Men who play games of war and soldiers born from circumstance...
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The tall Captain stands motionless besides his plush bed with his arms crossed over his broad chest and blue and green eyes staring down at the weapons resting before him. He spends his time taking in their details; from the long blades he’d already cleaned upon his arrival to the worn leather wrappings that are twisted around their hilts and finally to each end adorned with inlaid horn. He had hoped to have more time with them… more time to study them to perhaps find the reasons they are so important to the blonde or why he’s been so adamant about their proximity to his person at nearly every breath he takes. Narrowing his eyes as his mismatched gaze comes to rest once again on the hilt’s ends, Bal’thial uncrosses his arms and squats down while sliding clawed fingers out to trace lightly over the inset horn, lost for a few moments in thought before he curls his hand back with a sigh. It seems that finding their secrets will have to wait for another day as his Queen is now waiting... Straightening once again, the white haired man grips onto both swords and lifts them free of their place before turning back towards the open double doors of his room.
 The tall Captain kneels before his Queen, presenting the weapons she had requested and Io’fayl hesitates briefly as she steps up to Bal’thial’s front before wrapping her fingers around the hilts, sliding them free and holding them up in order to take a closer look. Rusted eyes travel over the subtle markings that riddle the blades, scouring one before tossing it aside onto the bed. Kso’ppghiel’s feeble attempts at reaching it are ignored as she looks over the remaining sword in her hand more carefully, her eyes soon narrowed and concentrated at a spot near the base of the blade. The metal itself is so similar to the weapon Mithghiiel fought with… but not only had he only ever used one, the hilt she remembers was vastly different… Her gaze slides up to fall upon a subtle but distinct crescent shaped marking in the metal, one she’d know anywhere as it was done by her own hand during one of the many times she and him would swordplay. The hilt may be different, but this was definitely Mithghiiel’s blade. Io’fayl closes her eyes for a moment in an attempt to quell the flood of memories that rush at her, trying to push everything away before turning back towards the man lying on her bed. Her steps are very deliberate as she returns to the discarded sword, pulling it from the sheets before Kso’ppghiel has even had a chance to touch it. Pupiless rust eyes narrow as she speaks down to her Harbinger in a voice distant and cold. “These are now mine. As long as you behave, I will not destroy them but if you continue with this behavior and I will melt them down. As a reminder, I will keep them where they can be seen but not touched. Do you understand, Kincaid?” He stares at his weapons with a tired sort of frustration in knowing he doesn’t have anywhere near the energy to take them like he wants. “…That is not my name.” is all he says in response and even though anger taints Kso’ppghiel’s words, he relents, understanding that for now he has no other choice but to comply. He will bide his time, wait until his strength returns and then do as he’d originally planned by leaving this place with his swords in hand. Io’fayl smiles before turning to walk over to her Captain’s stationary form, white pupiless eyes shifting in the slightest to follow as she kneels down and transfers the weapons into one hand before slipping her other beneath Bal’thial’s chin to lift his head until their gazes meet. Leaning in until their lips are nearly touching, a quiet stream of words leaves her before she closes the small gap to claim the softest of kisses from the white haired man’s mouth. “These are the words that will release the mask.” She says quietly as she’s pulling back just a little. “Make sure he has eaten before I return and if he tries anything, simply replace the enchantment and confine him once again.” “As you wish, Mistress.” Bal’thial says directly against Io’fayl’s mouth, causing a pleased smile to form on her lips before she slides herself completely away. The tall Captain’s head remains bowed even as she’s moving past him, long feminine fingers trailing slowly along the length of adorned horns before she pulls her hand free and shifts the Harbinger’s swords between her two grips. The large, heavy doors are held open for her by the guards outside as she exits the room, then closed again behind her. Rising to his feet the moment she’s gone, Bal’thial moves towards the man lying prone on his Queen’s bed and mismatched pupiless eyes slide down to lock with tired and defiant white, the tall Captain leaning in and offering Kso’ppghiel his hand right after. “Come.” It takes several long moments before Kso’ppghiel relents and accepts the offered hand. Bal’thial pulls him up easily but the blonde haired man is not prepared to hold his own bearings, causing him to tumble forward and into the Captain’s arms. He struggles slightly, eventually giving up as Bal’thial throws his arm over a broad shoulder and slowly helps him out onto the terrace, setting him down on the soft pillows that wait there along with the food that has already been laid out. Kso’ppghiel hates that he needs help, hates that he’s in this situation and hates being touched. More have put their hands on him in the past day than any have since he set out on his own. The last person he’d had physical contact with voluntarily was his father and sister during the time he’d laid them to rest; a contact he’s tried hard to keep in some way through his weapons. But every touch is being tainted by strangers - even this man’s and he loathes it. Yet even in his hostility, he has to admit that the Captain is restrained and careful, which he’s finding sadly that he appreciates. Just as Kso’ppghiel is set down and his body hunches forward, Bal’thial is squatting down next to him and sliding his face in near. The Harbinger’s