Lady Celestine's townhouse was situated in one of Dusktown's most elegant streets, surrounded by manicured gardens. Music drifted softly from the open windows. Valentina hesitated outside the gate, her heart beating faster at the thought of what she was about to do.

"Nervous, little Weaver?" Vyxara's voice sounded amused. "Yet you weren't usually so shy with a little tenderness in your illustrious inner circle. Not even at the beginning with Master Bloomfield."

"This feels a bit different," thought Valentina. But she straightened her shoulders and knocked.

The servant who opened the door led her through an elegant entrance hall. There were fresh flowers in precious vases everywhere, and the scent of jasmine and roses filled the air. Beautiful paintings hung on the walls – Lady Celestine was known for her exquisite taste.

The young widow herself sat at the clavichord, engrossed in a complicated piece of music. She looked stunning in the warm light of the Essence lamps – her golden hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders and her blue silk dress emphasized her supple figure.

When she noticed Valentina, she paused in the middle of the piece. A surprised smile lit up her face. "Valentina! What unexpected joy." She rose with feline grace. "Or should I say – what long-awaited joy?"

The knowing undertone in her voice made Valentina blush. Lady Celestine waved the servants out and poured wine into two finely cut crystal glasses.

"You look enchanting tonight," she remarked as she handed Valentina a glass. Their fingers brushed briefly, a fleeting touch that gave her a tingle. "The lavender grey looks great on you. One of Silkhand's latest creations?"

"A gift from the duke," Valentina replied quietly.

"Ah." Lady Celestine smiled knowingly. "The duke has always had excellent taste. In many ways." She gestured to an upholstered chaise longue. "Sit down with me. Tell me what brings you to me tonight."

"She knows already," Vyxara purred, amused. "Look at the way she's looking at you."

Valentina took a sip of wine to buy some time. The wine was excellent, of course – Lady Celestine would settle for nothing less.

"Your... invitations," she began hesitantly. "I thought perhaps..."

"Perhaps it's time?" Lady Celestine moved closer, her jasmine scent intoxicating. "You've rejected me often enough. What has changed?"

Her hand gently stroked Valentina's arm, a tender but still innocuous gesture. There was no demand in it, just an inviting warmth.

"I got curious," Valentina lied – but was she really lying? She wasn't so sure anymore. "And... I trust you."

Lady Celestine's eyes softened. "I'm honored." She set her wine glass aside and took Valentina's hand. "Come. Let's go somewhere more comfortable."

Lady Celestine's bedchamber was a dream of heavy brocade and soft light. Fresh rose petals floated in a crystal bowl, their scent mingling with the jasmine to create an intoxicating mixture. The lights of Dusktown could be seen through the high windows, twinkling like stars in the twilight.

"You needn't be nervous," Lady Celestine said gently. She stepped behind Valentina and began to deftly untie the laces of her dress. "We have all night."

Her fingers were warm and skillful, her touch tender but sure. When her lips brushed Valentina's neck, she shivered pleasantly.

"See?" murmured Vyxara. "It's not that different. Just enjoy it."

Lady Celestine turned Valentina to face her. "You are beautiful," she whispered. Her hand stroked Valentina's cheek, following the line of her neck. "I have admired you so often. The duke has excellent taste indeed."

The dress fell quietly to the floor. Lady Celestine's own followed shortly after, revealing flawless skin that shimmered golden in the muted light of the Essence lamps.

"Come." She led Valentina to the bed, the cool silk of the sheets a pleasant contrast to her heated skin. "Let me show you how different – and how wonderful – a woman's touch can be.

Her fingers were gentle but sure as they stroked Valentina's body, exploring every curve and hollow. Valentina felt her nervousness slowly recede, replaced by a new feeling – a mixture of curiosity and arousal. She had never been with a woman before and Lady Celestine's touch felt different to anything she had known. Softer. More tender. More… knowing.

