"Broken Shards"

[zauberdecke]

"In the dark
I need to taste the blood
Go on, draw another line
We can cross this time."
- Blindfold by Sleeping Wolf

---



[ Essek Thelyss: Shadowhand to the Dynasty.

One who reached further then the Luxon would allow, who would do absolutely anything for knowledge. Oh no, the man did not care for power, not really. He wanted to cast himself into the portal of knowing, he wanted to surrender himself to books and learning without having to deal with the mundanities of socio-politics that all of the Kryn engaged in. It was tedious and it filled him with sickness even as he plastered on an urbane smile for all and sundry to see.

Within the Dynasty, it was customary to take pets of the Empire; they were brought in across the border of Asarius, across the mountains and into the Dynasty. There were Dynasty born pets on the other side, both lost to the ravages of the other's civilization, generally never to be seen again.

Essek had never really had an interest to begin with when it came to pets; at the market he carefully avoided the slave blocks where those not of the Dynasty were paraded around. However, it had come to this-- it had come to his trading of the Beacon, and in return he recieved a Volstrucker to serve him. And yet, for all of that, Essek Thelyss had not thought he would receive a broken Volstrucker.

In fair trade, he and recieved a dossier on the man in question and had perused it with only a small semblance of annoyance while Trent Ikithon had assured him that a man like him could be rebuilt, the honeyed words of a silken snake which Essek recognized.

After all did not a predator recognize another predator? So now he held in his household a man whom had to be guarded carefully, though Essek was not cruel despite how he imagined Dynasty pets were treated, the cage that he had placed this Volstrucker named Bren within, well it was comfortable-- he'd seen pictures of Vergossen so he supposed it must be far better than that place. But he had not precisely interacted with him-- most of his unseen servants were given the walking of him, the care and maintenance of him.

Perhaps because he did not precisely know what to do with him, or what use he had for something broken. Though he arguably did not know what manner of broken the Volstrucker was, but after a week-- he decided perhaps it was time to summon him and see for himself; acertain what sort of work was cut out for him.

If this man was worth putting back together again.

So it was one evening, he had the Empire man summoned to his chambers. ]

Comments

[zauberdecke]

[ it appeared that they were both finding out quite a bit about each other in this moment. For Bren, the door was opening for abasements and humiliations-- for Essek, it was a nearly literal awakening of something that he'd never considered that he would ever enjoy. He watched as Bren started to worship his foot, continuing the mouthing against the skin of his ankle while he saw the way that that hand worked based purely on the movements of arm.

A hum of soft praise came from Essek's mouth and he allowed himself a incline of his head while he considered. ]

If it is not all lapped up, there will be punishment-- I want my foot clean of your filth afterwards. [ That was meant to be a threat but it may have been an incentive as well-- who could say? The darkening was a beautiful thing, the way that the flush clung to ginger skin, another point of beauty for his own slave, another way that the other man pleased him. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[How difficult really. Bren who wanted his master pleased but who clearly enjoyed punishment far more than he ought to. Quite the threat really. He cast a glance up at Essek at those words, a shiver wracking its way through him, his hand moving almost desperately over his prick now, so very close to his release already. How could he not be? With his Master's eyes on him, watching him in his shame and offering him these small, indecent rewards of being able to worship him this way.

His hips jerked fitfully as he was reminded of his filth, and he murmured soft assurances against the jut of that ankle. That he would lap all the filth of his spend up, that he would be good and obedient.]

I... ah... Master..!

[He came with that title on his lips, gratitude and desperation twined into a pleading orison as he shifted, leaning enough so that as his hips jerked and he came, his release landed in sticky-slick ropes along that slender, graceful foot.

Bren did not hesitate, lips parted around a wordless whimper of a cry before he was quickly moving to drag his tongue through the mess he had made, paying careful attention to clean that lavender skin, the taste of himself on his lips mingling with the essence of Essek's skin. He had the best of intentions, but the worst of dice rolls and was a bit swept up and not quite so thorough as he should have been.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a part of Essek that thought that he should not be so.. affected by this, but here he was and of course there was Bren now prostate on the floor licking up ropes of salted liquid pearls from his ankle and the very top of his foot-- and he was not bothered or even unsettled by this. Instead, he just placed his hand on the top of Bren's head in a manner most approving. No words were spoken, but then they did not have to be spoken whatsoever.

Instead he curled his fingers in those locks of rich ginger hair and then he spoke. ]

There's a good boy, very filthy and debased-- cleaning me up. [ His fingers softly carding through hair as the texture of tongue ran up and down skin. He had to marvel at the very precision of the other man. ] This is just the sort of humiliation you enjoy, being forced to do unspeakable things because you are turned on by it.. because once you are a filthy whore, you are always a filthy whore.. isn't that correct?

