Second Life (LukeDeadwoodXSWN1994)

[SWN1994]

The circle of Gods and Goddess began to mutter and speak on the matter of Hades. The ruler of the underworld had gotten a strange illness which threaten his very existence as well as the realm he watched over. The God laid on the cold slab of iron on which his brother Zeus fruitlessly tried to heal his brother once again. It failed.

“What do we do? At this rate he will be gone…where do we go for our death?”

“Nowhere…we are Gods, but only that.” Zeus frowned as he stepped away from Hades to have his servants care for him for a moment. Looking above he watched the others begin their way to the pair and many trying to suggest things. “No, no…none of that will work. We’ve tried…So many times now. Perhaps though we could—”

“I re… refuse... I will… I will not become human.” Hades coughed as he forced himself to sit up. The beings’ grey skin seeming so pale and dark hair fading like a dying flower. The Gods turned to the ill man and whispered among themselves before Zeus shushed them before returning to his brother’s side. Since they began to rule over the human world Hades had always been there as the logical side for everything and even took up the position as the God of The Underworld which no one wanted to take the role of. “Come now, why wouldn’t you want to be reborn?”

“Besides becoming the youngest of our family? I also cannot leave my kingdom without a ruler. The souls need controlling and not to mention keeping them away from the humans. Do you know what chaos would ensue if I were to simply be gone for human years?”

“We can take care of your kingdom well you recover, and why is being young so bad? You’ve been an old man since you escaped father’s womb. This second chance at life would be wonderful for you the most." Zeus said as he placed his hand on the weak being's shoulder. Hades sighed softly and thought for a moment. His subjects and souls were already suffering with his lack of rule, and Zeus wasn't all bad. Then again there were women down there too. Rubbing his neck the man could feel his lungs struggle to produce anything and for a moment everything went dark. When Hades woke up it was decided that he would be reborn. Hades had almost died this time.

“Urion!” the teacher called out for his student as he looked over the gardens where the boy would normally go to during the afternoons. Urion, seventeen at this point, groaned as he laid underneath shade of the fruit tree. Hades, now known as Urion, found himself born of royalty (thanks to Zeus) and honestly hated the position among the humans. Nothing was clean cut or to the point. Even his birth had been a threat to his new found life as he was born with neither features of his parents and only lived because of intervention from his siblings. Athena to be correct.

The God had grown into his human form well and his health was perfect. With midnight black hair and bored grey eyes the young man covered his face as he heard his teacher call for him once again. "I have died of boredom! Perhaps I will return tomorrow with new life!" Unrion called out as he was not all to please with this teacher. He was touchy.

Hades, Urion? the names mixed often, found this life to be quite normal. If not troublesome now again in human ways. Though, having a father who didn't try to eat you at birth and a mother to be take care of in young years was actually nice. Not to mention pleasant to learn how express emotions much better. Just a few perks of being reborn.

It was later into the day when Urion had to return by his parents side as they were expecting gifts in the form of animals, food, foreign cloths, and foreign slaves. Urion was to turn eighteen within the month and finding that many of their allies and "friends" were going to send many gifts for such a celebration. "Now Urion, the next are the new slaves. Though we may not keep them, we have far too many so please do not grow attach to any."

"Of course mother." Urion smiled softly to the woman who he had grown to love very much. She was a lovely woman with golden hair and Urion had made it clear, in his fourth year of being alive, that he did want his brother to try and sleep with her. It was a funny sight to say the less to see such a smile child arguing with the bull and even scolding it. Zeus often came down as animals to check of Hades as well as give updates on the underworld.

The freckled face man watched as the slaves were brought in. Just another row of humans...that was up until he saw the last one enter.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Abdul was as silent as could be, making not even the slightest of noises as he was corralled around with a group of others of his status. There were no protests from him as he was compliant as he had been from the beginning and as he always will be, his slavers knowing that quiet well at this point.

His bright yellow eyes looked onward, looking but not seeing the body in front of him as his mind wandered. Briefly he wondered what this new 'home' of his was going to be like...but clearly there was money involved considering how he'd been fitted with newer, fancier clothes that he wasn't quite sure what to do with--being a devout Jain, he didn't think he was worthy to have such nice materials to be placed upon his person. He hadn't earned them and so he wanted nothing more than to remove them before Karma could start building up.

After the moment passed Abdul focused himself once more and with a silent sigh shut his eyes. His dark, cocoa colored hair hung passed his waist and his darker tanned skin showed off his Indian descent, making him stand out somewhat compared to the various other slaves that surrounded him.

