#Cesare of Florence

[beatricecenci]

Cesare Saccaggi (Italian, 1868-1934)

Incipit Vita Nova – Dante e Beatrice

[strawberryvulture]

My Love - Florence + The Machine // The Borgias (2011-2013) // The Lovers - Rene Magritte // The Borgias: Apocalypse // Anatomy of a Hug - Luna Lu // The Borgias S1 E1 // Western Nights - Ethel Cain // The Borgias (2011-2013) // The Kiss of Death - Edvard Munch // Twisted Tongue - Matt Maeson

[ourstaturestouchtheskies]

The Vision of Saint Helena - Paolo Veronese (detail) // Judith and Holofernes - Giulio Cesare Procaccini (detail) // Interior of a Church - Henri de Braekeleer (detail) // King - Florence + the Machine

[reusedaccessoriesjewellery]

This golden collar is worn on Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon in The Tudors (2007) and later worn on Francois Arnaud as Cesare Borgia in The Borgias (2013) and worn again on David Bradley as Bardi in medici: Masters of Florence (2016)

[random-brushstrokes]

Cesare Ciani - Old Florence (n.d.)

[woodsteingirl]

reading about machiavelli and cesare borgia and one thing i read calls his idolization, i guess, of cesare “swooning”. that’s SUCH a funny thought.....

[sevengardens]

[bookliteratibookreviews]

Ritual of Fire (Cesar Aldo Book 3) by D.V Bishop

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pan; Main Market edition (15 Feb. 2024)Language ‏ : ‎ EnglishPaperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pagesISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1529096502ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1529096507 Book Blurb Florence. Summer, 1538. A night patrol finds a rich merchant hanged and set ablaze in the city’s main piazza. More than mere murder, this killing is intended to put the fear of God into Florence. Forty years earlier on this date,…

[prideandprejudice]

“Cesare Borgia was a Spanish-Italian cardinal who resigned his church office to became a military commander, powerful lord, and a leading figure in the politics of his era. The acknowledged but illegitimate son of Pope Alexander VI, Borgia was the sibling of Lucrezia, Juan and Gioffre Borgia.   Cesare was a brilliant general who lived during the period when the papacy was a both a spiritual and military power. Cesare Borgia’s actions greatly advanced the domain of the Papal States after his father became pope. Simultaneously, Cesare became a powerful political figure in his own right. His amassed titles included Duke of Valentinois and Romagna; Prince of Andria and Venafro; Count of Dyois; Lord of Piombino, Camerino, and Urbino. 

Cesare was also a brilliant military commander and a skillful statesman. He was greatly admired by Niccolò Machiavelli, who was at Borgia’s court from October 7, 1502 through January 18, 1503. During this time, Machiavelli wrote regular dispatches to his superiors in Florence, many of which have survived and are published in Machiavelli’s collected works. Machiavelli also used many of Borgia’s exploits and tactics as examples in The Prince, and advised politicians to imitate Cesare. Two episodes were particularly impressive to Machiavelli: The method by which Borgia pacified the Romagna, and his tactics leading up to the execution of his rebellious captains in Senigallia. A man of scientific rather than artistic interests.

Cesare also married Charlotte d'Albret, a sister of the king of Navarre. The couple had a daughter: Louise Borgia.

Cesare died at the siege of the Spanish town of Viana in 1507, at the age of 31.”

[teecupangel]

Starling Desmond? Those guys are wild, especially when they start mimicking machines and people talking.

They’re super pretty too. Look at that metallic shine.

Also… here’s a video of a starling mimicking a human voice, making R2D2 sounds, making kissy-kissy noises and whistling.

Desmond would definitely use it to his advantage. He has the ability to mimic a human’s voice with the memories of multiple languages.

Which means…

He can pretend to be haunting Templars.

At that point, they wouldn’t even think that a bird was the source of all those voices.

And even if they see Desmond talk, they would assume he’s possessed.

Oh.

And I suppose he can also talk to his ancestors while he’s at it. XD

Desmond might get the ‘title’ of Devil Bird from the Templars while his ancestors just call him “Desmond, the talking bird”.

I feel like, in this case, we should give Desmond a handicap. He can’t speak long sentences, only short ones. But that’s enough to converse with his ancestors and scare the shit out of the Templars.

Desmond also only speak to his ancestors when he’s sure they’re alone or with someone they trust (ex: Malik and Kadar, the Auditores, …… Achilles later on)

There’s an inhuman quality to Desmond’s voice which he milks immediately. He tells the Templars their deepest secrets (Al Mualim) or prey upon their insecurities and weaknesses (Cesare).

To his ancestors? His voice takes a higher more birdsong tune and his ancestors actually believe the ‘Devil Bird’ is another bird altogether that has the same capability as Desmond, probably corrupted by the Apple.

It took them hearing Desmond intimidate Templars using that voice to understand that, yes, it was really their adorable companion making Templars fear the unknown.

