"Lord Tristian." The slimy slither of a man, who served as the chief torturer, bowed low as he entered the large tent, which had been turned into a makeshift torture chamber. "I'm afraid we have no useful information as of yet."
"Why not?" The tall elf questioned coldly, "The battle has been over for three days, all that time and you have gotten nothing? I must say I am very disappointed."
"I...I am sorry, my lord, but she is particularly stubborn. Perhaps if I was given another prisoner to work with?" The torturer offered meekly as he backed up out of the way so Tristian could look the prisoner over. Tristian looked at the naked and tied up woman passively, she might have been considered attractive if she wasn't covered in dirt, blood and sweat, her golden skin marred with hundreds of shallow cuts and burns. Her hands were secured above her head and her feet nailed into the ground, legs spread apart. He circled her slowly as he spoke.
"There are no other prisoners, my warriors 'exhausted' them two days ago." He then smiled as he noticed her shiver under his gaze. "But it matters not, this one will tell me all I need to know."
"I will tell you nothing, elf!" The woman hissed and spat on his boot. He just smiled and chose a long slender knife from the array of implements scattered on the table.
"Everyone has a greatest fear, my dear Carrenian." He ran one slender finger along the blade to check it was razor sharp. "Once a person's fear is found out they will tell you anything. And..." He trailed the blade lazily down her neck and between her breasts towards her stomach, "I have become highly skilled at finding out what that fear is." The blade trailed over her lower abdomen and she shuddered her eyes widening in fear. He smiled knowing. He had won and asked simply, "How long can your people hold the siege?" She just shook her head fearfully so he slowly dropped the blade lower, watching her face closely, enjoying the pure terror, which was radiating from her. Just as the blade touched her soft opening she broke.
"Three weeks! Three weeks! They can hold out three weeks!" She screamed in panic. He took the blade away and looked over at the necromancer standing by the far wall. The old man gave a slight nod of his head, indicating that she was indeed telling the truth. He then turned back to her and an evil grin appeared on his angelic face.
Serina left the main celebrations, leaving the human warriors with their ale and out-of-key singing. She had seen her beautiful leader heading to the prisoner's tent and decided to follow, as he was always particularly 'passionate' after being with prisoners. Suddenly a high-pitched scream of pure agony erupted from the tent, only to be silenced a moment later. A minute later Tristian walked out of the tent, wiping blood off his hands with a cloth. She smiled and sidled up to him. "Was she entertaining?"
"Yes, but disappointingly quick." He answered negligently tossing the cloth aside. He then looked at her suspiciously. "I'm not having sex with you, lieutenant. Gabriel means more to me than cheap sex."
"But he won't know." She whined and rolled her lip into a pout, she then ran her hands down his back as she pressed against him. "You can't hold out until we get back to Sentanii, my lord." She purred knowing it was true and confident she would be the one who would 'save' him.
"You're right." He said sounding pleased and she almost jumped with joy, that had been far easier than she thought it would be. /I knew he didn't really love that stupid human! /Of course his next words shattered her fantasy. "I shall send someone to collect him from Sentanii." He then walked off before she could recover from her stunned state. She cursed several times and glared hatefully at his back,/ how dare he dump me for that ugly brute!/ She then smiled evilly as a devious thought came to her mind, /I'll just have to have the competition removed./
Tristian walked towards the massive and disorderly celebration. He had known exactly what Serina had been implying but he was determined to stay true to his newfound love. He would find someone trustworthy to take a meaningless message to his brother, and then bring Gabriel back with them. He walked through the drunk and happy warriors wondering who he should trust with the message, when the answer popped into view. A slender half-elf, with light golden skin was performing a exceedingly exotic and sensual dance, much to the pleasure of the huge gathering of warriors around the table he was on. He smiled knowing exactly who the dancer was, his chin-length pale silver hair a dead giveaway. He pushed through the crowd to get a better view having heard of Vali's dancing skills but never having actually witnessed them before.
The half-elf moved with a languid grace and sensual elegance Tristian had never seen matched before, every subtle twist and turn of his lithe body enough to make any man drool. He was only wearing loose shorts and a sleeveless top, which exposed a fair amount of midriff, so the vine tattoo around his waist could be clearly seen. Tristian had always considered tattoos primitive and hideous things but the phoenix on Vali's right upper arm, the small dragon under his left eye and the vine just seemed to enhance his sultry beauty. The lord trailed his gaze down the long supple legs and had to admit they were as nice as his own, and just as hairless, a trait Vali had obviously inherited from his elven father. Vali turned as he slowly did a neat back flip and Tristian noticed with surprise a fourth tattoo on the half-elf's ankle. Though it hadn't been the fact he had another tattoo that had surprised him it was the tattoo itself. It was a small fish, curled possessively around his left ankle.
He wondered if anyone but him and Brandon knew of the significance of that design. As he watched the half-elf perform a particularly difficult move flawlessly he silently approved of his brother's choice of possession. Vali was a very appealing creature and from his reputation an exceptional lover. Tristian had never experienced the youth but since Vali had given his heart to the High Lord of Sentanii there had been many complaints made by various members of Tristian's army, testifying to his popularity. But Brandon had told the young half-elf that he would not share, that it was either all or nothing and so Vali had given up his promiscuous ways, just like that. Personally Tristian thought it had been a rather unfair demand on his brother's part, since Brandon still slept with his wife and who knows how many other concubines. Not to mention the fact that Vali was a warrior and so spent a vast amount of time outside the walls of Sentanii, but the half-elf did seem happy with the arrangement. Tristian supposed sex had never really meant much to Vali in the first place, which is why he had given it so freely without thought.
