#》muse:bacchus

[goldentemplariumcrow]

@pyramultimuse Alexios to Bacchus

"I have lived longer than any man. I have watched as the people I love decayed and died."

@pyramultimuse || meme

"And yet, for all the years you have, brave warrior, you come to my home."

"What is it that you seek from this apothecary?" Bacchus asked with his green and blue eyes fixated at the direction from where the man's voice came, long bangs of gold color falling over his face and even longer hair flowing down his back like a stream, the man didn't look like much, small and androgynous in his looks, but there was a certain weight of wisdom long acquired in his soft and harmonious voice, something that pointed to his experiences in life. "I don't have much to offer, but what little you want, I'm willing to share."

"First, however, I'd like a name to call the man who approaches my home, if it isn't much to ask for."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

❛  if you need me, i’m just one call away.  ❜ - For Bacchus from Kassandra

"You shouldn't take the roads down to the city, misthios." The young priest spoke softly in return as he was offered kind word, though his own was a response in kind, they sounded more as a forewarning. "Blood awaits you there. Take the road North and go around the path, it'll bring you glory."

@lovelylostminds

[goldentemplariumcrow]

A soft and light-heart laughter escaped the priest when seeing the twinkle in those dark oak colored eyes, because that gave Alexios an eager look that almost made him youthful, as if all the darkness he knew had vanished for a single moment.

"I don't think I have much use for you. Help is always welcome, of course, but I don't have a job per se for you." He leaned forward to support his chin on the ball of one hand as his elbow rested on his knee. "Ah! But I know the foreman by the market has been looking for someone who can fetch him wood for the carts he's been working on, and the weaver that lives by the fountain needs someone to pick up dyes at the village by the North side of the mountain. Maybe you can help them." Bacchus thought of others more than of himself, but it also often came back to him somehow, either in drachmae, offerings to the temple or material he could use on his daily needs.

Of course, Bacchus could use some help with fixing some parts of the temple or even just having some company for a few days, but he wasn't the kind that thought of that. He put others before himself and that was one of the intrinsic reasons the corruption of the Cult Of Kosmos never sticked to him.

"The people who raised me... They often said that you were a monster, big and ragged, that you moved like war incarnated, possessed by Ares himself, left destruction and chaos wherever you went." He explained. "Beware the Eagle Bearer, he'll have your head the second he hears that you're one of us — I was never one of them, they could move freely and come and go, I was locked away from the eyes of my brilliant god, Apollo Maleatas, kept in chains and ropes, told that I was to be heard only when spoken to and seen only by those they allowed. They said that you'd have me dead for being myself... but in truth, in a way, you're the one that freed me. I escaped a couple of years ago when you killed my "teacher"."

"If anything, I'm the one indebted to you and should be offering to do whatever you want." Bacchus' soft smile was warm as he considered his choice of words and the reality that presented itself to him now that he got to learn more of the truth. "Alas, I don't think there's much I can do or offer to a man like you. A place to stay, hot meals and my company, but I don't have much more to give."

At the simple mention of the Cult Of Kosmos, Bacchus shrank a little, one hand immediately went to the opposite wrist while the other reached for a spot on the curve of his neck that was hidden under the light fabric of his clothes, touching the scar he had there as if it was still painful and itchy to feel it.

"Prophecies aren't set in stone. Although hard to change, they aren't immutable. Your sister could as easily have been a great leader." The blond looked at Alexios, grateful for the waters that clear as they were didn't allow for proper sight of his lower half. "I know it makes no difference, but I'm sorry for your suffering and losses." He truly was.

Some of the points he'd been fed his whole life made sense now, the reason the Cult Of Kosmos kept him under surveillance and locked away, how they used and abused of the blessing the gods gave him, they tried to prevent their own demise in the hands of the Eagle Bearer... This man in front of him, bathing in the same waters as he did, was their demise and had been painted as a monster to Bacchus through all his life, but all he sensed from Alexios was the complete opposite of what he was told; not vicious or bloodthristy, but lonely and weary of the years of back and forth with them.

With a light hand, Bacchus dared to risk touching Alexios on the shoulder in order to display his empathy and understanding of the man's situation to him; delicate and soft fingers traced a scar for a brief moment before he gave the strong limb a light squeeze and he smiled.

