WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE/Iah & Anton NC-17

[semelecyn]

It had been some time since Anton Arkady had visited Earth, but he was in need of goods only this world could provide--anything from beautiful youths to add to his collection to artifacts guaranteed to add to his power and influence back home. He had chosen to have his craft landed in a clearcut area shielded from any main roads by a stand of timber. Properly shielded, no one should happen across it till his departure. If they did... Well, his entourage should ensure that they met with certain memory loss unless permanent incapacitation was required. He smiled cruelly at the thought, knowing they would await his return for orders either way. Perhaps any such intruders might include someone delectable--either for supping or collecting.

Indefatigable, Anton covered ground at a remarkably rapid, ground-eating gait, enjoying his walk through Terran nature, thinking that perhaps he should add to his aviary with a number of the more musical feathered creatures in abundance. Quarantine would be necessary, as it was with other "items" he chose to collect. Then, something drew his attention--music, an exotic melody unlike any he had heard for longer than he could call to mind. He veered in that direction, curious even after all of his centuries of existence.

Curiosity keeps one's mind nimble, he mused, wondering what this little expedition would bring.

The tall man slowed, his passage nearly silent as he neared the music, which, he discovered, came from an encampment--a tent of patchwork style with a portable hearth out front, a device he recognized as a phonograph player, having several in his collection, and, most notably, a slender dancing figure, moving in perfect time with the intricate melody. Male, he recognized, though pretty enough to pass as a female, the dancer had long hair drawn back, silver and edged in black, seeming to be fine as silk and straight, floating in the breeze and with the sweeping movements.

He thought of the Romany, Earth's gypsies, with whom he had spent a great deal of time. But, there was no sign of any others. A lone traveler: It was far too intriguing to pass up, he decided.

As the tune ended and the dancing ceased, he applauded loudly, a faint smile on his perfect face, framed by hair nearly as long as the dancer's.

"Excellent!" he called. "Encore!" Then, he began walking toward the small, slight, delicious-looking being, thinking that he might have found what he was seeking--and so swiftly!

[pyromaniac]

Iah had a long day at the restaurant he worked for, he was slightly tense and had to leave when the other activities of the night began. During the day it was a nice restaurant requiring top food and moderating, at night it became something he rather not think about. He just wanted to relax, so what better way to relax then a nice dance? He put on his white flowing pants and kept the white breezy shirt. He was doing this for fun, putting on his favorite song, though not the one Ellie and he always danced to.

His movements were graceful, sweeping, and guided by his inner soul, arms doing whatever they could to enhance the dance. Sweat slightly building upon his brow as he released himself to the music.

He was unaware that someone was spying on his dance until he heard the others voice when his dance was done, startling the poor man out of his wits.

Iah blinked, unsure what to make of this visitor, perhaps it would be alright to be polite,

“Thank you sir” His slight Egyptian accent came out, voice soft and gentle green eyes studying the stranger. He was some feet taller than Iah, and that made him a little weary. Though he could have sworn he saw Ellie giving him thumbs up in her approval, so was he that dangerous? Iah felt a shiver run through him, he definitely wasn’t safe.

“I’m not used to people witnessing that dance, I feel rather embarrassed that you came in so abruptly” Iah said, the stranger’s handsomeness not lost on Iah, though as the stranger took a step forward Iah took one back, hoping that he would stop his approach before Iah ran into something.

“Might I have a name for one who disturbs my down time?” Iah asked, curious, but still cautious, though his curiosity was the one that showed in his expressive green eyes, locking with the stranger’s gorgeous blue.

[semelecyn]

"Forgive me for startling you," Anton began in his deep, melodious voice with its indefinable accent, the result of a life of wandering--from the courts of Jeskara to that of Nicholas and Alexandra of Russia. He approached the slight youth who came to about midchest on him, closing the distance slowly and carefully, knowing how formidable a presence he was and taking great pride in it. Today, he had dressed most casually, opting for dark trousers over handcrafted black leather boots with his crest pieced into them with bright pieces of the same material, though the work was hidden by his trousers. He knew the crests were there. His shirt was simple white silk, as he was quite fond of the Terran cloth. Around his waist was a woven black leather belt, the buckle sporting a smaller image of the Arkady crest, entwined dragons of the Chinese serpentine type--simply because he liked the image it made. Should he ever find a suitable mate to found a dynasty, the crest should do very nicely. Yet, after centuries, there still was no mate to suit him, only countless bedmates, unworthy of the term "lover".

