Chapter 21: And There was a Story that Needed Telling
The journey to Monteriggioni was not a smooth transition from what had transpired in Florence. There were hours of nearly deadening silence, with only the wind and the force of the ground that met the steps of the party's feet. For miles there were the hills of the Italian countryside, Tuscany laid out like a verdant blanket under a cloudy sky. They kept moving as quickly as they could, with the three women trailing behind Ezio.
When there was conversing amongst them, it was mostly Ezio who spoke, telling the rest of his group of his plans. They were plans of what they were to do, where they were to go, something that seemed well thought out and composed, or so Ezio thought. But these plans were truly those of a young man desperate to separate those he cared for as far from the danger that had already taken from him as he thought possible.
They would stay for a while at Monteriggioni with his father's brother, Mario Auditore. But, he had intentions to lead the group much further than that. He would go even as far as Spain, thinking that this was the ultimate distance he could put between his enemies and his loved ones.
Then there were his mother and sister. Maria had still not said a word herself. Nobody knew how long she would continue to remain this way. There was hope that they could help and that she would come back, but her face remained vacant, and this made the hearts of the others sink a little more from the weight their ordeal. Claudia still clung to thoughts of home and what she had lost. It was sometimes difficult to stay strong as her brother had asked of her. And in those moments her grip on the hands of her mother and her friend would grow tighter, trying to hang on to something she still had.
Seona had mustered a bit of inner reserve, keeping herself focused on her friends whom she had sworn to help. And yet, she couldn't keep herself from wondering of their future. Would they truly keep running beyond Monteriggioni? Would those that wished them dead simply tire and not give chase, as Ezio seemed to hope? If Paola's words before she left were anything to go by, it was highly unlikely. And there was something larger playing out that they had been swept up in, for one reason or another.
It was a number of days, but their travels brought them close to their destination. They followed the road, with the green hills of Tuscany still on either side of them. It was the afternoon, with the sun having peaked in the sky not too long ago. But, there was much cloud cover that started to settle in, concealing the light of day from the world below. The smell of the dust of the road was still the most prevalent aroma. But ahead, they started to see walls of a settlement, a barrier of brown brick and stone. Towers dotted corners around the perimeter in the distance, standing above the hills and grass around the area.
Ezio nodded and turned to the three women.
"Monteriggioni is just up the road. When we get into town we will need to find Uncle Mario," he spoke with a guarded anticipation. Claudia allowed herself a sigh of relief and gestured with thanks that they were within reach.
"Thank God we've arrived," she let the words carry heavily on her sigh. Seona nodded in agreement, still walking closely with the other women.
But, they had not yet reached safety, even though they had come with only a short distance left to cross. An enemy laid in wait for them, as a predator waited to devour its next meal. A group of men in dress of dark and vivid garb came into view, and upon sight of the party of four maneuvered to block their path, drawing their weapons in a threatening fashion.
"Stay close," Seona whispered, a sinking feeling beginning to form inside her gut. Ezio made sure the three women stood back as he approached the men with a defensive posture. The men in back were shifting around, the group slowly parting to make way for another man. The dust from the road made a clicking sound as a figure came to the front, drawing a rapier from his belt.
In the same dark, loose-fitting clothes, with the same arrogant stride, and an expression even more cocky than usual, they were met with the gaze of a member of the Pazzi family, quite familiar to the group of four. Seona found she remembered him as the young nobleman who had threatened her when she bumped into him in Florence, until Ezio had intervened and made him back down. All three of the women started to feel boxed in by the group of men led by him, especially with the tips of their blades pointed in their direction.
Ezio felt no sense of surprise, and seeing his old rival here was only a confirmation of what he already suspected, and that was the Pazzi family's involvement in the tragedy of the Auditore.
"Well, well, if it isn't Ezio Auditore," Vieri greeted him with a sneer, "…And you didn't even leave Florence without a proper farewell? I'm quite hurt."
