Mirages
Part 1

Ray Courland had a fondness for seaports. The excitement after the relative calm of a sea voyage was always welcome, as was the promise of a new adventure. Of course, the general confusion helped, giving him plenty of opportunities to fill his pockets with souvenirs.

"Pardon me," he said smoothly in French, sliding past a particularly obnoxious fellow traveler and liberating his diamond-studded cigar case on the way. It fit neatly in Ray's pocket along with a ruby brooch, a gold flask and an onyx ring.

"Monsieur Courland?" A young man wearing simple Arabian robes stepped forward to greet Ray. "Azura sent me to greet you, sir."

Ray relaxed slightly, accepting the note that the young man handed him. Scanning the brief message and studying the seal and signature at the bottom he decided it was genuine. Ray slipped the note into his pocket and motioned for the man to proceed.

A car was waiting for them, Ray’s luggage already loaded into the trunk. A hoard of curious youngsters crowded in on them as they tried to get into the car. Azura’s servant shouted and tried to wave the onlookers away without success so Ray took a small handful of coins from his pocket and threw them to the side. The crowd scrambled for the money and while they were distracted, the men drove off.

It was a relief to be returning to Morocco. It had been more than six years since he'd left Fez and no matter how many other countries he visited, Ray never felt that he belonged. His aunt and uncle had meant well, taking him to Paris and making sure he had a good education, but Ray had hated leaving his dearest friend, Azura, and the only life he'd ever known.

His aunt and uncle had been kind to him and tried their best to make him feel loved. The rest of the family, however, along with most of Parisian society, had wanted nothing to do with 'that dark savage' and had treated him with disdain.

Their rejection had only made Ray more determined to succeed and he'd quickly shown them that he didn't need their approval or their connections. By the time he graduated top of his class from the Sorbonne, he had amassed his own small fortune from a combination of high-interest loans to fellow students, and the well-refined skill of pilfering.

The death of his aunt and uncle in a winter carriage accident just before his graduation had provided him with a large inheritance and a number of prime properties including the family mansion in Paris. He expanded his usury business, making customers of those who regarded him with such disdain. He also adopted the alter ego of Noir, the Phantom Thief and became more selective in his late night acquisitions.

Still, at eighteen, he was restless and easily bored. He hated the strict rules of polite society in Paris and found himself spending as little time there as possible. He had no real friends in that new life, and there were few who he could trust - especially not his own relatives.

He'd spent the last four months traveling - visiting some of the properties he'd inherited and taking on a few clients along the way. He'd also obtained a rather impressive collection of jewelry as Noir, but without someone to share his exploits he was losing interest in that too. It was just as he was deciding to move on to Italy that Azura's message finally reached him. It had taken him just one day to make arrangements and set off for Morocco.

Ray loosened his tie and the top button of his shirt. He could barely wait to reach Azura's and change into more appropriate garb. No matter how good he looked in suits, he preferred the freedom of loose robes.

He looked around eagerly taking in the familiar sites and noting the unfamiliar ones. A lot had changed in the years he'd been away, and he wondered if his old friend Isaac was still living. He'd have to ask Azura.

Pressing a hand against his breast pocket, Ray could feel Azura's message safely tucked into the pocket. He didn't need to read it - he'd memorized the contents. Azura had a mystery to solve and needed Ray's assistance. Ray would have accepted any invitation to visit, but the addition of a mystery made the visit even better. Among polite society, there weren't nearly enough opportunities for Ray to stretch his mind - which was one of the reasons he'd become Noir. All the aristocrats seemed capable of discussing were scandals and investment opportunities.

Azura, on the other hand, was a man much like Ray. Someone who appreciated a good puzzle - who relished the chance to stretch his imagination, his logic and every other skill he possessed. Ray smiled at the memories of Azura challenging him - making him solve puzzles and riddles in exchange for food or blankets. That training had helped him outwit dull souk keepers in the marketplace on many occasions and had provided food and other necessities for their small band of orphans.

Ray hadn't been the biggest, oldest or strongest, but he had been the fastest and one of the cleverest of their little band and he'd done his part to keep the group fed, sheltered and safe. He'd paid a heavy price for living on the streets when his mother was ill and just after she died. He wouldn't have survived and kept his freedom if it wasn't for Azura - the boy had saved him from a cruel beating; had cared for him while he healed and then had taken him in and made him part of the group.

