WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE/Iah & Anton NC-17

[semelecyn]

Anton found himself perplexed by the situation. He had not left his room, having no immediate business to see to, no summonings to respond to, and no desire for shopping in the foreseeable future. He immersed himself in studies instead, those parchments and books pertaining to matings of the reluctant sort.

Dishes were prepared for him, but he found little interest in them, limiting his dining to several of the prettier but less-talented youths from his collection.

After two days, he relented and sent two of his guards to accompany Iah Raksha to the kitchens, with instructions to his Keeper of the Pantries to stock whatever was deemed necessary. It was understood that markets came to the Arkady household, not the reverse. To be summoned to his stronghold was much desired by grocers and others. Iah needed to meet those he would deal with--under the watchful eyes of the guards and others in his kitchen.

Anton had designed a surprise for the stubborn young man against his better judgment. When Iah returned to his indoor encampment, he would find an imager that, when switched on, would create the illusion of being in the deep woods, with the sounds and scents one would associate with such a locale. It was his secret that a chamber in the castle's interior was being converted into the semblance of a clearing in the woods that would bring the image to life. It would be simple to place a shield over the site in order to keep the climate temperate yet allowing a view of the sky. Should Iah miss the skies of Earth, that, too, could be provided via illlusion.

The guards would present Iah with a scroll proving himself head chef and approved purchaser of the Arkady kitchens. Perhaps that would keep him happy for the moment, Anton hoped as he penned his name and stamped the document with his crest. As a postscript, he requested that a special meal be prepared for himself and a guest.

[pyromaniac]

Iah was a little shocked when he returned from his shower dressed and ready for his day. He was shocked because there was a guard waiting to take him to the kitchens, but he really didn’t want to go, he was curious yes, but he wanted Anton’s company. He had to shake himself of that thought, and a more bitter one indulged itself into his mind, whispering a, he won’t always be there for you, he’ll take you and leave you child, you are meant to be forever alone and you will be. Iah wasn’t pleased with the whisper and didn’t wish to believe it. So with a smile on his face he allowed the guard to lead him to the kitchen.

He was bewildered by it, it was amazing to say the least, and he was more than thrilled to be introduced to the staff he would be working with, the guard even replied about some questions he had.

He idly wondered how such a marvelous staff could come with such a spoiled man! He didn’t think too much on it though, he was trying to simmer down and focus, and apparently Anton kept to his word about keeping him busy! He met with the pantry keeper and they discussed what sorts of things to bring in, there weren’t many because it was true, there was such a variety, Iah felt overwhelmed by it. He did keep his cool though his eyes were shining with his excitement. So at the end of the day he returned back to his little encampment to find a sort of holographic disc, not unlike the one Anton used to show him his home the first time they met.

So with some persistence from Ellie he turned the little thing on, and was surprised to find what the little thing could project. Iah truly felt like he was in a wooded area, but he couldn’t keep it on, for some reason he just didn’t want to be reminded of Earth through a hologram. He turned it off and couldn’t really bring himself to turning it on, maybe it scared him too much, or perhaps he was just skittish around technology, whatever the reason he wasn’t sure.

It was a nice thought, but Iah just couldn’t keep it on, it seemed to hurt somewhere and Iah wasn’t one to enjoy pain. He did want to thank Anton for the thought, and wondered if they were going to end up yelling at each other, or if it was a right time. He didn’t want to interfere if the man was feeding or distract him from work. So he sat down and wrote his thank you in a penmanship that would undoubtedly astonish the aristocrat. It had taken every bit of him to learn how to properly write when around the gypsies, but thanks to Mr. D’lak he had learned perfectly the way to write and speak.

When Iah was done he placed the letter in an envelope, the stationary kit he received from Mr. D’lak before the man passed away. He sealed it and wrote simply on the envelope that it was addressed to Mr. Arkady and slipped it underneath the door, and practically ran back to his encampment, closing the door and finding to his displeasure a blush on his cheeks and his heart racing. He shook his head, he was a grown man and he was acting like a girl with a crush who handed said crush a love letter, it was no such thing, it was merely a thank you note for the parchment of the official title of head chef, the hologram, and an explanation that Iah would not prepare a meal for either Anton or his guest until the two weeks were up, which they weren’t. That was all, but he had somehow managed to make it a full page in his best writing, and he wondered why.

