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saklani2.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fellowshippers2005-02-22 02:35 am
saklani2.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2005-02-22 02:35 am
NEW: Servitus 7/21 (Viggo/Elijah AU)
Title: Servitus
Author: Saklani (saklani@wildmail.com), Wushu and Iocane
Codes: Viggo/Elijah, ELijah/Sean B. AU RPS
Rating: NC-17
Part- 7
Disclaimer: I do not own these men, or anything else I mention here. I am not looking to make money from this... God forbid. And I am NOT them nor is what I put down here real. Thank you.
Summary: Roman Elijah buys Spaniard Viggo as a slave, but finds that he is worth more to him than he ever imagined.
Author's Notes: Ah, the real plot twists begin with this part! Prepare for the unbending evil that is the Roman!BEAN!
This part is dedicated to![[profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
curthose
Elijah finds himself unable to sleep, spending the whole evening pacing his quarters, the house and then back to his room. He tries to sleep, lying down several times, but tosses and turns. He finally calls for Orlando to distract him, but that proves less than successful. Eventually he sends him away and paces again, watching the stars and moon move across the sky. The lighter the sky gets, the faster his heart beats.
Viggo crouches on a rooftop and peers down at one of the General's soldiers. The first rays of sun streak the sky above him, as he watches the soldier peer around in frustration. "You are good," Viggo murmurs, "but not good enough." He smiles in satisfaction as the man disappears around a corner. Waiting for a few moments to make sure the man does not double back, he finally slips off the roof and hurries for the safety of Elijah's property. Vaulting the outlying wall, he winces slightly as the fresh wound across his chest flares. The slave trader was not pleased to lose his possessions. Of course, he ended up losing his life, when he tried to prevent the rescue.
Viggo slips silently to the wall outside his own balcony. He glances around the compound and finding everything still, climbs up to his window and hops in. His pulls off his weapons and then the bloodied shirt and pants. Tossing those in a small pile to be discarded, he quickly examines the fresh cuts and goes to get some salve.
Hearing movement in Viggo's room, Elijah quickly makes his way to the adjoining room, calling softly, "Viggo?"
"Come in," Viggo says, just loud enough for Elijah to hear. He continues to dab the salve over the new wounds, using a strip of his ruined tunic to wipe away blood.
Entering the room, Elijah's eyes fall on Viggo and his heart races at a thousand beats a minute. He freezes for a moment in shock at seeing Viggo without his shirt. The bolt of lust does not wash away fast enough for Elijah's comfort, by concern at the sight of the wound.
"What happened?" Elijah is in motion again in a moment, walking to Viggo's side, shoving his hands away to apply the salve himself.
Viggo smiles a little at Elijah's rather pushy manner. "They are saved," he says simply, "but the slave trader resisted to his misfortune. We were careful to dispose of all evidence. There will be no way to tell what happened. Meanwhile, a group of children shall escape certain death."
Elijah releases a shuddering breath before nodding in a jerky fashion, not looking up from the wound he now wraps in a soft bandage. He knows his fear of losing Viggo and the desire he still feels, despite Viggo's blood on his hands, shows on his face, in his eyes.
Viggo yawns and stretches a little. "How has your night here gone? Everything quiet? I saw several of the General's guards on the way home. One even detected something and tried to follow me." He smiles and shakes his head. "His instincts were good."
"Quiet... they will not disturb me. Their orders are to not been seen unless I try and leave the house, and then to 'guard' me if I do. Sean does this every so often. I guess it's an attempt at intimidation. They are some of the best guards in the city... Sean prides himself on always having the best." Finishing the bandaging, Elijah does not look up as he asks, "None of the children were hurt? Just- just you?"
"They are well enough. Hungry and terrified, but physically unharmed. Your friends have already gotten them out of the city by now. I merely hope their families can be found." He gently pulls away from Elijah and stands, clad only in a thin undergarment. He examines a scar on his leg. "This shall never heal properly."
Elijah's gaze runs over Viggo one time before he turns away, moving to put some space between them, "It looks as healed as it will get I believe, although I am no healer. Do you need a meal before sleeping?"
"Yes, I am famished. Your friends are planning a dozen or more possible rescues and raids. I like the way they think."
Elijah nods and goes out to order a meal for the two of them. Returning and feeling in control of himself again, he says, "Several men captured in the same battle as you were soon will come up for sale."
Viggo pulls on new clothes, sweeping the bloodied ones under the bed. His eyes narrow and then shut in sorrow at Elijah's words. But his back straightens, and his eyes drill into deeper blue ones. "I will not let them be sold," he says quietly and with a tinge of deep anger.
"I- I was wondering if any of them were men... you knew? Trusted to... join us? Two of my... friends have the means to... thye can buy them as I bought you. I- I could afford to... but I cannot for other reasons."
"No," he says firmly. "They go free by my life or death. I will not ask them to live as I do."
Elijah looks at Viggo, his expression slightly challenging, but wanting to ask the question. "If we truly value freedom as much as we say, should we not let them chose?"
"If they get sold, there is no guarantee who will buy them. However, if I free them, I will ask them if any are willing to act as a slave, as I do, and help us in our endeavors. Does that suit you?" He lifts an eyebrow, smiling slightly at the smaller man.
"I can guarantee who will buy them. The same way I got you. I am my father's son... and I can... direct the slave auctions to a certain degree. I cannot do it all the time, but a word to the right people will ensure we gets the ones who are willing to stay." He looks down at the floor unable to hold Viggo's gaze.
"I can hardly free some and not others. What would become of the ones who do not wish to stay? The ones with families? You told me I must stay here for a year, or else risk being sold to another. Was that not the deal?" His voice is flat and cold.
Elijah shakes his head. "You misunderstand... if you speak to them before the sale is meant to happen... the ones who are willing to stay can be... sold beforehand to my friends... and that would move them into a separate area of the slave market. The other's could be freed..."
