"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

[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.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren peeked over the foot of the bed at his master, still sitting up on his pallet. He nodded. Yes, that was it exactly. Very wearying. ...and very unpleasant. Bren could only pick out so many words from the barbs that had been traded back and forth between Essek and his brute of a spouse, but they had been enough to solidify his distaste for Adeen quite firmly.]

Very little is best.

[A quiet hmph of sound as if that certainly decided that matter. Another flicker of a flush at the reminder about a collar -- but what Bren could only begin to admit to himself was that it was a flush of pleasure. No take-backs.]

If it is your collar, I will wear it proudly.

[With that he settled himself down under his covers.]

Braesto, Veldruk.

[zauberdecke]

[ Normally Essek would've taken a book to bed and passed through another two hours with that however it was truth that social functions left him feeling drained and unsettled more so than normal. He looked over at Bren with a fond smile, acknowledgement of the Undercommon usage, though the inflections were off he was certain it was because the Pet had not been able to practice suitably nor hear too much of it.

There was a difference between learning it from a book and the more practical applications.

After he dimmed the lights, he carefully settled into bed with a soft movement and a ripple of sheets.

The chambers were quiet and darkened save for the embers from the fire and the soft green light that came in from the windows, a remnant of the Rosohna ozone; however, there was no humming that came from Essek as he lay there staring at the ceiling. His mind was occupied suddenly with the image of Bren spread out there for him, he closed his eyes and he saw brilliant fiery freckles engraved on pale skin and he heard the soft whimpering cries.

His hand, palm against his stomach slipped a little bit lower, despite himself. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren should have been tired, should have drifted straight off to sleep, but his mind was racing, a rapid fire web of thoughts that spiraled out and then back in on itself. His eyes were shut though, some semblance perhaps of rest even while his brain was restless.

Then he heard that faintest bit of movement from his master, but did not at all consider it at all, not much of anything really. Surely it was just the drow settling into something comfortable to trance. It must be.

Bren's thoughts spun back onto the events of the day. How pleasant it had been at so many times. How stressful at others, how confusing and strange and significant. There was still shame in him for how easily he was turned on by the other man, by his voice and his touch, by the control that he had over him -- and wasn't that something to consider.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek Thelyss, at this moment, was having quite the time attempting to process his own feelings toward the day-- what with the strange attraction that he felt centered on his Pet; feelings that he had never anticipated whatsoever and yet here he was with that tenseness running through him. While he had no interest in sex, he did understand the need to let off what his brother termed 'steam' and often times he enacted as such in an almost clinical and precise way.

Except right now, he was thinking of freckled skin and a rather generous zemnian cock. A soft hitch of breath that would be barely perceptible, but if Bren was already hypersensitive toward the situation, it may very well be that he hears it.

There were some toys in his drawer, to offer aid in such matters (he was not one who normally relied on his hand) but as his hand slipped underneath the silk lounge pants, he closed his fist around him and he let out a slow and methodical touch, another little hitched breath exhaled from his lips and he shifted in bed to get a little bit more comfortable; and with toys forgotten. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh Bren was paying so much attention. Of course he was paying attention, senses a little too focused. He may have been only human, but still he heard the shifting of movement and heard that soft catch of breath and he frozen.

No, surely he was imagining it. It must have been his imagination; there was no other real explanation for what sounded like the sort of first hitch of arousal, quickened breathing.

Then it happened again, and Bren was certain he could hear movement beneath the blankets as well, in the bed above him where his master lay. He found himself holding his own breath, listening, still as he could possibly be. Was his master touching himself? What had prompted that? What was the drow thinking about? Bren shut his eyes and tried to will himself to sleep.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Thankfully, Essek was not in the position to assess his own feelings and thoughts in the matter especially as his mind started to be lulled in my delicious feelings and he was nearly confused by them all as they filtered their way through his system and activated pleasure throughout his body-- and it complicated, just as all things that touched his hands were. But he was turning off his mind right now and letting it happen, where he was taken to blue eyes and freckled skin.

He was not there yet, not ready to be vulnerable-- but for just a moment he wondered what it would be like to be touched by someone who desired his pleasure; perhaps he would horrified at himself at this thought however he had heard it could be enjoyable with someone else, just the thought of someone else had turned his stomach.

He was slick and the sound was slightly audiblezz muffled but his fingers were hitting that zone just right and in such a way that it would feed Bren a distinct melody; he hitched another breath and started to touch himself a bit more firmly-- spreading his legs only a moment so that he could run the fingers of his other hand over his inner thighs.

