…
But the Assassin can also see the benefits from this. Knowing more of the surrounding land and its locals is certainly a plus and Ezio is always willing to help someone in need. Provided that someone doesn't bear ill intent, of course.
And he senses from the Elf who is requesting for his services., does not bear such ill intent.
"With a description like that, how can I refuse? Bene, I accept this quest."
While Arion did not know this 'Bene' word from Ezio's homeland, he does know that Ezio has genuinely accepted the quest makes him feel-
"-Wonderful! I am glad to hear such a positive response from you, Ezio!" The Elf Guildmaster beamed at Ezio's response.
Which made Ezio think if this is how Arion usually acts towards his subordinates. Looking at Clara behind the beaming Arion and her exasperated expression only solidifies his thoughts about the Elf.
"Since it's still early in the morning, if you leave before or during lunch- You should be able to arrive at Erstadt in the afternoon. Arriving as soon as possible there can dissipate the villager's fears." Arion advised as he gestured to Clara, to which Clara responded with a nod as she went to grab an item to which she gave it to Arion.
Arion then presented a silver badge to Ezio, a shiny silvery tag with a carving of the De Forum's insignia.
"Please, hand over your former badge and give me your right hand to commence the ceremony"
Ezio was familiar with this ceremony, he's experienced it with Favena when he first registered as a Bronze Adventurer so he does what the Elf asked with no questions.
Nodding as he placed the silver badge in Ezio's palm alongside it's bronze counterpart, Arion looked over to his assistant "Carla, if you please." He gestured with his head to the badges.
"As you wish" Carla neutrally replied as she held her hand over Ezio's own then started chanting
"By thy powers I wield, let thy individual's name and worth be acknowledged as a Silvertur of De Forum."
Carla's echoing voice can be heard around the room as her hand glowed in a red aura-like color.
The red aura seeped into Ezio's hands, seemingly going through it's skin.
Ezio feels his whole-being fully – Body and Soul – resonating with one another…
A wave of warmth hit Ezio for a moment before it dissipated., prompting Ezio that the ceremony is over.
Looking up, he sees Carla letting out a sigh as the red aura over her hand retreated back into her body. "The ceremony is done. Wear your new badge and title as Silvertur of De Forum with pride and honor"
"I will, Signora Carla" Ezio's proper response convinced Carla, giving a satisfied nod before returning to her previous spot behind Arion.
"Mhm, now that everything is set – Is there anything else you would ask of me before you go?" Arion asked the newly fledged Silvertur Adventurer infront of him
Ezio thought about it for a moment…
"Actually… I do"
== The Eagle Savior ==
"Ehh, never thought you'd be missing me so much, Ezio! Hahahaha!" Charlie teased the Assassin infront of her before following with a small laugh.
"What? Is it so wrong of me to wanting to meet with a cute woman again?" Ezio fired off his own tease, stopping Charlie in her laughing track – Making it into an embarrassed laugh with a slight blush on her cheeks.
After getting promoted and receiving the promotion of Silvertur from Arion, he asked if he knew where Charlie The Tomboy Merchant is. And indeed, he knew and gave Charlie's location to the man without a second thought.
Leaving De Forum with his new obtained information, he went out into the streets to find Charlie. Which took about half an hour as Arion did not give very explicit directions.
Lucky, he found Charlie set up in the North Nulf District of Curwell in an area called Market Palga. With her own stall beside similar stalls that are doing mercantile business.
Looking over the stall itself, the contents and items that she is selling seems to vary; Clothes, Potions, Pots, Jewelry, even Weapons though just by looking at them, Ezio can tell that they are used and in need of a good maintenance check.
"Ahem!" Charlie coughed as she regained her composure "Well, since you found me- Might I interest you in some of my wares? I just got some new stamina potions in the back; Quite popular for Adventurers such as yourself, cheap too!"
Ezio looked interested at such an offer, however, he was here for a different product "Perhaps another time, I'm actually here if you have any maps or know anyone who sells them." A map would certainly help him navigate much more easily in the countryside. He'd usually use a high-vantage point to help him familiarize the nearby land but having a backup navigation tool is certainly a must.
