Chapter 15 of the Dreaming.
To my dear reviewers, and also to those who have placed me on Author Alert, you may have noticed I have placed a list of other fanfics to write, located in my profile.
Affair with the Borgia was my supposed novel, but then, I chose not to continue, due to many spin-off novels as well.
Secondly, the Red String was something I came up with, while playing Assassin's Creed: Revelations.
That is all, carry on, and please leave reviews :)
Canto XV
"Ezio? Are you there my sweet?" said Serafina, as she climbed the staircase towards Ezio's bedroom. He was not at the training ring today nor was he at Claudia's office to assist in the renovations. She suggested to herself that he was most likely resting, after enduring all that hard work for the entire month of May. It was June, and Serafina was aware of her approaching birthdate, she did not want anything grand for her special day, due to the tight finance and accounting. She came up to the lad's bedroom, only to find it empty, now this was truly strange. She returned downstairs, hoping to find the mysterious robed man somewhere.
"Ah! Serafina! There you are," said Mario, sauntering out of his office," I have some good news! We finally have a doctor, and some reliable blacksmiths to take care of our men and our equipment, do you have any suggestions to how much they should share in their income?" he inquires her. "I think we should take at least five percent of their daily income Signore, and when the town has flourished, perhaps we can raise it to a ten," replied Serafina.
"Yes, I shall think about it," he muttered. "Oh, by the way, have you seen Ezio? I have been looking for him, and I have to speak to him, it is sort of urgent," said Serafina.
"You will find him at the brothel, in the corner of the town, and do not get upset, I sent him there to ask a few inquiries about the restorations." Serafina nodded, fervidly, and left to find Ezio. She had been wearing a dark red kirtle underneath an orange overgown, which correspond to the colors of the Auditore family crest, unbeknownst to her, and her long hair was braided, with a leather cord wrapped around her head. She greeted some of the children that passed her, and even stopped to help a baker in his troubles. She arrived at the brothel, recalling how Vieri explained that she was born in one, and she knocked on the door, hesitantly. It opened with a slight creak, and a courtesan wearing a plain chemise gown under a sleeveless emerald kirtle greeted her informally.
"Excuse me for my intrusion, but is Ezio Auditore here in your establishment?" she asked her. She noted the kohl around her eyes, and the red paint she had placed on her lips, though, what peeved Serafina the most were the size of her nostrils. The courtesan glanced over her shoulder, and both skimmed up at the mezzanine to see Ezio strolling out of one bedroom, followed by another courtesan.
"Serafina!" he said aloud, and ran down the stairwell to meet her. She greeted him with a smile, and told him she would wait outside. Ezio insisted his business was indeed finish, and closed the brothel's door behind him harshly. She heaved a sigh, wondering if it was fine to tell him about her special day, she seemed hurt after catching him in such place. No matter, Serafina accepted who he was, and deep inside, it was only him occupying her heart. Ezio was out of his robes for the first time, he returned to the usual doublet, although the one he currently wore was dark green with silver embroidery, and not gold. They walked through the town, silently, acknowledging some of their acquaintances, and Serafina noted the lack of courtesy coming from Ezio. He no longer offered his arm to her, which puts her in a very grave mood.
"I'm so sorry again for the intrusion; I have been meaning to tell you something very important," she said. "What is it?" Ezio inquired, eagerly. "I am going to Rome, to visit my sister Viola, I am sure you are acquainted with her." She saw the abrupt frown on his face, and they both paused in the west gates. Ezio turned to her, and held her hands firmly.
"I was acquainted with your sister, but like all other women, she did not capture my heart like you did," he said, and Serafina added, "Do not forget about Cristina, I am sure she will mope upon your statement." He nods only once, and pats his chest softly, indicating how both of them truly kept him peacefully.
"When shall you leave?" he asked.
"By morrow, on the ninth day of June," she told him.
"Shall I have the carriage prepared then?"
"No, I think I shall go on horseback, and I will bring only a few things with me."
"And what of florins?"
"I will ask just a few from your uncle, I shan't take long."
"Va bene, but you must return to this town after two weeks."
"Alright, I will prepare for my travel, Messer Ezio. Thank you for your kindness."
Serafina left Monteriggioni, an hour before dawn; she wore a dark cloak around her shoulders as she departed. She pulled her cowl over her head, not even daring to look back at Ezio, who stood silently at the east gates.
