marlowemuses | And I won't be denied by you, the animal inside of you

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And I won't be denied by you, the animal inside of you

All his life, Huaisang has been meant for the dragon.

He had been raised to be a sacrifice, always protected and pampered, and all the more so because he was the illegitimate second son of the sect leader. Spoiled thoroughly in preparation of his fate, Huaisang took every advantage of it, taking lessons in art and dance and neglecting his lessons in swordplay and history. Even though the sacrifice was meant to die for the god, his people knew that a sacrifice was meant to be the very best of their people, and that meant that the sacrifices had every opportunity to master skills and learn literature.

Whimsical as Huaisang was, he often snuck out and slipped into the nearby forests, stalking birds for days and then bringing home the captured beauties or their eggs and raising them. It pleased him to have a room full of caged lovely things, since he was also a caged lovely thing.

Even though it was only a week before he was fated to be given to the dragon, Huaisang slipped out with a bag over his shoulder. It would take one day to get to the dragon's mountain on foot, and one day back. He'd sleep in a tree and that would be fine. All he wanted was to see the dragon before his fate. He couldn't bear to wait any longer. He'd already waited so many years.

All of his clothing made him look lovely and vulnerable, so he looked as usual like a bodhisattva in flowing fabric and silver jewelry. He moved quietly, even though it was difficult to impossible for him to be inconspicuous in the forest.

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Eternity was the fate given to dragons. They would live forever and in return they would offer protection, wealth and all matter of things to mortals. What was gifted was something decided in the contract made with them in ancient times. However with the wear of time affect the all in different ways. Some had been driven mad and were punished to death for breaking those contracts. Others ended it themselves...Zhongli was the last dragon he knew. In his youth he remembered meeting with his brothers and sisters...they shared wine together and discussed many matters. Now it was just him and perhaps it was this reason why the idea of a mate began to appeal to him.

His contract with the village below his forest and mountain remained though time had caused the original meaning of such words to waver. What used to be an offering of company or servants somehow was turned to sacrifice. He honestly didn't have to patience to explain it since it was but a detail. When his 'sacrifices' were chosen he simply took them with him...after all inside of his palace was not a sight seen by those that weren't 'sacrifices' or fellow spirits.

With the time fast approaching of his newest 'sacrifice' as well as the period of time when he was most wild. He decided to take up residence within those woods. Then he could be as rough as he desired with the surroundings. It was for this reason he wandered through the trees in his true form although smaller than one he shows to the mortals below.

Huaisang had never been so far up the dragon's mountain before, and it was beautiful. He laughed a little as he walked, stopping to pick a spray of white jasmine to tuck into his hair, and then gathering some honeysuckle and some wild roses as he continued, weaving them deftly into loops until he was crowned and braceleted with sweet-smelling flowers.

The sun was growing low on the horizon and he still hadn't reached the dragon's palace, but he knew that he would have to rest for the night. Humming softly to himself because he'd forgotten the importance of sneaking, Huaisang drifted through the forest, enjoying the evening.

Claws and body weave through the brush and wood. He looked over his forest until a voice drifted into his ears. Eyes quick to sharpen he sniffed the air as he sought after the source. Was it a hunter? Someone who was foolish enough to enter his domain without permission would suffer the consequences. Mortals were a tricky group and he was sure to never let his guard down.

Quickly, yet quietly, he rushed towards the source before he saw the person and bared his teeth. Though his form was smaller than his full size he was still far larger than a human. His voice low and bright amber eyes locked onto the intruder. If his mind had been clear he might have noticed it the other was familiar.

"Who dares enter this forest?"

Huaisang squeaked in fear at the sight of an enraged voice demanding answers of him. He flinched backward, then stumbled at the sight of the giant before him, shining with fearsome beauty. Falling back onto the soft loam of the forest floor, Huaisang trembled but couldn't help but stare in awe. "Oh!"

It was clearly some kind of deity or spirit, perhaps one in service to the dragon. It looked ferocious, and Huaisang realized he didn't have a ready excuse. He'd never before faced a threat that couldn't be assuaged with sweet pouting, and for the first time he realized that he might be in actual danger.

"I... I'm Huaisang. I just wanted to see."

The other seemed to be blissfully unaware before his presence was known but that still showed Zhongli that this one...was perhaps a little sheltered. Still he didn't have the mood when he was like this for such foolish things. A low growl escaped as he continued to stare the other down, jaws opened as he spoke.