Only the bracelets on his forearms made a sound, jingling as he reached up to tighten the band that held his dark locks in their pony tail. Though having his wrists bound the way they were, it proved to be quite a challenge--while his slavers knew he wouldn't attempt any form of escape or make a scene, it was customary. A preventive measure.

Abdul's eyes opened once more when he heard the call for them to move and one by one the others in front of them began to file out, stepping into the large room that awaited them. He was the last to step out, an expression of a stoic calm holding firm on his face as he stepped to the side of the woman that had been before him. In unison with the others he bowed forward, the sign of respect they were taught to show before he and the rest straightened once more and looked straight ahead.

Out of the corner of his eye, though, he noticed how one particular occupant of the room seemed to stare at him. Just briefly Abdul looked over, tilting his head slightly with curiosity showing as he examined the stranger. Then as quickly as it came it disappeared and he faced forward again before anyone could notice that he had looked away.

 

[SWN1994]

The slave was not out of place to say the least. They have had many slaves of every race and color, but this slave was so different still. Something about how he held himself, how he presented without worry in his eyes nor the shakiness that others held. Urion couldn't help but stare on, his parents going on about a matter of sorts which did not bother the reborn being, and he noticed as the other suddenly looked to him. His eyes were so pretty. Hair was longer than many women's and skin a rich coco color. If the young prince was to stand beside this slave it would be easy to see how they boys were different. Urion was pale, his once grey skin traded in for a complexion of ivory, and light shades of muted pink dusting his lips.

This slave though, he held the prince in a captive stare for so long that he felt his father's hand on his shoulder. "Have the Gods cursed you to stare upon one being?"

"Uh...n-no... not at all father." Urion replied as his eyes were finally ripped away from the new slave. The slaves began to be given both their jobs within the king's home as well as much simpler clothing to wear as there was no reason to have them dressed as dolls. Without a word the slaves were stripped of their clothing and given white tunic with a short cloak, the material was not kind at all and each slave would have an ill-fitting attire which was either too small or too big for them.

Life of a slave.

That night the prince found himself filled with wanderlust and began to roam around halls of his home. He came across the slave quarters and peeked inside wondering what the slaves were doing at this hour. These new slaves would be given the night to adjust before being sent to work in the morning. Urion began away to the well and found himself wondering back to the under realm and hoping everything was okay.

Coming to the well the young man sat down beside it and leaned his head back against the cold stone. He was unseen from where he sat and he wanted that. This was the slave's well after all and he rather not frighten any slave away from it. But the garden would not be accessible during this time of night and he didn't want to give his brother a chance to come and bother him.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Faintly Abdul listened, hearing what jobs he were to do come morning and all he did in acknowledge was a blink and a slight dip of his head. Then when it came time for his clothes to be removed, his posture did relax slightly. That minor concern of his was gone with the wind, not even the slightest bit of discomfort was seen despite the slightly larger size and the less-than-friendly fabric. He was genuinely relieved, unlike many of the others at his side who couldn't hide how uncomfortable they were. It was from that point that he drifted on, though, paying little attention.

Night came along and he was the only slave who wasn't either asleep or nervously chatting with another. Abdul sat on the floor with his legs crossed and his hands on his knees. His eyes were shut and his brows drawn together in focus, attempting his meditation as he was certain he wouldn't be able to get much of it done tomorrow--first days were usually the most difficult for all slaves, including him. But after a moment he sighed and his shoulders drooped, opening his eyes to look around. He wasn't going to get far with mediating at all with the worried voices speaking around him.

Not to mention he was certain that he'd heard faint footsteps outside the room for a moment, but after a bit of thought he decided that it was his own nerves getting to him. This was a new place he was in, after all.

With another soft sigh Abdul pushed himself to a stand and ever so silently excused himself from the slave's quarters, looking around for a short minute before making his way outside. He wandered for a bit, seeking out a spot with peace and quiet. After some searching, he found himself near a well. It didn't look as if anyone was around when he took a gander, then he sat down and assumed the meditative position he'd had previously.

He was exceptionally quiet, even the faint sound of him breathing being just barely audible. With the near silence aside from the normal noise that came from the night, it was much easier for Abdul to empty his mind and focus on halting whatever karmic attachments threatened him. After some minutes of that he bowed his head and softly began utter a mantra, or at least what he could remember of the prayer.

