Seated now so close to the one who had inspired countless aspirations of her own Serafina was well aware of the attention given to her by that very idolized personage, aware of the weight of her words and yet it was not within her to dissemble before one who might well be her entrance into that which she had dreamed of for near a decade. And so she spoke with utter truth, the yearning of her heart laid bare even as Nicoletta released the silken tresses of her auburn curls in a motion that made the blond's breath catch, her heart skip a beat as she tried not to be so flustered by such a simple act. And yet, she was. For she found herself trailing off, found herself simply gazing at the courtesan with rapt awe in her sapphire gaze as the other woman spoke.<br/><br/>The delicate weight jeweled pins and fine spun snood laid against the delicate fabric of a loaned robe had Serafina uncertain; was she to hold them then as a servant might for her Lady, or as it a gift offered for her new path. That query, as delicate as it might need to be phrased to avoid causing offensive was startled from thoughts by Nicoletta's next parting of the lips, the sharing of her hard won wisdom. It did not come as a surprise that she might have reason to mourn those who were spent so rapidly, used up and burning too brightly before finding a tragic end; she was reassured that Nicoletta did not see such an end in line for her fate, that she might then have reason to celebrate all that she was rather then decrying it as the burden of a soul cursed to yearn for that which would never hers. Oh, the words of her parents haunted her thoughts even now, yet they were not enough to turn her from this course, nor indeed was there a manner by which she could undo what was now done. The courtesan's confidence that she could teach her how to inspire such emotion within a man brought a gleam of eagerness to her summer sky eyes.<br/><br/>Yet the notion that a woman's power should be confined in belief to the work of the devil promptly drew a snort from her delicate throat, an anger snapping in her eyes that even here men would dare to take her power from her. If she in fact were to inspire a man to the feeling of divinity, to drive him wild with her passion and intellect then why would they not acredit her for it? It was yet another slight upon the power of a woman, another weight to confine her. Serafina's fury was softened, altered by the notion of Alessandro seeing something within her that would allow her freedom, though she worried that for her to find such it might risk Nicoletta's happiness which was the very last thing she sought.<br/><br/>Especially when that luminous smile turned upon her, leaving her pink of cheek and unable to help smiling; it was likely very evident just how adoring and smitten she was with the other woman, her knowledge, her grace and sensuality all that she might aspire to.<strong>"I vow to give you naught but the truth of my soul, if you are meaning to give me such a great honor as to be your student."</strong><br/><br/>Sorrow touched her features at the knowledge that even here, even upon this path, there would be a cage. Yet the ability to make a choice was still something to reach for, and if it came with Nicoletta's tutelage and a chance to further understanding what effect Alessandro had upon her.<strong>"I would chose the same cage as you have found then, for it surely is the best I can dream of."</strong>She was not prepared for Nicoletta to lean into her, for the subtle wash of perfume and the other woman's natural scent, nor the touch to her silken honey tresses as her heart raced faster within her breath. Surpass Nicoletta's own fame, her skill... that was nothing she had set out to do, only to perhaps find a place within her shadow. Yet at the offer extended so she could think of nothing but to assent for the nearness to Nicoletta was all she might have wished for.<br/><br/>And so Serafina sat, hands clasped in her lap while her breasts strained slightly against the fabric of the robe with her swiftly taken breaths. Carefully she set aside the gems and netting that glittered akin to fallen stars in her lap so lay on the table where there was space as the servants departed them. It was then with intent that she moved to kneel before Nicoletta, lowering her head in a position of deep respect while making it clear she sought only to serve the other woman, to honor her teachings.<strong>"I have had no dream dearer than that of meeting you, then perhaps gaining your friendship. To be taught, guided by you, it is more than I have words.... I am beyond them and I wish no harm to you or yours. In truth.... I am beyond delighted that I have been placed so near to you. If you truly think I have such promise I am honored, and I will obey your instruction without fail."</strong>Her sapphire blue eyes rose then, gazing up at the divine beauty that so many had compared to Venus herself.<strong>"For what desire could rival that but to know your mind, to be graced with your candor and included in your heart?"</strong>