Chapter 8 of the Dreaming.
I am truly sorry for the delay. Exams are quite a distraction nowadays. At least back in the Renaissance women can only learn selective subjects and then they're fully educated. I will be following the game plot in the next chapter, but of course it is told differently, in my case.
Also, I have a certain dislike for Bowden's take on Assassin's Creed.
Quite far from the game...
I hope you love this my little Dreamers.
Canto VIII
Jacopo de' Pazzi may be old, withering, and forgetful but his intelligence and his keen eye made up most of his being, the need to lead others drove him to such age of wisdom, and he has seen how much of a disappointment his grand-niece and nephew were. They lavished themselves on money, desiring anything that glitters, and they act so arrogantly, so unlike their father who knew how to control his appetite for luxury.
Of course, there was Serafina, bless that young maiden upon mentioning her name, even though she was merely adopted by Ersilia and Francesco, he had become attached to her like no other. She learned her Latin quickly, like he did in his youth, and she adores all the works of Homer, Ovid, Virgil, and Hesiod. On one occasion, Jacopo had asked a young Serafina, whose age was probably eight years old, to sit upon Lorenzo de' Medici's knee, much to the discontent of his nephew, and rehearse the Eclogues to him as if she had the book in her hands.
Lorenzo was amazed at her performance, asking her to perform again for his other colleagues; however, Francesco refused, and forbade Serafina to accompany them in parties from then on. Such a pity, Jacopo shook his head. The High Mass went on around him; every noble listened attentively to the sermon of the priest. He did not care, he paid no heed to his words that is, until he felt a light tap on his wrinkled hand. Jacopo looked up, seeing Serafina's worrisome face.
She asked him if he was feeling alright, for he had somewhat fallen asleep, and he replied with a yes. Jacopo sat upright, quietly clearing his throat, and his mind returned just in time for the communion. They attended Mass as one family for that day; Serafina wore a stunning white gown lined in gold and pearls while Fiorella sported a pink gown with white stripes on the skirt and bodice. The eldest of the Pazzi heaved a sigh, trying his best to stand from the church seat, Vieri supported him formally, and his spine almost gave in on him. He was old and he was weak, but then again he still needed to guide his nephew's children, specifically Vieri, for he was the only heir to the House of Pazzi.
They sauntered towards the doorway of the Santa Maria del Fiore; Serafina linked her arm around her father's instinctively, and all the while, she had noticed Ezio and his family seated at the farthest row at the front. Wrapped around her usual braid was his ribbon, which she kept after their fated meeting just last evening. She blushed when she recalled the event, she had difficulty concentrating on the homily, and afterwards she wished to hide in the confession booth, and confess all of her sins to no one in particular.
"Ezio look! It is the lovely Serafina de' Pazzi!" She heard someone whisper behind the crowd, she glanced over her shoulder, seeing Federico and Ezio walking beside their mother and sister. Ezio roughly elbowed his older brother in the chest, quietly reprimanding him for uttering something so audible. They caught each other's glances and both quickly turned away before anyone else saw them.
Unluckily, Vieri had caught the two staring longingly at the other, he saw her gray eyes turn silver in the passing light, and he knew something twinkled within those rare pools. He felt the rage of jealousy and hate, and the act of violence had gradually returned to him, invigorating him even further to destroy the Auditore family. When they were finally outside, Francesco and Jacopo engaged themselves in a conversation with another colleague, Serafina removed her arm from her father to allow him to converse without disturbance.
She then heard a very familiar whisper; she turned, and saw Ezio at the corner of the church. Serafina checked on her family before sneaking away from them, he drew her away from the inquisitive regards, and led her into an alley not far from her family.
They both chortle from the exhilaration and querulously kissed one another. Serafina sighed, pleased to know that all was not too late. She lightly pecked his chin, feeling some sort of stubble growing there. He will grow to be a strong man soon and she will become a lady and a wife someday. The mere thought of it had her staring into Ezio's eyes, she wrapped her arms around his strong neck, and was contented with such position.
"I missed you so," she said softly. "So have I, la mia bella luna," replied he. In a moment, he stepped back, and produced something from his doublet. It was a small silk pouch tied with a white ribbon. She smiled greatly at such, she thanked him quietly, and accepted her gift. Serafina opened it to reveal a necklace, its pendant was a pure white agate stone, coiling around the jewel was a shiny snake, and the chain itself was made of silver. She knew the colors represented the moon, but what of the snake? What was its purpose?
"Surely, this is another interpretation you have for me Ezio, but a serpent?" said she.
"Why yes it is. You see, the snake is the wisest and intellectual animal there is. It managed to persuade our First Parents did it not? But still, it is considered beautiful because of its cunning trait, and you my dear little Serafina, are a cunning serpentine lady that lured me into your devilish trap." Gently, he pushed her against the wall, placing a kiss upon her soft lips, and muttered how radiant she was today than yesterday.
