Hektor bows his head as he glances at the shrine he's built. "Sweetest Aphrodite, goddess of love, how you hold the world with your tender touch and shine light into the darkest of places with your blessing that is love. Your beauty and grace flow from you and into the heart of the land we humans walk on. The only thing I ask of you today, Aphrodite, is the gift of love. I want nothing more than to have someone to hold for the rest of my existence and to love with all of my heart. I promise that if you may grant me the gift of having another one person to love I will never lose that person. I will hold them, dear, far past my death and will teach about your grace to others. I, Hektor, ask only this of you and thank you for all the love you've bestowed on this land," Hektor prays.

Hektor places a small bouquet of flowers he had picked earlier on his make-shift shrine. He silently prays that Aphrodite is okay with his offering. Knowing that she's the goddess of love, Hektor made sure to pick only the prettiest of flowers. He wishes he could've offered something a little more extravagant for her, alas his mother would've noticed if something of importance went missing.

Sighing loudly, he finishes up the rest of his prayers and starts packing his things. He promised his mother he'd be home in time for dinner and Hektor never likes to go back on his promises. Eyeing the flowers one last time, Hektor smiles and heads off towards his home.

For most people, the woods are forbidden. There isn't a law saying they weren't allowed in the woods, but most people fear the wild beasts that may hide among the trees. Hektor has learned over the course of his lifetime, that the stories of wild beasts in the woods are a myth. He'll gladly tell anyone to stay out though, because the woods are his little secret.

The crunching of leaves behind him startles Hektor, making him jump. He nearly trips and falls, but he steads himself before he has the chance. Slowly, Hektor turns, hoping that what he heard was nothing. He prays that it's only his mind playing tricks on him.

"Hello," Hektor calls. His voice is shaky and echoes around him, bouncing off of the tress. After waiting for a beat and hearing nothing, Hektor continues to the edge of the woods. He figures it must be nearing dinner time now and he really must be on his way.

The sound of a snapping branch stops Hektor again. Surely something must be following him. He could write the first noise off to a figment of his imagination, but the noise coming again can't be a coincidence. Something's following him.

Slowly, he turns around scared of what he might encounter. He doesn't speak this time, worried he might scare the thing off. Sweat has started to form on the back of Hektor's neck and his hands are starting to shake.

Not wanting to risk anything, he races out of the woods and into the safety of the outskirts of the agora. He keeps his eyes on his feet as he makes his way through the bustling market place. Being the son of a well-known town's baker, Hektor can't really go through the agora without being stopped once. However, he doesn't have time to stop and talk to anyone at the moment.

He pauses when he notices the apple sitting at his feet. Its skin is a yellow color and shiny. Hektor bends down and picks it up, hoping to find the apple's owner. His eyes are met with that of another.

The feeling isn't anything Hektor's ever felt before. He's looked into the eyes of strangers before, but he's never been so taken aback. It's as if Cupid followed him out of the woods and struck Hektor with a love arrow.

His heart beats twice as fast as normal as the boy's blue eyes meet Hektor's. The boy's skin is a beautiful golden color and his hair lays brown on his head. If he looks closely, Hektor can see a beard starting to dot along the boy's jawline. Hektor's sure he's never seen eyes as blue before in his life, the color challenging that of the crystal blue of the sea.

"I'm Ludovicus. I see you caught my apple," The boy says. Hektor glances down at the apple in his hands and starts to blush.

"I guess I did. Would you like it back?" His voice is shaky again and has risen nearly an octave. He prays to Aphrodite that Ludovicus doesn't see how nervous Hektor actually is.

"The point of you catching my apple is for you to keep it. It's for you," Ludovicus explains. Hektor's heart hammers faster. Everyone knows what an apple means, especially when you give it to someone. The blue-eyed boy smiles nervously and shifts his weight from foot-to-foot. Hektor can tell he's a little nervous as well.

"I'd better be on my way, thank you for the apple... Ludovicus," Hektor blushes. He looks down and blushes, starting to walk away. Before he can get too far, he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns and sees Ludovicus staring at him again.