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's eyes fluttered shut at that touch, the pleasure of that praise -- and the more perverse thrill at the degradation that was woven through it like some complex, beautiful plait -- even stronger than the orgasm that had just torn through him. He lifted his head just slightly into that hand, eager for more of the touch.]

Yes, Master. [He agreed, voice quiet and thick with the shame and pleasure in equal pieces.] I'm a filthy whore, a dirty, shameful slut. That is all I am.

[He lifted his eyes, lips wet and glistening with his own saliva and traces of his own spend.] But only for you.

[zauberdecke]

[ Those were such dangerous words, the most dangerous words that had in fact ever been spoken to him. 'only for you' which would certainly turn his head a little bit, actually more than a little bit. He slowly crossed his legs and then he leaned down to run his fingers against the saliva slickened ankle, however it would appear that Bren had Missed a spot.

He leaned right back and then clasped his fingers together. ] Pet, you missed a spot.

[ There was a note of disapproval in his voice. ] What did I tell you about missing a spot? I believe I was quite clear with my directives.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren had not moved save to rise enough on his hands and knees to meet Essek's gaze as he spoke, watching him as if he could not tear his eyes away if he wanted to. He did not want to.

Still, those cerulean blue eyes widened as he watched the drow swipe his finger along his ankle, saw that displeasure in his master's gaze. His flush darkened and he ducked his head.]

I'm sorry, Master. Please forgive me... I will do better. I promise I will do better.

[With the correct sort of punishment to help him improve, of course.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was a made-up punishment, and there was only a small strain of guilt that Essek felt but he also knew that the other man seemed to be a glutton for absolutionist punishment so that would be what Essek would give him. And oh, how he would give it to him. ] You are capable of so very much, I can see the possibility within you, you just have to fight your base instincts.

[ He slid to his feet then, his hand moving to caress the collar-less neck; a hum and a tsk. ] I do not like you without a collar, Pet-- we will have to remedy it. I am inclined to give you a bell so that I know where you are at all times.

[ But there was the matter of punishment, wasn't there? ] You will be punished for this later.. [ He had not anticipated getting into punishment play with his Pet and he did not have rings or a collar or anything like that with which to control the situation. ] As of tonight, I am tired so I suppose you shall have to think of all of the ways in which you may appease me, I will let you ruminate on it while you lay in your cot.

[ Essek was not going to take anything away from Bren, such as comfortable bedspace or his notebook, there would be no withholding of food or water either (as while Essek understood some did, he was not going to adhere to such a lamentable practice). ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren certainly wouldn't fault Essek for creating a reason to punish him. He deserved whatever his master chose to visit upon him, especially if it would please Essek. He looked surprised by those words though, that the drow could see possibility in him. There was some surprise that there was anything in him but rot and decay, sin and broken, wasted potential.

His breath caught at the feeling of that hand at his neck. The mention of a collar and more particularly, a bell had him flushing. Wearing Essek's collar would be infinitely different than the collar Ikithon had placed on him.

Bren ducked his head with a solemnity at the mention of punishment. It would hang in the air and on his mind, with what he might deserve to help him atone, to please his master once more.]

Yes, Master.

[He looked back up to him with a hesitant look, the question in his mind before he decided to put voice to it.]

Will you take my voice again?

[A simple question, as if he'd accepted the fact that this period of being able to speak would be no more than a brief reprieve.]

[zauberdecke]

[ His fingers slowly slid underneath Bren's chin as he looked down into that face that looked so very sincere and hopeful; his eyes softened just underneath the hard sheen of diamonds and then he stroked with his thumb against the chiseled jaw. ] Never permanently, I may silence you here or there -- but I can imagine how a wizard would feel without their voice.

[ He could put himself in Bren's shoes aptly, as a wizard himself.

An unspoken promise that he would not be like Trent Ikithon, that he would not do things cruelly and without rhyme or reason; his personal enjoyment did not necessitate that Bren be robbed of his voice. ]

But I may gag you here or there.. [ With a cloth, or a little ball-- the thought of gagging Bren with other things had not yet quite occurred to him. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Thank you.

[Bren murmured softly, leaning up, chin lifting at that touch, to fix that adoring gaze on the Shadowhand. Something in him eased, at the gentle brush of that thumb along his jaw. The shattered Volstrucker responded entirely like a pet so starved for affection, that even the smallest piece of kindness and softness had him eager and desperate for more.

And then Essek mentioned gags, and he flushed darkly once more at the thought of it. Oh.]

'zil dos daewl, Veldruk.