Perhaps he didn’t want Anton thinking he had no skills in any other category but cooking, and as much as he wanted to tell Anton that he forgot about his trickery and all the hurt it brought and make him a marvelous meal, he couldn’t, wouldn’t, and was angry as he thought about it. So as a result of that the beginning of the letter was very pleasant and told of his gratitude for the tour and hologram, however at the end it turned to a more serious note on how he would not prepare the meal to tell of the chef’s recovering trust. Stating that the time he had told Mr. Arkady had been two weeks, and though he was grateful for him saving him, he was not appreciative of the method used.

Iah wondered, as his breathing became normal once more, if Anton would demand the parchment back and tell Iah that he would not be head chef until those two weeks were up. Iah didn’t care though, he had told the man what he would do and he would not budge from that decision.

[semelecyn]

Fortunately, it was Stasya who found and read the note, choosing not to inform Anton Arkady of his destined mate's defiance. She knew her companion far too well, realizing that, as enraged as he might become, he was capable of destroying the youth, only to regret his action later. She walked to the fireplace, banked slightly while Anton was gone, and burned the letter, ensuring herself that no trace was left to betray Iah Raksha--or her. No, she did not fear Arkady, but she preferred to remain among the Chosen.

At the appointed time, a meal would be delivered, the finest the remaining cooks could create. She would be there to be companionable. She would lie to him, telling him that all signs pointed to leaving Iah in solitude for the two weeks promised. Meals should be delivered to him, of course, but his two rooms would be his world till then. Stasya knew she would be believed. Centuries had taught her to lie beautifully, and she had been unfailingly successful with yet another of her skills. Her serene, lovely face, steady gaze, and melodious voice all served her well.

After two weeks of absence from each other's presence, perhaps tensions would fade away. Anton's lack of response to the letter might bring another from Iah, or perhaps the young man would fear he had angered his host and been banished from his presence. Time would tell if she had made the right decision.

Anton had dined on the veritable feast, accepting Stasya's company, supposing that he should have made it clear that Iah was to be his guest--or so Stasya reminded him. After all, he was told, he had hired the young man and was not officially pledged to him. Iah Raksha must still consider himself only an employee.

"I hope I have not erred in judging his abilities," Anton declared, wondering that the dishes seemed so like others he had dined on before. "Perhaps it is his anger that causes the..." He couldn't quite decide what it was that was missing that had been there in the dishes he had been served on Earth. "Perhaps he is testing me, defying me, daring me to take him back so that I may find someone more suitable." At a sharp glance from the woman at his side, he added, "I am aware that he is my..." The lips twisted, as if battling not to say the word: "Mate!" he spat, the blue-crystal eyes blazing, beginning to take on an amethyst tint as the bloodrage rose. "Mate! That--that..." Unable to find the right word and not truly knowing what he wanted to say, he drank deeply of the red wine he had brought from Earth. "Let him wait! Just as you said, let him stay where he is for two weeks--exactly two weeks! He will not prepare a meal for me again till that time has passed. Then, we shall see if he is worthwhile as head chef--or merely for my bed!"

In his mind was the image of himself bursting through the door separating them, wresting the youth from his room and flinging him--and himself--on the soft, wide bed, having his way with him in every way he wished, savoring his silken hair and flesh. His eyes burned a darker color now until Stasya began singing softly, "Dark Eyes" once more:

Dark eyes, burning eyes
Frightful and beautiful eyes
I love you so, I fear you so
For sure I've seen you at a sinister hour

Dark eyes, flaming eyes
They implore me into faraway lands
Where love reigns, where peace reigns
Where there is no suffering, where war is forbidden

Dark eyes, burning eyes
Frightful and beautiful eyes
I love you so, I fear you so
For sure I've seen you at a sinister hour

Without meeting you, I wouldn't be suffering so
I would have lived my life smiling
You have ruined me, dark eyes
You have taken my happiness forever away

Dark eyes, burning eyes
Frightful and beautiful eyes
I love you so, I fear you so
For sure I've seen you at a sinister hour.

By the end of her rendition, the aqua aura hue had returned to his eyes as the song calmed him.

"Two weeks," he agreed. "I shall give him two weeks."

