~*II*~

I've Just Seen a Face


Setting himself on the path he had chosen, Federico found it indeed wasn't challenging to trail the enigmatic figure. Even with the strange piece of garment having been removed from her immediate person, she still stood out like a sore thumb due to her strangely streaked hair. Nor was he the only one to notice, for many other bystanders who usually hurried home, stopped with pinched looks and not-so-subtle comments.

He shouldn't be interested. Absolutely not in the slightest, since he had other matters to attend to— but dammit he couldn't help it. Everything with this woman was new to him and broke up the monotony. The way she dressed and acted. The way she talked, held herself, even the way she walked was totally unalike anything he was ever introduced to.

Thinking on it, the closest comparisons he had at hand to this brazen lady were the two women in his family. Although even the Auditore matriarch followed their societal guidelines and would have probably clucked her tongue. Claudia would probably snipe about the woman being so unladylike. (Which was hypocritical, but that was another subject for another time.)

Yet, either unaware of the attention she was acquiring or wholly ignoring the stares and whispers as she went—this woman did it all the same. Bianca's purse bounced off his hip as he followed, gently brushing past the gawking spectators. It was rather sad to say, he didn't have to strain his keener hearing to catch some of the more inappropriate remarks as he passed:

"Is she...?

"... wearing men's clothes..?"

"Who in their right minds let her out like that...?"

"Disgraceful."

On that last note, Federico had to physically bite his tongue to keep from voicing his opinion. There was no need to cause more trouble today than it was actually worth. However, that did not mean he liked it in the slightest. Surely you all have better things to do than to construct a running commentary on an individual you've never met before? Of course, at risk of sounding like a hypocrite, he would not lie and say he did not do it either. However, unlike the criticizing populace before him, he did not damn her for such things. Because realistically, did it actually matter what one wore? It made him astounded that such pettiness still existed in the world. For all the work his father, uncle, and forefathers had done, it seemed that very little had actually changed for the greater good. Yet, glancing around the ordinary people with a contemplative brow, all the sacrifices made over the years granted these petty people the choice to be so.

He was drawn back into reality with a sucked in breath, fighting the urge to growl a pained string of insults. Such was the price of freedom of choice apparently, for one such critical gawker managed to step on his foot not just once but twice. And it did not take an expert to realize the shoes hidden under the pale red gown were a pair of those exotic zoccoli that made women taller than they actually were. Something he found out quite a few times the hard way. Looking back now, one would think it would be quite obvious they were wearing something ungodly if it meant they couldn't walk on their own.

"Pardon me," he stated with forced courtesy to the startled noblewoman, ignoring his smarting appendage. Despite the slight limp, he still managed to get out of the tangled snarl that was the Florentine mob.

In spite of Federico's blending into the crowd (just like how his father taught him), every now and then, his quarry would briefly glance back with a pinched brow. Or stop at a stall and act like she was perusing through the wares when her eyes were always roving. He had nearly blown his cover the first time he saw her do it, but thankfully at the last minute was able to duck behind some crates while keeping an ear out for curse-laden accusations. However, none ever came. One near-discovery almost had him losing her if the woman hadn't paused to adjust the bag at her side. Fast forward some, and the eldest born now knew she hadn't actually seen him since he never witnessed her grey eyes truly locking onto him. He couldn't necessarily explain the sensation- yet he had an inkling she knew she was being trailed, however, didn't know just exactly who the pursuer was.

Which was... quite peculiar. Most people were too focused on their own two feet to notice their surroundings or fellow people, much less someone following them. At least, that was the impression he received from his lessons out in the city with his father.

To see such careful attention, as he slipped into another group without her even batting an eye, from a woman of all things- he had to ask himself again, just who was she? Knowing the difference between frayed and torn purse strings? Only someone experienced with thieving would have knowledge of such things. So... did that mean she was one? Or formerly? She had spoken about getting away with the deed if she had done it. But that could have just been a joke. Or maybe his earlier assessment was accurate, and she had actually hit her head, and now he was just following a deluded woman.

Wouldn't that just be his luck?

