Valentina opened the door to Crispin's room and entered hesitantly. The space that opened up before her made her pause for a moment. In contrast to her modest attic room, Crispin's room was spacious and airy – although not as large as Innogen's huge quarters, of course. Large windows let in the last of the evening light, bathing the sturdy wooden furniture in warm tones.

  "Wow," Valentina gasped involuntarily. "Your room is... beautiful."

  Crispin blushed slightly and ran his fingers nervously through his golden curls. "Oh, that... It's nothing special. My father insisted that I get 'proper' quarters."

  Valentina noticed the slightly bitter undertone in his voice, but decided not to pick up on it. Instead, she let her gaze continue to wander around the room. There was a beautiful dark wood desk against one wall, littered with books and parchment. Next to it was a well-stocked bookshelf that almost reached the ceiling.

  "Have a seat," Crispin said hastily, pointing to a comfortable-looking armchair next to the desk. "Would you like something to drink? I have herbal tea or... or water."

  "Herbal tea would be nice, thank you," Valentina replied, sinking into the armchair. She watched as Crispin busily lit a small Essence lamp to heat water for the herbal tea.

  "How cozy," Vyxara said teasingly. "Almost too bad you're only here to study, isn't it?"

  Valentina ignored the comment and focused instead on Crispin, who was now back with two steaming cups.

  "So," he began as he handed her a cup, "what part of your project do you want to work on?"

  Valentina took a careful sip of the hot drink. The taste of chamomile and honey spread pleasantly in her mouth. "I thought maybe we could talk about your project first," she said. "Your idea of combining Leb and Z?t Essence to preserve food fascinates me."

  Crispin's eyes lit up. "Really? I mean, it's still very theoretical, but I think it could really make a difference."

  He stood up and picked up some rolls of parchment from his desk. When he sat down next to Valentina to show her his notes, she suddenly became very aware of his proximity. She could smell the faint scent of fresh ink emanating from him.

  "Oh, someone's nervous," commented Vyxara, amused. "Relax, little Weaver. He won't bite you... unless you want him to."

  Valentina felt the blush rise to her face and hoped fervently that Crispin didn't notice. She forced herself to concentrate on his explanations.

  They spent the next hour discussing Crispin's project. Valentina was impressed by the depth of his research and the creativity of his approach. She asked questions, made suggestions and soon lost herself in the fascinating world of Essence Theory.

  When they finally moved on to their own project, the initial nervousness was almost forgotten. Crispin listened attentively as she explained her ideas on water purification.

  "That's brilliant, Val!" he exclaimed when she had finished. "Combining Leb and Wazzer Essence in this way... it could be revolutionary!"

  Valentina smiled, pleased at his praise. "Thank you. I just hope I can put it into practice. The theory is one thing, but the actual application..."

  "You can do it," Crispin said with a conviction that surprised Valentina. "You're the most talented Essence Weaver I know."

  Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Valentina suddenly became aware of her surroundings again – the warm light of the Essence lamps, the soft crackling of the fire in the fireplace, the proximity of Crispin's body next to her.

  "Oh, this is going to be interesting," whispered Vyxara.

  Valentina cleared her throat sheepishly and averted her eyes. "We... we should probably take a break," she said hastily.

  Crispin blinked as if waking from a trance. "Oh, yes, of course," he stammered. "Would you like some more tea?"

  While Crispin took care of the tea, Valentina got up and went to the window. She looked out into the dark university courtyard, where a few students were still out and about. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest and she wondered if she had chosen the right time. Was she really ready for this?

  "You think too much, little Weaver," Vyxara said gently. "Sometimes you just have to trust the moment."

  Valentina took a deep breath and turned back to Crispin, who came back with two fresh cups of tea. She took her cup and sat down next to him again, this time a little closer than before.

  Valentina took a deep sip from her teacup to calm herself. The warm herbal scent wafted into her nose, mingling with the faint smell of fresh ink emanating from Crispin. She felt her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

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  "It's now or never, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered encouragingly.

  Valentina took a deep breath and carefully put her cup down. "Crispin," she began hesitantly, "I... I need to tell you something."

  Crispin looked up from his notes, his blue eyes full of curiosity. "What is it, Val?"

  She struggled with the words, unsure how to begin. "I... we're good friends, aren't we?"

  "Of course," Crispin replied immediately, a warm smile on his face. "You're one of my best friends here at the university."

  Valentina nodded, relieved at his confirmation. "Good, that's good. Because... because I trust you, Crispin. And I like you a lot."

  Crispin's eyes widened slightly, a hint of red rising in his cheeks. "I like you a lot too, Val, actually, well, we've talked about it before..." he said quietly.

  "I'm glad," Valentina continued, her gaze fixed firmly on her hands. "Because I have a request for you. A very personal request."

  She could feel Crispin holding his breath next to her. "What... What kind of request?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.

  Valentina forced herself to look him in the eye. "I want you to be my first, Crispin."

  The words hung heavy in the air for a moment. Crispin's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth opened and closed several times without a sound coming out.

  "You... You want...," he finally stammered. "With me? But... why?"

