ACT V
(final act)
[...]
The curtain rose on a lavishly decorated room. Red silk banners hung from opposite corners of the stage, and the entire space was filled with couches of every size and shape. These couches held what appeared to be an entire school of teenage girls, each wearing a uniform. The uniform consisted of, delicately, a dress that ended at the thigh.
It went without saying this was a brothel.
As things usually went, a knock sounded behind the curtain. The girls' heads whirled to the side in unison, as though perfectly rehearsed. However before any of the prostitutes could get up, an older woman appeared to the left.
"Don't move, girls," She said sharply, waving a hand, "I will take care of this one."
Ezio eyed what he assumed to be Teodora quizzically. She was in her mid to late thirties, and round to say the least. Her dress was ill-fitting, and she wore what seemed to be a white towel over her frizzy brown hair. Last but not least, her face was popping with warts and pimples, all of which make-up was trying desperately to correct. The Assassin frowned, momentarily reliving his first memory of La Rosa della virtu as he watched his actor counterpart enter. He remembered bowing graciously to the matron, before lifting his curious golden gaze and smirking on instinct. Despite being ten years his senior, he knew an attractive woman when he saw one.
Oddly, he felt the portrayal hardly did her justice. And that if she were in the audience (which he had no doubt she was), she would probably have ordered him to murder the playwright. Viciously.
"Are you Sister Teodora?" The actor on asked loudly, gesturing to the short woman.
"Indeed," She nodded.
"Pardon me, Sister," Ezio began jokingly, "But I thought you were a nun. This hardly seems like a church."
"A church?" Teodora repeated, apparently offended, "And why do you not think of this place as a church?"
"It seems...Well, I don't know..." Ezio led off, frowning in concentration as he attempted to link two thoughts into a comprehensible sentence.
"Girls!" Teodora snapped, spinning abruptly to face her flock, "I think this man needs to be educated in the ways of our religion!"
The prostitutes immediately assembled, springing off the couches and fitting themselves into formation like a finely trained swarm of bees.
A sweet tune drifted up from the orchestra, and the choir sang:
Here at the Rosaaaaa,
Della Virtu.
We do many, many things,
To make you feel good.
We are all women of the church,
We all pray to god,
We just do it a bit differently,
than you might've earlier thought.
There was a repeat of the chorus by the orchestra's violins, which Teodora used to grasp Ezio's arm and lead him across the stage.
It all depends,
She sang to him.
On how you understand,
religion, my son...
For men to understand unity,
With a woman, they must first become one.
"She said that to you?" Leonardo whispered to Ezio, poking him gently to get his attention. Ezio turned to find his friend wearing a very awkward expression; somewhere between a grimace and a gag.
"Eh..." Ezio cleared his throat lightly, "It was...somewhat less strange when she said it to me in person."
Meanwhile, the courtesan-chorus was at another stanza:
Here at the Rosaaaaa,
Della Virtu,
We can sing, we can dance and play,
There's muuuch we can do.
It's a waaaay of life,
And we do with what we have,
It may seem grim to you although,
You may not understand...
Teodora cleared her throat for a gentle solo:
Now you see, dear, the reason,
Why we do, what we do...
And why things look so different...
At the Rosa...
pause.
Della...
She took a deep breath, before launching into a pitch so high it could shatter multiple glasses.
Virtuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!
The curtain did not go down after the song, although Teodora curtsied politely at the somewhat shell-shocked applause.
The Assassino cleared his throat to get the matron's attention.
"Charming, Teodora," He said, and then lowered his tone, "But I'm here to speak to you about the Doge, Marco Barbarigo."
Teodora nodded firmly and turned to her girls once more.
"You are dismissed!" She announced, flipping a plump wrist in their direction. The girls smiled prettily and then neatly filed themselves off stage. The audience gave a set of respectable applause for their pleasant performance.
"I may be able to help you," Teodora said quietly, "My girls tell me Marco is holding a party in honor of Carnevale. You can sneak in and kill him there."
"Perfatto," Ezio nodded with a grin, "Grazie, Sorella."
