Marked and Marred

Camille wandered out of the ballroom, a martini glass dangling from one hand. Some concoction of gin and elderflower liquor that was honestly too perfect for the garden party. The balcony offered a much needed reprieve from the crowd, though she couldn’t help but approach the silhouette by the railing. Her eye caught on the weapon, curiosity getting the better of her. At the man’s warning, she turned to look more fully at him. Surveying him over the rim of her martini glass, she nodded her assent to the warning. 

“Safety first,” Camille murmured before taking a sip of her drink. The submissive followed his gaze to the garden below. It was stunning, and she knew she’d miss the mystery of it when it went back to its usual splendor. “Have you been down there yet? It’s actually quiet in some areas,” the submissive continued. Granted, quiet wasn’t necessarily what most party-goers were after.

Andrei recognized the young woman. She was Raphael’s Assistant. More often than not, it was her who finds him whenever Raphael needed a certain something done. Somedays, Camille has definitely tempted Andrei into trying to convince Raphael and Luca to get him his own personal assistant one day. Preferably one whose pay doesn’t come from his cheque. And someone who won’t say no to a daily fuck.

“I’m glad you’re not a horny teenage boy because that would certainly kill my buzz” Willow added, with a small chuckle. When he suggested that she not run, she glanced up from her drink. “I thought the idea was that I catch one.” She was still new to this, but she thought that implied a chase. 

It made some sense that it would take that long to get everything into the shape it was. Probably the same amount of time to undress it as well, suddenly feeling very grateful for the job he currently had. Unless they were tasked to help tear things down once the event finished. “That does make sense, couldn’t see them doing it in any less time than that.” He never really thought he’d be out here thinking about topiaries, but here he was. Not much else to talk about when you’re out getting a smoke. 

That was also true, there was no doubt that excellence needed to be at a hundred or they’d have failed. He really didn’t envy them or the position they had been in. In fact, just the thought had him taking a very long drag of his cigarette. Only to blow the smoke out a little later, “It looks great to me, but I don’t have an eye for this sort of thing. Hopefully they met the set expectations.” He said, shrugging a little as he turned to the other. “Didn’t think I’d be talking plants during this.” He waved a hand around, meaning what was going on. “Have you had the chance to participate in the party yet?”

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The more Andrei talked to him, the more he recognized him. He was one of the security guards in the manor. Idly, he wondered if the other man recognized him. Andrei wouldn’t fault him if he didn’t. “They didn’t outsource any workers for the event so weeks sound about right.” he added.

Andrei simply shrugged. It did look great. But he knew that the alternative was just keeping the shrubs looking boring. That simply just wouldn’t do. The man beside him might not have meant to make Andrei laugh but that’s what he did. “So let’s not. The plants are pretty. I doubt there’s anything more to say about that.” Andrei has a varied set of expertise. Horticulture just simply isn’t one of them. He doubted that fact will change for the rest of life. “Other than drink, really, I haven’t. I’m a patient man. Maybe I’ll the hit the woods. Or the maze. Or maybe I’ll just take someone willing back to my room and fuck them right there.” Andrei took a drag and blew it out. “You?”

Matthew’s eyes widened as the other man flinched, immediately letting go. He continued to speak, but Matthew couldn’t concentrate on anything else but the rush of nostalgia that hit him like a wave. It was there in the curl of the man’s lips, the glint in his eyes, the thin line above his cheek. They were puzzle pieces that Matthew had but couldn’t put together. 

“I do.” He replied with just as much defiance and certainty, a pregnant silence falling between them as Matthew held his gaze a few moments longer. 

“Let me help you.” He needed to know. He wanted to know. He was grasping at these strings of familiarity that seemed to want to escape him, thin and transparent like spun sugar, but so sweet that he wanted a taste. “Please.” He didn’t know why he was asking, but all he knew was he couldn’t let this go.

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There were a few times when Rodolfo allowed himself to watch the familiar man from afar. And every time, Rodolfo would look away before the man got too close to notice or every time he would slightly glance his way. The older man had looked the same from afar but up close, Rodolfo could swear that he saw signs of the years that passed by in the dom’s face. 