"Greedy and power corrupt with ease. Don't bash yourself for the flaws of those who fall into their web and bow their heads to the Serpent God." Bacchus tried to comfort the mercenary. "You do good work slowing their growth the way you can."

[goldentemplariumcrow]


♣ One thing they’ve never told 
☄ If there was a safe-word, what would it be? ☁ One night stands; yay or nay? [for Bacchus?]

So... Bacchus is a virgin, he has never been kissed or touched, but he also doesn't actively look for any of it, even though he's a hopeless romantic in his heart. He wants to be loved, but he's been told so many times that he's tainted and unworthy that he gave up on any and all chances. So he's never even tried to confess his feelings.

Because Bacchus is a virgin and never has had any intimate experience before, he doesn't really have a safe-word, but I suppose he'd choose something completely random, from colors to flowers.

And naaaaaay. Bacchus would rather take his time and warm up with someone who'll love him for himself and stay with him for the long run rather than a single night fling. He needs a deep bond to feel comfortable with giving his body to another person.

[goldentemplariumcrow]

Bacchus wished all thought like this man that came to his temple for some refuge from long travels, people were hardly this kind to him, most didn't even spare a minute or two to listen to what he had to say before asking for their futures or fortunes, even less were happy with the possibilities he gave them. It had always been like this with him, ever since he was a kid and so, being treated like second class or even worse than certain animals became just another part of his life, nothing more.

And yet, the healer refused to return all of that in the same way he received. The angrier others were to him, the softer he became, the more caring and inviting he tried to be.

His thoughts were far into his own memories when Alexios began to fully undress and Bacchus was snapped back to present, taking a good few seconds to catch himself ogling at the man's toned body, the sun kissed tanned skin, scars, defined muscles, broad shoulders, strong back... The priest caught himself before his eyes could go any lower than the waistline and turned on the balls of his feet to have his back turned to the wandering warrior while his cheeks and ears burned in embarrassment and his heart raced in his chest ─ Bacchus was pure, untouched and untainted, however, he could appreciate a beautiful body still, and Alexios was god-like, the living image of one of the many statues of the gods he'd seen before getting to this isolated temple.

The shock of his own actions was such that Bacchus didn't even know what to say or do after that, too afraid of being impolite to his guest, but also wanting to comply to what was requested of him, the priest sat by the water at a respectful distance and took off his sandals to dip just the tip of his feet in the it as a way to try to cool his thoughts and also distract himself.

He listened intently to Bacchus, fascinated to learn about this healer that everyone seemed to outcast. For the most silly of superstitious reasons. The spartian shook his head and chuckled. "I've met daemons and monsters and I've met animals with eyes like yours. Your eye color is simply different." Alexios said with certainty as he would've sensed something dangerous about the seer if he had been possessed or something other than human.

Then he was explained the reasoning behind the fears of others. His prophecies often negative and tragic. Therefore the people blaming him for these bad futures. "The gods had granted you a gift of foresight, it is not your fault that those people go down tragic paths. I'm sorry they misjudge you..." He says then chuckles. "Yes, I could tell you were a man. Your feminine qualities couldn't hide from a trained eye as mine your handsome features." Alexios said with a smile, a little flirtatious towards his guest. He couldn't help himself, the spartan was naturally friendly and didn't shy away from flirting when someone caught his attention.

At the river now he stepped over to sit down by the shore so he could remove his bracers on his arms and legs followed by his shoes. He pulled off his sash and shirt to set down, revealing his muscular tan torso littered in battle scars from many years of fighting. The staff of Hermes he had now healed him when he was injured, but the time before that he had spent all of his life fighting and surviving.

He looks up when Bacchus comes over with the soaps and takes the bar graciously but does not reach for the vial. "Thank you, I'll use this but you keep the other. My hair's course texture requires different washing techniques than those with smooth hair like yours, these are intentional not because it's dirty." Alexios explained as he lifted some of his dreads and braids. He then stood and went ahead with removing the rest of his coverings completely shamelessly. Alexios knew he had a nice body and would walk the streets like this if he could. Completely nude he walked into the river to the deeper part and knelt down to begin splashing the water onto his face and body, using the bar of soap he was given to scrub off the sweat, dirt and blood of his enemies off his skin. It was like watching Ares cleanse himself after a hard battle fought the dirt being carried away by the water's current.

