As Gabriel stumbled through the dusty streets he tried to push the pain and dizziness away. He tripped and fell on the rough pavement, dirt flying up his nose and in his mouth. As he expected he felt the searing pain of the whip, crack down on his already pained and bleeding back.
"Get back up slave! The sooner you dig your grave the sooner you can die!" The gruff voice of the slave driver spoke before he brought the whip down again. Gabriel flinched but managed to get back on his feet. He then continued stumbling towards the burial ground. As he walked along he reflected on how terrible the last week had been.
Just a week ago he had been the best gladiator in Laurien. He had been unbeatable. Until Gorack. The man, if anyone could call him that, had been enormous. Gabriel himself was large at seven feet and had a set of large perfectly toned muscles. But Gorack had been at least twice as big. He had left Gabriel badly beaten and with a huge gash in his side. Then his owner had deemed him defeated and sold him to the mines. He had only lasted a week. His cut, not being treated, had become infected and he could feel the toxins running through his blood. The driver had noticed and was now taking him to dig his own grave. I don't mind so much, I just wish it wasn't so far.
He tripped again, and hit the pavement so hard he felt a couple of ribs break. He lay gasping in hot air and dust. He winced; it hurt so much just to breathe. He waited to feel the searing pain of the whip. He heard the whip crack, and connect with something, but he didn't feel the pain. His whole body stiffened and his head spun as he tried to figure out what was going on. Then he heard the horrid voice of the driver, "What the hell do you think you are doing?! Interrupting a slave's punishment. I'll have you killed for this!" Gabriel felt sorry for whoever had tried to spare him a little pain. They shouldn't die because of me, it isn't right.
Then he heard the most amazing and enchanting voice; it was a silky alto with a slight musical lilt. "You will have me killed?" the voice asked calmly. He then heard the driver make a slight gasping sound, as if he was choking. Then he heard the beautiful voice again, "Do you have any idea who I am?"
"I-I do-o n-now, m-my lord. I a-am sorry." The driver stuttered out in fear.
"You may leave, this slave is no longer your concern." It was then that Gabriel noticed the icy tone in the fair voice.
"B-but, my lord, this one is dying, surely you would prefer another one?"
"Are you questioning my order?"
"N-no, of course not, my lord." Gabriel smiled at the thought of the driver quivering in fear of the stranger, and then he passed out.
Gabriel woke with a groan, his whole body ached dully. But at least he couldn't feel the gash in his side. He opened his eyes hesitantly. At first he couldn't see anything, his vision was so bleary. But after a few moments they adjusted and he saw...an angel! Its features were delicate and flawless, perfectly framed by long cascading strawberry-blond waves of silk. Full red lips were curved in a soft smile and large violet eyes shone with kindness. A delicate pale hand moved to rest gently on his forehead. "How are you feeling?" Gabriel squinted slightly as he tried to think where he had heard that soft voice before. He continued to stare at the angel, forgetting that a question had been asked.
The angel frowned slightly and spoke in common speech, instead of elven, "Can you understand me?"
"Yes." Gabriel winced as he forced the word out of his parched throat. Then the gentle hand slid under his head and lifted it, as a cup was placed at his cracked lips. He felt the cool liquid slide down his throat and felt instantly more alive. Just as he felt he had had enough the cup was taken away and his head was lowered back to the soft pillow. It was at that point that he became fully conscious, he instantly became aware of the fact he was completely naked. The only thing hiding his body from the angel was a thin silk sheet.
Considered the weather in the elven lands at this time of year he was rather grateful, but at the same time, rather embarrassed. He cleared his throat and decided to speak in elven, "Thank you. May I ask where I am?"
"You are in Sentanii, of course."
"Sentanii?! The castle?" The angel laughed softly, "Of course. Where did you expect to be?" Gabriel felt himself blush, "I thought perhaps I was in heaven." The angel-...not really an angel, looked at him strangely for a moment. The beautiful creature then pushed some silky strands back behind a delicately pointed ear...Ah, an elf. Then everything clicked in his head, a lord saved me, and I am in a castle. Not just any castle but that of the most powerful lord in Laurien. And I'm being tended to by an elf, by a creature of noble birth... His dark green gaze met those wondrous violet eyes and he blushed more furiously, he then averted his gaze abruptly.