 

[SWN1994]

I have another decade before my death... perhaps it won't be so bad. At least I won't need to worry about Zeus popping in whenever he pleases... Urion was deep in thought and found himself wondering about other matters he had no control over until he heard soft muttering. Perhaps a slave was trying to pray to for aid or to a God outside of this territory? Either way the prince listened on and was unable to make heads or tails of what the person was saying. Peeking from the around the well the young man paused seeing who it was and couldn't help but feel his heart race.

This was all so strange and new when it came to these human emotions and understanding. Furthermore, he was still developing in many ways and brought about new sensations which the reborn God had long passed.

Urion waited till the slave was done before slowing coming out. Coughing softly to provide a heads up that he was present the prince looked down to the being. Up close he was even more alluring. Almost as if he had been molded from clay into the perfect human being. At least to Urion anyway. "I'm sorry if I frighten you, I just couldn't help but notice you." Urion said softly as he stepped back and ran his fingers though his hair "I am Urion." he spoke without giving his title as in hopes not to scare off the human before him.

Offering a hand to help him up "May I ask what you are doing out so late? I would think you'd be tired from such a long trip."

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Abdul went on with that he could remember clearly, struggling and stumbling a bit at certain parts until he reached the parts he couldn't remember. No, it's not that he couldn't remember it, it was there somewhere in his mind and he knew it. It was on the tip of his tongue but the words weren't connecting together and he wound up just falling silent. He couldn't continue a mantra that he couldn't remember without making himself frustrated in the process--it was something that should've been so simple yet it was not.

With a low sigh the slave reached his right hand up to gently pinch the bridge of his nose between his middle finger and thumb. A slight throb of a headache had tried to make itself known, but he swiftly eased it away before letting his mind wander...it was about time he returned to his room, right?

At the sound of the cough Abdul tensed and opened his eyes with a start, his hand falling back to his lap as his gaze settled on the male in front of him--wasn't that the boy from earlier, in that large room he and the other slaves had been brought to? What reason did the other have to be in this place, near the slave quarters? He kept quiet at first, golden eyes watching as the boy stepped back.

"...Abdul," He replied after a moment, his voice low and soft, almost hushed like a whisper. He didn't mean to be wary and wasn't aware that he held an aura of mistrust as he looked to the offered hand. Not that it wasn't uncalled for, of course, considering few offered their hands to a slave without having some form of double motive. But Abdul swallowed up his hesitance after an awkward minute passed and accepted the male's hand to be helped up. "I came out here to meditate and pray." He added once he was standing, looking up before immediately turning his gaze to the ground when he almost made eye contact by accident.

 

[SWN1994]

"Ab-dul? Heh, its a lovely name." Urion replied as he tried to be friendly. He knew the status of their levels in this life and knew that he shouldn't be so friendly with someone so below him, but Abdul had a strange pull on him. Something even the God couldn't explain. It wasn't hard to notice the mistrust in the other's eyes nor how he seemed wary of taking the prince's hand. Who could blame? Who knew what life he had been going though. Though once his hand was taken the young man couldn't help but smile brightly.

At least he seemed willing to try to trust him.

"I see. I apologize if I interpreted." Urion frowned slightly seeing the other turning his gaze away. Of course he'd look away, every slave was taught that. "Mmm, well then I should be returning to my room." he said looking away as well as not to make it as if he was staring. Even if he wanted too. Noticing he was still holding Abdul's hand, the prince slowly pulled away and offered a kind smile. "I wish you a good night's rest Ab-dul. Hopefully we can see each other again." the prince spoke softly before offering a small bow to show some respect before heading off to his quarters.

The next morning the prince was woken by a strange large golden bird. Zeus. Groaning the boy sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes "Morning Brother. Always kind to be visited by such a busy man."

The bird honked before waddling over and laying it's long neck across the bed "Mmm, I supposed you are tired? Has Cerberus have anything to do with this?" Urion knew his beloved and loyal dog missed him and he wasn't the easies to care for if his beloved Master was not there.

Across the palace the new slaves were being lined and given their task of the day. Many sent to clean and to be useful to other workers within the palace grounds. Abdul was sent to the gardens, stating he would be caring for the floral and to be careful as the prince adored the garden. IF anything displaced the prince the young slave might find himself facing death much sooner than later.

Urion found himself now in the present of his brother's true form and couldn't help but complain how Cerberus was just restless all the time and would chase many of the Gods if they came to close for comfort. "...Well he only really does listen to me...and being gone so long this would upset any loyal pet."

"That is why I brought him!"

"You what?"