[goldentemplariumcrow]

A gentle and inviting smile forms on his lips once the warrior introduced himself, then he gestures to the small temple he tends to in an invitation for the man to relax.

"Refuge you have within these walls, but of you I ask nothing." Those green and blue eyes turn their focus back to Alexios, completely unafraid of him despite their clear difference in build. "I'm named Bacchus, and all who come with their weapons sheathed are welcome here." No matter if the person is exhiled, poor, rich, lost, or wounded, he's never turned those who come to him for refuge back. "Just, please, no kneeling. We speak as equals."

"Now, come. I'll show you to where you can rest and refresh yourself." So polite. Casual, but polite, a certified way to make most people in all Greece to feel safe and welcome when in his presence — not that Bacchus needs to be, who would be afraid of a man of his size and structure?

He takes Alexios down a small beaten path by the side of the main building and to the back where there is a small patio and another two smaller buildings, one that was clearly the warehouse where food was stocked, and the other where the man himself should live all alone, since it was visible that there was no one else in the perimeter. A priest isolated from the world because of his curse, but still willing to help those who were brave to come for his help.

"It's not much, but I hope you find imyour stay comfortable." He pulls the curtain that serves as a divider for privacy to the side to show a small room with good airflow, a cot that's comfortable just from the looks of it, a small table and bench to sit on and a couple of amphoras filled with drinkable water; by the window there are a couple of vases with herbs marigold and eucaliptus to keep insects away. "Do you need anything? If you're hurt, I can tend to your wound." He, unfortunately, can't offer food right now, but that can be remedied by the fruits on the bowl over the table.

The warrior was surprised by the sight of this beautiful and delicate man that his breath caught in his throat and it took him a moment to find his words again. "I heard of a seer and healer who was unable to cure themselves and I wished to help." Alexios answered as he approached the other and knelt before him respectfully.

"I am Alexios of Sparta known across Greece as the Eagle Bearer, a great warrior indeed but a weary one." He lifts his gaze up. "I simply seek refuge in your temple and in return I can help you."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

Many lovers... the way Alexios spoke felt like he'd been alive for so long, but he wasn't that old in appearance, maybe a decade older than the blond himself if he had to guess. The feelings the mercenary expressed though, those felt heavy in the way he expressed, to love and be loved so passionately for any amount of time... that sounded like something out of a legend to the blond male.

And then, there was water all around him.

Oh, this would haunt him for days! Bacchus wasn't clumsy, had never been, but he was distracted and comfortable getting to know a little more about the man that, in his childhood and teenage years, had been the source of nightmares to himself. So, this one little display of carelessness happened and he knew this would be in his mind for a while.

One of his hands instinctually tried to find some support on the man when his body was lifted from the bottom of the river and he more or less clang to Alexios while being cared — not without taking notice of his strength though.

"Do I even weight anything to you?" He tried to return the attempt of lighting the mood, and once his body was lowered to the shore, Bacchus looked around himself to assess his whole body. "I think I'm fine. My apologies for the inconvenience."

"Do not forget, Ares himself quakes at the sight of Aphrodite. War trembles when faced with love and beauty." The priest spoke in a friendly tone as he reminded Alexios of that, beauty and love could start and end whole wars. "You might want to thread carefully so to not stumble into such pitfall." He warned in a caring tone while watching the tanned and strong muscles be flexed, blushing a little at the sight, but more comfortable now that he was certain it was fine to look at him.

Then, he listened about the pet eagle that gave Alexios' his accolade and about what he intended to do, how he accepted his suggestion of helping the people at the small city down the hill, and nodded to all of that. The misthios' line of thinking was partially right, there was a chance the people could change their minds if they knew that even though Bacchus himself couldn't help them, he heard and sought ways of aiding them with their needs.

"I seek nothing by sending you their way, but the thought counts. Thank you."

