"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]

Be a good boy for me and eat up all this bread and cheese---

[ Under any other circumstances, Essek probably would never have been this naked with anyone; but this was his mate and there was a level of trust there that was not apparent with others-- going forward even beyond the flush of heat, he would find that his inhibitions would shed considerably. He fed Bren that piece of bread, bit by bit while he arched into that touch.

Unfortunately for Bren, every little touch was going to incite Essek just a little bit more-- a drow's stamina was rather renowned and while most of the evenings Essek had usually stopped at one orgasm, this seemed to not be the case-- and they were one for two at the moment, with another bout of play on Essek's side unavoidable.

He leaned in then and ran his tongue against the corner of mouth where he could taste the tart compliment of creamy cheese, a nearly devious gesture that was doing nothing for his own libido; rather once finished, he reached for a sliced strawberry and then drew it across his own lower lip then rather playfully before he took it between teeth and leaned forward. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Yes master...

[A soft murmur before Bren parted his lips and nibbled at the bread offered to him, tongue making very certain that those fingers were pristinely clean. Even then, his own fingers continued to slide up the curve of his spine. His gaze was fixed on the drow's face, fully enchanted by him.

He had no idea he was feeding a fire that had not entirely died down in the drow. After all, they'd already had sex, and normally that was where it died down. Though perhaps he ought to realize that Essek was still on that edge of desire.

And maybe it became obvious when he watched the other man place that strawberry between his teeth and oh. That... that was too sexy for a strawberry. There was no hesitation as he leaned forward to take that strawberry. Sort of. Mostly he pressed his lips to Essek's, parted already, so that he could brush his tongue along his Master's lower lip, strawberry and the even sweeter taste of the other man.]

[zauberdecke]

[ How much of Essek wanted to be a tease, that was the question. For a moment it felt like he was going to play a little bit, but then he realized with a hazed burgeoning awareness that he was weak to this man, this Pet, his Mate and he slowly slid his tongue out to slide under the strawberry, so that it was resting neatly on the tip in something almost akin to an offering.

He knew that Bren would go in for it, and then when he did-- that mouth would be so very close, close enough for him to suck the ambrosed juices off tongue, to offer his own tongue in exchange.

Surprisingly enough, there was no evidence that he wanted Bren to stop that distracting touching against his spine as the Pet pulled up his sleep shirt, perhaps it only caused him to press his chest even closer to Bren's, jutting his drow ass out much like a cat would when it was being stroked in a particularly fond fashion. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Tease or not, this was all an absolute thrill. Bren had to wonder what he had deserved to be rewarded this way. He was certain he did not deserve it, but he would not question what his master was willing to give him in this moment.

He let his tongue slide along Essek's before he did indeed take the offered strawberry, even if he was far more interested in the taste of the drow's mouth. His touch pressed tightly into the soft skin beneath his fingers, holding Essek close. This was not conducive to really eating breakfast, but Bren was not exactly thinking in terms of logistics right now.

How could he think of anything besides the man in his lap, the mouth against his own.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek's skin was flushed and hot, nearly screaming at the touch of Bren's. He wound his fingers around those shoulders as he leaned in; and then after Bren chewed and swallowed the strawberry, that was when he went back in for the kiss-- and such a decadent kiss it was too, filled with an invitation for Bren.

Right now it almost felt as if Bren was something more than a Pet.

Especially with the way that Essek treated him; like someone worthy of being his lover. Of course there would be time enough for Essek to subtly degrade him, but for right now that was not the case-- it was that needy tendril that shivered through him and quite honestly demanded to touch and be touched. He shifted on that lap which sent their skin into further collision.

Already Essek was interested again, and it was quite clear that the wizard would likely be the cause of death for his pet for the libido continued to rage on, spreading like wildfire against his skin.

In between kisses, he spoke. ] I cannot get enough of you...