When the dance was finished Tristian moved to the edge of the table and held out his hand to help the half-elf down. Vali took his hand and slipped to the ground next to him, obviously too drunk to question why his commanding officer would do such a thing. Tristian led him away from the crowd to a relatively private area. He stopped and turned to face Vali only to find the half-elf was closer than he had first thought, their noses a bare thumbs-breadth away. Vali smiled softly and violet met silvery-blue as he let out a dreamy sigh.
"Those eyes...so beautiful...eyes I could drown in." Tristian swallowed heavily fearing Vali didn't realise which Arket he was with. But he needn't have worried. "You have his eyes, sir." The half-elf commented before suddenly pulling away and looking up at the stars. As he watched Vali looking sadly at the sky he felt an understanding for the half-elf. An understanding caused by the love he felt for Gabriel. He smiled, /why not kill two birds with one stone?/
"You miss him?"
"When I'm drunk, horny and around hundreds of men I can't have, yeah I miss him." Vali answered with a sad little smile.
"So that's a lot then, solider?"
The elf-half chuckled softly, "Yes, sir, at least half my waking hours...and several of my sleeping ones."
"There is a message I need delivered to my brother." Vali looked at him hopefully and Tristian couldn't stop the smile from appearing on his face. "Can I trust you to take it to him?"
"Of course, my lord!" The young half-elf exclaimed happily. "When do you want me to go?"
"When you have changed into something respectable come to my tent and I will give you the message." Tristian answered before heading for his tent, leaving the elated, drunk and half-naked warrior to get himself decent. He suspected it would take awhile, which was a good thing because he still had to write the nonsense message to his brother.
Reanna raised a delicate hand to cover her mouth as she yawned for the fifth time in the past ten minutes. She sat on a throne next to her husband's and tried desperately to stay awake while the High Lord's councillors and advisers presented the latest issues, which needed to be dealt with. She was about to fall asleep when she noticed a familiar figure slip quietly into the room. She noticed a message scroll in Vali's hand and realised it must be a message from Tristian. She hoped her brother-in-law wasn't in any trouble but she suspected he wasn't or the young half-elf wouldn't have had such a joyous expression on his pretty face. She glanced at her husband to check if he had noticed Vali, but he gave no sign to indicate an acknowledgement of the silver-haired concubine's presence.
Perhaps if Reanna was a different sort of wife she would resent the pretty half-elf but as it was she quite liked him. Reanna's marriage had been arranged for her when she had still been a child, and though she had grown to love her husband she didn't feel any attraction to him. She had her lovers and he had his, it was an arrangement, which had worked for them for over one hundred years, and would continue to work for many years to come. She had always hated his previous concubines, though, for the simple reason that they didn't really feel anything for her husband. They had just been selfish and greedy and only bedded with him because it brought them power. But Vali was different. Anyone could tell just by the way the half-elf looked at her husband that he was in love with him.
When all the other matters were taken care off Vali stepped forward and knelt gracefully in front of the High Lord offering him the scroll as he spoke. "A message from Lord Tristian, your grace." Reanna saw the love and devotion in the young warrior's eyes as he looked up at his lover but she also saw the pain that flittered across his features when Brandon barely acknowledged his existence, simply snatching the scroll from his hand and flicking the wax off before beginning to read it. Vali remained kneeling and motionless as Brandon stood and paced back and forth as he read. When Brandon had finished he snorted in disgust.
"This is it? My brother sent a message for this? He wasted my time!" He growled angrily, not seeing Vali flinch at his angry words, nor did he see the heartbreak when the scroll was thrown back in the poor half-elf's face. "Get out!" The High Lord barked the order out to no one in particular but Vali scrambled to his feet and fled the chamber like his life depended on it. Brandon then continued to pace until the advisers left and he was alone with his wife. She stood and looked at him, knowing from the hard set of his shoulders that he would not be reasoned with about anything. She sighed and sat back down in her chair and listened to him curse and complain about every little upset that had happened that day.
Not soon after it happened Gabriel heard of the message, which had been sent to the High Lord, and how Brandon had reacted. He sat on his and Tristian's bed and wondered why his lover would send a useless message; it just didn't seem like something the clever strategist would do. But he didn't need to think on it long as a knock came at the bedroom door and the door was then slowly pushed open. Gabriel remained seated as he found the servants and such felt uncomfortable when he was towering over them. But the person who entered wasn't a servant, that he could tell straight away by the slightly pointed ears and silver hair.
"Gabriel?" The elf questioned politely as he walked over to sit on the bed next to him. Gabriel nodded and just looked at the strange elf. "I have a message from Tristian."
"Really?" The giant questioned happily, "Where is it?" He looked at the elf's hands expecting to see a scroll but there was none there.
"It's not that sort of message." The elf said smiling kindly.
Gabriel grinned, for some reason feeling very at ease with this elf. "That's good really, because I can't read." The elf laughed and Gabriel found it a very pleasing sound indeed, it was as nice as Tristian's laugh, yet lighter somehow, more genuine.
"I'm to take you back to the army with me."
"To Tristian?" Gabriel asked in disbelief.
"Yes, he misses you." The elf then glanced out the window, presumably to check how far along the sky the sun was. "We shall leave tomorrow morning, if you can be ready?"
"Yes." Gabriel grinned as he gave a quick nod. "Will it just be us travelling there?" He questioned curiously.
"Yeah, we'll get there quicker that way." The elf answered and for a fleeting moment Gabriel was sure he saw sadness in the storm-grey eyes.
"Since we will be travelling together, may I ask you two questions?" Gabriel queried thoughtfully.
"Of course."
"What is your name?"
"Vali." The elf answered with that pretty smile on his face.