"I brought your beloved pet. I had to transform him into normal dog, but he seemed excited." Zeus said happily, clearly proud of himself. Urion stood up quickly and looked around "So? Where is he?"

"Oh...Oh no..."

Cerberus had escaped and found himself in the gardens, his master's scent scattered all around the place. The prince was already rushing to around the palace until he figured his pet would find the place he spent the most in: the gardens.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Abdul wasn't sure what he should do or what he should say. He'd never been in a situation quite like this. Why was this boy--Urion, Urion is his name--being so kind to him? Even with the possibility it was some act, though somehow Abdul believed that wasn't the case, it didn't make sense. As much as he didn't want it to, his mind seemed to go blank and he stood there, falling silent yet again until the other mentioned returning to his room and his mind clicked back together.

"I should return to my quarters as well..." He agreed softly, and only then realized that Urion had been holding his hand for so long once the other released it. He looked down at it briefly, and was once more stricken with uncertainty when Urion was the one to bow down. That wasn't at all right. Abdul was supposed to do that for he was the slave, not the other way around. This male was sending his mind in circles. "May you have a good night's rest as well..." He didn't know what to say in response to Urion saying he'd want to see him again. So silently he turned his head, briefly watching the other in confusion as he left before looking back down at his hand.

That encounter was beyond odd, and Abdul wasn't quite sure what to do about. So after a moment, he turned on his heel he went to return to his quarters, deciding to just sleep on it for now.

Abdul had been the last to go to sleep, and he was the first one to wake. He was the first one washed, dressed and ready to go, albeit a little tired though it wasn't anything that he couldn't handle. It wasn't the first time he'd be working with a less than reasonable amount of sleep, and it wasn't going to be the last.

Silent and compliant as ever he made his way towards the gardens, firmly holding the basket of the few tools he'd been given to work with. Though there was the slightest of smiles on his face--he was happy that he hadn't been given a real difficult task like many other times in the past, all of the hard labor he'd been made to do. This was something he could truly enjoy. Sure, he'd been given the threat of being killed if he made a mistake, but with how often he'd heard from people he could honestly say he wasn't affected by such statements anymore.

The smile on Abdul's face gradually grew as he went about with his task. He worked with gentle hands, being extremely careful when he came across a weed that needed to be removed. He was cautious as he slowly dug it up, gently removing it instead of ripping at it the way many others would have.

'Nonviolence, cause no harm to any living being'...he followed the vow as perfectly as he possibly could.

Once he was finished he placed the weed in the basket he fixed the slightly small hole he'd made and rubbed the dirt off his hands, brushing them off on his pants before standing. He smiled softly at his work and picked up the basket, continuing on his way. Though he paused soon after, spotting a...was that a dog? What was it doing here, of all places? And where did it come from? Abdul stood still and looked on with curiosity, unsure of if it was friendly or not though moved forward cautiously. He wasn't afraid, not at all, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

 

[SWN1994]

Cerberus sniffed out his owner, the scent getting stronger once he reached the gardens and he began to search around for Hades. Cerberus, compared to what the humans knew of him, was like any other dog (minus the three heads and such) and such simply was just worried and wanted to see his master.

The gardens themselves were vast and for a lonely worker it would take all day to do. Not to mention with Cerberus there it may even take longer than that. Though at the moment the dog was simply going around the trees that held his master's scent the strongest. Slowly another scent began to enter the gardens. The dog had been transformed into a smaller dog, although his fur remained dark as coal and eyes were hues of red which shifted on their own. Suddenly there was a human before him, this one not dead and looked much different from the humans he kept in the under world. The dog moved forward, sniffling the other and he found a scent of his master on this being.

"Cerberus! Cerberus where are you?!" Urion called out as he entered the gardens and began down path "Cerberus!" he called out again as he looked around before stepping off the path and heard a howl. Following the sound he paused seeing his dog on top of someone. "No!" Urion rushed over and grabbed his pet off the human, in fear that he had just killed someone till he saw who it was. Cerberus wasn't attacking the human, he was being a dog showing affection as he was excited to smell something so familiar on this person.

The pale prince felt his face burn up with embarrassment to see how affectionate his dog had gotten with a complete stranger. That was very rare. "I'm sorry, he, erm, enjoys meeting new people." the prince lied though his teeth as he wasn't sure really why Cerberus would react as such to Abdul.

