"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]

[ 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.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had not been too concerned by Bren's own viewing of his body, undressing in a manner that he did not consider to be sexual in the slightest, he honestly did not think in those terms unless he was taking care of what he considered to be a problem. His mind was not wired in a way that was overly sexual even at the best of times.

Finally his garments fell to the floor to reveal his own very lithe frame, shoulders that were delicate and curved-- a navel that dipped down in a graceful v and with the hint of the line of some white fuzz disappearing down into small-clothes.

He slips his overtunic on then and then carefully starts on the ties that go up the side; a glance toward Bren then-- a kind smile. ] You look as if you require assistance, Pet.. I know Dynasty fashion can be a bit hard to navigate.

[ausgebrannt]

[Actually, Master, I'm distracted staring at you and having impure, inappropriate thoughts. Mentally scolding himself, especially in light of that kind smile and those kinder words, Bren at least had the decency to look faintly sheepish, a faint flush of red in his cheeks.

...though as he finally did look at the clothes in front of him, he conceded that he had no idea how to begin with half of it, so he nodded, casting a pleading glance back to Essek with nod.]

'Ja. Please.'

[Silently mouthed as he tries not to shift guiltily from foot to foot. Tonight, when they returned from this event, or tomorrow. He had sins to beg forgiveness for, to be properly punished for, and that list kept growing.]

[zauberdecke]

Well, the best way to start with is the skirt, so go ahead and strip--

[ Essek said as he wandered over to where the swathe of fabric lay, picking it up gingerly. The drow held it there while Bren divested himself of clothing though he did watch, of course he did because Bren was pleasing to the eyes, in his nakedness.

Also perhaps he'd seen a look at Bren's appendage and funnily enough, he wanted to see more?

He had never wanted to see more of anything then he did of his Pet, in his entire life. A curious thought indeed. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was entirely unaware of the fact that Essek thought him attractive. He'd never considered himself aesthetically pleasing. He was a pale, freckled, ginger thing who spent most of his life buried in books with ink-stained fingers. So there wasn't even a thought at his master wanting to look at him out of anything more than perhaps curiosity about the human form.

So he finished the stripping, folding his clothes carefully -- wardrobe of a pet or not, they were the finest fabrics he'd ever worn -- and setting them aside before just as carefully before turning to face Essek.

Skirt? How did this work?]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek swept forward there and then in turn he manuevered himself behind Bren as he placed the skirt around that waist, there was the brush of fabric-- very fine fabric indeed and then he pulled it taut and the drew the flap once again over until the two ties were able to be looped and tied. ]

I am used to solo dressing, but then I also have Mage Hand to assist in the process.

[ And against Bren's heated flush, Essek's cooler fingers would feel like an oasis. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Mage hand. Bren had always wondered if that was a cantrip he should have learned. It did seem useful, but he'd made other choices. All of that was moot right now anyway. Most of his magic was locked away from him by the silencing collar. A few spells were still available, but aside from that first little display upon meeting his master, he hadn't attempted any casting.

That line of thought abruptly came to a screeching halt and exploded at the incidental brush of those cool fingers against his skin. At least Essek was behind him now and couldn't see how red his face suddenly became. It was a bit embarrassing in general to need help dressing, but Essek was right. Dynasty fashion was indeed more complex than Bren was used to. Anything more elaborate than simple trousers and a tunic was more complex than Bren was used to.

He couldn't help but let his hands settle at his own hips, fingers touching over the fabric. Ooh. Soft. He cast a tentative glance over his shoulder at Essek.]

[zauberdecke]

You will look lovely.

[ Essek thought that his Pet was asking for confirmation-- he did not mind playing up to whatever vanity the other man had; he already had determined that he liked being praised. That was something that he could fully get behind, endorse even. A praise kink indeed, he had his own level of it but he'd had to work hard to surmount it.

Once the fastenings were in place, he took the strapped band and then moved to hold it out so that Caleb could put his arm through the central hole, that was just where it was over the heart, the little ring of which a leash could be attached.

