bradygirl_12: (clark--bruce (hopeful))
[personal profile] bradygirl_12
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Jewel In The Crown Arc) (4/31)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Major Hashimura, Clark//Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Sefran, King Jodelle/King Jovan
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. The House Of Wayne travels off-world to the planet of Jovara on an important mission, and lovers Clark and Bruce learn more about their Master/slave dynamic through the eyes of this exotic culture. Meanwhile, Hal and Steve attempt to aid Diana and the Amazons to finally break free of their centuries-long enslavement on Paradise Island. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Challenge Category: Section E (Slavefic)
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The House Of Wayne arrives on Jovara.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): March 1, 2009
Date Of Posting: January 12, 2010
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1626
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Entered into the 2010 DCU Fic/Art Bondage Challenge.



And, lo,
The spires sparkled
With every color
Of the rainbow.

And the King
Looked down upon
The Ja’zel
And said,
"He is beautiful."


Jeannetta
"Tales From
The Rainbow Kingdom"
1616 C.E.



IV

OFFERING


“Entering Jovaran orbit, sir.”

“Thank you,” Bruce said to the pilot

Alfred and Dick quickly gathered their things, Clark watching from behind his concealing javea, the Veil that was required. It covered his head and face completely, the material allowing him to look out, but his eyes were concealed as well.

His stomach was in knots as he saw the blue-green planet growing larger on the screen.

Bruce turned and smiled at him, Clark relaxing slightly. He had to control his nerves and remain calm. He couldn’t afford to slip up.

He was not going to disgrace the House Of Wayne.

The ship they were currently inhabiting was piloted by Earth military pilots. Bruce had requested Steve and Hal but they were on well-deserved leave.

Clark had been partially-Veiled, as always, but now was fully concealed. It gave him a certain freedom, able to observe in ways he was unable to do before.

This might turn out well.

The ship began to orbit around Jovara. The lead pilot said, “We’ll be shuttling you down, sir. Please be ready in five minutes.”

“We will, Major Hashimura.”

The major nodded.

“Well, this is it.” Bruce adjusted his sleeve. “Ready?”

Alfred nodded solemnly, Dick beamed, and Clark nodded, the beads attached to the circlet around his head jingling.

& & & & & &


The shuttle ride was uneventful, but Clark soaked it all in. Alfred had accompanied Bruce off-world before, and Dick had been in space twice with the circus.

Clark, of course, had no memory of any off-world trips, so this was all new to him. He wanted to experience everything he could.

He liked space travel. It seemed peaceful, even beautiful. Earth was his home and a beautiful planet, but he liked to see other planets, too.

He just wished there weren’t so many things he couldn’t remember.

“Landing in 8.6 minutes, sir,” said Hashimura.

Bruce nodded. Everyone was buckled in and ready for touchdown.

Clark gripped the arms of his chair, prepared for his first landing.

It went smoothly, everyone unbuckling and standing up, activating the universal translators embedded in their skin.

The shuttle door opened, and an enormous landing pad stretched out before them, surrounded by a city glittering in the morning sun. Elegant spires reached up to the blue sky, stained-glass windows sparkling in rainbow colors.

Clark liked the myriad of colors, Dick ecstatic. Alfred and Bruce were impressed, looking around like tourists.

A Jovaran official approached in ceremonial robes of yellow-and-blue. Slender and delicate, his skin was a pale blue. The hood, or javras, covered his hair, white wisps poking out.

“Welcome to Jovara, Prince Bruce of the House Of Wayne.” The musical lilt of his voice was pleasing to the ear. “I am Sefran. Come with me to be presented to Their Majesties.”

Bruce inclined his head and gestured his Household to follow.

They walked into a glass-walled tunnel, prisms of light sparkling on the floor.

Emerging from the tunnel, they walked through a large room decorated in works of art and colorful exotic flowers.

Solid doors of gold decorated with gems of all colors were flanked by a pair of guards, who were wearing colorful ceremonial dress uniforms but holding enormous axes and stun guns were attached to their belts. One guard was blue-skinned, the other a rich chocolate.

Sefran opened the double doors, revealing a magnificent throne room.

Marble pillars buttressed a vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows streaming multi-colored sunlight into the room. The room was bare of furniture except for the large thrones on the dais.

The Jovaran Kings were seated, both garbed in silver-and-blue jattras, yellow-and-blue beads clacking as they rose. The sparkling jewels hung from their belts and hoods, Jodelle’s silky blond hair spilling out. Eyes the color of sapphires watched the approach of the newcomers.

His husband, King Jovan, was similar in build, tall and willowy, though slightly shorter, blue-skinned and blond, though his hair was more platinum than lemon. His eyes were a deep purple, a slight smile on his lips. Both sovereigns wore large signet rings bearing their House symbol.

“Your Majesties, may I present Prince Bruce of the House Of Wayne of Earth, and his Household.”

