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DudeMeister

DudeMeister

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Apr 29, 2013
The sounds of shuffling feet were heard in a back alley near the Florence Cathedral as too men faced off against each other, steel angrily flashing with a yearning for blood. It would have been yet another woman to fall under Salvatore's charms had it not been for her husband barging in on them together before any of the festivities could even begin. One quick tumult out of a second story window and he would have been gone had it not been for the shuffling crowd of people flowing around the great basilica towards the city market.

Salvatore was not of noble birth or noble action, yet he had the good looks of one. Standing 6 feet with icy blue eyes and short cropped black hair with a matching stubble, his smoldering gaze melted the heart of many a woman, from stable girl to lady. This trait that he had for bedding many wenches got him into trouble more often than naught. Thankfully as a condotierre he had the skills to help him get out of trouble. His rapier was in his hand in an instant and soon the series of lunges, cuts, and ripostes were underway. His body moved smoothly from his many years of training in defence, his arms knotted with supple muscle that allowed him to explode at a moments notice, bewildering his clumsy attacker with quick thrusts until the tip of his blade entered his leg before gleaning out to slash at his attackers right cheek in a flash. He would survive, but bear the scar for the rest of his life. As the cuckolded husband yowled and keeled over in pain Salvatore made his escape, sheathing his blade and shuffling through the crowd.
 
Lady Arianna D'Angelo looked at the note in her hand and frowned before folding it back and tossing it into the fire. She would certainly not be giving that man any thought. Marriage into the House of Sforza or Orsini would surely be a good political match but Alberto Orsini was hardly a man she could ever see herself with. He was rude, arrogant, entitled and rumor told of his violence toward his women servants and the whores he rented for the night. No. Even if he as rich as they came, she would not welcome his advances. Signs, she rose from her chair then started out of the room. Born to one of the richest men in Florence, privledge had always been a part of her life. Her father was close to the Medici family and so he was held in high esteem. Unfortunately, he inherited the same enemies of his friends.

Arianna was the daughter of Giancarlo D'Angelo and the French Christine Devaux. Due to mixed parentage, she was paler than the average Italian with bright green eyes and dark brown hair that when loose fell to her knees in gentle waves. At the moment those tresses were parly braided in an intricate design with the rest flowing naturally. Her gown was a simple green and gold and she wore only an emerald necklace, never one to be opulent or gaudy. Simplicity was her forte and extravagance was useless.

As she stepped downstairs, she saw one of her father's men entering in a rush and frowned. "Signore Salvatore....is there a reason you are running as if hell is at your heels?" She asked, brow arched. It was no secret what a womanizer the man was. More than once her father had chastised him for his loose morals and getting caught with married women. N gray husbands often came to duel or kill him and it was a miracle the man was still alive.

Arianna was certainly quite the beauty with her pale flesh and bright eyes and the gown she wore nicely encased her breasts with an empire waist, revealing cleavage but still being conservative for the times. She was a bit on the short side, barely topping five feet four inches but despite her size there was an intellect there and a sharp wit for her father had kindly allowed her education in the arts and sciences of the times.
 
After the brief brawl that ensued earlier, Salvatore made haste towards his master's estate. Well, if he could call Signore D'Angelo his master. That was the beauty of being a hired sword: he had no loyalty that extended beyond his employer's coin. Although he far surpassed most knights with a sword, he was far from noble birth. He was born on a farm in Erasmo, ushered into the world with the smell of horse shit in the air. However that didn't stop him from mastering the art of defence, and gathering a band of all the rogues, brawlers, and killers to command. Now he hired his gathering to the highest bidder. As little as six months ago he served the Pope in Rome, Ludovico Sforza in Milan, and if it weren't for Giancarlo D'Angelo contracting him he probably would serve the Medici. His allegiance was fickle…but than again what enterprising soldier of fortune wasn't.

Than again there was D'Angelo's daughter. For some time he had his eye on her, and should his hands ever unlace the bodice that suppressed that incredible pair of breasts he would count that as his greatest conquest.

