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Chapter 1

" Lost and Bound"

Edgar awoke with a loud groan, his head splitting in two. The world was dark, his memories muddled. Where was he? Was he in the cottage? No, there was no sound of the little pups sleeping, no sound of trees creaking outside. There was no sound at all.

"Mfhm?" The otter tried to call out for his mother or father, but found his mouth gagged. That was when he realized that the world wasn't in darkness; he was blindfolded! The male struggled against his bonds for a moment, before realizing he was completely trapped, his limbs bound by fabric. What was happening? Nothing made sense... The last thing he remembered was going to sleep that night... But there was something else too. It was hazy, unclear. Like a half-remembered nightmare.

The red headed otter tried to struggle more, but his sore body gave out, forcing him to collapse in submission to his bonds. As he listened, he began to take in different sounds and sensations: the soft trickle of a stream below and away from him, muffled by an open window; strings of some harp of other instrument being plucked lightly, bringing his panic to a lowered state; and the soft sensation of beams of light on his bare body, where bindings did not touch. Was he naked? It felt as if he were skimpily dressed, at least. He could surmise he was in a room, upon a very soft bed, much softer than the one with which he'd slept on before, in his old home.

A click sounded nearby, and his heart fluttered with mild panic. Who was coming?

The sound was followed by the unmistakable heft of a rather large door giving way...followed by a resounding 'CLUNK!' when it was shut. Light footsteps filled the frightened otter's searching ears..the 'clak! clak! clak!' of talons unmistakable... The steps came to a rest at the foot of what Edgar presumed was the bed upon which he had been bound. The visitor spoke...his voice a rich tenor...deep yet light...with a certain airy, husky quality...like a cool autumn wind through dry air.

"I do hope you are not too uncomfortable young master...I took great care to avoid such unpleasantries."

He spoke with the utmost eloquence and sincerity. His tone strangely seemed to put Edgar at ease despite his frightful situation.

Edgar lifted his head lightly, curious at this new visitor. He didn't feel any malice from him... He felt safety wash over him, despite his current circumstances.

Since he was gagged, he gave a slight nod, trying his best to keep calm. "Mhmm." He mumbled out, and then made some kind of sound that was crossed with questioning and mild fear.

With a mild chuckle at his own thoughtlessness the well spoken visitor gently removed the cloth gag...followed swiftly by the blindfold.

"My sincere apologies...these will no longer be necessary."

As the otter tried desperately to blink away the blinding light, slowly but surely the thus-far faceless stranger came into focus. Edgar could now see that his curious new acquaintance was in fact an immaculately preened end dressed raven. His soft hazel eyes reflected the afternoon sun in their earthen depths, conveying warmth and compassion. As the awestruck otter took in the corvid's appearance, he could see that he was quite a tall fellow...at least six feet or so. His clothing was quite extravagant and custom tailored to his uniquely avian characteristics...a black silk vest worn over a sleeveless white ruffled shirt...a pair of fine white gloves upon his hand talons which exposed his ebony claws...a pair of black slacks...and ornately stitched talon socks upon his foot talons which appeared to be crafted of fine leather. His impressive wingspan was folded neatly beneath his nimble though well toned arms. His beak parted in an avian 'smile' as he looked over the still shaken young otter.

"My name is Hraefn Corbeaux...I am the head butler to the House Draconic...what might your name be, young master?"

The mustelid took in the males immaculate, admirable form with squinted, light pained blue eyes. As he adjusted, he also was able to discern the area of his room. The floor itself was covered in a square, ornate rug of gold and red pattern, that fit into every inch of it, giving it the appearance of a carpeted floor. Furniture of dark wood and metal were against each wall: a chair and ottoman near the open window, where bright light shone through in the morning's glory, a wooden desk and chair on the opposite side, and a large dresser on the adjacent end to the pair. Everything had a foreign, exotic feel to it, both formal and... Relaxed, at the same time, if were possible.

"I am Edgar, Edgar Ark." The otter said, returning his gaze to Hraefn. He glanced down, and found he was bound at his joints with thick, silken cords, his position like that of an entombed corpse. He could also see, through the intersections of the bands, that aside from a loin cloth, he was nude. Even his thick, long tail was bound, leaving the brown and cream furred otter feeling like a pampered captive...

"Why am I here?"

