Author Notes: 11/5/14 Thank you for the continued patience. I can't express how much I appreciate it. I highly advise not to read on the chapters past the revising I do, the story will change slightly and it'll only - somewhat - be a spoiler for you. So keep an eye out for chapters with this changed author note heading and timestamps.
Copyright: Ubisoft owns the AC universe and everything therein. I own the characters that were never mentioned in the franchise and make no profit off this.
Summary: Veronica was a thief by trade. She learned to run from her battles to live for another day, but when a famous assassin steps into Rome with ambitions to free its people from Borgia rule she must ask herself if she'll stand and fight for her home or watch it crumble away. Ezio/OC
"Freedom lies in being bold." - Robert Frost
I: Liberation of Roma
Summer of 1500, Rome.
As par to the season, the air was thick with humidity as the heat of the sun blazed without a cloud in the sky to interrupt it. It was nearly unbearable to be outside this time of year. Most of the Roman people took to the shade or staying indoors as much as they could to beat the heat but the streets still flowed with a healthy stream of people on errands and jobs to complete. One such in the crowd was a crafty woman with quick hand's that was required in her trade, as she cut the strings of men and women purses in a fluid motion and kept walking without a hitch, a lifetime of practice on her side. She would glide effortlessly into dense groups, wander close to careless citizens who had their coin purse sitting on their hip and with a quick flick of her small dagger she was a few florins richer - a whole pound if she lucky! Before the victims of her crime even realized they were a few ounces lighter, the thief would have escaped into nearby alleys, leaving the scene with a smug grin gracing her features underneath the black hood and thin, black, silk mouth mask that hid all but the muted, cloud-gray eyes she possessed.
Holding the assortment of colored satin and linen purses up, her prizes, she measured the weight of all the small purses she snatched by dangling it in the air. It had to at least been three pounds. The thief further grinned wickedly at a good day's work, she could even take the next few days off and avoid the weather with how well today went. Nights without food and proper shelter were a thing of the past with this beneficial skill under her belt..
Hearing the soft shuffles of footsteps from behind her approach, so quiet it had to be another thief, she quickly hid the purses behind her and withdrew her small stiletto in reflex action. She would be damned if another of her kind would try make off with her loot. And it wouldn't be the first time one tried. Her eyes widened in a considerable fraction as she discovered a small, female child - probably no older than eight, dirty in ragged clothes and barefoot. The thief relaxed from her stance seeing how it frightened the timid child. The alley immediately grew uncomfortable to be in, to her at least, and the thought of leaving right away crossed her mind but the brown doe-eyes that began watering had entrapped the thief in to pitying the child. And she did, she could see herself in the girl when she was about the same age. Poor and alone in the world. The thief heaved a deep sigh and knelt down to the level of the little girl, pulling the thin mask down to reveal a forced, cheery smile for her. The little one eye's immediately dried as she took hesitant steps to approach the adult.
Reaching into one of purses she had recently stole, the thief handed the child a handful of coin, whispering, "Hide these well to buy food. Down three streets is a chapel. I want you to knock on the door until you see a lady answer. Can you count to three?"
The child responded with a curt nod as she pressed her full hand of coin to her body, using her free hand to hold up three fingers to display her knowledge. Satisfied, the thief nodded to the little one and shooed her off. Pulling the mask over her mouth, she followed the child out the alley and watched from a distance as the little girl navigated through the crowds to her new destination. Surprisingly fast for her small size, the thief quickly trailed through throngs of people until the sight of a chapel and cross came into view and the little girl began knocking on the door with her tiny hand. How any one could have heard those tiny knocks, she could not fathom but after a few moments a nun opened the bulky, brown door gasping as she looked down at who was at the steps before looking all around for the parents to no avail. The thief departed after the little one was taken into the church, removing the watery, doe-eyes from her conscious. Good, at least she'll be safe there.
With a clear conscious, she returned back to her stoic composure, readjusting the hood from showing any of her leather black locks as she disappeared through a nearby alley until she reached the main road of the next street over, going back in the direction of her intended destination. Pettinary village in the Antico District. She contemplated retiring for the day as the sweat made her leather attire practically stick to her, a bath would be in order when she returned home. To do so quickly and get out of this weather, her home was too far away to even consider walking in this heat, renting a steed would be the best course of action. Navigating her way down the streets until she reached the district's stables, she spotted two guards standing in the front. She instantly identified the crimson and burnt-auburn with glittering sliver armor to be the detested Borgia guards that 'served' Rome.