He scaled the wall surrounding the main courtyard of the D'Angelo estate and allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief. He swatted his hand against his black pants to free it from the dust off of it. He was a man of simple taste, usually wearing all black. At his waist were the two weapons of his trade: a swept hilt rapier and a matching parrying dagger. However at the sound of a familiar voice, he stood up in surprise as he saw Lady Arianna through the pavilion, wearing that green gown trimmed in cloth of gold that complimented her complexion and bore just the right amount of cleavage.

"Donna D'Angelo, it has been told to me by many a lady that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…but it has been my experience that an cuckolded husband's steel proves more dangerous" he said with a mischievous smirk.

Making his way towards her his eyes scanned her. He had been with many women, but this one was by far the fairest. Time and time again she spurred his advances, but that only made the hunt sweeter. Besides, he was by far more of a man than the bloated nobles that came to call on her.

"How is my lady this fine day?" he asked once he was beside her, gently grasping the slim fingers of her hand that rested against the railing.
 
She smirked. "Father isn't going to be pleased when he has yet another cuckolded husband demanding your head...." She shook her head then turned away and started walking slowly through the garden. It was spring so all of the flowers were blooming and it made her feel at peace even if she was in turmoil. At nineteen, Arianna was older than the average bride by a good five years but she hasn't met a man she wanted to marry. Not that it truly mattered. Her father had grown thin in his patience and was aiming to marry her to Alberto Orsini or one of the many male cousins to the head of Sforza. She had no wish to move to Milan or leave Florence but her wishes were beginning to fall on deaf ears.

"So who was your conquest this time? A duke's wife....no no...that is not it. Perhaps a rich merchant with a wife unable to suppress her base urges. You really ought to stop seducing married women and virgins...stick to widows or have you already bedded all of the pretty ones in Florence," she laughed softly then glanced at him before looking forward again. "You are to much a rogue Signore and even skill with a sword can't save you if you cross the wrong man...or woman..." She said then paused and looked at him. "Did you receive father's invitation to dinner tonight? We are having a fine feast and several of my suitors will be there. It will be dreadfully boring but I find it rather entertaining watching women melt so easily for you. If only they knew what a heartbreaker you actually are," she smiled.
 
He laughed when she asked him about his recent conquest. Strolling beside her in the garden he decided that he would humor her for a bit. Although Giancarlo D'Angelo payed him many a gold florin to retain him and his army, it was Arianna that truly reeled him in.

"You were pretty close. Woman was a brewer's wife, passable at best but very eager" he said smirking as he plucked a white flower from a rosebush.

"However her drunkard husband barged in before anything could happen. He is now lame and carries a fresh beauty mark" he added with a smirk as he handed the white rose to her

"I have indeed received an invitation to sup with your father, however I disregarded it immediately. These formal gatherings are so boring, I'd rather avoid breaking bread with bloated lords and lordlings if I can help it. Besides most ladies in attending are almost as ugly as their husbands…but if your ladyship insists, I'd be happy to attend"
 
She took the rose and then sighed. "Oh you would like it if I insisted. Don't think me one of those easy women. I know well your game plan and it shall not work on me. Your charms are ineffective," she smiled. "I would like it if you came. You would give me someone to speak to outside the dull gentry. I will be forced to enjoy thoughtless conversations, dull witted men and the company of the likes of a Sforza cousin or the man my father insists I indulge, Orisini. I do not trust him and find his manner horrid but father insists."

She paused and looked down at the rose in her hand. "He is serious about this one. Alberto Orsini is cousin to one of the richest men in the whole of the Italian Cities. His connections with the House of Borgia and the Pope are enough for father to forgive the rumors of his temper. I know father loves me but his using me as a political pawn has me frustrated." She sighed then looked at him. "Perhaps you could indulge me and actually attend this evening. It might keep them away from me. Your reputation does proceed you after all..." She turned to look at him. "Will you attend? Just this once. And I shan't ask again. Perhaps you may even enjoy yourself. I would even pay you....just to keep me company."
 
"It is a pity that you are immune to my charms. You don't know what you are missing. But I suppose it can't be helped." he said

As he listened to her explain her situation concerning lord Alberto Orsini, he couldn't help but laugh. Like most men in Florence he heard a great deal about him: he was swollen with pride, whored as much as any drunkard, beat women, and carried a magnificent sword at his belt despite the fact that he had no idea how to use it. Perhaps that was not the only 'sword' he didn't know how to wield: it would explain why he had to pay to keep a woman for the night.

