formmusebox | for Essek (lacrymaperle)

for Essek (lacrymaperle) - vampire/werewolf au

[There had been a simpler time, several years before when Bren hadn't yet known Trent Ikithon, a time when he was thoroughly and blissfully unaware of the things that existed in the dark, when the ideas of werewolves and vampires and other creatures that ought to have been nothing more than fairy tale fodder. Instead, his paths had crossed with Trent and everything had changed. He'd been thrown into a small walled courtyard one night, under the light of a full moon, and he had not been alone. That was the first time he had met a werewolf. Bren remembered the bite, still had the scar of it on one forearm, remembered the confusion and the terror -- both of which were nothing compared to the full moon that followed the month after, the first time he'd transformed. He remembered the pain of his entire body breaking and reshaping itself, the fear of losing himself entirely. He'd blacked out that night, woken up naked and aching as if he'd been run over by a bus.

It had been the same very moon since, except that piece by piece, bit by bit, he held onto some small shred of himself during the transformation. Trent Ikithon had explained that all this was for Bren's own good, that he was safer here than anywhere else. that there were vampires who would tear him apart on sight, one in particular, a singular monster who Trent seemed to have a personal loathing for. Bren tried to probe why any vampire, never mind a particular one, would have any interest in him. No explanation was ever given except that 'the Shadowhand will never have you. Not in this life or the next. I will see to that.'

Bren had no idea what that meant. Before all this, the only strange thing in his life were recurring dreams -- and oh they were beautiful things. Arms that were secure and safe around him, tender and gentle but not warm. The soft lilt of a voice that assured him everything would be well, that wherever he went he would be found again. Trent had hated the dreams and had done his best to cast them out of Bren's conscious awareness. Now they were barely shadows, things he could remember the feeling of more than the details. It hurt even trying to recall them, so he didn't.

This past moon Bren had made his escape after he transformed, finally aware enough of himself that he had his chance. He was free. That was the only thought in his mind right now and it repeated in echoed mantra over and over again as he tried to keep himself from spiraling into a breakdown. It had been years since he'd been out, actually out in the world, not kept with Trent Ikithon's control, trapped within the grounds of that monster's manor. He was, after all, Trent's pet project, for whatever reasons the old bastard had. It didn't matter. Back in that direction lay only pain and isolation. He wouldn't go back.

Of course, he didn't really have a plan to go forward either, really. Even before he'd been captured and turned, he hadn't had any family left, few friends, and he'd been out of the world for years now. He managed to ~~steal~~ find some clothes, ill-fitting, a coat that was too big on his underfed frame, a scarf wrapped about his neck. He was a mess, long copper hair in tangles past his shoulders, his beard untrimmed, a frantic fear in wide blue eyes as he tried to find somewhere to hide, somewhere to get his bearings. He couldn't let Trent find him again. This was freedom, and he would not give it up.

A soft meow caught his attention, and he looked up in surprise as a small orange tabby approached him. For the first time in a long while, Bren smiled.] Hello there... [The little creature sniffed his outstretched hand and headbutted his fingers. It was the first kind touch that he'd known in so long, he almost teared up over it.] Well, at least I am not alone anymore. That's comforting.

[Now if he could just figure out what the hell he was going to do, where he was going to go.]

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[Bren held the cat close, a feline security blanket that he was not ready to relinquish, certainly not if Frumpkin was willing to stay with him. Something about him was surprisingly comforting, again that flicker of familiarity.

The same that he felt when he looked to the stranger who was so generously taking him in. Bren's mind may not remember -- had specifically been conditioned away from remembering -- but unbeknownst to the redhead, his soul did. His heart and soul remembered all too clearly, and it was enough that he could feel the worst of his fear ebbing as they walked on. For tonight at least he'd be safe from Trent's wolves, safe from being taken back to that terrible place. But it felt even safer than that, and he wasn't sure what to make of that feeling.

He was puzzling over that thought right up until the house came into view. Except no, this wasn't a house. He'd seen houses, lived in houses. This was just shy of a palace, a sprawling mansion that stopped Bren straight in his tracks. This estate looked perfectly suited to the elegant drow who'd been out on horseback in the evening woods.

Hesitating, he looked to Essek.]

This is your home?

[A glance down at himself and the general state of... well, everything about him. No, he did not belong in a place like this at all, did he?] Perhaps the bath first.

