Part Eighteen: Death of a Doge
The next morning Ezio, Antonio, Rosa, and Ugo all made their way south to the Rosa della Virtu. The doors were closed, and locked, but after knocking Teodora stepped out, adjusting her habit and greeting Antonio with a soft kiss. "We will be closed until tonight," she said in a low voice, her contralto thick from a long night. "Were that I could give them more time to mourn, but I suspect you will need us tonight, and sometimes work can be most diverting."
"It will be fine, love," Antonio said softly. "I'm bringing my own to this party as well." He kissed her again.
"Children don't like seeing their parents fuck each other," Rosa said, making a face. "Even if I am grown up and fucking myself."
"Rosa," Ugo moaned, but Antonio and Teodora seemed to take it in stride. Together, the five of them walked deeper into the district, Antonio dealing with his "children." That left Ezio with the nun/prostitute, and he squirmed slightly, uncertain what to make of her.
"What is it, my son?" she asked, apparently as intuitive as Paola. Ezio wondered if it was a gift of whores, but remembered his mother was just as astute, and assumed all women were all-knowing. "You want to ask me something?"
"I do," he said, not a little awkward. "Forgive me, but why is it you wear a nun's habit if you aren't one?"
Teodora gave a short, bell-like laugh. "Well, whoever said I wasn't? Indeed, I am married to the Lord."
"... And yet you are also a courtesan? You run a bordello. Don't nuns take a vow of chastity?"
"So?" Teodora asked, turning to give him a raised eyebrow, a coy smile on her mouth. "I see no contradiction. How I choose to practice my faith, what I choose to do with my body, these are my choices to make." Ezio remembered Altair and the Codex pages, the assassin's revulsion of the persecution of women, and his thoughts of Claudia and Paola. The choice of faith, the choice of body, belonging to everyone, even women... He nodded, something akin to understanding at last entering him. Perhaps everything really was permitted...
"Like many young women I was drawn to the church," Teodora continued, "but grew disillusioned by the 'believers' of this city. Men hold God only as an idea in their heads, not in the depths of their hearts and bodies. Men must know how to love in order to reach salvation, and few indeed learn that surrounded by other men, reading scripture, and condemning sex as sin even as they label it a marital duty. My girls and I provide that education to our congregation. No church would agree with me, I realized, so I created my own." She shrugged her bare shoulders, slightly bony and very beautiful. "It may not be traditional, but men's hearts grow... firmer in my care."
Ezio grinned. "Among other things, I'm sure," he replied.
"Laugh all you wish, but I have seen men worse than that thief be transformed by my work, and become gentle to their lovers, understanding how much more satisfying fornication can be when filled with their hearts as well as their loins."
"I can believe it, Sister," Ezio said with a sad smile, thinking of how making love to Cristina was all the sweeter than any of the one-night stands he'd done in the years since.
"Just a long as you understand," Antonio added, slowing his pace to join their conversation, "That the only love she has is to me."
Everyone laughed.
Eventually, their walk entered Squero di San Trovaso, filled with streamers and flags and torches for the evening and other preparations for Carnevale. San Trovaso traditionally was the square used for building and maintenance of gondolas, but had been repurposed for the most festive time of the season. Up high, strung on ropes spanning the square, spinning fireworks were being set up with colored lights that would bring ambiance that evening when the true festivities began. People were munching on the food that was at various stands that were already opened to make some extra coin during the break between events for the afternoon.
A light rain started to fall, but no one paid it any mind, merely adjusting his or her finery. Several performers were plying their trades with various small crowds, showing off acrobatic skills or breathing fire, or pantomime. But the largest crowd was by an announcer for the events, standing on a small podium, calling out to the crowds. Ezio and his group eased closer.
"Ladies and gentlemen, come one, come all! The Games of Carnevale are about to begin! Do you have the courage to compete for as grand a prize as this?"
A beautiful lady walked on stage, holding up the golden bauta mask and showing it to the crowds, slowly turning from one side to the other, and crouching once in a while to let those nearest get a closer look.
The announcer continued, "This year, like every year, the Golden Mask will provide entry for one, and only one, to our most beloved Doge's personal ball! Who would not desire such an exceptional reward? Come! Compete! Whoever proves themselves champion in each of four games today, shall be the Doge's personal guest tonight!"
To the side of the stage, the red-hooded Silvio Barbarigo was scanning the crowd as the lovely lady delivered the golden mask back to him.
"You'd best get to it, Ezio," Teodora whispered in his ear.
"Our first event is one of the events for the Golden Mask!" the announcer said, pumping energy into the crowd. "It's a new contest this year! The rules are simple! Outwit your opponents! We will meet at the square over the canal to begin! Be smart and strategic and the Golden Mask may yet be yours!"
People were already starting to go across the canal, likely to see what the set up of the event was and start planning in advance. Ezio melded easily into the crowd and observed that the square had become a sheep farm. The whole square was backed with sheep, bleating and trying to maneuver around one another in the unusual city environment. Streets and alleys were blocked off to prevent the sheep from escaping and in the center of the square a small stage was set up with another announcer.
Ezio waited there, noticing some of Antonio's thieves working the crowds, while others were by him, likely to participate as well.
"A horrid smell," Rosa said by his side.
Ezio shrugged. Monteriggioni was surrounded by farmlands, he was used to odd smells when traveling the countryside. Frankly, Venice smelled worse.
"Ladies and gentleman!" the announcer shouted. "Our first competition for the Golden Mask is to capture the flag! Amongst these sheep, five hold golden flags hidden in their thick wool; the competitor who can find the most will be our winner! You can find the flags on the sheep or steal them from other competitors! Just outwit everyone and you'll be a step closer to the Doge's grand party tonight!"