"As much as I would hate the sit at the same table as that braying ass Orsini, I cannot refuse the request of a lady" he said, kissing Arianna's hand

"You are kind to offer to pay me, but the payment I require is not in gold. However a kiss from you would buy me as your gallant attendant at this most unfortunate dinner party" he said
 
She smiled. "A kiss? Oh is that all. Very well, I can pay you in a kiss....but only after you attend the dinner with me," she said simply. Arianna smiled, realizing he still had a hold of her hand and retracted. And not to soon as she heard her handmaiden Guilla calling for her. She smoothed her skirts and then watched as Guilla came into the garden where they were.

"Signorina. It is time to start getting ready for the dinner....oh...Signore!" Guilla was a young woman of twenty years, widowed and had a reputation for being a bit to eager to share the bed if any man she wanted. She had been trying to get into Salvatore's bed for as long as Arianna could remember. "Signore...if you will excuse us."

Arianna smirked then looked to Salvatore. "See you at dinner. Try to dress appropriately," she grinned then took Guilla's arm and walked with her from the garden and toward her bedchamber to get ready. Tonight was going to be much the better having Salvatore present.
 
"You drive an even harder bargain than I do Signora. That is no easy feat: your father knows that my fee is not exactly trifling. But if you give me such an ultimatum I'm afraid I can't refuse" he said, slightly disappointed that she retracted her hand. Noticing that she was smoothing out the folds of her dress as if to present herself to someone, he followed her gaze to behold Guilla. He noticed the look she gave him and knew what it meant: countless women have given him that look before. She of course had a reputation for allowing almost any man to bed her, pretty much a noble wench. But she wasn't bad looking, and should his plans for Arianna fall through, he wouldn't mind Guillia warming his sheets for the night. Deciding to humor her, he smiled warmly at her, bowing as gallantly as a mercenary could.

"Very well M'lady, I shall see you tonight" he said, walking off.

That night he bothered to dress more appropriately for the event, wearing a green doublet, white tunic, and black pants. Around his arms were leather vembraces. His trusty blade was at his side, it's twin dagger skewering a slice of apple as he slowly nipped into it, taking note at all the bloated warthogs that called themselves lords. It was dreadfully boring, but being seated between Arianna and Guilla suited him well, and the comely serving wench seemed to be refiling his glass with wine rather often.
 
Arianna was dressed as a perfect Italian lady. Her dark hair was half braided with silver and dark blue ribbon intertwined, the half braid laying over her shoulder. Her gown was a royal blue with silver accents and lacing at the bodice revealing a white chemise beneath. White tufts peaked out at her elbows and shoulders and she looked every bit the young lady she was. As she sat beside Salvatore, she smirked and took a sip of wine.

"You look as dreadfully bored as I feel. Surely you are not so put out Signore," she teased then looked at the crowd of men and women. "I am surprised you have found no eager woman to pursue. Don't you find Widow Fernatti lovely. That white gold hair, positively a novelty in Florence. Except perhaps to those who know the great daughter of the pope Lucrezia Borgia..." She smirked. She and Lucrezia got along rather well but Lucrezia was married now to a Duke and separated from her plotting father and older bother. The nonsense rumors about her poisoning lovers and having an incestuous relationship with Cesare wee beyond think. Lucrezia was smart, independent and clever, and the two while not very close in age, had met when Arianna had been visiting her aunt in Naples. At that time, she had been married to the cousin to the prince of Naples. A man unfortunate to meet the end of her brother's blade.

"It isn't proper for you to say such things Signorina. You are unmarried and should not be so..." Guilla began.

"What? He could pursue her for a dance or wooing. I am not the one with my mind focused solely on matters of bed games." She smiled then looked at Salvatore before looking to the group, seeing her father speaking with her would be betrothed. Damn the man for deciding such a horrid fate for her. Surely he realized how unhappy she was with such a match. Her smile faltered. "Besides, I think the widow is long past her year of mourning. Signore Fernatti has been dead now some three years." She shrugged then took another sip of her wine, turning to her plate rather than the scene of the men talking and deciding her fate as though she were a cow up for sale.
 