"Oh?" Charlie said with a smile "I do have maps in my stock; What kind of map are you looking for?"
"A map of Curwell and its surrounding countryside areas if possible" Ezio replied to the Tomboy Merchant. Thanks to the current economic descent to ruin, many shops are still closed down including those who sell maps. Hopefully Charlie, an merchant non-native to Curwell, may have some of the maps he need.
Said Merchant looked thoughtful for a moment before going to the back and rummaging through various container. "Wait here" She said as she continued to look for the items Ezio seeks.
A minute later, Charlie returns with three rolled up parchments and placing it onto the stall. Untying the ribbon of each parchment, she opens to reveal the contents.
Ezio's eyes immediately set to look at each parchment to see a detailed drawing of Curwell in the middle parchment while the two others displayed a different landscape that has it's own landmarks and settlements.
"These are…"
"Quite good, yeah? I bought these in the Capital City of Eahvine, some talented painters live there so quality maps shouldn't be too hard to find… However, they are expensive, my dear Ezio" Charlie said as she put on a business-like smile that he found on most merchants whenever they are trying to sell him an item.
Ezio was suspicious of that smile on Charlie's face for some reason…
"How much for them?" The Assassin cautiously asked…
"Four Gold Coins"
Four Gold Coins?! He only has two and barely enough silver to make it into another one!
'Merda, I'm short on one gold coin… And I'll be penniless for a while if I buy them!' Ezio thought to himself on how to get a better deal out of this, his haggling skills may have to come into play…
"But…" Charlie interrupted Ezio's line of thought, prompting to look at her playful-looking face as she continued once she has his attention on her "I can lower it to one gold if you do something for me."
Ezio raises a brow as he silently urged Charlie to continue, to which she did.
"Do you remember the twins and my niece, Diana?"
Of course, Ezio remembers- It hasn't been that long since they last met and even then, he still remembers the tearful faces of the twins during their ride to Curwell while carrying the only casualty of their party.
"I do…" A sad frown can be seen on Ezio's face which Charlie smiles with sympathy, remembering the sad sight within her memories.
"Hm… Well, as of late- My niece Diana have been good friends with them, and that makes me happy to see her making friends… However, I worry for them…" Charlie looked down to the maps, staring into them blankly
But Ezio understood what she is saying "You think they are not ready?"
"Of course! I don't wanna be an arse about this but… Their skill is awful!" Charlie said with an exasperated tone
"They are Silverturs, like you… But from what I've heard from my niece, you clearly have the talent to fight… And kill" She said with a final tone, as if she has a clue as to what Ezio can do in a fight.
Ezio couldn't deny that, He's always been a naturally-talented fighter and killer even before he was trained by his Uncle Mario and even before he joined the Brotherhood.
The Assassin sees where Charlie is going with this, though…
"…You want me to train them?"
Charlie only nodded as she stared at Ezio's handsome face, unblinking, waiting for his answer with a slight hope in her eyes…
Ezio wouldn't mind training some young folks, if he's being honest. He's already trained countless Assassins under his guidance in the Brotherhood and even trained the Chinese Assassin, Shao Jun, before his death…
But there is one thing that is nagging against the back of his mind.
"Why ask me? You barely know me… And I know you have an idea of what I am capable of…" Ezio said with a serious tone with a curious undertone.
Charlie did have an idea of what he is capable of. She remembers asking her niece, Diana, about how Ezio saved the three from death in the hands of the bandits. Diana, with awe in her eyes, as she explained how awesome and quick his movements and actions were during the attack.
Diana clearly held some mild admiration for the mysterious white-hooded man.
Charlie never really liked mysterious figures. They always seem to have some sort of schemes behind their honeyed words. Ready to strike when her guard was down…
Ezio possessed some of these traits… Yet Charlie was not wary of him…
Okay, that was a lie. Maybe just a little.
But his words of being lost and intentions of finding a were genuine… Even if she knows it wasn't the whole story, she's willing to give him a chance.
