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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[ The hand laid right against Bren's forearm was gentle and full of tenderness. For all that the drowpire could be as far and as cold as the most distant star in the solar system-- his reputation forever proceeding him; Now however there was a thin thread of vulnerability of which the source came from the man beside him. His heart clenched with a protectiveness that he had not felt for nearly a century but now bubbled up to the surface with such fearsome emotions.

As they walked, Essek did a brief sigil with his other hand just underneath the forearm, casting duplicate self. Something that he always did especially as the fact that there would be photographs taken at this soiree. Bren would feel the warm wind of magic like a lover's kiss, a familiarity of the aether as the spell took shake to create that imprint that would appear in all photographs.

Into the folds of society and all eyes were on Essek as he entered with Bren at his side-- the crowds seemed to part like waters at their entrance, and then hushed whispers rippled like waves-- speculation over who the mystery man was that was accompanying the owner of the premier fashion house renowned across Exandria. ]

People are already talking about who you are, however I am not inclined to reveal anything more than you being my handsome escort, let them talk a little bit-- you are my delightful mystery.

[ A few people step forward to greet and exchange pleasantries, a few of them men whom seem to have their eyes trained on Essek with much admiration in their gazes and the rolling hint of fawning that was almost as keen as a tangible scent. ]

[Bren could indeed feel the flush of magic shivering beneath his touch, even if he was still coming to understand magic fully in this life. It was oddly a second nature to him, as if his soul remembered wielding the arcane power, muscle memory that had somehow survived from one life into the next. Just like his heart remembered beating for Essek Thelyss and Essek Thelyss alone.

This was the first time that the werewolf had been out among a crowd of people since he had been turned, and he could feel the anxiety building inside him, threatening to choke his from his lungs. But Essek was there, and Bren drew strength from his presence, from the contact of Essek's hand on his arm.]

A mystery am I? I suppose that's appropriate enough. Let them talk, so long as they know I am yours, nothing else matters.

[Except perhaps that people also knew that Essek was his -- and this realization came into very sharp focus when the first few people approached and began making polite conversation. It was the way some of them looked too long at Essek, the fawning and the flattery that had Bren shifting closer ever so slightly, fighting the urge to bare his teeth.

Instead he quite deliberately moved to set a hand against the small of Essek's back, a gentle but pointedly intimate touch, a subtle claim for anyone watching. This man was his, and he would not be sharing him with anyone.]

[ Essek had given Bren a few lessons within the structures of their time together, however not many. Not when they had a lifetime with which to catch-up; when Essek would rather curl up and cuddle with his lover. But he knew that the indepth magic lessons would happen, however he understood also that the soul was self-driven; would grasp concepts unprompted. Sometimes it was just enough to lay out the tools like a banquet and allow the soul to partake as he saw fit.

He knew that the soul would come out and would seize and focus. He would not pressure Bren until that time came, and then he would gladly spend hours upon hours in magical theory and studies; his other true passion other than his lover's soul-- and fashion of course.

A tilt of his head, archly-- in Bren's direction as he felt the hand drift downward to the small of his back. A warm warning of possession and one that sent a thrill running through Essek; anticipatory and hot. It felt primal and warm, a warning to all other predators. Except, Essek knew full well that he himself was a predatory of sorts.

That did not make it any less sexy, too alpha men who were pointed in their ownership of each other.

A few more pictures were snapped of them, from the outskirts of the ballroom-- as Essek made his way from person to person, exchanging pleasantries here and then some well-meaning shop talk here. Essek's hand was taken a few times, kisses pressed to the back of it. And all the while Essek kept himself mindful of the man beside him, gauging his reactions as they came. ]

[And Bren was all too eager in those lessons, and in his own studies during the daylight hours where he could not be with Essek -- though more and more his own schedule had become nocturnal to match his lover's. His still-secret lupine nature made it an easy adjustment, as the wolf desired to thrive beneath the moon as well, no matter what it's phase in the night sky.

And he wanted to spend as much time with Essek as he could, in his arms, by his side. Even in public like this, Bren was exactly where he wanted to be. If he noticed the tilt of that head, noticed Essek's reaction to his possessive gesture, he didn't show it. But that hand remained where it was, against the graceful arch of that back, fingers teasing a light touch there, the trace of an invisible rune as if muscle memory would have him cast some spell to keep Essek by his side if he could.

