Shadow Sanctuary [Silver Radiance x Veir]

[Veir]

 

A mage of shadows, an angel of light.

A mirror's gaze, the two to combine.

An empty vessel, a missing heart.

A house dark, the master to confine.

 

Screams of shadows bound,

Tears of memories found.

 

Take them and gift them,

to the Old God's Mound.

 

 

---

 

Main Personae:

Mirk Acanthe

The young leader of House Acanthe, he is a slaver by trade, and a mage by birthright. He does not suffer fools gladly, nor does he have to. As the head of the House, he is used to ordering others about, and has little patience for insubordination. He has built a reputation for coldness, and potent rage when the occasion calls for it. Called a 'sadistic bastard' by even his associates (when he is out of earshot), Mirk has very few friends. Until Sephirian's arrival, his only constant companion in the estate was Luran - a construct made with the flesh of an angel and a demon.

 

Mirk is of Eurasian descent, and quite tall in spite of his Asian genes. He has inherited his mother's black hair, but his eyes are an anomaly even in his family. All white save for the rims and pupils, they are a striking feature that has at times been inconvenient in business dealings.

 

Sephirian

[blurb pending]

 

Persons of Interest:

Luran

Mirk's only personal slave, Luran has been with him since teenage years. There is some history between them, but Mirk is unwilling to divulge, and Lu is unable to. Little more than an empty vessel that is a search beacon for Luran's lost heart, he has become a useful tool around the estate.

 

Lu does not need to eat, instead, he absorbs sunlight during the day, and moonlight at night. While he can still feel all the sensations of his human years and more, he makes little reaction to any physical stimuli except automaton motions and spasms of the muscle. He will obey almost any command, including ones that would result in maiming or death, but not any that would harm his owner.

 

Zurvan

Mirk's 'best friend'. He is definitely a friend with benefits, but comes and goes at random. Though often mistaken for a demon, he is in fact something else altogether and has no plans to advertise exactly what. He is the polar opposite of the cold and often too-passive Mirk, but also easier going. There isn't a jealous bone in his body, but those that get on his bad side know he doesn't hold a grudge for long - he deals with it instead.

 

Malek

The alpha of the Acanthe Hounds. Able to take humanoid form, he prefers to spend most of his days as a canine, mingling with the rest of his pack on their patrols of the estate grounds. Straight forward and blunt-spoken, Malek has the capacity for subtlety, but not a direct lie. This makes him a trustworthy personal guard for Mirk if Luran should fail.

 

Asmodeus

The ex-butler of the Acanthe estate, he shares a name with the Ancient that now lives in the catacombs beneath the library. After the incident that turned Mirk into the cold, distant man he is, Asmodeus vanished from the house along with Luran's heart.

 

Emilia

Mirk's fiance. They were betrothed as children, following the foolish tradition that thinks love blossoms naturally between kids who see each other once a year. Emilia is spoiled, selfish, and highly intelligent - though the last trait she hides well behind makeup and tantrums that could match any queen.

 

[This RP is a continuation thread for an ongoing one started in IM, logs follow]

 

---

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

[Due to the RP happening over several instances on IM there may be tense inconsistencies.]

 

Veir:

Sunlight pours through a crack in the heavy drapes that hid tall windows, a shaft of it reflecting off the pen in Mirk's hand, the light shining straight into his pale eyes. With a scowl, the tall mage flicks the implement across the desk, spraying a line of ink over the document he had been working on. Rising from his seat, Mirk pulls down his rolled up sleeves and tugs the reading glasses off his nose before heading down the stairs. As usual, his feet were bare, and his leather pants hung low over them. Instead of calling for Luran as was his habit, he whistles for Malek and his pack as he steps out of the gloomy surrounds of his mansion. While he waited for the baying calls in the distance to draw closer, he reflected on the feeling of grass underfoot, then tried to shrug away the memory of Sephirian that persisted now every time he stood in the garden.

 

Silver:

The gentle rays of sunlight rained down upon the earth and yet there was a patch of ground where Mirk and Sephirian had been sitting before where there was a large cocoon of feathers, lightly shifting as if with breaths, roses strangely growing up where they had not been present before, reaching up to dare to caress against the shifting feathers as if they were deeply attracted to the light and warmth of the angellic creature. Nothing seemed to cause a flaw upon the feathers, the insects* stepped around, the wind had little affect and no dirt seemed to dare to caress upon the perfect white, not even the leaves carried by the wind seemed to come close*

 

Veir:

Malek rounded the oak tree that marked the invisible boundary of Mirk's protective wards, and skidded against dew-wet grass as he came upon a strange thing. Black ears perking up, he made a cautious approach, but was stopped in his tracks by a thin thread of hair pulling him up by the throat. The lupine humanoid spun... carefully and faced his owner with a toothy grin.

 

Mirk returned the look with a resigned shrug. "You don't want to touch that, Malek. Go gather the other hounds in front of the house, the servants have food out." Seeing his Alpha off, the mage turned his attention to what he assumed was Sephirian's resting state. An annoyed twitch of his eyebrow was all the expression he offered at the guess, but he sat down on the grass anyway. A few dark vines wound obediently behind him, thorns facing in, providing him with a make-shift seat of bramble and roses as he waited for the angelic creature to stir.

 

Silver:

The roses around Sephirian seemed to arch into the feathers as Mirk approached as if in a silent warning to the winged male hidden within, the wings gradually slowing in their movements until they came to a complete stop. After a moment of silence, one of the wings shot open, sending a few of Mirk's beuatiful dark strands of silk hair fluttering before his shoulder was captured by the white wing and that slender yet strong body pulled insistantly in toward the opening in the feathers, urging Mirk close to the angellic male laying against the bed of grass, eyes still closed even though it was clear he was not completely asleep, both arms extending to capture Mirk and hold the dark male tightly against his chest.

 

Veir:

For a moment, the silence lulled the slaver into a false sense of security, and he almost let the warm sun and soft spring-like breeze move him to sleep. His only warning then was the cessation of movement in the feathery 'cocoon'. Surprise was not something Mirk liked, and without his direction, strands of hair whipped around him even as the wingtips brushed his body. There was nothing that could be done from this angle however, and soon he found himself enveloped in a cloud of rose-scent and sunlit feathers. Falling down over them like a settling curtain, his dark hair mingled with Sephirian's on the perfect green grass, the gentle moment making Mirk wish he was someone, something different. "Let go, Sephirian," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.*

 

Silver:

Not very likely. *The voice came out more awake than the beautiful male seemed, arms only wrapping tighter around the dark one as the other wing descended back down, making it almost appear like a sunroom with light being dulled and divided though still quite present. The angel was warmer than usual and yet didn't seem to have any intention of releasing Mirk, allowing one of his hands to caress through the dark tresses gently*

 

Veir:

"Unhand me," Mirk insisted, his body stiffening at the overly familiar touch. He could call for Malek, he could even send for Luran, but while those options remained open, his tongue stubbornly refused to form those particular words. As much as he resisted, the softness and warmth lured him in, something he had missed too much to say out loud in case it broke his resolve to follow through with his contract. With a sigh, he slipped his hand down to the grass beneath them, sending a jolt of energy along the darkness within the turf, breaking the ground apart under Sephirian in a bid to unbalance the frustratingly relaxed creature.

 

Silver:

Sephirian merely chuckled as the light reflecting off of the brilliant white wings clung against the earth, bridging the cracks that the darkness had created as they were made, chasing after each quickly so that the only movement that disturbed Sephirian was when he shifted himself slightly, tuggiing Mirk ontop of him inside those protective wings, only them opening his eyes to gaze up at the other male* You are such a curious creature, aching for such closeness yet driving it away at the same time.

 

Veir:

White eyes aglow with irritation, Mirk seemed to pause for a moment, the very air around him sizzling with energy as he hovered in indecision. Then the seconds move on, and he stops his struggles, though his body remains stubbornly stiff and awkward in Sephirian's arms. "Being burned by flames does not stop one from seeking warmth." Mirk replied, his tone one of resignation. "Do you intend to hold me all day? I burn easily."

 

Silver:

Sephirian didn't want to move, it was true, but the other male seemed to be a lot less inclined toward remaining where they were and that was quite regretable but impossible to change it seemed. Both wings uncoiled as Sephirian shifted, their brilliant span stretching all the way out before flapping a few times, forcing a gust to press over the grass almost violently before he stood, stretching arms and sliding hands onto Mirk's shoulders from behind, allowing his lips to press against the dark male's neck, just under his ear.

 

Veir:

Mirk was usually a calm man, at least in his exterior. Even when it came to dealing with his often difficult fiance, he had a way of cooling his temper - though many a split dining table would beg to disagree. Yet, for some reason, everything Sephirian did got on his nerves. It was like he was in grade school, playing at hard to get, and the problem was, he couldn't stop himself. The more he wanted the angel, the more the angel proved that he could not have him the way he intended. To break and corrupt at his whim, at his hand, to turn him into something that suited the darkness of his mansion. He loved and hated it. So when Sephirian drew close again when they were standing, he did not immediately shy away, instead taking the affection as it came, the strange tingle of warmth and want it sent through his spine pleasant and unfamiliar all at once. Like a guilty pleasure stolen in privacy* He sighed. "What do I have to do to have you, Sephirian?"

 

Silver:

"To have me how?" The angel asked, wings folding over his back, shifting slightly to get comfortable* before settling, arms winding around the other male to tug that dark form against his strong chest, strands of pure angelic gold mingling with the tinged blackness like oil choking sea life. "How exactly is it that you want to have me?" Allowing his hands to press against Mirk's shoulder instead, he walked with the other male into the shade by the house*

 

Veir:

"I..." Mirk shut his mouth almost as soon as he opened it, not sure how to proceed with the answer. He could be vulgar with slaves and unruly merchandise that passed through his hands on the way to the next auction, but Sephirian was not of that ilk. He shook his head, freeing the dark and light web of hair from each other, though he didn't quite pull away on the walk back to the shade.

 

The hounds were there already, eating their meals out of large plates. Malek had finished already and was sitting to one side, under the expansive shade of a row of stunted pines. Mirk turned slightly once they were standing in the trees' protection so he could look Sephirian in the eyes when he spoke. "I want to fuck you, Sephirian, and see you bleed and break, to make you beneath human so that I can have you. When you're corrupt and no longer what you are, then I can hold you. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

 

Silver:

Sephirian glances over at Mirk with a strange smile, unmoved by the vulgar words that the other male had mentioned so easily. So many sins conveyed so easily and yet all Sephirian could do was smile in response, seeking into those beautiful yet haunting eyes as he reached out, allowing the back of his fingers to stroke against the pale skin of Mirk's face. "Do you understand what you are saying?" The angelic male had a strangely knowing look in his eye while that grin conveyed something of ignorance in a contradictory contract. The juxtaposition of both reactions side by side not quite right yet mingling in harmony somehow. "The darkness is the darkness because it hides and conceals while the light threatens to bring everything hidden into sight."

 

Veir:

"Then let me hide your light," Mirk muttered darkly, one hand coming up now to press Sephirian's fingers harder against his face. "I have hidden myself away here for so long that the light hurts. What would make you different?" Pulling the long digits towards his lips as if to grace them with a kiss, the mage instead bared his teeth, and grazed his sharper-than-normal canines over the smooth skin, wanting to cut, to hurt, and to own like he did for years. "Let me taste your pain, Sephirian, that is the way I want you. Let me hide your light, take you into the well with me and shut out the sun that bares all."

 

Silver:

"If you want to bite me, feel free... But I have a feeling you will regret it." Sephirian made no move to detract from the teeth that threatened his skin, it wasn't in his nature to deny when asked for something, and yet there was a strange sense of confident dominance in his words. That smile turned even deeper as he pressed that finger further into Mirk's mouth, grazing it against the teeth to walk Mirk back against the tree trunk, looming over the dark male, pale green eyes watching as the skin grazed over the sharp surface. "Maybe you should, then you might understand."

 

Veir:

An unfamiliar, hollow feeling began in the pit of Mirk's stomach. And even though he knew he was now at a disadvantage, he found himself letting the movement happen, his back pressed suddenly against the rough pine bark, adding discomfort to unfamiliarity. He couldn't quite deny the fact a part of him found the proximity and strangeness oddly arousing, and even with Malek's golden eyes fixed on them, his body still reacted however it wished to. Frustrated, he pressed his free hand around Sephirian's waist, tugging the angel close just as he bit down on the finger, daring to test the warning. The confidence in Sephirian's eyes urging him into doing something likely foolish.

 

Silver:

"Is that your decision then?" Sephirian asked clearly, those pale green orbs carefully scanning through Mirk's pale eyes with a questioning but also warning. All at once it was far too late to turn back, the pressure against his finger making it impossible to deny the breaking of the skin, the pale green flickering defensively into something much more intense, the vision of creation blurring through as he forced that finger further into Mirk's mouth, crushing his body close to the other male's trapping him against the tree. The liquid that came forth was not what you would expect. from out of Mirk's mouth a strange luminous glow radiated, the thickness spilling down his throat with the pure white haze that was impossible to mistake for anything other than the purity of untainted light. Every vein was being invaded, every inch of flesh from the inside out like a flash light shining over the blackness of an old store room that had not seen light in decades, it invasively forced its way into every hidden corner of that body.

 

The confident angel leaned in to the dark male, everything he had been invaded by the light impossible to escape as he spoke against his ear, eyes still shimmering with such intensity as his body had been injured and the precious light shared from his body. The voice came out low, almost strained as if the very exchange was taxing upon the angelic creature. "Can you taste it? Every decade, every century, every millennium the light has been slowly refined into absolute purity within my veins?"

 

Veir:

Even as he bit down, the rush of magic that usually surrounded his body began to warp and screech in a fashion akin to a banshee. Mirk was barely aware of Sephirian pushing him close against the pine as pain radiated from the inside, burning through artery and vein, travelling along each nerve and bone, making him remember the moment he contracted Asmodeus. And with that memory came another howl. The air shimmered around them, then turned dark purple whipping about them like ethereal tails.

 

There was nothing but a mute plea for release however from the usually confident slaver. The hand holding Sephirian's waist tightened its grip, fingers curling around fabric, squeezing flesh as he tried to tug the angel off him. For a second, Mirk was intensely afraid. If Asmodeus was darkness, then Sephirian was light itself, and if the latter won, he might lose the favour* of Asmodeus. In an effort to escape the rushing, all-encompassing light and the hideously ancient information it held, Mirk nodded, almost obedient, like a child who had lost his way and would do anything to find it again. The whipping shadows faded like wilting leaves as he leaned against the tree for support, letting his stance tell Sephirian that he was ready to admit defeat.

 

---

[Veir]

Silver:

It had been two days since Mirk had fallen unconscious within the angel's arms, since he was carried bridal style up to the bedroom watched eagerly by deep green eyes and then slid under the covers to have Sephirian tuck him in and sit next to the beautiful dark male, stroking against his hair, his masculine face as he watched the precious man slumbering. Mirk's window was particularly tight for Sephirian to slip through but he made the effort each day as he continued to keep his observation logs and return them before coming home to the dark one sleeping, sitting next to the sleeping form, stroking his hair all night then doing the same the next day. Soon enough Mirk seemed to start to stir and Sephirian had already prepared something to eat and drink, lifting Mirk's head up as he broke open a hollow vine, pressing it to Mirk's lips, droplets of water that had been stroked inside naturally spilling out into his mouth while Sephirian kept him sitting up.

 

Veir:

Nothingness had taken him for too long, and by the time Mirk lifted away from the dreary darknes of sleep, he was feeling groggy and definitely not himself. Blinking in the dim light that still seemed bright compared to the abyss he had fallen into, he swallowed on automatic, finding the liquid oddly pleasant and sweet to his numb tongue. His usual confidence had seeped away in that first second of wakefulness, helplessly weak, and barely able to comprehend the sudden change in scenery. Still, once he recognised his room and Sephirian, he tried to sit up straighter, to draw away from the comforting, almost patronising touch of the angel. And failed miserably. With a light grunt, he settled back into the arm keeping him arm, accepting more of the proffered water as aches ran through his joints. "How long was I out?" he croaked, not looking Sephirian in the eye just yet.

 

Silver:

"Two days. I wouldn't try to talk." Sephirian tilted up Mirk's chin and continued to urge the water from the vine, squeezing the shaft as it dripped down into the other male. When the flow became slower, Sephirian placed it down, facing up so that none of the moisture would spill onto the floor and gathered up some parcels of folded petals with carious berries and crushed nuts inside , carefully feeding them to the dark male, tugging him to sit with his back against Sephirian's chest as he fed the other with deep care. There was a protective sense about him but also a dominant aura. Though the servants were certainly more than accommodating about making food for Sephirian and Mirk, instead he himself decided to monitor what was put into Mirk's mouth after his blood. The hand that Mirk had bitten now held a white glove, embroidered with gold and light green much like the rest of his clothing, looking as if it was always meant to be there while the other hand remained bare. Leaning in, Sephirian allowed himself a moment to take in the scent of Mirk's hair while he ate, wings shifting uncomfortably for a moment before settling again. "You need to regain strength."

 

Veir:

"And people usually do not treat me like a child," Mirk growled darkly, though he did not refuse the last of the water that was offered. He found he was parched, and regardless of the brave front he tried to put on, his body hurt, especially areas marked by Asmodeus' magic, and now he had to push down silly schoolboy-like regrets about biting Sephirian. He quelled the blush as it tried to rise onto his cheeks, and sat however he was positioned, deciding a dignified rigidity was better than failing to stay up. The food was astoundingly good, somehow suiting what his body wanted better than his usual fare - which, if he was truly honest with himself, was not so much nutritious as filling.

 

At least this position meant he didn't have to stare at the angel's face, and Mirk took in each bite willingly enough. When he sensed the angel draw close however, he couldn't quite stop the tiniest flinch from running through him, a part of him now remembering without his wanting to, the pain that could come with the wrong sort of contact. He sighed again, there was nothing he could say that could make the mistake seem any less stupid. He was warned, and he had gone against the warning out of nothing much more than petulance. "... Thank you," he muttered, realising that he had been rude without even meaning to be. "For bringing me to my room, I mean."

 

Silver:

Sephirian smiled at the words, but also contemplated the fact that Mirk had not had the opportunity to bathe Mirk within two days and though there had been a bath ready on both, he couldn't bring himself to remove Mirk's clothing without permission. It was the only thing he was contemplating allowing the servants to do to him and yet that idea also made Sephirian feel rather uncomfortable.. The aura of this place... The feeling in the hearts of the servants.. "Come now." Sephirian shifted off the bed when Mirk had finished eating and captured the other male around the back of his shoulders and behind his knees to lift the dark one up bridal style, the beautiful golden tresses touching against the man in his arms as he walked with Mirk toward the bath, already waiting and filled with hot steaming water as it had been the two previous days just incase. The walk was not incredibly far but Sephirian was cautious as not to disturb Mirk, moving carefully and protectively holding the house's master like a small child against his strong chest, caring little for how the servants reacted as they opened doors for him and guided the angelic male into the baths. the steam reminded him of mirky swamps but the smell was instead pleasant like hot springs and allowing Mirk to stand, though still holding his hands just incase he were to stumble, he glanced over at the servants who closed the doors behind them to leave both men be. "May I undress you?"

 

Veir:

Mirk made no further comment as Sephirian left his side when he had taken all the food he wanted, though he felt a strange emptiness replace the warmth that had been there. He made to complain as he was lifted, then resolutely shut his mouth, knowing that struggling now would just look worse. The slaver reserved his questions, useless as they would have been. Sephirian could carry him where ever he wanted, but if he had intended Mirk harm, he could have done so in the last two days.

 

Still, seeing the servants move aside for them annoyed Mirk. Right now, he was not the Master they usually saw, and even though they were respectful, it was more of Sephirian's aura and not of their 'employer'. There would be rumours, and Mirk made a mental note to punish any who dared raise his head to take an extra glance.

 

He felt better about himself once the servants left them be and he was back on his feet. Though he was hardly standing on his own strength, he still felt somewhat more confident. Until Sephirian's next question. It made him freeze, and uncertainty made him keep his silence. He wasn't sure he could manage not to drown himself without the angel's help, but... Mutely, he shook his head and tried to pull away to the other side of the room so he could undress himself without Sephirian watching.

 

The tiles were harder than he remembered, and he only realised this as his wobbly legs gave out under him and his head rushed to meet the floor.

 

Silver:

Eyes widening Sephirian's wings suddenly shot open forcing things to topple as he reached out for Mirk, grasping his wrist to drag that slender yet strong body against his chest just before his head hit the tiles. The angelic male was clutching Mirk so tightly, wings still spread protectively, ready to deflect any attack

 

It took him a few moments to calm down, nuzzling against Mirk's neck firmly, taking in the dark ones scent until he reached to his waist, tugging off the tie at his waist to hold it up. "This is not negotiable.. But I will not look." Lifting up the light green waist tie to Mirk, he wanted the other male to use it as a blindfold and tie it around his eyes if that would comfort him. There was no way Sephirian was going to allow Mirk to fall again, he was far too important.

 

Veir:

Normally, Mirk's hair would have taken care of things, but even the violent strands now seemed sluggish, and barely made a twitch as he fell against Sephirian. Staggering on his feet, the mage was only too glad to be saved from a rather painful fall. One thing about being tall, tripping over was something one learned to do seldom after the last growth spurt.

 

The soft tinkle of breaking glass finally brought Mirk out of his heady swoon. The bathroom filled with the smell of white sandalwood and mandarin,* In mute confusion, he looked up at the tie in Sephirian's hand. Then realisation dawned, and he couldn't quite help the tight smirk that crept onto his face like an ugly mask. "Are you sure you want to trust me that much, Sephirian?"

 

He raised a hand to take the soft cloth, winding it over a finger on his other one to pull it taut. This was something he was more familiar with, though he didn't often do anything in the grasp of another. He pressed the spring-shaded fabric to the angel's eyes, covering a gaze he liked and feared at once. "No peeking," he breathed, then began to unbutton his shirt.

 

Silver:

"I won't peak." Sephirian announced as he reached for his now open robe, tugging it off of his strong shoulders as wings folded over, the lace at the back tugged free to allow the garment to slide down leaving his chest completely bare and only white slacks left evident. Reaching down the angel tugged his slacks open and folded those impressive wings over himself to shield his naked form as not to embarrass Mirk or make him uncomfortable. Carefully reaching one hand out to rest upon Mirk;s shoulder needing to know he was safe.

 

Veir:

He had expected some resistance, so the mage was somewhat surprised when Sephirian stripped off by himself. The folding wings almost made him smile, unsure if Sephirian was embarrassed or doing it for his sake - a wasted thing if that was it, since Mirk was definitely not shy of seeing other people stark naked.

 

"You are beautiful," he murmured, the truth coming to him easier now that the angel's piercing gaze was out of the way. Tying the cord properly behind the fair-haired creature's head, he stepped slightly closer so Sephirian's hand could rescue him from another unsightly stumble before finally removing his own clothes, making fairly quick work of it since there was no audience, then threw the sweat-stained garments into a corner to be dealt with later.

 

The mirror to their right showed his reflection, and he hid himself with his hair self-consciously as he let a long tendril clean up the fallen cologne bottle. There was nothing he could do about the spilled liquid in his current state, and the smell was heady but not unpleasant. Once he was sure the sharp shards were disposed of, he took Sephirian by the hand and led him towards the almost pool-sized tub, and had to quell a momentary desire to push the angel in. Instead, he drew them both into the warm water, then sank into it and let Sephirian decide if he wanted to wet his wings.*

 

Silver:

The angelic male stepped into the water and without much hesitation, allowed his wings to settle into the water much like the rest of his body, the feathers separating and flexing against the skin before settling. Sephirian reached out to gather up the naked Mirk as the wings were no longer folded over himself, the naked skin dry in some places and moist in others caressing against Mirk's shamelessly as he pulled that stunning creature close, not needing to see to know how utterly captivating his dark one was.. How much he longed for and desired to be close to him and now feeling that bare skin against it it felt wonderful.. Beyond perfect.. Without a word Sephirian felt over to the side where a wash cloth and soap had been placed, dipping the cloth into the scented water before coaxing it over the soap, then coiling the arm back around Mirk to stroke over his back in a circular motion, starting at his shoulders and slowly shifting lower, the eyes beneath the blindfold closed.

 

Veir:

Though his companion was temporarily blind, he could see everything. Sephirian's naked beauty was everything he had imagined and more. The ripples seemed to glow around them, the steam turned golden from Sephirian's pale hair. He did not resist as he was tugged close, feeling guilt for just a brief moment as he accepted the intimacy. Perhaps he should tell Sephirian about Lu, but then he'd have to tell him about other things too.

 

Self-conscious despite the blindfold, Mirk did not immediately reciprocate the cleansing touch. His muscles relaxed somewhat from the warmth however, and he sighed in bliss at feeling the aches and sweat of two days drift away.

 

He didn't want to ruin this moment, but he had to ask. A part of him wanted to believe the best of this angelic being, but perhaps Sephirian was just too hard to fathom. "Why did you stay with me, Sephirian?"

 

Silver:

The question was rather innocent and curious yet had an edge of darkness to it, like a man glancing over the edge of a cliff before he contemplated whether or not to jump off. The matters of the mind were something that Sephirian had never been able to fathom so clearly, the way he functioned as more based on feeling and instinct rather than judgements and perceptions. It was the same reason he had to document the things he observed in such a detailed manner, being logical evaded him unless it was placed carefully on paper. The lack of vision did not make it any harder to see what he wanted and without hesitation Sephirian cradled Mirk closer, reaching down to his lower back to caress over the skin, soaping it up while lips pressed against the dark ones ear, air tickling against it as he spoke in a deeply certain tone, that strong body standing firmly just as he had on this topic. "Because I choose to."