[zauberdecke]

As thou wish...

[ Essek repeated it lightly on his tongue, the tenor and taste of it as it kissed his vocal chords. The words in Undercommon were quite poetic and the zemnian man had a very cunning tongue for such endeavors. ] You are very clever and precocious, however we will not dwell on it right now--

[ He was moving toward the bathroom and motioning for Bren to follow him. ] We cannot go to bed with makeup on, unfortunately-- not to mention salve must be applied to your rear.

[ And if there was any points to which Bren would attempt to demure, Essek would provide a conterpoint. ] If I do not take care of your pretty ass, then I will not be able to punish it.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren watched Essek move towards the washroom, and was on his feet at that slight beckoning to follow along obediently. He did start to open his mouth to argue that Essek didn't need to waste the time on him, that his ass was fine, that he'd been through much worse with no particular care after -- save for bandages when the bleeding would have been inconvenient. The scars on his forearms were testament to that much.

But Essek stopped him before he could argue, so his mouth opened and then snapped shut into a faint pout.]

...you think it's pretty?

[Perhaps the faintest flicker of that spark that occasionally showed itself in him, as if the flame of a man had not burned out entirely. Not yet. Broken and pliable, and subservient, yes, but still... a shadow of who he could have been, in a kinder world. Perhaps a flicker of who he could be, free from Ikithon.]

[zauberdecke]

[ A bath was not on the docket for tonight but Essek did get all of his many facial cleansers and brushes out with which he used to remove his makeup. There was a clinical way with which he did this, a precise and certain order. It was clear that the drow was very fastidious when it came to his personal life and his well-maintained routines.

Once inside, and once he heard Bren's voice, he glanced up with a raise of his brow. ] Well, all of you is extremely pretty-- in an unusual and very exotic way, so to clarify it is not just your rear that is ah... [ He poured some serum on a washcloth and then beckoned his Pet to draw ever closer, and once he had stepped into the circle of his presence-- that would be when Essek started to run the cloth in very precise points around Bren's face.

He was not going to reveal to Bren that he was punishing him not because he thought his Pet deserved it, but because Bren thought he deserved it, there was a marked difference. It was not something that Bren ever needed to know or be aware of. ]

I wonder what is so valuable about you that Trent Ikithon would be compelled to trade you for access to the Luxon? [ He spoke this more to himself then to Bren though he was not curtailing discussion in the slightest, in fact he had not given any set orders at the moment and there was a air of something lax-- as he hadn't really admonished Bren for the 'you think it's pretty' statement. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[All of that looked extremely fancy and complicated, like spell components more than any sort of hygiene regimen, but Bren would trust Essek -- and his absurdly flawless skin -- to know what he was doing. He was distracted enough looking at the array of cleansers and brushes that it took him a moment to register the words. When they did, his attention switched immediately to his Master in surprise. Oh. He'd been vaguely cheeky about it and expected some scolding or a swat or a dismissal, not an actual compliment. And certainly not to actually be called pretty. Extremely pretty.

Oh. Well, now he would be blushing while Essek went about removing the cosmetics, and did indeed remain oblivious to the fact that Essek had so clearly settled in on the truth of him and what he needed.

His eyes shut to make the process easier for Essek, entirely trusting, which still should have been an odd thing for the beaten, scarred creature he was. Trust could not possibly come easily anymore, not after what had been done to him, to his very mind and memories even, by Trent Ikithon. The mention of his former mentor's name drew a frown over his lips.]

I think perhaps it's the opposite, ja? I am disposable at best. An embarrassment. He trained me to be one of his weapons, a Volstrucker, the assassins that don't truly exist. And at the end, the final test... I broke.

[His voice went quiet, nearly breaking on that final word before he added.] If only I'd broken sooner.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek focused on his task though he did manage to affix his attention on the slave while he did so-- little spurts here and there, a swipe of a pad against the corner of eyes, the smoothing of serum into skin so as to make the pale visage glow even more resplendently. The Pet had been noticed for his vibrant good looks though also it was not something that Essek would draw attention to-- because who's opinion should matter to this Pet then his own?

A thoughtful hum emerged from Essek's lips while he considered everything that had been told. ]

Just because you are broken, does not mean that you do not have your use. A spellbook is not rendered ineffectual just because there is a page ripped out of it, nor does a blade lose it's edge. [ He tilted Bren's head so that he could wipe the eyeliner off carefully. ] I do not trust Trent Ikithon; conversely, now that you do not possess the collar, I can speak freely around you-- it does not matter the whys of which I have brokered the deal with him, this evens the playing ground a little bit in my favor.