  Valentina smiled gently. "Because I trust you, Crispin. Because you are kind and considerate. And because I know you will respect me."

  Crispin stared at her in disbelief. "But... but Val, I always thought... I mean, do you love me?"

  Valentina shook her head gently. "Not like that, Crispin. You're very important to me, and I like you very much. But it's not romantic love." She paused for a moment, searching for the right words. "I want to share this experience with someone I trust and who respects me. Someone like you."

  Crispin was silent for a long moment, his gaze thoughtful. "I... I'm honored, Val," he finally said. "But are you sure? I mean, it's a big deal."

  Valentina nodded resolutely. "Yes, I'm sure of it. I've thought about it for a long time."

  "A whole night," Vyxara commented dryly in her head.

  Crispin took a deep breath. "Okay," he said quietly. "If you're sure... then yes. I'd be honored to be your first."

  A smile spread across Valentina's face. She leaned forward and gently pressed her lips to his. The kiss was tender and a little awkward, but full of warmth.

  When they broke away from each other, Crispin looked at her with an expression of wonder and tenderness. "That was... wow," he whispered.

  Valentina laughed softly. "Yes, wow," she agreed. She stood up and held out her hand to him. "Shall we?"

  Crispin took her hand and let her lead him to the bed. His hands trembled slightly as he began to undo the buttons of his shirt.

  Valentina put her hand on his. "Let me do it," she said gently. With slow, deliberate movements, she began to unbutton his shirt.

  "That’s it, little Weaver," Vyxara purred appreciatively. "Take control. This is your moment."

  As Crispin's shirt fell to the floor, Valentina ran her hands over his scrawny chest. His skin was warm under her fingers and she could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest.

  "You're beautiful, Val," Crispin whispered, his voice raw with emotion.

  Valentina smiled and began to undo the laces of her own dress.

  With trembling hands, Crispin helped her remove the dress. When it fell to the floor, they stood facing each other for a moment, both in just their undergarments.

  Valentina felt nervousness rising inside her, but she forced herself to remain calm. She had chosen this path and she would see it through.

  She took a step towards Crispin and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Kiss me," she whispered.

  Crispin leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. This time the kiss was more passionate, deeper. Valentina opened her mouth slightly and let his exploring tongue in.

  A soft sigh escaped Crispin as he deepened the kiss. His hands wandered hesitantly over her back, as if he wasn't sure where to place them.

  Valentina gently detached herself from him and smiled encouragingly. "It's okay, Crispin. You can touch me."

  With these words, she took his hands and guided them to her breasts. Crispin gasped softly as his palms felt the soft curves under the thin fabric of her undershirt.

  Slowly, almost reverently, he began to caress her breasts. Valentina closed her eyes and enjoyed the touch. It felt good, unlike anything she had ever experienced before. Different than... but she didn't want to think about that right now and banished the thought.

  "That's it, little Weaver," whispered Vyxara. "That's what I was talking about. The power of pleasure."

  Valentina ignored the comment and concentrated fully on the sensations Crispin's touch triggered in her. She let her own hands wander over his upper body, exploring the contours of his back, the gentle curves of his shoulders.

  She finally broke away from him and sat down on the bed. She held out her hand to Crispin. "Come on," she said softly.

  Crispin followed her, his movements hesitant but trembling with excitement. He lay down next to her, his gaze full of admiration and nervousness.

  Valentina smiled reassuringly. "It's okay," she whispered, "We have all the time in the world."

  She leaned forward and kissed him again, this time slower, more demanding. Her hands wandered over his body, exploring him. Crispin moaned softly into her mouth, his own hands beginning to grow bolder.

  When Valentina felt his fingers hesitantly touch the hem of her undershirt, she nodded encouragingly. "It's okay," she whispered against his lips. "You can take it off."

  Crispin pulled her shirt over her head with trembling hands. His breath caught when he saw her fully for the first time. "You are so beautiful," he breathed.

  Valentina smiled, a slight blush rising in her cheeks. She took his hand and brought it to her breast again. "Touch me," she whispered.

  Crispin obeyed, his touches tentative at first, then more and more confident. Valentina closed her eyes and surrendered to the sensations. It felt good, better than she had expected.

  When his lips closed around her nipple, she gasped in surprise. A wave of pleasure flooded through her body, making her tremble.

  "You see, little Weaver?" purred Vyxara contentedly. "This is just the beginning. Imagine what's yet to come."

  Valentina ignored the voice in her head and concentrated fully on Crispin. She let her hand glide over his back, gently stroking it.

  Finally, she gently detached herself from him and looked him in the eye. "Are you ready?" she asked softly.

  Crispin nodded, his expression a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. "Yes," he whispered. "But... I've never... I mean, I don't know exactly..."

  Valentina smiled reassuringly. "Me neither," she said, "Let's find out together."

  "Are you sure you want this?" Crispin asked quietly, his words a mix of intense longing and appreciation.

  Valentina nodded. "Yes," she said firmly. "I'm ready."

  With these words, she climbed on top of him. Whatever the future might bring, at that moment she was exactly where she wanted to be.