"Do all humans blush as deeply as you, Gabriel?" the elf's voice was tinged with humour. Gabriel looked at the ceiling and felt a sinking dread, I will surely be punished for my insolence.
"I-I am sorry, my lad-lor-...umm, y-your grace." He felt a soft touch on his chest, just above his heart and squinted his eyes closed, readying himself for the pain...but it never came. A comforting warmth spread though his body.
He then heard the gentle voice again, "Rest Gabriel. You are safe here." He then drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Gabriel awoke, hot and sticky with sweat. It was the middle of the day and his stomach had wakened him. It growled again. He sighed and pushed the sheet back. He then got up slowly, leaning against the wall for a moment while his vision cleared. He then glanced around and noticed what an elegant room he was in. He whistled under his breath, clearly impressed. He then walked to the door, which was slightly ajar. He pushed it open and stepped into the next room. It was a large and elegant sitting room. He glanced around and his heart nearly stopped when he laid eyes on the sleeping ang-...no elf. The elf was curled up in a large chair asleep. He studied the elf closely and figured it was most likely male. Though incredibly beautiful, his legs were long and perfectly shaped. His whole body was lithe and delicate but still toned with hard muscle. Gabriel could tell this because the elf was only wearing a large short sleeve shirt, which barely reached half way down his slender thighs.
Gabriel wondered what it would be like to run his hands through the soft silky waves of hair which cascaded down past the elf's hips. He wondered what it would be like to caress that smooth milky-white skin, and what it would be like to kiss those soft, rose-petal lips. The elf sighed softly in his sleep and shifted, causing the large shirt to slip off his shoulder. Gabriel looked at the now exposed creamy skin and longed to taste it. He groaned as he felt his entire body reacting to the sight before him. This proved to be a mistake as the noise woke the elf. His large violet eyes fluttered open. He noticed Gabriel and his gaze travelled over the slave's body. He then grinned mischievously.
"I'm flattered really. But perhaps you would like to put some clothes on?"
Gabriel blushed furiously and looked down at his fully exposed erection. The heat and his embarrassment started making him feel dizzy, he wobbled on his feet as he spoke.
"M-master...I am very, very sorry...I...I should not have..." he trailed off, at a loss for words, and closed his eyes for a moment. This proved to be a mistake because he lost what little sense of balance he had and started falling. Then he felt a strong but gentle hand circle his forearm, and steady him. He opened his eyes and looked down into concerned pools of violet. The elf reached up with his other hand and felt the slave's forehead. He then frowned slightly and started leading Gabriel into another room.
It was a large bathroom, as elegant as the rest of the elf's quarters. The elf helped him get into the huge bath, and he sighed with relief as the cool water swept away the heat and sweat from his skin. He leaned back against the edge of the bath and was finally able to think clearly. It was at that point some facts finally sank in. The elf has been taking care of me. I am in the elf's quarters. I have been sleeping in the elf's bed. I am in the elf's bath...a lord is waiting on me. But not just any lord, a lord of Sentanii. He practically jumped out of his skin as he spun to look up at the elf.
"Y-you...lord...I...what?" he was so startled he couldn't force himself to speak clearly. He started panicking; he knew he would get a terrible beating for his behaviour. But the elf just slipped into the water, and put his gentle hands on Gabriel's shoulders.
"Shh, it's ok. Calm down, no one is going to hurt you." Then the hands moved firmly over his muscles, working the stress out. As the lord relaxed the slave's muscles, he spoke soothingly, "I am sorry, I should have told you of your situation sooner. I did not wish to upset you." The elf then moved up against Gabriel and rested his head against Gabriel's large shoulder. The slave automatically wrapped his huge arms around the slight being, relishing the feel of the slender body pressed so tightly against him. The elf sighed softly and melted against Gabriel's strong body.
The slave briefly wondered if he really was in heaven. Then his brain started working again, this isn't right. The elf shouldn't be apologising, he is the master after all. In fact this whole situation is incredibly strange.
"Master? I do not understand. Why have you been so kind to me? What is my situation?"
