Oasis
Sloshy
Late update cuz I went out of town. Last excuse. Promise~
Friendly remind that this is an angst story, unpleasant things are ahead. 8^(. no spoilers tho.
@ballardfam No worries about such things. And thank you!
@Vic - Honestly, I want people to feel confused. He's very hot and cold, as most things are. I like bad guys who you end up liking, it's so realistic! Have you ever hated someone, and still be like "wellll..." about them? I know its never so black and white for me :0. And thanks for the consistent reviews <3
@Sajo Thank you for the reviews! <33 And he's quite inconsistent with his attitudes, isn't he? har har har
***
“Tal, do you know the boy Antoni, the one by the edge of town?”
“Indeed, I know of him, why?” I asked, turning to look at my sister. Wind swept her hair up and around her like a blazing halo. She was facing the ocean, perched atop a rock beside me with her legs tucked up to her chest. Small, full lips were turned upside down in a pouting frown. “Mother says he wishes to wed me when I am of age,” She mumbled, furrowing her brows. “She says its a smart match, and that he’s a fine lad. But.. I don’t know him that well. Why would he want to marry me?” I shrugged, “Perhaps he finds you fair.” “But even still, brother, is that enough? I want to love my husband.” I scrunched my nose, finding her reasoning a bit girlish, albeit justified. Marriage shouldn’t be built solely around appearances, right? There needed more substance. Thats how it was with mother and father. They had long since lost their, well, charming looks. And still, they seemed perfectly content. “Maybe you could love him, Al’i.” “Tal! You insult me. Have you seen him picking on the younger kids? I wouldn’t want to wed such a rude man.” I hummed in agreement, “He is rather rude, I suppose. But that’s how his family is, the lot of them. Fiery people.” Al’i sighed, shrugging her shoulders, “I don’t like it,” she concluded,and looked at me. “What about you? Have you and father gave thought to who you will wed?” I blushed, snorted, and shook my head. “He thinks I’m still too immature, which I find agreeable. I almost find the idea of marriage cumbersome, to be honest. I don’t want to marry a woman and have to tend to her-- I enjoy life the way it is.” Al’i blinked, and then smiled. “Perhaps a man, then?” I blushed harder and gave her a playful shove, “You bratty sister. I just simply don’t think I could love anyone. I like my freedom too much.. Plus, I’ve never even fancied anyone before.” “Boys do take longer to develop their.. well, romantic urges.” I gave her a look, and she giggled. “That’s what mother told me, don’t give me that face! I’m sure she said the same to you.” I pursed my lips and turned to look at the water as it splashed onto shore, glittering under the setting sun. “Indeed she did. She’s noticed my lack of interest.” “Don’t fret, brother. Loves comes when you least expect it.” I chuckled, “You act as though you know of love earnestly.” “I do!” She squeaked, crossing her arms. “I do know of love.” “Oh?” “Indeed, you snob.”I rolled my eyes at her, and shook my head amusedly. “Please enlighten me oracle.” “Don’t mock me and I might,” She pouted, turning away. “I relent, I relent. Please,” I waved at her to continue. “There’s a— um, a person.. we’re friends. But I know that we love each other, too. I want to be with them, uh, when I’m of age, of course.” “You know you love each other?” “Yes,” Al’i agreed, blinking at me. “How?” She sighed wistfully, a smile tugging up the corners of her mouth. “Well, it’s not so simple. I suppose it’s like feeling like your standing over a cliff, but instead of feeling afraid, you feel excitement. And warmth. Its makes your stomach and cheeks warm and fuzzy to be around them. Sometimes you feel like you’re floating, and other times you feel like you could barely move.”I chucked, “That sound’s nauseating.”***
“Do you remember everything I’ve told you?”
