for Essek (lacrymaperle) - vampire/werewolf au

[ausgebrannt]

[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.]

Comments

[ausgebrannt]

[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.]

[zauberdecke]

[ 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--

[ausgebrannt]

[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.]

[zauberdecke]

[ 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.

[ausgebrannt]

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?

[zauberdecke]

[ 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 ]

[ausgebrannt]

[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.

[zauberdecke]

[ 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 ]

[ausgebrannt]

[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.

[zauberdecke]

[ 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.

[ausgebrannt]

[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.

[zauberdecke]

[ 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 ]

[ausgebrannt]

[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.]

[zauberdecke]

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 ]

[ausgebrannt]

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?

[zauberdecke]

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 ]

[ausgebrannt]

[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.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Thankfully for Bren, Essek was well versed in making quick and precise decisions. So when he spoke next, his voice was no-nonsense and brooked absolutely no way for Bren to come in and demure; while Trent gave orders, he usually was fairly smarmy about it, attempting to love bomb someone or convince them through tone that it would be such a good idea.

No, Essek was not like that at all. Perhaps he could cajole at a later date if circumstances led to such, but for now he surveyed the razor and then back at Bren with a discerning look. ]

I will teach you how to use one then, when you get out of the bath.

[ He had never used one but.. and there came the heart-wrenching thought, of Caleb settled between his legs as he sat on the counter, that bread lathered as he carefully ran the knife against skin-- so careful so as to not knick his husband. Until the end when Caleb's hand caught his and disturbed it ever so slightly until a blossom of red against jawline. His husband had meant for that to happen and then his lips closed over it and he felt the soft tang of blood mingled with soap which still tasted like ambrosia to him. ]

Is there any other assistance you require with bathing, Bren? As you can see, I am rather proficient in baths, yes.

[ He coupled that with a wry smile that only twitched at the corner of his lips, the hint of an incisor and perhaps a promise of at the very least, maybe understanding between the two of them ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren couldn't help the startled look on his face, as if for a moment he had to wonder if Lord Thelyss could read minds when he offered to help him. It was probably a terrible idea. Allowing this beautiful man that close to his personal space would be a trial for his self control. But it was probably still the better option rather than dying from blood loss at his own attempts at using a straight razor for the first time.]

Thank you. I will appreciate the tutelage.

[And the further excuse for Essek to linger close rather than leaving him to his own devices.

At the next words, that wry twist to those perfectly plush lips -- why was he looking, why was he noticing all these infuriatingly lovely details -- he could feel the start of a flush creeping across his face.]

Admittedly, I have heard that soap is a complex concept, but I have faith in my ability to learn on the fly.

[zauberdecke]

[ No, Essek could not read minds-- if he could, there would've been a flush at the thoughts of Bren thinking that he was lovely, would've coloured and then likely have fled the room. Though really, Essek was likely about ready to do that anyways. As much as he wanted to see the man strip down so that he could assess the damage, he also knew that the malnutrition would've made him impossibly angry. He did not really want to be furious right now, not when he was going to shave Bren after the bath. ]

Call for me once you are ready for your shave, I will be in the other room if you need anything else while you bathe.

[ He licked his lower lip hastily and then he walked out with a brisk pace-- uncertain of what he was going to do in the chair while he listened to Bren splish splash in the tub merrily. (well okay, not so merrily-- right now there was nothing joyful about the sad melancholy man with the eyes that had seen too much pain for Essek's comfort)

It may have seen like he was getting out of there like a bat out of the nine hells, but really it was Essek knowing that his heart could only take too much. He knew he'd feel better when Bren was clean and at least looked like he was on the road to being taken care of ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Merrily was probably not the right word, but gods was there something quite close to ecstasy about the idea of a real, hot bath. Bren stripped out of his clothes, folding them despite the fact that they in no way deserved folding, and set them aside. He approached the tub -- the large, frankly luxurious tub, even as old fashioned as it was -- and climbed into the water.

He was unable to stifle a full on groan as he sank into the hot water. This was what heaven felt like, wasn't it? For a long moment he simply sank down to his neck, eyes shut as he enjoyed the feeling of that heat sinking into his bones. Then he turned his attention to washing, another sound this time relieved as he worked shampoo through his hair, washed the accumulated sweat and dirt from his skin.

He could have lingered forever in the water, but he knew his host was waiting to assist him with shaving.

Out of the tub and into a towel, he spared a few minutes to look at himself in the mirror, frowning at his reflection. Now that the dirt was gone, his pale freckle-splashed skin was visible. He'd washed years off himself. He was still a young man -- too thin and sporting too many bruises, too many wounds in various stages of healing -- but still somehow able-bodied.

Even wet his hair seemed lighter, the burnished copper color brighter already, beginning to dry in waves that fell just past his shoulders. Once he'd had a shave, Essek would find that reincarnation had made a perfect copy of his late lover in Bren, and his soul too had been fashioned to remember to find his way to Essek once more before Trent had got his claws into him.

