Damage control

The eldest de’Pazzi’s head wasn’t often in the clouds when she was in public, but on this especially dreary day where the winding streets of Florence felt all the more cramped with the gray ceiling of clouds weighing down the whole city, her mind had wandered a bit, absent minded fingers tugging at the ribbons tied to her dress around the wrists. She was thinking about what a countryside cottage would feel like in weather like this, far from being cramped and hot, it would just be peaceful and quiet. Was it peace she longed for or escape? Well, Karina knew the answer to that, but she wouldn’t confront that truth today. The collison brought her down to earth, and straightening her dress, Karina took his apology with a tilt of her head. “Surely one man alone cannot do that all, keep a whole city safe?”

Joseph smiled and blushed lightly. “I live but to try.” He said kindly. “ My job is to keep the citizens safe and warm through the winter. To make sure they are all healthy and the city sleeps well at night.” He admitted. “ illness and death can creep up on any of us at anytime.”

“There is not need to defend yourself before me, signore Di Margo. It will only raise anybody’s suspicion that there might be lies in the words that you speak.” Frencesca spoke, as she did a step back to look at the man she quickly recognized as the family’s physician by voice and physique. “The city is only blessed to have a man looking after them with such a great love for it’s people. - May I ask what illness you fear may spread through our beloved city’s streets?”

Joseph smiled and gave a small bow. “ M’lady, I have to be prepared for everything. After all, prevention is better than cure and I will not have any kind of plague on your house. It is my job to protect you all.” He said and stood straight and proud. “ you are like family to me.”

    -    “ Then may God help those of us whom have not experienced such a feeling and I shall pray that familial love is enough to ward off the plague. ” A nod of appreciation accompanied a gentle smile, Giulia’s gentle hand raising to took into the elbow of the doctor before her feet shifted to turn and silently suggest a change of direction. “ Actually it is you whom I wished to seek. You see I am patron of a public bathhouse for women and children, where they may bathe and play without fear and in peace, alas one woman has brought it to my attention that her son is quite unwell and I wished to ask if you would see to him… You would be paid for your time, of course. ”

Joesph listened intently to Giulia speak. “ It would be my honor to help in any way I can my lad. would you prefer I see him now or would you rather see him later once you have spoken with his mother?” He asked with a soft pat of her arm. “Either way I am at your service.”

Caterina’s smile grew gently, noting the care and attention radiating from the doctor, thinking of how rare a citizen of Florence was that seemed devoted to helping people of all stages- and potentially loyalties- in life. “No, no, good Sir, I’m not feeling any odd sensation apart from the flutters of settling in within the Albizzi home, though I could use your assistance…” She tilted her head, rubbing her lips together and hesitating before the Albizzi ward leaned in towards him, softer spoken so no passerby’s could hear. “Should you hear of any groundbreaking treatments to keep my health in top form – and, should there ever be warning of any illnesses in town, I’d appreciate your confidential insight.” 

Since leaving her family home upon her father’s death, Caterina was determined to watch her back. Find out the secrets of the family she now would be part of. Earn trust, in the right places. She smiled sweetly and batted her feline eyes. “I’m fascinated with medical developments, you see.” 

“ You have my word I shall do so, but on one condition, should you ever feel unwell, even matters of the heart or mind, please come to me, after all, that is what I am here for.” He said softly and raised a brow. “What fascinates you about them? I have had to cut up bodies that are no longer living, trust me when I say, that is not something a lady of your grace and beauty should have to endure.”

Ara had been hurrying down towards the apothecary shop which she was now already all-too-familiar with, when she heard someone suddenly call out her name. Turning her head momentarily to give a friendly greeting wave and warm smile, she then had the misfortune of accidentally colliding a little hard with someone else the moment she quickly turned around again towards her path.Staggering backwards from the impact, she then luckily managed to grasp the handle of a large wooden cart nearby just in time, thus thankfully this time around, she did not end up falling down hard on her bottom again. Quickly trying to regain her balance, composure and her breath, she then managed to wheeze out a little, offering the other a small smile, “Oh no! Please don’t apologize. It was fully my fault, thus I’m the one who should be asking for pardon, signore.” She then finally managed to breath in enough to stand up straight properly again. “Please do forgive me for not be careful enough to look properly while I was walking fast,”she smiled contritely as she apologized towards her family physician. “That’s very compassionate and enterprising of you, signore,”she smiled warmly at the other, as her brain then quickly recalled the sentences he was just saying moments ago before she started talking.

“My dear sweet lady, it was I  who was in your way.” He said gently. “ I am so concerned about the wellness of the Albizzi that I do not see past the end of my nose.” Joseph gave a light chuckle and then noticed her wheeze. “Are you ill? He asked “We should get out you out of the chill and into the house. I need to take care of you.” He said with a soft smile gracing his face.

“Signor di Margo,” Caterina bobbed a little in greeting the man she now considered as her own doctor, eyes roaming over him with her chin tilted curiously, following his hands and gaze settling on his bag. “Your ever holy pursuit of aiding others is inspiring. These changing seasons are the most mischievous, dangerous times of year indeed… I’m sure your tireless passion for such a selfless endeavor will be meeting all the more challenges.”

Brows raised slightly as she peered closer to the bag. “What sort of items do you buy? Like some sort of medical magicfolk.” She teased, stepping in closer expectantly to see what wonderous ingredients he’d purchased.

“ m’lady the only magic in this vicinity is the beauty of the ladies like yourself.  I am daily mesmerized by the beauty which surrounds me.” He said with a soft smile. “ I trust you are well on this day?” He asked as a small frown fell on his handsome face. “ Do you need me in any way?” He asked with a concerned tone. “Are you feeling cold or unwell? may I be of service to you?”

    -    “ Sickness during summer, sickness during winter… It seems a medic’s job never ceases to be of importance, you chose your path well Signore. ” Giulia greeted the familiar physician with a polite smile before her head tilted momentarily out of curiosity, attempting a glance at the purchases the man had been making. “ I might ask what we might do to prevent such a thing but who am I to assume a physician’s position? ”

“As a man f medicene i would say keep warm and safe, but as a true romantic, I suggest love. I feel love keeps the illness at bay.” Joesph bowed to the beautiful woman “ Providing you look as beautiful as you today my lady, I am a  doing my job well.” He smiled at her and put out his arm. “ may I take you to your destination? After all, it is my job to keep the  family of Albizzi safe.” His gaze was soft and gentle and his voice kind like any doctor would be. 

Vincenzo was sitting in the tavern drinking and watching the world go by around him, he was tired from helping the trainee knights all day. A job, which wasn’t for him, but kept his brother from telling him to do something instead of drinking his life away. He slid his foot off a stool and kicked it out from under the table.“ Take a seat. you seem like you have troubles. I am a man of sin, so nothing you say could shock me.” He chuckled and looked at the person in front of him.