What if Shao Jun was Hui (Muslim ethnicity of China)?
It would add a huge dimension to the character. The Ming Dynasty was a favorable time for Hui people, was when Zheng He (a Hui eunuch) made his famous voyage around the world.
When she went West to find Ezio, it would have been hugely symbolic. Islam found its way East via the Silk Road. And now Shao Jun was taking the same road back. She could have even stopped in Syria to pay respect to Altaïr, where he gave the Codex to the Polos who went to China in the last dynasty.
(A/N: This is inspired by an idea I had whilst wedding planning. YES!! I’m getting married this summer and I couldn’t be more excited!!
Inspired by my original theme but ended up going in a different direction, but wanted to share a fantasized version).
///////
(In a fictional setting but irl place names are used for simplicity but for fictional purposes)
It was a beautiful day for a wedding. The flowers and grass outside gave off a damp, dew glow from light rain in the early morning hours and a rainbow could be seen overhead in the distance outside my window.
I sat in the master suite of Casa Loma, the finishing touches for my ensemble compete. When my make up was done, my hair ready and the veil draped over me, I slowly emerged from my seat, dressed in a white, satin ballgown dress with a sweetheart neckline that made me feel like a princess.
To my love, and in a few minutes, my husband, I was one.
I looked myself over in the three way mirror, my bridesmaids beaming with excitement. “You look beautiful.” One said, squeezing my hands encouragingly.
There was a knock at the door, and all our eyes brightened.
“That’s our queue. We’ll give you an extra minute,” my maid of honour spoke before she led the bridesmaids out into the hall.
The door shut behind them and I picked up my bouquet, fussing with my hands to hold it correctly before looking at my reflection once more, and it was then, finally, the realization hit me.
“I’m getting married…” I choke, tears perking up in my eyes before quickly brushing them away.
There’s another knock a moment later, different in rhythm, before it clicks open. A man enters, wearing valiant white and red Assassin robes, a hood over his head just enough that accentuates his lips and the scar that resides there. He utters words in Italian that sound like genuine awe before bowing. “They are ready for you, Principessa.”
I smile at him. “Thank you, Ezio.”
He motions his hand towards the door. "Are you ready?"
My fingers tighten around the stem of my bouquet, and I take a breath, meeting his gaze. "Ready."
He flashes his signature smile, offering me a flourishing bow before leading me out of the room. Out in the hall, multiple men are waiting, standing guard. All Assassin's from different eras, strong gentlemen each of their own right I've come to know for years.
Connor Kenway. Ratonhnhaké:ton. White, red and blue robes of Colonial America, with accessories and weapons of his Native heritage shielding a large, muscular, tall frame perfect for a protector, yet his face is one of courage and kindness.
Arno Dorian. A long, dark blue coat and hood and a rapier at his hip, a rose tucked into his breast pocket. He grew up in the city of love. He has witnessed the burning passion and the terrifying snuff of the flames of love. But he did not let his grief consume him, as love can come in many forms, and he smiles happily seeing this bride has found the love of her life, just as he had all those years ago.
My gaze falls to the last of the trio, and I smile warmly as he looks me over, and whistles low with astonishment. "Poor sod is going to ball his eyes out when he sees you."
Jacob Frye. He and his twin sister, Evie Frye, were the first Assassin's I had the pleasure of connecting with through the animus. If I weren't an only child, I'd want them as my siblings in every other universe. Sporting his signature top hat and fine leather trench coat, brass knuckles hiding within his gloves as he looks on with a child like grin. A cocky man, always looking for a good time, and brawl. But when it came down to it, nothing was more important to him that looking out for his family.
"Let's not keep him waiting." Connor nods, arms crossed over his chest.
"Lead the way." Arno looks over to Ezio.
"Si." He nods as he looks back to me and smiles.
I give a nod and he starts moving, and I follow behind him.
The rest take point, forming a protective line around me. Connor and Arno guard my flank, Jacob at my rear as we walk down the hall and descend the main stairwell to the foyer of the estate. The walls are filled with artwork of the Assassin's and their greatest accomplishments in the Brotherhood. The staff greet us with warm smiles and congratulatory gestures, politely keeping back any tourists visiting the site that day as we make a turn and proceed down a corridor towards the conservatory room for the ceremony.
