Warren balanced the tray in one hand as he opened the door to the small cabin with the other. He finally managed to get it without spilling any of the food on the tray and without making too much noise. He walked into the small room, closing the door behind himself with his foot. He set the tray down on the low table before inspecting the occupant of the room. It had been a week since the ship had set sail and the elf was showing no signs of improvement. His skin had been a beautiful light golden colour when he had boarded the ship, but it was now dull and slightly grey. He was worried, having never known of an elf travelling on a ship before, could they survive?
Vali made a weak mumbling sound in his sleep and shifted slightly. Warren ran a hand through the short hair, still amazed that something which looked like heavy silver could be so soft and light. It really was a shame they only had three months before the elf would be presented to his new owner. Because William had a particular fetish for long hair, and the elf's hair would be absolutely glorious long, but it would only reach his shoulders by the time they got to Brantilay. And long hair would make pulling this off easier, not that he didn't look like a young woman anyway, well, except for being flat-chested, but many woman in Brantilay were like that. Small was all the fashion at the moment, thin and fragile was the only way to be appealing, apparently. He had even heard of women wrapping bandages tightly around their breasts to try and make them 'disappear'.
He would never understand the nobles' obsessions with fashion but then he didn't have to. All he had to do was bring back a female elf for William's collection of ornamental bimbos. Of course he hadn't been given long enough as neither of them had known that all elves were nobles themselves, and so finding one who happened to be a slave was next to impossible. He had actually been surprised he had managed to get one at all, and he figured it would be easy enough to hide the fact he was a he. Vali was to be just an ornament after all. They would just put him in dresses and no one would know the difference. He wasn't sure about the tattoos though, especially the one on his face. It was finely done but it was such a strong symbol. If it was some flowers, or maybe a bird, but a dragon? But then perhaps William would like it, it did add to the elf's exotic appeal.
He was brought back to his surroundings as he heard another sleepy noise. He touched the elf's shoulder carefully. "Vali. Wake up." The elf didn't stir at his words so he shook his shoulder softly until the large storm-grey eyes fluttered open. He smiled and pulled his hand back, happy that the elf's eyes looked clearer than they had in days. "How do you feel?"
"Like I'm dying." The elf told him miserably before trying to sit up, but his head only got a couple of inches off the pillow before he slumped back down. "You said a week... it's been a week and I still feel awful." He complained weakly, not bothering to try and move again.
"Yes, well, I think you are over the seasickness, but you haven't eaten anything for a long time and so your body needs to recover from that." The middle-aged human glanced at the tray of food he had brought. "Do you think you can eat something?" Vali looked at him for a long moment before letting out a tired sigh.
"I suppose so."
Warren leaned over the sick elf and slipped his arms under him lifting Vali with surprising ease. He had never actually tried to carry the elf before so he had no idea how impossibly light he was. It was like carrying a small child, except for the size, for though Vali was thin and delicate he was taller than Warren had imagined elves to be, almost six feet tall, which would be another problem with passing him off as a woman. He set Vali down on the table next to the tray, as there was no other furniture in the room. Vali seemed to find enough strength to stay sitting and he looked at the bowl of plain rice sceptically.
"What is it?" He questioned, turning his gaze to the human.
"You don't have rice in your country?" Warren was incredulous. How could the 'great' elven lands not have such an important food growing on them?
"If that maggoty looking stuff is rice, then no we don't have it in my country." Vali answered eyeing the food distastefully. "Where does it come from?" He picked the bowl up and a spoon and poked at it gingerly. Warren couldn't help laughing, the elf was so adorable in his naivety.
"It is a plant, Vali, a cooked plant. It won't jump out at you."
"Oh." The elf blushed and turned his gaze down to the strange food, after a moment more of contemplation he put a spoonful in his mouth and chewed it gingerly. Once he had swallowed he put the bowl back down on the tray carefully. "I'm not really hungry."
"But you have to eat something, you won't get better if you don't." Warren told him with a concerned frown. The elf really had gotten too thin, he was almost skin and bones.
"I can't eat that. It tastes strange and I think I'll vomit it all back up if you make me eat it." The elf told him perfectly seriously. Warren had to cough slightly to cover his light laugh, the elf was too adorable for his own good. He knelt in front of the table and uncovered another bowl of food. There were two nicely cooked fish fillets in the bowl and he held it out to the elf.
