Chapter 14: Of Friendship and Foreshadowing
The day began much like the previous days during Seona's time with the courtesans. There was training in the early morning as always. Seona found she was finally beginning to feel honestly comfortable with the self-defense techniques she was being taught. She made noticeably fewer mistakes and was able to work through the scenarios given with fewer interventions by Anselma and Luana. It was nothing too impressive, perhaps, but Seona appreciated that the intense practice she was going through was beginning to pay off.
Anselma was ever the distant and critical one, reminding Seona that a few weeks' worth of practice was not nearly enough to become a master. More weeks, even months or years would be needed to perfect such things. There was truth in that, and Seona quietly accepted the criticism of the courtesan. However, she acknowledged that compared to when she first came to Florence, she had learned much from the courtesan's lessons. She knew very little of defending herself before, but her eyes were opened up to possibilities she could not have seen otherwise.
Luana noted that Seona's comprehension of their directions was much improved, a sign that her understanding of Italian was getting much better. A little more time and practice and perhaps it would become as easy as speaking her native tongue, Luana said. Seona was hopeful that it wouldn't be much longer. There were several words and phrases that were becoming second nature, perhaps Italian could become as natural as English for her. It would enable not only a better chance of survival, but also the possibility of actually thriving in the Renaissance, something that might enable her to begin answering the questions of her place in this time.
Luana noted however, that there was still that 'pesky accent' of Seona's that would show up from time to time when she spoke, something that she assured her would also improve over time. She laughed as she told the young woman this, and Seona flushed red, a bit embarrassed. But, it was mostly teasing on the courtesan's part, she was assured. She and Anselma concluded the lesson, giving Seona permission to begin running her errands for the day.
She was given a few coins and sent to collect a few needed items from the market vendors. When she stepped outside, she was surprised at how brightly the sun was shining that day. She briefly had to shield her eyes before her vision adjusted. Taking a deep breath, the young woman quickly and efficiently went about her task.
Seona was able to find all the goods that were needed, carrying them on her way back to the brothel in a small, nondescript cloth sack. The smells and sights of Florence were becoming something familiar to her, and she had memorized much of it. However, familiarity did not stop Seona from noticing something out of place.
A few guards walked past her, muttering to themselves. She didn't hear much of what they said, but she shrugged it off as unimportant. In between a pair of buildings was a rather large stack of golden hay, giving off the light of day. It was not an uncommon sight to see such a pile or two or carts full of the harvested flora, so at first it was not something all that significant.
Seona paused however, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw something move in the haystack. She leaned forward ever slightly, studying the pile for a second or two while keeping a grip on the goods she was meant to bring back. However, when there was not even a shudder, she turned her head and sighed.
"It must be my imagination," she whispered under her breath. As she turned to keep walking however, there was the slight sound of movement from the pile, but softer this time. Her eyes widened a little, but she didn't look back.
"Maybe it's just a cat or a dog or something that got in the hay," she whispered, "Yes, that must be it. Or else …"
She noticed nobody else seemed to be taking notice of it and shook her head. She walked away considerably several feet when she heard rustling and the whoosh of plant material moving against something. Seona slowly turned her head to see a familiar face standing a good distance behind her, dusting pieces of hay off his clothes.
"Ezio?"
Claudia's elder brother seemed preoccupied at the moment, looking around as though he were expecting someone. After seeing the strands of hay that he brushed off, she couldn't help but wonder. Was he hiding in that pile of hay just then?
He started walking in the opposite direction of where Seona was heading, apparently not in the mood to stop and chat with anyone, or so it seemed. She started walking up to him out of curiosity. He turned his head slightly, noticing her out of the corner of his eye before turning completely around.
"Buongiorno, Ezio! (Good morning, Ezio!)," she greeted him, waving her free hand gently.
"Ah! Ciao, Seona. (Ah! Hello, Seona.)"
His eyes shifted quickly to either side of her before turning his attention back to Seona as she walked up to him. She was debating to herself in her mind as she did so. Should she ask him about what she saw? Or should she keep it to herself? In the meantime, she was concerned about the events of yesterday as well. After all, he went running off to fight Vieri and there was some concerned as to what became of him.