 

Veir:

There had been no real resistance to Sephirian's touches thus far, but with that answer, Mirk's body seemed to relax further, as if a weight had been lifted from his mind. He raised a hand finally, placing it just behind Sephirian's neck, resting his fingers gently against steam-warmed skin. His pale eyes searched the half-hidden face, wondering if perhaps the angel would feel differently if he could see.

 

Pressing himself closer, the tall mage let his arousal be known through their proximity, ignoring the objections in his head for the moment. This angel had chosen to stay with him, when he had done things to push him away, like a petulant child who couldn't trust hope and so proclaimed loudly that he never wanted to wish in the first place.

 

"... Few people choose to stay, Sephirian," he murmurs, raising the hand higher to play at the knot in the make-shift blindfold. "Why did you choose to stay?" He could probably have the gentle caresses and pretend it wouldn't matter in the least that Sephirian hadn't seen all of him, but somehow, that felt like it would ruin it too. His secrets ruined everything.

 

Silver:

Such a probing question.. It seemed as though they were always going to come up and they were something that could not be answered sufficiently with words. There was so much truth in the unspoken that was always overlooked and as soon as one opened their mouths to speak the truth was misunderstood as it could never be painted in a way that would convey what one was thinking so that it would be translated perfectly to another mind. The perceptions would always be different, though perhaps the base theory would be understood, the depth was always lost in all of its magnificence.

 

There was only one way that Sephirian could convey what he wanted to explain and though it might not be the most clever way to get the message across, it was by far the most honest. Without hesitation or even a hint of warning, Sephirian brushed fingertips lightly over Mirk's jaw, mapping out its location before tilting it carefully, pressing in close to mould his own mouth against those precious lips slowly. The kiss was not rough now blindly passionate, but affectionate and heartfelt as at first he urged Mirk to enjoy the embrace of their lips against one another, only allowing a moist tongue to slide out after a long while, carefully seeking acceptance inside Mirk's mouth, allowing the other male to make a choice of his own.

 

Veir:

Whatever response he had expected, this was not it. And Mirk found himself smiling just* a little at how alien-seeming Sephirian was right that moment, in a way making himself feel more human than he had for years. Yet that was the answer he needed, and as he closed his eyes, letting his lips part so he could deepen the kiss, he pulled on the tail of the cord, tugging it loose from Sephirian's face.

 

He kept his eye shut as he felt the fabric fall away, his hand returning to its place behind* the angel's neck. He knew that for the moment, their position would hide the markings on his skin, but once the imtimacy ended... he would find out what Sephirian thought.

 

Agreeing to being kissed did not quell the spark of dominance he had cultivated since youth however, and he warred with Sephirian's tongue, his own seeking to explore his newfound lover's with less hesitation or care than the angel employed. It wasn't rough, but it was a testing of waters while conveying what he wanted.

 

Black hair slid over his smooth skin, revealing the black rose that blossomed over his heart like an intricately wrought tattoo. Thorny vines wound over his torso and back, coiling over where Sephirian had touched earlier with the cloth, then back around to the front, the tail of them perversely wrapped over his hardening cock. This was something he did not let any of the servants see, much less any of the merchandise. And it made him hesitate to let the kiss end now that the blindfold was floating in hot water.

 

Silver:

Though the blindfold had been removed, Sephirian kept his eyes closed, holding onto Mirk tightly, feeling the touch of the firm erection against his thigh, parting his lips as if to speak yet saying not a word... Instead he found himself pressing his own impressive hardness against Mirk, only gently to allow the male to grow used to the feeling of it. Holding tightly to the soaped up cloth, he lead it over Mirk's lower back carefully reaching over the curves of his rear, lightly caressing against them in a non-threatening manner, simply washing the other man speaking against his ear gently. "Such uncertainty and fear, yet for no reason." The angelic male pulled back slowly, opening his eyes only to look at Mirk's face, leaving his hands where they were as he leaned in to kiss the dark male's forehead softly. There was so much that was shameful in the mortal realm when it came to being physically bare before another. Sephirian himself had a rather unusual body. Though his shape was somewhat humanoid, where his veins should be in blue and purple, they were instead pure white under his kin, shimmering with light instead of one steady colour, the very blood that ran through his veins unlike the crimson substance that mortals possessed.

 

The angel's body appeared to be markless, the skin soft to the touch while the muscle beneath was hard and strong. The evidence of the past had been deeply well hidden and yet perhaps the appearance of near perfection was the biggest evidence of flaw. "I have already seen all that you are whether you realise it or not. I have taken responsibility thus far, have I not?"

 

Veir:

Mirk let himself enjoy the touches against his skin, trusting his heart instead of his head for once, lust making the steamy air warm to liquid fire in his lungs. He shakes his head to clear it when the winged creature spoke again, and shrugged in response. "Mortals have a lot of good reason for fear, Sephirian," he said,* though his heart wasn't in it, it was already focused only on the angel in front of him, his pale eyes following the glowing arteries as they pumped light instead of blood around Sephirian's body.

 

"You are perfect," he muttered, as if that was any sort of reply. And in a way it was. Mirk knew his body was not displeasing to look at, but the mark was something he hated. It was evidence of the contract he took to save Luran, and it was evidence of his own stubborn stupidity. "I want to trust you, Sephirian." And he had to admit this was only half true. He wanted to own the angel, and perhaps then, trust would come.

 

Silver:

"Perfection is the act of accepting imperfections" Sephirian was rather hard with those words, though there was a smile evident upon soft lips cradling Mirk's once again, allowing their skin to touch and their tongues to mingle. It felt innocent though perverse at the same time and the angel found himself drawing Mirk near, walking the strong slaver back until he was pinned against the side, the angelic male caging him in, placing each hand on either side of his hips before peering into those clear eyes, soft green orbs aching, needing as he shamelessly pressed their twin erections against each other lightly, turned on by the sheer evidence of their lust, though seeming to hold back regardless. After a moment of seemingly torn indecision, he lifted up Mirk's arm, creating a respectable distance between them and shifted the cloth onto the skin, continuing to clean the other male, slipping between each finger, delivering cleanliness with care.

 

Veir:

Mirk usually didn't have the patience for philosophical discussions with someone he intended to fuck, but he couldn't help himself now. He wanted to understand Sephirian, and he had a feeling the angel already understood him, and it irked him. While he was contemplating the angel's words however, he found himself being kissed, then guided through the water and steam, their soft lips and tongues contrasting the hardness that was evidence of their shared lust.

 

He pressed back more eagerly than he had intended when he felt the angel's heat against his own, then stared back into a gaze that was old and deep beyond anything he had seen before. He wanted this creature, to own, or to hold, anything, just to be close. And that was dangerous.

 

Then the moment passed and he was being cleaned as if fire had not ran through his veins at the thought of* finding satisfaction in Sephirian's arms. He sighed wistfully, unable to stop himself from second-guessing Sephirian's hesitation. "Your perfection makes you easy to accept, Sephirian, perhaps you would think differently if that perfection is marred."

 

Silver:

"Please stop using that word." The angelic creature hated the reference... There was so much that Mirk didn't know, the misconception he presented was one that was to be expected but the constant reminder was far from necessary. The other arm was lifted and cleaned, carefully cleansed while the angel seemed deep in thought for a moment, a troubled expression playing that usually calm, kind face before he shifted away. Both arms folded over Sephirian's chest, as if they were hiding something that was no longer there for a long moment. There wasn't a word of explanation, only that 'perfect' looking body sinking into the water with the wings remaining ontop of it, his head pressing under before coming back up with the moisture rolling right off of his feathers like a duck. Pressing one of those wings before him, he threaded his fingers between each feather, sliding through them with some soap upon his hands carefully, still with that odd look upon his face. "Some times the greatest lie is beauty.:

 

Veir:

"Fine, though I am only saying what my eyes perceive, if you want me to see you differently, then maybe you need to show me some ugliness." Mirk sank deeper into the water, feeling like he had just ruined the moment with his need to always stay on top of things. He tried to wave the image he saw from his mind, and to suppress the want he felt, but it was impossible.

 

Lifting a tendril of his hair out of the water, he let the wet tip rest under Sephirian's chin to lift his face further into the light. "Tell me to lie and I will, Sephirian. To have you will be the greatest pleasure to me right now, so tell me what lies you want to me to tell in the face of what I see."

 

Silver:

"Lies are of no use to me" Sephirian responded, the golden strands wet and sticking to his face in a haunting manner, allowing the moisture to slide through the strands and caress over his markless chest. Even eyelashes were dotted with droplets of moisture, trapped or were they clinging to do anything they could to remain close to the angelic creature? It was hard to say, just as with Mirk it was conflicting. Glancing over at the dark one as his hair lifted Sephirian's chin, it was hard not to feel another wave of want, aching to be close to the other male yet knowing now was not the time for such things. It was difficult.. But the gain was by far more important than the loss.

 

Sephirian shifted back over, this time bringing the cloth to Mirk's chest, the marks there seemingly causing him to stare for a moment before continuing on, slipping the cloth over each nipple before pressing down over his strong chest, mapping out the hint of muscles there carefully, obviously pleased by the look of the dark ones physical form, probably more pleased than he should have been.

 

Veir:

It seemed that at every turn, the angel wanted to deny him a quick release from the strange spell he had been put under. He opened his mouth to speak, then shut it again, wondering if his words were helping his cause at all. When Sephirian moved back to his side, the snake-like coil of hair slid from the perfectly sculpted chin, mirroring every touch of the cloth that had returned to his own skin.

 

Every moan he might have given, he choked back into a sigh, though he rose higher in the water, apparently having no concept of embarrassment despite his earlier objection to being seen. Again, he tried to read into the pause as Sephirian focused on the mark, but he let reilief wash over him once the cleaning continued. He rewarded this with touches of his own, wet strands twisting around a nipple, trailing down the angel's abdomen, and then below the water's surface to tease lower still.

 

"Then you will have to show me your imperfections, as you have seen mine."

 

Silver:

The touch that Mirk offered was forcefully arousing, more than he could handle at the moment and it was going to make it impossible for him to resist if Mirk kept touching him. Grasping onto the dark ones wrist, he lifted that hand and kissed against the back of it, instead leading it over Mirk's own skin, starting at his chest, narrowing those aching green eyes as he started to lower the fingers. "What I want for you is much more fulfilling than a fast release by my hands.. For that goal I need to wait.. My body cannot be brought to climax by your touch and nor can yours by mine.. Instead..." Sephirian took a breathe and swallowed as he led Mirk's hand down lower, aching to know what it felt like, that skin that he had touching against his own with such raging hardness and now in order to hold onto his sanity he couldn't bring himself to touch, only to have Mirk touch himself instead. "To honour my request, though pay tribute to my ache... May I... Observe.."

 

Veir:

As much as he told himself that it was just the steam making it hard to breathe, he knew his body was much more honest. Every touch from Sephirian was like lightning and flame, making him want to respond with violence and passion that he normally reserved only for Luran. No, even then, he held back his love, burned once by the memory of his pale friend, he was not ready to go there again.

 

Letting the angel guide his fingers over his wet skin, his own familiar touch still making his body react. He tried to hold Sephirian's gaze, and found it surprisingly easy. He wanted to see the lust that he felt was there, and he wanted to see how much he could push it, to see the moment Sephirian let himself go - if that could be achieved.

 

"You will be glad to know that I'm perfectly capable of masturbating..." He leaned closer, purposefully pushing his cock through his own fingers until the tip rested against the angel's thigh. "Though I am not used to an audience."

 

He brushed his lips against Sephirian's, then smiled, though his white eyes remained icy. "Give me another kiss, angel, and I will let you watch to your heart's content."

 

Silver:

The feel of the tip against his thigh was confronting, making Sephirian want to reach down and hold that flesh within his hands.. But he couldn't allow himself to do it.. He plainly could not.. Instead he focused on Mirk's face as the salvation of distraction was offered and carefully pressed his tongue out against its kin, exploring his precious lover's lips once again as if it were the first time, stroking through the semi dry dark strands as he tasted the want and desperation in Mirk's kiss, aching for more of it as he strained to keep his body in check, finding it harder than being in chains, aching so deeply, so completely, to just give this man everything he had longed to give to someone for an eternity. No... He had waited this long, he had to endure, this had to be done right... It was far more important than the insane lust that threatened to own him.. Far more.. He had to believe that. Still, those pale green eyes wandered down as their kiss broke and a sudden groan escaped the Angel's lips as he watched, soon biting his lower lip, his own erection throbbing with such powerful ache. "I want to see everything.. Show me."

 

Veir:

Mirk let his lips part once he felt Sephirian's tongue seeking entry, his own warring with the warm muscle for a moment before letting the angel explore. While he distracted the pale creature with this kiss however, he let his fingers wrap about his own cock, palm resting flat against the side, providing more pressure than the lapping water could offer. His hair coils around Sephirian's hand, bringing it close over his own, then tying it there.

 

"You will see it, and I want you to feel it." Though technically what Sephirian would feel would be his hand, he knew the movement would be its own torture, his shaft separated only by flesh and bone, their skin bound together by strands of hair alone.

 

He did not move immediately however, waiting to see if Sephirian would tear his hand away, or allow that amount of extra intimacy. Mirk liked to test limits, and he had a feeling the winged man was quite near his. "I will give you something to remember."

 

Silver:

"Mirk..." The name came out in a soft whisper, he was not sure if this was going too far and yet he couldn't force his hand away, seeking those observing eyes down to watch.. With all of the beautiful treasures in the world, there was only one thing that made Sephirian feel such awe and that was the man before him doing such a lewd yet natural thing.. Making him ache.. His mouth dry yet his aching erection wet at the tip, oozing, needing as he watched with such fascination.. Why was this so delicious? Swiping that dry tongue over his lips, Sephirian ached to taste that flesh, to know what it was like to take it into his mouth as well as stroking it himself.. It was so sinful and yet so pleasurably torturous.. He needed more... All of Mirk.. "You are the beautiful one"

 

Veir:

"You want me, I want you. Why the doubts?" Mirk let his fingers slide down to the tip of his cock, rubbing over it, making his hand mould over the crown so that his hair would bind Sephirian's the same way, creating an intimate hold that was slightly tighter than comfortable. But that was the way he liked it.

 

Water was not the best lubricant, but Mirk didn't care. Raw pleasure was making his thoughts waver away like wisps of heated steam. His free hand rose to brush over Sephirian's soft lips, linger on the lower one before trailing aside to a earlobe. "You really think so, don't you?"

 

Then he was lost as he let his hand travel back towards the base, fingers tightening over his own erection, trapped lust and heat edged by slight pain. A moan replaced whatever words he might have said next, and he leaned closer still, resting his forehead on the angel's shoulder, steam-matted hair pooling over them both, spilling across pale skin like a dark web.

 

Silver:

"I don't think you are beautiful" Sephirian responded, trying his best to keep his wits about him.. Such sheer perfection was between his fingers, daring him to lose control and yet seeing that look on Mirk's face, of such pleasure and ache, it gave him the strength to continue as he squeezed his lover's hand and kissed over those precious lips softly. It was going to be hard to resist... Deeply hard to resist, but he knew he had to in order to reach his ultimate goals... Nothing was going to stop him, absolutely nothing. "I know you are."

 

Veir:

The coils of hair tightened over their hands as Mirk waited for the angel to finish speaking, his other hand still making light trails over the statuesque face. He wanted desperately to hold his lover firmer, to feel his lust through near-pain, but he had learned that lesson once and was not going to forget in a hurry.

 

Instead, he wound some of the golden tresses in his fingers and tugged Sephirian forward, his lips closing over the other man's again eagerly as the sentence ended. The hand wrapped around his cock stroked at a steadier pace now, though it was hard to tell whether he moved his hand or merely let his hair and Sephirian's trapped fingers do the work.

 

He moaned into the kiss as the odd movement brought his thumb over the sensitive crown then back again, and he shifted his grip slightly, then thrust into his own hand, each stroke pushing him against Sephirian. In his own perverse way, he was going to make the angel feel it. With his lips still fused to Sephirian's, he turned them slightly so his lover could see them in the mirror, then closed his own eyes again in pure pleasure as sharp tingles of it made him shudder and groan.

 

Silver:

There was so much to take in and observe.. the scent of sex, the warmth of the water, the desperation written all over Mirk's face in such a deeply beautiful prose impossible to decode without deep cognitive thought.. There was so much here that would take many years to develop a keen understanding and Sephirian was more than prepared to take the time. After all, time was all that he had now. Just what was it about this dark male that was making him so attached? The truth was locked deep inside his inhuman heart with locks that couldn't be fathomed by the mortal mind. Those pale green eyes sought into Mirk's icy gaze, a fascination reflected there as the other hand pressed up to caress lightly against Mirk's face, feeling the skin and how the muscles beneath contorted to affect his expression. "Will you show me your end?"

 

Veir:

His breath now harsh, and his vision swimming even when he opened his eyes to see Sephirian's watching him, Mirk merely nodded in reply. He could have held back, and normally he would have, but he wanted to give his angelic lover something to remember, something to lure him back to his side, to mark this shared intimacy beyond the memory of soft kisses.

 

"One day," he growled, "One day I shall see yours."* His hand moving faster over his own flesh, a slight grimace contorted his usually elegantly composed features as he leaned forward out of reflex. His body shook with each of the final, harder thrusts into the sheathe his fingers, Sephirian's hand and his own hair formed, and he let a few muffled gasps escape into the steamy air, the soft sounds echoing crisply against white tiles.

 

Finally, with his other hand gripping tendrils of soft hair like a drowning man grasping at straws, he cries out once, throws his head back and shudders as a stream of white shoots from his cock, smears landing against Sephirian's thigh and abdomen, sprays of it falling into the clear water. He kept his eyes closed as the convulsions turn to shivers, and seed dribbles over their tied fingers, dirtying his already loosening hair.

 

Silver:

Every moment was being caved into the angelic male's heart, etched in so that it could never be forgotten.. The observation was the most beautiful that he had ever seen and parting his lips he groaned softly, unable to keep the sound of his pleasure inside. It was utterly pure perfection.. The way that body moved, the muscles contracting in such a desirable manner as he came, even the taste of that breathe leaving his mouth.. It was all absolutely perfect.. A moment that could not have been better than it was.. However..

 

The hand that had been wound with Mirk's lifted, the white substance upon the those fingers seeming to entrance the angelic being. Slowly, he lifted the hand closer, watching the creamy seed drip from the digits, swallowing deeply as he licked his lips in want, drawing it in closer, taking in the scent so potent of sex, bringing his hand close to his lips, parting them longingly.. That moist tongue peaked out, aching to taste, reaching for that smothered hand but all at once he bit back the want, teeth clenching to cage his hungry tongue as he dropped his hand into the water to cease the tormenting teasing. "Yes, one day you will indeed.. I hope it is worth waiting for."

 

Veir:

Mirk held on to the fistful of hair that was still wound around his fingers, the soft blond tresses providing a strangely gentle reminder of the physical while he tried to gather his thoughts. He had never been watched like this before, and if he was honest with himself, the way Sephirian had taken in all that he was without flinching was more attractive than anything he had seen before. He had seen many things in the eyes of those that pass through his hands. Fear, anguish, pure hatred, but not what the angel gave him. He wondered if Sephirian could guess how much of a gift that had been.

 

His knees felt weak, and he realised that two days of rest in bed had not restored him so much as he thought. Sinking gratefully into the waiting ripples of water, he let the liquid wrap around him as he watched Sephirian. Pale gaze unwavering, he waited breathlessly for the moment his seed would touch those desirable lips.

 

But it never came, and he hid his disappointment quickly, unnaturally white eyes returning to the usual icy blankness, the warmth of his afterglow fading from them first even as his body remained heated. He smiled wistfully and tried to rise again from the lukewarm water, but found he could not, not yet anyway.

 

"... Time is not something I have, but patience, I can do." He did not offer anymore explanation than that, instead busying himself with running his fingers through his mussed hair. "Would you like to stay... that is, are you needed elsewhere, Sephirian?"

 

Silver:

The angelic male was already stepping out of the water, reaching for a black fluffy towel to caress it over his markless skin, aching to dry off before Mirk tried to escape the bath, still a sleek moisture over him as he wrapped the towel around his waist, reaching down for his precious dark one, wanting to keep that stunning creature close to him at all times, forever in those protective arms never allowed to be banished into the darkness all alone ever again. Soft green eyes narrowed as he waited for Mirk to take his hand, it didn't seem like a request, but something more direct.. There was no way Sephirian would accept anything less than Mirk leaning on him from now on. It had already been decided and it could never be taken back. "You might have more time than you think."

 

Veir:

Watching Sephirian like a hawk, Mirk licked his lips at the beauty that was revealed as the angel left the bath. Water slid off his skin and feathers, each droplet forming a trail that marked out his shape before pattering lightly to the tired floor. There was a moment of wistful regret as a towel covered the more private areas that Mirk quite enjoyed seeing, but there might be time for more voyeurism later.

 

He waited as Sephirian rejoined him and offered a hand, though his pale gaze remained on the outstretched fingers while he did not lift his own immediately. He could taste the unspoken expectation in the air. It was not quite a command, but ...

 

The slaver tilted his head, put his own long fingers against the upturned palm, then slid his hand along the angel's wrist, gripping it around the narrowist part. Pulling himself up faster than he should, he grimaced at the ache in his joints but stood stubbornly so he could whisper into his lover's ear. "Is time something that you can influence too, Sephirian?"

 

Silver:

"Time happens regardless of what anyone does. Fate, however..." Sephirian tugged the dark male into his arms, the wet body soaking his towel quickly, wings folding over, still dotted with moisture as they captured Mirk close.. It was not long now and even though it seemed like an eternity to wait.. It would be here soon. Hoisting the slender male into his arms, pressing a gentle kiss against Mirk's forehead, he stepped over to hoist a towel over the dark ones stunning naked form before walking toward the sitting area, sliding down careful of his wings, holding Mirk in his arms still as he dried the man. There was a knowing smile upon Sephirian's lips as he took care of every limb one by one, carefully and attentively banishing the droplets of water. "Is never as solid as it seems."

 

Veir:

Though Sephirian had seen everything there was to see - and more besides, Mirk found himself once more becoming uncomfortable with being seen. Now that the flames of lust were dying to lively embers, he was only too aware of the marks that decided his fate. He did not resist when he was lifted into the angel's arms, but curled in on himself like he had seen some of his newer merchandise do, and for the first time understood their shame.

 

"Maybe for you, Sephirian. Yet you seem to have rules of your own." It was a change of subject, simple as that. Mirk covered parts of his body with veils of hair as water was wiped from skin with attentiveness that seemed to contrast the confidence and power that Mirk knew was hidden beneath the almost effeminate exterior.

 

"Will staying with me delay your..." he searched for the right word, duties didn't seem quite right. "Tasks?"

 

Silver:

"As long as I can deliver my observation notes, no." The angellic make responded, soothing his hands over Mirk's arms, as if he were trying to pry something open that did not want to co-operate with careful gentleness, easing it slowly. There was a part of the angel that knew all too well that feeling of dominance yet submission.. But there was a strong part of him that ached to protect Mirk at all costs.. What would he have to give to achieve that? Already the steaks seemed quite high, but one of them was not his 'task'. With a soft chuckle, Sephirian slid a hand over Mirk's cheek affectionately, seeking into those clear eyes sincerely, smiling from the heart. "Infact, I think you will assist me to complete it much faster."

 

Veir:

"I can't say I understand," Mirk conceded, staring into Sephirian's eyes, losing himself all too easily in the spring-hued pools. "But I have a feeing I am not meant to, yet."

 

He had remained stubbornly closed up despite all of Sephirian's coaxing, but the touch on his cheek seemed to do what the gentle hands failed to. Hair and arms peeled away from his torso like dark and pale petals, and Mirk kept his eyes on the angel's face as he again bared himself to view.

 

"I have been a rude host," he muttered, turning away before he could actually see whether Sephirian liked or hated the marks on his body. "I will have clothes brought, and I can organise a meal for you if you need."

 

---

[Veir]

Silver:

It was a rather unusual situation.. While Mirk got dressed and tended to some business, Sephirian had found his way into the kitchen and dismissed the staff, instructing them to only cook for themselves and the other servants and effective immediately not to serve Mirk any food without his permission. All of the silverware and instruments used to cook were dubbed unworthy and though Sephirian was kind in delivering the instructions, the gaze of the angel was harsher than usual. There would be no disobedience on this request and he would make sure of it. "If he requests something to eat, I expect to be informed so that I can bring it to him. If I find out that a single person has been feeding him... I will not be very pleased.." Sephirian offered a warm smile, one that made his threat all the more striking. There was no way of the angel knowing if they would obey him or not, but the warning had been issued regardless and the soft green eyes examined each servant carefully before he turned his back, wings shifting upon his back as he started to shift to leave, only to stop in the doorway without turning. "In addition... Any physical interactions with the master of this house will be... suspended until further notice."

 

Veir:

Whatever Sephirian had fed him earlier had been good, but not exactly filling. This was not a problem however, Mirk rarely ate his fill at any meal, finding the thought of putting food down his throat as disinteresting as watching grass grow. Strange, considering how well he could cook when he wanted to. Summoning Luran to the corridors outside his office, the slaver gave orders for some wine to be brought before settling inside with the intention of doing some work while Sephirian entertained himself about the house. Food was one thing, alcohol was quite another altogether.