"Huaisang...This is not a place for mortals. You are trespassing." The voice was intimidating and with an angered tone. It was clear his patience was thin...if it hadn't been so long for him without a companion during his rut perhaps he wouldn't be so angered.

Another loud growl. "There is punishment for breaking deals whether it was done from malice or ignorance."

Whimpering with fear, Huaisang winced, looking piteously up at the angry spirit. "You can't harm me. I'm promised to the dragon. No one else may touch me. I belong only to him."

Terrified though he was, Huaisang lifted his chin a little, scared but stubborn. The dragon might tear him limb from limb or devour him whole without ever learning his name or caring for his beauty, but even so Huaisang would go to him flawless and virginal. He would be perfect for his dragon.

A frightened tear slid down the side of his nose as Huaisang quivered. Fear of being hurt was one thing, but fear of disappointing his dragon was a soul-consuming horror.

That low growl soon silenced as he stared at Huaisang the air of intimidated dying down. This mortal...was his next 'sacrifice'? Was he a fool? He was not the only matter of spirits that filled these woods...He has the task to protect the village below but it was forbidden to enter these woods it was out of his control if they mortals died here.

For a moment he closed his eyes before he looked to the other man with a tilt of his head. "You are fortunate then but still a fool human. Leave this place. Do you know know of the contract forged? These woods are not safe for mortals." He asked with a slight aggravation to his tone.

"I will send one with you to return you back home." With a sigh he raised his head up before he spoke. "Xaio." In the blink of an eye a young man with a spear and mask appeared beside him. He looked to Huaisang before he spoke. "Yes, Rex Lapis?"

Zhongli...or the named used by his dragon form, Rex Lapis, turned away as he spoke. "Take this human home."

Huaisang gasped as another frightening spirit appeared nearby. Rising to his feet, he shied away from the new spirit, looking warily between the two of them. "I... thank you? Do you know the dragon? Do you work for him?"

He glances back the way he came, thinking of starting on that long walk now and wanting to crumple and fuss. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to see a little bit of ... magic. Before I... before I die."

Xiao was fairly quiet as a person but he had heard the conversation between the two before his arrival. He motioned with his spear for Huaisang to start to walk, once he did he spoke. "...You really don't realize who you just met?" He sounded short but with a tone of amazement.

"You know...dying isn't the worse thing that can happen to you here." He followed behind him. "You will see plenty of magic, I assure you."

Huaisang whimpers as he's herded back the way he came. Pouting like his heart is broken, he drags his feet, looking back often in the direction of the strange and beautiful spirit. "No, who was he? He was so beautiful. Are you really going to make me walk all night? I'm so tired. I'll never make it."

"That was the dragon...his form was smaller than usual, but that's because his full dragon form would destroy these woods." he said rather shortly before he let out a sigh. Xaio looked around them before he pointed to a clearing. "Fine, I can keep watch for you to sleep for about an hour or two."

"That--?" Huaisang's eyes went wide, stopping entirely to look back. "He can change his form? That was the dragon?" He takes a step in the direction the dragon had gone, heart fluttering with confused hope. "Was he all right? He seemed..." Huaisang isn't sure what word to use, but he had gotten the impression that something had Rex Lapis on edge. Something more than just his foolish intruder.

He was so beautiful. Huaisang wanted to gaze at him for days, to capture his beauty in paint. "Can you still communicate with him from here?"

He just shook his head and sighed. "Yes...not many see his true form." Xaio was quick to stand in front of him before he can move back to where they were. "He is fine. It has been some time since...he had a sacrifice." There was more to it but it was not his place to say that.

"I come when he calls, why?"

"I want him to know that I'm sorry," Huaisang says, still looking past Xiao, though he doesn't try to slip past him. "And that I'm proud to be his. He's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen."

Huaisang bites down on his lip and drops his eyes, feeling regretful. "I didn't think I'd get to say that before... before he eats me, or ... or whatever happens to me. It's an honor to be given to a god."

Silently he listened to the other man before he reached up and removed his mask. Xaio's face was much younger looking than his true age as he stared at him. "You humans...really are a strange bunch. I will tell him than but..." He paused before he bit his tongue it wasn't his place to explain the contract from so long ago.

"Just wait for the ceremony. You will be taken to the palace before...anything happens. So you will get some privacy with him before that."

Eyes widening hopefully, Huaisang nods more cooperatively, and starts walking back toward Qinghe with determination now. He'll get to see his dragon. He'll get some privacy with him and to speak to him. For that, he's willing to behave himself.

It takes hours to get back to Qinghe, and Huaisang has to stop more than once to rest, pace slowing as he continues. Thanking Xaio at the gates, Huaisang returns inside to heated scolding, and he's put to bed quickly.

