"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]

[Another nod, hesitant, uncertain, but in agreement. He did deserve punishment, whatever that punishment would be. Hells, he was certain he deserved to be discarded entirely, but for some reason that did not seem to be what Essek was doing. Instead he would be punished, and perhaps he could be better.

He watched as Essek stood, eyes following the Shadowhand as he rose, quite effectively looming over him where he knelt, like some worshipper ready to beg indulgence and offer silently sung paeans for the mercy being shown him. Trembling fingers fumbled at the fastenings of his clothes, but he still complied quickly, stripping naked and glancing to the other man for a moment before settling himself on his stomach over the table.

Haunted blue eyes lifted to Essek and he mouthed a silent please at him, quite eager to beg forgiveness and favor and for Essek to maybe, somehow, help make him worth all the trouble.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The quickness with which Bren complied spoke well in his favor; it meant that he was eager to please him, as well as just as assiduous in wanting his Master to correct him. The mouthed please cast from ruby lips, from such bright eyes that glimmered with some undefinable emotion. And then that lean back with a spine that he could see, the way that it arched downward into the small before rising up to a freckled ass.

Really, all of his pet was freckled.

Just like Essek, even though Essek used prestidigitation to cover them-- always felt like he would not be taken seriously with the moon marks scattered across his skin.

He comes to Bren's side them, and then he lifts his riding crop so that he could trace it against that bottom, just a precursor of gentleness, of mercy-- an 'I'm only doing this because you've given me no choice' and then he lifts; there is a whistle in the air as it then comes down sharply on the plush underside of ass where it will leave a mark, not now-- but momentarily. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren tried not to tense at the first brush of the crop against skin, gentleness that belied the sting about to come. This was better though. He could understand punishment and pain, could wrap his mind around the certain truth that he deserved that. Less easy to understand was how desperately he wanted Essek's favor, wanted his master to look at him like he may be worth something after all.

The only sound he was capable of was the startled gasp as the crop struck his skin, the sharp sting, the heat that rose in the next moment as skin reddened. He could feel his face reddening too, the humiliation of being naked and with his ass presented like some misbehaving child -- except no, not even that, a naughty pet who had to be taught his lessons.

Bren was no stranger to pain, after all. All of Ikithon's methods of honing his Volstrucker seemed to involve it. He could try to ignore the way this seemed different, as if this might be for his own good, somehow, to make him worthy of being called a good boy again.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was different, because Essek was not getting off on this, this was to improve his pet-- to make him better; and he knew that Bren had it in him, he had seen the quiet intelligence in those eyes that was hidden in the depths. He could hear that soft little whimper, the red mark that was slowly taking shape as a strip. He reached with his other hand to run his fingers through Bren's locks of red hair that fell haphazardly against shoulders.

Another strike, his goal was not to completely take the other man out, but rather to impart a lesson. ]

If you are so fond of punishment, you need only ask.

[ He said this with a very firm thwack against the ass, this time a little bit harder. ] But I absolutely forbid you punishing yourself, you are mine [ Though it was becoming increasingly clear to Essek that he may not be able to leave his Pet alone. ]

You are a needy little thing, aren't you?

[ausgebrannt]

[The juxtaposition of the stinging heat in his rear and the gentle touch of those fingers through his hair threatened to undo him. If he'd had his voice, he would have cried out, but the only sound was a rush of breath over parted lips. His face heated further at the words. Was he fond of punishment? Did something in him actually crave this, crave being put in his place and reminded of his role?

He flinched at the next strike but did not shrink away, though tears had started to gather in his eyes -- the pain, shame at his own behavior that had led to this, shame at the act itself, at the way it set a strange heat racing through him that had nothing to do with shame.

Bren let his head fall forward, another cry leaving his lips in silence, but this time those lips were forming unvoiced pleas -- though whether it was for Essek to stop or continue would have to remain a mystery for now.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was a mystery but the thing with Essek was that he did not enjoy such mysteries, he was not like Trent Ikithon who enjoyed games and experiments, and this? This felt more like therapy than anything else; this felt like offering Bren something that he needed to not be self destructive. He'd have Bren's things moved up to his chambers, would monitor him (since his those staff in his household had decided that they would not tell him until retroactively) and it also meant that Bren would be a full fledged pet that accompanied him wherever he went.

