The Courtesan's Kiss

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I have taken the beginning of this story thread begun in the Red Light Lounge section of my website Blue Horizon to see if it garners any interest here and also because I love my character so much I'd like to see where this story goes if done with another set of writers to work with. Enjoy...


I would like to write a thread about a Venetian Courtesan during the Renaissance. I am writing this story in the Red Light Lounge only because, due to it's subject matter, it may occasionally take a turn for a more sexual nature however I would like this to be well thought out and well written and have a plot. This is not a thread for simple rutting and my courtesans are not just plain whores...


http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/AngeliaAvrielle/titian_venus_urbinom.jpg


This will take place in the household of Giavanna Laspetziana. She is the top courtesan of her area of Venice, quickly rising in infamy to be the best of them all. She's twenty-six and has been working in her field for nearly ten years. Her beauty is unmatched and her talent for music, dance, art and witty conversation, and her charms are only outbested by her sharp talented tongue in debate and her ease around all types of men.

Those who do not bask in her loveliness wish they could afford to and her servants are loyal not only because of her wealth and nearness to powerful men but also because of her kindness and loyalty to them in return. She is as kind as a shrewd-minded business-woman can be. It is known in these circles that she is the Cardinal Paulini 's courtesan, and has been seen on the arm of Franco Di Mezzio (the wealthiest merchant in Venice) as well, so she is highly reguarded even in the highest of society and her household is equipped to service even the most lavish festivities for the wealthiest guests at a moment's notice. Nothing but the best for the Laspetziana household!

The Lady Giavanna has a cook trained at the best culinary institute in Europe, Eduardo Ruggerio. She is looked after by two maids, Lucia and her teenaged daughter, Alessa, who 'The Lady' is training in her profession.... As, the girl is a handsome young maiden with pretty dark looks which contrast well with her own lighter hair and fair complexion and Alessa 's mother has begged for her child to be spared a lifetime of cleaning up after others. Giavanna took the girl on as an apprentice out of loyalty to the maid who helped her mother raise her and in the hopes of one day retiring on the remains of her own fortune and some profit from the girl's as well, Giavanna is kind but not stupid in the least. Her mother, Lady Victoria, also lives in this household, a retired courtesan who taught her daughter all she knew and watched in amazement as Giavanna surpassed even her own dreams for glory.

The dwarf, Ricardo, keeps the ladies company, entertaining them and their guests with comedy and juggling tricks and providing counsel and massage when needed. There are also hired musicians, jewelers and clothiers often about and there is always a visitor or party of visitors coming or going from their Venetian palace.

I will be writing for Giavanna Laspetziana. Green eyed, golden haired, flawless skin...a rare and precious beauty.

PM me if interested in a role in this thread.

 

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[Starsailor2804]

There was very little that Franco Di Mezzio wanted that he could not have. As easily the richest merchant in all of Venice with his merchant ships in the hundreds, Franco was responsible for nearly all trade that came into Venice and then made its way throughout the kingdoms to the north throughout the entire continent. He had inherited the empire from his late father who had died, mysteriously, when Franco reached his 23rd birthday. Over the last six years Franco had turned a small empire into the large merchant empire it was today, stretching all the way to Alexandria and reaching all ports of the Mediterranean.

Now at twenty-nine, widowed, with a six year old son taken care of by his army of servants back at his enormous estate in a nearby villa, and his merchant empire pretty much run by assistants, Franco had plenty of time to dwelve into Venice politics and taste in the fine courtisans of the city. Over the last few weeks Franco had been so honored to have met and accompanied Giavanna Laspetziana to many gatherings of the social elites, to have debated over political issues of the day, and to have enjoyed the beautiful gardens of the city. Their relationship as of now was much more of friendship between educated and intelligent minds, but flirtacious tones were always underlying everything discussed.

A light touch of her hand upon his own had said so much as had a kiss she had given him once upon his cheek. Life such as this was much different than it had been with his late wife, which was a marriage of childhood love, passion, and partnership rather than a enjoyment in similiar interests, intelligence, and debate. Although he had been pursued by many other fine courtisans and noble women who sought his hand at request of their fathers, Franco had denied them all, besides for a taste ever so often. He had been pursued far much more for not only did his richest compete with those of Emperor and Kings of the world, but he was also as handsome as the most beautiful of male courtisans.

With fine dark brown hair that is cut by the best the city has to offer and intense brown eyes that can catch anyones eyes, Franco has no problem drawing women in or men as well for that matter. Lately Franco has also kept a light full beard that was always groomed, and wore clothes of silk from the east that hung very light to his body allowing much of his upper chest to be exposed. Unlike the male courtisans Franco was not very well built, but he maintained his weight well and had not gut, which most of the social elites and merchants he dealt with could not show for themself. His skin was as soft as a courtisan woman for it was treated with the best oils for he wished to keep his youth and beauty for as long as he could.