Ezio scanned the sheep, looking with his sharp vision, and easily picked out the flickers of gold of the sheep with the flags. The rain started to slack off and the announcer shouted for them to begin.
Some competitors clearly had never worked with animals before. They tried to simply flip a sheep around to find the flag. Unfortunately sheep could be stubborn and when so assaulted, would try to get away. This lead to several people falling down in the packed square. Others, hearing that they could take flags from the competition, tried to unsubtly shadow anyone they thought might have a chance.
Ezio found it great fun to see how the contestants were trying to look in the sheep's wool for the small triangular flags. Rosa would let out curses of every kind of color once the sheep slipped away from her. And Ugo faired little better, though he was quieter in his commentary. The other thieves seemed more intent on finding someone who actually had a flag, but so early on, no one had found one yet.
The young Assassin came to the first sheep with a flag and knelt beside it, giving the sheep plenty of time to see him and scent him. He moved slowly, letting the sheep see everything he was doing, as he patted it down. Tied on a foreleg, hidden by the heavy winter wool, was the flag, which Ezio eased off and slipped into his doublet. To throw off suspicion of the contestants watching him, he turned to another sheep and did the same thing, and another sheep.
Then he stood, frowned, and looked around, appearing upset. He spied the next sheep he needed and eased forward, patting down the occasional sheep on his way. Ezio retrieved his next flag easily and the third. Of the five flags, he now had a majority. As he made his way to the fourth flag, another contestant found it and let out a victorious shout. This then lead to a tug-of-war, as another contestant was intent on taking the flag.
Ezio decided to leave that be and went after the fifth flag. He retrieved it easily, hiding it in his doublet and looked at the still bickering pair. "Ugo?" Ezio whispered, the young thief the closest to him.
"Yes?"
Ezio smiled. "Give them something to think about."
Ugo smiled as well, storming over and accusing the both of them of stealing a flag from him. With all three now in a shouting match, it was simplicity itself for Ezio to brush by and grab the last flag.
He kept searching sheep at random until the announcer called time.
"Any with a flag! Please step forward!"
Ezio stepped up to the stage and pulled out all five flags. The crowds that were watching cheered, and Ezio turned to some of the ladies in the crowds and winked or blew kisses. Teodora had given an outline of the events and Ezio planned that if all the girls and women for the ribbon contest were already interested in him, he'd have an easier time.
The announcer held up Ezio's flags. "We have a winner! You've protected your flags. You've proven yourself a strategist without peer and inch ever closer to victory!"
Ezio stepped back down into the crowds, blending in once more.
"Ladies and gentleman! Our next contest does not relate to the Golden Mask, but is a welcome breather! Acrobats, one and all are welcomed in the San Trovaso Square to show off their prowess and show who's the better athlete! And don't forget later, we're rolling pigs downhill in carts, won't that be fun?"
Ezio debated briefly on showing off, but decided against it. He didn't want to stand out too much, after all. So he followed the crowds, picked up food and went with the flow of the various events around the district. The skies overhead were clearing, and it looked like it would be a lovely afternoon and evening.
At about mid-afternoon another competition for the Golden Mask was arranged. It started at one end of the district and the announcer was welcoming everyone from atop his stage.
"Welcome, welcome! Are you ready to test yourselves with a game of speed and endurance? Many challenges lie in your path. The game is simple, but finishing it, near impossible! Start when you're ready. The first contestant to beat the course record is one step closer to the Golden Mask! A race to the Carmini and back again! The way had been cleared, but remains treacherous for any daring enough to try!"
Ezio smiled. He was without armor, indeed, without many of his weapons, and that much lighter this would be the simplest of victories.
Contestants were lining up in front of the stage and Ezio joined them, staying to the front. To the ladies of the crowd watching, he made sure to meet the eyes of several and offer his most charming smile.
The announcer shouted the beginning of the race and Ezio was off like a shot. Antonio, who was also competing, let out a curse as Ezio quickly outpaced him and practically flew down the street, hopping crates and tables used as obstacles with ease. The onlookers all down the route shouted encouragements and were very entertained as he hopped from a tall stack of crates to a second story balcony to avoid other obstacles and then hopped down and rolled to start off running again.
From behind him, he thought he heard Antonio, "When'd you get so fast!"
But Ezio was at the mark and picked up the flag showing he'd made it before turning and sprinting to the oncoming pack of contestants trying to scramble over the obstacles. Ezio didn't even bother going through them. He went over them, staying on crossbeams and lattice until he was past the bulk of the crowd and went back to street level.
Ezio arrived back to the announcer as Antonio, the next fastest of the contestants, was only halfway back.
The announcer's face was slack, his jaw wide open. "I've never seen anything like that!" he whispered.
Ezio could only smile.
Once all the other contestants had staggered in, Ezio was pulled to the stage again.
"The winner! You've proven yourself the fastest and strongest in Venezia! You are now one step closer to the grand prize!"
Ezio nodded, smiling once more for the ladies and stepped of the stage, blending into the crowds once more and following the flow from one event to the next. As evening continued to approach, people started dancing, occasional fireworks went off, and Ezio started looking around for a meal. He was crossing over a canal when he spotted Leonardo, whom he hadn't seen at all yet.
"Ezio! I was hoping to see you tonight," Leonardo greeted, all bright smiles.
"I don't have much time, but it's good to see you," Ezio said, embracing his friend. "The Doge's party starts very soon. I will need to be there and have yet to secure an invitation."
The painter nodded. "I've seen you winning events! Well done!" Ezio smiled at the compliment, but Leonardo's face went serious. "Nevertheless, I have news. I hear Cristina Vespucci is in Venezia for Carnevale. Weren't the two of you close?"