"Be gone, peasant! This is under Borgia control!" one of the two guards barked, placing his beefy, gloved hand over the pommel of his large mace to show he meant business.
"Damn dogs," the thief spat under her breath, backing up from the potential trouble as her eyes narrowed in irritation towards the glorified thugs. She hated how the Borgia family ruled the city of Rome and had it wrapped around their fingers. Despite all the power and influence they possessed, they were leading it straight into decay right under their thumbs and cared not for the well-fair of the common man.
"What was that?!" the guard snapped, withdrawing the same large mace aforementioned without hesitance. The city guards were no longer as protective of their home but more so for Borgia ambition. They transformed into cruel, malevolent, bullies striving to complete their master's order so it may personally benefit them.
"I said damn dogs. Are the lot of you deaf as well as dumb?" the young thief quipped in enmity, knowing full-well she was playing with fire. Fact of the matter was this: she hated Borgia and anything affiliated with them, so her mouth would run from time to time getting her in the most predicament of trouble than she should be.
The guard growled in fury at his new foe, preparing to attack the woman in front of him until a huge explosion in the near distance shook the very earth and every thing around them, capturing everyone's attention immediately. A tall tower that once stood with Borgia flags proudly displayed went up in flames, black smoke filling the sky creating a beacon of renewed hope for the citizens that lived in this area. It was a bold, fearless spectacle that meant Borgia no longer had control here. The thief placed a hand over her beating heart to settle it but the fact that people cheered at the sight, holding on to one another in joy calmed her the most. She merely marveled at the sight, inwardly grateful at who ever the rising champion was to fight against the oppression and injustice. The same guards who just threatened the thief's life but moments ago were now cowering in their leather boots before running away from their posts, thus making the stables available for access for the general public once again. She would have begun her approach to the horse barn but when two men speaking very peculiar also approached the stable service, she paused and decided to stand by a static group of people and watch out of curiosity. Something about them did not sit right in her stomach.
"It seems the stables are now available for purchase," the thief overheard the nobleman proudly claim to a man clad in snow-white and blood red robes. He wore his hood up, draping most of his face from view. The same she did, for she had an identity to protect. Quite odd, indeed. She thought.
"After you," the smooth baritone the strange man possessed sent a small shiver down her spine that tickled her toes. A reaction she was not expecting to have. A reaction she did not like. She briefly wondered if this man might have been the one that had something to do with the liberation of the district. He certainly looked like he could be capable.
This same man, years of training in his life felt himself being watched and looked in the direction nearest with a group of people. The same group the thief was standing by.
Her heart prickled in such a sensation she's never experienced she had to duck into the large group of people, instantly blending in, to escape from the feeling that she could not fathom what it was. Or maybe it was because she did not like having eyes on her anymore. The cardinal rule she lived by because of her trade: never be seen. The two men continued on with their business, mounting up and leaving but the man in white and red spared one more glance to look back for the mysterious person he saw but found they had disappeared in the crowds.
"What is it, Ezio?"
"Nulla. (Nothing) I think.." he replied, straining his eyes one last time to look for the person clad in black, to no avail. That person did not sit well in his mind but he would have to push it back for now and continue on his mission.
"Bene (good), we need to get going than."
Peering over the shoulder of a female citizen regarding her oddly, which was ignored, the thief slithered out of the group only once they were gone. Yet her habits were hard to fight, a hefty purse was now in her possession as she departed from the group before she had realized what she had done subconsciously. As she purchased a mare for the rest of the day, she heard the frantic screams of her victim calling out for help.
"That cazzo (prick) robbed me! Guards! Guards! Get that thief!"
Hearing the call for guards, she knew it was time to go. Quickly. She made the mistake of lingering in the area after robbing someone due to the distraction of the strange man and had to make a quick exit on the horse or else face the consequences; which she did not want to. Mounting on the brown Arabian mare, she kicked at its side and called out for it to run, galloping off into the direction of the Antico district and leaving behind the pursuing guards that cursed her with insults at her fleeting form. As she rode through the streets, enjoying the breeze, the thief thought over her day and was satisfied with how it turned out overall; a large sum of loot from the wealthy and she even got to watch a Borgia tower burn down. That was certainly a first for her. The only thing that would top off a good day was a good meal and that was where she was heading to next.