Bacchus then pushed himself to stand up, with all intentions of giving Alexios some privacy to finish washing himself and relax in peace, but the second he stepped to the side his foot caught on his own clothes and Bacchus stumbled to his side and into the water, splashing some on Alexios and taking a brief moment to pull himself back to surface, then taking even longer to remember the fabric of his clothes was light and so, became translucent when wet, allowing the misthios to see some of his body once he pulled his hair back again — the soft lines of a healthy, but frail body, the pale skin of his chest in contrast with his pink nipples, some of the scars he carried from past tortures, specially the ones on the side of his body that were made by hit iron that came in contact with it and a straight one on his left arm that looked a little too much like he cut of a blade that nearly cut the limb off. And to complete the sight, it was like someone had poured a whole amphora of sweet wine in the waters, because the scent that Bacchus believed to be the reason for his namesake became evident once he was all wet, one could easily get drunk on that alone.

"S-Sorry." Quick to apologize, the blond pulled himself together and tried to straighten himself to the best of his skills. "I lost my balance."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

"Do not forget, Ares himself quakes at the sight of Aphrodite. War trembles when faced with love and beauty." The priest spoke in a friendly tone as he reminded Alexios of that, beauty and love could start and end whole wars. "You might want to thread carefully so to not stumble into such pitfall." He warned in a caring tone while watching the tanned and strong muscles be flexed, blushing a little at the sight, but more comfortable now that he was certain it was fine to look at him.

Then, he listened about the pet eagle that gave Alexios' his accolade and about what he intended to do, how he accepted his suggestion of helping the people at the small city down the hill, and nodded to all of that. The misthios' line of thinking was partially right, there was a chance the people could change their minds if they knew that even though Bacchus himself couldn't help them, he heard and sought ways of aiding them with their needs.

"I seek nothing by sending you their way, but the thought counts. Thank you."

Bacchus then pushed himself to stand up, with all intentions of giving Alexios some privacy to finish washing himself and relax in peace, but the second he stepped to the side his foot caught on his own clothes and Bacchus stumbled to his side and into the water, splashing some on Alexios and taking a brief moment to pull himself back to surface, then taking even longer to remember the fabric of his clothes was light and so, became translucent when wet, allowing the misthios to see some of his body once he pulled his hair back again — the soft lines of a healthy, but frail body, the pale skin of his chest in contrast with his pink nipples, some of the scars he carried from past tortures, specially the ones on the side of his body that were made by hit iron that came in contact with it and a straight one on his left arm that looked a little too much like he cut of a blade that nearly cut the limb off. And to complete the sight, it was like someone had poured a whole amphora of sweet wine in the waters, because the scent that Bacchus believed to be the reason for his namesake became evident once he was all wet, one could easily get drunk on that alone.

"S-Sorry." Quick to apologize, the blond pulled himself together and tried to straighten himself to the best of his skills. "I lost my balance."

A soft and light-heart laughter escaped the priest when seeing the twinkle in those dark oak colored eyes, because that gave Alexios an eager look that almost made him youthful, as if all the darkness he knew had vanished for a single moment.

"I don't think I have much use for you. Help is always welcome, of course, but I don't have a job per se for you." He leaned forward to support his chin on the ball of one hand as his elbow rested on his knee. "Ah! But I know the foreman by the market has been looking for someone who can fetch him wood for the carts he's been working on, and the weaver that lives by the fountain needs someone to pick up dyes at the village by the North side of the mountain. Maybe you can help them." Bacchus thought of others more than of himself, but it also often came back to him somehow, either in drachmae, offerings to the temple or material he could use on his daily needs.

Of course, Bacchus could use some help with fixing some parts of the temple or even just having some company for a few days, but he wasn't the kind that thought of that. He put others before himself and that was one of the intrinsic reasons the corruption of the Cult Of Kosmos never sticked to him.

"The people who raised me... They often said that you were a monster, big and ragged, that you moved like war incarnated, possessed by Ares himself, left destruction and chaos wherever you went." He explained. "Beware the Eagle Bearer, he'll have your head the second he hears that you're one of us — I was never one of them, they could move freely and come and go, I was locked away from the eyes of my brilliant god, Apollo Maleatas, kept in chains and ropes, told that I was to be heard only when spoken to and seen only by those they allowed. They said that you'd have me dead for being myself... but in truth, in a way, you're the one that freed me. I escaped a couple of years ago when you killed my "teacher"."

