Story: Words Unspoken
Chapter: 10/10
Chapter Summary: Closure is found as rebellion takes first steps towards becoming an army...

Chapter 10: Wrath of the Gods

Nasir was certain he would not last much longer. Countless days passed upon crest of Vesuvius' peak had drained him in ways he had never before experienced and so he had no knowledge in how to appropriately manage dire situation.

Battle against Romans had claimed life of medicus and Nasir now stood as most knowledgeable in healing and the first man he had treated had been Oenomaus in the mending of skin over lost eye. Others received his treatment as well but the former Doctore had required much attention from his inexperienced hands.

He also retained count of supplies, knowledge that grew more disheartening with each day as food was consumed absent means of replenishing loss.

Most recently, much of his time was being taken with standing guard along single trail, his gifts preventing breach of enemy many times as they pressed often to keep rebels forever alert to drain strength with greater haste. Nasir had taken up responsibility of position, even going further by taking decision of whom to assign which post from Spartacus and they all now reported to him first and it was his task to determine what news was to be taken to rebel leader. The Thracian had at first held hesitation in allowing such integral task to be taken on by any other, yet he trusted Nasir deeply and allowed him opportunity. Now that Spartacus stood pleased with his handling of task, Nasir found desire that he had waited until he had settled other responsibilities upon others as he now never held moment to rest unless it be by collapse from exhaustion.

It had also given cause for many days to pass since he had spoken at length with Agron, a thing bringing unrest as well for he had nobody he would entrust revealing feelings of weakness to.

Such was of even greater truth now that Mira had been struck down.

Nemetes had grown restless and fearful and Nasir's friend lost life for his foolish choice. At least when Chadara had chosen ill path she alone had found punishment for such. The German had made choice and he remained to complain further of their dire standings as Mira lay dead.

This world seemed forever inclined to deny life to those most worthy.

Nasir paused in his movement and realized he had not been taking count of pouches of dried meats – so lost in thought he was – and now had to begin task anew.

"Fuck!" he hissed as he stood from his kneeled position, his head striking the thick canvas of the tent and he breathed another curse as his hair caught enough to pull painfully. Mira had been keeping count of supplies over the past few days to ease Nasir's responsibility as he adapted to organization of guard and so he now had to regain bearings so as to provide knowledge if needed.

Mira did not need to die. She should not have died. He could have made difference in fight that had claimed her, yet he had again been left behind. He had been administering treatment to Oenomaus when the group had departed to aid the Germans but he could have still been taken along. Had he not given proof that he could stand against the Romans now? Had his continued training – for training did not cease in their predicament but instead intensified – not given display of his skill adapting to now holding experience of fighting battle? Did he not continue to offer example of his value to rebellion or was he simply not enough to be entrusted with fight unless they all had to raise sword?

Mira had been trusted with as much. She had been trusted to stand at Spartacus' side. Why could Nasir not be given the same trust to stand at Agron's?

Sound of movement behind him brought Nasir's hand to grasp knife at his hip tightly, ready to draw weapon in defense. He no longer hesitated in reaction to unknown being to draw weapon as he held in beginning of his time bearing such option. He relaxed his grip though his body remained tense when he heard voice of Gannicus call his name. He had grown familiar with the Celt over time upon mountain for time shared at Oenomaus' side and was not surprised that he had been sought out now that tensions had again abated.

Expectation did not however mean company was welcome and Nasir desired solitude

"I have not finished taking count. I will report to Spartacus when ready," Nasir spoke in even tones to discourage thought that he held any interest in participating in meaningless breaking of words.

"Then I am fortunate to not be seeking such knowledge," Gannicus responded and Nasir was confused at such serious tone coming from a man of normally jovial temperament.

"Then reveal intent with haste so that I may return to task before taking evening post." Nasir realized how harsh his words were and kneeled again with a deep breath to calm his mind and rage. It was not so much a loss of control as it was rise of authoritative manner he utilized often as body slave when there had been much in need of completion.

He would not allow grief to give rise to habits of Tiberius.

