Tuscan Tragedy (closed for Niceandbrutal)

[Niceandbrutal]

Giuseppe was too tired to give any thought as to whether the farm was deserted or not. He was just grateful that they had shelter and a reasonably dry place to stay tonight. Sleeping in the hay was a bonus, of course. He'd endured worse sleeping arrangements.

When she suggested they close to each other, however, he hesitated. She was tempting in a way he'd never experienced before. He unbuttoned his cape and spread it over her.

"I'll be fine in the hay, Signorina."

 

[Poppinbubbles]

“A-are you quite certain? will you not be cold?” a tremor of concern was in her voice, but she was so tired all she could do was accept his cape, even as she began to sink into the hay.

It didn’t take very long for her to fall into a deep and restful, and above all dreamless, sleep, curled up in the warmth of his cape. Though it was inevitable that as the night’s hours ticked away she stirred in her sleep and she was soon closely curled up next to him.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

He was cold, but he was frightened of the hold she had over him. He tried staying awake to keep watch and keep her safe. As she fell asleep his heart softened further. Despite what she'd been through, despite what he'd done to her she looked so peaceful, angelic almost.

His head started to nod and he lay down in the hay, not too far from her. His eyes grew heavy and he was unable to fight it any longer. He nodded off.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Because of how late it had been when they left the sun seemed to come up as soon as they settled in to sleep, but that was a good thing. It wouldn't be safe for them to travel in broad daylight, they could easily be spotted then.

In the shelter of the barn they would be able to sleep peacefully till they were thoroughly rested and rejuvenated.

It must have been close to noon by the time Sarafina’s silvery eyes opened to the world thanks to something pecking at her hair, she’d tried to push whatever it was away only for the thing to nip her hand making her give a startled yelp as she scrambled up, grabbing Giuseppe's arm to wake him as well.


She had thought it was one of the men, or a dog that had found their scent. But once her senses focused and she felt more awake she could see the thing she feared was little more than a curious hen.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

After his first start, Giuseppe had to laugh. He made a joke about the Hens of the Inquisition, laughing with relief and nerves. Then he became aware of her proximity to him and her silver eyes. He felt uncomfortable, yet he couldn't back away from her.

His body reminded him of more mundane matters. His stomach growled.

"Signorina, wait here. I will have a look around." He started sneaking around to see if anyone were present.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Hens were a good sign, where there were chickens there were eggs. Getting up and stretching Sarafina began to look around in the hay to see if she could find a nest, perhaps the hen had been sleeping up here, maybe there were more hens. They could have a nice breakfast if she could scrounge up a few.

But as she searched she found nothing. She needed to go down, but Guiseppe had asked her to stay up here and wait for him and, she was not about to ignore him.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

Giuseppe slowly sneaked downstairs. No-one were on the ground floor. He stalked over to the entrance and ventured a quick look outside.

Mierda! Not only were there people outside, a group of papal soldiers were approaching. As quick and silent as possible he went upstairs, signalling for Sarafina to be quiet. He went to her and said "Hide and be quiet! Papal soldiers are outside!"

As they his, they heard footsteps approaching. Then the door downstairs opened.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

She buried herself in the hay as quickly and quietly as possible by Giuseppe’s side. Papal soldiers were known to be ruthless, there was no telling what they would do were they to get their hands on the two of them. She wasn't sure if it would be worse for her as the alleged witch or for Giuseppe being that he disobeyed his orders and was now her accomplice.

It mattered little to her though, she hoped only that they would not be caught and that they could make it to Florence safely yet.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

Several voices were heard as the soldiers entered the hayloft. They milled about downstairs, talking for a couple of minutes. The words 'witch' and 'traitor' were bandied about. Then heavy feet mounted the ladder, making it creak and groan in protest.

Giuseppe had placed hay in such a way that he could observe without being observed. Three soldiers came up, their armor weighing them down. They discussed the possibility of Sarafina and him being there. They went about the search in a haphazard way, one of them being only inches from Giuseppe. He'd gripped Sarafina's hand when they ascended and he now gripped it tightly, willing her not to panic.

After ten tense minutes one of them said "I don't think even Giuseppe would be foolish enough to hide in such an obvious place. He's a wily sort of man, though his head is addled by the Dominicans."

They descended the ladder again. After a seeming eternity they heard the soldiers riding off. Giuseppe heaved a sigh of relief.