Chapter Text
Chapter one-
How had kaveh allowed himself to fall so low? He was three bottles into a heart broken stupper. He cringed at the scent of the berry wine but tipped back the cool bottle regardless. Hoping it would ease the throbbing in his heart. Chasing away the dreadful memories of earlier.
That damn fool Al haitham had down right took his heartfelt confession and thrown it in his face. Kaveh gripped the glass in his hand as he willed himself not to remember such things. Yet the face of his roommate was all he could see.
“Al haitham I have something to say to you.” Kaveh burst Into the shared living room space of their apartment. His cheeks flushed and his palms sweaty. His hair wild and crazy, his clothes light askew.
“If it’s not about the rent you owe; I really am not interested.” Al haitham did not even look up at him as he flipped a page in his book. The man lay casually reclined in his spot in the living room. The seat which had silently been claimed. Sun filtering down onto his silver hair. Reflecting a soft Halo of light. Kaveh gulped. Nerves eating at the back of his mind.
“Please I just need to get this out. The fortune teller said that-“
“Is that what you have been spending your money on? Well fine since I am sure that’s where you will say the rent went, let’s hear what they had to say. Considering if you think about it, the money that lined the tellers pockets would have been mine. It's only right that i know as well.” Al haitham had a hint of annoyance as he slapped the book shut. The particles in the air scattering with a speed behind him.
“They said I needed to confess, or something bad will happen if i don't. So. I think i'm in love with you.” Kaveh balled his hands at his sides and looked to al haitham. Trying to keep his confidence as he watched and waited for a reaction.
“Did the teller tell you such nonsense? Tell me what teller it was and I will have them dealt with when i head the akademia in the morning. However, please tell me you didn't fall for that scam?” Al haitham sighed into his hand. As if kaveh had been tricked into buying a gallon of snake oil.
“What? Im being serious al haitham. If you could use your one empathetic brain cell for half a second and listen to me-”
“Insulting me while claiming you have feelings for me is ironic kaveh. Fine then. Let's say you do have feelings for me, when did you miraculously develop these feelings? As I recall yesterday you followed me all the way home yelling at me for not washing your mug properly. How you hated me so deeply you could not wait to move out.” Al haitham leveled a deep glare at kaveh. The words hitting him in the chest. Had al haitham not realized it was only words in the fit of annoyance. Had he not understood he cooked dinner to apologize for his outburst. His mind went blank as he searched for the words to explain it.
“Kaveh, I do not find this funny or entertaining. If you are trying to convince yourself you have feelings for me then know I will not be going along with this whim. Nor do i appreciate it.And know if this is a ploy yo get out of paying rent then know that will not be happening. It is due on the seventh day of the month as always.” Al haitham stood and huffed a disappointed sigh. Eyeing his roommate as he passed him.
“My mood has been ruined so I will be spending some time on work. Do not bother me.” Al haitham marched himself down the hall. His face scrunched in an expression kaveh had never seen before. Kavehs heart shattered as the door to al haithams room slammed. The house rattled a little and a picture on the wall fell crooked.
Kaveh didn't quite remember much after that point. Only his gaze filled with tears as he tossed the front door open and slammed it behind him. Stalked to lamads tavern.where he now worked on his second bottle of alcohol.
He groaned as he hiccuped slightly. Letting his alcohol flushed face rest on the cool wood of the table. His own hard earned mora resting in a bag for the waitress to come and collect for his tab. Not wanting to make Al haitham hate him more than he already does by making him pay for the night's wallowing. Just when had he developed feelings for that apathetic fungus? Kaveh hit his head softly on the wood table in frustration.
“Hey! Architect! Fancy seeing you here. I didn’t realize you were also a patron.” A scrawny tall man slid into the seat across from him. Kaveh glanced up for a moment to recognize a man who had been on his list of previous clients. He had purchased the design for a gazebo garden which had not been too his liking. One of Kaveh's few inspirational missteps. He let out a sigh.
“If you're here about the garden, it’s not my fault you approved plans you did not like.” Kaveh moved so he leaned back in his seat. His expression was cautious.
“No no! I have grown very fond. I was actually just hoping to make some small talk with you. If you're not in a rush.” The man propped his head up on his palm. The other beckoning one of the table maids.
