"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]

[Oh the guilt would eat him alive, undoubtedly, knowing that he had jerked himself off in secret with thoughts of his master playing across his mind. He definitely had not had permission for this, but gods did his body need to the release. It did not take long, eyes shut, hand wrapped tightly around himself before he was spilling over his fingers, a silent whimper, breath catching in a quiet pant, the single call of 'Master...' shaped by silent lips.

He was still panting softly in the next moment, a sense of shame at himself starting to rise. He forced that aside for the moment in favor of focusing on cleaning up any evidence, and cleaning up in general for bed. He pulled on the soft pants provided for sleeping, folding his clothes and eventually emerging back into the bed chamber.

If his face was flushed, surely it was only from washing up, right?

That must be it.

He moved towards his pallet, picking up his notebook and looking to Essek. For a moment he considered confessing, but no, not now. The guilt would have to eat at him first. Instead he wrote a request, looking to Essek to see if he could catch his attention, and if he did he'd offer out the book.]

'If I may ask... I could use a razor, or I will become very scruffy very quickly.'

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek looked up from his reading once the door opened, his eyes followed the padding of feet on floor and then Bren stood there awkwardly and made his requesf in his book, he took the book as it was offered and then he looked at Bren then back at the book.

It was with a rather demure cough that did he respond, perhaps it was because he was gauging exactly the level of trim. ]

Your facial hair pleases me however it would not be averse to neaten it up. [ he leaned forward and then patted the spot on the bed beside him, an invitation for Bren to come up to be inspected. ] Up, I will figure out the best way to groom you, and I will do this tomorrow while we prepare for the event we are to go to--

[ there was a rueful chagrin to Essek's voice ] it will also allow me to go over a few ground rules with you on proper public behavior, yes.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren looked faintly surprised at the comment about his facial hair? Essek likes it. He'd have thought it would be the opposite, given that drow did not have facial hair much if at all. A faint pleased flicker of a smile, and he moved to join Essek on the bed, shifting to sit beside him carefully, tentatively.

He'd let himself be inspected. ...and wait, would Essek be the one to groom him? A blush bloomed across his cheeks and the freckled bridge of his nose at the thought of that.

So he focused instead on the other words, jotting down on the page,]

'I will behave. I won't be an embarrassment to you in public.'

[zauberdecke]

[ What was it about this man that made him want to touch him? His hand reached out to lightly stroke the skin offered to him, just the cheek where he could feel the shadow of bristles, his unseen servants had assumed he'd want him hairless-- but Essek was finding that nothing could be further from the truth.

This man was beautiful with hair that matched the shadows in his eyes-- it was a touch that would not be proper if it were a Dynasty citizen, but a Pet had no discernable rights and therefore no shame save for that which they felt individually. ]

Tomorrow morning, when I go through my morning rituals-- I will go through with you as well. You do not need to take care of your grooming, I will do that for you, you are my Pet and thus how you are percieved affects me.

[ no autonomous grooming there, Bren ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Not a moment of hesitation before Bren was leaning into that touch as if he could prolog it, could seek out more of it. He knew that Essek would catch on to how utterly starved for touch and anything even approximating affection was, and he wondered if his master would find it pathetic, some clear weakness in him. Maybe that was his own unkindest insecurities talking. It was difficult to say. The only shame that Bren had in the touch was how much he wanted it.

He nodded once more in agreement. He would leave that to Essek then, to let the drow manage his appearance as he pleased.

Except.

Now his hands twitched towards his book but then stopped, unsure if it was even allowed for him to ask, or if asking would provide a very clear insight into a weakness that could be leveraged against him. The next moment he seemed to overcome his uncertainty to take the chance, drawing his book close and writing simply,]

Please do not shave my hair off. He made us do that as children. It is a bad reminder.

[zauberdecke]

[ And yet, Essek did not mind it? He rather thought he had a obedient pet-- save for the going off course when he was undirected, but that just meant that Bren needed to be kept occupied at all times-- that could be arranged. He was rather good at schedules, he adhered to a rather precise one and that could dip toward his Pet as well.