 

The pale slave did as he was bid, arriving in the kitchens some minutes later. He gave no indication that he noticed the strangeness in the faces of the servants, but did pause at the wine cellar door when the head maid put herself in his way. Shrugging, the almost naked man tried to move past her, only to have her block his way yet again.

 

"Master wants wine," he muttered, his hollow voice making the woman in front of him flinch as if slapped.

 

"Can't do, Lu," she whispered urgently. While the angelic guest had not mentioned drink, she assumed that alcohol was definitely off the menu if usual food was. "You will have to take it up with the master's guest."

 

At this, Luran turned on his heel and left the room, the house obeying his wishes like Mirk had told it to, the corridors and doors he opened bringing him to where the residence thought Sephirian might be found.

 

Silver:

In the sunlight, the angelic male loomed over a hard stone bowl that looked as if it were from another time let alone the earth at all, it looked hand carved, keen attention to detail in the black stone as the outside had an intricate design in white like vines reaching around the rim. Within his hand he held the same stone carved into a mixer, the familiarity of cooking instruments today setting in though it too seemed to have a fair amount of age, the same intricate design carved into its handle. Within the bowl was an arrangement of almonds, berries, raw mushrooms that had all been ground into a thick paste. The nutrients he wanted to provide to Mirk were worked to carefully bring out the flavours and strawberry juice squeezed from the fruit to add sweetness. Though it seemed like an unusual mix, the fine mushrooms soaked up the moisture creating a more solid consistency. Vaguely aware of that empty feeling that seemed to always be evident when the soulless doll was around, Sephirian's eyes narrowed though he didn't look up from his task, instead speaking without turning to gaze at the male. "You've never approached me on your own.. What is the occasion?"

 

Veir:

"Master wants wine," Luran repeated his earlier request to the maid even as the final door opened into the garden. Sunlight made him squint, but he approached the angel without any hint of hesitation or fear. Perhaps what else was missing was more obvious and unsettling, his deep blue gaze did not linger at all on the intricately wrought stone, nor did it seem interested in the beauty that was plain to see in the man before him. There was not even an ounce of curiosity in his eyes, though Sephirian was doing something most people would have questions about, even if one left alone the most obvious question in Lu's situation - why?

 

Instead, he repeated his statement, knowing this would be adequate and that nothing more was required, therefore nothing more needed to be said. Sunlight and tree shadow chased across his delicate features, and the breeze rustled his hair - the only evidence that he was not a statue. "Master wants wine."

 

Silver:

"So lifeless... Your moving corpse is an abomination under heaven." Retreiving some rich green looking leaves from his satchel, the angelic male laid them down upon light weight material placed on the grass, porous and easy for it to breathe beneath, still allowing some sunlight through as he spooned the mixture into the leaf, folding three parcels carefully. Binding them inside the material he placed them into his satchel and finally turned to Lu, the stone bowl and crushing stone left upon the ground, threads of grass reaching up to coil around it dragging it into the very earth to disappear beyond the surface. The gaze that Sephirian offered was far less than impressed, that emptiness he felt from the other male left such a deep feeling inside of him every time he gazed upon such a puppet and there was little more to say than his next words. "Your master will want many things, but you can no longer serve him appropriately without me." Finding no reason to continue talking to such a mindless drone, Sephirian's wings flexed and flapped, delivering him up and out of reach, circling the vast estate to note Mirk's window closed, dropping down close to it, placing his feet upon the ledge, gently wrapping upon the window to wait patiently.

 

Veir:

Staring up at Sephirian with clear understanding in his eyes but nothing more, Luran watched as the angel gathered up his things. Abomination was a word Mirk had sometimes used when he thought he was alone. Luran tilted his head, his capacity to understand marred by his incapacity to feel the loneliness his Master spoke with when he uttered that phrase. For just a moment, it seemed almost as if Luran was distracted by daydreams, then he turned back to Sephirian as he was addressed again, and he was nothing once more.

 

There was nothing to be said to Sephirian's statement, and Luran merely stared as he lifted away once it was made clear that everything Mirk wanted would go through the angel and no one else.

 

Sunlight poured onto the frail looking figure left alone in the garden, its rays warm and cold to Luran all at once. Without changing expression at all, he reached behind himself and scratched at the skin there, tugging loose a single white feather after a moment. He stared at it, as if trying to make a decision. Then turned and walked back to the house.

 

Mirk was still working, and growing somewhat impatient at Luran's continued absence - and that of his wine. He was about to call out for another servant when he heard light tapping against the window. Seeing Sephriian there did not surprise him immensely, though he had half-expected it to be Luran. He stood and crossed the few paces to the window, opening it, his hand going to Sephirian's face even before the angel had a chance to step in. "I thought you were still inside."

 

Silver:

"I was fixing something for you." The angelic male nuzzled against the hand, reaching up to caress it, kissing against Mirk's palm softly. The adoration within his eyes all too apparent as he stepped back over to the desk with Mirk, coiling those strong arms around the dark one to fold his wings over as well, placing light affectionate kisses over the dark ones neck. After a moment he allowed the beautiful dark male to escape his grasp, placing his hands upon those angled shoulders urging Mirk to sit, retreiving one of the parcels from his satchel to offer it to Mirk. "I have done something that may cause you distress."

 

Veir:

Surprised but not displeased by the affection Sephirian seemed willing to display upon seeing him again, Mirk let his hand rest too long on the angel's perfect skin, liking the feel of it under his fingers. "I do not recall things were broken," Mirk replied drolly. It was a lie anyway, he knew there were many broken things in this house, most of them made that way by his hand.

 

Returning the kisses with light, reassuring touches of his hands, Mirk couldn't quite help but smile as he was pressed back into his seat, though he did raise an eyebrow at the parcel that was being passed to him. It smelled like fruit, and... mushroom? He took it gingerly then waited to see if there was some special instruction to follow in case the fresh-smelling package exploded.

 

"... Oh?" Mirk held up the leaf-wrapped thing in his hand and sniffed at it. He more often ate things that once cried out for its mother at night, but he had a feeling that Sephirian wanted him to eat this... something. "What might that be? .. Because if you mean this, it doesn't smell bad, you're being a bit harsh on yourself."

 

 

Silver:

The angelic male chuckled softly, hands massaging Mirk's shoulders firmly before one shifted to open the parcel, squeezing it lightly so that the contents would come out at the top, pressing it against Mirk's lips in a clear instruction. "It is good for you. It has everything your body needs. Including sunlight." Though he was pleased that Mirk didn't seem to want to reject what he'd made, there were more pressing matters at hand and whether he informed the dark one himself or allowed his servants to break the news to him, Mirk was going to find out sooner or later and it was much better coming from his lips. "I've taking responsibility for your intake of sustenance. I asked your servants not to deliver you anything for the moment so that I can make sure you are eating the right things" Though there was surely something to be said by Mirk, Sephirian continued speaking to address the secondary issue. "Your marionette mentioned you wanted wine. I will get you plum wine for tomorrow ripened in moonlight. Nothing you have here is suitable."

 

Veir:

"... Sunlight," Mirk repeated, giving Sephirian a glance that said everything. Had any normal person said his food contained sunlight, he might have went on a bit about how yes, the meat ate grass,and the grass ate light, but... this would be no joke. "What are you trying to do, Sephirian?"

 

He tentatively parted his lips, then froze at Sephirian's next words, and shut his mouth a second later, pushing the offered parcel away. "I am a slaver, Sephirian. Do you understand what you are saying?"

 

He stood and took the angel's hand in his, taking the package out of it carefully so the contents would not spill. "If my servants think I am somehow under your influence, I will have a riot on my hands downstairs..."

 

There Mirk paused, he had a few things he wasn't too eager to share with Sephirian just yet. "I have wine in the afternoon. And Luran will bring it."

 

Silver:

"You cannot drink that wine." Sephirian firmly spoke yet with a softness in his expresison. There seemed to be no desire to be hard on Mirk even though that was what he was doing. Both hands rested then upon the dark ones shoulders and massaged them firmly, wings spreading out with sufficient room, feeling less unncomforable knowing he could spread them wide. There was a calmness about Sephirian as he leaned in and spoke against Mirk's ear gently so that no one else would be able to hear. "Then introduce me as the new head of your servants and apologise for the delay expressing I thought they already knew." Sephirian seemed unimpressed with the fact that Mirk was rejecting the food that he offered, the hands ceasing their movements and releasing the dark one. "It seems I have been too forward. Perhaps I should leave."

 

Veir:

Mirk stared at the angel for a few minutes. The warmth that was fading fast now that Sephirian no longer stood close reminded him of what he wanted most out of their exchange - his new lover by his side. "And it seems I have offended you."

 

Sighing, Mirk reached down for his reading glasses and put them on before picking up a few sheets of paper. "If you join my staff, Sephirian, you need to wear something that marks you as a free-employee of the house. You can choose what sort of jewellery to wear, I will give you the marked piece once it's made." He was speaking too fast, he knew, and too eagerly. Taking up Sephirian's offer with almost no thought, and certainly none of us usual objections or pretense. "Officially you will be head of the household affairs, so I suppose that would make you the new butler."

 

As another peace offering, the tall mage picked up the package he had put down earlier and bit into the portion that had been squeezed out for him. It was not unpleasant, though odd to his tastes. Then he passed the papers he was holding to Sephirian. "You need to sign this, I am not certain you need payment, but the staff will be suspicious if you're not reimbursed for services rendered. ... Tell them whatever you wish."

 

He fell silent then, watching Sephirian through his thin-rimmed glasses. He wanted to feel the hot breath tickling his skin, the strong arms holding him close, and those wings keeping them safe in a cocoon of privacy, but he had to pretend at least that he was the one in control, and he wondered if the angel would be accepting of all that.

 

Silver:

"I will sign nothing, and in return for this facade, I need you to do as I ask and eat only what I give you until its safe." Perhaps saying more than he should have, the angelic male sighed, stretching his wings out a little further, the tips of the feathers touching against the book case and soon pressing against it unable to handle the length of the impressive wings. It seemed as though it was going to be impossible to take on such a position like this... It was not going to be easy in the least to uphold the bargain he wanted, but without compliance it could never work. "I suppose I will have to do something about these.. But in return I need your word that you will do as I have asked. "Sephirian's eyes softened as Mirk took a bite of the prepared sustenance, fingers coming down to cup the male's chin, lifting it up with a serious expression upon his features. "I assure you, I will be sacrificing much more than you will be."

 

Veir:

With a sigh, Mirk dropped the issue of paperwork, intending to do something about it himself later. There have been strange additions to the household before, if his accountant wanted to keep working for him, then he would keep his mouth shut.* "Fine, you will not sign anything, but the extra 'decoration' is not negotiable. Or you will find yourself randomly set upon by the Hounds. I'm sure that is no problem, and you can deal with Malek how you see fit, but... it would be messy."

 

Mirk rarely spoke so much and so candidly. He took another bite of the food and found it was easy to swallow, and even if his taste buds objected to the unfamiliarity of fresh produce, his stomach appreciated it, and soon the contents of one packet had vanished under Sephirian's watchful gaze.

 

The angel's touch was certainly not the deferent one he had become accustomed to since taking over the Acanthe estate, but a part of Mirk yearned for it, to leave himself in Sephirian's arms, to have his fate taken from him and lifted from his shoulders, the burden of it given to someone else... If only he could.

 

"Do you want me to organise you a room?" He asked, fielding a question out of the air to cover the awkward silence he knew his daydreams brought on. "And what do you want, bracelet, anklet, earring... collar?" This last suggestion was offered with a little smile, almost childishly mischievous.

 

Silver:

"I will have a monocle. It will be of use to me too, the glass needs to be thick and very reflective, hard to break. You can place whatever jewels you need to on the chain around my ear but make sure the glass is perfect." The desire seemed all too specific, and yet Sephirian seemed to have a rather serious look on his face about the whole matter, as if he were about to step into a room of flame and be scorched to the bone against his will. There was a lot to do to prepare for what needed to be done in order to support this facade and especially with a dark presence looming ever closer it was necessary to keep his intentions as deeply hidden as possible. In the life of an observer who took pride in standing on the sidelines after the great war, being so active was going to take time to get used to, but for this dark one, he would do whatever it took to reach his final goal. With a polite smile, Sephirian removed the empty parcel from Mirk and took in a breathe ready to ask for what he needed, the tone of his voice... Rather reluctant. "Is it possible to spare as many mirrors as you have to bring into the garden before sundown? As for the room, I won't need it."

 

Veir:

"All right," Mirk replied easily, as if the request was nothing strange. It was strange, and he knew it, but his pale eyes let nothing of his curiosity slip. His fingers found Sephirian's hair again, gliding through the soft tresses of pale gold as he listened to whatever other requests his new 'butler' would have in order to stay.

 

It seemed silly now that he had wanted to keep Sephirian the same way he had kept other slaves and pets in the past, to coop such a magnificent creature would be sinful, and clipping his wings... a thought Mirk had trouble contemplating for the first time in his life as a slaver.

 

"Mirrors are easy," he murmured, leaning in closer so he could take in the angel's scent. "I have little need of the ones the estate has." Besides his own dislike of them, Asmodeus used them as passages once upon a time, and he had kept almost all of them covered and stored in the vast, empty spaces that existed within the house.

 

"I will have them brought out. Any other requests?" He was not sure what he was searching for. Perhaps just more words from Sephirian because he liked to hear the angel's voice. Or perhaps he thought more questions would make him stay.

 

Silver:

"The lights in the house, make sure they are all turned off after I leave. it won't be pleasant if they have been left on when I return." There was nothing in the angel's expression to let out what he had planned, instead that pained expression had been replaced by a firm smile as the large wings folded over his back, the golden haired beauty walking backward toward the window, stepping up onto the ledge to hold the side, crouching still not so fond of the small designed windows Mirk had all over the house, making it a very tight squeeze. The arrangement seemed to be thought of faster than he would have imagined and they were both making heavy concessions for each other and perhaps it was far too dangerous for them both, but it was the only way it could work.

 

Veir:

"That will not be difficult," Mirk said. He often left most of the lights unlit anyway, preferring to walk the halls in the darkness he had formed a contract with, letting himself become tainted more each day. The power he needed to pay a debt of life and friendship rested in the balance, and he wondered as Sephirian moved to the window, whether he was too brash.

 

Following his lover, the tall slaver watched the akward squeeze and made up his mind to make things easier for the angel from now on. Though he would have to wait until Sephirian left. While the house was obedient to his whims, an accident might leave them both with unpleasant memories.

 

"I am not sure what you have planned, Sephirian, but I hope for your sake that it does not disturb the Ancient living under this estate." Over the long years, even demons became gods, and though Mirk had seen Sephirian's power for himself, he was wary of the confidence his lover displayed. When an immortal being is proved mortal, it's generally a surprise that comes too fast and a lesson that could only be learned the once.

 

Silver:

"And who would that be?" Sephrian humoured Mirk with the question, that hauntingly beautiful face oozing masculinity, seeming to hang on his words, all too eager to see the beautiful dark one smile all the more. Perhaps it was impossible not to wake the darkness, and then how would Mirk react? It was far too soon and that was definitely something to think about, something worth considering alliances that he had no desire to make. Regardless, Sephirian's goal was far more important. Lifting a hand to caress it against Mirk's cheek he allowed himself to feel the chill of the skin so cool against his warm touch yet something about that made him smile.. "The sooner we can get the mirrors, the better."

 

Veir:

"Something you wouldn't want to disturb," Mirk finished crisply. He sighed at the knowledge they were to be parted for a small while. Then he drew away and made a few signs in the air between them, trails of purple light following his finger until they formed a pattern. The circle widened neatly then revealed Luran's face.

 

"Gather up the mirrors in the house and have them brought to the garden," he ordered, then paused for a moment to look at his lover. "Then return to the library, Lu."

 

The image of Luran nodded, then the shimmering circle vanished and him along with it.

 

"It should only take ten minutes or so, is that soon enough?" Mirk took one of Sephirian's hands and pressed it to his face again, enjoying the warmth, like a reminder of sunlight that did not burn. He touched his lips to the angel's fingertips and sighed. "What are you planning?"

 

Silver:

"I am planning to make life a little easier for us both." Mirk's face was so beautiful to him, and especially with those glasses on he felt a twinge of ache.. it was far more than he could have ever imagined he would feel for anyone after everything he had seen and experienced and yet here he was not keeping away from Mirk but being co,pletely drawn in, eagerly plundering those soft lips, aching for them, devouring them with adoration. It was so delicious and he found himself wanting more, though pulling back to keep his sanity intact, lest he push Mirk against that strong desk and test its limits all night long. "I need to try a few things to see what works best I suppose.. But either way I will figure it out."

 

Veir:

"Easier?" Mirk could do little but echo Sephirian's words, what was the angel planning? Curiosity gnawed at him, but he held it in check, asking too many questions often got him answers he didn't want. He was surprised then by Sephirian's sudden enthusiasm, the angel showing more passion than he had seen in the bath, with both of them naked, flesh against skin, hot lust held barely in check.

 

He let the moment happen, uncertain himself how he would react if Sephirian tried to take it that one step further, to push the boundaries of dominance he had imposed on himself to hide what was inside. Relief and* disappointment ran through him together as Sephirian finally relinquished his passion and let them part.

 

"Would it be unsafe for me to come watch?" That was too clingy. Mirk shrugged and coughed, trying to cover the awkward moment. "I am curious about all magic."

 

Silver:

Though there was much that he wanted to ask Mirk, Sephirian left it for another time. For the moment there was much to be done and the first experimentation was sure to be the most unpleasant of all of the options.. Stepping outside with Mirk, as they shifted out the angelic male gazed out to the sun which was getting quite low with a rather unpleasant look upon his face. Without warning he slid his hand against Mirk's clutching it tightly as he saw the arrangement of mirrors in different shapes and sizes in the circle, just as he had wanted. They reflected off of each other, a few merely looking dark with how they were angled and the golden haired male paid keen attention to who was around.. Which appeared to be just Mirk and the servant. Offering Mirk's hand one last squeeze, Sephirian released it and moved into the centre, shifting some of the mirrors so that they caught the dying rays of the sun. At the moment, there was still light but it was weak and until the split second when the sun's rays screamed over the earth in a last aching swipe at light it would not be strong enough.

 

The angelic male gazed into the mirrors, reflecting himself as well as the light, and yet there seemed to be a distinct difference in some of the reflections which was hard to see, but once noticed all too obvious. each of the figures moved as a reflection, but none of them appeared to be the same as the man standing in the centre. The changes were slight, as slight as a change of eye colour of a different shade of blond hair, but they were evident none the less. Those green eyes focused on the setting sun not wanting to miss that split second as each of the reflections started to grow golden and blot out the image of the male as that last thrashing powerful shard of light washed over them. Taking a deep inhale of breathe, Sephirian removed it from his pocket.. How long had it been? Far too long it seemed and now the golden case that looked like a pocket case of some kind was in his hand once again. "I hate this part..."

 

The words were more for himself than anyone else as the light on the glass grew even brighter, Sephirian's wings extending, reacting to the light that was bathed in them and returning it with what he had gathered up from being in the sunlight over the day. Like reflective panels of their own the feathers shimmered and bounced their light off of each of the mirrors, slowly growing in power, in solidity until there was a sound accompanying their movement, the air torn as they skipped from mirror to mirror. The reflections emerged once again, more like phantoms out of the glass than actual reflections, reaching out, standing in their places for but a moment before Sephirian's eyes piercing with that deep green harbouring all creation focused on one of the panels with a fierce glare, the figure returning it as he snapped open the case as the sun was aching for its last seconds of light, struggling to keep time with the angel it seemed.

 

All at once with the case opened, a blinding flash of light erupted, kept between the mirrors with a horrific scream of pain, masculine and strong but clearly agonising as the light started to refine closer and closer into the centre growing stronger and stronger like it was going to cause an explosion, all suddenly ceasing at once forcing the onlookers to see nothing as their eyes adjusted. With the sun gone, the night upon them, a shaking hand clutched at the golden oval peice, quivering unpleasantly.. That body was exactly the same shape as Sephirian's yet wearing very simple clothing, a regal suit that appeared to be from many decades past, far too old for this time, and age, suiting a medieval theme instead. The hair was a few shades darker, less gold and more blond, eyes shut tightly with the muscles in his throat straining to retain unpleasant sounds from escaping those lips, body tingling and buzzing with pain as fingers became white around the instrument he clutched. The one prominent change was the lack of the majestic white wings, completely absent and no where to be seen even as the mirrors lay there silently, reflecting nothing but what was there before them in the blackness.

 

Veir:

Whatever it was that the angel was about to embark on, it was going to be unpleasant, and possibly unsafe, judging from the way his fingers tightened around Mirk's own as they stepped out onto the rich, manicured turf. He let the winged man go with a reluctant sigh, watching him take his place amongst the looking glasses, framed in gold by the dying flames of dusk.

 

The gardens at night was an entirely different view from the day. Even as the sun faded into orange flame in the distant horizon, the oaks and pines that surrounded the mansion creaked into life, twisting in on themselves, just a sideshow to what was happening in the circle of mirrors. Mirk gave the trees no heed as he watched Sephirian, unsure of the ceremony that was about to take place.

 

Only the mage's good eyesight allowed him to see what was reflected in the mirrors, the sight of them making him think for some reason of old lessons he had learned as a child. Of the immortal Asmodeus, and his imperfection, of his many lifetimes and what it meant to be born in House Acanthe. He shivered, though not of the cool evening breeze that rustled the branches of trees around them...

 

Roses that had appeared perfectly normal in daylight unfurled petals that had closed in preparation for night, shedding their usual hue in favour of an unnatural blue, each dusting the grass under the perfectly formed flowers in diamond glitter. They vied for Mirk's attention, but tonight, he had eyes only for his lover.

 

Picking up on the words Sephirian spoke, Mirk was left to wonder for only a moment as light began to bounce in his vision. Beams of brightness made his pale eyes glow snow-white, as if some kind of arcane fire was being lit in the strange orbs. He kept his gaze fixed on Sephirian even as tears ran down his cheek, turning to blood as the marks of Asmodeus on his body burned in response to just that small amount of sun-fuelled power.

 

Finally he had to shut his eyes, yet the world blazed still behind his eyelids, crisscrossing lines of white making his fingers clench into fists. He had wanted to be here however, and here he would remain.

 

It felt like forever before the white sparks in his vision faded to purple and blue dots. Mirk opened his eyes tentatively, finding at first that his usually superb night vision was marred by the brilliant light show Sephirian had put on. When he could see however, the sight surprised him, and he had to check the indrawn take of breath that would have made it obvious.

 

"... Sephirian?" It was a stupid question, but Mirk had to ask it. The tone suggested worry as well. Though he had to close his eyes, Mirk had seen the moment of agony accompanying this change, and for once, found the pain of another to be not entirely pleasant.

 

Silver:

Flesh and blood in the end was just a mixture of chemicals and compounds... Only it was far more complicated than that and a host body was far from perfect for any immortal. A shell without a soul only used like clothing to hide what was underneath, to mask the obvious and deceive better than any spell ever could.. But there were always.. complications.. The eyes of the blond shot open at his name, piercing blue sapphires like those found in the most stunning oceans harbouring the most secret life out of reach to many mortals, hidden away in the blackness of water that cultivated the most curious creatures. At the final moment of decision, this had been the reflection that he had chosen, the most suitable one for this household given a slight change of attire... And yet... Biting into his lip, a trail of deep crimson pressed over his chin and threatened to drip onto the grass. Widening those eyes he immediately lifted a hand to capture the crimson droplet, placing a hand over his mouth. It was far too soon for that just yet.. Struggling to stand, it seemed as if the pain was coming from his back, making it hard to focus on balance, the recognition of the pain and actually feeling it two very different things. Finally, he lifted himself to his feet still clutching that golden trinket, narrowing eyes at Lu who seemed to stare through him blankly. "The house.. Get me into the house"

 

Veir: With some disregard for the warning that blossomed in his chest, Mirk stepped forward at the sight of his lover struggling to cope with the morphing he had just undergone. Before he could breach the line of mirrors however, a few things happened.

 

First, Sephirian bled - a sight that usually made Mirk's lust rise unbidden - and gave the mage a moment of pause, hesitating in case he could not contain his more sadistic urges. Then he made his request. And for a moment, all of Mirk's inhibitions went out of the window at the need and frailty expressed in just a request and the sight of Sephirian in an imperfect, unbalanced body. Yet as the slaver made to cross the barrier of glass, Luran moved.

 

Like a blur, the almost doll-like slave launched himself into the air, landing beside Sephirian with a loud thud that seemed to contradict how light he looked on his feet usually. When he lifted his face to stare into the angel's, his blue eyes were already fading to gold, and his pale hair darkening to inky black. Bat-like wings spread behind him and a clawed hand gripped Sephirian about the waist. "Master cannot cross this space yet. I will carry you to him."

 

Silver:

Though it seemed to be hard for Sephirian to stand up with the reason unable to be spoken just yet, soon Lu had reached for him and the moment he was touched two things happened. The first was that he tried to momentarily move away, seeming to not want to be touched by the empty shell.. But at the touch offered by Lu, the pain subsided a strangely large amount. Gaining enough strength he pushed himself from Lu enough to realise that being away from the other male was more pain than it was worth. Reaching up, his hand shaking, the angelic male clutched onto Lu's shoulder and the shaking stopped, lifting himself onto his feet with a calmness that seemed to evade him before. Sapphire eyes narrowed at that creature he detested, not wanting to admit how convinient this has turned out to be.. "Hmm.. How unexpected.." The voice rang with a slightly different tone.. more... human for lack of better terms. It was deep and dominant and holding an air of a seductive quality embedded into the very sound, charismatic perhaps a better term. Regardless of the strange comfort Lu seemed to provide to Sephirian's pain, he seemed not even a shred more accepting, glaring as he walked with his hand touching Lu firmly like a claw upon prey, stepping over to Mirk, licking away his own blood with a confident stance now that the pain had subsided. "My blood cannot touch the earth in this form. Shall we?"

