Chapter 7 of the Dreaming.
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Dear EzioAuditore1459,
I miss you too. I hope you and I shall spend Christmas together~!
Ti Amo per sempre~!
Canto VII
There was still a few hours left before the annual dinner. Serafina decided to use the time to take one last stroll around her district, her grand-uncle would not let her leave without company, so she took Ursula. The prevailing winds were chilling, not one citizen dared to step out lacking some sort of protection against the cold. She herself wore her fur coat, it had been perfumed today, vanilla and jasmines. Serafina rather preferred bergamot citrus and rosehips; they were unique, slightly virile for the taste of others.
As they walked, they spoke of gossip, such matter was rare for the Pazzi maiden, and it was rude to speak ill of others. Ursula did not mind where they were heading, she was too busy speaking about vile beings and dirty mongrels wandering the streets, she had not noticed her young mistress sauntering down an all too familiar path. Serafina glanced up, surprised to find her way back to the Palazzo Auditore. She did not know how she ended up at such place, she turned away to head down another lane but was surprisingly stopped by someone.
Ezio Auditore smiled widely at Serafina, who was now staring down at her feet. He had caught sight of her, leaving her house with a maid at her side. He was glad it had not been Vieri or else they would fight to the death once again. He waited and she waited fervently, and Ursula began to raise her eyebrow in suspicion. She whispered words to her maiden's ear and Serafina unexpectedly blushed at whatever she had mentioned.
"I am very happy to see you again Signorina de' Pazzi," said Ezio before taking a quick bow. Serafina spontaneously responded with a formal curtsy. "I was afraid Vieri had done something to you and I feared we might not see each other any longer," said Ezio. "But Ser, we have only acquainted ourselves yesterday, it is quite impossible for someone to miss a person greatly, only having to know them for a day," replied Serafina.
"Oh my dear, you are too ceremonial and also passive in my opinion. Does Serafina ever smile?" Serafina blinked at his pompous question, had she ever smiled? Occasionally if that counts, but had she really smiled as if she had meant it? She settled into fiddling her fingers instead as she thought of something to reply to the Auditore. She glanced at Ursula, the maid had nothing to say to her, it was a very personal question to be sure. "I am probably the first lady you have met to have such traits, am I right Ser Ezio?" Ezio nodded, a small smile appeared on his handsome face. "Come, I wish to walk with you, so I may know you better, and so your trust in my will strengthen." He offered his arm, just like he did before, Serafina took a quick and cautious gaze at her maid and she gestured her to go with him. She linked her arm to his, closing the gap between them, and surprisingly, she felt his finger threading into hers.
"We do not want your lovely hands to turn blue now do we?" Serafina nodded agreeably and continued the rest of her stroll with Ezio. In the first few minutes, none had anything to say. Unbeknownst to them, they were quite shy at the moment to speak, Serafina is hardly associated with men other than her family while Ezio has clearly never associated himself with intellectual women and the stronger they speak to him, the harder it is to flirt with them. It was almost as if fate had given him a chance to polish his words for Cristina, yes, such a perfect opportunity it is. He turned to Serafina and saw her gray eyes turn silver in the brief sunlight, for a second, he had lost the ability to breath, to walk, and it bothered him greatly.
Serafina began to worry when Ezio precipitously stopped walking altogether; she gazed at him, disturbed, and inquired him what was wrong. They stood there in Piazza della Repubblica, unconscious of the stares the people gave them. If you had been one of those spectators you would assume the two to be lovers deeply in love with each other just by looking at the man's stare. How romantic it could have been, but sadly, they are not lovers. They were just formal acquaintances, nothing more than that. Ezio shook his head, apologizing for his sudden bewilderment.
"I truly am sorry; it is just that, I find your eyes very unique. They remind me of the moon." They quietly sat on a stone bench, away from the curious gazes and faces. "Ser Ezio, if I remind you of the moon, does that mean I am cold and ghastly to you?" Ezio laughed childishly and held her hand firmly. "No cara, you must not simply look into the negative aspect, you remind me of the moon because of your paleness, your eyes shine like the stars, and do you really wish to know the reason behind the smile?" Serafina kept quiet and Ezio allowed himself to continue in a soft whisper. "It is because you are the one that lightens my path in my obscurest hours. You have beautiful eyes Serafina." At this, the young maiden stood up from her seat. She turned to Ezio, lips pressed together and eyes avoiding any contact with his dark brown ones. She murmured her apology to him, anxiously playing with the fur lining of her outerwear.