Though when Bren started to write, Essek did not tell him that he could not. After all they were in private and he had promised he wouldn't take away the book in private unless he had something otherwise for Bren to do (or he was serving a punishment)-- when the tome was presented to him, he read over the words carefully.

And then processed what a individual Trent Ikithon could be. ]

Well, I can assure you, short hair is not the norm in Dynasty culture. While my own hair is kept short, I happen to think you are quite fetching with longer hair so I think that I shall keep it that way.

[ Essek then allowed his fingers to caress through the locks of hair. ] Normally touching the hair is rather taboo in Dynasty culture, however as you are my Pet and subservient to me, I do not feel guilty in the slightest with taking such liberties.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren watched, worrying at his bottom lip, still coming to figure out how this new dynamic would exist. He wanted to be good, wanted to be obedient and to please Essek. The drow was correct in that assessment, and the worst of Bren's disobedience would likely be born of the broken, self-loathing parts of himself than any deliberate willfulness. Especially if obedience came with more of those gentle touches through his hair.

He looked relieved at the answer, and further relieved with that caress, eyes falling heavy lidded for a moment, though this new piece of information was interesting. So hair was a significant thing, or at least the touching of it. Well, he was mindful of his place anyway, of the fact that touch was not something he was simply permitted, even if already there had been moments where his fingers had itched to reach out for his master.

Putting pen to paper once more, he added.]

'I like it.'

[zauberdecke]

If you are a good boy, I can consider that an acceptable reward.

[ And yet here he was, stroking against Bren's hair-- feeling the way the liquid flames burnished underneath his fingertips, slipping through the crevices between. He hummed slightly, stroking it backward and catching the way the freckles seemed to glow underneath the dim light of the room.

He really was a pretty boy; objectively he thought-- even though it was more subjective deeper underneath the surface. Quite simply because most Dynasty members may not be draw to the Empire Pets unless the were classically beautiful, but Essek was not one who looked to the surface--

He hardly looked at all.

But there was something pleasing about his Bren, those intense intelligent eyes that also lingered sadness there. Oh, the eagerness to learn, he could find so much admiration in that. ]

Though perhaps those touches are not so much rewards for good behavior but rather encouragements to continue.

[ The Shadowhand would not consider himself kind, but gods he felt so for this Pet ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Another little shiver at good boy and he realized it was probably better off that he'd, ah, taken a certain problem in hand in the bathing room just before, because those words threaten to do things to him. H leaned into that touch through his hair, every bit the pet seeking to prolong the petting, to soak up all the scraps of affection that were offered -- though perhaps affection was too ambitious a word to put on it. Essek seemed at least vaguely pleased with him, and that would be more than enough.

There was that faint flicker of a smile on his lips, lips his muscles were still remembering how to make the expression after having not had any reason to for so long. The expression was soft and tinged with a sadness that Bren couldn't quite seem to banish, weighted down by the burdens of the monster he was, though some of that lightened at the thought of being able to fulfill this new purpose.]

I can be a good boy. I want to be good, for you.

[zauberdecke]

[ But that was yet another thing, another reason and excuse for Essek to pubish the ginger Pet, wasn't it? It would be a secret shame that Bren would harbor before he begged punishment for it; perhaps it would fester with each kind word spoken. No matter what, Essek would find himself quite happy to dole out that which his pet required, even if it was absolution for every single dirty thought.

He could feel himself start to hum, it was evident to Bren too. Essek's trance was nearing and that was one of the most telling cues to it. He took his hand lightly away from hair so that he could stroke the shadows of that jawline. ]

I think it is time that I seek my sleep, and you have a full day as well-- I intend on taking you on a walk through the gardens; your leash will arrive tomorrow-- and then afterwards to my work where you will sit at the side of my desk and be a good boy while I do my afternoon tasks; followed by dinner and a party.

[ That did not count the morning grooming that Essek had promised. ]

Will you be good and settle down on your pallet for me?

[ausgebrannt]

[The shame would eat at him. It was already eating at him if he were honest, but he was tired enough that it hadn't really had a chance to sink its fangs in as deep as it would when he truly had time to think about it. For now though, he certainly noticed that hum, and even though he was leaning a bit shamelessly into that touch at his jaw, he was also moving to back away, to slip from the bed and duck his head in a nod.

