Chapter 12: Minutes to Midnight, part 1
That night, Seona's dreams were once again haunted with vivid images of the ever imposing dark figure. But, just when she thought she was getting somewhere with determining the nature of this mysterious force in her dreams, it drew far from her. It did not speak to her in archaic phrases as it did before, no, it did not speak to her at all. Neither did its form continue to become something human, something that Seona could comprehend. And the world of the dream that surrounded her also ceased to have order. But the sensations were still so real, so intense for the young woman.
The dark figure's form became mistier, like a cloud floating on the surface. When she tried to speak to it, all that was heard were guttural, animalistic cries uttered as a response. It fled from her and she gave chase, running through rooms and places both real and imagined, both orderly and chaotic. She managed to corner the creature in an all too familiar place- the room of gears and the foreboding clock that was ticking closer and closer to the twelfth hour. But, the sky outside had darkened, making the message clear- the clock was approaching midnight, not noon.
However, the clock hands began to move rapidly, until they were spinning wildly like flailing fins of a beached fish. A high pitched scream rang through the room, and the bell had stopped its toll. All became still and gray. And then the words came, hissing like the blade of a chainsaw.
"You can never go home…"
Seona realized she was all alone in the room, with not even the dark figure present. Before she could open her mouth to speak however, the dream was over, and she awoke to a dark room in the middle of the night. Only a small slit of moonlight traced a line across the bed and over strands of her hair. There were the sounds of courtesans working the night in other parts of the Brothel, but they seemed distant and transient.
Seona shivered, feeling a severe chill for the first time since her arrival. But, was it caused by being cold? Or had this recent nightmare affected her more so than the others? Either way, she felt a sudden wave of anxiety. Her gaze shifted as she sank down beneath the blankets, pulling them over her head. She found it difficult to find sleep again for the rest of the night, her mind coming back to the words that were shrieking in her head.
"You can never go home…"
She didn't know whether those words were true, but she was nonetheless afraid that they were. Even if she could rebuild a new life here, a part of her hoped this was simply not to be her fate. She hoped that the things she had lost were not gone forever. Perhaps the promise of answers would be something to hope for, regardless of the truth of such words.
The sun rose upon the city of Florence once more, and Seona began another day of training and helping Paola and the courtesans. She tried to focus solely on her work, but the words from the nightmare before periodically surfaced in her thoughts. She acknowledged the thought and shooed it away, but it seemed as though the most basic of her fears with her ordeal would not leave her in peace, no matter how much she rationalized.
Anselma and Luana could see this conflict manifest itself in more frantic and hurried movement on Seona's part. It caused some serious missteps in her training. Both agreed that one of them needed to talk to her, however Luana was the one who insisted she do the talking this time. She was not so sure that a stern approach was needed, sensing that Seona's emotional distress was recent and perhaps something that could be dampened quickly. Luana was less cynical than Anselma, something that distinguish one from the other.
Before Seona could scurry off, Luana gently tapped her on the shoulder as she was about to exit through the back door. Seona turned her head and the courtesan greeted her in a friendly tone of voice.
"Seona, posso parlarti un attimo? (Seona, may I speak with you a moment?)"
Seona nodded and turned around to face her.
"Anselma e ho notato che sei stato traballante e facendo più errori durante l'allenamento di oggi. Ho anche notato che hai avuto un effetto invecchiato sul viso per la maggior parte della giornata. (Anselma and I noticed that you were shaky and making more mistakes during your training today. I also noticed that you had a distressed look on your face for the larger part of the day.)"
Seona hesitated.
"Ha qualcosa di stato ti preoccupa, Seona? (Has something been bothering you, Seona?)"
Seona shook her head.
"È solo banale. Solo un brutto sogno. (It is only trivial. Just a bad dream.)," she told her.
"Un brutto sogno? (A bad dream?)," Luana inquired, "Perché ti da fastidio così? (Why does it bother you so?)"