"Why do you have this?" Gabriel asked as he brushed a couple of giant fingertips over the tattoo on the elf's cheek. He had never seen an elf with a tattoo and was curious about it, especially since it was in such a noticeable place. The elf looked at him contemplatively for a few moments before giving his answer.
"It was my mother's family crest before they were taken as slaves."
"You're mother was a slave?" Gabriel questioned in surprise shocked that an elf could ever be a slave.
"Yes." Vali then seemed to realise what Gabriel was thinking because he added. "I am only half-elven, my mother was human."
"Oh." Gabriel then thought of his own relationship with Tristian and questioned. "Did your father fall in love with her and set her free?"
"No, Gabriel." The half-elf answered softly, before standing. "I'll leave you to get ready." He then walked out without another word.
Brandon Arket paced back and forth across the lush rug in the centre of the massive bedroom. He spun to glance at the bed and his long neat braid of golden hair twisted with him. The bed was huge and adorned with dark purple silk sheets and pillows. It had cost him a fortune to get that particular colour in silk but he had thought nothing of it, as it was Vali's favourite colour. But now it just made him angry...because it was empty. There was no pretty silver-haired elf sprawled sensually across the sheets, there was nothing. He walked out onto the balcony and looked up at the sky seeing there were only a few hours left before sunrise. He had been waiting all night for his lover to show and now he was furious, he was furious at Vali for not coming as they had agreed, and he was furious at himself for waiting this long already.
He walked to the door and flung it open, walking quickly through the sitting room then opening the door to the corridor. He was needless to say surprised when the object of his love and anger was standing with his hand up as if he had been about to open the door himself. Vali just ignored the lord, slipping past him into the room and then walking into the bedroom. Brandon growled in anger and slammed the door closed before stalking into the bedroom and slamming that door as well. Vali turned to him with a mildly surprised expression.
"What's you're problem?" The half-elf asked casually as he sat on the bed and started taking his boots off.
"What is my problem?!" Brandon crossed the room in a few quick strides stopping just in front of his lover to glare down at him coldly. "Where the hell were you? I've been waiting all night!"
Vali just continued to take his boots off calmly, seemingly ignoring the furious elf. When he was finished he leaned back on the bed and yawned before answering passively. "I was just taking a walk. It's a lovely room Bran but I have trouble sleeping in here alone and I just figured I'd be sleeping alone tonight."
"And why the hell would you think that, Vali?" The lord asked his anger only increasing with the warrior's infuriating calm reaction to the situation.
"Because you ignored me this afternoon. I figured you'd grown tired of me." The words were spoken softly in the same calm tone but Brandon looked closely at his lover, noticing the hurt, confusion and anger in the silvery blue eyes. Brandon sighed heavily and sat down next to Vali on the bed, suddenly realising how childish he was being.
"I'm sorry. It had just been a bad day." He then turned to the silver-haired elf and lifted one elegant hand to caress Vali's flawless golden cheek. "I'll never grow tired of you, Vali."
Vali smiled sweetly. "Of course you will, my handsome lord." The half-elf leaned forward and claimed his lips in a soft affectionate kiss, which was over entirely too soon for Brandon's tastes. "I will grow old as you remain eternal, but I am happy with what we have...and so are you." Vali's eyes lowered slowly as if in a trance and Brandon followed his gaze to realise he had become fully erect just from the sweet kiss and his lover's softly spoken words. He felt his stomach flutter nervously, he always felt nervous sitting like this with his lover. He supposed it was because Vali was so 'experienced', Vali knew exactly what he was doing and never once had Brandon seen his confidence slip.
"Vali?" He asked breathlessly, "Will you dance for me?" Vali pulled back and slipped his shirt up over his head, and Brandon found his eyes drawn to every inch of the smooth golden skin as he watch the play of the warrior's slight but toned muscles as he tossed the shirt aside and leaned forward again.
"No, I'm sick of dancing." Vali undid the sash around Brandon's delicate waist and pushed the robe aside carefully, slowly kissing a path down his neck and chest. "How about you fuck me instead?" The only answer Brandon could give him was an inarticulate moan as Vali latched onto one of his nipples, flicking in with his skilled tongue before nipping at it playfully. His erection brushed against the fabric of Vali's pants and he moaned again becoming painfully hard, he wanted his lover and he wanted him now! He looked up at those magnificent grey eyes and tugged at the waist of his lover's pants. Vali smiled tenderly and kissed him deeply before suddenly pulling back. But before Brandon could complain at the loss of contact the half-elf was pressed against him again, this time flesh only meeting flesh.
He felt Vali's strong arms wrap around his waist a moment before he was thrown further up on the bed. He looked up annoyed that Vali hadn't joined him and saw his lover kneeling on the bed next to him with a cheeky grin on his pretty face. "Please...Vali, I want you." He begged quietly and was rewarded with a soft chuckle.
"Well, since you asked so nicely, my lord." And he was instantly on top of him again, kissing a fiery path down his neck and throat before letting Brandon claim his lips again in a slightly more frantic kiss. Brandon ran his hands down Vali's back until he was cupping the firm buttocks, he then lifted his hips so their arousals combined in a blast of pleasure. Brandon let his hands drop and he collapsed bonelessly back onto the bed as he closed his eyes lightly, sighing in contentment. He heard Vali's enchanting laughter and felt the bed shift as he moved to straddle his shins. "So soon, my love?" Brandon had never heard Vali call him love, in fact neither of them had ever used the word in each other's presence until now, but before he could contemplate it further a warm tongue licked at his limp shaft.