Everything Ray was, everything he had, he owed to Azura. He remembered that last, terrible attack - when a band of youth had come after Ray and Azura had stepped between them, receiving a knife wound to the face that had blinded his one eye and left a terrible scar. Ray was sure Azura would have sent him away after that; but instead, Ray's aunt and uncle arrived and took him to Paris. Ray would have given anything to stay, but, at the time, he felt he didn't deserve a place at Azura’s side.

It was only later, over months and years communicating by infrequent letters, that Ray understood that he had truly been forgiven and was able to accept, and then depend on Azura's friendship again.

It helped that Azura had been adopted and gone to America for a while. He'd been healed - although the scar still remained and the eye was still blind - educated, groomed and made the heir to a vast fortune by an American who may or may not have been Azura's actual father.

According to his letters, Azura didn't care one way or the other about his parentage – he liked the man and was grateful for the opportunities he now had. Ray was glad for every letter he received from his friend, but they also left him confused. There had always been a fierce streak in Azura, a bit of ruthlessness that let him do what he needed to survive, but changes in the way he communicated in his letters made it seem as if that side of him was more dominant now.

It had bothered Ray at first, but as he spent more time in Parisian society, he came to understand and appreciate Azura's hardness. These were not kind people, and did not deserve kindness in return. Running the usury was Ray's private joke at the expense of those who often mocked him. He couldn't begrudge Azura his own form of payback.

Ray leaned back and watched attentively as they traveled more familiar territory. There were some obvious changes here, near the marketplace he'd grown up around, but there were many things, and even a few people, that he recognized.

After a few turns down narrow streets, the car stopped in front of a gate and the driver blew the horn twice. Immediately the gates opened and the car drove through into an enclosed paradise.

This was the kind of place he and Azura used to imagine living in. They'd press their faces to the bars of the elaborate gates and gaze into a wonderland they could only imagine. Now it seemed Azura had claimed his childhood fantasy and made it real.

As soon as the car stopped, a servant ran forward and opened the door for Ray while two others started unloading his bags. Ray was escorted into the entry hall of the mansion where he was offered the chance to freshen up before being presented to his host.

Feeling cooler and more relaxed, Ray was led into a comfortable salon where Azura was waiting for him. Arms open, Azura strode forward and the two friends embraced.

"Welcome, Ray. Come relax while the servants unpack and prepare your room."

Ray settled onto a low, overstuffed sofa, sighing as the cushions cradled him. He was more tired than he realized, but he was also anxious to learn more about Azura's mystery.

"I know that look," Azura said with a laugh. "You want to know more about my little puzzle." Azura settled down next to Ray and patted his leg. "Soon, my impatient friend, but first - I believe I mentioned a reward for your assistance." Azura reached past Ray and picked up a small gold bell, ringing it before setting it down again and slowly pulling back from Ray.

Ray was studying Azura curiously, a bit confused by his behavior, and so he missed the servant's entrance.

"Refreshments, sir?"

Ray turned, startled by the new person's presence and by his cultured French. He blindly took something from the tray, his attention caught by the man's startling amethyst-colored eyes. Ray was still staring as the man turned and offered the tray to Azura.

"Thank you, Florian." Azura placed his hand on Florian's arm in a manner that could only be interpreted as proprietary. "Join us."

The man nodded obediently and straightened, giving Ray a moment to study him from the top of his platinum blond hair down the length of his slender form. He was pale with handsome features and slender, soft hands. His suit was the latest Paris fashion and fit him well, accenting his long legs.

Beside him, Azura started to laugh. He leaned in close and spoke softly into Ray's ear, "I knew you couldn't resist a pair of amethysts such as those. Solve my little riddle and they're yours. I'll even give you a taste later if you'd like."

Ray shifted in his seat as Florian leaned over and set his tray down on a low table, giving Ray a nice view. By the time Florian settled on a cushion at Azura's feet, Ray had silently agreed to Azura's offer.
 

+++++
 

"More lemonade?" Florian asked, rising to his knees and taking up the pitcher. Ray and Azura had been reminiscing while they enjoyed the light refreshments that Florian served. Florian himself had been silent, sitting at Azura's feet while Azura absently ran his fingers through Florian's fine gold hair.