I nodded my head, focusing my attention downwards— the openness of the front of my shirt made me feel a bit chilly. The many hearths ablaze inside of the palace were not doing enough to warm me. “Could you respond correctly?” Aren asked, but I didn’t look up at him. He didn’t sound angry. “Yes.”“No, that isn’t correct,” He chided, and I could hear his tone slowly morphing into one of annoyance. I allowed a glance up, before quietly mumbling, “Yes, Mehnig.” Aren peered down at me long enough to make me shift and peek up at him. His face seemed pale in contrast to the bright robes around his shoulders, cascading down to the heels of his boots. He looked like he belonged in a painting— cold regality dressed in a facade of colored clothing. “Come along, there are guests arriving.” I walked silently behind him, leaving the solitude of his room without lifting my eyes off of the floor. The noise of silverware, chatter, and music could be heard as we made our way down the hall. "When the guests begin arriving we will go downstairs, where I will greet them. You will sit over there, at the knee-table, the one with those ridiculous pillows around it. My mother’s sense of decoration is beginning to be too exotic for my tastes, but visitors seem to enjoy it. I digress. When the food begins to be served, I will return to you.. You will sit beside me, unmoving, and only eat or drink what I offer you. If someone feels so inclined to converse with you, look to me first, and I will decide whether to allow your voice."I paused at the top of the staircase to take in the sight before me. The room was huge, and completely alight from chandeliers and iridescent lanterns. People were meandering in from the open door way, held open by two finely dressed servants. Surrounding the open floor in the center where tables decorated with foods-- and on the other side of the room, places to sit and eat. There was music being played; two people on violins and one on a harp. They strummed along to a slow cadence, seemingly unaware of the gathering about them. I, of course, was too captivated with the arrival of so many robed and gallant figures to pay much heed to anything else. Aren caught my eye with a stern look, urging me forward and down the stair case, and I took my place behind him again, peeking over his shoulder. There were bodies filtering in steadily now, and I swallowed hard. I was nervous, yes, but I was begrudgingly resigned now. I hadn’t the energy to feel anything but the thoughtless obedience. Rebellion had been sipped away as easily as from a goblet, and there was nothing left for me. "Now, don't make me cross at all. Remember, I have no qualms about punishing you if you in any way undermine or embarrass me-- not tonight. Save rebellion for a less important occasion, pet, I'll be more lenient then. There are many important men coming, both retired and active members of the government." And so I followed, slowly, uneasily, as we made our way down towards all of the pale and decorated bodies, to men and their women, who would treat me as a dancing monkey or some other fancy pet, and I thought of nothing but how tired I felt. I wasn’t the only slave here, either. Their were other’s I recognized, dressed in finer clothing and catering drinks and small desserts to guests, or tidying up. I saw Hase, and Pyre, even Silvester, before I had touched the ground, and I swallowed the lump down in my throat again. The sight of them stirred me, and I wished that I could be near them, but I knew it was futile even before I finished the thought. Would Seral be here serving guests? I hadn’t seen him since.. I almost stumbled into Aren’s back, forgetting myself for a moment, and he placed his hand under my chin to lift my gaze from the ground. “You seem to be in relative ease,” He said softly, and my eyes slowly dragged away from him to continue to look around the room. Searching for the familiar tan body I craved. “Go, sit.” I nodded as he dropped his hand away from me, and turned to go find my place at the table he had shown me before, not sparing a word or a second glance. Lord Aren had guests to great, men to bow to and humor, and I was not yet welcome in such an important presence. It would be unbefitting for a pleasure thrall to be making introductions so early in the party. This is what he made sure I knew. And I knew it now, almost believed it. I wasn't befit for finer and more regal eyes. I was a delectable taboo, like wine in the morning. A dessert before dinner. Something to guffaw at in bright lights, another thing to grope at when things were dim. When I reached the table, I tucked my legs in the proper position and sat still, only letting my eyes be free enough to wander. Desperately, I was searched for Mariel or Seral, wanting to see either of them. It would help me feel a little less like I was trapped in a dream. "No, no, Tal, sit up, for the last time. Please don’t make me reprimand you again, I weary of it. I would have Mariel be doing this, but she is busy, and I trust the job to no one else. But maybe it is for the best, the woman grows softer with age and she would let you get away with too much. And so you will listen and preform for me accordingly, and to perfection. Don’t look so forlorn, pet, it is only a formality. Now, again, show me the correct posture.."My hands rested softly against my thighs, and I wished I had a hood to pull over my head, but alas, I had nothing but a hood-less, shear robe. It was lain out behind me nicely, giving a swooping and graceful appearance, but I had to resist the urge to nervously twist at the ties and tug it around me tightly. Giving up on my search for Seral, I focused my attention across the room to watch the bustling entrance of new guests. There was a man, with two nimble and bronze girls at his side, and he stopped in front of Aren to bow and laugh about something. The girls looked no older than myself, perhaps even younger, but seemed relaxed and even a little amused. They were dress identically, except for the color of their clothing, and even moved the same. After the trio came a woman dressed head to toe in white furs, followed by a stout man wearing light armor and a funny looking mustache. More people bustled through, and I wondered how Aren was able to maintain the same crisp smile. He seemed like he was in his natural element, glowing under the lights, and deceptively charming. I huffed. Beside Aren was Lady Opulen— I could recognize her easily enough. She had a arm linked through Aren’s and leaned against him affectionately. The display made me uneasy; she hardly looked like the motherly type. Perhaps it was part of the show. I couldn’t imagine her as a doting parent, or a warm woman. More people greeted Aren and his mother.