"Ah, there's my favorite girl!" Francis, an elder man dressed in middle-class clothing of neutral browns and yellow, owned the most popular vegetable stall in the Antico district's market. People from all over this district, sometimes even Centro came to purchase their produce here. He immediately pepped up seeing the familiar form of the young lady he came to know fairly well over the years, better than most in the least.
She dismounted off the horse, guiding it with her by the reins. She would never do this for many she conversed with but she pulled down the mask to give him a genuine smile as she greeted him back, "Hello, Francis, how are your crops fairing this season?"
"They pale in comparison of your beauty but I vouch they are still as fresh and tasty than ever."
She chuckled at his praise, darting her eyes down in a shy manner. Francis was a sweet codger that got by on an honest living and his fresh produce was everyone's favorite. He exuded the grandfather vibe and was sweet on her ever since she met him some summers ago.
"I am glad to hear that. I'm looking to celebrate tonight, only for myself though," she watched in interest as he shuffled around grabbing vegetables and talking to himself about countless dishes she could make for what ever mood she might be in.
"I am happy to hear business has been well for you, my dear. These will make a fine dish, just add some meat and seasonings of your choosing," he kissed his fingers in an odd, French fashion, "voila, the perfect meal."
He exchanged the small basket of produce for the purse of coins she handed him. "Dear, this is too much," Francis replied honestly, instantly feeling the weight behind the money she gave him.
She couldn't resist, her day went too well and she was feeling generous. The thief merely waved it off, "Don't worry. Buy your wife and grand kids something nice. Women love trinkets, kids love toys."
Francis smiled as he placed a hand over his heart in an endeared manner, "Dio vi benedica. (God bless you)"
Waving goodbye to each other, the thief went on her way purchasing the other supplies such as meat, wine and spices needed for tonight's feast. Once the shopping was complete and dusk was looming on the horizon, she headed off home. It was a simple, two room cottage that served the necessities that was located in the Pettinary village. A small rural village of mostly hard-working farmers and small families of the trade. She was content with the location and her humble abode, considering she had previously lived a life of homelessness and poverty.
The main room had the small kitchen, fireplace and table and chair to sit and dine. Then a separate room where a single bed where she slept some nights if she was able to make it back home safely. Placing her items down on the table, the thief removed her cloak, letting the inky-black hair fall down in tussles as she removed the pins that held it up. It was a hassle but a normal routine of unstrapping the buckles of her bodice and arm guards to strip out of her everyday clothes to put on the simple camisole dress she slept in, relieved to cool down from today's weather.
Grabbing her loot, she lifted a loose floor board under the table and picked up a hidden chest inside. She was pleased to find it increasingly gaining weight from all the work she did around the city. Honest and not so honest jobs. Emptying the coins into the chest, adding to her small riches, she placed it back into the floor and sealed it once again with the false board. And this was how the thief lived her life. By herself, depending on herself, doing any jobs that came by for coin or simply stealing from the pompous wealthy to survive. It was hard but with time came experience and she dare say she was an expert by now.
She ate and enjoyed her food and wine, nearly drinking the entire bottle to herself. Before her last cup for the day, she poured some wine into the fire, making the fire roar in response as she saluted to whoever the man was that had the courage to oppose the Borgia before she retired for the day; unfortunately, too drunk to have a bath first.
The sound of rapid, heavy knocking at the front door - even in her slight drunken state - woke her up easily. She was accustomed to living a life that security was not part of. Danger could come at any time of the day or night. She quickly grabbed her stiletto from the night stand next to her as she made her way to the door in her dark home and opened it, holding the knife at the chest of the unknown person making them visibly flinch and hold their hands up in defense.
"Merda (Shit)! Is this still how you greet people?"
The moonlight from above provided enough lighting to show the associate visiting her this late hour. The dark-haired woman relaxed, clicking her tongue in disdain for being woken up this time of night, but still stepped aside to let the boy in before shutting the door and lighting a few candles, "People don't usually wake me in the dead of night. What's wrong, Dante?"
