APPLe: Oh, I nearly forgot to introduce myself. My name is APPLe. I owe you my thanks, sir ...
Ezio: Ezio Auditore. But just Ezio is fine.
APPLe: Of course, Ezio. This APPLe is something of a ... visitor from far away.
Ezio nods.
Ezio: Is that so? You know, you haven't gone unnoticed, I heard word of you from my allies many months ago. They've been tracking you for some time.
APPLe: I was being followed? Blimey.
Ezio: We might have never even known you were anything but an ordinary fruit—if you hadn't started talking in your sleep.
Ezio: Leonardo has told you what's going on, yes? Is there anything you don't understand?
APPLe: Anything? Everything! These Templars, the Compliners, the frescoes ... And you for that matter!
The wind seems to carry his voice far further than it should.
APPLe: I know your friend was only stalling for time ... but he all but scared the life out of me when he came at me with that scalpel.
Ezio: There are many things that need explaining; for now, you need only know that these men are Templars, ancient enemies of the Assassins.
Ezio: The war between us has lasted a long, long time ... I fear it will never end.
APPLe: I see ... Isn't there a more peaceful way to solve this? Too often violence only treats the symptoms while letting the disease grow.
Ezio: I wish there was, but no. Too many have died to the ambition of the Templars. Even my own ...
Ezio pauses, hanging on the next word.
Ezio: Still, there is wisdom in what you say. Violence has a habit of making things worse.
Ezio: But there is a chance now to end this; to destroy them once and for all. So that no one else must suffer.
Ezio puts his right hand on his chest and bows to APPLe.
Ezio: I'm sorry we dragged you into this, Mr. APPLe.
Ezio: But we must not let the Templars get the relics, so ... we need to know where you stand.
APPLe: You and Leonardo seem to be close.
The statement confuses Ezio, who eyes APPLe looking for some glimmer of intent. Until, at last, he nods.
Ezio: Yes. We've known each other for a long time.
APPLe: Great. Then you have my full trust.
Ezio: Huh ...?
APPLe clears his throat.
APPLe: I am certain that Leonardo is a good person ... if the history books—erhm, I mean, my intuition is anything to go by.
APPLe: So, I believe that one of his close friends must also be trustworthy.
Ezio: Oh?
The Assassin smiles.
Ezio: Good to see my charm hasn't dulled. Thanks for your trust.
APPLe: Before we go, please allow this APPLe to make a request.
Ezio: Anything, friend. I am at your service.
APPLe: When I first came to Florence, I was supposed to be with some friends ... but we were separated.
APPLe: Would you help me find them? And keep them safe, if need be.
APPLe: Given the circumstances, I worry this city may become quite dangerous for them.
Ezio: No problem.
APPLe: Then I must repay your "thanks," sir.
Ezio: If we succeed here, then there is nothing I could do that will ever compare to what the world will owe you.
APPLe: This APPLe is only too happy to help.
APPLe: I'm certain the Captain would be jealous if she found out I were so sought after, but this APPLe enjoys a little attention too sometimes.
Ezio: Everyone has their moment in the sun. When the time comes, even the least of us can change the course of history.
He holds out his hand.
Ezio: So, then we are agreed? We join forces?
The evening glow witnesses an agreement between an apple and an assassin.
APPLe: Naturally!
Ezio: Leonardo will be waiting for us at his workshop. Are you ready?
APPLe: Ready for what, our visit? Oh, by jove. Perhaps I should prepare a gift first ...
Ezio walks to the edge of the scaffolding with purpose.
He crouches, looking down at the busy street beneath their perch. In that moment he looks almost like an eagle searching for prey.
Ezio: Now, are you ready to jump?
APPLe: From here? ... Down there?
APPLe: This APPLe can fly, of course, but from this height ... I doubt you would survive. I suggest we find another way.
Ezio: Why waste time?
The wind blows past their ears.
The assassin grabs the golden apple and leaps into the air with all the confidence of an eagle taking flight.
APPLe: What?!
APPLe: Noooo!!
*thud*
APPLe: cough
The air reeks of straw and soil.
They land with precision in a cart full of hay.
APPLe: This APPLe may have experienced some anoxia during our fall. I'm so dizzy ...
Ezio: Shh ...
Ezio: Quiet. Don't give our hiding spot away.
Night has fallen. The man and the fruit hidden in the hay can hear the sound of marching footsteps.
Templar Commander: O, you! You with the blue hat!
The street falls silent after that. All the people around the lady with the blue hat, including the two hiding in the hay, wait on her reply.
Vertin: Good evening ... gentlemen. Is there something wrong?
APPLe: What?!
APPLe: That voice! Hah, I have a good feeling about this.
The encounter just beyond their hay-strewn lair continues.
Templar Commander: I have never seen someone dressed like you before; where are you from? What are you doing in Firenze?
Vertin: I'm a visitor to Florence. Here's my identification ...
The soldier waves his hand impatiently.
Templar Commander: It doesn't matter. Tell me, have you seen a man in a gray hood pass by?
Vertin: ...
She glances over to the corner of the street.
Not far from view a pile of hay lies gently rustling in the night air, looking entirely and inescapably ordinary.
Vertin: Not that I know of.
Templar III: Then have you seen something ... eh, something golden ...
The soldier draws something like a circle in the air clumsily.
Vertin: ... Hmm?
Templar Commander: Come on. She's useless.
Templar Commander: Keep moving.
The clang of metal echoes around then fades away as the lively sounds of night return.
After a while, a voice rings out softly from just outside their hiding spot.
Vertin: You alright in there?
The voice hints at an unexpected reunion.
APPLe: Vertin! Oh, this APPLe is ever so glad to see you again, if only I didn't look a right mess ... Please give me a minute.
Vertin: With all the talk about a "golden apple" I had a feeling I would find you here.
Vertin: Looks like luck's in my favor this time.
Vertin: But how did you get in here? Did you jump from that tower?
APPLe: Erhm, it's a long story.
Ezio: Good evening, miss. You have my thanks for your assistance.
Ezio: Is she one of the friends you talked about, APPLe?
APPLe: That's right! This is Vertin, a most trustworthy friend and companion!
Vertin: I appreciate the compliment, Mr. APPLe. And who is this gentleman?
APPLe: This is Ezio Auditore, an assassin!
Vertin: An assassin? Really?
Ezio: Please, don't let the reputation of our name confuse you. We assassins kill only when there is a just cause.
Ezio: But maybe I can explain later. The curfew will begin soon, and I'd like to avoid any further complications with the guards.
Ezio: My friend must be worried about us already.