[pyromaniac]

Iah didn’t know why he felt so hollow, there had been no reply from the man, nothing of a response, and he wanted so much to get a reaction. Iah craved reactions, whether it be to anger Anton, or to hear a complement from someone he served. Reactions helped him greatly in his profession, and without any he felt extremely lost.

He didn’t waste the two weeks though, and was extremely pleased when cook books were brought to him so he could read through them, writing down notes and reminders to himself on different things. He was amazed at some of the dishes that Anton liked and paid special attention to them, it also gave him an idea of the man’s taste in his food and permitted Iah to come up with his own special dish that he would serve the man at the end of the two weeks.

It was good that the man didn’t disturb him, because Iah could be compared to a mad scientist who was on the verge of some great discovery. Iah wrote page upon page of different things that would work best for this ultimate meal he had in store for his employer.

So detailed was he that he even asked the brewery to blend something a little different for him, he was going to prove to Anton why he was a chef, and only a chef.

The two weeks were up, and Iah made sure that everything was perfect, he showered and got up a little more early than what was called for, inspecting everything and making 100% certain that the meal would have no flaw. He really had to hand it to the brewers, the wine was positively perfect! Iah smiled, and wrote a most appreciative letter to them, hoping that he would have a chance to work with them again, and to experience the process first hand.

Iah went about breakfast preparation for when Anton awoke, again something else that Iah had been mentally preparing for the two weeks. This day’s meals would be perfect from start to finish, like they would everyday after. Iah made sure that everything prepared went very well together, there was no random pattern to his cooking like he had done when he made Anton’s dinner, a day that Iah did his very best to not think about.

Sometimes Iah had a tendency to take his anger out in his cooking after an especially rough day with a customer and dancing would not sooth the furious rage within like cooking could. Even then though, the quality of food was still at it’s best and unless emotions could be picked up through food, no one would know that the chef was angry to begin with.

Had Iah known that Stasya had interfered with the letter Iah would have just kept writing them until one got to Anton, but since he didn’t know, and had consumed himself in his work, the letter had all but left his mind, even with the initial emotional spiral downwards at the lack of response from his employer.

Iah didn’t know if he could feel more elated at working in the kitchen, his positive mood and determination making him all but dance around in that weird special way that Iah could pull off so well. It made Ellie laugh and clap when he was done, the kitchen was his territory, and it didn’t matter if it was on a planet far from the one he had previously been on, he felt the safest here, comforted by the aromas and feeling, not even Anton Arkady could disturb him or scare him while he was here, it was his sanctuary.

[semelecyn]

For Anton, it was always a leisurely breakfast in bed. He had disciplined himself to find food palatable since he expected to grow in importance at court. To imbibe liquid sustenance was to separate oneself from a vast number of acquaintances who might serve a purpose at some future time. So, Anton, propped upright by a mass of pillows, was preparing himself to dine, filling the time till the meal's arrival with completing correspondence at his special in-bed writing desk. He remained in his white nightshirt, his silvery hair in slight but quite becoming disarray.

He supposed that his new head chef would send some minion to his door, where Stasya would accept the carefully prepared tray. He trusted her talents to assure him that nothing harmful had been added to his meal. In situations of company--say, a banquet--he was noted for having a tastetester, some properly exquisite boy. In truth, it was Stasya's slight nod of approval that caused him to begin dining. The disposable youth was simply a way of informing any enemies that he was prepared at all times for an attempt on his well-being.

For now, his long-time companion sat quietly in the tapestry-covered chair across from him, a wingback that embraced her begowned form. Today, it was lace-trimmed gray taffeta that shimmered lavender whenever she moved as she played one ancient melody after another. She had chosen a lute, having mastered every stringed instrument he had collected for her. Occasionally, she hummed along with a favored tune, rarely singing so as not to distract Arkady from composing his replies. She was aware that Iah was taking over his chefly duties today and hoped that all would go well. Her divinations had been promising, but there were so many variables considering how volatile the couple-to-be were. Time will tell had never been a truer forecast.

Then came the expected signal: a rap at the door.

[pyromaniac]

Iah Raksha had to do something that he was dreading. He himself had to bring the meal to Anton Arkady. Why did the head chef have to do such a task? Apparently no one gave him a clear answer, perhaps they feared Anton should the meal be less of anything aside from perfect for his tastes.