"I seek only certainty that loss does not inhibit ability of one bearing much responsibility. As I bear so little I have leisure of seeking out such answers."

Nasir nearly believed words spoken, yet errant thought revealed truth.

"Spartacus would stand as one concerned yet knows I would not give him honest answer so he sends you in his place."

The Celt gave his usual wide grin in reply and Nasir realized belatedly how he may have revealed too much in his tempered claim. "Spartacus does hold concern and did request that I speak with you as we have shared company often. Do you hold such deep understanding of the man you claim prediction of his actions?" Nasir refused to face the former gladiator for hope that he could discourage continuation of conversation, pointless though he knew such endeavor to be. "Or does your knowledge be in more obscure skill?"

Nasir released disdainful breath as he focused upon satchels of food and resorted items for count to be taken. "You should not make attempt to speak in riddles. It does not suit you."

"You hold preference to pulling thoughts from my mind?"

Nasir's hand refused to grasp sack as he had intended. Had Gannicus truly discovered his gift by words broken between them over the past few weeks? No other in his life had realized truth of his talent and to have such experience was beyond Nasir's knowledge of how to respond. Fear made him question Gannicus' intent in putting truth to challenge. After all, there stood no reason for him to believe such impossible talent as truth.

"Do you believe words hold more sense with such accusation?" Nasir questioned though his voice did not remain as strong as he had intended.

"You forget I have travelled since freedom was given for many years and have seen what other people hold belief in. I know of value Syrians place in oracles and I have even met ones truly gifted. None, however, hold contest with your talents or command over such skill."

Nasir stood – mindful of curve of tent this time – and turned to face the man, giving pause in his words when he saw naught but sincerity upon expression of the Celt. He hesitated further as question rose within mind: why did he wish to deceive Gannicus so? He stood with rebellion even if he did not agree with purpose behind fight as others did. He would not betray them and had even accepted position of authority given for his great skill in battle.

Spartacus held trust in the man – as did Agron and Crixus – so was there truly reason to conceal gifts from him when he already knew of them? Habit of secrecy had dictated first choice, yet Nasir now believed it to be wrong path.

"You have met others of like skill?" It was neither confirmation nor denial of truth as Nasir found it yet difficult to admit to gift when the other knew of it already.

Gannicus gave another wide grin at revelation that he had been correct. "None who made such attempt to conceal ability when profit could be made for talent to commune with the gods." The Syrian nearly scoffed at humored response; the man was never absent wit. Seeming to realize the young man would not respond to humor, Gannicus shook his head and released a sigh. "Though none bore fear of ability you appear to hold."

"It is a thing as much a part of me as my origins of Assyria. It is not ability which I hold fear of but revelation to those who would abuse knowledge."

"A thing you must be most familiar with from former position."

Nasir ignored touch of memory's rise within him and altered path of conversation with haste. "How did you make discovery? Only Spartacus, Crixus, and Agron know and would not give revelation to any."

"The night guard was tested gave greatest hint, though suspicion was present already. Spartacus gave specific command to silence mind until wall was breached. Such was instruction given to gladiators often to remind them of strong minds bringing nothing into arena that may distract from victory."

"Instruction was greatly unnecessary as thoughts of former Champions are rarely errant. Nearly all heard from you three is purposefully received." Nasir directed his gaze to Gannicus with expression that spoke of his understanding that the Celt had begun their conversation with test of skills.

While not always apparently so, the freed gladiator was of a keen mind.

Understanding brought another smile to Gannicus' face. "I held suspicion something set you apart from other freed slaves other than your pairing with Agron as they would refuse to hold discussion concerning you if I was present. Then you requested that I leave you with them before we departed for Atella and Spartacus altered plan once words were broken. Then Spartacus gave command that specified I ensure mind wanders not when you are to be overcome by surprise. Then there are moments in conversing with you in which words broken are much too insightful to be possible without intimate knowledge of my mind."

If it were any other, Nasir held doubt that truth could have been reached through such series of events. Mira had spent much time with him and had never appeared to know of his gift. Chadara had spent much of his life as slave in his company and did not gain suspicion that he had served their master's thoughts instead of his commands. So many had passed through his life and only Gannicus had realized truth.

