"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]

[ Essek was grateful for Bren's arms wrapped around him however words were hard in this state, it was difficult to manage more than a few broken syllables here and there; eventually he could take some medication that would help him be not unhinged during his heat but for right now he was prey to his own instincts and base urges.

A soft little sigh. ] Bath.

[ As much as he languished in the scent of his mate, the stickiness was not something he was too terribly fond of, even in this state. He was one step away from attempting to lick the sticky right off of Bren, which right now would not suitably do the job.

Suddenly there was a pounding on the door which had him tensing, and then his grip on Bren tightened, a soft growl rumbled at the back of his throat. The words that came out at the door were Undercommonn, a brash tone of voice that could only be Essek's husband-- ]

~I've heard reports you've not gone into work, and your mother is worried about you-- I will force myself inside if you do not open up.~

[ The sound from Essek only intensified in ferocity, those golden eyes glimmering as he took a highly aggressive position. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Mm... bath.

[Bren agreed, fully aware that the unseen servants were clever enough in their creation that they'd start the water running at only that bit of prompting. He was planning on joining Essek in the bath, because he could not imagine letting him out of his arms just now.

He goes still and stiff at the sound of pounding on the door. A frown creases his forehead and he tightens his arms around Essek. The growl from the other man left little question about who must be at the door.

Then he heard Adeen's voice. Bren leand in and pressed a kiss to Essek's forehead, a soft soothing murmur.] You're fine. It is fine. I will send him away.

[He moved to disentangle himself from the pile of limbs that they had become so he could go deal with his lover's husband.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was still poised on the bed in such a manner that he was absolutely prepared to snark and throw himself at Adeen in a manner that could only be construed as feral-- even as he watched Bren head toward the door, he was already reaching for his components pouch just in case, he would if needed; he would cast such a spell as to rip him limb from limb-- this man who was not his mate but someone else, someone repulsive.

The pounding would continue until Bren opened the door; and when he did-- he would see the frame of Essek's husband, the frame that was still shorter than Bren by standards, though his shoulders would straighten and his head tilt a little bit in derision. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[And there was Bren, nude still, covered in bitemarks and scratches and looking as thoroughly fucked as he was. The look on his face though, was hard-edged, sharp. Blue eyes fixed on Adeen with a weight that fully intended to pin the other man where he was.]

He is fine. You are not needed or wanted here.

[It was the first time that Bren had ever spoken to the other man, and he spoke in simplistic but clear Undercommon. Get fucked, Adeen. Bren had this.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Behind Bren, the sound of bath water could be heard starting up-- along with the very soft growling coming from inside, but Adeen would not be able to see Essek, only hear the faintest undertones. The scent of sex assaulted Adeen and then came the sneer as he slowly put everything into place. ]

~Ah, so it seems like the Empire Dog is being of use, servicing my husband. Enjoy getting your prick wet, it will not last.~ [ That sounded ominously like a threat.

But Adeen had not made the connection yet that Essek had undergone heat. ] ~I will go ahead and tell his mother that he's spreading for his Empire Whore.~ [ There was an edge to Adeen's voice, it was tinged with ill-placed possessiveness ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren could hear that growling, and he stood up taller, taking advantage of the fact that he was taller than Adeen. His gaze never wavered, and though his voice had daggers in it, it was level. For all his anxiety and the fear that plagued Bren, it was not visible in this moment. Not when he was standing between his Master and this poor excuse for a man.

This was not the broken pet that Essek had welcomed in with mercy and gentleness. This was the Volstrucker who would burn Adeen to cinders right in front of him if given even the slimmest excuse to do so.]

Leave.

[Bren stated simply. And then, quieter, less a threat than a simple statement spoken with the utter conviction of an unassailable truth.]

You will not touch him again.

[And with that he moved to close the door, whether Adeen was in its way or not.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Adeen did not attempt to force his way in but the sound of words could be heard, and they were lodged like a rifle, edged like glass tipped dagger blades. ] ~Enjoy your time while you can.. I promise you, it is finite.~ [ Then there was the sound of retracting steps as Adeen left; only later would be register the scent that was marked and far more potent than the regular fragrance of sex.

Essek managed to slip off the bed, watching Bren's back carefully. The drow had not understood how much he was trembling until just now-- and he could not figure out if it was out of fear or rage. Maybe it was a combination of the both of them melded together to make a whole; he waited for Bren to slip back to him, holding onto the bedpost, and having been ready to tear Adeen's face off if needed. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren scowled at the door. Threats. Let him make threats. He didn't care. Adeen did not matter. Essek mattered.

As he turned around and saw the way that the other man was trembling, holding onto the bedpost as if needing it for support, something warm and protective swelled in him. He was not a strong man, but maybe the stamina potion and the effects it had on him gave him some assistance in what he did next.

He moved to sweep Essek up in his arms so he could bring him to the waiting bath.]

He's gone now, Master.

[zauberdecke]

Please...

