Light My Fire
by FireElf

Light My Fire

by FireElf

Darien's green eyes cast quickly about, searching for his Master. He was running late, but if his Master wasn't about, there was the chance he wouldn't get in trouble. However, this was not to be as Darien's eyes fastened on Sidney, Master Daemon's dog. He groaned, quickening his steps. For every moment he was late, it was another switch to his bottom and legs. He ran to keep up with Sidney.

Panting by the time he reached his Master, Darien hung his head, waiting. "Forgive me, Master. I awoke late. I am ready for my punishment." He wiped damn strands of hair from his face, blinking at the ground.

A gentle hand on his shoulder caused him to jump, squeaking in surprise. "Not now, boy." The voice was a deep, silky rumble. If one were to look at Master Daemon, they would find him to be a contradiction. He had the face of a young boy, smooth and clean, but the height and muscle of a man. Master Daemon was rather young, and his openly guarded eyes showed this.

He wanted his pupils to like him, but at every turn there was someone ready to knock him down. So, he kept himself distant, showing how much he cared through kind words. He kept a strong, firm hand upon his students. Laxity would only cause chaos as they tried to take advantage of him. Lack of discipline was a sign of lack of control, and he would not tolerate it. Yet, here he was, waiving the punishment for Darien.

"We have too much to do. You know the fundamentals of magik, but now you must learn to apply it. It is time to learn to call your power forth, to embrace your Fire." He turned Darien around to face him, kneeling before the boy. "This will be painful. You will have to call on the depth of your emotions to gather the force of your passion. Once you begin it is easy to continue. Right now it will be uncontrolled, but it will be harvested to come at your call. As the salamanders do, now." He paused, rolling his tongue throughout his mouth, to call the fire creature. Persenum perched on his shoulder, a burnt yellow and orange salamander. "Call up your totem salamander."

Darien nodded, closing his eyes as he concentrated. He felt the lick of flame against his cheek and smiled, opening his eyes. Dracnam, a red and bright green salamander, sat on his shoulder. He didn't call the salamanders with words or noise, but with the offer of his power. They loved it for to them, his power tasted sweet and scented of lavender and cinnamon.

His fingers flickered out, petting her. A sweet smile covered his face, looking intently at his Master. "Very good, boy," he reached out, ruffling Darien's hair. The boy nodded. "I want you to close your eyes. Focus downward, spiraling further downward. Don't stop until you hit the dam of your emotions." He paused, gazing at his pupil.

Face scrunched up, Darien's eyes were tightly shut. He was freefalling to the dam of his emotions. He landed, testing the ground, gaining his footing. From a distant place he heard his Master's voice. "Open the dam. Let the emotions surround and wash over you. Harvest those feelings into a sharp point of power. Call up Fire with your anger. Tame it and create a flame."

His attention turned to a chisel, pounding at his wall. It was one of those walls that were subconscious and very difficult to get down. A small hole opened up and he picked at it, taking advantage of the opening to break it further apart. It was due to his single-minded determination that it fell open, splintering and shattering.

Emotions swept around him, wrapping him in a kaleidescope of feelings. It was a cocoon of intensity, and he didn't know what to do. There was a presence, a glowing heat of power, that was soothing it, easing the desire. Create Fire. Turn it into focus and show me Fire.

Darien took a deep breath, taking the flood of rawness in cold, shaking Hands as he began to mold it. Fire. A flame. He concentrated on that image, gasping and opening his eyes as he felt heat in his hand. He smiled as the little gold flame danced upon his palm, Dracnam playing with it. His pleasure was short-lived, though, as the flame flickered and died. His eyes fell shut as he toppled over, shoulder hitting the ground with a solid thump.

A cry of dismay and Daemon scooped his pupil up, carrying him to his own room. He grabbed a cloth, dipping it in the tepid water sitting in the basin atop the table by his bed. How else was he going to wake? He wrung it out, placing it on the boy's forehead. "Too much too soon," he sighed, stroking Darien's cheek. "I am sorry. I thought you were ready. I thought you were prepared for this. I pushed too hard too fast. I am sorry young one."