Seona didn't want to explain all the details, as the main thing that caused her anxiety were the words that were spoken. Perhaps a nightmare shouldn't have her so riled up, but it spoke to a very large fear of hers. How could she best explain it?
"Penso che sia perché mi manca la mia casa. E una parte di me vuole tornare. (I think it's because I miss my home. And a part of me wants to go back.)"
Luana's eyes widened with realization and she nodded.
"Questo è molto comprensibile. E ... Penso che sia un modo molto naturale per sentirsi vivere in una terra straniera che è diverso dal tuo. (That is very understandable. And…I think that's a very natural way to feel living in a strange land that's different from your own.)"
Seona simply replied with a nod. Luana tipped her head and tried to give Seona a reassuring smile.
"Non importa cosa succede, pensi di andare avanti. Ho sempre trovato più produttivo pensare a ciò che si può guardare avanti per il futuro, non rimuginare le tragedie del passato. E lavorando sodo nel qui ed ora, le cose luminose sembrano un po 'più vicino. Oppure ... almeno hanno per me ... (No matter what happens, think about moving ahead. I've always found it more productive to think about what you can look forward to in the future, not brood over the tragedies of the past. And by working hard in the here and now, those bright things seem a little closer. Or…at least they have for me…)"
Keep moving forward, Seona thought. It seemed strange, being in the past and having to do such a thing. But, wasn't that what she had been doing before? Well, she thought, in all honesty it was the most viable option she had. And sitting around and feeling sorry for herself now was not going to get her any closer to answering the question of whether going home was a possibility or not.
"Va bene perdere la vostra casa, ma concentrarsi su ciò che si fa qui e ciò che si desidera per il futuro. Se si dà una prova, sono sicuro che sarete di nuovo al vostro meglio. (It's okay to miss your home, but focus on what you do here and what you want for the future. If you give it a try, I'm sure you'll be back to your best.)"
Seona politely bowed her head.
"Lo farò. (I will do this.)"
"Bene.(Good.)," Luana approved, "Ora suppongo che avete da qualche parte si preferisce essere. E devo clienti a partecipare a. Tieni il mento, Seona. (Now I suppose you have somewhere you'd rather be. And I have customers to attend to. Keep your chin up, Seona.)"
Seona closed the door behind her, and made her way out into the city. She thought about what Luana had said, and realized she was beginning to understand others a lot more than she had before. But what she actually said made the young woman think about the future. She had been focused on the present, and mournful of the past, but the future seemed a vague possibility at best, even if it had surfaced in her thoughts before.
Well, there was the Auditore family, surely, and perhaps she could pick up some other useful skills. Perhaps she would have other friends and maybe even adventures in this strange world.
As she walked along, she noticed a familiar red hat sticking up above the crowd. She recognized it as belonging to Leonardo da Vinci, whom Claudia had introduced to Seona. It was certainly a surprise to meet a man who had such a reputation in her time, so long after he would pass from the world. And it was even more of a surprise that he was a friend of the Auditore family.
But, from what she could gather, he was not quite the legend now as he would be in the future. He was recognized to some extent, surely, but he was a young man, not yet the master with the full beard, the flying machine, and the Mona Lisa.
She was surprised when there was a line of sight between the two that he waved in her direction. The blonde made her way to the artist, who had a pleasant smile on his face. He bowed slightly, and she did so in kind.
"Buon giorno a te, Leonardo. (Good day to you, Leonardo.)," She greeted him.
"A voi pure. Tu sei l'amico di Claudia Auditore, Seona? (To you as well. You are Claudia Auditore's friend, Seona?)," He asked, wondering if perhaps he remembered her correctly.
"Sì, sono sorpreso di me ti ricordi. E 'passato un po' che Claudia ci ha introdotto. (Yes, I'm surprised you remember me. It's been a while since Claudia introduced us.)"
Leonardo shook his head.
"Io stesso sono sorpreso, anche se devo dire che non conosco nessun altro che va sotto il nome di Seona. Lei ha ragione, però, è stato un po 'di tempo. (I am surprised myself, though I must say I don't know anyone else who goes by the name of Seona. You are correct though, it has been some time.)"