white eyes widen at the gesture, barely having time to flinch from the closeness before the enchantment given to the taller man is repeated and a clawed hand is moving swiftly up to slip the mask free the moment the binding is released. Pulling away as the mask falls into his hand; his other is reaching back even as he seats himself to the blonde’s side to wrap around a filled goblet before offering it up for Kso’ppghiel to take. “It is easier to consume when there are no barriers between you and the drink.” The Harbinger practically gasps in the fresh air as it fills his lungs once the magic weight of the mask is lifted. Seeing the liquid, his arms reach for it before he even has the chance to make the conscious decision, almost spilling it before it can get to his lips and allowing the Captain to help him to keep from dropping it. When he has finished off the contents, he dives forward and knocks Bal’thial back, sending the mask skidding across the marble as he reaches mindlessly for the fruit and bread behind the other man. He misses miserably, practically climbing over the Captain in his attempts to reach it before pushing himself back off him once he’s attained his goal, stuffing as much of the food in his mouth as he can. “Slow yourself or you will be sick.” Bal’thial says while he straightens, his words completely ignored while the famished Harbinger continues to stuff more into his mouth than he can truly handle. Rising up to his feet, the white haired man retrieves the mask before squatting once again while reaching out in an attempt to take the food from Kso’ppghiel’s hands only to have the other man jerk it quickly away. Frowning, the tall Captain sets the mask down before snatching the half eaten loaf of from the blonde’s mouth. “Trust when I say you will fair better by slowing dow-” his words are cut short when white eyes narrow moments before Kso’ppghiel lunges forward in an attempt to retrieve the food again, the action sending the weakened man crashing hard against Bal’thial’s frame and both of them toppling back onto the marble even as clawed fingers are grasping for the bread held in an outstretched arm. “Wow, aren’t you two getting cozy…” Sav’real’s voice causes the two men to halt their struggling movements, Bal’thial raising an eyebrow at the words and Kso’ppghiel taking the opportunity to snatch the food from his hand before scooting back to his original position. Quickly covering his meal, he narrows his eyes at the creature as if he was the next course. Sav’real blinks, serpentine eyes glancing around nervously as the Captain is dusting himself off and straightening. “At least he’s eating now. If he’d have kept that up, he’d really be bad off.” Taking the chance, he moves a little closer to the white haired man just as the Harbinger is finishing off the food in his mouth. Kso’ppghiel suddenly lurches forward in attempt to grab onto the feathered creature before he can run off. “You are the thing that caused this!” he spits out “I am here because of you!” Sav’real jumps back with a yelp and Bal’thial immediately puts himself between them. “Hey now!” Sav’real looks up from behind the Captain’s robes, serpentine eyes meeting pure white with a frown. “First of all, no, you’re here because you’re too good at what you do to not be noticed, secondly, I don’t send out the raiding parties, our Queen does. This is all her command. There’s probably a few other reasons you’re here too but I don’t have the details on that specifically.” He lies. Kso’ppghiel’s here because he’s Mithghiiel’s son and considering this kid doesn’t seem to know who Io’fayl is in relation to his father, he’s not going to be the one to burst that bubble and get his butt executed. “This is the truth.” Bal’thial says simply, pulling white eyes reluctantly away from serpentine blue and up to his mismatched own. “Your deeds in battle are what earned you notice by our Queen and nothing more…” though he’s unsure of the full measure of truth contained in that statement as it seems there is much more intrigue surrounding this man and the woman he serves under than he can grasp onto as of yet. It’s curious, and even though he knows that curiosity is a dangerous thing, he plans to delve deeper into this and unlock the secrets they seem to share. A long ear twitches suddenly and a moment later blue and green eyes pull away from the Harbinger’s gaze to shift down, the tall Captain bending in to retrieve the mask from its haphazardly discarded spot on the marbled floor an instant later as low words are spoken hastily to the small feathered creature at his side. “Make yourself sparse, quickly.” Slitted eyes widen when he catches the unmistakable sounds of footfalls out in the hallway and without pause, Sav’real scampers frantically towards the terrace balcony and hops up against the scrolled ledge before spreading blue wings wide, leaping off the surface and flying away right after. Pupiless white flick towards the closed wooden doors of the room before shifting back up towards the other man’s gaze, the lightness in Bal’thial’s expression gone and replaced with an increasingly familiar neutrality he’s finding to be shown when in the presence of the one they both know to be fast approaching. “Try to keep yourself controlled.” He whispers moments before the heavy wooden doors swing open and Io’fayl steps through with a small entourage behind her. The Queen points to a spot above her bed and they quickly set about their task of placing up decorative wooden brackets. Pulling twin longswords away from her side, she hands them both to a woodworker so that he can mount them. As soon as he sees the metal of his swords, Kso’ppghiel bolts forward, running as fast as his body will take him towards the unfortunate person now holding them as the beginnings on an enchantment streams from his lips. Before the spell can even complete itself though, the blonde finds his body crashing backwards as the Captain’s clawed fingers wrap firmly around the base of a leathery wing to yank him down. Kso’ppghiel’s body collides with Bal’thial’s as their Queen