"And if they all choose to go home? There are so few of us left to defend those who remain... if I had not given you my word, I would be gone."
"They can be freed and helped home... as I said."
"Then I shall free them," he says, suddenly getting frustrated by this discussion. A timid knock on the door interrupts, and a servant enters with the meal.
Elijah falls silent while the meal was served, muttering a polite 'thank you' as the servant left. "Viggo, I am not trying to go back on my word or change the arrangement. I... we have just been... in the last few months, you have managed to do so much we could not, but you are still only one man. We see the possibility of adding people to our- our forces... But regardless of what we want... if they are not willing they will not be forced."
"I shall speak to them, as you wish," Viggo says quietly, "but my urging will be for them to return home."
"I know." Elijah looks away and sits at the table. "Come, you must be hungry."
Viggo goes to the table and sits across from him. "I am not saying what you are trying to do is not noble, Elijah, but as there are few of your forces, so there are few of ours. We are an ever dwindling race. Soon enough, we shall be gone. Let them face the end where they belong." He eats the food, somewhat less hungry than before. "However, we may find others to add to our forces through the slave markets. Your idea there is well thought."
"The... the reason your countrymen came to mind was because if you knew them you would know if they could be trusted. We... are in a very dangerous position at the moment Viggo. Trust is required."
"I realise this, Elijah," Viggo says quietly. "Still, with some careful planning and open ears, we may find others." He chews on a date and then looks across at Elijah. "Why do you stutter?"
"Stutter? I... I... I do not..." He sighs and drops his head to stare at the table. "When... when I am nervous." He grabs a piece of cheese and bites into it aggressively.
Viggo reaches across the table and places a finger beneath his chin. He slowly tilts Elijah's face to look at his. "Why do I make you nervous? You knew from the first I would not hurt you."
"I do not fear you, Viggo... not... not like that. I believe you would never attack me." Elijah shrugs slightly, eyes downcast as he holds back the words he wants to say. /It's my heart I fear for, Viggo, because I think you own it more than I own you.//
Viggo looks him over with thoughtful eyes. "Someday, you may decide to trust me fully." He leans back and drinks more wine.
Elijah stands slowly and looks at Viggo intensely. "I trust you, Viggo." He hesitates and then speaks the words he is sure will damn him, "It is my heart I do not trust." Turning swiftly, he heads quickly toward his chamber.
Viggo's eyes widen, and his chair slides back with a slight screech on the floor. He crosses the room in three large strides and places his hand on Elijah's shoulder. "Why do you say this and then flee?"
Stopping suddenly, as if Viggo's touch turn his feet to stone, Elijah says, "Why should I stay, Viggo? Your feelings on the men of Rome are well known to me. You may have come to see there is a slight merit in some, but I have every reason to believe you wish nothing but to return home. I am sure my... my feelings are... are as unwanted as... as..." He takes several deep breaths, trying to control his emotions.
Viggo releases his shoulder and sits in a nearby chair, his face quiet and thoughtful. "Can it be?" he muses aloud. "Can the heir to all of Rome truly love the son of a Spanish farmer?" He looks away, out the window. "I would never have dreamed it possible, but then again-" He swings his head back to look at Elijah "-I never met you before."
Elijah spins around, face alight with a turmoil of emotions. "What does it matter that I am the heir to Rome? Or that you are the son of a Spanish farmer? The heart leads where it leads. It feels what it feels, regardless of any other consideration. It feels what it must, what is... needed or we die inside. You would have never dreamed it possible because you never believed a man of Rome could have a heart." Passion and some anger give his voice strength.
"I have never met one before who acted as if he did," Viggo says simply. "_You_ live as I have, watching all that you love be destroyed, despite your efforts, all by people wearing the same uniform. _You_ fight them time and time again. _You_ watch your friends fall, your family flee and see then how easy it is to hate." He rubs a finger along his lips, looking at Elijah closely. "It is much harder to forgive. You have made me re-evaluate my thoughts on Romans. Sometimes, I do not know if I thank you for that. And yet-" He pauses, eyes distant. "And yet I would not trade that knowledge even for my freedom."
Elijah walks slowly across the room, kneeling in front of Viggo and looking up at him. "This Roman has a heart ... and... whether you want it or not... it... it does not belong to me any longer... but... but to you." The love in his eyes and face is clear for Viggo to see. "I... if you wish I ... I will never speak... of... of this again. But... but it is the truth. Perhaps it is a truth that should never have been voiced but... I... I did not... seem to be... be able to keep it from being said."
Viggo pauses for a long moment, gazing down at Elijah. Finally, he reaches out with both hands and pulls Elijah to his feet. "Such bravery does you credit." He gently pulls Elijah into his lap and cradles him against his chest.
Elijah lays his forehead on Viggo's shoulder and just breathe, consciously and deliberately letting his brain be consumed by his breathing, too afraid to think on anything else. With each inhale there is a rush of cool air against Viggo's skin near Elijah's mouth and with each exhale, a breath of warmer, slightly moist breath across the same skin.
Viggo finally speaks softly, "You know how many obstacles lie between us, Elijah of Rome. No matter whether titles matter to you, they matter to the rest of the Empire. Never will there be any acceptance of me as more than your slave. And I cannot live my life as such. While my people live always under the shadow of Rome... I am not free to remain here." He pauses, feeling Elijah's heart pound and his breath blow across sensitized skin. "But one person in the world can change both those things. And he has pledged his heart to me."
Elijah whispers in a soft voice, "What would you have me do, Viggo?"
"Us," he says, tightening his hold. "What shall we do?" He leans his head against the back of the chair. "We shall join the honored tradition of Rome and remove the current Emperor. Bloodlessly, if possible, and then you will be the ruler."
