[ open ] freedom hangs like heaven

[cesar]

Date & Time: anytime in September
Location: all the places
Characters: Cesare Borgia and YOU
Summary: Cesare knocks on certain people's doors or otherwise trawls the city, all formats are fine by me!
Warnings: n/a

Fortune favors not the bold, but the early bird, the night owl, the one who sleeps not. She favors those who know precisely where to aim before the enemy even rouses himself from sleep, from pleasure. It takes only one shot to make or break one's fortune, yet there is so little time and so much to learn, too many red herrings to eliminate.

Only five more years until his twenty-sixth year.

Cesare spends so little time in his room when he isn't bathing or sleeping (sadly still a necessity), usually returning home as the night sky grows brighter and leaving just before noon to start his nocturnal wanderings again. But when he is home, he keeps to himself, silent as a ghost and as absent as if he isn't there at all.

He gives training only the requisite number of hours, because strength and force will never be his advantage. This he already knows. Better that he deals in stealth and information, in learning more about this world to figure out which strings to pull if he were to secure his and his mother's freedom. The Initiative's intent to overthrow the tyrant is a fool's errand so he would lend it little assistance unless the mission keeps him in their good books or aids his eventual escape.

Otherwise Cesare can be found in the city, cloaked in black velvet with the hood drawn up to hide his face. But even his attire would easily betray him, since his vanity would not allow him to dress in rags to hide himself better, and the sword on his hips gleam too brightly against the dismal surroundings. His hand grips the hilt warily as he moves from one shop to another, seemingly in search of something. He would be careful not to reveal his intent while there is another customer in the room, pretending to browse the goods on display, unless they catch him in the middle of a discussion with the owner. Then they might overhear words such as maps and pearls and bullets being discussed.

 

Comments

[cesar]

[ To the shopowner, in case he responds with another strange turn of phrase that would show this place to be what he has been looking for. Otherwise, he would just sound like a mad man, which serves him well enough. It irks him that the shopkeeper is more intent on now watching the other customer in the room instead of replying. The terse response doesn't reveal anything new to him.

Cesare crosses his arms in front of him, seeing no point in hiding his displeasure at his interruption even above any fear of being surrounded by less-than-friendly locals. ]

But look, I have found what I want. [ He gestures to the coat he picked, turning back to the owner. ] But if my money buys me nothing here--

[deadlybanker]

"Are ye deaf? I said, we don't serve no travelers 'ere."

[The second attempt did gain the shop owner's attention but... maybe it would have been better if it had not. His gaze turned to the other traveler waving the coat around as a sharpened knife was pulled from his back pocket.]

"You lot are all the same, thing you can get what ever you wants..."

[The final footfalls echoed through the room as a group of men arrived to block the only exit from the store. ]

We're sick of the lot of you! You, the Initiative... only United Earth can give us what we wants! You won't be getting nothing 'ere but death!"

[Giovanni moved back to as close to the center of the room as was possible trying to place himself between both the angry shop owner and his group of minions. It was a shame the other traveler had become mixed up in this... Giovanni didn't even know if he could fight.]

Do you have a weapon with you, Messer? We will need to defend ourselves.

[cesar]

[ More than fear, all Cesare feels now is growing irritation at being caught out, off-guard, but it doesn't mean he's unprepared. His loyal servant has taught him well in making him always carry two knives, but fighting battles he hasn't chosen would be his last choice. Better to withdraw and regroup. Some fights are better lost in order to win the war.

Still he pushes his coat back to reveal his espada ropera, holding its hilt firmly but not yet drawing his weapon as he slowly moves backward in retreat. He glances at the other man and makes no effort to hide his annoyance. ]

Need we? Outstaying one's welcome implies we must leave.

[deadlybanker]

If you can find a way past the teppisti in the doorway then by all means, feel free to do so.

[One man at the check out counter with a knife, four at the entrance... they also appear to hold knives. Not too many then. The opponents were sized up before Giovanni spoke again. ]

I may be able to distract them so you could slip by.