Ray's eyes kept straying to that contact and he found himself imagining the feel of that silken hair sliding through his fingers. Azura's smile let Ray know that that older man knew what Ray was thinking, but Ray couldn't bring himself to stop. He'd always had a weakness for beautiful things.

"Why don't you go change into more comfortable clothing, Florian?" Azura suggested as Florian topped off Ray's glass and then Azura's, taking none for himself. "You may rejoin us for supper." He took the pitcher from Florian's hand and motioned for the blond to leave them. Florian nodded to each of them and hurried out, closing the door behind him.

"Now that you've seen the incentive, shall we discuss the task at hand?" Azura practically purred as he leaned in close to Ray and pressed his lips against Ray's ear. As soon as he finished speaking, he ran the tip of his tongue down Ray's ear to the lobe where he nipped lightly at the sensitive skin.

"I happened upon an ancient text containing what I believe to be a riddle. I need you to translate it and then solve it for me. If you succeed, and I obtain the object I seek, those amethysts are yours." Azura shifted even closer and whispered against Ray's neck. "I assure you, they are a rare prize; purebred French aristocracy, and just as passionate as you might imagine."

"A fine reward indeed," Ray replied, shifting to reclaim a little of the advantage for himself. It never paid to give Azura complete control without at least a token resistance. The man enjoyed it far too much. "Tell me how you came by such a specimen; surely there's a story worth the telling."

"It's hardly an exploit worthy of Noir," Azura countered Ray's attempts to gain control, turning the tables on the younger man by sliding out of his grasp and dropping to his knees on the pillow Florian had used. Azura used this new position to look directly into Ray's eyes. While Florian had been subservient while on his knees, Azura merely used it as an opportunity to make his power clear - toying with Ray like a cat plays with its prey.

The friendship was there, but layered with levels of power and control that their previous relationship had only hinted at. Ray suddenly understood how things had changed but he was clever enough to adapt without hesitation. Power could be held in many ways; he now knew Azura's way. There would be time for him to claim it his way once he understood his situation more completely.

"Surely it was clever of you to obtain such a prize." Flattery was a tricky gambit, but Ray tested it anyway, measuring Azura's satisfied smile and the way his body relaxed slightly.

"No more clever than you would have been had you read your mail. I believe Lady Rochefort made several attempts to contact you before turning to other benefactors." Azura's smile was almost smug now and Ray had a sudden memory of letters left unread from his distant relative, Madame du Rochefort. He'd been right in assuming that she wanted money, but he'd clearly underestimated her assets if that beautiful man was part of the bargain.

"Florian du Rochefort?" Ray asked, not really needing the confirmation. He damned himself three times over when Azura merely nodded.

"You may have heard rumors of the proud Rochefort’s recent misfortunes; the Duke has been dead for more than ten years now, and most of the family assets were either lost years ago in the uprising or spent on his medical care. And of course the Lady did insist on maintaining the lifestyle she was accustomed to; lavish parties and extended trips across Europe. When I received her plea for assistance, I thought she would use the famous family diamond as collateral, but she claims the gem was sold off decades ago. It turns out her only remaining asset was her son."

For a moment Ray saw red; he knew it was common practice among the aristocracy to barter with their children, but the practice sickened him. He'd seen first-hand the result of some of those trades in the vacant eyes of young women and the harsh grip of cruel men. It was rarer, but not unheard of, for young men to be traded in the same way. For a moment, Ray felt a spike of remorse for his desire for Florian, but he set it aside, knowing that either he or Azura were better masters than some of the louts he dealt with in Paris.

"I had intended to remain in Paris for a few weeks, to allow Florian to adjust, but Florian's mother died unexpectedly just a few days after we'd finalized our agreement. The family mansion caught fire and she was trapped inside. Florian was nearly catatonic with grief so I cut short my business in Europe and brought him here to Morocco. As you can see, he has completely recovered."

Ray smiled, accepting the story at face value, while carefully noting Azura's manner. He considered the man a dear friend, but he was far too cautious not to see that there was much more to Azura's story.

For one thing, Ray didn't know many purebred aristocrats who were as docile and subservient as the blond who had knelt at Azura's feet. It was possible this was the man's real personality, but judging by Azura's manner, it was far more likely that it was the result of Azura's training.

Ray remembered vividly the few times he'd been disciplined by Azura, and he remembered watching as Azura disciplined the other orphans in their group. Azura had always insisted he was doing it to insure their safety, but Ray remembered the look in Azura's eyes and the smile he'd barely managed to hide.

