Watch the Stars

Briar Tarragon. 75. Seelie Fae. Bottom. Slave.

[adrasian]

The swell of happiness that came from the younger man was enough to perk Adrasia up slightly just by feeling it, empathy feeling rather more literal at times like this. If it was a discussion that brought Briar comfort, well... perhaps it was worth it. "No, you don't need to apologize," He was quick to reassure him, giving the Seelie a small smile, "Your intentions are pure. And I appreciate them." Did he consider it a beautiful thing to feel what he did? The celestial struggled to say. So often, missing them only felt like a reason to wallow in the choices he'd made and wonder what would have happened differently had Adrasia never let himself be so easily tempted. "I do not know if I am strong enough to be grateful for the feeling," He admitted, "But while I was fortunate enough to be in their lives, I felt... blessed. Yes."

[thebloodofbriar]

He beamed at the celestial as he reassured him, nodding his head in agreement. All his life he had been surrounded by love. His parents loved each other, even with the disapproval that followed them for being from two different courts. Briar loved, he felt loved by his fiancé, truly the emotion just radiated from him. He had been called a hopeless romantic many times, but for him it was more than romantic. All types of love were important, it was the belief that had him treating his cats like his children practically. He nodded again in understanding to his words, "I get it. I don't feel strong enough sometimes to miss my partner, but, it helps knowing he's out there and safe," Even if Briar yearned for him to come and sweep him off his feet to whisk him out of this damned place, "It's hard to be strong. But, i'm your friend now so, if it ever gets too hard you can come find me. Not really many places for me to be." He let out a laugh, covering another wave of light sadness as he went to take another bite of his sandwich.

[gwyndolence]

Gwyn leaned back on his hands with a grin as he watched the Seelie admire himself, quite pleased with his work and especially how much Briar seemed to enjoy it as well. "All in a day's work, darling. It wouldn't be fair to let you underwhelm on a night like this, not when it's your first proper celebration here at the castle." The last of his champagne went down smoothly, Gwyn leaning precariously back to slide the empty flute onto a tiny free space on the bedside table. "Not knowing any better means exactly what I've been saying, by the way." When he looked back at the Seelie, there was a teasing lilt to the rather parental tone the sith was taking. "About experience, about trying things. How are you to be sure if you want something different for yourself if you're only wallowing in what you've always known?"

His hand slid across the bedding as he spoke to take one of Briar's, fingers tracing little whorls on the other's palm with the kind of casual familiarity Gwyn so easily gave anyone he favored, no matter how long they'd known on another. Once his affection was bestowed, the object of it may as well be an old friend. He hadn't missed that hint of attitude, not that Gwyn was perturbed by it. He'd poked and prodded at far more hostile sorts than a slightly defensive slave. He didn't think Briar had it in him to truly snap back at the sith, even if Gwyn accidentally strayed close to something unpleasant. "Haven't the other fae you've known give you such good advice as I do?" He teased, crinkling his nose at the younger man.

[thebloodofbriar]

He smiled, nodding, trying to fight back that gnawing sense of mourning over the 'first'. He was right, it was the first. The first of who knew how many now that he was trapped for the foreseeable future. At this point, he wasn't sure Inez would ever come to find him. As Gwyn finished his flute, Briar did the same. He swallowed the last two sips in one go and scrunched his nose when he lowered the glass. Certainly not the strongest thing, but it did tickle the back of his throat. He hated that Gwyn had a point, clear in the way his brows furrowed slightly. The truth was, there was small, tiny little part of him that wasn't even sure if he wanted what he knew anymore.

"What I know is comfortable," He answered, too honest for his own good, "It's safe." The last part was debatable, Inez might've never hit him, but behind the rose tinted glasses superglued to the seelie's face, it wasn't a perfect life, arguably not even a truly happy one due to many factors that Briar never lingered too hard on. His brow furrowed slightly at his next question, giving a small shake of his head, "Never really knew any other fae besides my parents," He admitted, "I met the other seelie that's here. I guess you could consider his advice good. I didn't like it much, though," He shook his head, shrugging his shoulders.

