Earthly Desires (Part 1)

Casseus' POV

We were all standing in front of the large ivy-covered building; most of us severely hungover.

Simos, Malreus and my sister had left for the docks early in the morning to go check out the contestants for the games, while the rest of us moved around the city, dropping off one-by-one for our appointed employment.

First to leave the group was Narray.

"So this is a mortal brothel... Hmp." Triton shrugged and grazed his eyes over the old, renaissance styled manor. "Not bad."

"It looks horrible." Narray was by far the worst off this morning. Her eyes held dark rings underneath and every few minutes she'd rush into an alleyway to vomit up some vile contents. It looked like a poison I could make with just tree bark, moss and the right kind of fungi. Disgusting.

My head was throbbing a bit, but not nearly as bad as Narray and Triton's. Serves them right for drinking so much last night. Claudeus nearly had exactly the same amount, but my brother never had the unfortunate blessing of waking up with a hangover. Lucky bastard.

"You're actually going to be a prostitute?" Asclepius asked Narray with a lifted, blond eyebrow. He'd slipped away near the end of the night to go to bed. A good choice.; Narray would've ended up pushing at least five more shots down his royal throat.

"Of course not!" The demi-goddess shouted at him. The streets were busy with a bustling crowd of people- all dressed as if they were headed to a formal festival. I suppose this was how the wealthy dressed here every day. "I'll just use some magic to put them to sleep and then make them think that we had sex. Easy."

"What magic?" Ash scoffed at her plan. "You only know earth, astronomical and ancestry. That covers the 'put them to sleep' bit, but you don't have blood magic to compel them?"

"Oh, shut up." She grumbled and crossed her arms. "I'll figure something out."

"Eh, just have fun with it." Triton gave her a pat on the back, but Narray wasn't in the mood for his jokes. She slapped his chest and walked up ahead, to meet her new employer.

Madam Keya- the mistress of the island, Mania.

"Let me go with her." I held Triton and Morpheus back when they moved to follow Narray. "The rest of you stay behind. We'll move together from here."

They nodded. Although I might've been one of the youngest children of the gods, I held a certain air of authority that most of the elder ones couldn't deny. The only two people who really had any say over what I did, were Malreus and my sister. I didn't mind listening to them- their advice and tactics were good, but the others I didn't pay much attention to when it came to plans and strategies. Call it egotistical or arrogant- I just believed I knew a bit better.

Claudeus was different though. I liked to involve him in what I planned and I did listen to his advice too; my brother was smart. Book smart. I was street smart. We made a good combination.

I ducked down a bit as I entered the manor. The door's frame was a bit too short. A red curtain hung over the entrance, covering the foyer in darkness and giving some purpose to the lit candles.

Narray looked around the large chamber. It was beautifully decorated; with luxurious, fur rugs placed elegantly on the floor, glass chandeliers and candleholders and a theme of dark red, magenta and light lilac running throughout the house.

This was clearly an expensive place for some entertainment- this Madam Keya clearly didn't spare any expensive to create an ambience of extravagance for her patrons. I hoped Narray would be treated well though; but I knew her well enough to know that concern would only annoy her.

I cleared my throat, signalling to the hollow hallways that we had arrived. Narray traced a finger over a golden bowl of potpourri. It was mixed with dark purple, red and green and smelt like a forest floor. Earthy, rich and rewarding. Was that what this Madam was trying to convey through her décor and subtle pieces of sophistication?

"Welcome to Manor Keya." A young woman stepped out from behind a white lace curtain, parting it from the entrance way with her hand. Her smile was filled with seduction and she eyed me with a delighted look. "How may I assist you today?"

I smiled and pointed to my dear friend. "Good morning, my lady. I've come to deliver your new addition."

Narray crossed her arms and glared at the girl. The young woman's eyes widened a bit and her smile stiffened- Narray was clearly not what they were usually sent. I could see why...

This young woman's light brown hair was beautifully curled and her make-up was lightly done. Her dress was powder blue and fitting in all the right places; her bare leg the most enticing treat. She smelt fresh and sweet, but not too sweet. This brothel clearly serviced more distinguished and wealthier clients than normal houses. Then, there was Narray.