A slight sadness glossed over the raven's vibrant eyes as he let out a sympathetic sigh. His tone was as warm and caring as he could muster.

"It, pains me to tell you this master Ark. But., your freedom has been...compromised."

The otter's eyes widened in shock as the avian desperately tried to calm the atmosphere.

"YOU ARE QUITE SAFE! I can assure you! Trust me. You will be well cared for, But your...your family...well..."

With a calming breath the blackbird pressed on.

"I'm afraid you will never see them again. Tell me, do you recall an outstanding debt your father had? With House Draconic?"

"Y-yes, I do." The otter straightened himself as much as he could, to give the raven his full attention. "Father had made some bad decisions in money management, but he always promised to repay them. We live poor in our little cottage by the swamp... But we get by. I work a lot, ever since Father's back was thrown out, and Mum can't work because of my five younger pup siblings..."

Recounting the memories suddenly brought a stressful look on the males face. "Please, you must free me! I have to go to them! I'll be late for work! If I don't work, they won't survive! Dad's debt is only kept off because of the work I do." He looked at Hraefn, and realized something didn't feel right. Something was telling him... That he didn't want to hear what he would say next.

The blackbird calmly approached the now trembling otter and warmly patted him on the shoulder. His earthen pools were quivering with sympathy as he found his voice...slow...and laced with deep regret.

"Master Ark, no harm will come to your family...your father's debt has been paid..."

As he said this the avian's eyes traced the young mustelid's body with a look of sadness.

"...in FULL..."

The impact of the words took a moment to hit the otter with their full implications.

"No. No! Dad and Mom wouldn't sell me! They love me too much!" He began struggling in his bonds, making a pained sound in his voice as he denied and pleaded simultaneously.

"They wouldn't do that! Let me out, I'll prove it! Let me out, and I'll do anything you want! My family needs me! Please! Ple- ack!" The male suddenly coughed harshly, his chest twitching in almost violent bursts. His scar was cramping again... The mustelid had been cut by a butcher knife accidentally one evening when he was young and in the way. He had recovered, but the scar tissue stretched over his rib cage in a diagonal line, and made it hard to breathe or have good endurance.

"Please..." He eventually panted out, his blue eyes weak and heavy. "Please tell me you're lying."

With a melancholy sigh the raven knelt before the frantic young man...gently massaging his chest to ease his labored breathing.

"I wish I could master Ark, but that is the truth of the matter. I am certain, your parents were thinking of your young siblings. House Draconic is very, compassionate. Your father no doubt knows this and as I said, you will be WELL cared for. I can only offer my deepest condolences and assure you I will do all I can to ease your transition."

The depths of the corvid's earthen pools conveyed absolute sincerity and deep sympathy. Evidently this was not his first time delivering such ill news. His touch was gentle and comforting.

Edgar felt his body rack one final time, before coming to a merciful standstill. He could now focus upon the meaning of what had happened, and what it meant for him now.

"I am... A slave..." He groaned. It could've been much worse though... House Draconic was the kindest to its servants, treating them as friendly, forced employees and family members. The other Houses... Were not as kind and generous to those indentured to them.

"And knowing this, Mr. Corbeaux... To what am I assigned?" Slaves were assigned one specific job title, in the Houses. A cook, a maid, a masseuse... Any menial or relaxing task, the wealth-ridden House had it and owned a slave skilled in the craft. To what area of expertise was he assigned?

The mournful expression remained upon the corvid's visage. He looked away briefly. The slowly setting sun glinting off his iridescent plumage in a brilliant display of blue and purple hues. After gathering his thoughts he returned his gaze to the anxious young master.

"In many ways, your position is, desired. It offers the FINEST privileges. You will be clothed in only the best attire and dine with the royal family as a trusted companion. Your duty is quite simple. You are familiar with the royal law of 'division," are you not?"

"Yes, I'm well aware of it." The otter said, his expression still one of confusion. "It's common knowledge. The seven Royal Houses, which are responsible for the main economic influence in our nation, are used as the base of the election of our king. The king is selected from one of the potential heirs from any of the Houses. To ensure that not too many heirs were born, a law was decided on that established just four days a year in which sexual relations could be had between males and females of the Houses. To completely ensure the law was kept, the Houses, and the city itself, was divided into two parts: the male half and the female half, both completely equal in every way. There is a male and female Parliament, a King and Queen, and so forth. The two Parliaments have weekly meetings for law reviews and the creation of new laws, and the King and the Queen must be from different Houses as well, as they are the only couple who are actually considered wedded by law the moment they are put into power to one another; after all, if that couple produced children, they would be assassinated by jealous Houses before they hit puberty."

