Felix D’Apcher was scoundrel, but he was a charming scoundrel. Or so he liked to think. He also was a smart arse, antagonizer and a very prominent gambler. The current Palazzo he had gifted his run-a-way wife was just one of his extravagant bets turn profit. And he had used it before his contracted nuptials to entertain various ladies of his company. Now however as the scandal of his disappearing barely consummated spouse made rounds Felix had returned to his Pride to lick his metaphorical wounds.

Honestly he were more than pleased that he had not been the one to cause the scandal of his marriage. And he was assured that there would be an annulment soon since the woman could not be found to testify for herself. Either she showed up with a brilliant and iron clad story of his mistreatment or inability to perform his consummatory duties or she dared not to show her face in Venice. And he for now had no concerns of over ambitious maids hoping to cash in on his misfortunes.

But enough of the past now he had to renew his investments oh entertainment for the future. And he had planned an impressive opener for one of the finest and most sought after courtesan’s in France and Venezia. She were known to many as simply ‘the Flame’ . But he has taken his sweet time to create the perfect innuendo and gift that might amuse and titillate the creature. In his query he had learned that this flame was seldom one to lay down for her entertainments.

This intrigued him greatly as few women could command so many men’s attention for any length without the use of the flesh… eventually. Which if he were lucky enough to secure the reception of his gift he could boast something mightily that few to no other patron could. He just hoped that the Lady would enjoy his sense of humor as much as he did.

So on this day the Lady of Gilded Lady was in for a treat and all of Venice would be talking about it either way. More so if she refused. A cache of castrati that had been left to him upon his wife’s sudden departure and he had thought o toss them into the streets of whence they came when he got the brilliant idea from his engagement party to use them one last time and pay them handsomely.

The four men so willowy with voices of some enchanted rare bird for lack of testosterone to lower their timbers dressed as Persians carried aliter with the sweetest little girl lain under the canopy. The liter was covered with sumptuous pillows and silks and the canopy of bright colors to keep the girl from the sun. And the scene made their way through the Venetian water ways. The men sung, a lament of a man denied the bed of his ardent love and how that woman watched his suffering from her comforts.

They arrive at the estate, a spectacle for sure and the dulcet little feminine nightingale lets loose her song.

Study with me this Florentinian treasure,
Whose undulous and muscular design
Welds Grace with Strength in sisterhood divine;
A marvel only wonderment can measure,
Divinely strong, superbly slim and fine,
She's formed to reign upon a bed of pleasure
And charm some prince or pontiff in his leisure.
See, too, her smile voluptuously shine,
Where sheer frivolity displays its sign:
That lingering look of languor, guile, and cheek,
The dainty face, which veils of gauze enshrine,
That seems in conquering accents thus to speak:
"Pleasure commands me. Love my brow has crowned!'
Enamouring our thoughts in humble duty,
True majesty with merriment is found.
Approach, let's take a turn about her beauty.
O blasphemy! Dread shock! Our hopes to pique,
This lovely body, promising delight,
Ends at the top in a two-headed freak.
But no! it's just a mask that tricked our sight,
Fooling us with that exquisite grimace:
On the reverse you see her proper face,
Fiercely convulsed, in its true self revealed,
Which from our sight that lying mask concealed.
— O sad great beauty! The grand river, fed
By your rich tears, debouches in my heart.
Though I am rapt with your deceptive art,
My soul is slaked upon the tears you shed.
And yet why does she weep? Such peerless grace
Could trample down the conquered human race.
What evil gnaws her flank so strong and sleek?
She weeps because she's lived, and that she lives.
Madly she weeps for that. But more she grieves
(And at the knees she trembles and goes weak)
Because tomorrow she must live, and then
The next day, and forever — like us men.

And when someone came to see what all the fuss was about they had a letter only for the Mistress.

Singorina Aramoire,

It would be my ardent pleasure if you’d accept my gift and please accompany me to the Opera; in doing so I would be the luckiest man of all Italia and France as being one of the only men to see your gilded bed. Even should I never lie upon is silken sheets.

Signor Felix D’Apcher

The very liter that had been carried to her house through the canals and alleys covered so no one else could truly see what it was.

@TwilaD

Imagine the twitter of 20 gilded birds, all behind the gilded bars of the Lilly, Villa de Giglio Dorato, (the Villa of the Gilded Lily) when in the inner courtyard was presented the spectacle of music and theatre, intrigue all at once. The balcony Galleries that looked down upon the walled courtyard were aflutter with jewel little birds, their oooohh’s and ahhhh’s hidden behind fans, the half dressed tarts just rousing from their late day slumber..some still sporting the paint of last night’s revelry, now smeared and faded upon their beauteous faces.
“Call the Madame “one golden creature trilled out to a maidservant. “ Marina, hurry she’s in the library I’m sure “ while the others lounged and looked on with curiosity abuzz at the tableau taking place before them.

