"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]

[ 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. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren could feel Essek's eyes on him like a physical presence, the weight of them somehow damning as his shame and sin were put on full display -- though Essek could not know the full extent of it, could not know that it had begun before this moment, in the way his body had melted in subtle heat even during his punishment, tot he way he'd spilled his seed over his own fingers with his master's title on his silent lips the night before and...

Well.

Now this. He did not know what the drow thought of him, that he was some filthy thing, some wanton slut incapable of controlling himself at only a few touches -- innocent touches for seeing to his cleanliness. So much for clean.

A gasp as those fingers found his chin, and as much as he very much wanted to look away, Bren had no choice but to meet those eyes. Lips parted around stuttered words of apology, of explanation that spoke only silence before Bren remembered himself. He could feel heat rising in his cheeks, a wetter heat in his eyes as tears gathered. But he would not lie to his master. Of course he wouldn't lie to him.

He lifted a hand as bidden and with only a faint trembling, pointed at the beautiful, pristine creature in front of him, commanding his gaze and attention, and he mouthed a silent but unmistakable, and just for appropriateness sake, in Undercommon,] 'Dos, veldruk.'

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek knew he was attractive but that others feel that he was attractive usually mattered not; his attractiveness was to hold up his own reputations as Shadowhand, to weave connections and to inspire a bit of awe and perhaps even trust. But the rawness in those blue eyes disarmed him completely; and it was said with such abject humility.

In Adeen, Essek saw someone who wanted to humble him within his attractiveness-- to control (even though it angered him that he could not, heh) but there in Empire Pet's own eyes-- came the fact that Bren was ever humbled by his wants and desires, in those eyes he could see that the Pet had no chance of a reciprocal regard but was not.. put out by that. ]

Good Boy-- [ He purred out softly and then he motioned for Bren to settle back in the bath waters. ] It stands to reason that as primative as you are, you are easily excited. However, I cannot let you go outside of the house with such a filthy problem, now can I?

[ He hummed. ] You may was yourself now, touch yourself. I've given you permission to do so; you should be clean both inside and out.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren, to his credit, had managed to at least not break down into tears completely out of shame at the moment -- which would have only compounded the fact that his arousal did not seem to be abating in the slightest despite the air of humiliation of this all.

And once Essek called him a Good Boy, well, there was no way said arousal was going anywhere at all. Teary blue eyes widened in surprise, tinged with confusion even as he took the indication to settle back down into the waters. And oh gods no, he could not leave the house like this. The Zemnian wizard-turned-captive-pet shook his head quickly in agreement. No, no he could not be allowed out this way.

The permission to touch himself though, was a surprise, and one that lit the already bright blush in his face to colors previously unknown to exist in the freckled ginger. How was he still able to blush when all the blood in his body was completely located in his throbbing prick? It defied biology.

Of course, the permission also highlighted the fact that he had very much not had permission the night before. He would have to confess that transgression later, he realized. But first, he had this to see to. Taking the soapy bath poof in hand, he knelt up enough so that his cock was just out of the water as he wrapped the soft, soapy thing around his length, a silent whimper falling from parted lips. And with Essek saying clean inside and out, that certainly brought his mind places he couldn't escape. So with only a moment of hesitation, he gathered some of that lather with his other hand, legs spreading as he reached behind himself to probe at his hole with first one, then two fingers, wondering if it would be obvious what he was imagining inside him rather than his own digits.]

[zauberdecke]

[ This would definitely make the praise that came from Essek's lips drop like sharp pointed pearls, with the mere fact of what Essek did not know. He settled his palm lightly on the very top of Bren's head and then he very wordlessly combed his fingers through those locks of hair, the wetness of them escaping droplets going down chin, over neck and falling against shoulders. A casual look downward to see that his pet was taking the boon offered him.

And then he could not help the bite of his lower lip as he watched fingers move backward to do gods knew what (though Essek could very well imagine where those fingers were going and what they were doing as they disappeared behind those cheeks of freckled alabaster. ]

There's a Pet, humiliate yourself like this for me-- it is a sign of trust, and I am pleased by it. [ That Bren did this so readily, that he submitted like butter to the melting; his thumb found that jawline which he casually stroked against. ] You do not have to do this in front of anyone else, I do not require it from you ever.