[magnais]

Briar was practically sprawled across the alpha's chest at this point, a promising weight, close enough to smell the champagne on his breath and the light honeysuckle-sweat of his scent from dancing. Magnai's brows only crawled higher at the Seelie's pointed look, the message of it entirely unmistakable, yes, but so blatant and yet restrained at the same time he nearly laughed. When was the last time a slave with Briar's temperament had blanketed themselves over the alpha like this and all but asked him outright for sex? He adjusted himself slightly, held the faerie to him with that one hand as the muscled span of his thigh shifted against him. "Asking me to fuck you, then," Magnai said bluntly, the subtlest smirk quirking at the corner of his lips. He lifted his head from its lean against his fist, cupping Brar's chin in his palm like he was inspecting that rosy flush with a nearly scientific air. "You looking for an excuse to show me how well you can behave now, is that it? Ask, then. Don't be coy."

[thebloodofbriar]

The varcolac was straight to the point, and even though Briar had been indirectly pointing at exactly that, his eyes widened slightly and his blush trailed down his neck to disappear underneath the collar of his shirt. "Well, I wouldn't.. say it like that," He trailed off, though it was obvious he was being bashful with the twitching of the corner of his lips as he fought off a smile. His breath caught in his throat as his large hand came to cup his chin. The seelie leaned into it, long lashes batting at the master as his head started to nod before he even finished the sentence. Of course, being told to say it directly had him releasing a small whine, lower lips sticking out slightly in a pout. He wanted to ask why it was necessary, but that would be going directly against what he wanted to do. Exactly like Magani said: show him how good he could be. "Please..," He started, swallowing down the timidness that usually stopped him from being so bold, the alcohol making it significantly easier. "Let me show you how much of a good boy I am. Please fuck me," His voice was quieter, like he was nervous of other's hearing him ask for such a thing after what the varcolac had done to him. Briar himself wasn't questioning it, he didn't want to. Let sober him deal with the consequences.

[bradleyxharper]

A chuckle escaped him at Briar's words. "Oh, you'll be having sex with plenty of people you're not dating, believe me. That's kinda what you've been brought here for. I'm just the bearer of bad news today, huh?" Bradley asked with a little smirk as he rubbed nervously at the back of his neck. "You're probably right about the councilmen, but some of 'em don't seem too awful," he replied with a smile. Bradley knew he should be more social, but it was easier to just hide away in the suite a lot of the time. Still, it was nice to know someone was willing to be his friend. "I'll make sure to ask Gareth if I can get you out of the undercroft more often.. since, y'know, it's his money or whatever."

[thebloodofbriar]

He made a face, a mixture of disgust, shock, and shame all in one. Now, he really wanted to be alone for the first time really ever, just so he could cry in peace. The spell that had the cuffs around their wrist however was stopping him. "Yeah, just giving me all the bad news," He agreed, sighing, trying so hard to keep his spirits light. He felt like the castle was slowly stripping away every single piece of him. "Oh right, he'd have to know, huh?" He tried not to make another face but it was inevitable, the discomfort that idea brought him, "Don't know how cool I am with that."

[gwyndolence]

"Flatter you?" Gwyn laughed, bell-like and pleased. One of his hands followed the path of Briar's, smoothing over the Seelie's forehead, stroking his dark locks back. It was a tad bit more gentle than the appetite put into him by the spell was interested in, but that hunger had been briefly satiated and the former Seelie was all too glad to make the gesture, enjoying the softness of Briar's curls against his palm. 'What would be the point of that?" He returned the teasing tone, his grin going lopsided. "I've already had you to bed, haven't I? And I surely plan to do more tumbling before I let you get away from me that easily. I wouldn't need to flatter you for that, would I?" He pressed a kiss against one of Briar's flushed cheeks, enjoying the warmth of their bodies pressed so close, still snug between the younger's thighs. Maybe there would be no need for him to pull out at all. Maybe they could lie like this until Gwyn was eager again, start the cycle all over without ever needing to leave the treasured heat and grip of the Seelie's body. Not until the evidence was dripping down Briar's thighs. "Or is this a bid for flattery on your part, hm?" Gwyn waggled his brows once, tipping his head to kiss the other cheek. "Would you like me to say more sweet things about you, my sweetest? You do turn such a charming shade of red."

