It Starts in Venezia

“Come with me.” A deep voice commanded in a low tone. We all turned to look, as our ‘sister’, Adeline lifted a hand and caught the pouch he tossed to us. There was a jingle as it hit her palm that said there was a generous amount of coins inside. One look at this man with his white hood, his heavily armed and guarded attire- we knew. Word had been spread amongst the ladies at the base of our alignment with the Assassin, and what sort of things we were to do when selected and hired by him. It wasn’t the typical job for our line of work.

“But of course, Signore.” I complied, slipping over to his side. My sisters all took their places as well, Adeline to my right, Lucia behind me and Patrizia beside her.

“Whatever you wish.” Patrizia added sultrily from behind. The Assassin grinned, I saw, as I looked over my shoulder at him. Though he wasn’t looking at us, he acknowledged us very briefly.

“Buono.”(good)

He began walking, and we all gracefully moved with him, flourishing our skirts and moving lithely to men and guards as they passed. A particularly group peered suspiciously at our employer from beneath their helmets. I sighed loudly, dramatically and noticeably for my sisters. Lucia and Patrizia got the message, and weaved around our hooded man and threw themselves to the guards.

“Ohh I love a man in armor.” Lucia gushed. Initially the guards looked wary, but visibly softened at the two women.

“Perhaps we can lead you somewhere a little more private.” Patrizia suggested, softly touching the side of a guards exposed face. They were no longer a concern, I could see it in their faces, as Lucia and Patrizia had them heading the other way already.

Looking over my shoulder again, I found the Assassin already looking at me intently. I nodded, and he nodded in return, so we pressed on. With no particular idea to where we were going, Adeline and I navigated very flimsily around him.

“Just a little farther.” He promised as we rounded a corner. I hung from his shoulder, as a pair of guards eyed us briefly as we passed. Adeline blew them kisses.

“And then?” I questioned, checking the guards from the corner of my eye, “What will you have us do, signore? I am correct in assuming this is not the ‘regular’ kind of deal.”

“Yes, you are correct signora.” He confirmed, turning his face towards me just so slightly that I could see the scar on his lip. It was interesting, to say the least.

“How disappointing.” I made a show of pouting, reaching up boldly and tracing his jaw with my finger. “We would have had fun with you.” He chuckled, and I watched his lips form an amused smile. That satisfied me.

“Perhaps we’ll have some fun another time.” He allowed, “Right now, however I have some business that needs your assistance.”

“Our assistance is at your disposal of course.”

We fell to silence, as a group of patrolling guards passed us. Adeline twirled for them and they passed without a second glance to the Assassin.

“I need a distraction.” He said when they were out of ear-shot.

“Yes signore, fun another time. But what do you need us to do now.” I teased. It had earned me another chuckle.

“There is a certain piece of information I need to acquire. Those men there-“ he gestured with a nod, “-are guarding it. I’d prefer not to bloody my blade here if I do not have to. Do you understand?” he asked. A tone of urgency, rather than demeaning . I eyed the men he had pointed out, Adeline did as well. There were four men across the clearing. The door their guarded was open, and whatever inside was what our employer here needed.

“I understand.” I confirmed.

“And when it is done?” Adeline asked, looking from the guards to our hooded man. “Where will you have us then?”

“You are free to go about your own way.” He told us.

“Molto bene.”(very good) I nodded. Adeline and I both left his side and took a step towards the guards. I stopped- turning quickly to face the Assassin and made a show of a sigh.

“In case I do not make it back?” I put the back of my hand to my forehead as if I was getting faint, lifting the other hand slightly to the Assassin.

“Should anything happen to a stupendo donna (beautiful woman) such as yourself-“ he took my hand gently, and leaned down to press his lips to my knuckled in a kiss. “I shall have their heads.” He grinned up at me. Satisfied, I slipped my hand from his with a grin of my own, and turned my back to him. And then Adeline and I made our way towards the guards.

“I liked him…” Adeline murmured into my ear.

“As many do.” I replied.