 

Veir:

Luran gave Sephirian the same kind of stare he always did, but perhaps because he was in the form reserved for night-time dangers, there was a single spark of something close to defiance in his gaze, then it was washed away by a sea of apathy and emptiness as quickly as it had come. Making no further comment at the angel's one, Luran crossed the distance between the centre of the circle and where Mirk stood, the jingling of chain and swish of leather wings all the sound he made.

 

Once he was by Mirk's side and his owner did not seem immediately about to hop into the proverbial frying pan however, he returned to his normal appearance, wings sliding back into his back with the odd crack and rip that one would normally associate with broken bone and shredded flesh. If it hurt, Luran still showed absolutely no hint that he felt it.

 

Mirk did not say anything to his pale slave, instead taking the 'new' Sephirian by the hand. "Are you hurt?" Another strange question to his lips, usually if he had said it, it would have been in clear jest and with a heavy hint of sarcasm. He had to restrain himself with every ounce of willpower he had as he led the way back towards the dark house, though he wished to kiss Sephirian and taste his lover's blood himself, though his every being ached for that taste and the familiar lust it would bring, he held himself back. Sephirian could bleed now. There would be time aplenty later.

 

Silver:

"Have you ever tried slicing your arm off to fit into clothing a size too small?" Sephirian asked knowing that the answer was obviously no, still clutching to Lu's shoulder as if he had become Sephirian's living crutch, pressing inside as he gazed down at his own hand, the crimson substance quite the curious thing.. It had been such a long time since he had used this form.. Once upon a time there had been easier ways but bridges had been burned and now there was only the painful way of shoving a body far too big into such a tight place.. The sapphire hues narrowed and the hand stayed fixed upon Lu, not wanting to let him go though he would never admitt to such things.. Stepping into the sitting area for guests who needed to wait for the master of the house, Sephirian sat down easily, dragging Lu down into the seat next to him, gazing up at Mirk apologetically. "Please excuse my rudeness in borrowing your possession, but it seems his particular... charm is useful to me."

 

Veir:

"No," Mirk answered, even though the question might have seemed to have an obvious answer. "I have done it to others, and I dare say it did not look pleasant." He let Sephirian lead once they were back inside, willing to trust the angel would know where he was going and be able to guide his steps in the unlit residence. He was a little surprised when the angel chose the drawing room - one of several - but made no comment.

 

He did however, raise an eyebrow as Sephirian tugged Luran into the seat with him. The slave gave him a glance, but the slaver shook his head slightly and so Luran stayed where he was put.

 

"No, that is fine. I suppose his emptiness makes him useful for something at least." The remark made, Mirk watched Luran's face carefully for a reaction, and found none. He shrugged and sank into a chair to Sephirian's other side. "You have many mysteries about you, Sephirian, and I fear I shall never learn them all in time."

 

Though it was now faint, Mirk could still detect the hint of metallic blood that lingered around Sephirian, and the very smell of it made him heady with want. Especially since his usual meal had been replaced by something that distinctly tasted of pure ... plant material. With a final sigh, the slaver reached out for his lover's hand, intent on tasting even a dried lick of the coveted liquid ruby.

 

Silver:

"This one I can most certainly tell you." Sephirian kept a firm hold upon Lu's shoulder, not wanting to lose his calm exterior, the way he was in his other form. Lifting the hand up to Mirk, he allowed the other male to taste the blood of this body if he wanted to, eyes watching Mirk closely, sharing in this odd moment of closeness, trying to deny the fact that even though he was in pain moments about, he had a feeling of arousal now watching Mirk lick up questionable substances from his hand. It was hard to keep his thoughts focused, but he wanted to offer Mirk at least this much information.

 

"Its been a while.. But to put it simply my use of this... body was restricted or rather cut off.. There used to be an allowance to fit everything inside but now there are parts unseen missing and my wings cannot fit" Capturing Mirk's chin he tilted it up after he was done licking and gazed into those eyes, his own such a rich blue bur reflecting the same emotions as before. "Basically my wings can't come with me into this body and though they are safely stored and not exactly removed from my soul so the pain is not from that... The physical appearance of them is not present, as you can see.. so it complicates things.."

 

Sephirian glanced over at Lu for a moment, seeming a little uncomfortable about needing to be so close to the souless shell before turning his gaze back to his lover, speaking on. "Effectively, the light stored in my physical wings bleeds out into this body and causes the spasms you saw.. Though Lu being empty seems to channel the light out of my body then funnel it back in so that its not overloaded.. Mortal bodies cannot seem to handle the degree of light I carry every day, and without the extension to this body, there is no where to store the light and it bleeds."

 

Veir:

Seeing no objection from Sephirian, Mirk's tongue wrapped over the finger that was still smeared in blood, the taste almost making him moan as he took it in, sweet and salty, coppery and fine. He wanted more, but had to content himself with lapping over the smooth skin, scraping it clean of the last of what he had wanted, then laying kisses to it merely out of lust and affection when all the blood had been cleaned away.

 

So mesmerized was he by the combination of blood, Sephirian's newfound voice, and his own deep arousal, that Mirk did not even try to keep his semblance of dominance as his chinw as tilted up. He let the hand guide him easily until their gazes met, and he listened to the answer that he had guessed some of. Still, that was not enough, he felt he couldn't hold Sephirian close, couldn't know all of him fast enough.

 

"I might get jealous if you have to hold onto him all day, Sephirian," Mirk said, only half-joking. Luran did not move though, merely staying where he was put, listening without hearing. Mirk chuckled, then took the hand that was resting against his chin, pulling it back to his lips so he could kiss Sephirian's fingers. "I appreciate what you have done, Sephirian, I gather your other form was less... convenient for our arrangement?"

 

Then he seemed to remember something, and his good humour died down a little, though the lust in his eyes did not fade. "Stay away from the lower floors as you are, Sephirian, at least until I get your monocle finished. Please obey me in this at least."

 

Silver:

"It doesn't have to be all day every day. I just need to get used to dealing with this excess energy and it will be fine." Sephirian stood up, gazing down at Mirk while his hand was still resting upon Lu's shoulder, leaning in to press a firm kiss upon those curious lips, his own still bleeding into that desirable mouth, the crimson refined blood only tasted by the beautiful dark male before the angelic being pulled back, leaving his hand to touch against Mirk's cheek for a long moment as he drew back slowly, those sapphire eyes never once faltering from their prize. "Another thing I need to get used to in this body is the appetite for human food.. I imagine you have things to tend to Mirk, so I will have Lu assist me with finding suitable food.. And perhaps a change of clothing is in order as well." Though he didn't want to leave, he walked forward toward the hallway, the lights flickering above as he walked, growing strong and bright before dying down as he took a few more steps, turning to gaze back at that desirable male as the doll at his side was all but ignored even though he was useful. "Two days Mirk, all I need is two days."

 

Veir:

Mirk kept his silence as Sephirain explained - albeit not very much - about his needs and the results of the strange ritual that had taken place. He parted his lips in welcome as Sephirian's alighted on his, too fleeting, like a blood-stained butterfly that left nothing in its wake but the sweet taste of metal and salt. He licked his lips, his body responding instantly to the flavour it recognised, the scent of it rising along the back of his throat, making him remember nights spent seeking pleasure and coming close to finding it in the aroma of pain.

 

He shook his head and nodded, following Sephirian helplessly, like a puppet tied to a string. Luran went where he was directed, taking the unspoken order of doing as Sephirian wanted as said. He knew Mirk's mind, and perhaps from that it should have been easy to deduce that he had some capacity for empathy, but in the blankness of his stare, that was hard to believe.

 

"Two days..." Mirk murmured as he watched the golden one vanish. "Two days...." Returning to his room once the two had receded from sight, Mirk sat down on the broad window sill and lifted his hand into the moonlight that filtered through a crack in the window. He watched as the silvery strands of light condensed and wound around in his hand, binding around each other to create a single band of glittering ribbon. Slowly, the light faded to yellow from bright white, and he stood again, leaving the spell-bound prize on the window sill. It would take time, just as it took time for Sephirian to get used to his new form. But all things that are beautiful took time, and his lover deserved the best.

 

Mirk waited until moonlight had created a soft halo of light within the golden wire frame, then drew his finger across the metal lovingly, a light caress that left his skin cold as ice, but the gold hot enough to melt. Unfazed by the heat, he draws a strand of it outwards, shaking it as it sparkles through the air, magic winding around it, shaping the single thread into a delicate chain.

 

Here he pauses and draws an odd symbol in the air with his free hand, the purplish shape of a stylised rose turning into a tiny, engraved jewel. Perhaps an amethyst, but too deep purple. It was as if pigeon's blood had been stained blue by the sky, a droplet of pure colour and starlight that fitted easily into an earring connected to the end of the chain. He would have to modify it if Sephirian objected, or he could wear it with the chain looped over his ear, either way, Mirk had his own reasons for this - not the least the fact that he was quite fond of Sephirian's ears.

 

It took a while longer to craft the lens, with the mage taking great care as the angel had dictated, making the moonbeams fold over themselves, each sheet fitted perfectly within the golden frame, magic wearing and polishing away at the curve, offering more clarity than human hands could achieve.

 

Mirk was surprised at the lack of interruption, but secretly glad of it, and as the finishing touches were wrought onto the monocle - the subtle pattern of feathers engraved onto the rim by magic fire, and tiny gold quills to dangle off the chain, just three of them, the tinkling they made soft and pleasant as windchimes.

 

Pleased with the result, Mirk held the item to his lips, touching the now cold metal gently, breathing life into the creation, spells of protection, warding and identification winding into the looking glass, assuring Sephirian free passage in the estate and guaranteeing protection within the house. "Do well for me," he whispered, then turned and took out something from a chest at the foot of his canopied bed.

 

It was a dark wood box, done in some kind of hardwood as deep in shade as charcoal. Impossibly intricate designs were etched into it, some of the work almost filigree like in complexity. He opened the golden latch done in the shape of butterfly wings, smoothed the blue velvet covering within, and put the monocle inside.

 

Then the tall slaver closed the box and sat down in a couch, exhausted.. to wait.

 

---

[Veir]

Silver:

Though it had taken a lot of time for measurements to be taken and a few light globes had shattered within the presence of the tailor, they had finally worked something out and Sephirian was eating with Lu present as they waited for the clothing to be made quickly, the simple attire of a house hold butler with a white shirt and simple vest to match. Sephirian didn't desire anything too flashy, just something to help him fir into the guise of being what he was not to be for the next two days and perhaps then after depending on how things went. Slpping the clothing on was interesting, Sephirian needed Lu to touch him somewhere the whole time and feeling the doll's hands move over his body as he changed each article was not exactly comfortable for him,. There was a deep empty feeling littered with stale regret that had grown so decayed over some years.. Regardless, Sephirian stuck with Lu and felt a deep longing to see his precious Mirk once again, missing the male more than he wanted to admit.

 

Veir:

Mirk waited in darkened silence for Luran and Sephirian to return, his mind wandering a little as the seconds passed. There was a temptation to repeat what he had done earlier, but in the privacy and lonelines of his room. The fantasy brought back a memory, and he couldn't help but yearn once again for the angel's warm touch against his skin, even if it was just his hands.

 

A soft knock preceded Lu entering his room with Sephirian in tow, the slave moving slowly so as not to dislodge the pale guest's hand. Mirk found his breath catching in his throat at the sight of his lover, and he had to carefully school his features and his thoughts into something more dignified than what he felt.

 

Extending a hand, he offered the black box to Sephirian, using it as a shield against his own insane desire to touch the creature immediately. "It is finished, and as long as you have it, you will find your way in the maze...." He paused, turned his face slightly into the shadows behind him, and coughed. "You look good in this form."

 

Silver:

It was interesting just how beneficial someone so empty could be to someone so full. The blond hair with a slight curve unlike his straight golden tresses caressed about his shoulders as he watched the back of the servant's neck, the pulse points in the skin, the veins all seeming to carry around blood just as they had in his own husks. It was unattractive yet just as his current body undeniably useful. That thought seemed far too consistent.. Useful.. Was it useful or was it encouraging Sephirian to have a handicap? The backs of his fingers stroked over Lu's shoulder before slowly releasing the other male's body. All at once the sensation of sharpness attacked every nerve and the angelic male came to grasp against that shoulder tightly, chest heaving for but a moment before he loosened his grip.. There was no way he could continue like this after all it seemed.. If this body was to be in use.. It would have to be found or remade. Would Mirk be alarmed if he knew the truth? Who knew.. There had been stranger things he was sure and with the blackness that followed Mirk so easily it was hard to imagine a great deal of surprise at anything. As the door opened to deliver them into Mirk, the angelic male reached out for the black box, though still peered into Mirk's pale eyes, silently wondering so many things at once.. Hoping and contemplating at once before turning his gaze to the box. "You've finished it already."

 

Veir:

Mirk smiled reassuringly - something he had done seldom, if ever - then pressed the box into Sephirian's hand. "Yes, because it is for you." He shrugged, as if he had just said something too candid, then stood back to wait for Sephirian to open his 'gift'. Inanely, he wondered if Sephirian knew about Christmas.

 

Strangely, he found his attention drawn to the pale slave who had been with him since he was just sixteen years of age. There was something slightly different about him, and as Mirk watched, he realised that Lu seemed almost... tense. And the little clothing he wore hid nothing, so it was not hard to realise what else was going on.

 

It seemed Sephirian's touch was human enough for one person in the room at the very least. Mirk made no mention of his observations, instead turning his attention back to Sephirian to see how he would like his new jewellery.

 

Silver:

The masked angel smiled, a deeply honest smile from the heart as he exchanged a glance with Mirk in regards to it being 'for him'. It was deeply sweet and Sephirian could almost taste the goodness in Mirk's heart radiating. Sliding a hand over Lu's arm he grasped onto the doll's wrist and placed it against his shoulder as he used both hands to open the box, glancing down at the stunningly intricate work, deeply curious as he reached in to touch against the metal, reminded of something deeply important that made him frown before he realised he was doing it. There had been reasons as to why this body had not been in use for so long..Reasons Sephirian was not keenly interested in facing and yet it was impossible to avoid if he chose to continue down this path. Suddenly realising his frown, Sephirian picked up the delicate monocle, lifting it to secure it carefully, resting the lens in place turning to Mirk with a deep smile, feeling the cool touch of metal against his skin. "It is wonderful."

 

Veir:

Mirk watched as Sephirian lifted the box's weighty lid, then almost sighed at the sight of a frown on the perfect face. Luran did not seem to notice, though his grip on Sephirian's shoulder tightened just a touch at the change in Mirk's emotions. He held back comment though, and was glad he did when Sephirian gave him approval. Even the slaver had to admit that the monocle suited the angel, especially in his new butler's uniform, the deception somehow more sexy than even the real flesh he had touched before the transformation.

 

Crossing the distance between them now that he was sure the gift was appreciated, he touched a gentle hand to Sephirian's cheek, smiling as a glimmer of moonlight touched the golden rim of the monocle. "Why the frown, Sephirian?"

 

He gave no heed to Luran, though the slave now shifted uneasily with his owner standing close. There was no expression, but the constructed body still went through the motions, something Mirk would never get used to, and used to hasten his wish to see his friend whole again.

 

Silver:

Though he seemed quite happy with everything, at the noted recognition of his frown, Sephirian seemed a little troubled, offering a light sigh in response as if in mute surrender. "I apologise, that was not in any way intended as a response to your craftsmanship." Lifting a strong hand up to caress against Lu's fingers to ensure they remained where they were, he stepped over to Mirk and slid his fingers over the dark ones cheek, lightly stroking over the skin, still getting used to the way such sensations felt in this body. The strong blue sought through the glass monocle, holding a deep adoration as Mirk's reflection was held within the glass easily, staring back at him before the masked Angel's eyes. "I was reminded of how I lost the other part of my body that held the light from my wings.. The reason why I am in such a state."

 

Veir:

Taking Sephirian's hand in his own, he pressed the skin to his lips, tempted now to bite and taste sweet blood once more, but held back. His lover was in enough pain as is, and he had earlier felt the strange twinge of empathy at seeing Sephirian in agony. "You have so many secrets, Sephirian, and I have mine. If we put them together, we might fill a lake."

 

Luran shuddered suddenly, as if cold, then returned to his unobtrusive pose just beside Sephirian. His dark blue eyes held nothing but the void of night, and Mirk found himself disappointed at that. He had almost expected something, the angel seeming to draw out reactions from Lu that he had thought were reserved only for his touch.

 

"If you do not wish to talk about it now, there will be time." That word again. Mirk shrugged off the feeling of urgency that accompanied it, and hooked his fingers into Sephirian's, leading them both towards the bed, Lu following out of necessity and obedience. "Have a seat, I want to get changed."

 

Silver:

"It is quite a long story, when you have the time." Though the thought of being on a bed was usually one that rarely passed the angelic males mind, he found himself sitting upon the matress without having to make special considerations about the large wings, finding it strangely accommodating. There were a lot of things about this body that made social interactions in the mortal realm much easier. However, it felt so unusual at the same time to not have to worry about his wings knocking into things.. Leaning back against the headboard he removed his new leather shoes and allowed his feet to slide onto the bed, keeping his hand upon Lu's shoulder as he saw by the bed, awaiting for Mirk to return. Those sapphire eyes soon wandered and glanced again at the back of the doll's neck, contemplating so many things.. Wondering silently while lightly brushing his thumb over Lu's shoulder.

 

Veir:

Mirk left the two of them sitting where they were, though he did take a second too long to engrave the image into his memory. The pale pair made a good picture, sitting there on silk sheets as dark as dried blood- with threadcount so high one could almost hear the silkworms' scream. Though the Acanthe house was rich, Mirk rarely splurged on anything for his own comfort. The only concession he'd made had been the bed, and now he was glad of it.

 

Trying to remove the image of Sephirian and Lu - and associated fantasies - from his head, Mirk moved away from the heavy oak furniture to a tapestry hanging just beside one of the tall windows. It was old, the once vibrantly dyed threads now just various shades of mottled grey. He lifted it aside with little care, then opened the sliding panel behind it and stepped out of sight.

 

Luran stayed where he was after Mirk's departure through one of the house's many secret doors. That one just led to the wardrobe though, and there was no danger there save for whatever lurks in the shadows of Mirk's residence. The pale slave stayed relatively still even as Sephirian made himself comfortable, but he couldn't quite help the small shivers that shook his thin frame, and his breath became louder in the silence. When the new 'butler's' thumb rolled over the bare skin of his shoulder, Lu finally sighed, then shifted back onto the bed a bit, as if he wanted more of Sephirian's touch. Though nothing of what he might have felt showed on his face.

 

Mirk got redressed quickly in a well-cut shirt and comfortable black slacks, then paused as he made to re-enter his bedroom. Curious, he made a circle in the air in front of him, the shimmering border turning the door and woven fabric beyond transparent so that he could watch the room and the two creatures still seated on his bed.

 

Silver:

Sephirian was a little shocked when Lu started to move to assist him in undressing but at the same time he had imagined that he had been trained to do such things for Mirk regardless. Perhaps it was all very innocent, but as soon as Lu had managed to get the vest open, Sephirian's hands raised, capturing this wrists, ceasing them from such minstrations and rolling over to force Lu onto the matress gazing up at the blond male. Those golden strands hung down like light reaching into the depths of darkness disguised as silk strands as sapphire eyes narrowed, both hands reaching up to remove his vest while his thighs remained tightly pinning Lu's hips. Soon the Angelic male's hands were sliding up over Lu's arms, lightly scratching nails over his wrists until he captured them with the tie, coiling the garment around the headboard to keep both hands subdued. The look in his eyes was unreadable as he reached down to capture Lu's chin tilting it up with a harsh glare.

His shirt hung open, the chizzled frame below clearly hard muscle underneath soft skin.

 

Veir:

Mirk had apparently only to hope, and the scene before him changed to what he had been wishing he would see. Sephirian's chest just tantalizingly bared to view as he straddled the plaything that the slaver had trained. He drew in a sharp intake of breath and hoped the angel wouldn't hear beyond the door and tapestry that stood between them.

 

Lu did not resist at all - as Mirk knew he would not - but now that the weight of the angel was on him, it was even easier to see just how aroused he had become. The pale construct squirmed under Sephirian, then stilled when his chin was captured, and for just one moment, there was incredible lust in the way his lips parted, and his breath quickened, the illusion ruined only by his deep blue eyes, remaining untouched by flame even if there was want deep within.

 

Mirk swore in his head at the dominance that was being displayed, he had to admit that he was extremely aroused, though he was uncomfortable with trying to decipher that right now - whether it was from seeing Lu like this, or from seeing the angel's power, he was not sure.

 

Leaning one hand against the ancient wooden door, the mage unzipped the slacks he had just put on and slipped his hand into his underwear without anymore ado. Stroking himself lightly, he found he was already raging hard - something that happened rarely without quite a while of foreplay. Ignoring what this might have meant, he wrapped his fingers tight about his cock and began to stroke in earnest, willing the two on the bed to continue their show.

 

Silver: Though Lu seemed all too compliant to anything Sephirian would do, those sapphire eyes seemed filled with something else other than lust. There was curiosity and also other emotions that could not be determined, far too masked. Removing the fingers from his chin, Sephirian sat back up, removing his shirt to reveal that strong back, littered with symbols and ancient text etched into the flesh as if it were a stone wall containing a message in black. The hands then slipped his slacks down, keeping a keen eye on Lu, not wanting that mindless creature to break free as he pulled them down, the dark undergarments beneath left on as he slipped close to Lu, slipping down onto his side to craddle Lu against his chest, from behind, sighing. Just how long was Mirk going to take? There was an irritating strain building that made him feel deeply uncomfortable.. The ache and need so human it troubled him.

 

Veir:

Mirk could barely contained his want as he saw the fabric fall away from Sephirian's back, taking in th symbols etched into skin, curiosity and lust warring for attention as his fingers slid over his own cock. He found himself oddly conflicted in his desires. On the one hand he wanted this to go on, to watch as his pet lay trapped and helpless, tied and ready to be used by his lover. On the other hand, an unfamiliar ember of jealousy had began in him, and he couldn't shake it off.

 

Finally, Sephirian made the decision for him by lying down close next to Luran, their proximity making Mirk wish he was there. And so he took his hand from his still needy erection, pulled his zip up, and carefully smoothed his clothing down. Then, after a moment of thought, he took his glasses form garments he had just discarded, and put them back onto his nose, hoping the lens would provide some protection against Sephirian's guesses at his mood.

 

Leaving the wardrobe the same way he'd entered, Mirk's hair bound itself into a braid as he brushed past the tapestry. Lu's gaze shifted to him, but that was all, the fact that he was aroused was too plain to see with him lying as he was, the thin fabric thrown aside carelessly.

 

"Having fun?" The slaver murmured, moving to the edge of the bed to sit.

 

Silver:

"Not exactly, I didn;t think it would be all too appropriate to undress without restraining your sex puppet. Sadly I don't think I can sleep without him present though." Sephirian's eyes softened at the look of that beautiful dark haired male... Fuck he was beautiful... The mortal ache for intimacy was drumming against his body and heart, enslaving him with ache more prominent than before. Perhaps it was better that Lu was there, if he wasn't that ache would be a little too obvious and Sephirian had no desire to make Mirk realise how deeply this form affected the physical aspects of his desire.. No, he had to maintain his stance on waiting just as he had planned.. The blond strands caressed over his shoulder and slid over that strong chest, one hand reaching up, extending to Mirk though he was not sure if it was suitable for him to get into bed just yet.. That hunger for even a slight touch was driving him insane.

 

Veir:

Not taking Sephirian's hand immediately, Mirk instead slid a single finger out, touching the nail against the tender skin of his wrist, scraping own along it gently as he lowered himself onto the bed, his other hand coming down to grip Lu's hair hard, tugging painfully as if he wanted to release his held sadism where it was safe to do so.

 

"I would not have minded," Mirk replied finally, his hand coming to rest just under Sephirian's ear, palm touching his neck. "You could also have just told him not to touch, but I find this look a lot more... pleasing."

 

Waiting not a second longer than that, he leans in and touches his lips to Sephirian's hair, holding him in place gently, but with a firmness that suggested he would do what he wanted right now, and wanted badly enough that he would fight the angel for it. Finally, when he could trust himself to speak, the tall man pulled away just enough to get into bed next to them, with Lu wedged between them like a large cat. He had released the construct's hair, and now his hand made lazy circles around a nipple. "You wish to sleep here, Sephirian?"

 

"Ah, but if you stay, I wouldn't be able to guarantee your safety," Mirk leaned closer, his breath tickling the skin he had touched moments ago, then let his tongue snake around the hardened nipple without any hint of shame or hesitation. He knew intimately what signs to look for in a human, and right now, Sephirian was in that form.

 

Sliding the fingers of his free hand against Luran's lips, he slid them in without much ado, smirking as he lifts his head to gaze into Sephirian's gnow sapphire gaze. "Do you really want to stay, Sephirian"

 

Then he let the game go, it was too frustrating to simply touch his beautiful lover with the presure of a feather. What he wanted was passion, and closeness, and the sharing of heat and lust in one. "If you stay, be ready for a sound fucking."

