The Tenth Ring - The Demon Plane (A Prince's Past)

[Parkway]

Abigor relaxed and went to the new recruits.  He set his helmet to the side of the work bench and address the young demon.  "Alright, enough...settle down.  I am Lord Abigor and tonight we will begin the first of many steps you will need to master before going to the battlefields." 

As he spoke he undid his armor.  Best to demonstrate as he went.  Underneath he had on light tan beeches and a matching tunic which clung to him tightly.  He was a tall and broad and his voice was one that naturally commanded attention.  As he spoke he wasn't deeming as one would have expected from stories cast around.  He was still learning his role but knew that to gain the respect of the demons was the first thing you wanted for then they would be loyal without question.

Every so often he looked at Sabre as he gently explained each piece of armor and how and what it did.  He let them come up and maneuver his own, which was given to him by Master Zenethor and it was his prized possession.  He couldn't help but wonder what the Prince was up to, ever his own mind trying to figure out the enigma that was the Prince.

He excused himself for a moment from the recruits and walked to Sabre.  It was his only way of offering a truce of sorts by helping him in his task.  "Hey, you know if you hold it this way you get more leverage and it alleviates your wrist.  You've done quite a few and I know you don't injure like some of us but you will feel sore.  Here let me show you."  It was his boorish way not meaning to be aggressive just not sure how not to be anything but what he was.   He sat down and placed the boot between his knees and began to demonstrate before long the recruits were close and watching him too.  When he finished he handed it back to the Prince and smiled.  "Lord Kora showed me that.  He is into Rune Lore you know.  Lives and breathes the stuff, I bet you two would have a lot to talk about."

"Okay enough gaggling back to the armor."  He nodded to the demons.  All whom where now chattering as they recognized Sabre and none had ever actually been able to see him up close.  Abigor looked over and then at Master Zenethor then back to Sabre.  "If Master allows Prince Sabre would you like to try some on too?"

[Jelenis Tythe]

Abigor's kindness with the boots was not lost on Sabre and he lowered his eyes a little shyly.

"Thank you my Lord, t'is much easier this way."

Then came the offer of the armour and Sabre looked expectantly to Zenethor who shook his head.

"Once you finish the boots you can learn with the others." He said firmly.

Sabre quickly polished and polished until all the pairs were done and with a nod from Zenethor he joined the other young recruits at the area where they were looking and learning about armour.

Unseen a figure strode into the learning area, and Zenethor immediately bowed as he saw him.

"My Lord King!" He said loudly.

"You grace this humble area with your presence!"

Everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed, only one figure remained deathly still, his eyes fixed on the king.  Sabre was scared, he was filthy dirty, standing with a group of soldiers, and his father's eyes cast over him slowly.

"I am looking for my son....and it seems I have found him!" He said smoothly.

"I am dining tonight with the nobles Sabre....your presence is required." He said sharply.

Sabre took a breath...it was the last thing he wanted.

"Father....if I am escorted....could I not go to see the Bonfires instead?" He asked.

The king was silent, it was unlike Sabre to contravene him.  Zenethor picked up on it immediately and spoke directly and silently to his king.

"He is a young man my lord king....curious...what harm could it do....just this once....Abigor can escort him, he will be his protector one day and it is a good time to start that duty, I think Kora and Uric will be there too....you trust their Fathers highly."

The king's gaze went to Abigor.

"Are you capable of protecting my son if I allow this? You are not to lose sight of him, no-one is to touch him, he is not to drink alcohol....can you be trusted to look after him Son of Abrion?"

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre's eyes swung pleadingly to Abigor, almost begging him to promise anything so that he could go.

This was his chance to go somewhere with his father's permission and to the Bonfires of all places.

He would have to go wash and change...what should he wear...what did people wear to the Bonfires?

[Parkway]

The King!  He immediately dropped to his knees.  "Your grace."