Ignoring the cameras for the most -- save for the unfortunate flashes that set unwanted stars in his eyes for a moment before they faded -- he managed to smile and be engaged in the introductions and the people that they met. Most of these individuals were treated to the cordial if somewhat reserved side of him, the rust beginning to shake off from what used to be a decent amount of charisma.

Those who decided to ply Essek's hands with kisses however, were met with a harder gaze, the smile that may have graced his lips not making it anywhere near blue eyes that burned dangerously, a smile that showed just a bit too much teeth, a voice that was roughened by the start of a growl that wanted to steal the words away entirely.

At one point, after one of these hand-kissing introductions, once the preliminary introductions and niceties were spoken and the drowpire had started in on what was likely professional and political conversation, Bren made a point to take Essek's hand, to lift it to his own lips. He pressed a kiss to the back of his knuckles before casually turning that hand in his to touch a more lingering kiss against the inside of his wrist, only barely restratining himself from biting there.]

[ The same hand that had been kissed by one of the wealthy Rexxentrum businessmen, lightly kissed by Bren. It was impossible not to falter in what he was talking about as his voice trailed off, and he watched Bren systematically kiss a trail from knuckles to around his wrist and finally against the wrist where a light fragrance of plum, lavender and sandalwood would attack those precarious sensibilities.

Gods, Essek's own sensibilities were taking a circuitous route, watching it with parted lips before finally he had to physically drag his gaze away to return back to a potential sponsor, someone quite renowned within the mercantile world.

Nevertheless Essek's core became a mess of hunger and want that seemed to be pinged by Bren's possessiveness of him. He was attempting to steer the conversation to a quick end all considered. Not because he wanted Bren's own possessive claimings to stop, but rather so that he could perhaps entice Bren to lead him onto the dance floor. ]

I will keep your proposal in mind, Herr Shultzen; however I think that it may be about time to give my escort a dance, he's been a very good boy tonight.

[ Letting the other man know under no uncertain terms that this man was his and that he did not mind the show of blatant possession. ] A waltz is starting, would you lead me out, Chathtiu?

[It was not lost on Bren the way that Essek's attention was stolen back to him by the brush of his lips to his wrist, by the way those amethyst eyes and the galaxies contained in them shifted to him. He could smell the familiar scent of Essek, of the fine perfume he wore and the subtler but even more intimately familiar scent of his skin. Bren was nearly dizzy with it, with the proximity.

He had to remember where they were. The show of possession had been already pushing the line perhaps more than he ought to -- except it seemed he would be rewarded for it. He offers this Herr Shultzen a brief smile of his own, a brief flash of teeth. That was right. He had been a very good boy, hadn't he? That sent a thrill through him, and even if he did not currently possess one in this form, his inner tail was certainly wagging.

His gaze immediately shifted to Essek and did not stray.]

Of course. It would be my honor. [His hand found Essek's and began to lead the both of them towards the dance floor as the music began.]

And my pleasure. [He added, leaning close to murmur those words directly to Essek's ear. That spoken, he turned to face him, setting a hand against his waist, finding the correct posture for the dance.]

[ And Essek had nary anything more to say to Herr Shultzen for his attention was stolen by Bren and the way that his lover pulled him toward the dance floor; but then he was absolutely enraptured by him-- and Essek did notice that Bren had given the other man a smug and self-satisfied smile. That was very sexy and Essek could feel himself being lured in despite himself.

Once they were on the dance floor, Essek glanced up at Bren with an arch raise of his brow ]

I enjoy it when you do things for my pleasure, however I also want to do things for yours..

[ Tilting his head up to look up at Bren as they assumed the positional on the dancefloor ]

It takes two to tango.. or dance, as the case may be. And I promise that if I see anyone looking at you the wrong way, I will be just as possessive, hmmm?

Being by your side is pleasure enough, Liebling.

[Especially in those moments where he had Essek's eyes on him, those breaks in the other man's perfect social graces where Bren could see those peeks of desire that he knew had to be obvious in his own gaze, in each and every one of his touches.

Bren let his thumb drift in a slow, subtle caress along Essek's side before he eased them into the dance, finding the rhythm of the song and the pace of the waltz easily enough, though all his attention, his gaze, his everything was focused on the beautiful creature in his arms.]