Ezio felt his anger beginning to flare up inside of him, but with the three in his charge, he maintained as much control as he could muster. But, his inexperience allowed an undercurrent to seethe into his voice as he replied to Vieri's mockery.
"What do you want, Vieri?"
The young Pazzi stepped casually, a smile conveying his over-confidence.
"I want many things…," he mused with a hint of the same mocking tone as before, "I want two new steeds, for instance. And I want a prettier bride. There was another thing as well…"
As if contemplating, he paused for a moment, before extending his blade.
"Oh yes! Of course…," he snickered, "...Your life."
That was when the fight began, and the four travelling companions found themselves again in a struggle for their lives.
The three women stayed close together, dodging the armed men who decided to target them first. Seona drew her knife, fighting mostly on the defensive and to protect her other two female companions. She maneuvered so she could shove some of the men back in Ezio's direction, as he was able to deal with them with much more skill and deadliness. This was not before striking a time or two, occasionally leaving them with a fresh cut along the arm or the shoulder. Claudia and her mother mostly kept moving away as much as they could. Her friend fearfully watched and whisked around, trying desperately to keep from being surrounded. However, at one point, one of the attackers had his back to her, and was turning his attention to Seona. Claudia mustered up some courage and stuck out her foot, tripping him. Seona followed up by pushing him towards the larger cluster of men, where he swiftly met his end by Ezio's sword.
Ezio himself managed to take down a few of Vieri's henchmen, exchanging steel with Vieri frequently during the fight. He intervened to protect the women when he could and tried to draw attention away from them. But things were not going well by any means. The four of them were still outnumbered by Vieri and his men, and Vieri himself was mostly hiding in the back with his hirelings taking most of the damage. Time seemed to slow around them, and Ezio's rival grew impatient with his resilience and the group's eagerness in putting up a fight against him.
"I grow tired of your unwillingness to die," Vieri hissed, stepping back from the men as they briefly halted, holding up their swords to strike. Ezio had found himself disarmed during the battle, but he still had his hidden blade, and had no intention of relenting. He glared at Vieri, who simply scoffed at him and gestured to his men.
"Kill him, you fools! And do not spare the women."
The men started to charge at the four of them. Ezio extended his blade. Seona braced for the oncoming attack and set out her free hand to protect Claudia and Maria. But then, in that instant, Seona heard a whistling noise and felt something passing her at an almost rocketing speed. Several thuds followed by hoarse cries from the men soon accompanied, and in a few short moments several of Vieri's men dropped to the ground, either killed or heavily wounded. Seona saw on a brief examination before having to defend herself that the shafts of arrows protruded from several men. Apparently, someone was coming to their rescue. Or, at least she thought, that was the optimistic possibility.
"What sorcery is this!?," cried Vieri, looking around in the panic to try and determine where the projectiles had originated, "How dare you! Show yourself!"
Seona saw the soldier that was about to engage her turn around to see someone coming at him with a blade. He was quickly felled by this new opponent, whom Seona saw was an aged gentleman of robust build with long, greying black hair and a weathered face, dressed in dark, well-made and sturdy apparel. The man quickly turned his gaze to Vieri who was surely surprised by his arrival.
"It is not sorcery, boy, but skill," the man retorted with a chuckle, moving towards Ezio. He tossed Ezio a weapon, and joined him in the larger cluster of Vieri's men. That was when a small group of men came from the direction of Monteriggioni and started to make swift work of Vieri's forces.
"No! Kill them!," Vieri shouted, "Kill them all!"
Seona felt her heart pounding in her ears and her breathing a bit erratic, finally noticing how much the adrenaline that had flooded her system was rushing to give her energy to act. She looked up to see Claudia and Maria nearby and moved towards the two to become a group of three once more.
"Claudia!," Seona called, ducking past Vieri's men, now becoming preoccupied with the new threat that engaged them. The three women banded together, now better able to stay away from most of the fighting.
"Are you two alright?," Seona asked, "Did they hurt you too badly?"
Claudia shook her head.
"We kept moving as much as we could. There were no serious injuries, thank goodness but they did rough us up a bit."