His back arched up instinctively and he buried his hands in Vali's soft hair as the skilled tongue skipped and licked over his most sensitive area. By the time all the come was removed from his shaft it was fully erect again and he was practically writhing on the bed as he moaned and clenched his hands in the velvety locks. Vali removed Brandon's hands gently and moved up on the bed. "Mmm, you taste so good." Vali commented in a sensual whisper before kissing him softly, but Brandon didn't want such soft attentions yet. He wrapped his arms around Vali's slim shoulders and pulled him down into a deeper more passionate kiss, their tongues battling wildly. When the kiss finally broke for lack of air he was surprised to see Vali looking dazed. The half-elf then smiled dreamily. "Wow." Brandon was surprised that that one whispered word of admiration meant more than the hundreds of words of praise he had received from any of his other lovers. He grinned evilly and twisted from under Vali, before pushing him onto the bed so the half-elf was on his back and he was pinning him to the mattress with his own slender body. Vali gasped lightly at the move but recovered quickly enough, content with suckling on Brandon's neck and trailing his hands over his back. Brandon's erection brushed against Vali's hip, making him aware of how close he was to releasing again. He pulled away quickly ignoring his lover's soft mewl of protest. He wanted to claim that amazing heat now. He grabbed the bottle of scented oil from the bedside table and opened it pouring a liberal amount on his hands before chucking the bottle aside carelessly. He then moved back quickly rubbing a brief coating on his shaft before leaning down to kiss his lover gently. He nudged Vali's legs apart and was a little surprised when the long legs wrapped around his waist, the tip of his shafted poking the tight opening. Vali moaned and his head fell back exposing his smooth golden throat. Brandon suckled on the flesh non-too gently trying to distract his lover as he slowly entered the amazing heat. He ran his hands up Vali's back and pulled their bodies together as he pushed in the rest of the way in one smooth stroke. Vali gasped and tightened the hold around Brandon's waist and shoulders but made no other indication that he was in pain, so Brandon pulled out before thrusting in again. This time his silver-haired lover moaned in pleasure and Brandon concentrated on not letting himself go too quickly. Despite all his efforts though, he came after only a few minutes of the ecstatic pleasure, working his hand over Vali's strained erection so they came together, his seed spilling into the tight heat, his lover's spilling across their stomachs. When the last of the tremors passed through their bodies they collapsed in a boneless heap of limbs on the soft bed. The only move Brandon managed to make before falling into a deep sleep was to slip out of his lover and turn his head to nuzzle against Vali's neck, as he felt the legs untangle from his waist and gentle arms wrap around him protectively.
Vali trailed his hands through his sleeping lover's long silky hair. Brandon was so beautiful he wanted to treasure him for as long as he could before having to leave again. He knew he should get the couple of hours sleep he could before dawn but the vision sprawled elegantly across him was too eye-catching. He brushed the hair aside and ran light fingers across Brandon's back, he skin was so smooth and soft so unlike that of a warriors. It was also appealingly pale, like the colour of fresh cream. He leaned his head forward and kissed one bare shoulder, noting his lover tasted better than any cream ever could. He sighed in contentment and let his eyes drift shut as he continued to trace patterns over the warm flesh.
He didn't want to leave so soon, if only he hadn't told Gabriel they would be leaving in the morning. He nearly laughed as the bitter thought came to him, /Brandon wouldn't spend the day with me anyway, I'm just a warm body to him, nothing more...no matter how much I may wish it./ He squeezed his eyes shut tighter to try and stop the flow of tears but it didn't work, they trailed lazily down from the corners of his eyes to mix with the sweat already gathered in his hair. He opened his eyes to stare up at the ceiling with hazy vision and he tightened his arms around the sleeping form, whispering against the golden strands of silk.
"I love you, Brandon Arket...I wonder if you know? Though I pray you do not."
The forest was peaceful as the two companions rode their horses in a steady walk along the well-used track. Gabriel urged his horse to move a bit faster and Vali glanced over at him with an amused expression. "We will get there before nightfall. There is no need to rush your poor horse, she's having enough trouble coping with your weight as it is."
"I can walk faster than this." Gabriel complained as his horse plodded along steadily.
"Then by all means do, I won't stop you." The half-elf retorted with a grin. Gabriel looked at the elf for a moment longer before turning his eyes back to the scenery. He knew he was whining but he just couldn't wait to see Tristian again. He turned his gaze to his companion again and noticed not for the first time how exhausted Vali looked, yet he seemed happy. He was about to ask if he'd had bad dreams the night before when he noticed the dark red mark, low on the elf's neck. He changed his question.
"Who is it you are going to miss tonight?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" The elf asked slightly confused. Gabriel pointed to the mark on his neck and grinned as the elf flushed scarlet. "Oh...umm...Brandon." Gabriel raised a dark eyebrow in surprise.
"Tristian's brother? The high lord?"
"Yes." Vali answered quietly, still blushing.
Gabriel laughed good-naturedly before commenting. "So we're both lovers of Arkets. How wonderful."
"Wonderful indeed, for it will make my bargain with Serina all the sweeter." They both looked back quickly to see a tall dark man on a massive horse behind them, with at least ten barbaric warriors backing him up. More warriors appeared in front of them and they were surrounded within seconds. The man laughed before speaking again. "What a magnificent revenge. To torture their lovers."
Gabriel roared in anger and lashed out at the nearest warriors as Vali jumped from his horse unsheathing his sword. But the battle was brief. Gabriel was used to one on one combat and so a mass of warriors subdued him easily. Vali faired better killing five of the warriors before a strong blow hit him from behind, knocking him unconscious. Gabriel vowed he would kill that evil bitch Serina next time he saw her. Then everything went dark as something connected forcefully with his temple.
