Firenze

4,050 years since initial death
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Marco stood outside the villa he never had the chance to consider his home.

A few people lingered outside beside him, some of whom carried bundles of flowers. They were dressed fashionably well. Men wore black doublets with standing collars, and women chose low-cut bodices that broadened their shoulders, a chemise to hide their chest and gloves to conceal their hands. 

They were all dressed for an occasion. Taking one quick glance at all their faces told the truth of what was happening. This was a sad day for everyone. 

Dressed in his usual dark tunic and grey ragged cloak, Marco ignored everyone as he opened the door. Before coming here, he spent his whole day tidying up his appearance. His beard was shaved, and his messy hair was shortened slightly and combed. He needed to look the part for this special occasion.

He slowly walked through the rooms, observing everything around him. It was such a beautiful home. It was the perfect gift for them, and now he regretted not choosing to stay when he had the opportunity.

He walked up the staircase, reaching the hallway. There, he spotted a woman just as tall as him. She looked to be in her early forties, standing outside the bedroom door. Beside her were two children and another man who comforted her. When she noticed Marco approach her, she wiped away her tears and cleared her throat.

"I'm sorry, she's not seeing anyone else today. It was close family relatives only to begin with." She spoke while her eyes were fixed on one of her children. It's clear she wasn't paying any attention to him. 

Marco simply placed a hand over her shoulder. "I won't take long."

His hand caused her to shiver, and he removed from her shoulder as he stepped into the bedroom beside her. He turned his head just as she turned hers. Her protests were heard but disregarded as he gently shut the door behind him and locked it. 

His attention turned to the elderly woman laying in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her hair was entirely grey, and her skin grew incredibly wrinkly. The knocking on the door forced a reaction, and she slowly turned her head to look at him.

He stood beside her, removed his hood, and gave a brief but faint smile. "Hello, Livia."

His voice had done it. Despite his appearance remaining somewhat identical to the way he looked before, his voice is what caused her to suddenly breathe heavily. Her eyes had widened, staring back at him in complete shock.

"My apologies if you couldn't identify me initially. I shaved before my arrival. You know I had to look somewhat decent for you." He placed a hand on the bed, wanting to feel her soft skin one more time.

He watched her closely, noticing her quivering lips. What could she possibly say in response to his absence? 

"How have you been?" Marco asked, knowing he most likely won't get a response. "I see Kara is doing well for herself. It really does warm my heart to know you're both still here after all this time."

Livia began shaking forcefully. Her eyes were tearing up already, and her breathing intensified. Her lips parted and Marco could sense she was summoning any strength she had left to form a single word. Finally, her soft but fragile voice echoed in his ears.

"Why?"

Marco stood still. Now he was the one who didn't know how to respond. He was able to feel her hand below, holding on to her gently as he stared into her eyes with a sorrowful expression. "I wanted you to be safe."

He slowly came down to his knees, leveling himself with her. Keeping her hand close, he whispered to her. "It was all done out of love. You understand that, don't you?"

"Marco." The way she said his name hurt him more than it should have. She was clearly in pain. Seeing him now at the end was far too much for her fragile heart to handle.

"I'm sorry, I truly am, Livia. I should have knocked on the door instead of sliding that letter. But it killed me. I had to make sure you were well, I just couldn't let anyone see me. Please, I don't know if I can ever forgive myself."

As he said it, Livia slowly extended her hand forward and placed it over his mouth to keep him silent. He could barely see her through the tears that filled up inside of his eyes.

She never smiled, rather she felt sorry for him. With sadness in her eyes, she attempted to speak again, but it was clear she was struggling. "You look..."

"I learned to develop a sense of fashion in Rome." He smiled wholesomely, letting out a sigh of relief just as his tears continued to flow. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you my secret of remaining so youthful in my old age. But I'm glad you can still recognize me."

Livia's expressions became exaggerated for a second before suddenly relaxing. She continued to stare at him, but now Marco could see that she hasn't blinked yet. It's when he realized she'll never blink again. Her breathing came to a stop, bringing her life to a sudden but peaceful end.

Marco slowly stood up before leaning in to kiss her forehead. He placed a hand over her eyes, gently closing them permanently. When he took a few steps backwards, he lost all control. He released his emotions and let it all out.

A few minutes later, Marco opened the door. The same woman from before was waiting, noticing the red veins in his saddened eyes. Before she could say anything, he leaned towards her for a hug. She tried to resist him at first, but he wrapped his arms around her as tight as he could. Even patting the back of her head in the process, he truly felt that he was back home.

Despite believing he had no more tears to shed, one more escaped the clutches of his eye and rolled down the side of his face. It dripped onto the woman's back.

When the hug concluded, he turned to leave. Just as he began walking, he heard her call out to him.

"I don't understand." She watched as he stopped, keeping his back faced towards her. "You haven't mentioned your name or why you're here. Who even are you?"

He turned his head around carefully, staring into the eyes of his old daughter. He replied with a smile. "To answer your previous question; I always return."

"What question? When have I asked you that? I-"

"Take care, Kara."

Marco walked down the stairs, leaving her behind. It took her another second before she realized who he was. Suddenly, she ran towards the staircase. "Dad?"

Alas, he was gone. It forced her to run down the staircase and look for him. He wasn't in any of the rooms, causing her to look outside. She ran past the guests that stood outside, desperately searching for her father.

Then, she found him. Atop of his horse, he rode away from the villa. She tried to run after him, attracting a bit of attention. "Dad!" She yelled as loud as she could before falling to her knees.

Marco Settini was gone forever. He fulfilled his promise, ensuring his family's safety and returning to them. Now it was time for him to retire. Therefore, he left the country. He never returned to see Kara again. The thought of visiting his daughter at her deathbed was enough to break him. He couldn't handle it.

Wherever he travels next, a new adventure would await him. Alongside that adventure will bring war and chaos, and it will be up to him to end it.

Just as he had always done in the past.

He was ready to do it again until the end of his immortal life.

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Historical Notes:

The 16th century saw a rise in Western civilization, as it became an age of discovery and exploration. Spain and Portugal began colonization in Central and South America. While the Spanish primarily focused on conquering territory from native empires such as the Aztecs, the Portuguese mastered their trade with several parts of the world.

World Map by Amerigo Vespucci and Gerardus Mercator

The Ottoman Empire's expansion continued throughout the 16th century, defeating and occupying nations such as Iran and Egypt. The Kingdom of Hungary also fell to the Empire's growing reign in 1521, and the Empire would secure Baghdad from the Persians in 1535.

In 1527, Charles V the Holy Roman Emperor launched an invasion in Rome. Known as the Sack of Rome, it saw over 45,000 civilian deaths as the population of Rome plummeted from 55,000 to 10,000. Pope Clement VII managed to escape the massacre, but the Swiss guards that defended the Vatican were killed.

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