[He really had no reason to wish for this innocent stranger to get caught up in the trap, though if Cesare's name were known the innocent part might be called into question again. ]

Watch for an opening you can make your escape through.

[With nothing else said on the matter Giovanni drew his own weapon, a short sword with a very nasty looking notched edge on one side.
Either way he was going to stay and fight. That backroom held too many secrets, forcibly taken from far too many innocent people, to come this far and abandon.
He kept vigilant watch on the gang as they moved closer and when one of their number moved towards the other traveler this was the man he struck he first, cutting a nasty gash in his unprotected arm and driving him further into the room in order to avoid a more serious injury. It did open a small gap one might be able to escape through if they were quick enough.]

[cesar]

[ Teppisti. Out of all things he should be observing, the Italian word is what catches his attention. Too many of them here, it seems. It almost feels like Rome.

Cesare is in no habit of playing hero. Only fools submit themselves to valiant ends when valor is only a matter of finding the best and most loyal recordkeepers. But neither is he in the habit of denying himself the pleasure of indulging his curiosity or procuring what he has come here for. He, along with his entire family, are gamblers by heart. If the reward is worth the risk. He notes the other man's fighting skill with approval, drawing his own blade to point at those blocking the pathway, standing straight and still. He tries Italian when he speaks next, a confident smirk on his lips to taunt the rest of the men. ]

There must be a reason they require so many blades to guard this place, would you not agree?

[deadlybanker]

[How refreshing it was to hear Italian. His son spoke it of course, but Ezio was one of the few Giovanni had run into who was fluent in the language. The men they faced clearly were not however, as they blinked and whispered to each other as they struggled to make sense of what had been said.
Bene. Giovanni answered his new companion in Italian as well, it was better to keep their attackers off guard. ]

A few foot soldiers to protect the master. The shop keeper is the one to really watch.

[The warning was issued just as the before mentioned shop keeper leapt over the counter and towards the nearest intruder. His attack was carefully timed to split the pair apart. ]

[cesar]

[ Cesare may be skilled enough with the sword but he is hardly practiced in real battles where an enemy is intent on more than making sure his footwork is good. The attack succeeds in making him step away from his ally, holding up his sword in surprise as if it were a shield instead.

The shop keeper indeed.

Some gambles are worth the risk. He weighs his sword for a few moments before stepping forward, seemingly intent on plunging his sword into the man's stomach though ever ready to sidestep any attacks. If nothing else, it would give Giovanni room to deal the lethal blow or take out the other men as they jerk in surprise to try and defend their master. ]

[deadlybanker]

[Cesare's blow was easily parried, but as he had expected the others moved as one to protect their boss. This was a good strategy on Cesare's part, though it did leave him to fight the shop keep alone. The others were not skilled or trained enough to avoid falling victim to the trap.

Giovanni's sword cut easily through the distracted man directly in front of him and the momentum from his swing was used to fling the dead weight of the person back against his companion. Even as the third man reeled backward, stumbling under the weight of the dead man who fell against him, the assassin pivoted, drew his short blade and sliced through the throat of the second man who had driven his way foolishly between him and the stranger who had become a temporary ally. This second man choked and fell to the ground, dead before he had even realized what he happened. Then back to the last man... Giovanni took two steps up and over a low table and came down on him from above. The short blade slipped easily between his helmet and shoulder, ending his life as quickly as the other two. The fourth fell only a moment later as he charged the man who had taken out his partners, a throwing knife making short work of him.

The shop keep was regarded as Giovanni stood over the dead bodies of his fallen allies. ]

Your men are dead, surrender now and we might show you mercy.

[cesar]

[ The shopkeeper is a worthy opponent, quick on his feet and vicious in his attacks, but Cesare knows it is often better to be more skilled in evading blows than to attack blindly. The chance will come. For now he parries best as he can, hearing the carnage happening about him yet paying it no mind. Only once his ally speaks again that the shopkeeper notes all his fallen men, standing startled at all the lifeless bodies.