Do not be ridiculous--

[ Essek flickered a glance at the hollow cheeks of the redhead, how they made him appear gaunt and worn out, like a wraith. It did not take x-ray vision to understand that underneath the shirt that was meant to be fitted, clearly was hanging on him and if one pressed the fabric against ribs, he would see them enumerated clearly as if they were a beacon for malnutrition.

He was angry but he did not show it, rather cast the other man a indolent aside. ]

You do not look like you have had a proper meal in weeks, a tray can easily be sent up to your rooms.

[ He talked to the cat then, his eyes on the cat with those eyes that were quite serious even though it was a bit ridiculous to boot. ]

Frumpkin, bunt your head against this man's cheek if he needs a bath, bite his wrist if he should be fed first.

[ Ahaha, as if the cat should even be able to make that distinction, except the cat glanced over at Bren with those illuminated eyes, then leaned in, gave a single lick to wrist before he bit it.. though not firmly enough to hurt but rather just enough to get an attention. After that came the bunting of the head against the cheek. Frumpkin had easily decided the fate of this man.]

Well then, Frumpkin has decided it-- come on.. [ A single beat them ] Your name?

Edited 2023-03-08 23:38 (UTC)

[Bren blinked at that. Was it so ridiculous? Bren could admit he was hungry, yes. He'd been on the run since the full moon, and even before that Trent seldom fed him enough to do anymore than survive, and even then barely that. It kept him weak and easily controllable, or so the bastard thought.]

Longer than weeks... [He admitted in a low whisper. Essek did have him on that.

And apparently so did the cat. His eyebrows lifted as the other man instructed Frumpkin as if he expected the feline to understand. Clearly he did. Bren squawked in surprise as he was so gently bitten.]

I am ganged up on by a cat.

[But he pet said cat with nothing but affection as he turned a sheepish ghost of a smile up to Essek. This man was showing him more kindness than anyone had in years, more than he even came close to deserving.]

Well, I cannot argue with Frumpkin. That would be poor manners.

[He hesitated at the question of his name. He was no one. That was the truer answer, and he considered giving an alias, but instead he answered with the simple truth.]

Bren. [He ducked his head.] And I'm very grateful for your hospitality. I fear it may be some time before I can pay you back for it.

I have learned never to argue with Frumpkin, he is generally right.

[ and as they walked side by side then toward the house, Essek cast a glance up at Bren with a wry smile that was a little bit warmer than previous smiles had been, still cautious and reserved-- a trifle on the cool side but not icy anymore. The smile made him remember and he could feel his cool cheeks want to heat, but unfortunately because it had been a day since he'd fed, his cheeks were not as warm and would resist such a bodliy function. ]

I am Lord Thelyss, as far as paying he back for hospitality; you did not run off with my cat so perhaps it is well earned, you look rather like you wanted to and I would not blame you.

[ He knew conceivably that Frumpkin would never be held against his will, he was of the Feywild after all, but still Bren did not know that so it was a good altruistic reason to hide behind aside from the whole 'you are my reincarnated lover' angle that wanted to ply from his lips ]

[Bren found himself rather stunned by that smile, his heart tripping over itself as it hammered away in his chest as if banging on the cage of his ribs for him to pay attention, to realize, to remember. It nearly stopped him in his tracks, but his own expression softened, a brighter and more genuine smile than had been on his face in a long time, so long the muscles had almost forgotten how to make the expression.]

Lord Thelyss... [The smile was replaced by shock and surprise. Even Bren, one of the least fashionable person in the Zemni Fields knew who Essek Thelyss was. Well, no wonder the drow wanted to burn his clothes.]

Ah... not committing a crime is a rather low bar.

[But Bren would not argue it. More and more he did not want to give himself a reason to leave this man's company, and not only because of his fear of the wolves that may be prowling the night in search of him.]

[ Lord Thelyss of Thelyss Designs, the Exandria-renowned fashion designer who set the style; there were several rumors about the rather introvert designer but all of them had always been unverified. To Bren, likely he would know the basics that others would know, that he was the grandson of the originator of the fashion house-- but none of the real details. That was infinitely convenient and not important, and well Essek did not want to explain anything further then what may casually come up in conversation.

Up the fine marble steps they went as the house loomed closer and the clock tower chimed 1 am, a lilting sonorous sound. He allowed his fingers to graze against the balustrade as they walked side by side. ]

I can handle crimes, I cannot handle cat-napping.