"You are my new bed slave." The elf said matter-o-factly. Perhaps not the best way to break the news to the huge half-giant, especially while still encased in his enormous arms. Whether out of shock, fear or anger the slave flexed his arms, unthinkingly. The elf gasped, then cried out in pain as several of his ribs were fractured. The slave, realising what he had done, quickly let the elf go. The delicate being jumped back instantly then climbed out of the bath. He stumbled back a few steps, his whole body shaking, and his beautiful eyes wide with terror.
Gabriel stood up in the bath so his whole torso was out of the water. He felt a terrible fear well up, I will be killed for this. The worst bit was he regretted it greatly, not because it would mean his death, but because he had hurt the beautiful and gentle creature. He tried desperately to think of a way to make it up to his master, surely there is something I can do? Then his eyes ran over the slender body, noticing how the large wet shirt, clung to every curve and line... He leapt out of the bath quickly and stalked towards his master. The elf backed up until he hit the wall, then he glanced around, desperately seeking an escape.
Then Gabriel grabbed the elf's shoulders, gently but firmly. The elf looked up at him in fear and his voice shook, "W-what are you do-" he was cut off as Gabriel pressed his lips against his. The slave then ran his hands down the elf's firm body as he forced his tongue past the soft lips, so he could plunder the warm sweet mouth. At first the elf didn't respond, but then his shaking stopped and he slipped his arms around Gabriel's neck, burying his hands in the short black hair. He moaned softly and ran his tongue along the slave's. Gabriel, feeling encouraged and increasingly excited, grabbed the wet fabric and tore the elf's shirt off in one quick motion.
He then broke the kiss. As the elf gasped for breath, Gabriel bent down further to kiss the soft, milky neck. As he worked his way down the smooth skin he spoke in-between kisses, "I am...so sorry...master...I was...shocked...please let me...make it up...to you." Gabriel knelt and ran his tongue across a small pink nipple. The elf gasped and arched towards the slave's warm mouth. Gabriel complied and suckled on it gently as he ran his hands along the smooth back and down to firm buttocks. He squeezed the firm cheeks and moved to the other nipple, relishing how sweet and fresh the elf tasted. His head was an excited jumble of hormones and all he could think about was the beautiful compliant body in front of him.
He knelt down further and ran his tongue along the elf's firm stomach; he smiled as he felt the elf shudder in pleasure and heard him whimper quietly. He flicked his tongue into the elf's belly button, and pulled back a bit in shock, when he felt something cold and hard. He opened his eyes and noticed, with surprise, that there was a small silver ring, with a dark-purple gem attached to it, hooked into the pale flesh. He had seen such jewellery on several women but the site had never excited him like this before. He leaned forward and flicked the hoop with his tongue, loving the trembles, which ran through his master's body.
He felt the slender hands sink into his hair and clench as the elf moaned, "Please..." Gabriel wasn't sure what the elf wanted him to do, but he knew what he wanted to do. He took his mouth away from the silver hoop and looked down at the elf's erect shaft. He noted with appreciation that it was quite impressive, for an elf, he also notice with admiration that the elf's strawberry-blond waves were natural. He experimentally ran a finger along the hard organ. The elf whimpered and tightened his grip on Gabriel's hair. The slave smiled and had the elf's entire penis in his mouth in one smooth motion. He heard his master gasp as the warm wetness entombed his sensitive appendage.
He then began suckling and licking gently at first. Then as the sweet taste filled him he sucked harder, wanting more. His master whimpered and would have fallen if Gabriel hadn't grab onto his hips firmly to support him. His master's hands clamped onto his hair almost painfully as the elf convulsed and sweet fluid spilled into Gabriel's mouth. He swallowed the seed greedily, and realised he had never tasted anything so delicious. He licked the remaining scrumptious juices off devotedly then pulled his mouth away. I am going to like being this elf's bed slave, very much. He looked up and noticed his master had his eyes closed and was leaning heavily against the wall, his arms limp by his sides, his breath coming in short painful gasps.
Gabriel felt panic rising, did I hurt my beautiful master? He stood up quickly and scooped the delicate body up in his strong arms. He then carried him smoothly into the bedroom and laid him tenderly on the bed. He stroked the silky hair and pleaded, "Please, master, what is wrong?" But the elf didn't reply, he just sighed softly and his breathing slowly evened out. It was then Gabriel remembered the sickening crack he had heard when he had crushed the fragile being in his arms. He felt tears stinging his eyes, "What have I done?" He pulled the sheet up to the elf's waist, lovingly. Then looked around frantically for some clothes.