After ensuring the slave was okay and Cerberus mirroring his actions with his beloved master, Urion offered a cloth to the slave to clean him. Another way to apologize.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

While Abdul was still cautious around the hound, his little smile returned when he was sniffed. "Well, aren't you just a beautiful creature," He mused quietly. He felt tempted to reach out and pet the dog, though refrained from doing so as another precaution--he still didn't know this dog, and he'd rather not be unlucky enough to wind needing stitches.

So when the hound howled, the slave's eyes widened and he moved to take a step back. However he didn't make it far and was caught off guard when the dog jumped and the basket was dropped from his hand, yelping as he was pushed down from the sudden weight and a rush of air was forced out of him once his back hit the ground. But soon enough he realized the animal wasn't being violent and a bout of laughter bubbled forth from his chest, a grin forming along his features when he was showered with the dog's affection. He could't help himself after now that he found the canine was friendly and he reached up, placing his hands on the dog to pet at the dark colored fur.

Abdul fell silent shortly after he heard a voice, the dog being pulled off of him-he recognized that voice. He pushed himself up with one arm, using the back of his free hand to hide the smile that still remained. His gaze moved to the side and stared firmly at the ground, avoiding looking at Urion as he had done last night.

"It's alright, it was no trouble..." The slave said, his voice low again, also the way it had been when he'd previously spoken to Urion. Though when he saw movement out the corner of his eyes and looked over and shook his head slightly, politely declining the cloth the other male held out. "No thank you, I'm fine." It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the offering, he just...didn't feel comfortable with it, not wanting to risk the different slim chances of some sort of bad thing happening--he was a little low on luck and he knew it. Instead Abdul pushed himself up to a stand and brushed himself off again, not seeming to care that his outfit was now covered in dirt stains.

 

[SWN1994]

Urion frowned slightly to see how dirty Cerberus had gotten the young slave and didn't push the matter. "I see. Well, I am still sorry, he just gets really excited from time to time." he explained as he set down his dog and happily went down on a knee to give his pet affection. "Yes, yes I know you missed me." he chuckled as he pressed his forehead against the beasts' head. Urion was very soft spoken with his pet and clearly he loved this dog very much.

Standing back up the young prince looked back to Abdul and frowned slightly. "You can tell me to leave if you like. I just...I want to ask you a question but it may be too personal and I'll understand if you want me to leave." Urion said suddenly. He wanted to learn more of Abdul. His hopes, dreams, what he wanted out of this life and maybe the next if his religion promised that. Urion was silent for a moment before he heard his name being called by his mother's servants. Clearing his throat he sighed and excused himself, about to take Cerberus who began to whine and just laid flat onto the ground.

"Cerberus you can't stay here. Abdul is busy, he can't watch you and work." Urion talked to his pet as if he could understood, which he did, but in this world that was clearly not the case.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Albeit a little awkwardly, Abdul stood there silently as he glanced over to watch the interaction between Urion and the dog and his small smile returned. It was adorable, to say the least, seeing someone care so much about an animal. It was refreshing to learn that not everyone was so heartless or cruel.

When the other boy stood the slave gazed to the side again and his smile dropped, his expression turning seemingly emotionless. But even Abdul couldn't resist the shock that urged him too look back to Urion upon hearing the other's words--while it wasn't eye contact, he was at least looking at the male instead of the ground. He was clearly confused. How could he, a slave, ask someone to leave? There wasn't a chance that Abdul could--or would to be more precise--do that. And why did Urion want to know about him, of all people? He wanted to ask him, ask him what that question was and why he was so interested in a slave but didn't get the chance to.

Abdul's gaze returned to the ground yet again when Urion was called, however the faint makings of a smile were shown once more on his face when the canine refused to listen to the other boy. "You don't have to worry about that, it'll be fine," He said softly as he stepped forward and kneeled in front of Cerberus, reaching a hand out to gently pet him. "Besides, it would be nice to have some company." The slave couldn't lie even if he wanted to. Working in this garden all day by himself would indeed become extremely lonely.

 

[SWN1994]

Urion sighed in defeat as Cerberus simply rolled onto his back and kicked playfully. Cerberus may have been centuries old, but he always acted like a puppy when he was being stubborn. Though, it was refreshing to see him as a one headed dog rather than a three headed dog who would be barking like crazy by now. Perhaps it was because of Abdul. When Abdul explained that he would like company the young man paused in his thought before smiling softly "I see...well then, if you would please care him well you work I would be forever grateful. He's a stubborn boy." he explained as he looked back down to his pet and stroked his head.

