Assassin's Creed II characters and references (c) Ubisoft
Kiara and all other OCs (c) me

Another month had passed, and life was looking great.

Maria had been less amused than Giovanni about my outing, but she rather grudgingly agreed to let me continue…on one condition. I could not go out unless I had practiced my needlework, penmanship, and had helped her in the kitchen. There were other, unspoken, stipulations that arose as well. I stayed put if we were having company and I had to make absolutely sure that there wasn't something else that required my help. I never complained, and was all too willing to finish any chores so I could enjoy my freedom.

Ezio was always done with his work before I was, so he would be waiting for me. He was true to his word and he taught me how to climb, taking me to different parts of the city. I grew stronger and faster every day, now able to scale higher walls and run over the rooftops almost as fast as Ezio. Those gaps still got me, though, and I dreaded the times Ezio forced me to jump them.

It didn't take long for Federico to catch on and join us, and I found – not that I would say it out loud – that he was a better climber than his younger brother. Ezio had a habit of acting first and thinking later, but Federico took the time to assess the situation. As a result, he could find the easier, faster route when it came to climbing on and over buildings.

As the blissful days passed, it seemed like every aspect of my life was improving. The Auditores became more and more like actual family and the tumulus life that I had been a part of was now a memory that I just didn't think about. I couldn't remember feeling so complete or happy.

But, like it so often does, trouble was brewing out of sight.

Giovanni was in Milan when we heard the news; the Duke of that very city had been brutally murdered. I was still too new and naïve to understand the effects this event had, but I did know that the Duke had been a big supporter of Lorenzo di' Medici, or something like that. I really didn't think about it much, I was too focused on improving my climbing skills…and something else.

Right before Giovanni left for another trip to Venice, he bought a new horse – keep in mind he already owned five – and this one turned out to be quite a handful. Now I love horses, and I was already visiting the Auditore stables when I wasn't messing around with Ezio and Federico. Pierre, the stable hand, had traveled from France to Italy several years ago and was a pleasant, older man who always enjoyed my visits.

I had stopped by one day like I usually did, and Pierre looked up from his work to grin broadly at me from under his mustache.

"Good afternoon, mademoiselle,"

I smiled back. "Good afternoon, Pierre. How are you?"

The man leaned on his broom. "Ah, as good as I can be. Are you here to spoil my charges again?"

I giggled guiltily; all too aware of the treats in my pockets that I had managed to sneak out of the kitchen. The Frenchman lifted his eyes to the sky dramatically.

"Heaven help me. What will I tell Ser Giovanni when he asks me why his horses are getting fat?"

"I'm not feeding them that much!" I protested.

There was a loud bang from inside the stable that interrupted our conversation.

"What was that?"

Pierre sighed and shook his head. "Ah, that would be the new horse. I have never seen a more beautiful creature, but I'm afraid the devil has a mind of his own."

Intrigued, I walked into the stable and was greeted with eager whickers from my four-legged friends.

"Hey guys, did you miss me?"

One by one I gave each horse a lump of sugar and petted their velvety noses. Giovanni's personal horse was a dappled white gelding, Federico's mare was a light brown all over, Ezio's gelding was tall and black, and the two mares that pulled the wagon were a matching chestnut color and had the sweetest personalities out of the five. Each horse was well built and well taken care of, a testament to Giovanni's good eye and Pierre's excellent care.

There was another bang from the other end of the stable, accompanied by an indignant whinny. I slowly made my way down the aisle, and came face to face with the newcomer. This horse was by far the biggest of all of them, and even I could tell he had been well bred. He had long legs and muscle rippled under his mottled grey coat as he wove back and forth in his stall restlessly.

"What did I tell you, eh?" Pierre asked as he came up.

"Is he a stallion?" I asked, my eyes glued to the beautiful horse.

"No, thankfully."

The horse bobbed his head adamantly and gave another loud whinny, making Pierre chuckle.

"Ah, poor devil. He needs to get out, but I don't dare handle him by myself. I've been told he's been broke to take a saddle and bridle, but I'm afraid taking a rider could be another matter entirely."

At that moment, Giovanni's gelding loudly announced that it was dinner time.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming." The man patted my shoulder. "Watch yourself around that one, mademoiselle, he tried to take a bite out of my hand this morning."