Relief replaced fear as it became apparent to Nasir that the Celt knowing of his ability would be of benefit to him just as telling Spartacus and Crixus had been.

Noticing the Syrian's relaxation, Gannicus reached out and grasped Nasir's shoulder briefly. "Cause is of fortune to have you within it. Shall I bring comfort to our leader's unease where you stand in accepting loss of friend?"

Nasir hesitated for a moment; honest answer was difficult to find. He had experienced similar conflict when Chadara had been killed for he knew not how to cope with such loss. To have friends suddenly gone from life was not experience he held and he had yet to discover how to accept occurrence with ease. That he was not the sort of man who held fast to negative events aided him greatly, yet he was not absent grief and bitterness to loss. Violence against Donar after Chadara fell and his short temper with Gannicus only moments previous stood as proof.

However…

"Ever since learning of Spartacus' vengeance against Claudius Glaber I have struggled in understanding how one could desire life of another in exchange for those lost. Actions of the living are wasted on sake of the dead." He took pause for calming breath as his mind raced with words he wished to say to convey message. "While I cannot envision taking such action myself, I now know of the pain that can lead to such need to spill another's blood. When opportunity presents to see Mira's death repaid, I shall do my part to see her death not be absent purpose."

Gannicus reached out again to take hold of Nasir's forearm, the gesture of brotherhood enough to put Nasir's remaining hesitation at revealing such emotions to any other than Agron to rest. "Spartacus will stand relieved at such conviction."

Satisfied with conversation's end, the Celt turned and departed from the tent and Nasir returned to duty of inventory, now holding capability of completing task with his usual proficiency.

Once he finished gaining accurate accounting of supplies he moved on to next task: taking forward guard position of path leading down mountainside. He ensured his weapon was secured at his hip and grabbed a length of thick cloth to wrap about his head to delay touch of cold from affecting him. He had always held sensitivity to colder climes and he seemed incapable of regaining warmth with such constant exposure to biting wind.

He spoke briefly with the gladiator already on guard as bow and quiver of arrows was passed between them. It had been a decision Nasir had passed along quickly to have such advantageous weapon utilized at positions where swords were of a disadvantage. Roman soldiers did not carry them so it meant all enemies that had made attempt were killed before threat was truly present. Nasir had not been given much training with the bow because of strain it placed upon his wound, yet Lucius had ensured he had at least gone over technique with the Syrian and the first few times he had taken duty he had used many hours undisturbed to practice skill to adequacy. Once weapon traded hands and brief report was given, the gladiator turned toward camp to take rest before returning in few hours to assume same task at different post.

Guard duty was well suited to Nasir. He was comfortable remaining idle for many hours while retaining attentive mind throughout entire duration. He could occupy his mind with ease without sacrificing awarenessattentiveness to surroundings. He could also identify sounds of nature from that of man quickly even absent talent of hearing unspoken words, the skill only enhancing his affinity for task.

He usually allowed his mind to wander so as to work through thoughts plaguing him. Ability to settle mind was crucial to his maintained control and while he was never close to action absent careful consideration he did rely upon clear mind to ensure his abilities did not overwhelm him. It was lesson well learned after weakness of his mind while injured allowed so many thoughts to penetrate him that he wished to never again experience and controlled mind was key to success in such desire.

He was about to consider conversation shared with Gannicus when movement upon path as curve dozens of strides away gained his attention. Gripping the bow correctly in his right hand – the red cloth wrapped about his wrist working well as protection against string striking skin while he yet learned use of weapon – as he drew an arrow from quiver and readied it in position to be drawn. While he held forward most position of guard, there were some who had ventured further to make attempt in finding more food to replenish dwindling supplies. Unspoken words remained silent though so he could not make identity from that.

Few moments of tension passed until a single man came into view and Nasir nearly dropped his weapon as he recognized the one approaching.

It was the Syrian gladiator Ashur.

What purpose did that man have here now?