"Okay. If you wouldn't mind. Be a good boy Cerberus, listen to Abdul." he told his pet before bowing to the slave and blushed when he realized what he was doing. In this world it was out of the norm to show respect to those under one's status or class. Though it was similar in Zeus home, Hades had found himself treating everyone the same in the underworld. They were all dead. Just because a person on the Earth had money and high status well another was poor and was low of the low, they were the same in underworld. Money didn't travel down below nor did poverty. A rich man would be thrown into the fires along side a poor man and a poor man would be thrown into freezing depths of the whirlpool just like the rich man. Though on Earth this was not the case.

As Urion was called upon again the young man excused himself and thanked Abdul again before running off to see his mother.

Cerberus was a good boy, he followed Abdul around the garden. Now and again the dog would cause a mess by rolling in the dirt, but was happily spending time with Abdul. His master liked him so why not him? besides, this human was different. He was very calm and so nice.

It was later into the day when Urion was able to escape from his teacher and made it into the garden. It looked so much nicer now and honestly Urion felt himself being more grateful to Abdul. The garden really needed this kind of care.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Abdul hummed softly with a smile when Urion consented to leaving Cerberus in the garden with him. He was both glad and thankful for it, happy that he wouldn't be alone while he worked. It didn't matter to him if his only company would be a dog, because something was always better than nothing. "You don't have to worry, I'll make sure to take good care of him," He said as he withdrew his hand from the hound to pick up the basket and other items that he had dropped.

The slave looked up when Urion bowed and again he was made a little uncomfortable. Was the other male going to do that every time they were around one another? He honestly didn't know how to respond to that. He lightly bit his lower lip and averted his gaze, bowing his head when the male walked away after the word of thanks. With a quiet sigh to stood and brushed his knees off and looked to Cerberus, smile returning a bit and he motioned with his hand for the canine to follow as he turned so he could get back to work.

Just like he'd been earlier, Abdul worked as carefully gently as he could. He was exceedingly cautious when he clipped away whatever dead foliage was around and when he had to remove the plant life that didn't belong or would otherwise harm the surrounding flowers. And every time he looked over to pay attention to his tag along, he offered a smile and occasionally a laugh when he caught the dog rolling around in the dirt--they were both going to need baths later on.

There were more stains appearing on his clothes as the day went on, but it didn't bother Abdul in the slightest. It's not like he could've helped it anyway, wearing white while doing gardening work was bound to result in a mess no matter how careful one was, especially given the amount of times the slave was on his knees digging something up. It just meant that he'd have to put forth more effort when it came to cleaning them, which he didn't mind at all.

In fact, by the time Urion returned he was down on his knees again, working to remove another little weed without damaging it or the group of flowers it had sprouted in the middle of.

 

[SWN1994]

The young man found the slave and his pet near the flower bed he spent his time by most often. Urion smiled softly and with a soft whistled called his pet who got up quickly and ran to his master. The prince looked over to Abdul and smiled softly "Thank you for taking care of Cerberus. Knowing him he would have been running around all over the place." he chuckled softly before pausing to see how dirty the pair had gotten.

Covering his mouth to stifle a laugh the boy took a seat beside the flower bed and gently touched the petals. Urion was silent as he studied the flowers, his pet laid beside him and relaxing for a moment since he had been with Abdul, and the prince pulled his hand back when he felt the petals of a flower closes to him. It was dying. Lately the prince was able to tell when one close to their death. It was small things first like small animals or plants, but soon it would involve everything. Even himself.

"Abdul," he spoke softly "I know I will have to ask Syliva, but if she were to approve, would you be able to care for Cerberus as well as the gardens? He doesn't behave like this with anyone else and during my studies he will not be allow with me. I don't want him to be alone well I'm gone." Urion began to explain as he pet Cerberus. Urion looked up to study the other for a moment. His skin was alluring and there was a type of ease which Abdul gave off. It was nice, and even comforting. "I rather not pile work on you without asking...it can be over whelming at times."

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Abdul looked over towards Urion when the male thanked him and he replied with a smile and a nod. "It was my pleasure," He said softly, returning his attention to the weed he was working on. Carefully he pulled it out and placed it into the basket, smoothing the dirt back out so nothing would look out of place in the flowerbed. With a hum of satisfaction he sat back on his heels to look over the bed, looking for any other thing that stuck out and needed to be taken out. When he saw none he gave another smile and a quiet happy coo. Now he'd have to water these plants.

At the call of his name he looked towards Urion curiously and listened to what the other male had to say before returning his gaze to one of the flowers in front of him. "I don't mind doing that, if that's what you want," He murmured quietly as he reached forward, being incredibly gentle as he brushed his thumb along a petal of one of the many flowers before he went to check the soil near the roots. Yup, he would definitely have to water them.

