Chapter 5 of The Dreaming.
EzioAuditore1459: I already have the game and I I'm loving Ezio so much now!
HeisseUnimportant: Thank you, why yes, it may need a little bit more recognition though I pity some people who can't grasp English literature like my cousin.
MuaveLover: Your username is still misspelled, but thank you for the review nonetheless!
DarkFlameAlchemist: I'm glad you enjoy this fanfic, I hope to keep you entertained until the end. :)
Canto V
The next day, Serafina awoke with a bitter feeling, as if she had a terrible nightmare the evening before. She heard voices too; the dense draperies around her bed hindered her from seeing who it was. Ambiguity, distress, and a sense of trepidation were present in the muffled sounds. It was not long before someone had pushed the curtains aside and placed a warm object on her forehead, her cheek, and her neck. Serafina opened her eyes languidly, she saw Signore Carlos sitting near the bedside, leaning over her. Ursula was standing at the foot of the bed with a washbowl in her hand.
The good doctor had checked her injury, saying how phenomenal it was to be mended overnight. The maid commented how faithful her young maiden was to the Lord, always praying for others, and for her well-being. It was just about sunrise, the palace was shadowy, and there was outright quietness in the narrow lanes. Signore Carlos elevated Serafina's ankle, inquiring her if it is still aching. There was bit of discomfort at first but then again, as he moved her foot in circles, it no longer seem to bother her at all. A miracle it was indeed.
"How are you feeling today Signorina Serafina?" asked Signore Carlos. Serafina passed him a prompt smile. "I feel fine Ser, although my head continues to spin," she replied. "That is good, you just need two more days of rest and you shall be as healthy as a newborn child." He told Ursula of the medicine he prearranged and he instructed her to massage her injury once in a while. Soon after, he crammed his things into his satchel and left the house, whispering quiet words of wellness to the young lady. Serafina faced the vast ceiling above her head, tilting a little to the left to see Ursula's shadow moving about.
The maid came up to her side soundlessly, the basin was left on another table for later use. "Does my young lady need anything?" she said. "Ursula, am I still ill?" Serafina asked her. "Yes, but you have heard the doctor's words clearly, in two days time you shall fully recover your natural vigor. I suggest you sleep again signorina, you need it more than I do." Ursula pulled the warm blankets over the girl's chest, tucking away a few strands of hair from her lovely face, and then pulled the heavy curtains around her bed once again.
Serafina turned to her side, her mind wandering to those beyond the city this time. She dreamt of a wide land made of green, where dancing red poppies, golden-eyed daisies, and fluttering baby's breath were enjoying their independence as they should. Rabbits with their fluffy tails hopped cautiously along the terrain and the elusive red fox skims through the tall pastures, searching for a prey to play with before eating it. Until she heard the doors creaking open, Ursula had stopped whatever she had been doing to mutter something under her breath.
Heavy boots thumped hard against the floor boards and a low voice came after. Serafina gripped the dark ermine fur tightly and heard the curtains being shoved to the side callously. She closed her eyes, pretending sleep so her father might leave her alone, she did not want to speak to him today, she was afraid he will reprimand her, for spending another amount of florins for her medication. Instead, she heard her bed creak; the sudden weight behind her indicated that he had sat on her bedside. It was at that rare moment, Serafina felt her father's hand touch her forehead, similar to what her mother used to do to lull her to sleep.
"You worried me Serafina," he said softly "Your mother had the same illness when I neglected her during our first month as a husband and wife, I left her because of work. I did not wish to disappoint both my father and uncle; they were too expectant, too harsh. You should always know, I often think of you and your older siblings, as well as your mother. All of you, even uncle Jacopo, abandoned your time, your friends, your life, just so you may earn my love and attention. Forgive me, if I have been too oblivious to all." Then, gently, he planted a chaste kiss on her smooth brow. The feeling of family, security, and of love had stunned Serafina and she nearly gave away her own pretense.
Francesco moved away, ordering Ursula to remove the infernal tapestries around the cot, fresh air is his prescription to a healthy well-being. Afterwards, Serafina shivered, the tears of contentment rolled down her face, and she thanked God for his loving kindness.
