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

Chapter 94

Ezio spent the next several days roaming the city and catching up with old acquaintances. First he went to see Bartolomeo, who was busy training his mercenaries in the Arsenale district. A few of them recognized Ezio and shouted his name, leaving the Assassin with no opportunity for surprise.

"Well, well!" Bartolomeo bellowed as Ezio approached. "It's always nice to see a friendly face! What's the occasion, Ezio?"

"I should ask you the same thing, Bartolomeo. You and your men look prepared for an invasion."

"Better to be prepared now than to be dead later," he chuckled, then turned grim for a moment. "I've learned that lesson the hard way."

"Then you are not expecting a conflict? I cannot imagine the Doge is pleased with your small army of condottieri."

Bartolomeo laughed. "It is our job as Assassins to keep powerful men on their toes. Speaking of keeping men on their toes, where is Rosa?"

"She told me to send her regards. She is making preparations to travel with me to Monteriggioni, I'm afraid."

"Monteriggioni? Bah! Nothing exciting ever happens there. She will be bored with nobody to fight."

"Zio Mario will take care of that problem, I'm sure," Ezio assured him. "He has a few mercenari at his disposal."

"Well, if he ever needs a real army, my men are itching for a good fight. You give him my best, and Rosa too. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to train some new recruits. ISN'T THAT RIGHT, YOU SORRY EXCUSES FOR RODENTS?!" he shouted to some of the men that had gathered to listen to their conversation (and who presently scattered at the sound of their leader's voice, much like frightened rodents).

Ezio laughed and bid his friend farewell, then made his way west into the Dorsoduro district, and eventually to Teodora's brothel.

"Ah, Antonio mentioned you were in the city," she greeted him with a smile. "I was hoping you would not forget to stop by and visit me."

"How could I, Madonna Teodora?" Ezio bowed.

"It's 'Sister' Teodora, as you know," she reminded him. "Anyway, what brings you to me, my son?"

"It is as you said. I am just visiting an old friend."

"Old?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Oh!" Ezio said nervously, realizing his mistake. "I did not mean...er, it has just been a while since-"

She smiled. "I know what you meant, Ezio. Still, this life has a way of making me feel old. Everything is always changing. I miss the days when Leonardo and Antonio would spend their days drinking my wine, as obnoxious as they were."

"Sì, I remember."

"What about you, Ezio? You must feel old as well, after so much has changed in your life. There must be many things you miss as well."

Ezio could list at least a hundred off the top of his head, but his reply was a simple "Of course."

She nodded. "Some of them have missed you in return. Rosa has spoken to me about you often, among other things. I know she has a lot on her mind right now."

"Sì, she does."

"Do you still love her?"

It wasn't a question Ezio was expecting, or one that he had considered in a long time. It took him only a moment to decide on an answer."

"Yes, I do."

They spent a few more hours talking about Ezio's search for the Apple and the situation in Firenze before Ezio excused himself to leave. As he made his way to the door, Teodora stopped him.

"Ezio..." she started, pausing to consider her words. "The life of an Assassin...it makes love a difficult thing to manage. I should know. There have been many people in my life, both men and women, whom I have loved, and very few of them are still in my life. Some have been killed, others have betrayed me, and still others have simply fallen out of my life."

"I am sorry for your losses, Sister," Ezio offered.

"Don't be," she smiled bitterly. "You've had plenty of your own, and will probably experience more to come. Just promise me you will treasure what you have now, and cherish your good memories when you have to accept changes in your life that you cannot control."

"I will, Sister," he agreed.

"And please," she continued, "if Rosa wishes to become an Assassin, tell her the same."

He nodded and bowed to her, then closed the door.