 

---

 

[AU Satisfaction]

 

 

Silver:

The feel of that hot wet tongue against an already hard nipple was driving the hidden angel insane... Nails dug into Lu's hips, slowly and painfully raking down as a growl rumbled in the back of his throat. No.. He couldn't hold back.. Especially with that insistent comment about him being fucked. No, no he would not. Sliding fingers through the dark stunning strands he yanked them, forcing Mirk up to shamelessly plunder those lips, growling into them and shamelessly fucking that naughty tongue without care. He was going to have this man, nothing was going to stop him.. That aching cock forced against Lu's ass, grinding firmly, the friction making him groan, the other hand holding those hips steady as he forced Lu to deal with the sensation. "Mirk..."

 

Veir: Growling darkly as his hair was pulled and his face forced up, Mirk couldn't help notice how hard that had made him. There would be time for self-examination later, but now, his mind was focused on the hot tongue that sought entry to his mouth, then warred with him in a way that was unfamiliar and too arousing to describe. He let it happen, but his nails raked down over the nipple he had kissed moments ago, hard.

 

Lu was squirming hard under them now, and his motion let Mirk know exactly how excited Sephirian was - if there was ever any doubt now. Mirk could see reddening lines whenever the slave's hips swayed and changed angle. He drew his fingers out of the pale construct's mouth, wiping them clean on the pale sepia-toned hair before returning his full attention to Sephirian.

 

"I want you," Mirk said, stating his desire quite plainly now that they were on equal footing. He loved the majesty of the other form, but this one, he felt, had buttons that were more familiar for him to push.

 

Silver:

Sephirian was already on fire, his undergarments felt far too tight, making him feel so uncomfortable against the thigh of the doll barely moving. It wasn't fair.. Soon he found those emotions manifesting as Mirk was suddenly pushed down, Seph's legs still draped over Lu keeping their skin in contact while forcefully grasping onto Mirk's jaw.. What an arrogant man.. Thinking he could get inside the angel just because he was human and hard.. No, that would never be the case unfortunately. Sephirian glared down and reached over to tear Mirk's shirt open without care for being polite, his obviously throbbing dick all too eager to see now that he was ontop of the dark haired beauty, his nails raking over Mirk's chest, aching to blot out the tattoo looking marks and replace them with his own. "You are so evil, do you have any idea how deeply I want to plunder you?"

 

Veir:

Barely able to remain calm now, Mirk snapped his fingers just as he landed in the bed. Luran immediately tensed under Sephirian's leg, though nothing more happened for the moment. The slaver let himself be gripped in a way he would never have allowed any normal human being to do, his own leg rising slightly to rub Sephirian's still trapped erection with his knee.

 

Snow white eyes show no immediate sign of submission, but there was lust there, and that was enough. Mirk groaned finally as he felt pain slide over his skin, following the trails left by Sephirian's nails. "I finally see you corruption, Sephirian, but how deep does it run?"

 

WIthout moving a muscle, Mirk directed the next order straight into Lu's brain. The pale doll suddenly rolled up onto his feet while still on the bed, and knelt behind Sephirian, hands reaching down over the sides of his hips, fingers pressing against the heat still clothed in a layer of fabric. He did not hurry, nor did he pull the undergarment aside, merely administering his skill over the cloth, sliding his thumb against what he felt was the head of Sephirian's cock.

 

Silver:

"It has nothing to do with corruption. Quite the opposite.." As Lu rose to caress over that insanely engorged erection, Sephirian groaned out, shuddering with ache, trying to focus on what he was saying, losing himself for a moment as he started to grind into that hand, gritting his teeth as he peered down at the dark make with blond strands caressing over his lightly tanned cheeks, sapphire eyes so insanely full of lustful ache as he leaned in, speaking near Mirk's ear. "Its about the natural urge to connect with another being on a physical level, the one and only that I am in love with." Before anyone could even think to stop him, Sephirian's hand was already against Mirk's straining erection, rubbing it firmly yet slowly, enjoying the feel of its shape against his hand, aching to get that precious male off, to show him just what pure ecstacy really was.

 

Veir:

The sight of Lu teasing Sephirian over his underwear was too much to bear. Mirk sent another silent command, and the construct's nails lengthened for just a moment, long enough to cut free Sephirian's last piece of clothing, the black material throw carelessly aside like unwanted trash.

 

Without letting Sephirian's fingers lose contact with him for longer than necessary, the slaver gave his unspoken consent for anything the angel wanted as he tugged off his own pants and underwear, letting Lu remove it once it passed under Sephirian's thighs.

 

WIth both of them naked, he couldn't wait much longer, long arms reaching out to pull Sephirian closer, fingers twining into threads of gold so he could hold the disguised angel to him, wanting what he promised, wishing and trusting for this one night that he would be shown love.

 

"Then show me," he murmured, his breath feeling too hot against his own lips.

 

Luran seemed to have gained some unspoken permission, and now bent to lick along Sephirian's thighs, always edging towards his most private part, though not touching it without clear invitation. His purpose it seemed, was to drive Sephirian insane.

 

Silver

"I'll show you what it means for someone to make love to you properly.." Without invitation, Sephirian leaned in to lick over that desirable nipple, craddling his nipple and sucking against it, grazing his teeth with a soft growl.. Those lips against his thigh were so tempting, driving him insane and making the angel's nerves spark with need, that eager cock leaking through the fabric. Lips pressed over Mirk's neck, kissing over it softly, pressing up to his ear, licking the skin before offering a firm bite. The next sensation Mirk felt was the kisses pressing over his torso, snaking down until both hands grasped onto Mirk's rear, hoisting those hips up slightly, sneaking past the needy cock though offering the tip a light kiss before prying those needy rumps apart. At first he merely looked at that tight puckered hole like an iron vault with no hope of getting in, then leaning in he offered it a light kiss, slowly, carefully allowing his moist tongue to lap over that opening. "So tense Mirk, I thought you wanted me"

 

Veir: "Do it," Mirk growled, his voice strained in lust. He wanted Sephirian, and for the first time, he thought he wouldn't mind it if he was the one being entered. This was different from normal, he could trust his new lover, he could be safe.

 

Still, it was hard to let go of old habits, and though he wanted Sephirian as much as the hidden angel seemed to want him, he knew he was nervous. And having the golden-haired beauty watching him, kissing him, touching him was almost too much. He tilted his head back, arching his spine so he could feel all that Sephirian had to offer, small flames dancing over his nerves, making his cock strain hard.

 

Then he was groaning, a noise so ill-controlled that he surprised himself - and Lu, apparently, as the pale slave paused in his licking for just a split second. He rolled his head against the pillow, trying to hide his embarrassment in his hair. This felt like a first time, and in many ways, it was one. Suddenly, Mirk did not quite know what to say. So he remained silent, letting his fingers curl into the bedclothes, his teeth clenched tight against the next sound of lust.

 

"Fuck," Mirk snarled suddenly, rolling out from underneath Sephirian in a smooth motion that bellied how much his groin ached. He reached out, and Lu moved obediently towards him, his foot hooked around Sephirian's ankle so that they still touched, aware that his presence was needed by his Master's guest.

 

Taking the tie that Sephirian had used to bind Lu earlier - something that would never hold him when Mirk wanted him for something - the mage shook it out slightly, the ribbon turning into something that shone like metal in his hand.

 

Without needing Mirk to speak aloud, the pale creature shifted on the bed, putting his head down near Sephirian's hips, lips poised so close to his straining cock that he could smell the familiar human musk. Though there was still little emotion in his eyes, his tongue darts out now and then to lick his own lips, as if he wanted something that he couldn't convey. And now he was parted from Sephirian, no longer giving him the contact he needed, and soon, the only avenue of contact would be his mouth.

 

Mirk tapped the curve of Lu's spine, and the slave obediently pressed his hands to his back. Now the slaver used the metal ribbon to bind his wrists together, the tie biting hard into flesh, the final tug drawing a thin line of blood into snow-white skin.

 

Pale eyes staring candidly into Sephirian's, the slaver rested his own weeping member against Lu's crack, sliding back and forth over the bare skin, marking it with glistening trails of his lust, each movement pushing Lu's mouth just that bit closer to Sephirian's clothed cock.

 

Silver:

Sephirian watched Mirk carefully, almost wanting to drag Lu away from him, not wanting his lover to be touched by the doll.. It was an odd feeling and yet he knew he couldn't fuck Mirk just yet.. He had to resist and perhaps this was the only fair way they both could. With a desperate growl at the sight, he reached over to grasp onto Lu's hair and tugged it firmly, keeping contact with the cold shell as he shifted away, those lips getting so close to that moist fabric. It was a sin, the greatest sin to tease him so much.. Without thinking he forced Lu against that needy cock, not even thinking to remove the fabric as he ached for those lips against him, eyes soon capturing Mirki's before averting, the embarrassment of being seen as such a lustful bastard shaming him deeply, the blond strands caressing over his cheeks and hiding his eyes.

 

 

Veir: Rolling his hips slowly against Lu's ass, Mirk watched Sephirian force the pale creature's lips against his still clothed erection, liking the way he had driven the angel to distraction, to have peeled away the iron control that had made him seem almost untouchable, distant, powerful in a way that made the shadows in him recoil.

 

"Feel free to get naked first, Sephirian," Mirk commented, loving the way his lover turned away from embarrassment, knowing the beautiful man probably felt the same way he did about expressing these things that neither of them had probably explored properly before. Though, he mused, perhaps Sephirian was a lot more experienced than he gave him credit.

 

Finally sick of teasing himself as well as the angel, the tall mage pulled back enough to position himself at Lu's entrance, then, as the slave's lips fused over Sephirian's underwear, sucking greedily at the moisture he could taste, he slid into Luran in one go, grunting at the tightness of a dry entry even as his eyes closed in pleasure.

 

He had not done that for a while, and though Lu showed no emotions, he did grimace at the pain, then moan, the sound muffled against the cock between his lips, his tongue rasping over fabric, making it wetter, clad tight over Sephirian's erect organ.

 

Lu nuzzled and sucked at what he could get of the tasty flesh, trained to enjoy it, or at least give the impression that he did. And if his leaking cock was any guide, he was definitely having fun in his own manner. Mirk didn't bother removing the metal ring that bound the base of Lu's erection, instead starting a rhythm that drove him hard into Sephirian's crotch, his nose or cheek hitting thigh and pelvic bone, making sure that he had no time for breath or rest.

 

If Sephirian wanted more, he would have to remove his own underwear.

 

Silver:

This was enough.. Even though Sephirian was concerned about being so close to the lifeless doll, there was nothing he could do.. Leaning in to nuzzle against Lu's neck he reached down releasing his hair to remove the undergarment, trying to do it slowly, trying not to look too eager.. Finally the fabric was off and before he knew it he was grasping onto that hair once again, holding Lu close, the large appendage straining with ache, but he didn't let him touch his cock just yet, gazing at Mirk, who drove the puppet forward, groaning out as those lips were forced onto his dick, shuddering and thrusting forward by instinct, groaning and gasping as he tugged at that smooth hair aching for more of Mirk, sharing a glance that clearly stated he wanted to be inside Mirk.

 

Silver: Veir: Waiting for Sephirian to divest himself of his last protection against his own prying eyes, the slaver rolled his hips forward just as the inconvenient cloth was removed, pushing Lu's waiting lips onto the straining shaft, knowing from experience that the slave's mouth would fuse tight around the organ once he felt it. Not waiting for any adjustment from his slave, Mirk pushed him further, choking him against Sephirian, the movement aided by the angel's hold on the pale strands of hair.

 

There was no aphrodisiac better than being wanted, and Mirk eagerly pulled back with a long moan, thrusting back again all too soon, unable to tear himself away from Sephirian's gaze.

 

Lu moved compliantly with them, finding a rhythm with which he could please both men. His tongue ran rasping licks over the underside of Sephirian's cock, relinquishing it briefly to follow his Master backwards before diving forward onto it again, sucking it deep into his throat, eagerly, hungrily, as if breathing mattered little to him as long as he could bring Sephirian and Mirk pleasure.

 

Mirk smiled and put one hand onto Lu's tied wrists, pulling him back, using his hands like reins to hold the slave against him as he thrust harder and faster into him, the angle of his grip forcing Lu's head and shoulders down, pushing Sephirian's shaft deeper into his throat.

 

Silver:

Sephirian gazed into Mirk's pale eyes, aching, wanting as Lu sucked his dick like such a versed whore needfully savouring every inch of his flesh.. No matter how much he hated the fact an empty doll was pleasuring him, the more he gazed over that stunning creature, seeing the endless passions reflected there haunting him with want.. There was so much he ached for and before he knew it he was mercilessly fucking Lu's mouth, aching to be inside of his precious, beautiful Mirk more than anything else. A hand raised, reaching out to caress over Mirk's cheek, lightly touching the skin unable to stop thinking about making love to the other male, eyes narrowing as lips fell open gasping and shuddering.

 

Veir:

"You want me," Mirk said, a statement and a hope in one spoken through gritted teeth. He shuddered as the pleasure built in his loins, his cock sheathed tight within the pet he had created for himself, the only thing that had held off the loneliness he felt until now. Sephirian was much more. And though Mirk knew he would always use Lu until the moment he made his friend whole again, he did love the angel, but that was one admission he wasn't going to make yet.

 

"Then come and take me." Holding his lover's blue eyes with his own pale gaze, Mirk let his rhythm match their breathing, and Sephirian's shivers and noises of pleasure, making the illusion of their fucking easier to imagine. He found himself suddenly fascinated by the idea, and the more their strange, remote lovemaking continued, the more he wanted to feel what Lu was feeling, to have his imagination fuelled by sensation.

 

With a soft rustle, his hair rises in tendrils that twist and wind around each other, some extending outwards to curl around Sephirian's nipples, tugging and teasing at them, encircling each and squeezing them gently. Then a mass of the dark strands fold in and twirl around themselves, forming a hollow, strange phallus of hair that Mirk positions behind himself with a rueful smile. "... I want you, Sephirian."

 

Silver:

It was enough that the stunning creature before him was tormenting him with his presence, but then Mirk started to craft that cock looking object made of his own hair.. Sephirian's eyes narrowed, the brilliant blue hues growing deep like the endless unforgiving depths of an unforgiving ocean. Removing Lu from his cock, Sephirian forced him back, toppling Mirk over* with Lu on top of him as he pinned them both, eyes completely fixated on Mirk with a dangerous kind of hue circled around the iris'. Without warning the well endowed angel shamelessly pushed his cock against Lu's filled ass, grinding against his rear and Mirk's erection. "Don't let anything else inside of you Mirk, only me.." Reaching down the dominant angel forced those cheeks open as he pressed the wet cock against Lu's* ass, forcefully demanding entrance, stretching him past capacity to slide inside with Mirk's cock, pinning down Mirk's hands* above his head firmly, refusing to allow the man up as he started to thrust, shamelessly and wildly fucking that needy doll forcing Mirk to feel how engorged his dick had become and how powerful his thrusts were. "No one else deserves to be inside you."

 

Veir: Surprised by the reaction he got, Mirk grimaced as the way he was pushed meant his cock was tugged at an odd angle, the strange pain making him keenly aware now that Sephirian had stopped and was looming over both him and his slave. He let his hair fall back down around them, cobweb waves of inky black that suddenly lost their life, returning to soft tresses that could not even hold a butterfly.

 

Mirk was about to open his mouth to ask why when Sephirian answered with motion before words. He felt the questing erection that rubbed against the base of his, heat and slickness strangling him, making him swallow what he was about to say. So angels knew jealousy.

 

"Only you, is that your condition for me having you?" Mirk murmured, too far gone with lust to check what he was saying, or to pretend now that he didn't want this as much as Sephirian did. With the golden-haired beauty so close to his own entrance, Mirk had the insane thought of simply guiding him in, then shook it away. That could wait.

 

He groaned and threw his head back against the pillows, then let his hands move down to Lu's knees, hooking them up with his fingers to expose him to what Sephirian had planned.

 

The pale construct practically scream this time in pleasure and agony, the sound drowned out by Mirk's groan of utter ecstasy. Feeling the cocks sliding against each other, the way they both stretched Lu's entrance making his muscles quiver and convulse around them. Warmth and lubrication spread around them, and Mirk hardened more at the sensation and the knowledge that Lu would be bleeding and in pain.

 

"Yes," Mirk answered simply. No one else, no one else would have him. This angel, this beautiful, tainted, perfect angel would be his only lover. To share in his passions and his perversions, and one day, to take him as he took Lu now. The slaver sighed and lost himself to the pleasure, pulling Lu tight so he could tug roughly at his cock, ignoring the fact his pet still had a ring biting into his flesh as he sought both his and Sephirian's climax.

 

Silver:

It was as mysterious as the first few flecks of snow in the dawn of winter touching against his bare skin to spark sensation with each impossibly intricate strike of pleasure, different from the last with such deep significance much like fingerprints defining each sensation with keen attention and different intensities of pressure. Every thrust seemed to be in slow motion, the aching squeezing around his cock driving him to madness before even an inch had slipped inside.. Both hands were reachinng down, sliding over Mirk's hips, aching.. Wishing.. Watching the stunning pale eyes with such deep admiration as he fucked that needy whore feeling the throbbing of Mirk's dick, consumed by the desire to be inside that stunning dark creature himself.

 

That jaw went slack, lips parting gently as eyes narrowed hazed over with such intense desire.. Holding onto Mirk's hips the angel thrust inside that greedy doll, working his throbbing cock in slowly yet deeply, refusing to allow Mirk to escape from the sensation, showing him in detail what was in store for himself*

 

Veir:

With Luran twisting pleasantly between them, each convulsion and shudder felt keenly in his cock as a tightening of his muscles, Mirk practically purred as he left red lines on his pet's pale skin, bleeding welts rising on the delicate covering of his bound cock. The mage joined in Sephirian's too-slow thrusts, forcing himself to accept the pace though he yearned to hasten it. He wanted to enjoy this fully, this sensation that was almost like being fucked himself.

 

Tendrils of dark hair rose to lift the veil of gold that spilled across his vision, the trio now half-hidden by a trellis of dark and blond hair. Mirk smiled to see the expression on Sephirian's face, taking it in, burning it deep within his memory so that he would never forget the sight. Then his pale eyes closed even as his own lips parted in pleasure, the sliding pressure against his shaft tearing at his self-control at every thrust and pull. He could feel intimately the throbbing hardness that was his lover's cock, and the greedy tightening in Lu's muscles.

 

The construct was making noises of uninhibited lust, and his usually blank eyes were closed, making him look almost animated. His mouth opened obscenely, as if begging to be filled, Lu let loose another wail of want as Mirk's fingers slid over the head of his tortured erection.

 

Mirk chuckled even as another thrust made him gasp, his eyes opening once again in the miasma of lust. It had been some time since he last let his pet climax, and he was not sure Lu was going to get his release tonight. Tonight, his focus was on Sephirian. And with that thought, his free hand lifted again to the beautiful angel, touching his chin, trailing his nails over the sensitive skin of his neck... "You are incredible."

 

Silver:

The way Mirk described it was full of such adoration, the compliment one that Sephirian felt was more suited to describe heaven its self or the initial creation of earth in all of its intense beauty before it was raped and plundered beyond capacity.. There was so much far more incredible than Sephirian himself and yet to the angel this moment in general was deeply incredible.. Did Mirk even realise how beautiful he was? The way that sheer innocence poisoned by the blackness caused a perfect harmony of darkness and light? The way his lust burned so deeply and with such passions that the angel was driven to greater heights merely by seeing such strong emotional responses from his precious dark one? Without darkness the light was nothing and without light the darkness was empty and void... It seemed like two perfect opposites to Sephirian, two that attracted and were meant to be in order to sustain the balance. But Mirk was far more than that... The depth of his soul, the torment, the desperation, everything about him made the angel hard and before long he was forcefully fucking Lu without reservation, staring down at Mirk contemplating all these things as he slammed inside adoring the feel of his lover's cock choked against him, shuddering and groaning out with ache, reaching up to tug Mirk's hair firmly as those sapphire eyes ached to see his end "MmmMirk... Feel me inside.. As you come..." The desirable fantasy had taken him, it was like there was no servant, just himself and Mirk fucking wildly and it enslaved his aching heart.

 

Veir:

Just as he was starting to believe the pace would remain slow forever, torturing him without end, Mirk felt the change. He responded by changing his own rhythm to fill any space Sephirian left as he pulled back for another thrust, their erections gliding smoothly against each other as the scent of sex and blood mingled. The sounds and scents they had created made Mirk believe for this instant, that the fantasy was real, that the deep yearning, aching flames of years could be quenched for a minute by Sephirian's lust.

 

He could not respond with words as Sephirian made his request. No, not a request, almost a demand. The powerful fingers tugging against his hair, the hard organ that thrust into Lu's willing and waiting hole, his own imagination, everything fuelled the moment, and he let his submission happen, unnatural and alien to him as it was, he gave in.

 

And felt the flood of pleasure hit him like nothing he had experienced, tingling embers danced lightning fast along his nerves, each sparking a firework that made him shudder and finally cry out, unabashed, unafraid to show his need. He took a shuddering breath, then pushed deeply into Luran one last time, stretching him, filling him in a way he now secretly coveted as he came. Hot liquid rushed around their cocks, then spilled out as available space was filled.

 

Mirk's fingers dug into Lu's flesh, the hand he had at Sephirian's neck suddenly gripping a stray tendril of golden hair like a drowning man clutching at straws. He could not speak, could not think, there was only the fire of absolute pleasure rushing through him again and again, like a spray of light that touched the darkness, chasing away the shadows of his heart with love and warmth, and ecstasy.

 

Silver:

The stunning dark one was being so captivating.. Sephirian had observed so many things in all of his years and always taken keen note of everything and yet.. This sight was truely the most significant so far.. The eyes of the observer keenly watched every movement, even as they were half lidded in lust they noted every detail never failing to pick up on even the slightest twinge of a muscle.. Even the throbbing of that aching cock against his own was noted and filed away in his secret memories, forever locked away for him and him alone to savour in silence..

 

Without warning Mirk started to throb uncontrollably and narrowing those eyes further Sephirian watched with such absolute obsession, maddening possessiveness running though his veins as he raked those nails over the dark ones neck, aching to see those marks as he felt the hot rush of Mirk's climax with every insistent thrust he offered, biting down on his own lower lip as he watched it in all of its detailed glory refusing to be left behind, shuddering with ache and choked within until he found himself groaning out, eyes watering with sheer pleasure as that image of Mirk was blotted out against his desires.. His body had acted on its own, forcefully shooting out his white hot semen into the doll, mingling with Mirk's and coating his cock as the angel struggled to regain his vision.

 

Veir:

"Sephirian..." With only enough presence of mind to speak his lover's name, Mirk groaned as pain made the pleasure hit him yet again, his thoughts turning to bright sparks that fade in the shadows of his mind before reigniting yet again. He could feel Sephirian's strength and lust in every shudder and hear it in every choked breath. This was more than he had hoped for, more than he could have imagined, and only the secret regret that it was not him experiencing the pounding thrusts provided a touch of disappointment.

 

Tugging the angel down towards him, uncaring as their strength crushed the breath from Lu, he stole a kiss, keeping it brief in the awkward position, but nipping at Sephirian's lip in the process to give him a hint of his passion. Then he threw his head back again, his cock too spent to give him more than the last chaffing sensations of pleasure, making him twist and squirm against the bed and his slave's tight entrance.

 

"Fuck," he growled, mind still too far gone yet to form complete sentences. His skin burned, his lungs craved air that was not choked with sweat and musk, and his eyes stung with tears and perspiration. Yet he was content, and still half-hard. The afterglow was sweeter than any he had experienced, and for now, he was willing to relax and enjoy the last of his climax, his fingers now making lazy curls over Sephirian's cheek, his own skin still smarting from the marks his angel had placed on him.

 

"I want you," Mirk muttered, half-aware that he wasn't really in control of what he was saying. "Every night. All nights and days to come."

 

 

---

[Veir]

Veir:

Mirk tried to sleep. He often had trouble sleeping, though it had nothing to do with the tortured conscience of an evil man that most people would have assumed. As much as the darkness gave him, and as confident as he seemed to be within its embrace, he had never quite shaken that childish fear of the dark. No matter which way he turned, he was worried about some invisible, uncontrollably shadow that would consume him when he wasn't watching. If he put his back to Lu, he would see only blackness stretching in front of his stubbornly open eyes, but if he turned...

 

Usually, this would be solved by him ordering Lu to light candles in the room, the flames chasing shadows into concentrated corners, easy to see, and for Mirk, easy to control. Yet with Sephirian lying there with them, he felt silly, as if he was a child to need a nightlight to sleep.

 

He rose and threw off the satin sheets, bare feet landing on the plush rug beside his bed, toes digging in as he pondered what to do next. An excuse was at least in order. "I... I'm not tired," he lied blithely.

 

Silver:

The disguised angelic male's hand was already coiling around Mirk's wrist, dragging the other male down back into bed as he sat up, pulling the covers over the dark male. This would not do. It was difficult but there was a way to make it work. Grasping Lu's hand to place it upon his shoulder, he shifted over the living doll and pressed between him and Mirk, clutching the doll's arm to wrap it around himself, hooking their legs together as well before sliding one arm under Mirk's neck while the other slid firmly around his waist, dragging the stunning beauty in against Sephirian's strong chest. "They can't hurt you, not with me here." A hand soothed over Mirk's chest below the fabric, the knowing tone of Sephirian easily picking up the uneasiness. It had been often that the Angelic creature himself had felt the unseen eyes of blackness aching to pounce upon him when in such a human appearing form but over time they had learned what a mistake it was to dare to attempt it. It was merely a shell, it didn't limit the strength of the creature beneath it in the end. "You will be safe."