Seona chuckled. True, she thought, she doubted she would find someone around Florence who had a name like hers.
"Stavo andando al mio laboratorio. Se avete un momento libero, forse hai ancora voglia di accompagnarmi sulla passeggiata indietro? (I was heading to my workshop. If you have a moment to spare, perhaps you would care to accompany me on the walk back?)"
Seona paused, a bit startled by the proposal. It would have been nothing at all, but considering what she knew of the man's future, it was rather extraordinary. The young woman took a deep breath and smiled.
"Sarei più che felice di unirmi a voi. (I'd be more than happy to join you.)"
"Eccellente. Vogliamo procedere? (Excellent. Shall we proceed?)"
She nodded and followed the young man down the street, with his red cloak trailing behind him. The sun created contrasts of light and shadow along the buildings around them as people walked to and fro, the city bustling with life. Every detail seemed clear and crisp on that day, the kind of day Seona would want to capture in a photograph, if they had such things.
She focused her attention back on Leonardo walking beside her.
"Hai avuto molto successo nel vostro lavoro come di ritardo? (Have you been having much success in your work as of late?)"
He smiled thoughtfully and looked up at the sky wistfully.
"Ho avuto alcune commissioni. In effetti, la Commissione ha fatto della famiglia Auditore dovrebbe essere fatto a breve. Si potrebbe arrivare a vedere la prossima volta che li vedi. (I have had some commissions. In fact, the commission made by the Auditore family should be done shortly. You might get to see it the next time you see them.)"
Seona nodded. The two of them walked along, approaching a winding street that seemed to spiral down wards.
"Che io. (That I may.)"
Seona thought for a moment.
"Sei stato in grado di fare qualsiasi... cosa con l'applicazione di vostro lavoro direttamente è detto prima che hai avuto un interesse... per lo studio del corpo umano o aiutare con... l'architettura? (Have you been able to do anything with applying your work directly…you mentioned before that you had an interest in …studying the human body or helping with…architecture?)"
Seona struggled, as she did not yet know the word for 'anatomy', causing her accent to become slightly pronounced as she spoke. Leonardo sighed and shook his head, this time with a regretful undercurrent.
"Non sono stato in grado di fare come negli ultimi tempi, e non ho acquisito come materiale di ricerca tanto quanto vorrei per i miei inseguimenti anatomiche. E, di ricerca e di guadagnarsi da vivere entrambi richiedono fondi, quindi per ora sono concentrato sul mio lavoro di commissione. (I have not been able to do such as of late, and I have not acquired as much research material as I would like for my anatomical pursuits. And, research and earning a living both require funds, so for now I am focused on my commission work.)"
"Hai bisogno di fare quadrare i conti e ottenere il materiale necessario. Questo è comprensibile. Suppongo che trovare materiale di ricerca non è sempre facile. (You need to make ends meet and get the material you need. That's understandable. I suppose finding research material isn't always easy.)"
"A volte. Ma, io lavoro con quello che posso. (Sometimes. But, I work with what I can.)," Leonardo explained.
"Sono sicura. (I'm sure.)," Seona agreed, "Poche persone lavorano su questo genere di cose, però. Penso che le cose importanti possono essere raggiunti attraverso queste cose. Gli edifici possono servire molte funzioni, e una migliore comprensione del corpo potrebbe produrre cure per malattia o infortuni. (Few people work on that sort of thing, though. I think important things can be achieved through such things. Buildings can serve many functions, and a better understanding of the body might yield cures for sickness or injuries.)"
His smile grew a bit.
"Mi auguro che il mio lavoro possa produrre un tale risultato. Sarebbe bello avere il lavoro che ha fatto modifiche alla vita delle persone per il meglio, per il mondo della pratica e non solo il mondo dell'estetica. (I would hope that my work could produce such a result. It would be nice to have work that made changes to people's lives for the better, for the world of the practical and not solely the world of the aesthetic.)"