(Leonardo absolutely loves him and sketches him a lot, adding him to his works whenever possible. In the future, the Starling would be seen as Leonardo’s favorite bird and a symbol of the arts. Florence might even try to make it the national bird because of Leonardo)

[mavrisfanfics]

[Request] - Ezio x F!ChildhoodFriend!Reader - Waiting

Request: 

Fandom: Assassin’s Creed

Pairing: Ezio Auditore x F!ChildhoodFriend!Reader

Words:1246

Warnings: None, I think

Notes: I wrote this super quick because I didn’t have much time, I don’t even remember what I was trying to do here, it’s been months since I wrote and I only edit it now because I forgot to do so until now. Past few months have been draining, sorry!

She shuddered in the cold breeze. The wind whispered in the dark, coaching her to retreat back into the palace for the night, but she stood her ground.

Waiting.

The wind would, sometimes, carry to her the sound of clinking armor, and occasionally she'd see the glint of said armor peeking through the foliage of the garden, reflecting the torches the guards carried in their rounds.

She dreamt of running, of stealthily weaving through the guards in the gardens bellow and disappear into the night, forever. But she knew she couldn't do it alone.

She had to wait.

Her shoulders sagged. She clicked her nails against the balcony's rail. She sighed.

She waited.

She was running out of time. Her wedding was tomorrow. To Cesare Borgia, of all people. 

If she were anyone else, she'd be happy with this arrangement. Cesare was powerful, and so far the interactions between them had been nice. It was one of the best marriages her family could have arranged. 

But she knew about the rumors. Worst yet, she knew they were true. She knew getting into the Borgia family would be a death sentence. But she couldn't just leave on her own. 

So she waited. 

The very soft and light clink of armor right behind her pulled her from her thoughts.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, bella" Ezio's voice cut through the silence. She turned to him. He stuck to the shadows, making sure the light that bled through the window didn't give him away. She couldn't see many of his features, but she knew he was as handsome as usual. She smiled. 

"Took you long enough! I almost thought you wouldn't come." She whispered.

"You know I'd never leave you to rot here." Usually his voice carried a light, teasing, tone that put her at ease, even in the most dire of situations, but not this time. 

It brought her terrible memories of that day in Florence. It was the first time she'd hear him use that tone, when he's told her of his family's execution, that he was running away, and that he promised he'd come back for her someday. 

It was terrifying seeing him leave like that, distressed, and knowing there was nothing she could do to help her friend, lest she put her own family in danger. 

So she waited. 

And when he finally returned, he told her everything, like he always did. But unlike all those times as children, where Ezio would sneak her out of her house and out into the city to cause trouble, she couldn't join him in his mission that time. 

So, she waited some more. She waited for a more appropriate time to tell him her feelings. She waited for a time where she could have Ezio back in her life safely. 

And then she got offered to the Borgia. Because her family didn't have enough power, apparently. 

She thought nothing of it. She knew she couldn't stay single forever and it was only a matter of time until her family sent her off to marry in an arrangement that would benefit them. Sure, she heard the rumors, but she thought they were just that, rumors. 

It wasn't until Ezio found out that she realized how bad it was. The way he almost flew into a fit of rage when she nonchalantly told him who she was going to marry was terrifying, but nowhere close to the way she felt when she realized just who she was about to marry. 

Her interactions with Ceasare had been pleasant, but once she knew what hid behind the mask she couldn't help but notice the little tells in his behavior. It was hard to keep her composure, but she could smile, nod and pray. Ezio promised he'd take her far away from that madness, but they had to wait for the right time. 

So she waited. 

And now, just before her wedding day, here he was. 

As promised. "Let's get out of here, then!" She said with a smile. Ezio, however, signaled her to stop. 

"Not yet, I have a plan, but we'll need to wait for tomorrow." She glared at him, mouth wide open. "Don't worry, bella, it's a solid plan, you just need to wait a few-" 

"No!" Ezio jumped at her tone. She noticed his reaction and realized how loud she'd just been. After checking to see that no one had heard her, she continued with a lower volume, but voice just as sharp. "Ezio, I am done with waiting! I've waited for years! I waited for my best friend to return to me for years after you ran from Florence, I waited years for you to solve your stuff so I could have you back in my life again. I've waited months for you to take me out of this God forsaken marriage and away for these lunatics, and now you tell me I need to wait even more!? No! Take me out of here right now! I'm tired of waiting to be with you, damn it!" 

"... For a moment I thought that was a confession, bella." Ezio chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. She wasn’t having any of it. 

"...It was." 

Silence hung around them. Nature itself held its breath, waiting. 

"I've waited so long to tell you how much I love you, Ezio." She knew it was risky to confess like this. If he didn't feel the same, he could leave her there to rot. 

But she didn't care anymore. She didn't want to wait any longer for someone else to save her.  She'd leave on her own if she had to.  

Ezio reached out to her. He grabbed her wrist delicately, as if she was made of glass, and slowly pulled her into the shadows, into his arms. 

"Bella, you have no idea how long I waited to hear that." 