Serina walked through the camped army, a sly grin covering her face and a joyful bounce in her step. She pushed a tent flap open and entered stopping just inside to soak in the vision before her. Her angel was fast asleep on a floor mat, a thin sheet only half covering him, so his toned chest and stomach could be seen along with one long supple leg. If only his fiery hair was loose of it's braid and spread out across the sheets he would look perfect. She walked over silently and knelt beside him, just enjoying being near him. She really couldn't understand what her beloved saw in that stupid human. He was so below her beautiful warlord. He was a human after all. She wished Tristian had his brother's standards; the lowest Brandon would sink to was a half-elf...Vali...
/Vali, I am truly sorry./ She thought sadly. She had wished it had been another travelling with Gabriel; she had liked the pretty half-elf. He had been so full of life and spirit; no one could help but to like him. But it was done now; they were in the hands of the slaver. He would ship them off to another land and they would be sold, Gabriel as a quarry worker and Vali...probably as a sex slave. She felt another pang of guilt but pushed it away quickly and returned her attention to the prize, who was worth it all. She reached out to caress his porcelain cheek but was stopped by a slender but strong hand. Beautiful violet eyes opened and Tristian sat up, shoving Serina's hand away non-to gently. She winced at the annoyance in his eyes and sat back on her heels.
"What do you want, lieutenant?" He asked coldly, obviously still angry at her for insulting his love the night before when he had rejected her yet again.
"I'm sorry, my lord." She let her words sound sincere, it didn't matter now anyway; she had won. "I should not have insulted Gabriel. He is a fine man and I am glad you two are happy together."
"What are you playing at, Serina?" He questioned suspiciously and she almost jumped in joy, he had called her by her name that meant she still had a chance if she played her cards right.
"I have been thinking." She paused for effect. "I love you, Tristian." She could tell he was about to protest so she added quickly. "Which is why I am letting you go. I know you love Gabriel and he loves you in return. I just want you to be happy...for that will make me happy." She whispered the last with a pain filled voice, complete with a few tears. His beautiful face softened and he reached out brushing the tears away.
"Thank you, Ser. It means a lot to me that you like Gabriel."
She smiled. "And I do, I like him immensely." She lied smoothly glad that Tristian was so love-struck he didn't notice./ I win! /
Brandon couldn't concentrate on anything. He shook his head to try and clear it and once again tried to concentrate on what his advisers were saying but an instant later his mind drifted again. He stood up suddenly and everyone in the room turned to him with surprise clearly written on their features. He then walked out the room without another word. He walked for several minutes not really paying attention to where he was going; he was needless to say surprised when he suddenly found himself in front of Vali's room. He sighed and opened the door, closing it softly after he had slipped into the room. He felt like a lovesick child as he walked to the bed and laid down on it, clutching a pillow and breathing in deeply hoping to catch some of his lover's magic scent.
"What is wrong with me?" He questioned the empty room sadly. He couldn't understand why he felt so depressed. Sure he missed laying next to his sultry lover when Vali was gone but he very rarely thought of him during the day. He felt an odd feeling like he really should have told Vali that he had heard his whispered confession. That he really should have told Vali that he felt the same. He should have told Vali he loved him, for he had the strange feeling that he would never get another chance.
Gabriel glared at the man who had become his new worst enemy. The man just smiled in return looking annoyingly pleased with himself. The half-giant pulled on the chains again but they held, keeping him firmly against the stonewall.
"Now, now, Gabriel. There is no need to get testy." The man said slyly. "I have just come to make you an offer. One I'm sure you will not refuse."
"What offer?" Gabriel questioned, pushing his anger aside as his survival instincts kicked in.
"It is quite simple really. I can either sell you and the elf...or... You can do one little thing for me and then I'll let you both go."
Gabriel looked at him suspiciously, there was no way it could be as easy as it sounded. "What 'little thing'?"
The man smiled and walked over to Gabriel.
"I wish to release your true nature."
Vali looked up as he heard the door swing open. Gabriel walked in and he sighed in relief seeing the half-giant wore no restraints and figuring he had broken free. "Gabriel, thank the gods! Help me get these off." He said as he indicated the chains, which were pinning his wrists to the wall above his head. Gabriel stopped a short distance away from him; regret showing clearly in the emerald eyes. Vali felt a fearful sinking feeling in his stomach. "Gabriel?"
"I'm sorry Vali." He said apologetically before reaching out one giant hand and ripping off the stunned warrior's shirt in one quick swipe.
"G-Gabriel? What are you doing?" But his only answer was his pants being forcefully removed as well. He then felt pure terror as Gabriel dropped his own pants, freeing his massive length. He whimpered softly in shock and fear. He had never seen someone so 'big'. He then watched in horror as it twitched to life when Gabriel ran one strong hand down his neck. The hand came to rest around his throat and squeezed to the point of being painful as the giant cock increased in hardness. He tried to struggle but his arms couldn't be moved at all, he did managed to lift his legs up though and he kicked Gabriel hard in the stomach hoping to get him to back off. But the ex-gladiator didn't even flinch he just grabbed onto his slender thighs calmly and slammed the limbs back against the wall so he was spread wide. He cried out but it was more in shock than actual pain, thanks to the fact he was so flexible.
Gabriel then stepped forward, still digging his fingers into the tender flesh as his tip poked just below his entrance. Vali shook his head in denial, feeling incredible vulnerable and helpless. He felt tears sliding down his cheeks as he begged Gabriel to stop in a shaky voice. Gabriel just looked at him with an apologetic expression and kissed his tears away gently.
"I'm sorry, Vali. I don't want to hurt you."
"Please...please don't...Bran won't forgive me...if you do...please..."
Gabriel looked at the shivering elf in surprise, Vali's softly spoken plea making him realise it wasn't the pain Vali feared but the betrayal of his lover. He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss to the trembling lips, he then pulled back, still keeping a firm hold on the smooth skinned thighs. "Brandon will forgive you, this isn't your fault."