[ It honestly felt like he couldn't get closer to Bren. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[His own mouth hinted of strawberries now, but he still chased the taste of his Master's lips with an eagerness that belied the fact that he was carnally still quite spent. Part of him was starting to realize that he was playing a dangerous game here given Essek's current, ah, mood.

Caution went to the wind, and Bren murmured a soft, happy little sound to the kiss. He did feel more like a lover than a pet just now, and oh that was another perilous thought. He'd berate himself for it later, remind himself that he barely deserved to even be a pet, a possession, anything more than that was far beyond what would be right.

A shivery breath at those words.]

You can have all of me... anything.. everything you want.

[Even if it may very well kill him in the process. He was willing to throw himself on that sword. Again and again, even if the best his body could do at the moment was the slightest stirring of his cock.]

[zauberdecke]

[ All human men needed time to recuperate, and it was very likely that Bren was quite tired by this point. But it was very hard to resist the lure of those strawberry tasting lips, hard to deny the feeling of wanting to be wrapped around Bren and it was in the most carnal of ways; he was far too eager and far to hungry for his own good-- with his aether spiking sharply.

Recognition of his mate.

He reached between them until he was palming against the cock that was perhaps only at twenty-five percent, and then he was lightly starting to work the over-sensitized and fragile skin. He was not too far gone of course that he would not stop if Bren gave him an inclination that he should stop. Just a whimper of pain or anything would halt it, would let him know that he needed to be more delicate with his mate.

It was highly unlikely though that Bren would tell him to stop-- he already had processed an aversion for the safe word. ]

I.. would you.. [ He gave that cock the barest whispers of a stroke with questing palm, as if to illustrate that point. ] I want.. [ It was hard to know what he wanted, because he wanted mouth and hand and quivering prick... anything. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Tired and quite frankly running on fumes, but he would rally. As much as he could anyway. He'd heard elves had different refractory periods than humans, yes, but so far it did not seem Essek actually had any refractory period at all so much as he could just keep going. There had to be a limit to it at some point, Bren assumed.

Like a fool.

That hand found his prick and he hissed out a soft sound that softened into a whimper, half pleasured, half pained, all aroused. His cock did its best to respond to that touch, even if the ache it sent through him had him unable to keep still. Fingers found purchase at Essek's hips, gripping hard. Fuck.]

Please...

[Another low whine.] Tell me and it's yours. I'm yours. I want... [He wanted to please him, and it was clear in desperate blue eyes just how deep that desire -- that need -- went.]

[zauberdecke]

[ For a single moment, Essek had been about to command Bren get on that bed so that he could avail himself of him again; there were different aches within him that needed to be assuaged-- and not just being buried in Bren, but he needed to be infiltrated as well. It was something that normally he had felt an honest revulsion too-- especially with his monthly 'visits' to Adeen, but the desire was too strong and he felt nearly ravenous with it.

It was the underlying pain that he heard in the whimper.

That was what cracked the bubble of lust that went through him. It was that deep rooted and seated need to make his 'Mate' happy that cut through-- but it was also that part of him that lingered just underneath the surface of primal lust, it was the rational part of Essek.

Along with the awareness that he was still hungry, he was still thirsty-- and it wasn't for anything that was on the chair-side table, it was all that was underneath his body-- it was the back underneath his fingertips and the jawline so close to his lips. He let out something akin to strangled and then he got up from the chair and thereby Bren's lap, suddenly feeling a combination of woozy and sick.

Was he sick? Had Adeen given him something? For a moment the door between his raw self and his normal self opened and he was left perceiving and the raw mess he was, all disheveled and acting like a glutton for sex. ]

I think.. I think I need.. a healer-- I'm.. I.

[ And looking at Bren made his mouth water in the most impossible way, the freckled skin and the stirring cock, the blue eyes that looked at him darkly. He was interested even if he could see the sexual exhaustion flagging him. ]

I will not.. abuse you, like this.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren heard himself voicing a startled sound of protest as Essek moved out of his lap. For a moment blue eyes shot wide. Had he done something wrong? Said something wrong? He didn't want the separation between them, didn't want to have done anything to put his master off. That sound that Essek had made echoed in a cold weight in the pit of his stomach.]