Though he thought very highly of himself he was not as arrogant and rude to the general populace as most. A friend to the late Machiavelli and other brilliant thinkers of his time Franco thought highly of a subdued, but well treated populace by a benevolent leader.

Today he found himself walking among the streets only adorned by the richest and most powerful of the area. With his hands clasped behind his back he walked slowly looking ahead, always in thoughts, his mind was something he did not let ever go to waste.

 

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It was just after breakfast time and Giavanna was bathing in scented bathwater, preparing for her day with the help of her maid, Lucia, Alessa always nearby for tutorials or sometimes to assist in the primping of the Lady of the household before getting advised on how to primp herself. It was a warm spring day, the scent of summer was now in the air, travelling across the water city one could easily have mistaken this April morning for a day in June, it was that lovely. The sunshine and her day's appointments had Lady Giavanna in high spirits and she sang and joked around with her ladies as she bathed. The Cardinal, HER Cardinal was in town and that only meant one thing for her, a week of operas, fine parties, expensive gifts and a house full of admirers, drink, song and good conversation. The whole house was buzzing in await of his arrival for every one of his visits always leaves it's mark for weeks, sometimes months to come afterward.

Ricardo was busying himself by checking on the preparations for lunch and dinner and talking about the newest town gossip with Eduardo, the cook. Eduardo had been in town that morning to get some fresh vegetables and fruits to accompany the day's upcoming meals and had been talking with the vendor, Tiziano's wife, Maria who was the biggest gossip in the province. Apparently a local politician's young daughter would soon be going away to the convent. But, the back-story, according to Maria, was that the reason for this girl's new turn for the holy had more to do with an unwanted acquaintance to a penniless local artist than any calling from her maker.

When Eduardo passed this juicy tidbit along Ricardo laughed, deep and full. For a man of his small stature he more than made up for it in personality and presence. He was pretty proud of some of his other better than than full sized endowments as well which more than made up for his short legs and arms. He found himself as a jack of all trades. His main duties were to keep his employer happy and wealthy. The details of how it happened varied from moment to moment. Sometimes he was her banker, her counsel, her management and at other times he was the entertainment, a buffoon for the pleasure of Giavanna and her patrons, a juggler, magician, clown...poet, masseuse...Ricardo did whatever she asked him to do as much out of adoration and loyalty as for the living it allowed him to have.

Ricardo made his way up the stairs of the house on his hands and feet much like a puppy since it was just easier to do it that way when he was in a hurry. He had to pass along the news as, likely, the father of the unfortunate new addition to the church was to be included in tonight's dinner-party.

Giavanna barely looked up as the door to her room was opened and she saw Ricardo waddling in. He was the only man in the household who was allowed access to her private chambers without express permission or invitation simply because she valued his company and felt no shame before him. He knew his place. He had no chance with her in that way and so he never bothered to try which made it easier for them to be comfortable with one another. Ricardo's cat-that-ate-the-canary smile told volumes as he took a seat and waited for his lady friend to finish bathing and dressing.

"My Lady, I have interesting gossip over Laticia Barelli, the beautiful young daughter of our city's own Guisseppe Barelli, on he local counsel and in the favor of our esteemed pope...it seems she is suddenly bound for the convent."

Giavanna grins at him in her dazzling way as if this were a bit of treasure her dwarf friend offered to her and not just a tidbit of gossip. But, she who knew what drove the libidos, and hearts of men also knew the artifice of young love, especially the inappropriate sort, and she could recognize the scent of scandal from a mile away. "Let me guess, my Ricardo, is it an artist, a poet or just some penniless water rat which has our lovely little Laticia being packed off for the nunnery?" she asked to the amused laughter of all in the room.

"Very perceptive, m'lady." said Ricardo, "Her father disapproves of her love affair with a local painter, some young, moony-eyed unknown. But, perhaps...if we run into him later this knowledge might do us some good since it is not yet widely known and he is trying so hard to succeed in damage control."

"Blaickmail, Ricardo? Are our accounts so low that we must now stroke at conspiracy in addition to pricks?" she asked, already mounting the stairs to head into the parlor to await her guest for dinner.

"No, of course not, Giavanna. But, it might help...perhaps if I make a trip into town and... accidentally cross his path before the more public party of ours...I am eager to see how much clout this knowledge could shake from him." grinned Ricardo devilishly.

Giavanna shrugged, "Do whatever you like, just be back before dinner is on the table. You know how much our Cardinal loves to tease you before he eats."

With a bow of promise Ricardo set off into the center, preferring to walk instead of taking the great boat. It was always more comfortable for him to at least pretend he was on dry land and not surrounded by so much terrifying rotten water.