They came upon a building with a carved wooden door. Seona was surprised that she was able to hold such a conversation with Leonardo. She was surprised at how much his aspirations seemed like her own: a desire to change the world for the better in a practical way. People in the past were still relatable, still human, with similar thoughts and aspirations to the people of her time, even if the exact details were different.
"Beh, sembra che siamo qui. Mi piacerebbe parlare di più, ma purtroppo devo concentrarmi sul mio lavoro, per il momento. Forse io vi vedrò di nuovo, Seona? (Well, it appears we are here. I would love to talk more, but sadly I must concentrate on my work for the time being. Perhaps I will see you again, Seona?)"
Seona was a bit disappointed that their conversation had to end so shortly, but she doubted that she would be leaving Florence any time soon.
"Penso che sia probabile. E 'stato bello rivederti, Leonardo. (I think that is probable. It was nice to see you again, Leonardo.)"
"Tu pure, Seona. Avere una buona giornata. (You as well, Seona. Have a good day.)"
He went into his workshop and closed the door, leaving Seona to herself on the streets of Florence once more. She decided to walk back towards the markets, seeing if maybe she could pick up a few stray coins on her way back.
She walked a few blocks, looking around at everything from the people running about to the other sights of the city. The chatter of passersby, however, was overruled by the loud sound of a man's voice, which was clear across the thick of it all.
"Attenzione! Attenzione! I cittadini di Firenze! (Attention! Attention! Citizens of Florence!)"
Seona could hear another's voice not too far off shouting something similar. She had heard such announcements before in her time in Florence, though did not always take notice of them. They often shouted news of sorts of goings on in the city, making them the equivalent of town criers, Seona suspected.
However, her attention was held when a familiar surname was spoken.
"Francesco de 'Pazzi e' stato arrestato con l'accusa di omicidio, ed è stato imprigionato. Si è in attesa di giudizio, e se trovato colpevole, sarà condannato a morte. (Francesco de' Pazzi has been arrested on the charge of murder, and has been imprisoned. He is awaiting judgment, and if found guilty, will be sentenced to death.)"
Pazzi…Pazzi…The image of an angry young nobleman came to Seona's mind. The nobleman Ezio called Vieri, the one Ezio derided for his behavior towards her, had claimed to be a member of the Pazzi family. Was this one of his relatives that was being spoken about?
The one called Vieri had acted much like a bully, trying to intimidate but cowardly when confronted with someone who could challenge him, like Ezio did. And now, someone else in the family had been arrested for murder. Was this a family that was somehow dangerous? No, surely she couldn't judge someone based on their family… but still it made her wonder if there was some darker elements of Florence that somehow Seona had not been made aware of. Something beyond simple thugs, perhaps 'affairs' of the nobility that Anselma had warned her of.
She saw the glint of dark brown hair and a red band, and recognized the form of Claudia's brother, Ezio, walking through the crowd. Ezio seemed like he knew Vieri, and perhaps to some extension he might know something of the family. And, in either case, it would be a reason to speak with him again. Claudia was not able to meet with her that day as she had other plans to see her other friends. On top of that, yesterday's events increased her already budding curiosity towards Claudia's elder brother. And so, she maneuvered her way towards him.
"Ezio?"
At first he didn't hear her, and kept on moving. Seona followed him a bit, managing to make her way through the crowd. However, she could feel her heart starting to beat faster and her anxiety levels were raised from having to make her way through the clusters of people. When she managed to get through to an open pocket, she found her breathing had become labored and she was frantically looking around to make sure she wasn't surrounded again. However, Ezio seemed to have vanished into the crowd before she could catch up to him. Or so she thought.
"Seona?"
She heard the familiar voice of Ezio on her left. How did he get over there? She shook her head and tried to get her bearings. When she looked up, he was standing in front of her with a concerned look on his face.
"Va tutto bene? Si guarda spaventato. (Is everything alright? You look frightened.)"