Those beautiful and unique silvery eyes looked at him pleadingly, trails of crystalline liquid running down the golden cheeks. "Gabriel don't...I'm scared."
"Shh." He whispered words of reassurance against the moist rose-coloured lips before kissing them again. He licked the salty liquid off them carefully slipping his tongue into the sweet wetness of the elf's unresisting mouth. Vali moaned softly at Gabriel's tender ministrations, his body enjoying the kiss even if his mind did not want to. Gabriel realised this was the best time as Vali was distracted with the kiss, of course he didn't realise the full impact of entering a male, as he had never done it before. He parted Vali's firm buttocks carefully before thrusting up into the astoundingly tight entrance in one smooth stroke.
Vali's back arched as he let out an ear-piercing scream, his voice finally breaking before he slumped back against his bonds sobbing pitifully. Gabriel stared at the shuddering and obviously pain-filled elf in complete incomprehension. He was brought back to reality as he felt something warm and wet dribbling slowly across his balls and down his legs. He glanced down and saw...blood, lots of it coming from the elf's entrance. He was pretty sure that wasn't supposed to happen. He let go off the golden thighs and lowered the elf's legs gently but still receiving several painful whimpers from Vali. He then cupped the elf's face softly and lifted his head so he could look into the tear-clouded eyes. He saw the amount of agony in the expressive eyes and felt a painful stab of guilt realising he had caused that pain.
When the slaver had told him what he had to do he knew it would cause the pretty elf some pain, but nothing like this. "Oh, god, Vali. I'm so sorry." He said brushing away the tears with his thumbs.
"P-please...g-get out." Vali begged, his voice full of suffering as Gabriel's length continued to stretch him beyond his limits. Despite the fact he was causing so much pain he couldn't help also feeling the amazingly tight heat surrounding his still rock solid arousal. He also remembered the slaver's words. He had to come inside Vali or they would not be let go. He pulled almost all the way out of the glorious warmth, seeing the relief in Vali's eyes until he thrust back in suddenly, tearing another scream from the elf's throat. He pumped in and out quickly, ignoring the elf's pain as he tried to get it over with as quick as possible. He eventually came, letting out a shout of ecstasy at the pleasure his body would not deny him. He collapsed against the silently crying elf and kissed him gently trying to ease Vali's pain as he slid out of him. But he was suddenly torn away by a couple of guards and thrown to his knees.
When he looked up he saw the slaver looking down at him smugly, an old woman standing by his side. "Are you sure this did it? He doesn't look broken to me." The slaver asked the old woman.
"Oh, he is not." She said smiling coolly at Gabriel. "But I guaranty this action and the consequences it will have will cause the Arkets far more pain than simply selling their lovers."
Tristian stared up at the high impenetrable walls of Dervick and sighed sadly. He didn't want to admit it but he was worried. Not about he siege, he knew for a fact the city would crumble in a bare fortnight. He was worried about Gabriel and to a lesser degree Vali. Even if Vali had stayed in Sentanii for a couple of nights before beginning the journey back with Gabriel, they should have been back by now. And Serina's strange behaviour certainly wasn't helping to alleviate his anxiety. She had done nothing but give him gentle friendly caresses and hugs and words of comfort and assurance when he became so worried about Gabriel he could do nothing but sit and stare off into space. She had stayed true to her word and had been the perfect friend, instead of a jealous ex-lover. It was a drastic change of personality for her and he suspected it was fake.
What he couldn't understand was why she would fake something like that. She had already admitted to herself that as long as Gabriel was around Tristian would never be with her. A dreadful thought then entered his mind 'as long as Gabriel is around'. He snarled in anger as sudden comprehension dawned, Serina was just the sort of elf to sink to the level of betrayal. He spun on his heel and walked past the many tents in search of his least trusted lieutenant. He was just about to storm into the tent when he heard a commotion coming from the other side of the camping grounds. He strode hastily to where a crowd was quickly gathering. He pushed his way through before stopping in complete shock.
Gabriel...his Gabriel was clutching a blanket covered figure to his chest protectively. Tristian pushed his jealous thoughts aside and quickly jogged over to his lover. Gabriel looked down at him with tear-filled eyes and clutched the figure tighter, electing a small whimper of pain. Tristian saw a flash of silver and comprehension dawned. He ushered Gabriel to the nearest tent, getting some warriors to remove the previous contents of the tent. He waited until Gabriel had lowered Vali carefully to the floor before he threw his arms around his lover, embracing him fiercely, relieved when the giant returned the gesture. They stood that way for a long time just basking in the silent joy of being together again and safe.
Tristian was the one to finally break the silence, pulling back slightly so he could look up into those enchanting emerald orbs. "Are you alright?"
"I am." The giant answered glancing at the unconscious half-elf.
"What happened?"
"Serina betrayed us."
"I suspected as much." Tristian snarled. "She will die for that."
"She will." Gabriel agreed easily, "And I will be the one to do it."
"No arguments here." Tristian said as he took one large calloused hand in his and pulled Gabriel from the tent. "Now let's get you cleaned up, love."
"Am I invisible?" Came the indignant question.
"I don't know Tristian, why don't you go ask one of your guards?" Came the equally angry retort.
The two lovers were in Tristian's large tent. The light coming from the various lamps around the room flickered and a soft scent flowed lazily around the room, curtesy of the oil burner set up in the centre of the structure. Tristian narrowed his eyes glaring at Gabriel's back. He was sprawled sensually over a pile of silk cushions, wearing nothing but a dark purple silk wrap loosely around his waist. He had tied his hair up in a loose bun, so all Gabriel would have to do is pull the small clip out and the silken waves would spill down, to brush across his perfect skin. But all his careful efforts at seduction were wasted as his lover stayed stubbornly facing the wrong direction. He couldn't understand it, Gabriel had been with him for several days and not once had they had sex, in fact they had barely kissed as the giant continued to push Tristian away...literally.