She could be a lady when she wanted to, but mostly she dressed in hunter gear, with a reaper's cloak, black gloves and mud-covered boots. Her yellow blonde hair was tied to the side in a messy ponytail and it hung over her shoulder. Narray's green eyes were slanted and her porcelain skin was clear of any blemishes, but she looked incredibly sour and disinterested in being here.

"I see..." The woman nodded and quickly remembered her training. She smiled broadly and held out her hand to Narray; "Welcome. May I please see your pass and review letter?"

"Here." Narray said curtly and ripped the two documents from her cloak's side-pocket. She handed them to the woman with a look.

The young woman nodded and smiled up at me. I was clearly more interested in being here than the new member. "Thank you, sir. We promise to take good care of her here."

"Thank you-" I pressed for a name and she giggled melodically. "Sarina."

"A pleasure to meet you, Sarina." I smiled at her and she blushed down at the paper. Narray rolled her eyes at me instead. I was thought to respect woman and to always be polite- from an early age I noticed that it was easy to win a girl over with manners. A gentleman is, after all, just a wolf with patience.

"If I may," I added; "Will she be living here with you?"

"Yes, of course." Sarina nodded earnestly and smiled at Narray. "We have prepared a room especially for you. It's cleaned once every day and for the first month, you are allowed to choose your own clients."

"First month?" Narray looked up at me with wide eyes.

Sarina thought that the first month of choice was the problem, but it was actually the fact that Narray didn't think she'd be here that long. She wouldn't. I think... It all depended on how long Theia and Malreus' little 'mission' took.

"Oh, yes. You must have at least one client per day though. That's the rule for the first month, but after that, Madam Keya chooses our clients for us and how many we have."

"How many girls are here?" Narray asked Sarina with a hint of curiosity.

"Manor Keya only keeps the best thirty girls- the others are sent to more um... affordable places around the island."

She meant less respected and prestigious. These girls were the best at what they did. It nearly made me want to give one a try. But... I wasn't a man who needed to pay for entertainment.

"What if I don't perform well enough?" Narray asked with a hint of a bite. I shot her a look to cool her temper.

Sarina paid no attention to Narray's sass and remained respectable. She was good. "Madam Keya will decide what she wishes to do with you. It's all in her hands."

"My, Sarina..." A new voice entered the picture. "You made me sound so dictatorial."

Madam Keya, I presume...

She was utterly gorgeous.

I felt my eyes graze over her body and my smile turn up with pleasure at the creature walking towards me. She was smiling too, but hers held a sense of knowing- she knew exactly what power she possessed.

"Welcome." Keya purred and caught Narray's slanted glared from the corner of her eye. She smiled at her; "And welcome, Ray. Janina sent a messenger with your information yesterday. I'm delighted to finally meet you."

"Okay." Narray and Keya were the same height, but Keya's figure was slimmer, more cat-like, whereas Narray was slightly muscled and curvier. Both beautiful women, but something about Keya's copper eyes made me lick my lips.

She was older than me, definitely- of course, not really. I was a god, thus have lived for a very long time, but in appearance, I would guess her around the mortal age of thirty.

She grinned at me; "And you are?"

"Her friend." I gestured to Narray, my eyes fixed on the madam. "I merely came along to make sure she was in good hands."

"Oh, she is. I can assure you." Keya grinned at me and tucked her hands in front of her silk dress; it looked more like a robe, with its strings tied and knotted at the front. It was a champagne purple- a metallic lilac that brought out the caramel colour of her skin. Her hair was long and black, and more unruly than I expected from a madam of the manor.

"Excellent." I smiled down at Narray and winked; "I'll visit later then."

Narray nodded, but didn't reply. Instead, Keya spoke up from the front. "Sarina, why don't you show Narray her living quarters and where everything is."

"Of course." Sarina smiled broadly and gestured for Narray to follow her up the marble staircase. Narray sighed and shot me a look as she ascended the steps after the girl. "We have a bathhouse for the winters and a steam room on the top floor. The kitchens run all night, so if you get hungry, just call for food." Sarina smiled politely and was trying her best to make Narray feel welcome, but my old friend couldn't be bothered.