With his warmth around her, she finally relaxed, as if the weight of the world had fallen off her shoulders. She reached for him, held his face in her hands. She drowned in his eyes. Even in the dark of the night, his eyes shone like gems. 

"Take me out of here, then. Right now. I don't care if it's dangerous, if I'm leaving everything behind. I only need you, Ezio. I'll follow you to end of the world just… take me out of here." 

Ezio had no words to reply. He nodded, before leaning in and capturing her lips in the softest, yet most desperate kiss any of them ever had. 

Nature finally released its breath, content with the outcome. The cold wind shook her hair and sent a shiver down her spine, as if urging the two to get moving, to get someplace warm and, most of all, safe. 

"Let's go then, bella." 

As they ran away from the Borgia estate, she couldn't help but look back. She questioned if she should have stayed in her bedroom, in her comfortable life, one most people would kill for. But despite how warm the light looked, still bleeding into the empty balcony, it didn't feel as warm as Ezio's hand, guiding her through the darkness, towards her freedom.  

It sure didn't beat the smiles on their faces. Warm, loving, honest. Smiles she never would have seen or had, if she decided to stay. 

She held no regrets as she ran through the dark night, guided by pure happiness, one she'd waited for so long to have. 

[ourstaturestouchtheskies]

Angels Adoring the Heart of Jesus - Vincent López Portaña (detail) // Elizabeth I as a Princess - attributed to William Scrots (detail) // The Relief of Genoa by the Marquis of Santa Cruz - Antonio de Pereda (detail) // Saint Cecilia - Cesare Dandini (detail) // King - Florence + the Machine

[disasterpirate]

Top 9 people you want to get to know better

@beefsteakclub tagged me 900 years ago, thank you so much!

Favorite Color: Orange. And pink.

Currently reading: The queer principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian, a cute adventure/romance featuring a highwayman turned coffeehouse owner turned highwayman again

Last song: The Butterfly Effect - Before You Exit

Last series: if we're talking books it's the Cesare Aldo series by DV Bishop (murder mysteries set in renaissance Florence, with a gay MC, so bloody good). TV-wise i had my heart broken recently by Good Omens 2

Last movie: Asteroid City

Sweet/Savory/Spicy: Spicy! Though I do have a sweet thooth too...

Currently working on: well, I've looked at my novel (a lesbian regency espionage extravaganza) today, so that totally counts as working on it, right? Right??!

Tagging: @andrasta14 @saltybenchday @silenea @beeschaos @thefairylights @saltsprite @cheesybadgers @zwergenmaedchen @urisarang and anyone else who wants to play!

[should-have-been-at-the-club]

All brackets have been completed! A plaintext list of brackets is below the cut.

Round one will begin on Sunday, 10 March.

I plan to have all 32 brackets go out between 8 and 9 am Pacific time on Sunday, and they will run for one week.

List of brackets:

1: Hal 9000 vs Isami Ao 2: Heket vs Falin Touden 3: Kozuki Hiyori vs Kang Sae-Byeok 4: Elliot Schafer vs Squirrelstar 5: Gideon Nav vs Jane Olsen 6: Florence Vassy vs Lex Foster 7: Hamlet vs Sabriel Abhorsen 8: Tobirama Senju vs Buffy Summers 9: Jesus Christ vs Supreme Witch, Calamitas 10: Nico Robin vs Taimi 11: Mikudayo vs Winter 12: Beebee vs Tim Drake 13: K1-B0 (Kiibo) vs Cesare the Somnambulist 14: Goemon Ishikawa XIII vs Luo Binghe 15: Kira Nerys vs Rayla 16: Dovewing vs Mama Bear 17: Delia Ketchum vs Lewis Smith 18: Martha Jones vs Frostpaw 19: Kaneeka Forsyth vs Cybersix 20: Sanji vs ???/Inv/Enot/Sofanthiel 21: Marcille Donato vs Moash 22: Ophelia vs Drumbot Brian 23: Harrowhark Nonagesimus vs Ken Amada 24: Moonwatcher vs Nobara Kugisaki 25: Ianto Jones vs Tabitha Chrysanthemum Scarlet 26: Adora vs Noa Enomoto 27: Shadowsight vs Juniper Lee 28: Mary Winchester vs Shannon 29: Trafalgar D. Water Law vs Akiza Izinski 30: Uzumaki Kushina vs Lera Makarova 31: Max vs Anakin Skywalker 32: Kurumi Wendy vs Miorine Rembran

[anghraine]

Speaking of the Borgias+Florence post, my actual, unironic playlist for The Borgias feelings:

Cesare and Lucrezia's Theme | Trevor Morris

Sail Away Sweet Sister | Queen

Young and Beautiful | Lana del Rey

Numb | Marina

Gloria | U2

SOS | Rihanna

The Fallen Priest | Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé

Take Me to Church | Hozier

Bedroom Hymns | Florence + The Machine

Raise Your Glass | P!nk

Time Will Remember Us | Epic Score

Only the Good Die Young | Billy Joel

Ave Maria | perf. Luciano Pavarotti

Bed of Roses | Bon Jovi

[sevengardens]