I can hear the music playing as we slowly draw closer. It should have started by now. The music is familiar, memories circulating in my mind of past adventures. The homestead missions with Connor, exploring the artic circle and climbing ice bergs with Shay...
... and the promise of a new adventure I couldn't wait to begin.
The guys quietly slip inside the room, carefully to not open the door wide enough for everyone waiting in their seats and those at the altar to sneak a peak.
Ezio is the last to leave, but before he leaves, he looks me over, making sure I look absolutely perfect and nothing is amiss before gently taking my hand and pressed a gentle peck to my hand. "Be happy, mia cara."
He slips through the door and shuts it with a quiet click as two staff eagerly await for their queue, sharing silent looks with me as the music progresses. A distant voice echoes through the chamber, muffled through the doors. "Please rise,"
It was time.
The sounds of chairs scraping, people rising to their feet made my heart leap into my throat as I watched the two staff each reach for a door handle. I give them a nod, and they push the doors open, sweeping wide as I take the first step forward and begin my entrance.
Ezio's family plays overhead as I enter the grand room. Plants and flowers line the walls, a glass ceiling overhead letting in natural light as sets of chairs sit on either side of the aisle leading to the altar. I recognize my companions as they stand tall with others from the order. Edward, Evie, Altaïr, Aveline, Bayek, Aya, Kassandra, Eivor, Shao Jun, Naoe, Yasuke, Basim, and... Desmond. Everyone is here.
I look up, and I see him. My partner, my best friend. All dressed up. Waiting for me. Sobbing, just like Jacob predicted.
I begin to walk, the music lively as I move and as I pass each Assassin standing tall either side of the aisle, they each drop to one knee, bowing their heads like I truly was royalty. Even if for one day.
When I reach the end of the aisle, my partner steps down, offering me a hand to help me up to the altar. His tux shimmers in the light. I reach forward, pulling back his Assassin hood to reveal trimmed, glossy black hair, a groomed beard that emasculates his handsome face and chocolate brown eyes. As the music draws to a close, he pulls back my veil, setting it behind me. The guests take their seats, the members of the Brotherhood stand, and look on with pride.
"We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony." The officiant speaks. "Before we proceed, if there is anyone in this room who objects this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."
The silence was shattered by the sounds of hidden blades being ejected. All the Assassins had daring, playful grins on their faces, a silent challenge to not mess with their friends.
I look over and my eyes widen in surprise when there's one in view from my future husband, hidden in the sleeve of his tux. I couldn't help but laugh. "I love you so much."
The audience laughs in relief as the members of the Brotherhood look out among the crowd and when it's safe, they retract their blades.
The officiant clears his throat. "With that, let us begin."
I hand off my bouquet to my maid of honour before taking my groom's hands in mine, looking into his eyes as we exchange our vows. We give each other our wedding bands. The officiant looks past us and nods.
Ezio's voice is broad and powerful in the chamber. "Where other men blindly follow the truth, remember…"
"Nothing is true." The rest of the Assassin's respond.
"Where other men are limited by morality or law, remember…" He goes on.
"Everything is permitted." They respond.
"We work in the dark to serve the light." He smiles, nodding towards us.
We smile back, as we recite alongside everyone. "We are Assassins."
"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife." The officiant declares proudly. "You may kiss-"
He can barely get the last words out before my husband swoops in with a breath taking kiss, the crowd erupting with applause as he picks me up and twirls me around, holding the kiss as he sets me down before releasing me.
Arno cheers and lets out a whistle, reaching for his rapier, and one by one, all of the Assassin's raise their weapons up in salute. My husband takes my hand and together, smiling we run through it as our guests roar in applause. Desmond pulls the doors open for us as we blaze through and the second we're out, our Assassin brothers and sisters follow after us, everyone anticipating what our new adventure together will bring.
We race to the front court yard, my husband lifting me into his arms as he carried me onto a carriage. The Assassin’s each climb up on horse back, with the Frye twins guiding our carriage, as we ride off into the sunset —
