"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]

A True Mate...

[Bren echoed in undisguised wonder. Then he had been the reason for Essek's heat striking? And really had been the one that Essek had truly wanted to be with him through it? It felt strangely surreal, for something so amazing to be true for someone like him. He in no way deserved anything this wonderful. He deserved...

Ah but the dreamlike memory of seeing his mother's face, of hearing her voice, of something like forgiveness. Could... could he deserve this second chance? Deserve having a family?

He moved to press his face against Essek's neck, nodding.]

I think that is wise. I will kill him if he tries to touch you. ...I will kill him harder if he so much as looks in our child's direction.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek shifted against Bren and then he very softly took up that hand and then he lay back on his back and pressed the flat of Bren's hand against his abdomen, there was nothing there at this point in time, but there was a little fluttering something inside which was theirs. He smiled fondly, perhaps even a trifle softly. ]

I will keep you to that, I do not mind so much myself-- after all it has never been uncommon for Adeen to ah, objectify myself-- but he will not look at our child, not even in passing.

[ Then Essek's hands curled around Bren's, giving the top of it a warm squeeze. ] This is yours just as much as mine.. ours.

[ausgebrannt]

I mind it. He tries to make you small. You are not small. You shine and you should shine.

[And Adeen was a threat to that, a threat to all the best parts of Essek. Bren would not stand by and let that useless man dull and ruin those parts of Essek for his own benefit.

He let his hand be guided, turning on his side to properly curl around Essek, as his hand pressed to his stomach. This was where their child grew, that small spark of life, a miracle in and of itself.]

Ours... [Bren heard himself echo again, like learning the verbal components of a spell.]

Is it... is it all right? Will it be trouble for you because of who... because of what I am?

[zauberdecke]

There may be questions, but it's not something that they can argue with--- it is thought of as the Blessing of the Luxon, though I do not put my stores or faith in the Luxon, I will use it for my own selfish ends if it keeps us together.

[ Essek was not worried about the acceptance of their child, Dierta would grit her teeth and bare it, the Bright Queen would more than likely bless it as a rare event and the looks that they would recieve? Well he was the Shadowhand, he could destroy anyone who deigned to look down upon them. ]

Please do not worry about it, the first thing is first is that that I tell the Den that I am moving out of the house and that I will cease my marital duties.

[ausgebrannt]

Then, thanks to the Luxon, I expect.

[Bren was also not one for the gods or religion in general, but he would happily let it make of their union something sacred, if it protected Essek. If it protected their baby. What happened to him did not matter, but his love and their progeny? Oh that mattered very much indeed.

He leaned in close and nuzzled his way into the crook of Essek's neck, lips grazing there.]

Good. I am glad those are at an end.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek knew that Adeen had expected some sort of miracle, but it had never happened; it had only made Essek hate him all the more. He found that this was the perfect position the way that they were settled here, drowsy from their lovemaking and awash in the knowledge that they had many tomorrows. ]

I also do not like how you almost died, I mean to investigate into the matter.

[ He was tight-lipped about this, his jaw clenching. ] You are more than property, but I can hold someone accountable on property-laws; a defacement and/or wrongful destruction suit. [ He was still attempting to connect the lines, but as of right now it all pointed toward Adeen which was why he wanted to move out post haste. ]

Tomorrow we will go out house shopping.

[ausgebrannt]

Whatever poison it was, it was unkind. And it was meant to be unkind.

[A lingering shiver at the memory of the cold. Gods he'd been so cold, he thought he'd never feel warm again.]

It was hours. I was meant to suffer, I think.

[And he had, though the worst of the suffering was seeing that pain and grief on Essek's face. Bren could see the way Essek's jaw clench though, and he pressed another little kiss there, meant to soothe, meant to remind that he was here. Alive. in Essek's arms where he belonged.]

We will go out home shopping.

[zauberdecke]

Yes, we will-- I will want your input it as well, things that you would like in our home.

[ Their home, it could be a large library, a bookcase, it could be anything that Bren wanted it to be. It was important that Bren had his own wishes and desires when it came to the house; it would be a home ultimately and it would belong to them. ]

Think of things that you want, and then we will find something perfect.

[ Another pause. ]

I will be also hiring someone to guard your food-- at least while we still reside in this house.