He saw a pile on a nearby chair and found they must have been for him as they were way too large for the slight elf. He put on pants and a shirt quickly, he then headed out to the sitting room and opened the door stepping out into the hall. He saw a couple of guards standing near the end of the hall. He ran over to them as they drew their weapons and looked at him suspiciously. He ignored their weapons and begged, "Please, you have to get a healer...I hurt my master."
Tristian Arket, the most feared lord in Laurien awoke with a groan. For some reason his chest ached and it hurt to breathe. Then he remembered why. He had been careless, letting his guard down like that, with a slave. He remembered being crushed in those huge arms and shuddered. He had never felt so scared and helpless. The elf who could kill a fully trained warrior with a flick of his wrist was scared of an ex-gladiator. As he looked back on it, it really was stupid to fear the human. After all he could have easily killed him...if he hadn't frozen in fear. He would have to have the slave killed, as there was no way he could be trusted after this.
But he had enjoyed the slaves other talents. And he was quite attractive. For once Lord Tristian Arket was at a loss for what to do. He took a deep breath and instantly regretted it, he started coughing. After a moment he felt a hand on his chest, then a slow healing warmth spread through his body. When he was healed he opened his eyes, to see his brother's wife looking at him with concern.
"Are you alright Trist?"
"I am now, Reanna. Thank you." He said as he smiled softly and put his hand over hers. She smiled and moved her hand to hold his.
"What were you thinking? Putting so much trust in an ex-gladiator? He could have killed you."
"I know. I suppose Bran had a good laugh over it though." He said bitterly. She shook her head sadly, "No Trist, your brother was very worried about you, actually."
"Why?" he asked shocked.
"Because, Trist, he cares about you. And he figured you were very badly hurt when he heard about what your slave did."
"What do you mean? How the slave crushed me?"
"No, how he panicked. He ran out of the room and didn't care that the guards nearly skewered him. All he cared about was getting you a healer. So we assumed your life was in danger." Tristian thought over her words carefully. Gabriel had risked his life to get him a healer. But surely the slave knew he wasn't hurt that badly? The slave might still be useful after all.
"Where is he now?"
"The slave?"
"Yes."
She thought for a moment then replied, "I think he's in a cell, awaiting execution." Tristian felt a strange ache in his chest.
"Has he been punished?"
"Yes, of course." At her soft words he felt the ache become a sharp pain. He knew it could mean only one thing; I actually care about the slave, "Shit."
Reanna looked shocked, "Tristian?"
He looked at her, remembering she was there, "Oh, sorry. Would you mind leaving while I get dressed?"
"Yes, of course." She said smiling politely. She then left closing the door softly behind her. He got up and put on his usual attire of snug fitting black leather pants, and a dark green silk shirt, which exposed just enough of his midriff to show off his belly button ring. He didn't bother with his hair though; he just tied it back with a simple strip of leather. He then headed off to the lower level of the castle, the prison.
The guard opened the cell and he stepped in, wrinkling his nose at the horrid smell. He glanced around and saw the huge slave curled up in the corner, rocking himself back and forth. His clothes were torn and bloody, Trist hated to think what they did to break him so. He ignored the stench and filth and walked over to his slave. Gabriel looked up at him, his insightful green eyes filled with fear and pain. As Tristian knelt beside him, he tried to back up further into the corner, and he held his arms up protectively over his head. Tristian shook his head, trying to figure out why everything suddenly seemed so blurry. Then he felt something wet trail down his cheeks and he realised he was crying. Something he hadn't done for a very long time.
He started having feelings he hadn't felt in a very long time. His heart started aching and he looked at this human before him and felt pity. And yet there was something else, something he couldn't quite grasp. He sighed softly, what else could I feel for this creature besides pity? He reached out and touched one bruised arm, carefully. Gabriel instantly flinched back, and started shaking in fear, or cold, Tristian couldn't tell which.
He spoke soothingly trying to reassure the large man, "It's alright, I won't hurt you, Gabriel. I have never hurt you before, have I? And I promise I will never hurt you." After a moment the slave seemed to calm down a bit. He looked at Tristian again and then reached out a dirty, bloody hand and stroked Tristian's cheek. The elf ignored the smell and closed his eyes lightly, leaning into the touch. Then he heard Gabriel's deep rich voice, "You're crying? Master, what's wrong?" He opened his eyes to see the slave looking at him with concern. He's the one hurt and he asks me what's wrong? He was truly amazed by the kindness and selflessness in this large man.