“Maybe you’re mistaken,” Rodolfo insisted, rather weakly. The silence between them spoke volumes. No doubt that their time together still resided somewhere deep inside the other man’s mind. But it was too insignificant, too short-lived for the man to remember it. That, Rodolfo thought, hurt almost as much as his betrayal.

Please. With just one word, Rodolfo’s will buckled. All his carnal instincts directed him to let the man do as he pleased. “Okay.” A small sigh escaped from his lips. At least, bandaging the small cut shouldn’t take long. As soon as the older man finished, Rodolfo could leave. “Is it possible for you to just do it here?” A pause. Rodolfo almost forgot. “Sir?”

It wasn’t that much of a shock to her that another sub was the one to find her before the dominants were. She wasn’t sure if any of the dominants were even inside the maze yet. It made her wonder just how long the dominants were going to make them wait before coming inside the maze and finding them. Either way, Melody was ready. She was ready to be fucked or to just taken advantage of. 

“Ah, gotcha. No dominants have come to visit you yet then?” Melody questions as she looks up at him. She wonders if maybe she should relieve herself from this spot to go find another so that the dominants could find her easily. She just wanted to be greeted by more than just one that night. All that was on her mind was sex. Was that really such a bad thing when they were involved in a place such as this though? 

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“Not really. But I guess walking around doesn’t really help my case.” Rodolfo afforded to give a little smile at his fellow sub. While he’ll be slightly disappointed, it wouldn’t be the worst thing, not to be fucked tonight. With or without a lover, Rodolfo was keen to enjoy himself at the party. It’s not like he’s not expecting a dry spell any time soon. 

“I’m guessing none have visited you too?” Well, he doubted she’d be there talking to him if someone already had. Melody also looked fairly put together. So either she encountered a one pump chump dom, or she hadn’t bumped into one either. 

          The sword was growing heavier by the moment, and Leyla gave it an idle swing.  She’d have to ditch it soon, before she got bored and started trying to trim the hedges with it. The groundskeeper probably wouldn’t approve of that. 

          She turned back to the young man. Her eyebrow rose in an arch when he explained that he was a performer. She was always eager to find someone who understood her desire for the stage. “When you perform? What is it that you do?” After a moment, she nodded and took a seat beside him, dropping her sword beside the seat. “Thank you. I’m Leyla.”

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Rodolfo eyed the sword warily. He was no stranger to pretty crazy doms in the manor but he didn’t really take fer for one. 

“Oh, I’m a dancer at the manor.” Dancer sounded way better than stripper but hey, same thing. “I dance at the Gentleman’s Club during some nights.” Of course, Rodolfo’s performance caters to a diverse group of people. Not just gentlemen. If you ask him, the name of the club was a little bit sexist but that’s a different conversation. As she took her seat, Rodolfo gestured towards the wine and the platter of fruits. “Wine? Or maybe fruits?”

It was the voice that dragged them back to reality and they glanced back towards the source of it. There weren’t always chances to really get out of the dark depths of this place, and they were excited to see what tonight unfolded. With the stars as a beautiful back drop, and the lights of the night surrounding them, now was as good a time as any. And maybe it was time they paid attention to the people, and not just the scenery. With their focus back on the other, they took a step closer, eyeing their costume - or lack thereof. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough that Martino could put two and two together. 

“Eros? Or… Cupid. Depending on what form you’re going for I suppose.” They were more familiar with the Greek myth’s but if you knew one, it wasn’t all that difficult to follow their Roman side. They walked closer and glanced over at the fruit. They reached forward, picking up a banana and peeling it slowly before taking a seat. Not too close, but not that far either. “Have a lot of company tonight?” They asked, actually curious. 

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"Cupid,” Rodolfo smiled. Not a lot of people really saw the small the tiny wings and the bow and arrow and immediately thought ‘Eros’. Blame how the market has capitalized on the Roman god of love, he guessed. Perssonally, however, Rodolfo also preferred Cupid just because it sounded much more delicate than Eros. And delicate was exactly what Rodolfo was going for tonight. He looked at his companion’s costume and noted the winged boots. “And I suppose your Hermes? Or Mercury if you want to match?”

