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

Chapter 114

"Do you feel any different?" Ezio asked Rosa, both of them illuminated by the last vestiges of the bonfire as they sat on the ledge of the tower.

The latter was silent for a few moments, her gaze wandering around the sleeping town before settling on the hands lying in her lap.

"My finger hurts," she told him, holding it closer to the light so that they could both see it better.

Ezio looked at it and recalled the terrible swelling and discoloration of his own finger when he was first inducted into the Order. He ran his thumb over it presently, feeling the permanent insignia and considering how remarkable it was that such a wound could mend itself.

"It will get better with time as long as you let it heal," he assured her. "I'm sure it doesn't compare to being pierced in the leg by an arrow."

She rolled her eyes, readying herself to punch him in the arm. Fortunately, she decided against it when she realized Ezio was on the same side of her as the finger in question, and that such a move would consequently hurt her a lot more than it would hurt him.

"Besides," Ezio continued, "I think you know that's not really what I meant by the question."

Rosa sighed. "Of course I do. I'm just not sure how to answer it."

"What does that mean?"

"It was just a formality, this ceremony," she explained. "I don't think these marks on our fingers are what make us Assassins. It's the things and the people we fight for and believe in. None of that has changed in the last few hours."

"No," Ezio agreed. "No, I suppose not."

"But on the other hand, it means that lots of things are probably going to change for me, and I'm not sure I am ready for all of them. Lots of things have already changed," she continued, looking at him now, "and not always for the better."

"You're talking about us," Ezio realized, turning to face her more directly.

She nodded. "I know things can never go back to the way they used to be for us," she admitted. "I'm grateful for the time we've had, and I'm glad we have an opportunity to help a lot of people, but with you leaving for Roma and Antonio needing my help back in Venezia...and then who knows what after that..."

Ezio finished her thought. "You're afraid this could mean goodbye again."

She nodded, trying to fight the tears coming down her face.

"It is difficult not knowing when we will see each other again," Ezio agreed with a sigh. "But we will. It could be in a week, or it could be a matter of years, but I'm sure we will."

They were silent for a few more moments before Rosa spoke up again.

"Do you think some things happen for a reason, or do you think everything is random?" she asked.

He was a little taken aback by the question. "It's a little difficult to say," he chuckled. "I think scholars have been asking themselves that question for centuries, so I don't have a definite answer. Why do you ask?"

"If some things do happen for a reason," she answered, "I like to think that this was the reason we met...to become Assassins. If we have to say goodbye to each other sometimes, it's for something more important than either of us."

Ezio put his hand on hers, taking care not to touch her fresh wound.

"It is a nice thought," he smiled.

Neither of them slept that night. They sat and watched as, slowly but surely, the sun rose over the Tuscan hills and the Villa came to life again. Both of them knew that Rosa's concerns about their separation were justified, and both of them wanted to prolong what could be their remaining time together as much as possible.

In another life, Ezio thought, everything would be as simple for them as it was when they were younger. In still another life, they would never have met at all.

Perhaps Rosa was right. Perhaps everything did happen for a reason.

[A/N]:

Hi everyone,

First off, sorry for the delay on this one. I actually had it written out a couple weeks ago, but I've been trying to figure out exactly what I want to do from here, which leads me into my second note...

After much debate, I've decided NOT to continue this fanfic through Brotherhood and Revelations (although I may add something of an epilogue). It's just too much to do, and I think I'm coming to (what I hope will be) a natural stopping point in the story. Plus, I'm trying to follow the canon as closely as possible. The intention of this was never to have Ezio and Rosa get married or anything like that (although I'm sure there are some good fanfics for that too). It was just supposed to be a way to add something deeper to their in-game relationship and make Rosa a bigger part of Ezio's complicated life. I hope it's been enjoyable!

So how much more will I be adding to this? I'm estimating somewhere around 2 or 3 (probably slightly longer than usual) chapters. They also might not follow the normal weekly schedule (but it shouldn't be too bad like this one was).

I'll have a few more notes to add to the final chapter. For now, thanks again for reading!