Desert Roses

[Claude Faustus]

- This Is for me and LLS only... all other posts will be ignored or deleted.)

He walked up the steps, the hot sun beating down on his bared skin. There was nary a scar on his body, which was telling potential customers that he was newly captured, Thought with his finely toned build it was difficult to see how the slavers handled him with nothing more then with the tied rope around his wrists.
There was immediate interest from the crowd below the platform. This new slave was also handsome, not in the way most around this region where handsome, all the inhabitants where dusky and dark-skinned. The young man was a foreigner with his flawless pale skin and his fine silver hair cascading down his back. His eyes too where unusual, a pale jade….a rarity in these parts.
The slaver holding onto the other end of the silver haired youth's rope smiled broadly. “Now gather here, I bring you a treasure from distant lands. A young man, formally a warrior, see how he is not scared?” He made his prize turn about. “….ahh yes and perfectly formed too, he’s healthy, strong and superbly skilled, no doubt he would make an excellent guard for your house or perhaps….add this rare treasure for your stables?”
There where some giggles, in this part of the southern country wasn’t unknown for the ladies of noble-houses to have stables full of young men for their pleasure. Just as some men had harems, Women could have stables. Already some women where hungrily devouring the youth with their eyes.
The young man did his best to flex his muscles as he was told too, posing in this and that position, A frown on his face as he tried not to think of how many eyes where on his nude naked body.
“That is not all folks…. This one is Eldern. “The slaver pulled the rope, making the young man closer the darkskin slaver pulled back the silver strands and revealed the telltale delicate pointed ears of the elves.
There was a gasp, the murmuring, the Eldern never allowed themselves to be captured alive, and this one appeared to be but a young solider.
“Surely he is the prize among prizes, even the Gods themselves would bid for this one.” Amun, the slaver laughed, he pulled the youth into an easy embrace. “Don’t let this one get away, see you at the bidding tonight.” With that parting remark he and the slave-boy walked off the viewing platform.
The youth shuddered, he didn’t appreciate being displayed like a cut of meat but there where no other recourse. He wrapped a length of cloth around his hips covering up what was left of his dignity. “Amun, are you sure that-“
”Shush shush my dear, no doubt you will sell for a sizable amount here, the Shana-ete (Female supreme ruler of this city. ) is looking for young men such as you, surly I saw some of her servants in the crowd. Do not worry, soon you will be relaxing in her privet stable, eating iced-cream and draped in fine silks as her favorite.”
”I hope so Amun…” The elven young man followed behind him towards a merchant’s tent. No doubt many potential buyers would visit them for a closer look at the him. Buyers could not buy him in privet; they would have come back later and bid on him in a public auction later tonight.
The young man sat down on silk pillows, his tied hands reaching for his glass of wine. “I want to thank you Amun… for bringing me this far, I would have died crossing the dessert if it hadn’t been for you.”
”You owe me your life. And became my slave to do with however I want….but I am not heartless, I will try to sell you to whom will give you the best chance of a good life.”
The youth raised his glass in thanks and sipped it thoughtfully.

((OoC; Sorry I got carried away. ))  

[lack_luster_soul]

