Chapter 3

Ezio must have fallen asleep for when he woke he found the woman's head pressed against his chest her soft breath warm against his skin as she slept. However it was short lived as she winced, he could see a single cut red and hot to his touch. He picked up a cloth that lay close by and soaked it in cool water. Laying it gently on her she winced and pressed tight against him as he heard a soft whimper leave her lips.

" Signora its ok " he said softly as he rinsed off the cloth and replaced it on her shoulder to soothe her." But what is your name?" he asked again this time he heard faintly against his chest a soft sound.

" Valantina" she said softly only for him to hear and no one else, she shivered with the sensation of the cold water running down her muscular back. She gave a sigh and moved back from him a little, " I must retrieve a parchment that was stolen from me, it told me where to find my younger sister. " she said. But on trying to stand she felt the pain of her body complaining at the strain of the sudden movement. Ezio stood up quickly catching her in his arms once more.

"Perdere si prega di riposo (miss please rest) " he said and she gave in relaxing in his arms but saying nothing more. " Tomorrow I will search for the parchment. " He said but but on seeing the look on her face he knew she was not going to stay on her own and so rolled his eyes in defeat. " ok, ok we'll search for it tomorrow " he said and heard her give a short chuckle.

The next morning was warm and light Valantina was already up and dressed in one of Claudia's dresses but it didn't quite fit her and so hung loose in places. Valantina stood up as she saw Ezio but regretted it as she felt the sting on her back and sat quickly back down.

"I thank you for your help signor, but I have to do this alone." she said as she stood tugging at a tie on the dress as she tried to gain that extra inch to pull it in around herself. Ezio smiled and stood up and walked over to her taking the tie he gently pulled it till the dress fit around her slender waist.

"Signora you can not, your not well enough" he said and moved to face her his arms crossed in front of him "I did not mean to be rude, but you don't know Florence like I do." He said and saw her wobble and sit down with a heavy sigh. He knew she would not last in her weak state.

Valantina gave a deep sigh knowing he was right, but being as stubborn as she was she was not going to let up any time soon. "Fine, I'll agree but for only a few more days and you signor must find her". She told him, her dark eyes looking into his, feeding him her fire and hate also some where hide in it, her love for her sister.

Ezio nodded and smiled to her, he was surprised she had given in to him so easily. Looking into her eyes he felt his heart some what softened towards her and her situation. Ezio knew he had hos work cut out for him and nodded. "Of course, I have a friend who might have some information for us" . He told her as he moved to help her stand. "We can travel by cart into the city so you can rest up along the way".