Lady Celestine began at Valentina's neck, pressing her mouth against her skin and licking the sensitive area behind her ear with her tongue. Valentina gasped, a shiver of pleasure running through her. Then Lady Celestine's lips moved lower, to her breasts. She encircled one of the rosy buds with her mouth and sucked gently, nibbled on it.

Valentina moaned softly, her fingers digging into her lover's golden hair. The sensation was intense, almost too much, but in the best possible way. Lady Celestine's mouth traveled further down, over Valentina's belly and hips, until she arrived between her legs.

Valentina held her breath as she felt Lady Celestine's tongue part her moist folds. She was a patient, sensitive teacher, introducing Valentina step by step to this new kind of intimacy. She licked and sucked and caressed her, her hands and lips finding places Valentina hadn't even known were so sensitive.

"See?" Lady Celestine's voice was a warm whisper between her thighs. "Women know exactly what pleases a woman. We know every sweet spot, every sensitive area."

"Oh yes," Vyxara purred appreciatively. "She really knows what she's doing. We should have done this much earlier."

Tenderly, skillfully and joyfully, she brought Valentina closer and closer to the peak. Valentina's fingers clawed into the sheet as the tension in her body grew until she could take it no longer and came with a loud cry.

Lady Celestine kissed her way back up, a self-satisfied smile on her lips. "Good?" she asked, her voice a husky whisper.

Valentina could only nod, still out of breath from her climax.

"We've only just begun," Lady Celestine promised, kissing her deeply and passionately.

As their mouths parted, Valentina saw the desire blazing in her lover's eyes. "I want to taste you," she gasped, amazed at her own audacity.

Lady Celestine smiled when she heard Valentina's words. She rolled onto her back and spread her legs invitingly. Valentina hesitated for a moment, then slid down and gently licked the damp folds of her friend as Celestine stroked her hair tenderly.

The taste was strange, but not unpleasant – salty and a little sweet. She became bolder and let her tongue slide deeper, exploring every nook and cranny. Lady Celestine moaned and squirmed under her touch, encouraging her.

"Yes, that's it," she gasped, "that's it."

Valentina did as she was told and caressed the little bud at the entrance with her lips and tongue. Lady Celestine reared up as Valentina sucked on her most sensitive spot. Her moans became louder, more urgent. "Don't stop," she begged, "keep going like this."

Valentina gladly obeyed. She wanted to give her joy, wanted to see and feel what it was like when she came.

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She increased the pace, licking and sucking on the sensitive pearl, caressing it diligently until Lady Celestine's body stiffened and she came, trembling and moaning. Valentina could feel the muscles in Lady Celestine's core pulsating.

Slowly, she pulled back and watched as she caught her breath. Lady Celestine smiled at her, reached out a hand and pulled Valentina up for a deep kiss.

"So wonderful," Lady Celestine murmured appreciatively, laughing softly and kissing the tip of her nose. Valentina was glad that it felt so natural, not as strange as she had feared.

"See?" Vyxara murmured contentedly. "Sometimes the best surprises are the ones you were most afraid of."

They lay relaxed next to each other, their bodies heated by their shared passion. Lady Celestine stroked Valentina's hair languidly while the moon shone through the high windows.

"You're full of surprises," Lady Celestine murmured with a smile. "So reserved at first, and then..." She kissed Valentina's shoulder. "No wonder the duke is so fascinated by you."

Valentina turned to her. "Was he like that with you?"

"Oh yes." Lady Celestine laughed softly. "He can be very... intense. Possessive. But also incredibly tender." She propped herself up on one elbow. "Although... it's different with you. I've never seen him so... involved."

"Different? In what way?" Valentina pulled the silk blanket a little higher. The night air had become chilly.

Lady Celestine reached for a decanter beside the bed and filled two goblets with sweet wine. "Here." She handed Valentina one of the goblets. "Yes, different. He had many lovers – you know that. But with you..." She sipped her wine thoughtfully. "You get under his skin. That makes him happy – and vulnerable."

"I don't get the impression that he's particularly vulnerable," Valentina said tonelessly, thinking back to the night of her birthday.