I am yours, and I would like the world to know that. But I do not think anyone will notice me when you are there. You're the jewel of the party. No one can take their eyes off you. If they look at me, it is only in jealousy that I have your favor.

[His hand slipped from the proper place at Essek's waist, around to urge him closer, to settle closer to the small of his back.]

[ Settling into Bren's perfect embrace, a dance that was touch scandalous with the placement of Bren's own hand as it settled right there at the curve, his own body settling closer than perhaps was proper, but then Essek had no care for proprieties where proper behavior was concerned; he wanted to sink into it, to stare into those eyes forever, to dance with this man throughout the waltz of time and space.

The sweet caress sent a shiver running through him, an instinctual want for more of such touches of which he wanted an entire collection of them, to hold them close to him in the times when they were apart. Already he was starting to hoard them, remembering the time where he had one hundred years without. He knew that it was likely that a hundred more years would pass after this time with Bren-- until his lover was reborn to him again.

Each moment was a treasure and was golden. ]

Should we show everyone how well we move together, Chathtiu[ As if they were born to be together. No one else could touch them, no one was worthy enough to be by his side and his own eyes clinging lovingly with a warm gaze that was hesitant to draw away. Warmth, what a strange notion and yet already he had thawed; conversely he had only thawed for Bren. No one else would understand what lay just beyond winter. ]

You are the only one I see in this room, Bren Ermendrud...

[Bren was not thinking about scandal or propriety or anything else except the man he was dancing with. Being close to Essek had that effect on him, reducing the world to a small sphere that included the two of them and nothing else. He met that gaze and his entire expression softened, all his defenses falling away for this man and this man alone.

He wanted him in so many ways, but all of them came down to wanting him close, wanted to bask in the way those impossibly beautiful eyes looked at him as if he were something worth looking at. That warmth, he recognized what a precious and rare thing it was from this man. He would treasure it, keep it safe and close and his, even when he didn't know entirely who he himself was just yet.]

Ja, by all means.

[And they did, a perfect match, ideal complements of each other -- day and night, fire and ice, each better for their proximity to the other. The music swept them along, but Bren barely heard it, caught up in the rhythm of his own heartbeat and Essek's, beating in cadence with one another.]

Then that is all I need... to be seen by you, and only you.

There is no one for me but you.

[ Essek murmured as they waltzed around the room; he knew that they made a beautiful sight. With his own drow beauty shaded like nighttime, and then he was held within the circle of Bren's arms, the tall ginger man clad in black leather, lithe and yet he could feel corded muscles underneath his fingertips, a wiry strength that he had not yet associated with the moon.

He could not think of anything that would suit him as much as this soul did. He hummed in response to the music although it was hard not to lean in a bit, to press his lips close to the other man's ears and to encourage him ] If you are good, perhaps we may steal away from the party for a little while, find a dark corner.. would you like that?

[ Not realizing it would play into Bren's inherent need to scent mark the other man. ] We could come back to the party with your throat filled with my seed--

[ Well this may not have been proper dance conversation, but the look in Bren's eyes was bringing quite a few intent longings to life, including this. And they were still on their honeymoon period. ]

[Bren did not look away from Essek's eyes, at least not until the other man leaned closer, until those lips spoke directly to his ear. Then his own eyes fell half-shut, the rest of the room the bleary background of a dream that he never wanted to end. The words caught a breath in his throat, a soft gasp of sound that shuddered ut of him in a trembling breath in the next moment.]

Yes... I would like that very much. I will be as good as you want.

[He only barely managed to stifle back the moan that came next, because oh yes he could picture it. Could imagine the two of them tucked away, could imagine being on his knees at the feet of his lover with his lips wrapped around his cock, begging for his seed.

And they would come back to the party smelling of one another, and that appealed so intensely to the wolf that resided inside him. This was his mate, and the world should see and scent and know the signs of it.]

Please.

[ Essek would not understand just precisely how much the concept of scent-marking would appeal to the man man who right now held him in his arms as then waltzed around the room, he heard the hitched breath, the subtle moan form around the 'please' and which sent a charged surge of energy downward and right into the silky underthings he wore, special because of his skirt-- could imagine his thigh resting on a shoulder and his skirt pushed up.

Remembering moments in the Solstryce library as two young men who could not keep their hands off each other and who utilized the darkened corners amid shelves and racks, furtively. ]

Give me two hours, two hours to take care of a few more items of business and then I will allow you to lead me into the darkness.