"Do you have fish in your country?" He asked with a smile as the elf took the bowl from his hand.
"You know it's very mean to make fun of people when they are sick." The elf told him, inadvertently eliciting another laugh from the human. He glared at him for a moment before starting to carefully pick at the fish. To Warren's relief he eventually ate all the fish and even some more of the rice. But afterwards he could barely stay sitting and he moved him back to his hammock, stroking some hair away from the pretty face as the elf drifted back off to sleep. He smiled and cleared up the dishes, leaving quietly. The elf would be fine.
Vali breathed in deeply of the cool night air, glad that the wind was gentle enough for Warren to let him on deck. When the human had first restricted his time outside he had thought he didn't want him out when the wind was high because he might fall overboard, but the real reason was he didn't want Vali's hair or skin ruined by the harsh salty winds. Warren also seemed to think the sun was bad for him, so he hadn't been out in the daytime for two months. He hadn't minded staying in the small cabin at first because he had been learning the humans' strange language, but now he could speak it fluently and with barely an accent, so he was bored. He would have given anything for his sword and a few things to kill, they could even be goblins, he didn't care.
"Hello, pretty one." He turned from where he had been staring at the waves and saw one of the few sailors who spoke elven standing looking at him with a friendly grin on his rugged face. "It's a nice night."
"If you say so." The elf replied in Brantilan, glad for the opportunity to practice the new language with someone other than Warren. The sailor looked stunned for a moment, he then smiled and looked the elf over in amazement.
"You learnt it so quickly?"
"Yes, it wasn't really very hard. Your language is actually very similar to the common language of the human slaves in my homeland."
"Ah, and how is it you know the language of human slaves?" The sailor questioned, giving the elf a nasty look, obviously thinking Vali meant human slaves were pathetic and beneath him.
"My mother, a human slave, taught it to me." He replied, smiling smugly as the sailor looked rather embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, I had heard elves thought humans were as socially high as dogs."
"Oh they do. But I'm a half-breed, which is very different."
"So you are only a half-elf." The sailor commented thoughtfully, rubbing the stubble on his chin in contemplation. "You look like a full elf to me. You have the pointy ears, big eyes and silver hair."
"And you look like a big dumb oaf, but it doesn't mean you are."
The sailor laughed and started walking off but before he went below deck he called out over his shoulder. "See you later, pretty one!"
Vali sighed and turned back to the dark ocean and night sky. He wondered what his owner was like. Warren wouldn't say much about him, all the human would tell him was that it was very important he pretend to be a woman. It seemed very stupid to him but he would just have to go along with it until he could figure a way out of this whole mess. He tried to clear his mind of other thoughts, but like he always did, he ended up thinking of Brandon. He wondered if the High Lord would come looking for him, would he even realise he was gone?
He smiled softly as he pictured the elegant elf in his mind. He would get to Brantilay and his master would be horrible and nasty but then Brandon would come and save him. He would slay the evil human and take Vali back to Sentanii. Brandon would apologise for being so insensitive and he would forget about Reanna and having children, and he would spend the next century with him. And they would be so happy.
He gave a quiet bitter laugh, that would never happen. The most likely scenario was that Brandon hadn't even thought of him after he had left. That he was happy with his wife and he would never give Vali a second thought. No, if he was going to get out of this mess, he would have to do it himself. There was no one to rescue him.
Ertican was a very happy man. He was rather intoxicated and he had procured a whore for later on in the evening. He had gotten a nice room in an expensive inn and was assured a bed free of bugs. Yes Ertican was a very happy man. That was until he walked into his room and found a copper-haired elf sitting lazily on his bed, and when he turned to flee the room he found a huge scarred warrior filling the doorway. Now Ertican was a very unhappy and extremely scared man.
Large hands locked around his shoulders and he was pushed further into the room, the door closing ominously in the almost silent room. He was spun to face the elf, the giant keeping a strong grip on his shoulders. Tristian stood and sauntered over to him, his evil and completely sadistic smirk in place on his deceptively angelic face. He reached out one slender gloved hand and caressed the slaver's cheek.
"You obviously learnt nothing from our last encounter." He sighed in mock sadness and moved his hand idly down to Ertican's neck. "But I am willing to give you a choice despite your stupidity, but only because I having better things to do with my time." He began undoing the buttons on the slaver's shirt, barely pausing in his speech. "You know of my reputation, you have experienced some things from me before. So you will know what a gift it is that I am offering to skip all that, since in the end you will tell me what I want. So, dear Ertican, where is Vali?"