[ He hummed as he stroked then the back of that neck ]

You really are a pretty thing, eager to please me.... for this I will reward you, Chathtiu [ As Essek heaped praise coals on that fire, unmindful of the war in the Zemnian Pet's mind. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Between the touch and the words that accompanied it, Bren felt rather like he'd been lit on fire, that he would burn alive despite the water, despite the cool droplets that fell to his skin as Essek played with his hair. He would come embarrassingly quick like this, from degrading himself, filthy, lust-driven slut that he was who couldn't even keep his thoughts clean enough for a simple bathing, in front of his pristine, utterly perfect master.

But Essek was pleased by it, by his disgrace, and Bren was swept up in it. His fingers drove harder inside himself, letting himself sink into the fantasy that it was Essek's cock making use of his hole while he pleaded in silent gasps for him to use him. His hand moved fitfully over his prick.

A shiver at the brush of cool fingers against his neck, and it was the last straw. He stiffened, his entire body jerking, back arching as he came, spilling himself over his fingers, over the bath poof, pearlescent seed mixing with the soap suds. By now, tears had fallen from his eyes, hot with shame and accompanied by silent humiliated sobs as he let his head fall forward, unable to even dream of meeting his master's eyes as he shook in the wake of his orgasm.]

[zauberdecke]

[ What a sweet mess--

But one that belonged to Essek Thelyss, Shadowhand of the Bright Queen. He felt oddly satisfied with it, and he watched-- of course he did, watched as his Pet put on a show for him, saw those tears spill from eyes in shame and humiliation; and it pleased him? It was not that he would of course want humiliation for his Pet in public, no-- a Pet of Den Thelyss bowed to no one, and Essek doubly so.

But he was pleased that it was gifted to him, laid at his feet.

His he hummed once again in pleasure as Bren came, felt the quivering of that body wrack into sobs born of physicality. His sweet Pet, how good and wonderful he was being-- so much that as Bren dripped out the remnants of his orgasm, Essek leaned forward then and brushed his lips against the wet forehead in a gesture that was every bit full of absolution, like a drow diety of yore- back before the Luxon. ]

Your shame is a gift, and I will treat it gently.

[ He then knelt back up, letting Bren wallow in the after-intense of his orgasm, as he moved to locate a fluffy towel and then he brought it round to after a few moments, so that he could oepn it up and hold it out for Bren to rise from the bathtub. ] Well, we do have a busy day--

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was trying to remember how to breathe, and had nearly gotten the hang of it when those lips were suddenly on his forehead like a blessing. His eyes snapped wide and he looked up at Essek as if he were indeed some divine vision, and Bren a supplicant ready to offer all his devotion to the man before him.

His face was still tear-streaked, still red, but the crying had stopped now as he watched Essek straighten up.

Breath still shaky, he slipped beneath the water to properly rinse away the evidence of what he'd just done -- thought the memory would linger, indelible, and calling to mind the sin of the night before. He would have to lay that before his master's feet as well, to beg correction and punishment and some shred of forgiveness for what he'd done.]

Looking up as Essek spoke, he saw the towel and rose to his feet to make his way out of the tub and towards it, towards where his master held it for him. A nod. They did have a busy day. So his legs were a little shaky at the moment. He'd get it together. No problem.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was with a tenderness that Bren likely thought that he did not deserve that Essek dried off his Pet, making sure that the other man was absolutely dried off; and in this moment Bren did not have to think about anything, for Essek would take care of it, first drying the back and then the chest-- before slipping Bren over to a place before the large vanity mirror, on top of a rug meant to be dripped on. He secured the towel around the waist and then fastened it at the side.

Then he took out a razor from a black jet case. ]

Drow do not normally have need for such things however, I had one of my attendants pick this up from the market where they sell 'pet supplies'.. Pet's are known to be quite hairy, and some like their pets as hairless as they are. [ Essek was not one of those, he would only trim the beard, that was all-- the rest of the hair could stay. ]

What is the purpose of having a Pet if you are going to make them to be a carbon copy of yourself, hmm?

[ausgebrannt]

[A tenderness he knew he did not deserve, could not deserve. What part of the wretched monster that he was deserved any of this gentleness and tenderness? But here he was soaking it up anyway as Essek fluffed him dry.

He let himself be led, ever pliant when it came to his master.