Teodora smiled back at him, a sight that was not particularly endearing. "I thought you might like to know- a girl entered here earlier. She said she wanted to speak with you."
"A girl?" Ezio asked, bewildered, "Rosalina?"
The matron shook her head, "I do not know her name. You can speak to her yourself soon enough, however."
"I shall," The Assassin nodded, "Now if you'll excuse me; I have a party to prepare for..."
Ezio bowed gracefully to the lady and exited the stage. The curtain came down soundlessly until the scraping of props against the wood floor interrupted.
[…]
It was a party, that much was certain. The blue banner of a background was speckled with brightly colored glass, constituting fireworks. Several actors were already on stage, and all of them wore great golden masks. A cheery waltz-type piece drifted from the orchestra pit. The guests held drinks, and laughed amongst themselves as the scene commenced.
To the right, the Assassino entered, newly-bought silver cape billowing formidably. He paused, observing the party before procuring a similar golden mask from his robes.
"This is the Doge's party, alright," He muttered loudly to the audience as he placed the covering over his face, "According to Teodora, Marco should be emerging any moment...Then I can strike with my new invention."
While he spoke of the invention, he fingered an odd-looking attachment on his right bracer. Then he quickly swept his cape over it and fell into the crowd, approaching the back of the stage.
There were a few moments of peace where absolutely nothing happened-until, on an elevated platform, a kindly old man strolled into view dressed in exquisite apparel. The chattering immediately halted and all actors gave the Doge their attention, glancing up at him in admiration.
"Signore e signori!" He announced, spreading his arms, "Welcome to Carnevale!"
A large blast sounded off stage in an effort to produce fire cracking noises- a ripple ran through the spectators as they jumped in their seats. The party guests clapped lightly in appreciation.
"No matter what the times, prosperous of sparse-" The Doge was saying, "Venezia will always have CARNEVALE!"
"He's making a speech..." The Assassin noted blandly, then rubbed his chin. "Now would be the perfect time to strike..."
However, he waited a few more seconds for the Doge to continue before pushing forward.
"This year, has been one of many different ideas," Marco said, smiling, "I am proud to say we have produced a large amount of art- all of it beautiful."
Now was when the Assassin made himself known. To the horror of all, he stood himself up on a large prop (in the shape of a table) and pointed a hand at the Doge menacingly. At that time, another cannon shot exploded into the room, louder by far than the others- and then the Doge dropped dead.
There was a shocked, still silence. No one could believe what had happened- so they all stood there with their mouths open, and glasses threatening to tip from their grasps. Then they began to scream:
"ASSASSINO!" The guests panicked, scrabbling off stage in every conceivable manner, "Guards! Assassino!"
Ezio grinned as he quietly disappeared from the scene.
[...]
"EZIO!" The girls squealed in delight as the Assassin entered the brothel, still smirking. He allowed the choir to ensnare him, giggling and grabbing at him uncontrollably as though they had been spending an inappropriate amount of time in Teodora's herb room.
"Were you successful, my son?" Teodora asked as she waddled onstage, furry eyebrow cocked.
Ezio nodded, "The new doge is dead."
"Bene," Teodora replied, "There is someone to see you upstairs- I think you'd better go alone." Her suspicious eyes flickered over the whores plastered to his body.
The Assassin looked down at them comically, as though to say; 'what, these?' He then returned his gaze to the brothel madam and nodded again.
"Grazie," He said and haphazardly attempted to make it across the room.
"Girls!" Teodora snapped, her voice sharp as a knife, "Let him through, please!"
There were a few laughs from the audience, but Ezio didn't see what was so funny. The eagle in the bleachers frowned as his counterpart staggered offstage, apparently heading for the establishment's staircase.
[…]
The only reason the curtain had gone down in the first place was because the scenery had now been slightly altered. The brothel couches had been cleverly blended to form a bed. The bedroom was quite stylish, as it happened- silky drapes all over, and candles swept lazily to suggest a more intimate air.
There were two actors on set- one of them, clearly female, was indistinguishable. She was wrapped in an indigo cloth dress, and a black cloak hid her face. The actress lay on the bed, casually tapping her foot against the smooth sheets. Her interest seemed to peak as Ezio entered the room.