[thebloodofbriar]

The addition of Gwyn's hand to his hair had his own hand faltering, eyelids fluttering and leaning into the gentle touch. It felt almost foreign now, the sith had been more than accommodating, he hadn't hurt him in a way he hadn't asked for, but the contrast between his hair being brushed out of his face to.. everything else was one that had him sighing gratefully. He gave a shy smile as the master simply pointed out he had no reason to flatter him, and it was true, Briar had been won over quite simply. "Brownie points, or whatever it's called," He huffed in return, laughing lightly, obviously not bothered by it. There was no way he could be bothered by anything with the lightness in his head from pleasure and being drank from. His blush darkened at the kiss to his cheek, just to turn impossibly maroon at the questions he was asked. "I- Well, I just..," He turned his gaze away, and after the second kiss his hands were covering his face as if being called out for seeking praise and compliments was the most sinful thing he had done. "I like it... when you say that stuff," He admitted, muffled behind hands that he separated fingers of to peak up at the other.

[cassianlord]

Cassian blew out a relieved breath when Briar said he'd come with him. If he had gotten a no, he might have turned tail and run from the Undercroft. He was only really assertive when it came to medical things because he was confident. He knew he could stand to be more confident outside of it but even at his age it was something he was learning how to do. He just thanked his lucky stars that he could turn his brain off in the bedroom. Sex was easy. The rest? Not so much.

He took out his phone quickly to book the rental for Briar and then tucked it away to offer the fae his hand to walk him out of the Undercroft and to a play room. Once the door was closed, he hesitated but put big hands on Briar's hips and gently tugged him close. He had to lean down to brush his nose against his cheek, to press a careful kiss against his lips. It was only a moment before he pulled back and gave a shy smile.

"Tell me if I'm doing something you don't like," he said, moving in to kiss him again, his tongue teasing at Briar's lower lip. "I promise I'll listen."

[thebloodofbriar]

Briar wasn't really given time to linger in the thought of how he was agreeing to go with him, willingly, no fear, no intimidation, just the seelie wanting to. Cassian was leading him to a playroom before he could feel the guilt and shame that would surely form, brown eyes staring up at him like he was enamored right until his hands found his hips and he sucked in a sharp breath like he snapped him out of some sort of hypnosis.

His hands came up softly to his chest as he was pulled close, lashes fluttering till his eyes fully closed. An act of trust, really, in a place like this, even with someone he did not know at all besides name and how attractive he thought he was. Briar felt he had experienced enough walking warning signs to recognize that this dragon simply was not one. The first kiss being broken so quickly had the fae chasing after it, leaning into him fully and sliding his hands up his chest to wrap his arms loosely around his neck. He was so gentle, not something to expect in the castle, and the words he uttered were even more of a surprise. It felt like it pushed something to the surface, like a man lacking in overwhelming dominance lifted him into a sense of confidence he didn't know he had.

"I will," He assured, kissing him back more heatedly, fervently with the way his lips parted to grant him access. He'd surely regret this afterwards, when Cassian was no longer in the Undercroft and he was alone again, but he didn't care anymore. He'd deal with it later. One of his hands dropped, a bold move of shifting one of the dragon's hands from his hips to his ass, cheeks darkening despite doing it himself.

[bradleyxharper]

Bradley really wished he could be more comforting, but there was nothing comforting about being a slave trapped at Krovs. He wasn't going to pretend that there was any positive side to it. "You don't have to pull a 'me' and date the guy," he chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood just slightly. "Just.. use him. Do what you need to to get out of here and see your guy," Bradley suggested with a soft shrug. "There are a few nice people. Or, nice-ish people. Gwyn's pretty sweet.. in most senses. A couple of the councilmen are reasonable from what I've heard. I don't meet many new people at the moment because I seem to just prefer to hideaway in the suite. I used to be quite social," he said with a little chuckle.

