**Disclaimer: See 1st page.**
The clock struck eleven o'clock. Ezio was in a fowl mood as he made his way down the road with his assassin comrade, La Volpe. I was quite happy to stay in the tavern. I have no interest in seeing Cesare's little show. La Volpe seemed to have read his mind.
"Will you stop sulking? You look like a nun going to a brothel."
"I just don't see why we just couldn't have stayed in the tavern. There were plenty of young ladies for you to lust on."
"I want to see this spectacle that the people have been blathering on about for the past week and my spies have also told me that Cesare may make an appearance himself."
Ezio growled. "Who cares!? It's not like we'll have a clear shot of him. He will be surrounded by his guards."
La Volpe found Ezio's annoyance amusing. "Can you just enjoy yourself for one night? It's New Year's Eve and tomorrow is a new year, Our year." He patted Ezio on the back. "Now come. We're here."
He hated to admit it but the Borgia slime had spared no expense. The Piazza Navona was decorated incredibly. Colourful lanterns illuminated the historic piazza. The banquet tables were covered by cream and gold velvet quilts. An array of meat and fruit platters lay upon them. A marque had been erected at the far end of the Piazza, some sort of play was going on inside it. There were fire-dancers, jugglers and scantly clad whores. The clamour of the party antics seemed to pause as the people hurried toward the front of Piazza. That can only mean one thing, Cesare. Ezio ambled after the crowd.
"People of Roma, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my victories than to share it with you. Now is only but a taster to what will be bestowed once I unite our beloved Italia. Then we will celebrate for forty days and forty nights. Felice Anno Nuovo."
The crowd roared in admiration, soon Cesare had parted and the music began to blare once again. Ezio gritted his teeth. Why can't these people see through him!? It is a ploy. A distraction from wh...
His thoughts were interrupted by La Volpe handing him a drink.
"Now don't make me shove that wine down your throat. Enjoy yourself, we're straight back to work tomorrow. This is the last holiday you are going to get."
La Volpe's attention was quickly averted to a group of young women dancing around a bonfire. He gave a wink to Ezio and made his way over. Ezio could not help but take in the wild scenes that the Borgia had planned. The women were dancing sensually, moving their hips vigorously and twirling around delicately. The men were drunker than usual, their guffaws could be heard for miles. A multitude of women had opted to wear glittering masks that concealed half off their face. The air was a mix of wine, women's perfume and sweat. The whole occasion was a sea of sin.
It shouldn't be long now until the bell tolls midnight. Five minutes at the most. He began to eye the crowd, members of both sexes were searching for a suitor to share the bells kiss with. As he was surveying he noticed that he had become the prey of one beauty in particular. He returned the woman's dazzling stare and began to make his way through the crowd. She was a flaming siren. Every part of her was red. Her long auburn locks, her protruding ruby lips, her crimson silk dress that hugged her figure ever so tightly. Her outfit was topped off with an embroidered, burgundy mask that was like a glittering butterfly partially covering her face. When he reached her side, the countdown had begun.
"Tre.. Due.. Uno... Buon Anno!" The crowd erupted into cheers as array of fireworks began to fill the blue moonlit sky. Ezio observed the mysterious woman's amazed expression. She fixed her sparkling eyes on his before they mutually leaned into a passionate kiss. The woman began to trail her fingers through his hair. Ezio had returned the favour before laying his hand on her waist. As they paused to gaze at one another, the vixen lightly breathed in his ear, "Follow me..."
She took his hand and began to lead him through the crowd. A Happy New Year indeed.
"Ezio! Ezio!" He heard a voice yell.
He turned to see a desperate La Volpe pushing frantically through the crowd.
"Volpe, what's wrong?" He waited for him to catch his breath.
"It's my son, Paulo, He's gone. No one has seen him all night!"
"Volpe, calm down. It's is the night of New Year's Eve. Perhaps he found a lady friend." Ezio hinted in the direction of his beautiful woman.
Realising his implication he responded, "Oh... I... I'm sorry to disturb you.. I'm was just.. just worried... Perhaps you're right." He sulked away. Ah merda, I'm going to regret this.. Ezio turned to his red woman.
"I'm incredibly sorry but I really should run after him. Perhaps we can meet again. May I have your name?" He threw her his famous charming smile that broke many a women's heart. She responded by placing a finger on his lips, "Shhhhhh... I'll find you... Ezio." She merged into the crowd gracing him with one last glance. She blew him a kiss before she disappeared. What a women! Ezio began to run after his friend La Volpe.
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