Author Notes: 6/25/14 Another revision chapter, thank you for bearing with me on this. In the long run, it's for all of us to enjoy it.
I'm delighted to see some new readers. It's actually giving me some new motivation seeing you all and making me have a lot fun writing this sort of spin of an Ezio story, so here's another installment even I'm still surprised about putting out. Enjoy! Xoxo
Copyright: Ubisoft owns the AC universe and every thing therein. I own the characters that were never mentioned in the franchise and make no profit off this.
Summary: Elena Nori took on the same interests as her half-brother, Leonardo da Vinci, meeting her illegitimate brother in secret who introduced her to a world of mysteries and a family of assassins.


The Mechanics of Love

II: The Lovers and The Spy

Despite the fair weathered day, Elena hugged her cloak tighter around her person in attempt to shield as much as her identity as possible as she continued to dart through the dirty, fetid alleyways – only to pause to look behind her before she turned another corner. She normally would not venture into these parts as the revolting smell alone would make her turn away but she had been certain she felt eyes on her as she slipped out of her home. When she seen her mother was distracted preparing for the upcoming festivities, Elena could not resist the temptation of seeing her brother again. Taking the longer route, going through the labyrinthine of alleys she memorized to elude any unwanted emissaries that were trying to meddle in her affairs. It certainly wouldn't have been the first time her parents have done such a thing. Only this time, the stakes were higher. Another wave of putrid smells assaulted her nose making her face visibly cringe as she wondered what in the name of Dio (God) could compel someone to live in these parts. Finally arriving back on to the main streets brought a great sense of relief to Elena as she was now able to breathe easily. Quickly yet calmly - to not rouse suspicion of those around she continued on to Leonardo's shop, gliding through the crowds of people with ease. Reaching her destination and pausing once more to glance behind her for anything suspicious, she felt rather smug knowing she had successfully lost whomever was following her - if there had been someone.

She rose her hand, knocking five times in a smooth rhythm. After a few moments it swung open revealing the genius inventor who seemed to mollify upon seeing his dear sibling, "Elena, you're late. Did something happen?" He stepped aside to let her, closing the door behind her before assisting her in disrobing her long, hooded cloak and placed it carefully on the back of one of his wooden chairs. Leonardo picked up the bottle of Alto wine he had sitting on the table and poured her a cup, out of hospitality, and handed it to her.

Elena nodded a thanks and took a few sips before explaining her tardiness,"I'm sure it's nothing to alarm us but I thought I felt someone following me when I left the villa, so I decided on taking the long route here to shake whoever might have been there." She spoke as if it was so casual as talking of the day's weather, while she ambled around the workshop looking at the new paintings and sipped her beverage. Unfortunately, her older brother did not share that same aloofness.

The color nearly drained from Leonardo's face, "If someone was following you why did you come here?" he panicked as he stalked around the room. Elena wasn't just any noblewoman, she was the only – legitimate – child of the Nori da Vinci. An influential, upscale family with close ties to officials in the Vaticano. Some even gossiped that Piero was aiming to be a lawyer for the cardinals. With that on Leonardo's mind, if their father learned of where she had been going he could have his workshop closed or even burned to the ground if it pleased him; possibly with the inventor inside. This did not sit well with him.

"Leo, calm down," the inventor glanced skeptically at his sister before sighing in defeat and plopping down in a chair to hang his head in worry. He had too much going on in his life to also have this on his plate. Elena strode over to her brother, forsaking her half-full cup of wine on a table and kneel down to his level, lifting his chin up gently with her finger, "I won't let anything happen to us. To you... I would kill someone before I let that happen." She brushed his short bangs away from his face comfortingly, hoping he knew her dark promise to be sincere.

Leonardo's light, pecan-colored eyes widened a fraction at her words, speechless for a moment at her claims. "Is that why you created.." He couldn't finish the sentence, shocked that he may have assisted aiding her in learning how to kill another human being.

Elena breathe out heavily, "No, that's not why I made the potion.. but if I needed to do something like that, I would," she muttered the last part in a near growl, at the thought of someone daring to come between the only healthy relationship she ever had. She faced away from Leonardo, unable to look at her brother and endure the look of shock and even disappointment. She picked up the tin cup, consuming the rest of her beverage in a single gulp as she mulled over the thoughts in her mind. She knew full well he was against violence and murder, if the day ever came where someone stood in their way of peace and happiness it would have to be her to take care of any predicaments that would arise. The weight over this issue did indeed keep her up all hours of the night, tossing and turning in bed before she finally was able to resolve with her conscious in the early mornings when the sun would begin to creep into her room; happiness comes at a price. Finding Leonardo and finally having a bond with a family member was more valuable to her than any keepsake or expensive dress in her villa. If it meant possibly damning her soul because she had to spill blood for them, she was also unafraid to pay the eternal price of it.