Dante was a fellow thief in the trade, just come to be eight-teen years of age and had spent all his known life in the city's thieves guild. Or the remnants of it. He still had his boyish features, lean build with hardly any hairs on his face unlike his friends who thought beards and facial hair made them 'more of a man'. Still being in the hype of discovering girls he found his eyes regarding her choice in clothing in a lurid fashion and quickly looked away as if she caught him looking, he would surely leave this place missing one or both eyes and he very much wanted to keep them both. "I uh.. was sent by Gavino to fetch you. He said he has an important job for you. A scout mission, I believe."
The woman raised her brow quizzically, as she leaned against the dining table, "Scouting is a simple job. Why doesn't he send someone else?"
Dante shrugged while his lower, round pink lip puckered out, "That's what I said but I've been hearing whispers that what it's about could change a lot for the guild.."
She scoffed lightly, "Eavesdropping on your superiors, are ya'?"
"What good is a thief that doesn't hone his skills?"
She laughed but had to nod in agreement with the boy. She reconsidered the offer for a moment and decided there could be no harm in doing this for the thieves guild. They were her affiliates and she was certain there was some extra coin in the matter if it was so important. She didn't exactly need the money but gaining some more never did harm - especially if it was a simple scouting job but if they specifically asked for her, they would know her services were not cheap as she did the job efficiently and discreetly. They've hired her in the past for the more difficult 'sweep' jobs but the reward was even sweeter the more danger there was.
"Alright, I'll go," she announced as she shooed him out the door. With haste, she redressed and strapped on her daggers and stiletto in their respective sheathes. Better safe than sorry. Pushing her hood and mask up before exiting, she followed after Dante as he escorted her to the thieves hideout on the border of the Antico and Tiber district, making it not too far off from where she lived. As she neared the location, local thieves in the area recognized her on sight and gave a respective nod as she passed, to which she returned. Her reputation as the best thief in the area exceeded her, some would even challenge she was the best in all of Rome despite being a woman. It was a title not given lightly so she came to earn their respect; and respect from a thief said a lot.
"Gavino, I've brought her," Dante announced getting the leader of the guild's attention as he was looking over a map on the table with his partner.
"Ah, molto bene! (very good) Leave us be everyone," he commanded shooing every one out the room out, making them stop what they were previously doing. It only added to the curiosity of the female thief left standing in the room. If this was a simple scouting mission, why so secretive?
Once in their privacy, Gavino spoke first, "I apologize for disturbing you so late into the night, you were the first that came to mind I wanted to send out when I heard the news."
"What news?" the thief asked puzzled. She had heard no gossip or rumors of any thing interesting of late.
"Haven't you heard? The liberation of Roma has begun! Someone is actually fighting against the Borgia's hold here," his news instantly made the thief think of today's events of watching the tower burn.
"That's right, I was actually there. I saw the tower light up in flames," she continued knowing his next question, "I didn't exactly see who did it.. I might have an idea but I could be wrong."
"And that's what brought you here tonight," Gavino pointed at his map of Rome, "That tower has liberated only a small section of the district over there but still the news has spread all over Roma faster than the tower lit. Now is the time to act! We must secure a footing in this if the thieves guild has hope of growing otherwise we'll be continued to considered nothing but a group of common bandits."
"Veronica," Gavino spoke her name seriously, almost making her flinch as if he was her father scolding her, "I need you to find out who is doing this and if he works alone. I asked for you because you have no definite ties to my people and if you are caught by Borgia pigs they can do us no real harm. I hope you understand."
Veronica nodded, understanding his perspective. That was why she was requested for this scouting and he would be willing to pay the extra coin needed for her services. Indeed, she had no ties to the local thieves guild so if she was caught querying about the opposition of Borgia it would be considered treason. The repercussions would only be on her.
"I saved you some time and sent my men out to find any information about the event. It seems the man that is most likely tied to it, is somewhere in this area of the Tiber," Gavino pointed at the district on his map.
She rubbed her chin in a thoughtful manner, "Does anyone know what he looks like?"
"Barely. The people were too distracted by the flames! Bambinos (children)," Gavino sighed heavily, "All we know is he wears some sort of white outfit with a red cape. That could be anyone!" he exclaimed throwing a hand up frustratingly.
The female thief nearly froze in place but quickly regained her composure to not alarm her employer. She had seen only one man wearing that sort of clothing at the scene of the event. Unfortunately, it seemed their paths would indeed cross again. My instincts never prove me wrong before. She thought with an inward sigh. At least she would be more aware, more prepared this time. She would make sure he didn't see her like last time.