[ Essek murmured this as he wrapped his arms around those shoulders, he managed the sense to allow himself to present lighter in those arms so that he barely weighed anything that Bren could not manage. His head rested against that shoulder and he hummed the next word out. ] M'hrandii--

[ Mate, his mate-- his protective mate who had faced off his husband for him; the flutter of lashes lightly brushed against Bren's neck while he was drawn toward the bathroom. Already the Unseen Servents had finished filling the tub with Essek's favorite scents and were now concentrating on changing the bedclothes and bringing up another light dinner of finger foods. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I have you.

[Bren assured him as he made his way into the bathroom. He noted that Essek felt light in his arms, and that made it simpler for him to step into the bath with the drow still held close to him, to lower himself to a seat, bringing the other man to settle in his lap in the blissfully warm water.

That way he didn't have to allow any space between them, even for a moment. It soothed something in Bren as well, and he leaned back against the side of the tub, Essek tucked up against his chest as he did, sighing in relief.]

[zauberdecke]

I will kill him...

[ Essek murmured against the neck as he was submerged in fragrantly warm waters, his entire body sinking into the warmth as if he had not had a bath in days-- and maybe that was just the product of the stickiness. He was satiated for right now, would give Bren a little more time to recover until the next bout.

A purr then, a reminder that Bren was close to him-- that he was protected, that also he would protect Bren. He would've reached for the shampoo and a bath poof except that he did not want to draw himself far enough a way to see to things like that. ] M'hrandii... Mine.. [ It was spoken like a prayer, a litany of reverence. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I will help.

[Bren murmured back because the idea of Adeen ever setting a finger on Essek again curdled something in his stomach, a cold and sick feeling. His Master deserved better. And while Bren would not be bold enough to think that it ought to be him, it was better than Adeen.

Gods knew he wanted it to be him. He wanted to be what his Master wanted and needed, and he would be there for him in whatever way the drow desired. But he knew he was a pet, an obedient plaything, and not meant to be a partner. That was all right, he lied to himself. That was fine.

He pressed his lips to Essek's head through his hair.]

Yours. [He agreed wholeheartedly.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was an adoration in those golden eyes as he pulled back to look into Bren's eyes, it was so soft and only a fool would not recognize it for what it was; but then perhaps they were both fools. In this vulnerable time, Essek wore his heart on his sleeve, and even though he had been rather vicious back there-- he wanted to be protected.

And he had been, he'd heard Bren's cold voice.

He'd never been in love before, but he had tumbled straight into it with the spoken words of a man who was to protect him. His Pet yes, but also his lover.. and his mate-- their souls entwined like red threads winding around each other's hearts and then with it being intricately tied in a bow. ]

Yours---

[ And then he rested his head against that shoulder once again while he let the waters lap against their bodies. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh they were matched fools. Beyond all doubt they were. Bren looked into those eyes, familiar and beautiful and felt himself melt into all the painfully real love he felt for the drow.

Bren would have protected him yes. If Adeen had made even the slightest move into trying to come into the room, to move towards Essek, he would have lashed out. Even now the thought of Essek's useless husband trying to encroach on their sanctuary stirred an anger in him that should have been surprising in its vehemence.

His arms settled around the other man and he breathed out that anger. Adeen was gone and only Essek was here, and he was safe and in his arms where he belonged.

That single simple syllable stopped his heart and restarted it into a new and better rhythm. Yours. His. His arms tightened around Essek and he murmured, soft and questioning, the word he still only half understood.] M'hrandii?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek tried to think of the equivalent for M'hrandii, his mind was so fogged with anything but instinct, however he finally closed his mental fingers around it and then he leaned in to whisper against Bren's ear, the breath soft and warmer than it would've normally been. ] Mate--

[ It was something far deeper than husband, it was something tied into his soul but he felt that for Bren; he could not attribute it to love because he was still grasping with the primal aspect of it; but it was so painfully wrapped up in love; a present shared between the two men.

But perhaps mate would convey it, or maybe Bren would not understand; that was possible too. Mates were rare in the Dynasty as it were, but it likened itself back to the Underdark when the drow ruled themselves and held themselves to the laws that govered the natural world. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh. That's... Bren's chest constricts. Mate. Was that how Essek truly saw him? Or was it just the haze of his heat talking? He didn't know. Gods he didn't know, but he wanted it. He wanted to be something to Essek, something more than only his pet.

...oh he wanted to be his pet too. He would not change any of that for an instant.

His arms tightened about him.] Mate.

[He could be that for him, even if it was only just for the span of this spell that had taken his Master. He should have stopped talking then and there, but he was half swept up in this haze too, the healer's potion coursing through his veins and muddying his thoughts and...] ...I love you.

[Well. How did that cat get here and where was the bag it should not have been let out of.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek heard those words and found that it made his heart ache, but also it made him somewhat bashful and shy, and so he hid his face in that freckled shoulder. He was not very good at emotion, but perhaps better than when the heat had not coursed through his veins-- his lips kissed at the crook of that neck.