"I—Forgive me Ser Ezio, but I must go." She bowed her head and hastened her pace but Ezio was too swift for her. He caught her hand, holding it firmly, telling her he will not let go until he received a reasonable answer. "Was it something I said Signorina? If so, I give you my deepest apologies, I did not mean to offend you—" "No Ezio, I mean Ser Ezio, it's just that—I can't—you see…Had you ever been shunned by your family? Had you ever experienced a day where they did not give you attention or love perhaps?"
Ezio looked down at her, his grasp loosened just a bit, and his senses were now aware of what's happening. Serafina took her time to breath and she finally had the courage to look at him in the eye and say: "I never had experienced love Ser Ezio nor have I been courted by anyone for that matter. I've read it gives you feelings not even the person understands, it's a mix of emotions, and it makes a person complete. Love is unjust for those with young hearts, my sister Viola, I'm sure you remember her, she gave you everything but in return you—Please understand me, I cannot accept such humble words from you. As much as I want to know you better, I have to limit myself to only befriend you and nothing more." She paused, blinking back anything that might fall from her face. "I'm sorry, I said too much. I must go."
Ezio shook his head madly this time; he dragged Serafina to an abandoned alley and held her completely against the wall of a building. She could feel her hands pressing the cold stone behind her and she felt her breath leave her very lips as Ezio leaned closer.
"I know this might be startling for you since you never felt anything. But Serafina, if you just try to search for love it will come to you, no doubt the whole populace of Florence will fall to their knees for you, only if you free yourself from the chains of your family," said he. Serafina inhaled deeply and licked her dry lips. What had happened? How did it come to this? Why were her cheeks warming up to such sensation? Her heart beats madly, craving for such feeling after a long time. Her father was going to apologize to the Auditore for Vieri's mistake; she had felt his familial love at last, and now this.
"You are saying such words despite not knowing how I was through it all. Vieri says you pursue every maiden beside your brother, you neglect their emotional state, and presently you talk as if you know everything about love! Search for it? How am I to find something so common when I could not even love myself?" She placed her hands on his strong chest, eager to push him away easily but he was resilient, he would not budge. Gradually, Ezio's hands left the wall and found themselves holding Serafina's pale face.
"I pity you, little maiden, if you wish to find love then you shall find it in me." Serafina stared at him bewilderedly, as if he had done something he might regret later on.
"Are you mocking me?" she inquired.
"No, I would never mock a maiden such as you," said Ezio.
He witnessed the tears emerging from her eyes and saw how they trickled down her cheeks, charting the outline of his thumbs. It felt like he was with Cristina all over again, how he confessed his thoughts of love for her, and how she reciprocated his. Ezio treasured that hour in his heart. Yet, now it was completely different, a young girl yearning, dreaming, and aching for love has acknowledged him, and he was not scared to help her experience this great sentiment. He will do anything.
"You are allowing me to love you as did Cupid and Psyche?" she said softly, her fingers lightly touching his chin. "Yes, I give you free sovereignty over me Serafina de' Pazzi."
Without any other thought, Serafina stood on her toes to reach his lips, and he swooped down, capturing hers in a passionate embrace. She felt his life's warmth and weight against her. She wanted more so badly that she left little after-kisses on his face. She uttered how sinful this act was and he replied with a boyish grin. They kissed again and this time, her hands twined in his long hair. Serafina should be thankful when it was Ursula who found them and not anybody associated with the Pazzi.
They were no longer tangled when the maid found them; they were admonished, like two children trying to steal biscuits from the kitchen. Ezio laughed and asked for more time, the maid grumps and tells them to hurry before the Pazzi releases their dogs again. Serafina smiled and faces her newfound love. He takes both her small hands and kisses them gently. He tells her he will come to her palace just after Christmas dinner when every being in the city is asleep.