Marina had been taking a basket of fresh linens up from the laundry toward the third floor where the Lilies were abed. when the whole commotion begin, like a mini opera delivered to their very door. She was both astounded and delighted at the sound of the four castrati and their angelic voices, stunned actually and had stood agape on the balcony, until Tresina had urged her to go find the Madame, for surely this was for her entertainment purpose. her dark blue skirt and pristine white apron was uplifted as she scampered off with the swiftness and agility of a house mouse, her white cap, falling off in the rush, a long thick cinnamon and wheat colored braid falling out to trail behind her.

“ Madame.. Aramoire... Madame.. come quickly you have um... a delivery in the courtyard” she had burst into the library in her excitement and rush without even a knock.

The lady of the house looked up adjusting the small spectacles she had been wearing while pouring over ledgers and finances. a spread of bills, and bank drafts before her, payments for services rendered “I do think Marina that the staff can handle delivers, I am quite busy at the moment “her head tilted with curiosity as she espied the look of excitement on the girls face, Marina was but three years younger than herself, but life had been sheltered for the younger housemaid, she had yet to grow hard and jaded. A Copper brow lifted, as she rose.. “your face intrigues me, what is it?”

“You must come see yourself Milady... it is... wonderous” there was an air of enchantment about the young girl, that did indeed bring the Madame to her feet to follow out to the balcony.

As the performance continued and the delicate song bird unleashed her verse, her voice indeed like that of an angel, soaring and dancing amongst the clouds, Shaden stood watching, a smile twitching at the corners of her mouth, but still dignified, as she watched, unlike some of her girls who were near in a fit of hysterical enjoyment of the impromptu concerto.. The lyrics to the Songbirds offering however gave Shaden some pause, perhaps coincidence, or did someone know her all too well, had someone peered into her heart? It was her assumption the concerto was from a current interest. Calo Zen, whom she had spent a few evenings with, after denying him what he most sought after.. The Villa de Giglio Dorato.. former Villa de Zen.. the Villa he had grown up in, and that now belonged to her.. Was this another attempt to woo her from her steadfast denial..??

As the concerto came to an end, there was applause from all the Lilies including the Madame. Some threw small coins to the singers, and some flowers from the balcony in tribute to the talent of the singers.. “ Brava....Brava” they chanted amid their clapping hands.. and then the messenger bounded up the staircase with the sealed missive..

She could not have been more surprised to see it was not.. as she had expected.. from Calo Zen, but.. instead Felix D’Apcher, a soft smile curved her face.. as she looked at the litter the Nightingale had reposed on... Cheeky Devil this Felix.. for a long moment it looked as if she would deny the gift.. instead she turned to Marina.. “See the singers and messenger given refreshment in the salon..food and drink for a job well done.. I shall pen a reply for the messenger before he leaves.” And with that soft blue silk skirts swished away, fanning a note in her hands...

Signor Felix D’Apcher,
I have accepted your gracious gift, and would love to attend the Opera with you, you may send a missive to formalize the date and time, or you may visit with me at your leisure to work out details...
I enjoyed your offering of song it was most refreshing and decadent way to gain my attention
Signorina Aramoire

Luck did smile upon him a great deal and with its grace he enjoyed some monumental pleasures. This was one of them. Garnering the attentions of such a woman would only help his social climb. Even as the second son of the Duke D’Apcher. And he truly hoped that the mademoiselle was as interesting as the accounts had told. Time did reveal such things.

Now. Did he wish to keep her intrigued until the night, or did he wish to share a meeting with her at their leisure? A normal man might jump at the invitation to spend time together intimately. But he were no normal man in many ways. No he was most unusual and very much enjoyed the game, rather than the capture. Because once a thing was caught, it rarely held ones attentions.

He sat at his desk and dipped his quill, lingering over the fresh parchment as he thought. Then quickly scrawled a note to his newest enchantress:

Signorina Aramoire,

I very much wish that I could put aside my current engagements and tend to your every whim. But alas my current situation, that all of Italia is well aware, has my hands tied.

As has reinstating my old affects and the creation of new ones.