"In other news, brother," Elena exclaimed in a forced cheery manner, attempting to lighten the mood in the room, "Madonna Maria agreed to keep our secret within the Auditore family." Albeit hard at first, Leonardo smiled in relief. He knew his trust was well-placed. "And the Ezio fellow might be courting me."

As any brother would, the inventor's face hardened into a concerned expression, "Sorella (sister), you just met the man!"

"You said they can be trusted," Elena rebutted with a blush of embarrassment creeping on to her cheeks from her ears, "besides, it's not official or anything, we're just getting to know each other."

Leonardo scoffed in reply as he rolled his eyes, "He's a guy, I'm sure he wants to get to know 'other' things about you."

She pouted haughtily and crossed her arms over her chest, "And do you know 'other' things about the signorinas (ladies)?"

His face instantly reddened as his lips parted but no sound was emitted. She would have pressed further on the topic but brisk knocks at the door broke their dispute; thankfully, in Leonardo's opinion. Elena was accustomed with her task when unknown guests were present. She quietly shuffled to hide behind the curtains, and if in emergency, there was a hidden compartment under the floorboards for her to stow away in case the patron decided to take a gander around the room. She listened intently as he approached the door and opened to greet whomever had knocked.

"Ah, Ser (Sir) Ezio.. we were just talking about you. Good to see you again." Elena rolled her eyes, the way Leonardo acted it was no wonder someone would confuse them as lovers if they didn't know they were siblings. Making sure her dress and hair was in order before she strode out from behind the curtain, matching Ezio's own smile as they looked upon each other from across the room. Both ignoring Leonardo's hard expression.

Leonardo rolled his eyes dramatically and coughed to break up the sudden air of infatuation that was about, to which both of the young aristocrats laughed quietly, "So, you are aware I have work to do here?" he asked Elena.

She rolled her eyes in a cheeky manner back, "Si, Messere. I wasn't going to turn your workshop into a love nest, Ezio and I will go on a walk – possibly even find some new ingredients for you to experiment with."

Leonardo tossed her a surreptitious glance while Ezio had his back turn that said 'be careful', reminding her of the risks she was taking by wandering about the city. She quietly nodded back and mouthed the word, 'Arrivederci (See you soon)', hoping it would ease her sibling's nerves until their next meeting.

The aspiring genius stared at the door where his guests exited, deep in thought. His worries of being caught by his estranged 'family' were customary but now he was going to be fretting over the intentions of a boy in his little sister's life. Leonardo da Vinci was certain this insouciant woman will be giving him his gray hairs far earlier than he was previously intended to receive.


The market streets of Centro buzzed with chatter as merchants clamored for their wares to get attention over their competitors. So far it had been a sunny day with hardly a cloud in the bright, blue sky and a comforting breeze to ease the temperature as the young, aristocratic playmates politely moved through the throng of people til they reached a less crowded area to converse.

"How long have you lived in Florence?" Ezio forced himself to break their enjoyable silence, remembering the purpose of their walk and the scolding he received when he shared their last encounter with his older brother.

Elena snapped her gaze from the vendor's wares, ignoring the disappointed glare of losing a customer, "My whole life. I've never been outside Florence, sadly. My father is the only one who travels on business, if he ever does."

Ezio silently 'o' at her answer, tucking the bit of information to the back of his mind, "As have I. Mente se chiedo (Mind if I ask) what he does, bella?"

She gave him a scrutinizing glare for a moment, debating within herself how much to open up to him. It wouldn't hurt to share a few details about her family. "A lawyer, for the cardinals in the Vaticano. At least he aims to be but I'm certain he will attain it, whatever Piero Il toro (the bull) Nori wants, he gets it." Ezio clearly heard the disdain in the edges of his playmate's voice. He wanted to investigate further on the topic but did not want to risk the possibility of ruin their date. 'Date', the word momentarily struck Ezio causing him to grin dumbly and gaining a inquisitive glare from his playmate.

"Were on a date," He stated, his grin only increasing ten fold when Elena rolled her eyes but could not fight the smile of her own. She thought of him to be a strange boy. Strange but different from the rest. She found it almost refreshing although she would not admit it aloud.

"So, Ser (Sir) Ezio, what does your father do?"

He merely shrugged, "A banker. Federico works under him and I suspect he'd want me to do the same soon but I dunno, I have no real passion for it."