She did appear to be that way, with no visible signs of grave cuts or bruises, although there were a couple of minor nicks visible on her face and hands. Something to be extremely thankful for, that was for certain, Seona thought. Had it not been for their rescuers, it would certainly be a different tale.
Seona nodded and looked around keeping an eye out and holding her knife in case any stray men decided to come after them. She found herself panting a bit, her grip as tight as stone upon her small weapon. But, after a few moments, several of the attackers were either felled or wounded, and a few of them started to flee from the fight. Eventually, Vieri himself ducked from the fray and ran with an eager cowardice out of sight. The very few who remained were easy work.
In the midst of the last enemy or two, Claudia took notice of a red trail trickling down her friend's knuckles. The Auditore girl took Seona by the hand, causing Seona to wince, instigating her to look down and realize the injury she had sustained.
"Seona, your hand!," Claudia carefully held it, revealing the deep, diagonal cut that spanned the back of Seona's right hand, with a clear trail of blood that split thinly across the gap between her thumb and index finger. Her brow furrowed. Seona held back a gulp, trying to keep composure to allay her friend's worry.
"I'm surprised the three of us did not receive worse," Seona sighed, taking her hand back to examine the wound more closely, "Still, I'll need to have this bandaged as soon as able."
The last of the enemy was taken care of, and with this, the older gentleman who had come with the small band from town managed to overhear the women, approaching them with a serious concerned expression.
"A doctor is not far from here. He can bind your wound for you," he replied to Seona's observation. He then turned, looking at all three of the women, not finding he could see any other serious wounds on any of them.
"Were there any other injuries during the battle?," he asked. Claudia shook her head, holding Maria's hand.
"I am alright, and so is my mother."
Ezio turned up behind the man, in a much more exhausted state than that of the women. However, he quickly regained himself when the man turned to him. He offered the weapon he was given back to him, bowing his head in respect to his untimely rescuer.
"You have my thanks for coming to our aid."
Indeed, the four were grateful for their lives, and Ezio merely gave voice to that gratitude. But, the man waved his hand in response.
"Keep the sword, Ezio," replied the man, slightly gesturing forward that Ezio might take the sword back. Ezio raised an eyebrow, having heard his name spoken by someone he was not readily familiar with. Or so he first thought.
"Do I know you from somewhere?," he questioned.
The elder man shook his head and smiled, stifling a small chuckle.
"Don't you recognize me?"
Ezio squinted, trying to remember. Claudia was quite confused, wondering if this was someone they indeed knew. Seona thought for a moment, though it did not take her long to think of a possibility. There was a person in Monteriggioni who would know of them. Indeed, there was someone in the family here whom they had already had intentions of seeking out. Perhaps, in this case, he had come to them? Or at least maybe it was someone connected to him?
"It's me, Mario!"
Ezio's eyes widened as he was readily lifted off the ground by a tight embrace.
"Uncle Mario?"
Seona smiled, letting out a sigh of relief at the reveal of the man's identity. At last they had found a friendly face, and had found what they had sought. At least this was one trial, she thought, that they had passed, even if more might come. Claudia took her mother's hand and approached her brother and Uncle as he set Ezio down.
"It's been too long, nipote (nephew)," Mario patted Ezio's shoulder, having much gusto and welcome in his voice. However, the jubilant greeting was short lived, as things took a darker turn once more.
"I heard what happened in Florence," Mario frowned, his tone much more somber, "Terrible."
Ezio nodded solemnly. His uncle looked at the four of them, and then motioned for them to follow him.
"Come. Let's get you all away from here."
The small group of men that had come to help had returned to whatever post they came from, going ahead and vanishing ahead of the group. Mario took them past the gate, and they past into town, now behind the towering walls that surrounded them.
Seona found herself looking every which way, taking in all the sights of a new place. It was a smaller, much less grander place than Florence. It was much quieter, with the streets lacking the bustle of their previous locale. But, somehow it seemed too quiet. A grey color seemed to dominate the landscape, the color of the buildings faded and the shops almost blending together in an indistinguishable blur.