[ And Bren could be useful to Essek, in so many ways ] The more readily you assist me, the easier it shall be for you.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren shifted pliantly, eyes still shut as he let Essek sweep away the makeup, trying to fool himself into believing that he was not enjoying the gentle attention more than he ought to be, more than he in any way deserved to. After all, he was in the limbo between promised punishments, so what right did he have to this kindness from his master? But deserving or not, he could not help but appreciate it, relaxing in the other man's presence in a way that was still entirely novel and strange for him.]

You should not trust him. He is a manipulative monster of a man who enjoys the suffering of others. And he serves only himself and his own interest.

[A bitter edge crept into Bren's voice as he spoke of the old mage, but mingled with the bitterness is a trembling sort of fear. Trent Ikithon had become his own personal boogeyman, a childhood monster who would tear him to shreds with barely a glance if it came to it. The wounds in Bren ran deep, psychological and emotional scars so jagged and vicious that made the mess of marks on his forearms look charmingly quaint by comparison.]

I will do whatever I am able to, for you. If you can find a use of me, then I will be grateful for it.

[He opened his eyes to look at the drow, all soft, earnest, sad-eyed devotion.] All the more so if it keeps him from bringing you harm.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a deep story there, Essek could tell by the trappings of the voice; how Bren's voice turned ragged and bitter with memories unbidden. There was hurt and pain there too, he was not an empathetic person by nature but then you did not have to be empathetic to feel the force of whatever it was that the Pet felt for his old Master. It caused a surge of protection to overwhelm him, enough that he brought his lips to the forehead slightly to soothe him.

He'd question why he did that.. later. ]

You do not have to worry so much for myself, Pet--

[ He then let go of Bren so that he could attend to his own makeup; smoothing the cloth over his face to divest himself of all of the trappings of his position-- leaving a elven man with cheekbones too sharp and a high rise of star freckles upon his face. ] It will be better now that you do not have that collar on you, I may have miscalculated today with the collar taking you to my office, thankfully there was no sensitive Dynasty discussions to be had.

[ Once his own ablutions were completed, he turned to look at Bren's profile. ] Is there anything else you require, to be comfortable? Well, aside from the salve for your rear.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's breath caught audibly in his throat at the touch of those lips to his forehead, and for a moment he thought that gesture alone might bring him to his knees. He'd been on his knees before the Shadowhand enough, belonged there now, so really perhaps it would have been appropriate. But he kept his feet and only looked up at Essek as if the other man had shown him in that moment how he had been the one to hang the stars in the sky in their intricate sparkling scattering, much like the way those star kissed freckles created their own universe of constellations over his master's cheeks.]

He will not care much for the day to day politics of the Dynasty. The Emperor might, ja, but Ikithon cares for magic and power. War is only a convenience for him to obtain more.

[Even broken, Bren was sharp-minded, and for all his anxieties and awkwardness in social moments, he was savvy enough to understand politics ind motivations -- the lingering trappings and vestiges of a man who had once been a foolish boy too wrapped in his own ambitions.

A faint smile flickered over his face at the question and he glanced down.]

This is the most comfortable I have been in a very long time. Perhaps this is where I admit that before I was given to you, I spent the previous decade in a Sanitarium, lost in the prison of my own mind. As I said, you really were given a defective, broken thing as pet. [Adopt don't shop, and all that jazz.]

[zauberdecke]

You strike me as an extremely melancholy and broken individual, but in much possession of your faculties. [ There was a raise of brow as Essek's head canted toward the side consideringly-- and then he moved away from the counter, reaching for a wet cloth to get the very last vestiges of facial cleaner off of his face, once that was done-- he settled everything back into it's neat and orderly processional, for tomorrow's evening rituals.

Bren would grow accustomed to the fact that Essek Thelyss was a man who held a rather strict schedule, who followed very precise order no matter what. ]

As a Pet, you are well-suited to me. You are capable, intuitive and clever; and I do not care about your past. What matters is the 'right now' and as you have given me no cause to find fault with you.. well save for a few infractions, I suppose that I shall keep you.

[ A formal adoption, it would seem. Essek's word was spoken and like a powerful bond. ] There will be no take-backs.

[ Absolutely not. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ja, well. Breaking the magic that he had used to subvert my memories seems to have fixed the worst of the catatonia.

[...did that sound bitter? That might have sounded bitter. But it was also a small piece of what he meant by Ikithon's manipulative nature. Bren was his student, a protégé, and that was Ikithon's method.