Elijah does not move his head, very aware of the lack of emotional statement in Viggo's reply. He spoke of 'us' of 'we,' but not of his feelings. Elijah puases a long time before answering, "There is one possible obstacle bigger than any other that needs resolving, Viggo. One that you have not spoken of- the position of your heart. I- I am committed to this cause... regardless of your feelings. But... before we speak of what we must do... and the death of my father... perhaps we should speak of your heart. I... I ask only for honesty."
Viggo tilts Elijah away from him slowly and gazes down at him. "I admit the idea is new to me. I have taken male lovers, but my experience with love of this kind is little. You are... desirable to me. I have thought of you sometimes beyond my wishes. I would rather die than see harm befall you." Carefully, he leans forward and captures the other's mouth, tasting gently.
Elijah moans, letting his lips fall open, brushing his tongue lightly over Viggo's lips, wanting to know his taste, the texture of his mouth. His arms wrap loosely around Viggo as they kiss softly.
Viggo opens his mouth to taste Elijah, allowing the smaller tongue to slip inside his mouth and explore. His hand rests on the small of Elijah's back, nearly spanning the breadth. He pulls back and gazes into blue eyes. "No more bodyservants," he says quietly.
Elijah looks up at Viggo with blazing blue eyes, breathing hard. His lips curve into a smile, "I was not aware you were making use of them." There is a very light teasing quality to his words, as Elijahs lifts his hand to cup Viggo's cheek, stroking the skin there softly, his amazement that he can touch Viggo this way very clear.
Viggo laughs a little. "I promise to discontinue my attentions now," he says lightly, following the teasing note in Elijah's voice. "You have my word." He leans down and kisses a fluttering pulse point to seal his 'promise.'
Elijah shivers, pressing against Viggo, whispering into his ear, "I do not want them." He kisses the lobe of Viggo's ear before he bit it lightly, sucking at the small scrap of flesh.
Viggo hisses and then pulls away from Elijah's mouth. "The sun is risen, Elijah. I must get some rest after I finish eating." He nods at the mostly untouched food. "Perhaps this night, you might teach me the finer points of love."
Elijah reaches over to pick up a date of the tray, holding it to Viggo's lips, "Eat..." He smiles at Viggo, delight and eagerness etched into every line of his face. "I will be happy to teach you anything I can, but I think I shall learn just as much from you."
Viggo takes the date carefully from his fingers, chewing slowly and enjoying the taste. "I meant what I said before. During all my experiences in the world, I have not known the art of loving very well. Some searching for release with my fellows during times of great duress, but nothing more."
Elijah keeps feeding Viggo from the tray of food, speaking softly in Viggo's ear. "I hope I can show you the difference between quenching desire and the act of love. I think you will feel the same as I- that it is something that can touch the heart... the soul." He presses a soft kiss to Viggo's jaw. "I hope I can show you what I feel."
"How long have you hidden this feeling from me?" Viggo asks softly, brushing back a strand of hair the fell over one of Elijah's eyes. He lifts a piece of bread from Elijah's fingers and eats it slowly.
"You were attractive to me when I first saw you. I think my feelings started when I watched over you as you were sick."
"I was hardly kind to you," Viggo says, slipping a hand under Elijah's tunic to warm on his bare skin. "In fact, I do not know how much more horrible to you I could have been." He looks at his new lover seriously. "I hope you understand why by now."
Elijah shivers at the touch to his skin, pressing just a little closer to Viggo in response, "You hated everything you believed I stood for and wanted away at any cost. I... I understand... I think." He lays his cheek on Viggo's shoulder and breathes in deeply of his scent. "I do not claim I fully understand you, but we have time to learn about each other."
Viggo's expression remains serious, even as his hand gently strokes Elijah's side and along the corner of his abdomen. "How much of a threat do you consider the General?"
Elijah takes a deep breath. "I do not know. I... I believed once he attracted my father's favor I would no longer be an issue for him... but I appear to still be... of interest to him shall we say. But..." He lifts his eyes to look at Viggo. "I think he appeared far too interested in you."
Viggo ducks his head to capture Elijah's lips again, smoothing out the worried pout. "Only as a tool to get to you," he says softly. "But I fear he may eventually think of you as an obstacle to be removed. If he does marry your sister, the only obstacle between him and being emperor is you. At this time, I consider him a more pressing threat than your father."
Elijah shakes his head. "My father is very aware of Sean's ambitions. If he dies of anything but old age, one of his most loyal servants will ensure that Sean never sees the light of another day."
"And if you die of something other than old age?" he asks quietly.
"My loyal servants all go free... and slaves." He looks up at Viggo, head tilting to the side, "And Sean will be found dead in an alleyway one night."
Viggo smiles and kisses his brow. "I shall see it done if no other does. Although, I swear that my own eyes would close first in death before any might lay a hand on you."
"Is it strange that I treasure that statement over any romantic sentiment ever given me?" He kisses Viggo lightly before adding, "Not that I want to see your death ever."
"You perhaps recognize that these words are the most romantic a warrior knows how to utter." Viggo empties his goblet of water and yawns widely. "I should sleep. I need to consider the multitude of escape plots your friends suggested with a clear mind later."
Elijah watches Viggo, nibbling on his lip, wanting to ask something but unsure, "I... um... I..."
Viggo smiles at him, looking amused and questioning. "Yes?" He pulls the teeth away from soft lips with his thumb.
"I... I would very... um... much... like it... appreciate it... um..." He closes his eyes and let the words rush out, "Sleepwithmetoday?"
"Now? Do you not have to get up and tend to your household?" he asks with a small smile.
"You are not the only one who hasn't slept this past night."
Viggo traces his cheek and the dark spots under his eyes. "They have been growing since I came here," he says softly. "I have noticed how heavily my departures weigh on you." He leans down and kisses under both eyes.
Elijah kisses Viggo's palms wear they rest near his face. "I find it hard to sleep when you are out there, risking your life. It... It doesn't encourage a restful night."