There was a tall man with a long, blonde beard and a booming voice loud to be heard from my seat. A group a men in light armor and all similar in appearance. A fair woman with an even fairer man, both with fine features and hair as long and straight as Aren’s. A man, tan, like me, with leather armor and a sword on his side that he had refused to take off. More and more people. So many bodies blurring together in a sea of pale and with the occasional dotting of tan.
He looked so warm. “‘Course. I’m off barn work tonight-- needed inside. It’s been a while, though,” He said, shrugging. Then he tilted his head to peer down at my thoughtfully, “..How're you?” I turned away from him and blushed, bouncing my shoulders in a light shrug. I was doing.. well.. I wasn’t sure. Everything felt slower, more resigned, and a bit blurry. “I don’t think I can handle all of this, Master Aren. I.. I don’t..” “Be still, pet. Why do you say such things? You’ve finally gotten the hang of it.” “I.. I’m nervous..” “This is an important event. I will not leave it to you to misbehave, Tal, fear not. I have something for you that will leave you feeling calm.” “..What is it?” “You seem a bit out of it, Tal,” Seral said, and I looked at him again. He looked entirely too handsome. I think I said that out loud, for he tilted his head to the side and blushed a bit. His mouth opened to say something, but he shook his head instead. “I have to keep serving, I’m sorry. I’ll check up on you when I can, okay?” I nodded at him, my cheeks feeling warm. He seemed so caring right now, so handsome, so enticingly warm. I blinked slowly, and then he was gone, and I felt empty without him there. Where had he gone? How long did I blink? Did he say something before he left, or did I just not hear him? I made a move to stagger to my feet, but remembered that I was suppose to be still, and slunk back down to the floor. The music tapered off, slowly, and then stopped. The sudden halt in melody caught my attention, and I looked back towards the center of the room. There stood Lord Opulen, the General, if I remembered correctly, and he had his arms raised to halt the words of the people among him. And indeed, the room fell quiet except for the quiet tinkling of silverware and a few hushed whispers. He kept his arms raised as he exclaimed something, I assumed a greeting, and was met with rush of clapping and voices. He said some more things, and I really tried to pay attention to what he was practically shouting, but could only catch a couple of fleeting words. Welcome, you, guests, honorable, war, son, and lady. That was it. And then the room erupted into joyous clapping and cheers and I felt the pace of my heart quicken dramatically. Bodies began moving about, apparently free to continue socializing. My head began to dip towards my chest in weariness, and I snapped it forward. My eyes too, were finding the effort to stay open to be a tiresome burden, and they lagged slowly to wherever I looked. “It’s a tablet, you will take it about an hour before the party, and then it should help you relax.”
"A tablet?"
"A pill. Medication, of sorts. A remedy for nervousness or fear."