No, there was no question in Ray's mind that Florian had been trained by Azura. The question was - trained for what? Although it went against his better judgment, Ray knew he wouldn't stop until he'd learned the answer to that question.

Ray was startled out of his thoughts by Azura's laughter.

"My dear, Ray, I can only imagine what you must be thinking. Such an interesting expression you're wearing. I assure you, there's more here than you are aware of." Azura patted Ray's knee and stood, moving to a small table, which he unlocked with a tiny gold key. Inside was a parchment scroll. Azura handled it carefully as he motioned for Ray to follow him to a small desk in the corner of the room looking out into the courtyard. It was well-lit from the afternoon sun but shaded enough to be comfortably warm rather than hot.

"Just a glimpse now to whet your appetite, and then you should change and perhaps rest a little before dinner. There will be time enough to work on this in the days ahead."

"Have you made a copy?"

"Two – one for you and one for me to study. But they must be kept safe at all times. There is any number of people who would kill for this document."

Ray looked up at Azura, surprised by the coldness of his voice. He knew there was far more to the story than Azura was telling him but he had time to pursue that later. Right now he wanted to focus on the parchment. He leaned closer, touching the ancient document lightly, conscious of how old and precious it was. It appeared to be part of a larger work, as the colorful border of twisting vines and columns extended from the top of the page to the bottom. An equally elaborate design connected the two columns at the top and bottom of the page, completing the border. The colors were rich, but showed signs of age, as did the text in the center – the black ink having faded to brown. The parchment itself was the rich, heavy material usually reserved for the most important documents.

It was difficult to read some of the more elaborate letters, but after nearly twenty minutes of intense study, Ray felt that he'd at least successfully identified each of the characters. He compared that to the neat copy Azura had given him and was pleased with the quality and accuracy. The copy would be much easier to work with and the clear dark ink would be easier on his eyes.

"You'll have to compliment Florian on his copies," Azura said as he carefully rolled the scroll and returned it to the locked compartment. "He's got a keen eye and sure hand." Azura's tone made it clear he wasn't just talking about penmanship.

"You seem rather taken with him," Ray commented as he secured his copy of the document inside the desk as Azura indicated. He stood slowly, suddenly realizing how stiff and tired he was from traveling.

"He amuses me, for now" Azura said lightly, placing a hand against Ray's face. "You know how I like to be amused."

"I do," Ray replied, annoyed that his voice had dropped to match Azura's. He leaned in just a little, savoring the contact before catching himself and pulling back. He was tired and not thinking clearly.

"Rest, my friend," Azura urged, taking up the small bell and ringing for a servant. Although he wouldn't admit it, Ray was disappointed when someone other than Florian responded.

He followed the servant to a large and comfortable guest suite where he washed quickly and then collapsed face down among the pillows on the overstuffed mattress.

He didn't wake until well after dark.
 

+++++
 

"You make the most interesting noises when you sleep," Florian remarked casually, smiling in greeting as Ray opened his eyes, Before Ray could compose himself, Florian settled on the edge of the bed and continued to admire the onyx ring Ray had acquired while disembarking from the ship earlier that day.

"Do you make a habit of invading someone's privacy while they sleep?" Ray snapped, discomfited to be caught unaware.

"Not usually, no. But I do bore easily, and you slept a long time." Florian leaned back on his elbows, stretching his long legs out on the bed and making himself comfortable amid the rumpled bedding.

Ray rolled over and out of the bed as quickly as he could without making himself look foolish; needing to regain the upper hand in this unsettling encounter. He frowned as Florian continued to admire the ring, turning it to catch the light. It was a nice piece, but too dark against the pale skin. Ray immediately substituted various gems and annoyed himself by choosing amethyst as the fitting jewel to compliment Florian's elegant features - a far too obvious choice.

"I prefer jade," Florian told him, rising easily and catching Ray's hand where he dropped the onyx ring with casual disregard. He stood closer than was considered polite and regarded Ray openly. "Shall I draw your bath?"

It must be well past dinnertime," Ray replied, taking a step sideways to put some distance between him and this curious man. It wasn't often that he found someone whose motives he couldn't read, but this man had him feeling completely off kilter.

