Bull of Minos

lavyrinthosdwelt:

There was a trembling in his hands. In his shoulders. Down to his very lungs. He tried to contain it, throwing his ages of old hurt to the gentle waves of returning calm that Theseus’s voice offered. A low growl emanated from his throat, frustration settling in as he struggled for a moment to control the involuntary quakes in his limbs.

He allowed Theseus to draw closer. Welcomed it, even, and after a few moments, he at least found the courage to reach out. Large fingers shyly reached out, curling around the king’s. That, alone, was enough to help soothe him, and a final, shuddering breath pulled from his lungs before it returned to normal. An entirely involuntary response, he noted, as he no longer had a need to breathe. Strangely enough, that, too, helped.

When he spoke, his voice was still soft, as was the hold he selfishly kept around Theseus’s fingers. “You must not berate yourself so, my King. I should not have…” He quieted, and wondered however briefly if, maybe, he might be at least a little entitled to the fear over even such a small question.

The smile he offered was bitter. “It was… I had considered it, once. What things might be like if, perhaps, I had sired a child. Perhaps took one under my wing. But when you have never had a father, how could you hope to be one? To know what to do, or how to behave? What if I could not save them, as you saved me? I have known few worries like the chances of those failures.”

The contact is the only sign he needs. Theseus moves closer, presses forward until they are shin to shin, running his other hand along the side of Asterius’s neck and across his shoulder.

“If I’m not to berate myself, and you have no reason to apologize.. Then perhaps we should do away with the issue altogether and move forward.”

He listens to the story with a sad, heavy heart. So much has been taken from Asterius.. Affection, food, safety.. His future at Theseus’s own hands. The king would give him the world if he could. Anything, if he only asked. It would never be enough to make up for what he did- but that didn’t mean that he would ever stop trying.

“My friend.. I know that my words are not enough to alleviate your doubts. But I ask that you hear me out. I must admit–when I asked you this question, I had intent. What if there was a way that I could prove to you that your worries were unfounded? You are good, and have only good things to offer this world.” He huffs, frustrated, not with Asterius but with himself.

“Allow me to speak plainly. When I asked, I only wished to gauge your interest in spending time with a child. I would not force you into a position of fatherhood if you don’t feel prepared. There is a boy, you will not ruin him. You have my word. He is a warrior, and he hoped to meet you. I thought it may be good to introduce you both.”

When Theseus drew in, ushered by the bull’s moment of weakness, Asterius finally fully allowed himself to relax. His head dropped with a weary sigh, shoulders slumping and back curving just enough that Asterius’s forehead nearly rested atop his companion’s, long horns curving perfectly to remain out of the way. It wouldn’t do to accidentally impale the former king in such a tender moment. The minotaur wasn’t sure he’d be able to face Theseus again, when feelings were still so raw and his heart still felt so exposed.

“Your words mean more than almost anything,” he assured the other, quietly. And he certainly meant it. Asterius knew that no amount of reassurance could immediately change his mind, but Theseus saw something in him, and that was enough of a start.

That time, he laughed, just once and minuscule. Such a simple thought. A harmless inquiry. He felt almost foolish for his outburst. “Hoped to meet me? Are you sure that wasn’t simply the product of your persuasion?” He let the teasing settle between them for a just a breath before continuing. “I trust you to know me better than even I would, my King; if you say it would be alright to meet him, then I trust you in such a decision, too.”

@caustixsoul asked: “ you’re so cute and i literally can not handle it right now , so i have to go— “ From… Zagreus :O

Meme /// Accepting

Asterius paused, fingers twitching around the smooth handle of his great axe. It took far too long for those words to properly register in his mind, and if he looked away from the prince, face drawn in a pinched, pensive expression, he hoped the other might not fault him.

But, he had heard that correctly, hadn’t he? One word, in particular, had stuck out.

