"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]

[ 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. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[He was trying so, so hard to be good, to mind every command he'd been given and to not disobey. To not displease. His breathing had already quickened, as anticipation continued to build.

Then the first splash of wax fell against his skin, a sudden burn, a sharp sting of pain that had him gasping in startled stimulation. He exhaled it in a trembling breath fingers curling briefly into fists but not moving from where he'd settled then.

His eyes fluttered briefly but did not stray from that distant gaze above him. His cock, already hard, already with pearlescent beads of precome collecting at the tip, gave an unmistakable twitch, showing no sign at all of flagging.]

[zauberdecke]

This turns you on, you naughty Pet.

[ Essek said almost incredulously, his hand tipping forward the candle once again and it fell a few inches downward so that it settled right there in a hot splash, making pretty little beads to splatter around. Of course Essek had glanced at the cock, seen how it twitched in anticipation for more, all hungry and eager; there was the brief wonder of what would happen if he touched it-- but then he realized the game would come to the end.

Bren likely would not survive such a thing, and the game would be invariably lost.

And another, this time upwards and to the right until a nipple was dribbled against, though it had been a small one, and then he paused to see if in fact that was too much-- listening intently for any exclamation of pain that meant 'stop' and not 'keep going'. Idly, he realized that they had not established a word or gesture for stop or 'too much'; that merely meant he would have to make one up on the fly. ]

If the pain becomes too much, you must tap your fingers against the headboard. [ That was not a suggestion, that was a command ]

[ausgebrannt]

I...

[Well, what good would it do to deny it? He flushed darker but nodded, a whimper slipping from his lips at having his own depravity so fully exposed. It did turn him on, clearly, whether it was the sting of pain or the humiliation and vulnerability of being laid out naked before his master and entirely at his mercy.

Another soft cry as more of that wax dripped hotly on his skin, and then a far less soft cry as the wax landed on his nipple.]

O...oh!

[He struggled to keep still, but fought hard for it. It hurt, yes, his skin burning and stinging. Not unbearable, and he had enough trust in his master to know that Essek would not to do anything to cause any lasting harm. There was something thrilling in that too, in releasing himself fully into his Master's hands and not expecting to be left battered and broken.

He almost missed the next words, panting softly, wrapped up in the moment. But they did register, and he nodded, fitfully. An order, yes, but one for his own benefit, with his master caring for him.]

Yes, Master. Thank you, Master.

[But he would not. He could not imagine reaching that point. Self preservation was not exactly one of Bren's best skills.]

[zauberdecke]

[ No, it was not one of Bren's strong suits, it had been glaringly obvious when he had deprived himself of sustenance because of some sort of inner turmoil. That was why Essek had to step in and guide Bren and to make sure that no lasting harm was caused because Bren thought that he deserved pain beyond his own tolerance.

A sound of approval, almost like a purr.. before Essek started the slow drip and trail to the other chest, to splash against nipple-- and then as his Pet reacted and adjusted to that, Essek was lightly scrapping with fingernails the first two pools of wax, and saw the angry little marks left in their wake.

He followed up with another drip at the first location then, to see if it keened the pain a little bit, due to the fact that it was already a trifle sensitive from the first time that the patch of skin had been be-waxed. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[That sound alone sent a shiver racing through Bren, and he had to fight to keep control of himself to not come apart there and then. He'd said he would be good, and the lingering promise of a treat if he were good, well wasn't that an intriguing motivation? Intensely motivating, almost as strong as that desperate need to please.

He squirmed as he felt his master scrape the hardened wax from his skin. He wanted so badly to look down, the added thrill of not knowing where the next pain would bloom was driving him mad as well.

When the wax fell over skin already once-marked, he cried out, back arching sharply. His cock throbbed, toes curling against the blankets as he struggled with himself and with his self control. A sound rather like a sob welled up in his throat.]

I want... I want to be so good for you, Master. I am trying. I... please...

[zauberdecke]

[ The desperation was marked in Bren's voice, the entreaty as well-- it was the knelling sound of someone who was struggling to hold onto a fraying rope; all it took was a look downward to see the prick nearly vibrate with suppression and so he eased it back just a little bit. ] Three more marks, can you do it for three more marks, and then I will give you your treat? Can you be a good sweet Pet for me.. reach deep into yourself and find that part of yourself that can hold on for just a few more moments?

[ His free hand moved to lightly brush the hair back from damp forehead, the relief of a touch and oh how gentle it was, and encouraging. ] I know you can do it, because you are clever and good boy, you want to be better for me.. don't you? [ He was lavishing that praise onto Bren in a manner that was meant to be soothing, a new rope to hold onto; to be worthy of such sweet and gentle words. ] You do not mean to be bad, I know this.. this is why I know you can be very very good for me.

[ausgebrannt]

[Fraying more and more by the moment despite his desperate attempt to hold himself together. Another gasp for breath, an attempt to settle himself, to reassert some fumbled part of his self control. The reminder of that treat, the praise that fell so sweetly from those beloved lips.

It was a double-edged sword, bringing ever closer to that brink because his master's praise was all he truly wanted, needed in this world, but it gave him a reservoir of strength to draw from too, the determination to please, to not be a disappointment. He nodded fitfully.]

I want to be better for you. I want to be good, I...

[His eyes shut at the sweet, cool touch of that hand, just briefly, soaking in the contact, the comfort of it. Still, his voice left him in a sob, eyes welling with tears -- overstimulation, frustration, arousal, all so strong that he did not know what to do with him, and they fell in tears from his eyes.]

I can... I will be your good Pet. Please punish me.

[Three more. He could do three more.]