"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]

[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. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[The most serious of crimes, Bren ducked his head in acknowledgment. But he lifted his gaze in the next moment to meet Essek's once more, to make no efforts to hide as he confessed his shame, as he shamed himself further.

And oh he would shame himself thoroughly in the answering of that question because he had had the entire night and an active imagination, and only enough willpower that he hadn't wound up fucking his own hand as quietly as possible, instead languishing in a night of insomnia and arousal and frustration.]

I thought of too many things, Master. I thought of how much I wished I could be of use to you, even if my filthy holes do not deserve the privilege, I thought of your taking pleasure from me even so, of your making use of your pathetic slut of a pet. I thought of how much desperately I would want to please you, to be of use, to be used by you.

[And then by far, the most ludicrous piece.] I thought of resting my head on your chest and listening to your heartbeat as it settled, of your fingers in my hair because I was able to please you.

[zauberdecke]

[ He listened to Bren's words, the fevered way that was spoken-- could hear the desperate desire to please that was pitched like a prayer to a goddess, to him. The idea of casual use of someone else was still a distant concept in his mind, despite that he had been thinking lightly of what it would feel like for Bren to provide pleasure-- sadly it was his prior experiences with Adeen (another damning point against Adeen's favor) that curtailed much of the imagination.

But it was the last part that had him taking true notice.

It was something that was never on offer from Adeen, it was intimacy in the after-moments. Essek would never have accepted such from Adeen, but the thought of Bren laying there with head against chest, or even vice versa. It keened his arousal into something insistant and hard; answering throbs as he regarded Bren with eyes that had gotten progressively more golden in nature. ]

Such would not be a punishment however, you would enjoy those things too much.

[ Those were treats, they were not punishments in the slightest. ] You are very filthy and must be punished. Did you act on those thoughts, Pet? [ Allowing that perhaps the punishment would be informed by a simple branching yes or now. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Far too much, ja.

[Well at least he was honest and self aware. He would enjoy that very much, a treat that would make tonight's taste of dessert seem utterly insignificant in its sweetness. But Bren watched his Master, noticed that subtle change in those eyes, as gold eclipsed the violet. He did not know enough about drow to really say what he was witnessing, exactly, but it felt similar to the way that slow surging of heat in him, answering it perhaps.

But yes, those were not punishments, though one could argue that Bren had very successfully self-tortured with those thoughts in the sleeplessness of the night previous. This fact was likely more obvious with his answer to the question.]

No, Master. I did not.

[He'd been obedient in that. ...at least in part because he was only human and had only recently had his release while he had been worshipping his Master's feet. So that helped for the first part of the very, very long night.]

[zauberdecke]

Ah, well then--

[ His mind searched for a way to punish Bren while still maintaining a level of care for the other man's being, to hurt him without hurting him in a way that would scar or bruise. He'd already taken a crop to that rear, of which he knew probably still bore marks. He did not want to revist that particular hallway, not until the marks subsided and Bren was better able to sit on his ass.

But perhaps there was something else.

His eyes caught sight of a candle burning in it's sconce, with the wax dripping down slowly and methodically. Hmmmm-- that was an idea. ]

Hot wax? I could drip hot wax all across your chest and thighs, do you think that would suitably punish you enough? [ He did not mention arms, because he knew that the other man was very touchy about his arms, he had paid attention to enough physical clues to be able to determine that. ] And perhaps if you are good throughout, I may give you a treat at the end.

[ausgebrannt]

[The problem with all this was that the only true punishment that Bren could really think of was not one that he wanted to even speak into being -- the idea of being sent away, of being left alone with his own thoughts and without his master's presence. So that might explain that the idea of being covered in dripping hot wax managed to bring a very pronounced flush to his face.

Gods another punishment he'd be shamefully turned on through. But perhaps that was simply an element of it.

He nodded.]

Ah... yes. I think that would be suitable, Master.

[He couldn't help the way his eyes went wide, pupils flaring to nearly subsume the blue of his iris at the mention of a treat.]

I will be good. I will be very good for you.

[It was not lost on him either, that Essek was mindful enough that his arms had not come into the equation. He knew the scars were obvious there, and his owner had never troubled them. Another small piece of the kindness he knew he couldn't possibly deserve, yet treasured anyway.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There were many people in the Dynasty who would not have made those negotiations with their pets because they were not seen as humans; perhaps Essek did not think of other Pets as entities but this was his and like anyone who had ever developed a fondness for their pets, either people or animals-- they became something precious, and it was not a concept that Essek thought to mentally dissect.

However Essek thought that would serve and then he snapped his fingers decisively and authoritatively, as if he expected to be obeyed right at this very moment. ]

Then strip down and lay yourself back against the bed, and if you come in any way shape or form, the treat will be null and voided. [ Like a perfectly enacted contract. ] Essek was already moving up from his chair so that he could get a blanket from the cupboard so that he could lay it over the silken coverlets, mindful that wax did stain, especially silk and so he was doing what he could to save his very expensive bedclothes.

And then he removed a white candle from the drawer, unknowing of course how the white would look against skin, like drops of spend glistening underneath dim light. ]

[zauberdecke]

[ There were many people in the Dynasty who would not have made those negotiations with their pets because they were not seen as humans; perhaps Essek did not think of other Pets as entities but this was his and like anyone who had ever developed a fondness for their pets, either people or animals-- they became something precious, and it was not a concept that Essek thought to mentally dissect.

However Essek thought that would serve and then he snapped his fingers decisively and authoritatively, as if he expected to be obeyed right at this very moment. ]

Then strip down and lay yourself back against the bed, and if you come in any way shape or form, the treat will be null and voided/

[ Like a perfectly enacted contract.