Ezio's own smile had disappeared and he looked down, regrets and longing welling up strongly. "Once..." he admitted, displeased with how choked his throat felt. "It was a long time ago."
Leonardo seemed to understand Ezio's mood. "Perhaps it would not have been better not to tell you. She's with her husband. She may not be too happy to see you."
Manfredo Soderini, whom had promised to take care of Cristina. Lorenzo occasionally sent word of the couple. Manfredo had kept to his promise and there was no hint of gambling. Indeed, he appeared to be the doting husband. Ezio was glad and he was far more removed now from when he was younger. He made a point to avoid being with married women, but Cristina...
She still bore his heart.
And for all that he'd been with plenty of women and that it could remove the loneliness, it wasn't the same.
Maybe...
Just maybe... he could have one night with Cristina. Not even a night, but one kiss. Something to remind him of what his life was once like.
So Ezio looked up to Leonardo and smiled warmly. "No... It's wonderful. It's Carnevale! With this mask, she need not even know it's me! I know just the way to draw her attention... Many thanks, my friend."
Leonardo didn't look convinced, but nodded. "Come! I think you were going for food and I just found this little stand with some of the best pheasant I've ever tasted!"
After a good meal and uplifting conversation with Leonardo that Teodora somehow joined (telling Leonardo that some of her best were waiting for his return, which the painter blushed profusely at...) Ezio took his leave of Leonardo and headed to the next event. One he'd been waiting for all day. And now had a different reason to look forward to it all together.
"Welcome, gentlemen," the host greeted from his stage. "Whether you win or lose, this will certainly be your favorite game of the day! This may be the easiest challenge yet - or the hardest! A game of charisma and charm! Ladies?!" The women in the audience all giggled, several hiding behind their hands or masks, turning to whisper to one another. "Here's how the game is played," the announcer continued, "all the ladies in the district have ribbons. Your job is to obtain them. Whoever has the most before my hourglass runs out is one step closer to winning the golden mask!"
With great drama, he turned the hourglass and stayed behind it, looking to the crowds. The men quickly dispersed, but Ezio stayed still, waiting. Once all the competition had spread out, he put on his best smile and eased up to the first group of ladies he saw, who were eyeing him appreciatively and whispering back and forth behind their hands.
"Lovely ladies," he greeted, "could I trouble you for a ribbon?"
"Look," one of the women giggled. "It's that fast racer! Oh, I wanted to see him up close!"
"Look at that strong chin!"
"Look at the long hair!"
"Feel his arms!" another girl gasped, her hands encircling his bicep.
They all giggled together and Ezio held out his arms for them. Once they'd all had a chance to see his build, (one girl even being bold enough to grasp his backside), they all offered up their ribbons.
Ezio gave a sweeping bow. "My greatest gratitude is to each of you," he said, giving another winsome smile.
They all giggled as he backed away, still in his bow, and headed off to the next cluster of women he saw.
Each group Ezio came across was eager to fall for his charms after his earlier stunts and he easily had thirty ribbons within very little time. Several of the girls confessed that they'd been saving their ribbons for him, and even more stated their names and where they worked, no doubt eager for him to pay a visit later on.
Ezio checked in with Rosa, who said that none of the other men were having as good luck as he was.
So Ezio smiled a more wistful smile, and went in search of another lady, one far more specific.
Cristina was well dressed, embroidered with intricate stitching of a woman who was well off. She wore a slight collar, heavily starched, and her beautiful brown hair had not changed, the pins doing nothing to hide its silky finery. Her sleeves wore perfect bows. She was...
She was beautiful.
After so long, now twenty-five, she had not changed a bit; she was just as beautiful, just as enticing, and Ezio lost his voice all over again; just like when they had first met. He felt nervous, bold, shy and brave all at once, and he realized his heart had not changed a bit. He still belonged to her, even after all this time. He had been a fool to leave her, even if had been the right thing to do; the best way to protect her, he had been a fool. Perhaps he was a fool even now; entertaining the idea of rekindling their romance, but she was just so awe-inspiring, and dreams long dusty filled his mind. They were still young, after all...
He took a deep breath, flushed with a racing heart; he felt seventeen all over again. He pulled out a bit of parchment and wrote a quick note, asking to meet her at a small alley he had found earlier that had a romantic view of the canal, a place to view fireworks in private, and signed it under Manfredo's name. He was grinning, like an idiot, but he did not notice it as he calmly walked up and placed the note in her hands. Startled, she looked around to see where it had come from, but he had disappeared into the crowds.
Now to await her at the rendezvous...
There was still a half an hour before the announcer's hourglass was up, but Ezio was confident that he had enough time, and within minutes of his arrival the beloved Cristina appeared, looking at Ezio's silhouette just as a few fireworks were lit behind him.
"Manfredo!" she said, confused and surprised and happy all at once. She was gorgeous. Ezio took her hands and lead her into a simple twirl, spinning her around in a loose imitation of dance, leaving Cristina to giggle slightly. "When did you get so romantic...?"
But Ezio didn't want her to use that man's name, and to quiet her he kissed her, remembering the feel of her lips and feeling the skip in his heart. Oh, oh, he had missed this... Love meant so much more when the heart was in agreement with the body, as Teodora had said, and he felt better than he had in years. He could remember Florence, Federico trying to teach him to flirt and his hopeless first attempt at talking to her; he could remember the dates, the dancing, the laughter, the soft kisses and the magnificent nights. He remembered his father agreeing to arrange a marriage before he died, her concern when he had split his lip after fighting Vieri de' Pazzi. Just from her lips!