This delectably, appetizing little creature would be welcome to his bed, he decided. And, he could teach the others dancing. It was decided: He would "collect" this tantalizing being whose aura was speaking to him even now though with such a varied signature that he could not place exactly what he was. He most certainly was not purebred Terran, not a native to this backwater planet that he had always considered a second home. Let fellow Jeskarans scoff! There was much to be had here, he knew.

"I am Anton Arkady." He proffered his right hand in the gesture of friendship in this part of the world. "Apparently, you are a skilled dancer, sir." It never hurt to show respect, even to one who might become a menial servant in his household--eventually. "Do you teach? And..." He smiled, an expression almost wolfish, especially with the chill, steady, aqua aura gaze--an odd blue with hints of gold. "What other skills do you possess I wonder? You see, I am seeking help in my household. Perhaps you can provide talents along with your beauty."

[pyromaniac]

Iah felt the shiver again as the stranger addressed himself, he spoke with a peculiar accent, and Iah wasn’t sure he could place it, he heard the different styles though and knew that the man in front of him must have been a traveler of some sorts, with probably more years than Iah could imagine.

There was a regal air about the one called Anton Arkady, and Iah vaguely wondered how high up in the chain of socialism this man was.

Iah accepted the offered hand, announcing simply,

“Iah Raksha, it is a pleasure to meet you” Iah truly tried not to be offended by the suggestive tone, the gaze though almost had him forget his propriety and morals to just jump into his tent, almost.

Iah’s eyes gave off a bit of a warning look, a professionalism coming about him that he was lacking slightly before, though the gentleness did not leave either his voice or his eyes, a smile on his lips

“I’m sorry if my profession might have been confused Mr. Arkady,” Iah said, the smile turning a little more upwards,

“you see I am a chef, I dance only sometimes in order to relieve stress.” Iah stated simply,

“my other skills include sowing what I can of my shelter behind me, or if I must mend a hem, aside from that I am a chef, and only a chef” Iah said, making sure that he made it clear to the handsome aristocrat in front of him that he was not interested in becoming anyone’s future bedmate.

“So I am sorry, but I do not teach, though I hear that there is a place in town where there are many professional teachers of all sorts that are looking for employment, I’m sure you can find someone else to provide their beauty and talent.” Iah was being cautious, he did like the compliment, and though he blushed slightly when Anton said it, he couldn’t go about this as a blushing virgin, even though he was still a virgin, and proud of it thank you very much.

[semelecyn]

Anton's smile did not waver as he retained his grasp of the slender hand, bringing his left hand up to clasp Iah's hand, encaging it. "A chef as well, and a fine one I am certain! Then, you must permit me to hire you, Mr. Raksha." Again, politeness might go a long way toward achieving his goal. "Perhaps you can offer some instruction to my tailors and others who fashion my wardrobe. Why, I could keep you quite busy. You would want for nothing. I assure you." He paused, considering. "You would not teach dancing to my beauties?" He made his handsome face a mask of tragedy.

Releasing the small hand, he stepped back slightly so that he could make a deep bow to his target. "Iah Raksha, will you do me the honors of becoming my head chef, master of my kitchens, keeper of my pantry, perhaps instructor to my--eh--harem?" He gave it the proper pronunciation, certain that this beauty would appreciate such a touch. Perhaps it would put him at ease, assuring him--however falsely--that his desires lay elsewhere. "In dance, of course," he added, the crystal blue eyes fixing on emerald orbs, daring this treasure to look away, certain that he could not, unless this Iah held even more surprises for him.