When the day of the sacrifice came at last, Huaisang was bathed and scented with sweet floral oils, dressed in silver and pearls and a long flowing hanfu that showed off his grace. Qinghe had been prosperous and wealthy under the dragon's protection, and they could afford to thank their god appropriately.

Huaisang trembled only a little with fright as he climbed the grand dais. It was set on a jutting cliff high on the central mountain of the fortress-city, looking out over the mountains and down upon the citizens watching below. He felt a little dizzy at the height, especially with the wind buffeting at him, but he kept his chin up bravely, head turned in the direction of where his dragon would come and claim him.

That time had arrived once more. Zhongli had still been puzzled by the man's need to enter the forest he had been thankful to have found him before someone else did. Since if the contract wasn't fulfilled he would have to punish the village. As he looked out of his palace he saw the man on the platform below. It was time for him to take his new companion. Eyes glowed to a bright amber he jumped from his palace as his body transformed into the large dragon the villagers were accustom to witnessing.

From under the platform he rose up to see Huaisang. Large bodied and covered in dark earth toned scales with a slight shimmer and bright amber horns and spikes running down his spine. Zhongli looked to the villagers and then over to his prize before he spoke. "State your name, Human."

Edited 2021-10-31 00:47 (UTC)

No matter his excitement and how boldly he had gone forth into the forest alone, Huaisang couldn't help his trembling at the sight of the dragon. It was a visceral, instinctive thing, to look up at a large creature descending from the sky. Huaisang had to tamp down on his desire to bolt and hide like the prey that he was.

Such things had happened before. There had been times where the offerings had to be chained to the platform. In past decades, Qinghe had learned to raise their offerings in acceptance of their fate. There was no surprise about what was intended for them, and they were granted every luxury in recognition of their position and honor.

"Nie Huaisang of Qinghe greets you." He bowed formally to the dragon, kowtowing fully out of respect.

Large claws gripped the side of the platform, though it did little to move as he made sure to remain floating in front of it. He did recognize the one before him as the same in the forest that day. What a foolish human but he was grateful to have found him. As bright eyes stared him down and listened his gaze shifted to the people below bowing before he returned his look to Huaisang.

"NieHuaisang...You are one who enjoys tempting your fate, correct?" he asked with a small ting of humor. Though he knew the other might not find the humor yet. After a pause he continued his muzzled moved close to the other man's body as he breathed out. A large puff of smoke surrounding him.

"You will grab my face and hold on...do you understand?" Zhongli hoped he would get the hint and he wouldn't have to carry him in his mouth for show.

Edited 2021-11-08 02:52 (UTC)

Huaisang's frightened little gasp at the puff of smoke around him, but he stepped forward despite his fear. "You're my fate. It's my privilege to tempt you."

Nodding, Huaisang reached out with trembling fingers, brushing one hand ever so lightly against the side of Zhongli's face. "I understand. I'll do my best."

"Tempt?" He can't help but to chuckle softly but he remained still none the less as the other man started to touch his face. Such soft hands...he lifted him up a little so he can grab at his mane a little easier.

"You need to hold on...or you will die."

Brow furrowing with fear and worry at that, Huaisang nodded. His fate was the dragon's to do with as it pleased, but Huaisang hated the thought of the dragon letting him die carelessly rather than ... for whatever value the dragon might seek from his sacrifice. Eaten, he'd always assumed. It seems awful to consider that now, with a dragon god who speaks to him gently like this. Somehow the prospect was less terrifying if he had simply been an enormous beast driven by hunger and savagery. A logical god capable of communication and perhaps even empathy choosing to devour him sounded unbearable.

"I'll hold on. Do you really me for me to... um. Ride you? On your neck?"

"Yes, on my neck would be easiest for you, I assume?"

Zhongli knew his form frightened most mortals but his true nature was much different. In his youth he was as the legends say, ruthless. He would kill humans if it meant completing a contract, however time had made him far less harsh than he once was. Still he can understand the fear for this mortal.

"Yes, I ..." Well, it wouldn't make much sense for him to hang on and dangle, even though it seems sacrilegious to ride the dragon god. "All right."

Taking a deep breath to reassure himself, Huaisang steps forward and swings himself up, landing gracefully and with as much care as possible to not kick the dragon in the process. Twining his hands into the soft tufts of the dragon's face, Huaisang presses himself flat against the dragon's body, holding on with his knees as well as his hands.

