"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]

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?]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek wasn't quite sure why he was so inclined to be indulgent to this pet, except here he was. A smile as he caught that expression-- that 'ready to please' that made his smile soften and then he nodded in assent. ] Yes, that is perfect-- you are such a good boy, you are my Good Boy.

[ Another missle aimed right at Bren, nigh unavoidable as the praise kink went off in quick succession, certainly enough to turn a hopeful pet's pretty head. He then started to pour the water over the top of it; the water was not hot but it was not cold either, a nice run-of-the-mill lukewarm.

His fingers followed were the water sluiced down, lightly tucking hair behind the ear, the backs of fingers brushing right against the arch of neck that looked so very kissable. And wasn't that an settling thing, to wonder what noises his Pet would make if he kissed right there. Ah, but it must definitely be the steam. ]

After that came the shampoo which he liberally applied, this time using both hands for this so that he could work it into a luxurient lather. It was true that Essek was finding that he enjoyed spoiling his pet with the sad eyes, it was just a shame that his Pet had excessive catholic guilt that wouldn't allow him sustained enjoyment of the activities. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh. Bren was still learning just how deep this newly discovered praise kink went, and fuck him it went extremely deep. Straight to the root of his cock really, and if his voice weren't currently stolen by the collar, he probably would've voiced a horrifically embarrassing whimper.

As it was he had to war with himself not to let arousal get the better of him. For the moment he seemed to manage it. For the moment. Though 'my Good Boy' would be echoing around in his head for the rest of the day. Possibly the rest of his life.

For a moment, Bren watched Essek, looking at him half upside down the way his head was leaned back. Eventually though, somewhere between those fingers running the water through his hair and then beginning to work the shampoo through, his eyes fell shut, lips parting around a soft sigh. He was, in fact, a very spoiled pet. The guilt had not caught up with him yet, drowned out by how lovely those fingers felt, how pleasant the warm water he was soaking in.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Fingers softly moved through that scalp, spreading lather profusely, until the red was more interspersed with soapy white; and he had nails so they lightly scratched against the roots of the hair in a manner most lulling. Slowly making sure that no area was left unturned by his questing fingers while he leaned in slightly, as if concentrating. He caught the sigh there, and he rather found that he enjoyed the sound of it and so he continued those ministrations.

Before finally he was dipping his hands in water to divest them of soap, and then picking up the jug with more water and then slowly pushing Bren's head back with one gentle hand while the other held it over and allowed it to waterfall. ]

Just a few moments and then your hair will be clean.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren found himself... relaxing. That was not something that he had known he was even capable of anymore, but apparently he very much was. If he were a cat, he'd be purring, but as it was he only lost himself in the moment, slowly becoming a puddle shaped like a man.

Those nails at his scalp scent tingles through him, and he exhaled another soundless breath that would have been much more embarrassing if he'd actually given voice to it. Those tingles were not quite done with him either, settling and pooling as a heat that put the temperature of the water to shame low in his stomach, stirring things to life that ought not stir right now.

His eyes fluttered open, startled, when Essek spoke again. Oh right yes, clean. That was the purpose of this. He gave a little nod. Yes, right of course.]

[zauberdecke]

[ With exceedingly deft and precise fingers, Essek started to lightly ring the excess water out of hair, watching it drip down against freckled shoulders and chest-- even to was this a slow and methodical process that took a span of five minutes, certainly enough time for Bren to get himself back under control right?; after a smoothing pat to the back of that neck, he made short work of it and then he picked up the discarded puff. ]

Now it is time for you to lean forward so that I can was your back and chest-- after that I will give you the puff to complete your bathing.

[ At the very least he was conveying that he would not do something as likely embarrassing to Bren such as handling the more delicate areas, he trusted of course that Bren would know what was meant after all he was completely sure that bathing was for the most part universial, preference withstanding. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[How relief and disappointment could exist so strongly simultaneously with one another, Bren could not say, but they definitely did when he realized that Essek did not intend to be the one to wash all of them. Thank gods, but also, why did he wish that it was otherwise?

There was the guilt. What a dirty, shameful thought.

Swallowing, he nodded and leaned forward so that Essek would have access to his back, skin pale and freckled, frame still starkly thin, spine and ribs a bit too visible. Being cared for and fed would take care of that in due course, but for the moment he still looked like he'd spent significant time in captivity, and not a gentle captivity at all.

Not like this, not like being taken care of like somehow something in him was worth the trouble.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek let out a soft hum as his fingers moved back and forth across the pale skin, dipping downward until he could feel the ridges of spine dance, so very sharp and angled, though Essek perhaps did not eat as much as was advised and that was because of being distracted by his own work that caused that. Not any true starving of himself, and it was generally by his own lack of care that he forgot meals here and there.

Absent-mindedness.

He went down about as far as the small of the back, where he could feel the two lines of skin start to separate. Then he shifted to hip bone, could feel the jagged cut of bone there too-- he was gentle though as the sponge came out from waters and then proceeded to traverse upward across side, over ribs. ] Raise your arm, Chathtiu--

[ He would wash the hair underneath the arms too-- for the most part Bren would probably curse his thoroughness while blessing his mercy that he shunned the more delicate areas. ] Such a good boy, for me.