"Oh, Ezio! I. .. non ti ho visto lì. Sto bene. Io ... non sono proprio adatti per essere circondato da così tante persone in una volta. (Oh, Ezio! I...I didn't see you there. I'm alright. I…am just not suited for being surrounded by so many people at once.)"
It was ironic that she reacted this way to crowds, considering where she was born and raised. But, it was something that had been with her ever since she was a small child, and it was something she never quite got over. It was a part of why she had chosen to go to college in the middle of what was considered nowhere, Midwestern America. There were much fewer crowds there, and those that existed were easy to get out of.
"Folle fanno sentire a disagio. (Crowds make you uncomfortable.)"
"Per usare un eufemismo. (To put it mildly.)," she admitted aloud. She realized what she had said and flushed pink.
"Quello che voglio dire è ... (What I mean to say is…)"
"Va tutto bene, Seona. Non si preoccupi. Non ti sto giudicando su una cosa del genere. (It's alright, Seona. Don't worry about it. I'm not judging you on such a thing.)"
"Io ... va bene, non lo farò. (I…alright, I won't.)," She easily seceded. Ezio smiled approvingly, causing Seona to flush pink. Why was it that whenever he smiled it always caused this reaction?
However, the question quickly faded from her mind. Seona remembered that she had specifically sought him out for a purpose.
"Ho sentito i banditori dicendo che qualcuno chiama Francesco de 'Pazzi è stato arrestato. (I heard the town criers saying that someone named Francesco de' Pazzi was arrested.)"
Ezio's face shifted to one of discontent, thinking about his rival.
"Il padre di Vieri, sì. L'arresto è stato fatto non molto tempo fa. (Vieri's father, yes. The arrest was made not long ago.)"
Seona clasped her hands together.
"Quindi, è un parente di quel nobile che era arrabbiato con me l'altro giorno. (So, he is a relative of that nobleman who was angry with me the other day.)"
She paused, trying to remember the words for what she wanted to say.
"Confesso che conosco... poco della famiglia Pazzi... o molto della nobiltà in generale, non essendo stato in città... per molto tempo. Ben diverso da quello che... so sulla tua famiglia da Claudia. (I confess…I know little about the Pazzi family…or much about… the nobility in general, not having… been in the city for very long. Well… other than what I know about your family from Claudia.)"
Ezio motioned towards a nearby bench, and proceeded to sit down. Seona joined him, sitting next to him at a comfortable distance.
"Come si è visto, Vieri è un monello egoista e un codardo. Se fosse per me, direi che è più o meno una buona immagine di ciò che la famiglia dei Pazzi è come. (As you've seen, Vieri is a selfish brat and a coward. If it were up to me, I would say that is pretty much a good picture of what the Pazzi family is like.)," Ezio explained, "Essi ritengono che essi hanno diritto al potere non hanno guadagnato, e non trattare gli altri con rispetto. Alcune persone rispettano la famiglia per la quale influenza che hanno, ma molti possono vederli per quello che sono veramente. Si tratta di una parte del motivo per cui la mia famiglia ed i Pazzi hanno tale disprezzo per l'altro. (They feel that they are entitled to power they have not earned, and do not treat others with respect. Some people respect the family for what influence they have, but many can see them for what they truly are. It is a part of why my family and the Pazzi have such disdain for one another.)"
He looked at Seona who was listening attentively. His expression softened and he sighed.
"Rivalità e alleanze come quelle la mia famiglia ha fatto sono un modo di vivere a Firenze. (Rivalries and alliances such as those my family has made are a way of life in Florence.)"
Seona nodded quietly.
"Per essere onesto, ho sentito parlare di queste famiglie e ... politica ... di nuovo a Londra (To be honest, I've heard of such families and …politics…back in London.)"
"Credo che alcune cose su persone non sono mai diverso, non importa da dove vieni. (I guess some things about people are never different, no matter where you're from.)," Ezio chuckled in response to Seona's simple comment. She turned her head to look up at Ezio, when she noticed a young man who was about Ezio's age running up to them. The young man panted and he stopped in front of them, resting his hands on his knees.