They pressed against a wall, two of their hands clasped together, and Ezio explored some more, tracing the curve of her waist - she hardly needed a corset it was so small, and enjoying the shiver that passed through her. Her legs were still firm, and he pressed his hand between them, caressing her thighs through the fabric of her well-made skirts, and moaned into the kiss. It was just like before, just like before, before everything had collapsed around him. He could remember the games they would play in bed, tickling and giggling and exploring each other as they learned about their bodies, what they liked, coming into their sexuality and realizing the power they had over each other. The pillow talk, the dreams of the future, the number of children Cristina wanted and the worry Ezio had of being a boring old banker, the respect they both had for their fathers, Cristina's brother Amerigo and Ezio's contingent of siblings.
And he remembered her tear-stained cheeks, helping him bury his family in the cold December rain, and her unacknowledged bravery of standing by him, helping him through the worst day of his life.
And he remembered their last kiss, in an alley like this, passionate and needy and hungry and desperate, and determined that it be enough to last him the rest of his life.
A fool indeed. That would never last him.
This would never last him.
He was chasing a dream, a phantom, an illusion that had died the moment he learned she was engaged, and doing this, this...
Something in his body changed, and Cristina pulled back, panting, wide-eyed, as she stared up at him in dim recognition. Quick as lightning she reached up and ripped the mask off, and her recognition turned to shock.
"Ezio...?"
And then it turned to anger.
"What the hell are you doing here!? How dare you-?"
"Cristina..." he said quickly, softly, "It's alright."
But she backed away, far away from him, and the distance suddenly felt impenetrable. "Alright!?" she demanded, her voice hoarse, loud, furious. "I haven't seen you in eight years!"
"Sì..." Ezio said slowly. He looked down, ashamed. "I was afraid you wouldn't come if I... just asked."
Doing this, this, it only brought back painful memories, and he should never have done it in the first place.
"You're right, I wouldn't have!" Cristina was shouting, hateful tears in her eyes. "Ezio... The last time I saw you, you kissed me in the alley... and then left me behind to get married!"
And this would have been the exact same thing, a kiss in an alley and leaving her all over again. A fool. A fool...
But he had to explain. It was the least he could do. "It was the right thing to do," he said softly. He stepped forward, but she only backed away further. "He loved you."
"Who cares what he wanted?" Cristina shouted, irate. "I loved you!"
Loved... past tense. Even as his heart swelled with the realization she would have broken her engagement and followed him, it broke just as quickly as he recognized the truth: the past was in the past. He had made a terrible mistake, and he had no hope, no hope, of trying to undo it.
The moment hung between them, Cristina shaking in anger, and Ezio frozen in shame.
"... You had your second chance..." she said finally, wiping her mouth. Erasing any taste of him, removing everything he had just put her through. She looked him straight in the eye, fiery gaze that stopped his heart even in his pain. "Please, Ezio... Don't ever find me again."
And she left.
It was several minutes before Ezio could pull himself together, dimly wiping his eyes with his laced sleeve and rubbing his mouth as well. He almost forgot to put his mask back on, and with a heavy heart he stalked out of the ally, trying to force himself to think about the Doge, and Venice, and saving it for the sake of Antonio and Teodora and Rosa and Ugo and... and the memory of Cristina, and what he had so foolishly destroyed.
He couldn't face any other of the girls and women; didn't have it in him to flirt or charm. So he went to the stage, showing the announcer and the judge his ribbons.
"Remarkable," the announcer whispered, counting out the ribbons again.
The others came in, getting tallies of their ribbons as well, and Ezio couldn't even take heart in the fact that he had once again outclassed all the other contestants.
"We have a winner!" the announcer shouted. "You have more ribbons than any man here! You've proved yourself a favorite of the ladies! And are now one step closer to the greatest prize of all time!"
The most Ezio could offer the crowds was a wry half-grin.
"There is but one more competition for the Golden Mask!" the announcer continued. "In an hour, we'll see who amongst you is the strongest! For now! Enjoy the festivities! Relax, get some food from our many stalls! The final event will be down by the canal at the San Trovaso Square!"
Ezio disappeared into the crowds, seeking to find a dark alley to climb and find solitude with the moonlight above the happy festivities.
It was not to be.
Teodora came up beside him and looped an arm in his.
"You are troubled deeply, my son," she said.
Ezio waved it away. "It's nothing important, Sister, though I appreciate your concern."
"I disagree," she replied. "Your body is fine, as is your mind, but I find your heart is bleeding."
Ezio shook his head. Women truly were impossible to understand. "It's nothing. You needn't worry, I'll make sure to get that golden bauta and get to the Doge's grand ball."
Teodora let out a sigh. "My son, have you not heard anything I've explained to you? My ministry is to show all how God is in all things, even those we chose to condemn as sin. Tell me, my son, is it sin to love someone? To show them how much you love them? Is passion wrong, even if it leads to sorrow?"
"Sister..."
"I've watched you, Ezio. I watched you in all the events. You are a marvel to see and are always kind and generous to any who admire you. Yet you keep a distance."
Now that was getting a little to close to the truth.
"I appreciate your kind words," Ezio said, "but I've other things to focus on."
Teodora stepped in front of him, stopping him.
"No, Ezio, you are having a crisis of faith," she replied. Reaching up she cupped his cheek. "Sweet, tender boy. You love that girl with all your heart. But you did what you thought was right and now you've lost her. You've never truly come to terms with that."
Ezio pulled away, not liking that his very private moment with Cristina was seen.
"I really must take my leave, see what the next contest is about."
But Teodora held firm. "Such heartbreak can devastate a man. Many who have come to my congregation are such as you, having seen a loved one snatched away or be in a position where they are unable to be together. I can provide distraction, but only time can heal such a wound."