If it pleases you, as most ladies do enjoy such, my tailor is at your disposal. You may if you so desire commission some attire for us. As I know most ladies do enjoy their men to compliment them. And I am trusting you to be kind, but, whichever you deign to swaddle me in—I shall strive to act the part.

As for the event of which you have so kindly accepted my invitation, date and time I have a box reserved for our pleasure. And if you desire any entertainments before hand or after such, I will be more than happy to see to them.

If perchance my current captors can be swayed to release my attentions I shall quickly make my way to you and hope you’d hide me from the hound masters leash.

And should your curiosity break your good conscious and you cannot fathom waiting to meet me. Drop this pearl into a glass of vinegar and by the time is it fully dissolved I shall be kneeling at your feet.

Ever grateful and with waxing anticipation,

Signor Felix D’Apcher


@TwilaD

She lifted the note in her hand crisp rich linen paper, with the flourish of a dandy in bold black ink.. she read thru it once, then twice.. the second time her lips curling into a soft smile.. the oyster was opened and the little pearl , sitting upon a blush velvet bed was revealed.. why would someone want to destroy such a gem..with vinegar? Tsk tsk.. she made the soft sound.. as she laid both the oyster and the gem on her vanity, then moved to the balcony to look over the inner courtyard.. Inspiration for a gown that would turn heads..and be worthy such a flirtation.. hmmmm he did offer his personal seamstress and funds for such a gown.. it should be extravagant should it not.? Below her a lonely peacock called for its mate as it sat in the orange tree, Inspiration!

Several fittings later a week had past and the Oyster still sat upon her vanity un-accosted by vinegar.. one was never so desperate to destroy something so beautiful, just to see who would break in the attempt to meet the other first.. This day she was in the Seamstress shop , perched upon a velvet stool, while a muslin replica of what would be her dress was fitted and pinned, as the muslin was pulled away she was left in nothing more than a corset and a thin gauzy underskirt, that barely hid the shadow of long lengthy legs beneath, or the heeled dainty feet..

“Signorina the fabric arrived and it is more than we could have dreamed, I have girls working day and night adding the feathers.. I think this is going to be the most beautiful gown I have ever created.!" The Seamstress and Tailor were beaming.. On a mannequin in the same room was the matching outfit for him.. a jet black brocade with hints of gold, it’s ornamentations round cloisonné jewels with peacock feathers inlaid within. They were perfection.. Three of the seamstresses protégée’s came in carrying the exquisite start of the gown, and Shaden could not help her squeal of glee!

“ It’s perfection “ she spoke reverently about the creation long lengths of peacock blue silk, made up the skirt that was ruched and panierered it’s façade covered with golden embroidery and semi precious stones that glittered in the light.. the back of the skirt however was nothing less than stunning, and it still was unfinished.. hundreds of peacock feathers made a train of some 6 foot behind the fall of silk.. and would trail behind her.. The bodice was jet black silk, edged in gold embroidery, folded and ruched to fit like skin upon her own flesh, no straps, it was a wonder of engineering that it stayed aloft with no such ties, and it matched the outfit he would be bedecked in subtle ways, but not enough to detract from the main event which was her gown.. He was merely background on this stage.

@Felix D'Apcher @Crymson

He had not known that she would be in the shop this day. He had not honestly asked about her commission in his name. But he was required to make a showing for fittings and so here he was. Felix D’Apcher was not the tallest of men, he rounded out at five feet nine inches but his bright eyes and fierce personality fill the void of mere inches. No one would ever think of Felix as small or unforgettable.

When in the midst of the Italia ruled ethnicity he was easy to spot. Light hair, pale skin, so opposite the dark hair and dark eyes of the majority populace. He were not the only foreigner, not even the only one of French nobility that had recently set up a home in the Republic. But he was making a name for himself, for good or bad, and his family was also making noted marks in the financial districts. So even as an abandoned husband, and the second son of the Duke he was a promising social mark.

He was waiting for his turn under the tailors skilled hands and enjoying some wine in the sitting room for such patrons. When he heard that excited squeal and he smirks wondering who the lucky young woman was. The tailor needed to coordinate the finishing touches on their matching outfits as they were working on them in unison. So they both were called upon on the same day. Felix arrived earlier than anticipated and was quickly shown to refreshments while he waited.

One of the apprentices rounded a corner and Felix snapped at him.

“Who is so pleased this day?”

The young man looks back to the rooms and smiles, knowing full well who Felix is and who had been paying for the current commission they were working on.

“Signorina Aramoire and your attire for the Opera signor. We have been laboring to finish the commissions on time and it seems she is pleased by my masters work.”