Including in to his work.

This opened up other things that Essek knew he would have to purchase for the ginger. Such as another collar, perhaps better served 'out-and-about' wear but he could handle that, could send sepcifications. Bren's measurements were already obtained.

A third one, for good measure. It fell on slightly pinkened skin. Third was good, it adhered to the Rule of Three. Suitable of course to provide a warning of what could be, but also it was a taste of other punishment that the Shadowhand could dole out. Finally he moved away and laid the riding crop back down on the table just next to the book.

Of which he picked up and then laid right in front of Bren's flushed face. ] You will be moved into my rooms so I can closely monitor you; it appears you are a needy Puppy who requires constant supervision from his Master-- what lesson have you learned today? Write it in your book so you may look on it and remember.

[ausgebrannt]

[Essek saw him too clearly, though Bren was not aware of this yet. It would be apparent in time, no doubt, that the drow had recognized the particular jagged edges of the broken pieces of him. It would be overwhelming to be perceived so fully. For now, Bren was too caught up in his own inner turmoil to have such realizations.

He was braced for further blows when Essek set the crop down, and he looked up in something rather like surprise. Kindness again, and that flicker of realization that he would continue to be met with this mercy that he did not deserve.

His gaze turned to the book as it was set down, shifting off the table and back onto his knees, sitting back on his heels -- albeit gingerly the way his ass currently stung -- and taking the journal into his hands. Another confused flicker in blue eyes. He kept waiting to be discarded, and instead the opposite was happening. Moved into Essek's rooms?

Admittedly solitude was the worst time for him, when he was left alone with himself. Too many years lost in himself in Vergossen, and he could feel himself slipping sometimes, but the madness had been dispelled and he was left only with his thoughts.

The worst.

He opened his book and considered the page. It took a moment to decide where to begin, but then the words poured from the pen, driven by an honesty he hadn't expected to come so freely.]

'I have learned that I am yours. That I am not to disobey, that punishment will come only from you. I have learned that I do not like disappointing you. That was far worse than the crop.'

[A moment of hesitation and he added.]

'I have learned that I would rather be your puppy than HIS attack dog.'

[zauberdecke]

[ There were many things that Essek had observed in the little time that he had spent with Bren; his obedience was one thing, but also the disobeying which he was aware that hadn't truly been disobeying insofar as much as it had been the punishing of oneself, of which had been evident when he had paged through the book. Enacting on his own psyche for a sin that had been committed.

The words provided were read as he leaned down to do so, the eyebrow raise of acknowledgement turned into the most subtle lip twist of approval directed at his pet; very good-- this Empire Pet wanted approval from him, just a glance into that face and he could see it. As a reward, he placed a hand on the top of Bren's head and he very lightly ran his fingers through the copper flame hair. ]

Punishment will only come from me, if you wish to be punished-- you need only ask me for it; but I think it is better that it comes from my hand than yours; yours has thus far proven unreliable. [ And much too cruel, but he would not say as much; an Empire Puppy need not know the details. ]

I, too, have learned something, that your unoccupied mind is a dangerous thing; of which I will have to endeavor to occupy it as much as possible.

[ He then releases his touch to Bren's hair and then he walks over to the bookcase near the fireplace, the one that Bren had seen filled with books, favorite books. He removes two from the bookcase and then comes back, slowly depositing the both of them on the table.

There is a leather-bound volume, rather thick of which states "Common to Undercommon" and then he follows it up with a book of Dynasty History, completely in Undercommon, laying first one and then the other on top of each other. ] This will be your new project, to learn Undercommon; I have noticed your mind is vibrant-- perhaps if we filled it with something, it would distract you from your traitorous thoughts.

[ausgebrannt]

[There was that rush of pleasure at the hand atop his head, the part of Bren that desperately wanted to be worth something, to be good enough absolutely thrilling at the small scrap of approval. His eyes fluttered for a moment but he kept them open to look at the other man. For a moment he considered the idea of asking for punishment, wondering how broken someone would be to want punishment enough to ask for it.