Abigor lowered his head for only four people.  The King, Master Zenethor, his father Abrion, and the Prince. But something made him look up towards Sabre.  Like a sixth sense speaking to him.  That is when he caught the Prince's gaze. 

How could he deny this demon anything?  He couldn't.  After the King spoke he knew at that moment whatever Sabre wanted Abigor would obtain for him.  "I will guard him with my life your grace, he will not be touched, nor will alcohol touch his lips.  I will be his sworn protector for the rest of my days your grace.  I can be trusted with this task."  He kept his eyes lowered respectfully as he spoke to the king.

For one moment he looked at Sabre and it hit him.  Everything he said he meant.  He would not allow anyone to touch him, no alcohol, and he would gladly give his life if it would save Prince Sabre. 

[Jelenis Tythe]

The King tilted his head mulling over Abigor's passioned oath, he too had heard tales of Abrion's boy, but he seemed genuine enough in this.  His eyes went to his own son, looking like a raggamuffin with dirt on his face and polish on him.

"Very well Sabre, you will obey Lord Abigor at all times, if he decides it is time to leave you will.....if he speaks you will heed him....do I make myself understood? If you disobey in anyway and I hear of it then you will be punished and never step outside the walls again. Do I make myself clear?"

A rare smile lit Sabre's beautiful face and he knew how happy he had made his son.

"Thank you Father." Sabre bowed and rose again.

"You look like an urchin boy.....go and wash and change, Abigor you will escort my son to his room, help him choose something suitable to wear....though you will wait outside whilst he bathes and dresses." The King said sharply.

As the pair went to leave the King's hand stayed Abigor and he looked directly into his purple eyes.

"He is my son.....he is precious to me....I want him returned whole....if anything happens to him I will have your head...am I clear?"

[Parkway]

The King was very clear.  "Yes your highness."  Abigor spoke respectfully and bowed.  Being excused he went back to Sabre's side and they were silent until out of earshot of the King and Master Zenethor.  Not that it would have matter if either choose to follow them in thought there would have been nothing Abigor could do on that accord.

When he did speak to Sabre it was in a much friendlier manner.  It had begun when he saw Sabre working and he surmised what had happened and why the three of them were taken off punishment detail.  He had not expected Sabre to be this way.  It didn't fit with the image he had of the boy who was very much becoming an adult.  The smile he had given his father was beautiful.  It took Abigor's breath away and he found he wanted to see it more.

"Have you really never gone?  I haven't missed one myself."  He was speaking of the bonfire and now that he thought about it he was sure he had not seen Sabre there before.  "Shame you cannot drink though, for there is a wine that is most delicious.  Yuri makes it.  Do you know Yuri?  Probably not, she is a commoner.  She is our age, well yours.  Her parents make it really now she does.  Her brother is into magic, Vewick.  You may find when we run into them he will not let your ear go for I am sure he would love to know more on the subject."  Abigor prattled off and spoke as if Sabre was just another demon from the barracks.  He spoke to him as he would someone he wanted to actual befriend. 

"Once we get to your room did you really want me to help pick something out?"  He shrugged not sure if the Prince really wanted or needed his help in that regard. 

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre found he was a little bewildered by the talk from someone that earlier before had called him a little bitch.  He followed along in Abigor's wake as he was told about various people and wine and how the general's son had never missed a Bonfire celebration.

"It sounds fun." He said softly.

Then came the question about clothes and he grinned a little.

"Sure....my father ordered it did he not....to help me choose, it might be fun to have someone else's opinion other than Ana."

His heart was pounding, it was finally happening, a friend, going outside, it was all a little overwhelming. They reached his quarters, and Ana yanked open the door ready to tell him off and saw Abigor.

"What is going on here?"

Sabre grinned boyishly.

"I am going to the Bonfires Ana, Abigor is helping me find suitable clothes!"

