After the burst of bloodshed and accomplishment in the mid summer, Élise's life had been peaceful. She continued to train, though mostly alone. She had enjoyed the luxuries the Templars offered her, especially the rich and fancy food. Among her previous faction she had not exactly lived like a peasant, but it had hardly been a luxurious life either.

All the same, the city outside was tumultuous. There was still rampant hunger, and much more violence as citizens came to disregard royal authority. But she looked at all of that optimistically: France was going through growing pains, just like her when she had first started her training. And there had been fruits from all this: the abolition of feudal rights, most prominently.

Right now, she was sharing a meal of fish and marinated asparagus with the regular residents and few guests. The conversation had become rather heated, much like the politics outside their wall.

"It's that Austrian bitch Marie that keeps leading him astray! All those who've met with the king say the same. He's a reasonable man, but once the meeting is over and he's back behind closed doors, she manages to undue any progress we've made."

"Nonsense, she's a scapegoat! The people would rather blame a foreigner and a woman for their troubles!"

"I say we kill them both and be done with it! We already have so many of our people so close to the royal couple, it can't be that hard to slip poison in their tea."

"Abigail!"

"It's never that simple."

"What does it matter? The king only has power as long as the people agree to be bound by him, and every day his words carry less and less weight! The king can stay on his Earth as long as he likes, his power will wither away!"

"And what about when the other monarchs of Europe become scared of the people's disobedience?"

Then the dining hall doors opened, and the imposing figure of the Grand Master, clad in his signature dark coat and top hat, a guard by his side, caught every diner's attention.

"Everyone! I have some terrific news! A crowd, mostly women, have began marching on the Palace of Versailles! It's a remarkable sight! Thousands are protesting at the gates of the palace! Some of our finest have already arrived to give voice and order to them. I am offering transportation to anyone who wants to be part of this!"

Women. The world was changing. More people were starting to see things her way. She had been born at just the right time.

Élise stood. "I will go!"

"Excellent! Anyone else?"

He looked about the crowd, likely expecting more volunteers.

"Well then, Élise, let's be off!"

She left her unfinished lunch without hesitation. She was jubilant to again be part of French history. The last few months had been nothing but spectating. She was eager to once more be a voice for the common citizen.

Following him out into the chilly autumn air, a mahogany horse-drawn carriage was waiting. Though their vessels was regal, their missions was for the have-nots. This time her service might not be as violent, might not be as effective, but it would be service none the less. The three: François, his guard, and Élise, all entered the comfortable interior and sat on the ridged scarlet cushions.

The driver jostled the reigns and horse began clopping forward.

"Élise, have you met Monsieur Robespierre yet?"

"No, sir." Although she had heard the name thrown around several times in banter among Templars.

"Well, he's at the march, and I'm sure he'll be eager to meet you. Word of your deeds have spread far across the order!"

"I'm honored, Grand Master."

It had been a painful transition from Assassin to Templar, but its fruits were rich. The Templar's trust, nobility, and efficacy had exceeded her greatest hopes. It had been an incredibly good choice to come out of the darkness of her old order.