Where did Seral go? I opened my eyes, realizing I had let them close, and squinted at the polished black boots that had appeared in front of me. The seemed pointy, and definitely made of high quality material, and I followed them up, lifting my eyes up a from feet to a pair of legs, to a chest, to a face peering down at me from under wild brown hair. “Ah, what have we here?” I shivered at him, cold, and blinked away from his gaze to look around the room for someone who could intervene. Seral? Aren? I didn’t know what to do with this man, and my hazed state made me feel defenseless. “And who do you belong to, little one?”"You look quite beautiful Tal. I’m glad we’ve trimmed your hair up, it suites you. I’m sure many will try and approach you tonight, like moths to a flame, but fear not, pet. I’ll be by your side to swat them away, I am a good host; yes, but I am did not grow up with siblings and I am not keen on sharing what is mine.”Fool! And here I was, alone, with a pest buzzing about me and I hadn’t the strength to try and swat away. I swallowed hard, it was difficult with my mouth so dry, and swayed back a little. This was no good.. no, this was very bad. If he tried to touch me, I wouldn't be able to do anything. And could see he was well-built. “Ah! You’ve found my thrall, Chor!” I lulled my head to the side to look at Aren as he approached, mystified by the way the edges of his body blurred with motion. He looked like he was floating towards me, and I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again to settle my mind. What ever that tablet was, it was doing more than it’s job, and I felt every muscle and fiber of my being beginning to relax and slacken against my will. This wasn't go, no, no, I wasn't losing my grasp on reality. “Ah, this is yours?” The man, Chor, said. He greeted Aren with a big bear hug. They slapped each others back a few times, but the sound lingered in my ears, pomp pomp pomp, even after they had stopped. Pomp pomp. The sounds of a joyful greeting; old friends. “Indeed, he is from the coast, a beautiful shore flower I have managed to pluck.” Aren said smoothly, and I noticed him peering down at me with what looked like thoughtfulness. I stared back, immobile, and blinked slowly. I closed my mouth when I realized it was open. “Not your usual type of pet, eh, brother?” Chor said with a laugh, and he moved to sit around the table next to me. Aren laughed lightly, sounding too graceful to be completely natural, and found a place on the other side of me. Chor smelled like fire, and my stomach flipped uncomfortably from his proximity. I would have scooted further from him if my muscles didn’t feel like they had gone to jelly. And so I sat in-between the two men, breathing low and trying to keep my eyes from closing. Don't fall over, Tal.. Don't..“Nay, he is not. But he is quickly becoming the new standard.” Aren said softly, and he put his hand on my lower back. The contact sent prickles down my arm and over my thighs, and I straightened up instinctively. When my posture was corrected, he withdrew his hand slowly, brushing his fingers down my back as he went. “Ah, oh—“ Chor said, and he stood to greet the arrival of a stout man accompanied by a lean and pale woman. Aren stood to greet them as well, bowing in front of the man and then brushing his lips against the woman’s knuckles in greeting. He spoke to them in his own language, and they seemed to fancy him, or at least the woman did. She kept her small chin pointed up and gentle smiled crossed across her red lips. And then her eyes flitted to me in curiosity, and her smile hesitated. They spoke for a few minutes, until their words were jumbled together so tightly it almost sounded as though they were humming, and then Aren motioned his arm out for them to be seated around the table. I looked around and noticed people beginning to wander towards seating, and saw Aren’s parents walking towards a long table towards the front of the room. They looked at their son expectantly, but he simply raised his hand and remained still, deciding he preferred the company here. Another man, the one I had seen with the sword, joined our table to sit, and I blinked, staring round at them as they talked to each other. I was the fly on the wall; simply there as decoration. It was a strange feeling, of course, and as each minute ticked by I felt less and less of a person. This was only amplified by the effect of whatever Aren had given me earlier. “It’s a political party, but a party, nonetheless. Don’t be too frightened the whole night, it will be off-putting to the guests if you’re tense. And the tablet will certainly help, maybe even allow you to enjoy yourself. Hopefully you won’t be too out of it, I’d love to show you off properly.”Servants began walking by with trays of steaming bowls of soup, each one finding a table to wait on and running back and forth between the kitchen and the guests. As our server approached, my heart sunk. Seral had his eyebrows scrunched together in a determined look as he closed the distance between us, and as he stood by the side of the table, he only allowed a quick glance at me before bowing deeply while balancing the tray. “Mehnig,” He said, keeping his head down. “Please,“ Aren said, in his own tongue, and motioned for the food to be put out. Seral moved delicately, placing a steaming bowl in front of each person's seat before moving to the side of Aren and bowing again. “Bring some drinks,” Aren said to him, lifting a spoonful of brothto his mouth. “And brot.” I didn't know that word, but it sounded awfully similar to bread. Seral lifted his head enough to give me another glance before moving off towards the kitchen, and the guests began eating around me. They went back to conversing in their own language in between sips of whatever had been prepared for them. That is, until the tan man with a sword leaned forward to squint at me. “Where are you from?” He asked, his eyes lowered at me like a hawk. My head was throbbing. “Ah..” I mumbled, and then turned to look at Aren in confusion. Was he speaking my language? That was my language, right? I wasn't dreaming that?