While not having many answers to his building throng of questions, he did distinguish one thing about the strange woman; she was quite out of her element. Or at least... it seemed that way. Besides her usual stopping to sneak a glance behind, every few meters she would stop, look around with a possible frown on her angular face, (he could not really tell, given her back was to him during this entire process), and then afterwards resume her brisk pace just to do it all over again on the next block.

If he did not know any better, after seeing this go on for a while, these were most certainly the telltale signs of someone lost, and after the rather memorable encounter earlier, it was a rather amusing notion.

"Hey!"

Federico blinked at both the voice and sudden halting of his forward motion in the form of a bump. This resulted in the seemingly earth-shattering sound of breaking wood and whatever valuables were stored within. His hurried apology to the rapidly reddening man was immediately drowned out by his curse-laden shouting that started attracting far too much attention from the surrounding crowd. He felt exposed- -naked even, for there were many piercing eyes looking his way. He just hoped that this was the extent of his punishments for not paying enough attention, as he made himself scarce to evade the brunt of the verbal, and possibly soon to be physical, lashing.

As he managed to slip into another moving group, he cast an eye out for his prey to check her progress. The last he had seen of her was when she was starting to cross the threshold of Santa Trinita. He came to a grinding halt, however, at finding her red-streaked hair nowhere in immediate sight.

He couldn't help but frown as he did another scan of the mingled crowd. Perhaps there was the tiniest chance he missed the woman during the first precursory glance. That turned out to be for naught. The young man let out the not so silent curse he had been holding back since running into the man earlier. "Fool!"Federico berated himself with a hiss as he smacked a hand to his face, before dragging it down. Thanks to his previous entanglement with the box carrier, it seemed likely he had botched the one chance he had at talking to this woman just a bit more, since what are the chances that he would be able to find her again? And thinking about it, if he ran into her again, he needed to get a name. It was starting to get rather old referring her as "the mysterious woman with red streaks in her hair."

All was not lost, however. He still had one trick up his sleeve, and for what felt like the thousandth time, Federico was extremely thankful for his ability. It helped in situations similar to his current predicament- whether it was trying to locate Ezio, who thought himself so crafty in his hiding games or a slippery woman he was too damn interested in for his own good.

If mother were here, she'd probably call it 'infatuation.'

After so many years of practice, he was proud to say it only took him an intense focus to descend into that eerie realm of greys and shapes that were interspersed with the occasional vibrant aura of blue or red. While it was alarming to see so much red- probably just the guards and Pazzi underlings up to no good yet again- he was intent on finding that one bit of gold within the masses.

"Can I help you with something?"

It honestly hadn't dawned to look behind him, since his initial skimming caught nothing out of interest besides an already closed merchant's shop leaning up against some leftover scaffolding. Reminiscing on the choice briefly, perhaps he should have taken a closer look.

But for now, there was a sense of grey-tinted vertigo as he whirled around, followed by bright gold painfully lancing his eyes. As a result, he rapidly shook his head, temporarily blinded. When he opened his eyes again, he was thankful to see his vision somewhat back to normal. Although it was irritating to be peppered with lights dancing across his sight.

Griping aside, he had recognized that voice and easily found the source of it leaning against one of the posts that supported the otherwise unstable looking scaffolding. Federico had the right mind to suggest the woman should move but thought against it when he noticed the look of pure annoyance on her face. Certainly not at all approving he was here. No need to give her an invitation to be further irritated at him.

Thus he tried his best to look like he hadn't been startled and that he was innocent of anything suspicious by pasting on an easy smile. "Ah, yes..." What could he say to that? For once, he actually found himself struggling for a witty comeback to that. The eldest Auditore could not seriously be having this issue right now. "Could I have your name?"

...Dio, he mentally smacked himself afterward. Did he just pull his brother?

There was a subtle twitch of her lips as she reached behind into the covered stall. It was apparent she had jumped into it to keep out of view- his view to be more precise. Smart. "Right, she drawled. "How about no?"

It had been a long shot, but still, he found himself pouting- an expression he quickly put away again when she turned back around with the bag back over her shoulder. "Why not?" It took all his willpower not to make that sound like a complaint, and it still hadn't worked given the deadpan expression on her face.

She placed her odd robe on one hip while the other was occupied by her hand, an eyebrow rising in incredulity. "Uhm... I would think it obvious? I barely met you five minutes ago, and I don't give my name to unnamed strangers."