Perhaps that was not the most appropriate answer but it was meant to be soothing and gentle, to ease him and that nervousness. It was typical mate behavior to calm and soothe anxieties.

More of a purr fell from those lips, like a dreamscape that was merely for them.

And it had intensified with Bren's words spoken from the heart. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It was answer enough. Bren did not expect the words returned, but he did not regret speaking them. Let the other man know that he had all of him, his body yes, but also his heart. And always would. Nothing could change that.

He let his head fall to the side, eyes slipping mostly shut.

The purring was a soft and welcome sound, reassuring and comforting. His fingers moved in invisible patterns through the water, over Essek's skin, holding him close.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was easy to drift into that haze that was ushered in by lavender and hot water, not to mention the blessed proximity of his lover. Essek, however, was easily drawn out once both their feets and hands were starting to get pruny (something that happened for Bren far quicker) and then Essek burrowed himself in a shared towel with Bren to share until at which point they could fall into bed (mostly) naked.

Food was eaten too, and Essek made sure afterwards to take another small dose of his sedatives so that he could sleep a little bit more, he also took some of the balm provided and rubbed it into Bren's skin to prevent chafing (which made have led to another orgasm here or there until it was time to go to sleep. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren followed along in whatever it was that Essek needed -- though he was grateful for the food and for the rest at this point. And while the balm was appreciated, it definitely came along with at least one more orgasm, and that was distracting in the best sort of way. He took more of his own potion and was all too happy to settle back into his Master's bed.

To take Essek back into his arms. He would grow spoiled with this, would never want to sleep again except curled up with the drow. There'd be no rest without it.]

Master?

[zauberdecke]

Mmmm?

[ Essek was cuddled into those arms, and with his own eyes growing heavy and drowsy with the pleasure; he'd kissed Bren as the other man had come all over his hand-- had tasted those gasps, whimpers and moans. He loved the sound of them and wanted more tomorrow.

Though, Essek was perceptive enough that he had noted the question in those words; thereby he wanted to answer all questions if at all possible; he turned into those arms so that he could press his torso up against Bren's side, making Bren's shoulder a pillow that he could rest his head upon while his hand rested flat on that chest, just over the light dusting of reddish chest hair that covered the pectorals, and which he liked the feeling of. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I meant what I told him earlier. I will not let him touch you again.

[No matter what contracts might exist about Essek's marriage. Bren would not let it stand. He'd kill Adeen with his own two hands before sending his Master into that man's grip again. It wouldn't happen. Adeen was... he did not deserve someone like Essek.

He'd forgotten the fact that Adeen had thrown threats about him as well, but none of that mattered. Bren did not worry about his own life. Why would he? Self preservation was not exactly in his skill set. And it didn't matter. What mattered was Essek being safe and happy, however that came to be.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek looked into that profile, could see the promise there and it caused something warm to center right in his chest, just where his heart should be. He darted his tongue out to lick his own lower lip, and then he murmured softly against that jawline. ] Usstan ssinssrigg dos--

[ He knew that Bren would protect him, he felt safe in those arms-- had heard the resolve there and had loved it; he wanted to curl up next to him, to not have to worry about Adeen ever again, but then Bren had promised to help him kill Adeen hadn't he? And in return, he'd help Bren take care of Trent.

And then they could be free, right? It was a goal, one that would fuel his every waking thought outside of his heat. His tongue grazed against the jawline then, before he bit down softly. An act of claiming for him, an assurance that they belonged together. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren hadn't even been expecting a verbal response, necessarily. The heat that had taken his Master seemed to have made him a creature of touch and action more than words, but oh. Oh were those the sweetest words that he could have imagined. It took him a moment to reassure himself that he understood the Undercommon, that he wasn't mistaken, that Essek had just spoken such a beautiful thing to him.

His arms tightened around his Master, holding him closer.] Usstan ssinssrigg dos ichl.

[He loved him. Maybe it was instinct and heat speaking. Maybe Essek wouldn't even remember speaking the words when this was over and done. But in this moment at least. In this moment, Essek loved him. His breath caught at that soft touch of teeth before he turned into him to mimic the gesture, a scrape of his teeth along Essek's jawline.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek knew what those words meant and he let out a soft whimpering sigh at the sweetness of them, and then he very carefully and oh so gently, he slid his hand against that chest, and then very delicately pushed Bren back down. The words themselves sparkled something in them and he found that he needed closeness; except this was not merely closeness, this would be intimacy at it's core.

On his back, and then Essek straddled him. He knew his lover was sleepy, and he was becoming drowsy himself but they both were still hard and he found he craved something deeper-- something more than a quick and violent fuck such as had been their methodology.

On top of Bren, Essek perched with his calves on either side of those hips and then he arched himself backward, as if the curve of his rear could be enough to bid Bren's blood to run once again-- all the while, he leaned over Bren and captured those lips with his own, sinking his fingers into those locks of vibrant ginger, like flames. ]