"I never got your name," He mumbles.

Hektor looks down at the apple. "Hektor, my name is Hektor." The ends of Ludovicus' lips pull together into a smile. Hektor feels himself blushing again and quickly looks away.

"You better be going then, sorry if I held you up for anything, Hektor. I do hope we can meet again sometime," Ludovicus says. Hektor nods and scrambles off.

He walks the rest of the way home with a smile printed along his lips.

~_~_~

The next time Hektor sees Ludovicus is a total accident. Well... kind of, Hektor wouldn't right out say that he'd been watching Ludovicus from afar for a couple of days to know precisely when Ludovicus liked to hang out at the agora. He'd rather claim it as a coincidence, two souls fated to meet again in 'unlikely' circumstances.

"Ludovicus, how strange it is to meet you here again," Hektor starts. Ludovicus was browsing a few clay pots when Hektor had come up from behind him. He was scared, at first, that Ludovicus would think that Hektor was mental or clingy, but he only smiled.

"Entirely strange it is. How've you been doing the last couple of days? I will admit that I have missed your face," Ludovicus teases. He bumps Hektor's elbow with his own and gestures for Hektor to follow him as he continues to walk around the agora. Hektor, happily, follows.

"Oh... uh, thank you! I've missed seeing you as well, your eyes the most," Hektor stammers. His heart starts to race, and he silently curses for it to stay silent. Hektor prays to Aphrodite that Ludovicus can't hear his hammering heart.

"Really? I find my eyes to be quite dull. I really quite like my hair or... perhaps my lips. Your eyes are far more interesting than mine," Ludovicus flirts. Hektor can't believe how shameless he is about it. Hektor can barely form two sentences, nonetheless effortless chat up Ludovicus.

"They're just... green, your lips are rather interesting," Hektor sighs. He curses himself under his breath. He can't believe himself. 'Your lips are rather interesting?' is surely the worst thing Hektor could've said.

"Are you doing anything right now, Hektor? Besides talking to me of course," Ludovicus asks. The words on anyone else's lips would sound rude or hurtful, but Hektor can find neither in Ludovicus' words.

"Well, I've just finished my deliveries of bread. So, I'm not doing anything, no," Hektor answers. He doesn't add that the deliveries were finished ages ago and that he'd spent the last few minutes gathering the courage to approach Ludovicus.

"Good, would you like to go swimming with me," Ludovicus asks. Shock burns in Hektor, stunning him into silence. This is the last thing he ever expected. In all honesty, Hektor expected Ludovicus to hate him.

"Yes, absolutely, sure," Hektor stammers. He's sure his cheeks are bright red by now. Ludovicus smiles widely and links his arm in Hektor's.

When they get to the shore, Hektor watches as Ludovicus strips himself of his tunic and runs into the sea. Carefully, Hektor goes in after him. The water is warm and welcoming, practically inviting Hektor into the crystal blue seas.

Ludovicus hasn't swum out too far, so it doesn't take long for Hektor to catch up to him. They swim close to each other, neither saying anything. Hektor can feel Ludovicus' blue eyes staring into him.

"You know you are quite beautiful, Hektor," Ludovicus says. Hektor's cheeks flush and he looks away quickly. Nobody has ever called Hektor beautiful before. He always figured he was of average beauty, neither beautiful nor ugly.

"Thank you, but I'm rather average," Hektor replies. Ludovicus splashes water on Hektor playfully but draws him closer after. They swim mere inches from each other, their noses close to touching, but not quite close enough.

"You were created by Aphrodite herself, Hektor. Your heart is huge and surely made of gold. Your beauty is breath-taking. I can't believe I'm even talking to you, let alone spending time with you," Ludovicus argues. Hektor feels himself blushing even more.

"Say that I was created by Aphrodite, that would only mean that you were created by Apollo," Hektor starts. He sees confusion written across the boy's face and continues. "You, Ludovicus, are the sun personified."