That was fair he supposed, although not quite the answer he desired. Still, he could roll with that, and in an undoubtedly exaggerated motion, he smacked a hand to his head as if he had forgotten something-in this case, his name. "Bah forgive my lack of manners, signora! I am Federico Auditore da Firenze." He managed as not to rush his form as he bowed, afterwards taking her hand to kiss it. He was faintly surprised to find it so calloused. An oddity amongst noblewomen to be sure.

"Charmed," she politely replied despite her eyes not reflecting such pleasantries. Much to her credit, though, she didn't yank her hand out of his grasp when he loosened his hold on it. Maybe she was not a noblewoman, but she looked to have some courtesy. Some, he emphasized. Not much. Especially given her following response. "Quite the mouthful, though. I hope you honestly don't expect me to say all that?"

He could not for the life of him put his finger on it, but something in her grey eyes made him stifle the urge to respond with something less than appropriate, yet at the same time risk the consequences and do it anyway. "Just Federico is fine, miss-?" He left that last bit open for her to finish.

Sadly, his attempt at baiting her failed as she threw her head back and laughed. She had a twinkle in her eye as she focused on him again. "Okay, your name is a start, yes, but that still doesn't mean you're getting mine quite yet."

This time he allowed his pout to show. "Have I given you a reason to mistrust me so?"

He watched as a dry smile crept across her lips, "Oh, besides cutting a lady's purse, then preceding to clonk me on top of the head with it, followed by stalking me?" Her face fell as she deadpanned again. "No. Not at all."

"I... what?" Federico sputtered in disbelief, not sure if he heard that right. Yet... now that she mentioned it, he had noticed her rubbing a particular spot on the side of her head. So oddly, he supposed he had been right. She had hit her head— but by his hand. He mentally winced at that tidbit, for in truth, he hadn't bothered to look before tossing the laced accessory into the alley.

But he wasn't given much of a stretch to apologize, for she sent the purse which was still at his side, a very pointed look. "Speaking of- weren't you supposed to give that back to the poor woman?"

"And if she truly wishes to have it back, she will wait. If not, she has plenty more of coin to choose from out of her father's coffers." He shrugged, slightly uncaring about the former prospects he had hope for. Even after having gone through the effort of 'retrieving' the woman's coin purse to begin with.

Surprisingly.

An expected, cynical smile distorted her lips. "Quite the gentleman, aren't you?" As sharp as the jab was, Federico still pasted his most courtly smile. Obviously, he had been taught manners at his mother's behest. Especially when it came to socializing with the opposite sex. It was why he was such a favorite compared to his baby brother after all, but that did not mean he would back down from a clearly declared challenge. So he had no doubt there was a mischievous gleam to his own eyes as he countered, purposely failing at hiding his own humor. "Since I am willing to help a lost unnamed lady find her way, I fancy thinking so."

Immediately, her expression soured as she conveyed her distaste to such a statement, "I am not lost." He amusingly noted there was a faint flush on her cheeks, despite the disapproving scowl and furrowed brows. Either from embarrassment or indignation, it was rather cute he had to admit. Entertained, he wordlessly crossed his arms, a single eyebrow rising in an 'oh really' manner. Honestly. Did she genuinely expect him to believe such words?

Allegedly she had, for the expression never left her face as she too crossed her arms in unspoken defiance. "I am not," she insisted, before gesturing around with a hand. "I've been here before, I'm sure of it—." She trailed off, flinty eyes narrowing, obviously irritated that the amusement had not faded from his eyes. He suddenly found himself cross-eyed when she stabbed a finger in his face. "Don't give me that look, Mister Whatever-Your-Last-Name-Was-."

"Auditore," he interjected, unfazed by the digit trying to bury itself in his nose; the entertained smile that was plastered on his face growing, despite what seemed to be temptation to strangle him displaying across her features.

And he was delighted to see she didn't miss a step herself, throwing a very nasty look as she dropped a hand. "-yes that. And I'll have you know I am quite aware of where I am-." She faltered again when she saw he was not buying it. However, whatever pride she still possessed refused to admit he was in the right. So it was only understandable they had a staring contest for all of five seconds before her shoulders slumped and head dropped with a reluctant huff. "Fine... maybe I am lost." She crossed her arms, glaring burning holes at him. A proud woman to the end it appeared. "You can wipe that smirk off your lips now, Federico."