Despite herself, Rosa watched the scene keenly.
"Ezio," A familiar voice purred, "I've been waiting for you."
Recognition dawned on the Assassin and he smiled, "Ah, yes," He chuckled, approaching the bed slowly, fingers moving to undo his shirt; "I haven't been able to see you for a while, have I?"
"You most certainly have not," the mystery woman said mischievously. "And I must admit- I thought you were with another lover for some time."
"No, madonna," Ezio shook his head, suddenly serious, "There is only you for me."
"Then prove it," She grinned, "Come, sit with me, Assassin."
The Assassin pulled off his boots, joining her on the bed in his under tunic and pants. She immediately pulled him into a deep kiss, and he used it to remove her hood.
"I've missed you, Caterina."
Rosa's green orbs narrowed and she straightened.
"I'm not sure I can believe a womanizer like you," She sighed loftily as they fell into a more relaxed position on the bed's soft sheets.
"Caterina," He murmured, "Name one woman I could have possibly been with."
"What about that thief-girl, Rosalina?"
Rosa's heart leapt at the statement. Yes, what about her?
"Rosa?" The actor frowned for a moment, confused. Then he smiled easily. "Why, she is like a little sister to me!"
Caterina did not seem convinced. She huffed in disapproval and turned away from him, towards the audience.
"Besides," Ezio continued, a hand on her shoulder trying to pull her back. She relented somewhat and allowed herself a glimpse at his blue eyes, "How could she ever find out about…this?" He finished with a grin and a passionate kiss.
Rosa stood abruptly, weaseling her way out of the rows.
"Where are you going?" Antonio whispered fiercely, "Are you getting more refreshments?"
"I'm just getting some fresh air," She hissed, gathering her skirts and stumbling into the pathway.
"Well, get me a drink anyway," her foster-father said, returning to the scene, "Café, if they have it."
0-0-0-0-0
Rosa sighed, her own breath mingling with the soft night breeze. Absently, she noted the how extraordinary the design of the theater really was, with balconies conveniently placed outside the main stage area in a way that was both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. Not to mention the view they provided of the sparkling city of canals.
But the view was not what the disguised-thief found herself thinking about. In all honesty, Rosa didn't understand why she was so upset. She knew it was just a play, a performance, a charade. She knew Ezio would never lie to her like that…But, did she really? The man was a womanizer, and apparently even strangers knew that. They knew enough about that to write a whole scene, she noted bitterly.
She shook her head. No, that scene was about as true as the color of the actor's hair. And yet… Rosa frowned, trying to stop her thoughts from spiraling.
"Damn him," She whispered to herself, head bowed, "Why is he so cazzo confusing…"
The thief spent a few more minutes outside of the theater, just watching the waves roll by. The river they arrived on was now silent- no gondolas ventured tonight, it seemed. Now and then, laughter and voices would peak from the main rooms, and the dull sound of it reached her like the cackling of ghosts. She shivered, despite the warm summer night.
"Rosa…?" Her senses perked at the low voice and approaching figure, "Are you still out here?"
She turned to find the equally-disguised Assassin behind her, a slight frown on his features.
"Yes," She replied tiredly. There was a short silence, in which he looked her over.
"What's wrong?" He asked finally, "The play is almost finished."
She smiled inwardly. How typical- of course Ezio would never have suspected anything wrong with the previous scene. Maybe she was being overly paranoid…And yet, a lot of her was quite miffed.
Rosa looked up at him, green eyes observing gold. This was an opportunity- she could really talk to him right now. About anything- about their hazy relationship, about his work, about the performance, the weather- anything. She could tell from his expression that at the exact moment, he would listen to anything from her.
She smiled at him, "Nothing," she said quietly, "Let's go back in. I believe Antonio will be quite angry if no one brings his café."
"Wait, you're sure?" Ezio asked, puzzled. But she was already striding ahead of him, and she didn't seem likely to turn back. He waited until she had neatly exited before heaving a sigh and shaking his head.