Rome, 1477
The ancient city of Rome had always been interesting to Serafina. This is the city where emperors ruled the entire land, and where tyrants came to spread their evils. She had entered the city, her horse was tired, but it did not give up, an overnight of fully travelling caused its mouth to foam, and its breathing to turn uneven. The streets were crowded with lively people that came from different towns all over Italy, as well as exotic merchants from the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and from the Far East.
She arrived at the Campagna district, happy to see the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire. The Casa di Gambino rested not far from where the colossal ruin was situated, it was a two floored home with a small farmhouse and a stable. Serafina got off her horse, and knocked thrice on the large wooden gate. An old woman stepped out, Serafina recognized her as Loretta, the head house maid, and she in turn seemed to have acknowledged her as well.
"Ah! Signorina Serafina! What an unexpected surprise! Come in!" she said enthusiastically, "Marco! I need your help! Marco!" she shouted. Her nephew came, and kindly took Serafina's horse into the stables. The young lady removed her gloves, and her coat, the weather was drastically changing now that summer has arrived. At the top floor windows, she could see two young faces watching her excitedly.
She knew they were Viola's two children, Serafino and Angela, twins they say, but undoubtedly, they differ from each other. Loretta led Serafina to the entrance hall, where she sat and waited for Viola's order to come see her. She heard rushed footsteps, and she saw Viola appear on the grand staircase. Like her name, she wore a dark violet gown over her lilac cotta, and her long dark hair was braided, and tied to several knots. She hugged her older sister firmly, and kissed her cheek.
"It has been so long! You never wrote to me or to your niece and nephew! You look magnificent as always! I bet those men gawked at you while heading here?" said Viola, she was like her mother Ersilia, both in appearance and character, and Serafina adored her the most out of all her siblings.
"But why have you come alone? Where are father and the others?" she inquired.
"I will explain it to you, in privacy, for now I wish to see your little angels," Serafina smiled, and followed her sister upstairs.
"I cannot believe you came here a day before your fourteenth birthday at that! Plus, you should be married by now! Or did Vieri scare away all suitable suitors?" her laugh heightened anyone's soul, her husband was definitely a lucky man to have such beauty. The guest room was being cleaned out, Serafina's visit was truly unexpected, and they sat together in a family room. Viola had been making purses, wedding ones at that, and she had yet to sew its embroidery. Serafina sat on a low ottoman next to her working table, and the twins entered the room, kissing their aunt on the cheek, and hurrying over to their mother's side.
"Come here Serafino, let me see how you've grown," said Serafina.
"Ah, do not bother, he has been rather shy these days, doesn't talk either, but Angela has been practicing her speeches, and I have to say I am proud to be her mother!" Viola exclaimed. "But really, do tell me why you have come on your own? Has something happened in Florence?" Serafina sighed deeply, she smiled for a moment, before opening her mouth to speak the truth.
"I ran away, partially because father was forcing me to marry someone I did not love, Fiorella assisted me. I know, it was quite unusual of her to help, but she did, and I found myself in Ezio Auditore's care, in his villa, in Monteriggioni." Viola gasped, but she was found of how adventurous Serafina had been, and suddenly, she frowned upon hearing the name of Ezio. She was disconsolate, she had fallen for a man who promised her nothing, and she was rather grateful, for if they did not engage in the intercourse, she wouldn't have left Florence for Rome.
"And how is Ezio? Does he treat you well?" she inquired, never questioning as to why her former lover was now living in the country. "He treats me finely, too finely, I think. I believe, I am one of his valuable conquests, next to Cristina Vespucci," she explained. "Ah yes, that witch, I never liked her. She was so full of herself, and all. You say you are one of Ezio's conquests? Has he left you for a courtesan yet?" Serafina lightly smacked Viola's knee, saying how rude it was for her to speak about him that way.
"No, unfortunately, he has not any other woman but me. The town's womenfolk are somewhat below average for him, but I disagree." Viola smiled at her, sewing the gold thread onto the red fabric. "I can see that he has had you, you are lucky to keep him at your side. Just promise me that you will never leave his, I now understand why he seeks attention from many women, and having you, someone so understanding and so humble, I think he has found the right match." Serafina kept her promise, but never really grasped the true meaning behind her sister's words.