And then she looked to her hand, with the cut slowing in its release of blood. It had been fairly quiet for the first part of the journey or so, and so Mario looked back on his charges. He noticed the blonde girl scrutinizing her injury, and motioned.
"The doctor is just up the road," he told her.
She nodded in response.
"I should also thank you for helping us. I worry that things would have been much dire otherwise," she admitted.
"Indeed," he said, "I would not have my family fall to the wolves; no thanks are needed for that. Nonetheless, your gratitude is appreciated."
He stopped in front of a narrow wooden door connecting to a small building.
"It's been many years, but I know you and you mother, Ezio," Mario continued, speaking to Ezio, "And though we haven't met until now, I know of Claudia through the letters your father wrote to me. I wish it were under better circumstances that we would all meet."
"As do I, Uncle," Ezio replied.
"I do not believe I know of you, however," Mario turned his attention back to Seona.
Before she could introduce herself, however, Ezio cut in, speaking instead.
"This is Seona, Uncle," he said, "She is a friend of the family."
"I see," Mario replied, "It is good to make your acquaintance, my lady. So, you have also come here as well."
"Yes," answered Seona, "I gave my word that I would help however I could."
A thought then occurred to her, and with her uninjured hand she retrieved the letter Paola gave her, holding it firmly in her hand.
"I was also to deliver this to someone here in the city."
Mario raised an eyebrow curiously.
"Truly? Would you permit me to look?"
Seona gently handed him the sealed letter. He examined the writing on the back carefully.
"Ah yes, I see," he noted vaguely, mumbling somewhat, "This is very important information from Florence. My men and I were not expecting this so soon, but it will prove very useful indeed now that it is here."
He hid the envelope away in his coat and started to knock on the door.
"So…I…so the letter was intended for you?," Seona asked, a bit confused. The person listed on the back of the envelope was not Mario Auditore, but, then it something else occurred to her. It seemed unrelated at first, and perhaps foolish to make a connection, but it was worth asking.
"Was… is it encrypted?"
"Precisely," Mario replied, "There are certain people this kind of information shouldn't reach. Especially right now."
He paused.
"And you were asked to deliver this?"
"Yes," Seona nodded. Mario turned his gaze a moment, as though he was contemplating something very intently.
"I see," he said after a long moment, "But, yes, I was the intended recipient."
From his expression, it seemed there was more to what he was saying, but Mario finished knocking and there was the sound of footsteps behind the door. A man in dark robes, with his face concealed behind a grey mask with a long, beak-like nose, a similar garb Seona had seen the doctors in Florence wear. Mario spoke with him a moment or two before directing him to Seona, whom the man began to examine, taking her injured hand to treat and bind.
Mario turned his attention back to Ezio.
"So," he said, "Tell me everything that happened."
Ezio shook his head.
"Father was executed for treason. Federico and Petruccio as well. And then they came for me."
"Do you know why?," his uncle questioned him.
Ezio folded his hands.
"I have no answers, Uncle. Only a list of names I took from a man who wished me dead."
He shook his head once more, his thoughts on his father and brothers.
"I still can't believe they are gone…"
"Do not fret, Ezio," Mario reassured him, "We will make sense of this."
"I wished I shared your optimism," Ezio looked up at him, his exhaustion showing in his voice.
The doctor bound Seona's wound after applying a salve that stung, causing Seona to wince. He quickly and tightly bound the wound under a bandage. After the doctor and Mario spoke once more, they were able to leave and continue their walk through the city.
"Come," said Mario as he lead the four if them, "I believe there is much you will like in Monteriggioni."
"I thought Monteriggioini was an enemy of Florence," Ezio responded inquisitively.
"For the moment," Mario sighed," Next year it will be its friend, then enemies once more. And so on and so forth. I cannot keep track, and so I no longer make the effort to try."
They walked a bit further, Mario continuing to lead the way.
