A rough winter had set into the crevices of the mountains
surrounding Masyaf; ice gleamed at the rugged peaks,
reflecting a sun too pale to offer much heat. A brisk wind
had blown in, &&. with it came the last traders to the small
village. Everyting was kept in comfortable routine; a
warmness spread despite the chill of the season. Things
were alright, &&. would be until Spring came again.
Though anxious to be out taking care of Assassin business,
the Mentor knew there was also work to be done here in the
fortress. There were preperations to be made, novices to
train... the everyday things a Master Assassin was
expected to do. &&. much more, being Mentor now. &&. a
father, of course. A husband to an opinionated, strong
English woman. A woman he was terribly in love with.
Watching from the main tower of the fortress, Altair could
see down to the marketplace, to the village gate, &&. the
stables beyond. That's when he sees the lone rider stop at
the gate, coversing with the guard stationed there. From his
vantage the Mentor can distinguish the hood pulled over the
traveler's head, &&. that alone is enough to tell him what
to expect. He turns away, back to his desk, &&. picks up
the Apple, stowing it away in a box on a bookshelf; it is
always in his sights, never too far from reach.
After a pause Altair turns back to the window, his gaze first
going to the training ring below, eagle eyes scanning the
novices at battle there. Then he returns his focus to the
travler, the unknown assassin. &&. he waits, watching, until
the figure disappears into the shadow of the keep, then he just
waits. Soon enough the guard mounts the stairs, bringing with
him the wanderer, the unknown entity. The Assassin.
Waving the guard away without turning, the Mentor stays still a
moment, listening. Then he turns partially, hands behind his
back, head inclined towards the other, hood shadowing his face.
" Safety &&. peace, brother. I hope you traveled well; welcome
to Masyaf. Now, what brings you here for the winter? "