I looked back to find Keya already staring at me with that seductive smile.

I smirked and made a move to leave; "Well, I must be off-"

"Perhaps you'll visit her soon, yes?" Keya asked slyly. "To check-in?"

"Perhaps." I grinned back and we stared at each other in silence. An odd feeling of electricity flowed between us. "Do you plan on staying in Mania for long?"

I nodded; "My brother and I have been selected as Manos' new servants."

"A great honour." Keya looked impressed, "You must be thrilled."

"Hmm. You could say that."

She chuckled and stepped closer, her eyes looking up into mine with suggestion. "Then I assume I'll see you at the beginning of the games. Manos always brings along his new assistants."

"He likes to show off, does he?"

Keya purred; "I would too, if you were mine..."

It was better that I left now, before anything else happened. I took a step back and her expression shifted slightly. She wasn't used to rejection. I smiled politely and bowed my head; "Thank you, Madam Keya, for your hospitality, but I'm afraid I must be off. Time is limited."

"Of course. It was a pleasure, sir." She nodded and watched as I turned to leave, but I couldn't help but quickly glance over my shoulder and add; "Casseus. Call me Casseus."

"Alright... Casseus." Her smirk was back and I let her keep it.

Theia's POV

"This is bullshit." Simos shouted at the guard. He held up his all access pass, making sure it was the only thing the older gentleman could see. "I'm allowed into every ceviche of this island."

"Sir, we cannot let you through. Estra's orders."

"I work for Estra, you fool!" I pulled Simos back by his arm and quickly tried to rectify the matter, but the guard pointed at Malreus and me with annoyance. "But they don't. You can't enter. That's it. I'm sorry, sir."

"Utter crap..." Simos muttered and tucked away his pass, while he walked away from the dock's entrance with a few heavy curse words. The guard pretended not to hear them and let us leave quietly.

"Relax." I leaned in to whisper; "We'll find a way around."

"Theia's right." Malreus walked up beside me. "Entering from the front probably isn't the best idea anyway."

"Fine. Fine, but this place is on complete lock-down when the new participants dock. How do you propose we get past all the security?" Simos lifted his hands to the heavens, as if judging why the hell his pass hadn't gotten him exactly where he needed to be.

Simos had one important lesson to learn...

We were gods and this place wasn't prepared for us.

Malreus and I shared a cunning look and Simos frowned at our expressions. "Am I going to regret this?"

I scoffed and tugged him along to where the dock's border and Estra's fort met; "Not even slightly."

Claudeus' POV

Our next stop was the Quantallus Bank- the most powerful bank on earth.

We entered the large building, our eyes lifted high to meet the ceiling. "This place is massive..." Morpheus muttered in awe.

"It's nearly as big as our palace." Casseus looked around with wonder and I nodded. Triton and Asclepius had decided to stay outside and wait. They weren't in the mood for people- I wouldn't be either with that bad of a headache.

"There." I gestured with my chin at a long, black marble counter where three young women sat. The reception, most probably. I led the other two forward towards the woman on the far right. She smiled up at us when we entered. "Good morning; how may I help you?"

"Our friend is here to start his employment with Director Helius."

The woman lifted her hand up; "Papers, please." I handed her the documents- the pass and the letter of review from Janina. She nodded with thanks and quickly scanned the paper.

Casseus and Morpheus were busy admiring the high building. The foyer's ceiling went up with at least six or seven stories, but around the foyer, in the shape of a square, the different floors were built- all packed with large offices.

There were at least a hundred people walking around, doing their jobs for the day and minding their own business.

"Which one of you is Morph?" The woman asked impatiently.

Our cousin stepped forward and placed his hands on the counter. "I am."

"Alright, follow the stairs up to the top floor and report to the young man at reception. Here is your bank pass."

"Another pass?" Morph muttered, but the woman had heard him loud and clear. "You'll need it to enter the top floor- the Director's floor."