A muffled gasp as he turned his head into the pillow to attempt to mute out any sound, but there was that fractional 'ahhh' which inhaled and then softly exhaled. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren squeezed his eyes shut and tried to hold onto his self control. God help him he wanted to be good. He wanted to behave and to make his master pleased, to be a proper pet. But there he was and his imagination was running wild, picturing what Essek must look like, what those slender and elegant fingers would look like wrapped around his prick -- what that cock would look like.

He shivered and forced himself to take a breath, quiet as he could.

Slowly, carefully, he shifted enough to sit up, to peek over the end of the bed, just a pair of inquisitive blue eyes peering through the darkness, trying not to be noticed. He could see precious little, and his imagination was all too happy to supply its own vivid details to fill in all that could not be perceived.

He'd undoubtedly deserve more punishment for this, but he would deal with that later.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Thankfully for Bren, there was a very dim light that was coming in that helpfully illuminated the bed, casting Essek in the softest shades of lilac and verdant green from the borealis of the Rosohna subterranean skies. What Bren would be able to see was the rustle of sheets, of movement underneath covers and of course the fact that the hitched breathing was absolutely coming from his master's form.

And unfortunately there had appeared a sudden and spiked ache within Essek, something that he had never particularly felt before and likewise something that demanded to be addressed. Little did he know that it was the very first shadow of a heat within him, undone and unbound by the proximity of something purely instinctual.

Little did he know that it had been unleashed by his Pet who was even now, unbeknowst to him, spying on him. He worried his lower lip between his teeth and then he arched himself ever upward, pushing his hips into his palm while he tried to temper himself-- the sound of Bren's whimpers with each contact, the sweet begging; all of those things seemed to quicken his fingers around his flesh-- back and forth. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It wasn't spying, it was very interestedly observing, and Bren could not help himself. He may not have been a drow, may not have had the same sort of instinct, but something in him had imprinted quite fully on Essek Thelyss, his master, his owner. He held still, mesmerized, watching Essek caught within the throes of his own pleasure.

His master was beautiful, ethereal and ideal, like he was built from myth and magic itself, carved of the arcane and made manifest in a pristine, precise man.

Bren had to remind himself to breathe, had to force himself to keep quiet, especially as he watched Essek arch towards the movements beneath the covers. That was, oh he wanted to help, wanted to be the one to bring him pleasure. But he had no right for that, and his master had told him as much, that he should not eve begin to think that their of his worthless, filthy holes could ever bring his owner any satisfaction.

That was a harsh rush of cold and with a rising guilt that mingled with that familiar shame, he shifted back down to give Essek back his privacy, to curl into himself and his blankets. He was a terrible little slut, even going so far as to leer at something he had no business seeing.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Absolutely unmindful of being watched-- why did it not occur to him that Bren would attempt to sneak a peak? But it didn't because Essek was comfortable with his Pet, had convinced himself that the Pet was perhaps broken, but sweet and obedient. So he attempted to keep quite as best as he was able, which really was not soo terribly quiet.

He was reaching peak, crescendo.

Bren would hear the quickening of breath, the sharp indrawn breath and then a soft long drawn out sigh; release obtained-- to the memory of Bren's own begging pleas, and only that. His imagination did not supply him anything further than the rogue thought of 'maybe' which was all that was needed.

And then after his breath hitched, he lay there-- attempting to summon a cantrip to prestidigitate the stickiness off of his hands; a murmured word-- confirmation of what he had done there in the bed; shifting and rustling to make himself comfortable while his mind started dto blank out blissfully. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren could not -- would not dare -- try to imagine what went through Essek's mind in that moment of his peak and release, as he began to fall from the height he'd brought himself to. No. But gods would he have to fight the wish that it could have been him, bringing his master that sort of pleasure, being of that sort of use.

Broken thing. He was a broken thing, and he tried to focus on that reminder as he heard the familiar murmur of a verbal spell component, knew full well what that would be doing and had to force himself to take another slow, steadying breath.

He kept still in the darkness, trying to stop his thoughts from their movements as well and failing. This would haunt his dreams, those soft hitches of breath, the way he had seen Essek arch and shift in that stolen peek over the bed. That was, it would haunt his dreams if he could manage to actually fall asleep. That still remained to be seen, and for a long while he lay there in the dark eyes open and staring out into the room but seeing none of it.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Very soon after Essek came, the hum started-- a testament that Essek was entering his trance; it was a soft and soothing hum that acted as almost an ambient noise that eventually perhaps Bren could hold onto. A steady little beating of vibration that signaled Essek's entrance into his Mind Palace. He did not want to dwell too closely on what he had lost his inhibitions right then, or even if Bren had heard it.

But what did it matter if his Pet had heard him?

