1 | video

[need_a_hand]

[When the video turns on it's to a very displeased looking man, and apparently one who doesn't realize he just triggered the video function. He regardes the screen suspiciously for a few moments before huffing a sigh and just dropping his hand to his side. Everyone gets an exciting view of the dirt of field as he walks.]

This- this is too temperamental for Masyaf. If- [He freezes when something rustles. Oh look, a friendly scarecrow! Malik drops the dreamberry, making the view only of the scarecrow hobbling up. There's the ominous sound of a small blade being unsheathed.] What foul sorcery is this?

[Apparently the scarecrow has some fruit it wants to share, but by Malik's tone it doesn't sound like coming closer will be good for the scarecrow's health.]

Comments

[failssassin]

Either that, or I'm not a direct descendant. I'm not his son, if that's what you're implying.

[Yes Desmond, almost calling out Malik on his disbelief is good for you relationship.]

I was born about nine hundred years after your time, Malik. But I share blood with Altaïr all the same.

[need-a-hand.livejournal.com]

[So, so good. This is going great!] I see, so in my foolishness I missed the idea that you are some... some future spawn of Altair, a mere nine hundred years from our time. I am shamed that such a simple answer evaded me. [DRY AS THE DESERT.]

[He does pause after a moment though.] ... You speak the truth, do you not? [And he sighs, muttering some choice words in arabic.]

[failssassin]

[Aaaaand cue to the mental facepalming here. He needs to remember that Malik is like an Aeabic Shaun. With a better brain and a smaller ego.]

I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect. Timelines in this world don't seem to matter much. Some are from the future, others from the past. Some are not even from our world, or anything similar to our world. [There are talking ponies here after all.]

Yes, that's the truth. I don't have any proof of this except for the face I wear. [And the fact that he knows Altaïr's life in every detail from the moment he cost Malik his brother to the moment he took over the leadership of the Brotherhood. But this is not something he should be telling the Rafiq, at least not yet.]

[need-a-hand.livejournal.com]

[Well he wasn't expecting that. Have a raised eyebrow.] Are you certain you are of Altair's blood, Desmond Miles? To hear an apology come from one with his face is almost as strange as this land.

[Malik's just going to stare Desmond down for a few moments, expression unreadable before he just nods.] It would be foolish to spread such lies with Altair here to dispute them, and I see no reason to assume you are a fool. It is madness, just what I have come to expect.

[And now he's curious.] Tell me, Desmond Miles, does Altair's blood nine hundred years forward follow a creed? [Just because he was Altair's descendant doesn't mean he is part of the order, or that the order survived. He hoped it would.]

[failssassin]

[There's a hint of a smile on Desmond's lips at that] Yes, I'm sure. But I guess nine hundred years was long enough for the bloodline to learn some manners.

I have met with Altaïr here as well and I would not spread lies. Actually, the fact that we are related is not something I spread at all.

[The question doesn't come much as a surprise and Desmond nods, moving his left forearm into view of the Dreamberry, revealing the Hidden Blade strapped there]

Yes, with the same three tenets that was taught in your time.

[need-a-hand.livejournal.com]

Hmph, to think such a thing is even possible. I would believe your ridiculous notion of time travel before learning Altair's line could ever rid itself of that arrogant streak. Miracles, as they say.

[He regards the hidden blade, eyebrow raising again as he notices something.] And how is it, brother, that you wear such a weapon while still possessing all of your fingers? [Someone sounds a bit suspicious.]

[failssassin]

[There a small snort that escapes Desmond at that.] I guess it might be hard for you to believe that. But I can tell you that a lot of things changed within the bloodline. [Because between Altaïr and Ezio? There's a shit lot more differences in personality.

Oh, right. The novice manages to pick up on the suspicions of the Rafiq and he mentally slap himself again. God, he needs to be better prepared when meeting his ancestors or those who knew them.]

The design has been changed so that the removal of a finger is no longer necessary. [Desmond angles his Dreamberry so his left forearm and in a swift flick of the wrist that speaks of experience--though it's not his still--, he brings forth the Hidden Blade, the sharp metal sliding out with the telltale 'schlink' sound, showing up between Desmond's extended fingers. With the Blade out, the novice tries to show the Dai as many angles as he can of the new design.]

I suppose it gives us a more anonymous look if needed. Nowadays, Assassins gets a burn on their finger instead. Something easier to conceal. [He sheathes back the blade and shows his hand again, revealing the lack of burn as well.] I'm still a novice. [Or at least he guesses he's something akin to that now. He never really asked Lucy which rank he fell in after all. There was more important things to ask about back then.]