"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]

If you were in the way, you simply would be dismissed-- like my secretary.

[ Essek said this as if it was the most natural thing in the world, his fingers sliding through fire locks without fear of being burned from them; it comforted him too in an almost wistful way-- how he could comb through those locks as if they were made of water, the soft light of the office catching highlights within. Ah, yes the hair had much improved since he'd been put into the personal keeping of him.

A hum as he considered.

A sound that likely Bren would grow used to, the precursor to thought.. that soft hum-sigh that denoted an exercise of thought. ]

Are you bored, Pet? Do you desire occupation of your own? [ Perhaps that would combat the sleepiness. ] If you are not then I have no strong desire that you exert yourself if you do not desire-- I do not consider you a trick Pet who must constantly amuse me, but I have to admit that I do enjoy your companionship.

[ausgebrannt]

Yes, Master.

[Bren expected that day would come before too long. He couldn't possibly hope to hold Essek's interest for all that long, could he? Not with what he was, at heart. But he would treasure the attention so long as Essek was generous enough to give it, before he eventually bored him or Essek saw the true brokenness in him, or worse tired of what a filthy, uncontrolled thing he was.

If self loathing were an Olympic sport -- and if Exandria had the Olympics -- Bren would take gold medal.

His eyes opened wider at the question of boredom. It was true he wasn't used to his mind being idle, well, okay, he quite literally had disappeared into catatonia for a decade, but not counting that.]

Occupation?

[But oh he was interested, intrigued even, by what Essek could mean by that?]

[zauberdecke]

[ The offer may have been nerd-in-nature, it was certainly highly innocent in the way that he meant it to be. Occupation of sorts, something to wile away the hours so that he did not get restless or even overtly sleepy. ] I meant, would you enjoy a book to read? I know that I did provide a Undercommon dictionary, but I could also give you a book to attempt to read through, that is if your mind wants for something to do.

[ His fingers slipped underneath that chin so that he could cheat Bren's face upward to the perfect tilt, so that Essek could look down into those luminously sad blue eyes. ]

If I were a pet such as myself, I would probably grow tired of sitting down for hours upon end and... [ the next words came carefully ] You have proven that your thoughts tend to turn on yourself when you are given too much time to think. Yes, I understand that you are sleep-filled right now but I do not think that a book would be so bad an idea.

[ausgebrannt]

[Well. That certainly did wake him up. Bren lifted his head, kneeling up straighter at the mention of a book. Clearly Essek had said something of the magic work in this instance.]

Ja. I would like that very much, a book to read. I enjoy reading very much.

[He was a huge book nerd, Essek, nearly salivating at the idea of something to sink his mental teeth into.

Then Essek called him out. Expertly. Bren could feel himself flushing with being perceived so clearly. And also with guilt which made it obvious that yes that was exactly what his thoughts were currently doing.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Like the beast in the tale that got the beauty to love him in parcel to the offer of a library, well Essek did not know that Bren was falling even deeper and deeper for him, but he did understand the lure of having something to read, to sink one's mental teeth into. There was the smoothest swipe of his hand, and then mage hand was moving to dance about his bookshelves until he picked out a single tome. Selected and then brought over until it rested right there on the little pillow at Bren's feet.

The cover was worn and obviously very well read, the leather smudged from handprints.

On the Title plate was the following written: Theories of Dunamatic Principle: An Introductory ]

You may read this, it does not have spells within it but it does contain the history of the School of Dunamancy, I am sure that there are tomes for all of the Schools but this happens to be a corebook, you could say.

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh Bren was falling, and being handed that book in particular sent the descent into utter freefall. How could he not? Even without containing actual spells, the idea of learning about this school of magic that was such a mystery where he had come from, it sent a thrill through him, that old and half-forgotten rush at the idea of knowledge, of learning and delving into the heart of the arcane itself.

He reached for the leatherbound volume, lifting it with an unmistakable sort of reverence for the knowledge it undoubtedly held.]

Ja, thank you. This is wonderful. Better than that... it is...

[He ducked his head.] I'm very grateful.

[zauberdecke]

This is a secret between us, it is generally frowned upon to allow outsiders to read such books.