Except, he realized in the next moment, they'd have to be exactly as broken as he was, because he knew he would ask for it, would beg to be punished in some desperate hope that it could fix him, could make him better than what he was.

Bren watched Essek walk to the bookshelf, curious now what Essek was doing. When his master presented him with the two books, the failed Volstrucker's face lit up, and he nodded in eager agreement. He reached for the books immediately, though before he opened them he remembered himself and took up the notebook.]

Thank you, Master.

[And then, as an after thought and presented held up while Bren peered over the top of the book wish as much chagrin as he could manage.]

I am very hungry.

[zauberdecke]

[ it would appear that they were at an understanding then, Essek could see the way that Bren considered all of the things he said; the strictures laid down immaculately, the utter need and desire to please.

Essek had not been wrong then, had not been wrong at all about his assessment of the Empire Pet-- his Empire Pet. He needed structure and he also needed to feel useful and needed-- there was also that fear of disappointing people.

Gods, they were more alike than Essek cared to admit, not that he would ever admit to anyone, but he understood that need and he would nuture it and also give Bren whatever punishment he required to make him feel absolved, even if it was only temporary. ]

Good boy--

[ he then he made the incantation to send a call to the Unseen Servants, to have them bring up some food for Bren; there was other servants that were owned by Adeen, but his magic servants were not those that could be swayed (and) they were tethered to the house and were devoted to him, only answered to him. ]

Food will be up soon, until then you are allowed to peruse your new books; I am unclined to stop you, I too have done things the Dynasty would not approve of, we are not so different I think.

[ausgebrannt]

[The fact that Essek saw him so clearly, when Bren was still struggling to fully see himself, it should have been overwhelming and frightening. And while there was something indeed overwhelming about all of this, the change in his life, there was also relief in it, about the idea that he could perhaps surrender entirely to something that wasn't himself.

The words Good boy struck through him again, like they were as good as a spell against which he had no hope of saving. Maybe he didn't want to. Maybe he wanted to this, to give himself over to something else, to someone else. There was a hint of adoration in blue eyes as he watched Essek, as the Shadowhand moved about the room. A hint of something that would undoubtedly grow, a seed given soil to take root in that was surprisingly fertile.

This time Bren did not bother to write, but mouthed a silent thank you, Master before turning to his books. ...he was still naked. He probably ought to remember that at some point, but there were books and a goal set in front of him, and he was distracted, diving directly into the dictionary.

A pause though to glance up, surprised by the words. 'We are not so different.' The last thing he would have expected to hear, and he did not bother to hide the curiosity on his features or the flicker of a smile that found its way over his lips.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Very quickly, food was brought up-- meat and cheeses, some fresh fruit, as well as bread; laid out delicately like a charcuterie board. There was a few murmured words that likely Bren would be able to hear, a subtle command, 'Keep Adeen out of my personal wing, please' which was curious of course but well, it was extra insurance.

Then he came back with a book to settle in for the evening in his wing chair. Giving Bren a nod that he should eat as much as he would please. ] Once you are finished, you may join me at the foot of my chair and you may bring your books.

[ Thereby giving Pet express and tacit permission. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren shifted closer to the food and tucked in. He was hungry, after all, and something in what had transpired between them made the food seem appealing once again, as if some shred of absolution had been granted in the brief punishment that his master had administered.

Finishing, he was still chewing a final piece of fruit as he gathered up his books. One pause and he decided it was probably all right to dress himself once more. That done, he moved to settle to kneeling at Essek's feet with his books and his new task -- a task that he was eager to pursue for the nature of it in addition to wanting to be an obedient pet, to earn another scrap of praise, or soft touch of those cool, perfectly manicured fingers.

Flipped pages between the Undercommon dictionary, the history book, and his own notebook, moving between all three with a methodical, purposeful approach. He mouthed the words silently -- pronunciation may have to wait, given that his own magically enforced silent made it difficult to suss out if he was shaping the sounds correctly. But that would come.