He pulled a chair to his bedside, stroking Darien's hair. He sat heavily, feeling older than he was. Daemon shook his head, guilt overwhelming him. "Darien what have I done to you?" he sighed, bending to kiss the boy's forehead.

* * * * *

There was someone touching his face, but it was nice. The hand was soft, soothing, and he felt safe. He wanted to go back to sleep. He was so tired, so sore. Sore? He shook his head, wincing. Someone stirred beside him. Reluctantly, half scared, he opened his eyes to find Master Daemon sitting beside the bed he was in. He sat up, dislodging the hand. "Master! I am sorry!"

"Darien, no. Calm yourself. You passed out. It was my fault." He stroked the boy's hair, again. "I pushed you too hard too fast. You were not ready; I pushed you to be when you were not. I am sorry."

"No Master Daemon, it was my fault. I did not try enough. Please, let me try again," he begged, crawling out of the bed, kneeling before the older man. He gripped his master's ankles, tears streaming down his face. He wanted nothing more than to please his master. That was his goal... to please Master Daemon.

"No, Darien. Not now. You are not ready. Even if you were, your body is weak. Sleep and rejuvenate yourself for now." He bent, picking Darien up and replacing him in the bed.

The boy trembled, crying. He had shamed his Master, and now himself. "Please Master, please."

Daemon only shook his head. "Later, Darien," he sighed, kissing the boy's forehead. "Rest for now and we will work on it later."

He nodded, curling on the bed, moving closer to the man. He adored his master more than anyone. He felt guilt for not being able to please this man that meant so much to him. His cries stilled when Master Daemon touched his shoulder. Arms wrapped around Daemon's hand, clinging, Darien fell asleep.

He heard his Master sigh, but was really to tired to question. His eyes slid shut. The feel of the hand he held whisked him to sleep. It was only a matter of five minutes before he was deeply asleep. When asleep, Darien looked like an angel, his mouth curled into a happy, contented smile. It was really a beautiful sight. Daemon wished he could paint it, but instead promised the image to his mind.

* * * * *

It was several hours later when Darien awoke. He could feel the heat on his skin and was confused. Why was he asleep, now? He jolted up, looking around wildly. A tug on his hand turned his eyes to his Master, and he smiled heartbreakingly sweetly at him. He had been so afraid where he was until he saw those familiar gray eyes set in the handsome face watching him intently.

"Do you feel better?" Master Daemon questioned, voice soft and concerned.

"I do. Thank you, Master." There was only one thing on Darien's mind, though. "May I try again, Master?"

"Darien, not yet. We must go back to the beginning. I did not teach you well enough." A soft sigh.

"Oh no! It wasn't you. I am not able to learn well, Master. It is my fault." He bowed his head. "Master, I have shamed you."

A laugh. "Darien if you apologize again I will have to begin seeking a reason for your apology. Not everything is your fault, no matter what your last Master told you." He held up his hand to forestall protests. "When a pupil changes Masters in the middle of his studies, it is difficult. Each Master has an unique style of teaching. Mine and Aaron's are very different. We will go over the beginning, again." He pulled Darien to his feet.

The two walked outside to the dirt clearing used for basic training. "I want you to forget all you have been taught. I want you to ground and center only for me."

Nodding his head, Darien closed his eyes; his tongue peeked from the corner of his mouth, his way of concentrating. Slowly he found the glowing ball of light within him. In the center it was a dark, crimson red only to fan out to lighter reds and hints of oranges on the edges. Taking hold of that ball, he Spread it throughout his body, letting it balance all of him.

He stopped as he felt another presence in his mind. His immediate reaction was to shield all of himself from the intruder, but as the stranger Brushed against him, he calmed. It was Master Daemon.

Master Daemon worked to reteach Darien the basics for the rest of the afternoon, stopping only when there was no light to see by. There was so much to teach in so short a time. It helped that Darien was open to it, at least. He was perhaps one of the best pupils he had ever had to teach. The boy was like a puppy... he continued to come back and grew with encouragement and kind words.