As he rose his head he shook lightly to ensure Huaisang held on tight, at least if he fell here it was close to the ground. Once he ensured the man was on him, the god let out a loud roar before he flew up high from the platform and watched as the villagers continued to pray as he made his way to the palace. The eyes mortals never saw this home unless they were chosen to do so and for Huaisang this would be his new home. The golden walls, rooms and beautiful gardens appear as Zhongli lands outside of the gate and lowered his head. Servants greeted him and bowed.

"You can get off now, Huaisang. Please go get cleaned up for lunch."

Huaisang held tight as they flew, too frightened to dare a peek downward. He was safe, though. The dragon flew smoothly once they were aloft so that he was never in danger, and yet it was still a terrifying flight.

Shakily sliding down, Huaisang crumpled to his knees out of sheer fright, looking around in confusion at the heavenly palace and the servants. The dragon's one companion had been surprising enough, but now it became clear that he had more servants. He wasn't just a vast predatory beast. He was more like a king.

"Yes, my lord," Huaisang murmured, rising shakily to his feet. He had no idea what was expected of him in terms of cleaning up for lunch or where he was supposed to go, but he hoped that the dragon's command came with an implication that some of the servants were to assist him.

Not one servant seemed to fear him instead they happily greeted him home. A familiar face soon walked past Huaisang as he approached Zhongli, this time the boy was in more casual clothes than before. As he spoke the dragon nodded and made a comment about changing as his body grew smaller and he took off once more, this time heading to his own room. The boy took his leave and walked towards Huaisang before he nudged him.

"He went to change your room is this way."

Huaisang gazed off in the direction the dragon had gone, as before, but he obeyed and followed after the servant.

Skittish and confused though he was, Huaisang was grateful for the hospitality and interested to see what kind of room he would be given. Since the dragon had so many servants, Huaisang could only guess that he was here to be the newest of his servants.

Once away and in his chamber he shifts back to his humanoid form, though human was not a term that would ever describe him. While he could appear mostly human it was a bit of a pain having to use the energy to mask his form. So in his home he would be as comfortable as possible. Dressing in his long robes and gowns he watches a few servants help dress his sashes and jewelry on. After being dressed he exited the room and met with Xiao in the hallway going over items that were troubling the man. As he walked down the hallway he spotted Huaisang being lead to his room and offered a smile.

Huaisang's glad to be tidied up a bit--the flight was stressful and he feels dusty, even though he was beautifully appareled in order to meet his dragon. It doesn't take long, and he's glad to be led out again, impatient to see his master again.

At the sight of him, Huaisang smiles back, soft and hopeful, and then bows deeply. He wants to run to the dragon and to touch him, but he restrains himself for now, allowing himself only to stare hopefully at his master.

Not that he would be opposed to that sort of thing it might be best left for the bedroom at a later time. Right now he did seem to be going through a list provided to him before he commented to the other and made his way towards Huaisang. "I hope you can enjoy a bath. I will be in the dining hall when you are finished." His voice was much kinder than their first meeting.

Nodding obediently, Huaisang returned to the servants guiding his way, cooperating with where he was directed and preparing himself as best he could.

Eager to see the dragon again, Huaisang was trying to keep himself from running or bouncing in place as he entered the dining hall, bowing deeply at the sight of his dragon. "My lord."

Robes of gold and earth tones adorning his form, he made sure to give gentle nods to the staff near him as he made his way towards the dining hall himself. There was obviously no lack of space within the castle, many doors large enough to fit even his dragon form. In conversation with one of his workers he saw Huaisang excitedly hurrying toward him. A gentle smile he greeted the other with a small nod before he reached out to touch a strand of his hair.

"You seem to have calmed some, feeling better about whether I will feast on you or not?" he mused with the other man.

Huaisang leaned into the touch, smiling shyly. "I'm yours to do with as you please, my lord. But it is all the more an honor to be kept at your side rather than, um. Eaten."

Wincing slightly as his gracious speech gets away from him at the end, Huaisang blushes and ducks his head.

Such a needy one his new companion is. Zhongli listens with an amused sort of expression before some of the servants began to chuckle to themselves. A few spoke as spoke and moved closer to Huaisang and the dragon god. "Really? They are still saying you eat people, Rex Lapis?" In their words it was clear to see they were comfortable around the god before he rose a hand up. "You know humans wouldn't believe me if I told them differently."

He offered a hand to the other man. "Come I can speak a little more freely with you in this form."