If it had been any other, Nasir would have not hesitated in striking down the enemy, yet this man's actions against those within rebellion made it seem wrong for death to come by hands of one not wronged by his devious actions.

The elder Syrian was not yet aware of Nasir's presence as his eyes were lowered to watch path. Now that he stood closer Nasir could hear how the man's mind churned with a myriad of thoughts. He had come with expectation of death, regardless of message of compromise. Nasir expected naught else for all the man had done, though Ashur's confusion as to how he fell from Glaber's favor was shared by the former body slave.

Disregarding confusion with ease – current plight did not erase all the man's treachery – Nasir drew line taut and aimed arrow to Ashur's body. He need not be the experienced shot Mira had been to fail in hitting target at this distance. "Halt there or step no more," he gave command and Ashur's head rose in surprise at his voice. Eyes looked to arrow trained upon him and he lifted his hands in show of submission.

"I come with message of peace for Spartacus. I bear no weapons, only words," Ashur soothed.

"By claim of those bearing Batiatus' brand, your words hold greatest danger," Nasir replied as he allowed some slack into bow so as to not tire his muscles from tension he was unaccustomed to. Ashur's eyes narrowed and Nasir knew he held no expectation of being recognized so when he did not know the younger man before him. If he had not laid eyes upon the gladiator within the mines he might not have recognized him by words alone, but that was of no concern now.

"You know of me?" he voiced question.

"Actions against those you called brother have been revealed to those who oppose man you serve. Tell of message and I will determine value."

Ashur gave hesitation for many moments, unsure of if he should give revelation to any other than Spartacus. Nasir realized after a few short moments why the man truly hesitated: he held belief that none who stood with rebellion would see value in offer to be made and Ashur held out for possibility of returning with answer as only salvation. He had also taken note of Nasir's relaxation as indication of an unwillingness to follow through with threat of death.

"You believe silence to any other than Spartacus to save your life," he gave statement as accusation, holding no care that he was speaking upon thoughts of the other man rather than spoken words. "You stand wrong, for I am responsible for safety of this position and earned place through proof of capability."

Ashur's hands dropped to his side as he appeared to find amusement with Nasir's declaration.

Irritation at the man's dismissal of him for reason of his appearance not being that of warrior rose and Nasir acted upon such emotion absent consideration of consequence. Pulling arrow to cheek, Nasir took quick aim and released shaft from grip, reaching to quiver in same smooth motion to draw another ready. The arrow flew exactly as intended and passed just over the man's shoulder.

"Fuck!" Ashur exclaimed as he dropped to one side. "Do you give no shit for people you defend?"

"Break words or arrow will find place within heart."

"Glaber offers lift of title fugitivus from all if Spartacus surrenders to Rome's judgment. I am to give offer and return with answer."

It was his great command over emotions that kept Nasir from displaying his disgust at such foolish offer. No brand of fugitivus was not freedom, but removal of immediate threat of death. They would be returned to slavery and possibility of gaining masters who would punish them with position in manner that would make death seem blessing. Nasir instead drew string of bow tight – finding satisfaction in panic rising in Ashur's expression – before rising to aim toward sky and released so it flew high above him. As they were not using fires at posts, this worked to signal to call for others to his position.

Ashur watched him in confusion as he lowered his weapon, though kept his hand near remaining arrows and knife in case the man chose foolish action and attacked him. "You will be provided escort to Spartacus. He shall choose your fate. Another will see you to him and will arrive soon." Nasir would not abandon his post in case the gladiator was mere distraction from path for soldiers to bring assault.

Ashur did not respond but appeared to take in appearance of Nasir now that weapon was not raised toward him. Discomfort rose in Nasir at such scrutiny and he wished cloth covering head provided greater concealment. He had been likened to this man so often – not recently as he had proven to be so unlike Ashur – that he held fear that the man himself would see a thing shared between them.

After only brief pause Ashur spoke, his words not of common tongue but of language Nasir remembered yet had neither spoken nornot heard in many years. "You are of my land."