[Parkway]

"It is, I am glad you will take part.  It really would be a pity never to experience one."  They walked back together and for all intent purposes appeared to just two friends walking and talking.  Abigor marveled at how easy it was to be around him.  While before it felt awkward somewhere between the time Sabre bested him and Zenethor's words it changed.

He grinned back and in a jovial voice winked.  "Are you sure you trust me not to parade you out as a jester?"  But it was obvious he was only kidding.

They entered the castle and went to Sabre's room.  Ana greeted them and it seemed as if she had a scolding ready for him.  But upon seeing Abigor bite it back.

"He is in earnest Ana.  Can we get a bath drawn and may I have my clothing fetched I will dress here."

Ana shook her head.  "I will verify what you two are saying if I find out either one of you lied to me you can be sure the whipping you receive from Zenethor you both won't forget."  She summoned for Abigor's clothing to be retrieved and had a bath drawn for Sabre.

"Abigor would you care to bath?"  She was busy setting things up.  A knock and a chamber maid brought in Abigor's clothing.  Her eyes sliding to the pair her heart beat quickened.  "Will that be all?"

Ana nodded to her disappointment.  And she took her leave very slowly.

"Prince.  Shall we look over your wardrobe?"  Abigor had begun to remove his clothing.  He sat on the nearest chair and removed his boots.  Then standing removed his tunic which revealed a smooth chest and well-toned back and abdomen.  He seemed oblivious if anything was amidst in his actions.  He had often disrobed in front of Ana so he was not uncomfortable with it.  When he a scar could be seen on his side.  This could be the reason he took offense to the remake about scarring or injuries.

"Ana I don't but I could use a quick wash up just a bowl would do."   He was fully naked now as he tossed his clothing into a pile.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre averted his eyes immediately, his face flushed scarlet, he tossed a robe to Abigor with embarrassment.

He turned away instantly and looked at the wall, his father would beat him to death if he knew about this.

"My wardrobe is across the room." He indicated to a large cabinet.

He just did not know where to look.

[Parkway]

Abigor caught the robe and looked at it shrugged and placed it on the chair.  "Ana, what color for Price Sabre?  Red?  I think red would make him stand out...or blue...ahhh but purple, like my eyes."  He winked but Sabre was turned away.   

Ana finished and walked over to see Abigor stark naked and in front of the Prince!  "ABIGOR!"  She screeched.  "PUT THAT ROBE ON OR COVER YOURSELF!"  She stormed over and threw it at him roughly.  "HE IS THE PRICE!  SHOW SOME RESPECT!"  She shook her head and her golden eyes glowed.  "He is not your friend!  Your comrade!  He is the Prince and his father would kill you if he knew you were so indecent."  She began to calm some.  "For your own good Abigor please I know you mean well enough.  He is just one of the boys, but in some respect you need to remember who he is.  Now cover up and this will be forgotten."  She walked over and satisfied the water was ready.  "Prince, I will be right out the door if you should need me."  She went to the door but did not shut it all the way.

Abigor's eyes widened.  He just didn't think of it.  He smirked a bit and then hurriedly put the robe on covering himself.   "Sorry."  He mumble.  Almost looking like a naughty boy.  He looked at Sabre and shrugged again.  "You too sorry, I guess I am so used to it...err...that didn't come out right...I meant in the barracks and stuff."  He chuckled at himself trying to explain.  "Ahh you know what I mean, right?"

He was pulling out clothing now.  He selected light colored breeches, a light green tunic, matching overcoat, black boots, and a slightly darker sash.  "Do you like these?  Not too dressed but not too casual."  He gestured to his own clothing which was brought in, very similar in style, just no sash.  His were varying shades of purple with black boots.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre finally looked up through lowered lashes once he knew that Abigor was clothed in the robe.  He had been shocked, he had never seen another naked person before.

He looked shyly over towards the clothes that had been picked and then at the purple clothes of the General's son.

"Can I wear purple like you?" He asked softly. "Perhaps making the sash silver?" He could simple change the colour of the picked ensemble with magic,Mir would be easy enough.

