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If there is life after the Earth-life, will you come with me? Even then?
Since we're bound to be something, why not together.
Mary Oliver, from "West Wind," Devotions
It had been another day (or night) in Erebus- the darkness of the underworld made telling time next to impossible. The only way to truly ascertain day from night was to travel to the very edge of the ashen fields and gaze out over the starry Okeanos, which crashed quietly against banks of black sand. Most were unwilling to make the journey, as it was long and terrible and Erebus’ dangers only grew as one wandered deeper within its recesses, but for Asterius it was always worthwhile. Many times now he'd watched the stars rise forth from the river, coming to rest beneath the dark veil of night, then sink back into murky darkness, coating the Okeanos with a layer of glittering stars.
Ariadne had always mapped the loping skies. In the small room he'd lived in before being cast into the labyrinth, she would sit at the window with the telescope Daedalus had gifted her. They were not close… despite their physical proximity she had mostly ignored him. Unless, of course, if it was to talk about the stars.
The few memories he had of his time spent on the surface were dotted with constellations he sought to preserve: Europa who Zeus once made off with in the shape of a bull, Iasion who was beloved by Demeter, slain in jealousy by the loud-thundering son of Cronus.
(There was a time where he'd been small enough for his mother to carry him on her hip, to sing sweet lullabies to soothe him. She always sang of the stars, or the sun, of light unobstructed. The memories were so fraught and distant now, but still he sought to cling to what little he could.)
All of the underworld's rivers fed into the Okeanos. Where Asterius sat, a branch of the Cocytus was pouring into the bed of stars, and the rush of water gently misted his fur. Occasionally items from other realms would wash up against its bank. Asterius tried not to collect too many, as such items had no real benefit for him, but he could not always resist such temptations: A fresh bottle of ambrosia, though he had yet to learn how to open it, an amphora carrying a small number of obols, an old and rusted labrys discarded by its owner; engraved into its handle was the name Aella.
Because this part of Erebus was continuously empty except for himself, Asterius always became alert when he heard the sounds of someone coming near. Very rarely other shades would momentarily join him on the riverbed, or a shade who’s only urge was to battle would appear and Asterius was glad his reflexes had grown so sharp and quick he could usually dispatch them without much trouble.
Someone was coming close- and the bull stood, clutching his dulled axe tightly. His perceptive ears picked up on quick footsteps, on soft humming.
He saw him, then- a shade walking along the Cocytus, using a ruby tipped spear to knock loose rocks into the water.
Distantly, Asterius thought of a shade he once met, a man who was perpetually unable to pluck a pomegranate which hung just barely out of reach. The shade was once a king and warrior, he claimed, and his description of his own god-blessed spear matched the appearance of the one before him now.
The dust and darkness of Erebus did not cling to him the way it did to those who were forever bound to the lowest pit of hell. There seemed to be a glow about him, a laurel of bay leaves that sat upon his head (Asterius could not even remember the last time he saw plants so fresh and green). There was… something deeply familiar about him. Something that made the bull's chest feel tight...
Asterius was so busy watching that he didn’t realize that the shade had begun to speak.
“I’ve traveled all this way, and I still have yet to find you… “
(He was looking for someone?)
“Have I come too late? Have you already vanished from this world?”
(The way his voice sank with mourning made even Asterius’ ghostly heart ache.)
“...No!! I cannot allow myself to become discouraged! After all, our fates are surely intertwined!! And that is why… “
He suddenly turned, now facing the Minotaur. Just as suddenly, his eyes became wide, a blush spreading to the very tips of his ears.
In his alarm he neglected to pay attention to his surroundings- and accidentally stepped on one of the loose rocks he previously had been so careful about, immediately sending himself backwards and tumbling into the Cocytus.
*
"Erm... thank you for fishing me out just now, my good friend!" The shade now sat on the bank of the Okeanos, Asterius' own shawl over his broad shoulders. It wasn't much, but it was certainly enough to help him dry over after his accidental soak. "Some of the footing here is immensely unstable!! It is very easy to trip! And to fall!!"
"Mhm," replied Asterius, pointedly ignoring the affectionate title the shorter man gave to him. He wanted to ask, why are you here? Or who are you? Or why are you so familiar? But he wasn't quite sure how. It’d been so long since he last spoke that the words caught in his throat and struggled to break free.
"I didn't expect to find you all the way out here…"
"Hmm?" The man's booming voice disturbed Asterius' train of thought.
"But I am thrilled nevertheless! At long last, we meet! And my lengthy search is finally over!"
The blonde eagerly stood, shaking the bull's long shawl off his shoulders. He postured proudly before him, smiling with a bright grin.
"For you, my dear friend, are to accompany me to Elysium!"
"I'm to what ."
Asterius had encountered many shades who were lost and confused, rambling off about things that are nonsensical, irrational, ridiculous, and most of all, impossible. But this was the first time he'd encountered one of these shades and was immediately filled with the urge to lift him up and throw him as far as possible into the Okeanos.