“I like him, Ialu. What do you think of him?”
The slave in questioned shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying to remain calm in the situation. The Shana-ete didn’t bring any of her stable boys out into the open with her. She was not ashamed of them. Quite the contrary, she flaunted her young men. But not in public. She considered bringing one into public, especially to a lowly market place was in bad taste.
That was why, despite his toned body towering nearly a foot over her petite frame, and his usual position by her side at the palace, Ialu was worried. He worried she was planning something, he worried that he had screwed up. Ialu had been a slave all of his life. Which was ironic, perhaps, because his name translated to something close to freedom. He was an Egyptian man, through and through. His skin like bronze, his long black hair pulled into a loose tail at the nape of his neck. His mistress had him keep his eyes kohled, and he had a large black tattoo outlining the shape a pectoral around his neck and upper chest. His lip was pierced. As were his nipples and ears. He wore silver rings in each, and around his arms were two silver bands, just beneath the shoulder. His ankle was chained to his mistress’ throne from where she watched at the back of the crowd.
“Ialu, I asked you a question.” Her voice commanded respect, and an answer lest he get himself in worse trouble.
Ialu wished he knew what he was in trouble for. He stammered slightly, regaining composure as he spoke, “That is your decision, my mistress. I doubt my opinion will sway you, and I would feel remorse if it did.”
“Ialu, I will make my decision despite what you say, but I want to know what you think. Humor me. Would you take him to bed?”
Ialu’s eyes widened. How had she found out? It had been months ago, he thought he had covered his tracks. Unless Ptah had broken and told her about their affair. But why would Ptah do that? He stood to lose just as much if she found out. Two men being together was strictly frowned upon, and often those around them would exact their own justice. She was mocking him. She was going to punish him, but before she did, she was going to torture Ialu like this.
So the young Egyptian threw caution to the wind, “Rhetorically speaking, I would pin him to the stable wall and feel how tight Elderns are.”
The Shana-ete turned to her prized stable boy and smiled, her eyes wicked, “Good. We’ll buy him then.”  

[Claude Faustus]

later that evening, Amun had dressed up his prize in his finest wears, Originally a silk and silver dealer, Amun decided that he would also advertise some of his stock by letting the youth wear some.
The Silver-haired youth wore a length of sheer soft fabric draped about his body that was trimmed with sage-green embroidery, silver bangles on his wrists jingled as much as the bells on his ankles. It was the boy's idea to wear the Kohl as well, surprising Amun by deftly applying it himself.
A Silver Diem inset with a silver lace diamond adorned his forehead. There really wasn't much else to enhance his beauty. Amun shook his head, the boy's outfit was more akin to the erotic dancers in the opium dens, he wasn't sure if the youth knew what he was doing....
There where some catcalls as they walked up on the platform, a pair of men gawked at the silver haired youth. one of them was the auctioneer, the other the time keeper.
The exquisite young man smiled as he was led to the pole in the middle where they tied the slave during the auction, but he had requested that Only one of this wrists be tied, the other end of his rope was tied to the pole. He smirked, it looked like a big crowd, ahh so much the better. he thought. He raised his free arm in a graceful movement, the sound of a gong started the bidding,
The youth smiled privately to himself and closed his green eyes as he followed his body's rhythms beginning to dance in a slow sensual way. If he was to be sold off like a piece of meat, he would make sure to fetch the highest price possible.  

[lack_luster_soul]

Ialu didn't have a good feeling about this. The sun was setting, all of the rays of the pinkened sun focusing on the shimmering, dancing soldier on the stage. His plan had back-fired. He had hoped that goading his mistress would force her into anger so that his punishment would be over with. They could return to the palace and she could beat him, but she would still keep him, no matter what. Now he knew he was waist deep. She hadn't seemed to have reacted at all. And now here they stood.
The Shana-ete before him stepped out to the edge of her own platform, set up to face the stage with the crowd in between. Of course, there were bidders. But most of the crowd was smart enough to know that the Shana-ete would outbid them. If she wanted a slave, she got one. Ialu knew if she bid only once, they would take it as a sign that fate would keep them from owning this particularly alluring young Eldern.
The first bid from a young noble woman was 15 deben.
Even Ialu knew this was a poor asking price for a slave like this.
The second for 20 deben. Then 25 deben. 30 deben. Ialu's eyes widened. He had sold for 50 deben, true. But he had never seen a price rise this quickly.
The Shana-ete cleared her throat, "60 deben."
A hush fell over the crowd. That was a lot of silver. It was enough to feed a family of four for-... Ialu did the math in his head. It was nearly a year. He swallowed hard.
He felt the eyes turn back towards them. There stood the Shana-ete, draped with loose, blue silk, the finest quality. Jewels were practically dripping from her neck, her wrists, her fingers.
And Ialu stood behind her, straightening up. He was a fine young slave himself. He had been sold as a slave after his fifth birthday, and he had seen 18 summers as a slave. His chest, much like the rest of his body, was hard and taught. The sun felt smouldering against his back, making sweat form at his shoulders. His only garment was a shenti around his hips, hanging to below his knees, but made of the finest white silk. He tried not to look at anyone in the crowd, keeping his finely carved face a mask of apathy.  