"I shall return when I have the information you desire," Veronica respectively bowed to the guild leader before excusing herself out. She was able to count seven steps after leaving the guild's headquarters before the familiar form of Dante jumped in front of her path and began bombarding her with questions of her mission, where she was going, if he could help. She couldn't help but to smile, he was predictable but his fierce desire to help his comrades was nice to see. She knew he owed it to them for taking him off the streets and giving him a family, of sorts, when he had no other - like her. It was rather endearing, in an underground criminal way.
"Matter of fact, yes, I could use your help," her words pepped the boy up, ready to go at her command. "I want you to go to the Rosa in Fiore (Blooming Rose) in Centro and inquire the Madame's thoughts on the event," she handed him some florins for the trouble, making his eyes light up at the sight of being paid, "try not to stay there too long.."
That should get him out of my hair for a while. With him gone and without further delay, she headed off on her own mission, sticking to the streets and listening to the conversations she eavesdropped on as she past by. She strolled street after street, casually, blending with the late-night owls of Rome. It was mostly nonsensical things of their everyday lives, nothing she desired that pertained to her goal until she reached closer towards the bridges that lead out of Tiber was when the things she heard got interesting.
"Did you hear what happened earlier?" one citizen said excitedly to the other. The raw stench of cheap ale that wafted around the two men stung her nose but she fought the urge to gag as she casually leaned on the side of a building, 'relaxing', to look inconspicuous as she listened further to the two drunks talk about the incident. Hopefully they'll say who did it so I can get out of here. Gods, they stink.
"Ya'! Tha-sh the tower that burnt down, eh? The cap'n of the guardshh was murdered in broad daylight!"
Sweet mother, he is sloshed.. but Lord knows I could use a night off too soon.
"Serves those Borgia and their puttana (whore) right! Kill 'em all, I say!"
I'll cheers to that.
"Rumors say it was an assassin's work!"
Oh? Veronica's interest was peaked further. Assassins in Rome, not any targeting big officials, has not been heard of in many years. If these claims were true the only viable possibility would be the infamous guild hailing from the city's neighbor, Florence, she heard about in gossip. But could they be moving to Rome? What purpose would they have here? So many questions buzzed through her mind and the man in white and red she saw today only fueled it. She needed to find out if he was involved in it and if he was an assassin. The drunken pair went off to talk about other things that the thief had no interest for so she removed herself from her spot and continued walking around listening for any more information worth reporting.
She continued her search for nearly an hour more before the weariness began to set in. As she strolled across alleys, opting to end her night and get rest, heavy footsteps of running from above passed over as she looked up just in time to see a flash of white jump across the buildings. Was that him?! She could swear it was. Quickly traversing up the side of a building, Veronica stayed a far distance from her target but close enough to not loose him. The robes of white that only seemed to highlight more under the moonlight while the red looked more sinister at this hour than when she last saw him.
I found you. Her heart was beating rhythmically with excitement on finding what she was after. He never once looked back and was completely oblivious to someone tailing him. At this hour, she was certain he was tired just as she was. Following him a small distance, she watched him climb down the buildings to enter a tall storehouse building she was vaguely familiar with. Living here her entire life, she came to know almost every thing this city had to offer. The storehouse he had entered was owned by some noble figure she was not entirely familiar with. They came and went throughout the year but it was always empty. She would know, she even broke into the place once to see if there was any valuables to steal, to no avail. Emptier than a man's heart. Such a pity.
She was ecstatic that not only she had found the man but where he might be living now. Gavino was certainly going to pay her handsomely for this information. She had sneaked into this place once before. Feeling bold, she ran and jumped across the gap to the top of the building, remembering there was a second entrance to this storehouse through the roof top. She entered the first time through here, if they had not changed the locks it would be easy to get inside.
Lady Fortuna (Luck) seemed to favor the thief as the locks had not been changed since her first entry yet even as she retrieved the lockpicking tools from her belt, she debated if she should enter the building with an inhabitant inside. She might find out more information that could increase the reward she'd get. She might also lose her life. There was always a risk. Taking her chances, she took the lockpick and tension wrench and delicately fumbled with the lock and tumbler until she heard the beautiful 'click' sound of unlocking. Come on, Fortuna, some me some valuables!