Viggo lifts Elijah in his strong arms, standing up and cradling him carefully. "I suppose it would seem unusual for us to sleep in my room."
Elijah wraps his arms around Viggo's neck, looking up at him. "What are you doing?" He is chuckling at Viggo's carrying him. "No... It would be more normal for you to sleep in mine."
"Taking you to bed," Viggo says softly, opening the connecting door between their rooms and carrying Elijah over to his large bed. He lays him down and strips off his top.
Elijah shivers as Viggo's hands removed his top, brushing against Elijah's skin lightly. Sitting up, Elijah removes his own pants and lies back on the bed, eyes watching Viggo's every move.
Viggo strips off his tunic and breeches, leaving on thin undergarments. He lays next to Elijah, pulling a light blanket over them. He is aware as he moves of Elijah's eyes taking in his body and wonders for the first time what he thinks of the masses of scars.
Elijah slowly, as if trying not to be noticed, slides closer and closer to Viggo until his head was resting on Viggo's shoulder, and he is half draped over the other man's chest.
Viggo wraps an arm over his back and settles the other one to rest on his hip. "Comfortable?" he asks softly.
"Yes, it's much better right here." Elijah's arm moves down from near his face to drape across Viggo's waist, pressing a light kiss to Viggo's chest.
Viggo sighs deeply and winces a little. "Careful, you are on one of the new wounds," he murmurs.
Elijah shifts off the wound. "I'm sorry!" He positions himself much more carefully so as to not hurt Viggo before brushing another kiss over Viggo's chest. "I am sorry."
Viggo shakes his head a little. "There are so many, you cannot help aggravating one or another." He strokes Elijah's unbroken skin. "You have never tasted the lash."
"Once... but it was not... intended to mark me... so no... I haven't tasted its pain"
Viggo flinches and his hand slides off to rest on his own chest. His face grimaces, twisting his mouth.
Elijah pulls his weight up and off Viggo, asking softly, "What's wrong?"
"I am sorry. I have a hard time seeing a lash as an instrument of play, though I know some use it as such. I shall never think of it as anything but a device of pain and torture, used to break the body and the spirit." He slides his hand on to Elijah, trailing it over his lower back.
"No! Not... it was not like that. My grandfather wanted to teach me a lesson... to punish me. It was not..." he shudders "...anything else."
Viggo kisses him gently. "I am sorry for thinking it was," he whispers and then pulls Elijah into a deeper kiss, hands holding him firmly.
Elijah moans softly into Viggo's mouth, returning the kiss, offering Viggo access and letting his weight rest carefully against his lover.
Viggo slips his tongue into Elijah's mouth, gently swirling around and tasting. His hands slip lower and cup Elijah's ass tenderly, pulling him to sit in Viggo's lap.
Elijah snuggles into Viggo's lap, leaning over him and kissing Viggo deeply, his own tongue exploring and learning.
Viggo parts reluctantly and pulls him back down to lay flat. "If I were not so tired..."
Elijah gives a soft laugh. "Anytime, my love. When you are able."
Viggo shuts his eyes tiredly and listens to Elijah's breathing. He wonders what his kin would say about his current situation. The lover of the heir to Rome? They would look at him with scorn... He sighs and kisses a pale throat. But only until they saw the truth.
Elijah listens to Viggo's heart under his ear, letting the steady soothing noise send him to sleep.
Viggo follows him to sleep, untroubled and deep.
**********
Elijah wakes slowly, snuggling into the warmness that radiated before his eyes popped open looking at the warmness and realizing it was a person, and not Orlando or Dom. His smile is slow and sleepy but fully of love and joy. Propping himself up on one arm, he raises his other hand to very lightly, barely a whisper of contact, trace Viggo's features.
Viggo mumbles and opens an eye. He smiles at Elijah. "Sleep well?"
Elijah's smile grows, lighting up his whole expression, "Better hand I have... since forever." And he leans forward, to kiss Viggo, stopping an inch away, his expression asking permission, waiting for it.
Viggo seals the kiss gently, surprised by how natural it felt to him. Somewhere along the line, he missed when, this Roman captured him after all. He laughs softly into the kiss, threading his hand through Elijah's hair.
Elijah slowly brwaks the kiss to look down at Viggo, "What are you laughing about?" His lips start wandering over Viggo's face, mapping it with loving attention.
"After all is said and done, I am your slave in the end. A slave of my heart." He shakes his head, pulling a little back from Elijah. He sits up, folding his legs under him carefully.
Elijah cups Viggo's cheek, looking steadily into his eye as he spoke, "If your heart makes you my slave then you own me just as much, Viggo. Perhaps... I should not love you as I do. I know my father would find it something more to hate me over, but I do not care. You are no more my slave than I am yours, never forget that."
"What, you are not my slave?" Viggo asks with a slight smile. "You do not have the urge to obey my every whim?" He trails a finger down Elijah's side. "Fulfill my every wish?"
Elijah sighs softly, pressing into Viggo's hand slightly, "I think I am your slave... I would love to fulfill your every wish and desire."
Viggo holds him gently by the side, leaning down to press him slowly into the bed. "The heir to the Roman Empire likes his slavery?" he asks softly, stroking up Elijah's abdomen.
Elijah laughs a soft little laugh, wrapping his arms around Viggo and looking up at him with passion glazed eyes, "Yes... I think I do. I think I shall for a long time, probably forever." Elijah starts to pull Viggo down when one of the servants almost slid into the room, gasping out that General Sean was on his way to pay his respects to Elijah before he stammered out an apology for disturbing them and slid out of the room. Elijah moans and drops his arms from around Viggo, "I have to get up..."
Viggo is already climbing off the bed, heading for the other room like a devil pursues him. He disappears from view before Elijah can even start to get off the bed.