"Brantilay!" He all but squeaked out in response. "I sold him to some rich noble's assistant. He was going to take him back to his master as an ornamental slave. I swear that's all I know! I didn't even ask the guy's name!"
"I hope you are telling the truth, because I don't want to have to resurrect you later." Tristian said with a dismissive wave of his hand before taking a couple of steps backwards. Ertican had barely enough time to register the words before he felt the hands leave his shoulders and clasp the sides of his head. He opened his mouth, vaguely thinking of screaming but all that came out was a gush of brains as his skull was crushed in a mere second by the giant hands.
The elf rested his chin on his folded arms, which rested on the ship's rail. He gazed out at the calm waters glad to be out of the stuffy cabin, and to be able to breath in fresh ocean air. The past week he had spent in his small room, sick and trying to cling to anything he could so he didn't end up too battered. He had never thought a storm could be that bad or last that long. On the worst night Warren even had one of the sailors, the only one who would talk to him, come and stay with him, to hold him and keep him from too much damage.
He was at once glad there was only two weeks of the journey left, and at the same time terrified. What if Warren had lied to him? What if his new master would expect certain things from him? If so he would surely find out about him being a him. And then what? Would he be angered and kill him? Or worse, send him to a mine or slave brothel?
He was brought out of his thoughts as he noticed movement off in the distance. It looked a bit like a fish swimming near the surface. Vali then realised with a start that whatever it was, it was huge. He turned and quickly scanned the deck for humans. The large sailor he knew was standing over near the other side of the large ship and was talking to one of his fellow sailors. He thought about calling out to him but he wasn't sure what to call out. It was all because the Brantilans had this stupid superstition. While the ship was at sea they weren't allowed to exchange names, which meant he had no idea what anyone but Warren's name was. He couldn't believe these humans could be so ridiculous.
The sailor finally glanced his way and the elf waved, indicating to him to come over. The large human hesitated a moment, then said a finally word to his companion before walking over. When he reached the elf he leaned on the rail and questioned, a bit irritated. "What is it, pretty one?"
"There's something out there." Vali answered pointing off to where the large creature was moving just under the surface. The human peered off in the direction he had indicated for a long moment. He then shrugged and turned back to the elf.
"I don't see anything."
"There is something there, and it's big." Vali insisted, a bit annoyed that the human couldn't see what was clearly there. Was the man pretending not to see just to annoy him?
He looked at the elf a moment longer before sighing and calling out to the lookout. The lookout shifted in his tower and pulled out a telescope, scanning the waters in the direction the creature was in. He appeared to find something and he called back to the large sailor, just one word.
"Makara? What's that?" The elf questioned confused, and looking back to see the creature was coming closer.
"A sea serpent, pretty one." The human replied, gazing out at the dark waters, still looking for the creature. "You have very good eyes. How is it you can see further at night, than I can see in full light?"
"It's coming towards us." Vali said a bit fearfully, ignoring the man's question. "Will it attack the ship?"
"Don't worry, pretty one, this crew have handled more than one Makara." He then walked away from the elf, rallying the other sailors on deck. Vali then watched in fascination as they brought out some massive, crossbow-like contraptions, with spears mounted on them. They also brought out a large net and spread it on the deck, ready to throw it over the side. Then to his dismay he saw Warren come up on deck, his brown hair seeming even darker in the moonlight. He walked straight over to Vali and took his hand, leading him back to the cabin.
"But I wanted to see them kill the serpent." The young elf complained, trying to resist the man's insistent tugging. "I've never seen one before, and it may be my only chance."
"Don't be stupid, lass. Now come along."
"I'm not a lass!" Vali exclaimed angrily and pulled his hand out of the older man's grasp. "And I'm going to watch them kill it." He then turned and started to head back, but a strong hand wrapped around his ponytail pulling him backwards. He stumbled through the door and landed on his bum on the floor of his small room. Warren had released his hair and now slammed the door closed before glaring down at the insolent elf.