Ezio looked away, because he had just reopened the wound with his foolishness, and it felt deeper than ever.
"If I ever need the comfort and succor you and your ministry provide, I'll be sure to tell you, Sister Teodora. For now, I've work to do."
The sister bowed her head and disappeared into the crowds. Ezio did the same.
He arrived at San Trovaso and joined the other competitors. He noted that he did not see any of the thieves Antonio had in the other contests, but figured it was because Antonio believed that Ezio had enough wins there was no question who would receive the golden bauta.
"Welcome, fighters!" the announcer shouted. "We come, at last, to the final competition for the Golden Mask! The game is simple. There's only one rule: no weapons. Fight until you are the last man left standing. Will it be you? Or you? Hmm? Who will win the Golden Mask?"
A brawl.
Ezio allowed himself a smile. There really wasn't anything he needed more at the moment.
All the contestants entered into the lowered area of the dock, spectators crowding around, including several of the women from before that picked him out of the crowd and cheered for him. The announcer shouted out, "Begin!" and everyone was punching and kicking and slamming into one another.
Ezio, for his part, spent his time dodging. He didn't know what he'd be facing for guards at the Doge's party and didn't wish to wear down his strength. Especially where he had no armor to soften blows.
So he ducked and dodged, circled and swept under.
"Another contestant down!"
Ezio stayed on the move, never staying still and using all the abilities that Ulderico (the bastardo, how dare he marry Claudia?) had taught him. And when he saw the chance, he would shove another contender into a fight and let them have at it.
"Two down at once! It seems the numbers are starting to thin!"
Truly, all Ezio wanted to do was go all out and pound every one of them into submission and he was confident that he had the skills to do it. But despite his heartache, despite the anger and frustration boiling inside of him, Ezio refused to be impatient as he was with Jacopo. He would do this the smart way.
But that didn't stop the blows he did make any less devastating.
"We're down to the last half dozen! Truly the skills of these fighters are awe-inspiring!"
The last five and Ezio were looking at one another carefully. Two were like Ezio, having dodged and waiting out as everyone else fell. The other three were bruised and bloodied.
Ezio looked to the closest, whose eye was already swelling shut, his mask discarded as a result. Ezio stepped forward and landed one punch solidly in the jaw and the man toppled, no more strength left.
One of the fresher fighters, who hadn't done much, came at Ezio as he was busy, but Ezio easily grabbed the fist and rolled the man over his shoulder and into the spectators, who had no problem pulling him out of the ring.
That left two more fighters and one other dodger. The two fighters glanced at each other and both came at Ezio, but he ducked under one swing, grabbing the man's back and landed three solid hits to the unprotected middle. As the other bloodied fighter came at him, Ezio hefted the man he'd just pounded into him, sending the two to the ground. While they were trying to detangle from one another, Ezio crossed the dock to the dodger, who yelped and started to back up. Ezio tackled him however, and once on the ground, landed his knee in the man's groin before punching him solidly in the neck.
The last fighter had finally broken away and landed on Ezio's back, cheers ringing from the crowd. Ezio shifted his weight, sending them both rolling across the deck and quickly got to his feet. His opponent also stood, though much more slowly. Ezio waited, not wanting to do any more damage to a man who could barely stand. But the man yelled and charged forward. With a small sigh, Ezio grabbed the man's head and brought the momentum down to his knee, sending teeth flying.
Ezio himself was barely winded. He looked around the crowd, and he saw Silvio with Dante. Ezio kept them in the corner of his eye, intending to appear to be looking at the small crowd of women who were cheering for him as he offered them a charmed smile he didn't feel.
"Looks like this one thinks himself some kind of champion," Silvio grunted. "Go on, Dante. Show him how sadly mistaken he is."
"Ah, ladies and gentlemen! It seems we have one more contender!"
Dante dropped to the ring, fresh and large and hulking. Ezio took a moment to steady his breathing and call up reserves of strength he hadn't planned on using until he got to the party.
The fight with Dante was far more brutal. The hulking figure didn't seem to feel any pain, even when Ezio landed a devastating blow to a man's most delicate anatomy. He ducked and dodged Dante's heavy fists, but the man was like a rabid dog, latched on a bone he wouldn't let go of. While Ezio got in many good strikes, Dante just kept coming.
Ezio kept dancing around him, making Dante more and more frustrated, whittling away with a rain of light blows that accumulated over time, perhaps the best strategy for the mountain of a man.
"Just stay still!" Dante finally yelled, landing a punch to Ezio's face, his nose started to bleed profusely as he rolled back and away. Half the crowd cheered that the upstart was going down, the other half booed in outrage.
Ezio blocked it all out and looked at Dante again, wiping the blood from his nose. The brutish man was advancing so Ezio dove forward, rolling and knocking Dante off his feet, then, sitting on Dante, punched him repeatedly in the face until, at last, the large man yielded.
The crowd cheered.
"Is there nobody else to challenge our man in the ring? Do we have a winner?"
Ezio looked around, panting more heavily and bleeding, and his eyes homed right in on the announcer. Silvio was whispering in his ear and there was an exchange of money.
"Ah! We have combatants!" the announcer shouted, as four city guards dropped in, all built for chasing and agility, good for keeping up with an enemy and getting the attention of other guards who were following.
And all four of them drew daggers.
The crowd all booed immediately, one even throwing some meat at the guards.
Ezio paid it no mind. "So that's how it's going to be, eh?" He ran forward, plowing into the lead guard and sending him flying to the ground before twisting and grabbing the hand holding a knife and shoving it into another guard's stomach, away from anything truly vital. Now behind the back of the man he had just used to stab another, Ezio grabbed the man's neck and used that as his leverage to flip the man over Ezio's own shoulders, pounding him face first into the dock.