[ausgebrannt]

If you are there, that is enough.

[Bren was not one for material possessions. Mostly. Spell components and books were another story.]

But you should not have to leave your books behind here.

[Library. There should be a library. With a comfy chair for Essek to sit in and Bren to curl up by. He frowned a little at the mention of his food.] I am sorry to be so much trouble.

[zauberdecke]

You are not trouble at all.

[ Essek pressed his fingertip to Bren's lips, to quiet him. ] All of my things will be going with me-- if anything I will attempt to find a comparable house to hold them all, this is.. well it is a large house but the safety of you and our child is far more important.

[ He tucked himself in, resting his cheek against Bren's shoulder. ] Also, I think that.. as my mate, you should have a different name. May I rename you? [ It would feel symbolic, a new beginning but Essek was not thinking that Bren would find it transformative, or a way of letting go of the past.

But as usual, he would ask permission first. ]

Bren feels like it holds too much within the past for you.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren fell silent at the press of that finger to his lips. ...and then he couldn't help himself and nipped at it gently. Oops. But he did keep quiet because Essek was speaking and it felt important to listen. A house that they could be safe in, could be together in. He did want that.

His eyes widened at that suggestion, arms settling more around Essek to urge him in all the closer.]

Ja... I think I would like that. This is a new beginning... Bren has made so many terrible mistakes. I would... I would like to be a better man than that confused, broken boy.

[zauberdecke]

Then we will pick a name together.

[ Essek smiled and then he leaned up to brush a kiss against the jawline that was offered to him, sweet and whispery. A promise of what could be between them; he could feel himself humming only a little bit and that was instinctual, a product of his happiness. ]

One that will be your new name going forward; it is also not uncommon for a Master to rename their pet, for reasons that have everything to do with ownership. [ And then a secret whisper. ] You own me however, just as much as I own you.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren let his eyes drift shut as those lips graced his jaw with that kiss. It was so purely affectionate that it made something in him feel as if it were melting, like cotton candy caught in the rain, all sweet and spun sugar.

He turned towards him to nuzzle in return.]

Ja. Together. Other than Firefly, ja? I like it when you call me that. But that is only for you.

[He would be Essek's Chathtiu. Always.

He wrapped his arms securely around Essek.] You are mine, and I will do all I can to make you happy. You and our child, both.

[zauberdecke]

[ Forever his firefly, his bright glowing Chathtiu, he did not care about Bren's past-- but it was time to pave that future, a future that would be them and their unborn child. He smiled softly and then he settled against Bren, already thinking of names as they wandered throughout.

His fingers stroking through Bren's locks of hair softly, moving back and forth in a near hypnotic way, his movements were gentle-- just as be believed that his Mate should be treated. ] I like being yours, and I was always so much more yours then I ever was anyone else.

[ He glanced over at Bren. ] Is there any name that you have ever thought you would've wanted for your own? I will admit that I have thought of 'Seth' as a nice name.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren hummed a soft, pleased sound at the way those fingers moved through his hair. It was wonderfully soothing, grounding. Gods he loved this man, loved being loved by him. He smiled.]

I am... luckier than I have any right to be.

[Bren considered. Seth was a good name, yes, but it didn't quite feel right.] I have always rather liked Phillip or... ah... Caleb.

[Actually, Caleb felt strangely right.] Caleb means faithful.

[zauberdecke]

Ca~leb..

[ He repeats that name as Bren said it, and found that it had a nice ring to it-- it was a very harsh first part of the name and then a very gentle stop with the 'b', he then leaned upward to press a kiss to the corner of that mouth-- Caleb's mouth.

And it was as simple as that, wasn't it. ]

Very well then, from here on out you will be known as Caleb in which it will be a new start for you, starting with me. [ Such a sentimental idealogy, one that bespoke that at this moment the past could not hold on to Caleb like it did Bren, though he did not expect there to be forgiveness-- but it was true that Bren could not hate himself wearing a name that held no ties to the past. ]

I will also make sure to have that engraved on the collar when I get you one.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren -- Caleb -- turned towards those lips to chase a soft, sweet kiss, like punctuation to the sound of that name. His name. The way Essek spoke it, the way it sounded on those lips, it truly felt like his.]