The top part was really no more than a glorified and ornamental harness, and it bared Caleb's chest, all freckled plane of it; from the torso hair to the little dip of a trail. ] You need do nothing at this gathering except for follow me around and be subservient. [ And his fingers were already patiently tightening straps into place, through both arms and shoulders. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren is indeed entirely weak to being praised, and simultaneously terrible at taking compliments, so there was a moment in being called lovely where anyone looking would be able to see the way that his brain short circuited, as if the logic loop had shattered.

His brow furrowed in confusion and he half opened his mouth to argue. He wasn't able to speak, so that stopped him, and a moment later, Bren's better sense kicked in. Arguing with his master was probably not something he should be practicing. So, blush only intensifying, he dropped his head and tried to focused on not making dressing him any harder for Essek than it already was.

The ah... shirt really didn't cover anything at all, did it? His gaze lifted back up to his master when he spoke, nodding his understanding and trying to ignore the repeated frissons of excitement that each unintended brush oft hose graceful, cull fingers over his skin sent racing through him.]

[zauberdecke]

[ That was the least of Bren's worries though, for as Essek's fingers tightened the straps firmly into place, his eyes were already straying toward the makeup case. He would have to do his pet's make-up, just a brush of something, perhaps some gold dust and some liner.

After the final strap was in place, he stepped backward and then to the side, his fingers gesturing toward the bed. ]

Lay down, Chathtiu, we've one final thing to do to get you ready.

[ausgebrannt]

[...Bren wasn't sure what it had to do with dressing at all, but hearing Essek tell him to lay down and point to the bed had him grateful for the skirt. He emphatically did not need a repeat of this morning, not sure if he could survive the shame (and arousal) of it twice in one day.

Once he shook himself from that new moment of mental glitching, he moved to lie back on his master's bed, watching the drow in curiosity. The trust was there enough that he would not hesitate or question it though.

Settling back, he propped himself up on his elbows so that he could continue watching Essek. He'd never worn makeup. This would be new for him, and he had not even considered what he was in for with how Essek intended to apply it.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The Mage Hand deposited his own cosmetic kit in his hand, and then with an enigmatic smile he started toward the bed in a manner that held purpose more than anything else, like a cat of prey and with his Pet cornered. Then he tossed the kit on the bed and then knee on the mattress, he started toward Bren via a rather dignified crawl.

This just felt the best way to go about it, but then he'd never done someone else make-up before.

Once there, he shifted to straddle a single one of Bren's thigh while he opened up the kit with a very deft lean, the brushes and such revealed to him. ] I think that eyeliner and lip-gloss, and a bit of eyeshadow-- that is all you really require.

[ He dragged the brush against the cream of the liner. ] This is traditional for most pets to be made up in such a way as this. [ Good thing for that skirt because Essek was settling back right against that thigh that was now straddled between his knees. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren could feel his heart try to leap into his throat while shunting all his blood to much lower climes as he watched Essek crawling towards him on the bed. This was a trial, wasn't it? It was a test, and he was immediately failing it. His breath caught in a silent gasp, blue eyes wide, looking every bit the cornered prey about to be devoured by this unfairly beautiful predator moving towards him.

He forced himself to take a breath, hoping that the dark fabric of the skirt and his master's focus on doing his makeup might keep him from being immediately noticed.

So he nodded quickly. Yes, eyeshadow and lip-gloss. Definitely.

He'd never worn makeup in his life, and he couldn't even begin to focus on that the way he could feel Essek sitting on his thigh. Breathe. Remember to breathe.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Oh Bren--

There was not very much that Essek did not notice; unfortunately for the Pet, the Master was not named Shadowhand just for amusements sake. He noticed things, it was what his entire occupation was. So he did perceive that tenting in the skirt, the way that the shape seemed to leave shadows that may not be so apparent standing up but which in this position was a beacon's alarm.

He leaned forward then, one forearm on the pillow next to Bren's head as he murmured encouragingly with the brush held brandished with the other. ] Eyes closed.

[ A little huff as he waited for Bren to carry out his order. ]

I may have to get you a muzzle, you are obedient but it appears that you are very frisky and have little control over your cock, mmmm? I will need something to keep it in place so we don't let all of Rosohna know what a filthy little Pet you are.