“I’ll even buy us a bottle. miss! One of the finest please. Put it and this mans drinks on my tab.” Kaveh perked up at the premise of more alcohol and not needing to pay for his drinks. The small pouch of mora slipping back onto his belt. The realization he had not taken his key had only worsened his mood when he arrived. Silently very thankful to the man, as he would now have mora to spare for an inn.
“Since you're being so kind I suppose it would only be right if we talked for a while, If that’s all you want?” Kaveh broached the possibility of this man's motives carefully. Not wishing to come off as if he was a butterfly of the night. Only a lonely heartbroken man.
“Of course , what else is there to want but conversation?” The man grinned as he gleefully took the bottle. Pouring Kaveh a glass and sliding it across the table.
“So what brings you to a place like this on a weekday Mr Kaveh?” The man looked over to Kaveh as he poured himself a shallow glass. Swirling it before bringing it to his Lips.
“I mourn for a finishing chapter.” Kaveh didn’t even bother spinning the glass as he knocked it back. Taking the bottle and pouring another. The flavor was rich and much higher class then wines he was used to drinking.
“Oh? A project?” The man's interest seemed to peak at Kavehs pathetic whine.
“I suppose you could say it was a personal one. In a way.” he frowned at the wine before he pretended to care at this point in his haze to smell the wine fragrance. Spinning it before sipping it. Looking up to the man who took another small sip.
“And it has pulled out this reaction from you? It must be a grand project. Comparable to the palace of Alcazarzaray?” The man's use of his magnum opus was almost comical to Kaveh. Al haitham would fume if he knew feelings for him were being compared to a mere building. He let out a small laugh at the twisted look of shock and disgust that crossed his mind.
“I think the palace of Alcazarzaray pales in comparison. Truly my finest work and yet, I fear I will have to pack it up and store it away for good once I go home.” Kaveh hummed sadly. His head seemed to spin as the world around him teetered. His vision started to go hazy.
“Oh mr kaveh. I'm glad to share the news that there will be no need to put that masterpiece in storage. Why don't we go to my place for a quick chat.” Kaveh didn't hear what the man was saying as he faded slightly from consciousness. Aware enough to feel his body but his other senses are dull. The world around him is heavy.
After a time someone picked him up by his elbows. Two men. Kaveh struggled to keep present as he felt the cold air of the night hit his skin. Rain dripped down on his shoulders softly. Frigid as it dripped onto the exposed nape of his neck. Exposed by his swaying head.
He did not register anything else until his side crashed into something hard. His head smacking it, rippling the pain across his temple. His arms wrenched behind him. Thick rope securing his hands together. Sparking a dull distant ache. The same soon on his ankles.
The more kaveh fought, the further he fell. The world and its sensation falling further and further from mind. His mind failed him as he lost himself to a vast empty sea of darkness. Consciousness fading.
~~~~~~
Kaveh’s eyes popped open. His head throbbed and his heart racing. His body resting on a cool damp floor. He winced at the bright light that filled his world. Struggling against the restraints. They were heavy and cold. No longer rope but thick metal. The chains clinked as he moved ever so slightly. How long had he been out? Seconds? Hours? Days? His mouth felt dry and chalky. Dried tears crusting his face.
He pushed himself up, much to his body's discomfort. Beside the light aimed for the center of the room. It was dark and dingy. Storage boxes filled all the walls. Different locations stamped on the side of each. Rolls of fabrics and ornate art and furniture lay mixed into the chaos. One single bolted door lay on the wall across him.
“That's the last time i take wine from a client. I swear.” Kaveh groaned. His voice hoarse as he cursed himself. Twisting and pulling his wrists in attempts to free them. His body freezing as the soft sound of a lock became the creaking open of a heavy door. His eyes snapping to the men who emerged from that very doorway. His breath seizing in his chest.
“Ah, mr kaveh. You're finally awake. My apologies. I must have used too much drug in that wine. Who knew a person could sleep for three days on such a cold floor. I'm sure you must be very sore right now.” The client from the other night was the first face kaveh saw.