The pair stopped at a tailoring vendor, as Elena had spotted a dress that caught her eye. The simple, tan corset with a chocolate, short-sleeved lapel jacket hanging around the mannequin and a sandy blonde skirt. The look simply egged at Elena to buy it. Fishing the coin purse from her pocket, she asked the tailor, "Quanto (How much)?" while pointing at the mannequin on display. The tailor looked between the outfit and the bust and waist of his buyer.

"Since I wouldn't have to make any changes of measurements, how does 80 florins sound?" Ezio rose a brow at the transaction his date was making, it looked more to be a working female uniform than that of a woman of her status. He believed she should be wearing the most beautiful dresses Florence had to offer.

As soon as they were out of hearing range of the tailor, to not offend the signore and Elena happily carrying her parcel of new clothes, Ezio stated, "That doesn't exactly look like.. your type of clothing, bella. I'm certain you'll look beautiful in it regardless."

Elena simply chuckled at his comment, "I actually prefer this style of clothing, Ser Ezio. It's quite honestly more efficient when working than wearing these gaudy, tight dresses. I can hardly bend over in these."

"Than why do you wear it?" He could not understand why women put themselves through pain daily for aesthetic purposes.

"My mother," Elena rolled her eyes, hugging her new outfit close as if her mother was right there about to snatch it away, "I wear things like this for her. Maintain her image, the family image. Her only daughter must look beautiful and pristine from the time she wakes to when she goes to sleep 'if she wishes to attract a suitable husband'." Ezio could understand a little more now why she was so adamant on keeping her parents out of her personal life. He was very grateful in that moment to be blessed with such a kind, loving family and parents.

Opting not to continue down the sour road of her parents, Ezio beamed at his date with a bright smile that nearly startled Elena, "Lunch! Let's go eat together! My treat!" Elena blinked numerous times at his sudden shift to happy emotions, yet understood why. He wanted to continue their date on a good note.

She gave him a small smile, "Of course, Ser Ezio."

Although Ezio was not as smooth with the signorinas as his older brother was just yet, he was very observant and was able to gather that his playmate was not very fond of the nobility class and the pressures forced upon her from her parents. With that in mind, Ezio had chosen a small yet respectable restaurant on the waterfront where they could watch boats sail pass that was not too hard of a distance to travel on foot, keeping in mind of being a gentleman for a woman.. Elena was thrilled coming to a humble place to eat like this, smiling widely as she watched what looked to be a family working harmoniously to make and serve food for customers. Though focused and working, they looked to be so happy. Smiling as they joked and helped each other in their trade. Envy bubbled inside her but she pushed down the rising emotion as Ezio held out a chair for her at a table.

"Thank you for taking me here, Ezio. It's a charming setting for our first date." Ezio felt like he struck it rich as she had not formally addressed him as she usually did, and even acknowledged this as their first date. He felt he was getting a little better at this. He had a long way to go before being like his brother but he was certain he'll get there.

Blushing madly, he scratched the back of his head shyly, "I try my best, bella."

After they had placed their order and patiently waited for their food to be brought out, Elena decided to revisit a topic from earlier that peaked her curiosity, "If you do not wish to go into the banking business like your brother and father, what do you wish to do?"

Ezio paused for a moment, watching a small boat sail by as he was deep in his thoughts, "I'm not sure, actually. But I would love to travel around Italy, see the world maybe, find my calling. As beautiful as Florence is and she will always be my home, I've been in the city my whole life."

Elena nodded along, understanding her companion on a very intimate level. She felt lucky enough to know her calling in life – alchemy, engineering and all things science beckoned at her soul – but she still craved to travel around Italy and learn all she could. Aid Leonardo in discovering the unknown as she believed with every ounce of her being that man was going to accomplish great things in his life, maybe even for the good of mankind?

"I hope, Ezio, that we will always continue to be friends when we travel the world and forge a new path for ourselves," She placed her smooth, petite hand on his, feeling the stirring sensations of butterflies run amuck in her stomach as he placed his other hand on hers enveloping it in the heat he generated. Their moment of sentiment interrupted as a young waitress placing their plates of food on the table with a bashful apology before quickly retreating. The young aristocrats chuckled to themselves as red stained their cheeks, retracting their hands back to their person and digging into their food while falling into a comfortable silence as they ate. Pausing every once in a while to ask questions that popped into their mind.

"So how did you meet Sir Leonardo?" Elena nearly choked on her mouthful of pita bread sandwich, swallowing and forcing it to go down and drink a few gulps of her mead to wash it down before she could speak. Ezio regarded her oddly but patiently waited nonetheless, interested at what could have startled her so.

"Well.. like I told your mother, my mother commissioned portraits from him often and would send me to retrieve them. I made his acquaintance and we became good friends over time." She darted her eyes back down at her food and took another bite, feeling a tinge of guilt for lying to him. If she was able to tell his mother the truth, couldn't she tell him as well?