Elijah looks after Viggo for a moment before almost throwing himself up and off the bed, bathing as quickly as he could before pulling on clean clothing and heading down to the sitting room, hands shaking slightly as he wondered what Sean wanted with him.
Author: Saklani (saklani@wildmail.com), Wushu and Iocane
Codes: Viggo/Elijah, ELijah/Sean B. AU RPS
Rating: NC-17
Part- 7
Disclaimer: I do not own these men, or anything else I mention here. I am not looking to make money from this... God forbid. And I am NOT them nor is what I put down here real. Thank you.
Summary: Roman Elijah buys Spaniard Viggo as a slave, but finds that he is worth more to him than he ever imagined.
Author's Notes: Ah, the real plot twists begin with this part! Prepare for the unbending evil that is the Roman!BEAN!
This part is dedicated to
curthose Elijah finds himself unable to sleep, spending the whole evening pacing his quarters, the house and then back to his room. He tries to sleep, lying down several times, but tosses and turns. He finally calls for Orlando to distract him, but that proves less than successful. Eventually he sends him away and paces again, watching the stars and moon move across the sky. The lighter the sky gets, the faster his heart beats.
Viggo crouches on a rooftop and peers down at one of the General's soldiers. The first rays of sun streak the sky above him, as he watches the soldier peer around in frustration. "You are good," Viggo murmurs, "but not good enough." He smiles in satisfaction as the man disappears around a corner. Waiting for a few moments to make sure the man does not double back, he finally slips off the roof and hurries for the safety of Elijah's property. Vaulting the outlying wall, he winces slightly as the fresh wound across his chest flares. The slave trader was not pleased to lose his possessions. Of course, he ended up losing his life, when he tried to prevent the rescue.
Viggo slips silently to the wall outside his own balcony. He glances around the compound and finding everything still, climbs up to his window and hops in. His pulls off his weapons and then the bloodied shirt and pants. Tossing those in a small pile to be discarded, he quickly examines the fresh cuts and goes to get some salve.
Hearing movement in Viggo's room, Elijah quickly makes his way to the adjoining room, calling softly, "Viggo?"
"Come in," Viggo says, just loud enough for Elijah to hear. He continues to dab the salve over the new wounds, using a strip of his ruined tunic to wipe away blood.
Entering the room, Elijah's eyes fall on Viggo and his heart races at a thousand beats a minute. He freezes for a moment in shock at seeing Viggo without his shirt. The bolt of lust does not wash away fast enough for Elijah's comfort, by concern at the sight of the wound.
"What happened?" Elijah is in motion again in a moment, walking to Viggo's side, shoving his hands away to apply the salve himself.
Viggo smiles a little at Elijah's rather pushy manner. "They are saved," he says simply, "but the slave trader resisted to his misfortune. We were careful to dispose of all evidence. There will be no way to tell what happened. Meanwhile, a group of children shall escape certain death."
Elijah releases a shuddering breath before nodding in a jerky fashion, not looking up from the wound he now wraps in a soft bandage. He knows his fear of losing Viggo and the desire he still feels, despite Viggo's blood on his hands, shows on his face, in his eyes.
Viggo yawns and stretches a little. "How has your night here gone? Everything quiet? I saw several of the General's guards on the way home. One even detected something and tried to follow me." He smiles and shakes his head. "His instincts were good."
"Quiet... they will not disturb me. Their orders are to not been seen unless I try and leave the house, and then to 'guard' me if I do. Sean does this every so often. I guess it's an attempt at intimidation. They are some of the best guards in the city... Sean prides himself on always having the best." Finishing the bandaging, Elijah does not look up as he asks, "None of the children were hurt? Just- just you?"
"They are well enough. Hungry and terrified, but physically unharmed. Your friends have already gotten them out of the city by now. I merely hope their families can be found." He gently pulls away from Elijah and stands, clad only in a thin undergarment. He examines a scar on his leg. "This shall never heal properly."
Elijah's gaze runs over Viggo one time before he turns away, moving to put some space between them, "It looks as healed as it will get I believe, although I am no healer. Do you need a meal before sleeping?"
"Yes, I am famished. Your friends are planning a dozen or more possible rescues and raids. I like the way they think."
Elijah nods and goes out to order a meal for the two of them. Returning and feeling in control of himself again, he says, "Several men captured in the same battle as you were soon will come up for sale."
Viggo pulls on new clothes, sweeping the bloodied ones under the bed. His eyes narrow and then shut in sorrow at Elijah's words. But his back straightens, and his eyes drill into deeper blue ones. "I will not let them be sold," he says quietly and with a tinge of deep anger.
"I- I was wondering if any of them were men... you knew? Trusted to... join us? Two of my... friends have the means to... thye can buy them as I bought you. I- I could afford to... but I cannot for other reasons."
"No," he says firmly. "They go free by my life or death. I will not ask them to live as I do."
Elijah looks at Viggo, his expression slightly challenging, but wanting to ask the question. "If we truly value freedom as much as we say, should we not let them chose?"
"If they get sold, there is no guarantee who will buy them. However, if I free them, I will ask them if any are willing to act as a slave, as I do, and help us in our endeavors. Does that suit you?" He lifts an eyebrow, smiling slightly at the smaller man.
"I can guarantee who will buy them. The same way I got you. I am my father's son... and I can... direct the slave auctions to a certain degree. I cannot do it all the time, but a word to the right people will ensure we gets the ones who are willing to stay." He looks down at the floor unable to hold Viggo's gaze.
"I can hardly free some and not others. What would become of the ones who do not wish to stay? The ones with families? You told me I must stay here for a year, or else risk being sold to another. Was that not the deal?" His voice is flat and cold.
Elijah shakes his head. "You misunderstand... if you speak to them before the sale is meant to happen... the ones who are willing to stay can be... sold beforehand to my friends... and that would move them into a separate area of the slave market. The other's could be freed..."
"And if they all choose to go home? There are so few of us left to defend those who remain... if I had not given you my word, I would be gone."
