Assassins's Creed : Slade's Return

Chapter Eighteen : Lestrade Manor

The old doors creaked open as the group made their way into the abandoned manor to which each were both surprised, at how huge the place was as John had then spoken up after setting down a case. So this is your ancestral home huh? wow how much money do you actually have?, this place is a near fortress it will work great as a hideout. As he said this Jade then took a deep breath and sighed before walking around the large room, as she then looked up at her family crest over the long cold fireplace before replying to him. I don't have much wealth to tell of Mr. Cross, this house has been in my families history for centuries and I hadn't stepped in it for years more or less she said smiling before continuing. I'd like to walk around a bit if you don't mind its just, it has been years since I've been in here after my parents I just couldn't  bring myself to come back here until now. Jade said this to which Slade then nodded before walking over to her, as John and Ashley soon got to work setting up their equipment before speaking to her. Would you like me to join you? I'm sure John and Ash can set up base while were gone anyways, we're  gonna be here for a bit best to get a layout of the place. Honestly I would love nothing more, it would be nice to show you around besides I could use your company Jade said  before taking Slade's hand as John called to them both. You two go on ahead we'll set up base here for sure, and take your time no worries it'll be ready when you return for sure, he said before beginning to unload the bags alongside Ashley. As the pair wandered through the empty halls, happy memories soon began to flood Jade's mind to which as she reminisces on times long gone she takes Slade's hand in hers as she speaks. I remember when I was a little girl and I always used to run through these halls, pretending I was on an adventure then mother would warn me to not run in the halls, father hated it but deep down I think he enjoyed hearing me proclaim I discovered a new ancient lost relic. Jade then sighed deeply and smiled as Slade to smiled, at the memory of a young Jade to which he then thought on his own childhood and not even remembering his parents as she soon spoke to him. Hey is your head in the clouds again Arthur?, well come on If I remember correctly my father's study is down this hall here hopefully time hasn't ravaged it too much this way. Slade followed Jade down the hall and into her father's study, which on its own was a very large room with a desk right in the middle surrounded by hundreds of old books as she spoke up relieved. Ah! my father's study its still intact after all this time, I remember always walking in and seeing him always at work in his study on his papers, he was always busy and yet no matter how much he had to do he always made time for me. Jade said sitting in the empty chair as a look of sadness came over her face which Slade noticed, to which as she flipped through the now ruined books he then replied to her softly. Your father sounds like he was quite the bookworm and a truly honorable man whom many, would indeed be fortunate to have in these trying times he said walking around the study and looking at the the old books to which Jade replied to him. Indeed your words hold truth  my father was a collector of many things, but he favored the books he collected from all around the world as he was quite knowledgeable with most things especially ancient Greek history. She said leaning back in the chair, with this catching Slade's intrigue as he spoke surprised. Impressive your father was a collector of Greek knowledge and lore that dates back countless centuries, these works are so intricate and well preserved that takes a truly steady hand and a lot of time to manage  especially on his own, he said opening one of the books as Jade walked over. I agree however I wondered if he spent too much time on them whether it was a passion or an obsession, I truly do not know and never will but this all of it was his life's work and to see it lie here, with time and the elements rotting it away it breaks my heart a bit. Jade said getting up from the chair to which she then turns to Slade as she speaks again. But I mustn't give way to thoughts of melancholy, he did everything he set out to do before he died but Come on there's one more place I want to see, Jade said walking out the study followed by Slade. They then walked through the halls and corridors of the manor, and talked about their memories to which soon they found themselves in an enclosed courtyard filed with long dead flowers as Jade spoke softly yet disappointed. This was once my mother's garden father had gave this part of the manor to her as a wedding gift, I often remember my mom always out here planting flowers and making the place look all nice for us, but look at it now everything is dead with nobody to water them the flowers didn't survive time like my parents there's nothing left for me here now. Jade said this lowering her head as Slade knew that like him all she had left of the past was memories of what they used to have, that the world had truly changed from the Victorian era that they were accustomed to as he then turned to her before speaking. Jade I know there is nothing left here for you to remember of our past lives, but after we kill the Master Templar and restore peace to the order, I would like you to come live with me at Bolin Manor that is if you want to you don't have to be alone anymore. He asked which stopped Jade dead in her tracks for the question had indeed, caught her off guard to which Jade immediately turned to face him as she spoke. Arthur I just don't know what to say to stay with you in your Manor yes of course I would love nothing more, then to live with you and you're right you don't have to be alone either I am with you always, Jade said before kissing and hugging him to which he grinned as they continued their walk together. Though as they walked Slade felt ever more closer to Jade then he could realize, for all he did was just look at her examining her and thinking of how much she cared for him for all those years to which she noticed him looking at her as she spoke. What is it ? is there something on my face?, Jade said touching her face to which Slade took her hands in his and glanced into her eyes as he replied. No you're just so beautiful  for all these long years that have passed for us, and all the things that have changed around us from the time we knew to the time now before us, that's the one thing that has never changed and remains the same and always will be. As said this Jade began to blush before turning away for a moment before turning back to kiss him, before she looked him in the eyes before replying to him. She would have loved you ya know my mother, she loved all things and in some ways you two think alike stubborn and yet at the same time kind and and gentle she said to which Slade smiled. Well I can say without a doubt in my mind, that I would have loved her as well especially if she was as remarkable as you, he said to which Jade smiled before checking her watch as she spoke to him again. Well we should probably get back I'm sure John and Ash have long set up the base by now and are likely wondering, where the hell we've been for this long plus I gotta get dinner into us all as I'm sure we're all hungry, Jade said to which Slade nodded in agreement. With that both Slade and Jade had begun to make their way back to the main foyer to further discuss their plans for finding the Grandmaster Templar.