 

Veir:

Mirk did not object when he was pulled back, but he did fight it for just a moment, knowing it was a lost battle before he had really applied any real strength. He let himself be wrapped up in warmth and steel, feeling oddly at peace though he was effectively caged in Sephirian's embrace. It was a strange feeling.

 

"You are so confident," Mirk replied. It was not exactly a compliment the way he said it, but it was not sarcasm either. Merely an observation now tht his lie had been called out. "What do you intend to do if sleep doesn't find me until dawn?

 

Hold me forever, he thought, then cursed himself for thinking something that sappy. Something must be wrong with his brain. Maybe the food didn't have enough protein after all. "And do you plan on explaining my change of diet at all?"

 

Silver:

"You will stay on the Diet for one more day, it is not such a bad payment for having me work in this mansion like a human for an unknown period of time." Sephirian kissed Mirk's ear, the hand under his neck bent at the elbow, gently caressing through the dark strands as he tried to fight sleep. Though he knew Mirk was deeply troubled by many things he had yet to completely understand, it was going to be impossible for the beautiful male to evade sleep. That body needed it for what was to come, sorely.. Pressing lips next to Mirk's ear he started to sing lightly in that dominant tone, almost chanting to distract the dark one from those ravenous thoughts that sought to eat him alive from the inside. The only one who would be able to have all of him was Sephirian regardless of what anyone else wanted.

 

Veir:

"At least it's not for long," Mirk conceded. After all, Sephirian was quite right. It was a small price to pay to have the angel stay, though curiosity still gnawed at him like a scab that needed picking. Then Sephirian shifted, and Mirk couldn't help but press himself deeper into the warm fold of his new lover's embrace.

 

It was warm, and he felt inexplicably safe. When the chanting song began, sleep came almost too easily, and he could barely keep his eyes open long enough to press a brief kiss to Sephirian's cheek, like a goodnight ritual performed by a child who had finally found home.

 

Lu closed his eyes only when Mirk's white ones had done so first. His breathing became even almost immediately, but if his Master should stir, he would wake instantly. They were connected, and with Sephirian's light feeding into him, Lu was feeling things he had forgotten, or perhaps never knew, at least as a construct. Echoes of Mirk's thoughts and emotions ran through him, and though Mirk did not stir, Lu wrapped his arm tighter about Sephirian as he slept.

 

Silver:

It was a rather unusual arrangement. The angel himself didn't exactly sleep like any human did, but the body he was currently in mimicked the patterns and appearance of sleep. It was like lying still for hours with eyes closed yet taking in even the slightest of noises and movements while the body was heavy around him within. Though he usually felt very aware of tight spaces and this was possibly the tightest that could be imposed upon him, it was strangely natural to feel that heaviness around him once again like a thick blanket weighing down on him. As soon as the sun rose and that body was recharged with energy, Sephirian shifted carefully, slowly placing a hand to Lu's lips as he backed out, carefully removing his arm from under Mirk before moving silently to the door, holding Lu's hand tightly as he led the other male out without a word.

 

The male got dressed, Lu helping him as he had when the clothing was chosen, those eyes scanning Lu, sensing something slightly different, the barest hint of change but he waved it off, as his tie was secured carefully by the doll. Next they went to the kitchen together, Lu's hand securely held within his own making some of the other servants uncertain of what was going on with them. Lu stood quite close as Sephirian prepared the fresh ingredients into a paste just as before, this time a different arrangement of flavours, more potent than before. An intense sweetness and bitterness mixed into one making it sweet and savoury in an unusual combination. Lu didn't say a word and yet Sephirian seemed to look over to him every now and then almost as if he had though made no hint of communication.

 

When the food was folded into the same leaves as before, Sephirian walked back with Lu toward the bedroom, not wanting to keep Mirk waiting too long for his breakfast. The juice that was freshly squeezed was orange with mango added

 

Veir:

Lu had woken as soon as Sephirian stirred, but as he did everything the angel expected of him, there was definitely a strange air about him, as if he was a well of 'something' waiting to burst and flow over with exposition at any minute. He remained silent however, performing his duties as if he was acting on automatic. He seemed to watch the new 'butler' closely, his deep blue eyes betraying no interest, though his gaze always kept Sephirian in view.

 

Finally, as they headed back to Mirk's bedroom, with Lu balancing a tray carefully as he held Sephirian's with his free one. "You are very beautiful." With that said, Lu continued on as if nothing had happened.

 

Veir:

Mirk could not remember sleeping so well. Darkness and relaxation had covered him like a fluffy blanket, buried as he was in warmth and affection, cocooned against the ills of the world by Sephirian's arms. Throughout the night, he had reached out and found security and reassurance without realizing it. So now, when he tried the same and his fingers touched cooling satin, the experience jolted him into wakefulness.

 

Panic hit him for a moment. He was alone, the room was dark, except for a thin shaft of sunlight that struggled to penetrate the crack between heavy curtains. His sleep-confused brain ran through ridiculous possibilities - he was still asleep, he had dreamed Sephirian's appearance, he was five and Lu was aslep in the next room...

 

He stood as his mind settled on a more plausible answer - Sephirian and Lu must have gone to organize food. The tall mage waved his hand, a comb sliding out of a cupboard to slide through his hair even as he unbuttoned his shirt. Usually he would have waited for Lu, but right now, he wasn't sure what he would do if Sephirian saw him naked. There were some things a human body sometimes couldn't help in the mornings.

 

Slipping off his pants as his black hair was combed without any physical effort on his part, Mirk paused in what he was doing for a moment. All the movable mirrors in the house had been taken to the garden, and he rarely wanted any in his presence, but... he was curious to see what Sephirian saw. Letting the comb return to its home, Mirk waved his hand again. This time, a few carved wall panels folded in on themselves and magically vanished, revealing a hidden mirror behind.

 

His reflection didn't give him the epiphany he had hoped for. Instead it showed a figure who was all too familiar. Pale skin that was only a few shades darker than Lu's covered a body that was lean enough to show angles. He turned slowly, white eyes tracing the lines Asmodeus' marks made over his body, the dark vines trailing over his flesh, ending in a grip that made him flush and bite back ancient anger.

 

Muscles rippled under his skin as he moved, but not for the first time did Mirk think he looked too... lanky, for lack of better word. His shoulders were angular rather than broad, and his bony wrists looked almost dainty in the shadowy room. Nice ass though, he had to admit, not that anyone else ever got to even think that for long enough to say it. He was comfortable with his body, but not comfortable with looking at it.

 

WIth a sigh, he turned and tried to put the reflection out of his mind.

 

Silver:

Though it seemed as if Lu were acting a little differently, there were more pressing things on Sephirian's mind.. The food had to be perfect and the juice flawless as well. Everything was covered carefully, not a shred of foreign material did he want in it, not even a single spec of dust. With such insane standards, it seemed aparent to the other servants why Sephirian was indeed a butler but as to the purpose of his holding hands with the servant always taped to Mirk's side.. They had no idea. Regardless, the comment about beauty came as somewhat of an unusual surprise. The comment was not in any way related to any order at all, instead it was an observation. "Such substance all of a sudden. What else does that suddenly living mind of yours think?"

 

The disguised angel was curious to hear the answer, but not enough to delay Mirk. Opening the door slowly, he glanced to the bed finding it empty automatically narrowing his eyes and scanning the room. It didn;t take long for him to see Mirk, it took even less time for him to 'observe' his naked body and suddenly turn toward the door raising a hand to grasp onto the monocle cleaning it several times as he spoke to Lu suddenly. "Place the tray on the table. Lift the lid after 3 seconds and then leave it be. Poor the juice into the glass carefully, don't spill a single drop."

 

Veir:

Lu gave Sephirian a blank look, then something rose from the dead pools, a spark that struggled to surface, and if there had been more time, perhaps something would have been forthcoming.

 

But as it was, the construct turned and placed the tray onto the wooden table nearby, the piece of furniture ingeniously designed with little wheels for convenience, and railings to prevent trays and plates from leaving its polished top. With one hand still touching Sephirian, Luran lifted the lid off the tray after precisely three seconds, then poured the jug of juice into a glass. There was a slight pause as he did so, like a robot that had temporarily forgotten its programming.

 

This moment was matched exactly by a cough of mingled surprise and embarrassment from Mirk. The tall mage grabbed a corner of the sheet and let the thin fabric wrap itself around his naked body like some long, dark dress, leaving his shoulders bare. There wasn't enough time for clothing, and there was no real point in doing as he just did, but the reflection had bothered him, and he was suddenly 'shy'.

 

"What's for breakfast?" He muttered, and there was a hint of wryness in his voice. He could guess. The juice gave it away. No black coffee for him then.

 

Silver:

Sephirian needed just a moment to think about this.. What would be acceptable in such a situation? Certainly he could not hold Mirk from behind and not gaze at him naked because the obvious desire he held would be pressing rather prominently against Mirk's rear and that wasn't appropriate in the least. Regardless he sighed softly and moved over to the juice, opening up the golden case he had used days beforehand with the transformation that had last gathered up light to be shut tightly within. Turning his back to Mirk and Lu he opened it carefully, the contents of light spilling out onto the juice seeming to mingle with the liquid instead of just penetrating with glorious shards. Lifting the glass he shook it gently, swirling as he closed the golden case returning it to his pocket, setting the juice back down. Nothing about it was deeply different, the colour was just slightly.. brighter. Pulling out the chair he motioned toward Mirk to sit in it, glancing over at those bare shoulders to imagine the beautiful dark male in a dress, shoulders bare, having dinner with him perhaps with some feminine make up, like a husband and wife having a simple dinner at home.. Waving away the thoughts immediately he waited for the other male patiently. "Its not too sweet this time, I mixed in some potent flavors to balance it out for you."

 

Veir:

"Thanks," Mirk replied, keeping the slight sarcasm out of his voice. He sat down, though he had the strange feeling that Sephirian was more hawk than mother hen, and couldn't help looking over his shoulder for Lu - just in case. Not that the construct could fight the angel off if push came to shove, but it might give his Master enough time to put some clothes on at the very least.

 

Choosing to be gracious about breakfast being served by his new 'butler', Mirk took one of the parcels in hand, opened it carefully, and took a bite. It wasn't bad, the flavour somehow better, though still tasting too much of fresh produce for Mirk's palate. He drank some juice to wash the contents down, then ate the rest without pausing to complain.

 

The juice tasted oddly spicy in his view, and he wondered if Sephirian had put pepper in it. If so, angels definitely had strange tastebuds. It burned like alcohol down his throat, and settled in his stomach like warm brandy. The sensation was oddly pleasant, and he regretted it when the last drop had vanished.

 

"Thank you," he said as breakfast was polished up. Only then did he realize he'd given Lu nothing to eat - and probably the same the night before. And there was nothing left, so scraps were not an option. Then there were the other slaves. The staff would feed them, but it wouldn't do to break rituals. Still... Sephirian's presence was becoming a welcome distraction. Mirk reached out and took the angel by the wrist, pulling him closer. "What are your plans for today?"

 

Silver:

"To be with you." The angel responded simply, Lu's hand upon his shoulder feeling heavier than normal yet he was far too happy with watching Mirk eat everything he had made with ease yet again. It seemed to mean a great deal to the angelic creature that Mirk was doing as he had asked and a warm smile remained upon his lips as he watched Mirk. After he answered he dared to press closer, sliding both hands over Mirk's bare shioulders, an obvious bulge building in his slacks from simply touching his skin.. The angel felt quite fortunate that Mirk was still seated and standing behind him there was no obvious way to see the sinister proclaimation of want, and hands were securely upon his shoulders, massaging firmly to ensure he couldn;t suddenly move as he pleased and be faced with Sephirian's prominant erection. "It won't be long Mirk, just until the evening."

 

Veir: It was hard to think of anything else but the angel's presence so close behind him. Mirk realized too late that the sheet was perhaps a miscalculation. It made him seem almost vulnerable, a look that was much too modest for someone like him to carry off.

 

Reaching up with one hand to lay it over Sephirian's, he captured it and moved it to his lips so he could kiss the knuckles. "Until this evening then."

 

And he would have risen, but he found he was trapped, the massage that was at once relaxing attention and vice grip in one holding him in place. He wished he could ask for more, but his stubborness held him back, and Sephirian's promise made him hesitate all the more. Greed was a human trait, and not an endearing one at that.

 

"I must go see to the slaves' feeding," Mirk said finally, the truth sounding like a lame excuse in the circumstances. "This means I have to get dressed. And that means I need to get up."

 

Silver:

"Already?" Sephirian was not exactly concerned about the fact he had an erection and Mirk was going to see it... or was he? Regardless he moved before Mirk could, turning around and walking toward the bed tightly grasping onto Lu's wrist, placing it upon his shoulder as he reached down to gather up the rest of the sheets, coiling them into a tight bundle before him to hide the evidence as before. It wasn't a pleasant thought to have Mirk tending to slaves but at the same time Sephirian didn't want the dark one to feel as if he was stuck in a cage with no way out. "Alright. Shall I put this down for washing and then accompany you?" At least giving Mirk the option of being left alone was something he wanted to display, making it clear that he valued the other male's opinion.

 

Veir:

From the perspective of someone who trained slaves, Sephirian's attitude was sending conflicting messages. On the one hand, he was exceedingly considerate, almost to the point of motherly, yet at the same time, he expected rather than hoped that his requests would be fulfilled, and there was always a tiny hint of true steel in his voice and his body. Then of course, there was the threat that he could leave at any time.

 

Mirk sighed, the memory of that unspoken possibility making him unenthused about leaving Sephirian for any length of time. "You may accompany me if you wish," he said, then rose from the chair, letting the sheet slip from his body so it could be gathered up for cleaning.

 

"Though since you and Lu are moving as one body for the moment, I would appreciate at least one of you went and got me some clothes." He waved a hand, the tapestry he had stepped behind last night moving aside to reveal the door to the wardrobe. It contained mostly very well tailored shirts and dress pants, and a few oriental looking robes. There were stranger fashions there too, obviously intended for ceremonial use in Mirk's capacity as a mage. All were organised neatly, and obviously only the current season's clothes were present.

 

Silver:

Though it seemed like a simple enough request, Sephirian was still holding the sheets and sighed softly, setting them back upon the bed, turning to face the wardrobe instead as he grasped onto Lu's shoulders and allowed the doll to moved as he saw fit. Sephirian was widely unsure about what feeding the slaves entailed, if it was simple or not, it seemed as though he was going to find out soon either way. The sharp looking 'butler' allowed Lu to pick out the clothing and then followed close behind, still glancing over his neck as if he were trying to see into him from behind.. The comment from earlier was troubling him. Considering whether to inform Mirk just yet or not was also a struggle and yet he thought to himself that perhaps it would be better another day. Mirk would have a lot to deal with.

 

Veir:

Luran did precisely as Mirk had instructed, ignoring the presence of Sephirian's hands as if he had been born with them on his shoulders. Mirk took the opportunity to open the curtains, knowing no one who didn't work for him lived within a mile of the mansion - the approximate size of the estate. Sunlight poured in, and he stepped away smartly, his naked body stung for just a moment by the kiss of too-bright light.

 

Lu returned with appropriate underwear, black shirt, pants, and a sleeve-less vest coat, the dark garment embroidered with tracings of swirling vines and roses done in a thread only a few shades lighter. He dressed his owner wordlessly, moving slower each time he had to bend so he wouldn't unsettle Sephirian's hands.

 

Once he was clad, Mirk didn't bother asking Sephirian again, if the angel wanted out, he had the chance to say no earlier. The slaver checked with his quite accurate internal clock and decided they had definitely dallied enough. He wasn't in the habit of letting the slaves sleep in - not that delaying their breakfast would have meant they were allowed to sleep any longer, but it was the principle of the thing.

 

He left his room and decided to take a shortcut, crossing the carpeted hall way to a door that looked identical to his, opening it however revealed an impossible staircase, and the door that the flight of steps led to opened onto the large dining room, where the long table was empty, but staff were bustling about, setting plates and bowls onto the floor on either side of the table. Mirk sat down at the head without a word and waved at the chair beside him. "Sit," he instructed, using a tone that was obviously intended for show amongst the servants.

 

Silver:

Sephirian moved along with Lu, keeping an averted gaze from Mirk's naked body for now. There was a lot to be explained but it would all be in due time and for the moment the floor was his new best friend. How handsome it looked today.. Yes... Keep looking at the floor.

 

When Mirk was dressed, the angel's gaze lifted and a hand intertwined with Lu's fingers tightly, holding it securely without fail. The other hand raised to Mirk's cheek and merely gazed into his eyes for a long moment with a knowing smile before allowing the dark male to lead the way. Reaching up to position his monocle, the angel tried to ignore the rather tight space of the staircase, clutching onto Lu's hand a little tighter than before, the walls so dark with not a single vein of light making it feel as if they were closing in...

 

When they moved through the door, Sephirian could not get through soon enough, his whole being was tense and eyes immediately searched for sources of light. Stepping back toward the cold stone wall he moved the hand joined with Lu's behind his back, pressing the tips of his fingers against the stone discretely. The digits moved out of sight as Sephirian's eyes remained upon the other male silently observing him instruct his slaves.

 

Veir:

Mirk stared for a moment too long at Sephirian as he stepped inside, but decided not to make comment. It would complicate matters if the angel had taken a seat. For one thing,* though Sephirian did not know this, no one but Mirk touched Luran. Not without direct permission at least.

 

The slaver watched as staff bustled in and out, spreading food onto the table though he would not be eating. It was obvious what the bowls on the floor meant, so he didn't need to explain - he felt at least. Steam and the delicious aroma of odd spices and fresh meats rose into the air, and similar fare was being put into the various containers on the floor. The slaves ate well in the Acanthe House. Mirk was too proud to sell an under-nourished thing off to anyone.

 

"Pet food for five of them," he muttered, the instruction spoken so softly that it would have been missed so easily in the noise. Still, his well-trained staff obeyed, and within minutes all was ready. Mirk let his hair slither across the floor silently as he waited for the household to join them, the tendril curling gently about Sephirian's ankles possessively.

 

Veir:

A low baying began in the halls outside the dining hall, and soon the main entrance - an impressive and rather heavy looking set of double doors - burst open, admitting the Hounds along with their Alpha Malek. They were all in human forms now, and though all had black hair, only the Alpha had eyes like pale amber.

 

He bowed somewhat awkwardly at Mirk, then sat down at a spot some spaces down from the Master of the house. His pack followed suit, filing in and filling spaces that had food placed before them. Sausages, bacon, bleeding roast venison and rabbit, the sweet, rich scent made Mirk's stomach lurch in want, but he merely tightened the hold his hair had on Sephirian.

 

The doors remained open, and after a minute or so, footsteps and rustling chains could be heard. Mirk leaned his head against delicate fingers and watched the familiar procession. He pointed at a cat-eared slave as he stepped through the doors, then another with feathered ears, then three more. These were directed to the bowls of inferior food - obviously being punished for something, though with one of them it was perhaps the food it preferred, since it lapped it up without complaint.

 

There were at least fifty in all, and even the large hall had trouble accommodating the rows without some of the staff twirling out of the way of manacled feet. Some of the slaves were bound, most were barely clad. All wore matching collars, though there was some code with a coloured bar running through the middle of them. No one spoke a word, and those that looked like they were about to got a kick or nudge from their fellows.

 

"I hope you do not intend to change their diets," Mirk murmured to Sephirian half-jokingly. "It would take a very long time to prepare this many meals." The mage's pale eyes did not leave the scene, though he was obviously already satisfied with how the morning had proceeded and did not need to linger since he was not eating breakfast there.

 

A senior staff-member stepped up apologetically beside Sephirian and whispered something, though careful not to step in too close. It seemed the house had accepted that Sephirian was Mirk's butler and that was that. "The lady Emilia will be calling on the Master today at midday."

 

Silver:

It seemed much like something Sephirian had seen before.. Something dark and void of anything but sinful nature and blackness.. The scene of humans gorging themselves on food messily was not unusual for one who had observed their nature for centuries turning from cavemen into the modern men of today. But there was a certain tinge of blackness within all of their hearts, a tight grasp like a hand clutching around each of them trying to keep the smallest threads of light out.

 

The feeling was all too familiar and it made the angel feel a sense of concern. The thick substance was oozing from the very pores of the mansion, like tar upon lungs, clinging on the inside just waiting for its chance. Sephirian's fingers tensed after a moment, clutching Lu's hand tightly as those threads coiled around his ankle almost knocking him out of a trance. There was a depth within those eyes that couldn't be fathomed in the least.. An age to them that was showing now more than ever.

 

Still, the angel remained silent as that tight feeling in his chest continued to coil and threaten to choke.. At this rate..

 

Suddenly the blond was addressed by another gentleman referring to a lady. Certainly Mirk still had appointments, of this he was sure, but regardless of what kind of appointment it was, there were more pressing matters to attend at the moment. Glancing back at the servant, those eyes could have burned holes into the very abyss of darkness on a moonless night. Even though there was no glare the depth held something strangely... mortifying...

 

"The 'master' is quite busy today and also this evening. Perhaps he can be called upon tomorrow."

 

Veir:

"Uh... yes, of course, as you wish, sir," replied the now rather flustered servant. He wore something similar to what Sephirian wore, though there was a flash of something metal around his neck. Without waiting to be told twice, the man rushed away to exchange the appointment for another day, glancing nervously at Mirk as he passed him. The dark haired mage gave him a tight little smirk, his pale eyes all too knowing.

 

"Emilia will find this idea interesting," Mirk commented, but did not stop the servant. "She rarely gets told 'no'. So I look forward to hearing her reply."

 

Mrk knew what it would be. A tantrum, some broken slaves - followed by her family ordering more from the Acanthe house - and she would show up on the doorstep a week later ready for an argument unless Mirk invited her, and that was unlikely. Still, he would stand that if it meant not having his day with Sephirian interrupted.

 

"What do you want to do today, Sephirian?" He asked candidly, ignoring the glances - most of them surreptitious - from some of the newer slaves. The ones who had been with him for a while however did not look up, wolfing down their food like their lives depended on it.

 

"Give them water, except those who looked up," Mirk instructed another servant as he stood, straightening the vest coat as he headed for the exit. Though he had not commented on it, he obviously took note of some of the discomfort in Sephirian's stance. "I think Sephirian and I will have some fresh air. Have food and water brought to the sunroom for Luran. That will be our first stop."

 

He paused then and waited, seeking approval or refusal from Sephirian at this suggestion.

 

Silver:

Though he was being spoken to once again, Sephirian's eyes seemed so hollow, as if he was only half there. The depth spanned on like there was a lot of space behind those eyes for the first time making that face look like that of a beautiful dolls. For a long while, those eyes didn't even blink and then all at once the focus came back into them and the lids closed tightly, a hand lifting to pinch the top of his nose for a moment before the same warm eyes returned to gaze upon Mirk seeming to contemplate everything that had just been said in slow motion.

 

"Yes. Some air is perhaps necessary."

 

The fingers of the angel brushed over the wall one last time, a faint glimmer where he had touched barely for a split second discarded as a trick of the light and shadows as he walked with Lu, narrowing sapphire eyes one last time at the many slaves before turning to the door. Before he could stop himself, a white gloved hand reached out for Mirk's shoulder, stopping just before hand, pulling back quickly as he cleared his throat.

 

"Is there no other way of returning?"

 

Veir:

"There are other ways for every occasion," Mirk replied, turning to catch the hand that pulled back, his own moving as fast as a striking snake so Sephirian wouldn't escape. "What do you want, Sephirian? This house is as much yours as mine while you're here."

 

That was perhaps too candid, but Mirk didn't care. One of the points of showing Sephirian to the slaves and staff was to establish his position in the house, and to spot the trouble-makers before they... well, caused problems. Mirk had a few ideas who would be the ones to lead a slave revolution, but still, he was the Master, and he would handle situations as they arose.

 

"What do you want, Sephirian? Where do you wish to go, and how do you want to get there?" He turned away before he spoke further. He could take them both so far away, to escape the strangeness that he somehow now felt in his own house, to run away from the darkness, to chase each other's shadows only across the land, to b e as free as his magic would carry him, bound only by what he felt for Sephirian.

 

He shook his head, and Lu stepped closer to him, though did not let go of his contact with his angelic charge. Mirk made sure they left the dining hall and stood instead in the main foyer where the space was three-storeys high before pausing to wait for Sephirian's input again.

 

---

[Veir]

Veir:

The sunroom was as bright as he had ever seen it. Not that Mirk really visited often. Various plants and flowers were in full bloom here, each vying for attention, verdant greens upon rich emeralds, each leaf doing its best to draw in energy just - in Mirk's view - to get bigger and greener. Which is all that plants seemed to do where the slaver was concerned. Still he had to be seen like the owner of all that could be seen, so he opened the glass doors that led into the room properly from an oddly darkened hallway that they'd climbed a set of much too short stairs to reach.

 

"I hope this is to your liking," Mirk muttered, standing off to the side for shade as soon as they were within the sunny confines of the glasshouse. The large panes overhead were open, some servant had obviously beaten them to it, using the shortcuts the mage had put in place for just that purpose. A tray had been left on a white wrought-ironwork table, and two chairs rested beside it - where normally there was just one. One of them was in shade, the other, now that Mirk could see past some obscuring foliage, was backless, practically a trumped up stool.

