Rome: Chapter 1 – Fiora Cavazza

Chapter 4 of the Rome Pack of the Facebook game, Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy.

Who You Know
The Rosa in Fiore bustles with clients, most of them disgusting. Madonna Solari pushes us to mingle. Flirt. Romance. Seduce. Whatever necessary. Men of power are quick to share it for a night of fantasy. There is no shortage of coin nor hedonist in Roma and business has never been better.

Playing Nice
Filth can be hidden by shadows. Foul smells masked by stronger scents, mostly imported. Disease is … difficult. Madonna Solari is quick to dismiss any girl with symptoms, but with so many sailors playing in foreign lands, I fear we face a losing battle. Still, our work continues.
 * This one seems nice enough. He has some minor connections. We trade poetry. His teeth appear as though they wish to escape his mouth; they garble his speech and I struggle to understand him. Fortunately, he has no desire to kiss me.
 * Another partner. He wears a rash upon his chest. Inflamed, discolored scales. I turn him away. Disgusting! I am told he may retaliate, that he is a military commander. I scoff.
 * A lady of adventure! I invite her in. Women pose much less risk, though they risk much being seen with us. She is an artist. She knows at least one of the masters, though she will not reveal his name. Perhaps next time.
 * I have seen this man speak outside his church. Ristoro. An insatiable beast, making a mockery of his frock. He denies it, but we all know he serves the Borgia. I tolerate his perversions.
 * No impressive connections today, but my job requires persistence. I need only one powerful “friend” and I will be done with Madame Solari. Done with the Rosa in Fiore. I am not ungrateful. I am a fine wine served in a low class tavern.
 * No impressive connections today, but my job requires persistence. I need only one powerful “friend” and I will be done with Madame Solari. Done with the Rosa in Fiore. I am not ungrateful. I am a fine wine served in a low class tavern.

Flirting With Danger
The Jubilee has brought all types of people to Roma. Some famous. Some wealthy. We have a promising group of guests today. I put on a smile. A swagger to my step. This may be the day.
 * This one claims to be a prince. He is perfumed. His fake scent overpowers mine. He has put more time into his hair than I have. Every curl immaculate. Every whisker of his beard trimmed and ordered. Every word from his mouth groomed as well.
 * A treasure chest of an ambassador! He yearns to share his secrets and I promise him confidentiality. Golden coins begin to tumble from his mouth!
 * I entertain a banker from Firenze. I expected significant gratuity. I should have known better. Still, he has introduced me to some of his powerful companions.
 * A thick accent. I cannot place it. He has obviously travelled far for the Jubilee and he is looking to relax. I help him. He begins to share stories about his country and its views on Italia. His views are dangerous. He tells me several of Roma’s politicians agree with him.
 * An hour with a gentleman! He woos me. Dotes on me. Begins to ask me questions. I see! He plays the game as well. We trade information.
 * I have made allies today. Gained insight into Roma’s social circle. The other girls are jealous. Good. I have earned everything I have.

Payoff
Tonight I am to escort Santino, Madonna Solari’s brother. I will take one of his arms and Lucia the other. He is a dangerous man. A swindler. I complain but soon realize that no amount of protest will make any difference.
 * Santino delivers payments. Bribes. He does not speak long enough for me to learn his contacts. Who are these men?
 * Threats, now. Santino punches a man! Demands information. He gets it. Shipping routes. Slave trading?
 * I question Santino, but he responds with a slap! Lucia defends me and receives the same answer!
 * Santino tells us to wait in a courtyard and knocks on a nearby door. There is no answer. He kicks it several times, but it does not give. He fumes and swears!
 * We are sworn to silence, though we do not know what we have seen. He punctuates his threat with a flash of his dagger. I am not impressed, but Lucia weeps.
 * I am left with only the slightest comprehension of Santino’s business, which appears to be crumbling. His anger betrays his fear. His mistakes have made him enemies. He assures us his sister will hear of our cooperation and then he leaves. After he has turned the corner. I spit.

He Walked In
Santino enters the Rosa in Fiore. He wears a bruise on his cheek. A man follows behind him. Well-dressed. Hawk eyes. Noble. I recognize him at once – Cesare Borgia. Cesare studies the room, considering each girl. Our eyes lock and he smiles. He gestures me to him.
 * The Borgia are corrupt. Everyone knows it. Few speak it. I do not concern myself with morals. How could I, in this business? Besides, his charisma is intoxicating. I am immediately drawn to him.
 * He questions me about my night with Santino. I try to hide my opinions, but fail. He is skilled. He reads my face. Finally, I tell him what I suspect. He confirms it. Santino and his sister have been dabbling in trades where they are unwelcome.
 * Cesare asks about my clients. Borgia in particular. I tell him I have never heard the name before. He smiles. I pass his test.
 * I begin to undress, perhaps a bit too eager. He stops me.
 * Cesare asks me about my ambitions. He is the first.
 * Cesare explains the situation. In exchange for their lives, Madonna Solari and Santino have given Cesare the pick of one girl. Me. I will leave the Rosa in Fiore and move into luxury, merely posing as a courtesan. I accept. Not that there was a choice.