Perhaps there ought to be some trepidation about allowing someone so close to him with such a sharp blade, but the look that Bren fixed on Essek was utterly trusting. More than that, something softly adoring in those blue eyes as the drow spoke. The start of a smile flickered over his lips, at the growing realization that the Shadowhand seemed to be a fan of his facial hair, and body hair.

Part of him liked the idea that his master was pleased by him, in whatever fashion that might be.]

[zauberdecke]

Only a trim.

[ Essek then pulled Bren close-- still floating, his fingers resting on that shoulder; an unseen hand was already lightly scrapping a beard brush covered with soap against the tops of Bren's cheeks and then just underneath, against the neck-- in preparation for the blade. And then it swept in strokes that were even underneath the Drow's watchful eye. Once he was satisfied, there was the tilt of his head-- likely one that meant 'stop' and then he applied the blade very delicately against the high cheekbone and then followed the line there in a very precise manner. It may not have been intended in sensuality and yet here they were, all the same.

Ever so often he would hold his head back and acertain the even line of it, he would mirror the same against the other cheek-- he certainly did not want certain parts of the cheek hidden as the disarming blushes were quite fetching. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren kept still so as not to disturb Essek's work or concentration, but the intimacy of all this was not lost on him at all. His heart was racing in his chest, blush still rising high in his cheeks and not likely to fade any time soon given how close Essek was.

It was not the first time he'd been groomed by someone else -- the staff at the Sanatorium had not been nearly so careful or gentle in any of this, and even in the slightly more thorough treatment he'd gotten to prepare him as tribute tot he Shadowhand had not been anything more than a torment -- but it was the first time it made his stomach take to fluttering, the first time he couldn't tear his eyes away from the face of the man in front of him.

Essek had so fully captured his attention, and his loyalty. The Kryn man may not be aware of it yet, but already he'd earned more trust than Bren had expected he had left in him to give. And more than that, once the collar was removed, he'd find himself with a genuinely lethal guard dog who would incinerate anyone who thought they could do him harm.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was not aware of this whatsoever, he knew that he had been a trade from Trent Ikithon-- but mark Bren's words, there was still that matter of the collar which he would deal with. It was a puzzle and he liked puzzles; he'd have to be ultimately quiet when he attempted to figure it out but he would free Bren of the collar and likewise would he install a far better and less restrictive collar on him.

Finally that neck, carefully following the line with the blade-- so careful and yet so close. He held the life of his Pet on the edge of a blade and yet he did not seem inclined to torment nor threaten, each sweep was careful but thorough, the soft splash of the waters against the edge of the blade as he cleaned it, the pass of steel against the porcelain and even the slightest sound of sharp cutting against bristles.

Indeed, his Pet would be tidy and neat-- fitting of the Shadowhand.

No one could call him into question.

His eyes did slid to the face and he caught Bryn staring at him with those melancholy eyes; he offered the barest hint of a smile. ] I do not think that any one else in the Dynasty has the privilege of such a well-behaved Pet, it appears that I am truly fortunate.

[ This was a Pet meant to be spoiled.

Even if Bren's own innate guilt would perhaps make it a bit harder to do so. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren despised the collar, deeply, given that it had been closed around his neck by Ikithon. But he trusted Essek to deal with it when the moment was right. In the meantime, he was growing used to his own silence. It wasn't as if he'd used his voice much at all since that night, save for screaming in terror when the madness got the better of him.

He lifted his chin but made no other movement when Essek worked at his neck and throat, no trepidation at all about the wickedly sharp blade against his throat, where a single swipe could spill his blood and his life in an instant.

Another flicker of a smile as he was addressed, no hiding the new flush of pleasure at the praise. Essek was too generous with it, Bren thought, saw too much good in him. But he was grateful, greedy for it.]

[zauberdecke]

[ With a patience bourne of his many years, Essek finished the job-- he did not draw it out but he was very mindful of each inch of flesh that was presented to him. Finally though he set aside both shaving scalpel and bowl and then came back with a warm wet towel which he patted against both cheek and neck in a manner that was still pampering. ]

There, to my exacting standards.