"I'm crying because you should not have been hurt like this. You should not have been punished, you did nothing wrong." Gabriel shook his head in denial, confusion in his eyes, "No, master. I hurt you, I deserved to be pu-" The elf laid one long slender finger on his lips, to hush him.
"I know you didn't mean it, and no harm was done. See, I'm fine." Trist said stroking Gabriel's short black hair, ignoring the dried blood, dirt and sweat that came off on his pale hand. It was then he noticed the large man was shivering. He pulled Gabriel against him and put his hands on his back, intending to rub some warmth into him. But he quickly pulled his hands back when he felt something sticky and wet. He looked at his hands and saw they were covered in blood. He pulled back and fought back the tears, "Gabriel?" he hated how his voice broke on the word. He was rapidly loosing control of his emotions, what the hell is wrong with me? I'm supposed to be cold and heartless.
He sniffled and wiped his tears on his arm. He looked back at Gabriel and noticed the slave staring at him with his intense green gaze. He smiled reassuringly and leaned forward, pressing his lips tenderly against Gabriel's. He then focused on his healing magic and sent the warmth through the kiss. He heard the slave moan in pleasure but he ignored it and concentrated on healing him. After a few moments he pulled back and studied his slave, intently.
"How do you feel now?"
Gabriel smiled joyfully and replied, "I feel much better, and it doesn't hurt anymore!" He stroked the large man's cheek with the back of his hand, "Good. How about we get you cleaned up and warm, hmm?" Once they were back in Tristian's quarters he led Gabriel to the bathroom and had him stand in the cleaning tub. He then cut off his clothes carefully and wiped him clean with warm water and rose soap. As he ran the soft rag across the huge, perfectly toned muscles, he felt himself stir.
"Kneel." The large man obeyed immediately. The elf used his long delicate hands to work the soap into lather in the short black hair. To his surprise Gabriel leaned into the touch and whimpered in delight. The elf smiled and rinsed the soap out, careful not to get any in those amazing green eyes. He then took Gabriel's large hand and led him over to the bath. The large man slid into the water and sighed softly. Tristian pulled his hand away then stood and turned to leave. But before he took a step he heard that smooth deep voice question, "Master?" He smiled and turned back to the man soaking in the bath.
"You may call me Tristian, if you like." He was rewarded with a broad grin. Then the large man became shy; he looked down at the water and asked, "Tristian? Will you join me?"
"In the bath?" he questioned, completely taken aback by this request. Gabriel simply nodded. Tristian shrugged and started taking his clothes off, what harm could there be? He paused for a moment remembering that horrible crushing feeling.
He shook his head and pushed his fear away, then removed the leather from his hair. He glanced down at Gabriel and noticed him watching his every move. He then slipped into the water, shivering for a moment before his body became accustomed to the temperature change. He ducked under, soaking his hair and then resurfaced, with his eyes still closed. He leaned back against the edge of the bath, indulging in the coolness of the water. He started thinking about how many warriors he would have to take with him to Dervick, to ensure victory. Probably only a couple of hundred, if half were archers I could easily...
"Tristian?" he opened his eyes slowly and saw the ex-gladiator looking at him strangely.
He sighed and asked, "What is it?" Gabriel opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it again. The elf sensed he was too scared to ask what he wanted to, so he smiled reassuringly and said, "It's alright, Gabriel. You can ask me anything, I promised I wouldn't hurt you, remember?" Well not directly anyway, he thought impatiently.
"Umm...well. You're a Lord, aren't you? Lord Tristian Arket, right?" Ah, so he's heard of me. That would explain his sudden hesitance.
"Yes, that's right."
"I...had heard you were...evil?"
He couldn't help laughing, that I am, dear-heart. He noticed Gabriel back up a bit, and fear enter his eyes. For some strange reason he felt that that didn't look right, he didn't want Gabriel to fear him. He moved forward in the water and laid a hand lightly on Gabriel's muscled forearm, "Do you think I'm evil?" he questioned softly. Gabriel pierced his heart with his intense green gaze, and Tristian opened it too him gladly, not wanting to hide anything from him. Then Gabriel looked away sadly and Tristian noticed tears running down the golden skin, hey, I'm not that evil...am I? Gabriel then moved away from Tristian and turned his back on him.