The last agile was side by side with the first agile and both charged forward. Ezio pranced around them, but they dodged all his fists. The crowd was still booing the guards and one of the bits of flying food hit one of the agile's right in the face, an opportunity for Ezio to duck in and hit the man firmly in the throat with his elbow before whirling way from the last guard, who was looking nervous. Ezio took a step forward and the guard seemed to decide running was the better idea and leapt up to the crowds and ran.
Once more at the stage at San Trovaso, Ezio, bloodied, stood with the announcer. "Ladies and gentlemen! The games of Carnevale have come to a glorious conclusion. Come see our winner claim his Golden Mask!" Ezio waved to the crowds, who were all cheering his success and he spied Teodora and Antonio in the crowds, along with Rosa and Ugo. Out of the corner of his eye, Silvio stepped on stage, holding the golden bauta high for all to see. "Our winner has proven himself the fleetest of foot," the announcer continued, "the strongest of champions, the wisest strategist, and clearly a favorite of the ladies! With four games won fair and square, the winner of the Golden Mask is-"
Silvio coughed. Loudly.
"The winner of the Golden Mask is... Dante Moro!"
The crowd immediately booed, outraged.
Dante himself was guided on to the stage, his face a bloody mess, and looking confused as to what had just occurred. Still, he took his mask.
Silvio passed off the mask and smiled, patting Dante's arm. "Congratulations. We'll see you this evening."
Dante didn't reply, just held up the mask and smiled.
An hour later, Ezio was pacing back and forth in Teodora's front room of her bordello. The sister was wringing her hands and Antonio was glaring at a wine glass in frustration. Tension was flooding the room as Ezio tried to think of anything, anything, that could fix this.
"I'm sorry, Ezio," Teodora said quietly. "We could not have known Silvio would cheat as he did."
Antonio scoffed, the very motion spilling his wine. "You should have," he said, pointing to Ezio. "Damn Templars."
Ezio ignored them, trying to think of something. He wouldn't fail this time. He wouldn't!
A courtesan came rushing in, dark hair spilling out of her habit, "Sister!"
"Carlotta," Teodora greeted.
"You told us to let you know if we saw that rottinculo who stole the Golden Mask!" Carlotta replied. "He's on his way to the Doge's party!"
At last, opportunity. Bloodlust seemed to fill Ezio as his eyes narrowed. "I will go. I can catch him before he arrives and take back the mask."
"How?" Antonio demanded. "By killing the poor stronzo?"
Ezio nodded solemnly. "Yes. You know what's at stake." And Ezio refused to fail again.
"No!" Antonio shouted. "If you kill him, they'll cancel the party and Marco will retreat back into his palazzo, where's he's been hiding ever since he was installed as Doge. We'll have wasted our time again!"
The comment struck Ezio hard, as the previous Doge's face filled his mind. Dammit, he was letting his impatience get the better of him again!
"Steal the mask instead," Antonio said. "Quietly."
Teodora nodded, looping her arm with Antonio's. "My girls can help. They're already on their way to the party, hired by the Doge. They can help you distract him while you acquire the mask."
Once more, others had to tell Ezio what to do because he was so damn foolish. When would he grow up?
"Va bene. I can do that."
After all, he'd been practicing his thieving for years now. He may not be on par with the Fox, but Ezio was by far better than when he had first learned.
Ezio headed out, Carlotta with him to guide him. Ezio set a quick pace but Carlotta kept even with him, and pulled him aside from time to time when she spied something he didn't.
When they reached the area Carlotta last saw Dante, they slowed down, the crowds getting thick. Ezio switched to his special sight, letting Carlotta guide him around as he looked for the telltale trace of gold that would be Dante. Around him, he saw the pure white of people who would aide him, all in the form of courtesans who were flirting with all the people as they headed to the grand party where they were to entertain. Carlotta grabbed a few of the girls, quietly explaining what was to be done and Ezio gave them some coin in thanks as they continued amongst the throngs of people. It was getting later and later, and the gala would be starting soon.
Where was Dante?
Ah, there he was, in a courtyard straightening his cravat and stepping out.
Ezio pointed Dante out to the courtesans and all of them quickly crowded around Dante.
"Ooooh, such a strong man!"
"Look at his face, he took a beating and must have come out the victor!"
"Those muscles look so strong!"
"And those legs!"
Dante stared at them blankly for a moment, before smiling through his bruised face. He seemed a man of few words, but he did clap and admire the courtesans, who took to dancing to see if he could "favor" one of them with his apparent strength.
With Dante distracted, Ezio slipped up behind him and pulled the mask out from under Dante's arm, where he had been keeping it while admiring the courtesans who danced for him.
He nodded to the courtesans, signaling his success, and one, Carlotta stepped forward.
"Such a strong man!" she demurred, stroking his arms. "That courtyard is private, yes?" The other courtesans all squealed in agreement.
Dante chuckled as he was lead back into the secluded courtyard he'd exited from and Ezio turned back to the crowds heading to the Doge's grand ball. He waited until he was near the gate when he put on the bauta. The lack of a mouth-hole was strange, his chin felt moist with each exhale in the chill February air. The mask was heavier than his old one, too, but he adjusted quickly.
A pair of guards manned the bridge leading to the party, but they took only one look at the golden mask and bowed. "Buona sera, signore."
The square was filled with people in the late night. Men and women of richer clothes than any Ezio had seen in the city dancing about; the richest of the rich were here. Dancing swept over the square, violins and horns and other strings only faintly heard over the stomping of feet as men and women circled around each other, clapping and bowing and swirling. Fire breathers and other entertainers kept to the edges of the crowds, pleasing to those who were tired of dancing, and if those two mild entertainments were not pleasing, there were the other entertainers.