[thebloodofbriar]

He nodded, taking in a deep breath, "I mean, yeah. Just feels weird having.. sex, with someone i'm not dating," Briar wouldn't call himself a prude, more so a hopeless romantic who felt something that intimate should be shared between two people who love each other. Obviously the existence of sex castles in the first place proved Briar was the minority in that case. His cheeks darkened at the mention of Gwyn, the memories of what they had done still fresh in his mind, only making him feel like a hypocrite for what he had just said. "I'd think councilmen would be the least likely to help get me out of here," He mused, trying to join in on lightening the mood when he sense that was what Bradley was trying to do. "You should be social. I can't imagine being locked up here and isolating myself," He looked at him with a slightly concerned gaze before putting on a smile, "I'm your friend now though, so you can be social with me."

[valentinsocorro]

The darkening of Briar's cheeks did not go unnoticed. Valentin eyed the flush and a small grin had the corner of his mouth creeping up slightly. He knew of some slaves that enjoyed being fed on and admittedly, he did not think that Briar would be one of them. But perhaps a master had introduced him to the pleasurable side of it? Maybe he had a past with it? Valentin wondered but didn't ask. That was Briar's little secret to know and his to keep.

"Mh, something such as this," Valentin agreed, amused. He gazed at Briar for a moment more, interested in knowing more about him. He was sweet and came off as young, maybe a touch naive upon this first meeting. He leaned against the table and propped his head on his fist, amber and honey eyes going half-lidded as he gazed at the younger man. "Tell me," he said, "About your life before coming to this wretched place."

[thebloodofbriar]

He nodded again, laughing softly with a shake of his head. It had been very strange and hard adjusting to life at the castle, and maybe it was just because he was drunk, but he felt like he was finally getting used to it. He seemed oblivious to Valentin's staring until he spoke again, glassy eyes turning to the vampire with raised brows. It was question Briar had been asked quite often, and each time he had no problem reciting his adored past despite the sadness it brought.

"I mean, it wasn't super exciting or anything, very domestic," He started, smiling softly at the memories of cooking for his fiancé, watching movies, decorating for holidays, planning a wedding. Even drunk it brought pangs of mourning to his heart, but he continued through despite it. "I was engaged, I had three cats, a big garden, a bookcase so full that if it fell over on me I would definitely die," Immortal fae or not, those books were out for blood. He had plans to get another one to make it weigh less, but he ended up here before that happened. It seemed using past tense came easier now, like he wasn't desperately clinging onto hope that he'd be saved anymore. "It was amazing, really. I miss it."

[valentinsocorro]

Valentin watched Briar reach for his shoulder and could sense his melancholy immediately. He understood that the collar was most likely keeping parts of him trapped that he missed. It was like that for most of the slaves. The things that made them supernatural were chiefly taken away, making them virtually human. Valentin was not in the habit of letting slaves have their gifts back, too paranoid a man, but if he got to know Briar more, perhaps things could be arranged further down the line.

He tipped his head to the side in question, cat-like eyes trailing over Briar's flush and expression. "Switch up?" he asked, momentarily confused. But the moment he asked, he understood, "Ah, you mean my intentions. No. I am genuine, I assure you. The only thing I might ask for is a feed if you're willing but if you aren't, I take no offense."

[thebloodofbriar]

Briar's brows raised, and for a second he was genuinely confused about what Valentin was confused about until he remember that he was most likely quite old. It seemed right when that clicked in his mind, the councilman came to his own understanding of what he was saying without Briar needing to explain. He nodded instead, giving him a smile when he reassured he would remain the same man he was here in the ballroom. The mention of being fed from had his cheeks darkening slightly, brows rising.