"Name your wages, and you shall have them. Of course, you will reside in my home." From his pocket, he slipped a small black, metal disk and pressed an indentation, the holographic image of his castle in the forests of Jeskara springing to life, with it the sounds of that mysterious place. "You may have a room apart from mine of course though on the same floor, should I require a special meal at some odd hour. That is very likely, for I do keep odd hours. Occasionally, there will be banquets." He pressed another place on the disk, revealing the great hall of his castle. "You will have all the provisions you will need from..." He had almost said "many worlds", a foolish error at this point. "From the finest shops and grocers," he decided. "My kitchen is well-staffed, but the present chef is sadly lacking in the necessary skills. Your confidence tells me that you are the one I need."

A touch of a fingertip ended his presentation, and Anton returned the disk to his pocket.

"You must be mine--my chef," he corrected rapidly.

[pyromaniac]

Iah could do nothing but stare at the man in front of him, wondering if maybe the aristocrat had lost his mind. Iah breathed in and closed his eyes, thinking a moment, before replying in a calm tone, gentle still, but firm

“Mr. Arkady, isn’t that proposal a little risky? I could be the worse chef there is and a really good liar and you would have hired and brought me back for nothing” Iah said, skeptical because something told Iah that this man was hiding something from him.

His eyes once more closed, thinking, hiding the confusion and excitement in the very well, he wasn’t good at masking his emotions when his eyes were open, but closed he could be someone of more rational thought and mind

“And how would your current chef be lacking? Would it not be cruel to suddenly introduce someone no one knows as head chef? Surely you have considered the proper amount of time to bring notice to your house” Iah said, his eyes opened as he asked his questions, his gaze searching that of the taller male.

Even now though, Iah could see why perhaps the man would have such a harem, Iah would not be part of it, but he could feel the power behind the man. Could sense it and practically taste it with his oversensitive taste buds, and he liked what he tasted. Perhaps the man’s flesh tasted the same, or would it have a different sort of twist to it?

“Give me two weeks to allow my work to know of my switch of employment and to get any last things settled, this should also give your house some time to allow for a new member, and I told you earlier, I am a chef, not a seamstress of any degree, and most certainly not a dancer who can easily teach something that is either with you or it isn’t”

Iah had no idea why he just accepted the offer, but something was telling him to go with this very handsome, but very secretive man.

“Though I will say this, I will be able to roam freely around the planet, I will not be kept walled in or trapped within your home, I’m a being of the outside, and I will not oppress that because the job may be better then what I am working for, understood?” Iah said, his firm voice and the look in his eyes held a fiery determination that showed he was completely serious and he would not have his freedom curbed so he could play the cute chief in the kitchen without any true respect or sense of self.

He would earn Anton’s staff’s respect, but he had to make sure that Anton had some sort of respect for his talent as well, or all he’ll ever be is Anton’s toy.

“So what would you say to me making you a dinner tomorrow so you can make an educated decision about my cooking instead of judgmental assumptions?” Iah asked, the gentleness coming back and the firmness he’d been using slightly dissipated, but only slightly.

[semelecyn]

Rage washed over Anton Arkady, who was completely unfamiliar with anything but immediate capitulation to his terms and whims. Centuries had brought him the composure to never reveal his true feelings. His perfect features were well-trained to be the necessary mask, whatever the situation. Perhaps the blue eyes had darkened faintly with the suppressed anger. In a rage, they would become amethyst orbs as his bloodfury rose. He was not in such a lethal mood, but he was highly irritated.

With a tight smile, he nodded curtly. "Very well, Iah Raksha. You shall prepare a meal for me. When and where shall we meet?"

Well, he had intended a collection tour, hadn't he? This should give him good reason not to hurry his mission. Besides, he had orders to collect, including several bolts of varying colors of silk, a selection of brocades and other such items.

"As for your concerns about my present chef: I can assure you that he is aware of my displeasure. The rest of my household will accept you unquestioningly. And, you shall dance for me and teach others to do so. It pleases me greatly, and you say it relaxes you. Can you not accept an audience of one? Will you not dance for me, my jewel?"

Where had the endearment come from, Anton demanded of himself. He found it distressing, irritating and completely uncalled for! What was wrong with him? Why not simply seize the creature and be done with it? Why--why coddle him?!

"When and where?" he repeated evenly.