He gathered his notebook and pen carefully, mouthed a silent, 'Goodnight.' and did as he was told, retiring to the pallet that had been laid out for him at the foot of the drow's bed. Bren spared a moment to be sure his notebook and books were carefully piled and tucked out of the way before he allowed himself to settle, curling up and reaching to wrap himself in the blankets provided.

They were warm and unfairly soft, luxurious in a way that Bren was not used to at all. And worse yet, far worse, was that the scent of Essek was all through the room, stronger still in the linens. He let his eyes shut as he wrapped himself tighter and sank into it. Oh this too was a sin.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek watched Bren obediently get off the bed, with that silent goodnight that he could read so beautifully upon those lips. He graced his Pet with a smile and then he closed the book that he'd been reading and rested it on the bedside table; there was a brief shifting around on the bed before Essek assumed his favored position, the Lotus blossom.

And then he started to float, as his trance normally allowed him to do; just a few feet off the bed; it was concentration on his part but it was also that sort of concentration that meant that he would still be able to percieve exactly what it was that Bren was doing; so if he got up in the middle of the night-- Essek would at least comprehend.

Even if he did nothing about it.

Essek did not require as much sleep as Bren did so he would be up far earlier as well; he would have an early morning breakfast brought in by Unseen Servants, would read for two hours and then he would get himself presentable for the day. As he had directed, there would be no one barging in here that was not otherwise permitted.

When Bren woke up, the servants would bring breakfast instantly to him; quail eggs lightly tossed in a vinagrette, thin unlevened bread crisps and of course greens with goat cheeese and cranberries.

The same breakfast that Essek had partaken of. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was exhausted enough that he did not move the whole night, and for once no nightmares woke him from his slumber. Perhaps it was the reassuring knowledge of Essek's presence, the soft and gentle hum that emanated from the trancing drow that kept the terrors at bay for the evening. Whatever it was, Bren was grateful when he opened his eyes and it was morning.

The first thing he noticed was Essek's being gone. But that made sense. Elves operated on different schedules, though Bren was faintly surprised that he'd been allowed to sleep in quite so much. Not that it was late by any stretch of the imagination, but once again it was a small piece of kindness, the allowance for his human needs.

Breakfast was a nicer meal than he could remember having outside his mother's cooking, and for a moment that nagging voice of self loathing and guilt raised its head. But after yesterday he was able to push it down, to assure himself that his master had deigned to give him this, and the more unforgivable option would be to turn it away. So he ate, if not with gusto, at least with appetite that outweighed the guilt for the time being.

Once he'd finished, he turned his attention to his journal, another Zemnian letter started to try to explain this, all of this, that he was still making sense of in his own mind.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had things within the household to prepare, there were also deliveries of all of Bren's Pet 'Tack' and garments, that had been placed within the study room for preparation. Though perhaps ten minutes after Bren had completed his breakfast, Essek came in clad in his walking clothes which were quite nice all things considered.

Already ready for the day it seemed, holding a riding crop tucked in his hand-- perhaps it was the same one that he had used on Bren last night; perhaps just looking at it would bring to mind images of three precisely applied strikes to hind quarters. ]

Bwael kre'tan, Pet-- It appears that I did promise to groom you this morning.

[ He tilted his head to the side, because of course he did. ]

We should freshly bathe you, I think-- as well as sculpting your facial hair. [ He approaches even more carefully and then he reaches down to run his fingers through hair in a gesture that was starting to become a ritual of sorts; an expression of Bren being the very best puppy that one could desire. ] After that, we will dress you and fit you to your harness.. for our walk.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's attention immediately snapped to Essek when the drow appeared, like he was snared in the inescapable gravity that surrounded the elegant man. He did emphatically not miss that riding crop, and it did bring back that memory -- vivid and crystal clear and replaying on loop in his mind before he shook himself out of those thought. It brought back another memory too, a more shameful one of the night before and he tried to banish that as well.

Then he found himself taking in his master's attire with probably a bit too much appreciation.

