Amelia's eyes lit up at La Volpe's suggestion. "Chess? I haven't played in ages."
La Volpe grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Then prepare yourself, cara mia. I won't go easy on you just because you're recovering."
He fetched a beautifully carved wooden chess set from a nearby shelf and set it up on the bed between them. As they began to play, Amelia felt a sense of normalcy wash over her. The familiar strategy of the game engaged her mind, pushing away the darker thoughts that had been plaguing her.
They played for hours, their conversation flowing easily between moves. La Volpe regaled her with tales of the Brotherhood's exploits during her absence, carefully avoiding any mention of her captivity. Amelia found herself laughing at his more outrageous stories, her earlier anxiety melting away.
As the game progressed, Amelia found herself both challenged and intrigued by La Volpe's playing style. He was unpredictable, making bold moves that seemed reckless at first glance but often proved to be carefully calculated risks. It reminded her of his approach to life - always keeping others guessing, always one step ahead.
"Check," Amelia declared triumphantly, moving her bishop into position.
La Volpe raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Impressive, cara mia. But not quite checkmate." With a fluid motion, he shifted his knight, simultaneously blocking her attack and threatening her queen.
Amelia's teeth sunk into her bottom lip, the taut skin turning white under the pressure. Her gaze was intense as she studied the chess board, each piece strategically placed, a careful dance of strategy and cunning playing out before her.
The game had become more than just a simple distraction for Amelia. It was now a battle of wits, a mental duel between herself and her opponent. She found herself fully immersed in the challenge, her competitive nature driving her forward.
Six months passed in the blink of an eye and Amelia had received the clear from the doctor to start training again. She felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as she raced along the rooftops of Rome with Pettrucio and his friends. They had been put in charge of her exercise, making sure that it wasn't too difficult and helping her where she needed it.
The cool night air whipped through her hair, invigorating her senses. It felt incredible to be back in action after so many months of convalescence. They often did their training at night when it was easier to conceal who she was. The Borgia had been relentlessly looking for her for months.
Pettrucio ran alongside her, his youthful energy infectious. "Come on, Amelia!" he called out with a grin. "I thought you said you were fast!"
She laughed, pushing herself to pick up the pace. "I'm just getting warmed up, ragazzo!"
As they vaulted over a narrow alleyway, Amelia felt a twinge in her leg - a reminder of her still-healing injuries. She stumbled slightly on the landing, but quickly regained her footing. Pettrucio noticed and slowed his pace, concern evident on his face.
"Are you alright?" Pettrucio asked, his brow furrowing with worry.
Amelia nodded, catching her breath. "I'm fine. Just a little rusty, that's all."
She appreciated his concern, but was determined not to let her injuries hold her back. With renewed resolve, she picked up her pace again, leaping gracefully to the next rooftop.
As they continued their run, Amelia found herself settling into a comfortable rhythm. The familiar movements came back to her, muscle memory kicking in. She felt a surge of confidence as she effortlessly scaled a wall, pulling herself up with practiced ease.
The group paused atop a high tower, taking in the breathtaking view of Rome at night. Lanterns and torches dotted the cityscape below, casting a warm glow over the ancient buildings. Amelia inhaled deeply, savoring the feeling of freedom in her bones. She glanced down and saw a haystack positioned at the very bottom in the courtyard below.
"Have you ever seen your brother do a leap of faith?" She asked Pettrucio with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Pettrucio's eyes widened, a mix of excitement and apprehension crossing his youthful features. "I've seen Ezio do it a few times. It's incredible, but terrifying to watch."
Amelia grinned, her heart racing with anticipation. "Want to see one up close?"
Before Pettrucio could respond, Amelia took a few steps back, her eyes locked on the haystack far below. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
"Amelia, wait!" Pettrucio called out, but she was already in motion.
With a graceful leap, Amelia launched herself off the towering structure. Her arms spread wide, mimicking the majestic wings of a bird as she soared through the air. A wild cry escaped her throat, echoing into the open sky. She couldn't help but laugh with pure exhilaration as the wind rushed past her, tousling her hair and filling her senses with the rush of air. The ground below seemed to be rushing up to meet her, but she felt no fear or hesitation. Her body arced in a perfect dive, executing each movement with precision and grace. In this moment, she was weightless and free, leaving behind all worries and stresses on the rooftop she had just left.