"If anything, I'm the one indebted to you and should be offering to do whatever you want." Bacchus' soft smile was warm as he considered his choice of words and the reality that presented itself to him now that he got to learn more of the truth. "Alas, I don't think there's much I can do or offer to a man like you. A place to stay, hot meals and my company, but I don't have much more to give."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

The feeling of a coarse hand on his own was reassuring to Bacchus, as someone who was kept away from any contact with other humans and, really, any source of interpersonal warmth, he craved those small displays to be certain of his actions and words.

"Do you mind if I...?" The priest asked before he slowly and carefully reached with both hands to cradle Alexios' cheeks, feeling how his short beard prickled his palms in a funny way as he loooed at the man and tried to find any of the monster he heard so much about, but finding none of that.

Alexios had warm eyes, there was strength in them and fierce determination to see through to what he decided would be his life's purpose, some danger too given his profession, but... no monster. Bacchus couldn't find a single line of ambition beyond what was reasonable, nor the bloodthirsty warrior that he was told about so many times and that was used as a reason to keep himself hidden; just a man who, clearly, had seen, done and been through way more than he should.

"The fear they inspired in me of you... but you're nothing like they said." Bacchus confessed as his hands were pulled back to his lap. "My whole life I heard you'd behead me the second our paths crossed, because you hate seers and oracles."

At the simple mention of the Cult Of Kosmos, Bacchus shrank a little, one hand immediately went to the opposite wrist while the other reached for a spot on the curve of his neck that was hidden under the light fabric of his clothes, touching the scar he had there as if it was still painful and itchy to feel it.

"Prophecies aren't set in stone. Although hard to change, they aren't immutable. Your sister could as easily have been a great leader." The blond looked at Alexios, grateful for the waters that clear as they were didn't allow for proper sight of his lower half. "I know it makes no difference, but I'm sorry for your suffering and losses." He truly was.

Some of the points he'd been fed his whole life made sense now, the reason the Cult Of Kosmos kept him under surveillance and locked away, how they used and abused of the blessing the gods gave him, they tried to prevent their own demise in the hands of the Eagle Bearer... This man in front of him, bathing in the same waters as he did, was their demise and had been painted as a monster to Bacchus through all his life, but all he sensed from Alexios was the complete opposite of what he was told; not vicious or bloodthristy, but lonely and weary of the years of back and forth with them.

With a light hand, Bacchus dared to risk touching Alexios on the shoulder in order to display his empathy and understanding of the man's situation to him; delicate and soft fingers traced a scar for a brief moment before he gave the strong limb a light squeeze and he smiled.

"Greedy and power corrupt with ease. Don't bash yourself for the flaws of those who fall into their web and bow their heads to the Serpent God." Bacchus tried to comfort the mercenary. "You do good work slowing their growth the way you can."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

At the simple mention of the Cult Of Kosmos, Bacchus shrank a little, one hand immediately went to the opposite wrist while the other reached for a spot on the curve of his neck that was hidden under the light fabric of his clothes, touching the scar he had there as if it was still painful and itchy to feel it.

"Prophecies aren't set in stone. Although hard to change, they aren't immutable. Your sister could as easily have been a great leader." The blond looked at Alexios, grateful for the waters that clear as they were didn't allow for proper sight of his lower half. "I know it makes no difference, but I'm sorry for your suffering and losses." He truly was.

Some of the points he'd been fed his whole life made sense now, the reason the Cult Of Kosmos kept him under surveillance and locked away, how they used and abused of the blessing the gods gave him, they tried to prevent their own demise in the hands of the Eagle Bearer... This man in front of him, bathing in the same waters as he did, was their demise and had been painted as a monster to Bacchus through all his life, but all he sensed from Alexios was the complete opposite of what he was told; not vicious or bloodthristy, but lonely and weary of the years of back and forth with them.

With a light hand, Bacchus dared to risk touching Alexios on the shoulder in order to display his empathy and understanding of the man's situation to him; delicate and soft fingers traced a scar for a brief moment before he gave the strong limb a light squeeze and he smiled.

"Greedy and power corrupt with ease. Don't bash yourself for the flaws of those who fall into their web and bow their heads to the Serpent God." Bacchus tried to comfort the mercenary. "You do good work slowing their growth the way you can."