"Thank you." He nodded and moved to take back his other passes, but the woman held onto them and shook her head when he tried to take them from her. "I'm sorry, but these need to be sent to the director immediately. He will pass them back to you when he's done. Now, please; you're already late." She pointed to the stairs and with a pointed glower, suggested for him to get going.

Morpheus was not the most punctual person on the planet- that's for sure. If this Helius was a man who appreciated time-management, he might not find Morpheus' tardiness very enjoyable.

"See you guys later? At the tavern?"

We both nodded. Casseus smirked at him; "Don't look so pale; have fun."

Morpheus rolled his eyes, but turned quickly towards the stairs to meet with his new employer. We watched him jog up the stairs, two steps at a time.

"So who do we deliver next?" I asked as we walked towards the exit.

Casseus shrugged; "Let's deal with Ash. He's starting to complain about the long walk."

"Good idea..."

Theia's POV

"I regret this. I regret all of this."

"Oh, shush." I nudged Simos' side in the darkness and heard Malreus curse; "Hey!"

"Oh, sorry! I thought it was Simos."

The three of us were huddled under a thick, fur blanket, on top of a horse-drawn supply cart. Malreus and I had led Simos towards the edge of the docks where I'd seen a small horse stable and a large sign that said 'Dock shipments'. The old man working there was more than happy to let us inspect his barn for fleas and pests after we'd convinced him that we were part of the Aetios' health and safety department. I didn't even know if that existed, but mention the word Aetios and flaunt any random gold coin around and you have yourself a believer.

We timed it perfectly. The next supply cart- the one we were currently hiding in- was scheduled to head into the docks in a few minutes. It was short ride there, but once inside, we could move around on the rooftops and sneak by the guards.

Sure, compelling the guard at the front of the entrance would've been easier, but then what about the other fifty guards inside the complex and stationed around it? We'd have to be stealthy and honestly, I think that's exactly what the three of us were best at.

If only this method wasn't so smelly. Ugh.

"What in Gaia's name is that?" I whispered under the blanket of darkness. I couldn't see a thing, but I could smell and I really wish that that sense would just disappear too.

"I think it's cheese?" Simos muttered back, but Malreus moaned and moved closer to me.

"I just touched it- it's definitely not cheese."

"Ugh, great." I mumbled under my breath and closed my eyes. The black was exactly the same. "Now I'm regretting this."

"I am never listening to you two again." Simos whispered and was about to say something else, but then the barn door opened and a few men started to shout.

"This the one?"

"Number five, yes. Get it going already. It's ten minutes late."

"Yeah, yeah... Delicate goods?"

"Nah, just produce and some blankets."

Oh, good. That meant these men didn't care if we had a bumpy ride or not. This was just getting better and better. I really hate my ideas sometimes...

"Open the doors."

A loud creak sounded and a tiny sliver of sunlight made its way through the thick blanket. We still couldn't see properly, but at least now I could make out five fingers if I held my hand really close to my face.

The horses started to trot and the large, wide cart hopped on the gravel road. I hiccupped from the sudden jolt and held in my yelp. At least no one would hear us whisper over this noise.

"It's getting hard to breath." Simos grumbled and I felt a hand feel around on my one side.

"What are you doing?" I asked in annoyance.

Simos was concentrating on something; "Trying to see if they have alcohol in here too."

Malreus dryly asked; "Your oxygen depletes and your first thought is to grab the nearest bottle of Pinotage?"

"No, gods. I hate red wine."

"Oh, silly me..." I could hear the eye-roll in Mal's voice.

"Hey!" I yelped and Mal nearly jolted up on instinct. "What? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I growled at Simos under the blanket and he chuckled sheepishly; "Sorry, I guess that wasn't a melon I just grabbed."

"No, it definitely wasn't."

Malreus snarled from my other side; "Keep your hands to yourself."

"Okay, okay... Gods, sorry." Simos muttered to the darkness and I felt him lay still again. We waited a bit for the ride to get better, but I think it wasn't that the road was getting smoother, I think we just got used to the uneven ground.

I decided to turn around and lay on my stomach to ease the impact. It was a bit better, but now the smell was worse. Gods...

I closed my eyes again and tried to focus on a plan once we were inside, but a sudden touch froze my entire body. My eyes shot open and narrowed with anger.