As the haystack rushed up to meet her, Amelia tucked her body, preparing for impact. She hit the hay with a soft thud, sinking deep into its cushioning embrace. For a moment, she lay still, her heart pounding with exhilaration. Then, she burst out laughing, the sound of pure joy echoing through the quiet courtyard. She emerged from the haystack, brushing stray pieces of straw from her clothes and hair. She looked up to see Pettrucio and his friends staring down at her in awe from the tower above.
"That was incredible!" Pettrucio shouted, his voice a mix of admiration and disbelief.
Amelia grinned up at them, feeling more alive than she had in months. "Get down here!"
"I think we will climb. We will be down in a minute!" Pettrucio called down to her.
Amelia chuckled, watching as Pettrucio and his friends began their descent. She brushed more hay from her clothes, the rush of adrenaline still coursing through her veins. As she waited, she took in her surroundings, realizing they had ended up in a secluded courtyard of an old palazzo.
The sharp sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention, and she spun around, hand instinctively reaching for the dagger strapped to her belt. Her muscles tensed as she prepared for a potential threat, but upon recognizing the familiar face before her, she relaxed and smoothly returned her blade to its sheath.
"Well, well," La Volpe's voice held a trace of amusement as he observed her. "Impressive leap, my dear. Though perhaps a bit reckless for someone who is still recovering."
She grinned at him, feeling alive and exhilarated from the rush of adrenaline still coursing through her veins.
"La Volpe," Amelia greeted him with a smile, her cheeks flushed from the exertion and excitement. "What brings you to this part of the city at this hour?"
He approached her with his usual catlike grace, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I could ask you the same question, cara mia. I thought you were supposed to be taking it easy."
Amelia shrugged, brushing a few more pieces of hay from her hair. "I've been cooped up for months. I needed to stretch my wings a bit."
La Volpe's gaze softened as he took in her vibrant expression. "And how do you feel?"
"Alive," she replied without hesitation. "More alive than I've felt in a long time."
He nodded, understanding in his eyes. "It's good to see you back in action. Ezio will be pleased to see you smiling."
"Any word from him? He hasn't been home in a few weeks." She asked, looking up to see Pettrucio and his friends scaling down the tower.
La Volpe's expression turned serious. "He's been tracking some leads on the Borgia. Their search for you hasn't ceased, I'm afraid. Ezio wants to make sure they don't get close."
Amelia's mood sobered at the mention of the Borgia. She nodded, grateful for Ezio's protection but also feeling a twinge of guilt for the danger she was putting her friends in.
"I understand," she said softly. "I just wish there was more I could do to help."
La Volpe placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're doing plenty by focusing on your recovery. The Brotherhood needs you at full strength."
Their lively conversation was abruptly cut short by the sudden arrival of Pettrucio and his boisterous companions, who had finally descended from the towering structure that loomed over them. The young men approached La Volpe with a mixture of admiration and awe, their voices filled with excitement and reverence.
"Get her home in one piece." La Volpe instructed.
"You don't have to tell us twice!"
Amelia watched as La Volpe melted back into the shadows, his parting words echoing in her mind. She turned to Pettrucio and his friends, ready to head back to the hideout, when a sudden commotion caught their attention.
"Guards!" one of Pettrucio's friends hissed, pointing towards the entrance of the courtyard.
Sure enough, a patrol of Borgia guards was making its way into the area, torches illuminating their path. Amelia's heart raced as she realized they were trapped in the enclosed space.
"Quick, up the wall!" she whispered urgently to the young men.
They scrambled towards the palazzo's facade, searching for handholds in the weathered stone. Amelia's muscles protested as she began to climb, her recent exertions catching up with her. She grit her teeth, pushing through the fatigue as she scaled the wall. Her muscles burned with exertion, but she forced herself to keep moving. She could hear the guards' voices growing louder as they entered the courtyard below.
"Search every corner!" a gruff voice commanded. "The Assassin could be anywhere!"
Pettrucio and his friends were already halfway up the building, their youthful agility giving them an advantage. Amelia glanced down, her heart pounding as she saw the guards' torchlight flickering at the base of the wall. She was only about ten feet up - if they looked up, she'd be spotted instantly.