"Ezio, è... necessario venire... in fretta. (Ezio…you need to…come quickly.)"
Ezio recognized his friend and gave him an accepting gesture.
"Aspetta un momento, Horatio. Che cosa sta succedendo? (Hold on a moment, Horatio. What's going on?)"
The young man caught his breath, dusting off his dark clothes and ruffling his dark hair.
"E 'Vieri ei suoi lacchè. Sono stati in giro la città dicendo cose calunniose su di voi e il Auditore! Sono sicuro che è per ripicca dopo che suo padre è stato arrestato. Ma qualcosa deve essere fatto su di loro. (It's Vieri and his lackeys. They've been running around the city saying slanderous things of you and the Auditore! I am sure it is out of spite after his father was arrested. But, something needs to be done about them.)"
Ezio's eyes narrowed as he got up from the bench slowly.
"Questo ha bisogno di essere curato. Vieri ha fatto molte cose che lo segnano per quello che è, ma una cosa che avrà bisogno di una lezione di specie non è per insultare la mia famiglia. Portami dove dobbiamo andare, e potete dirmi i dettagli sulla strada. (This needs to be taken care of. Vieri has done many things that mark him for what he is, but one thing he will need a lesson in especially is not to insult my family. Take me where we need to go, and you can tell me the details on the way.)"
"Naturalmente, Ezio, molti di noi si sono riuniti per mostrare Vieri una cosa o due. Avremo la schiena quando quel vigliacco decide di sgattaiolare fuori dalla sua ombra scura. (Of course, Ezio, several of us have gathered to show Vieri a thing or two. We'll have your back when that coward decides to slink out of his dark shadow.)," the friend smirked.
Ezio turned to Seona, giving her an apologetic look.
"Mi duole dirlo, ma ho paura devo congedarmi, Seona. Ho a che fare con Vieri. (It pains me to say it, but I am afraid I must take my leave, Seona. I have to deal with Vieri.)"
Seona shook her head. Even if Vieri was looking for a fight this time, which it seemed like he did, was it so wise to give it to him? As if he had a sense of her thoughts, Ezio reassured her that it was the right course of action.
"Se non mi occupo di lui, egli continuerà a insultare la mia famiglia, e forse avrà messo in testa che essere marcio agli altri è accettabile. E 'una questione d'onore. (If I do not deal with him, he will continue to insult my family, and perhaps he will get it in his head that being rotten to others is acceptable. It is a matter of honor.)"
Seona nodded. Perhaps she did not agree with his actions, but his reasoning she agreed with to a point. He smiled at her and bowed his head before turning to his friend.
"Fino a quando ci incontriamo di nuovo, Seona. (Until we meet again, Seona.)"
And so he followed his friend, ready to rally his friends to face Vieri. Seona watched as the two young men disappeared into the crowd, with Seona alone to ponder things once more. She looked up at the sky, realizing the sun was closer to setting than she thought.
…
Well, dear readers, it's finally time. Starting next chapter, we finally get into events from the game. And, only a couple more chapters or so of crummy internet translations! I'm starting to regret doing it in the first place, but I did it for atmosphere and context purposes…Anyway, we have fanart are commissions! The lovely VivianaxD has finished a commission featuring Ezio and Seona (aptly named 'Ezio and Seona'), and a DA reader by the name of toOpendoor34 has contributed a lovely fan-portrait of Seona. ^^ Awesome work, you guys! Thank you so much. I have also commissioned a manga artist and huge Ezio fan Hinoe-0 to do a portrait of Seona, and another manga artist by the name of jadenkaiba to do a squee-inducing picture as well. All of these will be found on Deviantart, however, only the ones by VivianaxD and toOpendoor34 are finished currently. ( doesn't like people posting links so I would recommend firing up a search engine or searching for the pictures yourself.)
Or…you can visit my DA page (LittleBlackDragon), I'll have a box for them once all the pictures are done and ready. Fanart and commissions are always welcome.
Well, that's all for now! Thanks for the reviews, subscriptions, faves, etc. Every little bit helps.