Serafina nodded without doubt and kissed his rough knuckles in return. She will await him, no matter what the cause. When they parted, Ezio felt pride and relief fill him and it was there that he suddenly felt regret and guilt clouding his mind. He had gone off to the slippery roofs and sat on the edge, he gazed at his beloved city longingly, and buried his face into his hands. 'What have I done?' he says repeatedly till he cursed himself.
When Serafina came home, she was a happy maiden; her smile surprised everyone in the palace, including her father. She greeted him kindly and rushed to her bedroom while Ursula was telling her to remove her coat. She jumped on her bed, placing her hands on her left breast; it was beating madly and thankfully. Her maid entered, telling her once more to take off her coat. She sat up obediently and removed it, and she smiled again.
"I can see you are very satisfied with him," said Ursula. She folded the outerwear without exertion and returned it to one of the drawers.
"Do you really like him?" she said.
Serafina sighed. "No, I do not. He is not to be liked at all." Ursula raised an eyebrow at this abrupt change in manner. Her maiden beamed and embraced her pelt blanket. "He is to be loved and I love him, with all my heart." She overheard her trusted maid sigh deeply, and saw her move to sit on one of the low ottoman near the bedside. Serafina placed her blanket aside and knelt in front of Ursula. "My dear maid, what is the matter? Are you not happy for me?" she inquired. "Oh no, goodness me, how can I not be happy for your current state? It is just that…there are rumors surrounding your love."
"My dear Ursula, you know how I feel about rumors, they are neither truthful nor respectful to people. Now what rumor surrounds Ezio?" she queries. Ursula passes her a solemn look and looked at her pitifully, poor child she was. "They say he is in love with Cristina Vespucci, the two are practically inseparable despite the warnings the house has given him, and Cristina had been the one your brother courted before. I swear to God, Vieri killed every cat or dog he sees on the streets when Ezio Auditore claimed Cristina as his own. This is why I implore he does no more destruction to you, my young lady."
Serafina gawked at her maidservant, she started to feel detested, deceived even. She thought of her situation judiciously, if Ezio did love this Cristina Vespucci then why did he offer his love to her in the first place? Had everything been a trick? Was he truly mocking her when he said he was not? Serafina rose from the floor and ambled over to her window seat, a book of Greek love stories was opened to a page about Alcyone. She held the volume in her hands and read the story all over again. She will be patient like Alcyone, always waiting and always hoping, she will await the message of the gods, and if they prove Ezio Auditore unworthy, then, all had been in vain.
Christmas Eve was celebrated with the cena di magro or a meatless dinner. Fiorella and Serafina wore simply white gowns to symbolize the purity of the Holy Spirit while their father, grand-uncle, and brother, who surprisingly asked to join in the feast, wore the common green and red. They ate roasted lightly braised artichokes, baked mushrooms, seasoned beans in olive oil, and vegetable soup sprinkled with parmesan cheese. For dessert, they had the traditional pan d'oro with sweetened cream. They all exchanged merry conversations to one another. It was past Serafina's bedtime when the dinner ended.
Francesco lightly gave his daughters light kisses on the cheek while he patted Vieri on the shoulder, he and his uncle provided each other a warm hug, and finally bid everyone a good night whereas the servants continued to celebrate quietly in their quarters. Ursula had prepared a bath for Serafina before going to bed, the maid told her what to do if ever Ezio does visit her tonight. She was not to speak of the event to anyone except her, they must keep silent, and Ezio must leave in the early hours before the entire household awakens. Serafina furrowed her brows in confusion; she turned to Ursula, asking what they all meant. The maid blushed and forced a cough, telling her to step out of the bath now. She wore her chosen nightgown with tiny silk rosebuds on the neckline, her long hair had been brushed till it was smooth to the touch, and lastly she uttered her prayers before crawling into bed. Ursula smiled at her, faintly opening the windows.
"Ursula, what are you doing?" Serafina asked, solicitously pulling her legs up to her chest.
"Do you expect Ser Ezio to just walk right in and tell your father of his business? My dear, you are still young, and I do hope he will make you a woman tonight!" said Ursula in a hushed voice, she kissed Serafina's head, and wished her a wonderful evening. She then closed the doors and walked away. Serafina sat on her bed, anxious to know what Ursula had meant. She suddenly recalled asking her brother what men and women commonly do when they are alone, he said women mostly fall on their backs while men fall on top of them. She never had the chance to ask again when Jacopo had slapped Vieri across the head.
