Chapter 3 of The Dreaming.

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I now give you Chapter Three of the Dreaming. I hope you love this my little Dreamers, MWAH!

Canto III

"So what has drawn the young Pazzi maiden out of her abode?" said Federico. They have been strolling for almost an hour now. Serafina did not mind, she liked long walks, especially during sunny days, the warmth of the sun cause her to forget anything unsure in her home. It was her Uncle Jacopo who advised her to stay indoors to preserve her complexion, it was Francesco who told her that no one is to be reliable, and it was Vieri who told her that their rivals might kill her with no repentance whatsoever. Now the last thought had her thinking again, Federico Auditore is a man hated by her brother, and yet, here he was now, her arm linked with his, and they were strolling together at Piazza della Signoria. If only she can tell her brother now that he had been wrong, that he was blinded by rage, and perhaps jealousy. There was no way he would've hated someone who treated a stranger so kindly. What did they do to make Vieri de' Pazzi violent?

"I fancied a long walk today, no maidservants, just I." Serafina replied and Federico led her to a bench at the piazza, he promptly removed the wide sash he wore around his waist, and used it to cushion Serafina's side of the seat. She thanked him for his compassion and both sat down. They observed the people having in their own strolls whilst talking to their companions. She had almost forgotten what it was like to be outside, to feel what they feel, and to see what they have seen. If possible, she could have altered her life before, to tell her younger self that it was okay to try and escape in the middle of the night just so she can see the lively festivities in the city. She sighed deeply.

"What bothers you now Signorina?" Federico questions her yet again. He has a way of asking, Serafina noted. "I do not know Messer Federico," she said. "Just call me Federico, adding Messer to my name adds up to my age a hundred-fold." She chuckles sweetly at his remark, a first in seven years. "Va bene, Federico, I have no idea what bothers me at all. It might be the way I had lived during my childhood or perhaps I am bothered with my family, maybe even myself." Federico raises a brow at her and faces her completely. She had dark auburn hair that shined red in the light, her eyes, which were hauntingly gray, were surprisingly smart, and her full pink lips are shaped like those from the statues he sees at church. Serafina looks up at the clock tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, she looked astonished after seeing a flight of pigeons soaring away.

"Santa Cielo, I have to return home. It is almost breakfast time, I have to go back before Papa summons me." Serafina said, she stood up, followed by Federico who offered to escort her back to her home. She said it was fine, it was better if she went alone, fearing that her brother might be waiting outside the palazzo. As she started to walk away, a small puddle on the ground caused her to slip and fall backwards. Her head hit the stone and she felt hot pain rushing through her right leg. Federico rushed to her side swiftly, interested to know if she was well. Serafina angrily glared at him for asking.

"Ser, I have just fallen down, do not ask me again if I am fine. It is so obvious it could've punched you in the face," she said whilst gradually lifting her form. Federico almost laughed, this girl was quite amusing. Slowly, he placed his arms underneath and lifted her up easily. Serafina wrapped her arms around his neck, quite surprised by the sudden gesture. She began to demand where on earth was he taking her. He smiled.

"I am taking you to my home, bringing you to Vieri will only cause the spark to burn rapidly." Federico explained. There was some truth in his explanation and she decided to allow him to assist her. Her ankle began to hurt and Serafina silently hissed in pain.
"Do not worry, cara mio, I will not leave you," he said and they vanished in the sea of people.

Vieri had his lips sealed, Fiorella had nothing to say, and Francesco could only glare. He had summoned his children to the breakfast room yet they were lacking someone. Last evening, he had a strange dream where Ersilia was weeping, her tears gathered by her feet, creating a small pond. Her hair was shambolic and her white gown torn up. He awoke, sweaty and shivering, and then he started to ponder why Ersilia had been crying.

That was when he decided that maybe, he should spend a little more time with his children before heading off to the bank. He had waited, he had asked, but not one person answered him properly. His only son created an excuse, his eldest daughter, who was heavily blunt, said she had nothing to do with anything, and his uncle was now scolding him for being so taciturn and insensible. 'Why if your father were alive, he'd beat you for losing his grandchild though be thankful he had passed before seeing any one of them!' said Jacopo. Francesco glowered at his empty plate then glanced at Vieri.