"The females run the peaceful agriculture of the North and the sea ports to the West, while the men run the Southern mines and swamps, and the Eastern highlands. This system of division has worked miracles, by creating more prosperous lands, because the division has allowed every individual to focus upon their duties."

He then looked up at Hraefn, and asked, "But there is a downside, isn't there? One that involves... Me? But why me? I know no females are allowed into the male part of the city, save for the four Sabbaths that the law is relinquished on and for the Queen, but why should I matter in any of this?"

The raven chuckled lightly at the otter's detailed response.

"It is good to see you are a well educated young man. Yes. you know your history quite well master Ark. As you have just said. The houses' males may only mate with females JUST four days out of the year, but with the males so...restricted, how do you expect they control their lust?"

As the corvid said this his earthen pools traced the young otter's form suggestively. Hoping the young man would grasp what he was implying.

The otter stared at Hraefn, trying to understand exactly what the raven meant... Until it all clicked.

"No!" The male struggled in his bonds, but a this point it was little more than wriggling about in frustration. "Please... I don't want this. I'm a virgin! I don't even... Know these... People..." He collapsed onto the bed, head turned away from the male.

"Please... I don't want this... Isn't there another way?"

The raven cast his gaze to the now vanishing sun...letting out a solemn sigh.

"...I'm...I'm afraid not. Everything has already been settled. I understand this is a terrible shock and know how distressing your...situation...must be...but rest assured...you WILL be treated very well. There will be a 'grace period' during which you will be introduced to life at the estate. You will be shown your bed chamber...introduced to the staff and the FAMILY. I have been assigned as your primary caregiver and will remain with you throughout the process of transition. Once you've acclimated to your new environment...your duties will be explained to you...and...your 'training' will begin..."

The corvid's gaze returned to the trembling young mustelid, soon followed by a comforting talon upon his cheek.

"If it's any consolation, I AM sincerely sorry young master. Now I would very much like to release you from your bonds, if given your word you will remain calm. I can safely assure you, you do not want to beckon the attention of the royal guards. They can be...excessive, in their actions from time to time."

"Excessive?" The male looked frightened at that. He bit his lower lip, and then, after struggling for one last moment, gave a slight nod.

"I guess there's no point in fighting my fate." He said, his voice submissive and pained. He looked miserable, unable to comprehend his new position in life at all. He had no freedom, not anymore... He knew he couldn't escape. So with a small, resigned sigh, he relaxed his body, and gave a curt nod.

With an understanding look the blackbird gently embraced the young otter. The mustelid's face pressed momentarily against the avian's soft downy feathers as he reached for the smaller male's bound wrists. With a single razor sharp claw the raven severed the binding before drawing back and doing same for the young man's legs. Taking a few steps back to allow the master to stretch, Hraefn couldn't help but give his firm young body a quick appraising glance. Oh yes they had chosen very well as they always did. The otter was quite a stunning specimen...and admirably oblivious to just how attractive he truly was.

"I do hope you are more comfortable now master Ark?"

His beak parted once more in a 'grin.'

The otter nodded again, trying his best to not appear ungrateful, though it was rather hard. He was in a new place, he was scared, and even though he knew he was in a more prosperous place... He felt alone and betrayed by his family. He didn't know what to think anymore.

"So... What happens now?" He asked, looking up at the butler in curiosity. "Do we... Do I, have any restrictions? What is the plan as far as, meeting my new fam... My new fa... My new employers." He couldn't bring himself to call them family. Family didn't do this kind of thing.

With a compassionate look, the raven extended his left wing from under his arm, wrapping the massive, soft appendage around the young otter's slender shoulders and gently guiding him to the open balcony. The sun was setting now., setting the sky ablaze with a brilliant display. Golds, oranges, reds, and pinks all swirled into an almost spectral portrait of serenity. Bathing the majestic estate gardens in luminous shades. Blossoms blew gently in the calm breeze. The river trickled almost musically and all was calm and quiet. Truly, it was a breathtaking sight, and the young mustelid had never before borne witness to such unrestricted beauty. Withdrawing his wing, the raven instead extended it out over the spectacle before them. His tone was soft, drifting like the gentle breeze.