By the time they stopped Darien's stomach was gurgling with hunger. He hadn't eaten all day. Shaking his head, Daemon turned to his pupil. "It is late. The kitchens are likely to be closed. I have some food you can eat." He always had food in his room... it was his weakness.

"Master, I couldn't intrude upon you any more." He shook his head vehemently.

He looked steadily at him. "If it were intrusion, I wouldn't have invited you. Now, come along, Darien." He began walking to his room, Darien following along obediently.

They entered his rooms, both sighing slightly at the coolness of the air. It felt nice. Daemon immediately went to a side cupboard, pulling out cheese and bread. He set them on a small table lodged into the corner of the room before moving back to the cupboard. Head inside it, he called out, "Sit, make yourself comfortable."

When he stood again, he was carrying two mugs and some light wine. He set them on the table, taking a seat across from his pupil. Darien looked nervous to be there. He got up again to grab a knife before sitting and cutting some bread and cheese for the both of them. He passed some to Darien before eating his own. "It's not much, but eat. You need to get your strength back up. Today has been a long day for you." He poured a small glass of wine for Darien before doing the same for himself.

Wine was his drink of choice as it tasted good to him. It was a sour white wine. Darien hesitantly began to eat, eyes downcast. "You have done well for having to relearn all you already knew," Daemon complimented him quietly, a piece of cheese hanging between his fingers.

"It was easy to learn under your tutelage, sir." He smiled, turning the compliment back on his Master. Daemon only smiled, shaking his head.

The two ate in silence until a loud yawn caught Daemon's attention. He looked out his window to find it dark. "It is late. You should rest."

Darien nodded, standing. "Sorry for staying so late, sir," he bowed weaving slightly, ready to leave. A hand on his wrist stopped him. Darien could feel his stomach flutter at the touch. He was always thrilled by any kind of touch from his Master. "Yes, sir?"

"You have had too much to drink. You are in no shape to walk back to your room." He released Darien's wrist with something like real reluctance. "You will sleep here."

His eyes got large. "No. I couldn't do that, Master. I have already inconvenienced you enough. I couldn't spend the night, now, too! I would like it too much."

A short laugh. "I have commanded and so you will do. Now, go climb in my bed. It is big enough for two. If the thought of sharing a bed makes you uncomfortable, I will sleep on the floor." He noted the blush on Darien's cheeks without a word. He wondered if he was pushing too far. Yes, he wanted the boy, but Darien was shy and quiet.

"Master! I couldn't! I will sleep on the floor. I have already made use of your bed once." He was flushed by the idea.

Sighing softly he stood, gently maneuvering Darien to his bed. "Sleep young one." He sat Darien on his bed, walking away so he could ready himself for bed. Going to his closet, he pulled down his sleeping bag, settling it on the ground. He took off his shirt, throwing it on one of his chairs before he toed off his shoes. He curled in the sleeping bag. Waiting until Darien was on the bed he blew the candle out with his mind. "Good night young one."

"Good night, Master." He still felt bad for taking the bed, but he knew better than to argue with his Master. He fell into an uneasy sleep.

It was three hours later when he cried out with a start. He was lost in a nightmare of his mother's death. He always dreamed of this, always nightmared like this.

She screamed, trying to get away from her attackers. They continued to swarm around her, not letting her go. One laughed, pulling his dress from her body. She was pressed against a wall, hungry mouths descending on hers, all over her body. She was sobbing in pain at their actions, shivering. "No!" she cried out, tears pouring from her eyes.

The men only laughed, pressing her harder against the wall. He couldn't see what was happening as there was a group gathered around her, but he could hear his mother screaming in pain, desperately trying to get away from them. She had made him promise to stay hidden, no matter what happened. He didn't move from his spot, no matter how much it hurt to see her like this.

The men continued to abuse her. He could hear a sickening thwack as they hit her, smacking her face and body. He cringed in pain, not liking this situation at all. Why couldn't the bad men just leave his mom and him alone? She cried in pain, again.