"Who's hand is on my ass?"

The two men gasped as if on cue, the hand withdrew and they both shouted at each other with scolding anger; "Simos!"

Simos bit back; "Malreus!"

"What's wrong with you?"

"Me? What's wrong with you? Pervert!"

I grumbled into the blanket underneath me and closed my eyes. Never again.

"Both of you shut up!" I hissed at them and the noise died down. Perhaps that was slightly harsh, but I think the smell was starting to affect my mind.

"Hold it." The familiar voice of the guard halted the cart and our way-in came to an abrupt end. We jolted to a stop and I looked up in worry; my ears perked. The guard stepped closer.

"Produce and sleeping supplies?" He was reading something.

The cart driver replied quickly; "Yes, sir. First one in for today."

"Inspect?" The guard asked and another voice interrupted, most probably also a guard; "Rather not- it's fine. This one's got Durian in it."

"Oh, disgusting! Hate the stuff." The original guard muttered and waved the cart-driver thought. We started to move again.

The ride was a little less bumpy, but now the smell was even worse, now that we knew what it was. "Durian? The smelliest fruit in the world? These poor participants..." I whined and pressed my face into the blanket to block out the odour.

"Yeah, as if a man-eating werewolf wasn't enough torture." Simos agreed and Malreus added; "This stuff must be spoiled though- it's worse than anything I've ever smelled."

"Wait until they press into a smoothie with raw egg." Simos made a gagging noise and I shot him a repulsive look, but obviously he could see. I couldn't even make out his face.

"Really? Must you make this worse than it already is?"

"I can make it better...?" I felt a finger trail up my back and another slapped it away. Most probably Malreus'; "What did I say about keeping your hands to yourself?"

I heard Simos sigh dramatically. "You really are an annoying asshole."

"At least I'm not a depraved imbecile."

That was it- my patience was running dry. "You're both about to become severely handicapped if you don't keep quiet!"

Finally. Silence.

I pressed my nose back against the blanket and breathed in air that I couldn't taste. It was much better.

Then, slowly a hand traced down my head, twirling a strand of long, blonde hair around its index finger. It was Malreus; he was no doubt trying to soothe me.

Simos saw the outline of it and snarled at Malreus; "So I need to keep a foot's distance and you can just do what you want?"

"Yes!" Malreus snarled right back and I whipped myself around and back onto my back. With a hard smack to their stomachs, I winded them both and fiercely hissed; "I swear one more word and I will turn this cart around! Do you two understand?"

They were silent for a bit, until Malreus muttered; "Yes, sorry."

"Sorry." Simos added quickly and I sighed.

Never. Again.

Claudeus' POV

"I wonder how Theia and the guys are doing?" Triton asked with a rub to his temple. He didn't look too good- in fact, he was very pale.

I handed him my water flask; "Probably fine. They're always fine."

"Here we are." Casseus looked down at the piece of paper with the Archmage's address on it. We'd stopped a lovely old couple who had no issue with giving us the Academy of the arts' address. It was located far along the east side of the city, closer to the arena where Mal and Theia would participate later this week.

The academy was just as large as the brothel, perhaps a bit larger, but definitely no where near as big as the bank.

I pushed Asclepius closer to the front doors. "Well, get going. We don't have all day."

"You're coming with me. No way am I- the future emperor- going in there alone. What if they abduct me?"

"You're a god, Ash." Triton muttered and narrowed his eyes at his old friend. "What on earth can they do?"

"I don't know. Shave off all my hair?"

"Fine. Let's go." I muttered and pushed Asclepius forward. I wasn't in the mood for any of this; least of all having to introduce my cousin like he was my son about to go to school for the very first time.

"Hurry back." Triton moaned after us. "The sun's glare is getting worse."

We walked up to the reception- same process as always. The young man was friendly, yet slightly snobbish. He checked Asclepius' papers and directed us to take a sunny-lit hallway down towards the Archmage's chamber. He was busy with a lecture, apparently...