[ Perhaps it was a sprig of rebelliousness blooming within his heart that tendered this, the knowledge that he was doing something that would be generally frowned upon, those silent ways that one suberted expectations, while conforming to it exactly on paper. ]

You are very clever, you have already proven this to me and you understand that any usage of this knowledge that is not sanctioned by myself will be summarily punished.

[ Though he did stroke the very side of that cheek, very softly. ]

Though if you wish to nap as well, I will not stop you-- at least this way you will not be bored while I am doing work at the office.

[ausgebrannt]

Of course. I will tell no one.

[Who did he have to tell anyway? It was not as if he had any interest in engaging Adeen or Adeen's pet in any sort of conversation, and he seldom seemed to cross paths with them save when Essek had no other choice for it. And Essek had not yet decided he needed a Pet Playdate or anything of that nature.

He ran his fingers along the soft leather, tracing the embossed letters that made up the title of the book. ...what Essek did not realize was that Bren would have this fully finished and memorized by the time they went home for the evening. But he would emphatically not be bored. And now that he had a book, sleep was a million miles from his mind.

That touch grounded him back to the moment, and he found himself leaning into it, nuzzling back at that hand with a rush of unconsidered and unguarded affection.]

I will not give you cause for being displeased with me. Not on purpose, at least.

[zauberdecke]

Very good, Chathtiu--

[ A few more strokes, affectionate and tender before finally Essek went back to his own correspondance. Within minutes there would be the opening of a door and then the secretary coming back. A conversation held within the confines of Undercommon but they were dismissive sort of conversations centered on the whys and wherefores of different events and the ones that The Shadowhand was expected to attend on behalf of the Dynasty.

Per the Queen's request.

An hour beyond that, being left alone to pen out acceptances and missives-- the quiet scribble of his quill pen as he launched himself into a state of calm. Leaving Bren for the most part to spend time with his treasure and yes, to commit it to memory (though Essek had no inclination of just how clever the other man was when it came to such mind olympics. Though as afternoon was saying it's final farewells, that was when they returned to Essek's residence via the Transportation circle, back to the familiar warmth of the study where a warm fire would be started and a meal laid out on the table in front of it.

Complete with a dish on the coffee table for Bren's own sustenance, filled with pork cutlets, saurkraut and a bun that was generally salted on the top. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren allowed himself (as if it were a conscious decision and not something he had no choice about whatsoever) to melt at that praise, that touch. Again Essek would find only adoration glimmering at the depths of the blue pools of those sad eyes. But once Essek turned back to his tasks, Bren's attention would slip to the new book.

Time ceased to exist for Bren Ermendrud the moment he cracked open that book to the first page. It could have minutes or hours, and they passed in some suspended state where time moved blisteringly fast and did not move at all. He was aware of another presence, of a conversation, noting the words that he could pick out.

More parties. Hmm. He supposed that meant more time being seen with Essek's husband. Unfortunate thing that this was.

Back to the pages which were turned regularly as he devoured line by line, the very beginnings of understanding of the forces which Dunamancy sought to master. It was fascinating, and he could see the complementary places where it would align with transmutation, the places where the two schools also seemed to diametrically oppose one another. It was fascinating.

He was distracted when his master stood, indicating it was time to return to Essek's manor, but he closed the book (holding it quite tightly to his chest) and followed after him. Sleepiness at least had been forgotten.

And so was mealtime, since as Essek settled to eat and Bren settled in close, the book was opened beside his plate. Unfortunately the food had been overshadowed as he fed his mind instead -- even if he was tangentially aware that he was indeed hungry, and that it did smell very good.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek's own meal was taken with a book in hand although he did understand the importance of eating, so there were bites in between paragraphs as he paced himself. There was nothing that Essek loved better than a good book (though a bath did come very close), he did glance up mid bite once and noticed that Bren was not touching his food. Soundlessly, Essek slipped to his feet and then he stood next to Bren's side-- he leaned down and then his fingers curled in soft luxuriant locks.

And then very gently, he tugged Bren's head upwards.

It was gentle, but it was firm. ]

Pet, eat-- or else I will take that book away until you've completed your meal.. yes?

