To Tame a Dragon (Mature) (open)

[Dreamer]

(ooc note: Please refer to casting call before replying...if in fact you've not visited there first ^_^ )



There comes a time in every man’s life when he reaches some epiphany or another. A lot of the time it happens when there child is born, or when they reach some great conclusion about life. A lot of the time it made its appearance when they became some great hero for doing some deed big or small. But for Edge, it came as he was fighting tooth and nail while being drug to the auctioning block. To a dragon, there freedom was everything…and he knew if he didn’t resist-he’d loose that sacred right.

Such a small thing, the auctioning block…nothing more than a stage of wood and nails, built to carry an appearance of false grandeur amid the Bidding Hall in which it stood. A place to please the masses of nobles and rich folk who believed that if one owned another being they must be some great person. It was all contrived, in his mind, for those that needed to bully someone else around just so they could feel better about there poor pitiful selves. And if that person happened to be a creature whose power was the stuff of legends? Why, even better! Then they could feel truly marvelous.

His lip curled into an arrogant sneer as he bared his fangs at the slave master waiting to begin the bidding. Pathetic little troll. Had there not been a magicked collar wrapped around his neck, he’d have transformed and destroyed everyone in this place…and ate that prick for a snack. Crystalline eyes-the shade of which could have been comparable to frost, glittered with open malice.

A deep rumble left him, as he drew his impressive form up to his full height. In this humanoid skin, he was a towering seven feet of lithe muscle beneath a stretch of exotic dark flesh that shimmered with the dark blue iridescent scales that peppered his body. Hair that could have made snow seem yellow fell in pristine white strands to his knees-lending to his un-clandestine appearance.

Edge strained against the magic bindings, ethereal features…features that surely only the gods could have possibly sculpted, where contorted in rage. His full, sensual mouth pulled into a dangerous haughty expression that promised pain to whomever had the balls to purchase him, while his naked body shifted into an aggressive stance. So prime, that bare body, it had every person in the Bidding Hall flushed with arousal whether they were straight or not; and there was a full house. Who would miss such an opportunity? To own such a magnificent slave! A dragon’s sexual prowess was legendary…and not even to mention there ability for battle. A weapon, and a toy…no one could resist.

The Slave Master’s lips pulled into a greasy smile, nonplused by Edge’s rage. Let the dragon show off, he thought. That would mean more buyers and more money. Such a greedy thought had him rubbing his hands together. “Welcome Ladies and Gents, to the night’s festivities!” The cheer had him grinning, before he continued on, “We’ve a very special peace of merchandise for your pleasure. A dragon captured during his sleep in the farthest Northern Reaches! We’ll start the bidding off at one million gem.”

In Rhythillin, the land they were currently in…a vast, expansive kingdom full of a variety of races, that was a pricey bid for even the highest bred slave. But not for a dragon….no…for one of those, that was a relatively low beginning. But it certainly got the crowd to going, because immediately they all began clamoring to place a bid. Everyone wanted to be the lucky owner of the sensual, vicious male on the stage.

[Hunny]

There comes a time in every boy's life where he grows bored. This happens very often in teenagers. And thsi currently was happening to Kideon. Kideon wasn't one to stand for being bored, and boredom often resulted in trouble for the young muse. So he finally got out of bed, it was 4 pm, and he got dressed. Scurrying around to bother teh maids a bit, who finally shooed him out of the kitchen and out of their hair he sighed. Why was life so boring at times? He wandered around his home for about an hour before he finally snapped.

He ran into his father's study and slammed his hands on the table. His father looked up, seeming unalarmed and unbothered by his son's sudden intrusion. "Yes?" Kideon groaned and slammed his head against the desk. "Bored?" The young boy groaned in response, and lifted his head, which now held a small pout. Staring at his son a moment Kideon I sighed and shook his head. "As your mother." Kideon II grinned and ran off, glomping his mother. "Mooooommy?" He said in a sweet voice.

His mother calmed herself from the shock of the sudden contact and nodded. "Yes?" "Can I go out and buy something?" His mother waved him off, which meant yes, and he grinned, running out of the house. He looked around and wandered the streets for a bit, wondering what to do and what to buy. Seeing a crowd gathering nearby he tilted his head and intruded on the occasion, then looked on stage. "Jesus, some people need to learn how to wear clothes." He mumbled, an aroused flush creeping up on him. Damn, that guy was really hot. And a dragon?