That was impossible, Iah made sure that Aton would like it, he just knew he would. The recipe had called out to him as he was inventing it. So because of everyone’s rather skittishness, Iah had to leave his sanctuary, and face a male he would rather not have to deal with.

Don’t get him wrong, generally conversations started out most pleasantly, but they never ended well, and Iah knew that he might have to do a little extra cooking if he couldn’t keep down his temper, something that seemed to grow exponentially shorter with the male but no one else.

Iah would do it though, for the pure fact that the nervous aura of others would affect presentation, and Iah had not just worked as hard as he did to have it diminished or affected by other’s insecurities.

So it was with calm, confidence and complete professionalism that he walked to the door, head held high, chef coat, pony tail, and appearance of the chef he was. Stopping at the door he inhaled and exhaled slowly, gathering his nerves about him in one last check and knocked on the door.

He was amused to see a beautiful girl answer the door and he inclined his head slightly, smiling and showing his respect to her as she allowed him entry.

Iah was pleased as he kept his professional mask in place as he saw Anton, oh he knew the male was beautiful, but it was more of the purely childish look he had at the moment, being in bed with hair in elegant disarray and papers on his table. He smiled the kind smile one would use with their employers,

“Mr. Arkady breakfast is served” Iah said, setting the tray where he knew it was supposed to go. Unsure only a moment if he should leave or if he should stay, perhaps Anton would ask the name of the meal as he uncovered the breakfast, and honestly that was the one thing that he couldn’t think of, sure he thought of names, but nothing did it any justice. So Iah thought that maybe it was better he should leave the man he had not seen or heard from in over two weeks to his meal and his solitude.

[semelecyn]

When Anton Arkady heard the announcement “Mr. Arkady, breakfast is served”, followed by the presentation of the tray, his first move was to clear the desk before him, scattering papers in all directions as he skewered Stasya with a crystalline glare, furious with her as she merely smiled at him, backing out of the room and closing the door after her. Of course, it would not do to act out his fury though it was quite evident by the lavender hue his eyes had taken on as he felt the rush of anger sweep through him.

Forcing a smile upon his exquisite face, Anton nodded at Iah, indicating that he seat himself on the tapestry-and-mahogany chair nearby. "You shall stay while I dine, Iah Raksha," he stated firmly. "It seems Stasya needs to be elsewhere. I am unaccustomed to dining unaccompanied you see." He began tasting each item in turn, nodding slightly before selecting the portion that had pleased him the most. "I find," he explained as he savored the dish, "that, without company, I tend to be distracted by my work--my journals, my books, my parchments, my studies. Company ensures that I consume a certain amount of nourishment so that I remain accustomed to it." Why he was explaining, he was uncertain.

"Would you care to brush my hair after I dine? Stasya was neglectful of her duties this morning, or perhaps I became too lost in my correspondence. I think I should like that--if you will." Just why are you being so civil, Mikita? he demanded of himself, using the endearment that very few knew of. It was a rarity to hear it from anyone but Stasya. He is my mate, he reminded himself--as if he required reminding. Iah Raksha must be approached differently if they were to become mated. Children! At my age?! He found the notion distressing yet somewhat intriguing. What shall they be? How shall they look? They were an unusual mixture, and their kits' gifts could be quite startling. They shall be beautiful of course. No doubt of that. And, I suppose they shall be intelligent. They had better be, he thought fiercely, his brow actually furrowing at the thought of stupid younglings underfoot.

By now, he had nearly finished breakfast, his silence signaling his approval. He reminded himself that his mate-to-be was unaware of this.

"Excellent," he commended, putting the tray in order then leaning back so that it could be removed. "My hair," he reminded his chef. "The brushes are over there. The ivory-handled one I think today. Yes. That should do." Accustomed to being catered to, Anton awaited surprisingly patiently for Iah Raksha to respond.

[pyromaniac]

Iah was amused in a very strange way seeing Anton throw the papers about to clear the desk, he really wondered how old the other was at times like these. Though Iah couldn’t help the shiver that ran through him as he felt the man’s anger flare once more, and he was almost as panicked as Anton as he saw the beautiful woman leave them alone, not even Ellie was with him right now, going where she had to during the day for her studies.

