(Florence, 1505. Home of Nicolo Machiavelli.)

    "Step forward Initiate. I have a mission for you." The austere man says, looking at a map mounted on the wall of the room.

    A young woman steps into the light of the nearby fire, pulling her hood down. "You summoned me Maestro? What would the Brotherhood have me do?" She glances at the floor, then back up as the man turns and places a pouch on the table. "My spies report something strange has occured. The Templars are already on the move, and I want you to follow them. Strange vines have appeared in various areas in Italia and beyond, reports have come in from our european covents of similar appearances. Many people have already vanished through these outcroppings; though some have returned with stories both fantastical and wonderous, cities bathed in light like the sun even at night, flying contraptions that put the works of Da Vinci to shame, and more."

    The woman nods. "You wish for me to kill the Templar agents before they can bring back these wonders?" She asks, reaching for the pouch. She comes up short when the man shakes his head. "No. You are to observe, engage with anyone who appears aligned with our cause. I feel we have become part of a much larger world than even we imagined." He then gestures to the pouch, and then makes a dismissive wave. "Go now. Safety and peace be with you my child."

    Piera nods. "Safety and peace, Maestro." She takes the pouch, and turns, stepping out of the door and leaping up out of view.