[ The drow's voice was stern and commanding, even as his fingers lightly stroked the back of Bren's scalp. ] You wish to please me and eating will please me.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was aware of Essek's proximity in the flash of a moment before those fingers where in his hair, before they were tugging. He lifted his chin immediately, gaze rising to his master and away from the page. His lips parted around a thoroughly embarrassing whimper that he heard himself make before he realized he'd even realized he'd voiced a sound.

Eyes wide, and face flushed at his own reaction, he nodded.]

Yes, Master. I'm sorry, I... was distracted. [He was still distracted, but now with the added bonus of being horny, but he focused.]

I will eat. [Because gods did he wish to please him.]

[zauberdecke]

After you eat, we shall discuss the continued punishment from last night.

[ Therefore bringing to mind the fact that Bren had already been punished with Essek's own nocturnal activities, those same activities that the drow had no clue that the Empire Pet had spied in on. ] I know you do not want to displease me however, I decided that it was in your best interest that I remind you to be mindful.

[ That was when Essek slipped back to his own chair to finish his repast, though he was watching-- Bren would be able to feel that gaze almost physically touch him, the weight of it like gravity. And Essek honestly did not mind too much that the Pet would be self-conscious over such scrutiny.

It merely encouraged Bren to be better. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[The mention of last night immediately brought that memory back to the forefront, the stolen glance of Essek writhing into his own touch beneath the blankets, to listening to the soft sounds, hitched breath and shaking exhales. His face turned a darker shade of pink, that he hoped Essek would chalk up to the mention of punishment.

He ducked his head and turned his attention to his meal.]

Thank you, Master, for the reminder.

[Oh he was desperate to be better. And he could feel that gaze on him, simultaneously heated and sharp as winter ice. His Master was a complicated being. So Bren's posture went a bit straighter and he kept his attention on the food rather than the page.]

[zauberdecke]

[ What a good, good boy who desired to please his Master.

Essek was watching. Each bite that the ginger man took, he was interested in it. There was also the matter of the disarming flush upon his cheeks, so beautiful and unlooked for, how they managed to make those sun kisses pop out on the skin delightfully. He stifled a bit of amusement as he turned to his own meal and finished it with a fastidious hand. There was also a dessert brought in, a chocolate raspberry tart which was perhaps big enough that Essek understood that he could not finish it all.

Once he saw that Bren's plate was nearly cleared, he dipped his finger into the tart lightly until a bit of raspberry infused chocolate clung to those tips and then he offered it out. ]

A little treat for you, and then afterwards once I am settled, we will discuss your punishment and what you feel would be a suitable punishment for your filthy ways last night.

[ausgebrannt]

[Not for the first time, Bren wondered if perhaps Essek did want to murder him, in slow and tortuous but exquisite ways really. His eyes lifted at the sound of his master's voice, curious about this treat and then seeing the chocolate offered out on those perfectly manicured fingers.

He was... he was meant to lick that off, wasn't he? And how was he supposed to do that in a way that did not stir exactly the traitorous sort of thoughts in his mind that had landed him in punishment to begin with. ...he recognized he should confess his other indiscretion of the nigh before, possibly before he allowed himself to be so generously treated, but he was nowhere near that strong a man.

Nope. He was already leaning in closer, eyes fixed on his Master's face -- on those flawless features carved from silk and gemstone -- as he carefully and deliberately brushed his tongue along those fingers, the offered treat, lips closing around fingertip to be certain he'd been thorough in getting it all.]

[zauberdecke]

[ For all that Bren seemed to have missed a few spots last night on his foot, Essek felt the tongue swirl around his fingertip as if seeking out every last vestige of chocolate within possession. The way that he could feel heat that somehow managed to shoot up his fingers and down a pathway concourse to a location far different.. to pool heat there in addition to.

That was hubris for Essek, unexpected though it was.

A sharp hitched breath rose unbidden, the likes of which Bren had a taste of last night, from those lips. It was the warmth, he'd never felt so warm in his life and his fingers always trended toward the coldness, but with those lips wrapped around and it jolted him like sleeping beauty awake. Something strange and primal pulsed within him, a shadowed hint of what could be-- a surge of possibility.

When Essek's voice spoke, it was halting and as if his world hadn't been suddenly upended, even though it had. ] Do you like that treat, Pet?