Her husband came home, astonished to find his sister-in-law in their company; he was fine on having her in their home for her fourteenth birthday, and even suggested to throw a ball for her. But Serafina refused, wanting to spend time with her family rather than strangers she had not met yet. Her birthday was celebrated with festive dinner, and with sweet white wine. Emilio was very proud of his home, and of his family, he was a graduate from La Sapienza, he was hoping to follow in his father's steps into politics, and Viola boosted his ego, by saying how well intelligent he was for the city. Serafina nodded every once in a while, having to agree with whatever they have to say, till Viola mentioned about a gathering at the home of Ser Lorenzo Di Vitto, a close friend who was a proud owner of two taverns in Campo de' Fiori, a vineyard in Sienna, and a trusted cohort to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia.
"Surely you must meet him! He's already thirty-eight, but he has no wife! I thought that perhaps you can enlighten him into finding one for his manner and characteristics," said Viola. "Merely enlighten him Viola? I know you very well, my dear sister, you have always chosen the supposed man for me, yet, they can never stay, because of—"
"Vieri and father, I know that too well, Serafina. Do you still remember how to play the violin? If you would be so kind to show us your talent!" Serafina sighed, putting down her glass of wine, and picked up the lone instrument near the corner of the room.
"Oh my! You never told me how astonishingly you play Signorina Serafina," said Emilio. "I have been practicing since I was a child, however, Vieri broke my violin during a honey bee accident." Viola laughs jauntily at the recollection. Their older brother had joined them during the flower arrangements in the courtyard, and Serafina had laid her beloved apparatus on the bench to take a whiff of one pink rose. As Vieri came up to her, a bee pops out of the half-opened plant, and scared the young boy.
"I am sure you know what happens next," said Serafina. Viola nods once, and it was off to bed for the younger ones, while Serafina was led to a private room. She sat quietly near the windows, picking up a book she had seen in the library, and began to read. Viola came inside, and locked the door shut. She explained to her that the room is of her own, and that they will not be disturbed by anyone else. She sighs, and sits on the Turkish rug near Serafina's feet.
"It is definitely good to see you again, dear sister," she said.
"It is good to see you too, and in good health at that, Viola."
Four days after Serafina's birthdate, she and Viola strolled around in Campo de' Fiori. She was wearing a light pink cotta, underneath an orange overgown she had brought along, as well as a dark red sash tied around her waist. They were out to buy a sirloin of pork for tonight's dinner, and as Serafina plucked some rosemary, she felt something tug on her skirt. She looked back, seeing a young boy standing behind her, in his hands, he had gathered the hem of Serafina's overgown.
"You may want to know that what you are doing is rude, you must be kind to women, young man." Serafina gently pried his small hands off her clothes, but was not harsh towards him. He was too young, probably two-years-old, and he had stunning blue eyes. She felt his uniqueness all too quickly, and smiled when he smiled too.
"Do you think of him old enough to speak?" said Viola. "Perhaps, shall we try? What is your name little one?" the little boy looked at her, then to Viola, and he lightly prodded the bridge of Serafina's nose.
"Bella," he said. "Oh dear, he has charmed me already!" Viola exclaimed, hunching down to join her older sister. "He has quite the chubby cheeks! And look at his hair! It is so smooth!" Serafina nodded in agreement, but what bothered the most was the child's lonesome. Where was his mother? A woman in the finest silk fabric Serafina has ever seen came up to them worriedly. Viola gasped, pulling Serafina and herself to stand upright. She giggled uncontrollably, and whispered in her sister's ear.
"That is Vannozza dei Cattanei, Rodrigo Borgia's mistress," she said. "She is quite exquisite, but hold on, you told me Rodrigo is a cardinal," replied Serafina. "Scandalous isn't it? I even hear he has children back in Spain." Hoping that the woman did not hear them, Serafina warily approached her and bowed courteously. "If you wish to be informed, your son was no trouble to us at all. He is a charming young lad," she said. Vannozza smiles, beautifully, and picks up her son. She gracefully voiced her apology, saying how swift her son was when unattended.
"You seem familiar," she said to Viola. "Ah yes! I am the young wife of Emilio Gambino, and this is my older sister, Serafina." Vannozza turned her attention to the young lady, and bows her head.
"You look quite a charming child, and like your sister, are you married?" she inquires.
"Please forgive me, Madonna, if I tell you I am not. I have a reason, and I do not wish to speak of it in public." Though the lady was slightly offended with her response, she still engaged a small conversation with them. Her son, Cesare, constantly reached out to grab a lock of Serafina's hair, and the young lady would merely kiss his small hand in response.
"Well I hope I did not waste any of your time, I must be heading back, carry on." Viola and Serafina took their groceries home, and did not speak about the mistress again.