A dangerous chance with her niece and two other kids but it's not like she doesn't have a backup plan just in case things go to shit.
"I'm a good judge of character, Ezio! Besides, you don't seem like a bad lad in my eyes. So, what do ya say?"
'This doesn't sound too difficult' Ezio thought to himself, somewhat accepting Charlie's answer to his question.
"All right, I'll do it." The Assassin accepted the merchant's offer, which made her grin in victory and happiness.
"Great! That'll be one gold coin for three maps, please!" Another good deal in her end. She still got some profit for selling the maps and her niece, as well as her two friends/partners, will be getting combat training to increase her odds of survival
Not a bad outcome, to be honest
Paying up for the three maps, The Assassin puts them in one of his pockets as he asked the Merchant infront of him "Right then, can you tell your niece and the twins to meet me at De Forum in two days from now? Around Dawn, to be exact."
He'd ask them to meet up tomorrow but he'll probably return near evening and he prefers his training to be happening at the wake of dawn, where the sun is slowly rising from the horizon.
Charlie winked with a grin "Sure thing! And if you ever need anything else, I'll be right here!"
The Assassin bid farewell to the waving merchant, slipping through the crowds of people easily and instantly hiding himself in plain sight.
The tomboy merchant slowly put down her waving hand, looking at the direction where Ezio went.
A slightly worried look is plastered on her face as she muttered to herself "Stay safe out there…"
== The Eagle Savior ==
After making a quick stop at 'A Wayfinder's Rest' to gather his things and informing Jamar the Bartender that he'll be out of town for a few days to which the man merely grunted as his response.
Coincidentally, Evelyn the Barmaid was in close proximity and heard the exchange to which she gave Ezio a small sack filled with food. The purple-haired maid said it was thanks for all the stories that Ezio told her for the past week.
The stories that Evelyn mentioned was some of Ezio's adventures in his previous life. It was amusing to Ezio that the flirty barmaid from their first meeting was reduced to looking like a star-eyed child when he was telling one of his experiences.
His gear and equipment ready, he rented out one of the horses from Curwell's stables and ventured out to reach the Village of Erstadt.
Hours passed and it was already late afternoon, with night approaching soon. Luckily, in the distance, Ezio can see houses and windmills with lots of farmland. He can see farmers in the fields walking back to the village from a day of farm work, he guessed.
Arriving what he assumes to be the entrance to the village, high fences made of sticks and thick branches were put up around the village acting as a wall of sorts. At the front of the entrance stood two 'Guards' if Ezio could even call them that.
Both of them wore pants and a shirt, one of them was wearing a leather vest and the other was wearing a… wooden bucket?
'…What the?' Ezio looked confused at the bucket head wearing man. What purpose does a bucket on his head give?! He can't even see!
"Halt!" The bucket head wearing man called out to Ezio, prompting him to stop his horse right infront of the two men.
"Who are you!?" The bucket head yelled out, pointing his wooden mallet at the Assassin.
"Ya here to cause trouble?!" The brown-haired vest-wearing man backed up his fellow 'Guard', pointing his rake at Ezio.
"Whoa, easy now! I'm not here to start anything nor hurt you. I'm an adventurer from Curwell to who took up your quest." The Assassin spoke softly, not really wanting to cause a scene with these two.
"Oh yeah? What if yer' lying! You could be… ah… er… a bandit who's gonna steal our crops again!" The bucket head didn't believe the Assassin, prompting his fellow guard to show his support by nodding his head
"Yeah! What he said!" Said the vest-wearing moro- I mean, Guard.
Ezio let out a sigh as he took out the parchment that contained his quest details and his name as the adventurer who accepted it, showing it to the two guards "Here's my proof that I am here to help"
The two locals moved closer and peered into the parchment as if they were trying to analyze it, atleast, the vest guard was doing it. Ezio wasn't sure how the bucket guard managed to see.
"Hey… What does it say?" The bucket head asked his fellow guard, to which he remained silent for a moment… before turning to the bucket head.
"…I think this is the adventurer the elder was asking for!" The vest guard confirmed before hearing yet another question from his bucket-wearing friend
"How can ye be sure?"