It wasn't necessarily taboo for the seelie to imagine anymore, in fact he had quite the distinct memory of encouraging a certain master that had gotten him so inebriated for the ball to do that very thing. He hadn't been the only one, and while some were certainly terrible to experience, he didn't seem like that kind of man. "I think that'd be okay," He replied, nodding more to himself than to the other, "I'm just going to think of it like, a neighbor asking for some milk." A weird analogy, but Briar seemed to understand it perfectly.

[cassianlord]

Cassian rubbed at the warmth still blooming at the back of his neck, embarrassed for himself. He looked over Briar and the longer he did, the more he felt like an ass. He and Gwyn had similar dark curls and were slender but that was about where the likeness ended. He was a dragon for fuck's sakes, he should have used his nose before speaking. But Cassian had never really been very good at being a dragon.

The laugh from the other eased Cassian's anxiety a little. He moved closer to Briar, looking him over again a bit more slowly. The Seelie looked normal with his book, unobtrusive and relaxed. He didn't give off any strange vibes, didn't ring any internal alarm bells. He seemed pleasant and very much Cassian's speed with his little stutter and ramble.

"I wasn't looking for him," Cassian explained, "He's just a... very good friend of mine." He gave a pause and chewed lightly on his lower lip a moment, considering Briar. He was so pretty. Maybe he was exactly what Cassian was looking for as far as a first time rental. "Briar, was it? My name's Cassian. Do you... Ah... Do you want to get out of here for a little while with me?"

[thebloodofbriar]

The seelie seemed to perk up a bit when he explained he hadn't been looking for him. It was strange to be looking for a master down in the Undercroft, but it made a brief passing flicker of hope that he'd maybe catch his eye. It was a feeling he attempted to stomp down immediately, a voice in the back of his head eagerly reminding him of his partner, his life back in England. He shouldn't be hoping to spend time with anybody in the way that had his cheeks turning a darker shade of red.

"He's a friend of mine too," He replied, eyes flickering briefly down to his lips when his teeth caught one, immediately stopping himself and diverting his gaze to the wall instead. He told himself to stop looking, but his eyes were immediately drawn back when he spoke again. His stomach felt like it did a literal flip inside his body, swallowing nervously as his head started to nod before his mouth could even open to speak. "It's nice to meet you, Cassian," Manners always came first, but he was setting his book down like he was ready to get up anyway. "Uh, sure, yeah. I think I'd uh, like that," He was too flustered to speak a smooth sentence, standing from the couch and tucking some strands of curly hair behind his ear. As if he wasn't already struggling enough, it seemed Cassian was even taller than Inez. This felt like some sick joke, but he was way too eager to spend time with the dragon anyways.

[valentinsocorro]

Plant dad. The term had Valentin visibly amused as he listened to Briar ramble on and while he listened, he could not get it out of his head. Valentin was nothing but a father of violence, in his mind. He had never sired any children (as far as he knew) or fledglings and he did not keep pets. He knew that plants needed to be cared for but not to the same extent of a person or animal. He watered them and pruned them when necessary but had never considered that the actions would make him any kind of caretaker. Valentin saw his hands as a means for destruction but his thriving greenery would prove that he was capable of more. Interesting point of view.

"I understand," he replied with honesty. "That is why I keep portraits of blooms on my walls. Flowers that never die. I have also heavily invested in enchanted vases that keep bouquets fresh all year round."

Briar was such a gentle soul from what Valentin could tell off of this initial meeting. It seemed all he wanted was to build his silly toys and appreciate the flowers so what was he doing here? His beauty was obvious, as was his species, but how had he had a target painted on his back for a hunter to see? Valentin wanted to know but it would be rude to outright ask it. He had a sip of his drink, eyes not once wavering from the fae.

"I should have you to my suite," Valentin mused, "I think you would enjoy yourself with the peace and quiet."

[thebloodofbriar]

His eyes seemed to brighten at his words, to hear someone who put effort like that into their plants made his heart sing with happiness. "See, I was right. A great plant dad," He nodded, like he was confirming it to himself. "I never bought like, enchanted vases or anything. But I obviously have my own helpful tricks," Subconsciously the hand not holding his champagne reached to his shoulder, brushing over the tattoos of his wings. He missed them, and even drunk his heart ached. The last time he had them out was for that mischief thing, and that wasn't exactly something he was proud of.