The man shuffled off, leaving me alone with the dark horse.I pulled a half of an apple out of my pocket and took a bite, munching absently as I watched the big animal for a few more moments. I turned to go, but a low whicker made me pause. I looked back to see the horse standing stock still with his head hanging over the gate of his stall, looking at me very intently. I looked at him and then down at the apple in my hand, a light bulb coming on in my head. I held the apple out and his ears pricked forward eagerly.

I knew I was probably courting trouble, but I slowly approached the horse, holding the fruit in my outstretched hand. His head wove back and forth uncertainly, but apparently wanted the apple more than he was worried about me. Once I was close enough, he quickly snapped the apple out of my hand and retreated to the back of his stall to eat it.

That was how I met Storm, as I came to call him, and I made a point to stop by as often as possible to see him. At first, Storm was nervous around me, but when he realized that my presence meant he was going to get some kind of tasty treat, preferably an apple, he started to settle down. Eventually, he calmed down to the point where I could pet him. Pierre appreciated the fact that Storm was becoming more manageable, and he even overlooked all the treats I was bringing.

Oh yeah, life was good.

(One week later)

Giovanni sat back in his chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose to stave off a building headache. The murder of the Duke of Milan was sending shockwaves through all of Italy, and could prove disastrous to Lorenzo's rule. But Giovanni couldn't help but feel that there was something bigger going on underneath it all, and his instincts had never led him astray before. He needed to get to the bottom of this, and quickly.

Soft footsteps behind him pulled the man from his thoughts and a pair of hands came to rest on his shoulders.

"Giovanni, you should come to bed. It is late," Maria said softly.

Giovanni inhaled deeply to dispel his previous thoughts and stood. "Mi dispace, I did not realize it was so late." (I'm sorry/I apologize)

Maria knew her husband well enough to know that he was deeply troubled. "Giovanni?"

The man pulled her close. "Nothing escapes you, does it?"

Maria couldn't help a small smile as he rested his chin on her head. "I believe it was you who taught me to be so observant."

Giovanni sighed heavily. "I am worried, Maria. I can't help but believe that Sforza's murder is part of something more sinister."

Maria felt a chill run down her spine. "Such as?"

"I don't know," Giovanni's said darkly, "but I intend to find out. I've found evidence that leads to Rome, and I leave tomorrow night."

Maria's heart clenched like it always did when Giovanni undertook his dangerous missions, and she moved a little closer. "You will be careful?"

Giovanni kissed the top of her head, "Naturalmente," (Naturally)

"Good." Maria pulled back. "Now will you come to bed?"

Giovanni chuckled, "If you insist, amore. Is everyone else asleep?"

Maria nodded as they walked down the hall. "Yes. Even Petruccio had an easier time falling asleep tonight."

Giovanni sighed heavily; he always worried about his youngest son's health. "How is Kiara faring? I have not had the time to speak with her as of late."

"She seems to be adjusting quite well." Maria said. "She told me today that she is happier now than she has been in a long time."

The man smiled. "I've noticed. She is no longer the troubled young lady that came to us months ago."

"I agree. But I am still not convinced that these adventures of hers are the right course of action."

Giovanni turned a chuckle into a cough, but Maria wasn't fooled. "Don't you start, Giovanni Auditore, you encourage her as much as Federico and Ezio do."

"Is allowing her some freedom such a poor choice, Maria? Kiara's developed such a vibrant spirit because of it."

"I will admit that it is good to see her so happy, but she is a lady and should learn to act like one."

"And yet her manners are impeccable when we have guests."

Maria sighed and turned to her husband. "Kiara is no longer living within the culture she grew up in, and she needs to accept that. You know as well as I do that this masquerading around will not garner favor from anyone if they knew. Do you think a husband will be as consenting as we are? She needs to learn to settle down."

Maria was right, of course, but…

"I have a difficult time seeing Kiara fully settling down," Giovanni said at last, "it is just who she is."

The next day proved to be absolutely beautiful, and it didn't take me long to have all of my required activities done and be out and about. My outfit had been updated because Petruccio had given me a black vest he no longer wore. I promised him that I would bring back as many feathers as I could find as a thank you.

I now knew the layout of Florence well enough I could go out on my own, but I was careful. I always kept an eye out for the Pazzi and stayed on the roofs as much as possible. Causing problems for the Auditores by getting caught was not something I intended to do, so I avoided tempting fate as much as possible.

So far, my outing had been very successful in regards to feather hunting. I had managed to find six feathers in relatively good condition and I knew of a place where there was sure to be more. I had to grin to myself; Petruccio was going to be so excited.

