[A/N]: Thanks for reading! Feedback is always welcome!

I was thinking about putting a cover image on this story. I know there are some fan sites for stuff like that, but if anyone here is an artist, I'll take that too! In any case, I will, of course, give credit where credit is due.

Chapter 18

"Where the hell is Monteriggioni?" Rosa asked.

"South of here, close to Firenze," Ezio tried to demonstrate with his hands.

"And why would I want to go there?"

"To escape the smell of Venezia," Ezio suggested.

"How long will we be away?"

"I'm not sure. A few weeks at least…perhaps months."

"Months? How are we supposed to stay busy for months?"

Ezio shrugged. "We could visit Firenze or some other places nearby. Antonio told me you've never been outside of Venezia."

"Si, because Venezia keeps me busy. I can't abandon everybody to go on this trip of yours. "

"Antonio disagrees," Ezio reminded her.

Rosa sighed. "Even if I were to go with you, I would be intruding. Your uncle sounds like a busy man."

"He is quite hospitable. If I write to him before we leave, I'm sure he will have a room ready for you."

"And if not?"

"We'll work something else out," Ezio promised.

Rosa thought for a moment. "Va bene, I suppose things are slowing down around here anyway," she gave up, "but you have to promise me something."

"And that is?"

"If I get bored, YOU need to find something to keep me entertained. Otherwise, I'm coming back with or without you."

Ezio chuckled. "Am I responsible for your fun now?"

"If you want me to come with you," Rosa began with a stern face, "yes, you are. As you said, I've never been outside the city. I don't know"

"Fair enough," Ezio conceded, "we'll stay busy."

Ezio wrote to his uncle that night and promised to be in Monteriggioni within the next week and a half. He also had a message delivered to Leonardo informing him that they were leaving and expressing their displeasure at not being able to visit him for an undetermined amount of time. Leonardo in return wished them a pleasant trip and asked Ezio to send his regards to his mother, (the painter's former patron).

Antonio requested that they complete a few quick tasks before leaving, which took them a couple of days. They were pleased since this would allow Ezio's letter to reach Mario in plenty of time so preparations could be made for their visit.

The two set off after about three days to Monteriggioni. Despite the typical occasional complaint, Rosa seemed to enjoy the trip.

"There is a lot of open land around here," she observed, "and barely any water. Is Firenze like this as well?"

"Si, Venezia is a strange city."

"Do people live out here? I don't see any buildings."

"Some do. Others live in larger cities."

"I can't imagine what it's like to live outside the city," Rosa told him, "There is nothing to do out here."

"Some people grow food or raise animals," Ezio explained, "but I would not find that entertaining either. The large cities are more like Venezia, but without the water. There is plenty to do in those places."

"There had better be," Rosa mumbled.

They took the trip a bit slowly, but within a matter of days, they could see the walls of the city.

"Are you certain your uncle can accommodate us?" Rosa asked again.

"It won't be a problem," Ezio reassured her. "I'm sure you both will get along quite well."

"And your mother and sister? Do you think they will like me?"

"Since when do you concern yourself with who likes you?"

"Since I was told that I could be spending months with these people! What am I going to do if they hate me?"

"Don't worry about that. Besides, the bruises you've given me will probably win my sister's favor."

As they approached the city, a man on horseback rode out the gate and galloped towards them. Ezio recognized the man as one of Mario's mercenaries. The man had his hand at the sword by his side, but moved it away when he recognized Ezio.

"Buongiorno, Ser Ezio!" he called when he was within shouting range. "Mario has been expecting you. I will have him meet you at the gate."

"Grazie," Ezio called back to him, and then turned to Rosa. "Shall we?"

She agreed to the proposition, and their horses picked up speed as they approached the gates of the city, where Mario stood waiting.