[pyromaniac]

Iah would have fallen over, had he not been used to customers requesting the strangest things that he wouldn’t touch for the fact of it wouldn’t work for his taste pallet. This man, he was positively captivating when angry, the aura that washed over Iah was amazing, though Iah wasn’t afraid, the energy empowered him as well as made him feel comfortably warm. This is bad Iah thought, though luckily Anton was full of surprises. He went from frustrated to pet names, though it was said as an endearment, to completely cool, within a half a minute.

Iah was still debating within himself; he didn’t like how the man put his dance, twisting it so that Iah would have an audience. He wasn’t comfortable with it, and he told Anton this,

“As I have stated before Mr. Arkady, I’m not used to anyone witnessing that dance,” Iah looked to his future employer for a moment, nodding as a thought stuck him,

“if you wish of me to dance then I will,” Iah said, a stern look coming to his features,

“but no one else except you is allowed to see it, and I will not teach it” Iah stated,

“Now as for the time and place, meet me here, is three hours after the sun sets fine with you?” Iah asked, the professionalism coming back, his smile showing that as his features began to return to their normal softness, hurting slightly because he wasn’t used to being so forceful, but he was a little afraid. He didn’t want to loose himself to that encompassing aura, he wanted to make sure that his colors were as present as Anton’s, because somehow he had a feeling that if he did loose himself to Anton, then it would be fine to fade, and he didn’t want that.

[semelecyn]

"Three hours after sunset," Anton conceded, wondering at his patience with this enchanting but stubborn creature he had encountered. Why not simply overpower him in any one of a dozen ways, sending his subservients to this site to retrieve Iah Raksha's belongings? Anton had survived savage times on this world and others and had thrived, but he had had to learn certain civilized ways to do so. Often, they became an uncomfortably heavy cloak to what he truly was, disguising the beast he could become.

"Very well. I have errands to run; orders to claim and place. May I order anything special for you whilst in the city, Iah Raksha? I believe you will find my kitchens and pantry well-stocked and ready for your skills. Nothing is too fine for me," he boasted without qualms. "I demand the best and the finest. So, do you have a shopping list for me to see to, my..." He stopped himself then wondered why. "My jewel," he breathed, an elegant, ivory hand reaching out to caress Iah's face, the long, graceful fingers toying with the silver and ebony tresses, savoring their texture. "My lovely jewel." The blue-crystal eyes seemed to soften, taking on a luminous quality. "What is it you wish? Desire?" He enjoyed the taste of the word, knowing his placement of it gave it several meanings.

He drew back again. "As long as you will dance for me, for me alone, I shall accept that. Perhaps you will relent--later." He smiled, trying for some warmth. "I had thought I must hide what I am and where I am from, but it isn't necessary, is it, Iah of the Emerald Eyes? You know what you are and may suspect what I am. Much better when one knows. I have--eh--gathered some from this world who were unprepared for such changes. I think that you will enjoy the forests of Jeskara--especially when seen from the turrets of my castle. 'Tis not my only home, but I do favor it. You shall travel with me, my beauty, serving what I like best."

Let him interpret my words as he wishes, Anton mused. He slowly backed away from his newfound prize, reluctant to leave him and deciding that he would contact one of his entourage to watch over the campsite from afar, ensuring Iah's safety. He turned and strode away, moving so swiftly that, for many, he seemed to simply vanish. Once away, he sent a message to ensure Iah Raksha would be guarded--and prevented from departing should he change his mind.

Such a treasure should be guarded, he thought with finality.

[pyromaniac]

Iah nodded, to confirm the time,

“Thank you Mr. Arkady, and no, I will trust your kitchen is as you say it.” Iah said, feeling not as tense or as defensive as before, perhaps he was coming out of his startled state, though there was still something about the man in front of him that made him a little tense.

Iah was taken aback when his name turned out to be a gem for the second time, wondering why he felt happy when it was said from the taller man’s lips. Iah was startled when the man reached out a hand and touched him, no that wasn’t the word, caressed him would have described it better, Iah shivered slightly and relaxed into it, wondering what had gotten into him, but he shifted slightly, visibly pulling away when the hands went to his hair, not comfortable with them there.