He knew well the smile was forced, though it seemed that no matter what the other did he was beautiful, and Iah was truly pleased he was not drinking anything, it would have come back in the second that Anton asked him to brush his hair. He would admit silently that he had been curious of the texture, it appeared to be silky smooth and soft, and it only left Iah to nod that he would in fact brush the other’s hair.

How strange, he could not find any anger in him, nothing that would merit any sort of rebellious action from him, granted he was not a hair dresser, and he did not in the least appreciate the way that Anton had told him to sit, perhaps Iah had glared at the other before relenting a moment or so later, and glad he had upon Anton’s acquisition.

Though there was another reason that Iah was glad he had the opportunity to stay with the other, it allowed him to judge his reactions, mentally checking off that the breakfast had not been hated. It gave him a sort of pride, something that assured him that he was useful and Anton was going to keep him in the kitchen.

Iah listened to the male explain himself, and he found it all rather interesting, keeping to silence as he often did, not much of a talker and often leaving that to Ellie.

Iah raised a curious brow to Anton’s furrowed ones, what was the other thinking that caused such a face? Did he not like the food somehow? That thought was silenced with the slight praise from the other, Iah’s smile was perhaps the best one he had shown the other male in the entire time he had known him, standing and bowing slightly,

“Thank you Mr. Arkady, I suppose then I should add this to the list of foods you like” going over and grabbing the brush Iah came back, though there was a slight problem as to exactly how he was going to brush the other’s hair with him still on the bed, thinking for but a moment he brought the chair closer to the bed, just enough where he still had space, but close enough to Anton,

“If you wouldn’t mind turning so I may brush your hair?” the question was, thankfully to Iah, not as shaky as he thought it would be. Never before had he brushed another male’s hair, sure he had brushed Ellie’s, but Ellie wasn’t this male and Iah was trying not to let his anger through, it really wouldn’t be that bad, as long as he didn’t start asking Iah to clean his room or pick up the scattered papers, then he would be fine.

“I have to return to the kitchen after this” it was a simple statement, one that was a reminder to Iah not to linger too long, he had a schedule and though he had some time for the moment, he would have to return to the kitchen soon and bask in the warmth which always filled him while in the room.

[semelecyn]

Once the dishes and lapdesk were set aside, Anton threw back the covers and swung long, perfect, pale legs over the side of the bed, sitting up then turning slightly toward the foot of the bed, his silvery hair cascading to his waist in disarray. Like a very large child, he sat quietly, hands folded in his lap. As regally as he held himself, he might have been wearing robes of state and not a fine linen nightshirt. He smiled faintly, sighing as Iah drew the brush through his tresses that flowed even finer than silk, thick and straight and as perfect as the rest of the aristocratic being.

"The kitchens? Must you? I thought perhaps we could speak together. But, if you must. Perhaps you shall bring my other meals to me. I do wish you to create a banquet. I shall provide you with as much notice as possible. How and when and the number of people--all these I will provide for you, Iah Raksha. I trust a feast is not beyond your talents. Perhaps you shall bring me dishes to sample, and we shall decide together. You shall suggest which dishes should be served.

"You shall bring my breakfast each morning. Will you do this for me? Perhaps we shall become better acquainted. We must become acquainted. I did not choose to be mated. You did not seek this either. Yet, we are to be lovers, mates. It is inevitable. We must reconcile ourselves to the inevitability. Is it such a dreadful prospect, My Jewel." The voice caressed the young man, a tangible sensation, the touch like velvet, silk, the fall of snow. "You must forgive me, My Jewel. You must accept me."

Anton fell silent, awaiting whatever response his mate chose to make.

[pyromaniac]

Iah was rather proud of himself that his breath had not hitched noticeably, the man really was far more beautiful then should be permitted for living creatures to be. As if the man wasn’t perfect in just physical appearance, his hair was magnificent and Iah couldn’t help the gentleness that he put into tending to it. The softest of fabrics could be put to shame compared to Anton’s hair.

Iah listened, and for once thought the man was truly acting the hundreds of years he had acquired.

“No a feast is not beyond what I can do, and I wouldn’t have it any other way if you are hosting the feast that I am making.” Iah’s touch was gentle on the tresses beneath the bristles of the comb. He did want to become acquainted with the male that was meant to be his mate. How had the fates decided them to be? Was it some cruel joke perhaps? Did they know the relationship was going to be a failure and wished more suffering on the cursed one?