His eyes refocused onto the councilman with a bright smile, head tilting as he spoke of his suite. "Peace and quiet would be nice," He breathed, leaning back into the chair and closing his eyes for a moment. The alcohol had made his face flushed, pink tinting his cheeks, though that was not an unusual sight on Briar. "I think i'd enjoy that. You're not going to like switch up on me when I go though, are you?" He questioned, though it was mainly teasing, "I would not appreciate that."

[magnais]

The faerie's breathing was harsh and loud in the small room, mixing in with his moans in a chorus of unwanted pleasure. Magnai truly hadn't bet on whether or not the slave would wind up enjoying himself, but there was no reason not to exploit it now, not when he could feel the way the boy's walls were spasming around him in a sure sign of approaching overwhelm. It would be even easier to slip inside of him if the varcolac forced one orgasm out of him first, but Magnai was far more enticed by the prospect of feeling Briar coming apart around him instead. If anything, it would be a powerful reminder of what his body really wanted, lingering in the Seelie's mind long after the master was done with him.

"Good," The praise was delivered simple and flat, Magnai dragging his fingers back out from Briar's hole, eyes lingering on the way the faerie's rim clutched at him before he went for the fastenings of his trousers with the same hand, stroking the excess lubricant up his shaft once his cock was freed. "I think you're right." A faerie couldn't lie after all, a darkly amusing thought in this context. Magnai spun the boy on his feet, chain twisting above Briar's head before the alpha got a hold on the back of the slave's thighs, hoisting up effortlessly and guiding those slim legs around his waist. All Magnai needed was one hand gripping at the curve of Briar's ass to hold the Seelie against him. The other reached to guide himself to press against the faerie's entrance, little resistance left there at least for the first few inches he fed into the other's slicked hole. Nearly halfway, Magnai could feel the way Briar's walls began to squeeze at his girth, pausing to rock what he'd already taken out and back into the boy, coaxing him open further. "Relax," He intoned, as if Briar had any choice, getting that second hand on the other's ass to lift him off the wolf's cock, letting gravity do the rest of the work to sink the Seelie back down again.

[thebloodofbriar]

For once, praise didn't make the seelie preen and blush, instead it had him worried with how short it was, how his fingers were pulled out of him immediately after which pulled a soft whine from the fae. He heard the familiar noises of pants being undone, head snapping to look over his shoulder but he couldn't see fully, not from the angle his arms were pulled up into. His nerves were building back up, tension boiling back into his shoulders as he was spun around with a yelp. Facing him had Briar burning up with embarrassment, but that blush was quickly from being flustered as he was lifted and situated like he weighed nothing. "Wait- wait," He rushed, but his pleas fell on deaf ears when he pushed inside of him anyways. He couldn't stop the sharp gasp that was followed by a loud moan, knuckles turning white from how hard he was gripping the chains holding his arms in place. His protests had simply stopped, halted from the feeling of being filled being the only thing he could think about. His eyes had squeezed shut, teeth digging into his lower lip to hide the noises that kept slipping out despite his efforts. The shift to rock out and back in, pressing further into him when his walls were protesting the stretch already. Something mixed between a sob and whimper left as he was told to relax, brows furrowing when he was lifted up and simply left to feel himself sinking slowly back down onto him. He didn't want to do as told, but in his own best interest, he took in a deep breath and released it, attempting to relax his muscles with the escape of air from his lungs. It allowed him to drop further down onto him, pushing another moan out of him that was undeniably pleasure-filled. He hated this, and he hated his body for liking it so much. "It's too much," He squeaked, trying to reason, though his voice was shaky and cracking, evidence of how much he was fighting with himself

[cassianlord]

[ closed starter for @thebloodofbriar ]

Cassian had decided that it was finally time to venture forth into the Undercroft. 