"No." the word was barely a whisper, and Tristian wasn't sure he heard correctly. He moved forward and ran his hands over the well-defined shoulders.
"If you don't think I'm evil, why do you turn away from me?" Gabriel sobbed and shook his head, he then turned sharply and grabbed Tristian's thin wrists, forcing his hands away.
"Because I'm a slave!" he yelled angrily, and squeezed the elf's fragile wrists tighter, Tristian winced but didn't try and pull away. "Because I don't deserve your love! I don't deserve to be anywhere near you! I'm a slave and telling me I don't have to call you master...Will Not Change That!!" His words were punctuated by a sicken crack as he crushed the fragile bones. Tristian whimpered and felt tears filling his eyes. He then took a deep breath and pushed the pain aside.
"Gabriel." The green eyes settled on him, and he saw the profound sadness there. He realised that the large man probably hadn't even noticed he had hurt him. And seeing the pain in those beautiful eyes he realised how pathetic his own pain was. He's right, I do love him... I don't know how, but I do. He forced his voice steady and continued, "You do deserve me, because I want you. And I always get what I want, understand? And if being a slave is what you're worried about then fine, you're not a slave anymore. You're free."
Gabriel looked shocked, then the sadness started leaving his eyes, "I'm free? I'm not a slave anymore?"
"That's what I said." Seeing a grin spread across Gabriel's face made his insides feel strangely warm. He smiled faintly and questioned, "Now that you're free, tell me. What do you want?"
Gabriel looked down at the water shyly, and whispered almost too softly to hear, "I...I want you." He then looked up to see Tristian's response. Tristian smiled and leaned forward brushing their lips together for a moment.
"Good. Now get your fucking hands off me." He said only half-jokingly. Gabriel let go instantly, and the elf couldn't help crying out as the bones shifted against one another, causing sharp stabbing pains to run up his arms. His vision started blurring and he felt himself slipping under the water, then strong arms wrapped around him and supported him.
"Tristian? Oh, god I'm so sorry...what...what do I do?" he heard the panic and fear in Gabriel's voice and tried to think through the pain.
"Bedroom." He forced the word out through gritted teeth. He then closed his eyes as he felt Gabriel lift him. Something soft and warm was wrapped around him, and then he was carried once more. He passed out momentarily but came awake again when he was placed lovingly on the bed.
"Should I get a healer?" Gabriel asked, worry clear in his tone.
"Umm, no...black bottle...dressing table." He heard Gabriel walk around a bit then the clinking of glass. Gabriel then sat next to him on the bed and held the bottle awkwardly in his giant hands.
He managed to take the cork out then asked, "Do you drink it?"
"No...you have to rub it on my wrists." He knew that it would be a hell of a lot more painful than having Reanna heal him, but he didn't want them to know Gabriel had hurt him again. Remembering the kind human crouched in fear, in that dank cell, he didn't want that to happen again, ever.
He was brought painfully out of his thoughts as Gabriel started rubbing the potion on his bruised and broken skin. He bit his lip to keep from crying out, then Gabriel stopped. He held his breath waiting for the real pain to start. The fire burnt his wrists from the inside out, he would have screamed, if he hadn't passed out so promptly.
Serina didn't bother knocking on her leader's door she just pushed it open and entered. She glanced over at the desk occupying a large section of one corner of the sitting room, but he wasn't there. She glanced towards the bedroom door and noticed it was closed, surely he can't still be asleep, it's almost midday. The tall elfess turned the handle and pushed the door open with one smooth shove. The room was dimly lit, the sunlight trying desperately to enter the room through the heavy curtains. There was a slender form laying motionless on the bed, sound asleep. She snorted in disgust and strode over to the curtains, pulling them back in one swift motion.
"What is wrong with you?!" she demanded of the sleepy elf as he sat up, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the light.
"What...do you want?" he questioned as he glanced around the room, "Where's Gabriel?"