As he made his way past the cathederal where Barelli was infamous for going to confession at the end of each work day (usually right before heading off to work on his next day's confession fodder by rutting some courtesan before heading back to his fat gold-digger wife and his large family); but on his way Ricardo spotted a familiar face in the crowd, even more important than blackmailing a city official was kissing this man's backside.

Deciding to table his pursuit of the official for another time he instead waved to Franco Di Mezzio, the wealthiest man in Venice and someone his Lady hoped to get into her account books and bed as soon as possible. "Well, hello, Seniore Di Mezzio. We met at the opera the other evening, and at the feest del San Marco, remember? I work for Lady Giavanna Laspetziana. Remember me?"

 

[Starsailor2804]

Thinking of great things such as politics to as simple of things as poetry and nature, which at times were much more larger and important than politics, Franco did not even notice the little employee of the beautiful Giavanna approaching. Calling him employee or anything of the sort was much of an understatement for he was so much more to her than that, it was an easy assessment for him to make. Lowering his hands to his side as he came to a halt as Ricardo greeted him Franco nodded and smiled. "Good day, Ricardo I believe it was, correct?" Sure to get a quick assurrance that he was indeed correct and a likely compliment of his wisdom or such for remembering, Franco continued.

"Of course, I remember both events, that opera was sure among the best I have seen in my time in Venice. Of course, the company of Lady Giavanna made it all the more enjoyable," Franco said with a sly smile. He did not want to come off as being too enamored by her, but he knew the little man had already come to such conclusions. Franco knew he was so good and so trusted of a friend of Giavanna's because of his skills in so many aspects, the perceptions of others feelings being key. "How is Lady Giavanna? Is she at her residence right now that I may come by and say hello?" Franco knew things did not go like that and he knew the lady's profession, he was no stooge. But, unlike most, Franco had grand advantages as being the richest man in Venice.

He knew alot about others who came to her as well, and Cardinal Paulini was among her best, and prime client who had her ear and bed before all others. Franco wanted to change that soon enough, the Cardinal was not only older than he, but surely not as handsome and rich, though far more powerful...right now. All Franco's current aspirations, especially in the political aspect, revolved around him surpassing the Cardinal in power and having all that Giavanni would want and making the Cardinal obsolete. He was sure the Cardinal had the same thoughts about him as well, a woman had launched a thousand ships, it could surely lead to war between him and the Cardinal as well.

 

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Ricardo shrugged and made a face that showed what a pity he truly felt it was to tell Di Mezzio no. "Well, you know, My Lady is a very busy woman and we are often booked up most evenings. I'm sure you are aware of a dear friend of her's arrival from Rome yesterday evening? He has made sure to book Lady Giavanna's company both tonight, and tomorrow evening..." He didn't want to lose any possibility for interest from such a largely wealthy and powerful bidder, if he was bidding...

"...but, tomorrow afternoon, we shall be at holy mass together and planned on lunching someplace in town...do you know of anyplace fine enough for my Lady's pallette? Perhaps if you join us after church we could broker an agreement for company on another evening." suggested Ricardo, hoping that would do and that the man would not feel he was being put in second place by Giavanna and perhaps risk never seeing him to her bed and their account ledgers.

 

[Starsailor2804]

At times Franco felt himself getting extremely jealous as he reminded himself that Giavanni was a courtesan and there were other men, not only that, but the other men had be able to partake in her flesh as well. That wasn't all that he wanted from her, that was far from the truth, but he hated the fact that she had been used by others. Had it been any other courtesan he would have no thought once about this, but it was different with her. She was the most beautiful, intelligent, and overall best courtesan of the city. And, it was her ability to hook guys like him that made her the most pursued courtesan as well. Granted, she wasn't the only one he currently pursued and in fact had been enjoying the bed of other courtesans, including the one Giavanni would consider her biggest rival. If only Giavanni knew how much he had been filling her pocketbook.

He nodded, he knew the Cardinal had arrived, and with it he knew his time with Giavanni would be limited. Worse of all, he did not like being second best. "I have never been second best in anything, and it disappoints me that this is the case here as well," Franco said as he folded his arms, obviously showing he was angry. "I had believed that my interest would have outweighed the pursuits of any others, afterall I do have the largest fleet of the Mediterranean that reaches as far as Alexandria," he said, propping up his wealth and power as well. He used such stuff in only times of the greatest need, it was afterall what had brought his first meeting with Giavanni in the first place.

"However, lunch shall be fine...I would like to accompany my Lady after mass to the Cipriani, the finest dining that the city has to offer of course. Where such other matters can be discussed as well, and my accounts opening wider than ever and greater than any other," Franco said with a great sense of seriousness and anger in it as well. When he did not get what he wanted he was truly a dangerous man, and few knew that. Of course, any man who was rich and powerful was dangerous if crossed. With a smile Franco nodded, "Good day," he said and then walked off down the path, not finding himself alone for too long as one of the much younger and nubile courtesans came up alongside him.