Nevertheless, Federico couldn't help it. She was a feisty vixen and her veiled threat as she said his name was nothing short of adorable.

However, despite the urge of further teasing and poking this woman to see how she would react, Federico decided to be merciful just this one time. They both knew he had won this round. No point rubbing it in further— even if the temptation was there. Alternatively, he put on his most sympathetic look while spreading his hands out in what he hoped was a placating gesture. "It is nothing to be ashamed of signora. It happens to even the best of us."

When he saw she wasn't going to react outside of another indignant huff, (at least right away), he continued. "Where are you trying to go? Who knows- I could direct you to it." He sincerely hoped she wasn't one of the few women who mistook his sincerity as mockery. Yes, he would be the first to admit he liked to tease. But when it came to actually help those in need? Federico was always genuine with his offered help. And this woman, fiery temper aside, was absolutely no exception. He just hoped his earlier comments hadn't tainted her impression of him, making her take his offered assistance the wrong way.

So it was with great relief when the sharp glance she had fixed him with softened to an apprehensive eyeing. He knew she didn't necessarily trust him, and really, why would she? He had- ah, what was the word she had used again? Ah, right, stalked. "...Alright." She slowly said, stiff shoulders loosening up some giving her a far more relaxed look. "I guess you could help me by telling me what city this is?"

That made him pause, an eyebrow lifting. The woman wasn't even aware of where she was? He didn't even think before blurting, "You mean to tell me you have never been to Florence before?"

Now it was her turn to stare, any fire or sassy remark having died as she studied him with an incredulous expression. She had apparently not been expecting such an answer given how she paled. "Florence? As in... Italy?" She slowly asked in disbelief.

Federico nodded slowly, wondering if something was the matter. Really, what other Florence was there?

Her eyebrows furrowed as she brushed a strand of dark hair behind an ear. "Huh, that... explains a lot then." Briefly, he caught a glimpse of something dark on her neck, but it disappeared from view as the woman's hair fell back against her neck. A birthmark, perhaps?

"To answer your earlier question..." He was drawn back to the conversation at hand when she started talking again. "Quite the opposite, actually, I have been to Florence before. "

She looked around, eyebrows drawn in somewhat recognition. "The last time was a little over three years ago. So it was quite recent- yet..." A dubious frown formed on her lips. "Either my memory is terrible, or it seems to have changed a lot since then." Before he could comment, her eyes went heavenwards, and she looked somewhat taken back as a sharp intake of breath followed. "I especially don't remember Il Duomo looking so... new."

Becoming more and more confused, the more she spoke, Federico followed her gaze towards the east, where indeed the magnificent cathedral that was the Santa Maria del Fiore stood. 'Baffled' did not at all explain what he was feeling right now. 'New'? How? It was a little over forty years old this year. How could it suddenly look newer now than the last she had been was three years ago...?

He turned back around only to find that the woman had started pacing, again muttering to herself. He wondered if this was a common thing for her. Or was it just a result of her getting hit in the head? Was it both?

"...Suppose it makes sense that Greg and Carol would roofie my drink and drop me off in bloody fucking Italy. " There was a pause that had her looking around with a suspicious eye before resuming her short path back and forth. "Bah, a rather unfair plan of revenge. Whatever, they're bloody lucky I found someone who spoke English, even though he's kind of no help whatsoever-."

It was obvious he was not supposed to hear any of this half-crazed muttering, so of course, he was confused by every other word that came out of her mouth. Him speaking English- since when? What was she even going on about? Wisely though, he kept quiet, acting as if he did not hear a single word of this, in spite of the desire to ask if she was well again. By this point, he was very much convinced that this lady, despite what she said earlier, had hit her head on something much harder than a thrown coin purse.

What else would explain this erratic behavior?

She paused midway in her tangent, suddenly looking sheepish as she refocused on him. Finally remembered I was here, did you? He mused, keeping his expression impassive just so he would not give her a hint he had actually heard of all that... whatever that was.