"The people of Monteriggioni are honest and hardworking. The shops here may carry simple goods, but they are well made and dependable," he said reflectively as townsfolk walked past them, going on about with their day to day business. Indeed, Seona thought, the people here seemed to have a less lavish, elegant quality in their dress and mannerisms that seemed commonly characteristic of many of the people Seona saw in Florence. But, there were occasional fragments of conversations that she caught, indicative of an amiable air. Perhaps if the people here were as commendable as Mario professed, perhaps the adjustment to yet another new place would be easier.
"And of course, there is a chapel here," Mario noted, "The priest is a nice enough fellow, though I admit I have never been much of a believer."
Even with the commendations of their uncle, the family was not easily assured of having to settle into a new place. Especially unmoved was Ezio, who did not have intentions for his family to make their stay here a thing of permanence.
The group approached a flight of stone steps on either side of a wall, winding upwards in a near spiral. The wall in between was engraved with a strange, sharp symbol, with decorative embellishment that resembled feathers on the wings of a bird. Seona was particularly struck by the symbol, as she had seen it a few places before. Ezio's belt and the bracer of his blade both bore a pattern strikingly similar. And, now that she had thought of it, the letter Paola had given her to deliver also had this symbol. It surprised her that she didn't make this observation before.
Then, she thought, it begged another question. Why didn't Paola inform her that the letter was intended for Ezio's Uncle? Was there a reason she was not informed? It seemed rather unlike Paola not to be clear when giving her a task. However, she thought, there were some things she was not particularly forthcoming about, such as the nature of the grand design that had produced that tragedy that had befallen the Auditore family. She had only shared what she felt Seona had needed to know, but there were times were Seona wondered why she hadn't been told more. And just before with the letter was certainly one of those moments. This was especially since if she had not found out by letting Mario inspect it, who was to say she would have even been able to deliver it at all?
Her attention was called back when Mario spoke again, this time, his attention turned towards their destination.
"We're almost to the Auditore villa," he said, "It is something that has been in our family for nearly two hundred years…Built by my great grandfather. He was a man of secrets, and I've yet to discover all of the knowledge of the place, even after many years."
He smiled, looking back at the group.
"But who is to say more will not turn up in time? Perhaps you will discover some of its secrets yourself."
Secrets? Yes, there were certainly a lot of secrets left undiscovered. Ezio also had many questions left unanswered, questions that his family undoubtedly had as well, he thought to himself. He was the first behind Mario when the group finally came upon a large building, an old, graying manner that appeared to have seen better days. There were signs of a place that once had a stronger presence, with carefully crafted architecture and sturdy walls. But, it seemed faded, becoming quiet and humble against the inevitable march of long years.
"Ah, and here we are, home sweet home," Mario stopped, his tone a little more upbeat. Ezio glanced at the structure, frowning slightly.
"It's most impressive, Uncle," he answered politely.
Mario shook his head and took a look back at his old villa, seeing the aging in its walls, and the work that was left undone to bring her back to life once more.
"I know it has seen better days," he admitted, "As has the rest of this city. I would have her shining again, and I would give what help I could to fix things up around here. Sadly, I lack the time and coin that is required for such an undertaking."
It was certainly a noble idea he had, thought Seona. But, it was apparent now that he had his own troubles, if he truly lacked the time and money to invest. She started to wonder, at that moment, if perhaps they couldn't stay a little while, at least to offer something of help?
"That is unfortunate," she said aloud, "Maybe there is something that can be done."
Mario chuckled.
"Perhaps there can be. I would very much like to see some life in this place as it might have had in days long past."
He turned to Ezio, his tone becoming serious yet again.
"I have some men in the market that are waiting for you Ezio. They can have you outfitted, and when you return, we can begin."
Ezio raised an eyebrow.
"Begin? Begin what, Uncle?"
"I thought you had come here to train," Mario replied.
"No, I am not staying for long; I only came to escape Florence. I have plans to take my family further still," Ezio answered him.
Mario's brows furrowed, his face wrinkling and his lips sharply turning down.
"You would not finish your father's work? I believe it is what he would have wanted," he inquired grimly.