[ His hand moved from shoulder to the side of that neck, to feel the thrum of a heartbeat there and how it quickened with sheer arousal; his own eyes darkeneing in response. That was one of Essek's secret kinks, it was the possibility of getting caught. Of being rumpled quite thoroughly-- there had been a few times where they had been caught, in a different life; both their mouths kiss swollen and hair mussed, with their minds fuzzed by desire. ]

Two hours...

[Bren echoed the words. He could survive two hours more before he could get his hands and mouth on Essek. Not much longer, perhaps, but he would last that long. He nodded, a sedate enough gesture. His fingers were less sedate, less proper, curling into the fabric of Essek's shirt where they had remained at the small of his back, holding, still that air of possessiveness.]

I will starve for you for that long, Liebling. But I will behave and let you attend to your business.

[See how good he was, Essek? Clearly he deserved that reward that had been promised. His chin lifted at the touch of that hand, his pulse was indeed racing at the idea of being closer to him, in the midst of this party, the idea of returning with the taste of Essek on his lips, with any luck leaving his lover looking more than a little overcome.]

[ Essek did see how good Bren was, how very obedient he was and there was an indulgent look to those amethyst eyes as he looked up at his lover, seeing the way that he nodded with understanding. Certainly, he could tell that just undermeath the surface there was something feral that he couldn't put his fingertip on, but for the time being, it was slumbering. A skillful arch of his own back as he felt the fingers graze, proof to Bren's cunning ways.

Indeed, everyone was noticing the way that the ginger man made himself a drape against the drow and the very luxurient way that the fashionista made himself at home in the other man's arms; even more marked was that to this day, the drow had little in the way of preference nor inclination.

The gossip was shooting around the ballroom like wildfire, about the Ice Queen and his escort. ]

I never doubt how good you are for me.. though if you are a little bit naughty, I will forgive that.. though I may spank you a little bit.

[ As a treat, to Bren of course. Such a activity, he would make sure was pleasurable to Bren and the look in his eyes was decidedly appraising; a hint of a challenge and maybe even an encouragement. ]

[Essek arched beneath his touch, and Bren could feel it surge through him, his arousal aching faintly within the increasingly tight confines of his leather pants. Fuck it would be a long couple hours. But he would be patient. Would endure without too much protest.

Mostly.

He was utterly oblivious to the gossip that swirled around him and Essek, his eyes only for the other man. A flicker of a smile -- hungry, needing -- over his lips as Essek spoke. Oh?]

Oh?

[Bren murmured, voice low, trying to pretend that the idea of being spanked for misbehaving didn't have arousal flooding through him. He leaned close then, perhaps just a bit too eager to misbehave. For various reasons. When he spoke next, his lips brushed the delicate shell of that pointed ear.]

So long as I would be forgiven...

[Right there on the dancefloor, he let his teeth scrape along Essek's ear.]

[ Oh!

His entire body surged in response to Bren doing that right in the middle of the dance floor, the scrape of teeth wrecking havoc with his senses on a molecular level. So, it was to be that sort of war, hmmm? Essek had a feeling that this could have the potential to tear him asunder, to rip them apart in white hot stripes of desire painted through their psyche; under his breath he let out a huff which would catch Bren's keen senses. ]

Is my pet being a brat? It would be a shame if I made you choke on my cock before I came inside your lovely but wholly smart mouth.

[ Fairly big talk coming from such finely-featured drow however, he was a Queen if nothing else and his fingers would curl against collar. When he spoke, it was pleasant and most people observing would thing it was dance pleasantries, but that voice was like silk and the fangs lightly cresting against his plush lower lip as he looked up into that freckled countenance, the man who captured his attention ]

In fact you are begging for me to step on you a bit before I let you have what you want-- but a naughty man like you may enjoy it too much, my heels imprinted on your back, you are just bad enough I bet you would attempt to look up my skirt.

[ Well, the tone had shifted between them, and to Essek it was thrilling-- also, how he wanted to see how Bren would respond to it ]

[The reaction was incredibly gratifying, something that stirred something at the very core of Bren to know that even as subtle as it was, he had been the one to make Lord Essek Thelyss react in that way. It was a reminder that Essek wanted him, and that was still a startlingly amazing truth. His soul knew it better and deeper than he did, but every now and again his rational mind rose to point out just how incredible it was that someone like Essek truly wanted, truly loved, someone like him.