"If he loves Cristina Vespucci that much, he shouldn't be even coming here," she thought. "Viola, did he make you a woman too before you left us for Rome?" The fire started to wither, the candles pooled into wax puddles on the floor, and Serafina nearly fell asleep two times. She sighed aggravatingly, slipping herself into the warm blankets, and closed her eyes for the sleep that did not come, she was too agitated. When the fires died out, Serafina stared at the window, glistening in the moon's light. It was majestic, she always wondered what a painting of the night would look like, it would probably be dark or someway a dark blue. She yawned and heard the servants bidding each other good night.
At last, they have slept as well. Now the city was slumbering, it was time for Ezio to present himself and his promise for her. Serafina kicked the covers off her frame; she had had enough of waiting. She sat at her window seat, pushing the windows as wide as they can, and stared up at the full moon. Ezio called her his moon, the light that illuminates his path in the darkest hours. She rested on the sill, ignoring the gush of cold air touching her skin. It was then she perceived a hissing sound, like a serpent, and Serafina quickly looked down to see Ezio climbing his way up to her window.
How remarkable he looked! It was like the palace was naught but a tree to him. Serafina stepped away from her sill to allow him entrance; Ezio heaved a sigh and entered the shady bedroom after a long wait. He searched for his new conquest and saw her standing there in a thin nightgown. Serafina licked her lips distractedly and searched for some matches to light the candles again. The light danced upon her young face, she could hear a low thump coming from behind, she glanced over her shoulder to see Ezio removing his boots, gently placing them at the foot of the bed. Afterwards, he loosened the laces of his doublet and his shirt. Serafina averted her gaze, settling them on the tapestries of her cot; she felt warmth, not from the candles, but from her own form.
Ezio stood and warily approached the blushing lady, he placed his larger hands on her shoulders, lightly stroking before leaning down to take in her scent. She smelled of citrus and roses, such a very enticing smell. Serafina turned around, slowly, and her gaze met Ezio's at last. He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers and she sighed, closing her eyes to the feeling. Ezio placed a light kiss upon her soft lips, whispering sweet thoughts of affection to her as she placed her hands upon his bare chest.
He was warm, his muscles faintly jumped at her touch. Serafina uttered an apology; she was not used to seeing a half-naked man, especially if they were in her bedroom, alone, with the entire palace asleep. He simply laughs, telling her it will be fine. It will be fine. He takes her hands and leads her to the bed, pushing aside its curtains for Serafina to lie on the sheets again. Ezio crawled in after her, the falling of the tapestry caused the new surroundings to dim, and she almost gasped aloud when she felt his hand at her knee.
"Do not fear it my lovely maiden, I am merely worshipping you," he said. He had to be slow, he had to be sincere and thoughtful, for she was just a child, a very fragile child. Serafina released a shuddering sigh as Ezio traced her leg with feather-like kisses. Soon, his hands raise the gown, confidently and progressively, and she writhed when they went past her most private area. Ezio smiled and kissed her smooth belly, he continued his mission into ridding the garment, and at last her entire being was shown to him.
He leans forward; his strong chest presses firmly against her breasts, and he whispers how beautiful she was. Serafina kissed him fervently, the sudden need to feel more of him overcame her, her hands settled themselves on his shoulders, their mouths open and their bodies molding into one. Ezio stops to unfasten the cords holding up his breeches. It was there that Serafina understood what her brother had meant, what men and women commonly do when they are alone. Such a very innocent question would bring her to this, a man she had met not long ago was now on top of her, kissing her, holding her, and manifesting his love for her.
However, she still held doubt about the rumors of him and Cristina Vespucci, she had only seen her once in the streets, and she was very beautiful indeed. She felt as if she fell pale in comparison to her, she was older, smarter, and she was confident. Cristina grew up with loving parents but had no siblings, all of their love went entirely to her, and Serafina could not help but feel jealous.