It was of surprise for Nasir to realize how greatly he had missed hearing Aramaic, though moment passed in knowledge of what atrocities this man's words had caused those Nasir held cared for. While he longed to speak language of his origin he did not wish to have it be Ashur to hear him speak so with understanding.

Ashur was not deterred from speaking by Nasir's silence. "It has been many years since I have been able to speak language of our people. Last time was when kin fell in arena's opening games years past. Yet time does not remove fond memory of home." Ashur paused, as though to give opportunity for response to be formedgiven yet Nasir remained silent. "You are not of the ludus nor were you house slave within the villa of Batiatus. I would know how you came to stand by rebellious shit Spartacus. Did he take life of man you called Dominus and now you serve him as you would Rome?" Another pause passed unfilled. "Are you of such disgrace that you betray one you owe allegiance to for keeping you among living that you did nothing to keep your master safe?"

Nasir nearly replied to such accusation. He had been instilled at young age value of loyalty and seeing that all who wronged him saw retribution equal to pain received. It was belief that was instilled in all of Assyria and was integral belief of the people of that land. It had been part of reason he had attempted to kill Spartacus though he had only realized so when he began to understand difference between Tiberius and Nasir. His dominus had raised him and ensured his life so he had earned retribution when Spartacus led attack that ended the Roman's life. Nasir had made attempt to see the loss honored regardless of what the man he knew as master deserved. To not do so would have been as Ashur accused: disgraceful to the Syrian's heritage and he yet held pride in being of Assyria.

Sounds of steps approaching upon his back gained Nasir's focus yet his eyes remained fixed upon Ashur. From direction of sound, he knew he would be within sight of rebel approaching yet Ashur would not be at first. "Nasir, what gave cause for signal?" the gladiator Lydon called out to him.

"I have messenger from Glaber for you to deliver to Spartacus. Would you see he makes it past guards?" Nasir gave as explanation. Lydon came closer behind him and let out curse when he recognized who he was to escort to rebel leader. "Send any man rested to relieve me of position." He stepped to side of path and gave Ashur indication to move forward. The other man approached with caution, eyes fixed upon hand Nasir held ready to draw weapon.

As Ashur came within reach, Nasir grabbed the man's arm just below bandage soaked with blood. Despite earlier hesitation, Nasir recalled how he had determined his life was no longer given direction by any other and if he felt desire to speak words he had been robbed of and have another hold understanding then he would.

His mouth formed Aramaic for the first time since being taken from his home and brother's arms. "Assyria would know honor to see me returned, a thing you shall never know for your selfish ways."

Ashur's gaze – eyes dark as his own though such realization did not disturb Nasir as he thought it may – remained on him and his shock at being spoken to so suddenly and with such personal insult. Syrians held deep pride in their own and loyalty to each other ran deep. Perhaps Ashur had desired for such commonality between them to gain favor despite words against each other. For Nasir to shun Ashur so blatantly was of greatest insult for which the younger man felt no regret.

As Lydon pulled Ashur from Nasir, the young Syrian finally held understanding of why the gladiators had both clung to their hatred of Ashur at first meeting of one of the same land but also of how they had come to accept him once he stood proven man of honor. Ashur's actions had never held honor, only loyalty to one he committed service to. The man had taken value that was to bind people together and had twisted it into grotesque meaning to suit his needs.

It was of no question that the two Syrians were in no manner comparable as Nasir had never misunderstood meaning of loyalty and gave it to those who earned it instead of those who provided greatest gain.

Nasir was not of like ilk to treacherous fuck Ashur, nor was he whore and slave as Roman master had forced him to believe. He was of Spartacus' rebellion standing for freedom, able to wield sword with precision and bearing gift of knowing unspoken words. He was entrusted with tasks bearing survival of those he stood beside as earned through proof of capability.

He held and gave love to man of whom he would remain with for his remaining days, for he was certain no other could mean to him what Agron did.

He was the Syrian warrior Nasir.