"I didn't spend so much of my master's money, and spend so much of my time teaching you my language and keeping you perfect, for you to get yourself eaten by some stupid sea creature. And I know you are not a lass, but you had better start getting used to people calling you that. Unless you want to be sold to a less 'noble' master?" Through his whole speech the human kept his voice perfectly calm and collected, but Vali could see the anger and annoyance burning in his hazel eyes. Vali broke from the furious gaze and looked at his hands where they lay in his lap. He turned them over, trying to forget about his situation by puzzling over how pale his skin looked. It would take months to get a descent tan back... Not that he would ever get the chance now. He suspected he would have to stay out of the sun in Brantilay as well.
"Vali?"
He looked up again to see Warren's expression had changed to one of concern. The human crouched down in front of him and looked at him questioningly.
"I'll never have sex again, will I?" The second after he asked the question, Vali wondered what on earth had possessed him to think about that now, not that he regretted asking it. In fact, he looked at Warren, patiently waiting for the human to get over his shock at such a blunt question and give him an answer.
"Well... no one must find out your true gender, and so I suppose, no. You will most likely not...again." Warren said very carefully, a strange redness coming to his dark-skinned cheeks.
Vali shifted to lean his back against the wall and he laughed bitterly for a moment. "I finally break up with my over-possessive boyfriend and I end up in a situation where I can't even have it with one person anymore. It's so goddamn ironic. My life sucks."
"Your boyfriend? You like men?"
Vali smiled slyly, recognising the sudden gleam in the human's eyes for what it was. "Yes, Warren." He answered, adding a slight purr to his name and shifting to crawl towards the stunned human. He moved right up next to him and whispered in his ear, his lips brushing the caramel-coloured skin. "Do you want to have sex with me?"
"Yes." He answered instantly and made a grab for the slender elf, but Vali slipped away from him easily, standing smoothly.
"Then let me watch them catch the serpent and I'll let you do whatever you want with me."
"You little rat!" Warren exclaimed, angry again as he stood also. "You will stay right here." He commanded then left the room, and a moment later Vali heard the lock click into place.
He sighed and sat back on the floor. "It's not fair." He pulled his legs to his chest and rested his forehead on his knees, feeling tears stinging his eyes again. He couldn't believe he was back to this again. Just another good lay. He had had plenty of time to think lately and he had come to realise he couldn't even be sure that he had really loved Brandon. Perhaps he had just been in love with the fact someone actually wanted him for more than one night of passion. And then the High Lord had given him his own room in the castle, and had made him his possession. It had been so wonderful just to have one person care and it was something he had never had before. And now it was gone. And it was all his fault.
He shouldn't have run off, he shouldn't have reacted like that. He should have just been grateful that Brandon had been so good to him. He had expected way too much. He should have realised that he was already being given far more than he deserved. He didn't blame Brandon for not wanting him anymore, he wasn't worth the hassle.
He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he hadn't heard the door open and close, nor the footsteps. So he was startled when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He lifted his head wearily and looked up to see the large sailor from before kneeling in front of him.
"What's wrong, pretty one?" He asked with a look of concern on his face. "If it's about seeing the serpent, we killed it and its on deck now, if you want to come have a look?"
"No, thanks." Vali sniffled and wiped his eyes on his sleeve before trying to give the sailor a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, you can go back to whatever it is you were doing."
The human shook his head sadly and shifted to sit next to the silently crying elf. He wrapped a large arm around the slender shoulders, pulling the elf into a comforting embrace. "What is wrong?"
"You're wasting your time." The elf replied miserably, "I'm not worth it."
"Worth what?" The man questioned curiously.
"Anything. I'm not worth anything, so you can just leave me alone."
"Ah." The man seemed to understand. "You are feeling sorry for yourself." He then chuckled softly, though not in a mocking way and the elf found the sound oddly comforting.
"Go away." Vali told him, but he didn't move in the slightest from the warm hug.
"That wasn't very convincing, pretty one." The sailor spoke kind-heartedly. "So, tell me what makes you worthless?"
"I'm not good for anything. No one wants me, and no one ever will and I can't blame them... I wouldn't want me either."
"Such a silly thing to say." The sailor commented evenly. "Do you know, once I thought I was worthless? And you know what my father told me?"
"Obviously not." Vali mumbled, slightly annoyed that the man was so damn persistent.
"You can never be worthless, only lazy. If you believe you aren't worth anything than change yourself. Make yourself worth something. I became a sailor, perhaps not the most important job in the world, but it is useful, and so I am worth something." He absently ran a hand through the elf's soft hair. "What you need to do, pretty one, is make yourself worth something. Because no one will do that for you. Unless, of course, you want to wallow in self-pity for the rest of your life?"