 

Luran stayed beside Sephirian while Mirk went straight to the tables. Overhead, the circular skylight that was largely unnecessary was also open, and the tall slaver side-stepped a semi-circle of light smoothly as he sat down, pouring himself a cup of tea considering Luran was otherwise taken up, hostage to Sephirian's needs. He raised the cup to his lips, then paused with the steam curling about his nostrils.. "It's all right to drink this, isn't it?"

 

Silver:

Though there was clear uncertainty with the darkness, when Sephirian stepped into the light with the rustling trees and branches, it seemed as though all of that discomfort was forgotten. CLosing those stunning blue eyes he instead took in a deep breathe of the fresh air, enjoying it thoroughly as he stepped over to sit in the sun, tugging Lu onto his lap allowing his hands to slip onto the arm rests, sighing comfortably. There was something about nature that seemed to speed to Sephirian on a deeper level, something naturally conveyed regardless of what form he seemed to take. Glancing up to see Mirk wanting to drink something, the blond male narrowed his eyes first. "What kind of leaves is it made from?" even though he had not heard an answer, Sephirian stood up and talked over, hand in hand with Lu, reaching for the cup without motioning to take it from the other male, wanting him to give it up willingly. "Let me taste it before you do."

 

Veir:

Lu had moved without comment as was his usual, but he tried to hide his reddening face as he was tugged into the angel's lap, a presence of mind that was probably unexpected of him. Mirk did not seem to notice though, with his whole attention focused on what was going on in front of him. That is to say, he was craving the tea he was holding and somewhat regretted asking Sephirian for opinion.

 

"It's jasmine," Mirk replied a little curtly, but gave up the cup to his 'caretaker' without being asked. "It's hot," he added, probably unnecessarily. Only now did he have some attention for Lu, and though he took note of the fading red on the pale cheeks, he made no comment, his features taking on the blankness that he usually reserved for dealing with strangers, a poker face for the masses.

 

"Well, is it safe enough to drink?"

 

Silver:

The disguised angel examined the tea and smelled it. it seemed as though it was harmless though but Sephirian seemed deeply uncertain. Those sapphire eyes examined the heated liquid for a long while before placing it down upon the table with a rather harsh expression. The dark eyelashes narrowed as those brilliant eyes held Mirk's gaze, a strong hand raised to his chest and he inclined forward slightly, an apologetic look taking over the stern expression.

 

"I apologise but I cannot allow you to risk it. It is natural but its been unnaturally heated. Just for today, please continue to bare with my unreasonable request. If you want the tea please take it with cold water from a pure source."

 

Even though he was the one who had imposed the boundaries, he was well aware of how unpleasant it must have been on Mirk. Though he felt a little guilty about being so unreasonable, he felt no desire to refrain from imposing upon Mirk in order to ensure the instructions were followed carefully.

 

A hand remained upon Lu's loosely as he leaned in, a hand daring to caress over Mirk's cheek, allowing the white material to touch over the skin before cradling Mirk's chin to tilt it seeking into those eyes with a serious gaze.

 

"Can you do it, for me?"

 

Veir:

When Sephirian first spoke, Mirk was somewhat tempted to simply drink the stuff anyway. After all, tea was as natural as things got where he was concerned. Though he ate his greens, Mirk was someone who considered potato and mushroom to count as vegetables, and rarely ate only vegetarian meals. He was finding this harsh regimen of intake to be a little taxing on his patience, f not his spirits.

 

Yet when Sephirian made a gesture of apology, he found his heart melting away from his intended mischief. Instead, he sighed and tried to put the tea out of his mind.* This was surprisingly easy to do, with Sephirian's gloved fingers tilting his chin up so he could gaze into his blue eyes, his own white ones looking into those orbs, looking for some hint* the angel would relent, and seeing absolutely none.

 

This was also that hint of a challenge, that Sephirian clearly expected him to partake in this issue, to decide to obey. Perhaps the angel didn't mean it deliberately, but to a slaver, these signals were subtle and obvious at once. He sighed again, reaching up to take Sephirian's hand in his own, kissing the gloved fingertip as he answered. "Yes, if that is your will, Sephirian."

 

Luran tilted his head strangely as the exchange happened, ever the first to notice Mirk's emotions - feeling them as he did. He did not speak, but his fingers tightened about Sephirian's in response.

 

Silver:

It was clear to Sephirian at least that Mirk was finding it hard to obey anyone elses will, but seeing Mirk grit and bare it only made him feel even more confident in his decision.. There was nothing that could stop him now. Leaning in the angel stole those lips in an eager kiss, mouling his tongue against its kin, taking in the taste of his precious dark one, the hand soon sliding through the long dark hair, soothing it lightly before slowly pulling back.

 

Those reverent eyes were tainted with desire, the sheer taste of that stunning creature was making him ache and even though he knew he would not faulter.. There was a part of him that was in such insanely desperate need..

 

"I really do appreciate it."

 

The tightening of Lu's hand did not go unnoticed and soon he turned to gaze at the other male curiously, wondering what it could possibly be about, uncertain as to what the other male wanted.

 

Veir:

Mirk kept the stare steady as Sephirian closed in, then gave up and simply closed his eyes to enjoy his reward for submission - and the intimacy he hoped the angel wanted just as much as him. He let his new 'butler' explore as he would, reciprocating in kind gently, without any of his usual demand, just wanting to share closeness and affection. He almost lost it then, almost wanted to pull Sephirian down and just try to take him by force, but that would not have done.

 

His hands trembling slightly from effort and force of will necessary to hold off his own desires, Mirk nodded wordlessly at Sephirian's words, wishing he could hold him already, but willing to play the game for now, for the promise to come.

 

"Would you like to go up into the open air?" Mirk suddenly asked, almost as if he was trying to cover for Luran. "I can arrange it, though I probably won't join you. Lu could also feed up there."

 

Mirk at this point had already calculated a punishment suitable for the kitchen staff, since he did not see anything for Lu to eat around.

 

Silver:

"I am not particularly interested in leaving your side at the moment."

 

Sephirian said quite flatly, though he narrowed his eyes at Lu wishing to know exactly why he had been acting the way he had. Regardless, at the moment he focused on Mirk and tied to consider the dark male, glancing around to observe what was evident about each tree. Spotting an orange tree he gazed back at Mirk for a moment pecking his lips lightly with a warm smile.

 

"I will bring you something to drink first though."

 

The angelic male remained holding onto Lu's hand as he shifted over to the orange tree only picking the ripest of oranges, carefully placing each of them in a line against the bench as he glanced over at Lu curiously, speaking low as the other male followed him as usual.

 

"Why the sudden reactions?"

 

Veir:

"Oh." Mirk's reply seemed a little distracted, as if he had expected a yes, and now was at a loss as to what to say to cover the moment. Then the light kiss to his lips brought back a smile, and he nodded. "Thank you."

 

Luran moved wth Sephirian in silence, though his feet dragged uncharacteristically. He was aware that he had let the moment guide him, and though he tried to be helpful by following the angelic butler as closely as he could, there was a hint that he wanted to get away, to pretend like he had not began to feel sparks of emotion that danced in his heart.

 

The question did not surprise him, but when he looked up, his dark cobalt eyes could not remain the perfectly still pools of only a few days ago. There was something that echoed the want in Mirk's eyes. "Because you are beautiful."

 

Luran fell silent for a moment, turning to look at Mirk - an action that perhaps betrayed his newfound presence of mind better than anything else. It was like an autistic person had suddenly gained knowledge of the subtlety of social interactions. When he turned back, his grip tightened again for a moment.

 

"Because I want to feel those things again. The things I feel when you kiss Mirk." As soon as the name was said however, it seemed like something left him, and Luran returned once again to his distracted, almost empty silence, his eyes moving from one orange to the next, as if they were as interesting as baubles.

 

---

 

 

Silver:

It had been hard to bid Mirk a fond fairwell for those few hours, but it was necessary. Sephirian left the food that he could eat and gave a very strict request he not consume anything else except for what he was offered.

 

Before long, the butler was staring out a large window over the grounds, narrowing his eyes knowing that this was not the ideal location for what he wanted. There was nowhere here that would qualify and so the considerations were heavy.. Would he try to make something work anyway... or...?

 

The thoughts were deep but it didn't detract away from the knowledge that he had Lu's hand upon his shoulder, it seemed like such a heavy load upon him and it was starting to be unpleasant. The weight of his own wings seemed somehow lighter even though it was impossible to say such a thing, perhaps it was just what he was used to.. What he was born with and naturally adapted to.

 

With Lu's help he carried one of the larger mirrors from before outside, bathing it in the sunlight and pushing it flat down on the grass. The reflection of the sun was far too potent for the eyes of a mortal to gaze upon without having to shy away. Sephirian's blue eyes didn't look directly into it at the moment, the light dancing over his features like fireflies upon that masculine face as Lu kept a hand against his back.

 

Kneeling down before the mirror, the male sat there for a moment, eyes closed with the intensity of the sunlight while both hands rested on the frame of the mirror tilting it with the weight just slightly to hold his reflection as well as the sun, but the arms and face and hair were slightly different, that of the original Sephirian that Mirk was familiar with slumbering beyond the glass.

 

Reaching into his pocket blindly, the blond male removed the golden case and carefully pried it open slowly, facing it toward the mirror, the shards of light growing strong as they reflected strongly enough for the skin of the lightly more tanned body to appear like a rich pale milk, growing brighter and brighter.

 

It was hard to see what happened next, the most apparent change was that the body that had been close to Lu for so long with necessary contact suddenly shifted out of reach and instead the slender male was pushed backward by a soft caress, then caught just before falling back onto the earth with a strength that pulled him back up.

 

Hoisting Lu back up to stand, the angelic male stood before him arching those brilliant white wings and flapping them slightly to flex the muscles. The pale gold hair reached over the tall male's chest and lightly touched Lu's cheek before those pale green eyes narrowed and the angel shifted back.

 

Motioning to the mirror, he turned away from Lu and spoke in that same dominating voice so pure and uncensored that only an original could hold.

 

"I am finished with the mirror. Tend to your master until I return."

 

Without any further comment, those brilliant wings extended to full width and flexed before forcefully thrusting forward the earth to lift the angelic male, gaining height until he disappeared from view, the mirror holding nothing out of the ordinary as it was left behind, merely reflecting the face of the doll left standing before it.

 

Veir:

Mirk was in a sour mood. When Sephirian had left him, he had pretended well enough that he was all right with his new butler's absence, but he had forgotten for the moment that meant Lu would also be gone. Any servant that came to check on him in the brief period was therefore snapped at, told to get out, or simply given a glare of such frigidity that they dared not utter a word beyond 'Master'.

 

He had finished the food left for him by the time he was informed that a light show as going on in the garden. The current avatar of Asmodeus chose - prudently - not to pursue the matter personally, but did command one of the servants to go record it for his later viewing. Sometimes technology was more convenient than magic. He doubted the camera would have a chance of recording anything in depth, but it would be enough.

 

Anyway, he was certain Lu would give a better account of it later. And... on the matter of his construct, he had to pause and think. Though he had pretended not to notice the change in his slave, he was certain others did, and the removal of things he'd 'picked up' might have come a little late this time, with Sephirian providing a welcome, though intense, distraction.

 

Luran did not react as much as he might have earlier when the angel he had been playing shadow to changed back into his real body. Or perhaps another fake body? Such questions would not have even appeared in his head before, now he was just left with them, without the curiosity to find out the answer.

 

He moved like a fluid, well-constructed doll to Sephirian's every whim, acting every part the perfect slave. Yet when the sunlight enveloped them, he paused, a half of his body yearning to be closer, while the other half shied away. The warring things he was made of battled on inside him, tearing away any sense of self he might otherwise have gained over the years. But Sephirian's presence was tipping the balance.

 

Still, he made no comment as he watched the angel fly away, merely bowing his head in understanding before moving to pick up the abandoned mirror, a strange emptiness seeming to fill his heart once more. Dark blue eyes stared into the ones reflected in the clear glass. Lu tilted his head this way and that, as if working out whether the boy reflected was him. Then he stood and headed back towards the mansion. Muttering to himself.

 

"What should I tell him?"

 

"Where's Sephirian?" Mirk asked as soon as Luran stepped into his office.

 

The pale slave gave the already covered mirror to a waiting servant and knelt down next to the somewhat irate slaver, kept his gaze to the floor, and offered up a slender hand.

 

Mirk took it without a word and something passed between them that went faster and somewhat more precisely than speech. Grunting in a slightly childish fashion, Mirk released Lu's fingers and strode from the room, leaving his slave to play catch up.

 

The tall mage's angry march brought him past a few astonished servants, then he entered the library and shut the doors with a wave of his hand just as Luran stepped past the threshold.

 

"Aren saa'Asmodeus," he muttered irritably. The astrological design on the lower floor of the library spun and rotated around each other, metal discs shifting as the words of command opened the doorway to Asmodeus' shrine. Without waiting to see if Lu would follow - and certain that he would - Mirk descended the spiralling stone steps into the dark bowels of the estate.

 

The path here was strange. It could be long or it could be short. Even Mirk did not know how many steps this particularl visit would take. He had counted as a fledgling mage, and the number had always changed, as if the shifting shadows refused to be quantified. After all, how do you measure a whisper, a suggestion of a shape in the darkness? For that was what the path he followed became.

 

Shadows flowed about his body like dark sand, or grains of inky soot. Then wound around his clothes, warping the fabric into strange designs, etching embroidery where none existed before, the patterns always shifting with each flicker and change in the meagre light there was.

 

Finally, he stood before the strange stone door. On it was carved the figure of Asmodeus, beautiful and hideous at once, with moonstone eyes, the pale, milky gem glowing with unnatural light in the darkness. This was as far as he needed to go today.

 

"Elian, Asmodeus, I give you the sacrifice for a life regained."

 

And as his words were swallowed by the shadows, the stone face moved, shifting out of its binding rock and bronze cage, a grey marble hand doing the same to grip Mirk by the shoulder. Then the stony face of Asmodeus bit down on Mirk's neck.

 

Another rose would bloom soon, Mirk thought, then closed his eyes and let the rush of power flow into him in exchange for his blood.

 

Some time later, he reappeared in the halls with Luran supporting him strangely by one arm. Back in his shirt and pants, with his feet bare as usual, there was nothing that might have suggested what had happened except a slight paleness to his skin, and a touch of blue hue on his lips. Telling the servants not to disturb him, the dark Master of the Acanthe estate vanished into his bedroom and all was silent in the mansion, except an occasional, bitter scream from the slave pens.

 

Silver:

It had taken a few good hours to prepare everything.. It had been no easy task and yet everything was ready and perfected as it needed to be in order to support the design that the angellic male was beyond set on.

 

As the sun descended slowly behind the hills in the far distance with a palate of colour that bordered upon heavenly, the angelic male appeared back in the blackening domain of the dark one like a brilliant spark of light suddenly visible within the sheer blackness of the untained darkness in the night.

 

There was no question of where Mirk's room was now that he had seen it, setting down by those windows on the sill, those soft green eyes narrowed as if surprised they were closed at all let alone the drapes drawn and feet half over the edge the male leaned forward still flapping those strong wings comfortably to keep his balance, lifting a hand to knock upon the glass with a few light yet clear taps.

 

At first he saw his own reflection held there and gazed upon it. It seemed as though Mirk was quite smart and perhaps he was too smart for his own good. There was still much the dark one had yet to learn about the vast eternity that had been Sephirian's many lives and yet it all seemed largely irrelevant.

 

There was a strange comfort in the unknown past being locked up and left behind even though the angelic male knew better than most that being hidden away amounted to a very boring life. Though he was absolutely certain of his decision and his actions to follow, there was still a tinge of concern that refused to leave him be as he rapped upon the window once again calling upon the blackness that was Mirk to greet his fading light outside.

 

Veir:

While evening fell and feeding time came and went, the mansion remained free of its Master's presence, and as if the very walls had sensed this, the stones were cold and dark, the echoes of foot-treads particularly loud on the aged wooden boards, even while those that had the freedom to move about did so with extreme care.

 

The light taps on Mirk's window made the mage stir, and the whole house seemed to draw breath with him. Curtains twitched and parted beyond the thick panes of lead-lined glass, and Lu's face appeared, like a pale star that was hesitant to shine int he gloom. Beyond him, there was only darkness, as if he was drowning a pool of ink.

 

A moment later, Mirk appeared beside him, a dark moon to Luran's morning star. His raven-dark hair slid over the slender slave's shoulders, pooling over one as the mage struggled with latches that had seen seven long years of neglect. They opened eventually, but not without some help from his hair, the strands finding cracks where fingers could not.

 

Pre-evening air rushed in, replacing the stale scent of dried blood and age-old shadows. Rising moonlight mingled with the last rays of a dying sun, spilling into the room as the wind made Mirk's hair sway behind him in straight-lined waves.

 

"Welcome home," he murmured, holding out a hand to the angel, his tone touched by a hint of sleep, and with it a touch of honest longing.

 

Silver:

EnchanterX: The light shone behind the Angel as if casting one last dying breathe upon the earth, reaching out in such sorrowful beauty to fan the horizon with brilliant fading colours against the cold blackness that threatened to smother and consume.

 

Against that stunning backdrop the Angel captured Mirk's wrist and instead of stepping down into the restrictive blackness that was his bedroom, the strong creature lifted the slaver up to hold him securely with one arm around his waist, cradling Mirk against that strong hidden chest.

 

Beautiful soft green eyes sought down into the pale white orbs as strong fingers lightly caressed over Mirk's side a few renegade strands of blond floating close to his face on the night air, wafting a chill just outside the window.

 

"Not tonight. We have unfinished business."

 

Sephirian's gaze turned to Lu, the winged male had no desire for resistance on this, a harsh glare was issued before he stepped from the ledge at an angle, soon turning after dropping slightly, wings opening at full span to glide on the air rushing past, ruffling the soft white feathers slightly.

 

The large wings folded only to flap strongly, casting them up higher, away from the ground and toward the sheer blackness only unveiled by the light of the moon and the stars capturing over the majestic wings making them shimmer with an unearthly glow.

 

Veir:

Caught off guard by the perfect scene that framed the beautiful, fair-haired creature before him, Mirk could only remain still as the angel's arm wrapped around him, pulling him away from clinging tendrils of dark shadow. Scents of the night assaulted him, the taste of night-dewed grass hung in the air, and the breeze carried the floral bouquet of rose and poppy straight past his window. He had missed out on these things for the most part of a decade, and had not wanted them until now.

 

He had eyes only for Sephirian tonight, and merely nodded at the cryptic words. He had waited - like he had waited for no one before - for his 'butler' to return, and he was not going to make a scene. Sephirian would tell him when he was ready. After all, Mirk had secrets he had attended to in the angel's absence.

 

Still, when they sailed away from the window, Sephirian's large wings hunting for lift in the night-chill air, Mirk could not keep the seed of worry and shame that suffocated his heart from blossoming. And so as usual, he did not give his pale companion the affection such a situation might have otherwise called for.

 

Though, while the moon and her stars shone down on them, their light the promise of a million wishes, Mirk relented for just a second. Reaching out, he cupped the hand that held him securely in Sephirian's embrace, and with the other, brushed away a few strands of golden hair turned to yellow moonstone by the light-show in the heavens.

 

Then he drew away, as if stung, turning his face to look back at the dark land below them. A strange thing, that at night, when people believe the sky to be a dark and dreary thing that cast shadow over the land, it is the earth itself that is dark, like a spreading stain on the lighter coloured grey oceans he could barely make out in the distant horizon - too far to reach in a day's flight, he would wager, but at this height, it is as if the world were at his fingertips.

 

"What have you been planning, Sephirian?"

 

Silver:

In response to the question, the long haired Angel merely smiled and clutched the dark one closer. There was an unspoken knowing, those eyes pale like soft jade stone used to craft the most intricate objects of value worthy of the highest rulers of the earth.

 

The silence continued as the brightness of Sephirian's wings seemed to increase, that throbbing light growing stronger and stronger until the tip of each feather looked like the end of a lazer gathering up far too much energy to remain stable..

 

Winding both arms around the beautiful slaver, he tugged Mirk to rest his head over a strong shoulder, one hand secured under his rear while the other held tightly around his shoulders as those brilliant building lights suddenly became an intense blur.

 

Sephirian quickly folded both wings over them both, surrounded by the sheer softness and heat in a gentle cocoon of comfort they were expected to plummet from the lack of action and yet instead they were forcefully propelled forward at insane speed tearing through the very fabric of space with such intense swiftness.

 

The streaking light that followed behind like a woven string of brightness resembled that of a shooting star, or perhaps that is what humans had always seen and assumed it was a shooting star. Either way, the distance travelled was vast in but a few moments and before Mirk could gather up enough breathe to voice any objections it was over.

 

Those wings folded and acted like a wind sheet to force a heavy gust against them both, pinning Mirk to his captor before they gradually slowed within a few moments, Sephirian flapping those brilliant wings as Mirk was offered nothing more than the sight of the night sky as the feel of solid ground was finally granted beneath his feet.

 

Veir:

There was no time to respond, really. Brilliance seemed to seep from every thin frond of Sephirian's wings, gathering strength until the tips were painful to look at. Mirk's pupils contracted until they were pin-dots against a white backdrop, only the dark rims of his irises prevented his eyes from looking wholly pale. Without wanting to, and with a final, slightly doubtful stare, Mirk shut his eyes tight.

 

He would never admit it, but he was only too happy to let his head be pressed against a shoulder, the strong body against his face hiding his sensitive eyes from the penetratingly bright light show.

 

Ironic, he thought. Two creatures that in most fairytales would have warred until the world had collapsed are now cocooned in a strange embrace in midair. This would probably be contrary to how most religions viewed angels - though Mirk knew a bit better than most about the creatures people call angels. For one thing, there were many. As many as there were religions under the sun.

 

But Sephirian was the real deal. He was biblical, mythological, too perfect to be real. Real enough for Mirk though. He kept his silence as he felt the forces against them build, but only because he could perceive the way leylines and pockets of energy rushed past them as if the Earth was going insane. Then wind rejoined sensation, and he could do nothing but hold on tight to Sephirian as the forces involved in their stop almost made him faint. No matter what powers he had, Mirk was still physiologically human - for now at least - and even he couldn't handle the flight unscathed.

 

He stared gratefully into the starry sky, gathering his breath, strength, and anger in tow to have the confidence to speak. When his bare feet finally touched ground, he tried to lurch away, only to reel and grab onto Sephirian's shoulder lest he fell over. The proximity they had shared during the flight and the unabashed way Sephirian had supported him by his ass made Mirk feel uneasy, and just a little hopeful. A hope he tried to crush with irritation.

 

Mirk growled. "Just.. where have you taken us, Sephirian?"

[Veir]

Silver

For a moment the angellic male seemed to scan Mirk's face, somewhat expecting the irritation and yet still concerned that it was there. Those green eyes with such brilliant jade hue gazed into the pure white seeking for a moment into the black pupils, seeming to be looking for something in particular.

 

After a moment a strong hand lifted to caress over a pale cheek, tracing over the skin somewhat rough compared to his own the wear and tear of humanity somewhat beautiful in a hauntingly sad way, decay leading toward death and the possibility of rebirth.

 

Without saying a word, Sephirian's fingers left Mirk's face and he stepped forward, the beautiful fresh grass kissing over the light boots with the scent of different flowers wafting on the breeze. The night meant to be dark was made light by the fullness of the moon watching over them from atop collumns in the appearance of greek architecture. It was further up, hard to see against the light of the moon making it all appear dark though the beams were slowed by the haze of steam escaping a natural spring that had been channeled through the rock.

 

Stepping over to the stones, it could be noted they looked arranged as if they had been eroded away naturally by the hand of heaven over thousands of years and then left to bubble with the heat of its wrath.

 

Though the breeze was cooling, the angel stood before the spring and gazed down at the haze of the water for a long moment, reaching up to grasp close to that slender throat, unclasping carefully before removing the clothing he wore. Tied in so many places, it took some time, layer after layer removed like the armor of a warrior surrendering to fate. Soon there was nothing left and that strong body was left bare.

 

Both wings flexed, stretching all the way out before folding behind the strong male as he stepped down into the water, at first it reaching only halfway to the knee before pressing down to have it climb up to the bottom of that strong masculine chest. Golden strands floated upon the water, kissing the surface and hiding the glow of the moon as he turned rippling the water, gazing over to Mirk with a wanting look in those eyes.

 

Out of the water, the angel's right hand extended, dripping with moisture and steaming with heat, urging the dark one to take the unspoken invitation, standing still, content never to move until that hand was filled with the digits of his dark beauty.

 

"Mirk.."

 

The angel took in a slow breathe, waiting an unusually long moment, eyes narrowing with even more urgency than before.

 

"Come to me."

 

Veir

Mirk did not smile, or speak any further, his white eyes conveying the warmth that was missing from his face, complete opposite of what was usually true for him. The dark mage who lived amongst shadows had held only one wish until now, but in the presence of his perfect lover, he wished for more. As Sephirian searched his face for the answer to some untold question, his own gaze did the same, trying to decipher the ancient knowledge and want that must be hidden in the emerald eyes.

 

He kept his distance as Sephirian drew away, uncertainty making his steps falter. There was fear in his heart again, something he had not felt for a long time. Always expected to be confident, to show strength, he had come to believe that was who he was, but tonight, he was a boy again, dark haired, dark eyed, and pale in the moonlight. Too afraid to be alone, too scared of moving towards the light.