Eventually, Essek would feel Bren's forehead come to rest against his leg, waiting for his Master to have attention to spare.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Within Essek's periphery, he saw that Bren was doing rather great justice to the mini charcuterie board put out in front of him; he expressed more than a little bit of approval at the way that Bren continued to be a good boy; the session had done wonders, it appeared. It made Essek believe that a liberal hand would be good going forward when it came to doling out punishment.

He would read the room however, to make sure that he was not overdoing it.

Not many Dynasty officials though worried about much when it came to their pets, however Essek knew this was a special case and must be guarded assiduously. There was a brief pause though within his reading as he felt Bren's head press against the slight curve of his knee, to which point he looked up from his reading and then down toward his Pet. ]

Yes? You may use your notebook to convey what you wish to me, Chathtiu. [ He said as he settled his hand right against the top of Bren's head, giving it an approving caress as his thumb combed lightly through locks of crimson ginger. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren tried not to be too distracted by the touch of that hand -- but it was growing harder. He was starting to crave the contact, the gentleness of it, the unspoken approval that lingered in it. He took a moment to scribble down Chathtiu on a page behind what he was working on to look up later, because that was certainly new, and he was curious. Was it Undercommon for Pet? Something less flattering? His curiosity was piqued.

Right though he'd had a reason for interrupting his master's reading though, and nodded before holding up the already written question in his book.]

'Vel'uss zhah Adeen?'

['Who is Adeen?' It was baby's first sentence in Undercommon. The spelling and syntax were perfect, but maybe the question was a bit impertinent. He'd decided to chance it anyway. Curiosity killed cats an Empire kittens in equal numbers, after all, were it not allowed to try to indulge itself.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Well, that was a question.. wasn't it? ]

That's a clever boy-- [ In response to the words writ on the notebook, perfect Undercommon-- it was clear that Essek was only going to grow more impressed with his Pet by the day.

But it was a valid question, of course it was-- and his pet did have a right to know who exactly shared this place even if Essek's quarters were cut off from Adeen's. Generally he was alright with Adeen coming into his chambers because it gave Essek the presumptive thrill of telling him to 'get out'. He spent a long moment considering it. ]

The word for it is 'M'randii though, it does not quite fit; it is husband though it is an arranged marriage and one that I could do nothing about so now I have to, ah~ I guess live with it.

[ The tone of Essek's voice was telling enough as it was without the words getting in the way. ] He occupies the other wing within this Manor home, and his own Pet-- Tesleen, is housed there as well. [ And then a little bit more sharply. ] He has no claim over you, your ownership lies directly with me.

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh. He did not expect how strong the rush of pleasure at being called clever would be, but there it was, a buzzing, fluttery feeling that settled in his chest and left him more determined to prove that he was worth keeping, worth the Shadowhand's attention. Bren listened to the answer, paying heed to what wasn't said as to what was. There was an unmistakable tinge of disdain in that tone, and he found himself immediately less than fond of this Adeen as well. A brief nod at those last words.

He quickly thumbed to the page he needed in the dictionary. Basic sentence structure was already becoming clear enough. Subject verb. Subject verb object. The vocabulary took a moment, but he wanted to try.]

'Usstan kampi'un. Usstan tlun dossta. Naut ukt.'

['I understand. I am yours. Not his.' And Bren would hold to that as long as he were permitted, to being Essek's.

Another pause and another moment of page flipping and a quickly written sentence. Still basic grammar, still simple vocabulary. But he was certainly asking the questions. And certainly there was no way that writing these things about Adeen on the same page of his notebook that he would carry everywhere could ever possibly backfire on him in any way. Nope.]

Dos xun naut che ukta? ['You do not love him?']

[zauberdecke]

Uk zhah naut khurzon de' tluin che--

[ After he uttered that phrase, he took up the pen and the notebook from Bren with a delicate hand and wrote the phrase down on the parchment; deciding that since his Pet was a precocious learner, he would allow for a bit more practical teachings, though he tapped his fingertip lightly against the edge of the book and then he continued on another vein.