“I merely wish to cook Mr.Arkady” Iah said, voice the softest that it had been all night, but the firmness returned a moment later,

“And for you to please keep your distance,” Iah said, giving Anton a warning look, again though he was taken by surprise with the gentleness from the man and how he kept referring to Iah as someone of extreme beauty, he never saw it, especially not after the way he was orphaned, he would never accept that he could be something as spectacular as the taller man kept on saying.

“I assure you, I am prepared, and this will not be the first time visiting Jeskara, though I thank you for the warning, I am an experienced traveler” Iah said, his future employer moved back, and then it was as though he was never there, his quick movement made Iah a little weary, if he ever did try to escape there would be no way he could out run that.

“Don’t worry Moonlight, everything will be fine” Iah nodded to the voice,

“Yes, it will” Iah went to his tent and began getting ready for bed, he had to be at work early and he wanted to make sure he had enough energy for whatever came his way tomorrow, especially if he will have to match wits or confirm his position, he was a chef, nothing more, and he was unsuitable for any sort of relationship. Cursed the word went right through him every time, was he setting himself up for a downfall? He settled down for the night, and couldn’t stop seeing the image of the man he just met flash through his mind, maybe tonight’s dreams would not include the shrieks of terror he heard every night.

Iah came back to his campsite right after work, telling his current employer that he would no longer be with him to go and be the personal and head chef of a Mr. Anton Arkady, his employer was amazed and glad for Iah, though he would miss him, more of his talent then Iah himself, but that was beside the point.

Iah had to go to the store and get a few items, he needed them 100% fresh otherwise the meal would not work in his favor, though he doubted that even if he burned everything the man would still demand his presence, and Iah felt the familiar shiver run through him as he thought about Anton. He had a certain cold beauty that made one cautious but curious, and Iah needed to calm his heart and stop the train of thought. He had to concentrate, for his sake more than his soon to be employer.

“Iah got out the various bowls, spoons, knives, and ingredients and began with the thing that would take the longest, the main course of beef stroganov, the appetizer being a very green Romanian lettuce for a salad, and the dessert being something a little different, cream puffs, this way it showed that he could mix and match different things, maybe not properly, but most certainly if the man had any weird cravings Iah was prepared to handle them, he would prove his true worth was in the kitchen cooking and not showing off his rather private dance.

He was concentrating so hard on making everything perfect that he had about 20 minutes before his employer would be coming, which was fine, he quickly set everything up, using a rather nice sized boulder as a makeshift table, low enough to support everything, but not high enough where you could comfortably sit on the log he had by it and dine.

Iah brushed his hair, bringing it back to the neat high pony tail, it got a little ruined as he was cooking, and made sure that his outfit wasn’t too wrinkled, he had on a chef’s coat and had a simple white long sleeved shirt and black slacks on. His shoes being his normal black slipper shoes, everything was set, now all he had to do was wait for the guest of honor, he knew he wouldn’t have to wait long.

[semelecyn]

Slightly before the appointed hour, a parade of sorts began arriving. Passing up Iah Raksha's makeshift table, several dark-garbed, impassive, musclebound, very handsome men carried in an undoubtedly heavy, carved table of a dark wood. They were followed by other less bulky and rather beautiful males, also blackclad, who soon had the table covered with a tapestry tablecloth, the finest tableware and a candleabra already alight. Two thronelike chairs of the same wood were placed, one on each side of the table. Forming two lines facing each other, the men stood silently waiting.

From out of the woods strode Anton Arkady, this time clad in a flowing, black velvet cloak decorated with tapestry pieces over another white silk shirt, with black trousers tucked into cuffed, black boots to the knees. For once, he did not wear the Arkady crest. Instead, it was displayed on the items he set on the table: two crystal goblets carved of aqua aura. Between them was placed a jewel-encrusted bottle filled with an exquisitely amber liquid.

