Chapter 6
"Hunger, revenge, to sleep are petty foes, But only death the jealous eyes can close." -William Wycherley
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Dusk was approaching, warning the end of another day. There were no pinks or purples gracing the heaven's this night... only red. Two assassins watched the crowd below from atop the highest tower in the district. They crouched on the roof, frozen, almost mistakable for gargoyles, scrutinizing the heads below them like two silent birds of prey. Revenge would be gratified this night.
Fireworks began to race towards the clouds, popping and crackling in ambient light. The crowd cheered and gasped over the array of colors and sounds as they danced under the glowing torches and banners hanging overhead. The hum of cheerful melodies drifted up to the tower and echoed through the shaded streets. The carnival had begun.
"It is time," Ezio breathed, extending a handkerchief wrapped gift to his fellow hunter. "Leonardo made this for you for the carnivale. Masks are required," he smirked as he applied his own dark hand painted guise over his features. She cradled the work of art in her grasp, tenderly shedding the handkerchief from the item. The entire mask depicted the shape of a brilliant white hawk; it's curved beak and golden eyes were centered to rest on the bridge of her nose as the beautifully detailed wings stretched across her eyes leaving two slits between the feathers for her to see through. She ran her finger over the etched porcelain feathers of the magnificent winged raptor. He waited as she cloaked her face underneath the ivory colored mask. An irresistible feeling overcame her, her senses awakened, reborn from the cinders of her torment. Tonight, she would be the predator. Ezio rose to his feet at the edge of the drop off and shot a glance to the lady assassin staring back, prepared and focused under her disguise. With one sly nod his feet slipped off the edge as gravity claimed him. His body silently plunged to the ground as his cape whipped skyward. Ezio welcomed the instant surge of adrenaline coursing through his ever fiber, as he savored the explosion of air violently rushing over his face. With a sudden halt he dropped into a wagon of soft leaves that absorbed his menacing fall. He silently climbed out of the caravan and overlooked his partner step out from the ledge overhead and plummet with the same cunning that he had exercised. He offered a hand to the wagon as hers gracefully reached out from under the foliage. With one silent vault she was beside him. He suavely brought a hand to his chest, "La mia signora," courteously bowing in a sophisticated fashion. "Shall we?" He extended his right arm with a handsome half smile. She accepted his gesture matching his grin weaving her arm into his. "So bellissimo, is this your first carnivale?"
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translations:
- carnevale- carnival
- la mis signora- my lady
- bellissimo- most beautiful