[ a teasing smile, a slow thawing as the doors swung open the closer they got as if by some unseen and magical source. The butler was there to glean the orders and Essek started to give directives with an efficiency that was a boon to the capable, letting Bren sit back and not have to think, only enjoy the fact that everything would be taken care of. Meanwhile Frumpkin settled in those arms with no real reason to move, a purring happy mess of a cat as he worked his bond slowly over the man.

If Frumpkin noticed Bren's werewolf state during the prying, it would be for the most part kept a secret. ]

The Amber Room will be occupied for the time being, please have a tray food sent up as well as some pajama pants for sleepwear.

[ A bath would be in order as Essek had promised but first food, Bren clearly needed it, more than he needed to be clean, and on others Essek would never endure the subtle stentch but this was different ]

[Somehow he'd escaped from Trent's clutches, fled on foot with no idea where he was going and found his way to the estate of one of the most famous names in the fashion industry. Bren didn't understand any of it, he had simply run. If he thought back on it more closely, maybe he would consider that he had been pulled in this direction, to this place. But that was ridiculous. He had never been to this place before, nor anywhere so fancy or elegant.

Bren followed Essek up the stairs and inside, brightening up once again at the smile the other man fixed on him, like it was some sort of unstoppable chemical reaction.]

I suppose cat-napping is particularly abhorrent.

[The werewolf -- who desperately wanted to hide the fact that he was, in fact, a werewolf -- fell silent when the butler appeared, watching in wary curiosity. He was waiting for someone to convince Lord Thelyss that he was out of his mind bringing an absolutely filthy hobo into his home. But that didn't happen.

So he turned to rub his cheek against Frumpking's fur, murmuring a soft string of endearments in Zemnian about what an excellent kitty he was.]

Thank you for all this. [This time he spoke to Essek rather than the cat.] It's... it's been a long time since someone has offered kindness. I'm grateful.

[ There was only minute surprise at the term Amber Bedroom, a room that Essek rarely opened. There were times where he hosted house parties here, once in a blue moon but the Amber Bedroom had always been sacred and no one was ever given it, but of course Bren would not know that, could not know that. It was a room that got the best of the morning light, with the amber glow peeking through the curtains, but Essek had never seen why it had been given that name, never would

'what I would not give to see you with the dawn, ussta'chaithu' and the ensuing embrace, arms around his waist and the press of a face against his cool neck, the retort, 'I am yours by dawn, day, twilight and night, even if are not there to see it'

A clench rolled through him at that, deep and hot-- a surface memory so deep and that sliced through the ice, just a little bit, of his heart. He nodded then and then started up the curving stairs, the house was far warmer than the man who owned it. The butler behind them hurried away to rouse the kitchens while Essek would show the man to his rooms. ]

I understand matters of pride quite well, Bren; and I do not offer kindness to everyone. When people refer to me, the term 'kind' or 'altruistic' never come into the conversation; however I do have several tasks that I have left too long un-attended to and we may discuss if perhaps you are suitable to the endeavor.

[ A library of books in disarray, for a few hundred years because it had been his and Essek had not the wherewithal to touch them when ever spine held a memory. Of slipping in to wrap his arms around his lover's shoulders, soft moments in front of the fire as they cuddled and his lover read aloud to him or the press of body against shelf as his teeth buried in flesh and pleasure arched between them in between the panting gasping moans of his mate as he claimed him. ]

Edited 2023-03-09 11:41 (UTC)

[Bren did not understand the significance of the Amber Bedroom, but it sounded far fancier than he likely deserved. He was not going to protest anything that Essek was kind enough to provide right now. This was far better fortune than he had any right to expect, and he needed the help right now. Desperately. But more than that, something in him felt like he needed to be close to the drow. Everything about the other man is almost frighteningly enthralling.

Following close behind, Bren couldn't stop his gaze from roaming everywhere, taking in every detail that he could. This place seemed ancient but new at the same time, somewhat like his host.]

Tasks? [The protests of being kind wasn't something Bren could believe, not with how generous Lord Thelyss was being to a a frankly filthy hobo.]

If there is work here... yes, I could do that.

[At least until the next full moon. He'd have to leave before then. But until then he'd have a place to stay, warm and fed and safe.]