"Good evening, Emerald Eyes," he greeted, smiling just enough to suggest the friendship of an employer while his endearment hinted at more. It was a purposely mixed message, which amused him. Anton had sensed the youth's attraction to him, making what was to come much simpler. "I hope you do not mind my supplying a few niceties, Iah Raksha." He glanced at the boulder-table. "Interesting," he conceded, "but won't this be more pleasant?" With a wave of his hand, he dismissed his minions. "I am certain I can trust you. I shouldn't need them till time to pack this away, true?" Again, he smiled, the gem eyes glittering.

Anton lifted his chin slightly, elegant nostrils flaring. "Ahhh! Stroganoff!" The smile was one of delight. He inhaled again, closing his eyes for a moment, calculating the ingredients. "We shall see if it matches the dish I dined on in a little cafe near... Never mind that. I do not care to drone on about what once was but is long gone. I do not regret. I hope you will share a glass of liqueur with me. It should complement the meal quite nicely I am certain--not clash with it. The ingredients come from my own lands on Jeskara. Just one glassful?" he questioned as he removed the stopper and filled each goblet halfway. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

[pyromaniac]

Iah felt the men coming; he closed his eyes for a moment, and silently asked what he had just gotten himself into. All of the men that came were very handsome in their own way, and he began questioning if he should really be in this group. He felt a strange feeling beginning to weave its way through him, was he going to become one of these pretty anonymous boys in black? No, he wouldn’t fade into the background; he wouldn’t let Anton make him become a colorless beautiful creature. Iah blinked, when did he ever consider himself beautiful? Never, not once in his lifetime did he consider his looks something that people would call beautiful. He mentally shook his head and breathed in, calming down, he had to stay level headed through this thing, stay the professional he was. Though he supposed that maybe these men were doing their own job of profession, the way they stayed completely cool throughout setting the table, and how they lined up perfectly.

He did get a good look at Anton though when he saw him, dressed in something beyond Raksha’s budget thrice over, he wasn’t even going to think about the table or the magnificent goblets set about, was Anton thinking that Iah was going to eat and serve at the same time? Perhaps he should have mentioned something of his way to introduce his food a little earlier, he heard the endearment, but it had no affect on Iah right now, everything was business and professionalism when it came to his cooking, he would have nothing less.

“Good evening Mr. Arkady” Iah replied, his voice sweet but professional, he would not cave to any advances this aristocrat might try, and he was going to make absolute sure of that.

“I do not mind Mr. Arkady, perhaps we should have discussed the details a little more in depth, for I will not be dining with you tonight.” Iah said, still standing near his little kitchen. He did bristle slightly with the ‘interesting’ comment, it didn’t show though, like he said before, he would be as professional as he could about this.

He did listen to the man talk, keeping his eye contact as he did so, it was the cut off that made Iah wonder just how old the male was,

“again, thank you but no, I am not old enough to consume alcohol on this planet, nor am I dining with you, and yes it is beautiful” Iah said, retrieving the salad he prepared and setting it before the man.

“I hope you don’t mind starting out with a salad” Iah said, professionalism taking away his fear of going near the man as he set the salad in front of the aristocrat, the dark green leaves and dressing not only adding an appealing sight, but also a taste, the lettuce used being the finest of the Romanian leaves.

[semelecyn]

"You insult me, Iah Raksha. You are no more of this world than I. Its rules do not apply to us. You must dine with me, and you must drink with me. Do you think it drugged?" He lifted a goblet to his lips, taking a deep draught before setting it down. "Sit," he commanded. "I shall not dine alone. I do not dine alone. I require companionship. Besides, you will prove that there is nothing for me to fear in consuming what you have prepared. I have no taste tester here," he noted. "Perhaps you were placed here by one of my enemies, one who knew I could not resist such a treasure as you, My Jewel." It was an official title now.

Sternly, he gestured to the second chair. "I insist. This, Iah Raksha, is part of the hiring process. Do not refuse me. Please," he ended to soften his commands. "Music!" he called, and a melody very like the one Iah had danced to began, played on a variety of instruments--Terran and Jeskaran, creating a unique, lovely, soothing sound. "You shall bring all to the table so that you shall not have to depart my presence once we begin."

His left hand slipped beneath his cloak, seeking an inner pocket and emerging with a silver band, intricately carved with serpentine dragons, surmounted by an emerald the exact shade of Iah's eyes. Carefully, Anton set it next to the second place setting.