"È scappato ieri dopo aver sentito parlare di Vieri. Mi chiedevo se eri bene ... (You ran off yesterday after you heard about Vieri. I was wondering if you were alright…)"
Ezio chuckled a little.
"Non devi preoccuparti per me, Seona. Ho fatto in modo Vieri sapeva che io non prendo gentilmente per i suoi spettacoli di arroganza e di disonore. Sono abbastanza bene. (You don't have to worry about me, Seona. I made sure Vieri knew that I don't take kindly to his shows of arrogance and dishonor. I am quite alright.)"
She smiled faintly, until she noticed an odd sort of shadow cast on Ezio's face. She narrowed her eyes slightly, seeing on a more focused inspection that there was a thin line across one side of Ezio's lips. It much resembled a scratch or gash of some sort. And she knew it was not something she had seen before. She looked up at him with concern.
"È stato ferito. Riesco a vedere il segno sul labbro. (You were hurt. I can see the mark on your lip.)"
He shook his head.
"Non è niente, davvero. Sono andato dal medico per il trattamento. Si dovrebbe andare bene. (It's nothing, really. I went to the doctor for treatment. It should be fine.)"
Seona nodded, sighing in relief.
"Oh, bene. (Oh, good.)"
However, the expression on her face betrayed to Ezio that she was not entirely set at ease.
"Sei molto dolce per essere interessato, ma credetemi quando dico che sono più che bene. (You're very sweet to be concerned, but trust me when I say I am more than fine.)," he reassured her, flashing her a smile. Her cheeks warmed up just a faint touch from the compliment and she smiled in return. She took a deep breath and accepted it.
"Va bene. Se lo dici tu, Ezio. (Alright, if you say so, Ezio.)"
"Molto buono. E 'stato un piacere rivederti, ma deve essere la mia strada. Ho bisogno di vedere mio padre, e le probabilità sono che si sta chiedendo dove sono andato. Speriamo che non si è sentito parlare molto la scorsa notte, ma lui che è dubbio sul fatto ... (Very good. It was a pleasure to see you again, but I must be on my way. I need to see my father, and chances are he is wondering where I have gone. Hopefully he hasn't heard much about last night, but knowing him that is doubtful…)"
"Non voglio tenerti allora. (I won't keep you then.)," she said, understanding the feeling of urgency one feels when someone is expecting them, and might possibly be cross with their actions. In Ezio's case, his fight with Vieri that he tore off in a hurry for, she guessed.
"Addio, Seona. (Farewell, Seona.)"
When he was no longer visible, Seona let out a long sigh. Perhaps it was for the best that she didn't ask about what he was doing hiding in that pile of hay. Maybe she was fussing over the whole situation a bit much, she told herself. With her focus now back on her task, she turned to head back to the brothel with the needed items in tow.
Things seemed fairly busy there compared to an average day, making Seona feel less at ease when she returned and delivered the items. She did a couple more tasks, assisting with cleaning and other small duties in the background. She finished promptly, and was greeted by Paola as she was finishing arranging a few items for the courtesans.
Seona stepped down from what she was doing and bowed respectfully to the madam.
"Ciao, Seona. Prima di andare a correre via oggi, ho una richiesta da farti. (Hello, Seona. Before you go running off today, I have a request of you.)"
Paola's voice was soft but serious. Seona's hearing sharpened and she nodded.
"Sì, certo, che cosa vuoi da me? (Yes, of course, what do you wish of me?)," Seona asked earnestly.
Paola appreciated Seona's eagerness to do what was asked of her, giving her an accepting smile. Paola had been keeping an eye on the girl who had come to stay and help her and the courtesans. Things in the city were shifting; events were starting to be put into motion.
"Mi piacerebbe di tornare a casa presto oggi. Ci sono alcuni ... eventi importanti in arrivo nel prossimo futuro. Ci sono dettagli ho bisogno di far conoscere a voi, come potrei aver bisogno del tuo aiuto con questi eventi. (I would like you to return to the house early today. There are some…important events coming up in the near future. There are details I will need to make known to you, as I may need your help with these events.)"
Paola folded her hands. Seona nodded. She was a bit confused as to Paola's vague statement, but was attentively listening nonetheless.