"...This...is your home now, young master. You may walk the house and estate grounds freely. So long as you remain within the grounds you have nothing to fear. Within the house only the royal family's bed chambers are forbidden. Unless...invited. For today you need not worry. You have only just arrived. If you like I will grant you a tour of the estate and of course show you your bed chamber, but first I think we had better get you to the tailor. You must be measured for your new attire."

Edgar took in the beautiful scenery with wide, wonderous eyes, completely floored. He'd never known such beauty in the actual world before, and seeing the sunlight cascade upon the land brought calm to his heart.

"This is a wondrous place." He whispered, turning to the raven, "And yes, I would like to wear something better than a simple loincloth..." He blushed, realizing how... Naked... He felt, in Hraefn's presence.

With a gentle nod the corvid ushered the young otter back into the room, producing a key and unlocking the door before leading the still dazed mustelid into the hall; and what a hall it was. The floors were polished marble, towering pillars held up the high arched ceiling. Ornate gas lanterns lit the intimidatingly cavernous structure. With another smile and a warm chuckle at the young master's awe struck expression, Hraefn led him to their destination...the sound of his talons 'Clak! Clakking!' in time with the otter's own softly padded paw steps. The walk was silent save for the echoes of their foot falls. As he walked, Edgar took notice of the amazing decor. Silk curtains, fine tapestries, and remarkably beautiful paintings of serene fall landscapes. There were many portraits as well. All depicting some draconian or another; their relation clearly evident and all with a somber 'regal' expression. Noticing the young man's gaze the raven chuckled slightly.

"Ah yes. The infamous Draconic bloodline. These are the portraits of lords long since past. You will meet the current family soon enough master Ark."

The mustelid nodded nervously. He wasn't too sure what to expect when that time finally came and he'd rather not think about it. Finally they turned down another wing and came to a halt before a somewhat 'modest' door. At least compared to the others the otter had seen thus far. With a gentle yet firm talon Hraefn rapped upon the wooden structure. A moment later, it slowly swung open. Two amber eyes glowing wickedly from within the darkness. Edgar swallowed nervously...his fear painfully evident in his trembling expression. The raven quickly dismissed such anxieties as he threw his arms and wings around the figure cloaked in the darkness.

"Balian! Come now! What are you doing in the dark? Haven't I told you to get more sun? At this rate you'll become blind to it's glory my friend!"

The somewhat small and slender figure chuckled warmly, lighting a lantern which illuminated the room and his features. He was a gator evidently...but one of a peculiarly small stature and build. He regarded the avian with a friendly smile and kind eyes.

"Oh you know me Hraefn. Never was one for the sun! I feel far more active under the watchful eyes of mother night! Hahaha!"

The apparently good natured reptile then turned his gaze to the nervous young otter who gulped audibly. The gator known as 'Balian' broke into a toothy grin. His dagger like fangs glinting in the dim light.

"Well well, and who might you be little one?"

"I'm Edgar." The otter said in a low, shy voice. "And who are you?" He kept close to Hraefn, staring at the alligator with mistrust and mild concern. This place was so strange and new... Meeting yet another stranger was frightening.

"I'm sorry." He immediately realized that he shouldn't be so rude to someone who had shown no unkindness yet. He gave a weak bow, and then straightened, trying his best to look apologetic.

Balian chuckled warmly and seized the startled young otter in a warm hug. His voice was a throaty rumble. Like rocks sloshing in swamp water.

"Hahaha! Aren't you a cute little thing!? Don't worry lad I ain't gonna eat ya! Though I could think of a few dragons who might. Hehehe..."

