iii. dictated

[heloise]

Would you leave the Castle now, if you could?

Friday was unfortunate. But for most of the year, surely it has given us a comfortable home and the most singular of friends.

And so, as for myself, I would not. I should like to tarry here a little longer, if only to relish the taste of liberty and the fruits of invention. Refrigerators are so magnificent!

[ With that, she will be in the kitchen with the fridge door open, sticking her hands into it with glee. ]

Comments

[assassino]

I haven't yet tried "soda".

[And he'll be down in a moment.]

[heloise]

[ And she would have set two cans on the kitchen counter. One already half empty for her. ]

[assassino]

[And there he is, looking dapper as usual. He sidles up to her with a smile.]

So, then, what is this soda made from?

[heloise]

[ Oh hey, dapper Ezio. She greets him with the widest smile, opening the can with flourish and offering it to him. ]

My magical friend mentioned lemons and sugar.

[assassino]

Sounds like a strange combination of sweet and sour.

[He takes the can and raises it to his lips to take a drink, and he lowers it quickly; it fizzes, and he's not sure he likes the sensation. Grimace.]

The taste is sweet, but the texture is... odd.

[heloise]

Perhaps it has medicinal qualities. He said it is similar to the waters of San Pellegrino.

[ She takes a sip of her own can and tries not to chuckle. That hurt last time she did it. ]

So, Ezio, do not make me wait longer.

[assassino]

I have not tasted those waters, but I did not imagine it tasting like this.

[He tries another sip. Still fizzy, with that slight burning sensation. Could get used to it, like hard liquor, he supposes.

Ezio glances at her.]

First, I need you to promise something.

[heloise]

[ She hops in place from excitement, then stops herself, because Giulia said it is unladylike. ]

I must promise not to tell another soul?

[assassino]

No... I need you to promise to never look for stories of what will happen in Italia in our lifetime. It's bad to ruin surprises before they come to you, isn't it?

[heloise]

[ She drops her smile and turns thoughtful for a moment. That hasn't occurred to her yet and now she grows curious, with him asking her not to do it. ]

Have you looked for such stories, Ezio?

[assassino]

[Hesitates.]

It... was a very bad idea. From now on, I'm only going to read about Americans and other people from the future.

But I'll tell you one thing I learned, if you can promise me that.

[heloise]

[ She figures all good things come to an end, and her family has so many enemies, and--it would make no difference if she doesn't remember. ]

Dearest Ezio, here you are trying to protect my heart. [ She smiles wanly, and nods. ] Tell me, then.

[assassino]

Of course, signorina.

[Smile. He feels relieved that he actually has good intentions with this, that keeping her from that information is more about protecting her than keeping himself safe.]

Your marriage will be annulled soon. You'll never have to see that bastard "husband" ever again.

[heloise]

Annulled? I shall be free of him?

[ The smile comes instantly, though she tries to seem more concerned. ] Then, my father's allegiance with Sforza was dissolved?

[assassino]

Presumably, yes; Sforza didn't follow through. You'll go back to your family.

[heloise]

[ So her husband was a traitor as well as a brute, but with that out of the way, she lets herself laugh with glee and hop in place as much as she wants. ]

Oh, what news! So this is why you wish to deliver it in person.

[assassino]

[He's a little amused by this hopping about and whatnot. Few people get that excited, no matter how joyous the news. It's nice, to see people who express themselves freely.]

Well, I couldn't say something that important over the journal, now, could I? I hope it brings you some peace.

[heloise]

[ She tries to tone it down, wringing her hands in front of her. ]

No, you could not. You have brought me hope of better days, Ezio.

[assassino]

I'm glad.

[He's still gonna punch Sforza's lights out, though.]

[heloise]

[ She wonders how a marriage can be annulled, then decides she is content with knowing it will happen. ]

Have you found news of your own family?

[assassino]

It seems our family missed the history books –– given what most people wind up in the history books for, I think that is an acceptable fate. Let's just hope I managed to find a wife and settled down somewhere quiet.

[heloise]

[ Not very reassuring. She bows her head to hide the frown. ]

Perhaps one day we may find an American Auditore.

[assassino]

[He is pretty sure his family line is fucked. He doubts he'll ever get married at this rate. Ever.]

It would be strange, but stranger things have happened. There could be American Borgia, as well.

[But god forbid.]

[heloise]

[ She grins. ]

And since I have promised not to read them, will you tell me the better parts of history instead?

[assassino]

I suppose I can tell you the good stories.