"What work?," Ezio asked in turn, completely puzzled by his Uncle's question, "My father was a banker."
Mario's expression conveyed something of revelation.
"Your father never told you?"
And here was yet another revelation, and that was of another secret that was yet to be revealed. Perhaps in this case, it was something that would shed light on the family's unfortunate circumstances. Ezio replied to his Uncle's question with a direct, blunt answer, one that incited a reaction of vexation from Mario.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
Mario was stunned that his nephew was unaware of the true nature of his father's work. Maria was still in silence, a captive to her trauma. And if Ezio did not know, did none of them have any inkling of what was truly going on? Their friend, Seona, had delivered him a vital piece of information, but was unaware that it was encrypted or who she was to deliver it to, properly. It told him one thing for certain, that there was a story that needed telling, and many explanations to be given that he had not thought would not have been untold.
"What were you thinking, Giovanni?," he muttered to himself in a frustrated aside, barely keeping himself quiet enough that the others could not understand him. In fact, they all heard him quite well, and this did nothing if raise even more questions than before.
"Go to the market and talk with the men there, and obtain the gear you need…It will give me time enough to think," he instructed Ezio, "There… there appears to be much you need to know."
"But…"
"But that's that, we will speak more later," he insisted.
He handed Ezio a small pouch with coins inside.
"Here is some spending money, should you need it. I've also prepared a room for you on the top floor of the villa, if you need to rest."
Ezio nodded, and thanked him before departing, disappearing down the winding steps.
Mario sighed and shook his head before motioning for the three women to follow him into the villa. They were all quiet as Mario opened the door, allowing them inside. For now, as he thought about where to even begin with his explanation, he also had the task of having the three women settled in.
The interior of the villa was more polished than the exterior, with a somewhat more colorful scheme and a spacious room upon entering with a grand staircase at the back. But, even so, perhaps it was more evidence that the place once had a richer atmosphere, one that could be restored if given some work. There was a bit of emptiness, and perhaps the color was faded from better times. The shoes of the women clicked on the floor, softly echoing in the spacious room.
"I also have a place for you and your mother, Claudia," said Mario. Claudia nodded, holding her mother's hand tightly.
"But, I am afraid as I was not expecting another, I do not have anything prepared for you, Seona," he explained, with a slightly apologetic tone, "However, I can have a room readied for you by tonight."
Seona bowed her head.
"It is more than generous of you. Thank you."
The place was also sparse of household staff, save for a few essentials that were seen briefly walking and disappearing down hallways. Perhaps there were others, but they couldn't be seen at the moment. Mario stayed with them a bit more, speaking and explaining a few things about the villa and where things were. But, he had to take his leave, retiring to his study to await Ezio's return. He would be there should he be needed. And so, the three women were left alone a moment, in a vast old house in a strange new place.
Ezio returned a while later, and came to check on them before speaking to Mario. Claudia and their mother had found their room and were trying to settle in, at least as much as they could. Seona was allowed to stay with them until her room was ready, and Claudia felt need of her friend at her side. The younger Auditore sibling had been quiet much of their time so far, but her distress was readily apparent.
"We're only staying here a little while," he told the three of them, reiterating his desire to eventually move on, but to perhaps assure his sister as well.
Claudia shook her head, folding her arms as she sat at a chair by a table in the corner of her new room, Seona sitting across from her.
"I don't like it here," she whimpered, "I want to go home."
"I know," Ezio replied sympathetically. He spoke a little more before bidding a short farewell, as his presence was required by his uncle.
And so the women were left alone once again. Seona offered out her hand to Claudia, hoping to offer some sort of comforting gesture. When Claudia did not initially react, Seona had wondered if it was the wrong thing to do and began withdrawing it. But the young women took hold of her friend's hand, firmly grasping it as though she feared it might disappear.
"Claudia…"
The Auditore girl let out a stifled sob.
"I know it's been hard, having to leave everything you know behind."
A few tears fell from her face that she quickly tried to wipe away.