He also needed to bathe which meant Abigor would have to go out and wait with Ana.

"I need to bathe Gor." He said softly, gesturing to the door to the ante chamber.

[Parkway]

He looked over at the Prince he was shy!   "Purple it is."  He walked over to the washing bowl and went to get ready when he heard Sabre.  It was the shortening of his name that caught him off guard.  Gor? 

"I should go?"  He said it but he didn't seem to move.  "Gor...what?  Gor?"  He went for the area Sabre had indicated.  "I like it?  But nobody else gets to call me that." 

He smiled and left the room.  "But you take too long and I come back in weather you are ready or not."  He needed to cover the soft moment with a bit of teasing he didn't do soft.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre slipped from his dirty clothes and padded to the bath, his lithe body edging in the scented hot water Ana had drawn for him.  He groaned softly as the warmth seeped into his aching bones, his runes glowing soft violet.  He sunk fully beneath the suds and came up with his silvery hair slick to his head, making him look like some young mythical God.

He was going to the Bonfires....for the first time in his life he was actually going....and with one of the most popular young demons in the Tenth Ring.

He washed and stood up the water sliding down his toned muscles and reached for a sheet to dry himself.

[Parkway]

Abigor stood and waited for the Prince.  This was not going to be as easy as it sounded.  Sure going to the bonfires with friends was fun.  They let off stress and drank.  As he got older the evening played more into whom he would share his bed with but tonight he could not do that.  Prince Sabre was not to be touched, not to drink, and nothing could befall him.  Yeah no stress there!  He thought.

Master Zenethor may have been right.  He seemed different than most of the other demons but not weak.  No not at all.  Quite the opposite in fact.  His eyes caught Ana looking at him.  "What?"  He said with a smile.

"You treat him with care Abigor.  Or what the King said he would do...I shall do ten times worse.  I love the boy like he is my own son."  Her eyes were clear and held his.

"Ana, I am bound to him since his birth to serve and protect him.   Do you think I would fail in such an important task?"  Abigor looked at her and his eyes were a bit softer.

"I know you Abigor, you are a wicked demon, but you are also one of the most duty bound.  I know you will but that wasn't what I meant.  I want you to promise me you will not be the one to hurt him.  None of your playing with him.  He doesn't fully understand how desirable he is, maybe he does but he hasn't be offered your privileges."  She didn't turn away from him.  He was a temperamental beast but not with her. 

"Ana you have my word.  I will be true to him and him alone."  But he grinned wickedly...  "I will continue to sow my oats with many."  He laughed and she made a face at him.

"Prince Sabre?"  He called.  "Are you done yet?  May I come in and wash up?"

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre had changed into the clothes chosen, turning the shades of green into pale violet and deep purple and the sash to silver. With his moonlight hair he looked so very beautiful in the colours as he looked into the mirror.

"I am ready Gor." He expected the General's son to perhaps make light of how he looked, or put him down somehow, his confidence fragile as always.

He smoothed the sash and waited for Abigor to enter, almost like a nervous bride might for her husband.

[Parkway]

Abigor entered and he had all intention of just heading straight to the washing bowl but he caught his breath upon seeing the Prince.  He stood and stared for a good two to three minutes.  Mouth open and he felt a tightening in his stomach.  Now he had been attracted to others before but by the underworld this demon before him stirred something.  He's an incubus Abigor!  Stop!  He chided himself.  Dragging his eyes away and clearing he throat.  "That color suites you well.  You look extremely handsome.  I am going to my hands full keeping everyone form waiting a piece." 

He walked to the washing bowl and scrubbed up.  Yet when he closed his eyes the picture of Sabre was burned into his memory and it was making it hard for him to not turn and be the one violating the Kings orders he was told to uphold.  He rumbled softly.

