It is espresso. [He takes a sip of his own again, considering for only a fleeting moment to ask if Ezio is alright.]

Yes a church. I have already secured substantial funds in its name. It will serve as an excellent seat from which I will be able to establish power here.



Edited 2011-09-10 03:35 am (UTC)

[His ego properly stroked, Cesare relaxes slightly. He leans his backside to the bathroom counter and sets the cup down so he may cross his arms and look, with some superiority, down at the prone man in the tub.]

I daresay I would not be surprised if I am now one of the richest men in Somarium.

[Which was a slight exaggeration but he was enjoying the attention.]

[He shrugs, looking away and feeling rather aloof.]

Simple, I asked for donations and was given them in abundance. The church is powerful, even at the far reaches of this place.

[He looks back at Ezio and gives a slight smirk.]

People have always been eager to give up their money to make themselves feel better. I won't say no to it.

[Cesare pushes off from the counter to stand straight again and takes a larger drink from the cooling coffee.]

The renovations on the building I bought go swiftly. I daresay by this weekend or next I shall be able to... service the city to some degree.

The architects here are somewhat uninspired, though of course I am doing my best. It will be, if nothing else, somewhat reminiscent of Rome.

[Cesare takes a slow drink of his espresso, eyes on Ezio in a calculating and not altogether kind manner.]

I have also made some progress with the chief Inspector of the police. Having the local guard on one's side always helps.

[It is difficult to tell just how sincere Ezio is being. Sometimes, more a gut feeling than any perceptible difference in tone on the assassin's part, Cesare has the feeling he's being mocked.

But he does love the praise and as with Micheletto, takes the borderline-sarcastic remarks in stride.

He smiles before turning his back and walking in a leisurely stride from the washroom to give Ezio room to dry and dress.]

You should come and see how the renovations are coming. You will always be welcome there, and do not worry about the police. If you are mine, then they should leave what is mine alone.

[Cesare settles himself on a chair, speaking loud enough Ezio can hear him still.]

Who is Leonardo?

[Cesare looks sharply in Ezio's direction.]

Obviously I know of Leonardo da Vinci. You did not specify which Leonardo. [It was an exceptionally common name in Italy.]

You speak as if you know the man personally? Has he done portraits for your family?

Is that so... [Very interesting. Ezio came from a better family than Cesare may have guessed. Leonardo's paintings had only gained serious notoriety in the last few years however, seventeen years ago who could guess how much Ezio's mother would have paid for such paintings.

He is lost in such thoughts a moment, looking introspective.]

Leonardo. Yes if only he were here, I would put him to very good use indeed.

From what I hear that would be quite the sum. I would have had my sister's portrait by Leonardo had my personal funds been that steep.

[He is, very obviously, quite impressed Ezio has such a prestigious friend.]

[That's right, he keeps forgetting that Ezio knew him in some fashion in his world despite Cesare never having met Ezio in his own. He knew Lucrezia then. A little flutter in his chest and he stands up quickly, eagerly even and follows Ezio. He's less the scheming tyrant now and more the proud big brother.]

You have seen my fair Lucrezia? What does she look like in your place and time, to your eyes?

[Cesare is silent and intense in his attention devoted to every word from Ezio about his love, his life, his sweet sister.]

Yes that is my darling sister. [Said slowly, thoughtfully. Cesare looks slightly troubled by Ezio's estimation of her; someone using her for ill has already happened. Like a true Borgia she persevered and in the end they got their revenge on the Sforza though.]

It is my hope she will join me here. [He brightens considerably at that, even forgetting himself and opening the door for himself. He steps outside.]

I would even have you meet her, I think she would like you.

You would protect her?

[Cesare reaches out and places his hand on Ezio's arm, looking seriously at him, questioning. His feeling toward this man increases again as it had when he saw just how talented a killer he was. To have that power on the side of his sister, would mean a great deal to him.]

Even... [And for perhaps the first time since they have met, Cesare looks not the overly confident master strategist but a loving, insecure, unsure boy.] ...even though she is Borgia?

[After this exchange of words he is silent, moving alongside Ezio deep in thought. An ally. A true ally, one who would protect Lucrezia. As much as he would like to hold power over this man, perhaps that is the greater reward for effort and time put into their relationship.

After some time he finally answers, quietly.]

Thank you.