"You made it!" Ezio spun around, startled, to see Teodora coming up to him, a look of relief on her face. Quickly she wrapped an arm around him and led him into the crowd, smiling and whispering. "Marco is on a boat, just off shore. He's set to make a speech in a few minutes."
"I understand," Ezio replied. "What about you?"
"I'll help keep you invisible, but my girls will be kept busy," she said softly, turning around. Ezio followed her gaze to the bridge and saw the large, hunkering Dante storming in, his face covered in lipstick and his eyes utterly furious. Several guards flanked him, and with a nod from Teodora at Ezio's arm, a pair of courtesans slid up to Dante. "My," one said in demure tone, "You look as though you've been on quite an adventure."
Wincing, Ezio hoped the women would be all right as he made his way deeper into the crowd. A quartet of courtesans spied him and immediately joined him, offering platitudes and compliments even as they helped him navigate the perimeter of the dance square. Their delicate fans twirled around him, much leg was available to see, and more than one of the courtesans bent down, displaying ample cleavage or even conveniently falling out of her corset to distract the guards from the fact that they were on the arms of an unwelcome guest. Ezio could see that every prostitute with a cross on her bosom performing similar feats - even the male courtesans, whom Ezio was not expecting to see, kept several people busy. He had thought Florence the only city really tolerant of people like that... or was that his Florentine prejudice rearing its head again?
Eventually, however, Ezio was able to make his way to the canal and the ship docked there.
On the deck, a man, an announcer, came up and raised his hands.
"Signore e Signori! I present you, the beloved Doge of Venezia!"
And, in rich blues edged and ermine, white beard floating down his chest, Marco Barbarigo appeared. "Benvenuti!" he said expansively to the applause, walking up to the edge of the decking. He did not step on the gangplank, did not descend to the crowds. "Welcome, my friends, to the grandest social event of the season! At peace or at war, in times of prosperity or paucity, Venezia will always have Carnevale!"
"Merda, he's not leaving the boat. I will have to swim out there..."
Teodora, still at his elbow, shook her head. "I wouldn't try it. You'd be spotted right away."
Impatience was beginning to fester. His target was right there! "Then I'll fight my way out there-"
"Wait!" she hissed, her smiling face broken as she gave him a grave look. Ezio stayed still. "We'll think of something," she added softly.
"Tonight we celebrate what makes us great! How bright our lights shine over the world!" Behind Marco, several fireworks shot up into the air, bright colored lights and loud concussive explosions filling the air in a dazzling display of excitement.
Teodora stiffened, reaching up to touch her cheek in surprise. "That's it!" she said in inspiration. "Your pistol; the one you stopped the murderer with. It's as loud as those explosions. Time it right and you'll walk out of here unnoticed."
For several seconds, Ezio stared at her blankly, and then looked at his wrist. "I like the way you think, Sister," he said with a grin, and soon he was fumbling his pockets for another lead ball and loading it, filling with eastern black powder and lifting his arm up to take aim. The first wave of fireworks had ended, and as he planted his feet and prepared for the recoil, he waited for the next wave.
"We all know we have come through troubled times, but we have come through them together! And Venezia stands a stronger city for it," Marco was saying, pacing the deck of the ship. "Transitions of power are difficult for all, but we have weathered the shift with grace and tranquility. It is no easy thing to lose a Doge in the prime of his life. And to the cruelty of an assassin who still hides in our midst!"
Ezio stiffened but held firm. He would not miss his chance. He gazed at the boats out on the canal, wondering what they were waiting for, what signal set off the next wave.
"Indeed, we all loved Mocenigo dearly. He was a friend to us all, and he shall be missed, but did any of us truly love his policies? Did we feel safer under his watchful gaze? Did we believe in the road he was guiding us down? Or were you beginning to be afraid, like I was? Afraid that Mocenigo could not see clearly; that he was not prepared for what was to come?"
Ezio stilled, lowing his hand slightly. What was this? What was Marco talking about?
"Well, my friends, I'm here to tell you: I can see down that road! I know where we're going! It's a beautiful place, and we're going there together! The future I see for Venezia is a future of strength, a future of wealth! We shall build our fleet so strong, our enemies shall fear us like never before! We will expand our trade routes across the sea, bringing home spices and treasures like we've never dreamed! And I say to those who stand against us: be careful of what side of the line you choose, because either you're with us, or you're on the side of evil! And we will harbor no enemies among our friends. We will hunt you down, we will root you out, we will destroy you! And Venezia will always stand the brightest jewel in all of civilization!"
... What kind of rhetoric was that? To grow so powerful and wealthy that all enemies would be eradicated; that those who did not think like Barbarigo and his ilk would be routed out and destroyed? Was that the Templar way, to eradicate those to dared to think differently? How could a city be powerful if everyone thought the same thing? How could Florence prosper as it did if all the different artists and thinkers and philosophers that Lorenzo de' Medici cultivated didn't bring up new ideas, debate and challenge and evolve? How could there be-
"Ezio," Teodora hissed, and the Florentine realized the next wave of fireworks had been deployed. Cursing, he shook his head and took aim.
His firearm went off in perfect tandem with the fireworks, and Ezio watched as Marco grabbed his chest, blood blooming behind his hand.
"No..." he moaned. "It's too soon... I'm not ready..."
Ezio lowered his arm, watching the old man fall to the deck. "We rarely are," he answered softly. "Death be not unkind. Requiescat in pace."
Teodora quickly pulled him down and yanked his mask off, pulling him into a frantic kiss, hands exploring his body and startling the heck out of him. He tried to pull away but she only came on stronger, pressing her body against him. "Distraction," she breathed, hot air tickling his ear before she nibbled it. "So they don't suspect..."