Ludovicus shakes his head and squints his eyes as if he's trying to understand something. "The sun only blinds and burns, why am I the sun?"

The answer is simple for Hektor. "The sun provides light and warmth. It's a beacon of hope and happiness and you radiate that," Hektor explains. Ludovicus purses his lips to keep back a smile, but Hektor can tell that he's made the boy's day. It's only the truth, though, and he's surprised nobody's told him it before.

Silence falls over them again and Ludovicus treads the water closer to Hektor than ever. Hektor's chest rises and falls quickly as he notices how close they are. Ludovicus is staring at Hektor in a way that no one has done before.

His hand reaches up and hovers just above the skin of Hektor's cheek. He feels himself shiver, then pushes his cheek into Ludovicus' hand. "Would you mind if I kiss you," Ludovicus asks quietly, his eyes not leaving from Hektor's lips. He nods quickly, causing a smile to spread across Ludovicus' lips.

The kiss is nothing Hektor's ever felt before. He's kissed people before--friends and relatives mostly--but never something like this. His heart hammers hard in his chest and slows all at the same time. He can feel Ludovicus' other arm reaching around Hektor's side and pulling him closer. Hektor moves his hands to the boy's shoulders, allowing them to rest there.

Ludovicus pulls away only to place a few more quick kisses to the rest of Hektor's face. Hektor's never felt anything like this. It's so new and fresh, Hektor can only guess this is what the beginning of love feels like. Aphrodite's wish must have come true. 

"Why don't we go to the shore," Ludovicus suggests. Hektor almost says that he'd follow Ludovicus anywhere, but refrains. He swims after Ludovicus to the shore and they both collapse.

Ludovicus pulls his and Hektor's tunics and covers them both. "What do you want to do with your life, Hektor," Ludovicus asks. Hektor turns to his side so he can look at Ludovicus. One of his arms is behind his head and the other rests across his stomach. He looks like a god laying, enjoying the sun.

"Fall in love," Hektor says. "I will take anything else that comes, but I want true love." Ludovicus turns to his side, so they're finally facing each other. He takes Hektor's hand and tangles them together, allowing his thumb to soothing rub the back of Hektor's hand.

"I want the same thing. I'd also like to be in the Olympics and do Palé. My first match is in a week," Ludovicus explains. Hektor's never been into the games, but he knows that scores of men like to go to them.

"That's the one where you fight each other, right," Hektor asks. Ludovicus nods. He's seen a few of the matches. Each man gets naked and tries to pin the other to the ground. It's pointless to Hektor, but he'll support Ludovicus if that's what he wants to do with his life.

"I'd like you there at my first match if you don't mind. I have a teacher who's been helping me get better at it," Ludovicus sighs. Hektor nods, already imagining what excuse he'll tell his mother so he can go.

"I'll be there, next week you say," Hektor clarifies. Ludovicus nods.

They lay on the shore, talking for hours as the sun slowly sets and the moon takes its place. They talk longer still until the stars shine high in the sky and Ludovicus explains how each star has nothing on Hektor's beauty. They talk until they've said everything there is to ever say and until they both know that they want nobody but each other.

~_~_~

Hektor sits on cold marble as he waits for the sparring match to start. He's nervous for Ludovicus' first match, but he figures he's putting too much thought into it. Ludovicus is an amazing fighter and Hektor's sure he'll be fine.

A few people are gathered around the circle, hoping to watch the match. It's been the talk of the city for days now. Hektor spots Ludovicus' family sitting a few rows down from him and smiles. They'll be a family soon enough. His little sister, Doris, sits on the bench next to her mother, her red hair curling around her shoulders.

Light chatter among the citizens is silenced as a man steps into the makeshift pit. He's an older man, probably in his forties and has an impressive beard. Hektor recognizes him as he's been helping Ludovicus train for the last couple of months.