She had not kept her hopes up of finding valuables this time but what she came across were far more grander than what she expected. Fine rugs, stands with vase decorations, paintings, tapestries lining the walls, portraits of unknown persons and even an odd symbol of what looked to be somewhat of a deformed 'A' without the middle lining and the ends bent inward. This place certainly did not look like the storeroom she saw last but either way, her mouth practically watered as she thought of the money she would get if she fenced this item or that, and what she could possibly take with her before she left.
"Ah! Ser (Sir) Ezio, a pleasure."
Sweet baby Jesus. The sound of chatter gave her a fright, she had almost forgot she was a in someone else's home. She refocused her mind and quietly crept along the wall, dodging the decoration, and peered around the corner to the source of the conversation.
"Fabio Orsini, at your service. I've heard a great deal about you from my cousin – Bartolomeo D'Alviano."
She quickly ducked her head back around the corner, holding her breath in excitement as it was the man in white speaking with another, unfamiliar person in a set of armor and the nobleman she saw earlier with him. Oh, Gavino, you'll pay me handsomely. She listened closely to their conversation, taking note of any thing interesting they may say.
"A fine warrior."
She identified that deep voice as the same one from the stables, yesterday. Perhaps from her weariness, it affected her more now than it did before and she did not have the mental alertness to shake it off easily as before. What could she say, she was a sucker for attractive voices.
"Fabio has lent us an unused storeroom on Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island)."
Her eyebrow's furrowed at this third voice in the conversation, the nobleman, not attractive to her in the slightest. She could not risk peering around the corner and being caught but she paid attention to differentiating it from the other two voices while making sure to remember all these names she was learning to report back to Gavino.
"I know you were used to better accommodations in Toscana-"
"It is perfect." The more attractive voice, 'the man in white' praised.
He better damn well say so, this is like a lavish mansion compared to what I live in and ever have my whole life.
"Bene (good). Then, I am off to begin preparations for Romagna. Today, Cesare commands my men, but soon, I hope, we will be free."
Veronica nearly stopped breathing as the sound of clattering armor and approaching footsteps came her way, she panicked and ran to the first door she found and hid inside the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. It was a bedroom judging by the furnishing, and a fine one at that. She couldn't dally and admire it although she wanted to and poked her head out the door once the footsteps were gone. Far too close for comfort.
"Now, I propose we begin planning our assault on the Borgia," Veronica overheard the other voice left in the conversation with her target, claimed.
So this man isn't working alone against the Borgia. I wonder who his allies are, if I would even know them.
"Oh, you think we are ready for such an attack?" The sound of his voice was beginning to be toxic to Veronica, she liked hearing him talk. And she did not like that fact.
"Si."
"Do you know, for instance, where the Borgia troops took Caterina Sforza?"
She pondered the name, not being in tune with whose-who of politics and famous people of the day. She was just a thief, after all.
"What?!"
I guess that's not a good thing, who ever this Caterina person is.
"Are you also unaware the Borgia have captured the Apple of Eden?"
"How could we have lost the Apple!?"
He's concerned about apples? I hope he knows they're in season, he can buy them by the dozen. She could not fathom what any of this conversation could mean, she was certain it couldn't be about fruits, that's for sure.
"So, you do not know what goes on with our enemies. Do we at least have an underground here to work with?"
The other voice replied, "Hardly. Our mercenaries are ensnared in a losing battle with Cesare's French allies." There did seem to be a full on opposition against the Borgia with a lot of support, even if it is just a little. At least it was there. "We have girls working for us in a brothel frequented by cardinals and other important Romans, but the Madame there is lazy. She would rather attend parties than further our cause." That answered her question on the side mission she sent Dante on.
"What about the thieves guild? Do they have a guild?" The fact he was interested on their current standpoint, meant he might soon seek them out himself. As interesting as the conversation was, she found her eyes beginning to betray her and droop - forcing her to shake her head and stay at attention. I need to get out of here..
"Si (Yes). But they refused to talk to us. I don't know why."
That is odd, Gavino never mentioned this to me. Although, it probably had to do with her being a rogue from all sorts of systems. She wasn't entirely meant to be trusted if she wasn't committed. She didn't mind though, it was none of her business. Her mission was extracting information and she had landed on a gold mine. Now she had to leave safely and quietly-
CRASH - the sound of a vase shattering on the ground pierced the air. She had accidentally, clumsily from her weariness, bumped into one of the stands and made a grievous mistake. No.. NO! She immediately began running back the way she came, opting not to stay to face the consequences.