 

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Riccardo stood for a moment watching the merchant stalk off and flapping his jaw ineffectually to call after him. Finally, he ran home on his short legs, as fast as they would carry him. He had to tell Giavanna about this change in the game and that the wealthy merchant they had been hoping to hook was now not only interested but jealous of her time spent with the cardinal. How would they handle this?

 

[Starsailor2804]

With a young nubile courtesan at his side Franco's mood was much higher than it had been a moment ago. He had talked with this one before and had shared everything but her bed, if only Giavanni knew had much his pocketbooks had been open to her. Smiling as she hung close to his side and slipped her hand under his shirt without care for those who saw it was not long before she dragged him off in between the houses. Giavanni was not even a thought anymore as the young courtesan's small perky breats pressed against his chest.

Exchanging light kisses with her and laughs as well as overly flirty comments Franco knew that Ricardo had rushed back to his ladies home with as much speed as someone of his size could. With one more kiss on the young courtesan's cheek Franco promised her to come to her that evening and walked from the alley, re-adjusted his clothes, and headed down the road once again. How one was suppose to return to thoughts of politics and poetry now he did not know, but despite his last encounter, thoughts of Giavanni still plagued his mind.

 

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Ricardo returned home to the succulent scents of dinner on the table and the sweet, high voice of his mistress, likely paying one more slithering compliment to their first big Venetian patron...

"...Ah, but Paulini is much wiser than many holy men in that regard, is that not right, Antonio?" she said, countering Cappello's poetic insult and attempt at theological debate, bordering on pollitical hearesy. Giavanna was very good at tempering even the most venemous arguements and re-tooling them to sound playful, even when the person who's principals are in question had heard the original insult in the first place.

Cardinal Antonio Paulini sat for a moment frozen between indignant pride and the needs of his prick...after one smile from Lady Giavanna the needs of his prick won the battle and his fat face split with laughter. Soon the whole room full of guests erupted in laughter.

Ricardo picked his entrance into the dining hall for that moment. Timing his stride so he looked niether hurried nor worried about a thing, both were contrarty to truth. Smiling up at the guests of the cardinal and his Lady as he walked, making a little small-talk or a face of mirth in between, he found his Lady seated on the settee beside the enormous menace of velvet and incense they called their cardinal as they waited for dinner to be announced.
"Oh, good, Ricardo, I was worried you'd gotten picked up by some large bird and dropped head first into some dredged up canal." taunted the cardinal. Never finding it beneath him to insult the dwarf once or twice upon every visit.

Ricardo smiled up at him in false friendliness, "Cardinal Paulini, your trip to Rome was good, I hope?"

"Of course, of course. The Pope depends on me so, you see...but there's nothing like returning to the bosom of my motherland, Venice, she is as close to Eden as anywhere I've ever been."

"... Yes, and not the only bosom calling you home every time, eh?" joked Ricardo with a flourish of his hand that indicated the swelled mounds of milky flesh just barely visable beneath his Lady's shawl and as both he and Paulini took a moment to admire and imagine the womans breasts through her clothes all three of them had a good laugh at this joke. "M'Lady, there is a small...financial matter I need to speak with you over, just a moment of your time, if you will." he said, his eyes bespoke the more seriousness of the matter clearly enough that she extruded her hand from Paulini's grasp and apologized, "I'm so sorry, Antonio. I'll just be a moment. Perhaps the musicians can play one eof their new songs for you while you wait." she said, clappingn for the musicians to begin a tune and rising from the settee to follow Ricardo to a place where they could better speak in private.

"If it's a financial problem you can charge me double for tonight and I will gladly work Giavanna extra hard this evening!" called the Cardinal in his attempt at a crude joke. All of his cronies laughed politely.

Ricardo paid the joke little mind as they rounded the corner to his study. Although now that the offer was made he intended indeed to charge double for tonight. "M'Lady, I ran into Franco Di Mezzio in town today...he requested an audience with you tonight and, of course had to turn him down, trying to set up another appointment as soon as an opening appeared, two nights from now...but he was angered by it...He knows you are seeing the cardinal these next two evenings and is insulted by being placed second after him. I don't think he realizes that the cardinal bade for your time first and that is simply how it goes. I made a date for lunch tomorrow, I think you will have far to go to soothe his wounded ego, M'Lady but once you have...I believe that big fish may be in the net!"

"Oh, Ricardo! It's so wonderful to know we may have an opportunity to take him on as a client but now I fear we have injured his pride before we've even begun. I hate starting out from behind. I'll have to think of something special to ge back in his good graces again." she said, her mind already problem solving even as she and Ricardo moved back into the dining-room with the rest of the party to start on dinner.