"Not really."
"Hmm, I thought so. Now, do you want to come up on deck and take a look at the Makara?"
The coast of Brantilay could just be seen, far off in the distance, a fog clinging to the land and making it look eerie in the moonlight. The ship would reach the main port sometime in the afternoon of the following day, and then they would travel by land the rest of the way to Lord William's manor. It would take about a week by carriage, during which time Vali would have to officially be a 'woman'. He would have to wear...dresses and ick... it was dreadful to think about and so he pulled his thoughts back to the present.
He was intrigued to notice the air smelled different, even this far from the shore. It was hard to explain the subtle difference in the night air, but it was there. The wind picked up for a moment running invisible fingers back through his hair. As the soft strands twisted and knotted slightly he realised he probably should have tied it back before coming on deck. Now that it reached halfway down his back it was incredibly hard to manage. He had never realised how annoying hair could be, how could Tristian keep his hair so long by choice? And the warlord's hair was even curly. He had enough trouble with straight hair.
He frowned slightly as he sensed someone else was on the deck, and they were just standing a few metres away, and he was sure the person was watching him. After a moment more of thought he realised it was the sailor who spoke elven. It was puzzling but ever since their little talk a couple of weeks ago he had often caught the man watching him. He had also seen Warren talking to him often and he wondered if they had spoken of him. He hoped not. Thankfully Warren had acted like that night had never happened, and that Vali had never made the offer. He was glad, for although Warren wasn't ugly, the elf just didn't find him appealing, though that was more to do with his personality than his physical appearance. The sailor, on the other hand...
Corey found himself staring at the elf yet again. He couldn't help it, he had never seen a creature more enticing. He stood, his long, slender hands resting lightly on the rail and his magnificent hair spilling down his back, shining amazingly in the moonlight like white gold. The elf was wearing a long sleeveless top over his loose pants so his lightly muscled arms could be seen, his pale skin seeming to glow, a dark pattern of a finely tattooed bird clinging to his smooth skin. The elf didn't seem to notice he was being studied so careful and he tilted his head back, exposing his supple throat as he gazed at the night sky. The silver hair shimmered as the wind drifted though it. He was ethereal. An angel stolen from heaven.
He walked over to stand next to the beautiful creature, longing to reach out and pull the lithe body to him, longing to feel the warm body again pressed to his own. He longed to hold the elf when it was not for comfort or protection.
"Good evening, pretty one." He said politely, longing to call the elf something more flattering than merely 'pretty', for he was far beyond that simple word.
"Good evening." The elf replied softly, his voice flowing silkily through the night air, sending shivers up the sailor's spine. But the elf remained looking out at the ocean, and so Corey gratefully took the opportunity to study the elf's delicate profile more closely. He was absolutely exquisite, with the most amazing eyes; large and slightly slanted and the most startling shade of icy blue... almost silver. His gaze then travelled to the ear, which was almost completely covered in the sparkling waterfall. Then out of sheer reflex he brushed the hair aside, placing it carefully behind the delicately pointed ear. As he pulled his hand back, he couldn't resist running a finger along the delicate curve, surprised a bit when the elf gasped at the touch.
"Your ears are very sensitive?" Corey whispered, leaning forward so his warm breath brushed across the elf's ear and he noticed the elf shiver ever so slightly.
The elf, still looking ahead, swallowed heavily before giving a slight nod, as if afraid his voice wouldn't work if he tried it.
"Fascinating." The sailor mused before giving in to temptation, he decided if the elf had wanted him to stop he would have protested by now. So he leaned forward a bit further and darted his tongue out, licking a light trail down from the tip to the lobe, before nibbling at it with his lips. The elf let out a soft moan and all but collapsed against the railing, several tremors running through his slender body. Corey smiled against the soft flesh, pleased by how sensitive the elf was. He then continued to attack the elf's ear as he moved his body to pin him against the rail, and wrapping strong arms around him to hold him impossibly close.
The warmth coming from where the elf's back was pressed to his chest was incredible and he knew the elf could feel his hardness where it sat against the small of his back. He grasped the silky hair and pulled back so the slender throat was exposed before transferring his attentions to the milky pale skin. The elf was now gasping lightly in between moans of pleasure, his whole body shaking with ecstasy. He saw the slender hands slip from the rail and he quickly moved to intercept them with his own large hands, causing the elf to whimper in annoyance. But he simply ignored the noise and continued the play of his lips and teeth across the supple throat and delicate ears, keeping a firm hold of the elf's wrists.