Master?

[But the idea of Essek needing a healer changed everything. He was on his feet quickly, moving back into Essek's space.]

Are you all right? What is wrong? We will get you a healer then. Should you lie down?

[When those next words reached his ears, the confusion on his face was immediately obvious.]

I am not abused. Not by you. Never by you.

[zauberdecke]

[ But it could become abuse, he wanted to use Bren's body; he wanted to drink Bren up and drain him dry-- he was so parched and feverish, he was feverish; his hand came to his brow where a light sheen of sweat seemed to cling to him. And then there were his hands that had suddenly become clammy and perhaps that was just a combination of everything.

He stood there before Bren, saw the concern there and then the assurance that he was not doing anything wrong, that he hadn't been abusing his pet. He wrapped his arms around that waist them, pressing his body to the other man's and then he buried his face against that neck. ]

Something is wrong, all I want is.. to-- with you.

[ He would send to one of the healers, one of the discreet ones that was not affiliated with House Thelyss; he did not want House Thelyss getting wind of his sickness, he did not want their nose in his business. He was silent as he did the sending, it happened within his mind.. despite the distracting scent of musk radiating from Bren's own skin, alluring and set to make him hungry all over again-- and then he pulled away. ]

I want to devour you, and keep devouring you.

[ausgebrannt]

[Something in Bren eased when those arms wrapped around him. So he hadn't done something to displease him, to put him off. He wrapped his arms around his Master in turn, holding him close. He could feel a sort of feverishness in the other man, and a concern bubbled up in him. Turning his head, he nuzzled into Essek's hair, lips by his ear as he murmured.]

You feel like you are burning up. Perhaps a cool bath while we wait for the healer?

[Because silent or not, Bren was certain he could feel the faint surge of arcana as it was cast. When Essek drew back, he loosened his hold, but did not release him entirely, unless his Master deliberately tried to step out of his arms.]

Then devour me... I am yours, and all I want to be is yours.

[He probably wasn't helping. Oh well.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a bit of fear in Essek's golden-cast eyes, fear that he would destroy the other man; would destroy his pet. And that was untenable to him, and here was Bren putting himself in the maws of the beast that Essek felt like he was becoming. He did not step out of those arms, but he did try to resist the urge to curve up against him, demand that Bren take him to bed, to mate with him. ]

A bath.. yes.

[ He ignored the statement that Bren spoke, of wanting to be devoured-- especially when Bren did not know what that meant, especially when Essek thought it meant a primal thing of teeth adn claws that tried to fight it's way out of his skin like a beast. ]

Please, draw a cold bath.

[ As if that would do anything for his heated skin; but he was willing to try anything ]

[ausgebrannt]

[And nothing in Bren would resist that destruction. Perhaps that would be evident in what Essek had learned about his pet in the time that they had been together. But first and foremost was Essek's wellbeing, at least in Bren's mind, so he nodded at the mention of the bath.]

Ja. Of course. It will be only a moment.

[A bath. Yes, maybe that would help. He reluctantly disengaged from the other man and moved towards the bathroom to see about drawing a bath -- cool though hopefully not alarmingly cold. That wouldn't do either.

He did at least make sure the water was properly scented with oils before he poked his head back out.]

The bath is ready.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was aroused, so painfully hot and aroused. And unfortunately it was not something that his body was letting go of so easily, not even with the whirlwind storm of thoughts that seized upon his mind and gripped; perhaps that was the most alarming of it all, and he recognized dimly and with whatever self-control keeping him together was that he could've ripped Bren apart with his teeth, with anything really.

He obsessed over all of this even as he was called into the bathroom by Bren. He shed his tunic, tossed it carelessly to the side and then headed toward the bathtub, and then once on the step, he dipped his toe in.