Realizing the ploy, Ezio played the game, his hands roving over her, grabbing her ass and caressing her shoulder and curving around her hips. But doing so reminded him of another set of hips, and the very different reaction to his exploration.
"What the hell are you doing here!?"
"Ezio... The last time I saw you, you kissed me in the alley... and then left me behind to get married!"
"I loved you!"
"Don't ever find me again."
Teodora sensed his change, and pulled away slightly, looking up at him with measuring eyes, before she scanned the guards, only just now beginning to shout orders. Licking her lips, she said, "Time to go."
"... Si."
Everyone was being pulled aside for questioning, but Teodora led Ezio to a group of her girls, and as one they all began crying and cursing and shouting, grabbing Ezio's arms and tugging him away from the party.
"What's going on?" A guard demanded.
"He is harassing my girls," Teodora said, back straight and voice cold. "I thought it best that we pray for him. Teach him proper... discipline."
"Hey, I need teaching, too."
"Shut up, you're on duty!"
"But can't we trade places?"
Teodora offered a demure smile, reaching up and cupping the eager guard's face, breathing onto his neck. "I will pray for you," she said softly. "And I will pray that your wife forgives you."
"Ha! You've been caught even by a slut! I told you she has eyes everywhere!"
"No she doesn't, there's no way that bitch could know!"
And the two guards continued arguing, oblivious as Teodora and her angry girls swept Ezio away in a crowd of skin and corset and curses. They kept the scene up for several blocks before dispersing; the courtesans off on other assignments that the Sister whispered to them, and soon the two were alone again.
"I am sorry," she said softly. "There was little else to do that could be convincing."
Ezio looked away. "No, I am sorry. You were right. Cristina... she is... was... special. It took everything I had to let her go, and when I learned she was here tonight... I was trying to relive a dream. One I can't have anymore."
"Oh, my son," Teodora said. "A Florentine romantic. If she was not to be, then you will find another, of that I can assure you. God did not make this world so that only one man and one woman are destined to be together; he made it so that everyone could be happy, we only need the wisdom and the courage to find it."
It was a long walk back to the brothel, and Teodora left Ezio to his thoughts, many and varied as they were - so much that his feet were beginning to feel like lead when they arrived. Had he truly used up so much energy over the course of the day? Yes, between the contests and the assassination and the... emotional turmoil... he had used up a lot of energy. Teodora swept inside, all the prostitutes, male and female, squealing and cooing at her arrival before turning their attention to the man of the hour.
"Beautifully done!"
"What a show! What a show!"
"A true hero!"
"Such a specimen, did you see his race? Or his fight?"
"Or his skill at the party, oh, Sister, I wish I was in your place..."
"Ah, the savior of Venezia!" The gaggle parted and Antonio, pale and aristocratic as ever, came in adjusting his belts - perhaps just getting dressed. "You are alive, and there are no bells ringing, I take it your work was a success?"
"Si."
He laughed, reaching over to wrap an arm around Teodora. "What can I say? Perhaps it was wrong of me to doubt you so readily. Now we'll see where all the pieces fall. We can hope the next Doge won't have such disreputable connections."
"Enough of that now," Teodora said calmly, reaching up and brushing Antonio off her shoulder. She turned her luscious brown eyes to her latest project. "You've worked hard, my son. I feel your tired body in need of comfort and succor."
Antonio's eyes doubled in size, jaw dropping.
"Oh, Sister, don't keep him to yourself," one of the girls said. "I want to kiss him too!"
"... 'too'?"
Ezio, glad for the distraction, had no troubles playing along. "But I have such aches and pains, Sister," he said, reaching up and cupping her breast with his hand. He kept his gaze lecherous even as he eyed Antonio for his reaction. "I may need a great deal of comfort and succor."
"Ezio, I told you-"
"Oh, that can be arranged."
"What?"
"Girls!"
And Ezio, realizing this hadn't been a joke to begin with, was lead away by the gaggle of girls, and his flabbergasted face met Antonio's, and both men were completely lost as to what had happened. Antonio was turning to Teodora, and that was the last Ezio saw as the girls dragged him to a room and begged him to join them in prayer.
He would never look at the Bible the same way again after that night, as they worshiped every part of his body, fingers to toes, with kiss and caress as they undressed him JESUS CHRIST why can't you guys fast forward this stuff!
"Oh, come on, Desmond, we could make a mint off of this."
"Speak for yourself. I like that he's respectful of this kind of stuff. Too bad you're such a perv, Shaun. What do you think Lucy?"
"I think I'm staying out of this."
Author's Notes: And, for, like, the first time ever, we fit one memory in one chapter. Mostly. It's a nice, neat little package, and we were able to exercise more liberty than we have in a while. Some of the events are true to the time period, and others we vengefully made more appropriate and less "gamey." And oh yea, there was a Cristina memory. Hope you liked. Poor Ezio; he tries soooo hard to have his cake and eat it to, and it never works out for him. Also note that he finally understands (at least a little) about women and the role they have in the real world. If nothing else, he at least respects them now as viable allies.
The assassination itself was pretty straightforward and didn't need much modification.
And reading through the database in AC3 TOTALLY justifies us making Shaun a closet pervert in this fic. We feel vindicated. We have only two memories left - and so of course we're stalling wholesale and trying to get everything perfectly synched before we beat the game. Boo time trial naval missions and obscure optional objectives like tackle from above. Everything else is manageable, wth?
And the homestead funeral! (hope that's not a spoiler...) We teared up!
Next chapter: Bartolomeo. Need we say more?
Hope everybody had a Happy Thanksgiving!