“He’s from the coast,” Aren said, not returning my gaze. He brushed a loose strand of hair behind his ear. “I can see that,” The swordsman said, quirking an eyebrow. “What is he doing so far north? And during the war?” “All lands are affected by war, even if they do not partake,” Aren said simply, and placed his spoon down. “I acquired him at a sale, there were many coastal’s there.” “And you chose that one?“ The woman asked, and I blinked up at her. Her accent was heavy and awkward. My head was really throbbing. I could barely hear their voices, it all sounded so muffled and disoriented. “I think he’s quite sensual!” Chor laughed, grabbing at a goblet that was handed to him. Seral had returned, his eyes flitting to me eagerly in between each word. I hadn't noticed his approach. I stared at him as he worked his way around the table. “Indeed,” Aren said, smiling lightly. “I thought so too.” “Too exotic for my taste,” The stout man said, eyeing me. His eyebrow was raised skeptically. “The lot of those people are too feral."“Oh, to the contrary, Portol,” Aren said, leaning forward with a devilish smirk. “He requires no more coaxing than a lamb. And he bleats like one, too.” I watched Seral's face twists at the comment. Chor laughed heartily, and the woman placed a hand to her chest. The swordsman grinned at Portol’s now flustered expression. Seral’s face was dark, and his expression twisted. My hands were shaking on my thighs, I noticed. My eyes never lingered for too long away from the other boy. I desperately wanted him to take me away from here. My stomach and head were churning at a dizzying rate. “Captain Aren!” The woman said, fanning herself. “Such talk in the presence of a lady.” “You’re right, Lady Damel, please forgive me.” He said, but his grin never wavered. Seral placed a goblet of red liquid in front of him, which he immediately brought to his lips. “I’d like to hear him bleat, if it’s all the same,” The swordsman said, leaning back and crossing his arms. “You men,” Lady Damel said, and I blinked away from Seral as my eyes began to fill with water. Why did I feel like crying? “All the same, come now. We’ve not even had dinner yet, save such talk for when I’ve had more to drink.”
Seral gave me a sad look before bowing and turning to make his way back to the kitchen. I sniffed, causing a look from Aren, who raised an eyebrow at me smoothly. His face, otherwise, was unreadable. My head felt like it was being squeezed, and I furrowed my brows. They went back to their conversation, and I tried to keep my head from lulling down. Aren noticed my weakness, and brought his hand to the back of my neck. I hadn’t the energy to even act startled, I simply looked at him through glassy eyes. He leaned forward, brushing his lips against my ear.“It would be unbecoming for you to get sick, or pass out at the table,” He whispered smoothly, and I shuddered. My ear felt hot against his cool mouth. “Lay down, put your head on my lap, pet,” He pushed me forward gently, and I was laid down onto his lap. I curled my knees up defensively, too weak to push away or sit back up. My heart thudded heavily in my chest, making me feel light-headed. His hand rested on top of my temple, stroking my hair back and making me shake. “He is like a little lamb!” A voice said, and I recognized it as the man's named Chor. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing my stomach to stay below my throat. No, no, I could barely feel my limbs anymore. I didn't think I could lift my head up if I tried. More food was being placed down on the table, and I tried to tilt my head up to look at Seral, but couldn’t find the strength. My eyes refused to budge, too heavy with weariness. Seral, Seral, please help me..“No, don’t put those on.” “W-what?”“I don’t want you to wear any undergarments.”
“M-master Aren..”
“Your tunic will cover you, albeit it will be a little short. But nonetheless, pet, I want you bare underneath.”
“Please.. you’re being so blunt, it’s embarrasing." I whimpered, frowning.
"You're more courageous with your words to me today," Aren said, looking unperturbed. The corner of his mouth was titled up in quiet pleasure. "I'm not sure if I want to punish you or laugh."
"Please.." I mumbled, feeling the creeping of nausea.
"Or something else, perhaps?"
I jerked my head, realizing I had fallen asleep, and sprung up out of Aren's lap. The pounding in my head caused me to flinch and hold my temples, whining quietly. The music and chatter in the room had risen to an unbearable volume, and I was whimpering in discontent. A hand reached out to grab onto my wrist. I jerked away, slowly becoming aware of where I was again. How much time had passed? It was definitly more than just a few moments.
Aren was peering at me, a smile on his face, and his cheeks were tinted with a light hue of pink. I blinked at him, trying to will down the thumping in my skull.
"What awoke you, little one? Were us drunkards too loud?" His accent was heavy, mingling with the smell of beer and wine.
"Oi, 'es awake!" Chor said, and he placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a shake. I wanted to jerk away from him, but didn't want to move closer to Aren, either.
"Chor, don't startle the leetle thing," Lady Damel slurred, and she looked at me. Her lip color matched the hue of her cheeks, "Wha' are you called, pet?"
