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Chapter 22

Much to Ezio's dismay, they practiced like this every morning for several months. Each found weaknesses in his or her technique, which the other exploited at first, then helped to correct. Ezio, who was far more proficient in combat, did most of the exploiting and correcting. He rarely lost a fight, and in most cases where he did, it was only pure fortuna (or an outside distraction) that favored Rosa. Still, the practice kept him on his toes, and he learned a bit about how Venetians fought. Rosa, as luck would have it, was also a quick learner.

Mario would come out often to watch them, often throwing out advice here and there, or even getting in the ring himself when Ezio got cocky.

In March of 1485, Ezio proposed a trip to nearby Firenze with Rosa. He invited his uncle and sister as well, but they were occupied and declined the offer. He did not invite his mother, as he knew she would not want to go.

They left for Firenze at the end of the month. The journey was relatively short from Monteriggioni, so Rosa had little opportunity to make complaints along the way.

"Are you certain we will be safe here?" she asked him when they walked through the gates of the city. "Aren't some people here still looking for you?"

"Very few, I imagine. Besides, I seem to recall you waking me up early every day for the past six months to practice fighting."

"Si, and perhaps you should have refined you skills during that time," she retorted.

"Perfection does not need to be refined, amica mia. Most of that training was for your benefit, not mine." Aware that it was coming, he dodged her swing at his arm.

"See?" he gloated as she missed. "If you were a bit faster you could-"

She cut him off with a sharp kick to his shin, causing him to lose his balance and tumble to the ground.

"Oh Ezio, you must be more careful," Rosa feigned concern as she held out her hand to help him up.

"That hurt" he complained as he took it.

Rosa shrugged. "Well, you should learn not to be so clumsy. Now, I believe I was promised a tour of the city."

They spent a few days in Firenze. They visited a few of the larger landmarks (such as the Duomo) by Rosa's request, as the buildings in Monteriggioni lacked the enormous stature she enjoyed while climbing. However, Ezio also insisted on visiting some places he remembered.

"Do you see that building over there?" he asked Rosa on one occasion as he pointed. "It is a brothel. My brother and I tried to sneak in once when we were younger."

"How far did you get?"

"We were turned away at the front door. Perhaps we should have gone in a different way."

"Keep that in mind whenever we go after Emilio," Rosa advised.

Ezio nodded and chuckled. "The owner of that brothel saved my life. If it were not for her, we never would have escaped Firenze."

"Have you spoken to her since then?"

"No" Ezio sighed, "It has been many years. I don't think she would even remember me."

Ezio might have given a second thought to paying a visit, but a nearby guard was eyeing them with a curiosity that made him uneasy. He decided he would rather avoid a confrontation.

They continued on until they came upon a walkway that stretched across the Arno, and Ezio chuckled again.

"What is it?" asked the thief.

"I remember this place as well. This is where I got this mark on my face." He pointed to his lip.

"If you are feeling nostalgic, I can always give you another one."

"I appreciate the offer, but perhaps we should move on."

In the aftermath of the Pazzi conspiracy, the city seemed quieter than Ezio remembered. Everyone was a bit more uneasy, as if the balance of power had been shifted ever so slightly out of place. The pedestrians moved more quickly, and Ezio likewise found himself uncomfortable staying in the same place for too long.

The final place they visited was the Palazzo Auditore, Ezio's old residence.

"It seems so quiet here," Rosa commented. "Do you miss it?"

"In a way, si. Everything was a bit less complicated when I lived here." He sighed. "In another way, I am glad to have left this life behind, even though it was not my choice. I have more purpose now, more direction. I am fighting for the people I love rather than fighting responsibility as I did in my youth. Perhaps if things had not happened the way they did, I would be happy with the way things are. I don't know, it is difficult to explain."

"I understand, Ezio," Rosa told him with rare sincerity. "We can stay longer if you'd like."

"No," Ezio shook his head, "I did not come here to open old wounds. We should start our trip back to Monteriggioni before it gets too dark. Andiamo."

They left the city and made their way back to the Villa Auditore. Rosa complained along the way in a (successful) attempt to lighten Ezio's mood.