[ We would see if Frumpkin let Bren go; that unfortunately was beside the point. Right now Essek knew that the other man felt strange and ill-at-ease here within this miniature palace. A valid point really since it could be daunting, the stairs and the neverending cooridoors; the winding stairs that went around and around leading up to turreted chambers that were secreted by time.

The Amber rooms were in the same wing but different side. Where the Amber rooms got much sunlight, the Amethyst was not given such a luxury, as it was swathed and drapped in perpetual darkness from it's placement within the house, a room with no windows, just as he preferred. ]

My library has been in disarray since my ah.. husband passed away, and requires a bit of attention. Perhaps you may set it to rights?

[ That was a test of course, to see how Bren reacted to books. Was this really Caleb, had the soul been reincarnated properly? It felt like an almost loaded question ]

You would be left to your own devices during the day of course, as I keep nighttime hours; but this is something that we may discuss when I wake up tomorrow evening--

[Bren's eyes lit up, that cerulean blue brightening as if the sun was breaking across the summer sky. He turned to look at Essek, trying and failing to hold back at least some of his excitement.]

You have a library? [Could he see it? He very much wanted to see it, though perhaps after a meal and a bath and clothes that would be best.]

I. Ja, I would be able to help with that. [Calmer, Bren. No need to seem too eager. It might put the rich, gorgeous man off and make him second guess having him here, or allowing him to help with the books.]

I would like that, very much. I am good with books. I am sure I could sort it out. [And read the books. He would like to read the books. May he read the books? He would read the books anyway, especially if left to his own devices. Reading would probably help with rearraying the disarray.

He did pause to look curious. A night person? Well, he did meet the man on a moonlight ride. Maybe that wasn't surprising. Strange maybe, but not surprising.]

[ The response was circumspect but the deep anticipatory energy arced out like the synergetic crackle of a energy storm over the distance, just under the surface that beautiful lightning only barely touching clouds. But there was also a simmering fire underneath the surface, a thirst for knowledge that had been one of the best things about his lover; the insatiable hunger for books and learning that had driven him.

Perhaps some of that had driven him to his doom; which made Essek feel guilty because he, he should've been there-- if he had been there, he could've.

But he would not curtail that which gave this man life as well and he offered a rather wry smile in response while he guided them down the wing that housed most of his private living quarters, finally though he approached a door on which was affixed a bright yellow amber stone deeply within the center; it glowed just underneath the low light of the corridor. He pushed it open and then motioned for Bren to enter, a soft smile caressing against his lips.

The room glowed warmly, it was large enough that it could comfortably house a sitting area just before a partition that would lead to the bed dias. Soft dark amber curtains swathed windows from two sides and the softer amber combined with dark woods in cherry, a warm fire was settled in the hearth-- a magical fire that always burned for sentimental reasons known only to Essek. ]

We will discuss then the details and I will show you the library after you eat and bathe, those are more pressing matters to attend to, yes.

[ And because appearances must be kept ]

In the state you are in right now, I will not let you touch any of the books.

Of course, yes. I would not blame you.

[Bren nodded in full understanding, though not without the faint rise of a blush across his cheeks, something touching on shame. He had not seen a mirror in a long time even before he'd escaped, and he knew that the clothes he had managed to scavenge were covered in dirt after his continued flight through the woods, away from anything approaching civilization until he had been certain he was far enough away from Trent Ikithon. He was a mess at the moment, bedraggled and worse for the wear, but he had pinned his hopes on a meal and a bath significantly improving that. A pair of scissors and a razor would not go amiss either.

He was distracted from these thoughts by stepping into what was a shockingly lavish room. Everything about it was soft and warm, glowing with an inviting aura that drew the exhausted werewolf in like a promise of respite and safety.

He felt like he had come home, which was strange given he'd never set foot in anywhere so beautiful as this manor before. His eyes caught on the fire in the fireplace, already burning, already casting warmth into the room.

Standing in the center, Bren wrapped his arms around himself as if he were half afraid to touch anything in here, as lovely as it all was.]

This is beautiful. [He couldn't help but ask, with a glance to the fire.] Were you expecting guests?

[ To be honest, Essek was not as disturbed by Bren's filth. A little yes, and the stench was still rather strong but Essek was slowly figuring out that this was not something that Bren had any sort of control over; that was forgivable. It only sent an ache of rage which he could let simmer on the backburner. No, firstly and most importantly was to get those basic needs met; needs that no one should not have to fight for and certainly not his reincarnated husband.