In the afternoon, Vieri visited his little sister once again. He saw her sitting on her window seat, reading a book as usual, with her hair free from any ornament. She was wearing a pink bodice with pastel pink embroidery while the over gown was light blue. The tight sleeves had blue and pink floral motifs and were attached to the gown by the use of buttons. She propped her elbow upon the low sill and turned a page of her book, Vieri chooses to enter at that moment, he strolled inside the chamber, a fresh bunch of white daisies wrapped in pink and silver ribbons were hidden behind his back. Serafina blinked and looks up from her good read; she could see the flowers hiding over his shoulder.
"I heard my sister is well enough to walk today," said he and showed the bouquet. "These are your favorite, if I remember." His sister closed her book, taking the gift from his hands rather quietly. She gazed down at them, touching each petal softly, as if they will waste away in just mere seconds. She uttered a faint thank you to her brother and told Ursula to put them in a vase. The maid kindly took the flowers downstairs, saying how pretty they were for a dull month such as this. Serafina recalled it being the twenty-third day of December, Christmas is days away, and she had yet to be inquired. There were to be no intake of meat during that peaceful holiday, only fruits and vegetables are to be eaten, wine will be moderate, not heavy, and gifts are only to be open the day after.
"Does my sister not like the flowers I had hand-picked?" inquired Vieri. "No, I like them very much, it's just that I need to be at the chapel, offering my invocations like I've always done," said Serafina. "And Ursula cannot be of company today?" She simply nodded, "Natale is coming, my dear brother. All of the servants are busy preparing the meals for tomorrow evening." That is right, despite the limited ingredients, not one person laze about in the palace. "If you want to go to the Pazzi chapel so badly," said Vieri drawly "I am available as of today. No brawls, no insults, and no games. That I promise you."
Serafina smiled broadly, she kissed her brother's cheek, and embraced him dearly. They asked permission from their father before heading out to the Santa Croce. Vieri assisted his sister by wrapping her favored white fur coat around her shoulders. Her hair had been braided, studded with pearls, wrapped in blue ribbons, and then wrapped around her head for the finish. She thanked the young maids for the help and was off to pray, Vieri protectively stood by her side along the way.
The chapel was quiet, with the exception of the monks that wander its grounds. Serafina lit five candles, each representing the members of her family; she then went off to sit on the low church chair to begin her prayers. Vieri sat next to her, quietly gazing at the statues of martyrs and angels. He had visited the chapel many times as a child, ten as a young man, and two as an adult. The monks often tell him that it was normal for someone to go awry, but when divine help is needed, God is always there to give. He looked over Serafina, seeing her close her eyes in prayer, her lips moving quickly as she prayed in Latin.
A slow realization began to materialize within Vieri, it had occurred to him, after thirteen years, that Serafina was not her sister, but the daughter of his mother's closest friend. Nevertheless, she grew up in their family, she took up their name, and she was the loveliest to behold. There had been a night where Vieri had sneaked out of his room, practicing his skills even at night; he stumbled upon his parents and his grand-uncle speaking to each other in the family room. His mother mentioned to both of them about Serafina's father, Louis Arnaud Saint-Jeanne, at the mere indication of the name, Jacopo rose from his seat in anger. He knew about the Saint-Jeanne family, they have been loyal to the royal crown of France for many years. All of their forefathers have faced every English soldier there is, turning them into cold-hearted murderers, anyone who dare tries to threaten them will surely end up dead.
Now Vieri was sitting beside the current generation of the Saint-Jeanne, an heiress. If this man, Arnaud, finds out that he has sired a woman, eventually the family line ends with her in death. Then again, if ever Vieri marries Serafina, his family will be lavished in French gold, and let us not forget, he has a chance to be trusted by the King and Queen of France. The opportunities (and the prosperity) would have been never-ending. Serafina closed her bible, diligently making the sign of the Cross before standing up, her brother soon followed after. They linked their arms tightly, efficaciously closing the gap between them. Serafina truly admired the wonderful cloisters surrounding their chapel while Vieri comments about the wealth and power of their family, showing through the architecture of the façade. Again, it was only money and violence that fuels Vieri's head.
"Brother, I have been thinking, have you ever thought of ceasing your foul plays and your hate for several of the noble houses?" Serafina inquired. Both stopped in unison, just at the gateway of the sanctuary. "Ceasing for the time being or everlastingly till death comes for all of us?" Vieri questioned her. She hesitated, she did not know whether to declare the truth or to be punished by her brother for talking in such a way. Her gaze moved to the ground beneath their feet. Her silence had every answer for him.