Just then, her foot slipped on a loose stone. She stifled a gasp as she scrambled to regain her hold, her fingers aching as they gripped the rough facade. For a terrifying moment, she dangled precariously, her heart pounding in her ears.
"Did you hear that?" one of the guards below asked, his voice uncomfortably close.
Amelia held her breath, willing herself to become invisible against the wall. She could feel her muscles trembling with the effort of holding on, her recent leap of faith and rooftop run catching up with her.
Just as she felt her grip beginning to falter, a strong hand grasped her wrist. She looked up to see Ezio, who had appeared silently on a balcony above her. With surprising strength, he pulled her up and over the railing, tucking them both into the shadows.
Amelia's heart raced as Ezio pulled her close, their bodies pressed together in the narrow confines of the balcony. She could feel the solid warmth of his chest against her back, his breath tickling her ear as he held her still. Below, the guards continued their search, oblivious to the Assassins hiding just above them.
"That was close," Ezio whispered, his lips barely moving. "Are you alright?"
Amelia nodded, not trusting her voice. The adrenaline from her near-miss was still coursing through her veins, mingling with a new, electric awareness of Ezio's proximity. She could feel every rise and fall of his chest, the steady beat of his heart against her back.
Just six months ago, the mere touch of his hands on her skin had made her shudder. She couldn't stand the thought of being so close to him. But now, as she looked at him standing next to her, she couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. His strong hands and gentle touch brought a sense of comfort and safety that she never thought she would feel again. Ezio had been the most patient man in the world with her. While he would be gone for short periods of time when he was home he had helped her slowly heal.
She leaned her forehead against the hard, cold surface of his armored chest, feeling the weight of her worries melt away as she let out a deep sigh. His warm hand reached up to gently cup the back of her head, pulling her closer in a comforting embrace. The clink of metal and the scent of leather surrounded them, reminding her of the strong warrior she had come to love and rely on. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, taking in his familiar smell mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest around them. It was a moment of peace amidst chaos, a reminder that she was not alone in this world.
"I saw your leap of faith." He whispered to her, his eyes still scanning the area for more guards.
Amelia felt a flush of pride at Ezio's words. "You did? I didn't realize you were watching."
"I'm always watching over you," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. "Though I must admit, seeing you take that leap nearly stopped my heart."
"Hmmm…now you know hoe I feel every time you do it." She chuckled.
She turned in his arms, facing him with a playful smirk. "I had to see if I still had it in me. Turns out, I do."
Ezio's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and concern. "You certainly do. But perhaps we should save the more daring feats for when you're fully recovered, hmm?"
"I suppose if you ask nicely." She teased.
Ezio's lips quirked into a smile, his eyes softening as he gazed down at her. "Is that so? And what would constitute asking nicely, cara mia?"
Amelia felt a flutter in her stomach at the endearment. She tilted her head, pretending to consider. "Well, for starters, you could-"
Her words were cut off by a shout from below. "Over here! I saw movement on that balcony!"
Ezio's expression instantly sharpened, all traces of playfulness vanishing. "Time to go," he said, his voice low and urgent.
Without hesitation, he scooped Amelia into his arms, ignoring her protests. With fluid grace, he leapt from the balcony to a nearby rooftop, his feet barely making a sound as they landed.
Ezio's strong arms held Amelia securely as he raced across the rooftops, his movements swift and sure. The cool night air whipped past them, carrying the distant shouts of the pursuing guards. Amelia's heart raced, both from the thrill of the escape and the proximity to Ezio.
"I can run on my own, you know," she said, though her arms remained locked around his neck.
Ezio chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I know, cara mia. But humor me, just this once."
They continued their flight across the Roman skyline, Ezio's agility never faltering despite carrying Amelia. She marveled at his strength and grace, feeling simultaneously protected and exhilarated.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of heart-pounding pursuit, Ezio slowed his pace. Coming to a halt on the rooftop of the Assassin's hide out. Ezio gently set Amelia down, his hands lingering on her waist as he steadied her. They were both breathing heavily from the exertion, their faces flushed in the cool night air. For a moment, they simply stood there, gazing at each other in the moonlight.
"Are you alright?" Ezio asked softly, his eyes searching her face.
Amelia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm fine. Better than fine, actually. I haven't felt this alive in months."
Ezio's expression softened, a mix of relief and something else - something warmer - in his eyes. "I'm glad to hear it. But perhaps we should get inside before any more guards spot us."