I furrowed my brows, unsure if I should answer. Aren pulled me closer to him by the arm, so that I was forced to lean against him.
"Go on, answer the Lady." He whispered to me, stroking my arm with his other hand. I shuddered, his touch chilling me. Even in my sluggish, inebriated state, it was hard to stay still.
I swallowed, avoiding the gaze of the intrigued inhabitants of the table. Where was Seral? Was Mariel here?
"T-Tal," I mumbled, searching the room. People were dancing now, frolicking along with the music. I could see Aren's father at the head of the main table, gesticulating wildly with his hands and sloshing the liquid in his goblet over the edges. There was so much blurry motion, and loud noises, and laughing and talking. This must of been the height of the party. Did I miss all the political talk? Did it even happen at all?
"It speaks," the swordsman said, leaning forward with glinting eyes. I instinctively shied away from the predatory look.
"You frighten the boy, Terival." The stout man said, slamming down an empty cup. A dark trail of liquid dribbled down to his chin, finding rest in the short hairs there. My stomach lurched.
"Nonsense," the tan man quipped, waving a hand. "He's simply too skittish."
"Skittish?" The woman asked, unsure of the word in my language. Terival said a word to her that seemed to clear things up.
"Ah, yes, he does seem rather timid," She agreed, sipping her drink. Aren laughed, a smooth sound that was akin to something musical.
"Perhaps," he allowed, looking down at me, "But I find the bashful nature of him both rare and enthralling. Here, see if you do not agree."
Aren pushed me down, so that I was laying against the pillows face up, and I squirmed uneasily. I was too close to the other man, Chor, and felt too exposed. The strength and resistance in my body had long been sapped from my muscles, and all I could do was whine quietly in protest. Aren chuckled, and I could feel my eyes becoming glassy again with moisture. I didn't know if the uncomfortable heat on my checks was from humilation or from whatever it was Aren had given me to help "calm my nerves".
"Look, he barely struggles, even in front of an audience," Chor mused, looking down at me. My skin was hot from the attention, and I raised my arms to cover my face to try and hide the shame. Aren's hand was snaking up my thigh, slowly, taking with it the only fabric that covered me.
Finally, I had enough, fighting through the desire to both fall back asleep and vomit, and tried to turn onto my stomach and wriggle away.
"Will you please hold him, Chor?" Aren asked, pausing his movements to steady my meager attempt at resisting.
Hands came down to press onto my shoulders, and I wrapped my fingers around them to try and lift them up and away. They stood steady, like tree trunks, and didn't budge. I settled on curling my nails into the skin.
"He resists so little!" Lady Damel said, laughing. "What is the secret, Captain Aren?"
"Secret, Lady? I'm not one for secrets. If I can control armies of men, I can control a boy slave. Observe," He said quietly, blue eyes boring into me without pause. And as easily as that, I was locked into place; frozen. His hand continued its snaking journey up my thigh, cool against heated skin, and lifted the tunic with it as it went along. The air bit at my exposed skin, and I dug my nails harder into the arms that pinned me down, trying to steady my heart and breathing. I wouldn't cry in front of these people; I wouldn't break. I wouldn't be made to look even more pathetic.
"Oh, he's digging his nails into me a bit, Aren," Chor said, looking down towards what the other was doing below my waist. The whole table was leaning forward, eyes glued in curiosity and eagerness.
"He's nervous," Aren said simply, his voice flat. I could see his eyes getting darker, focused in on my face in an unbreakable stare. His fingers brushed against my prick, and I squirmed and yelped, trying to deter him from being so crass in public. He smiled then, and I knew it was futile.
With his other hand, he raised my clothing up to my navel, and brushed his fingers up and down my limp shaft. My skin was on fire, and I choked back the sob I refused to let spill forth.
"He's so docile," Tarivel said in a low voice, and I refused to meet his gaze. I let my eyes wander around the room, praying that no one would approach us now.
Aren's fingers wrapped around my length to raise it up, and he chuckled again. "Even at his most rebellious, he would have still be tame enough to show off like this, I'm sure. I saw him at the trading post, and I immediately knew how fruitful he'd be. When they took his sibling away, he barely reacted, physically, that is. He was brought onto stage, and was the only boy to stay kneeled down, even as the others struggled. But he had a look of acceptance, and I knew. I would have never believed one of his people could be so beautiful, or so tame. But I saw it myself, in person. It was a good purchase. He's not yet disappointed me.. Not like my last thrall. She was too riley, too unpredictable, and malicious. He's, in fact, more fair than even she. Softer, to the eyes and the touch."