"Direi di più adesso, ma le cose sono particolarmente occupato oggi e so che siete ansiosi di vedere il vostro amico che vi è stato in visita. Ma, quando le cose stabilirsi in seguito per un po 'avrò un po' di tempo per spiegare correttamente me stesso. (I would say more now, but things are especially busy today and I know you are eager to see your friend that you have been visiting. But, when things settle down later for a while I will have some time to properly explain myself.)"
Her friend…Seona thought back to her conversation with Anselma not too long ago.
"Ricordo che Anselma ha detto che sapeva che avevo fatto amicizia con qualcuno in città. (I remember that Anselma said she knew I had befriended someone in the city.)"
"Sì, ha condiviso queste informazioni con me. Lei mi ha detto che stavi befriending un membro della nobiltà, non meno. (Yes, she shared this information with me. She told me you were befriending a member of the nobility, no less.)"
Seona gulped.
"Quindi ... sai anche allora? (So…you know then, too?)," Seona felt a bit silly asking an obvious question, but there it was. Anselma had warned her against entanglement in the affairs of the aristocracy, but, Paola was the type to gently push and encourage, laying out what needed to be done simply.
"Io so molte cose, Seona. Informazioni su questa città, della sua gente. E si vive qui. (I know many things, Seona. About this city, about its people. And you are living here.)"
"Questo è un punto giusto. (That is a fair point.)"
"Avere un amico è importante. Possono essere una fonte di forza quando non c'è nessun altro a cui rivolgersi. E il più forte l'amicizia, il più forza che può dare alla gente che comporta. (Having a friend is important. They can be a source of strength when there is nobody else to turn to. And the stronger the friendship, the more strength it can lend to the people it involves.)," Paola said, reminding Seona of some of the things Paola had said to her in previous conversation. She was a very astute woman, seeing a great deal and having quite an amount of intelligence.
"Spero così. Lei e la sua famiglia sono stati così gentili e sono felice di avere la sua amicizia. (I would hope so. She and her family have been so kind and I am glad to have her friendship.)"
Seona thought for a moment, coming back to the request Paola had made. She would be ready to render whatever help was needed, but, Paola had made no indication at all of what she was asking, other than the fact it was important and that her help would be needed. However, her concerned was not addressed.
Paola placed a hand on her shoulder which called her attention out of her thoughts.
"Ora, non perdere quello che il tempo libero che hai, Seona. Sono sicuro che il tuo amico ti sta aspettando. E probabilmente come desiderosi di trascorrere del tempo con voi come siete con loro. (Now, do not waste what free time you have, Seona. I am sure your friend is waiting for you. And probably as eager to spend time with you as you are with them.)"
Paola was drawn away by a few of the courtesans who were asking for her attention. Seona was left in the back alone, hearing the shuffling of feet, the twists and turns of doors, and the chatter of excited customers and courtesans tempting them with sight and sound and touch. Seona shook her head, trying her best not to think about it. For the most part, that had never been much of a problem for her, but every now and again there was a reminder that the young woman was in fact living in a brothel.
As she turned and walked out the back door, she began to think about how odd it was. Of all the places she would or could find refuge in Renaissance Florence, the last place she expected was a supposed 'house of ill repute'. Realistically, most such places were not the sort of place she would go, and most of the people there would be people to avoid, including those who worked there. Especially those who worked there.
Granted, Seona occasionally saw a glimpse of the men who came into the place when she would sprint quickly from one part to another for a quick request of one of the girls. And they did not generally seem like the pleasant, associable type of folk. Some very well might be in their average lives, but Seona had a hard time imagining it because of her upbringing. Her family did not look favorably on such places and for the most part the people in it. Perhaps it was a product of time, culture, and in the case of her childhood, religious leanings.
They might very well be justified in their thinking in some cases, she thought, but Paola and the courtesans here seemed in defiance of that logic. They showed traits that were admirable to Seona, things that one might actually aspire to, even if the profession they practiced was among them. If anything, her experience with them was a good example of not judging a book by its cover, as the familiar adage went.
What would her family think of all of this? Madness, surely. Just as the people here would think it was madness if she admitted her true origins.
