"Speranza is coming here?" Mario asks.

"Yes. I invited her to come and stay here while she heals." Ezio smiles. "She'll be fine. She was once a noblewoman, like I was a nobleman. She'll know how to fit in."

"If you say so. How'd she get injured?"

"She attacked Tarso's encampment, got a sword slash to the stomach." He looks around the villa. "Speaking of that, I've promised to help her hunt him down."

"You can get a new target. There's no need to continue after him."

"No. That's..." He drops his voice to a whisper. "That's the man who ordered her family to be killed. Who Uberto was to me is who Tarso is to her." Mario's eyes widen, and his mouth forms a small "o". Hoofbeats are heard, and Ezio grins. "That'll be her! I will see you later, zio." He dashes towards the front gates.

Ezio watches as Speranza gallops towards them on a pinto horse, her hair flying behind her. She pulls the stallion to a stop, and he hugs her in greeting as she climbs down onto the ground.

"Speranza! Benvenuta a casa mia," he says, and she smiles lightly. "What do you think?"

"It's molto bello," she says, looking around the villa.

"How was the journey, mia signora?" he asks as they walk away.

"Long and tiring. I'm glad to be somewhere safe," she admits.

"I got some clothes laid out for you, if you want to change."

"I should look like a noblewoman if I'm in the Auditore villa, don't you think?" She touches the material of his sleeve, hinting at his nobleman look.

"Perhaps," he says. "I'll show you to your room."

The two head into the house, Speranza giving a respectful nod to Mario as they pass him. Ezio glances back at his uncle, who shakes his head in amazement.

Ezio leads her to a room, and she looks at in awe.

"May I come and fetch you for dinner once you're ready?" he asks.

"That would be lovely," she says.

He turns and leaves, his hands clasped behind his back, his posture straight. Speranza smiles. Once a nobleman, always a nobleman.

Well, I guess that applies to me too, she reminds herself.

She shuts the door, heading towards the bed, where a silky black and lavender dress waits. She touches the material carefully. The last time she wore a dress like this she was undercover from Templars a few days ago, and it's been even longer since it was her normal garb.

She sighs, swiftly changing out of her beloved robes and placing them in a pile at the foot of the mattress. She pulls the dress on, tightening the cords. She brushes out her windswept hair and ties it into a long braid, draping it over her shoulder. She puts on simple flats, standing up straight, her chin high as she examines herself in the mirror.

How long has it been since she lived as a simple noblewoman? Seventeen...no, eighteen years?

"Am I really thirty-six already?" she whispers to herself.

There's a soft knock at the door, and Ezio pokes his head in.

"Are you ready, Sper...woah." He opens the door fully, taking in her appearance.

"Close your mouth, ragazzo. You'll attract flies," she says, striding towards him.

"Am I not allowed to admire beautiful women?" he asks innocently.

"Not if that woman is me." She stops next to him. "Dinner?"

"Allow me." He holds out his arm to her, and she takes it as the start down the hall together.

Zio: Uncle

Benevenuto a casa mia: Welcome to my home

Molto bello: Very beautiful

Mia signora: My lady

Ragazzo: Boy