"Broken Shards"

[zauberdecke]

"In the dark
I need to taste the blood
Go on, draw another line
We can cross this time."
- Blindfold by Sleeping Wolf

---



[ Essek Thelyss: Shadowhand to the Dynasty.

One who reached further then the Luxon would allow, who would do absolutely anything for knowledge. Oh no, the man did not care for power, not really. He wanted to cast himself into the portal of knowing, he wanted to surrender himself to books and learning without having to deal with the mundanities of socio-politics that all of the Kryn engaged in. It was tedious and it filled him with sickness even as he plastered on an urbane smile for all and sundry to see.

Within the Dynasty, it was customary to take pets of the Empire; they were brought in across the border of Asarius, across the mountains and into the Dynasty. There were Dynasty born pets on the other side, both lost to the ravages of the other's civilization, generally never to be seen again.

Essek had never really had an interest to begin with when it came to pets; at the market he carefully avoided the slave blocks where those not of the Dynasty were paraded around. However, it had come to this-- it had come to his trading of the Beacon, and in return he recieved a Volstrucker to serve him. And yet, for all of that, Essek Thelyss had not thought he would receive a broken Volstrucker.

In fair trade, he and recieved a dossier on the man in question and had perused it with only a small semblance of annoyance while Trent Ikithon had assured him that a man like him could be rebuilt, the honeyed words of a silken snake which Essek recognized.

After all did not a predator recognize another predator? So now he held in his household a man whom had to be guarded carefully, though Essek was not cruel despite how he imagined Dynasty pets were treated, the cage that he had placed this Volstrucker named Bren within, well it was comfortable-- he'd seen pictures of Vergossen so he supposed it must be far better than that place. But he had not precisely interacted with him-- most of his unseen servants were given the walking of him, the care and maintenance of him.

Perhaps because he did not precisely know what to do with him, or what use he had for something broken. Though he arguably did not know what manner of broken the Volstrucker was, but after a week-- he decided perhaps it was time to summon him and see for himself; acertain what sort of work was cut out for him.

If this man was worth putting back together again.

So it was one evening, he had the Empire man summoned to his chambers. ]

Comments

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek 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.

[ausgebrannt]

[So his master was thorough. Very thorough. That was... certainly good to know, wasn't it? Bren was a bit frozen, like some wild creature caught in the gaze of a predator, but also struck by just how gentle that touch was. Always so gentle, and Bren felt himself stirring in ways that he ought not be.

It was wrong for him to be enjoying this, for his mind to be wandering the dirty, whorish paths that it was wandering. But then Essek called him Chathtiu again, then he called him a good boy, and Bren was lost to it.

He obeyed though, because of course he did, because he wanted to be a good boy for his master, wanted his approval, to please him. He lifted an arm, breath coming quicker, the faintest shiver racing through him, even as he looked back towards Essek with an embarrassingly obvious shine of adoration in his eyes.]

[zauberdecke]

[ it appeared that their next punishment session would likely come just as impromtu as the previous one though this time it would likely be Pet driven as Essek had no clue the war of thoughts that were being waged in that mind-- instead he continued these ministrations as he needed to, taking his time.. and perhaps, surprisingly enough, enjoying the body that was presented to him.

He'd never taken pleasure like this in the act of touching someone else, and Bren was pleasing to look at, very much so.

It would definitely bear some thought, especially since he'd never found sexual attraction to another person, though he rather knew he enjoyed the male figure over the female one. Even as the bathing loofah start running up and down Bren's chest, watching it go up and down and lather the hair so enticingly, it was quite hard not to make circles around and around the chest. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It was not lost on Bren that Essek seemed to be lingering at his chest, and he was not complaining. Not exactly. The attention felt good, the touch sinfully pleasant, and he was still at war with himself, ashamed at his own body for the way it was reacting, the way it had chosen to betray him.

The water and the bubbles thankfully helped to hide the worst of his current shame, the way his cock had begun to stir in interest. This was karma's way of making sure that he did not forget the filthy thing he'd done in this very room last night.

Silence still saved him from the most embarrassment, given that the whimpered moan that would have echoed through the room otherwise was silent. Only the way his breath hitched betrayed him, the faint trembling in his form as Essek's touch progressed.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The ritual was soothing, Essek found himself marveling at the way that Bren responded to his touch by making it easier to lather and tend, the silky wet skin charmed with freckles and flush- Essek was very much enjoying it, the way that the Pet shadowed into the touch and seemed to want more ministrations.

Then came that hitched breath, and Essek very carefully pulled back so that he could consider the Empire Pet's face, and then he saw it clearly-- the way that Bren's own face contorted into a near unreadable expression, those lips looked far more flushed and.. dare he say, begging to be kissed.

And was that the brush of near fever in those ocean eyes- like the dream of an oasis in the desert? He'd seen arousal, especially in his uncouth and unwanted husband however part of him wanted to see for himself. ]

Pet, I want you to stand up and wash yourself.

[ Essek slowly slipped the silken bath poof into the water where it floated like the acknowledgement of a sin. ]

In front of me-- [ he had seen aroused Pets before but never one that belonged to him-- he usually politely looked away because he was not interested.. but why did he possess that interest now, all of a sudden? ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren, at war with himself though he may have been, had allowed himself to be lulled into a false sense of security here, certain that the worst of his shame would remain disguised by the water and the scented suds that drifted along the top of it. Apparently though, this was not to be the case. He watched as Essek withdrew, watched the bath poof float towards him in the water.

Blue eyes -- certainly fevered, pupils nearly subsuming the blue of his irises -- widened and looked at Essek in wordless pleading for some sort of mercy that he in no way deserved or merited in the slightest. No, this was his own fault, more than Essek even knew, and he deserved every consequence that came of it, deserved to be shamed and punished for what a filthy, lewd thing he was.

For a moment the broken Volstrucker sank deeper into the water as if perhaps he meant to disobey, to refuse his master's order. Except he couldn't. Even as humiliating as this was likely to be, it would be far worse to deliberately disobey, to disappoint his master in such a consciously intentional way. So he reached for the soap-laden poof and stood from the water. Soap and suds clung to pale skin, but nowhere near enough to disguise the fact that he certainly was aroused.

He hadn't thought he was fully hard yet, but somewhere between being caught and being ordered to stand before Essek, he'd certainly gotten that way, and that was something to examine later when he was alone with his thoughts and his sins.]

[zauberdecke]

[ As Bren rose from the waters like some Empire Aephrodite, Essek was in perfect view to see the Pet-- he had marveled at how Empire men seemed to be built a bit differently the night that he had commanded Bren to strip for him, however it nowhere nearly prepared him for the Pet at full mast, disarmingly covered by little clouds of soap here and there.

For a moment, as he took in his fill with eyes, he had a rogue thought of this man underneath him, over him.. in whatever capacity he desired. Causing a plum to flush to his cheeks, of which he would plan on the steam of the bath-- and yet there was no guarantee of course, and all he had to do was think back to Adeen and his sexual experience for his mouth to turn sour.

But just for a moment, he'd wondered "What if". A dangerous thing, indeed.

He sat back for a moment as if deliberating; he decided to ask a question.

A very useful one. With quickly agile fingers, he reached to take up Bren's chin and then made sure that the Pet could look nowhere but his eyes, then he spoke and his voice was soft but it was stern and it brooked no lies.. little did he know that the Pet was not disposed to lie to him. ]

You are very excited-- tell me? What part makes it so? Point to what has inspired such arousal in you, pet? [ There were many things to point to; the bath poof, the waters of the bath, Essek. ]