Salvatore finished the slice of apple and sheathed his dagger, the boredom completely drowning out his appetite. He smirked as Arianna quipped at him and suggested that he woo Lucrezia.

"Signora, you forget that I'm on duty tonight. If I were to leave you here, you will eventually be subject to the boorish advances of that pig Alberto. What have you asked me here to be other than a deterrent?" he whispered to her.

"Besides you forget that I have served the Pope no more than two years ago. I'm afraid that I had enough of the Borgias. Besides Lucrezia has a reputation…I'd rather not take any chances." he reasoned
 
She smiled at him. "I brought you here to keep me company." She laughed softly then flushed. "I know Lucrezia Borgia. She only gets the reputation from her scheming brother and father, hardly from her actions. She and I correspond often...." She smiled then looked at the dance floor as a Volta began to play. "Do you dance Signore? I think I should like to and you are the only partner i would ever entertain the notion of dancing with," she admitted, sipping at her wind then standing. "Come...I know you are dying to get your hands upon me," she teased him then moved away from the table, pushing in her chair and glancing at him.

"You will enjoy yourself," she promised with a smile but that smile faltered at the sound of her father's voice.

"Arianna....I have given permission for Signore Orsini to dance with you...." Her father mused and Arianna cleared her throat.

"It is unfortunate father, for I am about to dance with our own Signore Salvatore. He shall wait his turn..." Her father's mouth thinned in anger but she didn't care. She would not be dancing with the bastard he wanted to sell her off to.
 
"Very well Signora, I would like nothing more than to dance with you" he said in acceptance, getting up and pushing in his chair as well, before he saw the momentary look of worry as her smile faltered to the sound of her father's voice. Looking past her he saw her father, with Signore Orisini following behind him like the dog he was.

"A thousand pardons Signore…but I have already asked to dance with your daughter. Since she has accepted, it would be rude of me to back out now" he said, wanting to cover her from her father's possible wrath.

"Signore Orsini is more than welcome to dance with her after we are done should Signora Arianna wish it" he said, looking at both her father and her would-be suitor with a mischievous smirk.
 
Orsini's face was clouded and Arianna smirked then curtseyed to them then took Salvatore's hand and walked with him to the main of the floor. Everyone seemed to give them space and she placed her hands on his shoulders, beginning to step with him to the music as the Volta played out. She could feel his hands on her waist, burning into her flesh. She would be lying if she denied any sort of attraction to him. Salvatore was an attractive man but he was also a man that was unfaithful and a woman chaser. It would be dangerous to let her heart become enamored with him or allow him access to her body. Something she knew he desired.

"Thank you Signore. For rescuing me. The last thing I need is to dance with that man. Perhaps you will dance with me so greatly I take ill," she smirked, looking up at him, letting him lift her when the time came as they moved with the other couples.
 
"As my lady wishes" he said, turning into her as they mixed in with the crowd of people on the dance floor, farther away from the line of sight of her father.

"I can see why you don't want to marry that pig Alberto. You know he wenches and beats women as much as any commoner and yet he gets a title, fortune, and lands" he said

"It's a pity that I wasn't born noble…than perhaps your father wouldn't be so opposed to our union…but one can only do so much to change ones circumstances. If my lady would like, I'd be happy to escort you to your chambers, should you dance so well that you will 'take ill'" he offered
 
She smiled. "I would like it," she smiled. "The sooner I get away from him the better..." She sighed then turned with him, letting him raise her up off the floor and slide down his frame. She could feel her body him with warmth at his touch and felt her cheeks bloom with color. As the music ended, she looked at him then glanced at Orsini as he made his way through the crowd then led Salvatore through the crowd and out of the room, glancing at a passing servant. "Tell my father I am ill," she ordered then took Salvatore's arm, walking with him into the garden that lay between her rooms and the main house. Of course, Salvatore was there for protection purposes. As they reached her rooms, she paused and looked at him.