"I had a speech prepared for this occasion, but the parchment has been absolutely soaked through!" Reaching into his satchel, the blonde grabbed a scroll. Unrolling it revealed it was the same height as he was, and the ink that once gave it life had bleed completely. With a sigh, he tossed it to the side. "Luckily, I had prepared several copies of this same speech in advance in the event of such a thing happening! I'll simply have to read it to you once we are within the blessed fields… hmm?!"
The man had been so caught up in his own words that he'd neglected to realize the Minotaur had stood up, and was now attempting to walk away. “W-wait a moment, friend!!” he desperately cried out. The bull pretended he did not hear it.
“Perhaps I started off a bit too abruptly…? Please, allow me to explain!” Though the man was jogging, his much shorter height made it impossible for him to truly catch up to Asterius. Instead, he followed behind him at a slight distance. "Surely you must recall the handsome and powerful prince who felled you so very many years ago! Does my face not bring about memories?"
Asterius did remember him- he remembered him so well, it was a wonder how he didn't recognize him immediately. Theseus, prince of Athens, son of Aegeus. He recalled how he fumbled while announcing himself before their battle, letting his uncertainty affect his grand speech. He remembered thinking that he looked as if he were made of gold, and wondering if he'd taste the same.
“Where should I start…? I suppose it would be suitable if I began at the beginning, hmm? With our fated rivalry! Bull of Minos, you have strength unmatched! A fiery passion I’ve not seen in any other! Battling you- it was truly an honour! And it would be an honor to battle with you once more! This time in a rousing spar!"
Asterius snorted as the only indication he was listening, but the king continued regardless.
“It seemed like such a shame that the fates had pitted us against one another. There is much, I feel, that I could have learned from you were we in a position where we could have been equals as opposed to enemies! You were a prince, same as I!! Despite your appearance, I believe- ”
“Prince.” Asterius interrupted. “King.” he corrected himself… it had been far too long for him to still be a prince.
“Yes, my dear friend… ?”
“You are deranged.”
“Be that as it may, the fates have surely brought us together again for a reason! Don’t you think so? Surely you must!”
“It is not fated if you were seeking me out.”
“I sought you out, yes, but it is equally possible that I might have never found you in this massive realm! And so, it is clearly the work of fate!” his logic made little sense, but neither did anything else he said, so Asterius neglected to point that out.
The conversation ended there, though Theseus did not cease following him. Occasionally Asterius would pause, look over his shoulder with a glare, but the king seemed unwavering.
With a weary sigh, the Minotaur broke the silence; “You wish to bring me to Elysium. Supposedly.”
“It is nothing to suppose, my friend! It is the truth!!” he postured proudly, as if somehow it would make Asterius believe him.
“Why.”
“Wh- why? My friend, have I not just told you- “
“You have told me you wish to spar, but I do not fully believe you.” he paused. “You would not have sought me out if you believed me to be a simple beast. I believe there is another reason for your actions.”
When Asterius turned, he found Theseus looking surprisingly uncertain.
Eventually, he spoke: “Before you died, you thanked me."
Ah, that. "You gave me a good fight. An honourable death. I appreciated it."
At Theseus' widened eyes, Asterius tossed his head. "Being slain by a hero is quicker than starving to death. Less painful. I welcomed it."
Theseus looked away, his cheeks burning shamefully. "Death should not have been your only salvation."
"Perhaps. But I did not have that choice."
Theseus could not respond. They both knew Asterius was right, that even if things had been different, a monster’s fate is often sealed at birth.
"And yet you still fought valiantly!"
"A hero needs an interesting story to tell. A beast that lays down and dies does not make a good legend."
"Ah, yes… I suppose that is true. You have lived on in my words for many years now, my friend! I would speak of you to all who would listen!!"
When Asterius briefly paused, Theseus took the opportunity to rush forward until he was directly in front of the bull. It seemed whatever upset he felt had quickly faded, for his eyes gleamed brightly.
"When I was alive, I commissioned many artworks of you as well! One of my wives scolded me for it, saying ‘ if you like the bull so much, why don't you marry him instead?’ Isn't that funny?"
"Funny," Asterius repeated. He briefly imagined himself standing next to Theseus, with fresh cut flowers decorating his mane and a sparkling ring on his finger. He shook his head- what a ridiculous image.
"And I thought many a time about challenging you again as well! Something we'll have plentiful opportunities for within Elysium!"
“I have no desire to fight you.”
“Then- we do not have to fight!” Theseus replied, though his voice slightly trembled with disappointment, “After all, there’s plenty of other things to enjoy! Such as wine, and ambrosia, and delicious food, and ample rest, and bountiful nature, and… hmm! Bull, do you eat grass?”
A pause.
“Grass,” he repeated.