With a second hum Abdul looked back over to Urion and he dipped his head low. "I'd be happy to care for him. The extra work is nothing. As I said earlier, I am grateful for the company." He reached over for the pail he had. There wasn't much water remaining in it, but it would do for this moment.

 

[SWN1994]

"I'll shall talk to her later on then." standing up the young man looked down the way and pointed to a plum tree. The tree had been a gift from a foreign friend and Urion often found himself under the tree during late into the nights when he was able to sneak into the gardens "Abdul, when you get to that tree be careful. There are two snakes that live in it and though they are not poisonous, they will strike if you get too close." Urion warned Abdul. These snakes were also ruled by Urion, he had them placed there when he was younger as a way to be protected incase anyone would try to harm them. They had once been in his room to be beside him at all times, but with age he now had them in plum tree simply because the tree was so far back and no one really went that far into garden.

Offering his rag he smiled "Syliva despises seeing others returned in dirt even if it can not be helped. I suggest to keep this and clean up a bit before you return to her or she'll try to get you into trouble." Urion said as he studied the other. Urion was use to seeing the abuse of slaves by this point of his mortal life, he didn't like it, but none the less it was something normal in this world. He just didn't want to see the same fate come to Abdul.

Urion had to leave once Cerberus began to howl, a sign that a God was near and he didn't them to come into contact with Abudl. Knowing them they'd just toy with him for fun and games. Last thing he needed was to make this slave's life even more miserable. Besides, he should start leaving to aid his mother with the temple. It was nice to see his human mother become excited to go to the temple and he wanted to ensure her safety from both his brothers and any creatures who didn't understand the boundaries of human contact.


"Abdul...so that's its name?"

"Aphrodite, what brings you here?"

"I've come to greet you of course, though I feel a lingering within you and that brown boy." she said softly as she looked back "Its quite cute."

"Aphrodite, why are you really here?" Urion didn't want to play games nor give Aphrodite reason to try and play match maker again. Zeus knew how bad the first time failed. "You only come for a few reasons, and never ever seem to be in my favor." Urion pointed out. Aphrodite let out a laugh and simply smiled as she shrugged. "A few of your slaves worship me and I wanted to come see what offering they can give. Small reason, I know, but I haven't seen you neither since you were 8 years old in this human form."

Aphrodite walked along side Urion, thinking for a moment before excusing herself and heading back to the gardens. Urion didn't see this as, well, she had powers and could vanish in the air without a problem.

The Goddess watched Abdul from the trees, disguised as a small nightingale of course, and wondered why Hades would be drawn to this human. He wasn't like the other humans who Aphrodite found more attractive and Abdul seemed far to meek and different.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

As Urion spoke his warning the slave looked to where the other had pointed, nodding along as he heeded the advice. It was a good thing Abdul wasn't afraid of snakes--not that he was scared of much of anything to be honest, but the point was the same all the while. "Thank you for the word of caution. I'll make sure to tread carefully when I get there," He said, regarding the prince with another one of his smiles. Although he was curious about the snakes, given the amount of different snakes(including poisonous) he'd been surrounded by when he was younger, he didn't want to get himself hurt. Especially on his first day of work no less.

Abdul hummed curiously at first upon the offer of Urion's rag, about to politely reject it like he had done so earlier that day. But he fell quiet with the explanation and he found himself nodding yet again, reaching up to accept the cloth while trying to avoid touching the male with his dirtied hands. "Thank you," He repeated, dipping his head down to keep his gaze low. Then he gave a quiet good-bye when the prince left.

Quietly he returned to work, making sure the current area he was working on was thoroughly taken care of. He triple-checked for any weeds, and checked the dirt to make sure that the soil was moist enough before bringing himself back to a stand. With a sigh the slave looked down at himself, clicking his tongue in disapproval at the sight of his clothes. Sure, he'd been wary of them to begin with, but now that he dirtied them he felt bad. Perhaps he could make his way to the well to help wash the stains out before returning to Syliva. Of course it would mean he'd have less time to himself, but such minor sacrifices would have to be made in order to avoid the extra trouble.

Not that it mattered to him, really. Very few things could get under his skin.

Shaking his head softly Abdul looked back to the pail and then to his surrounding environment. He'd have to get water before continuing. He looked towards the tree once more for a moment before sighing softly, making his way to retrieve more water. He still had quite the amount of work ahead of him, and he'd have to get a move on if he wanted to complete it all before the sun went down. He'd wasted enough time as it was.