 

[Starsailor2804]

From his dining table Franco sat with his son across from him eating the finest meal from the finest cook to grace Venice at the time. The man was not cheap for he had asked for double what offered as he had planned to open his own restaurant, but Franco had not hesitated to pay for it. He was also turning his son to grow into a fine gentleman like himself, the boy ate like a noble, and not only that but he was well mannered and dressed, not one piece of food ruined his clothes. The boy was only six, but acted so much older and at times Franco realized that he had turned his son into a a boy who would grow older and bitter with him for denying him the joys of youth.

Like father like son, it was how Franco had been raised, and what had led to his father's untimely death. It was not something he wanted to be repeated. Smiling as his son said he had finished his meal and asked to be excused to return to his studies Franco rose from his chair and walked over and placed his hand on the hand of his son. It was the first time he had actually had physical touch with him in a very long time. The boy's eyes lit up as he looked up at his father and Franco smiled as well. "How about we go for a walk of the city Alexander?" Hesitating at first the boy slowly smiled and nodded with much enthusiasm.

Walking out the front door of his estate with his hands clasped behind his back he looked over to see that little Alexander had copied him and was copying everything he did. "Alex," France said, as Alex looked at him oddly for never had he called him that before, "How about you and I take a trip to Alexandria later this year? Would you like that?" Alex smiled and looked up at his father with great delight and shook his head, though his speech remained so refined. "I would enjoy that very much father." Both smiled as they continued down the road and entered the park that was lit up this night as boys and girls of the wealthier class of the city played together as their parents sat around and discussed various things for entertainment.

"Run along and play with the others," Franco said as he looked down at his son who looked as he had been told something he did not understand. However, his child-like instinct soon broke through and he ran off to play with the other children. Playing tag and other games that youth could play until they passed out due to exhaustion. Sitting upon a bench alone Franco watch his son as he played, enjoying the laughter and smiles on his son's face as he played with the other boys and girls of his age.

 

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Knowing they had such an important lunch date after church made Giavanna more bossy than usual in her morning's preparations. It wasn't that she was really as annoyed with her personal puppy-dog, Alessa's constant following and questions, it was just that she was nervous about making a good impression upon Marco Di Mezzio now that he had shown more than a passing interest in taking her on as a courtesan so she was trying to do as much as she could do to improve her already ravishing good looks. For, beauty is such a frail thing that never seems as perfect to the wearer as to the observer and one flaw of Lady Giavanna's was to always be worrying about her hair, or the cut of her dress, or the color of her cheek beneath a confident smile and a witty banter. She also wanted some time before the looking-glass to practice her expressions. It was all like a dance, foor a good courtesan, every movent, no matter how casual, was practiced thousands of times to be as flattering to her appearance as possible and every emotion must be fakeable even down to the look in one's eyes so that even when she is loathe to spend another second with a man she always appears to be serine and ladylike, or fun, sensual, to be appearing to be thinking whatever her companion wanted her to be thinking at that moment. It took practice even despite her years of experience and uncommon talent.

Her mother was also nearby to remind her of these things, one more person to increase her nervous annoyance. The older woman, still quite a beauty despite her forty-odd years, sat in the bedroom of her daughter passing judgement on every outfit tried on and scolded Alessa a few times for getting underfoot when the two of them had serious business to attend to.

Ricardo tried to stay out of it. This part of a courtesan's life bored him and he usually spent the time she took preparing for an outing with his abacus, checking the accounts, or out in the garden with the dogs. He was now waiting by the boat dock, chasing one of the small papillion's back into the gated area of their property as Giavanna appeared, ready to go, finally. She sailed toward the boaot in a mauve and sea-green gown that flared out and flattered her small waist and green eyes wonderfully. Her hair was not hidden beneath her shawl but left with some curls in the back and framing her face down around her face and shoulders and the rest in intricate silver hairpins and combs upon her head. Her shawl, wrapped around her shoulders to hide the ample bosom pushed up to tease...if it weren't for the colors and the generous rise of flesh (though covered easily enough when the shawl was worn properly) she would have appeared an innocent angel on her way to church and no one would have guess that this fine lady was anything more than a lady...she looked nothing like a whore, just an uncommonly beautiful woman.

However, her infamy preceeds her everywhere she goes and that means that despite her appearance of propriety when out of doors people still stopped to look at her. She carried herself with such poise, such command, people knew she was someone important and the look in her eyes could stop a man's heart at thirty paces if she wished to catch anyone's eye.

Mass was boring, of course, but it was the best place to see and be seen and just after mass everyone gathered in the square and chatted and eye-balled one another. It was like a parade of fashion and flirtation. This was mostly how courtsans as well as mother's with daughters of marrying age, advertised their availability.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Unlike most who believed that mass was a chore Franco's heart felt revived every time he entered the church and every time he left as well. Granted he had many sins to be forgiven of and thus tried to be as devout as possible in church, but he also deeply believed in his faith. He tried to carry a good moral life to the world outside of the church, but he was weak and vulnerable to sin, he knew it as well as others with a conscience and deep faith. Oh well, he would be judged when his time came, he had best raise his son the best that he could to show he had done at least one good thing in this world.