simply looks on, amusement dancing in rust colored eyes when his back hits the other man’s chest and the mask is swung around his face, secured in place by the quiet words of enchantment he’d been given. The sounds of metal hitting metal clinks loudly throughout the room as the Harbinger struggles in Bal’thial’s grip, weakened wings flapping hard between them as he works to push the one holding him away and a cry of frustration muffled against the mask as he finds his efforts useless. Io’fayl saunters over towards the pair, as smile gracing full lips as Kso’ppghiel begins clawing at the covering on his face. “I see he has some strength back, very good. Now if only he would curb it a little.” Her fingers reach out to play idly in soft, blonde locks as the three watch the swords take their final place, crossed above her bed and well out of reach. The artisans take their leave in silence, her doors closed behind them as the Queen signals Bal’thial to bring her Harbinger closer towards the bed. The Captain switches his grip from leathery wings to Kso’ppghiel’s wrists in order to still him and before he can do as he’s ordered, a delicate, claw-tipped hand lifts his chin, the mask’s metal clinking while she forces his attention up. She smiles at him before soft words leave her lips, the spell she speaks setting a powerful barrier around the mounted swords soon after. Sliding her body in close, she leans over and whispers into his ear “You cannot have them, they will stay here as a reminder since they seems to be the only way to control you.” Kso’ppghiel growls at her words but her eyes simply flash in amusement, the smile never once leaving her lips. Her attention turns to her Captain and she nods. “Release him…” She sighs before turning away from them both. “He will not leave without those swords.” Bal’thial’s nod is lost and he releases his hold over the other man’s wrists, taking a few quick steps back to avoid being hit with the ends of translucent wings as they spread out when Kso’ppghiel resumes his earlier path towards his mounted weapons. Mismatched eyes look on, the tall Captain silent as the blonde springs up onto the lush bed with arms outstretched and intent to tear them from the very wall. Just as he’s about to touch, a loud cry is torn from him instead when he contacts with the strong barrier, his built frame forced immediately backwards onto the bed when it reacts with a bright crackling flicker of electricity that sends pain through every nerve. Kso’ppghiel screams out in frustration when his back hits the silk, fighting against his shocked system before resuming his attempts at removing the mask. Io’fayl looks on while her Captain remains still, both simply waiting until he tires. “Rabid dog on a leash.” The Queen smirks before turning her attention back to Bal’thial and a moment later she reaches out to run her fingers idly over the silk of his robes before she moves in close, rust colored eyes going half-lidded as she speaks into her Captain’s lips. “As long as the mask is in place, he is free to roam within the confines of the upper floors. If he causes trouble, take him down and deposit him back here. Do no permanent damage, however I am not opposed to you making your point crystal clear. He is a dog, Bal’thial, treat him like one until he learns to behave.” “As always Mistress…” the white haired man says, clawed fingers sliding up towards the curves of Io’fayl’s waist as she tilts her head in further to trail full lips along the lines his own. “Your wish is my command. I will do what is needed to ensure your dog understands his new place at your side…” She smiles slyly against her Captain’s mouth as his hands settle lightly on her hips and she closes the small gap between them to complete a playful kiss while pupiless white eyes shift towards the two from behind. Kso’ppghiel narrows his eyes; none of them can be trusted for any reason. No one can ever be trusted. They are simply out for their own gain. He had started to think that maybe this Captain did seem to take risks in his warnings and the Harbinger knows he is not using his full strength against him despite apparently having permission to, but now he knows it’s only for his own benefit with this female. A small, disgusted sound leaves him that’s muffled through the mask before he turns his gaze back to his swords. Being involved makes you weak, caring makes you weak and nothing good has ever come him doing either. And from what he’s seen, sex will turn any man into an idiot. Io’fayl’s rust colored gaze catches the Harbinger’s shift, musing at his reaction to her closeness with her Captain. “Perhaps I should have you tie him to a pillar and make him watch.” Her tongue dances across the line of Bal’thial’s lips as her thigh skims along the outside of his leg, silken robes falling away to reveal smooth skin. A smirk forms on the tall man’s lips as clawed fingers slip down beneath Io’fayl’s revealed thigh, tapered fingers sliding up across his chest to push aside silken robes as he speaks. “This is an option my Queen… and it might end up enjoyed more than your new pet may think.” Soft fabric slides down broad shoulders moments before delicate hands are grasping at the sides of Bal’thial’s face, Io’fayl pulling him into a deep kiss soon after. Gripping down beneath velvet smooth skin to lift his Mistress up, long legs wrap swiftly around his waist and the kiss is never broken even as he’s turning to carry her towards the open terrace behind. As soon as her feet are set down, Io’fayl pushes her Captain back into plush pillows, plaited braids spilling against red marble and various adornments chiming as she sinks down to straddle him before resuming the slow removal of Bal’thial’s robes. In the background, the shock of electricity is heard over and over, combined with grunts and cries of pain as Kso’ppghiel continues to try and get at his weapons. The Queen smiles wickedly as her hands move to the sash tied around Bal’thial’s waist, slipping them free soon after. “He will learn eventually …”
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