paradisa | (no subject)

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[ Joshua said to stay with someone strong (stronger than him might be impossible however). She has likely exhausted Stephanie's hospitality and despite her many acquaintances, there still aren't many she would call on for help. Even Bucky's gone.

Ezio has Cristina, of course, but he said he doesn't mind and neither would she. So, if he says yes, then it is all right. She would be with someone strong, like Joshua said, and besides, he always knows how to make her smile. ]

Does Maximus prefer apples or carrots?

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[He corner of his mouth turns up in a smile.]

Do tell.

I could be a fool who chose without reason, or I could be shrewd because there is reason for my affection.

[He reaches out for her again, fingers brushing the back of her neck, winding around a blonde curl.]

And what reason is that?

[ She swallows and pretends that all is as it should be. ]

Because I am strong in your eyes, and beautiful.

[He pauses.]

I have meant everything I have said, but I apologize if I have disappointed you.

You have not. [ She decides, then smiles. ] You do not wish me to leave you here alone, Ezio?

[He makes a sound, almost like an amused huff.]

I must admit that being alone or left behind is perhaps my worst fear.

[ She grins, turning to her horse to brush its head. ]

How cruel of me then, to suggest such a thing.

It is hard to imagine you as cruel.

[ She slings the reins over the horse's neck and prepares to mount it. ]

How can you be sure?

Other than against a man who has scorned you, when have you ever been cruel?

[ She climbs onto her horse and arranges her skirt, turning quiet. ]

So you have imagined me as cruel.

That was justified, at least. We have all been cruel at one time or another, bella.

[ She nudges her horse to turn around. ]

It was the stable boy, Paolo.

[He mounts, too, catching up swiftly.]

He was kind to you, then.

[ She goes slow, letting the horse stroll lazily. ]

Is it kindness to betray one's master for another?

[He nudges his horse, and Maximus falls into step beside Lucrezia's horse.]

Who was worth more to him? A master who likely beat him and likely beat all the women of the household, or a mistress who would show him kindness?