With the heat of his body, it felt far cooler than Bren had made it.

Both something to balk at as well as something to be thankful for. He turned back to look at Bren with those gold eyes, biting his lower lip even as he stepped into the waters; it was a look that felt so very miserable for the fact that he was confused but there was still a sense that Essek wanted to protect his Pet.

There was no way that he would allow anything to happen to his precious Pet. ] I promised us both rest today, and here am I. [ He said as he gestured all around, to himself-- to everything, as if by way of apology. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren waited for Essek to settle into the water, watching him with anxious eyes to make sure that he was all right. There was no missing the misery on his Master's face though, and something in Bren's chest twisted. He wanted to soothe him, wanted to make that sadness and worry on the other man's face go away.]

There is still plenty of day to rest. You are the one I am concerned about taking it easy.

[Bren hesitated a moment before deciding to act, stepping into the bath to sink down into the cool waters in front of his Master.]

You let me spend last night in your arms. I cannot remember the last time I rested so well.

[And yes, he was carnally spent -- though not averse to pushing his own limits on that particular frontier, especially once he learned what it was that was causing this turmoil for the other man -- but he also still felt more taken care of than he had any right to be.

He lifted his hands to settle at either side of his Master's face, a gentle caress with each thumb.]

We will sort this out.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was no proteststion as Bren entered the cool waters, in fact all he instinctively wanted was the presence of his mate during this very rough time where his body worked its way through his heat-- this would set a precedence just as the sleeping in the same bed. This situation that would elevate Bren to more than Pet, would net him certain rights that not many Pets were in the possession of. He leaned into the toucb gratefully with those amber eyes that glowed underneath the dim light of the bathing quarters.

He leaned his forehead against Bre n's and then he nodded in acknowledgement, the cold waters were doing much to alleviate the worst of the carnal tide that threatened to engulf him and it was an opportunity for Bren to have a much needed rest-- but for most Drow men who sank into heat, especially with the rarity of it, he still looked a little bit frightened so he scooted as close as he could to Bren.

His body recognized Mate, looked to the other man for protection, warmth, and the seeing to all of his needs during this difficult time where his body struggled; and it was his mate that he would show his vulnerability to-- trust flowed out of him and into Bren as he settled as close as possible.

And he would stay like that until the Healer came, reluctant to move very far away. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren welcomed Essek close, close as the other man wished to be. His arms wound around that slender form, fingers moving against his back in what he hoped was a soothing touch. He wanted to help, though he had no idea how. Maybe it was a different source than the primal instinct and half forgotten mating imperative tucked inside Essek's genetics, but it was no less strong. Bren wanted to protect him, to care for this brilliant beautiful man who had given him back so much of himself simply by taking ownership of him.

Those fingers traced out absentminded runes and sigils, making an invisible spell circle out of the drow's skin. He pressed soft kisses against his cheek, accompanied by quiet murmurs, assurances that everything was fine, that they would indeed handle whatever this was.]

I have you... [A soft but fervent promise.

Eventually the familiar sounds of the unseen servants. Bren lifted his head.]

I think the healer has arrived.

[zauberdecke]

[ He allowed himself then to be helped out of the bathtub where he wrapped himself up in a bathrobe. He pulled it around his torso and did not even bother drying himself off. The door to his chambers had opened and the healer was in there; an older Drow woman who was unpacking a satchel with all of her tools for examination. He went willingly, though he did search Bren's eyes out before walking in there, a need for the Pet to follow him-- there was no commands that burst forth from Bren's lips, he would simply allow Bren to watch and guard as needed.

The examination was thorough, he was poked and prodded-- he was examined in all areas although the eyes were doubly scrutinized, as well as the sexual organs. Essek tolerated it with little fight though he hissed a little bit when he was cupped and examined, a deep gutteral hiss that sounded otherworldly in nature.