 

The breeze ruffled his hair, like a long-lost friend whose touch he had been unaware of for years. Dark strands fluttered behind him as he followed the beautiful creature who made his heart awaken again. Soft grass tickled his feet, plush and yielding, each step he took releasing a fragrance of fresh green apples into the night air. A chorus of insects and trickling water played careful accompaniment to the dance of twinkling stars overhead, a river of brightness that was mirrored into the steaming pools below. Heaven on earth.

 

Mirk stood at the edge of the pool, and watched, transfixed, as Sephirian slowly peeled away the layers of fabric that hid his true beauty. Strangely, the experience made tears come unbidden to Mirk's eyes, the strange tightness in his forehead that followed an unfamiliar thing. It had been years since he last shed tears for anything, anyone. Every inch of skin bared was hungrily devoured by his eager gaze, and every second made his fingers tighten more, until his fists shook and blood seeped from thin cuts made by his nails.

 

He couldn't possibly do this. Sephirian was as perfect as he had remembered, and more so in this place. The columns that spelled out the irrelevance of time in this spot, the greenery seemed to reach out, fighting to decorate the pool where an angel might dip his wings. Nothing in his own life could make him a match for the angel he had dared hope would be his. His darkness, his shadows, they had no place here in the clear, silver light.

 

Shuddering at the swelling hope that came to his heart at Sephirian's invitation, Mirk sighed and held his feet as they tried to inch forward. The sight of that perfect skin set before a background of clear water and starry night was too much. He wanted to hold him, to destroy this angel and bring him down to his own level so he might have him. And he was afraid. Sephirian might simply leave, but worst of all, the mage was afraid he would succeed.

 

"I…" He started to speak, then shook his head, turning his face away from the bright moon and light-touched angel to hide it in the shadows of night, his tears left unchecked as if he had no idea what to do with them. "I cannot." I want to, he wanted to say, so much, but his lips would not move again. This was too much. It was utter torture to be so close and yet be so afraid to take the last step. To almost hold him… but it was better than the alternative in his mind.

 

Silver

The hessitance that the dark one held was thick and potent, like a looming shadow over that haunting beauty, refusing to cease or dicipate regardless of the setting. In a place like this, it was all too obvious that they were so different, and yet the obscurity that Mirk brought into this picture was so beautiful to the golden haired angel who kept that strong hand outstretched with faith.

 

Though to anyone else it would have been a clear indication of persuasion being necessary or even force, he stood there unmoving without a word. Jade eyes narrowed slowly, a gentle smile pressing over lips instead of impatience, and the droplets slipped over Sephirian's arm to drip down.

 

After a long moment, the other hand ascended from the water, rolling with droplets as he now outstretched both, offering more support than before, soon both wings had lifted and shaken off the moisture that rolled off easily, arching up in invitation, such eagerness yet patience, those eyes holding such understanding and an eagerness to wait as long as it would take.

 

Finally Sephirian spoke in a calm, soothing voice to the beautiful dark male, offering everything he was for his precious Mirk's comfort.

 

"It will be alright, no matter what you decide."

 

The strong yet slender body was waiting, like a marble statue in the water the smooth skin ached to be touched and explored, the droplets of water jealously claiming the skin afraid that the dark one might enter the water and steal their prize. Regardless those eyes were completely fixed, unmoving, eager and full of faith.

 

Again he spoke, this time slower, the words smooth and soft, soothing as he remained still, waiting for those arms to be filled.

 

"It will be alright."

 

Veir

Long seconds passed into minutes, and Mirk counted the heartbeats that drummed in his chest, the blood rushing through his ears carrying its fateful count. Surely the angel would give up, surely this final test would be too much for both of them. Surely, Mirk thought, Sephirian would realise how much the game had become reality, and how much danger there was in letting it continue.

 

Still, hope made his fingers move first, carefully tugging open his shirt. Uncertainty made them pause, his heart aching for just a touch, to come close enough to feel the steam rising from that perfect form, to lick the droplets of water that dared to marr the smooth skin... And the darkness would writhe inside him, the dark bruises aching, reminding him of a pledge taken as a child.

 

The way he knew how to love, it whispered, was completely unsuited for one such as Sephirian. This angel could not be owned, could not be tethered and kept, or sold and spoken for. Nor could he be broken down, torn apart and chained as a lump of broken meat. This was a new way of holding what he wanted. And there was no certainty in it, just trust.

 

And that thought finally made his feet move. Still clothed, with his shirt open, the tall slaver stepped into the water, uncaring of the drag on the wet fabric, his snow-white gaze steady against Sephirian's green ones, drowning himself in it so he could forget everything else. His angel trusted him, and that was enough.

 

Pain made his brow furrow as the markings of Asmodeus writhed on his skin at this betrayal, and he ignored it, moving through the waves and ripples of clear, steaming water until he was between Sephirian's outstretched arms.

 

Hesitating again, for just a moment, he finally leaned closer and wrapped his arms around his angel, his lips pressed to a bared shoulder. Wet, black cloth clung to his skin, half hiding the bruising tattoo of roses and vines, and tendrils of dark hair stained the pool like black ink, his very existence something that seemed to be everything Sephirian was not.

 

"Tell me you hate me, or I might destroy you to have you," he murmured, tears flowing again from his face, dripping to be diluted to nothing in the rippling reflection of a too-bright moon. "I love you, Sephirian."

 

Silver

Sephirian watched and waited patiently, never once shifting or moving, allowing Mirk to come to him, only shifting to wrap his arms around the slaver when he finally felt those arms around him first. Capturing that dark beauty against that strong, naked body, the angel breathed in the dark ones scent deeply, shamelessly, not wanting to let go as the steam rose up and invaded their lungs, tormenting every part with a strange sense of purity.

 

Very slowly, those skillful hands shifted to remove Mirk's clothing, starting with the rest of that soaked, heavy shirt to place it outside of the stone before reaching down to work off Mirk's slacks, never once breaking eye contact as the material was banished from that perfect skin. Soon Mirk was bare just as Sephirian, clothing all outside of the bath, only their two bare bodies left.

 

Sliding both arms around the uncertain dark creature, the angellic male dragged him closer, pressing their bodies together without shame or fear, holding Mirk tightly, wanting the dark beauty to feel everything he was, everything he had to offer.

 

"I love you, Mirk. If your hand causes you to sin I will cut it off to save you from a worse fate."

 

Uncoiling from Mirk, the angel lifted up a thick curved leaf proped upon the stone and gathered up warm water inside to lift it over Mirk's head and pour it carefully over, reaching in to smother the moisture over every inch of skin, refusing to allow a single inch of skin to be untouched.

 

The angel lingered wet hands particularly long against any markings and their ache was soothed, something about the touch or perhaps the water numbing the darkness in a subtle way, making it hard to detect.

 

Before Mirk could comment the angel urged the slaver to bend, bracing his precious beauty over the stone as he slid hands against Mirk's rear, stroking lightly over each globe before pressing between, fingers stroking against the puckered opening for but a moment as long blond stresses tickled over Mirk's back before a finger was slowly slid inside, carefully, followed my the water threatening to invade his body the moment Sephirian dared to move.

 

Lips caressed against a lonely ear, the digit slowly working in and out, the feeling of being inside already driving Sephirian to hardness as he spoke to the soaked male purified by the water even if only momentarily as he spoke gently while pressing in deeper.

 

"What once was unclean is made clean. Even if filth shall gather again let it be known at this moment you were pure."

 

Veir

The closeness was almost more than he could bear. As Sephirian's familiar yet alien scent wafted around him, trapping him in intimacy he was not willing to relinquish, he stared still into the emerald eyes that somehow held so much certainty and mystery. He could not quite help the tension in his muscles at every touch from Sephirian, wanting more but fearing it.

 

Before he realised it, his clothing was gone, and the rushing water against his bare skin only emphasized his awareness of how truly vulnerable he still was. Years had been spent in spinning the trappings of magic and dominance to give him a sense of control as he floundered in a dark world, and now he was bare again. Merely human, and perhaps just human enough.

 

He pressed himself close, man against man, for the moment forgetting that this perfect creature before him was anything else but his lover. And at the angel's words, Mirk sighed, the small rush of air somehow conveying long held lusts and wishes, and the regret at years spent without their fulfilment.

 

Oddly soothed by the strangely violent words, Mirk closed his eyes as water poured over his hair, rivulets forming over his chest as water pooled and spilled at his collarbone. A strange baptism, with only the moon and her stars as their witness, a silent rebirth that held sway in his heart, perhaps only here, perhaps only now, but it was enough.

 

Sephirian's touch made his skin tingle, and the mage enjoyed it, warmth spreading under those strong fingers, soothing the aches and pains of an ancient promise to a darker god. Mirk shook the water away from his eyes, eager not to miss a second of his beautiful lover on this night, but was being urged to do something else.

 

In the heat of steaming water and chill of night, the slaver who had ruled over the fates of too many to count obeyed. Bending over the water-worn stones, he forced himself to relax as Sephirian's touch went to a spot most private on his body. For the first time, he did not feel ugly, and he found himself only too eager for his angel to be inside him, to consumate what they had so he could trust they would not part.

 

Still, embarrassment made him shift uneasily, and though he relaxed, the entry was still tight from his lack of experience in playing the taken. Yet he urged Sephirian on with slight impatience, pushing back against the intrusion even though pain now laced the feeling of stretching muscles. Pleasure made him groan, and he choked it back, only to let it pass between his lips again, this time as a heart-felt moan of lust.

 

He nodded, unable to gather the words necessary to describe what he felt, his usuall control and decorum fading away as he focused on his lover's every move and every breath. Mirk knew what he wanted now, and words seemed all too dishonest.

[Silver Radiance]

"It will be alright, my love."

 

The angel's kind words came out with a certain voice, paying careful attention to each syllable unable to convey just how seriously he meant it, how deeply he had ached to say such a thing. The words had lavished over that the dark ones ear as he wound an arm around Mirk's chest, perching his fingers onto the curve of that slender shoulder aching for the closeness. Large white wings spread apart only to guide forward, caressing against Mirk's arms in comfort while offering a tunnel of feathers on either side that made it hard to imagine escape.

 

Fingers were working slowly and carefully, even as Mirk tried to speed them up he merely held the beautiful slaver, kissing over the back of his soft neck as he continued that delicate stroking within, coaxing the muscles to relax. It was not a moment to be hurried, even though he had felt as if he would burn alive if he were to wait a moment longer before, it was ironic that now the moment was here he ached so deeply to savor it for all it was worth.

 

Even though the male in his arms seemed to want for this endless perfection to seek its end all too rapidly, the Angel refused to allow himself to dive into that want so easily. A smooth hand caressed over Mirk's back carefully, allowing those fingertips to take in every inch of skin and admire it for the individual beauty it brought to the creature in his arms. Lips followed, planting affectionate kisses against that sweet, warm flesh. The chill of the air against the moist skin such an interesting feeling to the Angel's lips, and that tongue, so innocent and yet aching for the purified sin of their union, tasting Mirk so much deeper than his body could reach.

 

This was truly heaven. Not even to be within the one you loved, but merely to be in their presence. To share that disarming trust to bare ones self to another completely and effortlessly fall into their eyes fearing judgment yet yearning for acceptance above all else. Even without knowing every detail of each other, without seeing every mistake and lie, there was a sense of complete adoration for the one inside all of that tangled fate, embracing that flawed creature for what it was, a beautiful creation in which not a single mistake was made and never would be made. The beauty of unconditional love was understanding that the other person was created to be as they are, perfect in their imperfection. Beautiful in their ugliness. Every scar upon the flesh, heart or soul would be adored and treasured without reservation.

 

There was still much the Angelic creature did not know about the man before him, but in that moment, everything that mattered was laid out before him and offered for him to take whole or not at all.

 

The arm around Mirk protectively grasped onto him tighter, the soft blond strands spilling over his shoulder as he nuzzled into the crook of his neck, taking in that perfect scent of moist skin. The fingers within coaxed so gently, with great patience and eagerness, refusing to allow such a pivotal moment to be one of pain. Even if their union were to tear each of them apart, there was nothing but blinding happiness dragging this Angel to the earthbound commitment to the slaver, unable to untangle from that sheer need to be burdened with the eternal connection he sought.

 

The thought of finally being one with the other drove the Seraphim into a sense of madness, lips parting as heavy droplets weighed down upon Mirk's shoulders, the tears of an Angel caressing over the velvet flesh to cast down into the spring, becoming apart of something so much bigger than its self.

 

"Though you are of darkness and I am of light, I will struggle through eternity suffer for my sins a million times to seek you out and embrace you until I crumble into nothing."

 

Strong fingers slid down against that smooth chest to rest over the slaver's heart, caressing there as if he ached to touch the organ its self. All of the pain and torment he had went through without him until they had met, he wanted to embrace it and carry it with Mirk.

 

Pulling back slightly, the weeping Angel brushed lips against the slaver's ear to caress those wanting lips gently over the skin. The digits that had been sliding inside were greeted with eagerness, the muscles relaxing finally and allowing Sephirian to remove them as he guided that firm rod so consumed with want, barely brushing against the puckred opening as he wound that second arm around the slender waist at his hips, refusing to allow the other male any hope of escape.

 

"I need you. I can no longer escape the hold your heart has on mine."

[Veir]

The sincere words and soft touch of feathers broke the spell of lust that had Mirk's mind reeling. His cheeks red with heat and unfamiliar shyness, the slaver turned his head to respond, but the movement only heightened the sensation of Sephirian's fingers exploring his body and he bit his lip to hold back another moan that was quicker than words.

 

Drowning in a wave of warmth and softness, Mirk felt the darkness melt away into the shadows of the grove. Sephirian's lips felt hot and perfect against his wet skin, the angel's wings protecting him from the chill of night, surrounding him with a warmth that was impossible to imagine in his years alone. There was a possessiveness about the way his lover surrounded him with his body, caging him as if afraid Mirk would flee. The thought made him smile, then he bit his wrist in an effort not to groan as Sephirian's fingers found a place deep inside him that made his knees buckle.

 

This slow, almost torturous exploration was frustrating, but Mirk shared his lover's desire for it to last. He swayed slowly in the water, his skin tingling where Sephirian's hand moved. Bruises the shape of delicate roses blossomed angrily at each touch, like vipers that resented the angel's light, but the pain was soon soothed by those same fingers, lips caressing the heated flesh and taking away even the memory of Asmodeus' revenge.

 

Mirk sighed, leaning his weight against the cool, wet stone as he took in the scent of moss and the invisible seeds of unknown flowers; the fine pollen only visible when moonlight caught the specks on their nighttime flight, turning them into tiny, winking stars. Arching his spine so he could take the angel's digits deeper, he let soft sounds of pleasure escape his lips, making it amply clear to Sephirian that he wanted him to continue. Wet tendrils of dark hair swayed in the clear water, fanning out like a black goldfish's tail then contracting into serpentine whips, a few fine strands winding around Sephirian's thighs as if seeking reassurance and more closeness.

 

He felt one step away from fulfilment, the light of his angel already caressing his skin, just mere millimetres away from his veins where ancient sin flowed. And as they shared this closeness that would lead to even more, the mage felt a sudden clarity of thought. What he and Sephirian sought could destroy them both. The angel, a creature of heaven and light, and he, the plaything of a god of shadow, a mortal born with an ancient seed of darkness buried in his bloodline; their union would rend apart the laws governing their existence. They should never have met, but here they were. So much had been overcome in their brief time together - a time all the more brief for Sephirian in his long life - yet there was more hardship to come.

 

"Sephirian?" Mirk turned as he felt the angel's hot tears roll over his skin, the slaver's pale eye made mellow by the hazy light and his concern. Almost instinctively, the mage's black hair rose from the rippling water and wrapped more firmly around Sephirian's body, dark strands caressing the perfect skin, threading between soft feathers to hold him.

 

He wanted to reassure the angel, to wipe away any pain or hesitation he might have felt, so was entirely taken by surprise at the words that spilled from his perfect lips. Raising his hand to cover Sephirian's, the slaver held their fingers there, hiding the dark rose that now tormented him with unnatural pain. He could not speak, to reply and tell the angel the things he felt, so he let the beats of his heart convey what he felt. He had never felt more alive, and the world had never been more beautiful. All the questions in his mind, the doubts and self-loathing melted away, and as suddenly as it had come, the pain of breaking his pact with Asmodeus faded, powerless in the face of what he shared with Sephirian.

 

"I do not want you to suffer," Mirk whispered, his voice sounding strange to his own ears. "And I do not want you to crumble away." His brow felt tight, and an unfamiliar ache was building between his eyes. With some surprise, he realised he was crying, and had been for a while. Salt touched his tongue, different from the blood he had been used to tasting, the flavour more bitter sweet. "I want you to live, to find me again when this body fades, to take me into the light once more. Until the day eternity ends, and you will join me in the dark. We have the means to never part, Sephirian. And I wish for more than eternity with you."

 

As he spoke, he moved with the angel, feeling now as if they were already one, already made too close to part again. It felt natural to have the angel near him, and he would humble himself a hundred thousand times to be with Sephirian. Dark wants now lay coiled, suppressed by the perfection that was this shared moment, and all the slaver wanted was to feel more. to accept the angel and forget the consequences of their joining.

 

"I love you."

 

A simple enough reply, but one Mirk had never thought he would utter. Only a year ago he would have snorted at any suggestion such a thing was necessary, but now he wanted only to feel the angel inside, to give himself to the only being he cared so deeply for. There would be consequences, and he knew what he was giving up for this and the eternity to come. He wanted forever, but his time was running short.

 

Tendrils of dark hair twisted tighter around Sephirian's thighs, urging him forward with sudden urgency. Mirk's initial nervousness had now faded, drowned in the lust and love that made his heart ache. Blood rushed in his ears, washing away the soft sounds of night. Again, he felt the beating of his heart, a fast rhythm he was unused to, his old being and old thoughts crumbling away in the light.

 

"Do not stop," he whispered, his voice edged with an echo of his usual certainty. "Let me feel you, Sephirian. Let me know what it is to be loved by you."

[Silver Radiance]

The tears were not met with regret or sadness from the captivated Angel, but with a deep adoration for their purely perfect beauty, the kind that could not be denied or ignored. Gentle lips kisses away those salty streams of joy and perhaps fear capturing that body close, his wings shifting to open wide in a brilliant show of their grand structure, offering nothing to hide from Mirk, allowing the man to see him for everything he was.

 

It did not matter anymore, the things that Mirk had done in his lifetime or what future was to come with the curses that consumed him. All that mattered right now was Sephirian's need to solidify their bond in every way.

 

Under the stars watching silently as the breeze rustled through the grass, the Angel pressed forward with gentle care, finally allowing Mirk to feel the strain of that body trying to either deny or mold around Sephirian to accept him within. It was not an easy task, even though the angelic fingers had tried to ease the muscles tension with great care, the effort required for both of them was intense. The angel was determined and though he did not wish to harm his lover, he refused to have his adoration denied by any part of Mirk, to have their future denied.

 

Grasping tightly at the slaver's hips, feeling those long dark strands straining against the skin, tightening with what he assumed to be discomfort, he felt the muscle finally start to accept him, groaning out loud with joy as the tip started to sink in, eyes unable to look away for even a moment from those pure white pools before him.

 

"It will be alright, I will ease the pain soon."

 

Sometimes in order to build something beautiful, you first needed to tear the foundations apart. Though it seemed like a rather brutal process, Sephirian found even that part of creation quite beautiful. There was no shame in him for enjoying the painful expressions Mirk exhibited as that tense ring of muscle finally accepted the swollen tip, and though he waited for a moment out of mercy before moving once again, the excitement to see more of that agony could not be denied.

 

It was proof of life, of love, of reality, of there being a future for them to share together through this pain.

 

Fingertips soothed against Mirk's face stroking his tense cheek gently with such deep adoration as the other arm kept a tight hold around that body, delivering everything he was inside of his tainted slaver, eagerly surrendering his light to the darkness, chaining himself down to a creature so unlike himself in every way.

 

The desire was great, like a cascading avalanche of pure violent need, but the greater factor that caged such chaotic impulses was the untainted love Sephirian felt. There was nothing he would not give, nothing he would not do to preserve a future with Mirk.

 

Perhaps that made him a monster, being so ambitious toward one single goal that he would throw himself away for it. After all, if one did such things, was it only if they did it for reasons humans considered noble that they were seen as romantic? Or did the creator judge it without such bias?

 

Soon everything melted away as that strong body pulled back and plunged forth yet again, the soaked body or Mirk held so tightly against his own that every muscle could be felt on that slender torso, tensing and working toward their love making as the deep green in those eyes surged violently with that dangerous hue that showed all of creation flickering beyond the surface coupled this time by something darker, something that had never been there before looking back at Mirk with not just a sense of pure light, but a blackness that could no longer remain hidden.

[Veir]

The kisses upon his cheek brought Mirk back to the present, and he blinked his remaining tears away, not wanting his angel to misunderstand. As Sephirian opened his wings, the slaver could only press himself tighter against his lover, almost afraid that this perfect would vanish, that he would wake and this marvellous, wondrous creature would be nothing but a figment of his imagination.

 

"I am ready, Sephirian. Make me yours, just as you will become mine."

 

Sephirian was gentle, but insistent, and the slaver had to smile as his lover's fingers gripped his hips, this alien sensation giving him an odd thrill, one that had only been explored in the safety of his own imagination. He relaxed against the rocks, waiting to the inevitable pressure. Every touch as new to him, and he savoured it all. Even as the tip of the angel's cock pressed urgently against his entrance, and then pushed inside.

 

Pain blossomed in his body, an unfamiliar, strange pain that could not be written out. His fingers clenched tight into fists, and he had to grit his teeth to stop the hoarse groan that came unbidden. Try as he might, his muscles would not relax, his breath turning harsh for a moment as they both waited for the initial sensations to fade. He wondered what it was like for the angel, whether Sephirian had ever felt the tightness of another - and the most obvious answer was no.

 

Though the entry was more agony than Mirk had bargained for, he could not help but marvel at the world that was now opened to him; stars shone brilliantly in the heavens above, glittering like diamonds studded onto dark velvet. Every blade of moss, every dash of moonlight on rock, even the night could not hide the beauty laid before him. This pain - if it was a price to be paid - bound Sephirian to him now and forever.

 

Though the slaver's brow was knitted in concentration and his breath came in harsher bursts, he still tried to press back, urging his angel to enter, to consummate their love finally. Still, there was no denying the way his muscles strained to accommodate Sephirian's girth, and nothing made it easier. Closing his eyes, Mirk sighed as the stars followed, shining white dots chasing each other in the darkness behind his eyelids, the sensations in his body making his mind's eye see strange visions.

 

It was intoxicating, having Sephirian holding him finally. The wait was over, and in the joy and fulfilment the pain was an accent, a spice that kept him sane and reminded him who he was, lest he be lost in the light that surrounded him. Unbidden, his fingers slid over his own abdomen, fingernails grazing across the heated flesh of his own cock.

 

A loud moan interrupted his daze, and only when the second rose did Mirk realise it was him making these sounds. He could hear his own lust, thick and needy in the sounds that rose to greet the starlight. His body was shaking, and Sephirian was still pushing inside. There seemed to be no end to the entry, the moment too short and too long at once, an incredible, eternal second of pure agony and ultimate ecstasy. Guiltily, the slaver drew his fingers away, unsure why he even felt shame at touching himself.

 

When Sephirian finally did stop, Mirk thought he was already mad. All the frustrations, the waiting, had culminated in this. He wanted to stay like this forever. His wet hair lay against his skin, limp for once as the slaver became lost in love and lust, the long tresses winding gently around Sephirian's legs in the clear pool like strands of living ink. The pain brought unfamiliar groans to his lips, and every sound made his cheeks feel hotter, until he was almost feverish with lust and embarrassment.

 

Sephirian's love felt deep and real then, more solid than he had ever experienced until now. Everything felt real, no longer wrapped in a layer of shadow and guilt. The rocks were smooth with water and ancient moss, the air cool in his nostrils though tinged by the familiar scent of the winged creature that protected and loved him so deeply.

 

"Sephirian…" Even as he tried to tell his lover what he was feeling, the angel moved again, and the words became a keen moan. And too soon, that sound became a harsh cry of pain. It was a surprise to him, and his muscles tensed in response, making the thrust felt even more keenly than perhaps Sephirian had intended. Mirk had never experienced this in his years as a slaver, and for but a moment he felt sympathy for those he had trained in the past.

 

Still, he wanted to feel more, to share in this moment, and give Sephirian all that he needed to know that he, the slaver of Acanthe house, would receive all that the angel required. To chain him to a mortal, to bind him to the corruption of the earthly domain.

 

Dazed, the slaver sought his lover's gaze, wondering if he would detect shame there, or perhaps guilt at the sin he was committing. What he saw however took his breath away. Darkness as absolute as the light that burned his gaze before. A look he had not seen before, a danger that drew him in and made the lust coiled in the pit of his stomach rise. Slowly, carefully, he began to move his hips, a silent accomplice in this dark deed that they were engaged in for the sake of love.

 

Sliding his legs apart slightly to ease Sephirian's thrusts, the slaver pushed himself back to meet each stroke of the angel's thick cock, moans tumbling from his lips like drops of honey, too gone with lust for dishonesty or silence. He wanted this, all of it. The pain, the promise of darkness and light, Sephirian holding him, giving him this feeling that was real… Could the angel have known the violence he wished visited upon himself? Mirk could only wonder.

 

Finally, lost between want and indecision, he whispered his pleas louder into the night air. "Harder, Sephirian. I want to be hurt by you, my angel. Only for you. Come inside me, deeper."