I couldn't help myself, the mention of my sister sent me tumbling over the edge of despair, and silent tears slipped past my lids. I was shaking under his hands, as he worked me against my will to stand erect. His fingers dragged arousal out of me, against my will, and heightened my shame. When I was hard enough, he let go, and sat back. Granting view to my disheveled body for all to see with look of quiet smugness.
"Even his penve is dainty!" Lady Damel laughed, and she took a long swig from her drink.
I sniveled, never turning to look at them. My humiliation swelled until it was the only thing I could feel. I couldn't bear to look at anything but the ceiling, focusing on the chandelier as it swayed gently and glinted with reflective light. It was beautiful to look at. I stared at it while Aren began to talk to them again, mesmerized. It was twinkling.
The startled gasp of someone as they approached ripped me away from the my focus, and I settled my gaze on Seral. He stood next to the table with an empty tray in hand.
My heart broke then, into tiny shards that stabbed into my stomach, and I stared at him as I wept silently. His eyes were wide, and stuck on me, forgetting his purpose in approaching. I could see his expression twisting as the rage settled in, but he controlled it with the only evidence of his discontent being the furrow of his brows and the heat atop of his cheeks.
I squirmed, wanting to cover myself, but Aren kept his hands on each other my thighs, spreading me open in front of Seral. I whined, growing more frustrated and upset, and Aren smiled at the other boy.
"Will you bring us more drinks?" He asked, staring at Seral with a light smile.
Seral stared at me for a long moment, before turning to look at Aren with unguarded discontent. His upper lip was curled in anger, but he bowed his head, "Va, Mehnig."
"Are you upset, Seral?" Aren asked after a pause, fully aware of the display of anger on the other's face. People were beginning to glance over at us, giggling and inquisitive, and I strained to close my knees together. Trying desperately to have any sense of privacy.
Seral paused, breathing out a low sigh. "...Nen, Mehnig."
"There's nothing to be upset about, Seral. He's enjoying himself, don't you see?" Aren was drunk, but I didn't realize how drunk until that moment. He was cold, yes, but he had never been this sadistic before. The red glow on his cheeks had only darkened, and his accent was becoming heavier. He looked at me, smiling dangerously. "Is he your friend, pet?"
I swallowed, looking between the two in fear, and said nothing. Seral was glaring at Aren, with nostrils flared. The table was quiet except for Lady Damel's giggles.
"Show him you're enjoying yourself, Tal, so he can bring us drinks in peace. He's been my stable boy for many years now, and I'd hate for him to start acting out against me. Go on," Aren nudged my thighs apart, exposing me wider, letting my hardness be in plain view of the other boy. People had begun to wander over, interested in what was happening. Seral stared into my eyes, ignoring my nudity below. He looked as broken as I felt.
"See? Tell him you like it, Tal."
"You're so sadistic when you're drunk!" Lady Damel squealed, but she was clutching the stout man's arm in excitement, and pleased smile on her face.
Arens nails dug into my flesh, and I whimpered. My mouth felt too dry to form words, and I panted in desperation.
"Please," I whimpered at Aren, looking at him. He was never so cruel before. He was just drunk, right? He wouldn't treat me like this afterwards too, would he? That would be too much to bear. His nails dug in further, and I sobbed.
This was too much. My mind was rattling against my skull. My heart felt twisted into my stomach. I was going to be sick. What had he done to me? Why had he sprawled me out so casually like this? Was this his plan all along, to expose me to stranger? I thought he said he wasn't keen on sharing.. Is this what he meant by showing off? If I had known.. Could I have done anything, even if I had known?
Seral cleared his throat and I looked at him. He nodded, his eyebrows creased upwards.
"Go on," Aren urged, his voice akin to a purr.
My gaze never left Seral's face, and I blinked through tears. "I.. like it.."
An applause erupted through the table, startling me. More people had gathered around, apparently smitten with the idea of a humilating performance, and I fought the bile that began to rise in my throat. Aren's smile quickly disappeared, and he returned to the stoic face I had become used to it. I even welcomed the change in appearance. It meant he was done, finally, that he had regained his senses.
"I have matters to attend to," He said, pulling the fabric down over me again. Just like that, it was over. His sense had be regained. He waved Chor to release his grip, and I sprung up as soon as the pressure had been relieved and clutched my cloak around me. People awed in dissapointment, and moved on to see the next spectacle. "Seral, before you serve my guests, see to it that Tal is taken to my room."