“Not too many,” Rodolfo admitted. He was just one of many people that the guests could find scattered around the maze. Given that and the nature of the maze itself, he wasn’t exactly the easiest person to find. “I’m guessing a lot of people easily gets lost in the maze. That or they’ve already found their conquests for the night. Guess it takes a little bit of fate to end up with me.”

Location: The stables

It had been one of the busiest nights Kaden had spent at the stables and that was counting the times that one of the mares was expecting a foal. The guests seemed to be in a good mood for the night and the horses were loving the extra attention. He was just finishing getting a horse all saddled up for a guest when another man walked into the stables.  “Give me just a second mate.” He said sticking his head out to acknowledge the person.

Once he was done he walked over and smiled at him. “How can I help you?” 

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That one sharp branch sticking out of his little nook in the maze really bothered Rodolfo. He knew where it was now, especially after getting his cheek cut by it, but he wouldn’t be able to sit comfortably for the rest of the night knowing it was still there so he decided to take matter to his own hands. After getting his small cut cleaned and bandaged, Rodolfo headed to the stables to look for something he could cut the branch with. He only looked at the horse and the stablehand briefly before he started looking around the stables.

“Hi,” Rodolfo gave him a curt nod before returning to the task at hand. He looked around some of the tools in the stables but all he saw were shovels. “Would you happen to know where they keep the shears? I was hoping I could borrow it for a wee second.”

Talon chuckled as he heard the other guy’s comment. “You know, you probably have a point” he agreed. “I just figured I’d look the part, at least for a little while. I wasn’t really sure how into the event I was going to be right off the bat” he added, with a small shrug. “I havent even been here for more than a few hours” 

Andrei smiled. The other man looked like a cheerful enough fellow. And at least at this point, he didn’t look like he was interested in a pissing contest like most male doms in the manor. “Sooner than later, I say. If the night ends with you undressing, I don’t think the act of removing your wig would look pretty arousing. Or maybe you could pull it off and I’m just underestimating you.”

Tyrell wasn’t really planning on leaving the ballroom that night at all. He wanted to be at least semi-professional, do some networking, catch up with old friends, maybe flirt with some hottie by the punch at the end of the night if he was lucky, but not fully indulge in everything the estate had set out for the guests. In reality, the plan only lasted for a few hours. After he talked with the people he needed to, he found himself alone, with a drink in his hand, and with a wonderful maze in front of him. Why shouldn’t he explore a little? He always loved mysteries anyway. It wouldn’t hurt anyone.

It didn’t take long for him to hear the voice, coming from a corner of the maze so tiny, he doubted he could even fit in there. “I wasn’t, but I’ll take your word for it,” he chuckled, and well, his own Mufasa costume left him mostly exposed, he might as well give it a shot. “Nice place you got there. Looks cozy. Been here long?”

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Rodolfo smiled. The newcomer seemed lovely and friendly. If so, he would be great company. “I apologize for asssuming then.” The sub moved to make space for the other man. He was definitely bulkier than him but Rodolfo didn’t mind sharing the space at all. In fact, he was glad very much glad to do so. “Would you want to join me?” he asked while tapping the perfectly soft lectus.

The sub looked around his little corner. “Thank you. It’s my station for the night so I have. I’ve been waiting for people to come along. Very much like yourself.” Rodolfo’s eyes glistened excitedly, wondering about what the man could possibly want from this encounter. If the man just wanted to have a conversation, that’s all well and good but if he wanted something else, then Rodolfo would happily oblige.

Somehow, he’d lost sight of Sophia again. How it was possible to lose the little nymph in the crowd this many times was beyond Julien, but he grumbled something about desperately needing a pay raise as he weaved his way through the crowd of inappropriately-dressed partygoers, scowling at men who eyed him for a little too long and sizing up women who eyed him appreciatively as he passed. Julien adjusted the sleek silver crown on his head, smirking at a pretty brunette who looked at him curiously, but there was no real warmth or depth in his gaze. The God of the Underworld was on a hunt for his Goddess of Spring, and he refused to rest until he found her.