"Stop right there!" Her heart was at her throat when she heard him yell after her. He had saw her, once again, but she didn't stop. She stumbled up the stairs as fast as she could and reached the roof top, it was dangerous running across rooftops when one was dreadfully tired but she had no option. If he was truly an assassin, he could kill her. He would, no doubt.
She ran and leaped the gaps between buildings, trying to outrun her pursuer. She could hear him not too far behind, persisting in his chase after her. He could be planning on killing her for all she knew because of all the information she overheard, thinking she was a Borgia spy.
Lady Fortuna might have turned away at the wrong time for as she jumped another gap, her leg locked up from the strain mid-way through a jump she was making causing that aforementioned leg to smack against the side of the building. She howled at the pain as she cradled it to her chest, nearly seeing white, or perhaps it was the clothes of the man chasing her she was seeing. Was her eyes open at all? She could not discern as the pain was too great to think clearly.
"Why were you spying? Who do you work for?" the man growled as he pulled the thief up on to her feet. She screamed at the pain and instantly fell back down to the floor as he released her in shock, "Merda (shit), you're a woman?!"
Tears were prickling at her eyes as the steady thrum of pain pulsed through her leg, she never felt any thing like this before.
"Oh, dio, you need a doctor.. tell me first, are you a spy?" the man was conflicted on what he should do: question the woman on answers or take her to the doctorre as she obviously needed. After looking her over, he began to slowly realize this woman was the same person he saw earlier in his day. He could not forget.
"I know you, I've seen you before... I'm taking you to the doctor and once he has mended you, I will have my answers." he declared while lifting the thief still writhing in aftermath of pain. She could not fathom how he safely carried her down, as her brain was still mottled by the injury but at least he was being considerate and taking her to the doctor when he had no reason to.. It was.. kind of him. Or perhaps he just wanted his answers and he was being sweet on her because of her sex. Either way, she had failed in being discreet once again.
Guess I have no choice. "I haven't been following you, the first time we saw each other was coincidence. I-," she winced as he had readjusted her in his arms, to which he mumbled a quiet apology as he let her continue talking, "I work for myself but I was hired to find you," Aside from her injury, Veronica hated the situation she was in. She had never been caught on the job before in any type of mission and the art of conversation was not her strong suit, especially with a target.
"And who hired you, Borgia?"
Although in pain, she mustered the utmost look of disdain she could give him, fury dancing in her dark-gray eyes at his accusation. "I'd rather die than work for Borgia scum."
"Than explain yourself!"
Veronica sighed. I can forget about my bonus then. "I was hired by the thieves guild to find the person responsible for the burning of the Borgia tower. They're interested in your cause now it seems, who ever you are Ser.."
"Ezio. Ezio Auditore da Firenze." He spoke his name far too proudly and sultry for her taste but she remembered it nonetheless, repeating it to herself to hear what it sounded like in her mind. "Is that why you broke into the storeroom and eavesdropped, to gain information?"
"Yes, though it wouldn't be the first time I've been there," she continued seeing his confused expression, "I'm a thief, Ser Ezio. I steal. Though the last time I was there it was not as nicely furnished as this time."
"Then I would appreciate it if you did not steal from me in the future, we will have no problems then."
"Gladly," she remarked with a indignant roll of her eyes. Finally came the familiar sight of a doctor dressed in the typical black uniform and mask of a beaked bird to shield his identity, she was relieved to say the least.
Ezio gently placed her on the service table, "Salve (Hello), my.. friend here greatly needs assistance. She fell and damaged her leg."
The doctor gently felt around her leg, noticing how she winced in pain and he probed her shin. "Luckily, as she was wearing this style of boots, it shielded most of the damage so it is only in extreme shock. Here, take this and drink it once daily to dull the pain. I also suggest keeping off it til it's healed," he explained handing her a couple of vials of an unknown green liquid. "It can be mixed in wine to help make it taste better-"
She popped open the first vial and drank it straight surprising both men yet she completely understood why it was taken with some wine. The burnt, bitter aftertaste was horrid on her taste buds, not even her cooking was that bad. She wouldn't have gave this to a wounded dog but surprisingly it did its job as it began to dull the pain in her leg after a few brief moments past. It was also making her even more dreadfully tired than she already was.