He led her towards a hidden entrance on the rooftop, his hand never leaving the small of her back. As they descended into the hideout, the familiar scents of leather, parchment, and candle wax enveloped them. The main room was dimly lit, most of the other Assassins having retired for the night. Ezio guided Amelia to a secluded corner where a few comfortable chairs were arranged around a low table.
"Sit," he instructed gently, helping her into one of the chairs. "I'll fetch us some wine."
Amelia watched as Ezio moved across the room, his movements fluid and graceful even in the confines of the hideout. She felt a warmth spreading through her chest that had nothing to do with their recent exertions. When he returned with two goblets and a bottle of rich red wine, she accepted hers gratefully.
"To your successful return to the rooftops," Ezio said, raising his glass in a toast. Amelia clinked her glass against his, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"And to the man who's always there to catch me when I fall."
They sipped their wine in comfortable silence for a moment, the events of the night settling around them. Amelia could feel the adrenaline slowly ebbing from her system, replaced by a pleasant warmth that spread from her core to her fingertips.
Ezio's eyes never left her face, studying her with an intensity that made her breath catch. "You know," he said softly, "I've missed seeing you like this. So full of life, so... radiant."
Amelia felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Ezio..."
He leaned forward, setting his glass on the table. "I mean it, Amelia. These past months, watching you recover, seeing your strength... it's been incredible. I am sorry I was gone so long on this last trip. I had to make a trip home for a few things."
"Monteriggioni? I thought that it was in shambles." She asked shocked, the last time she had been there was the day they had been separated.
"It is, though some our things survived," he said with a hint of melancholy. He reached behind him, his hand searching for something hidden from view. Pulling out a long package wrapped in cloth, he carefully unwrapped it and presented it to her. She raised her eyebrow at him, curious about the contents. As she peeled back the layers of fabric, a small gasp escaped her lips, her fingers rushing to her lips to silence her own shock. On her lap rested her father's sword, its hilt adorned with intricate designs and its blade gleaming in the sunlight. It was a relic she thought she'd never see again after canon balls had crashed through their room in the Villa, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake. But here it was, a symbol of her family's resilience and strength, now safely returned to her hands.
"Oh, Ezio…" She looked up at him, tears pooling in her eyes.
"Consider it a wedding gift." He told her with a sly look in his eyes. Her head snapped up to look him in the eyes. "I also went back for this."
Ezio reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, leather pouch. Amelia's breath caught in her throat as he opened it, pulling out a ornate gold bands, vines twisting around it with a few gemstones stamped into the metal.
"Amelia," Ezio began, his voice low and intense. "I had planned to do this the morning of the attack, but we were rudely interrupted."
Amelia chuckled as heart raced as she stared at the ring in Ezio's hand. Her mind flashed back to that fateful morning in Monteriggioni, when their world had been shattered as they had laid in each others arms.
"Ezio," she breathed, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Are you sure? After everything that's happened..."
He took her hand in his, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her skin. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life, cara mia. Watching you rise above and overcome the horrors you faced has been truly awe inspiring. You are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with."
"Good because I have something for you as well." Amelia laughed a little as she reached into the pocket of her trousers. "You can thank your little brother for this. He mentioned marriage a while ago and I knew my answer then so I had this made."
Amelia pulled out a simple gold band from her pocket, her hands trembling slightly as she held it out to Ezio. His eyes widened in surprise, a smile spreading across his face.
"I've known for a while now that you're the only one I want to spend my life with, Ezio. Through all the darkness, you've been my light." She whispered.
Ezio's hand cupped her cheek, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that had escaped. "Then let's make it official, shall we?"
With tender care, he slipped the ornate gold band onto her finger. Amelia marveled at how perfectly it fit, as if it had always been meant to rest there.
With trembling hands, Amelia took Ezio's left hand and slid the simple gold band onto his ring finger. As she did so, she felt a sense of rightness wash over her. This was where she belonged - by Ezio's side, facing whatever challenges life threw at them together.
Ezio's eyes shone with emotion as he looked at the ring on his finger, then back to Amelia's face. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Amelia melted into his embrace, her arms winding around his neck as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.
When they finally parted, both breathless, Ezio rested his forehead against hers. "Ti amo, mia cara," he murmured.
"I love you too," Amelia whispered back.