It was nearly dawn of new day when rebels stood victorious upon steps of temple, cries of celebration yet echoing to peak of Vesuvius. Praetor Varinius had been struck down many days past, removing his threat of quickly taking up task of hunting rebels. Praetor Gaius Claudius Glaber, the man responsible for so much pain brought to them, lay dead just within temple where Spartacus had claimed his vengeance at long last. Countless Roman soldiers had fallen as well further ensuring danger was not imminent. With so many fallen, clothes, armor, and weapons would be plentiful for a great while.

Spartacus has seen them through impossible task yet again and Agron was uncertain of how his brother continued to defy odds against him with seeming ease. He had followed the Thracian in taking freedom, destruction of the arena, twisted plots against Glaber, and descent from mountain. He would continue to follow the man until Rome fell beneath righteous cause.

Looking to his side, to the smaller man standing there, he felt swell of pride. Nasir had fought absent hesitation and many Romans had fallen to the Syrian's blade. Furthermore, no blood upon dark skin was of the freed man, a thing bringing great relief to Agron.

To again be at Nasir's side also brought reminder of the many days atop Vesuvius and Agron realized how greatly he had missed presence of his heart. They had barely spoken because of responsibility claiming much of their time and attention. Agron had been required at his place next to Spartacus or leading Germans while Nasir's list of duties only grew with taking on guard and with Mira's death. To lose such constant company only accentuated how much time they shared together before state of readiness forced them apart.

Agron had been acutely aware of how he had been affected by Nasir's absence. His conversations with Nasir had become a manner for his mind to process events and decisions to be made. Absent such means, he had begun to struggle in bringing thoughts to completion, reacting with greater haste as he had in the weeks following Duro's passing. He did not regain seemingly endless anger yet he knew with certainty how he had found calm and balance through Nasir's presence in his life. He had grown as a leader because of Nasir and the Syrian's calm demeanor and considerate yet methodical mind.

And now that immediate threat had been diminished for some time, he could work with Nasir to ensure their duties did not keep them apart as it had when next pressed by Rome. He knew that Nasir's performance during time upon Vesuvius would result in different manner of expectations being placed upon him.

The Syrian would be so much closer to finding his place in this life and so would find balance he had never known.

Agron would be at his side for each step his heart progressed to support him as needed.

Unable to keep from the smaller man any longer, Agron reached out to grasp Nasir's. Dark eyes turned to him and a wide smile overtook Nasir's face, the relaxed expression giving cause for Agron's chest to constrict with emotion at such beauty. Nasir's other hand lifted to touch Agron's cheek, then moved to the back of the German's neck and pulled their bodies together and Agron's other arm wrapped around the slim waist to hold him close. As Nasir had been standing at topmost step with Agron one below, neither man was forced off-balance in order to press together so.

After a few moments of holding each other in such comforting manner – for there was no greater proof that they were safe than to be held by such warm arms and breathing body – Nasir pulled away but only enough to press lips together in brief kiss. Agron desired more at once but restrained himself until they could share affection in privacy.

Interruption came regardless as the two pulled from their kiss and touch of hand upon Agron's shoulder gained their attention. Agron turned to face his closest friend and brother as Gannicus, Crixus, and Naevia approached. Other rebels continued expressions of joy and victory yet they were moving about each other to express relief of survived comrades.

Shifting position to stand upon same step as Nasir – returning them to normal height difference – and moving his arm yet about waist to rest across back of the Syrian's shoulders to ensure his heart remained within his touch, he turned to face words Spartacus chose to break to bring rebellion to its next path.

He would not ignore how just having contact with Nasir calmed his mind and he knew serenity after battle as he had never before experienced.

Spartacus gave them both a smile that expressed his relief at how battle had resulted. The man was at last freed of shadow of unclaimed revenge for death of his wife and his delivery to slavery. Agron felt naught but relief at knowing his friend could act for rebellion alone instead of holding distraction of Glaber upon their heels. Further distraction was put to rest with Ashur's death at Naevia's hand, removing plague of the Syrian from the woman and Crixus alike.