He lifted a hand, requesting Zagreus remain still; how could he leave on such a note? “Hold,” he called. A low sound, the beginnings of a laugh, started in his chest. But he quickly smothered them. The look of confused amusement, though, didn’t budge. “I have been called many things, Short One, but cute has certainly never been among them.” Perhaps it was wrong of him to ask, but he continued; “what, might I ask, brought you to this conclusion?”

Zagreus was already running away.

In fact he was running SO fast that he had to hop on one foot just to slow his momentum enough to even turn around. When he did, he made no effort to come any closer, despite the strain the distance would put on their conversation. Which meant.. that he couldn’t actually see Asterius’s expression.

He shifted his weight from foot to foot nervously, leaves on his laurel popping off like little sparks.

“Um.. You’re cute? I don’t know it’s just.. “ He ruffled his hair. “You have such large eyes? That are pretty. And your voice is soft and um.. very nice hair and this is very awkward and embarrassing I’m not sure if you’ve noticed yet but I have the tendency to prattle without thinking and if you could just stop me now that would be great actually-”

#caustixsoul #main /// redemption #bless his heart XD #meanwhile:#asterius: why do all these beautiful people find me attractive?

Zagreus certainly did have a tendency to prattle, Asterius noted, rather wide-eyed as he took in the slew of compliments. It wasn’t often that someone was so flustered around him - though, most of his interactions were with Theseus, who likely had no idea what it felt like to be so uneasy in your feelings. It was oddly charming, in its own way, and despite himself, the bull smiled.

As the prince consistently tripped over himself, burning hotter and brighter by the moment, Asterius stepped forward. Sure, and somehow still so careful, he almost feared that he might spook the wild-eyed god. A concern which was forgotten as he reached out, resting a broad, soft palm atop the prince’s messy head of hair. He felt so small underneath the minotaur’s touch. Asterius chuckled, mostly to himself. “You may stop,” he assured the other, allowing the prince to come back to himself before removing his hand and returning it to his side. ”I cannot say that I see what you see, but know that I am honored you see such things.”

@follys-dance asked: “ tell me all about you. anything. everything. “

Meme /// Accepting

Asterius offered her a look teetering on the border of confusion. He never quite understood the interest people had in him; his story was well known, and he didn't imagine his personality stretched far beyond the reaches of his quiet nature. Theseus had always been more of the sort to draw the eye, despite Asterius's visage, due to his overall exuberance.

Yet, others were curious. It was his nearly silent nature that drew the attention of some, a politely informative shade had once told him. He simply wasn't the best at speaking about himself. On rare occasions, he would draw on pieces of his own history to inspire or reassure, but very select few didn't know the story he and Theseus shared.

Lady Chor, especially, seemed to have a particular interest in him. Not that he could ever understand it.

"Was there anything specific you wished to know?" he began, slowly, like he was feeling the question out. "You already know more than most." Second, perhaps, only to the king, himself. Yet, she likely already knew that much.

#follys-dance #main /// redemption

lavyrinthosdwelt:

@caustixsoul asked: “ what are your thoughts on having kids ? “ From Theseus!

Meme /// Accepting

Asterius stilled. Went silent. More so than normal, even, as thoughts stirred up in his mind. Memories. Flashes of the past that he didn’t even wish he had.

Of fear and hunger and pain. Yelling, between the man named Minos - never father, for no man could sire such a beast - and crying of the woman he knew as mother - Pasiphaë, they all demanded he call her, even though he had no knowledge of words. Though he had been small, and could not properly understand them, he knew they feared him. Hated him. And he feared and hated them, in turn. And he was still so hungry.

He grew older, but not much. More fear and hunger and pain. The servants would hardly look at him without flinching, drawing away, fearing the monster made by Pasiphaë’s madness. They wondered, casting wary glances at him as he hid in corners and behind draperies, if he would be so wild as the bull he came from. When he might become a danger to them all. Always when, never if. And he was still hungry.