"Who cares?" She said angrily and placed her hands on her slender hips, "You're mush. He's turned you into a soft gooey mass of spineless mu-" She was cut off abruptly as she suddenly found herself pinned between the hard stone wall and a very angry and dangerous elf. She looked into his fierce violet eyes, ah...Here's the evil, sadistic leader I love. She couldn't help smiling as she felt the heat emanating from his skin, a thin nightshirt the only barrier separating his delicious willowy body from hers. She licked her lips in anticipation of the pleasure she knew he would deliver in a lustful mixture of pain and unimaginable passion.
"Do not provoke me, Serina. I am not in the mood."
"Really? What's wrong, didn't your pet play nice?" her smile then turned into a smirk, "Or was that the problem?"
"He is not my pet, and you will not refer to him as such." She then felt cool air wash over her as he took an abrupt step back, letting her go. "Your time of being in my favour is over, lieutenant." He said coldly as he turned his back on her, walking over to his closet. She blanched, knowing he was serious, she would most likely never be with him again. She desperately wanted to fall to her knees in front of him and beg him to touch her, even if all she got was a slap. But she knew he would not take mercy on her and such a pitiful act would only make him lose what respect he had for her now. So she swallowed her needs and addressed the business she had come to discuss.
"My Lord. The Carrenian army has reached the borders of Dervick."
"Do we know their numbers?" Tristian asked calmly as he picked up a brush and started running it through his long silky tresses. She turned to look out the window, unable to look at him anymore and not touch him.
"They have between 1000 and 1200 cavalry and very little of anything else. I believe this is because they are intending to choose the flat grounds between Dervick and the mountains as the battleground."
"Good."
"Good?!" she exclaimed as she spun to look at him with shock, "I don't think you understand the full situation, my Lord. The Carrenians have the best cavalry in the land."
"I am aware of that, lieutenant. And the Carrenians are also the only humans who are trained so thoroughly that they can see through our illusions." He then smiled faintly and walked over to her, "Their greatest advantage, if you ask me, and one they lose on horseback, as their horses have no such training."
A grin spread across her face as understanding sunk in. She placed her body as close to his as she could without actually touching him, "Half of them will be crushed under their own horses." She then shivered in delight as he nipped at her sensitive ear and ran one elegant hand over the golden skin of her throat.
"And the other half will be useless..." he whispered against her ear, his warm breath caressing her skin, "As everyone knows cavalrymen can't fight on foot."
She pushed against him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she purred deep in her throat. Oh blessed Goddess, has he forgiven me? She wondered as she ran her hands down his slender back to squeeze his firm buttocks. He responded by kissing her with passionate and bruising force, nibbling on her bottom lip lightly until she whimpered and melted against him. When he finally pulled back she had to lean against him heavily as her legs threatened to buckle under her. She then whispered breathlessly, "Am I back in your favour then, my beautiful Lord?" He looked at her lazily for a moment, then she found herself pinned against the wall again.
"Ask me again in a few hours."
Gabriel walked into his lover's quarters in high spirits. He couldn't believe how nice everyone had been to him. He had been given whatever he wanted to eat and one of the maids had even taken time out to show him around the massive castle. But then he had started becoming a bit depressed because he longed to see his beautiful lover again, to make sure that he really was all right. He felt terribly guilty for breaking Tristian's wrists, though the elf didn't seem to blame him. He couldn't understand how Tristian could have such an evil reputation, the elf was sweet and kind and forgiving, there was no way he could do anything 'evil', Gabriel was sure of it. He reached for the bedroom door handle but something made him pause before turning it. He listened carefully and heard the sound again, is that someone moaning?
Fearing his lover was having a bad dream Gabriel turned the handle and swung the door open. The room was dim and the curtains looked like they had been thrown across the windows hastily. The room also smelled like... he looked to the bed and saw Tristian's beautiful form half sitting up on the bed, looking for all the world like a cat caught eating the family goldfish. The reason for the look was laying half on top of him, still suckling at his neck, oblivious of the seven-foot giant standing in the doorway. Gabriel couldn't believe it, he really is evil, he thought as his eyes started filling with tears. He spun and exited slamming the door behind him, wanting to get as far away from the elf as possible.
Tristian was suddenly thrown out of his shock by the door slamming. He blinked and shoved the elfess off him. She landed on the floor with a thump, then sat up and started grumbling, but he wasn't listening. He grabbed the sheet and wrapped it hastily around himself as he headed quickly to the door. He flung it open and managed to dive in-between the doorway and Gabriel just before the giant could go through.