Hektor catches sight of his lover and throws him a smile. He could tell that Ludovicus is confident. The man he'd be fighting is a lot smaller than Ludovicus and thinner. It should be obvious who'd win, but Hektor's still nervous. He doesn't want to watch Ludovicus get hurt in any way.

The man motions for the two men to step into the wrestling pit. Ludovicus gives him a final wink before touching his forehead against the other man's. The two grab each other's arms and Hektor's heart speeds up with anticipation. He can't believe this is really happening.

It's hard for Hektor to keep track of who's winning and who isn't. Arms tangle themselves together and the boy's bodies get lost in each other. A mass of limbs. Every once and awhile, Hektor can make out Ludovicus' face or the opponent's arm. He screams until his chest burns anyway.

Suddenly, Hektor's breath is stuck in his throat and time has slowed. Every eye seems to be following Ludovicus' opponent as he skillfully maneuvers his way out of the Ludovicus' grip and grabs for a forgotten weapon. Hektor doesn't have time to say anything before the boy picks up an abandoned javelin and shoves it deep into Ludovicus' chest.

There's a moment of silence. Nobody says anything and watches in shock as Ludovicus falls to his knees. Hektor's vision goes blurry as he jolts out of his seat and runs to Ludovicus' side. People cry for Hektor to get out of the way, but Hektor won't allow Ludovicus to be alone.

Hektor's hands find their way to Ludovicus' sides. His green eyes scan over his lover's face. Ludovicus' eyes are wide and a bright shade of blue. Surely, Ludovicus knows what will happen next. Hektor knows what's happening, but he doesn't want to admit it. This can't be the end.

"No, please, Ludovicus, please don't leave me. I love you so very much. My heart will surely shatter if you leave me here without you," Hektor whispers. He smoothes back Ludovicus' brown locks and can feel tears dripping from his eyes. As strong as he wants to stay for his lover, he can't. How is he supposed to be strong when the only thing that makes him strong is dying before him?

"It's okay, Hektor, I'm all right. It's just a scratch. Don't cry, my love. I'll never leave you," Ludovicus mumbles. His voice is shaky and laced with pain. Hektor hates it. His lover's voice should never be laced with anything except happiness.

"I'm not crying," Hektor lies. He hurriedly wipes his eyes but knows that Ludovicus has seen it already. Ludovicus reaches up as if to run his hand through Hektor's hair as he's done time and time before this. His arm falls as if he can't even keep it up.

Hektor reaches for Ludovicus' hand and presses kisses to the caramel skin. Lacing their fingers together, Hektor rests his lover's hand on his own cheek. He doesn't want to think about how pale he's starting to look or the crimson blood that is pooling around them.

"I love you, I will always love you Ludovicus. You are my greatest love," Hektor says. No matter what, the last thing Ludovicus should ever hear is that he's loved. That way, regardless of what's to come after, Hektor's words will echo in his head.

Blue eyes that once held so much life, so much joy are now filled with nothing. The blue eyes that Hektor looks into now hold only a faraway look. Hektor knows he's gone. He feels a hand on his shoulder, but he can't tear his gaze away from his fallen lover. Why is the world so cruel?

"Hektor, we should leave," Someone whispers. Hektor recognizes the voice of Ludovicus' trainer. The muscled man with the impressive beard. Ludovicus always said he wanted a beard like that one day. Now he never will.

It's as if a blanket of sorrow has draped itself across Hektor's shoulders as he stands. His vision blurs around the edges, framing Ludovicus' body. His body, his corpse, it's all the same now. The hand guides Hektor away from the scene, away from Ludovicus.

Out of the corner of his eye, Hektor sees red. He turns and sees a confused Doris, looking for her parents. She catches his eye and her face lights up. "Hexie," Doris cries. She runs to Hektor, wrapping thin arms around his legs.

She doesn't know. How could she? Death shouldn't be something a small girl should know about. He wonders where her parents have gone. Regardless, he picks her up and hugs her tightly. "Hello, sweet Doris," Hektor murmurs. He holds her high and away from his face, hoping she won't see the tint of red in his eyes.