Seona closed the door behind her, strolling through the familiar smells and sights of the markets once again, up the road to the Auditore house. The sun was now fairly high in the sky, and despite it being a cool day she could feel slivers of warmth as the sun was shining over the city. Both pleasant and unpleasant scents wafted through the air with the sound of chatter and bustling people. All the while on her way, Seona wondered to herself what it was that Paola needed her help with.
Why did it require she return early when there would be a period with fewer people at the brothel? Was it some sort of secret or dark thing? Was it something complex or intricate? She honestly hadn't the faintest idea, and what Paola said gave little indication as to the task's nature or what their later discussion would entail.
Seona came upon the house of the Auditore family, which seemed to have a glow about it in the bright sunlight. A gentle breeze passed by, causing her sleeves to billow for a second or two.
Two people walked across the courtyard, one of whom Seona recognized as Giovanni Auditore, Claudia's father. He seemed to be in a very serious discussion with the other man next to him, frowning and narrowing his eyebrows. The other man seemed as though he was trying to be positive and reassuring, but Giovanni was not convinced of the man's optimism.
From the entrance, Seona could see the other man was a little taller than Claudia's father, and portly in his shape. He was wearing colorful clothing with several shades of violet, and a decorated piece with a cross and many ruffles along his sleeves. He also wore a hat over his head. The man carried himself in a very dignified manner, and the look suggested he was someone of high station. Perhaps he was a noble or an official of some kind, Seona guessed.
She saw no signs of Claudia, and decided to wait by the main entrance. After a few moments, the portly gentleman emerged turning around to be on his way. He seemed to have a look on his face that suggested conflict, but what sort of conflict Seona could not say. Perhaps it was due to the discussion he was having with Giovanni Auditore. She did not hear much of it, and what she did hear were words she didn't quite take the time to think of their meaning. But it was probably related to Giovanni Auditore's work and none of her business anyhow.
Seona waited for a while for Claudia. She briefly went into the courtyard, but she didn't come. Giovanni had gone elsewhere, and the maid was probably elsewhere in the house. Perhaps if she came out at some point she could ask as to Claudia's whereabouts. As far as she knew, the two of them were going to meet today. Perhaps there was something that came up?
After a moment or two of once again waiting outside the entrance, Seona saw the familiar form of her friend walking slowly up the street. She smiled, relieved to see her after waiting for a while. However, as Claudia drew closer, Seona saw that Claudia had an absolutely sorrowful look on her face, as though she were on the verge of tears.
Seona's freckled façade twisted in alarm and she quickly approached her young friend. Claudia looked up at her pitifully.
"Mi dispiace per fare è aspettare, Seona. Ero con un altro amico e avevo perso la cognizione del tempo. (I'm sorry for making you wait, Seona. I was with another friend and I had lost track of time.)," She apologized weakly. Seona waved her hand as a reassuring gesture.
"No, va tutto bene. Non è stato così a lungo. Sono più preoccupato per te, Claudia. Stai bene? (No, it's fine. It wasn't that long. I'm more concerned about you, Claudia. Are you alright?)," Seona questioned her troubled friend.
"No, non lo sono. Io ... io non sto bene, Seona. (No, I'm not. I'm… I'm not alright, Seona.)"
"C'è qualcosa che posso fare per aiutarti? (Is there anything I can do to help?)," Seona offered.
"Penso ... (I think…)," Claudia hesitated, "Penso di aver bisogno di sedersi e parlare con qualcuno che non è una delle ragazze ero solo con. Non posso arrivare ovunque a parlare con loro. (I think I need to sit down and talk to someone who isn't one of the girls I was just with. I can't get anywhere talking with them.)"
"Beh, io sono qui per ascoltare se ne avete bisogno, Claudia. (Well, I'm here to listen if you need it, Claudia.)"
The two of them went inside the courtyard, sitting down on a bench. Claudia took a deep breath and folded her hands over her lap.
"Ho sentito cose dai miei amici ... terribili dicerie ... (I've been hearing things from my friends…terrible rumors …)"
Seona raised an eyebrow, very concerned. The young woman herself knew rumors were something that brought discontent and conflict, often falsehood designed to debilitate a person.
"E 'terribile. Perché dovrebbero farlo? (That's awful. Why would they do that?)"