“Yes!! Or other such plants- dandelions make quite a delicious meal, even if eaten raw! Not only that, but they restore strength, for they are imbued with the power of the goddess Hecate- she told me so herself!! I consumed many in preparation for my battle with you!”
Asterius imagined a slightly younger Theseus, bent over on the ground and cramming flowers into his mouth at the beckoning of a goddess. The visual of it made him laugh- he wondered if the goddess' words were true, or if she was simply playing a prank on poor Theseus.
“I have never grazed as a bull does, nor have I felt the urge to.”
“Then you could finally get the chance to try it within Elysium!!”
"Let me think about it." The Minoatur tilted his head in contemplation. He began to walk faster, with the hopeful king still standing behind him. And then…
"You're not contemplating anything, are you? You're merely pretending to think so you can mock me!"
Asterius began to walk faster. Theseus, brandishing his spear, chased after him, shouting "you are! You are mocking me!!"
*
Asterius broke out into a light jog as Theseus chased after him, and despite his own brisk pace, Theseus had to truly run in order to keep up with his much longer legs. There was something comical about making Theseus have to do something so ridiculous just to keep up with him. It was... fun to tease the king.
Huh. The realization made Asterius pause, and Theseus, unable to stop himself in time, ended up barreling into his muscular back.
“You are built like a brick house, my companion!” He gave the bull a thumbs up from his position on the ground. Asterius took advantage of his outstretched arm and grabbed to grab it, quickly pulling Theseus back onto his feet. Though it was a quick touch, Asterius found the warmth of the king’s brown skin lingered on his hand.
“We’ve traveled quite a distance from the star-river, haven’t we?”
“We have,” Asterius panted.
“And perhaps after our little jog, you are feeling more amicable to joining me?” this time, Theseus pressed himself against Asterius' chest. His calloused hands felt firm against him- strangely, despite the warmth of his touch, the bull shuddered as if with sudden chill. "Dear Asterius, I promise you only happiness!"
"You know my name."
"I asked your sister for it! I also asked a great many other things, but she would not tell me. But perhaps you will…?"
“You… forget your place in the world. You are a hero. I am a monster. My purpose was to ensure you a place within Elysium, and nothing more.” He needed the king to leave- his presence, his words… Asterius could not entertain these strange thoughts about running together with Theseus in an open field. He could not imagine touching him again, and this time more firmly, and for longer.
“But Asterius…” Theseus was whining now, petulant as a child. “Are we two not long dead and within the underworld, without the watchful eyes of the gods? Surely then we could be together!”
"King."
"Yes, my friend…?"
" Leave. "
"Ach- ! Fine then, I shall be on my way! But I shall return to you, one day or night! For I have not yet given up!"
"... Fine. Return as often as you'd like. But don’t think you’ll convince me easily."
He watched Theseus as he left, eventually disappearing into the distance. He had no doubts the king would return as he’d proven his own determination time and time again. All he could do now was wait and see what he would do next.
The first time Theseus returned, it was with a basket of fresh bread. Baked, he said, by one of Elysium's most splendid chefs.
He'd found Asterius lost in thought- or at least, he was lost in thought until he smelled the rich scent of a flaky crust, something so unusual in Erebus' depths. It clouded his thoughts and made him feel strangely nostalgic- certainly, at least once, he'd done something as simple as sit and watch the sky while eating a pastry, hadn't he?
(He could never fully trust his memories. His sister's scorn that she often tried to hide, his mother's heavy sadness… those things were always real and genuine to him. But such memories of simply existing, of experiencing even the smallest contentment he always doubted.)
"Bull of Minos! I've come bearing a gift!" Theseus pulled back the cloth covering the basket, and Asterius nearly drooled at how strong the scent of bread became. "If honing your marital skills does not tempt you, perhaps Elysium's simple pleasures will! Come! Join me for a picnic!”
Asterius scowled at Theseus’ commanding tone, but came down from where he sat regardless. The idea of picnicking within Erebus seemed ridiculous, but it was no more ridiculous than any of Theseus’ other ideas, so he could tolerate it for now.
*
They came to a patch of Erebus’ ashen grey grass, away from the blackened marble that decorated the main features of the realm. Theseus sat down first, and opened his basket- Asterius saw he had much more than just bread within it.
“Surely this incredible delicacy will convince you that Elysium is worthwhile, Asterius!” The king opened a small bag tied with a drawstring, and pulled out a round pastry. The rich caramel brown of the pastry was decorated with a single yellow flower; dandelion, the bull assumed.
Theseus placed it within Asterius’ hand, looking at him expectedly. Tentatively, Asterius gave it a lick- and his eyes went wide at how sweet it was. He’d never tasted anything so sugary, not even while he was alive. He was caught between wanting to ask Theseus if he had water, and wanting to childishly kick his legs.