 

[SWN1994]

The nightingale followed the strange male, quite as it moved from tree to tree until they reached the tree with the snakes. Aphrodite remained on the branch, watching Abdul from above before suddenly she was attacked. Escaping she fall onto the ground with a soft thud and tweeted in pain. She was going to kill those snakes once Abdul was gone and she was going to scold her brother about having such dangers creatures remain in such a lovely tree. It was just cruel and asking for trouble. She would have left sooner but in this form she wouldn't be able to do much and with Abdul close by she couldn't risk being caught.

Even as a human teen Hades was still strict and harsh if they made mistakes around his mortal home.

Urion was brought to the temple along side his mother and before him stood one of his many brothers. At least his likeness in this stone anyway. As he stared up to the motionless figure the young man could only think about what he had learned from these humans about his own family.

It was both very funny and very odd.

Aphrodite laid on the ground, mentally ready for Abdul to ignore her and move along with his duties. Hopefully he'd be spook and she could get up faster. Stupid snakes.

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Abdul blinked when he heard the pained tweet and looked around curiously. He nearly missed the small form of the fallen nightingale and gasped quietly when he did see it. He glanced over to the tree and placed the basket down, making his way towards the bird instead and kneeling down beside the feathery being--okay, perhaps his chores could wait for just a little bit longer. He reached a hand out, being just as careful with the nightingale as he had been with the flowers and weeds he'd handled earlier as he scooped the small animal up.

The slave hummed lowly as he looked the bird over, gently cradling it in the palms of his hands. He wasn't an expert with birds at all so he had absolutely no clue what he should be looking for specifically, and not wanting to hurt the nightingale any further due to his inexperience he could only assume the possibility that a wing or something could be broken. He sighed and looked back to the tree, Urion's warning coming to mind. It didn't take much for him to put two and two together.

After a moment Abdul looked down to the bird in his hands and smiled softly. "The snakes got you, didn't they?" He mused, gently running his thumb over the bird's feathers. "But you don't have to worry about them, you're safe now."

 

[SWN1994]

When will he leave? Owe...this body is too weak.... The Goddess closed her eyes for a moment, perhaps acting dead would shoo the mortal away. When she was picked up, Aphrodite was surprised when she was held by the other human and taken away from the tree. This human was soft spoken, with kind eyes, and unnaturally calm aura around him.

With a soft coo Aphrodite remained in the boy's hand, studying him carefully as she was taken somewhere else.

Urion returned home later into the evening just before dinner was to start. The young man returned to his room first, thinking about what he needed to do for the morning when he found someone on his bed. The candles lit by themselves and found Aphrodite on his bed. "What are you still doing here?"

"I was here to kill you and those snakes of yours, but a slave changed my mind. The one you seem to be longing for..."

"W-what are you talking about?" Urion was thrown off from the comment his sister made. She only chuckled and shook her head. "Oh brother, even in youth you refuse such emotions. Never mind, either way the slave has saved you tonight. Perhaps tonight you should do something kind for your slave. He is tending another nightingale at the moment, I was able to switch with one well he had his back turn."

 

[LukeDeadwood]

Perhaps it was just sheer luck that Abdul managed to avoid bumping into anybody, or maybe someone had been around but they just didn't say anything. No matter the case he was just happy to have made it to the well that was near the slaves' quarters. He had thought about going inside right away, but given how he hadn't completed his task and he was still rather dirty, he decided to wait for a little bit. Better to be safe than sorry.

He sighed silently as he set the basket down and knelt next to it. He carefully cradled the nightingale in one hand as he emptied the basket of the tools with the other. He left the weeds, clumping them together so there would be some cushion for the injured bird. Then he grabbed the rag that Urion had given him and went to the well so that he could at least attempt to get the dirt off of his clothes.

It took a lot of trying but after enough effort Abdul managed to make himself look presentable. Sure, his clothes were wet now, but it was better than them being filthy. He rubbed at the back of his neck and huffed quietly under his breath when he noticed it was starting to get late. He took a deep breath and began to gather up the tools, carefully putting some in the basket so he could put them back where they belonged. He hurried along, making sure to finish up that little job before ducking into the room to set the makeshift carrier on the bed and took a seat next to it. With another sigh Abdul reached up to run a hand through his hair. He was gonna have to get some fruit or seeds, something to feed the bird. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you." He murmured softly, running a careful and gentle finger over the feathers.