He honestly couldn't understand what was wrong, it just didn't make sense. All he knew was he had had enough. He stood quickly and stalked over to the larger man, straddling his lap before he could react. Gabriel instantly flinched turning his head away. He lay slender but strong hands on either side of Gabriel's handsome face and forced him to meet his gaze.
"Fuck me now, Gabriel. Or I will get one of my warriors."
"If that's all you ever think about. Then go ahead, slut." Gabriel retorted and easily shoved Tristian off, sending him sprawling to the canvas floor. He stared up at the giant in absolute shock, Tristian being an elf and a feared warlord had never had anyone call him a slut before, let alone push him away like that. That would have been bad enough normally but to hear that word from the one he loved. Against his will he felt salty tears slide down his cheeks, he turned away quickly to try and hide them but he needn't have bothered, Gabriel just continued acting like he didn't exist. He suddenly felt vulnerable in his almost naked state and quickly grabbed his robe, slipping it on and wrapping it tightly around himself.
"Why are you still here?" He was pulled out of his miserable daydream by the gruffly asked question.
"It is* my* tent." He replied coldly hoping his pain wouldn't show in his voice.
"Damn it Tristian! You are so selfish! All you ever think about it you!" Gabriel yelled before the elf suddenly found himself pinned to the floor under a very brawny body. He looked into anger filled emerald and felt himself completely stunned for the second time that night. He closed his eyes taking in a deep calming breath before looking back up into those eyes, it was then he noticed the anger was a cover. He should have known, he should have thought sooner. Gabriel had been in pain since he came to the camp, he should have noticed. /Gabriel is right; I am selfish. /
"I'm so sorry, love." All it took was those softly spoken words of apology and he found himself pulled into Gabriel's lap and enveloped in strong arms. Gabriel holding onto him as if he were a lifeline, his giant frame racked with sobs, which had been pent-up too long. He slipped his arms around Gabriel's waist and leaned against him, totally clueless as to how to comfort the distressed giant. Gabriel's crying finally subsided but he still held on tightly to his lover, obviously needing the contact desperately.
"You were right, Tristian, it is hard being your lover." He whispered sadly, reaching up to up clip the coppery hair before starting to run his hands though it, soothing them both. "Will I always have to insult you before you pay attention to me?"
"I hope not." He mumbled rubbing his cheek against the silk robe the giant wore. "It hurts when you do."
"I'm sorry, love, but you deserved it."
"I know." Tristian sighed and let his eyes drift shut, enjoying the gentle play of hands over his back and through his hair. "What happened that you haven't told me about?" Gabriel had told him how they had been captured but he had obviously left out a few details, as Tristian knew they wouldn't have escaped on their own, especially with Vali in the condition he was in. He was sure that whatever had been left out of the story was what was bothering his lover.
"I made a deal. That's why we were set free." Gabriel took a deep breath before confessing. "I raped Vali." Tristian sat back in surprise looking up to see tears filling his lover's eyes again. "I agreed to the deal because...I didn't think it would hurt him that much."
"Oh, dear." The warlord whispered in understanding. Gabriel was particularly well endowed, so much so that he had his own doubts about letting his lover claim him fully. They had never gone that far and it was now something Tristian regretted as he imagined how it must have hurt his brother's lover to be entered by someone as large and inexperienced as Gabriel.
"He bled so much...and the screaming...I...I didn't want to hurt him."
"I know, love, I know." Tristian caressed his tears away lovingly. "You weren't to know but it's over now, you are both safe."
"I'm scared." Gabriel admitted softly catching the slender hands and squeezing them between his own. "I want to...to fuck you. But I'm scared I'll hurt you like that. I couldn't live with myself if I hurt you like that."
"My poor innocent love." Tristian said giving him an affectionate kiss on the frowning lips. "I will show you how to make love without hurting me. You are big but all it will take is a little careful preparation." He gave him a far more passionate kiss before leaning back and asking in a velvety whisper. "Will you let me show you?" Gabriel nodded quickly before leaning down pushing their lips together in another deep kiss.
Reanna ran a hand through the soft silver hair, stroking it aside gently from the pale face. Vali's normally healthy light golden skin had become a few shades paler, a thin layer of cold sweat permanently covering it. He hadn't woken since he had been brought to the castle two days ago and she had only just managed to get Brandon to leave his lover's side. She could understand her husband's worry; she felt some of it herself. Tristian had already healed Vali's wounds before the half-elf was brought to Sentanii but he still wouldn't wake and he couldn't seem to shake off his fever. He moaned softly in his sleep and she held her breath wondering if he was going to wake. A short time latter dazed storm-grey eyes fluttered open, barely focusing on her.
"L-lady Reanna?" Her brows furrowed in worry as she heard the raspy edge to his normally musical voice. She ran a gentle hand through his hair again and was surprised when he turned away from the touch as if stung.
"Please, call me Rea." She offered kindly trying to figure out why he looked so stricken.
"W-what happened? Where am I?" He turned back to her looking up at her with a confused and slightly frightened expression. She glanced around the room and wondered what had possessed her husband to put Vali in this much smaller and less elegant room, instead of in the half-elf's normal room.
"You are in Sentanii. Tristian brought you here after Gabriel..." She paused for a moment noticing him flinch visibly at the mention of the giant's name. Something had definitely happened, but it was Brandon's job to find out what, not hers. "...escaped with you."
"Where's Brandon?" He sounded so lost and childlike she just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be all right. She wondered where these strange maternal instincts were coming from and instead answered his question as calmly as she could.