He hurriedly finished the rest of the snack, and Theseus laughed at the way his tongue stuck out slightly afterwards, and his eyes were wide. Perhaps sensing that he was overwhelmed by the amount of sugar, he gave Asterius a bottle of crisp water, which the bull appreciated immensely. He allowed Asterius to dig through the basket himself, grabbing at anything that looked interesting… Theseus himself bit into a warm lemon and poppy seed scone.
"Of course, there are many other foods for you to taste! I had the most lovely slice of cake the other day, and there’s different meats…”
“Like beef?” Asterius snorted. He did not truly care what the king's stance on such a thing was, but knew it would fluster him, and that was enough to bring it up.
“Well- yes,” Theseus blushed sheepishly, just as Asterius thought he would, “but not to worry, my friend! I only eat fish! … Other meats tend to upset my stomach.”
“I see.”
"Of course, there are things other than food as well! Perhaps you'd enjoy Elysium's library? The beautiful gardens! Or maybe you're more interested in pleasures of the flesh… ?"
Theseus allowed his chiton to fall off his shoulder, cupping his face with a deep blush that turned his cheeks an even deeper shade of brown. Expressionless, Asterius tugged the sky blue fabric until he was proper again.
Asterius was tempted to roll his eyes at much of what Theseus said, but not right now. He felt blissful in the moment. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd tasted something so pleasant as fresh bread and raspberry jam… he knew he was likely making a mess, but he did not care.
Theseus clasped his hands together, a small smile on his face. He was gazing at the bull with such deep affection...
"I used to dream of you," he began, "most nights I would dream of being upon you, my hands on your neck. Some nights the roles would be reversed and you could be bearing down hard upon my skin! But I would also dream, some nights, of us two together. Not within the throes of battle, but existing alongside one another. Resting together on a field of green grass... such peaceful companionship! And yet, I never knew anything like it in life."
"I had plenty of wonderful friends, mind you! But none I could experience that kind of peace with." softly, the king sighed. "Such dreams became a great comfort to me. I am not a complete fool, I should not put stock in anything the Oneiros have to offer. But I think, perhaps…"
Theseus turned to look again at Asterius, who had paused his snacking to listen to him speak.
"Ah, w- well! Yes! Anyways!! How are you enjoying the bread, Asterius? Is it not delicious? You should know, it was actually quite difficult for me to obtain! The baker who made it is quite popular, but that is not the reason why! You see, this particular baker dislikes me for they claim I always squish their loaves! A ridiculous claim, certainly!! And even if it were true, is it so sinful for a man to enjoy the sound crisp bread makes when the crust is broken? The sound of such wonderful crackling?! Anyways, as I was saying, they often try to avoid allowing me to enter the bakery, and so I…"
The king continued on his rant, talking about this, that, and the other thing. His words had sped up to the point Asterius was struggling to keep up. Asterius wanted to tell him, I've dreamt of you as well, but it seemed the king was not yet ready to discuss such things, and so he would have to tell him another time.
(How strange it was, that he and Theseus have had the exact same dreams. Of their battle, of sometimes winning, oftentimes losing. Of drifting asleep on an open field. Theseus was right not to put much stock in the whims of the Oneiros, but… such a thing certainly could not be mere coincidence.)
"Ah, Asterius! Have you tried this yet?"
Theseus lifted a bottle of a golden liquid, which seemed to faintly glow. The red ribbon that had been wrapped around the bottle's spout looked particularly soft as well. "It's nectar! From a fresh batch, personally delivered by the god Hermes!"
Asterius had seen a fair number of broken bottles of nectar, shards of glass that the Cocytus would occasionally cough up. He never thought he'd ever see a complete bottle, let alone get to taste it. He shook his head in response to the king, who was quick to press it into his hands.
The bottle's cork was easy to remove. Asterius sniffed it, curiously… the scent was warm and sunny; it made him recall when his younger brother placed a flower within his hair on a rare day he’d been allowed into the castle gardens however many years ago. He poured the golden liquid into his mouth; the flavour was like rich honey, warmed beneath the light of day. It was not overwhelming in its sweetness… he found himself wanting more even before the bottle was emptied.
When he finished, he found Theseus staring at him with huge and glittering eyes.
"What do you think?"
"It's sweet."
"But did you like it?" Theseus' eyes somehow became even wider, sparkling with expectation. He leaned in close, until his face was mere inches away from Asterius' own…
The bull noticed that he had the same warm and gentle scent as the nectar. He realized that, looking at him so closely, Theseus’ bottom lip was a lighter peach colour when compared to his darker top lip. And now those lips pursed into a slight frown, and Theseus was on his knees with his hands holding onto Asterius’ thighs. Having the king so close made the Minotaur's heart race. Asterius didn't realize it before, but Theseus was truly…
"... Strange."
"Hmm?"
"You are… very strange." Asterius found himself feeling truly dizzy, like the world around him was spinning in an endless circle. There was something about the king that overwhelmed his every sense. He… couldn't bear to be near him for a second longer, at least in this moment.