‘How could you do this? Was the thing that i made you so bad you felt the need to kidnap me! Let me go this instant!” kaveh roared as loud as he could. His throat, crying at the exertion. His tone was hoarse and cracked, causing his voice to fade as he yelled. The client laughed.
“No, no. You misunderstand us~,” the client took kavehs face in hand. The hold bruising. “ I kidnapped you because of how wonderful your work is. Nothing short of a gift from the archons. You truly have a gift.”
Kaveh pulled his face from the grip and glowered up at the man. His anger seething under his skin, the frustration and discomfort making him feel as if he would quite literally explode or simply dissolve. A layer of fear coating him, he felt like a cornered, wounded animal.
“Why then. Why take me at all? There is a system of things. If you wanted to commission me again then-”
Kaveh did not finish his statement before something collided with the side of his face. The man's shoe. The force of this hit pulled a cry from kaveh as he was sent flying back onto the cold floor.
“I said that it wasn't about the previous commission. Not that we didn't have a reason. Not shut up and let us explain. Or i'll start pulling teeth until you listen." The client's voice is no longer upbeat and welcoming. Instead kaveh didn't dare to speak another word. Not as he felt blood pool in his mouth from a tooth had cut into his cheek. Pain rippled as the blood dripped.
“Good. Now. My friend here, whom you should know well,” the man behind the client took a step forward. Kaveh bit down on his tongue to suppress the anger that threatened to boil over at the sight of the man's face. A cowardly scholar who had once been his friend within the Kshahrewar. A man kicked from the academia for stealing kavehs original design for the palace of Alcazarzaray.
“Well you see, he has managed to hook himself quite an impressive client. And since we are close friends, I told him I knew a guy who could help his… Inspiration a bit. Though i had no idea you two had such a close relation.” the client smirked back at the scholar.
“Yes. you are so kind, Alberine. Now, light of Kshahrewar. Let's talk terms, shall we?” The scholar walked over and used his foot to make kaveh look up at him. Maybe it was the cold or the shaking that began to set in. but he wanted to reach out and bite down hard. Hard enough that he would take a good chunk of the man's foot.
“I hear you have a masterpiece. A mansion you have spent years designing for yourself. I want it.” The man stared down at kaveh. Kavehs heart skipped a beat. Masterpiece? He would never call that ever-failing design a masterpiece. He racked his brain for what he might be referring to.
“A masterpiece that befits a king, a home that puts even your Palace of alcazarzaray to shame. The only piece that would be enough to replace what you stole from me. Give it to me and i will let you go.” The scholar crossed his arms, a look of triumph on his face.
“You kidnapped me for this? You're so fucking stupid. Fine. I’ll give it to you, I can always make another one. And I can always turn right back around and report you. I don't even remember your name though I suppose calling you the coward will suffice.” Kaveh spit the blood on the floor by the man’s foot. Another impact came a mere second later. This time harder than before and into his stomach. The contents of his stomach came close to throwing themselves out. But Kaveh bit down hard onto his lip as he muffled a groan.
“No. You won’t. You won’t be making another design. Nor will you be reporting us. Because if you do, not only will you condemn the one you love but yourself as well. My name is Abrei.” The words were like ice. Panic and confusion swirling in his mind. He opened his mouth to speak, confused at their words.
The scholar pulled out a small box from his pocket, the client Albernie moving his side. A shoe coming down shove between kavehs teeth.. Wrenching it open. The dirty leather and smell of putrid sweat filled his senses as he fought the intrusion. He bucked and tried to rip himself away as a warm hand shoved something into his mouth. The shoe pulling back and a hand going to clap his mouth shut. Another hand pinching his nose shut.
The lack of air intake forced him to swallow the nasty round ball. Tears pricked at his eyes as he thrashed and willed himself to throw it up.
The hands did not move for what felt like ages as he began to shake in desperation. The world was closing in around him. He felt weak, hopeless. Something in his mind snapped. Tears poured down his face. The skin on skin contact made him recoil.
Air. He needed air. He couldn’t breathe. Please please please. He begged the man in his mind to let go. He would be good, please let him breathe. The man finally let go and Kaveh took in a shuddering breath. His lungs wheezed in a sore achy relief. Kaveh curled into himself as he coughed. The lack of air makes the world spin.