Interested more so than before he shoved himself closer, people moving out of the way once they recognized him. One million? He thought of an incredible, but seemingly inexpensive bet for him to make that WOULDN'T get him killed by his father. "100 million gem." He said, and everyone turned to glare at him. They'd be damned if the Noble Brat outbid them, but it was such a high bid people were unsure if they'd be able to top it. He stared up at the dragon, head tilted in an expression of pure curiosity for the creature. He shoved his hands in his pockets and grinned as the arena fell silent after his bid. "I win." He stated simply and looked back up at the dragon.

[Dreamer]

Pale eyes glittered like frost that has been hit by moonlight. Hard, cold, hateful. Particularly when they focused upon the male who'd spoken up above the dim of voices. A child had decided to purchase him? And what an outlandish bid it was. Again he strained against the chains that held him, never mind the cruel burn that sparked against his bare flesh. A burn that not even his scales could protect him from. Slaves weren't given clothing outright. Especially slaves with such a prime body. They were required to have there....best assets on display.

His gaze returned to the slave master, who was staring happily at the child. Menace rolled off of Edge; worn like a cloak. And contempt flickered over the haughty regal plains of his features, to mingle with that bloodthirsty rage. Had the collar he wore not been designed especially to subdue his kind, he would have already broken free and wreaked his havoc upon everyone in the Bidding Hall. The boy who was currently staring up at him in curiosity included.

His lip curled up to bare glittering incisors at the greedy little man. The length of his forked tongue lolling out to slide against the tip of one of the gleaming miniature daggers within his mouth in a deliberately hungry display. They shone, a perfect pristine white that he would have happily stained with the pig's blood. Never mind his distaste for eating junk and trash. He'd have made an exception then, all to gladly. And he would have done so with an innate elegance very few could have hoped to possess. A satisfyingly murderous thought really, and one that would have made him purr...if not for the vicious burn upon his neck.

The slave master grinned gleefuly, ignoring the slave upon the stage. "Sold, to Master Candleshy! You may pick up your slave backstage, m'Lord...though it might be best to have my men deliver your new pet to your home...just Pay the men in the back..." He waved his hand, signalling the pair of ogres holding the great chains that caged the dragon to return the male backstage.

And once again he fought. Had there not been enchantments over him, there would have been damage done to his captors. The fight inevitably turning the long powerful length of his back to the crowd. Something, Edge despised immediately. Never the less, it gave the people present a view of the dragon's delectible backside...as well as the shere strength of him. There was a collective gasp of regretful sighs, and even the slaver had to eye the merchandise just a bit. Long hair fell haphazardly, to keep him covered and from view. His snarl more than apparent, even as he disappeared backstage. There really was no way he'd make this easy on anyone.

With yet another wave of the imp's hand, Kideon was shown the door that would allow him into the back...where a vicious dragon lay waiting.

[Hunny]

Kideon wasn't used to seeing such pure violence and hatred pouring from someone before. He frowned and nodded in an distracted manner at the slaver. Angry murmurs ran through the crowd, most in protest of Kideon even BEING there, people claiming he was far to young, and that he wasn't even of legal age yet to be purchasing a slave. He ignored them as he felt he should, after all his father had no complaints. He visibly flinched seeing the hatred that Edge gazed at him with and the pointy teeth weren't exactly comforting.

He opened his mouth slightly, as if to say something to the dragon but he closed it seeing him being dragged backstage. "Backstage?" The boy just nodded meekly and climbed onstage to the door. Walking through he looked around and was amazed to see people in cages and chained up. Sure he had slaves at home but most were treated with a bit of respect and were allowed to do as they wished as long as they followed the rules. His parents weren't cruel or anything of that nature.

Spotting Edge almost immediately he approached him. "You hate me huh?" He said quietly. He frowned and shrugged. "Better than some pig who'd use you as much as they wished." His hands once against shoved themselves in their pockets. "Should probably get you some clothes. Personally I'm not fond of people walking around naked, doesn't seem right to me." He grinned, brushing the hair from his eyes. He pouted a moment in thought. "I don't know if I brought enough money to pay to have you taken by those idiots to my house....but I'm not sure if I can trust you to behave." He shrugged. "seeing as your so damn angry." He bent down closer to the male, but made sure he was far away enough so he wouldn't get hurt.