"Please wait!" he gasped out as he grabbed onto the doorframe hoping Gabriel wouldn't try and go through him. Gabriel just looked down at the ground, his soft dark hair falling to cover his eyes. But Tristian could still see the tears running down his cheeks, he felt a terrible stab of guilt. "Gabriel... I...I didn't mean... I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologise master. You can do as you wish." For some reason Gabriel's soft-spoken acceptance made him feel even worse. He reached out and carefully laid one hand against the giant's chest.
"You don't have to call me master, Gabriel. You are not a slave anymore, remember?"
"Yes, but I also remember you saying you loved me." The large man retorted sadly.
"I never said that." The words were out of his mouth before he could even think about it. He watched as Gabriel glanced at him with hurt-filled emerald eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, anything, but nothing would come. Gabriel just pulled away and looked down at the ground miserably, his body shaking slightly along with his silent sobs. Tristian chewed on his lip absently, oh gods what have I done? Why do I always have to hurt the ones I love? Why do I have to be so cruel?
"Tristian?" He looked over to see Serina standing in the bedroom doorway looking very smug. She smirked and addressed Gabriel, "Slave. You are pathetic, did you really think he could ever care for something as worthless as you?" Gabriel glanced up at her then at Tristian, he then covered his face with his hands and cried harder. Tristian glared at Serina but she just laughed. So he stalked over and grabbed her arm harshly then sent her flying towards the door.
"You, get out!" he hissed at her and slammed the door in her face. He then turned to Gabriel, "And you, sit down." Gabriel glanced at him a tad fearfully, and then sat down on the nearest couch gingerly. He noticed the surprise in the giant's emerald eyes as he knelt in front of him and took one of Gabriel's large hands in both of his. He closed his eyes for a moment to try and gather his thoughts, it didn't really work. He leaned his head forward to rest it against Gabriel's knees and spoke softly. "Gabriel. I'm so sorry. I... Please, what can I do to make it up to you?" He looked up at Gabriel hopefully.
"You don't have to make it up to me, master." Gabriel said softly not looking at the elf.
"Gabriel, please. Don't call me master. Be angry at me...hate me...anything, but please don't... don't act like I'm above you." He stood and turned Gabriel's face up with a gentle hand on his chin, "Because I'm not." Gabriel looked at him, uncertainty showing clearly in his expression. So Tristian leant forward and kissed him tenderly on the lips, he then pulled back and stroked the short black hair away from his lover's face. "I do love you. But I have done horrible things... and I can't change. I am not a nice person Gabriel." He paused as his throat choked up, he then managed to whisper out, "But... I do love you."
A smile spread across Gabriel's face slowly. The large man then stood and embraced the guilt-filled elf. "I love you too." Tristian buried his face in the large man's chest and returned the hug loosely. Then Gabriel stroked his hair gently and spoke the words Tristian was hoping he would. "I don't care that you are... not nice. As long as you try and be nice to me." The elf pulled back from his lover and looked up at him with love-filled eyes.
"I will, I promise." He sighed and leaned against him, "Gods, I'm so sorry Gabriel. I...I didn't even want to... She just... I'm sorry." Gabriel continued to run his hands gently through the silky strawberry-blond hair as he spoke soothingly.
"Shh, it's ok. I forgive you love. You've done so much for me Tristian, how could I not forgive you?" Gabriel laughed light-heartedly, "Only a week ago I was a dying slave, and now... Now I'm the lover of the most powerful war leader in Laurien. I have so much to thank you for."
"Being my lover is not such an easy thing, Gabriel." Tristian said sadly, "I am not always so... affectionate. I can be cold and heartless at times. And I have to travel a lot, to places you cannot go. There may be times when you won't see me for weeks, possibly months." He pulled back and looked up at Gabriel, then questioned gravely, "This isn't your only choice. I meant what I said about you being free. You can leave anytime you want, you don't hav-" He was silenced by a soft kiss, and he knew his answer. In a way he was glad because he truly loved Gabriel, but for that same reason he didn't want the ex-gladiator to stay with him, as he feared he would eventually hurt his lover. Like he always ended up doing, no matter how hard he tried not to.