Julien’s search eventually led him out onto the grand balcony overlooking the romantic gardens below. He found a man standing outside with an ax propped next to him and a drink resting on the ledge. He was a familiar face to Julien around here, though perhaps the men weren’t as intimately acquainted as he was with, say, Raphael Doefoot. There were rumors about Andrei Lupei out there; rumors Julien was curious to see held any merit or not.

“Wouldn’t dream of it–unless you’d like me to test it on you first,” Julien answered smoothly, eyeing the weapon as he came forward. He pulled the sword attached at his hip out of its sheath, the gold and black handle gleaming in the soft moonlight. “This one’s real, too–don’t touch it, unless you’d like to lose a finger on purpose.”

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Upon hearing the other person’s answer, Andrei turned to his new companion and found a blue-eyed dom. He had seen the man around the manor but he wouldn’t be able to say his name if asked. He just couldn’t be bothered learning the name of every irrelevant dom outside his job for Rosewood. After tonight though, it seems that Andrei will have to remember the other man’s name. He smirked at his smooth answer. “Are you challenging me to a duel?” It’s almost funny how the other man think he has a chance. Andrei grabbed his axe by the hilt.

Andrei looked at the other man’s sword. Who brings an actual sword to a costume party? What did he think he’ll get to do with it? Challenge a rival suitor to the death? Slay a fire-breathing dragon? He looked the sword doubtfully but he didn’t really care enough to question its authenticity. “Trust me, I have no desifre to touch your sword, real or not.”

Louis Jefferson as Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog in Rosewood Manor’s Fairy Tales After Dark

          There was just enough of a chill in the air for Leyla to find it noticeable. Though the dress covered most of her, it left much to be desired in the way of warmth. She didn’t much mind being cold– better than steaming hot– but after a few minutes roaming the maze, she was beginning to be uncomfortable. She regretted not planning a bit better, but she wouldn’t have sacrificed the drama of her outfit anyways.           Leyla was more than a little lost in the corridors of the maze. She’d spotted a few party goers romping and doing other less delicate things in the shadows, but nothing she wanted to invite herself to join just yet. Until she stumbled upon the little Cupid hiding in a nest, hoarding a plate of fruits, and Leyla’s stomach gave a small grumble.           “You’ve really got quite the set up, haven’t you?”

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Rodolfo looked up at the woman. He thought that her dress was beautiful. Even he could appreciate a woman who looked drop-dead gorgeous. His eye was immediately drawn to the sword she was carrying around. He couldn’t help but wonder who it was that she came as. 

They might not be sexually compatible per se but Rodolfo was still obliged to provide people his company if they wished. “It’s not too different from what I already wear when I perform,” he assured her with a smile. “I thought I might as well go big or go home.” He slid to the side of his lectus to offer her some space. “Would you like to sit?”

While it was a party, and staff were welcome to enjoy it as well, it didn’t take away from the fact that security still had to do their job. So there Matthew was, making one last round around the maze to make sure everything was in order when he came across a sub that seemed to be leaving. He was about to let him go about his business ‘til he realized that he was clutching his face. That was never a good sign. His brows furrowed slightly as he moved towards him, only to have him walk straight into his chest, hands reaching out automatically to steady him. 

Matthew glanced down and noted that it was one of the estate dancers, one that was vaguely familiar but someone he never really interacted with. 

“No, it’s fine, I just wanted to check on you.” He said with an attempted smile, wondering why the other didn’t want to meet his gaze. His frown deepened as he caught sight of the scratch just above his cheek. “You need help with that? I have some bandages on me.” 

Why wasn’t he looking at him? 

He hooked his finger gently underneath the man’s chin, turning his face so that he could have a better look, only to stop once their eyes met. 

“… I know those eyes.” 

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Rodolfo’s body wanted to welcome the dom’s efforts to steady him. Instead, the sub flinced at the man’s touch before taking a half-step back. It was enough to release himself from the man’s grasp and hopefully, 

“I’m okay. I was just heading to the clinic. It’s just a scratch anyway.” He wiped the scratch with his thumb to show how small and shallow it was. But a few drops of blood remained on his skin.

He felt the man’s finger manuever his chin. They’ve been in this situation once already. As much as he tried to fight it, his body remembered the safety he once felt around the man. So he let the dom turn his face until their eyes met. “Do you?” Rodolfo asked defiantly before looking away.