After twenty minutes, she made her pronouncement, in Undercommon. ]

~It appears that you are suffering from the very rare condition of drow heat, have you told your husband about this? He would be the best person to tell this to, you will require assistance for the next five plus days.~

[ A snarl came from Essek. ]

If he comes near me, I will rip his face off. [ This was not spoken in Undercommon, it was very pronounced and emphatic. In which case, the healer switched to common.. though not before she glanced over at Bren speculatively. ]

~Very well then, if that is the lay of the land-- it is none of my business, I am only hear to treat you.~ [ The healer started rummaging through for some things, there was quite a bit that she had to dole out. ] ~This is already a rare condition between drow and drow, adding a human into it makes it even moreso~ [ 5 vials were presented, all of them a deep blue in colour. ] ~This are sedatives, these will need to be taken during the evenings, these will allow you to rest.. I would suggest that your ah, companion use that time to rest as well, he will need it. Then there is a balm that I suggest that he apply every evening before he sleeps, he is going to be sore.. all over.~ [ A tin of balm was presented, resting right beside the other medication. ]

~Unfortunately, I do not have anything for stamina on me, however I can procure it and send it over via a courier.~ [ There was another look to Bren though she decided she would let the Shadowhand explain it to his Pet, since she was not dumb.. she had a feeling that they were a mated pair. ] ~It is strong, so you only need to take a half a dram of it every day-- it should allow you to sufficiently keep up though you will be very sore, which is why it is important that you apply the balm every night.~

[ The information given seemed to register, perhaps a certain sort of shock but also it caused him to gravitate toward his Mate closer; he was mated to his Pet. And yet, that did not terrify him-- it only came as a surprise because such bonds were exceedingly rare, perhaps one in every 300 drow experienced it because it was a part of the DNA that had been nearly estinguished and buried once they had left the Underdark. ]

~Be mindful that all acts will help ease it but the innate desire will be to copulate-- the more that occurs, the more your body will tolerate a little rest in between~

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren managed to dress himself enough to be decent as well, but he hesitates at the door to the washroom. He didn't want to invade something private and personal for Essek, even if it felt impossible to leave his side at this moment. When the drow met his eyes though, he understood the unspoken desire without need for words. Good. Then he would stay close.

He tried at least to stay out of the healer's way as his master was examined, though he found himself watching her perhaps too closely, that urge to protect strong enough that the way Essek had Bren half starting to stand to put himself between his master and the woman -- before he got a hold of himself and sat back. Close still, close enough that Essek could touch him if he were to reach for him, but silent.

He could only make out part of the Undercommon, but enough to not like the sound of it. The mention of husband in particular brought a frown to his face. Was this Aden's fault after all? Then that outburst from Essek, and everything seemed to change.

Bren was not a stupid man. He did not have the full story here, not by any stretch of the imagination. But he could put together enough to understand that his Master was in heat, and had no desire for Adeen to help him through it. The spike of relief at that was palpable. He would help Essek through this, whatever it took.

And based on what the healer was saying, he expected it would take a lot. But he could handle that. Of course he could. For Essek he could handle anything. A breath, and he nodded.]

Thank you.

[For the advice. And the balm, apparently. And whatever she would provide for stamina and oh gods they'd be fucking most waking hours for days, wouldn't they? It was fine. More than fine. Like this he could be useful for his master, could help him through this. The idea of being mated still had not entered his mind. Whatever had triggered this in the Shadowhand, it did not cross Bren's mind that it could be him. But he knew Essek despised Adeen, for good reason, so he assumed he was just conveniently here as a less abhorrent option, a way to get him through this. He set a hand gently against Essek's back, a silent reassurance that he was there, for him.

But oh did he have questions.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was perhaps aware of what it meant but he did not speak of it, all he had to do was remember the tender way that Bren had cleaned him up last night, had held him throughout the night and into sleep; it rather made sense that he had slept so long, far longer than a simple trance. He'd been so exhausted he'd not paid attention to his own routine and habits-- but now he understood those little signs, the ache within his body centered right at his core.