A helpful hint, if you will. 'Nindol zhah udossta szeous, siyo?' They had secrets together it would see, and Essek did not want anyone thinking that he was teaching his Pet such a valuable skill as Undercommon-- especially considering that he knew that most Owners spoke in Undercommon to confuse their Pets. Unfortunately, Essek did not see the purpose for it when it came to his own Pet; this was a dangerous thing that he was doing but honestly? Perhaps it could be a valuable skill to have.

One could easily say things in Undercommon, in front of a Pet, that they did not want being revealed to anyone else. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren could pick out a few of those words even spoken, and was fairly sure he got the gist. Once Essek had written it down, he'd verify this, of course, finding himself pleasantly surprised. It was such basic day one vocabulary -- though deserve was a good verb, and one that he took note of -- but Bren liked learning, took to it like a duck to water with just as much metaphorically happy splashing. Apparently in the unwritten instruction manual of The Care of Feeding of Broken Volstruckers, liberal application of punishment and access to learning new skills were paramount to keeping an Empire Pet happy.

He took the notebook back, sparing a moment to craft the phrase he wanted.]

'Uk zhah naut kurzon d'dos.'

[Clearly. If someone as kind and forgiving even to a broken plaything given to him by the enemy could not find the worth in someone speaks in so much disdain despite the fact that this man was his husband? It was very obvious that this was true, that Adeen in no way deserved Essek. Bren may have been developing a bias, but he would stand by the truth of the statement regardless.]

'Siya. Udossta szeous.'

[Their secret. One that Bren would guard closely. He understood that this was not precisely the normal course of things with Pets, that teaching him the language would likely be frowned upon. But he also knew it could be useful, for himself yes, but for his Master as well.]

[zauberdecke]

You are picking up more than I would've expected in but a few hours-- this pleases me.

[ He speaks this in common, and it is a very soft thing, the tone of Essek's voice-- like the press of silk against calloused skin. Already this was but one of Bren's talents, and he wondered what others would be revealed in time. But, there were no rules that defined what he could teach his Pet within his garden walls, the only thing to practice was discretion outside of it.

And dare he say, he was finding himself more than a little bit dazzled by his Pet. It was not only those sad eyes, but the sparkle of something-- an intelligence within them as well. And then eventually, he found out that the sparkle was a bonfire of vibrant curiosity.

He hooked his fingers underneath the collar then, lightly. ]

Dorn ragar natha i'dol ulu dispell nindol sslu. [ And then he repeated the process of writing it down with the notebook, so that Bren could dissect it at it's most basic grammatical level-- but it was true that the collar did need to go, he was finding that he did not so much enjoy the thought of Trent Ikithon being privy to his private conversations. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren brightened at the praise. This time when he wrote, it was in Common.]

'I have a good memory for words. And numbers. And most things.'

[Sometimes he remembered all too well, and it haunted him, but it did come in handy in his studies, to be able to recall what he had heard and read and seen. He added another line below the first, accompanying the words with a faint smile tinged by a hint of sheepishness at the way what he had just written likely sounded like ego. At the end of the day, he was a wizard, and a certain level of arrogance and hubris would ever be in his blood, despite the hard lessons he'd learned. The next words though were self-effacing.]

'Rest assured, my accent will likely be abysmal. I have been told I sound Zemnian even in my Sylvan and Celestial.'

[Bren stilled as those fingers hooked into his collar, chin lifting and eyes fixing on Essek's. He swallowed, but turned his attention to the written words, a few moments to look up the new vocabulary before he turned a surprised but grateful look up at the drow, nodding. Yes, he would like that. He would like the collar and that connection to Ikithon gone, even if it was replaced with another silencing collar of Essek's design, it would still be better.]

'Can you pick locks?'

[He lifted a finger to tap the small nearly invisible keyhole in the collar. The spell itself was a high level, and the lock complicated. But spells could be dispelled. And locks could be picked.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was not an unpleasant thing to watch Bren come alive like this, in a flurry of curiosity and studious rapture, taking all of the tools provided and actually making use of them; the Shadowhand rather thought that he got the better end of the deal when it came to receiving a pet, no matter how irreparable that Trent Ikithon thought him to be.