In any case, he could not argue with melancholy or broken. Those were certainly accurate enough. The only real hope he had as that perhaps he could prove himself useful enough that his use outweighed the worthless, broken parts of him. Except then Essek kept speaking and Bren found himself blinking in surprise as he looked at the other man. Did he really mean that? Something tightened his throat, and his vision blurred briefly at the start of tears that wanted to rise to his eyes. He fought against them, blinking them back. He ducked his head so that it would be less obvious if that effort failed.

His master may not have realized it, but in a remarkably quick time he'd ensured that he had the full loyalty of his pet. Bren would kill and die for him without hesitation. And for all that he was a broken, melancholy thing, he was also perhaps surprisingly lethal, and would only become more so as he settled back into his rhythm with his magic, now that his voice had been given back to him.]

No take-backs. [He agreed, voice soft but lips tugging their way into a smile.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There would be no more breaking of Bren through magical means; at the very least he was safe from that. Essek did not utilize such methods in his own interrogation proceedings, usually a zone of truth sufficed quite well for everything that he required. No undue threats-- it was those who committed the true crimes and admitted to that had anything to fear from Essek Thelyss, Shadowhand. ]

Come then, let us go to bed. [ He said as he reached over to tuck a lock of hair back behind Bren's rounded ear-- how curious, there were freckles that skirted the edge and his eyes caught as such, such sparkling golden sprinkles as to be nearly amazing. ]

We've both had very long days, although I trust you to think of a suitable punishment for your crime-- [ A small and almost affectionate twist of his lips. ] I have not forgotten what a filthy creature you are, deserving of punishment? Perhaps I shall use you as a footstool tomorrow during breakfast.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren looked up as his hair was tucked back, that tentative smile flickering a bit brighter, uncertainly, like sunshine barely peeking through a space in a cloud before the sky closed off once more. It was something he was still getting used to again, to smiling, but it was starting to feel less foreign on his face. A little nod in agreement. Bed was a good idea. It had indeed been a very long day all told, long and new, and--

Oh right yes. His punishment. The flush resurfaced on his cheeks.]

I... of course, ja. I will think on it. I want you to be pleased with me.

[He wanted to be good. He wanted to be his master's Good Boy]

[zauberdecke]

[ In such a way, that was exactly how he wanted them to go on-- with Bren continuing to please him over and over, already the smile was melting the ice surrounding his heart and making him only a little confused with the feelings of it all-- surprising in the rivulets that choked upward into his lungs.

Instead, he placed his hand against the top of Bren's head and gave it the most affectionate little rub; much like a owner would do to dote upon their most beloved Pet. For a moment, Essek could forget that he felt trapped in the position that he was, trapped within the expectations of his own Den, his position and yes.. whatever it was that he had with Adeen (a travesty at best). ]

You are a very clever boy, I believe that you will please me very much.

[ A snap of his fingers to denote for Bren to follow him back to the bedroom, the cot was already turned down for the evening, ready for a sleepy Puppy to pass the evenings. And then just above, there was the Essek's own bed which was fragrantly scented of lavender. ] We will go on our walk and then to the office, but no parties tomorrow; it will be a quiet evening at home.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's expression softened at the touch, slowly, piece by piece, starting to hint at how he may actually flourish under Essek's firm but gentle hand. His own heart had stirred in his chest, battered and shattered thing that it should be. By all rights it ought to be dead, incapable of something so pure and real as love. Not anymore. Yet it stirred, awakened by the devotion growing in him for this complicated, surprisingly lonely man. Not that Essek had admitted it, but like recognized like in that.

Not that Bren deserved to love or be loved. He knew that, on a deep and intimate level that he could not begin to question.

He fell into step following his master, moving to settle into his own little cot, sitting for the moment to watch the drow as Essek moved towards his own bed.]

I will like that. The gala was... it was many people. And the carriage ride there was... not pleasant company. [Bren did not like Essek's husband at all, and he did not see any reason to try to pretend otherwise.]

You looked very beautiful though. [It wasn't intended as flattery, and was spoken with a soft sincerity as if it were simply the relaying of a fact. The grass was green. Water was wet. Essek Thelyss was stunning. Fundamental truths.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek moved to the bed and then slipped underneath the covers; the bed was warm due to the self heating mechanisms within it. He would trance but he would trance in a sleeping position for the most part. ] You are correct, too many people and unpleasant company; very taxing and wearying on someone.

[ If it was not so obvious, Essek despised his husband as well. ] Fortunately, he leaves me alone for the most part-- even though we have to share a residence, his wing is on the other end so we see each other very little except in passing.

[ What Essek would not give to have Bren bite Adeen, except-- he would be worried that his Pet would catch a disease.. so perhaps that was not the best idea; who knew what sort of vermin Adeen had. ]

I will also see about obtaining a collar for you tomorrow, so your neck does not remain uncovered.