Lady Celestine watched her intently. "Something happened, didn't it? A few weeks ago. The inner circle sensed it – a shift between you."

"He..." Valentina broke off, unsure how much she should reveal.

"You don't have to tell." Lady Celestine's hand stroked her arm gently. "But I've known him long enough. When he threatens to lose control, he can react... react strangely. Sometimes even cruel."

"Yes." Valentina's voice was barely more than a whisper. "He can be cruel."

"It had something to do with Lorenzo, didn't it?" Lady Celestine raised her hand placatingly as Valentina stiffened. "You don't have to confirm or deny it. I mean you no harm. But I have eyes in my head."

"She's good," Vyxara commented approvingly. "Very good, in fact."

"The duke is... complicated," Lady Celestine continued as she refilled Valentina's wine glass. "He's brilliant, charismatic, generous. But he hates it when things get out of his control." She smiled faintly. "Especially people he cares about."

"How did you deal with it? When you were... were his favorite?"

"Oh, I had it easier." Lady Celestine laughed softly. "I was never more than a pleasant diversion for him. Important, yes, but not..." She looked meaningfully at Valentina. "Not as important as you."

She leaned back into the cushions, her golden hair shimmering in the moonlight. "You know, the inner circle is relieved that you've found each other again. Not just because we like you – which we definitely do – but because he's happy again."

"Is he being happy that important to you?"

"Why, yes." Lady Celestine sounded almost amused. "A happy duke means a harmonious court. And harmony..." She smiled mischievously. "...means we can devote ourselves to our pleasures instead of having to deal with politics."

"Clever girl," purred Vyxara.

"So he was... unhappy? After..." Valentina fell silent.

"After whatever happened that night?" Lady Celestine nodded. "Yes. Not obviously – he's too much of a ruler through and through to show his true feelings. But we who know him well..." She made a meaningful gesture. "He has suffered. Probably more than you realize."

Valentina thought about Lady Celestine's words as she sipped her wine. "I don't understand him sometimes," she finally admitted. "One moment he's so tender, so caring – and the next..."

"Is he doing something cruel to prove his dominance?" Lady Celestine nodded understandingly. "It's his way of dealing with emotions he can't control. But" – she brushed a stray strand of hair from Valentina's face – "the fact that he feels so strongly about you at all is remarkable. And a little frightening for him, I suppose."

"Frightening? For the duke?" Valentina had to smile despite everything.

"Oh yes." Lady Celestine laughed softly. "The mighty Duke Cosimo Greystone, who controls everything and everyone – except his heart. That must drive him mad."

They were silent for a while, listening to the sounds of the city at night. Then Lady Celestine said softly: "Do you know what the most beautiful thing is? That you found your way back to him despite his cruelty. That you were strong enough to forgive him – but also to stop losing yourself completely in him."

"She's right," Vyxara remarked. "You've grown from that night. You've become stronger."

"I should go," Valentina finally said. "I have an important appointment at the hospital tomorrow."

"Of course." Lady Celestine kissed her gently. "But come again. Any time. Not just for the fun." She gestured to the rumpled bed. "But also to talk. It's good to have someone who understands."

As Valentina got dressed, Lady Celestine helped her with the complicated lacing. "Take care of yourself. One of my servants can escort you to the palace," she said in farewell. "And remember – my door is always open to you."

On the way home through the dark city, Valentina felt strangely light. The night had surprised her in many ways – not only the physical pleasures, but also the unexpected understanding, the new bond with Lady Celestine.

"You know, Vyxara," Valentina thought with a smile, "Somehow I almost feel like I've ripped you off in this deal."

"On the contrary, little Weaver, I got my money's worth," Vyxara replied with satisfaction. "And tomorrow we can take care of Jenny."

~

The next morning, Valentina led Jenny to one of the treatment rooms in the inner ring of the hospital. The girl limped nervously beside her, her hand trembling slightly in Valentina's.