"My father is dead, and so are two of my brothers. And now I'm in this sad little place with an uncle I've never met until now. My mother will still not speak, and my one brother who lives…he speaks of the future…of the next thing…of keeping us safe…but …"
Claudia found it difficult to finish her sentence, each word falling into a sob until she couldn't form any more words, only tears. Seona got up from her chair so she could be closer to her friend. Claudia readily embraced her.
"…I feel like there is nothing left. Everything, my entire life…"
"…is gone," Seona found herself finishing her sentence, finding that train of thought all too familiar. It was a thought she had not pondered in a while since this whole ordeal began.
"Yes," sobbed Claudia, "And all I want…is to have it back."
What could she say? Seona wasn't sure.
"I wish…I wish there was something I could say that I know would make things easier," Seona admitted aloud, "But, perhaps any words would be moot. But, I am your friend, and you know I am here if you need me."
Claudia nodded.
"I just…I don't know what will happen to any of us. I don't know if we'll ever go home…if any other place will ever feel like home. I don't know a soul here…and everything here seems faded and aging away."
"You know," Seona thought allowed, "I've asked myself about such things as well. I did so much back when I first came to Florence."
Claudia let go of Seona after several moments, the tears drying up on her cheeks.
"How did you deal with it?"
Seona wasn't quite sure what Claudia meant. Was she referring to the questions? Dealing with being in a strange place with nobody she knew? Or something else entirely?
"I mean…the thought of home? You once told me that you thought you weren't sure if you'd ever be able to go back…how do you deal with that?"
Seona took a deep breath, finding herself getting teary-eyed at her own struggles with being divorced from her former life. Not just a place, in her case, but a half of a millennium's worth of time. Seona wiped her tears as they fell across her freckled cheeks, her eyes becoming glassy from the thin layer that the tears formed.
"I won't lie, I still cry at the thought I may never go back. My home…my mother and father… my friends, all of them are gone. It's not easy for most people to get over this sort of thing. And I bear no shame in saying it is something I struggle with."
She sighed brokenly, the exhale divided by intermittent attempts to repress a sob.
"But we're in this together. And now… though it is painful, it is now an experience we share," Seona assured her, "It is through the people I have met along my journey that I have built myself up again. But it is far from done. Building a new life from nearly nothing can sometimes seem short of requiring a miracle."
"But, you believe that it can be done, can't you?," Claudia questioned, seeing a brief smile of her friend's face. Seona let out a soft, watery chuckle.
"You have strength, Claudia. I've seen you have it," Seona told her, remembering their moments together back in Florence, even those as recent as Claudia's defiant indignation at her former betrothed's infidelity.
"And I made a promise to help. If you fall, I shall offer my hand."
"As you keeping saying," Claudia remarked.
"Well, I mean it," said Seona, "I don't turn my back on my friends. Ever."
Claudia laughed a little at her friend's insistence.
"It is good to know you believe in me. I wish I always had such confidence in myself."
It was times like this that the two remembered why they had become friends. Both had been supportive and encouraging of the other. And they both knew they would need the helping hand of a friend in the days to come. It was certainly true, since there were still questions to be answered, and stories to be told.
…
Author's Note:
SO…It's been forever since I have posted a new chapter. I had a bit of trouble with this one, especially since I fell off the grid a couple of times with my real life taking precedence and what not. But, hopefully with the completion of this new chapter, I can get back into the groove of things…(I hope.) But, it is so good to finally have something new! Anyway, for those of you still following me, thank you for hanging in there, I am really sorry it took so long! For those of you who are hoping for me to pick things up a bit (especially if you've already started shipping Ezio and Seona and are waiting for some progress on that front), you'll be happy to know there will be something - albeit small- in the next chapter that I hope will put a smile on your face, especially since this is getting to be quite a lengthy fic that hasn't exactly gotten that far in the plot of ACII yet. (And I am still shooting to cover Brotherhood, if possible. 0_0)
Well folks, that's it for now! Thanks for all the support and helpful feedback! Until next time!