[Dreamer]

In the cage, he was little more than an animal. Even the most gentle creature would bare its teeth captured and cornered. And dragons were innately wild to begin with. A relentless force, who would allow nothing in there way. Slavery was an abomination in his eyes, and it was even worse for one of his kind who so valued freedom. It was almost painful, to be trapped rather than free to do as he wished. He hadn't even been able to clean himself. So not only was he emaciated from being given a lack of food, but he was dirty. His poor sensitive nose nearly curled at his own smell.

"I despise you all." He answered, a deep angry rumble as he gazed at the slender boy in question. Edge was all elloquent tones. A dragon had a beautiful voice. One that could ensare and entrap if he pressed magic into it. Thus, he'd not spoken through the entirety of his captivity in hopes it wouldn't encourage others to take interest in him. "Why ever would anyone be happy about slavery, no matter there owner?" It made no sense to him. But even he could look around and see some, who were honestly content in there life. Never mind that he didn't like people very well to begin with. He was in this situation because he'd liked and trusted someone period.

Even as he spoke, the collar let out a warning spark. And while he didn't outwardly flinch, his sensual mouth thinned and flattened together to resist further earning more punishment from the device. It was a particularly cruel one. Far more so than the collar he'd be given no doubt in a few moments. It was made worse that it bore his ex-lover's magic signature all over it. A reminder of what he'd rather forget: he'd been betrayed for a bag of riches and an amulet. Betrayed by someone, he could have very well fallen in love with. Thank the Mother Moon he hadn't.

There was defiance written upon his fiercely handsome features, that said he'd not make it easy on the boy to get him out of here. His pale eyes all but glowing within the thick fall of dark lashes that framed them. Edge was a wild spirit, and one who did not appreciate at all that he'd been purchased. As if he were cattle or some sort of paultry toy. A child's passing attempt at solving boredom. It was insulting.

A well dressed man approached the boy kneeling at the dragon's cage. "Master Candleshy? If your ready we can complete our transaction....and you may choose a more attractive collar. I would not recommend taking it off of the Dragon-he'd be incredibly dangerous." And the collar would assure he had no choice but to not attack Kideon, because the boy would be given a key to it. They had a wide array of them, done in nearly every style that the boy could want.

[Hunny]

"you all as in what? The human race? Well, I'm not human so then I wouldn't count. But if you mean all as in those who live in this town, then I'm guilty of that." He sat back a moment. "Well, some people are happy, or can be happy within the owner that chooses them, if they are nice. Like me, in a way. I won't take the collar off because I'm terrified you'll kill me honestly. I don't much want to die." He pulled a lollipop out of his pocket and tore off the wrapper, popping it in his mouth. He took out a second one and held it out to Edge, a peace offering in a way.

He noticed the sudden decrease in the flow of angry words that seemed bubbled on Edge's lips. "what's wrong?" He said almost immediately upon noticing his lips flattening. he frowned and sighed, shaking his head at the obvious defiance that was etched onto Edge's face. If only things could be easier for him, and if there was only some way to make him feel better. Staring at the dragon intently for a while silently he blinked when the man walked over o him.

Tilting his head up to look at the man, rather than getting up to greet him he nodded. "Of course I require a few things before we are released. First, allowing him to get cleaned up and he WILL be provided with clothing at my expense so it better not be cheap. As for the collar seeing as he is extremely unhappy with the one he's wearing it will be changed immediately and my carriage will be fetched for us to leave as soon as possible, I don't wish to dawdle in town any longer than I have to."

He said then got up. "Collar....black with gold threading edging it and..." He looked back at Edge and stared into his eyes a moment. "Find something to make his eyes pop a bit." He grinned and slouched back, scratching the back of his head. "Then as long as that's all taken care of I'll be happy to pay you in full at this moment. Just make sure everything is pretty and expensive the Noble Brat won't stand for less." He said and then laughed.

[Dreamer]

The candy was eyed; hesitantly. Longing flickering over his gaze, as did hungery. His nostrils flared, scenting the sweet smell. Kideon had discovered something of a weakness for the dragon: Sweets. He loved them. Adored them, even. But he didn't trust anything in this place and crept further back from the boy, even when he clearly wanted the sweet treat. What little bit of food he'd been given thus far in his captivity had been drugged. It was only natural he'd be wary of it. And the youth hold it, for that matter. Especially considering this noble child was used to getting his way.