[ausgebrannt]

[There would be no spot missed this time at all, not a scintilla of chocolate left to mar those perfect fingers. It did nothing to help the flush in Bren's face -- though how he could still be blushing when he knew for a fact that most of the blood in his body was suddenly pooling between his legs.

It was only by grace of the way he'd shifted to lean over and lick at those fingers that it wouldn't be horribly obvious. He'd count himself fortunate, for that.

Maybe.

He also might have died just there, the way he heard that breath hitch, dangerously like the night before. He could barely string words together for a moment as he oh so reluctantly let his lips and tongue withdraw from that treat, swallowing against what would have been an embarrassingly telling whimper. His gaze flickered to his Master's face at the question before dropping as if holding that gaze is too much with how turned on he was. But that too was a mistake, as lowering his eyes brought to his attention something else, and no. Certainly not. He must have imagined it. His Master would have no reason for arousal, not in this moment, not with him.

And yet. He lifted his gaze once more seeking out Essek's eyes. And there it was, that hint of a spark in the former Volstrucker, the flame that had not quite disappeared into cold, dead embers but still burned, the faintest flicker of a smile fighting to tug at the corners of his lips as he answered, as if an entirely innocent answer.]

Yes, Master. I believe it's my favorite....

[Not that he'd tasted the chocolate, but how could it not be his favorite treat when it was served on satin lilac skin.]

May I have more?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek felt the tightening of his own arousal, the way that it pushed upward to line against fabric and yet.. yet he was not focused on it, merely that Bren's tongue felt so good, so absolutely sinful and right. Enough that his mouth was going dry, that something was rippling underneath the surface that had never burst through that calm composure once in the many years that Essek Thelyss had been alive on this earth.

Their eyes connected and he felt heat there, a heat that brought a flush to his lilac skin that had absolutely nothing to do with the fire embering in the hearth. Those blue eyes that flickered something alluring, casting a spell on him-- and it was only that husky accented voice begging for more that lightly roused him from falling into the sky. He dipped his finger again into the chocolate while he swallowed; the same finger as it dipped in and then he sucked right where Bren had sucked.

He could taste the other man in that addictive second-hand kiss, and he cleaned his finger with his mouth before he slid it out with an almost audible sound, then more of the mouse cream tart and then he offered it once again to Bren while he licked against his lower lip to taste the chocolate raspberry, but also to mentally prepare himself for his entire world being turned upside down by his Pet. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren had no idea what spell had been cast over this room or who had been the one casting it, but he knew for certain that he was also under it. But then everything about the drow had bewitched him from shortly after their first meeting, after those first moments of kindness that had been the beginning of the end for Bren Ermendrud.

He watched in undisguised hunger and fascination as Essek drew his finger through the dessert once more, watched his Master take his own bite of the dessert from that same finger -- had the wild thought that the treat would taste all the sweeter on those plush lips, tried to banish that thought, but could not begin to ever rid it from his mind -- and then watched as it dragged through the mousse once more.

Trying to keep some shred of composure, he managed not to lunge to taste the offered dessert. But only just barely. He kept his motions slow and deliberate, as if fully intending to save fully every last moment of this. And oh he was. His eyes held Essek's as he took his finger past his lips once more, tongue swirling and licking gently along it. He didn't think it was his imagination that he could taste some trace of Essek's lips on this bite. Slow and reluctant he drew back, though could not resist one final kittenish lick of his tongue against that fingertip as he did.]

Thank you, Master.... [His voice was husky, breathless.] It's delicious.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was that throbbing that he could hear within his ears, and then ever downward slowly as it coiled and pooled against his own burgeoning cockstand which he was only dimly aware of, and he could not draw his own gaze away from Bren's blue eyes, the flicker of a flame that centered deep within; a sign of light in the darkness. Lips parted as if to speak something, except he could not do anything except let out a very pronounced 'oh' in response.

And yet his mind for all of it's imagination was stuck at the idea of Bren's lips against his own.

That was likely due to the fact that his experience was highly limited, he was not used to being aroused to this degree and because of that this entire situation seemed to adopt the golden haze of curiosity that mantled around the two of them; he dipped his spoon in then and took a bite to steady himself-- hoping upon all that was good that the taste of metal would ground him and bring him back to reality.