“Thank you… for the gift,” he said, though his words were slightly stunted. “Don’t follow me,” he added, knowing Theseus might try to otherwise. Before the king could even process what his words meant, the bull was off, sprinting into Erebus' depths.
( iI Theseus called out to him, he did not hear it. He did not know his destination, only that he could not allow himself to be tempted to return to the king. The taste of nectar was still strong on his tongue, and he wondered, ever briefly, if Theseus' soft lips would taste the same.)
The second time Theseus returned, he brought flowers. This may have surprised Asterius, had he not dreamt of his coming some time beforehand.
In his dream, he saw the king beneath a large mulberry tree. He plucked a ripe fruit from it's leaves, though his focus seemed to be elsewhere… he pulled up (with perhaps greater force than necessary) a pale yellow flower that grew around the tree's base, and observed it for some time before a gentle smile crept onto his face. The dream was short and fleeting, but when he awoke it felt more like a distant memory, replaying in his mind like an old song that he only faintly remembered. And yet, here Theseus was with a bouquet of narcissus, strawflower, the small blossoms of a yarrow… Asterius noticed he brought his satchel with him again, and wondered what may be within it if not more scrolls and epic poems.
“I’ve noticed something, bull!” said Theseus as he came close, “when we meet, you are nearly always fixated upon my laurel!”
“Am I?” Asterius replied with a snort. It was true- he couldn’t help but to stare. The fresh bay leaves stood out so much when such vivid plant life was so rare to come across in Erebus (and on the rare occasions he did see an actual flowering plant, it was so dried and dead it looked as if Charon himself should come tend to it). He would not give Theseus the satisfaction of admitting as such, so instead he gave a toss of his head.
Theseus nodded. “I thought, perhaps, that you may enjoy a laurel of your own! One crafted by yours truly!"
Asterius was not opposed to the idea. Perhaps it was silly to wear a laurel when he was neither a hero or warrior, but he was not about to deny himself the simple pleasure of wearing flowers in his hair for something so arbitrary.
(And if he had the slightly selfish motivation of wanting Theseus’ hands on his body again, that was no one’s business except his own.)
*
A shallow pool of water glittered with gemstones beneath it's black surface. Due to its proximity to the depths of the earth, Erebus was rich in diamonds and other ore… such a shame it's inhabitants had no use for such things, or else they would rival Elysium in wealth.
At the king's suggestion, Asterius sat near the edge of the pool, letting his feet soak within the water.
“Now, let’s see…” Theseus dropped his satchel to the ground, and from it pulled out a small bowl. He kneeled to fill it with the black water of the shallow pool, then poured it over Asterius’ head. This action was repeated a few times, until the bull’s hair was thoroughly soaked- the chill caused him to shiver, and he quickly pulled his shawl around his body, though it had become rather damp as well.
He felt some kind of liquid being applied to his scalp, though it was much thicker than plain water- the oil from a castor seed, according to Theseus. "Your mane is so dry in its current state that it would surely break apart were I to begin brushing immediately! But worry not, my companion! I should be able to tend to it once this is finished!” he hummed contently to himself, seemingly excited to be able to do this. “As I am very observant, I realized that the texture of your hair is similar to that of my mother’s… though, it is far thicker! I must admit I’m nearly jealous of such luscious locs!"
“Your mother?” Asterius could feel as Theseus massaged the cool oil into his scalp, his thumbs pressing down hard, but not uncomfortably so. Any excess would be rubbed into the bull's thick coils, though at times the bull would feel it drip down and meet with his neck. Every so often the king would reach downwards and into the water to wet his fingers, and Asterius realized he was separating his hair into small, manageable sections.
After that was finished, Theseus pulled a brush from his satchel and dragged it through Asterius’ thick coils, with enough force that it made the bull’s head tilt in the direction he was brushing. He was not exactly rough, but certainly not gentle either.
"When I was a child, and my mother would brush my hair," he began, "I would always whine and fuss through the process, for she did it far too hard! But she would claim that my head was simply too tender. Can you believe such a thing?!"
Theseus laughed warmly, clearly recalling the memory with fondness. "Troezen, my home, was between both the earth and sea! On one side, a mountain, on the other, a beach. The air was always so humid, Asterius! My mother would wear a scarf wrapped around her head to prevent the weather from causing her hair to frizz. But I never cared about such a thing!"
Theseus dropped his brush, letting it clatter against the ground. He dragged his hands through Asterius' hair, gathering it into his hands before returning to the top, to start a long braid.