As she began to open her mouth to rectify her lie, she noticed a figure in the distance step behind the corner breaking her line of sight of him before she could get a good look at him. Immediately she knew someone had been spying on her, perhaps the eyes she felt when she had left her villa earlier today.
"Ezio, I must go, now." Her confused companion turned around to look in the direction that was causing his date distress but found nothing.

"What is it, bella?" Genuine concern sweeping across his face as he stood up with Elena, quickly depositing a handful of florins, too much, but did not care in that moment to count it.

"Someone was watching us, a sleuth from my mother no doubt. Making sure I 'stay out of trouble'," Elena grounded out vehemently as she gathered up her belongings. Rage boiled inside her at the audacity the snobbish woman had, she was a grown woman for Christ's sake! "I hate to end it here, Ezio, but I must go."

To Elena's relief, he nodded in understanding and asked, "When can I see you again?"

Her rage softened ever so slightly with the corners of her soft, pink lips tugging up in a smile, "Hopefully tomorrow if nothing is amiss at home. If not, I'll try to meet you at Leonardo's shop as soon as I can.. And please, if you can, tell Ser Leonardo I went straight home. He worries much of my well-being."

Ezio surprised himself and Elena when he grasped her hand and brought it up to his lips, planting a gentle kiss on her knuckles, "Anything for you, bella donna." The smoothness of the act and the deep tone earned him a bashful blush from Elena as she secretly squeezed her thighs together to settle the stirring feeling in the southern region.

"Safety and peace, Ezio," the words fell out of her mouth without realizing as her face instantly reddened more. She hoped he would not recognize where she had picked it up from. Luckily he had not, or at least said anything of it, and gave her a gentleman's bow before departing while Elena left her own direction to head home.


Navigating carefully through the flowing crowds of Florentine citizens while keeping a watchful eye for any suspicious activity put Elena Nori on high alert. She was certain her follower knew that she was able to notice their presence and would soon make an appearance. Attempting to wedge herself through a dense group of men only to be roughly pushed back as one threw her a sneering glance to which she readily returned ten fold at the same time of muttering a few choice insults that high-classed ladies as herself should not speak before opting on taking the long way around and darting into the foul-smelling alleys she loathed. Although unpleasant, it would be faster to travel through this method. As she crossed an intersection of alleys toward another set, she felt a pair of hands roughly grab her and shove her against an adjacent wall. She whipped around and began to scream and thrash until she saw her attacker. Rage replaced the fear in her limbs as she punched harder than she did before.

"Vieri de' Pazzi, you pig, remove your hands from me if you want to keep them," Elena spat struggling against his hold once more. She would have rather some slime-ball drunk attacking her than him. To her, he was an unsightly creature with a foul mouth and attitude, using his family wealth as a card to get anything and anyone he wanted. He was the epitome of why Elena hated most men and when she learned of her father's plans to wed them to strengthen both their families names and status, she did everything she could to generate animosity between her and Vieri, hoping to deter his interest in her. Unfortunately, it only created a sick obsession he had for her.

"Why do you fight the inevitable, Elena, you know your father is going to have you marry me. Why do you deny me of what's mine?" Vieri roughly cupped her sex through her dress as he left slimy, wet kisses on her neck making her feel violently ill. With no other choice, Elena brought her knee up between his legs, satisfied when it connected with its destination that sent him toppling over as his body shook with sharp pains.

"While I draw breathe, I will never marry you. I'd rather commit myself to a nunnery," Elena backed away upon seeing the seething rage within his eyes as he continued to hold 'himself' in pain. The darkness and evil brewing in his eyes promised her something sinister in the future.

"Why? So you can continue fucking that Auditore scum behind our families back?" Elena blanched as she realized it was him who had been spying on her today, wondering how much he had seen. She was certain if he seen enough, he would run directly to her father and tell him everything.

Vieri mistook her expression of shock as being caught with the Auditore son red-handed, "Oh yes, my love, I know about you sneaking off to visit that bastardo. I just wonder how long you have opening your legs to him, it would explain why you never open them to me!"

"Fuck off, Vieri!" Elena hissed vehemently while she stalked away angrily. She had to escape his presence while she still had the opportunity, if he laid another hand on her like he previously did she would kill him.

"Careful, love, I wouldn't get too close to that family when they're going to just end up hanging from a noose!" Elena nearly paused in her steps to turn back and deliver Vieri a black eye he deserves for such a heinous threat to say about the Auditore family but continued walking without sparing a glance behind her to that vermin. Vieri de' Pazzi was certainly one man Elena Nori da Vinci would have no remorse on testing her latest poison on. And perhaps she would one day if she was truly forced to marry him.