Not much older, but much began to change, quickly. The hunger was overwhelming, such that the scraps provided would never satisfy. Another boy, passing by him - his own age, and yet so much smaller. Round-faced and bright-eyed and human and normal and all too quickly, between the bull’s teeth. Pliant flesh ripping easily, sinew and muscle shredding easily, giving way to the starvation that controlled his very thoughts, plaguing his weary, neglected body. It was invigorating. And he ate. And ate. And ate. Until he was only distantly aware of the screams around him, and the feeling of fists and feet and a knife in his back, because all he could focus on was the feeling of blood and meat settling morbidly comforting in his empty stomach. More fear. More pain.

And still h u n g r y.

Asterius flinched back, arms up and hands back from Theseus as if he feared they might touch. The some old part of himself had come back to possess his fingers. His teeth. Like he might try to finish what he had started so many years ago in that awful, wretched labyrinth. Breaths came in quick, short pants, his mind swimming. Red. Too red. He shook his head, clearing the color from his vision until the color green started to come back into focus.

“No,” he whispered, almost a growl. Regretful and angry and frightened. “I… could never have… children.”

They might… turn out like him.

The question had been offhand, Theseus’s mind a million miles away. Planning. Always planning something. He doesn’t notice that something is wrong until the silence has stretched for a beat too long. Until he could hear the heavy huffs of breath cut too short.

Suddenly, Theseus is painfully aware of his terrible mistake.

“Asterius…”

It’s clear that Asterius is far away from him now, even though he sits not two feet from Theseus’s side. His mind is lost, trapped in memories of a lifetime ago. Theseus knows this, knows from his own experiences, waking from a dream only to realize the nightmare hasn’t ended, restless and awake, tormented until the sun rises once more.

“Asterius, my friend, I am so sorry– I did not mean to harm you this way..”

He wants to rush forward, to show him that it’s alright, that he’s not afraid. Asterius should know; he’d subdued him once before, and most certainly could again. As soon as he thinks it though, he wants to burn the thought from his mind. They are not enemies. He cares for Asterius, deeply. And so instead, he slides forward slowly, movement telegraphed.

“I just thought- No. I did not think. I apologize. I should have known better.”

He should have known. After all, he had been there. He remembered how he felt, upon entering that chamber. Seeing the carvings upon the walls.. Realizing that he was not a man, sent to kill a beast. Just a boy, sent to kill another boy. Children were always forced to fix the mistakes of men. Of course, Asterius would feel this way!

Still he makes no move to touch, merely asserting his presence at Asterius’s side, reminding him that he is still there, that he isn’t going anywhere. He keeps his voice low, speaking in a soft measured tone hoping that the bull would be able to ground himself in it. That Theseus could be his anchor.

“Cast the thought from your mind, and never think of it again. Do not stress yourself this way, my friend. I beg you.”

#caustixsoul #main /// redemption #long post #you are absolutely fine!#i could never say no to these two

There was a trembling in his hands. In his shoulders. Down to his very lungs. He tried to contain it, throwing his ages of old hurt to the gentle waves of returning calm that Theseus’s voice offered. A low growl emanated from his throat, frustration settling in as he struggled for a moment to control the involuntary quakes in his limbs.

He allowed Theseus to draw closer. Welcomed it, even, and after a few moments, he at least found the courage to reach out. Large fingers shyly reached out, curling around the king’s. That, alone, was enough to help soothe him, and a final, shuddering breath pulled from his lungs before it returned to normal. An entirely involuntary response, he noted, as he no longer had a need to breathe. Strangely enough, that, too, helped.

When he spoke, his voice was still soft, as was the hold he selfishly kept around Theseus’s fingers. “You must not berate yourself so, my King. I should not have...” He quieted, and wondered however briefly if, maybe, he might be at least a little entitled to the fear over even such a small question.