"Please..."
He paused in his ministrations at the soft plea, smiling, enjoying teasing the elf immensely as he made the cutest and sexist little noises in his frustration. "Please what, pretty one?" He whispered against the damp skin, causing the elf to let out a little sob.
"Please...let me..." It was all the poor creature could manage and so Corey took pity on him. He shifted his hold so he held the thin wrists in one hand, he then used his now free hand to slip it into the elf's pants and grasp his erection. It only took a few quick strokes and the elf came, his soft cry lingering in the cool night breeze for a moment.
Corey removed his hand and took a step back, letting the elf slump bonelessly against the rail, his pale skin glistening with sweat and his soft hair damp and tousled. The sight was incredible intoxicating, almost as beautiful to see as when the elf had orgasmed. He slipped the semen smeared hand into his own pants and came almost as quickly as the elf had, though not as strongly and he had plenty of strength to stay standing afterwards, whereas the elf was now sitting sprawled on the deck, leaning his back against a banister. He laughed and knelt down next to the exhausted, dishevelled looking angel.
"Is it always that intense for you?" He questioned with a devilish grin.
"No..." The pale cheeks blushed darkly in the moonlight and the silvery-blue eyes looked at him shyly. "But I had not... since I came on board."
"Not even by yourself?" The sailor asked rather surprised. Being on a ship full of rugged men meant they all often masturbated, it was just a part of life on long sea journeys. And he had to admit he had thought of the beautiful elf during his 'sessions' often, and he knew several of the other sailors had done the same, despite their suspicion of elves.
"I should go back below, or Warren will come looking for me." The elf said tiredly as he used the rail to help him get back on his feet. Corey stood quickly, blocking the elf's path and laying his hands gently on the delicate shoulders.
"May we kiss goodbye?" The elf looked up at him, his eyes widening slightly in surprise and his lips parting subtly in what the sailor took as an invitation. He leaned down, cupping the back of the elf's head and claiming the succulent lips in a gentle and delicious kiss. After a few moments he pulled back and smiled, before asking for one more concession. "May I have a lock of your hair? To remember you by?"
The elf looked stunned for a moment, he then blushed again and nodded his consent. Corey pulled out his dagger and fingered the wonderfully silky strands for a moment before cutting off a slender lock of silver. He then tucked the strands carefully into his pocket and slipped the knife back in its sheath. Before he let the elf go he couldn't resist burying his hands in the soft waterfall one last time. He was tempted to ask how his hair had grown so long in only three months but the answer would probably be the same as to why the elf could see so well in the dark.
He gave the elf one last soft kiss before stepping aside. The elf smiled pleasantly and reached a long-fingered hand up to stroke Corey's stubbled cheek as he whispered words of thanks. He then passed him, moving with that amazing natural grace of his before disappearing below deck. Corey grinned and fingered the strands in his pocket, the beautiful elf was definitely someone he would not forget.
Tristian and Gabriel finally made it back to Sentanii after finding and killing that bastard slaver. Now they only had to tell Brandon what they had found out and they would be able to go back to their happy little life on the border of wilderness. They headed to Brandon's private rooms, having got the message that he was in a meeting and would see them as soon as possible. When Brandon finally came in he didn't look as worried as Tristian would have thought he would be. He knew that if Gabriel had been taken from him he wouldn't be able to survive, but Brandon seemed fine, healthy and almost happy.
"So, what happened?" The High Lord questioned passively as he sat down, pouring himself a glass of fine wine.
"He was sold to a Brantilan noble and taken there by ship shortly after he went missing."
"Oh." Brandon sipped at his wine a tad thoughtfully.
"Oh? That's it? Your lover was kidnapped and sold off as a slave and all you say is 'oh'?" Tristian questioned indignantly.
"Sold off to a noble, dear brother. I'm sure he will be well taken care of until you fetch him back."
"Fetch him back? But I was going to go back to Ansur. If you really love Vali like you say you do you'll go after him yourself." Tristian continued angrily, not understanding how his brother could be so cold about the whole situation.
"I can't go, you know that. Reanna needs me, I need an heir."