"Lady Hazel will assist us," Valentina explained gently as they entered the room. Hazel was already waiting, having prepared everything they needed. The warm pulsation of the Greystone Cascade filled the room with Leb Essence.

"Don't worry," Hazel said with an encouraging smile. "Valentina knows what she's doing."

"Oh yes, she does," purred Vyxara.

Jenny swallowed hard. "Will it... is it going to hurt a lot?"

"Not at all." Valentina helped her lie down on the treatment table. "You won't feel a thing."

She began to weave, her hands moving in the familiar patterns of the Wazzer-Zît combination she had perfected over the last few months. Jenny visibly relaxed as the numbness set in. Probably the first time in years, she felt no pain at all in her foot.

"Amazing," Hazel murmured as she observed the effect of the complex Essence structure that she couldn't see herself. "How exactly-"

"Later." Valentina was already concentrating on the next phase. The crippled bones were a challenge – years of incorrect growth had deformed them.

"Here," Vyxara whispered, "let me show you..." The demon began to explain a completely strange pattern to her – something so elegant, simple and dangerous at the same time that Valentina drew in her breath sharply.

"What is it?" Hazel asked anxiously.

"Nothing." Valentina shook her head. "Give me the Distilled Essence. The Greystone Cascade's Leb Essence isn't enough for this. I need to refract and realign some of the bones and heal the surrounding tissue at the same time."

They worked with great concentration for the next few hours. Valentina wove patterns within patterns, harnessed the power of the Cascade, added enough Distilled Essence and reinforced her Essence structures with the Amplifying Incantations that Manwise had taught her. Hazel handed her the materials she needed with precision, wiping the sweat from her brow.

With Vyxara's help, she managed to manipulate the tissue and realign the bones. The pattern the demon had shown her was brilliant – and she knew instinctively that she would never show it to anyone. In the wrong hands...

Jenny's foot began to change. The swelling went down, the twisted bones straightened out. Hour after hour, Valentina corrected years of misalignment.

"Excellent," praised Vyxara. "Flawless work."

Finally, after more than four hours of intensive work, Valentina dissolved the last Essence patterns. She was exhausted, but satisfied.

"Done," she gasped.

Hazel carefully examined Jenny's foot. "By all the flames of the Martyr," she whispered reverently. "It's... perfect."

She released the anaesthetic pattern. Jenny blinked in confusion when she could suddenly feel her foot again. Then she sat up. She hesitantly moved her foot.

"It doesn't hurt," she said incredulously. "Not even a little bit!"

"Get up," Valentina encouraged her gently. "Try to walk."

Jenny slipped off the table. Her first steps were unsteady, she had to get used to having a whole foot again – but there was no more limping. Tears ran down her cheeks as she took a few more steps.

"I can walk normally!" she sobbed.

"Come on," Valentina said gently. "Let's go to your mother."

They left the treatment room together, the trembling Jenny on Valentina's arm, the exhausted, smiling Hazel close behind them. Jenny's mother was waiting in the outer ring. When she saw her daughter coming towards her without the familiar limp, she slapped her hands over her mouth.

Master Wilford, who had just finished a ward round, stood rooted to the spot. His eyes widened as Jenny walked to her mother with firm, steady steps.

"That's impossible," he muttered. "I've tried for years..." He broke off, shaking his head in disbelief.

Jenny threw her arms around her mother's neck and they both cried with joy. Then Jenny broke away and gave Valentina a big hug.

"Thank you," she sobbed, "Oh, thank you!"

Her mother knelt down in front of Valentina. "My lady... we are forever in your debt. Whatever you ask of us..."

"Please, get up," said Valentina, embarrassed, helping Mother Thimbel back up and pulling her and Jenny in a tight hug. "I was happy to do it."

Master Wilford cleared his throat. His voice sounded rough. "That is... I don't know what to say. I never thought..." He straightened his shoulders. "Well, I wouldn't say there's nothing left for me to teach you, but apparently there are a few things I could learn from you as well."

"And all it took was a night with Lady Celestine," Vyxara purred amusedly. "What a deal."

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