The smile he offered was bitter. “It was... I had considered it, once. What things might be like if, perhaps, I had sired a child. Perhaps took one under my wing. But when you have never had a father, how could you hope to be one? To know what to do, or how to behave? What if I could not save them, as you saved me? I have known few worries like the chances of those failures.”

My head plagues me with more thoughts.

Could you just... imagine.. how Asterius must have reacted the first time he saw Elysium?

I don’t know if anyone will be able to convince me otherwise that Asterius first made it to the Underworld and settled in Tartarus. This was, by all means, familiar to him. He knew violence and bloodshed and cold and stone walls. He knew what to expect. And when Theseus came for him, he was surprised, and a little angry, and very afraid, but boy was he just tired of suffering. This is an individual who has never known peace, and there was the man who killed him, but smiling kindly at him, which was more than even his family ever did for him.

So there he was, being escorted (probably (hopefully)) hand in hand with Theseus all the way up through Asphodel. Then up to Elysium.

And oh. My. God.

Asterius stepped over the threshold, and he dead ass stopped. He stood still. He curled his toes and shuffled his feet because this man had never felt grass before. He took a minute, then dropped, and rolled around like a happy cat in sunshine. And oh, ya know what? There’s light, too! It’s bright. He can see his body around him, and maybe that’s not the best thing at the moment, but it’s warm and comfortable. He breathed in and didn’t smell blood, and he heard the movement of water. A butterfly landed on his finger for just a second before fluttering away.

And do you know. Asterius just fucking cried. For the first time since he thought his tears dried up as a child because by the gods, that was what it felt like to be safe and free.

#ooc /// various ramblings #secrets of the labyrinth /// headcanon #i think about him sometimes #and i get so overly emotional #he fucks me up XD

@caustixsoul asked: “ someone thought we were a couple so like , we totally just hit best friend goals. “ From Theseus

Meme /// Accepting

It didn’t surprise him. Not in the least.

The whispers of other shades had reached them before - the ponderings that others were far too frightened to ask them aloud. There was always the chance that, despite how close the pair were, such a possibility might offend them. Draw their ire. A humorous thought, really, because given past quips and interactions, Asterius doubted that Theseus would be offended by such a thought.

At least, some wistful part of him hoped as much. Though that secret would remain close to his chest.

He snorted, humored. “Many have thought such, I believe.” And I cannot say I blame them. “Does it bother you?”

Theseus laughs, boisterous and free. His hands are planted on his hips and his chest is puffed out. He’s the picture of pride.

The champion loves to “overhear” much of the gossip about him. The way shades would whisper his name and then shyly hide away once they recognized his presence. He loves the attention and the way they dote and swoon and fawn at his smile. To have such a presence greater than ones self! And with Asterius at his side no less.

Asterius, who deserved all the praise of these people and so much more, these people who once screamed at the sight of him, drawing arms in fear and rage (and some still do cower before him) now sing his praises and declare him their champion. Because Theseus willed it!

“Of course not! They are simply speculating on a relationship beyond their meager comprehension! They WISH they could achieve something near to our bond, Asterius, for we are the truly fortunate!”

The true nature of the question doesn’t even occur to him.

#caustixsoul #main /// redemption #hes happy #really XD #but sometimes he do be like #i am morosexual #i want that one

It was fine, truly, for a friendship with one he had once called an enemy - though, had all not been an enemy to him, then? - was plenty enough to take pride in. He was happy. Joyful. Fortunate. One such as Theseus might look at him and see worth. Enough to form some unshakeable, unchanging bond. An unyielding brotherhood.

Asterius had never been in love. Never known it. Never seen it. How was he to know when he, himself, felt such? How could he know that the devotion he felt - the protectiveness and reverence and longing he felt - was well beyond the realms of such platonic things? And yet, even with inklings - thoughts that maybe, he might be so selfish to want just a bit more - he was comfortable. Content. Why should he push, when they were so happy where they were? How could he afford to be selfish, when Theseus had already given him so much?

And the King, for all his faults, had plenty of love to give. Even if much had been self-love.