I tucked the feathers away in my pocket and was about to head east when a loud commotion to my right caught my attention. I hurried over to the edge of the building and my mouth dropped open when a very familiar dark grey horse appeared, thundering down the crowded streets in a panic. I gasped as people just managed to get out of Storm's way.

"Storm, stop!"

Of course my shout was useless, but I couldn't help myself. Storm was going to get hurt, or worse, he was going hurt someone else.

I saw movement out of the corner of my eye and I turned to see Ezio and Federico racing over the rooftops in an effort to head off the big horse. Below, Storm stopped as he was faced with a throng of people who couldn't move fast enough to get out of his way. He reared up on his hind legs and pawed at the air, very confused and lost.

Ezio and Federico had caught up with him by this point and they jumped to the ground. They put themselves in front of Storm and spread their arms in an effort to keep him from going any further. The horse turned to run the other way, but he was blocked by Giovanni and Pierre, who had come up behind him.

This was bad. I had spent enough time around to know that Storm would fight when he felt cornered, and my fears were realized when I saw his ears flick back against his head. As the men tried to close in, Storm shrieked and lunged with his teeth bared, just barely missing Giovanni. As the man jumped out of the way, he accidentally left a gap big enough for Storm to escape. The horse took off again, but instead of going back the way he had come, he turned onto a side street that was headed in my direction.

Even as I was telling myself this was an incredibly stupid move, I scaled down the building as fast as I could. I had this wild hope that if Storm recognized me, he would calm down.

As Storm came barreling down the cobbled street, I stood directly in his path and spread my arms, ready to jump out of the way if I needed to.

"Whoa Storm!"

I watched, relieved and incredulous, as Storm came to a screeching halt right in front of me. He reared again and I hopped back to put some distance between me and his front hooves. Storm dropped back down onto all fours, but he continued to prance nervously, his ears still angled back.

"Whoa, boy, take it easy."

I edged toward Storm and he snorted in warning

"C'mon big guy, you know me," I soothed, "I won't hurt you."

"Kiara!" A hissed voice came from behind Storm, and I saw that Ezio and Federico had caught up. "What are you doing?"

I shot Federico a warning glance, but I kept my voice low as I continued to talk to the big horse.

"Shh, easy boy. You're all right."

Storm tossed his head nervously, but he allowed me to come closer. I continued to close the distance, slowly reaching out to grab the lead rope that was attached to the leather halter. Storm tugged a little in protest, his ears continuing to flick back and forth, but he didn't try to break away. I ducked my face near his head, partially to hide myself from the small crowd that had gathered, and continued to soothe the antsy horse.

"Shh, no one's going to hurt you." I murmured, stroking his glossy neck, "Just take it easy,"

Storm nickered quietly but started relax. I stood there for a few minutes, just talking to him and patting his neck. It wasn't until I was sure that Storm wouldn't take off again that I gently pulled on the lead rope and started to take him back to the stables.

Ezio and Federico stared at me as we passed, their mouths hanging open. I shot them a wink and continued on my way, Storm's head bobbing as we walked. People gave us a wide berth as we continued on our way, and I ducked my head so my much longer bangs fell over my face. Pierre was waiting back at the stables with the door to Storm's stall wide open.

I led the big horse into the empty space, hearing the door shut behind us, and started to remove the halter. For good measure, I scratched Storm behind the ears and he turned his head and started to sniff my clothes eagerly. I had to scoff.

"No, I don't have any apples, you goose. Not that you deserve one for pulling that stunt."

I rubbed his nose fondly before climbing back out of the stall. By this time, Ezio, Federico, and Giovanni had returned to the stables as well.

"How in heaven's name did you get that horse to calm down?" Giovanni asked for everyone, "I thought for sure he was going to hurt you,"

I shrugged shyly. "He knows me,"

As if to underline my statement, Storm stuck his head over the stall and lipped at my sleeve, making Pierre laugh.

"He is indeed quite fond of you, mademoiselle." The older man then turned to Giovanni. "I am sorry, Ser Giovanni, I did not mean for the horse to cause such trouble. I took him out for some exercise and he was spooked by something."

Giovanni just patted Pierre on the shoulder reassuringly, "There is no need to apologize, Pierre, no harm was done. However," he sighed, "I do not know if I should keep him."