"They can be freed and helped home... as I said."
"Then I shall free them," he says, suddenly getting frustrated by this discussion. A timid knock on the door interrupts, and a servant enters with the meal.
Elijah falls silent while the meal was served, muttering a polite 'thank you' as the servant left. "Viggo, I am not trying to go back on my word or change the arrangement. I... we have just been... in the last few months, you have managed to do so much we could not, but you are still only one man. We see the possibility of adding people to our- our forces... But regardless of what we want... if they are not willing they will not be forced."
"I shall speak to them, as you wish," Viggo says quietly, "but my urging will be for them to return home."
"I know." Elijah looks away and sits at the table. "Come, you must be hungry."
Viggo goes to the table and sits across from him. "I am not saying what you are trying to do is not noble, Elijah, but as there are few of your forces, so there are few of ours. We are an ever dwindling race. Soon enough, we shall be gone. Let them face the end where they belong." He eats the food, somewhat less hungry than before. "However, we may find others to add to our forces through the slave markets. Your idea there is well thought."
"The... the reason your countrymen came to mind was because if you knew them you would know if they could be trusted. We... are in a very dangerous position at the moment Viggo. Trust is required."
"I realise this, Elijah," Viggo says quietly. "Still, with some careful planning and open ears, we may find others." He chews on a date and then looks across at Elijah. "Why do you stutter?"
"Stutter? I... I... I do not..." He sighs and drops his head to stare at the table. "When... when I am nervous." He grabs a piece of cheese and bites into it aggressively.
Viggo reaches across the table and places a finger beneath his chin. He slowly tilts Elijah's face to look at his. "Why do I make you nervous? You knew from the first I would not hurt you."
"I do not fear you, Viggo... not... not like that. I believe you would never attack me." Elijah shrugs slightly, eyes downcast as he holds back the words he wants to say. /It's my heart I fear for, Viggo, because I think you own it more than I own you.//
Viggo looks him over with thoughtful eyes. "Someday, you may decide to trust me fully." He leans back and drinks more wine.
Elijah stands slowly and looks at Viggo intensely. "I trust you, Viggo." He hesitates and then speaks the words he is sure will damn him, "It is my heart I do not trust." Turning swiftly, he heads quickly toward his chamber.
Viggo's eyes widen, and his chair slides back with a slight screech on the floor. He crosses the room in three large strides and places his hand on Elijah's shoulder. "Why do you say this and then flee?"
Stopping suddenly, as if Viggo's touch turn his feet to stone, Elijah says, "Why should I stay, Viggo? Your feelings on the men of Rome are well known to me. You may have come to see there is a slight merit in some, but I have every reason to believe you wish nothing but to return home. I am sure my... my feelings are... are as unwanted as... as..." He takes several deep breaths, trying to control his emotions.
Viggo releases his shoulder and sits in a nearby chair, his face quiet and thoughtful. "Can it be?" he muses aloud. "Can the heir to all of Rome truly love the son of a Spanish farmer?" He looks away, out the window. "I would never have dreamed it possible, but then again-" He swings his head back to look at Elijah "-I never met you before."
Elijah spins around, face alight with a turmoil of emotions. "What does it matter that I am the heir to Rome? Or that you are the son of a Spanish farmer? The heart leads where it leads. It feels what it feels, regardless of any other consideration. It feels what it must, what is... needed or we die inside. You would have never dreamed it possible because you never believed a man of Rome could have a heart." Passion and some anger give his voice strength.
"I have never met one before who acted as if he did," Viggo says simply. "_You_ live as I have, watching all that you love be destroyed, despite your efforts, all by people wearing the same uniform. _You_ fight them time and time again. _You_ watch your friends fall, your family flee and see then how easy it is to hate." He rubs a finger along his lips, looking at Elijah closely. "It is much harder to forgive. You have made me re-evaluate my thoughts on Romans. Sometimes, I do not know if I thank you for that. And yet-" He pauses, eyes distant. "And yet I would not trade that knowledge even for my freedom."
Elijah walks slowly across the room, kneeling in front of Viggo and looking up at him. "This Roman has a heart ... and... whether you want it or not... it... it does not belong to me any longer... but... but to you." The love in his eyes and face is clear for Viggo to see. "I... if you wish I ... I will never speak... of... of this again. But... but it is the truth. Perhaps it is a truth that should never have been voiced but... I... I did not... seem to be... be able to keep it from being said."
Viggo pauses for a long moment, gazing down at Elijah. Finally, he reaches out with both hands and pulls Elijah to his feet. "Such bravery does you credit." He gently pulls Elijah into his lap and cradles him against his chest.
Elijah lays his forehead on Viggo's shoulder and just breathe, consciously and deliberately letting his brain be consumed by his breathing, too afraid to think on anything else. With each inhale there is a rush of cool air against Viggo's skin near Elijah's mouth and with each exhale, a breath of warmer, slightly moist breath across the same skin.
Viggo finally speaks softly, "You know how many obstacles lie between us, Elijah of Rome. No matter whether titles matter to you, they matter to the rest of the Empire. Never will there be any acceptance of me as more than your slave. And I cannot live my life as such. While my people live always under the shadow of Rome... I am not free to remain here." He pauses, feeling Elijah's heart pound and his breath blow across sensitized skin. "But one person in the world can change both those things. And he has pledged his heart to me."
Elijah whispers in a soft voice, "What would you have me do, Viggo?"
"Us," he says, tightening his hold. "What shall we do?" He leans his head against the back of the chair. "We shall join the honored tradition of Rome and remove the current Emperor. Bloodlessly, if possible, and then you will be the ruler."
Elijah does not move his head, very aware of the lack of emotional statement in Viggo's reply. He spoke of 'us' of 'we,' but not of his feelings. Elijah puases a long time before answering, "There is one possible obstacle bigger than any other that needs resolving, Viggo. One that you have not spoken of- the position of your heart. I- I am committed to this cause... regardless of your feelings. But... before we speak of what we must do... and the death of my father... perhaps we should speak of your heart. I... I ask only for honesty."