“I wish to better know you as well Mr. Arkady, and I see no problem with me bringing your breakfast to you each morning, perhaps I can throw in some samplers for the feast as well, though would you mind horribly if I had a list of those coming and what their taste is like?” Iah wasn’t sure if something like that was possible,

“Perhaps I should meet with them if it isn’t, this way I can better prepare a menu to their liking, however if not then an improvisation meal would not be something that I could not accomplish either” in thought Iah still used the same care he had before while brushing the long strands, length similar to Iah’s own naturally duel colored hair.

Iah fought the urge to shiver at the man’s words, it was incredible how he managed such a reaction from Iah, a normally cold person to anything that involved the more sensual side, and all Anton did was speak, what a dreadful thought indeed.

Thinking a moment about forgiving the man, had Iah already forgiven him? Is that why he was being compliant at the moment? It would explain it, and Anton had waited the two weeks, closing his eyes Iah opened them a moment later,

“I know what I must do, and I suppose I have already forgiven you Mr. Arkady, and when the time comes for us to become…” this was harder then he thought it would be to say, “mates, then I would like to perform my own little, experiment if you will, of our destinies.” For whatever reason Iah could only hope that he had not offended Stasya in any way, he knew that she was undoubtedly correct in her readings, but it was more of a tradition of the Romanian people than anything.

[semelecyn]

Anton reveled in the gentle, skillful touch of the youth who one day would be his lover and mate. He had resigned himself to this, accepted that it was time to be joined and to produce kits. Yes, he was certain there would be more than one. It seemed only right that he produce a family, as many children as Iah Raksha wished to have. He felt rather generous, allowing his mate to have that decision. He still would have his boys, true? A mate need not change his life too much.

He was pleased that Iah responded positively to the banquet preparation: “No a feast is not beyond what I can do, and I wouldn’t have it any other way if you are hosting the feast that I am making. I wish to better know you as well, Mr. Arkady, and I see no problem with me bringing your breakfast to you each morning, perhaps I can throw in some samplers for the feast as well, though would you mind horribly if I had a list of those coming and what their taste is like?”

"Yessss." His murmured agreement came in a rather drowsy voice as he became blissful under Iah's touch, the crystalline eyes half-lidded with pleasure. Anyone in his household would have been startled to see the aristocratic Anton Arkady so subdued, manipulated even in this slight way by, to them, a menial servant. It would be some time before others knew what was to come for them.

Anton continued nodding agreeably to what Iah outlined. He was confident that his banquet would be a success, if he was to judge by the breakfast and other meals the young man had provided. He smiled, self-satisfied, preening at the image of himself at the head of the table, looking properly regal, perhaps introducing his new chef to the envy of all. Yes, he liked the picture very much.

Then, Iah was speaking again: “I know what I must do, and I suppose I have already forgiven you, Mr. Arkady, and when the time comes for us to become…” He heard the hesitation and understood, not saying anything to interfere. “...mates, then I would like to perform my own little experiment if you will, of our destinies.”

"And what does this experiment entail, My Jewel?" he questioned softly. "Is it the girl you wish to hear from? I doubt very much she will see anything different from what Stasya has, for my companion has had centuries to perfect her skills. We shall await what your friend has to say, Iah. I am agreeable to this. And, of course, I should very much like to sample items so that we may decide how best to bedazzle my guests. I am certain you will receive offers for a place elsewhere to practice your culinary abilities. You may tell them that I shall always better their offer. You need not tell them that we are to be mates. This will not be necessary, for I am certain that our--eh--courtship will take some time, allowing us to come to terms with how our lives will change. There shall come a time when I shall deliver the surprise, shall we say? Yes, I am enjoying this very much. Perhaps you will do this for me occasionally--if it is not too dreadful a task for you." He sighed, moving slightly under Iah's touch, smiling faintly. "Do you realize I have trusted no one but Stasya behind me for beyond anyone's memory. Does this tell you that I trust you, My Jewel?"

[pyromaniac]

Iah was rather stunned with the male sitting before him, completely compliant and subdued. It made Iah happy for the reason of feeling like the manipulation was mutual between them, something Iah had never before experienced in his short life.

Of course this was only a short time that he experienced this, because the elder began talking again, and Iah couldn’t stop the blush from forming on his cheeks, pleased that he was not visible from where he was behind Anton.