"Darien," a soft voice called, shaking his arm. He roused, body shaking as he waited for an attack. Tears poured from his eyes as he shivered. "A nightmare only. It goes away if you so desire." Daemon stroked his pupil's cheek gently.

"Don't leave me," he whispered, voice broken and eyes wide. He scooted over in the bed, making room for his Master. "Please don't leave me." His eyes were haunted.

There was nothing to do but slide into the bed. Darien immediately curled against him. "It was scary. I was dreaming of my mother dying." His voice was small and weak.

Responding to the pain he heard, Daemon stroked his pupil's hair. "Does it happen often?"

He nodded, shivering as he curled closer to his Master's warmth. "Every night."

"Oh, Darien, poor sweet Darien. You shouldn't have to deal with that." He kissed his forehead.

He was shocked when Darien turned, leaning up and kissing him. "Thank you for being a good Master." It sounded so strange to hear that. All the Masters here were good.

"You are welcome." He hugged him close, hand stroking Darien's back.

The boy snuggled against him, falling almost immediately asleep. "Night, Master," his voice was slurred with sleep. His Master only watched him sleep, smiling sadly. This boy had gone through so much to turn out as well as he had. It was rather a miracle he wasn't jaded and dejected.

He felt himself growing tired and as such curled into the covers, readying himself for sleep. He held the blankets tightly in his hand, other hand under Darien who was curled on his side, head resting on his chest. It made it difficult to lay on his side, but it wasn't as though he'd never had anyone sleep next to him before.

Daemon hadn't been asleep long when he felt a wet tongue lick at his skin, moaning softly, he opened his eyes to find a pair of intense green eyes studying his face. "Darien?" he questioned softly.

"Master," he whispered, voice husky as he deliberately kissed his chest.

"Dar... Darien," his breath caught as he stroked the younger boy's cheek. "What's this about?" His voice was soft, needy, almost.

"I love you Master. I want you." His voice was filled with trust, but also a dread of being hurt.

"You're almost half my age, Darien!" God help him he wanted this. He bent slowly, actions deliberate, and kissed Darien softly on the lips.

The boy responded by kissing back, arm wrapping around his chest and pulling himself closer. "Master..." he whispered. The voice was breathtakingly sweet in its need and desire.

Turning on his side to face his pupil, Daemon kissed him again, hand stroking the younger boy's arm lightly. "What do you want?" His voice was filled with lust. He was careful to keep his lower body away from Darien as he was hard just from that one kiss.

Darien pressed himself against his Master, an answering bulge in his pants. "I want you Master. I want you to teach me." He kissed back, trying to express all his passion.

Nodding he slowly slid his hands across Darien's naked chest, caressing it even as he moaned, hips rocking against Darien's. "How long have you wanted this?" It was the entire reason he took Darien on as his pupil. He wanted him in a way a teacher never should want his student.

"Since I first met you..." he whispered, fearing rejection even as he arched into the touches, his hands shyly caressing his Master's chest.

Gently taking Darien fully into his arms, he kissed down his chest, suckling at his nipple slightly. "I want you. The gods help me, I want you," he murmured, hoping Darien would understand what he meant.

"Please Master?" he whispered, voice full of lust. "I want you, too," he responded shyly.

"Are you sure?"

Instead of an answer, Darien kissed him, grinding against him hard. "Answer enough?" he murmured, panting softly at his actions.

He was kissed in return, teeth gently nibbling at his lower lip as Daemon unlaced his pants, slowly sliding them over his hips. His hand caressed the shaft straining toward him lightly, thumb brushing against the head. Darien moaned softly, bucking against him. "Master... please..."

A nod as he slid his own pants over his hips, tossing them onto the floor with Darien's. He pressed his naked body against his pupil's, holding him close as he kissed him. "Have you ever... before?"

"No," he confessed on a moan, gyrating against him. "I want you, please Master."

Daemon was powerless to stop himself as he reached over, dipping his fingers in the basin of water by his bed. Fingers soaked, he gently parted Darien's thighs, fingers wandering down to tease at his cleft.