“You took that so well. I’m sure it’s all but dissolved now. So don’t think throwing up will help you any.” Kaveh didn’t even truly register the words as he let his head flop to the cold ground. His body shook uncontrollably from the cold and his deteriorating mental state. He was meant to be stronger than this. With all that had happened in his life why was he caving so quickly now?. He felt his surroundings become distant. As if he were not truly there anymore. The start of waking from a bad dream.
In this haze he pondered the questions he had for himself. Coming quick to the realization that it was because he was now alone. He could return home if they let him live, but even there he had managed to ruin the one relationship that was constant. His mother would not care even if he were gone. Maybe his death would even bring her peace. His father , long gone. He felt a deep disgusted pity for himself. It was all consuming.
“-there is no cure to it and we are prepared to give others around you this same treatment. So i suggest you don't suggest you go around running your mouth,” the man gripped the hair on kavehs head and ripped it upwards.. So that kavehs dull distant eyes locked with his. “so just you sit and look pretty, that is until the poison takes its course. It should be a month or so. Enough time to see the start of the construction. Only then will you feel my pain.”
The man laughed as he gave a sharp kick to kavehs side. He unhooked the chain from the floor and used his strength to haul kaveh into a painful sitting position. Kavehs head limply looked at the floor. A hand grasped his hair and yanked his face into the light.
“So now that we have established what we want and what will happen to you if you squeal. I will let you go now. After one last precaution. Of course. Though I will not be the one to give it to you. So I’ll be going first.” The scholar stood and patted Kaveh on the shoulder.
“Let's just call my gift a little bit of security. A down payment for our deal. Wonderful doing business with you. Light of the Kshahrewar.” The man disappear from kavehs eyesight as the client Albernie took a step in front of him. Shoving a thick dirty rag into his mouth. Kaveh did nothing but blink slowly. His mind taking in the things happening around him, but it failed to give him the ability to react. As if he was locked into a misty haze.
A tall buff man replaced the scholar in the room. Albernie gave him commands as kaveh stared into the space in front of him. Not taking in anything around him. His chain tether pulled taught as he was dragged to the wall. One hand cuff was grabbed and tied down to a wooden box. Thick itchy rope fastening it down, not allowing for any movement. It was only then did kaveh snap back to reality.
He began to muffle cries of panic as he saw the big man pull a metal mallet from his belt. Kaveh thrashed and pulled at his arm like his life depended on it. The client stood across the room with a look of wonder on his face. Kaveh Wrestled with the rag, finally managing to get it from his mouth.
“Wait! Wait. Please wait. Ill do anything. Please you can't do this to me. My work is my life. Please. Is there something you want? Anything. Ill give you anything you want. Abrei doesn't need to know. Please. I beg you.” Kaveh begged albernie. The man scowled at kaveh.
“Anything? Well if that's the case,” the man walked over and picked up the gag. He forced it back into kavehs mouth. Kaveh screamed in anger against the fabric. “I want to hear screams and screams only. Abrei had already given me more money than you can make in your entire existence. Though I admit it is a shame to see your talent go to waste.”
The man stood and motioned the the big man. Kaveh felt his breath stutter in fear. He continued to shift his body in attempts to free himself. The metal mallet came crashing down on his hand. He could not hear how the bones shattered like fragile glass. He could not hear the sound of metal on wet bloody flesh as pain clouded his mind. It became the only thing he could think of. His throat raw from the broken guttural noise that the pain pulled from him.
Again and again the mallet came down on his hand, as if the flesh were a sword fresh from the forge. The sound of metal on wet broken flesh was sickening. Even albernie had turned from the scene. His wonder fading to disgust in seconds. Drool and blood dripped from kavehs mouth. The rag full soaked. Full body sobs paired with shaking made his body look like it was convulsing.
He tried to beg again as the other hand was placed and tried to the box on the other side of them. This time no one listened to his pleas as the mallet came down again and again. Breaking his bones and flesh for a second time. The pain no less then before. Kavehs mind utterly broken as he felt himself slip from the present. He buried himself deep within his mind as he hid from the pain. Curling in on himself. Wishing death would come and save him from this pain. For anyone to save him.