"Vieri, let me query you once again. Where is your sister Serafina?" he said loudly. His son stared down, averting his gaze from his father's. Fiorella clenched her teeth firmly, forcing herself not to speak during this calamitous moment. Their father waited till a Pazzi servant entered the room, bowing deeply before moving towards his master.

"Signore, your daughter was last seen at the Piazza della Signoria," he reported. Vieri and Francesco glanced at each other before looking back at the male. "And was she alone?" the head of the Pazzi asked. "A number of observers told us she had a companion, Federico, from the house of Auditore." At this, Vieri smashed his fist against the table. "An Auditore? A scum with my own sister? Why did you not take her away when you had the chance?" he exclaimed, marching up to the poor servant with knife in hand.

The older man shivered, Vieri grasped him at the nape tightly and positioned his sharp weapon upon his throat. He said that Serafina had fallen, she had slipped on a wet patch, and the Auditore merely aided her. Vieri sneered, no one else can touch his sister, and he thrust the knife into his skin. Blood spouts out from the small wound, leaving the man to die slowly on the floor. Fiorella looked the other way and wanted to return to her room. This act is her sole disappointment in the family, their offenses, and their spite.

"Vieri, how many times have I warned you not to kill off any servant? Now we will have to hire a new one! Call the rest of the servants, we shall head over to the Palazzo Auditore and retrieve Serafina." Francesco said, his mind was far from caring now.
"Will she be punished father?" Vieri asked. He could merely give a cold stare at his son.
"We shall see when we arrive there. Bring me my sword! Immediately!"

The Palazzo Auditore had grandeur much like her home. Though the courtyard had no arcading, it was still fine nonetheless. Vines of roses crawl up its walls and two benches on each side embellish its place. Federico called out to the servants, telling them to assist him. Serafina heard a soft click and the large oak door behind the iron gateway opened midway. A woman with long dark hair stepped out of the house, she wore a ruby red gown with gold lining along the bodice and neckline, she had beauty beyond compare. Who was this charming lady? She certainly was no servant judging by her clothes. The woman approached them and unlocked the gates for Federico. She smiled at him candidly and turned her gaze to Serafina in his arms. She then questioned him.

"Federico, who is this maiden? What have you done now my son?" she said. Federico gave an audible sigh and asked his mother if she has anything to help with the strain. His mother lifted Serafina's skirts to see a small red bump forming on her ankle.

"Dio, if you could have brought her here sooner, her sprain shouldn't have gone worse! Come in, quickly, we will have to wrap that in bandages. Fortunately, your father has the ointment for such damage!" she said, deliberately pushing his son towards the open door. Federico had rushed in too quickly, Serafina could not describe the rooms she had passed, excluding one family room. He had brought her upstairs, to another lounge, where he placed her on the window seat. She lift up her skirt to see the angry bruise itself, she gotten sprains a lot when she was young, Serafina had the habit of chasing her father and brother everywhere, and she had the habit of stepping on her long skirts as well.

Federico raised her leg and gently placed a cushion under it. He then excused himself to fetch a glass of water for her. When he had left, Serafina basked herself in silence, unsure of what to do. The lounge was too big, too grand, and the feeling of solitude dawned on her once more. A bookshelf was mounted against the wall across the room, she was tempted to retrieve one book and spend some of her time at the Auditore residence. A low thump came, though it was lenient, Serafina had long trained herself to perceive even to the discreet conversations in her home. It helped whenever she needed something to busy herself aside from reading. The thump came again, soon followed by a low creak. She turned to the door and saw a little boy, young as she, peering through the small gap.