The well dressed man cast the young Master Candleshy a dazzling and simpering smile. "Of course my Lord. It shall be seen to immediately..." he clapped together gloved hands, and from the back of the cage furthest from Kideon, the very same ogres that had been handling thus far reached in to grip his chain and drag the male from within. Edge reacted naturally, snarling when he was pulled to hard. Struggling against them. With the enticement of cleanliness he would have went easily. However, the handlers were once more inciting his quick temper.

He was inevitably led from view...into the back where there were baths for the slaves. For once the dragon was left to his own devices within-albeit chained to a wall. He took a moment to enjoy the feel of water before he began to use the coarse lye soap to scrub his dirty scaled flesh clean...as well as his hair. Long clawed fingers rubbing vigorously with only one thought: to wash every trace of this vile place from his body. Soon enough, he could step from beneath the water and onto the cold tile floor.

His hair shown a shock pristine white, the long length tangling in wet rivers across his dark scale flecked form. The peppered blue, assuring he appeared all the more exotic. Rough hewn drying clothes had been left for him and he used those to himself clean. His hair braided loosely once done to hold back the heavy length. And then when another well dressed man brought him clothing, he mutely put it on to cover himself. He didn't pay much mind to what they looked like, nor did they notice the cut and color showed him off to the very best. Last but not least, came the ogre. Black, edged in gold with a tiny glinting blue stone set right in its center. It was applied by a handler before the old collar was removed entirely.

Edge was silent and tight lipped as he was primmed for his owner. The title, making him wish to rumble out a fine worded strew of displeasure. But never the less, it wasn't all that long before he was being led back to Kideon. A stunning male, who wore power like a cloak. It was very likely however, he wouldn't say anything more until they were well away from the rabble and the slave house.

[Hunny]

Kideon shrugged and shoved the candy back into his pocket. "Fine" He mumbled and pouted. Looking back at the finely dressed man as Edge was taken from the cage he frowned. "One mark on him and I swear to MERRIDIAH there will be hell to pay." He hissed out and narrowed his gaze. The young master could be violent and angry at the appropriate times, and now that he'd spent so much money on a dragon he wanted to ensure he would be in the best condition possible.

He waited impatiently, casting uneasy glances at the man beside him. For some reason things didn't seem right here and he felt queasy. Hunger ebbed at his stomach and he tapped his foot in an annoyed fashion. He decided it would be a fine time to discuss the process of the payment with the other man and he did. after paying the full amount he arranged for a carriage to be sent from his house, but didn't tell his mother or father of his purchase.

He had a maid set up a room that would be connected to his through a door, and the utmost luxury would be given to his guest. He was determined to befriend the dragon and make him more at ease if it killed him, and at this rate he would be dead quite soon. He finally turned when Edge was returned and his eyes lit up, checking him over with an affectionate gaze. He walked around the dragon giving small noises of satisfaction and pleasure before grinning. "Time to go home I'm starving and I bet you are too." He grabbed the dragon's hand and led him outside to the elegant carriage, and opened the door, ignoring the protests from the driver. "Hurry in I'm-" He froze, his eyes wide as he stared past Edge.

"Get in." He whispered, his voice shaking. He looked away quickly and lunged into the carriage, curling up quickly. Matt, his ex boyfriend was nearby and like hell did he want to see him. Matt had always been possessive and controlling, and way to manipulating for his own good. Kideon had a bad history with him and any connection with him whatsoever right now was NOT a good idea.

[Dreamer]

There was some sort of odd pleasure at the youth's obvious like of how much better he liked. It coiled in his stomach and made him stiffen in confusion. Why ever would it matter to him that the boy was actually happy? His brows drew together, and he remained otherwise still as he was circled as if he were some kind of show piece to be approved of. Edge's own reaction to his...Master was unfathomable. And he wouldn't allow his mind to question it further.

However, he was quite surprised when a slender soft hand grabbed his own long, he was entirely surprised and allowed himself to be led peacefully along because of it. Keen eyes lowered to focus where he was being led; his lashes fluttering enough to keep the sun from there over sensitives depths. It was a bright, warm day. And for someone who'd spent weeks locked up in a dark, dank cell-it was a sharp change. Particularly since he was sensitive to it all, to begin with.

But then there was an abrupt change in the boy. One that had him bristling; his head lifting to look around for whatever danger had caused this almost terrefied change in the previously smiling youth. However, before he could figure it out, the boy was whispering at him to get in and all but leaping within the carriage. The dragon followed, into the uncomfortably small space...draping himself across one velvet clad seat right next to the young Master Candleshy. He was a bit to long legged for it, a bit to immense. Perhaps not in size, because he was no overtly muscular, but his aura seemed to fill the space.