Jodelle gestured and Sefran presented Bruce first, who bowed slightly. His robes were richly-colored, blue-and-yellow with striations of red-and-green, and he wore a Medallion with his House crest glittering in jewels-on-gold, a matching Crown on his head.

“Welcome, Prince Bruce.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“May I present my husband, King Jovan.”

Bruce bowed again, and Jovan inclined his head. “Welcome, Prince Bruce,” he said in a soft voice.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Bruce raised his hand imperiously. “May I present my Household.”

Alfred broke away from the group first, Sefran announcing, “The Royal High Chamberlain, Alfred.”

Alfred wore a more subdued version of Bruce’s outfit, his face uncovered and a less elaborate Medallion. He bowed and said, “I am honored to serve, Your Majesties.”

“Welcome, Alfred.” Jodelle’s voice was intrigued. “I have heard that you are a cook of unparalleled skill.”

Alfred straightened. “I would be most happy to share my dishes, sir.”

“Excellent. Jovan and I look forward to it.” Bruce gently touched Dick’s shoulder, and the boy somersaulted forward, beads jangling. “And who is this enchanting sprite?”

“My Squire, Richard.”

Dick’s outfit was bright, and he was delighted at wearing his Robin colors with the addition of blue, the color of the sky. He loved to fly, and the sky color was near and dear to his heart. His circlet beads jangled, bracelets and belt jewels sparkling like his smile. Pixie dust glittered around his eyes.

“You have acrobatic skills,” Jodelle said.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Would you be able to put together a short routine to entertain us at the first banquo?”

Dick nodded enthusiastically, the wild jingling making everyone smile.

“I would be most honored, Your Highness!”

“Good. Sefran will work with you.”

Dick bowed and retreated.

“My Ja’zel, Your Majesties.”

Clark stomach tightened as he came forward, dressed in the House Of Wayne colors, crossing his wrists behind his back and falling to his knees. Dick darted forward and pulled back the lower half of his javea. Clark bowed down and brushed his lips over Jodelle’s sandaled feet, just as protocol required.

“I offer my Ja’zel to you, Majesty,” Bruce said calmly, though Clark could hear the underlying tension in his voice. This was required as a matter of form, but the Kings usually refused.

He hoped.

Jodelle grasped his chin and lifted his head up, drawing away just enough of the upper half of his javea to see his eyes. He saw the deep look of appreciation in Jodelle’s eyes and his heart pounded.

“Thank you, Prince Bruce. Truly a Prize, I believe you say in your language, but I shall decline.”

Relief flooded Clark.

He went to Jovan next and repeated the gesture as Bruce repeated the offering, hopeful that the younger Jovaran would follow his husband’s lead.

Jovan’s amethyst eyes were kind as he gazed down at Clark, and softly declined “your most generous offer, Prince Bruce.”

Dick helped Clark up, the long robes making it tricky. Clark quickly went behind Bruce, nearly faint with relief.

“Sefran, please show our guests to their rooms,” Jodelle said.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sefran led the group out of the Throne Room, the little party going down several corridors.

All were beautifully-decorated with paintings, vases, and other exotic artworks. Clark was so happy to have passed his first test that he was relaxed enough to take it all in.

They reached a corridor where Sefran stopped. “This is your room, Alfred, connected to your Master’s. Prince Bruce, you and your Ja’zel will be here. Richard, you will be in a communal room with our other Squires. Well-guarded, sir.”

Bruce nodded. He laid a hand on Dick’s head. “This is a most precious member of my Household.”

Sefran smiled. “I can see why.” He put a hand on Dick’s shoulder. “No harm will come to him, m’lord.” As he squeezed Dick’s shoulder, he said, “Luncheon in half an hour, m’lord.”

Dick went down the hall with Sefran. Alfred helped Clark unpack their personal toiletries. The bulk of their wardrobe was provided, as Jodelle had requested everyone wear Jovaran clothes. The outfits they had worn upon landing had been provided on the ship.

The bedroom was lavish, decorated in rich golds and scarlets, the bed large and four-postered. The wine-red carpet was thick and soft, Clark eager to run bare toes through it.

Bruce pulled back his javea. “You're a tantalizing man of mystery, but I love those blue eyes.”

Clark smiled, his eyes rimmed with kohl, Bruce kissing him on the lips. “Beautiful,” he murmured.

“You will need fresh clothes for luncheon, sir.”

“Very good. Select them, please, Alfred.”

The butler nodded, laying out the proper clothes for luncheon. He also laid out Clark’s clothes.

“For this first luncheon, Dick and I will be eating with you. After this, I will be helping in the kitchen, and Dick will be performing his Squire duties and we will eat with our fellow servants.”

Bruce nodded as he began undressing. Alfred had studied the protocols very carefully.

Alfred went to his own room and Clark grasped Bruce’s hand, eyes sparkling.

“I’ll help you undress.”