Who was this? Is he an Auditore as well? Federico's younger brother maybe? For shame on her brother, hating even the youngest of his enemies, and targeting those who can barely defend themselves. She tilted her head just a bit, searching for more of his face that had been hiding behind the wooden obstacle. He seems innocent, too innocent for her all the same. He jumped upon hearing a name, Petruccio! What are you doing out of bed? Mamma will scold you if she finds out, go on, return to your room, I will relay this to you shortly, said Federico. The boy was now gone, replacing him was the eldest brother. Now Serafina began to muse, how many Auditore siblings were present at this moment? Federico placed a tray of biscotti and a glass of warm milk on an ottoman nearby. He told her the medicine will arrive soon.

"What happened to the glass of water you were telling me about?" said Serafina. Federico looked at her debatably until he uttered something explicit under his breath. "Ah yes, forgive me, Mamma insisted. She said water is not enough for a young child, she did tell me you might have weak bones," he said, taking a seat on another low chair. Serafina smiled summarily and saw Federico handing her the brass cup. She held the object warily, feeling its warmth against her palms. She spoke her thanks and took a sip. Federico shrugged his shoulders and waited patiently for anything else. Again, Vieri had been wrong all about them. They are just a family. That is all. Yes, they are bankers too, but what of it? Was it the rivalry or had there been something else they were not telling her about? Her father had always been so aloof about his enigmas. It was too much.

"That young boy you had just called out, Petruccio was it? Is he your younger brother?" she asked quietly. "He is actually the youngest; my younger is resting at this very moment. He had been wandering the streets all evening, searching for fights, drinking wine, and seducing women," said Federico. "Must he? I am quite sure there are other enjoyable things apart from fierceness and women."

She watched him laugh at her statement, he quickly apologized, and she told him it was no bother at all, she merely wants to know. It was her first time speaking to another being, Ursula was good company, but her stories never change, it was usually stories of her getting married to a prince or a duke from a foreign land. Fiorella herself did not want to associate with her, Uncle Jacopo was kind-hearted yet too busy for a simple conversation. Her father was out of the question. Vieri, however, is the type to boast his stories lavishly. Still, she is disgusted by his tales of uncouth games; they were always too gruesome for her taste.

"Have you ever wondered why your brother relentlessly holds contests and games throughout the entire Florentine city? You shake your head at me, so then I shall tell you. Masculinity? Well of course, we are men after all. However, these things are like the dolls you play with, the books you read, and the blankets you weave. The women have their form of leisure time and we have our own. Younger ones prefer excitement before being thrust into the world of responsibility and, I shouldn't have groaned at this point, professions. Women, I have discovered, are actually matured since the day they have the ability to read and write. Oh? You have been through that phase? So now I must end it here."

Serafina looked onward after Federico had confessed the secrets of men. They loved action; they loved violence for it was hot in their blood, yet what of the artists? Do they not seem calm? Are they genuinely ferocious inside like all men? His reason was one-sided; it held no meaning at all. "I find your story quite motivating, Federico. Although I wish men were not so fierce all the time, the women can be easily crushed in their bare hands." The older man grins and slowly rises up from his seat, tilting up to murmur something into Serafina's ear. "But that is where you are mistaken Signorina, We men can be as compassionate as you are and we tend to keep our feelings as a deep secret."

His lips were close, far too close for her, and she could feel her hands reach for the velvet curtains behind her. The door opened, rudely and noticeably, a much younger lady appeared with a look that can match Fiorella's scowl. She was wearing a bright yello gown with pink stripes on the bodice, her sleeves were pink in shade too, and her hair was ornamented in a pale pink veil. Her gaze landed upon her brother, who had tousled to stand up straight. Federico smiled at her and opened his arms for a warm embrace.

"Do not try to persuade me with flattery Federico Auditore!" she reprimanded. "Claudia, you sound like I am not your big brother at all!" Federico said. If it weren't for her beauty, Serafina would think of her as a harpy or maybe even a siren, luring men into their home at the rocks, and ultimately killing them after. Claudia Auditore was ordered by their mother to watch over Federico, for he might do mischief yet again. He tried to defend himself, stating that he would never do such a thing to a young maiden.