"It is because she is in love!"
Both separated, swiftly, and saw Federico standing at the mouth of the alley. Ezio pouted; he hated how much his older brother interjected his intimate moments. On the other hand, he was a bit grateful that it was only him, and not Serafina's idiotic brother. He questioned Federico, asking him of what he needed whilst standing in front of Serafina protectively. She stayed close to him, clutching his chemise sleeve compactly, while her forehead rests against his back. She peeks at Federico, uncertain if he had any understanding in her relationship with his younger brother. He smiles at them, saying that he knows and that she should not be ashamed to hide it.
Serafina returns his smile but chooses to hide behind Ezio still. She loved his sweet perfume, roses and jasmines, such feminine scents for a brusque man such as him. No matter, whatever he liked, she liked as well. Federico, sadly, had to tell Ezio to return home or else their mother will be upset. Their father had left again on business and the entire family must stay together during his absence. Ezio sighed, reluctant to leave Serafina in the hands of her wicked brother. He turns to her, saying he must leave, and she smiles again. You must, she said because family is more important to him than anyone else.
The young lad grins and kisses her forehead before heading off the opposite way with his older brother. Serafina gazed at the necklace he gave her and wore it like she did with his ribbon. She reluctantly returned to her own family, Francesco and Jacopo had already finished their conversation and were now asking where the maiden was. Vieri spotted her first, he scolded her harshly, and he tried to grasp at her wrist.
However, she was able to dodge his hand, miraculously, and slip away to hide behind her father. Vieri stopped at that point and grumbled inaudibly instead. Serafina snuggled her face close to Francesco's fur coat, contented in his loving warmth, and she grasped at his gloved hand. They went home silently, no one had the initiative to strike up a conversation, and Vieri was still bitter towards Serafina. The palazzo was noisy, too noisy in Serafina's opinion. She saw servants cleaning every space on the floor and the walls, carpets and rugs were beaten till dust-free and fresh curtains were being placed along the arches.
She wondered what had caused this organized chaos when she recalled a very remorseful tradition. Francesco's cousins were to come and visit them, though they were only five people, Serafina felt like they of more importance than the main branch. She was always forbidden to see them, her father and mother had her put to bed at around six in the evening, even if she was not tired at all. Vieri said that they were superficial, not one ounce of Pazzi was present in their trait.
If that is so, then Serafina would rather meet them, she was already thirteen after all. They will come at noon, snacks should be already served in the family room, and the guest rooms had already been cleaned to its best. All of these rushing waves of demands and commands had every servant busy, not even Ursula was exempted from its torture. Lunch was served in the breakfast room because the dining hall had to be tidied up too; they had a bit of salad and of puttanesca for their meal.
One maidservant entered the room carrying a tray full of wine glasses, Francesco ordered her to call for Ursula. She nodded and swiftly left the room. Serafina looked at her father, inquiring him what he needed from her maid, to call one's maid means a task of great importance. The maid entered the room, half-sweating from all the work she had been doing, and her veil was soaked along the rim.
"Ursula, I want you dress Serafina in the best gown she has. Never mind the jewels, I am sure she can pick one that matches her clothes, and as for her hair, make sure it is styled for the best tonight." Francesco's demands were a little stressful, nevertheless the frantic maid agreed and left to continue where she left off. Serafina placed her fork aside, too anxious to ask her father for a reason, and sipped on her glass of cold water.
"Father, am I to finally meet your cousins this evening?" she inquired. "Yes, I think it is due time you step out of the shadows, don't you think Jacopo?" Francesco said, directing to his uncle before sipping his dark red wine. The old man agreed, saying that Serafina was now old enough to be introduced to society. It was somehow late on her part, Fiorella was presented to the social status at the age of nine while Vieri was shown at the age of ten. Being the child of a noble, you had to present your most intriguing talents and you must impress other houses of nobility in order to be accepted. Serafina recalled a party before, she remembered sitting on a man's knee while reciting Virgil's poetry.
She immediately dismissed it right after Vieri uttered something that had her look at him intently. "What?" she asked him. "I said, that is a very nice necklace you are wearing, dear sister. I have not seen you wearing it during High Mass this morning." She looked down at the necklace and gazed at her brother again, he played with his dinner knife darkly, staring at her with steady eyes that she felt a lump in her throat.
Serafina pursed her lips distractedly and avoided her brother's gaze. Although, all this talk of introduction had led her to one conclusion, that she will not be a child any longer and that she cannot stay under Vieri or Fiorella for long. Her father and uncle's undying support, and Ezio's confession of love were enough to encourage her into talking.