"You need not fear...there is naught that can harm you as long as I'm present." He spoke again for the first time; that magic laden voice a low male rumble. Dark, eloquent, stoic...and yet carrying undefinable emotion. Edge would have acted out of instinct to protect Kideon-whether he wished to or not. Never mind the collar around his neck. There was this odd urge to comfort when he wasn't quite sure why. He hated the simple fact that even in the face of slavery, there was a shred of kindness left in him.

His pale eyes shifted to gaze out the window of the carriage, a long hand resting against Kideon's back as if to reassure him. Even if he didn't actually look at him. The dragon was far to stubborn to admit he was more than a bit greatful to be out of that slave house. Even if he was being taken into servitude. Edge was a proud male, even as far as dragons went. And that wasn't something that would ever change.

[Hunny]

Kideon was stiff and rigid, hardly moving at all and holding his breath. He released the held breath as he blinked and turned to Edge. His eyes were slightly wide and filled with an innocent calm. He nodded slowly and looked down. "I feel stupid." He said quietly. "Scared shitless of an ex." He sighed and rubbed his face. "He's scary though." He had no idea why he was telling Edge all of this, but it have him comfort. He relaxed into the hand that was on his back.

"By the way....my name is Kideon." He said and looked at Edge. "Don't call me master or anything just call me Kideon, what's your name?" He tilted his head curiously then remembered something. He took the lollipop he had offered Edge earlier and held it out again. Hopefully he'd take it. Smiling he leaned back and scooted closer to Edge. He gave off such a comforting aura. He looked forward and grinned as his home came into view.

Laahli, his wonderful beautiful amazing mother was outside waiting for him. He jumped out quickly and ran to hug her. "Where on Earth have you been??" She questioned worridly. "Out." He replied simply. Laahle looked at the carriage and raised a slender eyebrow. "Who's in the carriage?" Kideon laughed nervously. "weeellllll" He said and looked at the carriage.

[Dreamer]

"I am called Edge." It wasn't his name. Not really. But dragons never gave out there true name, to anyone but there mate. And at times, not even then. Edge was his universal name. Though, he'd not been called anything but Creature and Dragon and Slave in months. It would have been nice to be referred to as an individual rather than a forced title. A title, that reminded him of the collar around his neck. However, he was at the least grateful he'd been offered the boy's name. Because he'd have rather had his tongue cut from his mouth than refer to anyone as master. It went against his nature. And it would make there relationship far better.

The candy, he eyed a moment, before finally accepting it. The wrapper removed and popped into his mouth. It took all he could, not to rumble out in pleasure at the sweet taste coursing over his tongue. His stomach gave a hungry rumble reminding that he hadn't eaten in a very long time. Refusing even the most meager of scraps from his captors, because really, how could he trust anyone? It was entirely impossible. Though somehow, he didn't apply that to the youth.

For the remainder of the ride he was silent. His pale eyes shut from the world by a frame of thick heavy lashes. And he let Kideon exit before him, particularly since there was a woman outside. His sensitive ears caught her question however, and had his brows raising. So...the youth hadn't asked to purchase a slave? This could either be troublesome or interesting. Never the less, it wasn't long before he was exiting the carriage.

A tall, impressive form in the clothing he'd been given. Exotic, in ways that few individuals could manage to be. He was a cold beauty, and all but humming with male energy that would make even the most virile feel self concious. That, was simply the aura of his kind. Pale frost colored eyes focused on the small, beautiful woman. And it was there that he waited for either acknowledgement or not at all.

In truth, he was curious about how it would play out. Though one couldn't possibly hope to tell that by his features.

[Hunny]

Kideon was happy Edge had accepted the candy, it made him feel better about his choice to buy his rights. Laahli looked over and up at the tall male, her eyes going slightly wide. "Kideon...." "Yes mother?" "What did you do?" She gazed at him accusingly and crossed her arms. Kideon laughed nervously as her foot began to tap and he hid behind Edge. "Hey if I didn't buy him some jerk would have!" Laahli covered her mouth. "Oh my heavens! Well then of course."