"He has that symbol thingy on the bottom! 'Dem adventurers also carried the same symbol on 'em a few times!" The vest-wearing confidently answered his friend, to which he nodded in response
"Ahhh, all rioght!" The bucket head looked back at the Assassin "Yer' clear to go in! The Elder's been expectin' ye at his house!"
"And where is his house?"
"It's the one with a campfire and benches infront of it, hard to miss!" The bucket head answered Ezio's question before opening up the small wooden gate infront of him.
'…With Guards like these, I'm not surprised how some bastardo managed to cause some trouble.' Ezio thought to himself with a head shake before going through the small gate.
"…Oi" The buckethead called to his vest-wearing friend
"Hm?"
"How'd I do for my first time on the job?"
"Ehhh…" The vest-wearing lad did the 'so-so' gesture "Could've used a bit more grrr when welcomin' 'im. Like this!"
The vest-wearing guard did said example which made the buckethead gasp in awe over this
Leaving the two idiotic guards, Ezio noticed the agitated tension inside the village as some of the villagers began going inside their houses once they saw him.
'I wonder what got these people all riled up…' The most logical conclusion to the former Earth dweller was the threat of bandits. The Assassin has come across many villages that is plagued with banditry.
Far away from any strong local law enforcement to protect them, they were the ripe targets for pillaging of goods and capturing people for slavery.
Ezio's line of thought was broken when he finally reached a house that was slightly bigger than the rest in the village, a lit campfire in the front of it and an old-looking fellow sitting on one of the three benches.
'He must be the village elder'
The Assassin approached the old man whom was busy stirring a pot of stew hanging over the campfire.
"Excusi, Are you the Elder of this Village?" Ezio asked for clarification. Who knows, this might just be a random old man minding his own business so best to get things confirmed than leaving up to speculation.
"Hn… I am. And I suppose you are the Adventurer we've been expectin'?…" The gruff old man replied, his eyes firmly observing the boiling pot.
"Indeed, I am Ezio Auditore; An Adventurer of De Forum from Curwell. I've read that your village has been having some… trouble lately." Ezio said as he took out his parchment detailing the quest, and like with the two guards before, held it out to the Elder to take.
Said Elder shifted his eyes from the boiling pot, over to Ezio's face, looking at him in the eye for a brief moment before taking the parchment and reading it.
'This guy… He's seen some battles.' Ezio remarked, recognizing the faded gleam of a former warrior in the Elder's eye.
"Hngh…" The Elder grunted as he gave the parchment back to the Assassin, before gesturing to one of the empty benches "Take a seat, I'll explain the situation to you…"
Ezio only nodded as he walked over to the bench opposite of the Elder and seating himself right in his point of view.
Seeing the Adventurer seated, he began to talk while dropping some onion grass over the boiling stew "For the past week, we've been noticing a sudden drop of our current harvest. What was supposed to be twenty-two bags of grain and thirteen sacks of vegetables yesterday was suddenly reduced to less than half of that"
"Don't you have any sentries during the night to prevent such thefts?" Ezio asked the Elder, who just let out a frustrated sigh.
"I usually do, ever since the first theft- I've put up even more sentries just to catch the bastards that's been stealing the crops that we worked hard for! They always leave footprints but we don't have anyone that are skilled in tracking to identify them. They even gotten bold enough to steal a few of our livestock and slaughter one of 'em…"
Ezio could have a look at these footprints using his Eagle Vision to show him where the perpetrators fled after stealing. But in all honesty, Ezio is no conventional woodland tracker but this might be similar to when he used to track down hidden doors and such.
"I can have a look after these tracks of yours, track these thieves down and find them." Ezio offered to which the Elder nodded
"Hm… Fine, I'll show you the footprints. However, if you think are facing off against bandits then you are wrong." The Elder corrected the Assassin as he used a thick branch to move the pot from the campfire and unto the ground next to it.
"Huh?" Ezio was confused – Bandits aren't the ones causing this?