[Claude Faustus]

During the heated bidding war, Amun had to whisper to his slave. "Stop that, you'll incite a riot."
The foolish Eldren just simply smiled as he took hold of the pole and provocatively wrapped one leg around threw his head back. There was a sudden silence.
The young man untangled himself from the pole and glanced towards the woman who just put a stop to the auction, The Silver haired youth quickly quelled the feeling of resentment, how could she stop it just when he was having a bit of fun? He peered across the distance, his eyes catching the glint of jewels adorning her body. "Ooohh, what have we here?" he mentally assessed the women. "Rich, very rich. she's got a slave with her too. fine specimen, she must have more if she can parade him around like that." his thoughts flashed thought his mind.

The Auctioneer called out. "Sold to her grace the Shana-ete!"
No-body made any sound, there where a few whispers but nothing more.
The Eldren youth bowed to her politely to across the distance, acknowledging her. His bow was in the manner of her people as he was taught. palms together, right foot in front of his left the bow at the waist his eyes at his feet.  

[lack_luster_soul]

The Shana-ete smirked, watching the boy bow for her. She was going to like this new little slave. She looked to Ialu, "Come." The guards unchained Ialu and they stepped from the platform to the Shana-ete's carriage.
Ialu knew the drill. They would leave for the palace while a couple of royal guards stayed behind to gather up the new slave and his possessions, assuming he had any, and they would transport the new slave to the palace in an open cart.
What Ialu didn't expect was the Shana-ete preventing him from entering the private carriage with a harsh smack with her riding crop. He stumbled back to the sand below, a bright red swatch coloring the skin of his chest, only bleeding at the end, beneath his right n****e.
Voice like liquid fire, the Shana-ete spoke, "No no, my Ialu. You will stay behind and help the guards escort the new slave to the palace, then you will set him up in the largest room of the stable."
"But mistress, with all due respect-"
"I know it is your room, Ialu. He will be sharing your room. And if you lay a finger on him, I will make sure you will no longer have that precious gift from the gods that gives you any worth as a slave. Do you understand."
Ialu swallowed down his pride and fear, bowing formally, "Yes, my mistress." He turned and stalked back towards the cart where the guards were waiting. The Shana-ete's advisor was speaking with the slave-owner, giving over the money. Ialu himself watched the Eldern soldier, though, slightly suspicious. It would be a long journey back. He stepped to the edge of the auctioning stage, greeting the boy with a tense but emotionless voice, "Gather your possessions. That cart there will take us to the Shana-ete's palace. You will always greet her as mistress. My name is Ialu. We will be sharing a room at the stable. Your name?"  

[Claude Faustus]

"I do not have any possessions other then what you see here." The Eldern said, his voice melodic. He carefully dropped down from the platform to stand beside the slave that was sent. The movement taring the rope from Amun's hand. The young man eyed Ialu back with some trepidation, he didn't' know much of the ways of these people. perhaps this man was the chief of her salves? best to play it safe. he bowed his head politely to him ."My name is Eladrian...." he gathered up the end of his rope and offered it to him in an almost sardonic manner, his jade green eyes taking in every detail of his man, this slave. He was marked in the coloring of the southern barbarians, but his face....was as elegantly sculpted like the highest ranked nobles of his country his hair too appeared to be long and well kept, Handsome, strong, and....hurt.
The bright spot of blood caught his eyes. He frowned worriedly.  

