(note: Story cover has been updated May 2023 :) New chapter covers will be added slowly too)
Catherine Wolfe didn't know why she was chosen, or if she was at all. She only knew she'd been
pulled through time to help a family involved in a war she'd...
***This is another montage chapter, so mind the dates***
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(cover by me!)
July 29, 1477
Monteriggioni, Italy
"Where is Ezio?"
Catherine looked up from her bracer, ever adjusting them to make sure they were just right, and found the light confusion on Mario Auditore's face. He was a little later than usual for morning practice, and she had noticed that had become common over the last week or so. He wasn't terribly late, but enough that she wondered why, but respected him enough not to ask. She held the same respect even now as she stood up, brushing her clothes off.
"Claudia asked for his help gathering things and to get an overview of the city's condition—she would have asked the men, but they need ladders to get to the roofs. He asked me to apologize and tell you he'll practice twice as hard tomorrow. Claudia just really needed his help for this, since she's kind of doing the whole management thing now," the redhead replied with a shrug. "I can still practice, though—if you want to do a spar between you and me to start?"
Mario paused, thinking, and his features fell slightly. He looked haggard then; his shoulders sagging and a sigh escaping him. Catherine frowned with concern, but before she could ask he waved whatever was bothering him—or perhaps he'd heard her silent question—off.
"It is good timing, actually. I came to say there would be no training this morning. There is a matter I must see to outside the city. Ottavio will be handling the normal work in the training ring today. You should see if my niece needs more aid—otherwise, return to the ring and train as you used to," he rumbled, and although the redhead nodded, she didn't leave right away.
"Is.... Um... What's the issue—outside the city? You've... Well, I mean, it's not my business, but you've been... aloof lately?"
Mario blinked, as if not understanding, but then shook his head, "It is nothing serious, but it is best I oversee it. Do not worry; I will have a few men with me if that is your concern."
"I'm hardly concerned about you handling yourself—you can whoop all of us. I'm concerned about what has you worried and looking tired," she pressed, hands on her hips and giving him the "look".
"It is nothing for you to be concerned about, little one. You need only focus on your training—you are almost ready to go on patrols regularly and take on what bandits may be out there."
Catherine sighed, "Mario... I know there's more to it. You wouldn't be this worked up otherwise. What's going on? Is the city in danger?"
"Catherine, this is not a concern of yours. My duty is to protect this place. Yours is to become stronger and learn all you can here," he replied firmly, causing her to wince slightly. He was using the tone that he only brought out when he was mad without showing it. The one where you didn't talk back. She held her tongue then, gaze falling.