The question took him by surprise as he looked at the fire in the hearth, how it crackled and how it always seemed to smell of cloves and ginger. Like some unseen ghost of memory was casting the things that Caleb loved the best into those warm flames. He started to clear off the table, delicately picking up Caleb's favorite book, Der Katzenprinz and then moving it off onto the sofa settled comfortably before the fire.

To make room for the tray that would very soon be brought up. ]

My late husband said that the hearth was the soul of a home and so a fire is kept burning in his honour-- in this very room. I do not have unexpected guests often and it was the only room unfortunately with a fire lit inside of it, however this is as good a room as any.

[ Essek slid his own hands together then and watched as Frumpkin finally hopped down to loaf by the fire, now seemling content that Bren was given this room and casting the tired man a slow-blink of affection. That filled Essek with fondness, it felt familar and he could feel his own entire being with a nostalgia that he had to school his features of. ]

You may look around, I will go ahead and pre-run a bath for you, dinner should be here very soon. There are a few books in the bookcase.. [ Caleb's smut novels, of course ] which you are free to read as suits your taste.

[ Essek was going to run the bath for scalding and then it would be warm enough to enter by the time this tired hobo man actually ate something ]

[Bren's eyes caught on that book -- one that he'd loved as a child, the pang of something that ran even deeper than simple nostalgia. He shifted closer by inches towards the fire burning so warmly in that hearth, sighing a soft relieved sound at the wash of that heat over him, as if the heat from the fire itself could cleanse him.

He looked back as Essek spoke. Oh.

Was it really okay for him to stay in this room then, given that symbolism.]

It's a very good room, nicer than I have ever seen.

[Really. He'd be fine in a coat closet with a blanket at this point, but he would not turn down a real bed and a warm fire. He hesitated before saying, softly.]

I'm sorry, for your loss.

[It was clear that however long ago that Lord Thelyss had lost his husband, so much of the man was still here. The burning fire, the untouched library. But Bren knew that love could inhabit hearts and homes long after death parted lovers.

Ducking his head in gratitude, he offered another grateful smile, small and tentative like he was still getting the hang of the expression again.]

Thank you. If it is not too much to ask, scissors and a razor would be very much appreciated.

[ Essek would absolutely not put Bren in a coat closet; there were certain guests during one of his soirees that he had deemed worthy of a coat-closet adjacent type room but this man, no never. This man deserved the room, though he could not precisely say as much. An incline of his head at the condolences that came from those lips, the barest flicker of something behind those eyes but-- only for the memories, not with the soul stood before him.

He ducked them into the room just beyond, turning on the light to reveal a soft glow.

The sound of spigots being turned and then water rushed into a clawfoot tub, elegantly appointed. There had been very few updates to this room, for sentimental reasons so what was in here was fixtures rom another time and another era. The lights powered my transfiguration magic that lingered long after Caleb had passed away.

Once he added bathing oils to the bathwater, a bar of sandalwood soap was pulled from the wristpocket (he was fastidious and if he went out in public, he did not use other people's soap), he searched for towel and bathrobe, and then went to locate the shaving kit that had been his husbands. Ever gleaming underneath stationary Dancing Lights, he remembered when he would shave him, sitting on the counter as Caleb stood before him.

As he was making preparations, there was a knock on the door and a servant came in; a blue tiefling with blue hair and a charming personality. She carried the tray and set it down on the table that was cleared for him ]

~It looks like Essek brought someone home, how exc~iting! What's your name, I'm Jester. I hope you like cupcakes, because Essek doesn't like anything~

[ She rounded on Bren with a smart smile on her face, and thus proving to Caleb that at the very least there were friendly faces here. ]

~Oh, you kinda stink; I bet that bath is for you!~

[ But it didn't sound derogatory coming from her in the slightest ]

Edited 2023-03-11 01:37 (UTC)

[Bren lingered by the fire, mostly, though he couldn't quite hold back from going to look at the books on the shelf nearby. Oh. Those kind of books. He flushed and made a note of that for later, when he was by himself. For now though, he wandered back towards the fire, listening to the sounds in the next room as Essek prepared the bath.

That was the moment that he truly realized that he was being taken care of. This was new for him, and for a moment his heart tripped over itself in his chest, taking to fluttering rather than beating properly. He couldn't understand why though. He was hardly worth the trouble, had nothing to offer at all save for the chance of bringing danger to Lord Thelyss' doorstep if he weren't careful.