"Do you think it is easy to forgive our enemies Serafina? I am not God, I am not merciless to those who wish to do us harm!" he exclaimed, grasping her elbow firmly till she felt his thumb crush the bone underneath. "But brother, they wish us harm because we inflict it first!" she cried out, earning them the stares of several spectators. Vieri halted and turned to glare at his sister. "Do you mean to tell me that our family is evil?" said he chillingly. Serafina shook her head madly, fear and terror gripping at her throat. "No brother! I did not mean to speak foolishly of our house! I was just concerned that you have been targeting those who meant no harm to any of us!" The bible that Vieri kindly held for her was slapped across her face, thus ruining the pale cheek.
Serafina staggered, luckily though, her brother still kept a firm grip on her arm which was beginning to bruise. How did he become so destructive, even to the ones dear to him? Vieri was a monster; she finally realized that, the sibling she had loved so sincerely was now just a tyrant like Caligula. Vieri had in someway grasped reality and saw the cheek of his sister reddening in each moment. Before he could apologize to her for his actions, a fist had collided with his own cheek, and he fell to the ground. Serafina gasped quietly, her hands retreated themselves to her lips, hushing whatever it was she was about to say.
A man, with long dark hair and broad shoulders, set upright solicitously in front of her. He advanced towards Vieri, his footfalls were hard, indicating that he was serious in defending the young maiden. He roughly seized the fallen Vieri by the collar, dragging him back up to his feet. He was strong, Serafina noted, who stood completely still while people began to form a circle around them. A few bystanders pressed them to start the brawl. She could not even move when the man smashed his temple against Vieri's nose. Serafina, at this moment, wheezed aloud, and she looked away from the ghastly scene.
When will this stop? Look at them! Fighting each other like animals! It was too horrid. It was not before long when one had fled, bruised and tattered. Serafina could only stare, her brother, whom she imagined as a strong and valiant knight, ran away like a pup that had been kicked numerously. Her bible lies innocuously on the soil, dirtied right after Vieri had stepped on it during his transient withdrawal. The man, her supposed rescuer, picked up the important tome, patting the dirt from its cover with his chemise sleeve.
He turned to her, smiling, and she had finally seen his face. His grin was almost similar to that of Federico's, but his was well-played, and ingenuous. He approached her without thoughtfulness, to return the bible that her brother had used against her. Serafina took it, using both hands to clutch its sides. Unfortunately, she had failed to notice how old her bible had been, and because of the harsh movements, a whole book fell out of place.
The young man quickly apologized, crouching down to gather the scattered pages. Serafina progressively stooped as well, but not too low like he. She watched him idly, how he tried to return every folio back to its original place. He was very childlike. She let out a giggle which caught him off-guard. Ezio looks up, dumbfounded to see a smile that he did not know was rare. It was sincere, it was honest, and most of all it was not forced. He smiled too, distractedly, he had almost overlooked his suave manners. He crammed the book back inside the thick volume, once again handing it back to the owner. The young maiden shook her head at him, telling him that she had another at her palace.
"Oh I see, I, um, my name is—Let's see…" Serafina smiled again and stood upright to curtsy. "Buon giorno, I am Serafina, from the House of Pazzi, and what is the name of thy liberator?" Ezio stood too quickly, his head spun, yet he planted his feet firmly on the ground. He bowed graciously, like any nobleman. "It is an honor to meet you, my lady. I am Ezio, from the House of Auditore." Perhaps he chose to ignore her house for this day, because you can never find a Pazzi who was less selfish and less imprudent such as her. Ezio offered his arm to her, ready to take her home when needed. Serafina nodded, linking her arm to his, the brawl was over, there was no need for any more.
"You are no different than your older brother Ser Ezio," said she. "Truly? I have a feeling you are more acquainted to my brother, than to yours, how is your cheek?" She instinctively placed a hand over it. "It is fine, it is not harsh as the sprain I had before. Oh, I forgot to say this, but I want to thank your mother for nursing me." Ezio glanced over to her, "You were the visitor whom Federico and Mamma have been talking about?" She gave a curt nod of her head. He chuckled deeply, his hand remains to hold the frayed bible.
When they arrived at the palace, Serafina hindered him there at the entrance, she did not wish for her father to see her fraternize with a family enemy.
She kindly retrieved her beloved book, thanking him again for rescuing her. Serafina smiled then turned away to leave. Ezio stared on; comprehending something very important, which was missing. He did not obtain any kiss to the cheek like all women do when they were saved.