[ He may have lingered a bit more over the ministrations-- perhaps it was because he enjoyed having a Pet. He had not thought he would, but surprises came in rather unexpected packages and perhaps the old man was good for something? ]

Now it is time to fit you into your clothing and walking harness; you will find that it is expected of me to walk the avenues every morning around this time. Now that I have a pet, you will naturally accompany myself.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren, even before he was shattered into what he was now, had never really been one for physical vanity, too busy with his nose buried in books, but once Essek had finished with him -- once the pampering was done for the time being -- he did steal a look at himself in the mirror. The drow had done a magnificent job of it. His still-damp copper hair was starting to dry into its typical soft waves.

He looked over to his master, once more, nodding. A walk, even one where was led on a leash and made very obvious what his role here was, sounded pleasant. A walk with the Shadowhand sounded even more pleasant still.

And that would be only the start of the day. Bren genuinely had no idea what he was truly in for, but he would learn as he went, and try desperately not to disappoint or embarrass his master.]

[zauberdecke]

[ And thus did Essek prepare his Pet for the day; for a walk-- the Empire Pet did not have to be too done up, his hair was dried and he was dressed and fitted for his harness in a way that made him look much like how a Pet would be garbed. Then it was a walk around Firmanents Park, with Bren held precisely on a leash.

There was no part where Bren was taller than Essek, as the Dunamancer floated. Most Pets were however forced to crawl around on their hands and knees to suit their Kryn counterparts, however thankfully Essek would not require that (perhaps in private, but that was neither here nor there and had not occurred to him quite yet.

How much was Bren stared at though, most that paused to give the Shadowhand their greetings certainly did gawk and stare, though they did not make mention of Bren standing instead of crawling. If they had, they would've gotten a serious set-down from the Shadowhand; it was clear that there was a certain amount of 'daring' that Essek did on a regular basis. Each interaction was polite and functional, there was very little warmth in the way that Essek interacted with the members of the Dynasty-- he did not have 'friends' or people that he felt especially close to (aside for his brother, but that was a complicated mess having to do with their father).

And as they walked, Essek would occasionally murmur the words 'that's a good boy' as if Bren didn't need any moments of disaster. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren noticed the way that most pets seemed to be led about crawling behind their masters, and for a moment he worried that he was doing something wrong being on his feet. When Essek made no move to change or correct this, he reassured himself that the drow wizard would certainly have told him if he'd done something that Essek had not wished.

He stuck close to Essek, just behind him, close enough that the leash fastened to his harness never had the occasion to go taut. The staring wasn't something he could miss though, and while he risked occasional glances up to see who was speaking with the Shadowhand, he mostly kept his eyes fixed down in front of him.

Except to look up in pleasure and appreciation at the murmured words of praise. No that did not help him with the keeping his composure at all.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Honestly, for an Empire-born-- the man was exceedingly well behaved.

Of course, all of the Kryn had heard stories and there were also those rogue tales that involved difficult training. Adeen's Tesleen had been a bit willful-- until Adeen had broken her for his own amusement. But there was no breaking that needed done.

Perhaps it was because this strange melancholy man had already been broken, like a scattered vase of indeterminately jagged pieces. He wondered precisely how they would look fit back together, a rebellious thought from someone who enjoyed solving problems and perusing puzzles.

Eventually for good behavior, Essek took Bren to one of the vendors in the park where a cup of frozen cream was presented to Essek, who then in turn handed it over to Bren. ] You have been very good and you deserve a little something for not embarassing me.

[ausgebrannt]

[It was true that Bren had arrived broken, but piece by piece already he was being slowly put back together by the tenderness and kindness that Essek was showing him. What would he be once he was built back into to something remained to be seen, but it was clear that whatever it was would be unfailingly loyal to Essek Thelyss.

When Bren found a treat pressed into his hand, he looked surprised, eyes flicking from it to Essek and then back again. A reward? Another flush of pleasure, that manifested as a blush rising in his cheeks as he took a tentative lick of the frozen cream.

His eyes lit up. Oh. Oh it's sweet. Another lick, this one a bit more invested, though he paused to duck his head and mouth a silent 'bel'la dos'. He'd done quite a bit of reading for his Undercommon lessons already. In fact, he'd heard enough snippets of conversation today that he would translate once he was back with his books.

It would likely be noticed before too long, that the silent Pet possessed an eidetic memory.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was also a silent message involved here, to all that was perceiving their interactions with a fine tooth combed-- it was that the Shadowhand was 'fond' of his Pet and would tolerate no disrespect to him. A walk in the Firmament Gardens was not just a leisurely stroll, it was also it's own stage of power of which much could be displayed.