She rubbed the back of her head, appearing embarrassed if not unsure about what to say next. "...just... out of curiosity- do you by any chance have a phone? I need to make a call."

He was never allowed to reply, or even ask what a 'phone' was before she waved her hands to stop him, looking embarrassed in the process. "Shit, never mind that; I couldn't ask of you to break out of character. Silly me, let's just go with a better question- what is today's date?"

"December twenty-seventh," Federico replied without hesitation, pushing aside his lingering doubts and confusion. However, he was still more than tempted to ask what a phone was, or why she thought he was acting.

But it wasn't his place though to ask about the mental health of someone he just met; thus he stayed mum.

He would have been lying though if he said it didn't bring him somewhat satisfaction to see a smile brighten her face slightly, even if it was of relief. It honestly was none of his business what was going on at the moment, whatever the woman's strife may be. He just found himself wishing she would smile more often, for he saw her far more endearing that way.

"Yeah, good... good only been a day went by." She ran a hand through her hair again, letting out a short laugh. "Same year too?"

He shared her humor with a chuckle, shrugging in the process. "From my understanding, yes, it's still 1476."

Federico expected a laugh or another amused smile, but instead, he acquired a puzzled face from the still nameless woman. And... something else that he could not put his finger on. Suddenly, he became worried he had said or did something wrong. He was about to ask what, and how he could help when a loud commotion made itself known behind them. Whooping and hollering that sounded familiar, and it made him stiffen as he went to glance over his shoulder. How he wished he wasn't right...

Pazzi.

Federico couldn't help but curl a lip in disgust as he watched them caper across the square, obviously in quite the mood given how they were shoving each other playfully and all. One would think with the serious allegations against Francesco, they'd be more willing to stay out of the public's view until it blew over. But of course not- that would have been far too easy. For, in reality, it seemed to have given the little shit and his lackeys all the more reason to slander his family's name further.

Oh, there were a great many names he could use to describe Vieri de'Pazzi, and none of them were remotely suitable in the presence of such company he was currently graced with.

...or at least had been graced with he discovered when he turned back around to find no such woman in sight. Huh- quite the slippery woman, wasn't she? Still recovering from the headache caused by the hiccup earlier, Federico only did a cursory scan and found no sign whatsoever.

He now found himself torn between two choices- investigate what was going on or to go after the woman who had disappeared suddenly. She had looked... terrified, and he found himself wishing to help... But then again if the Pazzi were converging...

With a reluctant sigh, he let her be, turning the direction where the unruly group had disappeared. Whoever she was, and whatever the issue she had, he had a hunch she could handle it. For now, though, he set that aside in favor to focus at the task at hand; there was only one reason such a large group would form, and he had to sigh in mock exasperation as he followed after, picking up the pace as not to lose them, despite having the suspicion about where they were heading.

On the way, he managed to find Bianca, surprisingly still waiting for him to return. No longer in the mood, he had been in beforehand, he dropped the purse in her hands and bid her the politest goodbye before departing again.

Federico was not even surprised to find the end result a little while later- Ezio and some of their mutual friends brawling with Vieri and his pawns. Another sigh escaped him in the process of shaking his head, a quirk to his lips as he moved to enter the fray alongside his sibling. Not without asking though...

"What did you do now, baby brother?"


~*End*~


History Fun Fact: Zoccoli, also called a "chopine," was a type of clog popular between the 15th and 17th Centuries. Initially worn by courtesans and patrician women in Venice, they also appeared in other cities like Florence. Unlike our modern-day high heels, these things were made to be worn over the shoes and keep the wearer' out of the mud and filth. They were also an indication of nobility and wealth. Basically, the higher the pump, the higher up the person. Some were 20 inches (50 cm) tall! They were also notoriously hard to walk in. Any Noblewoman wearing them was generally accompanied by two servants so she could use them as supports.

I apologize for any OOCness- still getting used to writing from this man's POV- but don't worry, the next chapter is from Trish's side!

Shout out to Swiftstone for letting me borrow Carol. (Sorry no Edward ;()

And like always, reviews, watches, and favorites ALWAYS make my day! As a side note- if you spot any, kindly point out any grammar, spelling, or even worse historical mistakes? It's appreciated really :)

Anyway, until next time!

-TK