With his eyes still downcast, focused on the small ripples that formed on the water when the gentle current touched his toes, Bacchus heard the small compliment about his living place — or was it about this meadow? — and nodded in agreement with that.

"This place?" He tried to clarify if Alexios meant the temple or where they were. "A healer must know how to forage and, when I got here for the first time, there was moss growing on the stones and walls of the temple, so I followed it, because the side where moss grows usually indicate a source of water nearby, or the way the wind hits when there's rain." One of the few things he learned by growing up all cooped up in caves and cells. "And where there's water, usually, there are plants that favor growing by it too, like orchids. I know popular belief says their parts can be used to help with a baby's sex, but that's nonsense, they can, however, be used in multiple ways to ease cramps, help with digestive issues and to soften skin, and they release a viscous substance that's hard to wash, so when one mixes that with poisonous powders and dips the tip of an arrow into the concoction, it leaves a nasty burn and makes for a hard time to clean the wound." Bacchus smiled. "And they can be used in aphrodisiacs too, but that's not something I'm proud of saying I know how to produce, even though I haven't had any complaints from those who sought my help with that before."

That was a rarity among priests, one that didn't simply rely on prayers, offerings and sacrifices to the gods to get things done the right way; Bacchus was educated and unafraid of using what he knew to help those around him, hence his title as a healer.

"As for the temple itself, it was abandoned when I got here. Seems like the old caretaker angered the gods and left in an attempt to escape their wrath, so the people had been without care for a while and... well, one doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth when they're desperate." Bacchus splashed some water when he lightly kicked it. "The people were happy to have someone that could talk to the gods again and heal them, their shunning started when their leader came to me with his child and I helped, but also had a vision of what was to come of their fate. Needless to say they didn't listen to my words and the child suffered the consequences of their choices..." A soft, sad and tired sigh escaped him as those painful memories flooded his mind and made the priest pull all of his hair over one shoulder t run his fingers along the ends of the golden locks in an attempt to soothe himself. "They come to me when there's no other options now, prefer to travel for days to go to another city for help. But they also never stopped bringing offerings to the gods and trust me with that, so I respond in kind to them and continue to be a bridge between them and the heavens."

Gathering his courage to look at the man again, even though he knew his cheeks would go flush with pink the second his gaze met the naked body, Bacchus lifted his head and faced the small challenge that that represented to himself.

"Please, forgive my forwardness, but we don't receive a lot of people like you here, you're long ways away from Sparta. So, I'm curious as to what brings a man like you to these parts." The blond leaned forward a bit. "I know you said you heard of me, but I don't believe for a single moment that you meant your words about aiding with my lifelong condition."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

The commentary about participating in an orgy had Bacchus' cheeks taking on deep shades of red and he lowered his head to hide it some with his hair and bangs, for he'd been isolated for most of his life until the day he escaped his jailers, kept in darkness, deep in caves, chained to walls or tied by rough ropes to be used as they desired, either as a seer or a healer he was a tool to them; thus, that sort of activity was one he only heard of and, given his conditions in life, one he figured would never be part of his experiences.

"Eyes of different colors are commonly believed to be a sign that one is inhabited by a daemon sent by the gods to punish them." Not an explanation Bacchus thought he needed to give Alexios, but then, he didn't know the man, so he did it. "In my case, I fear the common wisdom might have an inkling of truth to it." Since they walked by the main building, Bacchus left his basket by the side of the backdoor and followed Alexios down the path that he indicated to the river. "I'm gifted in the arts of healing, but to apply my balms and oils I must touch another person and in coming in contact with them, I see what was and what might become of them. Discernment shows me what's most probable given their patterns of decision making and so... foresight comes to me."

Same explanation he gave so many times, and the same that gave him scars on his back, ankles and wrists; all covered by his chiton, anklets and bracelets right now, but that were there as reminders of the cruelty of those who raised him. It wasn't a perfect view of the future, that could be changed, but in speaking of it, most people somehow focused so much in avoiding their possible fates that ended up falling right into what the priest described to them.

"I never intend for those who seek my guidance to hurt themselves. But I can't stop them from deciding their own paths." His fidgeting with the end of the piece wrapped around his neck gave away how honest he was when speaking of that. "Hence the rumors that I bring misfortune — that and the whole shock some have when they find out I'm a man; can't count in my hands how many get surprised by this." The last part was brought up to lighten his own mood and Bacchus chuckled while remembering the surprise on the faces of some who were brave enough to visit he.