"I would oftentimes throw my sandals and tainia onto the sandy shore and leap straight into the waters! Ah, to feel the sun on my skin again… "
Theseus fell quiet, now concentrating entirely on the braid he was forming. He was loud and excitable even with the way he tugged together Asterius' hair, pulling so roughly that a weaker man would have surely winced by now. Asterius could not help but to wonder about the king's youth. Just from his few words, it sounded so different from what he may have expected: an endless array of famed tutors, heroes of old coming to show him the art of battle… it seemed, instead of that, Theseus' life up until a point was simply carefree. He briefly wondered to himself how the king would look now with salt water dripping from his brow. His styled hair becoming undone and clinging in loose curls around his face…
"Splendid, my friend! You look most handsome!” Theseus’ voice suddenly rang out, awakening Asterius from his thoughts. “Of course, were we within Elysium, I would be able to make you look even more lovely! Regardless…" Theseus seemed to blush slightly, suddenly seeming timid. "Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself! I've yet to decorate you with the flowers I've brought!"
Returning to where he once stood, Theseus began to sort through his arrangement of flora. Deft and careful hairs wove a branch of bay leaves into the bull’s hair, the fresh scent of them permeating the air. Strangely, Asterius felt an urge to taste the greenery, but knew better than to attempt it… at least for now. Maybe when Theseus left…
Regardless, for now the two of them were together in a quietness. The bull had already grown quite used to the way Theseus would open his mouth and not close it again despite their short time together, and was starting to find the silence disquieting.
“The… us.” Though he’d practiced it privately, his tongue would still fumble over the king’s name. “King,” he said instead, “tell me more about your childhood.”
“Well, hmm!” Theseus hummed, “My grandfather’s brother- bless his heart- had two sons by name of Anaphlystus and Sphettus! They were both young men when I was a child, and would often watch over me when my mother was busy. Anaphlystus would carry me on his broad shoulders, and Sphettus would teach me how to fish… he was quite good at it, I’ll have you know!”
Theseus continued speaking of warm memories while weaving flowers into Asterius’ mane: how he befriended two twin girls who he would spend his time playing make-believe with, how he would often frustrate and vex his tutor by managing to escape from lessons when he least expected it, how on one occasion, while hunting for frogs near a pond that sat at the base of the mountain, Theseus fell into the water and had to be rescued by his mother who’d warned him again and again not to wander too close to it, citing an old legend about a King Saron who drowned while in pursuit of a wild deer…
“There! All finished!” Theseus dusted off his hands, before reaching into his satchel once again and pulling out a round mirror. He walked again in front of Asterius’ holding it to his face so he may look at himself.
“What do you think? Are you not stunning like this?”
“... Huh.”
Asterius had never thought much of his appearance- he looked, for the most part, the same as any bull would. But having his hair properly styled and woven with bright yellow flowers made a strange sense of pride swell up within his chest, and he suddenly understood why Theseus seemed to take such good care of his own appearance. He was at a loss for words… how could he ever properly thank the king?
Theseus seemed to understand his quietness, for he smiled warmly at the bull before setting the mirror back down. “I would do this for you a thousand more times, Asterius! You are… simply stunning, my friend!”
Asterius watched as Theseus’ hand twitched, as if he wanted to reach out towards him… but he did not act on the impulse. Instead, he clasped his own hands together and sighed. “I would do all this, and much, much more! That is, if you would allow me.”
“I…” Asterius didn’t realize his own apprehension, until he heard the way his own voice hitched ever so slightly. “I… need more time.”
Instead of looking disappointed like Asterius thought he might, Theseus gave a nod. “I hope you’ll actually think about it this time, instead of simply pretending to!”, he said with a soft laugh.
“I will. That is… I will think about it.”
“I’m glad.”
Theseus finally gave in to that impulse he’d suppressed- with a tough so light Asterius almost wondered if it were even there, his hand reached to cradle the bull’s jaw. He ran a thumb through his soft fur, then, with another nod, reached down to gather his things together.
“Well then! In that case, I shall return again with something certain to make you desire Elysium’s light!” His voice returned to it’s usual volume, his stance proud as ever. “Just you wait, my friend! I’ve not given up yet!”
“... I will look forward to it.”
The king gave him his brightest smile, and then he was off- on his strong legs, it was not long before he disappeared into the distance, a small but persistently glowing speck of light.
(And in that moment, Asterius couldn't help but to wonder if he was glowing, too.)
The third time that Theseus returned, he brought an unusual gift with him. (the actual gift was something much more practical, a shawl made of a thick cloth to replace the bull’s old and tattered one, and while it was wonderful there was much more that Theseus had to offer that day or night.)
Asterius allowed Theseus to accompany him on his daily (nightly?) stroll. Naturally, he didn't have any actual destination, but lately he'd struggled to stay still for long amounts of time. Something deeply unusual for him, as he was so used to being immobile. Theseus was following closely behind him… the bull had slowed so his short legs could easily match his pace.
(Theseus commented on the fact that the majority of the flowers were gone, likely wilted within Erebus; "Or perhaps you ate them? Hah! I jest!". Asterius didn't have the heart to tell him that he did, in fact, start to snack on the yellow blossoms. Out of curiosity at first, and then because he found he actually liked them. He left the bay leaves alone, however, as he secretly enjoyed the idea of matching with Theseus.)