A chance at last. Cesare loses no moment to press his blade now against the man's throat, a jerk is all it takes to severe a vein and cause him a fatal wound. He has little interest in mercy, but there may yet be something to be gained for their troubles. ]

Give us the key to the backroom.

[deadlybanker]

[Giovanni would have given the man a chance but with the vein already split there was little that could be done now. He did scowl and take note of the needless cruelty. If the man had been willing to surrender there would have been no need to kill him.

The key was not given up easily. Even in death the shop keeper wanted to protect his secrets, but it was in his pocket so... it was not like it was difficult to search his dead body and find it. ]

You were after the key as well?

[Why and maybe even more importantly.]

Who are you?

[cesar]

[ The lives of small men are replaceable. He wouldn't stop to mourn any who stands against him, least of all those who would wish his death without even entertaining his offer. Fools. Cesare takes the time to clean his sword thoroughly with a cloth, allowing the other man to search the body for whatever it is he seeks. The key, as well?

He chuckles with much amusement but without any pleasure. ]

And I had just wiped my blade. Must I soil it again?

[deadlybanker]

Messer, if you mean to strike at me it would be my blade in need of cleaning.

[He had no doubt of his skills and a little show of bravado never hurt. If this gentleman meant to take the key from him it would end in a fight.
Giovanni's short notched blade was sheathed while his longer sword drawn, a fitting match for the other man's blade if it came to that.]

I asked who you are? What did you come here for?

[cesar]

[ If Cesare feels any fear, he hardly shows it, sheathing his sword and sending him a warning glance before turning most of his attention to the counter. That may be where the door is hidden. ]

The key, apparently. Call me Cesare.

[deadlybanker]

[Giovanni's blade remained in his hand, but only defensively so. ]

You are one of the transports?

[And in no way connected to the smuggling ring?]

What were you hoping to find here?

[cesar]

Kidnappee is more accurate, don't you agree?

[ He hops over the counter and warily knocks on the wall behind it. Hollow. That figures. ]

Maps. Information.

[deadlybanker]

[And the keyhole was carefully disguised as a metal candle-holder, hanging on the wall just where the hollow space had been discovered.

He did agree, but instead of saying so he sheathed his blade. ]

We are after the same thing then. Have you discovered the entrance?

[cesar]

[ Cesare is searching about that place, even trying to pull at the candle-holder, which refuses to budge. He gestures for the other man to come over with the key. ]

I might have.

[deadlybanker]

[It would have been a shame to go through all the work and then not see what was behind the locked door.
Giovanni swung over the counter himself and presented the key. ]

There must be an opening for this some where.

[But it did take a little searching to find the keyhole. It was fairly well hidden. Eventually the hole was discovered and with a turn of the key the hidden door swung open.]

[cesar]

[ He takes that key from the man with a nod, squinting his eyes at that candle-holder until he finally locates the keyhole. The entrance unlocks with an audible click, though it takes some more fumbling with the wall before it swings open to reveal the damp room hidden behind it. No matter how foul the smell, Cesare only thinks to smile with achievement. Success! ]

And what do you hope to find behind this door?

[deadlybanker]

I am searching for the same things you are.

[Which was why he still felt the need to be on guard around the other man. Maps, information, especially clues about the weaknesses of either side of this conflict would prove useful. But, if this gentleman intended not to share...

The room was dark as well as damp but there was a candle sitting on a nearby shelf. This was lit as Giovanni led the way into the room. There was crate upon crate of smuggled goods. Some of the boxes were labeled with things like 'wine' and 'clothing' but most of the others only sported unidentifiable stickers, no doubt these were falsified markings to allow their entry into the prison.]

It looks like we will have to search for what we want.

[cesar]

You cannot know that if I have not told you what I seek.

[ But now Cesare's only being petulant. He gladly lets the other man to walk on ahead, even trailing behind to try and peek into one of the crates labelled wine. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. ]

Tell me what you are seeking so we can help each other.