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

[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.

[heloise]

[ Of course she puts the ultimate question first. ]

Will I find love, Ezio?

[assassino]

[He laughs.]

History books don't talk about feelings. You do find a new husband, though.

[heloise]

[ She continues to beam at him. This time she would not stray to dark conversations. ]

That is settled then, I must have loved him. I would never again marry without love.

[assassino]

[He hopes that's the truth.]

Of course not. Your father would not make the same mistake twice.

[heloise]

[ She hopes so too, a little less fervently than him, perhaps. ]

If, on the off-chance that I remember, I would invite your family to my true wedding.

[assassino]

That's kind of you. [smile] Should I ever marry, I will invite you to mine, as well.

[heloise]

[ She giggles. ]

If I could earn the friendship of such a woman that Ezio Auditore da Firenze would choose to marry, I would be honored.

[assassino]

[Thoughtful. What kind of girl would he marry? A kind of girl like Cristina, no doubt.]

Lucrezia, I don't think there's a single kind person in the world who would not want to be friends with you.

[heloise]

[ She tries not to smile too wide, bowing her head to hide it. ]

I am fortunate then that she must also be kind.

[assassino]

I wouldn't marry an unkind woman.

What would you have your new husband be like?

[heloise]

[ She chuckles then assumes a thoughtful gaze. Then, after considerable time. ]

He would be kind, with soft and gentle hands.