Okay as much as the Versilla portion was fun, I had to cut it out, I didn't find it fit into the story and I do not want to drag this along far.
-Moon
A storm rolled in from the south of France, carried by the seas, and Paris fell victim to its heavy downpour. Catherine's feet were submerged in puddles of water. Her hood was pulled over her head to shield her from the spring weather, and droplets of water rolled down her coat, keeping her from getting drenched.
She made sure her hair was tucked into her hood as she made her way to her destination. The Île de la Cité was nearly deserted under the storm's relentless assault. In the heart of Paris stood one of the oldest and tallest buildings in France: Notre Dame. The iconic gem of the city had stood for over 500 years, dating back to the Middle Ages. Catherine admired the twin bell towers of the cathedral and the rose window that rested between them before descending the steps of the Lady of Paris.
It had been a month since the assassination attempt at the Palace of Versailles. She had been welcomed by the court, just like Genevieve had intended too. She met so much of it that she was able to meet allies, and possible strong friendships. Catherine had stayed in Versailles for the month following the incident, where she had become good friends with Genevieve and the Lafayettes. She was even invited to the palace weekly by Marie Antoinette and had the great honor of dining with the royal family. Although Catherine felt like a bumbling idiot in front of the King of France, it had still been a memorable evening. She found Marie Antoinette to be both native and kind.
A meeting had been arranged for her to meet Sophie Trent to discuss what came next. Catherine's time in this foreign country was dwindling due to the urgency of Connor's request to save his people's land. On top of this rushed emergency, Catherine was starting to miss home. She missed the lush greenery and quiet of the frontier, as well as the smell of the sea air from Boston Harbor.
Most of all, she missed her close friends. James had been doing counter intelleance on the Templars in New York and Connor was still living with Achilles at the Davenport Manor, who continued to write to her.
As Catherine walked across the marble tiles of the cathedral, she noticed candles blazing in honor of someone's prayers. She approached the stand and, as was her custom every time she entered a Catholic cathedral, lit a candle for her mother and father. It was a childish hope that somehow they could be a family again.
She looked at a small statue of the Virgin Mary before heading over to the pews to sit. Catherine glanced in awe at the rose windows; their beauty never ceased to captivate her. She also heard the quiet prayers of the people inside the church.
Quiet footsteps approached, and a hooded figure sat next to Catherine, pulling down the hood. "I received your message," Trent said in a low whisper. "Are you sure you want to return to Boston?"
"Yes, I've learned everything I can from the French Brotherhood. I have the funds I need to fund the weapons and aid to the natives right out from under the Templars' noses."
"I appreciate your enthusiasm, Cormac. I just wish you could stay a little longer, considering the progress you've made. However, the council and I believe it's time for you to return to the Colonials to rebuild the Brotherhood. You mentioned that Connor has already started recruiting."
Catherine shook her head. "Aye, he is actually French, from Quebec."
"Very good. Might I make a small request?"
"Of course," Catherine replied. "What is it?"
"We will send you another recruit once you're settled."
Catherine raised an eyebrow. "Which novice?"
"William. He is eager to join you in the colonies but isn't ready yet."
Catherine nodded. "Sure, send him. We need all the help we can get."
Sophie nodded before asking her final question. "When do you leave?"
Catherine sighed. "This week. I've arranged for a ship to be charted to Boston. I'll be in heavy disguise to avoid any Colonial Templars."
"I wish you good luck then. Paris will always welcome you." Sophie smiled. "You should start packing and saying your goodbyes. The other novices look up to you."
"Thank you," Catherine said.
The Master Assassin nodded. "I do wish you could stay, but you have your calling to take care of back home."
Catherine smiled, trying to keep her mind at ease. "Is there any update on the Order of the Ancients?"
"No, we are still sifting through our records. We've even reached out to our brothers in Greece for more information. But don't worry—Genevieve is safe. Marco won't lay a hand on her."
"Thank you. Please let me know if you find out anything about them. They were very interested in me."
Sophie nodded. "I know. We're wary of them, especially since they're involved with the Templars."
Catherine nodded, then stood up, taking one last look at the cathedral. "I will miss this building. It is beautiful."
"I know. It has stood for over 500 years, a testament to what humanity can build," Sophie replied.
Catherine's eyes fell upon the ship that would take her directly to the Davenport Homestead. Her heart pounded with excitement at the thought of returning home, but it was also filled with sadness. She watched her luggage being loaded onto the ship before turning to Charles Dorian. He held onto Arno's tiny hand before letting go; the young boy ran to Catherine and hugged her.
"Do you have to go? I'll miss you," Arno said, his head buried in her coat.
It had been an emotional few days for Catherine. She had to say goodbye to the people she had come to know during her time in France. Two nights ago, she drank away the night with the novices she had helped train. The younger teens had looked up to the older assassin with much respect.
However, the next morning, she awoke with regret and a pounding headache. It didn't leave her much time to pack the little she had accumulated over the years in Paris.
Catherine fell to her knees to give the child a tighter hug. "I know, I'll miss you too."
She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek before standing up to say her goodbye to her mentor. "I want to thank you for all you have done for me these past few years. I would probably still be running my mother's tavern without really understanding what was truly at stake."
"You have Connor and Achilles to thank as well when you return," Dorian said, trying to hide his embarrassment at her gratitude. "Take care of yourself; don't do anything reckless, Catherine."
Catherine Cormac pressed her lips together in a grin. "You know me, I only cause trouble when Templars are involved."
Charles snorted, "That's what I'm afraid of."
The younger assassin lingered in front of her mentor before she leaped and gave him a tight hug. "Thank you. I am going to miss you both."
Dorian stood a bit shocked by the sudden burst of affection before resting his arms around her back to return the hug. "Make sure you write to us, Catherine. We want to hear updates from you." He lectured her in a fatherly tone. "You are family to Arno and me. If I had a daughter, I would like to imagine she'd be something like you."
Catherine's heart swelled with happiness. The young Cormac heard the ship's quartermaster call for boarding. "I guess it's time."
The young woman backed away from the father and son, grabbing her carry-on bag and strapping it over her shoulder. She waved to them both as she walked towards the ship's plank and turned around to walk up it.
Catherine could hear Arno shouting goodbye and good luck over the sounds of the seagulls and harbor life. She waved a last goodbye before boarding the ship. For a moment, she could have sworn Charles Dorian's eyes carried a weight of sadness, but they were replaced with a vision of reassurance. In that instance, Catherine knew that Charles had faith in her success.
She prayed that she would see him again someday soon. She looked above her head to see Orla circling the ship before gliding down to her mistress. She landed on a mast above her. Catherine knew that she was tucking herself away for a long journey back home. It was time to go home.