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 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.

[assassino]

[Makes sense to him, given her old husband.]

Good qualities to have. Though... the state of a man's hands likely lend themselves to his occupation, more often than not.

[heloise]

I would make do with gentleness, then.

[ She really isn't picky. ]

[assassino]

[He wants to shoot himself in the face for even thinking of the phrase "it's not what you have, it's what you do with it." No, Ezio.]

I'm sure you'll find him, Lucrezia.

[heloise]

[ You're going easy on her, Ezio. ]

As you said I will. We must focus our attention to finding your future wife instead.

[assassino]

[Smile.]

Alright -- who do you think would make a good match for me?

[heloise]

[ She makes a thoughtful hum. ]

I have a few ladies in mind though I know too little of them to be sure they have all the required qualities.

[assassino]

[He leans against the counter and takes another sip of the soda. Still an odd taste. Amusing, though, that she already has a few ladies in mind.]

What qualities do they have already?

[heloise]

[ She bites back a smile. ]

Beauty, a certain boldness. Strength and kindness do not show themselves too readily.

[assassino]

Sounds like most of my damsels-in-distress. Strength is better when ready, though.

[heloise]

No, you cannot marry a damsel-in-distress. So I must find other candidates.

[assassino]

[laugh]

Hey, why can't I marry a damsel-in-distress?

[heloise]

[ She chuckles. ]

Only, and only if, she has taken your heart.

[assassino]

I suppose that's necessary as well...