"Thank you Signore..." She swallowed, turning to open her chamber door before stopping and looking at him. "I am sorry. I forgot. I so owe you a kiss do I not? For your help and chivalry," she smiled then blushed, biting her bottom lip. "Consider it a gift Signore, for I never have kissed another man of my own volition...." She murmured, looking up at him, feeling her cheeks flame, her body burn and yearn for something she would not be able to ease.
 
Salvatore gazed at her as she turned to him, her face a soft bloom of red. As she brought up the subject of her end of the bargain he smiled softly and gently took her hands, holding them in front of her.

"My lady, when I asked for a kiss from you, I meant in partly in jest. I won't urge you into anything that you don't want to do, so if you'd rather not, I won't hold it against you" he said as he looked into her eyes sincerely.

"The night wasn't a complete waste…I enjoyed our dance together" letting her hands go slowly
 
She stopped him. "Yes...our dance. But...a bargain is a bargain Salvatore," she whispered then took a deep breath, lifting her hand to his cheek and stroking it before gently reaching up on tiptoe, pressing her lips to his, closed mouthed and innocent, much like herself. She drew away and looked at him then bit her bottom lip and flushed. "Well, goodnight Signore," she whispered then turned and opened the door, slipping into her bedchamber. She glanced at him with a smile.

"Goodnight..." She repeated then shut the door, turning the key and pausing, looking at the door with a sort of longing before pressing her forehead to the wood and cursing herself for wanting something she couldn't have. But to have him was risking more than being ruined by the eyes of society, it was a risk of falling to deeply in love.

Outside the door, Guilla was headed toward the rooms of her mistress, having seen the kiss but decided to keep it to herself. She could use that information for personal gain later. She smiled at Salvatore. "Is my lady well?" She asked curiously.
 
Salvatore's eyes momentarily widened in surprise as she stood on the tips of her toes to lean up and press her lips to his. He closed his eyes and cocked his head to the side, his arms embracing her as if they had a will of there own. Despite the innocent and chaste kiss she gave him, he couldn't help but feel a great wave wash over him as he moved his hands to run his fingers through her hair…and before he knew it, she was gone.

"Goodnight" and the door was shut.

He stood there dumbfounded. He didn't understand why. Salvatore had many great conquests, so a mere kiss from a virgin Signora should mean nothing. Salvatore's musings were cut abruptly short as he heard Guilla make her approach. Could she have seen? Deciding to smile as if nothing happened he turned and smiled warmly at her. Guilla wasn't as beautiful as Arianna, but she was still very fair. Besides her reputation of inviting any man to bed her preceded her, and he knew for a while that she had her eyes on him…

"Lady Arianna has taken ill Guilla. She just wishes to rest in her chambers for a while, the night has been rather trying on her." he said to her
 
"Has it?" Guilla mused then smiled. "The poor lamb. Well I shall not disturb her then. Perhaps you would be kind enough to lead me to my chamber?" She smiled at him, glancing at the door to the rooms of her mistress then gazing at him. "I have the worst trouble getting out of these clothes....I may need some help," she smiled then stroked his chn and pressed against him, cupping him with her hand through his trousers. "And it would seem you also need a little help....perhaps we can help each other," she whispered then grinned and leaned up, kissing him, nipping his bottom lip. "Doesn't that sound like fun?" She whispered then pressed further against hm. "I know you would enjoy the company, and I've been told I have a rather talented mouth," she whispered, nipping his ear lobe.
 
Salvatore was taken by the way she so impetuously came on to him. As she pressed her lips to his, he wasn't sure if he should kiss back. He had just kissed Arianna, and for some reason it had a odd affect on him despite her innocence. As he was wondering what to make of it, he felt Guilla nip at his bottom lip and press her hand against him through his trousers. She had a rather nice touch, and as she teasingly whispered and nipped at his ear he felt her grip grow firmer. Any other time he'd gladly accept her invitation, but after his precious moment with Arianna he found himself strangely reluctant.

"I appreciate the sentiment, and I'll be happy to escort you to your chamber…however I have agreed to meet with my lieutenant tonight" he said, fumbling to come up with an excuse as he felt himself slowly become aroused by her touch, as reluctant as he was.