"What's wrong, Hexie," Doris asks. She reaches out and touches Hektor's cheeks. He sniffles and places her on the ground, carefully.

"I'm okay, Doris, where did your mummy and daddy go," Hektor reflects. He can't say the words that she should hear. He doesn't want to be the one to ruin the little girl's innocence. Doris shouldn't know death.

"I don't know," She huffs. Her eyes scan the crowd. They fall on her mother, who stands against her father, crying. As much as he wants to protect and help the child, he can't bear to look at her. The resemblance to the girl's brother is far too great.

"Hexie has to go now, Doris. Promise me you'll be a big girl for your mummy and daddy alright," Hektor whispers. He smooths down her red hair and presses a kiss to her head before sending her on her way.

"I can walk you home, Hektor," The trainer offers. Hektor can't look at him either. All Hektor sees when he looks at the man is Ludovicus' hopes and dreams. Hopes and dreams that Ludovicus will never get to conquer.

"I'm fine, thank you," He whispers. How is Hektor supposed to go on knowing that everywhere he turns he'll see a sign of Ludovicus? His arms and legs start to ache, and the small voice in his head whispers what he should do.

It's not hard to get hold of Hemlock. Walking through the woods, Hektor finds it easily. There are scores of people in the agora who are more than willing to help Hektor make all the Hemlock into a drink. They eye him suspiciously but don't say anything. Hektor's glad for it but hates the pitiful 'Sorry's from the citizens. Sorry won't breathe the life back into Ludovicus' lungs and it won't sew his insides back together. Sorry means nothing to Hektor and the last thing he wants is pity.

He allows his feet to carry him somewhere, anywhere. It isn't like he has any particular place in mind. Green eyes scan his surroundings as he walks.

Finally, he stops. Hektor glances around and sees that he's near the edge of the treeline. The green beneath his feet has worn to more yellowish color and his heart clenches as he remembers where he is.

The apple. The place where he met his one love for the first time. How could he forget? He can nearly taste the apple on his tongue.

"Great Aphrodite, please release me from the deep pain in my heart. You granted me the gift of love, only for Hades to tear it away from me. I promised that I would never forget the love you bestowed upon me, Great Goddess. I ask only that you may allow our united souls to find peace," Hektor says. His voice is shaky as he brings the bottle to his lips.

The bottle is quite large, as he had picked tons of Hemlock. He wanted to go quickly, not wanting to wait an hour or two for his death. The first sip is tart and burns the back of his throat. Everything in his body aches for him to stop, but he continues. His heart pumps steadily and he knows that soon enough he'll join Ludovicus.

His legs give out and time slows and speeds up all at once. Losing track of time comes easily to him as his chest starts to give out. Hektor hears gasps, but it's like he's underwater. If he shuts his eyes he can imagine he's under the sea with Ludovicus again.

He forces his eyes open, wanting to see the world that gave him Ludovicus one last time. A world that allowed Hektor to love couldn't be so cruel, right? Even a world that took that from him. Hektor has enough to be thankful for.

Green eyes focus on the woods straight ahead. His vision blurs to the point that everything is just different shades of green and the very blue sky. Blue, not quite the color of Ludovicus' eyes, but close enough. Close enough for Hektor to picture. It's like he's waiting for him there, in the sky.

The blue slowly morphs into white and he's finally free.

Ludovicus

651-632

Hektor

649-632

~_~_~

Hey guys! OMG IT'S HERE! AHHH So many of you are already so supportive and I'm so happy about that! This project means so much to me and I hope you guys enjoy it as much as me. This part is a little shorter than what I think the rest of them will be. I'm going to try to fit at least two 'dates' in each part.

I'd love to hear you guys theories about things throughout the story and anything you guys catch that could mean anything else either. There are so many little details that will litter the rest of this and I'm excited to see who all is going to catch them all!

Thanks so much for reading and I hope you guys enjoyed!~B

QOTC: What was following Hektor in the woods?