"Non lo so. (I don't know.)," Claudia shook her head. She took a moment to collect herself. Seona stayed close, ready to offer whatever support she could for her distraught companion.
"Parlano di Duccio, l'uomo che era fidanzata con da mio padre. (They speak of Duccio, the man I was betrothed to by my father.)"
Seona sat up a bit more straight.
"Fidanzata?(Betrothed?)," Seona repeated, not understanding the word.
"Io ... io non ho detto molto di lui quando si parla con te, vero? Ma, sì, mio padre stava facendo accordi per me di sposarlo. (I…I haven't said much about him when speaking with you, have I? But, yes, my father was making arrangements for me to marry him.)"
Married, Seona thought, perplexed. Claudia was engaged and she was only fifteen years old, an engagement that was arranged for her by her father, no less. Sometimes Seona almost forgot she was in a time and place quite different from her own. She continued to listen as Claudia confided her troubles.
"Avevo trascorso del tempo con Duccio. Ho pensato che fosse un bel uomo, ho pensato che forse sarei felice e che stavo crescendo ad amarlo. (I had spent time with Duccio. I thought he was a nice man, I thought perhaps I would be happy and that I was growing to love him.)"
"Ma i tuoi altri amici hanno da dire che non è quello che sembra? (But your other friends are saying he isn't what he seems?)," Seona guessed aloud, thinking about the fact that Claudia had referred to what her friends were saying as 'rumors'. Claudia nodded, starting to shift her expression from one of sorrow and distress to one of frustration.
"Sì, questo è esattamente quello che hanno detto. (Yes, that is exactly what they have been saying.)"
Her gazed turned downward to her hands in her lap.
"Mi dicono che hanno visto lui portando avanti con altre donne. (They tell me that they've seen him carrying on with other women.)"
Poor Claudia, what an awful rumor to be spreading around, she thought.
"Ho detto loro che non poteva essere possibile. L'altro giorno, quando si stava al mio fianco quando ero arrabbiato e non volevo parlare di ciò che mi dava fastidio ... (I've told them that it couldn't be possible. That other day when you stood by my side when I was upset and didn't want to talk about what was bothering me…)"
Seona remembered seeing Claudia arguing with a group of other girls just before that one day. She nodded, acknowledging the memory.
"Si stavano discutendo con loro di Duccio. (You were arguing with them about Duccio.)"
"Ero stanco e avevo bisogno di un po 'di pace. Dopo quello che è successo, sono andato e ho parlato con Duccio circa le mie preoccupazioni. Ma ha detto che non era nulla e sono stati solo di essere crudele e raccontare bugie. Volevo credere che non era vero, e io li affrontai riguardo.(I was tired and needed some peace. After what happened, I went and spoke to Duccio about my concerns. But he said it was nothing and they were just being cruel and telling lies. I wanted to believe it wasn't true, and I confronted them about it.)," Claudia told her.
"Hanno ammettono? (Did they concede?)," Seona asked.
"No, hanno detto che ero ingenuo e Duccio ero quello che stava mentendo. Poi hanno detto che appena lo videro sfilare in giro con qualcuno solo ieri sera! Mi hanno anche detto che il suo nome e quello che dicevano l'un l'altro ... e ... e ... (No, they said that I was gullible and Duccio was the one who was lying. Then they said they just saw him parading around with someone just last night! They even told me her name and what they said to one another… and… and…)," Claudia was having trouble holding onto her words.
"Va tutto bene, Claudia. (It's alright, Claudia.)"
Seona felt an urge to hug her, to tell her friend that everything would be fine. But, was such a gesture appropriate in this time and place? Seona offered a hand, which Claudia squeezed tightly with hers. Claudia took a deep breath before she was able to continue her last thought.
"... E ... sto cominciando a pensare che potrebbe non essere solo una voce. (…and…I am beginning to think that it might not just be a rumor.)"
"Pensi davvero che lui è stato infedele? (You really think he's been unfaithful to you?)," Seona inquired.