"Some other time perhaps?" he asked as he moved a hand down to free himself from her touch down below.
 
She looked at him and cocked a brow then stiffened. "I see. Perhaps another time," she muttered then turned and walked away. After all the women he had slept with and having a reputation for bedding any woman that crossed him, now he was to busy. She snorted and turned the hall. He wanted Arianna. None with eyes could see he wanted the perfect and sweet and innocent D'Angelo bitch. Arianna was the kind of girl a man wanted. Her purity was enough to make Guilla sick. And Salvatore wanted her.

Entering her own small chamber, she huffed. That was all fine and well because soon the bitch would be dead and so would her father and then Salvatore would be free of his affections for the rich little bitch would be gone.

----------

Arianna glanced at Salvatore the following day as they walked through the marketplace. She needed him as personal guard and it was nice being alone in his company. She had even excused Guilla for the afternoon so that she could enjoy the alone time. Dressed with her hair swept up and in a dark red and gold gown, she looked every bit the lady she was supposed to be. In hand was a basket full of little odds and ends, mostly replacement embroidery thread, needles and cloth.

"Today is beautiful isn't it?" She smiled then glanced at him before looking forward and admiring a stall covered in flowers. She reached up, touching a yellow rose before looking at Salvatore and smiling. "You should have heard the talk I had with father this morning about my taking ill. He is not very pleased with me right now. He decided last night to hasten the proceedings for a betrothal with Orsini. It seems I will be marrying him in less than a month." Her smile faltered and she sighed. "I wish I knew how to change his mind."
 
Salvatore reached for his purse and drew out a few florins, handing them to the woman who was behind the flower stall. Picking up the bushel of yellow roses he held them to his nose as he took a whiff. They were fresh from the countryside, their delicate petals like gold in an intoxicating scent.

"Well, I'm sorry to say that any advice on this matter that I would give would be limited" he said, lowering the flowers as the made there way through the marketplace.

"More often then naught I am grateful that I was born a commoner, so that I'm free of such nonsense. However perhaps you could appeal to your father's sensible side: he obviously knows of Alberto Orsini's reputation for drinking and wenching. That is obviously unbecoming of a young lord, no matter how rich he is. Plus your father loves you, so you could appeal to him not to barter you off to such an abusive oaf, and instead suggest a safer and equally beneficial alliance…" he reasoned, giving her that smoldering smirk that has worked on so many women save for her. Perhaps yesterday was only an off-day, so he'd try again.

"…let's say for example, a certain condottieri" he finished
 
She nearly dropped her basket at his suggestion but swiftly recovered and fixed her skirts. Turning to gaze at him, she raised a brow. "Signore....I had no idea that you considered yourself as a marriage candidate. You the Great Lover of Florence, the man who beds every woman he can...." She swallowed then lusher. "You should not speak things you do not mean Salvatore..." She murmured then turned away, feeling her cheeks flaming as she walked toward the house.

He was teasing her surely. He didn't want her as a wife. No doubt wanted to bed her, that much had always been clear and she wanted him but she knew better than to fall for his tricks of seduction. Rounding the corner, she paused again, finding them alone in an empty alley. She sat the basket down then took a deep breath. "You shouldn't do that. We can't....you elder be faithful. It isn't in your nature to be given your reputation or is all the talk I hear false? I wouldn't be one of your conquests no matter how much I want you." She swallowed, realizing what she had just confessed and closed her eyes, covering her face with her hands, wishing she could unspeak her last words.
 
"Well…in my defense, I only bed the good looking women. And there are times when even I need rest. Guilla made quite a tempting offer last night, but I had a previous engagement" he said teasingly as they walked on. He could see that he got to her. Perhaps he crossed the line a little bit, but he elected to keep jesting with her.

"I don't consider myself a marriage candidate…but even you must admit that I'm more of a gentleman than most of these oafs that call themselves lords. And I'm not a bad handler of the blade, if I do say so myself" he said as they pulled into the alley.

Once she sat the basket down he stopped and turned to her as she made her confession. So she DID want him! However to see her in grief over it took the satisfaction out of it.

"Signora…I only meant it in jest. I didn't mean to cause you torment" he said
 
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