You have saved my life, you know. Long before what happened today.

[Essek had pulled him from the darkness in himself, given him a purpose and a place to belong. Had given him love when he'd been so certain he was unlovable.

A faint flush rose at the mention of the collar, a pleased little frisson over his skin.]

Yes, Master. My name on my collar. [He leaned up to kiss him again, murmuring quieter.] And yours, on my skin?

[Essek had said he would mark him, and Caleb found he liked the idea of that sort of permanence.]

[zauberdecke]

I will place my name on your skin, I will place it right.. [ And then his palm touched against that neck with the fingers lightly grazing the skin just underneath the jawline, that tender flesh that held freckles here and there. ] here so that the collar hides it but it is there.

[ His hand could choke, but right now he was so very tender and gentle with the way that he wove little tendrils of unspoken gravity against Caleb's skin. ]

My beloved Caleb, I want you to be happy.

[ And then a soft sultry whisper. ] But I am selfish enough to want you to be happy with me.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's breath caught at the touch of those fingers, the promise of his Master's mark on his body. The man that he belonged to, body and soul and heart. But they belonged to each other now, and that was a miracle that he was still trying to truly take in as real.

He lifted his chin to allow the touch of that hand against his neck, all the trust in the world.

Those words, whispered like some seductive secret had him smiling.]

I could only be happy with you. You have my heart, ja? It can only beat if it is yours.

[zauberdecke]

Then tomorrow we will see about getting a collar properly placed on your neck, as well as my name tattooed though begs the more important question. Are you hungry or do you want to wait until breakfast? Being that you were ah-- well I can imagine your stomach is still attempting to sort itself out?

[ But if Caleb was hungry, he would have something summoned.

It was important that his pet, lover and mate was well taken care of. ]

I should also tell my Den that I am.. expecting.

[ausgebrannt]

I am not hungry. Tired, perhaps. Relieved to feel warm again.

[He did not think he ever would again after what had been done to him. And he was not inclined to do anything that took him more than an inch or two from Essek's arms for the rest of the evening.

He shifted to rest his head against Essek's shoulder.

When the other man spoke, he couldn't help but settle his hand against his mate's stomach.]

And see when the healer wishes to see you next. [Oh the fussing would now begin.]

[zauberdecke]

Ah, I see you are attempting to keep me responsible.

[ Essek said with a wry smile that Caleb could feel even if he couldn't see. But that was an agreeable request and he would do that for his Mate, because it was something asked with his well being inside. He pressed a kiss to the corner of those lips once again. ] Then you shall rest, I will eat a little something but in the morning I will make sure that you will eat. Also as tomorrow is a busy day, I will cancel all social events that I have, though we will go into the office.

[ There would be a lot and he had already made a mental checklist in his mind. ]

We have to find a place as well that will be suitable for our growing family-- since I am not staying here at the mercy of Adeen.

[ausgebrannt]

That is the plan, ja.

[Caleb agreed with a smile, a flash of amusement in blue eyes.] But I trust you to do what is right for our child regardless.

[He trusted Essek for everything and anything. He'd put his heart and life in the drow's hands, and he had not for once been sorry for doing so. Their unborn child was lucky, that they would come into this world as the child of Essek Thelyss. He could not imagine a more fiercely protective and supportive parent than his mate.

And he would teach them Zemnian lullabies and read them stories.]

We do. It will be good busy though. I am glad to get you away from him.

[zauberdecke]

[ As if Caleb wasn't going to be his own version of such a loving and doting parent, with the uttered warmth from those lips, Essek knew that the ginger Pet would be just as fiercely protective. ]

We will both do what is right for our child, I believe that fully.

[ They would safeguard this little pearl growing inside, safeguard this pearl like the treasured spell component that they were. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb nodded in full agreement. They would. They would both do what was right for their baby, for their family. And that thought, echoing silently in his mind and his heart, it had his eyes suddenly filling to the brim with tears and spilling over.

Sorry, Essek, this was one of the things that Caleb could not help but be overcome by. Family. With this man that he loved so much, that he wanted to spend his life with.

He lifted a hand to wipe at his eyes as if he could stop them from falling, but they were already on their way down his cheeks.]

We will. Both of us.