Although, perhaps he should've been concerned what with Bren's track record for being a very horny and filthy Pet with a clearly one track mind, two if you added a book into the mix. Instead, Essek arranged his own daily notes, tucking in a special little box memories of his Pet-- a box that he did not focus on but which was instinctively edged in amber and gold, only instinctually embellished and without truly knowing thought.

He rose after four hours of his trance, when it was organic to do so. He was very quiet in the early hours of the morning, quiet so as to not to wake Bren. In such a manner, hew as rather glad he had adequate dark vision where he could see in the dark to make out words. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh Essek did not have to worry about being quiet. Bren was awake. Bren had been awake. All night. By now he was sulking about this face, flat on his back and staring up at the ceiling as if it personally had done him wrong.

He wanted to sleep. He wanted nothing more than to slip into dreams, but gods help him he was certain that thoughts of his Master were waiting for him there too. If he'd known a spell that could have plunged him into unconsciousness he would have cast half a dozen times over the past few hours.

It would be a sleepy, exhausted pet that Essek would find when morning came, dark circles prominent and obvious in pale skin, likely making him look all the more pathetic.]

[zauberdecke]

[ When Essek stepped out of bed to ring for breakfast, that was when he noticed Bren flopped there on the little cot, curled up in a little ball and looking a bit bleary. For a moment, Essek did not notice the dark circles underneath those eyes nor any other testament that the other man had been sorely inconvenienced with no sleep all night.

He leaned down and started to scritch through those locks of hair in a gesture that said clearly good morning. Was it the same hand that Essek used to touch himself with? Probably. ]

Good morning, Pet. Are you hungry? I was just going to ring for breakfast to be brought up and will make sure to have them provide some bites for you as well. [ Yesterday, he'd had a much earlier breakfast and Bren's own repast had been brought up a few hours later. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren turned his gaze towards Essek as he heard the drow rising from his bed, and some of the night's tension and frustration eased away with that casual little touch through his hair. Damn it he was such a lost cause, and he knew it. A soft hum of sound -- as if he'd forgotten how to censor himself in some small ways when he hadn't had a voice to worry about silencing.

It took him a moment to parse the words as he looked up at him, moving to sit up. Even if he hadn't slept, he was disheveled by the night, copper hair falling in disarray about his shoulders. Rumpled.]

Good morning, Master.

[His voice was bleary too. But it was not lost on him that the hand currently in his hair had most certainly been other places a few hours ago.]

Breakfast would be very much appreciated yes. [A pause and then a hopeful -- or was that desperate -- little inquiry.] Coffee?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek chuckled softly, his lips forming a wry and almost enigmatic smile before he moved to ring the bell by the hearth. There was a little ping and then an slight infracted echo before he spoke into that noise-beam. ] Breakfast for both myself and my Pet. Also, extra coffee.

[ His unseen servants knew what he enjoyed, his customary yogurt drink, a few slices of flax toast spread with a softened cheese and blackberry-lavender jam.. and coffee.

Once he had his robe in place, he walked over to kneel down beside Bren. ] You look tired? Did you sleep alright, Pet? Nightmares?

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren found himself soothed by that chuckle, that smile, wry as they were. He liked to see Essek like this, relaxed and at ease, so different than the tension in the carriage ride the night before, different than the sharp and icy facade he'd watched the other man slip into at the event.

He offered a tired smile of his own at the extra coffee. Good. Perhaps he could survive the day after all.

Cerulean eyes widened as Essek settled beside him, blinking at having his master suddenly on his level.]

I... [What were words? Bren had never met them.] No, not nightmares... [There had been no screaming, so certainly not that.] Sleep eluded me entirely, so there was no real chance to dream, I suppose. My mind was very loud and would not be quieted.

[zauberdecke]

I will not pry, your mind is your own.

[ Essek was now sitting on the edge of the cot, perched there while he regarded the other man, his fingers slipping underneath chin and then he tilted it upward just a shadow's kiss so that he could inspect his Pet. There was something inherently intimate to it that transcended the sexual, he treated him like a cherished beat who deserved such things like care and respect.

Trent Ikithon who had broken Bren's mind.

Essek Thelyss who respected the privacy of those thoughts and would not enter them unless implicitly allowed. Perhaps Essek Thelyss would do much in terms of unscrupulous things, but as far as Bren was concerned-- there was no true danger. ] But if you wish to nap a bit, I will go on my walk alone; you are not required to walk with me in the pavilion gardens.

[ausgebrannt]

I... thank you.

[There was a trembling in his voice as he formed the words, as if the weight of what Essek was saying was so tremendous he could not bear it. Or perhaps just the opposite, the relief of knowing that his mind could remain his own. It meant more than he could really express.

