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

I should be back to the normal schedule now, at least for a little while. These next couple of months are likely to be a little hectic, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it!

Chapter 91

"What...what is all this?" Ezio already knew the answer to this question, and it wasn't really the question he wanted to ask, but it was all he could manage. Fortunately, Rosa was arriving at the answer to the question he actually had: why did she have it?

"It took some time before I was able to talk to Antonio," she said. "When I did, we started to discuss some things."

"What kinds of things?" Ezio asked.

"He didn't bring it up at first, but eventually, after enough time had passed, he asked me to reconsider his offer. To become an Assassin."

Ezio's stomach jumped when he heard her say it out loud. "What did you tell him?" he asked after a few moments of silence.

"Well, I wasn't as angry as I was the first time he asked," she chuckled. "I told him I would think about it, and that I would need some time. It has been a few months now. I've started to read these books from his library to help me understand exactly what it is he does...and...what you do.

"And what do you think about all of it?" he asked.

"The Assassins' intentions are good. I can say that, at least. Maybe I would have joined years ago if I had learned about this under different circumstances. I wish he had just told me."

"It was better than the way I had to find out about all of this," Ezio reminded her.

"True. Maybe it is always an unpleasant surprise at first. It is a strange line of work, after all. A difficult decision for anyone."

"Have you made that decision yet?"

She shook her head. "No. I'm no closer to making it than I was when Antonio asked me. That is why I sent for you. I was hoping I could have your opinion."

"MY opinion?" Ezio considered her request, but in truth, he was unsure if he could fulfill it. He was barely coming to grips with what she had just told him, and he hadn't even completely decided for himself whether or not his decision had been the right one. The Assassins did good work, and he was happy to support them, but it had not been an easy five years by any means. It was rewarding, but could he wish all of that on her?

"Rosa...I cannot tell you what is best for you. That is for you to decide."

"Oh, go to hell!" she laughed. "You kept me in a bed for months because you were afraid I would hurt my leg. Surely you must have something to say about this!"

Ezio chuckled. "That was different, and you know it. You have to decide if this is what you want. I do not have the right to make such an important decision for you-"

"And you're not making it for me, you're giving me your thoughts so I can make it for myself. Look Ezio, you know me better than anyone else does, even Antonio. Plus, I know that you, more than anyone else, can give me an honest answer."

They stood in silence for another few moments. Ezio tried to think of something "honest" to give her, but nothing came to mind. There was nothing he could think of that he could tell her with certainty. Not in that moment, at least.

"Must we talk about this now?" he asked. "If you want my opinion, then of course I will give it to you, but I need some time to collect my thoughts."

Rosa was visibly disappointed, but sympathetic. "Sì, of course. I suppose this is a lot for you to consider all at once."

"You as well."

She nodded. "Let us take a walk, then. Antonio should be in the Palazzo della Seta, as always. I'm sure he would be happy to see you as well."

Ezio nodded, and she led him to the door.

"Rosa..." he began, still forming his thought as she turned around.

"What is it?"

"I do not have an answer for you yet, but...I know why Antonio wishes for you to join us. You are bold and passionate. The Assassins would be fortunate to have someone like you."

"That's enough of your flattery," she laughed. "You're going to make me sick."

Despite her comment, Ezio could tell she was trying not to blush.

It was, for the moment, the most honest thing he could say to her.