His own breath caught at those words, filthy and obscene and spoken so casually in the middle of a crowd. But Bren was so caught in this other man's spell that if Essek asked it of him, he would drop to his knees here and now to worship him, to pleasure him, regardless of who would see.

Those threats -- but could he really call something a threat when even the thought of it made his arousal stir to life all too eagerly.]

Of course I would. I am not a strong enough man to resist looking, to find out what you're wearing underneath these lovely clothes, to know if your cock is straining for the attention it deserves.

[ Gods help him, all of the gods that he did not truly believe in, he wanted to have that mouth right here in the middle of the dance floor. It was sadly not the place for the exhibition kink that he knew he had, especially not with business partners and influential members of Rexxentrum society. But the thought still did appeal to him, and gods he wanted to drag Bren into a hidden alcove and shove that man down to his knees, hook his leg over shoulder and see how clever that mouth was.

Essek Thelyss bit his lower lip and he looked up at Bren with a coy and somewhat arch look ]

I would say that you are going to be the death of me, Bren.. however we all know you are my life.

[ The music was starting to slow in preparation for the next song, though Essek would exit the dance floor, with his handsome escort in tow. There were still people to talk to, he just needed the luxury of a private dance where they were only in each other's orbit. Though, it would get perhaps a little bit harder as he next two hours wore on. Bren would see exactly how feted that Essek was; how many people vied for his attention-- how many people took his hand, attempted to claim him for a dance (which Essek casually refused), tried to bring him drinks.

Perhaps it would be enough to drive a territorial werewolf slowly mad. Not that there wouldn't be points where Essek would react with great possessiveness especially when Bren's world came back to haunt him. There were business too, the fashion industry being as cutthroat as any other with things unspoken, backhanded compliments on lines and seasons; and Bren likewise also got to see Essek's knife-edge shine through.

Closer to the two hour mark, perhaps the clencher would be a tall man coming up to Essek, bowing over the hand and then whispering in a very soft whisper. ] 'Do you require food, my lord?'

[Those words tripped Bren's heart in its cadence, and it rushed to catch up, beating faster, harder in his chest. That was all he wished to be, the source of light and life for this beautiful creature who had rescued him from the living nightmare that his life had been, and more than that -- had awakened his soul to knowing that it belonged forever entwined with his.

So he only smiled as the music wound down, even if he wanted to pull Essek closer rather than release him back into the evening. For the moment, Bren behaved and took up his place at Essek's side, playing the part of dutiful escort, though he still made certain that anyone who they interacted with could make no mistake of who Lord Thelyss was with at this event.

Because every last instinct in him, the ones that the wolf that never really fully slumbered in his soul knew were true and right, cried out that this man was his mate, and anyone trying to approach him ought to be treated to claw and fang for their audacity. It simmered in him, but did not boil over until this man who whispered such presumptuous words to his mate.

There was a growl in Bren's voice as he stepped forward,] He has eaten, and he will be very well fed this evening. But not by you.

[A flicker of gold rising in blue eyes as the wolf inside him tried to surface.]

[ The man who had approached had been his feeder at events such as this in the past, and he should have anticipated this.. of course, he should've anticipated this; but he had note quite anticipated the possession of Bren stepping forward, nor the way that there was something feral that rippled underneath the surface. He smoothly interceded though his hand remained quite on Bren's forearm as he spoke. ]

I will not require your services. [ Essek spoke this quietly, softly-- not want to cause a scene in the middle of the ballroom floor; and thus he provided assurance as well as much-needed labeling of what Bren was to him. ] My mate will take care of my needs for the foreseeable future but thank you for offering nevertheless.

[ He was after all a polite one. Essek glanced up at Bren, at the shadow of gold in blue and he leaned forward a little bit; this would likely have to be a discussion of what would be acceptable-- but he knew that he could just as easily import blood, it did not need to be from the source when all feedings paled to the orgasm of Bren's sanguine essence on his tongue.

The man nodded in understanding and then quickly took his leave, but not without a wary look at Bren. ]

Shall we take a walk, Chathtiu?