"He is sleeping, in your old room." For some reason this answer seemed to only pain the wounded warrior further. He turned his head away and she could have sworn she heard a hitch in his breathing. "Vali?" She touched his cheek gently.
"Lady Reanna can-"
"Please, it's Rea."
"Rea, can you please leave me alone for awhile? I...I need to...think." She studied him for a few seconds, hesitant to leave him in such a distraught state but not wishing to crowd him. She sighed and stood up, figuring it would be best to leave him alone, for now.
"Sure. If you need anything I'll be right outside. So just call out." She waited for him to nod slightly in acknowledgement before exiting the room quietly. She stayed out in the hallway debating whether to go wake Brandon or not. She knew he would want to know that Vali was awake but he had only left a short hour ago and he hadn't got any sleep since his wounded lover had arrived at the castle. She heard a soft noise and leaned closer to the door. She puzzled over the sound for a moment before she recognized it; Vali was crying. That made up her mind and she headed quickly to get Brandon.
He was curled up on Vali's bed, clutching a pillow tightly. "What a sad pair you are." She murmured affectionately as she walked over and sat next to him on the bed. "Bran?" She shook his shoulder gently until he blinked his eyes open sleepily and sat up.
"What? You said you'd stay with Vali. What-" She put a finger to his lips to stop his questioning pushing away the pang of hurt as she realised that Brandon cared for the pretty half-elf more than her.
"He's awake." Brandon instantly leapt from the bed but before he could reach the door she called out. "Wait!"
"What?" He spun looking supremely annoyed.
"I think something terrible happened to him." She couldn't help the smugness in her voice that she knew something about his lover that he did not. "Something to do with Gabriel."
"Did he say that?" Brandon questioned dubiously.
"Of course not. It's just...you'd better go see for yourself." She shrugged, then collapsed back onto the bed as he quickly disappeared out of sight. She knew who she would be spending the night with.
Brandon entered the room silently, walking over to carefully sit on the bed next to his gorgeous lover. Vali turned to him, surprise and sorrow in his beautiful eyes, which were currently swimming with tears. "Brandon?" He choked out, his voice still raw from his ordeal. Brandon wiped the tears away tenderly with elegant hands, his voice full of concern.
"Vali? What's wrong? Why are you crying? You're safe now." Vali just turned away from the touch as tears continued to tickle across his skin. Brandon swallowed heavily, his throat suddenly dry; he had a sudden horrible irrational fear that Vali would never speak to him again. That he would never again hear that silky voice or musical laughter. "Vali, love. Please talk to me?" He sounding like he was begging but right now he didn't care as long as he could get some response from the man he loved with all his heart.
"Don't call me that!" The cold response was definitely not one he was hoping for, why was Vali angry with him?
"What?" He questioned hesitantly.
"You don't love me! You never did! And now you don't even want my body anymore!"
Brandon wouldn't have been more shocked if Vali had told him he was pregnant. "What? Don't be insane."
"You said you wouldn't share me with anyone! Even if I didn't want him to..." Vali's voice broke off in a painful sob as he curled up on his side. Brandon stayed perfectly still for a long moment trying to contain his anger. He then forced the words out as calmly as he could.
"Someone raped you? Who?"
"It doesn't matter. I'm tainted. You don't want me anymore." Vali declared miserably, his slight frame shaking with his silent crying.
Brandon's patience suddenly snapped. He jumped on the bed at the same time he grabbed Vali's shoulder and turned him over, so they were face to face. He then cupped that pretty face gently until metallic blue met deep violet. "Of course I do, Vali. Haven't you been listening to a word I've said? I. LOVE. YOU." Hope fluttered in the icy orbs but there was still a deep-rooted uncertainty.
"No..." The half-elf whispered quietly and Brandon growled in exasperation. "Then why am I here?" Vali questioned miserably, still not daring to believe. Brandon stared at him in confusion, and then nearly slapped his forehead in stupidity. When he had Vali put in this room it hadn't even occurred to him that his lover might take it the wrong way. He smiled and placed a gentle kiss to the trembling lips before answering.
"Because you said you had trouble sleeping in our room. I thought you would be more comfortable in this one."
"Oh." A soft blush graced Vali's pale cheeks and the smile that always melted Brandon's heart appeared. "You...you really love me?"
"Yes." Brandon laughed lightly feeling immensely relieved that Vali finally believed him. "When Tristian brought you back...seeing you look so frail and broken. I realised how close I had come to loosing you, without you knowing how much I care."
"I love you too." Vali admitted shyly, his blush darkening slightly.
"I know." Brandon confessed guiltily, as he met with Vali's confused expression.
"Y-you do?"
"I've heard you whisper it many times when you thought me asleep." He placed another gentle kiss to those luscious lips, stroking the soft hair all the while. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner...instead of letting you hurt like that."
"It doesn't matter now." Vali shrugged and lifted slender hands to tug softly at Brandon's shirt. "Hold me?"
"Gladly."
Soon they were both snuggled together under the blankets, a familiar position for both of them except that this time it was the warrior who rested his head on the high lord's shoulder, his thin fingers entwined in silken sunshine coloured hair. Brandon traced careful fingers across his lover's smooth back, reaching down to trace the dark pattern running across the small of his back. The anger still lived in the back of his mind though, almost ruining the perfect moment. He was willing to give Vali some time, but he would find out sooner or later.
"I haven't forgotten." He whispered softly into the short silvery strands. Vali sighed in his almost asleep state and nuzzled softly against his neck, his breath washing over his skin warmly as he spoke.
"I know, love." Brandon tightened the arm around his lover's waist, once Vali told him who the bastard was who dared to...touch him against his will, he would kill the bastard. No one got away with hurting any of High Lord Arket's possessions.