So, Asterius smiled, relief highlighting his features. “I’m glad; I would hate to think rumors might divert our paths from one another.”

@caustixsoul asked: “ what are your thoughts on having kids ? “ From Theseus!

Meme /// Accepting

Asterius stilled. Went silent. More so than normal, even, as thoughts stirred up in his mind. Memories. Flashes of the past that he didn’t even wish he had.

Of fear and hunger and pain. Yelling, between the man named Minos - never father, for no man could sire such a beast - and crying of the woman he knew as mother - Pasiphaë, they all demanded he call her, even though he had no knowledge of words. Though he had been small, and could not properly understand them, he knew they feared him. Hated him. And he feared and hated them, in turn. And he was still so hungry.

He grew older, but not much. More fear and hunger and pain. The servants would hardly look at him without flinching, drawing away, fearing the monster made by Pasiphaë’s madness. They wondered, casting wary glances at him as he hid in corners and behind draperies, if he would be so wild as the bull he came from. When he might become a danger to them all. Always when, never if. And he was still hungry.

Not much older, but much began to change, quickly. The hunger was overwhelming, such that the scraps provided would never satisfy. Another boy, passing by him - his own age, and yet so much smaller. Round-faced and bright-eyed and human and normal and all too quickly, between the bull’s teeth. Pliant flesh ripping easily, sinew and muscle shredding easily, giving way to the starvation that controlled his very thoughts, plaguing his weary, neglected body. It was invigorating. And he ate. And ate. And ate. Until he was only distantly aware of the screams around him, and the feeling of fists and feet and a knife in his back, because all he could focus on was the feeling of blood and meat settling morbidly comforting in his empty stomach. More fear. More pain.

And still h u n g r y.

Asterius flinched back, arms up and hands back from Theseus as if he feared they might touch. The some old part of himself had come back to possess his fingers. His teeth. Like he might try to finish what he had started so many years ago in that awful, wretched labyrinth. Breaths came in quick, short pants, his mind swimming. Red. Too red. He shook his head, clearing the color from his vision until the color green started to come back into focus.

“No,” he whispered, almost a growl. Regretful and angry and frightened. “I... could never have... children.”

They might... turn out like him.

#caustixsoul #main /// redemption #trigger: child abuse #trigger: child neglect #trigger: cannibalism #okay but #this escalated so quickly #i have no clue what just fucking happened

@intothewildsea asked: “ i’m a simple person. i see a cool rock , i pick it up. “

Meme /// Accepting

“Simplicity is fine; all have their passions and none should be above another.”

Though, he remains steadfast before the unfamiliar woman, broad body carefully blocking her from the sluggishly flowing river of forgetfulness. He cast a glance back, as if worried he may be too close to the edge, then took a step forward just for good measure. Not to crowd her space, but to keep himself safe.

“Though, I recommend indulging in such a hobby somewhere else, unless you have no qualms about the Lethe swallowing up your memories.”

#intothewildsea #main /// redemption

Hypnos Anonymous asked: Dear Asterius, Hello again! I'm sure you must get letters all the time fan letters all the time. I got your reply letter and I just was so incredibly touched that you'd write back. It is such an honour. I love you r i I wish I could have seen it, your last p fight. I know you'd have really given the other guy a run for their money. I wish you all the best in your many endless fights to come. I hope you are well rested! ーsweet dreams and sound nights, H. (P.S. I hear King Theseus is amazing too! I bet you make a formidable team! Wish him good luck for me too maybe?)

Meme Random Asks /// Always Accepting

A familiar scene, to find a folded piece of parchment laid in the grass. Careless, to the common passerby, but the spot already held a fair significance in the bull’s mind. Once more, he leaned over. Once more, he picked up the letter. And once more, he read it, holding the delicate note with the utmost care. He still had the first message tucked safely in his own private chambers, afforded to him by Elysium’s grace.