"And what does this experiment entail, My Jewel?" the question made him shiver slightly, and the answer made the blush appear, though his words did what they could to hide it,

“It is nothing more than a dance Mr. Arkady, one that is very sacred and shall be performed much later, so no it is not Ellie that I wish to hear from, but my heart and more importantly you” Iah was rather proud of himself, never before had he felt so confident or at ease, it was hard to feel anything but relaxed as he watched the silken strands flow through the comb.

"And, of course, I should very much like to sample items so that we may decide how best to bedazzle my guests." Iah nodded at this, then blushed at the next prediction, never before thinking that more than one employer would enjoy his cooking, even if everything he made was of the highest quality. He very much had little to no self esteem, often times not thinking anything about himself worthy of anything less of scorn and criticism. So to say the least when Anton complimented him he was always shocked, though humble about everything he did, not wishing to overestimate his value to any degree.

“I assure you Mr. Arkady that even if you couldn’t best their offers that I would not go with them.” A smile found its way on Iah’s face “If you enjoy this then I see no reason as to not permit it occasionally, because no, it is not dreadful at all.” He knew somewhere in the back of his mind that he had to return to the kitchen, but not before he addressed the trust question

“Yes it does tell me that you trust me, and I thank you for that, though you have also proven that by eating of what I have prepared.” Iah’s smile grew a little more, though it returned to more of a professional one as he stood from his chair, already missing the way that Anton had moved under his care,

“Now if you’ll excuse me I must return to the kitchen and prepare the remaining meals, and I am certain that you also have work that you must attend to.” With that he gathered the tray that he brought in and inclined his head out of respect, leaving the room, feeling slightly hollow that he had to leave Anton’s side, a thought that infuriated his mind. What are you his pet? Pathetic! You wonder why you will fade? his mind snarled, and Iah sighed, you are overreacting, and it isn’t like he asked anything outrageous of me. His mind scoffed, So if he asks you to do something outrageously in a polite way you will yield? How will he ever take you seriously if you act like nothing more than a servant! Was Iah really going to argue with his mind? Of course he was, You think that servants are taken lightly? Servants and employees keep the entire house moving, without them you think that most aristocrats would be able to maintain their house or host parties? His mind still didn’t like it though, and honestly Iah couldn’t careless as long as he was able to cook, that was the only thing that truly mattered to the young chef.

[semelecyn]

"A dance," Anton repeatedly, sounding bemused. "I should like to see you dance. Will you not dance for me, or must that wait till we are--eh--together, to be truly mated? Or, shall I have to spy on you, My Jewel? You must know I have ways of doing so, not that I have taken such advantages--yet. I do not care for being uninformed about anything that occurs in my homes. I am a most curious being."

To his concerns that others might make generous offers to win him to their service, Iah had a more than acceptable answer for him: “I assure you, Mr. Arkady, that even if you couldn’t best their offers that I would not go with them.” The silver-tressed head nodded, the corners of the usually stern mouth, lifting in a smile that echoed the youth brushing his hair in such a delightful manner. “If you enjoy this then I see no reason as to not permit it occasionally, because no, it is not dreadful at all.” That answer, too, pleased Anton Arkady as he luxuriated in Iah's gentle touch. “Yes it does tell me that you trust me, and I thank you for that, though you have also proven that by eating of what I have prepared.”

Then, the Egyptian's touch was gone, and Anton found himself irritated at himself that he had reveled in it so thoroughly. The only indication was the drawn-out sigh and a slight adjustment to his seating so that he could look at his mate-to-be.

“Now if you’ll excuse me I must return to the kitchen and prepare the remaining meals, and I am certain that you also have work that you must attend to."

"Yes, I do have correspondence to deal with. Go." He shooed Iah, the smile warming his stern appearance. "I think I shall remain in my chambers today. The household seems to be in control, and I do not often withdraw for this long. Perhaps it will do me good. I admit my--eh--temperament can be rather fearsome. Why do you not like my gift of the holographic image? Does it remind you too much of Earth? I merely wished you to become comfortable with Jeskara's forests--it sights and sounds. Perhaps you know it well enough already. Is there some other place you would wish an image of? I cannot imagine you longing for deserts, yet some do relish it, not seeing desolation there but a place of contemplation. They do call Earth's Sahara the Garden of Allah, true? I myself much prefer deep woods, rivers, cascades and, at times, mountains. Some evening, we shall speak of our likes and dislikes, shall we not? Now, you must return to your duties. But, you shall bring me a midday meal, delivered by your own hands? I should like that very much."