"Azura ate hours ago. He sent me here with a tray for us to share and a request that you join him for breakfast." Florian moved gracefully across the room to a table where a large tray was overflowing with fruits, pastries and sandwiches. He picked up a piece of sugared pear and sucked on it delicately, watching as Ray stood uncertainly beside the bed.

When Ray moved to the wardrobe on the far side of the room and began fussing with his clothing, Florian sighed and dropped into a chair.

"Count Courland I assure you, I'm as properly housebroken as any French aristocrat. I only bite when both parties are willing." Florian threw his head back and laughed at Ray's incredulous look. "Come now, surely you've been in Paris society long enough to see past the facade? I'm not an innocent or a fool. Now will you dine with me or dine alone? Either way, we'll be seeing a great deal of one another."

Florian gave Ray a leer that almost made the man blush. It seemed that he'd misread the situation to a surprising degree. That was a rare enough occurrence, but to discover that the man he thought of as submissive was brazen enough to invade his bedchamber and go through his belongings... Ray didn't know how he felt about that.

Conceding for now, Ray excused himself to freshen up and returned comfortably attired in robes similar to Florian's. The familiar garb helped Ray regain some of his equilibrium and he took a seat at the table, eating enthusiastically.

"Much better," Florian commented, giving him a warm smile. His behavior was more subdued now and he seemed more like what Ray had expected - well mannered and slightly repressed. It made Ray wonder which behavior was real and which the blond had adopted in order to survive his current circumstances.

"You're thinking far too much for this late in the evening," Florian teased, claiming another piece of sugared pear - a treat the man clearly favored. "Shall I answer your questions before you strain something?"

Ray motioned for him to proceed, then poured himself a cup of hot tea and sat back, still idly picking at items from the tray.

"Mother didn't make the decision to sell me to the highest bidder - I did. And I chose Azura over a selection of the wealthiest men in Europe. He wasn't the richest, or the kindest of the lot, but he's smart and likes a challenge. He didn't want a pretty bauble and I didn't want to be someone's ornament - silent and easily put aside." Florian leaned in close and lowered his voice. "It's not a safe choice, but then none of them were. Azura likes to put me on my knees, but he also likes for me to be useful outside of the bedroom. I'm not as smart as you or Azura, but I can be useful." With a grin, Florian pulled back, lifting his hand to show Ray the onyx ring resting comfortably on his ring finger.

Ray couldn't stop his immediate response, casting a glimpse towards the bathroom where he had left his clothing, including the onyx ring, which he'd placed in one of the pockets in his trousers.

How had Florian managed to acquire the ring in the few seconds after he'd returned it to Ray and before Ray walked to the other side of the room and then into the bathroom?

Florian's delighted laugh filled the room. He looked like a child who'd gotten exactly what he wanted as he claimed the last pear and leaned back, licking the sugar off of it while he watched Ray studying him.

When the pear was gone and Ray was still silent, Florian leaned forward and supplied a piece of the puzzle.

"Do you think Noir is the only one with a fondness for gems in all of Paris?" Florian leaned back again, idly toying with a bunch of grapes. "They're small, easily concealed and quite valuable - not to mention beautiful to look at." Florian shrugged. "More than one wife or mistress found her jewelry box a bit lighter after her dearly beloved invited me for a private evening. The first man gave me the jewels himself; after a while I learned to help myself if my host wasn't properly appreciative of my company."

"And no one questioned the missing jewelry?" Ray asked skeptically, wondering if the blond was an habitual liar or just prone to exaggeration.

"Which would you rather explain - missing jewels or an evening spent in the private company of an attractive young man? The infamous Noir made the choice quite easy - it even became something of a badge of honor to have been burgled by the Phantom Thief."

Ray knew this, of course, but was pleased to hear it nonetheless. He settled back in his seat and considered everything Florian had told him. For a moment he wondered how he had misjudged the circumstances so completely, but a tiny shadow in those amethyst eyes made him think he'd been right all along. No matter, either conclusion made him more determined to have Florian for himself.

Ray adored Azura and considered him his closest friend, but that didn't blind Ray to Azura's faults. He had vivid memories of the few times during his childhood when he'd managed to find something beautiful, and the way that Azura had first claimed and then ruined every one of those beautiful things.

That thought followed Ray for the rest of the evening, late into the night when Ray finally succumbed to fatigue, climbing into bed and half expecting Florian to follow. He was both relieved and disappointed when the man placed a chaste kiss on his forehead and left the room.
 

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