[ And gods above, it would be the drowpire's pleasure to provide assurances to his love if needed. ]

[Bren stood down as Essek stepped forward, though he could feel the wolf in him snarling at this poor man who had the misfortune of stumbling across the path of a possessive werewolf. The drowpire's hand on his arm settled him at least enough that he realized just how out of line he had started to be, how out of line he could have become if Essek had not interceded.

Then Essek referred to him as his mate publicly and a wave of bliss washed over him. His inner wolf stopped its snarling and instead began metaphorically wagging its tail, wanting to wrap around Essek and mingle their scents until there was no mistaking that they belonged to one another.

The euphoria of it was startling, but his heart, his soul, every instinct in him knew that yes. That was what they were, what they were meant to be. Mates. His mate. This was not the forced imprinting that Ikithon had tried to impose upon him with two of his other wolves, that had never felt right, had never felt like this, like it resonated within his soul.

And if Essek turned him away once he knew his true nature, Bren was certain it would shatter him. He deserved to know though, needed to know -- as explanation perhaps to Bren's reaction, and more so to how much being named his mate meant to Bren. He had to tell him.

He watched the man he'd half growled at leave before turning his attention back to Essek.]

Please, ja.

[ Perhaps there was not so much a difference between the way that Essek stated it and how Bren interpreted it. Caleb Widogast had been his husband, however he had also been his mate and that was more binding and absolute; in the drow culture-- there was bonds as such and usually the transcended time. Upon consecution, the soul returned and that was your heart's ease. Caleb had returned to him, within the form of Bren and the circle continued.

He had begun to think that perhaps he had spoken too soon, called Bren that in a manner that the other man was not comfortable with.

But they could address this as needed.

Essek rested his hand on Bren's forearm and then started to lead, without precisely leading, Bren toward one of the balcony doors; it was a summer's evening and so it would be pleasant and cool-- and Essek had a feeling that Bren probably needed a bit of fresh air, he looked like he needed it. If people attempted to follow-- Essek would hold up a single hand, and that was enough to stay them.

Any garden in Rexxentrum was impossibly lovely, with fireflies and night blooming jasmine, and the moon hung a single week from it's fullness. He lead them both down the steps and after a few moments he broke the silence. ]

I had not anticipated that, I should have warned you. [ He glanced over at Bren's profile once they hit the path leading into the garden. ] However, it is not necessary for me to use a vassal, if it makes you uncomfortable.

[Once they were alone --once they had wandered into the fresh summer air and Bren was able to take a few breaths, to settle his racing heart that couldn't decide if it was skipping from the elation of being addressed as Essek's mate or shuddering in anxiety and fear of what the other man would say when he knew the truth of him -- Bren slowed their pace and reached to take Essek's hand in his rather than having it rest on his arm.

He turned to face him, slowing now to a stop.

A shake of his head at the words.] No, I shouldn't have reacted like that. So many eyes so greedily on you all night, I think it may have gotten to me. But... I want you to do what is the best for you. Do not make sacrifices on my account.

[Bren brought the hand in his own up to his lips, pressing a kiss there, lingering before lifting his gaze to meet the other man's. There was a wide-eyed almost blissed out look in that gaze as he murmurs, quietly,]

You called me your mate.

[He spoke the words with reverence, like he had never been given any gift near so precious. And he hadn't, nothing near so precious. Bren Aldric Ermendrud looked at the beautiful creature in front of him as if he were responsible for hanging the moon and scattering the stars in the night sky.]

You are my mate.

[ This was said with certainty as they paused there underneath the sky and the stars and even further still orbits and galaxies as far as the mind could comprehend and then even then it was beyond mortal comprehension for it extended far further and deeper. He lifted his hand to the cheek, carefully trimmed but still the scratch of facial hair was felt and welcomed against his sensitive palm.

His own amethyst eyes melted when Bren took his hand and pressed a soft kiss against the back of it; never would he not be absolutely captured by a gesture such as that. So eloquent and courtly and it was hard not to allow his eyes to fall shut as past collided into the now and made it his new reality. Both Bren and Caleb carefully twining into possibility. ]

When one is consecuted and comes back, returns to the one loved-- that is what a mate means in the drow culture; and you have returned to me. I hope that you will seek me out for lives to come, Bren.

[ It was very tentatively opening the door for this conversation to happen between then although Essek did not quite realize it. For all of his perceptive nature-- he still did not know what Bren was and perhaps that was just the love in his eyes that made him blind to what should've been underneath his nose ]

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