Hidden in the Shadows(Ezio Auditore )

quality time and news

   I held Sirena in my arms as we walked the Mercato Vecchio, the sun shining brightly on us. It was a perfect day as sky was absolutely spotless. The market wasnt too crowded which had given me some relief. Smiling softly I had looked down at Sirena, her beautiful wide honey brown eyes looking around in wonder. Sirena had the most beautiful eyes and her black hair had already gotten thicker, her skin so soft and golden. She really was beautiful and looking at her now it wasnt hard to see she had a lot of Ezio's features in her I just prayed no one noticed. Anubis had been right, Sirena was growing up very fast, it was hard to believe she was born only a month and a half ago. As I walked people looked at me oddly, their glances going between me and my baby. Instinctively I held Sirena closer in case someone tried to do something stupid.

      Ironically, after Sirena was born I had been fine within a couple of hours and had already been up and walking around despite Aunt Greta and Madeleine's protest. As much as I enjoyed their enthusiasm I was not laying in bed for a month. Of course, my motherly instincts came out immediately as soon as someone had come close to my baby or for any reason. She rarely slept in her cradle as I had held her most nights, sitting in a wooden chair in front of the fire. I wanted to hold her, and to be honest I hadn't wanted to put her down either. It didn't help that she would cling to me and anytime I set her down or let someone else hold her she would become very fussy. Even when she was eating she would grip my finger tightly as she stared me in the eyes, her grip had been painfully strong for a baby. I guess that was the Phoenix in me. Even Anubis had come down to help watch over Sirena when I had been extremely tired and needed rest.

     "Es ist heute sehr schön. Ich bin froh, dass wir uns für einen Spaziergang entschieden haben" I said as I looked down at my beautiful wide eyed baby as she giggled at me and smiled, moving her hands just a bit as if she were agreeing with me. "Don't worry little one, when time comes I will teach German and others if you wish. Its best to speak Italian now for the time being" (It is very beautiful today.  I'm glad we decided to go for a walk)

     Glancing up discreetly at the sudden sense that I was being followed I spotted La Volpe along the roofs as he kept an eye on me. Oh Aunt Greta. I knew she put him up to this, he was the only other person to agree that I was fine and could take care of myself. Making eye contact with La Volpe I nodded slightly, letting him we would talk now just privately. Getting my signal he took off towards one of the alley ways that had gone less travelled. I made my way through the crowd, brushing past them with ease as I was careful to not hit them, avoiding bards and shouting merchants as I did. This was one of the rare occasions I left the orphanage and it hadn't been long to see why, among the curious looks had been nasty ones, though it was hard to acknowledge for them since I was still considered and honorary member of the Medici family and some people here cared for honor. I was just glad they hadnt been so directed at my daughter...yet. How long would she be saved from this? Just until she could walk and talk? I prayed no one do such a thing unless they wished to face my wrath. She may be an Auditore but she was also a Sternberg and we took no shit from anyone. Rounding the corner I saw La Volpe leaning against the wall, his hood halfway up as he did, keeping to himself. When he saw me he gave a small smile and I relaxed some as I approached him.

     "Its good to see you again Adelina, it's been a while" La Volpe said as he turned his full attention towards me.

     "What can I say, I've been busy" I started "that and half of Firenze is attacking me any chance they get. These streets arent as safe for me as they once were"

     "I know. Greta has me watching out for you where I can, especially since you keep sneaking out with your baby" La Volpe said as he looked down at Sirena with a gentle smile. He hadnt met her yet "and what a beautiful baby. You and Federico made quite the beauty. Her eyes...."