She smiled gently at Edge and clasped his hand. "I do hope you find the accomedations to your liking dear." She smiled and scolded Kideon lightly before wandering inside. Kideon grinned and turned toward Edge. "That's my mom, her name is Laahli. My dad's name is Kideon." He smiled and took Edge's hand again, leading him inside and past the complaining staff who didn't much like all the work Kideon's new friend had thrown on them.

Dragging him upstairs Kideon threw open the doors of Edge's room, to reveal quite a room. Draped in satins of rich blue's and purples the room was quite large and elegant.

[Dreamer]

The attention he received was quite naturally...uncomfortable. He was a solitary creature, for the most part, who for the most part simply longing for the cold wintery reaches of the North. That was his home, his domain. And while he could adapt to anywhere, he preferred snow and ice and places where civilization couldn't touch. There, he had a great home. A veritable palace, that he'd once shared with another. But those thoughts were shut down the moment they began to rise.

Never the less, he found his hand gripped once more. Without a struggle, he let Kideon lead him along the way-never mind the fact that the boy was a fragile thing and had it not been for his collar he could have left with ease. Whatever all had driven him to violence in the slave house, wasn't present here and thus it was as if looking upon a differant male. He was quiet, elegant. And in truth, there was no real reason for agression. At the moment. One could never tell, and he refused to trust anyone by letting himself become lax.

He was pulled upstairs into a bedroom, that had quite a few blues in it. The color, an appealing choice for the icy male. Immediately, he felt relaxed. His broad frame loosing the slight amount of tension that had been lurking within it the moment he had. Safety. He'd never liked being closed in; preferred large rooms where he might be able to take off out of for a flight. When...he'd been allowed it. But he felt comfortable here.

And it was his. He knew it, by the boy's demeanor. But it didn't make much sense. Then, the youth was continually surprising him. And doing so with a child like innocence he wanted to admire. "Thank you." He told him, without prelude. Edge might come off a bit gruff at times, but he at the very least remembered his manners. Especially when it came to having just a bit of privacy. At least he wasn't sleeping in a small cramped cage.

[Hunny]

Kideon was relaxed with Edge, his hand fitting nicely in the other male's. It made him think back on all the past relationships he had, and he gripped Edge's hand just a bit tighter. He ignored the pain in his heart by rubbing his chest and looking up at Edge. "Do you like it?" He tilted his head. "If there's anything you need or want to change I can change it for you." He offered. "M-my room is through that door." He stammered, pointing to a dark door.

He looked behind him as a maid ran up, telling him there was someone on the phone for him. Looking down at his hand still in edge's he reluctantly let go. "I'll be right back." He left for a few minutes, and yelling was heard in a nearby room. His voice began to crack and he swore, slamming the phone down. "Damn it to all hell I hate him." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Matt had been bothering him and he was beginning to fear leaving his house.

He slinked out of the room and wiped his nose. "Sorry about that....it's Matt....he won't leave me alone." The small boy shrugged and looked down. "So uhm...as I said my room is right through that door."

[Dreamer]

"The room is fine..." Edge reassured him. In fact, it was far more than he'd expected to be given. He'd noticed the moment that the boy had begun to grip tighter to his hand. Pain, fear. Both things that set off his instincts and had him searching for the source of it. His nostrils flaring as if to scent for danger or injury. But he saw none, which meant perhaps there was a mental affliction affecting him. He didn't press for it. Didn't ask. Because in truth, it wasn't any of his business unless the boy offered up the information himself. The mention of someone on the phone had his brows furrowing. Perhaps a phone was magic technology from Rythillin? They certainly didn't have it in the north. But then, Fanthane was a bit more primative.

Never the less, he stood there within the room silently. Awaiting for Kideon to return himself. The yelling however, had his sharp pale gaze jerking in the direction he could hear them. Head, slowly canting to the side. Whomever was on the other side clearly distressed his....Master. Yes, master. A silent breath left him, as he watched and waited, and when he returned, that Matt boy was mentioned again. "I will remember where your room is..." Those sharp eyes continued to watch him. "If you desire me to assure he leaves you be, you need but request it. I will not allow him to bring you harm and it bodes ill for your health to constantly place stress upon your shoulders..."

Stress, no matter how young the boy was, and no matter his race...wasn't healthy. In truth, though he wouldn't admit it under pain of torture, he didn't wish the youth to feel any upset what so ever. Another confusing emotion, really, that concern. Considering that he generally just didn't like anyone period. And his lack of socialization had gotten worse as time went on. Particularly after the betrayal he'd suffered. Unforgivable, as it was.