Essek was already moving up from his chair so that he could get a blanket from the cupboard so that he could lay it over the silken coverlets, mindful that wax did stain, especially silk and so he was doing what he could to save his very expensive bedclothes.

And then he removed a white candle from the drawer, unknowing of course how the white would look against skin, like drops of spend glistening underneath dim light; Bren would become his perfectly used doll here in this moment. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[That was not lost on Bren either, that his master was still being generous and kind to him, even in the meting out of punishment -- and punishment that Bren knew beyond doubt that he truly deserved for his own filthy, base nature. Still arousal clouded his thoughts, that unforgettable awareness that his master was also turned on by... this. Something of this.

He bit back a whimper at the words, but he moved to obey. No coming. That, he realized, might be a bit of a challenge given that he was currently painfully aroused from that brief taste of his master's fingertips, from being made to confess all the lewdest fantasies that had kept him awake the night before.

Stripping off his clothes, he set them aside. Now there was nothing disguising his arousal, prick hard and flushed -- though he mustered up enough grace to blush at the sight that he must have made. Especially as he settled onto the bed, sitting on the blanket before lying back.

Bren was pliant, utterly obedient, but not without that small spark that seemed intent on finding out what exactly had caught his Master's attention and arousal. He stretched out on the bed, arms above his head, crossed at the wrist like they were bound by the invisible ropes of his master's command. He arched his back before stretching his legs out, toes curling before relaxing, small physical manifestations of the tension in him.]

I won't come, Master. Not without your permission. I will be good.

[zauberdecke]

[ The drow gripped the unlit taper firmly in his hand as he approached the bed; there was just hidden within the depths of those gold eyes a curiosity of Bren's body; the cock ramrod straight, looking highly uncomfortable. He had seen how fast Bren had come and he was not quite convinced that Bren would adhere to the promise he made, but in that case Essek knew that he would have to be firm and stern.. adhering to his own words.

He could not show any leniency in this moment, his Pet would not thank him for it-- would grow spoiled and willful if he provided treat for a perceived infraction.

A cantrip was cast, Prestidigitate and then the taper was lit, he held it aloft as he got one knee on the bed and held himself aloft there. The freckles and the cock drew his attention first, sliding up arms full of scars before he saw the way that Bren had crossed his hands with those invisible bonds.

Essek hummed with a pleased expression; thus he was perhaps more inclined to be soft-- but still stern, still he would not brook any disobedience. He rested his cooler fingers lightly on the abdomen between chest and stomach, felt the hot skin and let out a hiss of awareness. ] This excites you, doesn't it Pet? To be punished for being such a bad Pet-- you are both aroused and shamed, and your traitorous body is reacting. [ There was a tsk, though he was also carefully monitoring when precisely the wax would've melted enough to drip.

And with Essek's hands so very close to his prick, but not touching-- his palm a firm weight as he felt the exhale and inhale of breath. Essek was very interested but he did not know how to evidence that in any way that felt authentic to himself, so he would insert himself into the role of punisher, though he would do it as gracefully as possible. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's breath caught as that flame sprang to life, a knot of arousal pulled tight at the base of his spine in anticipation. He was ashamed of himself at how hard he was, how twisted he must be that even the prospect of punishment and pain, at his own debasement in being corrected for his filthy, inappropriate sins, turned him on. He felt his cheeks heat as his master pointed this out so plainly.

Shame burned hot, but that arousal still roared hotter, counterpoint to the sudden touch of those cool fingers against his skin. Another soft gasp, and he took a moment to nod, swallowing thickly as he tried to find his voice and not just the whimper that wanted to escape.]

It does... I'm sorry, Master. I cannot help it. I cannot control my own filthy nature. Your pet is a dirty whore. Please punish me for it. Please...

[He squirmed only slightly where he lay, trying admirably to stay still desoite how keyed up his entire body felt.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek remained fully clothed, chaste with his raiment as he shifted so that he could sit down right beside Bren, with his clothed thigh touching against his Pet's. The moments ticked by in a silence that was nearly deafening as he surveyed the Pet-- then he spoke another command. ]

Naughty Pets do not deserve to see what is coming next so I want you to stare up at the ceiling, if you cannot keep your melancholy slut eyes from looking to me, we will have to employ a blindfold.

[ Perhaps as well, Essek did not know if his will was on par with those eyes looking at him with such sadness, despite the fact that they were blown wide and aroused like darkened ocean lagoons. He would rather keep to his task and see this punishment through. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Yes, Master...

[Bren agreed breathlessly, tearing his eyes away from the drow to focus upwards at the ceiling. So this would be the truth punishment here, being forbidden from looking at his master. But he would obey. Gods he wanted to obey so badly, wanted to be a good pet for Essek, even in his abasement and humiliation, he wanted to earn some scraps of praise.

It was pathetic really, but even aware of that he couldn't seem to help it, couldn't stem that craving for his Master's approval, that desperation to please..

He trembled slightly, anticipation, a silent tension that had taken full hold of his body as he waited for the punishment to begin. Essek was close enough for Bren to feel his presence, but it still took all his effort to keep his gaze fixed above him, from not straying back to his master or the candle in his hand.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Perhaps in a way, Essek was stacking the cards against Bren-- there was quite a few areas in which the other man could fall short, could displease him. (although Essek did not think that his displeasure would be nearly so bad if only because he could see that his Pet was trying to be good, and there was such sincerity there held within the tremble of voice.

This was a stress-test of sorts.

A few innate countdowns within his mind and then he slowly aimed the first bout of wax just between the chest, and they fell rain with the heat of the wax hitting down upon pale skin, and then solidifying there-- it was a good test patch to see how Bren reacted to the hot wax kisses. ]