He startled at the knock, calling a hesitant,] Come in...

[His eyes widened at the tray the woman carried before widening further at her exuberance. Oh. That was new for him.]

That... I, ja. I think I like them.

[It had been a while. He blinked at being told that he smelled, but he couldn't be surprised.]

It is. I suppose I need it badly.

[ A voice called out from the bathroom, damn that vampiric hearing. Ultimately keen though certainly not the gift that Caleb had of keen mind, still it had been a boon in it's own way. He was setting out the shaving powder, the scalpel type razor, the little towels. All of these things that were necessary perhaps for the other man's comfort. ]

Please do not overwhelm him, Jester-- he is very tired, there will be time for that tomorrow.

[ Jester smiled and settled the tray down. It held a selection of cut up sausages, wurst, a little container of creamed mustard, some gherkins, pretzel rolls that had just the amount of hard and soft to them, some other little roasted vegetables. Food that could be nibbled on. And of course there was a cupcake, bright purple with little candy sprinkles on it which looked a bit out of place on the tray. Next to it a steaming cup of apple cider that may have smelled of something like home. ]

~If you need anything else, you should definitely ring the bell.. over there.~ [ Jester pointed toward a little rope attached to a bell, and then she giggled ] This is a very old house so it has a lot of really cool stuff, lots of mysteries and secrets. Like our dashing Employer.

[ Essek came out and said this calmly but not without a hint of resigned affection ] That is enough Jester, you may show him the majority of the grounds tomorrow while I am asleep.

[ Jester smiled and then gave Bren a smile ] ~Oh don't worry, I'll show you every single room in the house, promise~ [ she called as she was dancing out of the room, merrily-- like a sundrop. ]

I should have reminded you that my staff has very little in the way of bounderies.

[Bren offered Jester a smile in return, though his eyes dropped once more to that tray. There was more food on it than he had seen in total the past month, maybe longer. His mouth watered, but he held back, looking over in the direction of Essek's voice. Very keen hearing. Then again, this young woman's voice seemed like it may carry. There was something effortlessly charming about her that threw off the better part of Bren's defenses.]

Yes, thank you. I'll be sure to. You've been very kind. [So has Essek. Another glance to Jester and he smiled once more.] He certainly is dashing.

[A handsome lord on horseback who had quite literally swept in and rescued him from the dark of the woods. Those romance novels on the shelf, they couldn't have crafted a better hero. He went stiff when he realized Essek had returned to the room and probably heard that comment. Well done, Bren. Top marks today.

He lifted a hand to wave as the whirlwind of sunshine that was the little blue tiefling swept out of the room.]

She seems quite sweet. [He looked to the tray of food, almost not sure where to begin, or if he was really be offered all this.] This is enough food for weeks.

[ Essek had heard the dashing and it did not look like he had precisely noticed it, that composure. However he did, he chewed thoughtfully on his lower lip-- exposing a fang, was not uncommon to be honest. He was a drow, and by nature drows had sharpened incisors abd light sensitive skin that could go from pale grey to dark lavender. It was likely the reason why no one thought he was a vampire, for those same reasons.

He was luckier than most for all of those reasons. There was no explaining though the way that his reflection in the mirror was more like prismatic & blurred light that had neither form nor function. Resonant Echo did have it's uses. ]

Weeks, no-- maybe twenty-four hours. If this is the amount you are fed in the period of weeks, however..?

[ Essek trailed off, he did not like that thought at all; that whoever had hooks in Bren had abused him so thoroughly that such things as rest and food had been deprived him, or at the very least meagerly portioned out. His fingers clenched in the palms of his hand, digging in sharply as he repressed the urge to start his meticulous questioning that would allow him to know who he had to move to the front of the line on his kill list ]

I would caution you eat it slowly however, or else your stomach will likely rebel. I can always cast a cantrip on it that keeps it warm.

[ A fashion designer and a wizard? Well, Essek had a long while to cultivate such things and so he located a wing chair and curled up in it rather like a cat, with his feet tucked up underneath him and watching Bren with those piercing starlit eyes ]

[Right, yes. His perspective was likely skewed at this point in time. He wondered if his generous rescuer would even believe him if he spoke of where he had been, how long he had been held, or if it would sound like the fabricated ramblings of some mad man who had spent too long on the streets.]

Ah... yes. It is a long story, I think.