The tone was obviously teasing...indicating the otherwise frightful statement to be in jest but nevertheless Edgar found himself shivering nervously at the...implications, of the middle aged gator's words. With another hearty chuckle Balian clasped a heavy arm around the young man's shoulders and led him into the now decently lit chamber. Edgar observed his curious new acquaintance's attire...a rather simple but very eloquent robe of fine silk, it's shade a deep purple. Worn over a formal pair of slacks. Besides a bunch of white lace bound round the reptile's neck, his torso was bare, exposing the paler, softer scales of his abdomen. Although seemingly much older than Hraefn he was in remarkably good shape, with clearly defined and seemingly quite powerful muscles on full display. All in all he was quite handsome truthfully. As they came to a stop before what appeared to be the gator's work table, a 'click!' could be heard as Hraefn followed suit, closing the door behind him. The raven shot the nervous mustelid a reassuring wink, which surprisingly did much to calm his frayed nerves. Edgar's attention was drawn back to the reptilian tailor as he drew a divider...removing the blackbird from his line of sight. The gator retrieved a measuring tape from a nearby drawer.

"Alright now lad. Relax...just need to get some measurements. Hope ya ain't too ticklish now. Hehe."

The otter was nervous now, as he watched the male pull out a measuring tape.

"Measurements for what?" He asked, but by voicing his thoughts the answer came to him: he must be the tailor! The otter hadn't processed that fully until now, as he'd never met one before. His impoverished family had had no money for a tailor, so for most his life, Edgar had worn simple, coarse robes. As he stood there and watched the gator begin to take his measurements, he couldn't help feeling... Uncouth. These men were high-bred, men of greatness and wealth, and even if they were no better than him in rank, he still felt as if they were worlds apart. He'd always wanted to be a gentleman, to wear fine clothes and be educated. He'd managed to find a text on history and language a few years back, and he had worked hard to understand it all. He probably was the most educated out of his entire village, as most didn't bother to learn more than reading and writing.

The thoughts of his past brought a hollow, depressing spirit to the brown and cream furred mustelid's soul, the male letting out a grievous sigh in response to the emotions within him.

Balian regarded the youth with a sympathetic frown. He clasped a heavy, scaled hand upon the otter's shoulder...his voice a subdued rumble.

"Ah poor lad. Yer missin' yer family eh? Afraid there's not much I can do to rectify that particular problem, but I CAN do all in my power to look after ya and make ya feel welcome. Aye?"

Edgar flashed a small but genuine smile, nodding gratefully. The wise gator returned the gesture with a beaming, toothy grin.

"Good then! Now let's get to it shall we? I just need ya to hold still and spread out yer arms. Okay lad?"

With a nervous little nod the mustelid complied. The reptile was quick but thorough in his work. Evidently possessing great expertise in his field that was made apparent by the years of experience conveyed by his sharp eyes. Within a few minutes he had measured the boy's arms, chest, waist, legs, and even tail. All without so much as a tickle. With a quiet chuckle at the youth's surprise Balian marked down the numbers and put away the measuring tape before parting the divider and leading the mustelid back to his patiently waiting corvid guardian.

"There we are lad! All done! That wasn't too atrocious now was it? Hehehe."

Before the young man could utter a meek response, the gator seemed to remember something.

"AH! Yes! I almost forgot!"

The eccentric reptilian quickly darted to an ornately engraved wardrobe in the corner, flinging open the heavy doors as if they were paper and trifling through it's numerous contents.

"I can't imagine you'd be too comfortable walking about such fine halls as these with yer rump on display so to speak, hehe. So you should probably put..."

With another few shuffles and hushed curses, the old gator triumphantly held up a long piece of clothing. Apparently a robe of fine black silk.

"...THIS on!"

Edgar accepted the garment with great gratitude.

"I'll begin work on your new attire straight away. Should be well done before morning's light! I'll have Hraefn bring the articles to your chamber on the 'morrow eh?"

With a quick wink the wiley old gator set to work. With a chuckle Hraefn led his charge to the doorway.

"Thank you kindly Balian! Do try to get some rest SOMEWHERE along the way!"

The raven shook his head at the tailor's dismissive grunt. Guiding Edgar into the now darkened hallway. The night was upon them.

"Where are we heading now?" The otter asked, tugging the fine cloak about him in an almost protective fashion. He felt timid, shy, and altogether insecure, which were normally emotions he rarely felt. The only people he'd met was a kindly raven and a friendly alligator, which hardly inspired any form of terror, but... He still felt intimidated. He had still yet to meet an actual dragon, those ancient lizards of fire and honor, the creatures that represented high birth in the greatest degree of regalia.