He picked up his own clothing and went behind the screen and dressed.  Normally he wouldn't do that but he had something he did not wish the others to see right now.  It made him a bit uncomfortable.  Once satisfied he stepped from the curtain and for a moment he looked at the Prince and his eyes darkened.  "You are very handsome Prince Sabre."  He ran a shaky hand through his hair. 

"Ready to go?"  He gestured towards the door.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre's heart pounded, Abigor said such kind things about him..

"I am ready my lord." He said his voice trembling in excitement.

They left the room and Ana fussed and kissed his cheek and then Abigor's and then gave the General's son stern warnings about looking after him.

They started out down the corridor towards the main vestibule of the castle and towards the gate.  Sabre could smell smoke on the air and hear people revelling and his excitement increased.

"Abigor...,will your friends like me?" He asked nervously.

[Parkway]

He couldn't believe how magnificent Sabre looked.  He was sexy, beautiful, and graceful.  So many things but that really didn't do him justice. 

He could hear the excitement in his voice and it made him smile, glad he could give him this bit of fun.  Abigor just hugged the women back and laughed.  "Now stop worrying...I'll let now one touch him...I am going to him for myself."  He wink scandalously at Ana who tapped him.  Though his voice was teasing and light he had to admit he envied whoever that would be, for Sabre was a sight to behold.

"He nudged Sabre as a buddy would.  "Of course!  Are you kidding?  I told you Lord Kora loves that magic shi....stuff."  He caught himself and just winked at the Prince.  "He is really into it not like your level but I am sure you too will spend countless hours discussing them."   Abigor was talking and treating him as he would Kora or Uric.  Like just one of them.  He actually didn't even notice it which meant it was natural. 

Just before they approached he held onto Sabre arm his eyes softened.  "Listen earlier...I was wrong.  Wrong to call you that name.  I was just mad, but not at you more at myself and I took it out on you.  I hope you can forgive and forget, but if not I understand."  He let go, hoping the no touching rule didn't apply to him.

[Jelenis Tythe]

Sabre stopped walking as Abigor spoke his apology, that touch to his arm made his stomach feel tight and odd.

"I forgive you.....for all I know I might be a bitch......" He said slowly, his eyes lowered to look at the floor.

No-one had ever been that nasty to his face, he had been shocked, upset by it even but he had not shown it, his upbringing kicking in.

He did not want Abigor to feel awkward and decide not to take him to the Bonfires, he raised his eyes.

"Honestly, let's just forget it and have fun....thank you so much for agreeing to take me Lord Abigor!" He said quite sweetly."

They were  drawing closer and the revellings  could clearly be heard now, the heat of the bonfires felt as well.

[Parkway]

"Thanks, Prince Sabre, I'm not sure I'd be as forgiving as you but I am willing to and have a good time."  Abigor was relieved.  As they began to walk the cheers could be heard and the warmth of the bon fire which had him eager now to get in the mix.

As they approached a few of the demons looked at them and began to whisper but none dared come to close for Abgor's whole demeanor changed.  He was now very protective of Sabre.  Not that he mused the demon prince couldn't take care of himself he felt he could but because this was what he had been born and bred to do.

He caught the shadow of Lord Kors.  "Kora!"  He cupped his hands around his mouth and called a bit louder...  "KORA"  With that the other dark haired demon turned and at first smiled, then shock spread across his face.  Abigor had said he would be detained but didn't say he was still bring the Prince.  But something in Abigor's stance said he was here part for fun and part for duty.  It registered with him that Abigor had been assigned to guard Prince Sabre.  He walked over and with a smile he bowed.  "Prince Sabre, it is a pleasure.  Will you be joining us this means?"

He stood back up and was the same height, maybe a fraction shorter than the would be king.  "Uric went off to find Jana, he has been after her for a while now so I figured I would let him be...errr..."  He stopped and looked at both demons.  "I may speak as friends, no?"  He had just assumed and then wanted to kick himself for it.  He should have asked first!

Abigor nodded and looked at Sabre he gestured for him to answer Kora.