"All fought well this night, yet now we must look forward to future of cause," Spartacus brought attention to focus. He would not deny their elation at victory, yet tasks needed completion if they were to continue through the day with any order. "We must account for our losses so responsibility may be reassigned as soon as able. Danger of Rome is diminished for some time, though we must ensure we are not forced into position of defense as we had to upon Vesuvius."

"Do you intend for us to remain here at temple?" Agron asked. Their eyes all looked about to take in state of yard and walls they had called home for many weeks. Ground and stone was stained with blood and every corner had been removed of rebel belongings and replaced with that of Romans. Such touch could be cleansed easily enough however some soldiers had fled from battle and therefore provided risk.

Spartacus hesitated in consideration of hazards against walls offering security and familiarity. "Any fleeing soldiers will be of little concern for now. We will remain here long enough to organize supplies gained and determine path to set upon." He gave another short pause as he looked between the men and woman gathered about him, obviously sorting thoughts before giving further direction. "Naevia, would you take some to Vesuvius' peak and regain supplies left there?" Naevia nodded understanding, her attention then split as she looked about rebels to determine who to involve in duty. "Nasir, will you give instruction in cleansing of the temple of the dead, then gather all you can find that may be of use to us from within soldier camp?" Such task would certainly take much of the day to complete, yet the Syrian stood as only one now within rebellion to have proven capable of organizing such level of activity that did not include weapon. The gladiators held tendency to overlook slight details that could cause entire process to crumble. "Agron, Crixus and Gannicus will join me in gathering our dead. We will see them prepared for pyre for their honored deaths." The three gladiators lowered gaze briefly at grim task before them.

Each assignment, though given to one best suited – as it always was – bore challenge. The leaders would be faced with knowing of exactly who had been lost to the battle and it would be heavy task to know of friends no longer among them. Naevia and those going up Vesuvius would need to carefully organize how to collect not only supplies left behind, but Mira's body would need to be carried down as well as she deserved pyre with all others fallen. Nasir would not only need to organize disposal of Roman bodies but also the claiming and sorting of supplies to now benefit rebels. He also held risk of encountering remaining enemies, bringing Agron concern of yet losing the Syrian after victory had been claimed.

As the others parted to set to task, Agron cupped dark skin of cheek to turn Nasir's eyes upon him. Dark eyes communicated confusion as being stopped so. "Show care in task. I would not have injury gained by ill attention to threat of the living hidden among dead."

Nasir gave him an amused grin, yet Agron recognized appreciation of care in gaze as well. Any other would have missed emotion's display, however Agron was well attuned to recognizing Nasir's subtle mannerisms. "If I am so foolish as to discard care of threat, I would deserve injury." Agron felt amusement as well and smiled at his heart's declaration. He knew Nasir would complete task with efficiency – as he did with all things – and would not allow mistake from any lending aid. He was the man perfectly suited to task. "As I intend to set Germans to clearing Roman camp, if they suffer wound from such inattention, insult is upon your kin."

Nasir did not allow opportunity for response as he pulled from Agron's touch and walked into crowd to begin giving instruction, his smaller stature allowing him to vanish among the throng of bodies with ease even with Agron's height and place atop steps.

As Agron moved to join his brothers in completing task given him, he found his thoughts turning to all that had occurred in the few months since he had first laid eyes upon the Syrian.

He thought of how the younger man had appeared a boy among other freed slaves within that villa, hesitating to take sword in hand to face against the Romans who had enslaved him. Agron had been mistaken then, thinking the slave weak only to face eyes absent fear of death later the same night after attempting to kill Spartacus.

Following day's events had taught Agron much of the man who had unexpectedly gained his attraction. He knew now that part of why he had watched this unknown boy so closely that first session of training had been lust as there was much physical appeal within that small body. It was also known that lust had not lasted as reason for his attention as the Syrian revealed fire of defiance burning within him which pulled Agron to him with greater force. Their first words broken echoed through his mind and he realized how Nasir had always revealed more to him than any other.