[lack_luster_soul]

Ialu looked slightly shocked when Eladrien hopped off the stage, jarring his rope loose, but he regained his regal, apathetic look again quickly. Eladrien must not have been much of a security risk to the previous slave owner. Anyone sane would keep a young soldier under more physical bondage than just a rope. Ialu had been in the slave trade for long enough to know what this meant. The previous owner trusted his slave. Which was good and bad.
It meant the slave was docile. But it also meant the slave might expect the same out of his new mistress. Ialu knew that wouldn't fly. He hoped, for Eladrien's sake, that he quickly learned how to be completely subservient. While the mistress pampered her slaves, she held no tolerance for disobedience.
Ialu glanced down at the end of the rope, and a small smirk cracked on his lips, "I am not your master. All slaves in the stable are considered equal. One of the guards will lead you, but as one of the Shana-ete's more experienced slaves, you'd be wise to heed any advice I give you." He looked to one of the guards, waving him over. His bright blue eyes flicked back to Eladrien, "They will put a chained cuff on your ankle. It is standard for all of us, so don't be alarmed. Our mistress does not like to take chances outside of the palace. You will be free of all chains within the palace and the stable, unless you do something to deserve such cautions." He turned and began walking toward the cart, the guard taking Eladrien's rope and walking with him. Ialu called over his slightly-tensed shoulder, "There is dinner for us on the cart. You will receive your new wardrobe at the stable. If you need to say goodbye to your previous owner, let the guard know and take whatever time you need. I will be waiting in the cart."  

[Claude Faustus]

Eladrian nodded at every bit of information Ialu gave him and turned to Amun. "With this my debt is repaid." he said, I hope that the fates favor you in the days to come" it was a farewell from his country and he wanted Amun to know how grateful he was.
The Silk Merchant frowned. "You have repaid it thrice the amount....may the gods bless you Eladrian." Amun reached over and placed kisses on the sides of the youth's angelic face, then truned away.
Eladrian watched his former master back for a long moment before turning back and allowing himself to be meekly led to the chart. he got in and watched as a guard chained his ankle. However as soon as it clicked into place did the young man felt more apprehension, Eldren by nature did not like being confided in any way, rope was fine, but chains.....
Eladrian cast wide green eyes to Ialu, his confidant manner replaced by the look of a frighted child.  

[lack_luster_soul]

Ialu watched the guard lead Eladrien back. He hadn't seen the goodbye between slave and master, but he listened carefully to it. Eladrien must have been highly trusted. He tried to look uninterested as Eladrien was chained up, busying himself removing the simple food stored for them below one of the benches. Ah, tahina with pita and olives. His favorite. He glanced up at Eladrien, about to ask him if he was hungry when he noticed the look on the boy's face. The slave across from him suddenly seemed much younger than before. Ialu looked him in the eye, forcing himself to look calm.
"Eladrien, it's just a chain. We all get one. Our mistress is very generous and kind. As long as you obey her and remain submissive to her, she will treat you like royalty. I know-... Your previous master may have been very lax with restraints, but trust me. One chain at the ankle is still very lenient. Just stay calm and cheer up. Do you like tahina?"
His eyes flashed with light and his smile was warm. He couldn't help but stare at Eladrien. He had never seen anyone like this boy. The palest skin he had seen before was from the northern arabic states. They were still only a few shades lighter than Ialu. And the boy's structure was different. Ialu had a sleek but firm bone structure, and most in this area had broad frames. Eladrien looked almost delicate. Ialu blushed slightly, remembering the way the Eldern had danced. Banishing the thoughts away, he scooped some tahina onto a piece of pita bread, offering it to Eladrien.  

[Claude Faustus]

In spite of his long years of training, he trembled like a leaf. The chain was a heavy presence in his mind. It was almost as bad as being underground.
Eladrian focused his attention on Ialu's voice, his jade green eyes ensnaring the blue ones pleadingly. Then it hit him. almost startling him out of his fright, Blue eyes! This man had eyes the color of the sky!
It was a shock to him, all of the people he met thus far all had dark brown or black eyes. the chain momentary forgotten he focused on the man trying to imagine him as a pale skin, with the characteristics blond hair of his kind. Yes that chin, that jaw line, could have been his mentors years ago.
The chain clanked as he moved his foot. Eladrian shuddered "Stop it' he chided himself. "You can bare it just a little while longer."
The young man covered his moth to keep himsefl from whimpering. he shook his head refusing the offered food. his stomach was starting cramp painfully. Eladrian took several deep breathes, trying to calm down.  