The meadow where the river was located was indeed serene and beautiful, the river had a slow flow of crystal clear water, the white ruins from the old temple reached up from the tall grass to the sky a little to the back, and the folliage of he trees gave a good coverage from prying eyes. Like the priest said, some amphoras and vases were placed by the side of the river near a fallen pillar, and he even engineered a bucket that was hung from a tree branch to keep his cleaning products safe from most wild animals. A little piece of a peaceful paradise.

"See? Not far away at all." His smile was bright as he lowered the bucket and handed a small vial to Alexios. "Here. This is for the hair. Just massage it in and all the gunk from sweat and sea salt comes out." Then a block of hardened fat that smelled like marigold and olive oil. "And this is for the body." Little things that showed his proficience with herbs, leaves and medicine, a display of care with one's body that wasn't all that common in the big cities, much less in remote locations like this. "It'll help you wash off better. Just rub on yourself with this piece of cloth and you'll good as new."

"I think so. I don't know who named me, but the explanation has always been that I smell of grapes." He did indeed, it was faint in open spaces, but it was there, his skin sweet as could be regardless of how clearly there was nothing to bring that scent out at all. "I guess I reminded the person of the Bacchanalia festivities." He chuckled and shrugged, too used to being an outsider to truly mind the small things that so clearly pointed to his alien nature to the rest of society.

Once he showed the place to Alexios, Bacchus stepped outside the room to give him time and privacy to look around and find out if something more was necessary to make his stay comfortable.

"There's a bathhouse down the hill in the city if you're willing to walk down there. And a small river that runs by the side of the temple, just a small walk down the path, you need only follow the white rocks." He instructed. "It'll lead you to some destroyed ruins of the old temple — the one that this was built to replace, — I placed some vases and amphoras there for use, since I'm not allowed in the bathhouse. You can use it too if you want." He raised his head from looking at the basket of herbs he'd been carrying. "Just don't go there at night. I do bathe there at night once my duties are fulfilled." A small request for privacy, but also, Bacchus could do nothing if Alexios decided to be curious and spy, so it was all his choice.

"Might I ask... what was it that others told you about my conditions?" The priest asked softly, not wanting to pry, but knowing the two kinds of line of thought the locals had, he felt the need to be aware of what they told the man. Some believed the priest cursed by the gods, thought of him as an anomaly because of his eyes, but were not aware of the rest of his conditions, that group would often say he was just cursed with bad luck; meanwhile, the other rumors he knew of often described him as a walking disease that being touched by him lead to death and misfortune, that he was a daemon sent by the gods to punish those who defiled the temple. "I'm curious."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

"I think so. I don't know who named me, but the explanation has always been that I smell of grapes." He did indeed, it was faint in open spaces, but it was there, his skin sweet as could be regardless of how clearly there was nothing to bring that scent out at all. "I guess I reminded the person of the Bacchanalia festivities." He chuckled and shrugged, too used to being an outsider to truly mind the small things that so clearly pointed to his alien nature to the rest of society.

Once he showed the place to Alexios, Bacchus stepped outside the room to give him time and privacy to look around and find out if something more was necessary to make his stay comfortable.

"There's a bathhouse down the hill in the city if you're willing to walk down there. And a small river that runs by the side of the temple, just a small walk down the path, you need only follow the white rocks." He instructed. "It'll lead you to some destroyed ruins of the old temple — the one that this was built to replace, — I placed some vases and amphoras there for use, since I'm not allowed in the bathhouse. You can use it too if you want." He raised his head from looking at the basket of herbs he'd been carrying. "Just don't go there at night. I do bathe there at night once my duties are fulfilled." A small request for privacy, but also, Bacchus could do nothing if Alexios decided to be curious and spy, so it was all his choice.

"Might I ask... what was it that others told you about my conditions?" The priest asked softly, not wanting to pry, but knowing the two kinds of line of thought the locals had, he felt the need to be aware of what they told the man. Some believed the priest cursed by the gods, thought of him as an anomaly because of his eyes, but were not aware of the rest of his conditions, that group would often say he was just cursed with bad luck; meanwhile, the other rumors he knew of often described him as a walking disease that being touched by him lead to death and misfortune, that he was a daemon sent by the gods to punish those who defiled the temple. "I'm curious."