"Sì, con il modo in cui ha agito e trattare me ultimamente ... e come irremovibile sono stati ... Ma lui non dirà nulla a me (Yes, with the way he's been acting and treating me lately…and how adamant they've been…But he will not say anything to me.)," Claudia withdrew her hand and clasped the two of them together in her lap once more. Seona looked Claudia in the face with a serious expression of determination. If Duccio was avoiding being straightforward about the situation, maybe he had some not so savory behavior to hide. And Seona couldn't stand the idea of someone Claudia cared about treating her so badly.
"Forse qualcun altro lo deve confrontarsi riguardo? O forse c'è qualcos'altro che si può fare su di esso dal momento che non vuole parlare con te? (Maybe someone else should confront him about it? Or perhaps there's something else that can be done about it since he won't talk to you?)"
As Seona was speaking, she heard the sound of footsteps and her gaze moved to briefly see Ezio walking into the courtyard. He saw the two young women sitting on the bench and waved to the two of them.
"Ancora ciao. (Hello again.)"
He approached the two of them, seeing the distressed look on Claudia's face.
"Ehi Claudia. (Hey Claudia.)," he greeted his sister, "Come stai? (How are you?)"
"Sto bene, Ezio. (I'm alright, Ezio.)," she replied, turning her eyes away from her older brother. Ezio knew his sister well and could see that she was worried by something. Seona also had a very worried look, making him suspect even more that something was going on.
"Si consiglia di non mantenere le cose da me. Cosa ti preoccupa? (You shouldn't keep things from me. What's troubling you?)"
"E 'Duccio. (It's Duccio.)," Claudia admitted, shaking her head and closing her eyes tight for a second or two. Ezio raised an eyebrow.
"Che di lui? (What of him?)"
Claudia looked away, then briefly at Seona, and then to her brother.
"Penso ... penso che lui è stato infedele! (I think…I think he's been unfaithful!)"
"Chi ti ha detto questo? (Who told you this?)," he questioned her, sitting beside her.
"Le altre ragazze! (The other girls!)," she replied, her voice watery from trying to hold back the fact she was still very upset. Ezio's expression was serious and full of disquiet for his only sister.
"Arpie! Si sta meglio senza di loro. (Harpies! You are better off without them.)," He gestured, trying to reassure her by wrapping an arm around her.
"Lo amavo. (I loved him.)," she wined, almost as if a part of her still wanted to believe that what she had been told was nothing more than a cruel falsehood.
"No, Claudia. Hai pensato solo che hai fatto. Se davvero lo ha fatto ... (No, Claudia. You only thought you did. If he really did this…)"
Before Ezio could finish, Claudia's face twisted in anger, something Seona had not seen of Claudia before. She looked up at her brother, her eyes burning.
"Se davvero ha fatto questo, Ezio, allora dovrebbe soffrire per quello che ha fatto. (If he really did this, Ezio, then he should suffer for what he's done.)"
Those words carried weight, and from the look Claudia had in her eyes Seona knew that she meant it. She had never seen Claudia so indignant. Irritated or frustrated, perhaps, but never genuinely angry. But, with how much she was upset before, who was to say the response couldn't mean an equal amount of anger? Seona's eyes fell to Ezio, who stood with a look similar to when he had gotten the news about Vieri the day before.
"Andrò due parole con lui. (I will go have a word with him.)"
His eyes met Seona's.
"Si prega di guardare dopo che Claudia, mentre io mi occupo di questo, Seona. (Please look after Claudia while I take care of this, Seona.)"
"Sarò proprio qui, Ezio. (I'll be right here, Ezio.)," Seona assured him. And she had no reason to leave. Right now, her job was to be there for her friend. She admired that Ezio was quick to go to confront Duccio on Claudia's behalf. Seona did not have siblings, so she admired those who did and looked out for one another and got along. But no, she wasn't going anywhere.
She had a feeling that Ezio might do more than talk if the mark on his lip was any indication of his proceedings with Vieri the day before. But if Duccio turned out to be cheating on Claudia, perhaps he would deserve a beating if one were to occur.
The verdant flora around the courtyard rustled as a breeze blew by and Ezio took his leave. Claudia looked away, her feelings of betrayal and hurt running through her.