Then just as he had been ready to dismiss the Syrian as uncaring of what they offered to him, the smaller man had again proven him wrong as he had taken up cause by saving the man he had made attempt to kill. Then true name had been given and the one Agron had grown to love had begun to emerge. Within those early days following Nasir's joining of rebellion, Agron had learned not only of the Syrian's quick mind, but also of his gentle heart and how he would risk life for what he held belief to be right. Such was proven when he went to mines to aid in rescue of Naevia.

Vision of Nasir against that tree, skin pale from loss of blood, near death from stab wound and burned skin was one that yet haunted Agron's sleep. Knowing that the man he had grown so close to could pass from the world at any moment brought fear of loss imbedded into him from Duro's death had made him realize and accept the depth of his care for Nasir. He held no doubts that feelings would have continued to grow between them absent wound hastening progress, yet he was uncertain if he would have taken chance in revealing his affections as he did. Nasir had yet concealed so much emotion and had been difficult to understand at times for his reticence.

Just as memory of Nasir mortally wounded would never leave him, sight of timid smile after kissing him for the first time came to mind often. It was the most honest expression the Syrian had yet given Agron to that time and it was that particular smile which had instilled Agron's deep desire to forever witness joy and contentment upon the smaller man's visage. It was the most beautiful emotion upon Nasir and always brought same emotion forth in Agron when witnessed.

Nasir had proven often depth of emotion he was capable of experiencing – likewise proving his measure of restraint over such emotions – from his wide smiles directed toward Agron to his grief over loss of friend Chadara. That night and days following had been difficult for both men as Nasir did not know what it was to experience loss and Agron had never cared for any so deeply as to desire supporting them through such experience. He did know with certainty how he never again would see such sadness in his heart's eyes. He was, however, unlikely to see desire realized as they walked path defined by death and loss. Already they had seen more friends fall and Nasir had been forced to learn to endure through continued losses.

Weeks following death of Chadara though had seen Nasir emerge from remaining restraint against familiarity with others of rebellion. He had formed new bonds of friendship with other gladiators whom offered acceptance and even other freed slaves had been allowed to bear witness to one different than slave raised by Rome. With events such as addition of German warriors to their ranks, capture of Glaber's wife and failed exchange which followed, and the attack of Roman soldiers leading them atop Vesuvius where the former body slave had taken tasks which affected safety of rebels Nasir had become a man greater than any had ever expected of him.

All one had to witness to see proof of such change was single look shared between the two men before Agron dropped down side of mountain. They did not break words of farewell or concern for safety of the other before Nasir had reported task completed to Spartacus and Agron had been called to position. Agron had merely met gaze of his heart and felt peace of mind at knowing with certainty that the man he cared so deeply for would not be struck down with such fire burning within. He had also recognized how Nasir did not experience the same fear he had known when Roman's first attacked temple. They both knew they would find one another at battle's end and would continue life shared.

They had come to the same place by different path, drawn together by force others would call will of the gods.

Agron breathed heavy sigh at realization of how much had been shared between them in such short span of time. Agron's heart swelled with admiration for the man who held his heart as he had accomplished so much on own strength. He loved all that Nasir was and regardless of short time they had shared, it was certain that Agron could no longer even envision world absent the other man at his side.

The Syrian had grown from subservient body slave to intriguing rebel to skilled warrior and into Agron's equal in all things.

There was certain to be struggles in their future, so deeply entwined in rebel cause as they were, yet as long as they remained together nothing could defeat the force their love had become.

A/N: And there we have the end of the first installment of the Differing Words series. I will start posting the second installment, Words Restrained, soon so keep an eye out for it. That story takes place between Vengeance and War of the Damned so it's as far from canon events as I tread. I also do have a few one-shots that take place in the story but weren't worked into the main story and will be posting those at some point. The title will contain one of the main story's title to give an idea of which one they take place during.
As far as this one goes, it was not the easiest one to finish. I really wanted it to end after Nasir and Ashur's meeting - something planned from the beginning to happen in this fic - as the official moment of Nasir acknowledging becoming a warrior was very final, but then I felt there needed to be a little more between Agron and Nasir so the second scene happened.
Thank you for reading and hope to hear from you.
See you in the next story.
Kira Dattei