Seeing the confused look, The Elder continued on as he walked off to where the footprints are without a word, prompting Ezio to quickly follow "Mhm, two days ago- Just right after puttin' up the quest, one of my sentries managed to get a good look on one of the beasts that's been causin' trouble for us…"
"Beasts? What are these beasts you speak of?"
"Goblins"
Goblin Slayer breathing INTENSIFIES
What's is up, my guys and gals! I know, it's been a few months since the last update and I know some of you want some action already. Admittedly, me too, but that's what I'm gonna write for the next chapter so the Snowballing of the story and main plot can get FINALLY started! And that means... The lemons draw ever closer but still so far away...
*Whimpers with a tear*
Don't worry, though - The next update will probably be out by the end of September or the start of October so look forward to Ezio killing Goblins and getting the plot going!
Also, hot damn, I sure got a few more Favs and Follows lately - 200 Faves and almost 300 Follows. To me, an amateur story writer, knowing that people actually read and leave some positive remarks in the review section about my story really boosts my confidence just a bit. I just hope I have enough drive to finish this story even if it does take a year or two. This story will probably end around like... 30 or so Chapters. Quite the goal I set up myself but I prefer a short and completed story compared to a long, drawn-out uncompleted one.
Give me strength, fellas, to finish this story and to get that Ezio Lemony goodness!
Now, to answer some of the reviews that some of you lads left on Chapter 4 -
Q: the true skill of a assassin is proved if he can hide between 5 prostitutes while wearing a with robe - masked creeper
A: That skill is OP... and Ezio has achieved such skill. Expect that type of situation a few times in future chapters :D
Q: Will Ezio start up a new brotherhood. - Ironwall
A: Most definitely. Despite how powerful Ezio is combined with his Master Assassin skills when he was an old man and the young vigorous body he now has; He is still human and One man cannot possibly face an entire army of humans and monsters alone and live to see the day. So he'll need some allies to back him up, including the Assassin's he'll be recruiting into the new and first Brotherhood of this world.
Q: Did someone say Goblins? - x-x-TheBurnedMan-x-x
A: Indeed. And we'll be slaughtering them soon...
Q: As for pairing, I am actually curious how he interacts with Alicia. The potential dynamic between her and Ezio would be great for her character and amusing to watch since she strikes me as someone who would get flustered by Ezio's lady-killing charm - AXL999
A: I am quite excited to write their interactions as well, hopefully, I can pull off their relationship in a good way.
Q: Good job with the chapter. Can't wait for more. - Asianman2
A: Here you go then :D - And expect more on the way!
Q: Damn so no smoke bomb spaming for free assassinations? lmao - Devin Devin
A: That will still happen but not as frequently since Ezio only has limited smoke bombs. Plus, I gotta diverse how Ezio is killing dem fools, my man.
Q: Good chapter and I can't wait to see what happens next and it will be interesting to see if he meets the princess's soon - hellfire45
A: Oh, he'll meet one of the Princess in the next chapter, Or I should rather say... Princesses :3
Q: Honestly starting this fanfic I was honestly not expecting anything in particular but holy shit I'm actually very interested in how things will pan out, can't wait for the next update. -WolfisticMTH
A: Glad I caught your interest, hopefully, I'll keep that same interest alive till the end of this journey!
Q: Loving the story so far! When can we expect the next update? - dovahkiinsei
A: Thank you! Here's Chapter 5, my guy. And the next one will be near the end of September or the first week of October.
Q: Did you just kill Edward Kenway or are you just baiting us cause honestly I can't tell... and I love it - Shadowwolf1997
A: Nah, just a blonde OC I made to only die horrifically in the same chapter. In all honesty, Ezio will be the only Assassin from Earth and into the Kuroinu World just so no one will get confused or expect another Earth-Origin Assassin showing up in the story.
And I think that's all of the reviews! If you are interested in another hentai story of mine, check out my Evenicle x Naruto Crossover story. That'll also be getting a similar update treatment such as this one.
Thank you again for reading and I'll see you in the next chapter of Eagle Savior.
FictionMilitia, Signing out.