Aren stood and pulled me up by my arm, and I stumbled and almost fell over before he caught me again. The effects of the tablet were finally beginning to ebb away, but my muscles were still too languid to trust.
"I've spent too much time socializng," Aren said to the table, smiling lightly. "Please excuse me for a while, I need to discuss matters with the General."
"You won't leave the boy?" Chor asked, laughing a little. Lady Damel thought it was funny too, and giggled.
"Tal has exceeded his stay, and will return to my chambers, friends. Perhaps you will see him again soon." Aren pushed me forward gentley, so that I stood next to Seral. I peeked up at him nervously.
"Now, if you will be so kind, I have the boring affairs of politics to attend to."
Aren dipped down, his face hovering inches in front of mine, and he tilted my chin up to met his lips in a tender kiss. It was over before it had begun, and then he was turning on his heel and disappearing into a crowd of bodies. He had barely gone from view when I was grabbed by the arm and pulled swiftly away from the table, towards the stairs.
Seral expression was unreadable as he pulled me along, and I saw the muscles in his jaw flexing. We moved quickly, without stopping to say "excuse me" or "pardon me" to anyone, and he drug my wobbling body up the stairs, ignoring the way I stumbled more than once over the steps.
By the time we had reached the halls, I was panting and could barely walk more than a few feet without tripping. He stopped suddenly, pulled me down a dark and empty hall, and stood facing away from me with his hand never leaving my wrist.
"Seral?" I whispered after a pause, startled by how loud my hushed voice sounded.
He spun around and pulled me into his chest. His arms wrapped around me and I closed my eyes, nuzzling further into his warmth, completely at ease with the action. I could feel his heart beat, and the way his ribs were heaving with each breath.
He shuddered, letting the sound of a muffled cry through, and I pulled away to look up at his face. Tears dribbled down his cheeks silently, and he looked down at me frowning.
"Why are you crying?" I whispered, reaching my fingers up to wipe away at the wetness. He shook his head, holding my face in his hands.
"I can't bear to see you like that, Tal. He gave you something, didn't he? You could barely sit up."
I nodded my head, placing my hands on top of his. Why did this feel so natural? Even after that whole ordeal.. being alone together like this, in this dark and empty hall, I felt oddly comfortable. I felt like I could of stay here forever.
"I wanted to throttle him, Tal. He knew it," Seral sighed, bringing our faces close, "I should of controlled myself better. He wouldn't have been so cruel to you if I would have controlled my anger."
"He was drunk," I said softly, watching Seral's mouth as he talked.
"I know," He whispered back, and then brought our mouths together tenderly. I let myself be kissed by him, closing my eyes. My body fit so nicely against his. I wrapped my arms around his neck as his tongue slipped past my lips, his hands tangling into my hair.
He pulled away, and I whimpered disgruntledly at the loss of contact.
"Your hair has been cut," he breathed out, staring at me.
I nodded my head, trying to lean up and kiss him again, but he held me still with his hands. He sighed softly, "It looks lovely, Tal."
I blushed, finding my emotions returning to normal more quickly now, and scrunched my nose up.
"Really, don't give me that look," he said lightly, and he placed light kisses across my forehead and down to my temple. I shivered, clutching onto him tightly. This was dangerous, I knew, to be so unguarded with a huge gathering downstairs. Someone could come wandering around the corner any minute, but..
Seral pulled me forward, leaning his back against the wall. I closed my eyes, able to feel blissful, instead of any of the darker emotions I knew I'd succumb to the moment I was alone. His hands wandered through my hair, over my back, and up again.
"I can't stand to see you like that.. I've always known that was why you were here, but.. Tal, I don't know if I'll be able to control myself. I'll kill him."
I shook my head. "No," I murmured into his chest, "don't do anything foolish."
"I can't let you live like this."
"I know." I just wanted to stop talking about myself. I wanted to forget where I was or what had happened. And that was entirely possible with him. It wasn't too much to bear, in fact, it was easily forgotten.
Seral sighed, and stroked his fingers across my cheeks lovingly. "I have to take you to his room." The words sounded bitter as they left his mouth, and I nuzzled deeper into him.
"A moment longer."
"Of course," He said in a hushed voice, and leaned forward to connect our mouths again in an eager and desperate kiss.
UHHH... :D ? Whats goin on guyz