Looking down at his son he smiled as he held the young boy's hand. Much had changed between them even after one night doing something fun, actually allowing young Alex to be a child. Walking down the cobbled streets from the church Franco was immediately stopped by Duke Florenti who had his way too young daughter by his side. This wasn't the first time that the Duke had stopped him with her nearby. Thing was, the Duke had no heirs, and because of this he had gotten ridiculous with trying to marry off his daughters to any rich and powerful man. Franco actually felt bad for the teenage girl who he knew was going to be married to a much older man, for he did hate to see such innocence spoiled. She would be a very beautiful woman, but she had not even lost all her baby fat yet. Truly it sickened him.

After a few words Franco leaned closer to the Duke, to his ear. "I will not marry your daughter, and I had better not see her married till at least four more years pass. Take that as you want, but know my criticism is not the first, many have spoken about your self-indulging mission." Pulling back Franco nodded and look at the young woman, who would indeed in the future make a very good wife for she had a good heart he could tell. Smiling he nodded her way and said his goodbyes before walking off. Feeling much better about himself Franco had not seen Giavanni nor had he looked for her either. He was tired of being the one to pursue for it was he who wielded the power and wealth here. Plus, he was enjoying the company of his son much more.

Okay, it was all a sick lie he kept telling himself, but if she could play games so would he. Thoughts of her never left his mind, they occupied them at all hours of the day.

 

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Giavanna saw him from acrorss the square and their eyes locked and she smiled warmly his way but then he hooded his eyes and turned away to talk with a few officials. His son was with him, a beautiful boy with a serious but angelic face. The boy spotted Ricardo and when Ricardo waved he ran over to them.

Ricardo had always been very good with children. He performed a magic trick for the boy and appeared to pull a small, carved wooden lion from the child's ear. Ricardo must have whittled it while he was waiting out in the garden. The boy was pleased and laughed and clapped, thanking Ricardo with the most politeness Giavanna had ever seen in one so young.

He turned to show his father the prize won from his own ear and that was how Giavanna saw fit to approach the man who had asked for her company and then played coy when she indeed came. Now standing before him she smiled charmingly, "Seniore Di Mezzio, this little man is your son? I'm proud that I have had the honor of meeting him." she said. "So, Ricardo tells me you know of some great places to lunch here in the city?" she asked.

 

[Starsailor2804]

As Ricardo approached Franco smiled and watched as the man entertained his son who seemed very enthused by the little present he had received after it 'magically' appeared from behind his ear. As son looked up to his father Franco looked down with a wide smile and patted young Alex on the head with delight. He was glad that Ricardo had brought such enjoyment to his son. Noticing Giavanna approach he looked up at her with the same smile, though seeing her installed so many not so innocent thoughts. Her beauty captivating as always.

"Yes, this is Alexander, my son. Alex, introduce yourself to Giavanna," he said and Alex bowed politely. "It is my pleasure Lady Giavanna, I would like to introduce myself as Alexander Di Mezzio, proud son of a wonderful father and proud member of my family." Anyone who would hear this from such a young boy would be shocked for it was far beyond someone so young to speak with such eloquence. Father had taught him well and laughed as Alex finished. Placing his hand on his sons head he pulled him against his leg to show his happiness that his son was such an impressive youth.

On to real matters at hand Franco nodded, "Yes, I would be honored if you would join me for lunch at Cipriani's restaurant, with an outdoor sitting area for its patrons to dine outside when the weather is as nice as it is today. I hope you don't mind, but my son shall be joining us," he said, looking at his son with a smile. "Would you grant me the honor of joining me and my son then for lunch?" He was playing with her, and hoped to take her out of her element by dealing with him while his son was present. She would have to impress Franco as much as she would have to keep Alexander happy, but without pushing flirtation too far to make it inappropriate for such a young child to be around.

Granted, Franco knew that's why Ricardo would not be too far away.

 

[slippedhalo]

A look passed between Ricardo and Lady Giavanna and then she turned her intense green eyes in Franco's direction again and nodded demurely, "Indeed, Senore Di Mezzo, it is I who shall be honored to join you both. Thank you very much." she said, as he turned to offer her his arm and she took it, her touch light and formal in the presence of onlookers and the child. She walked alongside him, letting him lead her as Alexander walked a few paces in step with the pair and then ended up falling behind a few steps in order to discuss jungle creatures such as lions and tigers with his new friend, Ricardo. He was curious if Ricardo had ever seen a real lion as he had in a circus once when on a trip with his father.

"It truly is a lovely spring day today, isn't it?" asked Giavanna as they walked along the city street, arm in arm. "This must be very promising for trade as well." she guessed.