He should not be rewarding his Pet quite like, but it was hard not to when all he wanted to do was see the sad-eyed man smile even a little bit, even if the expression on the face was less sad and more captivated-- surely not by himself. ]

We should discuss your punishment.

[ And then he pushed his tart aside and then stood back up, crossing over to the wing chair where he took a seat, his back straight and one leg over the other. He now surveyed Bren's profile. ] How do you feel you should be punished pet? We have already determined that you do require punishment for such an infraction; as you know that I require complete and utter thoroughness.

[ausgebrannt]

[Essek may have only been dimly aware, but Bren could not shake the acute knowing that his master was aroused, that the drow's cock was stirring, though he couldn't entirely reconcile that with making any logical sense. To hell with logic though. Logic had fled the building and perhaps the country. He tried to swallow back the pang of disappointment when it appeared that dessert was over.

He sat back on his heels, watching as Essek stood, gaze tracking each movement as the drow settled, as those slender legs crossed. Arousal was not going to subside when Essek looking at him this way, at the specter of being punished. Gods he was a broken thing.

Biting at his lower lip, he considered his next words and actions carefully. Or tried to. Perhaps there was less true consideration than there might normally be, were his brain not currently warring for blood with other organs.]

I do not know, Master. But I should be taught that lesson well, should be made to prove I understand how to be... properly thorough.

[With that she shifted, tipping forward onto his hands and knees, a slow and deliberate crawl towards his master, holding that eye contact until he stopped just before where he sat, leaning his forehead against the drow's knee and finally looking away.]

In that spirit of being thorough... there are other wrongs I should confess. That I need to be corrected for.

[zauberdecke]

Then I give you permission to confess.

[ Essek found himself lost to the movements that were more come-hither than anything, even though it was Bren who was hithering to him; there was poetry in the movement of a well-trained Pet and he leaned back in the seat, one finger moving to his lip to press against his lower lip-- that too was Essek choosing to draw attention to his mouth that could not for the life of him close in any manner that would've served to be helpful; his other hand itched to run through hair however he valiantly resisted.

He caught his breath in his throat, and the tip of his finger between his teeth as he regarded the profile of the other man and the way that he guiltiy looked away. ] We've already had this discussion about you daring to presume my reaction to your transgressions, just as I have already advised you that when you are confessing your shame, you look be fully in the eyes.

[ No Bren, Essek had caught the straying of the gaze away from his own and promptly set his mouth into a placid expression as he nearly stared a hole into that profile-- he was waiting so it was best not to keep him wasting his valuable time. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren lifted his head at the permission, and at the reminder.]

Another mistake to add to my list, Master.

[Bren murmured as he looked back to meet those eyes -- though his attention lingered longer on those lips, on the way that teeth worried at a fingertip, than he had any right or excuse to. He held his Master's gaze as he began to speak, to recount his most recent unknown sins.]

Last night I heard a sound from your bed. At first I did not know what it could be, but I guessed before too long, that I was listening to you pleasure yourself. I could not help myself, and tried to sneak a peek... though you were hidden beneath your blankets, I could see the way you moved. Even in only that glimpse... it was enough to fill my thoughts for the rest of the night. That was the reason for my sleeplessness, that I could not forget the soft sounds of your voice when you...

[Well. At that moment of release. He couldn't forget that. He also couldn't forget his own desperate desire that he would have been allowed to help, even if it were as nothing more than Essek using him as nothing more than a sex toy that happened to have a pulse.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Oh...?

Oh...

Reality set in and so did understanding, the more that Bren elucidated those words and brought them to life. He found himself utterly fascinated by the confession as well as the acknowledgement that his Pet thought only of him in such a manner-- but also a distinct embarassment that he had not been quiet enough, that he had woken up Bren despite his best efforts.

Chagrin flittered over his features but only momentarily, his Firefly was expecting punishment to equal or exceed the weight of this revelation. ] Serious crimes indeed, but now I am curious as to what depraved and filthy thoughts you had while you were depriving yourself of sleep all night--

[ Despite himself, Essek was so curious and so hungry for information, perhaps it was just that he was starting to feel, hear and think in shades of a red-gold sunset and the warm aqautic hues of the sea on a clear undisturbed day. ]