“We only have half an hour.”

“We’ll be ready.”

“That kohl really is flattering.”

“I’ll help you apply it when it’s your turn.”

Bruce rolled his eyes and Clark laughed as he drew Bruce to him for a kiss.

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Date: 2010-01-12 07:28 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] imagined-away.livejournal.com
Yay! So i just read he last three chapters all at once and they're all great.
This one is my favorite though. It's so nice to see a planet where slaves have some level of dignity. You did say there are laws about how slaves can be treated here, right?
Either way, great chapter and I look forward to the next!

Date: 2010-01-12 08:30 pm (UTC)
ext_148128: (Default)
From: [identity profile] ctbn60.livejournal.com
Lovely! Once again you do An amazing job of painting such lovely visual images. From the city to the threads running through their robes right down to the sparkles of lights in the tunnel. The descriptions of the kings were amazing. I’m really proud of Clark he held his own despite being offered up.

While reading this though I couldn’t help but in the back of my mind wonder how Bruce is going to feel once he finds out that Clark is a freeman. I mean technically he made him do all of this because of his station. I know he loves him and all but I worry that Bruce will take the blame somehow in all of this. Oh well, I’m projecting and we are no where near there yet.

LOVED IT!!

Date: 2010-01-12 11:50 pm (UTC)
ext_148128: (BM_Bruce_Sexy)
From: [identity profile] ctbn60.livejournal.com
As for Bruce, he's going to go through a tumult of emotions once he learns the truth.

*Steps up and offers to cuddle Bruce till the worse of it passes*

Date: 2010-01-12 09:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saavikam77.livejournal.com
Guh, this was such a yummy chapter! So visually stunning, all the colors of the robes, the jewels, the stained-glass windows. :) And the ceremony of introductions was just lovely! I hardly expected the Jovarans to have 2 kings, but I suppose in this universe, anything's possible! ^_~

*applauds*

Date: 2010-01-12 10:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ranger-girl0301.livejournal.com
Hehe! It's all so magical, in a way.

Date: 2010-01-13 12:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bat-angelwings.livejournal.com
*phew*

I nearly had a heart attack about this offering thingy, glad that the kings declined.

Dick being away from the family...hmmm. Not sure I like that. On the other hand maybe staying with the other squires could be a good way to gather information.

Another great chapter, thanks for sharing! I hope someone will be inspired to draw the Wayne household in those Jovaran outfits, especially Clark and Dick. ;)

BTW love the idea about universal translators embedded in the skin, that was something I always expected to see on Star Trek, but no. Then again Starfleet couldn't even remember to install safety belts on the bridge to protect the crew members. ;);)
The embedded translator also reminded me of Star Wars Episode I, where the slaves on Tatooine had embedded transmitters in their bodies to track them, and if need be prevent their escape by blowing them up.

Next chapter soon....pleeeease?

Date: 2010-01-13 06:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bat-angelwings.livejournal.com
Yes they did use a universal translator in Starfleet I think the communicators and the ships computer had one, but if the away team was parted from their communicators they would have lost the ability to communicate.
So embedded translators would have been the better solution for Starfleet, I guess.

Date: 2010-01-13 08:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ladyblkrose.livejournal.com
And we have another winner here babygirl.I love how you described everything especially the architecture of Jovara and of the intricacies of their head dresses. Very complex start to your world building so I only have happy anticipation for the rest of this world.
Dick being parted from the family could be a great way to gather information as who gossips more that young servant boys. But I can see this as a possible source of angst as well. Clever Lady that you are.
So far Clark is bearing up well to all of this new-ness and loved that statement on him helping Bruce apply his Kohl when it's Bruce's turn :]
Now about universal communicators - In a Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe (& yes I read the whole series in high school way before the movie) they had the Babel Fish and in Farscape they had the translator bacteria. So I'm glad that you don't have them inserting fish or bacteria...yuck into their bodies.
Thank for this new installment and I wait for the next...patience be damned, you know who I am......XD

Date: 2010-01-13 06:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ladyblkrose.livejournal.com
Have fun and hog all the popcorn LOL

Date: 2010-01-13 10:05 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eternal-moonie.livejournal.com
This new chapter is totally incredible. I totally love it! Well done honey!

Date: 2010-01-14 02:57 am (UTC)
ext_33210: (Default)
From: [identity profile] mistress-tien.livejournal.com
I continue to enjoy this epic story. Thanks for sharing.

Date: 2010-01-15 02:41 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] vocallight.livejournal.com
Ooooo! This is lovely! I really loved all of the color and glitz on Jovara. (it sounds like a place out of one of Dickie bird's dreams!)

I'm so glad the initial meeting went well! Yay Clark! He handled that like a pro.

Sounds like Dick's going to be in the best place for info gathering, but I hope he's going to be alright separated from everyone else.

I really love this idea and eagerly await the next off-world adventure!

-Singer

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