I was taken aback at the thought of selling Storm, but I managed to keep my mouth shut and Pierre interjected.

"I assure you, monsieur, you will not find a finer horse in Florence, he just needs a little work."

Giovanni eyed Storm a bit doubtfully. "Are you sure?"

"Of course,"

"Very well. I take it you approve, Kiara?"

I bit my lip to hide the grin that was making its way across my face. "I like him,"

Giovanni chuckled and started to tell Pierre that he was traveling to Rome and needed provisions for his own horse. Ezio walked up to me with a weird look on his face.

"What?" I asked. He just shook his head, grabbed me in a one-armed hug, and ruffled my hair.

"You are the strangest woman I have ever met."

Three days had passed since the fiasco with Storm, which had earned me a fair amount of admiration from Federico and Ezio. Giovanni was long gone to Rome and we all went about our usual business.

The third evening after Giovanni left, I completely lost track of time while I was out and it was dark by the time I got back to the house, and I knew Maria was not going to be happy. I had snuck back into the house and was walking down the hall, about to pass Giovanni's study when the door opened and Maria stepped out, her mouth set. I gulped and braced myself for a good telling off.

"Kiara, would you fetch me a bowl of water and some rags?"

I was so surprised that I could only stare at her dumbly before she spoke again.

"Now."

I stumbled over a quick apology and hurried off to get the things she asked for. It took me a moment to realize that Maria hadn't been angry with me, but her grave behavior had me confused.

It didn't take me long, and soon I was back at the study door with a wooden bowl balanced in my arm and a few rags in my hand. I knocked and after a moment Maria opened the door just enough to slip out. However, I caught a glimpse of a white, bloodstained shirt on the table and a booted foot resting on the floor, one I could only assume belonged to Giovanni.

"Is he—" I began quickly, but Maria held her hand up, her eyes warning me not to say any more.

I hesitated, and then nodded, handing her the supplies she had asked for.

"Is there anything else I can do?" I asked quietly.

Maria shook her head, but she looked grateful. "No, Kiara, thank you,"

Not long after that, Father Maffie showed up. Normally the monk would have a summons from Lorenzo, but this time he was accompanied by four armed guards. I watched from my window as Federico told the men that his father wasn't home, and gasped when they barged in, shoving the younger man ahead of them. I could hear Federico's shouted protests as they made their way through the house.

I wanted to run to the study and warn Giovanni and Maria, but a feeling of sheer terror suddenly overtook me. I couldn't move, and my heart nearly stopped as I heard the study door being thrown open and Federico grunt as he was shoved to the floor.

There was a moment of terrible silence.

"I told you." Federico snapped, "My father is – not – here."

I sank down on my bed, my knees nearly shaking with relief. Of course Giovanni would have seen the men coming and escaped. But why? Lorenzo de' Medici was a good friend of the family, why would he send guards after one of his most trusted men? Did have something to do with Giovanni's trip to Rome?

There was something about the whole thing that was so unnerving it was making me feel sick. I barely heard the men leave, reluctantly, with Federico right on their heels.

"Never doubt the word of an Auditore again!"

I sat in my room for a while, still very badly shaken. It still made no sense to me that Lorenzo would have sent the guards, and I suddenly came to a conclusion that sent chills up my spine. What if the order hadn't come from Lorenzo? What if there was someone else high enough on the ladder that sent the guards, with Father Maffie as a ruse to draw Giovanni out?

I felt in my gut that something very bad was about to happen; that these events were just the beginning.

The door to my room cracked open and I nearly jumped out of my skin. It was only when a familiar figure stepped in that I relaxed, my hand over my still-pounding heart.

"Ezio! Good grief, you scared the heck out of me,"

The young man walked over and knelt in front of me, a concerned look on his face. "I just returned. Federico told me what happened and we were worried when we couldn't find you. They did not harm you, did they?"

I took a deep breath to steady myself. "No, no. I'm just a little shook up."

Ezio brushed some of my hair back behind my ear, and his amber eyes searched my face for a few moments.

"Maybe some fresh air will make you feel better. Come on,"

He stood and gently pulled me to my feet. I followed him outside to the empty street and discovered that Ezio had been right about the fresh air.

"What is on your mind, Kiara?"

Ezio's quiet question made me look up at him, and there was a knowing look on his face. I swallowed and glanced down at my boots.

"I…I don't think Lorenzo sent those guards, Ezio."

"But they bore his crest, and Father Maffie was with them."