She tried to think of more but then she saw Ezio's face before her. She blinked, wondering why he had stopped. He told her that if they were to continue he should have her consent, the next phase will be very painful. Serafina tilted her head just a bit, asking what was painful. Her soon-to-be lover chuckles and kisses her lips, she was far too young to understand. Gradually, she felt him wrapping her legs around his waist, and an unforeseen anatomy was barely touching her.
Ezio kisses her again, holding her hands firmly against the soft pillows. Then Serafina felt it. She took a sharp intake of breath, searing hot pain shot through her lower half, and she almost begged Ezio to stop. He pauses for a few seconds to calm the young girl, wiping away every tear she sheds. Her innocence was now gone and she can no longer take it back. Most women would either feel happy or sad when their virtue is taken, Serafina was lost in between.
Once the pain subdued and her crying ceased, she shifted just a little from the position she was in, and she earned a low groan coming from Ezio. Serafina stared up at him, befuddled by his sudden surge, she moved again and he chortles. He holds her hips, stopping her from moving, and grinds his own against hers. A soft gasp leaves her, the next a sigh. Their passionate dance went on till some sort of warmth gathered somewhere in the pit of her stomach. Beads of sweat roll down their brows, the sheets scuffle, and their voices lowered.
Serafina did not know what happened next, her mind was in a haze, and her vision was blurred with tears. She felt the height of pleasure escalating even further and eventually she reached her climax. Ezio captures her lips just in time to muffle her moans and he too came. He removed himself carefully from her form and she groaned quietly. Satisfied with his job, he puts a chaste kiss on top of her head then lies next to her on the bed. Serafina smiled lovingly before he pulled the blanket over their bare bodies.
Serafina awoke the next morning, the clouds were barely well-lit, and the birds have not sung. She saw Ezio slipping into his clothes quietly as he could so as not to disturb her. The thought of him leaving panicked her and she snatched his shirt, saying there was no need to leave. The day has not yet come, there was still time, he did not have to go. He looked sad for a reason, so very unlike the man she had met two days prior to this.
Then she realized, she was the younger sister of his enemy. That remaining in treacherous waters will endanger him. But still, Serafina insisted. It was obviously not dawn at all; the light he saw was just Apollo racing on his fiery carriage, she said. She embraced him and pulled him back down onto the bed, he must not leave her yet. Ezio laughs—whether from genuine mirth or to console her, she does not know—and plays long.
"Then I guess it is not truly dawn," said he "My eyes have deceived me my beloved moon. I will stay here, stay here by your side, and if ever your father comes through that door I shall sweep you away from here as did the winds carry Psyche to Cupid." His talk of impossible escapades enlightened her. She swore to herself she had almost forgotten that she had a family. Ah, the consequences of love, their stories are always ending in tragedy and sorrow. They sat there, basking in the aftermath of their lovemaking, and then Ezio kindly took his shirt from Serafina's hands. He kissed her, telling her that he must leave now. A knock on the door interrupted their intimate moment, it was Ursula, and she was informing them that Francesco was fast approaching the bedchamber.
Ezio gathered his doublet in his arms and climbed out of the window, Serafina herself wrapped a thick robe around her form, and she followed him to the sill, eager to see him go before it was too late. "Will we see each other again?" she asked him. He smiled at her, just so she may return it. "Of course we will, I would love to see the look on Vieri's face if I tell him all of our clandestine meetings and we would just laugh about it." Without a goodbye kiss, Ezio climbed down the palace, and ran for his life. Serafina turned quickly, not surprised to see her father and maid entering the bedroom. Although it was quite alarming that he was awake at this early hour. He said he merely wanted to see her, because he had a nightmare where some colossal eagle swooped down and abducted her. Serafina laughs, she kisses her father's cheek, and hugged him.
"No eagle will take me away from you Papa," she said sincerely. Francesco sighed and told her to ready herself for breakfast.
"And for God's sake Ursula! Clean this place up! I do not pay you to laze about!" Ursula nodded and approached Serafina after he had left.
"Oh my, I think he left you a parting gift." Ursula picked up a red silk ribbon from the bed. Serafina promptly snatched it away from her maid's hand; she held it in her hands as if it were the best gift she had ever received. She sighed and tied the ribbon around her hair, happy to have a part of Ezio with her.