 

[Starsailor2804]

With her on his arm and close by his side Franco did not concern himself much with Alexander once his son dropped back to chat with Ricardo. The boy was much more amused chatting with him than walking with Franco and Giavanna. Her scent was intoxicating as usual, the perfume was different than he had smelled before, and he liked this one so much more. It was not in question that Ricardo had told her of his encounter for she was with him, but Giavanna had taken extra steps to impress him as well. His anger and jealousy worked in getting what he wanted.

"Oh yes, it is a very lovely spring day, but it would not be as lovely without you here by my side," he said, the flirtation nothing out of the normal though his hand slid lightly over her own. "Everyday is good for trade for me, my ships never stop and my empire so large that they can avoid any danger the sea may throw at them. My wealth could fill the sea." He was boasted and highly exaggerating, but it was true in one way, he was incredibly wealthy. He made most of the wealthy look poor when their assets were placed up alongside his own.

As they finally arrived at the restaurant Franco guided Giavanna to a seat and assisted her before taking his place next to her as Alexander sat across from them. The young boy smiled as he saw his father with this woman, even if it had only been a short time ago that his own mother had died. Waving over one of the restaurants waiters Franco directed him to take the ladies' order before taking his own.

 

[slippedhalo]

"Could you please tell me, what is your lightest meal?" she asked.

The server explained the various specialties of the house and what was best served together or apart. She conversed with the help over various combinations of main course and wines until finally settling on a new pheasant dish the cook was just now preparing. Along with that came several courses of fish, vegetable and broth concoctions, many of which were still new to this part of Italy. She welcomed the novelty.

 

[Starsailor2804]

With Giavanna's order Henry doubled it and Alexander chose some chicken and vegetables to munch on. He wasn't all that hungry but knew that it would be impolite to order something. With all their orders placed the finest wine that money could buy was brought out to the table and served to them both, while a light drink of some juice was brought for Alex. Smiling Franco raised the glass to his lips and took a light sip of the wine, tasting it, before taking a much fuller drink.

Enjoying in its taste he smiled and sat back in his chair, not making any moves on Giavanna for that was her job. If she wanted to sit closer or be touchy so be it, but Franco was purely relaxed as Alex seemed to be interested in everything around them. His mind and eyes were elsewhere as usual. The boy was a genius and would be a great heir to him, he had no doubt Alex in the future would be able to take the business over for him. Those were the days to look forward to, when he was older and more wise, his son running the business and grandchildren for him to spend his days with.

 

[slippedhalo]

Giavanna watched Franco's face as he mused, lost in his own thoughts. She smiled and touched his hand lightly, her eyes asking him what was on his mind without her lips ever parting from their smile his way. She was not going to be too public with her affections, that was not her style. The less classy courtesans, the ones who often got mistaken for common whores, made such bold moves in public. Giavanna's wild side came out in private. That's the way so many nobility like it done; publicly a perfect lady with just a teasing hint of what's to come, privately as brash as any whore but with more wit and skill...that was Giavanna's way with men. He'd have to be with her behind closed doors before she would be all over him. Instead, she kept her hand massaging his on the table as she discussed the finer points of new children's literature with young Alex who apparently was learning to read and already had a few favorite authors. He was such an adorable child.

 

[caela]

Alessa

Name: Alessa
Age: 18
Appearance: Dark where Giavanna is light her hair falls to her waist in midnight waves and she looks out of the world through eyes the dark brown, nearly black, of melted chocolate. Her skin is soft with a slightly honeyed hue that speaks of something at least mildly exotic in her lineage. Standing at 5'7 she carries herself with confidence and it is clear that under her gowns is a body both soft and fit with high firm breasts, a narrow waist, gently flared hips and a heart shaped bottom.
Bio: The daughter of Giavanna's maid she has grown up in the courtesan's household always knowing that it was her mother's wish that Giavanna train her so that she might never have to be a maid herself. Being a good and loving daughter, and well aware of the realities of the world she lived in, she never questioned her mothers dreams for her but simply took them as her own.

Her reasons for it however weren't entirely out of daughterly affection. She saw how well Giavanna lived and wanted such a life for herself. She didn't aspire to Giavanna's greatness or fame, but to be even half so comfortable would suit Alessa very well and she knew if Giavanna trained her she would have been trained by the best Venice had to offer.

* * *

Alessa sighed softly as her Mistress left the house for Mass. How she wished that she too could go out on her own whims! Being a courtesans apprentice however was no easy thing and when she wasn't taking lessons directly from Giavanna there was much studying and work to be done. Lessons in politics, history, geography, mathematics, art, reading, penmanship and music. And then of course she was expected to spend hours before a mirror as well, practicing her facial expressions.