His mind was betraying him over and again this morning. Straightening up, finding his way to his knees properly, he mouthed a quiet, 'Good morning.' A little nod, pleased enough because yes, Essek had promised to groom him -- but then his eyes went a bit wide, heat rising across his cheeks. Bathe him? Surely Essek wouldn't involve himself with that, would he? Oh gods help him there went his traitorous thoughts again. They were derailed and then propelled all the further along into the realm of the improper by that gentle touch through his hair.

Still flushed, he looked down, nodding his agreement. A walk, yes. That would be nice.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek Thelyss did not miss much so of course he caught the way that those eyes widened with pupil's blow wide. Unfortunately he did not know that dilated eyes could also mean desire, he'd not stared into too many 'attractive' ones so he was bereft of the proper procedures for such. After all he refrained from looking into Adeen's face during the act-- but he knew that eyes could be blown wide from fear.

And Essek did not want to be feared by his Pet.

Somehow the thought of that rent through him powerful and hard-- leaving him grasping for what he could do to soothe his pet. ] It is alright, I do not need to bathe you if you do not wish.

[ He noted the approval for the walk however, and if he were more in command of himself-- he'd think that perhaps he was letting the Pet's wishes supercede his own right now. He was not supposed to care what his Pet felt, all that mattered was the other man serving him as was his sole duty in life.

In Uncdercommon, he uttered-- ] uriu uk belbaunin dos myar memories de' bathing?

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's head snapped up at that. Wait, if he did not wish? Oh. Well that was a misunderstanding. Bren wished a little too much was the problem, and he knew that he probably ought to take this excuse and run with it before he wound up with even more inappropriate thoughts.

But he quickly shook his head, reaching for his notebook. He paused before writing to look up at the Undercommon, taking a moment to parse it and instead turned to answer that question, a bit slower .]

'Nau. Naut ilro'e.'

[The next piece was too complicated for him to wrap it in Undercommon, so he continued in Common.]

'He would hold us under until we choked and passed out, but that was not bathing. That was water laced with Residuum, an experiment. And you are not him. It is not that I do not wish to have your help. I just do not want to be any trouble for you.'

[He was very much still blushing though, and he added.] 'Also I have not been bathed by someone else since I was a child.'

[zauberdecke]

[ So Bren did not mind, was what Essek gathered from this entire interactions; it was circuitous and he had to make sure that he was understanding this properly. He rested a hand on that shoulder so as to keep the other man grounded back to the subject at hand. ]

This is a yes, or no question; write either yes or no--

[ Because Bren was rambling and he knew that he wanted a definite answer. In some ways he could take large discussions, but this was about Bren's own wants and desires. Not to say that he did not well mark more information that was given about the holder of the Beacon, it did not paint him in the most flattering of light.

But then this was different than he had ever truly expirienced, this concern for another individual. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Wait until he could actually speak, Essek. When his anxiety got the better of him, sometimes words started coming and did not stop coming. But for now he stilled at the hand on his shoulder, looking up uncertainly. Was he in trouble?

But no, not in trouble.

He was, however, not used to being asked what he wanted. It was not something that had mattered at all in the methods of training that Trent Ikithon used.]

Yes.

[He was going to the deepest of the hells, and flinging himself there headlong.]

[zauberdecke]

Very well then, it is time for you to strip down Pet.

[ A final little tousle of that hair before finally he headed toward the bathing chamber, motioning for Bren to follow behind him. He lightly floated into the chambers, the one appointed with the large tub, the walls full of cabinets filled with sweet smelling balms in various shades of Essek's preferred scents, of fluffy towels and a large mirror and basin that was well lit and perfect for settling Bren in front of while he shaved him. ]

You know, it is customary in the Dynasty for Pets to scent of their Masters, I hope you do not have any objection to lavender and snow, though I may also add a bit of sandalwood to make it unique to yourself.

[ He turned the faucets on the bathtub, immediately and influx of water poured out into it; it was objectively a bathtub that would be perfect for two, though it was clear that Essek would not be stripping down to join Bren.