As they came near a rather large platform, Asterius’ perspective ears picked up on a rather unusual noise. Erebus housed many restless shades, who’s instincts had become base and bestial- they would attack any who came near. As the sound grew louder, Asterius became more certain of its hostility.
"You know, my friend,” Theseus pressed himself to Asterius’ side, “If we were in Elysium right now, we'd be walking amongst the softest grass and loveliest-”
"Quiet. Something's here."
Behind the tall pillar of Erebus was a brimstone- the largest he’d ever seen up until that point. Though most float aimlessly until being alerted, this one seemed strangely agitated. Were it a normal brimstone Asterius could simply destroy it with his own strength as he has many times before, but such a thing seemed dangerous in this instance and he did not want to find out where shades of Erebus go upon death.
“Ah, what a ghastly creature!” Asterius suddenly felt a pressure against his back, and then the king’s arms looping around his neck- he scaled the height of Asterius’ body just to get a glimpse over his shoulder. “Not to worry, my companion! I’m certain we can dispatch this ghoul easily!”
“Do you have a plan?”
“Erm… no. But I shall think of one! I’m quite good at strategizing, I’ll have you know. Let’s see, perhaps if you were to…” Theseus dropped back to the ground, and lifted his signature spear in a tight grip.
“Hmm.” Asterius pondered for just a moment before he remembered a thought he had, when he and Theseus had their first reunion. He didn’t know if it would work, but… he reached over towards the king, until his hand was in position to wrap around his waist. At this, Theseus yelped in surprise, and his grip on the spear tightened further.
Then, the bull hurled Theseus at the creature, and his bright spear pierced through it’s gemstone body so intensely that it shattered into light on impact. When Theseus silently fell to the floor, Asterius worried he’d injured him in that impulsive act, until-
“Asterius, my friend! That was splendid!” Theseus suddenly jumped up, and bolted to Asterius’ side with glee. “You simply must toss me again!”
“You… liked that?”
“Yes, very much so! Toss me!” Theseus threw down his spear, then barreled into Asterius’ arms so that he had no choice but to cradle him in his arms.
“Toss me!!” he repeated
“At what? ”
“Oh- anything, anything! Just throw me!”
Asterius shrugged, then with all his strength, tossed Theseus up into the air. Even he was amazed at how high Theseus rose before falling back down into the bull’s arms, cackling wildly all the while.
“Wonderful, wonderful!! Asterius, you are a marvel! We simply must perfect this! It’ll be our signature move!”
“For what?” Asterius snorted. Theseus’ laughter was contagious, and even his shoulders had begun to shake with excitement.
“For when we battle together, of course!” Theseus replied, “we shall defeat all who come before us with our unique combination of skills!”
“You are deranged… “ Asterius sighed. At first he thought to set Theseus back down, but it was clear from the simple fact he was still so giggly that such a thing would not work. Instead, he threw the king over his broad shoulder, and sighed.
He could feel Theseus bury his face into the fur of his shoulder, stifling his cheery laughter. He was too much, Asterius decided. He was… silly. Ridiculous, even. He was… cute?
Asterius wanted to shake his head at the word that had been supplied for him, but he could not do so with Theseus buried against his shoulder. And so, he was helpless as the thought developed. A hero and king, yet he giggled with childish delight at being thrown like a toy! And he was so accident prone, yet he would only give Asterius a sheepish grin after he tripped and fell… and he was intimate in a way the bull was not used to, and was not afraid to touch him closely and show him his brightest smiles…
And now, Asterius could feel him nuzzling against his shoulder. “I meant it, Asterius,” he said, “it would be an honour to battle alongside you. I think I may like the idea of it even more than that of sparring with you! Though, of course, I would still wish to train you.”
“You talk too much.” Asterius was adamant that he did not wish to spar with Theseus, but… sparring as training for eventually fighting together sounded much more tolerable, he would admit.
“And I think you talk too little! Can you imagine it? Us two together, performing battle for an adoring crowd! We would show them our combined might, and then once the battle is won and we return to our chambers, we can indulge in nectar and delicious fruits! And after that…”
“After that?”
“Hah! That part is a secret, Asterius! At least, for now it is.”
Asterius snorted, and coming across an empty ashen field allowed himself to lay upon the grass with Theseus still upon him. The king repositioned himself slightly, so he could nestle himself against the broad expanse of the bulls chest.
"I've made up my mind, Asterius. If you will not join me within Elysium, I shall simply have to remain in Erebus, with you." Theseus gazed at Asterius from where he laid upon his chest, his arms comfortably folded. His voice was tinted with a hint of tiredness... he must have worn himself out, after everything.
"You would not do such a thing," Asterius snorted. What man would be so foolish as to give up paradise?