He bowed and hurried to the task he as previously at. Felix was immediately intrigued and wondered if he should take his leave and return shortly or stay seated enjoying the small sup and see if she had any idea who he was in passing. Dilemma. He preferred the later, what a small game to see if she were curious enough to have sought his appearance. And he stayed seated and turned his attention back unto the fruits and cheese and the wine he were offered to stay the time waiting.

@TwilaD

When the assistant came out of the back holding the carefully folded clothing that would be his attire, still saturated with pins to hold seams and tucks in place until the final fitting had been achieved, a velvet curtain had been pulled back to allow the young man out of the mirrored fitting room.. where the Flame was perched atop the small stool, in very little save some peach and ivory colored gauzy material and lace. One might expect one such as her to wear decadent black lace as undergarments, with bold colors, and attractant to the male eye, as men did often “ desire and eat” with their eyes.. but instead it was delicate femininity, a ivory corset embroidered with delightful peach floral pattern, and beneath that ruffled underpants, in the same peach garters with tiny bows in a darker peach, and ivory silk stockings.. She bent to adjust the garters, a long length of leg displayed, and a golden chain dangled from her neck.. brushing like a fingertip over the swell of creamy breast.. was that..? no… surely not.. the pearl he had sent her, suspended within a golden filigree cage, daring the touch of her flesh.. ? had she thought it precious enough, ?

And then the curtain fell… relieving him from such sights that would stir questions and loins…. It would be near a quarter hour later before the curtains again drew back and her diminutive delicate form appeared once again, now gowned simply in a day gown of soft spring green, nothing outrageous to name her any different from nobility, her glorious copper curls tamed into a fall across one shoulder.. that pearl hanging cheekily just above the swell of bosom. She was chatting animatedly with the seamstress, who walked her toward the door of the shop.. seemingly not noticing him, until she came nearer..she stopped before him tilting her head quizzically then leaned toward him slowly, a hand raising toward his handsome face.. then curling in upon itself, till only one finger touched at the corner of his mouth, a bit of icing from one of the sweets and cheeses that had been set out with his wine lingered there. The gentlest of touch removed it.. Slowly, as if sealing the moment in time.. before it was lifted to a little embroidered handkerchief and wiped from her own fingertip.. “ I do hope you like your suit Signore..” what words..? did she know him for who he was? or.. was she merely assuming he was like most customers here in search of a suit.. “fino al prossimo ci incontriamo “ (until we next meet)

@Crymson @Felix D'Apcher

Saint Peters velvet gates were parted to him and such an angelic vision were revealed. Blue eyes could not be torn from the felinity of angelic virtue fallen from heaven and bound to mortal flesh. And the ever unknowing temptress bent, ran her tapered fingers down silk covered skin to titillate his senses as fingertips fondled… such threads. Glittering adornment swung, like a pendulum... back and forth... an arc of endless side to side; a visible No.. He spied the delicate pearl, wrapped in gilded and skillfully crafted gold, caged much like many men’s libido’s and possibly hearts when she held their attentions.

Just as quickly as he were gifted the visual, Saint Peter and his good virtue let that velvet gate slam shut. No more could Felix see that heavenly visage. And he pulled his cuffs from his wrists to his palms and readjusted his seat. He were no young buck to grow excited so easily by the mere whiff of the much sought after celestial hind. But he did very much enjoy the sight.

Moments… eons it seemed in the anticipation, she exited the portico of Elysium’s sitting room wrapped in mortal’s sin… vestments of fig even so in the hue of it. He folded his lips in a smile of polite acknowledgement. She stepped to him, bent and with one singular taunting tip of tapered flesh caressed the corner of his lip. His baby blues darker in the setting then under sun never parted from her own.

He had hoped, desperately when he saw the confection upon the tip of her finger, that she would lick it clean. But alas she wiped hit upon a kerchief. She stood erect and offered words, so polite, so ordinary, so cruel to tease a man thus… no Sainted Eve.

“Thank you Signorina, and I could hear your excitement for such. What lucky and covetous accruements to bring such joy. If I were so unhappy as man I might verily wish to be the attire that caused such… pleasure. Jusqu'à bientôt mademoiselle.” (Until soon mademoiselle.)

He panned his head as she gifted him in perfectly accentuated Venetian a fare thee well. He did not watch her take her leave, oh no, the games were afoot and he knew better then to look behind him. He carried on with his tailor and made to see what the Lady had ordered for him. What role he’d be playing for her and if he were to be a dunce or a worthy companion.


@TwilaD