"It should fit you exactly," he was certain. "Now, please, join me or I shall refuse to dine, and I would very much like to dine. I find that I am ravenous." The crystal blue eyes glittered in the candlelight as he studied his intended acquisition.

[pyromaniac]

Iah had to hold back his slight disappointment, apparently the pet name was going to stick with him for this man. Iah bowed,

“I’m sorry if I have offended you in any way Mr. Arkady, I am not accustomed to those trying my food wishing for my companionship” Iah said, straightening himself out at the end of his sentence. Iah brought out and set the meal in a fashion where it would not get in the way, but it would be easily reached as they went from one to another, leaving the cream puffs underneath the cloth. Iah was especially proud of them and wished them to be kept a secret until they were going to eat them.

Iah was slightly in awe though with the music, realizing the blend of instruments, glad that it would keep him focused and it would not be a silent dinner they would be eating.

Iah had to suppress another shiver at the look in those beautiful blue eyes, knowing that it could be taken as something Iah would rather not think about, so he didn’t. His movements were graceful when setting everything, and he could feel the slight nervousness build in him as he set his prized dessert on the table, know that after he let go of them he would have to sit and eat with the man, not that he minded too much, he was hungry. So with that thought in mind he went over to his chair, trying not to show that the chair was a little heavier than he previously thought, and sat down.

Iah dished himself some salad and then looked to the pretty silver band near his plate, a little anxious about it and not knowing why, perhaps because they only thing silver he ever received in his life were pots and pans. Iah picked the band up, admiring the way that it shone and reflected the moon,

“It’s beautiful, and fits marvelously, thank you” Iah said, slipping the band on and finding it’s weight on his finger comfortable, but a little strange since he never wore anything other than the occasional play bracelets for some dances. He studied the way that the ring seemed to glow in contrast to his skin, amazed at the perfect fit, and a little afraid as to how the man guessed it so accurately. Smiling at it in childish fascination at how it was big enough to suit him, but not overly gaudy or clashing, it would take some time to get used to cooking with it on.

“I have never received something quite this quality or of such value before, aside from personal value that is. Thank you very much, now shall we eat?” Iah asked, his eyes showing his joy and his voice becoming more to his natural gentleness, something that he hadn’t remembered using with this man before. He had to mentally shake from the memories of the valuable personal gifts, and tears that were trying to shine through.

[semelecyn]

Iah Raksha's capitulation greatly pleased Anton, and he smiled more fully than he had during either meeting with the young chef.

"It pleases me, My Jewel, that you have joined me. You must try the liqueur. It should complement your meal as it has that property about it to bring out the best in anything I partake in." He moved the goblet nearer to Iah's hand, allowing his fingers to trail over the back of the soft, smooth, dusky flesh, savoring its texture. "And you wear my ring. This pleases me as well. It is not of this world of course. There are few jewels here which would suit you. The emeralds tend to be too deep in tone and could not capture the hue of your eyes. Earth is not the only world that yields such gemstones, as you may know. My own craftsmen created that ring." Again, the fingers touched Iah's hand, stroking, petting, sensitizing the skin until at last Anton lifted the hand to his lips, kissing it gently, his white gold tresses spilling forward to flow around the small hand, adding a further caress.

Then, Anton withdrew and set about eating, nodding at intervals as a flavor or aroma particularly pleased him. Each dish was emptied, with no sampling but with an obviously healthy appetite. True, Arkady took--well--liquid sustenance on occasion, but he had cultivated a taste for excellent food and drink since much of his company did not share his appetite for lifeblood. It was preferable to fit in wherever he might dine. His goal was a place at court, where he would come and go as he pleased, his presence preferred, even demanded.

"I have made an excellent choice though I doubt you require that reassurance." He smiled faintly, eyes glittering so that his host/guest would know he was being teased. Only after he had joined the Arkady household would Iah learn that Anton rarely teased unless it was more the malicious sort. Something about this youth had moved the arrogant, willful being to clearly odd behavior, and the ancient being recognized this in himself and wondered.