Brightening happily at the offered hand, Huaisang gave his own, excited for the opportunity to speak privately with his god but also nervous that he might fall short. "Yes, my lord. Please forgive my people their ignorance. There is ... a part of our nature that is mournful to never again see the beloved tributes of our city who are sent to you, so it becomes easier to think of them as dead. Perhaps that is the source of the misunderstanding?"

Hand closed around the other man's he begins to walk them towards the back of the hall. This was a good time to speak more with the other and learn a little more about him. Though the apology does catch him off guard before he started to chuckle softly. "Oh, no need to apologize. I am certain it came from...one of the first sacrifices...There was one who rather do me harm and...", voice trailed off before he cleared his throat. "It didn't end well for that person. However, it could also be certain desires being misunderstood."

Huaisang's eyes widen with empathy and concern, and his grip tightened on the dragon's hand. "I hate the thought of someone trying to hurt you. I'm sorry that you had to endure such a thing."

Sucking on his lower lip for a moment as he processes over all that Zhongli clearly isn't saying, Huaisang looks up at him with confused uncertainty. "What do you mean 'certain desires being misunderstood'? What happened?"

The others expression was kind and he could feel he really did care so he smiled to set him at ease. "It was long ago, please do not worry. Humans fear what they do not know and you can't fault that. The unknown is scary."

Zhongli turned his face from Huaisang's gaze as he started to better explain himself. "Companionship comes with certain aspects...in my youth I let one of 'sacrifices' return home but they discovered time moves different within these walls. What might be a few days for you here could be hundreds for others. The mix up was likely with them describing certain urges I feel and share with my companion." He paused before he cleared his throat. "Such deeds that can be described as devouring one another?"

Huaisang's interested and sympathetic to all of this up until the last part, where his eyes go wide with confused concern. "Devouring?"

He withdraws his hand nervously from Zhongli's touch, curling his arms protectively against his chest and trying to understand what other meaning the dragon had. "I don't understand. You're only going to eat ... eat... parts of me?"

Huaisang's pretty sure he doesn't have any body parts he's willing to spare.

A soft nod he looked around to still confirm they were alone as he spoke more. Though it wouldn't be too uncommon for the ones that lived here to know his desires and needs.

The way he withdrew was a reaction he expected in someway but still hurt a little. Eyes closed for a moment he then looked at the other man before he got closer. A little test of devotion perhaps...he wanted to tease this human, it had been so long. With their faces a breath away. "Does the thought of being devoured frighten you, Huaisang? I am not human and your ways are very different than my own...however, do you devote yourself to me regardless of your fear?"

Huaisang trembles a little, lower lip quivering and tears threatening to form in his eyes. The thought of being maimed--perhaps repeatedly--sounds even more frightening than one quick death. "If ... that's what pleases you, my lord," he murmurs, eyes on the floor as a frightened tear glitters and falls. "I'll do my best to endure."

Oh dear, he really did scare the poor thing. He meant it more as a tease but he can see his tears. A hand quickly moved to wipe those eyes and look at him. "There, there...I don't mean to consume you in that sort of way. Hmm..." He thought of how to say this since he seemed to be misunderstood with his vague phrasing. "Devouring your partner is something said with sex, my dear."

Huaisang tried not to wince at the touch, wanting to be good for his dragon despite his fear, but at the mention of sex he blinked and looked up in surprise and hope. "You... you want to have sex with me?"

"The original purpose of...sacrifices was to provide me company. It started as a joke for another god I know, he thought I was lonely and he wasn't wrong. Though at times I am not quite as gentle." He paused with a smile. "But yes, sex with you...only if you are fine with that."

Huaisang nodded hopefully, bouncing once on his toes as he tried to contain his excitement and deal with the sudden shift in his own emotions. "I'd like... I'd like that a lot. I've thought about it. Wished for it. Even though I don't know, um. Um. What it would be like."

Cheeks flushed, Huaisang looks down toward his master's crotch, then quickly pulls his gaze up to his face, only to be overwhelmed by the possibility of eye contact. He settles for blushing furiously at Zhongli's chest.

That reaction was not the one he usually got from his male sacrifices. That was interesting and he wasn't upset about it, though it did earn a laugh from the god as he looked at the other man. What a interesting human.

"Hm, I see you are interested..." He trailed off as he got closer to the other's ear. "Your gaze is hard to ignore."

Still blushing deeply, Huaisang sucked his lower lip into his mouth. He stayed still as Zhongli got closer, shivering a little with desire and flicking his eyes over to steal glances at him. "Yes. Please. My lord. I'd like that. Please let me ... serve you."

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And I won't be denied by you, the animal inside of you

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