"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]

[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. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren discovered the dictionary near immediately and couldn't help but beaming at the secret little gift. He was aware enough that he made certain that he only made use of it when it was only him and Essek in the room, not wanting to cause any trouble or draw any suspicion from those his master did business with. But it meant he could continue, and he was intent on the learning, facing it with the usual ravenous appetite he had for knowledge, even more so since it was a task that his master had set for him.

During the meeting, Bren made sure to keep himself quiet and inobtrusive, trying not to draw any attention or notice, doing his best to be the obedient and well-trained pet, making no indication that he understood any of what was being said. He caught some snippets he understood though, and filed away the rest of what he did not to jot down and translate later.

Each and every pet though, certainly kept him content and on his best behavior, eyes downcast and demure except when those touches came, and then blue eyes would lift with that air of near worship -- that grew ever and ever nearer with each passing moment.]

[zauberdecke]

[ It was encouragement right?

That was a form of training? He had already a feeling that the best way to train this one was through copious amounts of pets, though it was clear to anyone but him that the frequent pets and touches were also building a worship worthy of a deity, that already he had captured Bren in a circle of resolute protectiveness with but gentle hands.

A broken pet could not be further broken.

But if Bren had required being broken, Essek would've been more than adept at stepping into that role, but he found that he liked the presence of someone else in the office with him-- it felt warmer in a way that he had not noticed before. He would grow used to and spoiled for this, and it was as his right to do so. He could take any luxury he wanted, it was just that he was used to taking the luxury of companionship before, he who'd held himself off.

After a certain point, Essek did move up from his desk-- tidying his worksplace and then after picking up Bren's discarded harness, he motioned toward a little side antechamber with a arcane lock on it, therein lay a teleportation circle that would lead back to his own laboratories (which coincidentally was also on arcane lock against anyone but him.), it was a little note of Essek's prowess as a wizard, and the potential things that perhaps one day he may allow Bren to see.

May-- it was better than nothing. ]

You are in luck, we will not have to walk far back to my residence at all, then we can get you ready for the event I am to attend this evening.

[ It meant dressing up Bren as the most pretty of pets. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Encouragement with do it. Bren was weak to the praise, to the kindness and reassurance that somehow he was worth something, worth anything. His own mind was the far crueler tormentor in this, and would break his already broken psyche further if it were allowed to on its own. But then here was Essek, stopping that in its tracks and replacing it with purpose and small glimpses of absolution. Of course Bren looked at him like some divine presence.

Bren looked up from his book when Essek rose, climbing to his feet at that motion. There was something so utterly, naturally submissive about him that this was a second sort of nature, to be attuned to what his master wished of him that even that wordless motion was enough to have him obeying.

The magical skill of the Shadowhand had not been lost on Bren either. On the contrary, he was achingly curious to know more of it, even if he expected that part of his life may be largely over. He was not a wizard anymore. He was a pet, and he ought to be grateful for even being that..

His eyes widened at the sight of the teleportation circle never the less, and he could not resist stepping forward to walk around the perimeter of the circle, taking in the intricacies of the glyphs and sigils. Oh, yes, different than ones he had seen in the Empire, but of a similar nature enough that the flow of magic still made perfect sense, as if he could see the path the arcane energy would take as the spell took shape.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Around he walked, there was a pride there in his form as he circled the edge of the circle-- like he was at home here with magic, the circle glowed and cast a dusky purple light upon both Master and Pet, bathing them in trappings of the arcane.

His hand settled on a little button on the wall and a fission of energy came out for him to manipulate-- taking it between fingers and almost winding it like clock before a little beep, the alarm and lock was set. Of course there was a lock if it lead back to his own personal and private quarters. ]

Into the circle, Pet-- I will allow you the opportunity to observe later.. since this seems to be an especial interest of yours.

[ he motioned then for his Pet to his side. ] We were a bit late getting out of here and so we shall have to get ready quickly-- unfortunately I lose the time when I am in my books.

[ Once Bren came to his side, all it would take was a somatic to send them back to his residence, and most importantly into the teleportation circle of his arcane workroom. ]

[

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was totally going to draw this circle in his little notebook as soon as he got the chance so he could make a proper study if it. But he was distracted by that little rush of arcane energy. The broken Volstrucker watched as Essek's fingers to precisely and effortlessly wove -- or unwove, he suppose -- the lock that had been set on this circle.

He stepped inside the circle, offering a hopeful smile in his master's direction. Yes, this was an interest of his certainly, and the thought that Essek would allow him to pay closer attention later, well, he was clearly spoiled. Settling in close to Essek's side, close enough to touch but not daring to actually touch.

Getting ready did have him curious, since he did not know exactly what that would entail. He knew he'd be attired for this event, but he had no concept of what that dressing would look like. He'd leave it to Essek. Not that he had a choice, but there was something freeing about it being out of his hands. Once the spell swept them back, Bren would immediately be distracted looking around the workroom. Oh, oh he wanted to look around here too.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Stepping into the workroom after the fissure of the magic that went through them, after effects that caused the skin to prickle in a way that was reminiscent of arousal, Essek's own chosen gateway into such matters.

Already as he steps through the connecting door, he sees that the unseen servants have already laid out the garments for Bren-- his own though are hanging up and ready. ]

Now, be a good boy and start dressing-- if you need help with ties and such, you can come to me and I will affix anything, Chathtiu

[ Essek was already undoing his cufflinks that linked his sleeves to his finger jewelry, and then he was slipping off the tunic and if Bren was watching there was the reveal of lavender skin-- and underneath even deeper was the softest spray of star freckles. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren only cast one Orpheus-style look back at the workroom before he followed Essek back out into his master's chambers. His eyes flickered to the clothes that had been set out for him, before his eyes moved back to Essek just in time to see the drow start unfastening his clothes and stripping and Bren forgets entirely that he had dressing and undressing of his own to do in favor of staring at the newly revealed star-scattered skin, like a twilight sky he'd never seen before.

He could see those star freckles and wanted to study them, memorize their constellations, map every journey in his life by their direction and--

Fuck. There went his traitorous mind, betraying him, taking him down paths he had no right going. He forced his gaze away for a moment and began his own undressing, by now utterly without concern to be undressing in front of his owner. Being made to masturbate himself to climax in front of Essek earlier sort of made undressing feel very minor.

Still, he kept darting stolen glances back in the drow's direction, unable to help himself.]