The one he held then, he thought fondly, would certainly be joining it.

Now, Asterius was no fool. He knew enough of gods and dominions to have some idea of what he was looking at. Had his thoughts from the first letter, but dared not consider he was in some forefront of the mind of the divine. Part of it felt like he would be inviting trouble. And the other part dared not be so haughty. But there was no ignoring the obvious; who else might wish him peaceful slumber than the god of such, when the Underworld, itself, knew no real passage of time?

He hoped, deeply, that any sort of insolence might be forgiven in his returned message.

Kind Stranger,

I thank you again for your words, and further for continued correspondence. The King steals the hearts of those more vocal in their adoration - though I fault him, not. I am not without well wishes, and I cherish them all, but few have been so seemingly genuine in such displays. Therefore, I am thankful, all the same, for your time and thoughts. It is endearing to hear from you once more, and soothing to know that you remain well.

Perhaps you would think me brash for saying so, but I would be honored should one day our paths cross, even if across the distance from the stands to the battlefield. Should, someday, we find the chance to meet, I would be more honored to thank you, personally, for your support, as I’m sure King Theseus would, as well.

My continued gratitude, Asterius.

He paused, then smiled, and cheekily added:

P.S. I have been sleeping well. I have noticed fewer restless dreams as of late. I thank you for your tireless work, Lord.

#main /// redemption

@caustixsoul asked: “ you’re so cute and i literally can not handle it right now , so i have to go— “ From... Zagreus :O

Meme /// Accepting

Asterius paused, fingers twitching around the smooth handle of his great axe. It took far too long for those words to properly register in his mind, and if he looked away from the prince, face drawn in a pinched, pensive expression, he hoped the other might not fault him.

But, he had heard that correctly, hadn’t he? One word, in particular, had stuck out.

He lifted a hand, requesting Zagreus remain still; how could he leave on such a note? “Hold,” he called. A low sound, the beginnings of a laugh, started in his chest. But he quickly smothered them. The look of confused amusement, though, didn’t budge. “I have been called many things, Short One, but cute has certainly never been among them.” Perhaps it was wrong of him to ask, but he continued; “what, might I ask, brought you to this conclusion?”

@caustixsoul asked: “ someone thought we were a couple so like , we totally just hit best friend goals. “ From Theseus

Meme /// Accepting

It didn’t surprise him. Not in the least.

The whispers of other shades had reached them before - the ponderings that others were far too frightened to ask them aloud. There was always the chance that, despite how close the pair were, such a possibility might offend them. Draw their ire. A humorous thought, really, because given past quips and interactions, Asterius doubted that Theseus would be offended by such a thought.

At least, some wistful part of him hoped as much. Though that secret would remain close to his chest.

He snorted, humored. “Many have thought such, I believe.” And I cannot say I blame them. “Does it bother you?”

@caustixsoul asked: "Asterius!" The king takes a running leap at his dearest friend, ready to climb the man like a mountain. Had it been anyone else, he might have been worried about appearances, but there is no shame here. Theseus just likes to be close to him. "I've missed you most ardently!"

Meme Random Asks /// Always Accepting

"My king, wait-." Asterius should have known better than to try; such attempts at dissuasion meant little when Theseus had his mind set on some idea or another. Very few, in truth, likely warranted any real concern, but the bull had always felt an underlying prickle of protectiveness for his fellow shade.

Perhaps Theseus's display of affection with such exuberance hardly warranted his concern - especially when Asterius had no issue catching the fallen king, great arms wrapping around the other to keep him from slipping - but there was still the memory of the fragility of humans, no matter their strength.

He sighed, but soft. Just the beginnings of exasperation creeping in to the sound. "We've hardly been apart. Mere moments. How could you find it in yourself to miss me?" Of course, that didn't mean he didn't miss Theseus in the few moments they weren't sharing a space, too.

A shake of his head. A soft, private smile. "Well, forgive me for leaving your side."