"Then you are going to have to make some choices. You have to decide what is more important to you. You don't really believe we will bring Vali back and everything will be the way it was? You don't really believe he will put up with being trodden all over for the rest of his life, do you? You don't really think he will be happy to continue as your whore, do you?" Tristian stood and glared at his older brother, not caring that Brandon could easily have him executed for his insolence. "As I see it you have two choices. One: you go over to Brantilay yourself and rescue Vali, you then bring him back here and make him a more important part of your life, forget about having children for another century. You are still young, you can easily wait that long for heirs. Two: you let Vali go. You be happy with your wife and heirs and forget about your pretty concubine. If that is what you chose Gabriel and I will go over and bring him back, but we won't bring him back to you. He will be free from you, free to find someone who will treat him with the love and care he deserves." Tristian paused for a moment to let his words sink through his brother's thick skull before he questioned calmly. "So which do you choose?"
Brandon shook his head sadly, he already knew his priorities. "I cannot jeopardize my province just for one half-elf, even if I do love him."
"Then you don't deserve him." The younger elf stated before leaving the room, his lover in tow.
Vali was miserable, and very uncomfortable. The bodice on the dress he was wearing was way too tight, and he was sure his ribs were about to break, not to mention the awkward sandals, which he had no idea how to walk in. There was a ribbon and charm necklace around his throat and it felt like it was choking him and now his 'assistant' was tugging and pulling at his hair. He had been shocked to find that not only did he have his own set of rooms in the massive mansion but he also had a personal maid. He had never been more pampered than he had been in the past week, but now it was time for him to be presented to his master. Lord William had been away on business when they had arrived at the massive estate and so Vali had spent the whole time anxious about meeting the man that was wealthier than even Brandon.
And from what he had seen of Brantilay the land was amazing, it was nothing like his homeland where they hunted goblins and fought bloody wars. He hated to admit it but compared to these elegant people the elves really were savage. Urtha, his maid, must have been finished with his hair because she moved to sit on a stool in front of him, holding a small case in her hand. She opened it and dipped a small brush in one of the coloured powders before holding his chin in gentle fingers.
"Close you eyes please, miss." He obeyed with a soft sigh and felt the soft brush against his eyelids. "Your poor thing." The maid commented kindly as she continued to decorate his face. "To come from such a savage place, where they mark their women so." She brushed exploring fingers across the small dragon. He supposed he could correct her about the tattoos being his choice but he really couldn't be bothered. What did it matter what Urtha thought of elves? "Such a shame dear, you are such a pretty thing. You would be perfect if not for the brands."
Vali snorted in a very unladylike fashion. "No I wouldn't, no one is perfect."
"You know, miss Vali, you really do have a lovely voice, it's such a shame you don't speak more often. You can open your eyes now." The woman smiled at him and he could visibly see a thought come to her. "Can you sing?"
"Well...yes." He replied hesitantly not wanting to get himself into a more complicated situation than he was already in. "But not very well." Ok, so that was a big lie, but the woman wasn't to know that.
"Oh, I'm sure all you need is a little practice. I'm sure the Lord won't mind hiring a teacher for you, you could even learn to play an instrument!" She exclaimed excitedly, and Vali winced inwardly. "With fingers as slender and nimble as yours you could learn to play the harp wonderfully!"
"Please stop chattering." The elf pleaded weakly. "I have a terrible headache." He went massage his temples but she intercepted his silk-gloved hands, pulling them back down to his lap.
"You will mess your hair, dear." She told him gently. She then stood and moved to one of the small tables in the room. She came back a moment later with a small vial and what looked like a lump of sugar. He stared at her blankly as she carefully tipped a few drops of oil on the sugar, the smell of lavenders filling the room. He opened his mouth to question her on her sanity but she popped the small cube into his mouth, the sweetness almost overwhelming as the sugar melted on his tongue. "That will get rid of your headache, dear. We can't have you unwell when you are being presented."
Just then a servant knocked on the door to tell them Lord William was ready for them now. Vali stood with a bit of help from Urtha and they walked out of the room. He was surprised to find he could actually walk in the strange footwear as they made their way down the corridor. When they finally reached the doors to one of the Lord's smaller sitting rooms they paused for a moment as Urtha straightened the long folds of his dress, checking carefully that he looked 'perfect'. When she was satisfied she reached for the door handles and Vali felt a strange queasiness in his stomach.