Once more, he picked up the letter he had begun, trusting the youth to close the door after him.

[pyromaniac]

Iah wasn’t on the defensive for once about his dance.

“You will see me dance Mr. Arkady, however the dance that I am speaking of is far different from the dances that I normally do to calm myself, and if you wish for me to dance in front of you for such a casual dance then I would not recommend spying on me, for yes I know that you have your ways, and have already exercised one such way of looking into the room that you have assigned me.” Iah said, a smile of a mysterious air coming over the Egyptian. His mix breeding permitted him to know such a thing, weather or not Anton realized that or not, Iah wasn’t sure. He would tell him now though, he didn’t appreciated the extra hidden eyes and would discourage such behavior now.

“So I ask that you please keep your curiosity to yourself, I myself am rather curious, but I refuse to steep to such a level as that of a peeping tom” Iah stated in a sure voice, hoping he had portrayed his utter distain of the ‘curious behavior’. Apparently Anton had more than one home, and the fact that he could spy on them proved to Iah that he could see for very far distances, and that made Iah all the more want to never take his clothes off for showers or changing, a foolish thing really, but Iah was shy, and very conscious about his body. If he showed it to someone then it would be a willing preview and not some questionable way of knowledge.

Iah wasn’t so sure he liked the other’s tone as Iah was shooed from the room, doing his best not to get offended by such an action. Of course the male always seemed to contradict himself, one moment he was told to leave, and the next the male starts up a possibility for more time to talk, really what a confusing fellow.

The question confused Iah greatly, a blond brow rising, hadn’t he written the other a note thanking him? Iah was positive of it, sure that it was not some sort of figment of his mind, he had indeed written a slightly lengthy letter to the elegant male in his best hand writing, thanking him for the holograph and apologizing that he was not able to make the meal for it would mean that Iah had forgiven the other, which he hadn’t.

“Mr. Arkady I was positive that I…” Iah couldn’t finish the sentence because it was at that moment that Ellie came bounding to him with exciting energy,

“Moonlight there you are! Come on let’s go make the rest of the meal! You promised I could help with it and you are late! Come on come on, leave this old grump alone, we have work to do!” Ellie giggled and did what she could to try and pull Iah with her to the kitchen,

“I’ll see you at lunch time then Mr. Arkady” and with that Iah closed the door, following his childhood friend to the kitchen and patiently listening to her as she described her day and the scolding tone, also that she saw a gorgeous woman in the Arkady household with beautiful long hair and gown on, and if Iah didn’t know any better he could have sworn that he saw Ellie blush as she described the women who Iah only momentarily met at the door to Anton’s room before she excused herself.

[semelecyn]

An elegant brow arched. "Keep my curiosity to myself? You dare say that to me, Iah Raksha? I shall never do that. I must know all that happens wherever I may be. It is essential. Consider it an obsession but a helpful one, one that has kept me in, let us say, excellent health for a certain amount of centuries. I live because I am insatiably curious. I chose to ignore the epithet though I am aware of the legend of Tom. You may object to the extent of my curiosity. Your objection is allowed though not necessarily heeded. Privacy breeds risk, especially once you become my mate, My Jewel. I have many enemies who would target you. Complete privacy could be deadly."

Ellie's presence registered vividly with Anton, and he allowed the two to converse though he bridled at the "old grouch" remark that had made its way through. Old? Well, he was quite ancient for some lifeforms. But, grouch? Perhaps he was demanding. Perhaps he was critical. Really! Was there any need for the child to use such a word? Perhaps she hadn't the vocabulary to truly describe him.

Then, they left, closing the door after them. Trying to rid himself of the irritation, he resumed workng on his correspondence. Perhaps near the next meal, he would be dressed and ready, or... He paused, smiling quite wickedly.

"Perhaps," he murmured, "I shall be bathing and--eh--lose track of the time. Yes. I think a bath is in order. This 'old grouch' requires a hot, soothing, fragrant bath to place him in better temper." He chuckled at the thought of being thus displayed to his "intended".