And that touch, soft and gentle and yes, surprisingly intimate. Was it any wonder that he'd fallen so far and fast into loyalty and devotion to this man. He lifted his chin at the urging, eyes meeting Essek's and overflowing with that devotion, reflecting it back to the man who was the genesis of it.]

I would rather come with you, please. I enjoyed it yesterday. [Even being led about on a leash. It had still been very pleasant, and he liked Essek's company.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a fondness as he saw the devotion there; it was almost humbling that he could be worthy of this sort of affection-- he who had known very little of it. What had compelled him to treat Bren as far more deserving of something beyond his ice, he could not say-- it was like instinct. Perhaps it was something deeper, like red strings ruining lines through his veins as they came in contact with Bren's skin.

Seeking to come back into each other, to tie and tangle as if inevitability bound them together. ]

Very well, eat up like a Good Boy and then we will get dressed and then you leashed so that we may promenade a bit in the morning air.

[ While dim, still was pleasant-- and the morning blooms were especially fragrant. ] I may also buy you another ice cream--

[ The platters were brought into the room, a quiet little huff of door that creaked before finally one of the platters rested on the bed (where Essek took his morning breakfast), the other plate was filled with food that it was thought that Empire pets liked-- a standard breakfast of potatoes sliced up, a cheese omelet and rounded sausage. A breakfast that lacked appeal for Essek but he did not judge other's food generally. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren, broken as he was, tainted and ruined as he was, he was the sort of creature who wanted to love, who had so much love in himself to give -- even if he would not have recognized that in himself. But recognized or not, it was there, and it had been years with no outlet except grief and memory, and now it was given a chance to breathe once more, and it had latched onto it tightly. Maybe some tangle of fate indeed had caught both of them in its web, unseen strands and strings woven and tugged and pulled into this strange and unexpected arrangement, a meeting that by all rights should never have happened. But here they were.

He smiled at like a good boy and ducked his head in acknowledgment. That was right, yes. He'd eat his breakfast. No sense earning that punishment again for the moment where the lingering effects of obeying offset the self loathing that would have set him up to fail.

Sitting up straighter, he started in on his breakfast. It was reminiscent of what he was used to, of what one would find within the Empire -- though far more robust than anything he'd had access to for many years. His mother had a habit of trying to stuff him full with food, explained with comments that his brain burned too intensely and needed to be fed. That as a lifetime ago, and currently Bren was still growing accustomed to eating more than bare minimum for survival.

That didn't mean he didn't perk up at the mention of ice cream though. Spoiled. A spoiled pet.]

I would like that too. Thank you. ...you are kinder to me than I deserve. In far more ways than ice cream treats.

[zauberdecke]

[ Perhaps a spoiled pet, but Essek was inclined to be indulgent with Bren.

Do not think for even one second that Essek was not carefully watching to make sure that there was no neglect of food and sustenance; he watched the Pet tuck into the food while he attended to his own meal, perhaps a bit more sparse, and pickier.

If Bren were to pay close attention, he would perhaps clock that Essek did not eat 'as much' and perhaps that had everything to do with stressors, works or the whatnot. He reliably ate his breakfast but then after that things got a bit sketchy as he grew moreso distracted as the day went on and social servings were added to his plate. ] You are under my protection, it would be remiss of myself if I did not see to your safety and well-being.

[ Essek was not neglectful, though at the beginning he thought about having his unseen servants tend to the Pet forever while he not acknowledge it-- but his curiousity had won out. ] I may not be the most empathetic person, however if you have concerns.. you may bring them to me, Pet. And I will endeavor to address them with due seriousness.

[ausgebrannt]

You gave me back my voice and have been more than generous in providing for my comfort. And in discipline... you've also been more than fair. As it is, the only concern I have is fulfilling my end of this... contract, so to speak.

[Not that he'd had a choice in the arrangement, but he still wanted to be worth the fairness and kindness that Essek visited upon him. ...hells more than that, he wanted to earn his favor and his praise, wanted to please him, with a desire that had welled up from the very core of him. Bren would have withered away under the care of unseen magical beings, would have retreated back into himself in his silence and perhaps eventually slipped away from reality once more.

Instead, he felt alive in a way that surprised him, felt a sort of safe that he didn't think was even possible. Trent Ikithon could not touch him here, as much as the old mage probably thought he could, probably counted Bren as one of his tools still.

He hesitated, more or less moving food around his plate by now -- though he'd eaten a fair bit -- before looking up at the other man.]

I enjoy speaking with you. It is... it's very nice.