Viggo tilts Elijah away from him slowly and gazes down at him. "I admit the idea is new to me. I have taken male lovers, but my experience with love of this kind is little. You are... desirable to me. I have thought of you sometimes beyond my wishes. I would rather die than see harm befall you." Carefully, he leans forward and captures the other's mouth, tasting gently.
Elijah moans, letting his lips fall open, brushing his tongue lightly over Viggo's lips, wanting to know his taste, the texture of his mouth. His arms wrap loosely around Viggo as they kiss softly.
Viggo opens his mouth to taste Elijah, allowing the smaller tongue to slip inside his mouth and explore. His hand rests on the small of Elijah's back, nearly spanning the breadth. He pulls back and gazes into blue eyes. "No more bodyservants," he says quietly.
Elijah looks up at Viggo with blazing blue eyes, breathing hard. His lips curve into a smile, "I was not aware you were making use of them." There is a very light teasing quality to his words, as Elijahs lifts his hand to cup Viggo's cheek, stroking the skin there softly, his amazement that he can touch Viggo this way very clear.
Viggo laughs a little. "I promise to discontinue my attentions now," he says lightly, following the teasing note in Elijah's voice. "You have my word." He leans down and kisses a fluttering pulse point to seal his 'promise.'
Elijah shivers, pressing against Viggo, whispering into his ear, "I do not want them." He kisses the lobe of Viggo's ear before he bit it lightly, sucking at the small scrap of flesh.
Viggo hisses and then pulls away from Elijah's mouth. "The sun is risen, Elijah. I must get some rest after I finish eating." He nods at the mostly untouched food. "Perhaps this night, you might teach me the finer points of love."
Elijah reaches over to pick up a date of the tray, holding it to Viggo's lips, "Eat..." He smiles at Viggo, delight and eagerness etched into every line of his face. "I will be happy to teach you anything I can, but I think I shall learn just as much from you."
Viggo takes the date carefully from his fingers, chewing slowly and enjoying the taste. "I meant what I said before. During all my experiences in the world, I have not known the art of loving very well. Some searching for release with my fellows during times of great duress, but nothing more."
Elijah keeps feeding Viggo from the tray of food, speaking softly in Viggo's ear. "I hope I can show you the difference between quenching desire and the act of love. I think you will feel the same as I- that it is something that can touch the heart... the soul." He presses a soft kiss to Viggo's jaw. "I hope I can show you what I feel."
"How long have you hidden this feeling from me?" Viggo asks softly, brushing back a strand of hair the fell over one of Elijah's eyes. He lifts a piece of bread from Elijah's fingers and eats it slowly.
"You were attractive to me when I first saw you. I think my feelings started when I watched over you as you were sick."
"I was hardly kind to you," Viggo says, slipping a hand under Elijah's tunic to warm on his bare skin. "In fact, I do not know how much more horrible to you I could have been." He looks at his new lover seriously. "I hope you understand why by now."
Elijah shivers at the touch to his skin, pressing just a little closer to Viggo in response, "You hated everything you believed I stood for and wanted away at any cost. I... I understand... I think." He lays his cheek on Viggo's shoulder and breathes in deeply of his scent. "I do not claim I fully understand you, but we have time to learn about each other."
Viggo's expression remains serious, even as his hand gently strokes Elijah's side and along the corner of his abdomen. "How much of a threat do you consider the General?"
Elijah takes a deep breath. "I do not know. I... I believed once he attracted my father's favor I would no longer be an issue for him... but I appear to still be... of interest to him shall we say. But..." He lifts his eyes to look at Viggo. "I think he appeared far too interested in you."
Viggo ducks his head to capture Elijah's lips again, smoothing out the worried pout. "Only as a tool to get to you," he says softly. "But I fear he may eventually think of you as an obstacle to be removed. If he does marry your sister, the only obstacle between him and being emperor is you. At this time, I consider him a more pressing threat than your father."
Elijah shakes his head. "My father is very aware of Sean's ambitions. If he dies of anything but old age, one of his most loyal servants will ensure that Sean never sees the light of another day."
"And if you die of something other than old age?" he asks quietly.
"My loyal servants all go free... and slaves." He looks up at Viggo, head tilting to the side, "And Sean will be found dead in an alleyway one night."
Viggo smiles and kisses his brow. "I shall see it done if no other does. Although, I swear that my own eyes would close first in death before any might lay a hand on you."
"Is it strange that I treasure that statement over any romantic sentiment ever given me?" He kisses Viggo lightly before adding, "Not that I want to see your death ever."
"You perhaps recognize that these words are the most romantic a warrior knows how to utter." Viggo empties his goblet of water and yawns widely. "I should sleep. I need to consider the multitude of escape plots your friends suggested with a clear mind later."
Elijah watches Viggo, nibbling on his lip, wanting to ask something but unsure, "I... um... I..."
Viggo smiles at him, looking amused and questioning. "Yes?" He pulls the teeth away from soft lips with his thumb.
"I... I would very... um... much... like it... appreciate it... um..." He closes his eyes and let the words rush out, "Sleepwithmetoday?"
"Now? Do you not have to get up and tend to your household?" he asks with a small smile.
"You are not the only one who hasn't slept this past night."
Viggo traces his cheek and the dark spots under his eyes. "They have been growing since I came here," he says softly. "I have noticed how heavily my departures weigh on you." He leans down and kisses under both eyes.
Elijah kisses Viggo's palms wear they rest near his face. "I find it hard to sleep when you are out there, risking your life. It... It doesn't encourage a restful night."
Viggo lifts Elijah in his strong arms, standing up and cradling him carefully. "I suppose it would seem unusual for us to sleep in my room."