As they bickered, Serafina cannot help but feel a strange impression. She and Vieri can never argue playfully, he had not much of a humor anyways despite being so soft-spoken on rare occasions. She drank her milk again and watched the two siblings at each other's throats. Another thump came along and at this moment, it was heavy and quick, like marches of soldiers through a field. Serafina heard a door creaking behind her; she glanced over her shoulder to see a secret door behind the olive green tapestries. She had thought it had been Federico's younger brother, but no, it was simply their mother.

She scolded her two children for fighting in front of an injured guest and requested them to leave immediately. She even warned them not to make any noise for her other son, Ezio, was resting his headache. Federico snorted, saying that he is merely pretending to be sick in order to slip out of the house again. His mother slapped his arm, not too harshly, and told him to leave. The Auditore mother came up to Serafina as soon as the others departed, she sat on the ottoman and lifted the skirts once more. The bruise had turned purple and black, it was not a very good sign at all. She placed a small trunk on her lap and opened it to reveal vials of some sort, they were ointments, they will help soothe the pain and hasten the body's natural healing capabilities. Serafina nodded and leaned against the pillows of the window seat. Federico's mother had delicate hands, much like her own mother too. She ached for such touch for a long time.

"Madonna Auditore—" "Please, refer to me as Maria, you do not have to be so formal all the time dear," she said and massaged her foot. The young girl yelped a little and furrowed her brows. "I am sorry, I was taught to be formal to any family of nobility, it shows how much gracious I am." Serafina said and Madonna Maria smiled beautifully.

"You know, when I was a young lady, my mother taught me the same thing. I tried to be formal, I tried to act like a noble, but I could never find true friends amidst my own circle, so I asked permission if I could open a bakery, they complied of course, and so I socialized myself with people from the other classes. That was how I met my husband as well. Formality, class, and nobility will give you nothing in return, only greed and pride. Do you have any friends my dear?"

Serafina shook her head adversely; Maria frowned deeply at her answer. "Surely you must have someone to talk to?" she said "My maidservant, Ursula, she speaks to me regularly," was her reply. "Ah at least you have one trustworthy friend at your side." She continued to massage the injury and finally brought out some fresh bandages to protect it from anymore abuse. Maria advised her not to pressure the muscle; she must rest all day if she wants the damage to settle.

"I'll have Federico call for anyone who might come and take you home. Here my dear, have some biscuits, you might be starving." She passed the plate onto her, Serafina took it carefully and placed it on her lap. Maria stood up, patting the girl's leg, then unexpectedly bent down to kiss her forehead. "Get well soon, cara, a servant will come tend to you if you need anything else." Once she left the room, Serafina ate a few of the biscuits she gave her. She suddenly shuddered, her shoulders shrugged involuntarily, and she almost dropped the plate she held.

How long had it been since she felt such pure kindness? These strangers, these so-called enemies, they care for one another, and they care for anyone that were helpless. Serafina began to recall her mother; she was the only person in the palace who could lighten any spirit. Her hands were always warm, much like Madonna Maria, and she had a smile that only angels can wear. Why did she have to capitulate to death so easily? Had she not survived pneumonia the first time? Serafina blinked back her tears and changed her position to stretch her long legs. Claudia returned, possibly to check on her, and was surprised to see a small tear trickle down their guest's face. She inquired if the injury still hurts and Serafina humbly nodded.

They heard the gates opening, followed by the cries of a few men and one familiar man. "Is that my brother and his servants? Have they come to take me away?" she said. Claudia nodded, however her brows furrowed in annoyance when she overheard Vieri complaining about the house. Federico returned, asking if she was alright to walk. Serafina did not need to answer; she removed her feet from the cushions and planted them the hardwood floor.

A shot of pain sprang up and she almost hissed. Claudia yelled at her older brother for his carelessness, she assisted the young girl back to her feet, and Federico carried her again in his arms. She rested her head against his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat was comforting in a little way. She turned to Claudia and thanked her for the hospitality that she had shown. Before Claudia could even say anything else, Federico had carried Serafina out of the room.