"I would!" Theseus scoffed in mock offense, "I have already lived a life in opulence. And I have found something I enjoy far more than even the mulled wine of Elysium! "
Theseus dragged himself forward, so he was as face-to-face with the bull as they could manage in this position.
"All this time within Elysium, I felt incomplete. Unmade and unwhole! I realize now that what I lacked was true companionship. Eternity cannot be spent alone, my friend! I realize there is still much about you I do not know, and the same could be said for myself. But I cannot deny the joy I feel when I am beside you. I can only hope I make you equally as happy."
Asterius only snorted in response, but that seemed to be good enough for Theseus. He yawned, seemingly too sleepy to retract this intimate statement as he had in the past. And Asterius, strangely enough, did not feel a need to run from this closeness. And at the sound of Theseus starting to softly snore, Asterius placed a hand on his back to keep his steady.
(As Theseus slept, Asterius found he could not pry his eyes away from his face. There was a softness to him he did not usually show, and his eyelashes fluttered gorgeously against his cheeks. He wanted so badly to stay like this, for as long as he could… and suddenly a thought occurred to him; this did not have to be the last time he witnessed the king like this.)
Theseus' offer was becoming more and more tempting.
The gifts he brought, the food, the flora, the toys and trinkets… they were all lovely, and though Asterius was stubborn and bull-headed he did appreciate them in the end. But what really made him reconsider was Theseus himself. His loud laughter when he told a particularly good joke, or the way he'd gasp and snort whenever Asterius rebutted with a joke of his own… He was impulsive and headstrong and loud, and he was so fascinated with Asterius himself. It was nice to be able to talk to someone who was so affectionate, who actively enjoyed the bull’s company to the point he would seek him out as often as he does.
He knew it wasn’t rational to entertain such a thing. He knew better than anyone that breaking the unwritten rules of the gods would only lead to pain and heartbreak, to more suffering than he could stand to bear. He hoped (he prayed) that Theseus would eventually grow bored of him and his reluctance, and move on to the next thing to capture his fancy, but it only became more and more obvious that it wouldn’t happen. He stayed within Erebus for increasingly longer, returning only due to a pre-existing obligation or because there was something he badly needed he could not obtain otherwise.
When Theseus once again appeared one day, he again found Asterius gazing out over the Okeanos. He did not speak- instead, he came to sit next to Asterius. He rested his head against the bull’s shoulder, and Asterius saw the long length of his eyelashes and how they rested against his cheeks, the way his dark skin and blonde hair were illuminated ever so slightly by the light of the river, the small peaceful smile on his face, and he felt such a strange emotion, like his heart was being pulled in all directions so intensely it would certainly be torn asunder.
He remembered how, within the walls of the labyrinth, Theseus had worn a crown of stars upon his head, glowing brighter than any torch. The light of the stars had illuminated his face, revealing striking features:
his hair was long then, cascading in gentle curls upon his shoulders, his eyes a cornflower blue, but with skin dark and earthy. Even back then he was not quiet, Asterius had heard him humming softly to himself on and off as his footsteps traveled through the maze. Perhaps if he’d not been so hungry then, he might’ve thought to follow the noise and put a stop to it. Perhaps if he’d not been so hungry then, he would have asked him what song it was he sang.
(He wanted to know. He wanted to know all the songs Theseus remembered from his homeland. He wanted to ask him about the mountain he grew up near, something he’d mentioned once offhand. He wanted to ask him about the king who’d drowned in pursuit of a deer, whose death became a cautionary tale for parents to scold their children with when they went too close to the waters.
He… he wanted to know about the gardens of Elysium. He wanted to know if the rumors about fountains of nectar and ambrosia were true. He wanted to know what Theseus’ favourite shop was, or where he liked to rest. He wanted to know if Theseus would allow him to touch closer than they have before… )
It was so strange to have such deep desires, when he’d before then been able to suppress them. But he could no longer deny this- he wanted to be with Theseus. And, if their previous interactions were anything to go by, Theseus wanted to be with him, as well.
“The… Theseus.” The bull managed to steady his speech, though it was not easy and he would certainly need more practice in the future.
“Hmm?” The king hummed in response.
Asterius reached to hold Theseus’ hand, which was so small compared to his own. His thumb presses against the soft peach colour of Theseus' palm, rubbing against the calloused pads of his fingers.
“I have a gift for you as well, if you are willing to accept it.”
Theseus looked confused for only a moment, before realization flashed across his face. He grinned, and his gripped Asterius’ hand as tightly as he could manage before standing from where he sat.
"Shall we be on our way, then?"
"Of course."
Guided by Theseus, Asterius walked further and further away from the light of the Okeanos. It was strange, he felt as if he were leaving behind an old friend…
He did not know what to expect within Elysium, if he would be accepted- if he could be accepted, as a monster within a realm meant for heroes. And yet, he did not feel afraid. If he needed to, he would carve out a place for himself amongst the blessed. After all, if Theseus believed he belonged there, with him, he would have to believe in himself as well.