I doubted it was any good. This was the man who fled from my mother's persecution after he tried to start a magic revolt to suit his own needs. Blood magic was a dangerous craft- to allow mortals to weave it and wave it around like it was Earth magic was stupid. Not even some gods were allowed to use it as they pleased. Sometimes, for the good of the whole realm, rules needed to be obeyed.

Ever since Waldonius' escaped pursuit, the death toll of Blood magic incidents on earth have risen. Not by much at first, but now they're at an all time high. His supposed 'academy' was built to honour the once great Academy of Donata, but it was a hollow shell. The only thing that was a given here is that one way or another, if you were a student here, you'd find yourself hurt by Blood magic in some way or form. Either through your own doing, or through someone less careful and less sane than you.

It was a mess and Waldonius liked to be messy...

Although, you wouldn't be able to tell from his clinically clean office. It was a tad obsessive- the way he arranged his books according to colour and then title. I cringed when I noticed the faint smell of sage burning. A small incense diffuser stood to the side of his book cabinet with a long smoke trail wafting up from the hot porcelain.

"Welcome, welcome." A male voice said enthusiastically and then much less enthusiastically; "You must be Ash."

Waldonius stood up from the table beside the large window overlooking the ocean. His hair was shoulder length and blond and his clear blue eyes held some displeasure towards us. He looked unimpressed. The self-proclaimed Archmage snapped his fingers and gestured for the woman combing his hair to leave it and fetch him so coffee. She did so without a glance at us. "You're late."

"I apologise." Asclepius looked at me with a hint of frustration. He was not going to like this- not one bit.

"No matter." Waldonius scanned Asclepius up and down and sighed; "Do you at least know some magic?"

"I'm mastered in it." Asclepius replied slowly and narrowed his eyes. I nudged him. This was no time to get arrogant. This was his employer. Even I knew to bite my tongue here- a lot was on the line.

Now this news did impress Waldonius. "Really? Well, that's good news..."

"Am I not going to be your scribe?" Asclepius said with a slight tone of mockery, but Waldonius didn't catch it.

"Yes, and my scribe will need to know what it is that he's transcribing. I can't have a half-wit writing all of my potions and spells down. Don't be ridiculous."

My cousin and I shared a look. I pitied Asclepius for having to work with this ass.

Luckily though, quite a few of us were fully trained in all spheres of magic. My brother, sister and I were fully trained- so were Asclepius, Morpheus and Malreus. Out of the twelve children, six of us had completely Blood magic without any problems. Well, there were some problems, but minor ones. Not like when my parents had done theirs.

We were fortunate enough to have the best teachers and mentors and we did everything in our own time, which helped great deal. Our mother and father had helped us through most of it- especially with Blood magic. There were tough and trying times, but we had more support than any other class had ever had before- every grey area had been covered. Most mages weren't that lucky.

Casseus, Theia and I were just relieved by the fact that none of us had to mater my father's type of Blood magic. The god of death's abilities were unparalleled and it was a complicated and thorny process to even comprehend the reasoning behind his magic- never mind trying to actually perform it.

Triton and Narray were never the biggest fans of magic, so they hadn't mastered all five yet and most probably never will. Rhode was keen on mastering all crafts, but she was struggling a bit. The Blood magic, Illusionary and Astronomical were a bit trying for her. Uncle Hypnos' twins were quick learners and would most likely master all five too, once they were older. Finally, the prince Orpheus was still too young to have started with his magical training, but Emperor Apollo was keen on convincing his eldest, Asclepius, to do most of the training.

"Well, I'll be off." I said dryly and glared at the wizard's back. He didn't even respond. What a pansy. "The tavern, later."

Ash nodded at my words and walked towards the older man's desk with disdain. "Is there anything I can do for you, sir?"

"It's Archmage, you twit." Waldonius eyed him and added; "And no."

Asclepius clenched his fists and bowed with a stiff back. I chuckled to myself as I left the room. I wondered how long Asclepius would tolerate this mortal clown? I gave it a day... Maybe two.

Let's hope Theia's having better luck than poor Asclepius...

What do you all think of the two new characters- Keya and Waldonius? 
Soon we'll meet Helius, Estra and the infamous Manos too.

*Triton- prince of the oceans...