[He admitted, hesitating before picking up the cider. He shut his eyes for a moment and breathed in the aroma of it -- sweet and spiced. Something in it made tears threaten, a faint sheen to blue eyes before he took a sip, a soft appreciative sound as the warmth and sweetness touched his tongue.

His stomach, suddenly realizing that this promise of food was not some cruel illusion, chimed in with a growl, and Bren reached to pick up one of the sausages. He nodded his agreement at the caution.]

Ja. You're right of course.

[But he did nod miss that implication.] You practice the arcane?

[Fascinating. That had always had his interest, but he'd been a bit derailed in any attempts at study once he'd crossed paths with Trent Ikithon.]

You do not need tell me your story. I understand how things can be awkward or hard to tell so it is not necessary.

[ Even though Essek wanted to know, he would also develop this naturally and organically. Rosohna was not built in a day, though the concept of it was. His fine Dynasty voice was naturally calm and placid; there was little of this man that wasn't collected with such effortless poise, giving away nothing of the tempestuous storm underneath the waves. His fingers moved idly over the arms of the wing chair, remembering when he'd had someone to share it with him-- his favorite times was settling on his lap while they read together. ]

Yes I do, we Drow live for a very long time-- so I've had time you could say, two hundred years to be exact; it was my main area of study before fashion seized my interest. I still practice though not as much as I would like.

[ The tacit expression of interest caused a squeeze of something to curl around his heart; a familiarity-- Caleb had lived for the arcane, had been so clever. He wondered if Bren would seize concepts as assiduously, he rather hoped to find out. ]

There are many books on the subject in the library, I would not mind if you perused them while you are staying here to organize my library.

[ A graciously proffered enticement. And Essek was pleased to note that Bren was working through the food slowly and patiently, could see how how the food hit like a vision of heaven. His fingers clenched the armrest fiercely as he tried to keep back his rage once again ]

Edited 2023-03-12 00:46 (UTC)

That's... thank you. That's a lot of faith to offer a stranger, especially one who looks like me.

[Covered in dirt, worn through and scraggly. Bren was self aware enough to understand that it was strange and surprising that anyone -- never mind one of the wealthiest men in Wildemount -- would stop and take someone in his condition to their house and ask no questions whatsoever. But he was grateful.

He continued to nibble at the food, looking further relieved with each bite, like his body was still taking some convincing to believe that this was real. Everything was delicious, possibly the best food that he had ever had in his life. He forced himself to go slow though, pausing to sip at the cider like it was some sort of ambrosia.]

Really? Then I will take that opportunity. I had begun study when I was younger.

[He'd had the spark; that's what his parents had said, but he was half certain by now it had been snuffed out in him. Maybe he could reignite it again. Reluctantly he set down the cider and took a breath. He'd tried a few things from the tray, but he didn't want to make himself sick.]

Perhaps the bath now?

Yes, a bath would do you good, and you can always return to the meal as soon as you come back out.

[ The look of approval seemed to backlight his eyes as he regarded the way that Bren ate the food cautiously and carefully. Oh, he would never have blamed the man if he had stuffed the food into his mouth as if he'd never eaten before in his entire life, but it was appreciated that he did not have to use a spellslot of prestidigitation to clean up an unfortunate mess. Essek then unwound himself gracefully from where he was sitting and then started toward the bathroom, making a somatics gesture unseen to quick cast Resonant Echo so it would 'appear' like he had a reflection within the mirror.

Once they were inside, he gestured toward the towels, the bathrobe, the soaps. ]

I have laid out the shaving kit on the counter, I am afraid that it is a bit old, but currently the only one I have-- do you know how to work the outdated ones?

[ Referring of course to the folding scalpel with the wooden handle as well as the little brush tucked into a cup, which he gestured to indolently ]

Edited 2023-03-12 02:44 (UTC)

[If Bren noticed the approval, well, it would certainly explain the little flush of warmth that washes through the whole of him. It would be nice, after all, to be viewed as any kind of good after the way his life had been these past years.

Following Essek, he didn't notice the spellcasting, too busy looking at the old fashioned but absolutely beautiful bathroom. He wanted to take it all in at once, but his eyes fixed on the tub -- large and welcoming and promising a blissful warmth and clean that he had not known in longer than he could remember.

He did pause to look back at his host. Oh.]

I never have used one, but I will puzzle it out. [Probably without too much blood. But it's not like he can ask Lord Thelyss to assist him.]

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