She was learning and her eagerness botf for freedom and simply to learn in and of itself helped her to learn all the faster. The facial expressions were the hardest, she was young after all and hadn't yet learned the fine control of her emotions that Giavanna had and so controlling her face was difficult when her emotions ran high. Even that she was gradually learning however in eager anticipation of the day that her Mistress would finally announce that she had taken an apprentice.

Until that announcement she was confined to the house, and her studies, bound to be nothing more than rumor and hearsay.

Shaking her head to clear her mind of such morbid thoughts she locked the doors and made her way into the library. Her mathematics tutor had set her problems to solve and would be cross with her if they weren't done upon his return in a few days. It was her least favorite subject and thus it was the one she had to work the hardest in because it didn't come easily to her but it was also the one that gave her the most satisfaction because of the work she had to put into it.

Settled in to study she remained so until she heard her mother calling for her hours later and demanding she eat something before their Mistress returned home from her own lunch date.

 

[slippedhalo]

Lady Victoria had been settled at the empty dining table first and the young Alessa joined moments later with a weak apology for her lateness. "Oh, child just sit already...and don't carry your shoulders so far foreward, it makes you look like a beggar. You are to be a great lady, a true courtesan one day, carry yourself as such or you might as well give up and start scrubbing the kitchen floor." After a moment's pause, when the girl had sat across from her she took a good look at her with the critical eye of the woman who had taught her teacher. "You're hair looks quite lovely that way, child. You should wear it that way the next time we have guests in the house. I'll speak with Giavanna, perhaps we can let you serve wine and sing a song before bedtime tonight. Would you like that?"

 

[Starsailor2804]

OOC: Welcome to the thread caela, I think I know you from somewhere I think my character's going to want a taste of that eventually...haha

IC: The touch of her hand upon his skin was utterly delightful and it was done with such ease that the motions were only noticeable by those very closely watching. The touch meant so much more than one would think for it was a foreplay of nobles with their courtesan's while in public, though not as interesting as a sparing debate of political theory. Her eyes read him like an open book and she knew that he wanted her, to take her and enjoy in all the tastes she had to offer. But, not yet, she still had to wrap him fully around her finger as her hand slipped into his pocket to take all the money she could get from him.

As the meals finally reached the table and drinks were not spared by Franco he smiled and ate and drank as Giavanna and Alex talked of literature and so forth. He enjoyed her interest in his son, even if it was to get to his wallet faster. He could not trust her in ways beyond what he knew her job to be, she was too new too him. The meal seemed to go quicker than anticipated though in actuality, many minutes had passed and much conversation had been had. However, it could only last so long and not before long they were finished with the meal and rose from the table to leave. "Well, I surely did love dining with you. I am sure you are quite busy with others today and can not spare me anymore of your time, but I hope you would visit me at my estate very soon. I am sure Alexander would enjoy that as well," he said, Alex shaking his head in agreement.

What the youngster didn't understand was that she would be no mommy, no, she was simply a thing that Franco paid to play with. Standing across from her with his hands behind his back he smiled as he watched her lips and eyes, so enticing that thoughts of ravishing her never left his mind for one mere second.

 

[slippedhalo]

"My dear Ricardo was wise enough to leave my evening free both tomorrow night and the next..." she said softly, dropping the hint and leaving him to choose if he did in fact want her sooner, later, or on both days. Giavanna let the sentance hang in the air and her green eyes scanned his face with amusement dancing in them as she watched him weigh his options. Oh, he was proud and stubborn, but she wanted him and she knew he wanted her.

 

[caela]

Seeing Lady Victoria, Alessa hadn't been able to keep her shoulders from slumping slightly as if somehow trying to protect herself from the woman. While she'd never been truly cruel to Alessa, Lady Victoria was a strict and demanding teacher and Alessa was incredibly intimidated by the woman who had once taught her own Mistress. At her chastizement on her posture Alessa instantly straightened taking on the air of confidence that Giavanna had been schooling her in.

Settling into her place at the table she managed to keep her face serene despiste the chastisement and to offer Lady Victoria the warm greeting owed her both due to her station and her position as a teacher. The critical gaze of the older woman moving over her made Alessa's heart race with the worry that she would find a flaw in her but to react to that gaze would have been a flaw in and of itself and she kept her features schooled into a serene smile.

"You're hair looks quite lovely that way, child. You should wear it that way the next time we have guests in the house. I'll speak with Giavanna, perhaps we can let you serve wine and sing a song before bedtime tonight. Would you like that?"

"Thank you Lady Victoria," she said her smile widening just a touch to show her pleasure in the other woman's words without becoming effusive. "If it pleases you and Mistress Giavanna I would be quite happy to serve wine and to sing for you."

It was a rare offer and Alessa desperatly wanted the chance to show that she had been learning her lessons well but she also knew the offer was a test. If she couldn't control her emotions now when it was made she would lose all chance of being allowed to perform as Lady Victoria suggested.