"Women," He muttered, "So damn confusing…"
[…]
"About time!" Antonio hissed fiercely upon receiving the steaming cup. He cradled said object gently as he allowed the two to return to their seats, "I thought you had completely forgotten about me!"
"How could we have forgotten the magnificent Antonio and his bottomless stomach?" Ezio remarked dryly, and was immediately hushed by a viewer.
Finally settled into their positions, the Assassin and the thief studied the set with curiosity. It appeared to be a Venetian walkway, as evidenced by a randomly strewn gondola and several tall buildings. 'Ezio' was already on set, and he seemed quite worried about something or other.
"Oh no!" He cried to the audience, palms on his cheeks, "They've found me!"
"Hold it right there, Assassin!" The guard captain of Venice, as was made quite clear by the cast via a very large emblem, announced as he marched on set with a sword grasped firmly in his hand, pointed at the hero himself.
"You'll never take me alive!" The blonde swore as he was quickly surrounded.
Violent music erupted from the orchestra as a marvelous battle scene commenced.
"That's certainly interesting…" Ezio mused from the bleachers as he watched his counterpart kick a man in the stomach, "I can't say I remember this happening…"
"Hmm," Leonardo agreed- Ezio was not particularly surprised to see he had sat through the entire performance so far, without a single interruption- "Perhaps this is the playwright's idea of your future, Ezio."
Meanwhile, the scuffle was increasing in importance, as 'Ezio's lunges had become quite desperate, and it was clear he was tiring. The guards just kept coming, and soon the stage was nearly full. Finally, after several minutes of struggling, the Assassin surrendered.
The guards grinned at each other as they bound the young man and swiftly carted him off stage, leaving the audience to wonder in terror what would become of him as the curtain leapt to the floor.
[…]
The curtain rose, but the set was dark. Nothing was visible through the thick, inky black- except for the few wooden planks jutting out from the stage's front. Ominous music rose from the orchestra, setting the Assassins on edge as they observed warily.
A disembodied voice began to sing in low tones:
The notorious Assassin of Florence,
Was at least brought to kneel,
Before the superior force,
Of the law's cold steel.
Days passed by,
From inside his gloomy cell,
Until it was announced,
That his execution was held.
The stage lit up dimly, and the audience was allowed a small glimpse of the same execution set from the first act. But instead of a family bound to the noose, it was the Assassin himself. The music surged throughout the room like a snake, loudening here, quieting there…Until, through the murky lighting, the viewers finally saw the body fall with a unified gasp.
It was over, finished, done,
The young man had breathed his last,
Even if revenge was what he wanted,
It remained far from his grasp.
A figure appeared on set and walked in front of the curtain as it lowered itself slowly. The lights focused on him, clearly not a part of the cast. He glanced around sadly as the music slowed, drawing closer to an ending for the final song of the performance.
And now our story is told,
A tragedy indeed,
Of a man turned evil when evil was done,
In order to punish corruption and greed.
The melancholy tune ended as the man walked off stage. The curtain went up on the cast from Act I, who bowed neatly as a new tune began. The audience, a bit sore from the length of the performance, found it in them to wait a while longer while the actors credited each other with sweeping bows and curtsies. After Act I followed Act II- mercenary and guard dancers alike lined the set, clearing the way for the actors of Francesco and Vieri de'Pazzi, who both looked quite well rested. The remaining acts followed suit, and after several minutes the curtain went down for the final time.
Light slowly illuminated the large auditorium as theater workers requested that the viewers please leave in an organized fashion. The four Assassins clambered to their feet, popping stiff joints and straightening out their apparel before melding into the slow-moving stream of people leaving the area.
As they traversed the worn streets of Venezia's midnight, Ezio cleared his throat to speak- no one had said anything since the fate of the Assassin had been revealed to them.
"That…" He commented brokenly, "…Wasn't a good play."
"You're telling me," Rosa agreed, leaning gently on his arm.
"Truly not what I expected," Leonardo admitted with a small shake of his blonde head.
"But the effects were nice…" Antonio remarked with a quiet smile, which everyone proceeded to ignore until they were safely in bed in their respective homes.
END OF ACT V.