In the whole time that he’d lived in Krovs Town before he’d left, he had not once stepped foot into the Undercroft to rent a slave. He’d gone up to the castle to see Roland and Gwyn but he’d never gone into the underbelly to see all the flesh available. He knew of the app, had it downloaded on his phone, even. But still, whenever he thought about seeking out company of a sexual nature, he ended up doing so the old fashioned way. It wasn’t that he felt a certain kind of way about slavery. He had no true opinion on the polarizing subject. He’d never been in such close proximity to a slave castle before. It was just that Cassian was frugal and why should he pay for someone to have sex with when he’d had no trouble at all enticing somebody to him for free? Upon coming back to town though, Cassian had decided that it was finally time to see what the fuss was about. 

Rather than picking a face from the app, he decided to head down to see who he might have chemistry with. Cassian entered the Undercroft and pursed his lips at all the people available. It was much, much different than looking at pictures on his phone. It was evidence that these people were exactly that: people. They’d been sold out of normal lives, been stolen from their homes. There were some Cassian could see why. They were beautiful. But some, he did not quite understand. There were two slaves playing cards in the common area with eerily empty expressions and Cassian got a distinctly creepy vibe off of not just one, but both of them. He gave them a wide berth. 

The dragon did a full tour of the Undercroft but nobody had caught his eye enough to make him want to spend the money to rent them. He was certain everybody had their merits but none were sparking his interest. He was about to head back up the stairs and leave but a head of dark curls made him turn right back around. 

“Gwyn!” he said in surprise, a big hand reaching out to grab at a slim shoulder. “What are you doing down here– Oh my god, I am so sorry.” Cassian relinquished his grip and held both hands up as if to show he meant no harm. He began to blush up his neck in embarrassment, dark eyes wide. 

“I’m so sorry,” he said again to the curly haired slave, “I thought you were someone else.”

[thebloodofbriar]

Briar had no idea how long he had been at the castle. Months now, certainly, maybe six or so? It felt longer than that, like a lifetime, but he had adjusted, was still adjusting really. It was much easier now than the beginning, when he knew no one and had nobody. However, like he always seemed to manage to do, he made friends, knew people, there were even certain people within the walls that quite liked. Liked enough that thinking about it too much made him blush, brought on that dreaded feeling of shame that he couldn't seem to escape no matter how long him and his fiancé were apart.

However, that shame didn't stop him from looking forward to seeing them again. It was why the seelie's head had lifted from the book he was re-reading for the fourth time embarrassingly fast in the direction of whoever had called for that familiar sith. His brows were raised, but it seemed they were both equally as surprised when Gwyn was nowhere to be found. Briar's own cheeks heated into a blush just from his own quick reaction, letting out an awkward laugh as he shook his head.

"It's okay," He reassured, "I can see how we look similar from the back." It was followed with a more genuine laugh this time, closing his book with his finger pinned between the pages so he wouldn't lose his page. Taking an actual look at the man was something Briar quickly regretted with the sudden nervousness that filled him and the blush that was no longer caused by embarrassment. The stranger was uncomfortably his type. The same kind of type that had him a blushing mess around Inez the first time around.

He seemed to have forgotten that he could actually speak, becoming increasingly aware of each second he continued to stare at him in silence. "I'm Briar," He blurted, just to clear his throat and shake his head, laughing again, this time nervously, "I am not Gwyn, unfortunately- I mean, unfortunately for you, if that's who you were looking for.. yeah." He willed himself to shut up and not fall into a rambling of never-ending words too honest for his own good.

[councillor-roland]

"Why not? There's no shame in it. Haven't we all enjoyed an anonymous tryst with a stranger?" Roland certainly had, though he'd never been deprived of his sight (at least not before seeing the person initially, blindfolds in the bedroom were a whole other matter). Still, he thought no less of the slave for being needy and wanting him even when Briar couldn't see him. It was a sex castle, after all, and Spring Mischief was especially chaotic and primed for shenanigans. Roland was just happy to have found him so sensitive and willing, delighting in every gasp, shiver, and arch of the little fae's back.

