Disclaimer: I don't own Assassin's Creed or any of its characters.
The sky was dark and glittering with stars. The chill hung in the air and clung to Altair despite his robes. He stopped in the middle of the street. No guards were out at this hour. Too early in the morning and cold for even the most dedicated guard. His breath came out in a small cloud. He had stopped on his way to the Auditore household when noise had come from behind him. Altair looked in the shadowy alley; the sounds of guards were quickly approaching. Altair frowned and stepped out of the way, hiding in alcove. A person rushed past him and Altair almost slapped his forehead.
He grabbed the running man by the collar and yanked the boy back into the brink wall, placing himself in front of the runaway.
"Ezio." He said in a tone that held a warning. The young Auditore flinched back. Ezio's long hair was falling out of his ponytail and his clothes were all ruffled. Altair could smell the flowery perfume on the young man. Altair sighed and rubbed his brow when he heard the guards, who originals were now clear, come closer. "Stay." He pointed at Ezio in warning before stepping out to meet the pursuers head on.
He stopped in the road and three Florence guards stood before him.
"Spostare!" One shouted and when Altair didn't move or response, they took out their swords. Altair copied their movement. "I will ask you one more time. Spostare!"
Altair moved but stepped forward and took out the first one before he could react. The other two gasped in shock as the stabbed guard fell to his knees. Altair placed a feet on the fallen soldier's shoulder and yanked the blade out. Blood coated the metal as he turned to the other two. The One recovered quickly and attacked. He slashed downwards and Altair met him and held the sword steady. They struggled, equal at strength, before Altair stabbed him with his hidden blade. The guard gasped and shrank to his knees, his sword falling to the ground as he died.
The last guard was frozen in fear for a moment before he dropped his sword and took off in the direction he had come. Altair frowned and pulled out a throwing knife. He hadn't wanted to kill the man but he also didn't want to raise alarm. The Assassin threw the knife and it hit the man dead center in the back and he fell the stone road, dying with a moan.
Altair sheathed his blade and went back to his novice hiding in between buildings. Ezio was poking his head out rather nervously from the shadow.
"So Ezio. What brings you out this early in the morning?" Altair asked causally. Ezio jumped a bit at the sound of his name and looked up from the dead bodies. He trembled from the chill and looked like he was ready to be sick. Altair grabbed the boy by the shoulder and guided him away. "You didn't answer me." Altair said as they walked back to Ezio's house.
The boy chuckled and ran a hand through his messy locks. Sleep was evident in his eyes. He yawned largely. "I was visiting Christina." He said with a grin.
Altair rolled his eyes. "Ezio, I hope this will not continue." Ezio looked over to him with a wide open mouth. Altair slapped his jaw shut.
"But why?" Altair stopped and looked down at the boy with a exasperated look. "
Ezio, once you are an Assassin, enemies will try to take advantage of that." Altair explained.
"Then I will protect her!" Ezio said determined. Altair scoffed a bit and smiled. He pushed away the curly brown locks away from the boy's forehead.
"Alright Ezio." He nodded to the villa behind them. He didn't have the heart to tell the boy otherwise. "Go and get dressed. We are meeting someone today." He said softly and Ezio ran inside his house, slamming the door behind him loud enough for Altair to flinch.
"So who are we meeting?" Ezio asked eagerly and pushed his hood away from his face, following behind his mentor. Altair grabbed the boy's arm and dragged him beside him as they walked in the crowd.
"Assassins must hide in plain sight in order get to their targets. While I can teach you to blend, I cannot teach you to disappear completely in a crowd." Ezio's large brown eyes widened in excitement. "Her name is Paola and she is a courtesan." Altair stopped his trainee. "Ezio, don't you dare get distracted." At Ezio's grin Altair slapped him over the head. "I mean it novice." Ezio rubbed his head in pain and looked up at Altair from under his hood with big watery head.
"Si, don't worry. Maestro I can stay focused. Now let's go!" Ezio finished quickly and moved on ahead. Altair sighed when he noticed the Auditore heading for the nearest brothel.
"Ezio, wait up!" He chased after the teenage boy.
As they entered the brothel Altair could just tell there was a pleased smile on the boy's face. The young ladies in the room immediately turned their attention to the Assassins. Their gaze lingered on Altair, who glared back in return. Then they caught sight of the young Auditore and were smitten at first look. Courtesans surrounded the boy and cooed at the sight of him. They twirled his curly hair and complemented him. Their flirting giggles made Altair's eyebrow twitch and an ache in his head became to build. He left the boy there, knowing Ezio would never notice he was gone.
Instead he looked for Paola. His sharp eyes picked up another woman. He stalked towards her. "Maria." He called out in purr.
The lovely courtesan dressed in green. Her long brown hair was braided and crowned her head.
"Altair." She patted the seat beside her and Altair lounged beside her. Her clear eyes met his and there was a smile that held secrets. "What brings you here?" She pouted seductively. "You never visit me anymore." Altair's hearing picked up on the hidden English accent and old memories started to come to the surface of his mind. Altair nodded to where Ezio was being crowded. "Another novice? But he looks so young." Maria said upset.
"I know."
"Be careful Altair." She advised him. The Assassin nodded. Maria pulled down his hood down and brushed his sandy brown hair. She hummed and cuddled up against him. "You should grow your hair out. It is attractive on these Italians." She purred. Altair gave her a straight look and she broke into a smile and a fit of giggles. "I'm just joking Altair." She kissed his cheek. "I should go find Paola for you."
A/N: Maria did pretend to be a courtesan in the series so I made her one in the story so Altair wouldn't be lonely. ;) Confused, let me know!
Spostare-Move
Maestro-Master
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