“Really, sir, I’ll be fine on my own.” Once upon a time, the man in front of him believed that. For tonight, Rodolfo needed him to believe in that again so he could get away.

Willow finally arrived at the party, after quite a bit of pre-gaming. Although she was already feeling buzzed, her first stop was the bar. She decided to go with a beer, to avoid getting too drunk too quickly. Walking out to the balcony, she notices a guy with an axe on his side. Before she could say anything, he spoke. 

“If I’m careful I’ll only bleed a little bit” she responded, playfully. “Daydreaming about what you’re going to do to the little Subs out there?” she asked, following his gaze. “I’m debating going in there at all, these shoes aren’t exactly meant for running.”

“Is that a well-meaning word of caution or a threat?” Elvyra purred, eyes glinting with mischief as they flashed up at his. Still, she doesn’t move her hand away–simply let’s it hover in the air just over the blade that beckons her closer still. “Would it feel sharp to the touch or is it dull without any force behind it?” Her fingers inch closer, just slightly before joining her other hand, clasped tightly around her drink as though to keep her from doing something she might regret. A futile effort. Her cocktail is a dangerous one, too sweet to taste the liquor and twice as large as it needs to be, and it’s all the more unpredictable in the hands of a woman getting her first taste of freedom in months. 

Part of it feels like an obvious setup, ply the disobedient sub with alcohol and a sliver of agency and see what happens. Surely she’ll do something worth a punishment, but even the forethought isn’t enough to stop her. If everyone else can spend the night basking in the revelry and debauchery, she’ll be right there with them, shoving any creeping awareness of consequences far, far from her mind. 

“So…” she began, leaning casually against the ornate railing, her posture in playful contrast with her regalia. “Is this your way of hiding or is it more of a voyeur thing? See anything juicy?” 

.

Andrei was no stranger to subs who flirted with danger. While some of those that he have swept away from their normal lives succumbed to their fate immediately, there were others who fought tooth and nail to escape him. And then there were those who managed to find it exciting. The woman beside her reminded him of the latter. He met her mischievous eyes with his own hooded orbs. “That depends on you,” he answered, keeping his eyes on hers and ignoring her fingers reaching out for the weapon. “Wouldn’t you rather not figure that out?”

“Hiding.” The man wasn’t ashamed to admit that. Hiding wasn’t always a sign of cowardice. Often times, it was a sign of being smart. Although his reasons for keeping in the balcony had more to do with him reducing unnecessary interactions. “I don’t. But maybe because I’m not looking. I already do a lot of watching in my line of work. In matters like that, I prefer the one being watched, mind you.”

The Maze 

Just the sheer thought of dominants being able to find her in this maze had her excited. Though she also hoped they’d eventually get their selves out of the maze as well. Doing those puzzle type ordeals wasn’t Melody’s strong suit, but she attempted to help when she could. The idea of having a dominant search through the mazes for subs, had her itching to think what could possibly happen when one of them did actually find her. She was definitely ready to be on full display for them if that’s what they wanted right off the bat. Even if she did like the costume she was wearing. 

Once Melody had decided that she found a good spot in the maze she decided to wait. Sitting down at one of the chairs with a table near by it. Glad that she had found a spot that wasn’t occupied by another sub. She wasn’t sure how many of them were actually involved in it, but she figured there was probably a good amount of them. When she hears something crack she looks out into the distance. “So, who do I have the pleasure of meeting with?” 

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While Rodolfo was stationed at the maze as a sub, he found himself leaving his little nook and walking around the maze. Truth be told, he got bored and felt the need to stretch his legs. There’s no reason why one sub couldn’t be roaming around the maze as well. Some doms might prefer that even. And then if they want to have their way with Rodolfo, he can just lead them back into his nook. Or they can have their with him right then and there. That would be hot too. But just in case, he was careful not to go too deep into the maze. 

“It’s just me,” Rodolfo greeted his fellow sub as he came into view. He wasn’t particularly a fan of the girl’s many questions but he figured that there were worse companies to have in the manor. Rodolfo stepped closer but he didn’t sit down. He’d been doing plenty of that in the alcove. “I just thought I could try my luck wandering around, before returning to my little station.”