"Forse non è giusto per una donna qui ... e non potrebbe ottenere alcuna risposta essere tale, altrimenti vorrei suggerire 'parlare' di Duccio me stesso. (Perhaps it isn't proper for a woman here…and I might not get any answer being such, or else I would suggest 'talking' to Duccio myself.)," Seona muttered. Claudia stifled a giggle, her anger quietly subsiding as quickly as it had come. How quickly a person's emotions could change, Seona thought, how odd it was. But she was glad to see her comment had cheered Claudia up, if only for a moment.
"Apprezzo il sentimento, Seona, anche se tu non mi sembri il tipo da andare in cerca di una rissa. E ... io non sono troppo sicuro di come sarebbe guardare ad altre persone ... (I appreciate the sentiment, Seona, though you don't strike me as the type to go looking for a fight. And…I'm not too sure how that would look to other people…)"
"Suppongo che sarebbe stato strano. (I suppose it would be strange.)," Seona laughed, "E hai ragione, io non sono uno per i combattimenti di ogni genere, davvero. Ma, non mi piace quando i miei amici sono male. Voglio aiutare però posso. (And you are right, I'm not one for fights of any kind, really. But, I don't like it when my friends are hurting. I want to help however I can.)"
"Beh, tu eri disposto ad ascoltare e hai fatto i suggerimenti senza cercare di dirmi cosa fare. Direi che sei stato di grande aiuto. (Well, you were willing to listen and you made suggestions without trying to tell me what to do. I'd say you've been a great help.)," Claudia exhaled, looking up at the sky, finally starting to relax after several moments of letting her negative feelings run their course.
"Io ... Grazie. Ho pensato che stavo solo facendo quello che ogni buon amico dovrebbe fare. (I…thank you. I figured I was just doing what any good friend should do.)," Seona also looked up towards the sky, seeing a few clouds floating over the city.
"E tu sei il mio amico ... (And you are my friend…)"
"Esattamente. Siamo amici, e il lavoro di un amico è di avere la schiena, per così dire. (Exactly. We're friends, and a friend's job is to have your back, so to speak.)," Seona giggled right along with Claudia. On the other side of the courtyard, Seona could see Petruccio walking across from one side of the house to the other in the direction of his room. He was carrying a small box, and when he saw Claudia and Seona he waved enthusiastically to the two of them before being joined by the eldest Auditore brother, who encouraged him to be on his way before his mother would start to worry. He nodded to Seona and said hello to the two women before he himself went elsewhere to do whatever tasks he was needed for.
The clouds continued to float overhead, and the two women watched the world go by, glad to simply have the other's company. Claudia calmed down more, knowing that she had the support of her friends and family when she had been hurt by words and people she had come to care about.
In the meantime, Ezio made haste to find Duccio, knowing where the man usually liked to run about during the day. The young Auditore passed through the busy streets of Florence, his eyes scanning through crowds and clusters of city folk. As he walked past the tinted roofs and the archways, he spotted his person of interest, seeing him in the company of another. He hung back temporarily to watch the scene unfold, as he predicted that he may have found reason to indicate his sister's suspicions were not unfounded.
Duccio was a young man about Claudia's age, though perhaps appearing a little older. He had brown hair that was a little frazzled underl his tan cap, with a matching vest, pants, and dark colored boots, and a pastel blue shirt. He appeared rather smug as the person who accompanied him in question, a round-framed woman with black hair and a dark colored dress, held up her hand to marvel at a rather decorative ring that was placed on her finger.
"Oh, Duccio! E 'bellissimo! (Oh, Duccio! It's beautiful!)," she exclaimed with delight. The young man had a mischievous smile upon his lips, as though he were an eager and hungry wolf waiting to pounce upon prey while it was distracted. The woman turned to him as he touched her cheek, stroking it with the back of his hand.
"Solo il meglio per te, amore mio. (Only the best for you, my love.)"
A sardonic smiled pursed the woman's lips as she recognized Duccio's devious expression.
"E che dire di Claudia? (And what of Claudia?)," She remarked inquisitively as she softly and playfully pushed him back, "Ho pensato che era stata promessa a lei. (I thought you had been promised to her.)"
Duccio smirked, drawing close to her as if he completely disregarded the statement.