"Grazie (thank you)," she chocked out wiping her mouth of the residue it left behind. She began reaching into her purse to pay the man for his service but found Ezio beat her to it. The doctor nodded a thanks and Ezio lifted her to carry her away.
"I could have paid for that," she grounded out. He had been kind thus far because she was a woman, this was an insult to her. She could have taken care of this at least. Now she felt she owed him.
"Non problema (No problem), besides I feel a little at fault for the cause of your injury," he continued, not giving her the chance to say something smart to his comment, "now tell me, where is this guild of yours."
Veronica huffed, "It's not my guild, I'm not a part of them.. they are located just a way off from Tiber once you go into the Antico district, I'll show you the way.. considering I don't have much choice."
"Bella, you always have a choice. You have not even chose to give me your name when you know mine," he replied coolly with the hint of a smirk.
"And I plan to keep it that way," she replied haughtily as she looked every where else than the attractive smirk. The traveling was quiet, much to her surprise, she had not dared to look up in his direction as it may cause him to initiate another question she cared not to answer. She instead focused on staying awake, no matter how comfortable and nice it was being carried; this was also new to her. She knew there was power in the arms that held her, he carried her like she was nothing but a sack of potatoes.
"Veronica!" the familiar call of Dante both grabbed their attention.
"Merda (shit)," she muttered frustratingly, loathing her young associate for the moment.
Ezio grinned, "Ah, see, a beautiful name and I'm sure your looks match once I am able to see you better."
"Veronica, are you hurt?" Dante asked with genuine concern in his eyes seeing as she was being carried which she had never let happen before. Besides her skill in their trade, her pride was just as infamous.
"I'm fine," she hissed, "I just.. fell.. this man here was kind enough to carry me a ways but now that you're here, I can go with you and let him leave." She tried wiggling her way out of his arms but the man, Ezio, wouldn't have it.
"No, no, bella donna (beautiful woman). You will take me to the men that hired you. I require to speak with them." Dante looked between the two unsure of what to do. After a few moments, Veronica simply huffed and gave up.
"Show him the way, Dante," she commanded reluctantly.
"Are you sure? We don't know him-"
"Don't make me repeat myself," she warned, clearly not in the mood to be tested.
The young man gulped with a curt nod and did as he was commanded, hoping he would not be the one to suffer any consequences.
Ezio whistled, "Are you always this demanding, bella?"
She rolled her eyes understanding his subtle innuendo, "You wish."
As they walked through the shabby, ruins of the guild's hideout, thieves standing around or hanging out in balcony's, snickered at the sight of the proud 'fantasma' (ghost) being carried in like a babe. Under her mask, she was biting on her lower lip in extreme agitation until the taste of her sharp, copper blood trickled in. She was ready for this night to be over with.
"Gavino!" Dante called out, "Veronica has returned.. and.. with a friend!"
Not a few moments later did Gavino come to see the news of the very man he sought out for was carrying the woman he hired. He did not expect this turn of events, especially from someone as skilled as Veronica, the 'fastasma'. "I see your mission was... successful? Not exactly in the way I'd hope," he surmised.
Completely agitated at this point from being humiliated, Veronica gruffed out, "Well, here's the guy you asked for. You both have an interest in chatting together so kill two birds with one stone."
"And what happened to you?"
"We came into a bit of trouble with some local guards," Ezio quickly interjected on her behalf. He understood what reputation and pride meant and judging how every one was leering and laughing at her as they came in, both took a blow to her. He could only imagine the embarrassment she was dealing with inside.
Gavino nodded, "Yes, yes. You could hardly call the city guards anything close to noble. They've become the Borgia's thugs." He easily bought the story Ezio sold him.
Veronica quietly whispered a thank you into his hood for his own ears as he let her down. With caution, she could hobble to a near chair to help her stand as she held out her free to Gavino. "I'd like my pay so I can go home now."
Gavino tossed her a sizable purse of coin, "Dante, escort her home safely."
"Fino alla prossima volta, bella donna. (Until next time, beautiful lady)" Ezio said said giving her a gentleman's bow as Dante lifted her to take her home. He wasn't as strong as she realized Ezio was but at least it would give the lad a good workout.
She nodded a farewell, hoping there actually wouldn't be a next time but something told her otherwise.