A soft moan as the boy spread his legs further, kissing him even as he murmured against his lips. "Please, Master, please..." His voice was full of lust and need. He scratched at his Master's chest lightly.

How could he deny that voice? Sliding a finger slowly inside, he winced as he saw the pain flash through Darien's eyes. He kissed him, trying to distract him from the pain. A soft nod and he added a second finger, stretching. His fingers scissored inside him, knowing it was going to be painful when he finally took him, no matter how much he stretched him.

"N... now..." he cried out softly in pleasure, thrusting against the fingers. It felt weird, but he was enjoying the sensation. He enjoyed being penetrated like this. He wanted something bigger, though. He wanted his Master. "Take me, now," he whispered.

He shook his head, adding a third finger and stretching him more. "No," he kissed him instead, moaning softly as Darien's tongue slid inside his mouth, exploring. He gasped in pleasure, his tongue twining with Darien's.

Finally feeling he was ready, after four fingers, he pulled them out. Daemon dipped his hand back in the water, wrapping his hand then around his shaft and wetting it down. This was going to be painful, no matter what. Positioning himself between Darien's legs, he teased the head of his length against his pupil's opening. His hand wrapped around Darien's length, trying to relax him.

With very gentle movements he began pushing inside, pausing as the head of his member penetrated his pupil's hole. Slowly he continued inward, always watching Darien's face for signs of increased pain. Once he was fully seated, Daemon didn't move. He lay there, arms wrapped around Darien and holding him close, rubbing his back.

It was only a few moments later when Darien began rocking against him, hips thrusting upward. "Please Master."

A slow nod was his only answer as Daemon pulled out then slowly pushed back in, starting a slow, even rhythm. The two began moving in sync, Daemon's mouth descending upon his pupil's and kissing him hungrily. He couldn't stop himself as he found himself addicted to the boy's taste. His tongue slid inside, exploring and tasting the warm, wet cavern eagerly offered to him.

Their pace began to speed up as the two began rocking harder together. Darien's hands wrapped around his Master's back, nails digging slightly into his flesh as he moaned and writhed in pleasure. "So good..." he whimpered in passion, hips gyrating against Daemon's.

The feel of Darien tightening around Daemon was too much. Gasping and moaning in pleasure he began thrusting harder and faster into the pliant body beneath him, his hands caressing the skin lustfully. Shakily Daemon moved one hand between their heaving, sweating bodies. His fingers wrapped around Darien's stiff flesh, pumping in time to his thrusts.

A soft gasp of pleasure poured from Darien's lips into his Master's mouth as he thrust into the hand, eyes squeezed tightly closed in pleasure. "Master... gonna... come..." he gasped, body tensing as he released his load against the older man. The feel of his pupil tightening and clenching spasmodically around him sent Daemon over the edge, himself.

There was a pleasant burning sensation tingling along their skin as the two reached a mutual orgasm. Flames danced around their skin, created by and from their passion. The fire stayed, calling the Salamanders with its power.

As the two reached their end they curled together, the fire still around them. With a soft kiss, Daemon whispered into Darien's ear for him to open his eyes. He did, smiling excitedly as he saw the flames. "Is this what it's supposed to be like?" he questioned, not really sure what he was asked.

"For two Mages with strong Fire gifts, yes." Daemon kissed him softly before slowly pulling out of him. With the disjoining of their bodies, the flames died, but it was a slow, gentle end instead of just guttering out. Darien just curled around his Master, content to be in his arms.

"I liked that," he confessed shyly.

"Me, too," Master Daemon replied, shaking his head. He wasn't sure what he was getting himself into, but he knew he couldn't let Darien go. Not now. "You still have a lot to learn, you know," he smiled at him indulgently.

"Yes, Master." He leaned up, kissing him shyly. That did nothing but earn him a chuckle and have his hair mussed. He yawned, hand coming up to cover his mouth. "Night, Master." He snuggled against the older man, already asleep.

Daemon could only stare at him, smiling. "Good night, little one," he whispered, kissing his forehead before falling asleep himself.