[lack_luster_soul]

Ialu shrugged at Eladrian's gesture, popping the pita into his mouth and chewing thoughtfully as he gazed over the desert, having seen it laid out like this before him so many times. He wondered what it must be like, being an outsider. For Ialu, this was all he knew. Once he had been sold to a man who lived on an island out in the sea. Ialu had been so excited for the job, seeing lush plants and flowers. But he was rarely exposed to it all. The man worked him like a mule and Ialu always crawled into bed after a long day's work. He glanced back to Eladrian, wondering what the land looked like where he came from.
It took him less than a second though to realize something was wrong with the Eldern boy. He looked panicked, almost sick. Brow creasing with concern, the young Egyptian crossed the cart to sit on the bench beside Eladrian, touching his shoulder, "Whoa, you don't look so good... Are you okay? You look about to be sick." He pressed his hand to Eladrian's forehead, finding it-... shockingly cool, despite the temperature outside. Ialu shivered and looked down at the soldier's lean body, the translucent cloth leaving nothing to the imagination.
Swallowing hard, Ialu squeezed his shoulder, "Stay calm, alright? We'll be back at the palace soon and in our stable. They'll take the chains off there..." Ialu packed up the food so that Eladrian would hopefully eat it later, taking his hand away from the Eldern, but still sitting close.  

[Claude Faustus]

He nodded at Ialu's words trying to stay focused, he was never good with the resistance training, which caused him some trouble on certain missions before his superiors had always shook their heads. An Elderen Knight was expected to stand steady in the face of danger....
But not having his freedom for the past week and an a half was taking it's toll on him. He would have to find a way to get out of there, but first....
Eladrian looked past the cart, they where approaching an large palace surrounded by high walls over the tops of the walls trees where seen, the Shana-ete's home was built over an oasis. Lovely and extravagant.

They passed thorough the gate and it immediately felt cooler, Eladrian, despite his repressed panic looked about the garden, so many lush flowers, and carefully trimmed grass, here and there were pools of cool water. The young knight took the details in his mind already forming his plan of escape.
The cart stopped at a side entrance. by then the beautiful pale youth was about ready to bolt.
As it was, when he stepped down from his cart he felt his body weaken, stars flashing before his eyes before he fell unconscious.
One of the guards cursed, and caught the new slave before he hit the ground, hefting him up easily and proceeded to carry him inside.  

[lack_luster_soul]

Ialu had spent the time watching the young soldier across from him. He looked fragile, but strong as well. He would be quite the soldier to face in battle. But seeing him so vulnerable made Ialu nervous. Something was wrong, it had to be. And then the kid had taken in their surroundings, studying them, as they came in. Ialu knew that look. But as he was stepping from the carriage, basket of food in hand, Eladrian decided to pass out.

He rushed down beside the guard who carried him, barking instructions. Keep his head up, he's not a ragdoll! Be careful! If anything happens to him, the Shana-ete will have your head!" He led the guard back through the stable. The Shana-ete wouldn't be expecting them until the next morning anyways. Once in his room, he ordered the guard, "Here, lay him down. Gentle, gentle! Now unchain him. I know he is new, but he'll be treated like all the other stable boys."
The guard grumbled but complied, laying down the Eldern. Unchaining Eladrian's ankle, he bowed tersely to Ialu and stepped out.

Alone with Eladrian, door closed to any other curious stable boys, Ialu stroked the elf's soft hair. The boy felt slightly feverish, so the Egyptian went through his private entrance to the baths to fetch water. Coming back with a bowl, he sat down beside Eladrian, "Eladrian... Wake up, it's me... You need to drink some cold water for your fever."  

[Claude Faustus]

Eladrian recovered, it was blessed to not have to walk. The cool touch of the bed sheets below him was refreshing, he sniffed, smelling sweet water. His eye snapped open, the light was soft soothing, he was inside, not a tent but with study whitewashed walls. The young man sat up, feeling sightly dizzy. He blushed embarrassed by his weakness.
"W-water....the water please."