Elijah wraps his arms around Viggo's neck, looking up at him. "What are you doing?" He is chuckling at Viggo's carrying him. "No... It would be more normal for you to sleep in mine."
"Taking you to bed," Viggo says softly, opening the connecting door between their rooms and carrying Elijah over to his large bed. He lays him down and strips off his top.
Elijah shivers as Viggo's hands removed his top, brushing against Elijah's skin lightly. Sitting up, Elijah removes his own pants and lies back on the bed, eyes watching Viggo's every move.
Viggo strips off his tunic and breeches, leaving on thin undergarments. He lays next to Elijah, pulling a light blanket over them. He is aware as he moves of Elijah's eyes taking in his body and wonders for the first time what he thinks of the masses of scars.
Elijah slowly, as if trying not to be noticed, slides closer and closer to Viggo until his head was resting on Viggo's shoulder, and he is half draped over the other man's chest.
Viggo wraps an arm over his back and settles the other one to rest on his hip. "Comfortable?" he asks softly.
"Yes, it's much better right here." Elijah's arm moves down from near his face to drape across Viggo's waist, pressing a light kiss to Viggo's chest.
Viggo sighs deeply and winces a little. "Careful, you are on one of the new wounds," he murmurs.
Elijah shifts off the wound. "I'm sorry!" He positions himself much more carefully so as to not hurt Viggo before brushing another kiss over Viggo's chest. "I am sorry."
Viggo shakes his head a little. "There are so many, you cannot help aggravating one or another." He strokes Elijah's unbroken skin. "You have never tasted the lash."
"Once... but it was not... intended to mark me... so no... I haven't tasted its pain"
Viggo flinches and his hand slides off to rest on his own chest. His face grimaces, twisting his mouth.
Elijah pulls his weight up and off Viggo, asking softly, "What's wrong?"
"I am sorry. I have a hard time seeing a lash as an instrument of play, though I know some use it as such. I shall never think of it as anything but a device of pain and torture, used to break the body and the spirit." He slides his hand on to Elijah, trailing it over his lower back.
"No! Not... it was not like that. My grandfather wanted to teach me a lesson... to punish me. It was not..." he shudders "...anything else."
Viggo kisses him gently. "I am sorry for thinking it was," he whispers and then pulls Elijah into a deeper kiss, hands holding him firmly.
Elijah moans softly into Viggo's mouth, returning the kiss, offering Viggo access and letting his weight rest carefully against his lover.
Viggo slips his tongue into Elijah's mouth, gently swirling around and tasting. His hands slip lower and cup Elijah's ass tenderly, pulling him to sit in Viggo's lap.
Elijah snuggles into Viggo's lap, leaning over him and kissing Viggo deeply, his own tongue exploring and learning.
Viggo parts reluctantly and pulls him back down to lay flat. "If I were not so tired..."
Elijah gives a soft laugh. "Anytime, my love. When you are able."
Viggo shuts his eyes tiredly and listens to Elijah's breathing. He wonders what his kin would say about his current situation. The lover of the heir to Rome? They would look at him with scorn... He sighs and kisses a pale throat. But only until they saw the truth.
Elijah listens to Viggo's heart under his ear, letting the steady soothing noise send him to sleep.
Viggo follows him to sleep, untroubled and deep.
**********
Elijah wakes slowly, snuggling into the warmness that radiated before his eyes popped open looking at the warmness and realizing it was a person, and not Orlando or Dom. His smile is slow and sleepy but fully of love and joy. Propping himself up on one arm, he raises his other hand to very lightly, barely a whisper of contact, trace Viggo's features.
Viggo mumbles and opens an eye. He smiles at Elijah. "Sleep well?"
Elijah's smile grows, lighting up his whole expression, "Better hand I have... since forever." And he leans forward, to kiss Viggo, stopping an inch away, his expression asking permission, waiting for it.
Viggo seals the kiss gently, surprised by how natural it felt to him. Somewhere along the line, he missed when, this Roman captured him after all. He laughs softly into the kiss, threading his hand through Elijah's hair.
Elijah slowly brwaks the kiss to look down at Viggo, "What are you laughing about?" His lips start wandering over Viggo's face, mapping it with loving attention.
"After all is said and done, I am your slave in the end. A slave of my heart." He shakes his head, pulling a little back from Elijah. He sits up, folding his legs under him carefully.
Elijah cups Viggo's cheek, looking steadily into his eye as he spoke, "If your heart makes you my slave then you own me just as much, Viggo. Perhaps... I should not love you as I do. I know my father would find it something more to hate me over, but I do not care. You are no more my slave than I am yours, never forget that."
"What, you are not my slave?" Viggo asks with a slight smile. "You do not have the urge to obey my every whim?" He trails a finger down Elijah's side. "Fulfill my every wish?"
Elijah sighs softly, pressing into Viggo's hand slightly, "I think I am your slave... I would love to fulfill your every wish and desire."
Viggo holds him gently by the side, leaning down to press him slowly into the bed. "The heir to the Roman Empire likes his slavery?" he asks softly, stroking up Elijah's abdomen.
Elijah laughs a soft little laugh, wrapping his arms around Viggo and looking up at him with passion glazed eyes, "Yes... I think I do. I think I shall for a long time, probably forever." Elijah starts to pull Viggo down when one of the servants almost slid into the room, gasping out that General Sean was on his way to pay his respects to Elijah before he stammered out an apology for disturbing them and slid out of the room. Elijah moans and drops his arms from around Viggo, "I have to get up..."
Viggo is already climbing off the bed, heading for the other room like a devil pursues him. He disappears from view before Elijah can even start to get off the bed.
Elijah looks after Viggo for a moment before almost throwing himself up and off the bed, bathing as quickly as he could before pulling on clean clothing and heading down to the sitting room, hands shaking slightly as he wondered what Sean wanted with him.