The true hubris was men in power discarding things before properly assessing their use.

Already, he was marveling at his fortune although he hid it quite well. ]

'As you will only be conversing with myself in Undercommon, I think you can be forgiven your Zemnian accent.' [ Then at the very last comment, Essek pointed toward a rather fine hairpin of which he immaculately kept a few curls held in place. It was the sort of hairpin with a very sharp end-- then he took a turn with the pen and book. ]

'I am the Shadowhand, if I do not have a means to pick locks then I would not make a very good one. You could say that in my line of work, espionage is encouraged.'

[ausgebrannt]

[So his master was also a spy master. Interesting. And the exact sort of person that Trent Ikithon would want information about, want to use to his advantage -- whether that was through dealings, bribery, flattery or some sort of blackmail or extortion, and many of these things could be gleaned from listening in on the spelled collar of a pet whose presence could likely be little more than an afterthought.

He craned up from where he still knelt, so he could watch the words as Essek wrote them, but settled back to try to be patient, until the notebook was once more back in his hands. He nodded, considering before taking pen to paper once more.]

'It is a complex lock, but it can be picked. I've never managed it, but Astrid had clever enough fingers. If it is unlocked this way rather than dispelling the magic, it can be removed, but any spell that is on it will remain on it. This could be useful, if Ikithon believes his means of eavesdropping is still intact. Perhaps a small charade of banishing me to a cell somewhere for displeasing you, and leaving the collar tucked away to be retrieved when you have use of feeding particular information, or misinformation, to whoever may be listening.'

[So your Pet was also a schemer, Essek. Sorry to say.]

[zauberdecke]

Mmmmm...

[ There was much consideration to the tone of that hmmm; it was the tone of someone who was percolating the information given and thinking of the possibilities. He would put this away for later though he did very carefully reach over to tear out that little strip of paper. He folded it then and then he summoned up his dimensional wristpocket and then very carefully stored it within for future ponderings. ]

What a very good boy you are.

[ There was the sound of a whisper in the air, like a huff and a brush-- discernable only to Essek and then finally he nodded with a keen tilt of his own head. ] The good news is that all of your things have been moved to my bedchambers, your bed pallet is now at the foot of my bed where you shall sleep-- unless you displease me, in which case I can have you removed at any time.

[ The words had been chosen carefully, as if he was setting Trent Ikithon up for the possibility that Bren could potentially disappoint him; thereby, giving him the opportunity to banish the collar. ]

You have, after all, shown yourself to have a vein of willfulness, I blame that on the Empire in you.

[ Essek touched a finger to his own lip, a 'our secret' gesture. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren did not protest the tearing of the paper, ducking his head in acknowledgment and acquiescence. Best to be careful of all of this, yes, with Ikithon involved, and the fact that Essek Thelyss, Shadowhand to the Bright Queen was having daelings with a mage of the Cerberus Assembly and the Empire. Essek was already playing a dangerous game, and Bren would do what he could to support him in this. Already the Shadowhand had captured Bren's sense of loyalty and built it back from where it had been such a shattered, ruined thing. To hell with the Empire. To hell with all of it. He could serve this man, kind but firm, merciful but unyielding. Fair.

Yes, Bren could be devoted to that, to him.

He looked up at those words, almost hopeful, like perhaps the words might be accompanied by a stroke of those fingers through his hair. When it didn't come he tried not to be too disappointed, holding his notebook in his lap and nodding. So Essek had meant that he would be keeping him close after his misbehavior earlier. He was grateful for it. Being alone was its own sort of hell, filled with the voices his own mind drummed up to torment him and the memory of his parents' dying screams.

The secret gesture drew a faint flicker of a smile over his lips and a silently mouthed 'Thank you, Master.'

He turned his attention back to his notebook, opening the dictionary to check that one word that Essek had used earlier. Chathtiu. Firefly. For a moment Bren's chest felt strangely tight, then a slowly unfolding explosion of warmth. Ah. That was...

More than he deserved.]