He took a moment to peek into a cabinet, relieved to see a roll of bandages. He wound these carefully around his forearm, hiding away the long-healed scar of the bite that had turned him into a monster. That done, he tugged on the robe that had been left, belting it securely before peeking his head out the door.]

Lord Thelyss?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek perched on the wing chair once again and closed his eyes as he soaked in the sounds of bathing, his mind bring to recall moments where they had bathed together in that same tub, sharing in the job of getting each other clean. How many books had they dragged into the tub with each other to read but then became distracted with other things? Oh such a simpler time, uncomplicated and precious between him and his husband.

Finally he had to get up when he heard a groan of pleasure. He had to walk to the closet and throw it open so that he could take out a simple tunic that smelled of ink, incensed parchment and autumn woodsmoke. A pair of sleep trousers made of fine linen was also taken out, all of these may not fit snugly but he knew they would fit fairly well-- with his husband and Bren being of similar form.

Of course they were.

At the sound of his title, he laid the garmets on the counterpane of the bed and he hurried down the dias... and promptly stopped in his tracks, nearly graveless as bountiful clean copper waves swirled by his vision, no longer scented like hot trash, but cloves and oranges. A gaunt face peered at him, but no longer marked with dirt and grime, and those freckles-- freckles like his lover's. Freckles that he could've spent hours kissing and laying maps by. ]

Well, what a difference a bath makes, and you actually smell nice.

[ he said this falteringly, for a moment wanting to say so much more but thinking better of it. This was Bren, not Caleb; this man was his own being, could make his own choices. This did not mean that he was entitled to the orbit of this beautiful red-gold sun that stood meekly before him ]

You will pass for even more pf a human when we do something with that beard.

[ Essek scurried into the bathroom then and moved to the counter and then he pushed himself to sit up on it while he motioned for Bren to stand before him. His fingers trembled only a tiny bit, but he would compose himself. ]

I suppose you are clean enough that I will let you near. [ how gracious of him ] Now tell me how you want me to style this thing? Do you want a trim or it all off?

[ausgebrannt]

[If Bren noticed the way that his host stopped short, he didn't say anything about it. Instead he waited in the doorway of the bathroom, unable to stop a smile from finding its way over his features, tentative but genuine.]

I feel almost human.

[Almost. But never completely human, never again. He was a monster, cursed and broken for reasons he did not entirely understand. Somewhere inside him, caged deep within his soul, that hidden part of himself, a man that he had been, was still and would be again, waiting to be remembered. Already that ghost of Caleb had been able to point the very compass of his soul towards this beautiful drown. Bren looked pleased at being told he smelled nice. That was an improvement.

He slipped into the bathroom, and only hesitated a moment -- fighting a flush of heat that wanted to rise in his cheeks and dust them in crimson -- before moving closer to Essek, standing in front of him and looking up to him.]

I think clean shaven would be nice. It has been a long while since I have been. [And his beard would start reappearing in short order, and he could see about taking care of it as it grew in this time.]

[zauberdecke]

[ When Bren approach and obediently stood before him, it was the first time since underneath moonlight that he was able to see those eyes, those gorgeous eyes once again. Eyes that he could verily become lost within if given the chance to do so-- they were so startlingly similar, so beautiful and wonderful-- he could fall in love with them all over again if given but the opportunity.

Best to focus on the task at hand, he reached to pick up the cup with lather and then he applied it to a beard that was still wet, letting the brush cover it all. Essek's diligence was precise but also gentle, their only point of contact for right now was brush to beard and perhaps the gentle touch of his booted foot against the robe just above thigh in a strange half touch ]

I cannot fault that at all, if we get rid of it all then you can start anew, yes?

[ the scent of plums, jasmine and crisp winter air, that was Essek's scent and mingled pleasantly with the autumn library warmth of Bren's ]

I have to admit, I will enjoy shearing you.

[ausgebrannt]

[This close, Bren could tell that Essek Thelyss smelled amazing, and his mind supplied the very helpful thought that he smelled like coming home. And oh he did. Something in Bren ached sharply, and it took all his willpower -- which honestly had been so sharply tried today -- to keep from moving in even closer, winding his arms around that slender waist and pressing his face to his shoulder. It was a ridiculous impulse, and rationally he knew that, but something deeper inside him than logic and reason sang for it, whispered that this man was his mate.

That was impossible of course. Trent had made a point of giving him to two of the other werewolves. They'd been kinder to him than most, and he'd been grateful for them, even if the bond between them had always felt strange somehow, like it lived solely on the surface.

Not like the pull towards this man before him. But that was foolish, some misplaced awe at being so fully rescued by a handsome Lord. That had to be it. Didn't it?

He held still, save for his eyes that roamed over Essek's face as the other applied the lather to his beard.]

Ja, that is true. Starting anew feels nice. [There was so much he was ready to leave behind beyond just this overgrown, scruffy beard. His eyes widened in the next moment, the faint dusting of a blush rising beneath freckled skin.] W...will you?