"Mio padre ha detto che avrei potuto fare molto meglio di un Auditore. (My father said I could do much better than an Auditore.)," He retorted brazenly. Ezio was more than ready to deck his sister's betrothed when the woman began walking away from him, inviting Duccio to join her. Duccio pushed her teasingly, causing the woman to grin.
"Come cattivo di te! Venite, camminiamo un po '. (How naughty of you! Come, let us walk a bit.)"
He grabbed the woman and twirled her around, dipping her slightly.
"Penso di avere qualcosa di meglio in mente di camminare ... (I think I have something better in mind than walking…)"
"Oh, Duccio."
Ezio decided he had seen enough, practically marching up to the two as they locked lips.
"Ehi, lurido porco! (Hey, you dirty pig!)"
However, Duccio was quick to notice the Auditore approach him. He quickly stood up, releasing his companion. He approached the indignant young man, putting on an amicable appearance.
"Ezio, amico mio! (Ezio, my friend!)," he greeted him in a cheery tone before Ezio's fist promptly and swiftly met and receded from the middle of his face.
"Ma che diavolo! (What the hell!)," Duccio cried as he cradled his face, and then looked down to check if his nose was bleeding.
"È più di insultare mia sorella Duccio, sfilano in giro con questa puttana. (You more than insult my sister Duccio, parading around with this whore.)"
"Che cosa stai p-parlando? (What are you t-talking about?)," Duccio hesitated, initially trying to avoid a confrontation.
"Ho visto il regalo che le hai dato ... sentito le cose che hai detto. (I saw the gift you gave her…heard the things you said.)"
"Forse tua sorella non avrebbe dovuto essere così avaro con la sua virtù. (Maybe your sister shouldn't have been so stingy with her virtue.),"his eyes narrowed, annoyed by the elder brother's interference. But Ezio was not budging, and there was no way he was going to let Duccio get away with his behavior towards his only sister.
"Mi hai spezzato il cuore! (You broke her heart!),"Ezio rejected his jab. Realizing there was no way out, Duccio put up his fists against the older young man, his eyebrows furrowing in conceited pride.
"E ora, ho intenzione di rompere il vostro viso! (And now, I'm going to break your face!)," he retorted arrogantly.
However, his words of challenge rang remarkably hollow. Duccio tried to pull and bring a few punches, but Ezio quickly overwhelmed him. He was much faster and graceful in his movement, able to bring Duccio flat on his back in less than a minute. Both flung insults and banter, but actions made it clear who was going to be the victor. Despite Duccio's attempts to kick and regain his footing, he was soon unable to do anything as he felt a sharp, immobilizing pain between his legs. A few similar contacts between Ezio's boot and the area between his thighs caused him to howl in agony.
"Ferma! Cedo! Cedo! (Stop! I yield! I yield!)," he pleaded as Ezio threatened another strike. He withdrew, glaring at him threateningly as a few people looked on at the spectacle. Ezio pointed at him, causing Duccio to freeze in place, his face wrinkled from the pain that had been swiftly and powerfully inflicted upon him.
"Stare lontano da mia sorella! (Stay away from my sister!)"
Duccio was in such pain, or he would have nodded vigorously, eager that his nether regions not meet the sharp blow of another kick. Ezio, satisfied that the message had been understood, disappeared into an oncoming crowd, on his way to other things now that he felt justice had been given its due, leaving Duccio alone in front of others with his humiliation.
Ezio always took matters with his family to heart, seeing that justice was served when they were wronged, and taking care when help was needed. Though he was still a young man and had his fair share of getting into trouble, he did not let a sense of honor or dedication to his family go to the wayside. It was an integral part of the Auditore brother, something that would motivate him especially as a devastating change loomed over everything he knew.
…
Author's note: Okay…so this is a bit of a long chapter, sorry about that, folks. Also, it is probably not quite as spot on with events from the game as the last chapter, especially since in this case I had to account for another character being in the mix. But, in either, case, there is much more to come! I appreciate all the support and thoughtful comments that make the awesomeness that has become this story possible. Seriously, you guys have been a big help and I couldn't have made it even this far without you. (F.Y.I. the story is over 90+ subscribers now-! *is dancing like a fiend*)
Well, that's all for now, see you next time! Which is in the near future because I am posting this chapter and the next one at the same time! Check it out!