"...and Hraefn... What of the dragons? Are they as nice as you and Balian? Or... Are they... Darker?" He gulped a little, trying his best to steel his nerves. The raven had mentioned he wouldn't meet the dragons today, but the rumors amongst the poor and the swamp dwellers were mixed about their reputation: blood drinkers and murderers, high-born nobles of great valor and honor... To every extreme was the idea of the dragon House considered, and the otter simply did not know which was correct.

The corvid considered the mustelid's query for a moment before offering an in depth response.

"In truth it depends on the individual, young master. Clear your mind of the myths, rumors, superstitions and fears of those who live a world apart. The fact is master Ark, that those of draconian blood are no different from you or myself, save perhaps for their 'noble blood' and notions of 'purity.' Their temperament and character is formed on an individual level. There are good men and bad men but you can rest well assured that the members of this house are at WORST cold and reserved but ever civil and at BEST the very picture of compassion, warmth, and sincerity. I put no faith into the dated notion of 'blood' in a moral sense. That one's breeding can so wholly forge their unique personage whether 'good' or 'bad.' I know what the peasant class thinks of the Draconic line; the stories they tell, but they are wrong. If they truly wish to understand my masters' nature they need only observe themselves. Mammalian or reptilian, it matters not. One is who one is regardless of origin. That being said there are those within these halls I find...abrasive. Others I think of QUITE fondly, but the same could be said of ANY family or clan."

The raven ended his somewhat philosophical response with an apologetic avian 'grin.'

"My apologies young master. I have been known to go off on a tangent from time to time. I've often been told I think too much. Chalk it up to too much time on my talons I suppose."

The avian let loose a nervous chuckle...attempting to ease the awkward tension.

"As for our destination young master. I think it would be prudent to show you your chamber as well as the servant's wing. There are several new faces for you to meet. Others who share our unique...position, as it were."

"Those sound like very... Promising people to meet." The otter said carefully. He was timid of meeting new people still, but if the other servants were as nice as the first two he'd met, then he probably had little to fear.

The two ventured down the hallway, to find a room that was similar to the first one he'd been held in, but with the exception of fewer furniture items and a window open to the outside, where the sounds of various insects and a single, lonely stringed instrument of some kind was chiming in the background.

"Who is making that music? It sounds like I've heard it before... Right before I woke up." Edgar muttered, scanning the room with calm collection.

The avian paused; listening closely as familiar chimes wafted in from the spectral twilight that had become the estate gardens. The raven's ebony beak parted in joyful familiarity. Oh no, those melodious notes were not unknown to him and their originator was someone very dear to the corvid's heart; as well as someone he would very much like his new young charge to meet.

"Ah. Yes. That would be master Vester. He is quite fond of his music."

With a gentle wing the feathered butler led the young otter to the open window. The youth's vision was immediately drawn to the veranda. Bathed in luminous pale moonlight. Within it's gentle stream sat a lone figure cloaked by night's shroud. The silhouette was evidently reptilian. Long and slender. Nimble digits plucked gently at a small harp. Between the spectral vision of blossoms sailing the twilight air, encircling the mysterious musician bathed in lunar light and the nigh otherworldly splendor of the melody that figure so serenely forged, the sheer enchanting beauty was overwhelming and the mustelid felt his breath catch in his throat. With warm eyes Hraefn called to the solitary figure.

"Divine as always master Vester...but could I steal your attentions for a moment? I have someone I would very much like you to meet."

With that the music came to a trailing halt. Suddenly twin orbs of lucid, icy blue pierced the shade which enshrouded the figure. Edgar's pulse quickened as 'Vester' rose to an intimidating stature and approached...

"Oh my..." The otter watched from their first story window, as the reptile approached. Light blue eyes gleamed in the darkness, and the slinking, elongated body of a graceful creature became illuminated by the warm candlelight of Edgar's room.

"Hello, little one." Came a purr from the scaled throat of Vester. His sharp eyes caught Edgar's in a vice grip, and his tufted tail snapped back and forth eagerly, almost like a predator. "I see you are the new servant brought into our home. As an heir to the Draconian House, I would like to thank you for remaining here peacefully, and for the many years of services you will undoubtedly give."

Vesters lean physique was corded with thin, yet powerful muscles, his thick and long tongue sliding out occasionally to taste the blossomed night air. His silvery hair streaked down his spine, and his flowing robe of white and black gave contrast to his white and blue scales.