"What if someone else sent them?" I asked, looking back up, "What if there's something else going on?"

Ezio's brow furrowed, "But who would send Lorenzo's guards after my father?"

"I don't know, Ezio, but…I'm scared. I have this horrible feeling that something really bad is going to happen."

Ezio surprised me by turning and hugging me comfortingly.

"We won't let anyone hurt you, Kiara. I promise."

My heart fluttered and I couldn't help but move in a little closer, my arms winding around his waist.

"I'm not afraid for me, Ezio, I'm scared for you and everyone else. You have been the family I never had, and I don't want to lose that." I said into his shirt.

Ezio's hand rubbed my shoulders gently. "We aren't going anywhere, tesoro," (sweetheart)

I knew Ezio meant every word, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't as simple as he said. Something was very wrong and it was only a matter of time before we found out what.

Ezio let me go and turned to go back inside with me in tow. However, I glanced back and a shadow that I knew had been present was now gone. I hoped that the shadow belonged to Giovanni, or that my mind was playing tricks on me, because the alternative was too scary for me to think about.

I didn't see Giovanni again until the next day and it was back to business as usual. His left shoulder seemed a little stiff, but when asked about it, he merely said he had been thrown from his horse. However, his shoulder was the last thing to worry about.

I accidentally overheard him talking to Maria that afternoon. He said that he had gone to Lorenzo personally and that the man had been shocked to learn that his guards had been sent to the Palazzo Auditore. They had investigated further, but Father Maffie and the guards had disappeared without a trace.

"Do…do you think they took information to others?" Maria asked.

"No." There was a grim note in Giovanni's voice, "I fear they were disposed of because they failed to find me."

I knew it. I just knew it.

I quickly left after that, but Giovanni caught me not ten minutes later in the courtyard.

"I know you were listening to our conversation," he said bluntly, and I felt my face get hot as I quickly looked down.

"I didn't mean to," I mumbled, "I'm sorry."

"I'm not angry, Kiara," He replied, "you just seem to have a tendency to end up in places people least expect."

I wasn't sure if I should take that as a compliment or not. There was the tiniest glimmer of amusement in Giovanni's eyes as he continued.

"However, I suggest you learn to be a little more discreet and put your skill to better use." His expression became completely serious, "I know how you feel about what has happened and, quite frankly, I was surprised to find that your theory was right."

"That was you last night," I breathed in relief.

"Yes, and I apologize if I frightened you. But listen closely; I need you to do something for me."

I nodded and Giovanni glanced around to make sure we were alone before lowering his voice.

"I want you to be my eyes and ears in the city. Whenever you go out, watch and listen closely for anything out of the ordinary. You have a gift for not being seen, and people are more open around you than me."

I was confused, but I accepted without any hesitation. I wanted to help even if I didn't know what I was helping with. Giovanni gave a small smile as if he knew I would never have refused.

"Molto bene," I want you to report back to me every evening, even if you find nothing."

"What about Ezio and Federico?"

"Don't tell them if you can manage it, but don't lie to them either."

I nodded and Giovanni continued.

"I do have one request though; make sure you are very careful. You have a tendency to just jump into situations, but I only want you to observe from a distance."

I shuffled, knowing he was talking about that thing with Storm.

"I'll be careful, I promise."

I wanted to ask him what was going on and what exactly I was supposed to be looking for, but the look on his face made it clear that he wasn't going to say anything else. The feeling of dread that had been hovering over me increased, and I secretly hoped that I wouldn't find anything.

Naturalmente - Naturally
Molto bene - Very good

A/N – Okay, now we're starting to get to the good stuff. I'm pulling events from the Assassin's Creed: Lineage movie because it does a good job of explaining things that led up to the beginning of ACII, plus you get to see just how awesome Giovanni is. If you haven't seen it, you can find the whole thing on YouTube. I highly recommend it.

These chapters keep getting longer on me I swear. Let me know if they're getting too long-winded, I have a tendency to get off on a tangent.

I confess, I was working on this chapter when I should have been studying for one of three tests this week. *sobs* I'm such a horrible procrastinator. That doesn't mix well with a scholarship that requires a minimum of a 3.5 GPA.

Thanks to all those who reviewed last time around. I love you guys!

I have to admit, the more reviews I get, the harder I work on chapters. (C'mon, it only takes thirty seconds. Pleeeeease?)

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Until next time,

~TKD Dragon