He had the Unseen Servants show the healer out, it was earlier enough in the morning that Adeen was not home and would not see the doctor leaving though it may very well be reported back to him. He then turned and slinked his way into Bren's arms, resting his head against the shoulder while he scented his Mate. Covered in his scent but with that overlapping fragrance that was Bren's just underneath-- that was the best possible way for Bren to present himself.

It was claiming, it was ownership and it comforted him.

He would set a standing schedule for the Unseen Servants to adhere too-- before he totally lost his mind to his instincts; he knew that would be the case-- he would remember it all when he'd emerged from the haze, but the next five days would be rough, he knew this and there was that terrified fear that he would hurt Bren in some untenable way. ]

Be sure, that I take my sedatives in the evenings-- you will also have to make sure I eat and drink, I do not like putting this on you.. [ He whispered against Bren's neck like a whispered prayer ] I am supposed to take care of you, not the other way around.

[ausgebrannt]

Shh.

[A soft shushing as he wound his arms securely around Essek and held him close, as if he could keep the rest of the world at bay by the circle of his embrace along.]

I want to take care of you. I can't imagine anything I would like more. If I can help even a little... ja. I will be very happy.

[How could he be anything but happy when the arms around him felt like home, a home he hardly deserved but had been granted regardless through some rare moment of mercy from this is often unkind world. A turn off his head and he placed a kiss against Essek's forehead.]

Whatever you need, Master. I am here.

[He promised quietly.]

Do you know what brought this on? Was it what happened with Adeen last night?

[zauberdecke]

It is rare.. when this happens; it was more common back when we lived in the Underdark and we had to have some means of survival amid the constant fighting, both drow against drow and drow against the environs.

[ He was ensconced in the warmth of those arms, he leaned into it. It was a warmth that perfectly mirrored his own body that seemed to have grown hotter and hotter; he felt just a little bit feverish but by this time it was not something to be alarmed by due to the fact that they knew the affliction now. ] I will not allow Adeen to touch me, not this time and not ever.

[ The thought repulsed him even more now. ] He did not trigger this, I will kill him if he comes close to me. He will think he triggered it, he will think it because he thinks everything should revolve around him.

[ That was a promise born from the bitterest hiss. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I will not let him near you.

[Bren assured his master with a tightening of his arms. At the best of times the idea of Adeen touching Essek made something in him react in a viscerally violent opposition, and now? When the other man was so vulnerable and affected? It was doubly so. He would keep Essek safe and as comfortable through this as he could.]

It is all right that I am the one to help you through this? There is not someone else you would rather..?

[Because while the thought of that utterly tore at something in him, he wanted Essek to be happy. To be well. He would do what was best for him, even if it was at the cost of his own heart.]

The healer did say my being human made it more complicated. I do not want to be a disappointment or an impediment for you.

[zauberdecke]

No one else.

[ This was spoken with finality, he had no one else. Most importantly no one else that he wanted to help him through that, perhaps he should've told Bren this, why it had to be him; but unfortunately he was not good at feelings at the best of time and his connection to the primal part inside of him made it even less so. ]

If it gets to be too much or you need a.. ah, break you can sedate me or lock me in my closet.. but it has to be you, it is either you or nobody else.

[ He had only barely resisted hurting the doctor and that was only because he had a somewhat tenuous control of his mind at the moment, it would likely not be so tomorrow or the day after that. He would lash out at anyone who touched him that was not Bren. It had to be this man who held him so carefully and delicately, only this man who could cover him and protect him. ]

Will you.. take me to bed? [ He needed to be covered by his mate, he needed his mate to claim him in that last final way that he'd been reluctant to allow for reasons that had everything to do with wariness, but Bren needed to purge every vestiges of his memories of such acts and replace them with something better. ]