His eyes then turned to Hraefn, tinkling merrily in the light. "And there is my good sir Hraefn. You are looking far too stiff my friend. You must stop taking the attitudes of a butler so seriously when in my company. Or else, I'll have to do all those little things that I know make you very relaxed..." He grinned wider at that, and then clambered gracefully through the window to join the males. His eyes, though no longer looking into Edgar's directly, had done their job. The otter couldn't look away. It was almost as if he were hypnotized... Was this what it was like for prey, when in olden times they were hunted? To look into a beings eyes, who could take your life with one swipe, and be powerless, motionless, unable to call or struggle.

The otter' chanced a glance at the gentleman raven only to gasp in shock. The avian whom had thus far been the epitome of diginity, grace, and class, was actually blushing. As evidenced by his ruffled plumage and sheepish downcast gaze.

"M-master...please..."

The azure drake smiled devilishly...approaching the flustered corvid with a VERY purposeful sway in his hips, further accentuating his fluid, serpent like charm. His voice flowed like icy water through dry winter air. Light, almost a whisper. Fluid...like him, but sharp. Laced with a commanding presence hinted but not directly revealed.

"Hehehe. Oh Hraefn. What ever will I do with you? So prim. Proper. I swear it's as if you become another man when you don that uniform. I MUCH prefer your more...passionate, side."

The cool drake trailed the tuft of his tail tip under the now tense raven's chin as he sauntered past, shooting the avian a seductive wink as he approached his timid new 'servant.'

"Well well. Just look at you. Just arrived today have you? I see Balian has yet to complete your new attire. Goodness. You are an exquisite little morsel. You look absolutely DELICIOUS..."

That snake like tongue slithered out to wet pursed lips. The drake's eyes held a deep hunger but of a very, different kind than the young otter had previously feared; as pools of ice bore into and through him.

"Hello, s-sir." The otter said quietly, finding himself bowing to the lizard. "My name is Edgar Ark. I am... Your new servant." He kept his head bowed, trying to avoid the gaze that he knew was focused upon him. He felt scared, but more nervous. Like there was some underlying dread, but his main concern was of those clawed feet stepping into his sight.

He looked up, and was again paralyzed. The dragon stood well over a foot above him, and had a very strange expression on his face. It looked, hungry, but for what, the otter didn't know. It wasn't for food, he knew that much...

The icy drake let forth a sultry pur as he snaked his tail ever so carefully along the mustelid's shaking form, teasing his flesh whilst getting a 'feel' for his new companion. He could feel the nervous young otter's muscles tense and coil beneath his soft, warm flesh, illiciting a subtle moan from the suave reptilian.

"Mmmm. I greatly look forward to...getting to know you, Ark..."

The way the drake had said his name, it sent shivers down Edgar's spine.There was such an intensity to this drake. With a sly grin and another lick of his scaly blue lips, Vesper turned his attentions to Hraefn.

"Well, I believe it is time for me to retire to my own chambers my handsome raven. I trust you will continue to serve as a gracious mentor to our new friend."

The wintery gaze turned to the still dazed otter.

"Rest well little one. Tomorrow the 'fun' begins. Don't worry. Hraefn will take GREAT care of you. He is quite...gifted."

With a final sultry wink the drake sauntered out of the room, hips rolling sensually and tail drifting lazily. As the door closed with a resolute 'Click!' the corvid butler chuckled somewhat awkwardly as he returned his attention to his mustelid companion.

"Hehe. Master Vester can be rather forward, but he is perhaps the most genuine of the young masters."

"Wow." Edgar breathed out and collapsed on his bed the moment the door closed. "He was... He was..." His mouth kept working, but his words would not come out. The male, with only a brief encounter, had unlocked something inside him. Something very primal and very needy. Something that had never been awakened or even stirred before.

"Hraefn..." The otter looked over to the raven, his eyes wide and mildly confused. "What is he? I feel like... He hypnotized me and planted a thought in my head. I... I think I want him. I've never had that feeling before."

He was blushing when he admitted it, but it was plain truth. He could not describe his emotions: a combination of fear and passion, curiosity tempered by caution and magnified by a deep burning desire in Edgar's soul.

"I... If I have a choice..." He looked up at the raven, blue eyes gleaming. "I want him to be my first."