"Certainly. I am a vampire, after all." As if to prove it he teased the tips of his fangs over Briar's skin. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle." Apparently, he was less gentle with the ice as Briar flinched away from it but pressed more firmly into Roland which the vampire certainly wasn't going to complain about. He pulled the ice away as he maintained the kiss, giving him a brief moment of relief, before he trailed it over Briar's hip and thigh, then down over his ass. To counteract it, he rocked his thigh against Briar's cock so that he'd get both sensations at once then pulled back from the kiss. "Too cold? Should we try heat next? Or I can bite you..." He nipped at Briar's lip, nicking it just slightly with a fang and sucking on it to get just a little taste of that sweet blood.

[thebloodofbriar]

"I have-" He had to cut himself off, the 'n't' cut off in his throat, stopping himself from lying. He had been with strangers since he'd been at the castle, but before then it was only Inez. Even with Inez it took a whole year before they did anything. "Before I was taken, I didn't," He breathed, correcting himself with shame dancing in his voice. He swallowed thickly as he confirmed he was going to bite him, the tips of his fangs making a small noise slip from him when they dragged across his skin. "Please," He agreed, a soft plea, needing the gentleness after everything he had been through in such a short amount of time.

He was only granted relief from the ice for a moment before it was back on his skin, though the second time was more easily tolerable now that he had expected it. A moan muffled into the kiss when his thigh rocked forward, unable to stop himself from rocking down to meet the friction this time. He blinked blindly in the direction of his voice, head shifting ever so slightly into a nod before that nip made a light sting run through his lip. He whined softly, brows furrowing at the feeling of his lip being sucked on. "Don't like the cold," He murmured, a seelie through and through, "It's a lot," But he didn't tell him he had to stop.

[adrasian]

Lost in his melancholy for the young man, the last thing Adrasia had expected was for the question to be turned on himself. He gazed at Briar in wide-eyed surprise for a moment. "Yes," He answered softly, gaze dropping, but somehow the angel found himself smiling, wistful. "Had, yes. For a brief time." It was painful to acknowledge to himself that he could describe not one, now, but two matters of the heart in such terms. But Taliesin had left under far better circumstances. Somewhere in the world, the boy survived. Free. "A day does not go by where they are not in my thoughts."

[thebloodofbriar]

Briar's brows rose and a wide smile quickly broke out across his face. Love was simply magical, and in Briar's eyes it was the most powerful magic there was. He always loved to hear about it, whether it be his own or someone else's, platonic or romantic. It was important to love and be loved, he always hoped everyone got a chance to experience both. "Isn't it nice, though? To miss them?" He asked, softly and full of genuineness, "To love is to have lost, and that feeling is just proof that it existed, even if you lost it." He sighed, a little content sound as he set down his half-eaten half of the grilled cheese. "That's probably not helpful at all, sorry," He laughed at himself, shaking his head.

[witchysethharper]

"Who are those two people?" Seth wondered, a little more invested now that there were indeed targets. The one corner of his mouth curved upwards back down at the slightly shorter faerie. "Maybe, maybe not. Let's find out."

[thebloodofbriar]

He made a face, even more unable to stop himself now that alcohol was directly affection his thought process. "Two masters. Gareth and Hunter," He had been told they were fledgling and sire which made way too much sense for the seelie to be comfortable. He rose a brow, chuckling softly, "I'm open to finding out," He mused, "You are pretty handsome, can't complain." Sober Briar would surely hate himself terribly in the morning.

[witchysethharper]

"I've not had a cat so I don't know," Seth replied. He whistled sharply and Circe came bounding back, practically crashing into his knees as she rolled onto her back at his feet for attention he gladly gave his precious fur daughter wagging her tail. "I doubt any cat could beat this."

[thebloodofbriar]

Briar was going to tell him how cats weren't for everyone, but his attention was stolen by the dog bounding over to him when he whistled. He couldn't help but laugh as the pup rolled around for pets, amused and warmed at the sight of a well-loved animal. "Yeah, my cats never rolled on their back for belly rubs," He agreed, shaking his head, "Can I pet her?"