But Essek rather thought that was such with all public appearances of which he had to put on a show of his own sphere of influence.

Truth be told, there were Drow who desired to be treated by the Shadowhand as he was right now treating his Pet-- and it was very hard to mask it in their avaricious eyes. ] Very good, I will not have you falling out on me Pet. [ There was a very brief hum though as he casually scanned Bren's visage as he ate his treat, noting that there was a little splotch of sugared cream that touched the very edge of mouth, right there against red-brown bristles. He leaned forward then and with patient fingertips, brushed it away, before presenting his upturned finger for Bren. ] You are a very messy Pup, something we will have to work on, yes?

[ Go on, Pet-- clean his fingertip. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was aware in some fashion that there was an element of performance in this. Broken or not, he was an intelligent man, and he could recognize the play of politics around him even if he did not yet understand the various factions and players. He understood enough to know that his behavior reflected on his master, and he had every intention of not straying out of line and disappointing him.

The fact that this came with praise and rewards did not hurt his motivation to continue either. He could feel the eyes on him too, thought he could note a strange note of envy in it, and wondered at himself for how that made him want to bristle.

Bren stilled as Essek those fingers brushed at the edge of his lips. Another widening of his eyes at the touch and the way that Essek held that finger out to him. Oh. Flushing, eyes focused on his master's, he leaned forward to brush his tongue deliberately over that offered cream, slowly and deliberately licking his master's finger clean. Was it his imagination or did the treat somehow taste sweeter fed to him this way?]

[zauberdecke]

[ His sweet Bren, the way that he lapped at fingertips as if it was the holy grail of sustenance-- the perfect falling of lashes against the very top of cheekbones, the brush of tongue that was reverent and yet tacit. He rather imagined that it would not do for a puppy to be too eager in public. A well trailed Pet would learn exactly how much was too much and never step over the line, yet another rewarding point and one that, once his fingers were clean, he placed his palm against the top of Bren's head, to give the silky locks a very deliberate pet. ]

A Filthy boy but nevertheless a Good Boy.

[ He spoke this gently and then after a moment of Bren enjoying more of the treat, of which he watched and monitored expectantly, he then pulled on the leash and then directed him toward the exit of the Firmanents. ] We are heading toward my office now, I've already had a nice perch set up for you at the side of my desk, so that you may rest while I conduct my business.

[ And perhaps one day, Essek would allow Bren underneath that desk? If he was good-- but that was neither here nor there; not yet voiced and the possibility unknown.

But Bren was welcome to think of it all he wanted. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren's eyes fluttered shut for a moment in something that was very apparently bliss at the praise -- and likely at the mixed nature of those words, at being called filthy as well -- and at that touch of that hand over his hair. A little flicker of a smile on his lips in gratitude.

Falling into step with his master once more, he followed obediently. There was an undeniable curiosity at the idea of seeing Essek's office, at learning more about this man he belonged to. The fact that his master already had an accommodation for him prepared set that warmth running through him once more.

And of course his mind wandered into the depths of the gutter at the idea of being subtly hidden beneath that desk, being allowed to pleasure his master, to serve as a cock warmer, to serve as anything Shadowhand Thelyss wished him to be. All these filthy thoughts that he had no right having.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The afternoon was spent getting Bren used to his work area-- the office was that befitting of the Shadowhand, and the desk was one that could easily fit just underneath it a very good Puppy-- though as of right now the cot to the side of it was for Bren, and hidden underneath one of the pillows was a dictionary of Undercommon, much like the one that Bren had at home.

Such a thoughtful little gift.

Essek settled into work, and for around two hours of afternoon he was quiet; the smell of parchment and the scratch of pen on paper as he wrote out missives, acceptances. A personal assistant came in with food for both Essek and Bren, laying trundle of food down in front of Bren before placing the Shadowhand's more utilitarian and easy to eat lunch (while working) on the desk in front.

After that came a meeting, something involving the magical protections of Bazzoxan, and fortification issues. All of these were of course spoken of exclusively in Undercommon, and during these meetings it probably would not be the best idea to break out the dictionary.

Though ever so often, Essek would shift to give Bren a pet, just to remind him to be a good boy. ]