It became apparent that Altair couldn't harden himself. Cygnus had let him act as he wish, and only watched. The slave had taken his cock in hand, stroking it with effort, trying to make himself erect. His eyebrows furrowed in a manner that suggested deepest focus, but even in such focus Altair was struggling. Absentmindedly his fingers stroked the bumpy scabs on Altair's hips, from when he gouged the flesh there with his nails. In a mild way watching the slave struggle was entertainment, and the captain was content with letting the slave keep trying, at least until he tired of watching.<br/><br/>Soon, the slave apologized, and confessed that he didn't find the situation arousing. Quiet rage built up inside his body, although his face betrayed none of it.<i>I whipped you and you still have the energy to insult me, </i>he thought.<i>Let's see if you can channel that energy into your lungs. </i>"Interesting. I don't believe turning around will help you very much, though. Instead, let me help<i> you."</i><br/><br/>The captain grasped hold of the slave's arms, and sat up. Then he pushed the slave over, pressing his arms above his head into the mattress and pinning the slave against the mattress. He was well aware that Altair was lying on his whipping wounds, which is why he chose to change position in the first place. Altair was about to suffer more for his indignation. "You have yet to learn how to curb your tongue. I could cut it out as a simple way to fix that problem... but, no. Instead, how about I tire that tongue of yours?"<br/><br/>Cygnus lowered his head down so that their eyes were a mere few inches away from his each. Close enough that the slave could feel his breath. "How about I give you a test more suitable to your strengths? If you can afford to be haughty, let's test how long you can maintain that demeanor," Cygnus said. His voice lowered into a low rumble. "If you hit me I won't hesitate to start the whipping again. This time focused on your groin. There's nothing of use there anyways." He began to thrust inside Altair at a steady pace. "It's not that I like to fuck dry... it's that I have no oil and I want to cause you pain. It's that simple..."<br/><br/>He released Altair's arms from his hold, instead planting his hands around the slave's throat.<i>"If it wasn't apparent, I do not take insults well,"</i>Cygnus admitted. He squeezed, making it difficult for Altair to breathe.<i>And speak. I don't need to hear your voice for this. </i>The rage he felt at Altair's insult, he transformed into the power behind his thrusts.<i>I just need to know that you understand. </i>"Does it feel good, my hands around your throat...? I heard in certain brothels that some patrons enjoy being choked. Maybe you might, too." He squeezed harder, cutting off Altair's breathing entirely.