After all, it did not occur to him that an Owner would not bathe with his Pet, the rules were too exacting here or there. But once again, he was thinking 'his pet, his rules' ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren relaxed into the tousling. Well, he'd made his choice on this one. He'd deal with the guilt later. Probably not well, mind, but one way or another it would be dealt with. He rose to his feet and followed after, a bit clumsily stripping out of his sleep clothes as he went, folding them carefully over his arms.

He'd been in the bathing room briefly last night -- and too much of that time had been spent surreptitiously stroking himself to climax -- but he hadn't looked around too much, or really taken the time to take it in. The tub in particular was impressive.

Bren had left his notebook behind, given that water and paper did not mix well, so he could only shake his head at the words. No, no objections at all. He liked the way Essek smelled, had enjoyed wrapping himself up in it the night before, a thought that brought another faint flush across his cheeks. A nervous fidget from one foot to another as he watched the tub fill.]

[zauberdecke]

Good boy..

[ If Essek marked the flush, he did not comment on it-- rather thinking that it may have everything to do with the bathing chambers and the steamed heat rising within, a soft tentative smile then as he lightly tapped Bren on the shoulders then to usher him into the waters.

Then he set about layering and pouring scented oils inside, a nice dollop of bubbling bath salts to give a bit of soapy enclosure. Finally he removed his overwrap to reveal a rather tight fitting and sleeveless tunic which displayed elegant arms used to casting. ]

You must forgive me, I gave never bathed a pet before-- however, I think that with you, I would prefer to take a hands-on approach. So you shall have to suffer through a bit of inexperience.

[ He was already reaching for a dark purple bath puff so that he could apply some lavender tea scented wash, allowing his fingers to stroke the silk like ridges in a way that could be considered borderline obscene. ]

Shall we start with your shoulders and back? Or your hair? Point to which one, please.

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh yes, certainly it was the steam and not the soft smile on Essek's face that somehow made the drow even more beautiful than usual. Bren was beginning to realize how in over his head in all this he was, but there was no helping it. He belonged to this man, and was already tripping over himself to earn those small pieces of praise.

He watched as the bath was scented and filled with bubbles. The scent of lavender and snow filled the air, soothing and growing to be a familiar, comforting thing. He was distracted watching the water, so when Essek spoke he looked back to see him having shed the outer layer of his clothing, those bare arms, graceful and lithe and.

Bren shook his head at the forgive me piece, offering a tentative smile that he hoped was encouraging. Oh yes he would suffer, certainly, but not from Essek's inexperience but from his own treacherous, dirty mind.

Considering the question, Bren reached up to touch his hair -- hair first? maybe? -- trying to pretend he wasn't watching the way those perfectly manicured fingers stroked the bath puff. All of this was a terrible mistake, but he was committed now. Taking a breath he climbed into the tub, a silent oh at how pleasantly hot the water was as he sank into it.]

[zauberdecke]

[ they were both rather bound on making mistakes, the more the merrier. Essek knelt then on the step leading up to the tub and motioned for Bren to draw close enough; he settled the saturated bath puff aside in favor of the shampoo bottle the he squeezed some into his palm, the mixture like liquid silk. ]

You will not have to worry about me holding back basic necessities such as food, sleep or baths.. I also trust you will let me know if anything is wrong-- if you feel sick, that is a command by the way.

[ One hand was already picking up a pitcher filled with clean clear water. ]

Place your head back, Chathtiu-- it will be much easier to clean you if you are well saturated; and for tonight's event I want you to gleam.

[ His Empire Flame, though did not know how very fitting or apt that was, how poignant ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It was not lost on Bren that he was a possession, that he had no right to expect this fairness from his master, but here it was. And all of it was kinder to a Pet, a plaything, than Ikithon had been to his own students. Not withholding food or sleep, that was frankly a luxury.

Bren scooted back, closer to where Essek was so that his master did not have to reach too far. He glanced back to nod. A command he could follow, but despite the look of him, he was a fairly solid constitution, against all odds. That word again, the one he'd looked up the meaning of. Firefly. He realized that Essek did not know his name, and frankly the drow had no reason to. Bren was of the mind that he didn't have any real right to his name anymore anyway, not after what he'd done to the ones who had given it to him.

Leaning back, he peeked up at Essek in silent beseeching of approval. Like this? Was this leaned back enough?]