"Well, let me explain it to you Vieri, of this mysterious necklace." She kept quiet, intentionally, for a few moments before speaking again. "It was given to me by an admirer after Mass ended, I am not joking, and father please do not look at me that way, you will have to understand that suitors may come and go whenever they wish," said she.
"A suitor?" said Vieri "And who might this fine lad be? He surely has wonderful taste if he chose you to be his apple of the eye, or whatever saying that goes about in his head." Serafina stared at him passively, like she always had, and she returned his gaze.
"I am sure Ezio Auditore has wonderful tastes in women considering that he has both beauties of Firenze in his hands." A moment of silence followed before Vieri leaned in the table, the grip on the knife in his hand glistened in the candlelight, and his dark look made Serafina regret she ever mentioned Ezio's name. "Then I cannot disagree, little Serafina, that young man surely has captivated you." And then he stabbed the table angrily and left the room in haste.
Ursula had chosen a pale pink gown with green stripes for Serafina to wear in the evening. She scrubbed and cleaned her maiden's body, washed her hair, and plucked her eyebrows. Her stiff kirtle underneath the gown was dark green, she tied the laces tightly that it held up Serafina's bust, much to her dislike. Her hair was tied to several knots, leaving a few braids studded in pearls and wrapped in black cords. Serafina requested for Ezio's ribbon but Ursula told her that the color did not match her clothing, so too was the silver necklace. She insisted on wearing the necklace instead since it came from him still.
Francesco instructed her to be in the lounge, three minutes before them, and told her to stay quiet unless summoned. Serafina nodded and departed for the lounge. The fireplace was lit and its firewood crack once in a while, she found her place in the corner of the room, in the window seat. She had brought with her a book to read while she waited. It was not long when she heard carriages being pulled up in front of the house, the horses neighed wildly before coming to an abrupt halt, and the sound of the steps being placed on the ground had Serafina close her book and approach the windows.
The sun had just settled itself amongst the hills, creating an orange skyline over the city. Serafina peered through the glass panels and saw two old women step out of the carriage, while the men rode on black steeds, they dressed in fine silk, leather, and fur-lined clothing, and the thought of being with them made Serafina nervous. What can she recite? What can she sing to them? Will she be asked to dance in the middle of the room?
The doors opened to signify their entrance. Serafina got off the seat and approached them, she stopped to curtsy, and finally greeted them in the best way she could. The one who paused to greet back was an elderly gentleman, by the name of Raphael, the other man was Gregorio while the three other ladies were Francesca, Giulietta, and Regina.
"Oh! What a pretty little doll!" said Regina as she closed her hand held fan in a snap. Serafina find it strange for someone to use such a thing during winter.
"Ah, this must be Francesco's youngest, Viola am I right?" Giulietta exclaimed before Gregorio corrected her.
"Why no, this is Serafina, do you remember her? The one who recited Virgil's Eclogues to Lorenzo de' Medici?" said he.
"Ah yes! I remember. What horrific eyes she had!" said Francesca.
The cousins settled themselves amongst their chosen couches. Giulietta had asked Serafina to come and sit between her and Regina, she settled in nicely on the pillows and her family entered at that moment. The Pazzi spoke of frivolous things Serafina could not follow, she sat patiently, listening to their tête-à-têtes, and their ranting of the Medici government. At that statement, she paid full attention to Gregorio and Jacopo, They rambled on how they could not stand how such a middle-classed family became the prominent seat in Firenze, and it was unfair they say, the entire city loved them despite the Pazzi being the first ones in the seat of government and banking.
She saw the natural flare of anger in their eyes, the pride as being a noble stimulated their indignation, and she feared she would be consumed in its flames. The servants came to serve the glasses of wine and small cakes, Serafina excused herself, not wanting to hear anymore of their chidings and thoughts of hatred. She paused at the hallway, surprised to see snow falling unto the ground. Tomorrow, it will be difficult for her to take a stroll, she never liked walking in the bitter cold, it made her thinking go awry, and her gowns to be wet. She heard someone calling her name, 'Serafina!' she turned and saw her father coming up to her, hastened with worry and inquiry.
"Do you find my cousins too old for your liking?" he asked her. "No, I like them, I do not mind their physical age. It is only their talk of luxury that made me want to leave the room," said she. Francesco sighed; his shoulders slumped woozily. "You sound just like your mother when she met them. I will tell them that you are feeling unwell, go and do what you must." Before he turned away from her, Serafina inquired him a question.
"Papa, have you forgiven the Auditore yet?" she said. Francesco halted, he looked up at the ceiling, acting as if the answers were printed there, and he shook his head pitifully. "No I have not, but I will when I have the time." Afterwards, he returned to his guests, leaving Serafina to return to her room, not knowing that a certain Auditore was slowly climbing his way up to his daughter's bedchamber.