A gentle and inviting smile forms on his lips once the warrior introduced himself, then he gestures to the small temple he tends to in an invitation for the man to relax.

"Refuge you have within these walls, but of you I ask nothing." Those green and blue eyes turn their focus back to Alexios, completely unafraid of him despite their clear difference in build. "I'm named Bacchus, and all who come with their weapons sheathed are welcome here." No matter if the person is exhiled, poor, rich, lost, or wounded, he's never turned those who come to him for refuge back. "Just, please, no kneeling. We speak as equals."

"Now, come. I'll show you to where you can rest and refresh yourself." So polite. Casual, but polite, a certified way to make most people in all Greece to feel safe and welcome when in his presence — not that Bacchus needs to be, who would be afraid of a man of his size and structure?

He takes Alexios down a small beaten path by the side of the main building and to the back where there is a small patio and another two smaller buildings, one that was clearly the warehouse where food was stocked, and the other where the man himself should live all alone, since it was visible that there was no one else in the perimeter. A priest isolated from the world because of his curse, but still willing to help those who were brave to come for his help.

"It's not much, but I hope you find imyour stay comfortable." He pulls the curtain that serves as a divider for privacy to the side to show a small room with good airflow, a cot that's comfortable just from the looks of it, a small table and bench to sit on and a couple of amphoras filled with drinkable water; by the window there are a couple of vases with herbs marigold and eucaliptus to keep insects away. "Do you need anything? If you're hurt, I can tend to your wound." He, unfortunately, can't offer food right now, but that can be remedied by the fruits on the bowl over the table.

[goldentemplariumcrow]

"I heard you like to draw." There's a very much unaware of his boundary breaking behaviour young and short man in front of the Green Lantern, his uniform is blue and although his appearance is human, the innerside of his hair lights up with a soft glow as it moves on its own. "If you're willing to show, I'd like to see some."

🐾 (from my blue lantern baby, Bacchus to Kyle)

[Boop the boys! || accepting]

"...What was that for?" That is a very surprised - and slightly confused - Green Lantern being brought to a complete stop by the unexpected. He's not upset, he's not angry, he's just a wee bit taken aback.

[goldentemplariumcrow]

@hljxrdan from here

"I'm technically on mission... more or less." Bacchus answered with a soft smile on his delicate face and tucked a lock of his long, now golden and lilac hair behind one ear, his appearance way more human than what he'd have at Oa, no golden marks all over his body or galaxy pattern going from the tips of his fingers to his elbows, same for the ones on his feet, the only thing that remained the same was his eyes, ome green and one blue. "You should get acquainted to Earthlings' culture and behaviors, that's what the council said." He shrugged.

Since he wasn't allowed to float around, it was easier to see how short he was, the top of his head could hardly hit Hal's collar bones line, and without armor of any kind, Bacchus was mostly flesh and bones, defined, but not enough to look manly.

"I hope I didn't interrupt anything. You looked quite uncomfortable with that lady all over you." He nodded at her direction, discretely. "You were making a face that exclaimed S.O.S, so I stepped in — looking like a girl can be useful at times."

[goldentemplariumcrow]

Open starter

The blond shouldn't react like this, but he'd been struggling for a while with his own needs and verging on going crazy because of such. The sense of responsibility was all that kept him going and helped his mind avoid what his body asked for, however, there was just so much such reasonable thinking could keep at bay and he'd been holding back for way too long.

So, it was no surprise to him that his body answered to those hands touching his sides when he laid down to have a pause from doing crunches, the warmth and light sensation left from his waistline to his hip had his muscles following the motions, his lower half lifted some from the ground with the fingers and he chuckled darkly under his breath.

"If you're going to play with fire, might as well just fall on it with your mouth." The blond teased as he ran fingers up his hair and pulled the golden locks backwards, still having his eyes closed.

[goldentemplariumcrow]

❤️ for my favorite icon of my muse - or anyone you feel the most muse for!

@stvtistics || meme

Dio

Felipe

Lio

Bacchus