Disclaimer: I don't own them, and I'm not making a dime of this.

Have you ever seen Elysium? A personal heaven created within the depths of the human conscience before you die. It's believed that some people are able to visit Elysium during their lifetime. That way, when the time for death comes, they feel no fear, knowing what to expect. I ask if you've ever seen it, not to frighten you, or confuse you. I ask in a disguised attempt to understand you better. I saw it once, when I was young. True, I cannot exactly call myself old, but some days I feel ancient. Older than dead spirits that will forever haunt my being.

Confused yet? Perhaps a little bit afraid?

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if you admitted fear or confusion. At this point I would even expect dismissal. I stated that I saw Elysium once, when I was young. I thought I'd never witness its vast splendour again, or feel that ever-lasting peace. Sometimes the vastness of Hades can consume a soul so that peace can never be called upon again. The daily stresses dealt upon a conscience eventually take their toll. I fear that you are sinking into those depths, having been too long away from those who bring light to your eyes. Though I enjoy the time we spend together, me in my service to you, I wish you the peace that your presence has brought to me. A peace that can only be had to you in the comforts of your home, with your wife and son.

I've watched you from afar. Witnessing your transition from boy to man within a heartbeat. I wonder, beloved, if you have seen a similar transition within myself?

I discovered Elysium in your arms beloved. On that fateful day in summer, when the scent of the Earth was strong in the light breeze. You held me close, pressing tender kisses upon my flesh, breathing new life into my soul. At that moment, I felt a sense of freedom unparalleled within the span of my life. I was no longer a slave, but your equal, your lover. Lover. Yes, you loved me that day. Whispered words meant for my ear alone, said I was beautiful. Me? Beautiful? You must have been mistaken. Yet, in my passionate state I believed you. I still believe you. Despite my facial disfigurement's, I am beautiful to you, loved by you. I see it in your eyes every time you look at me. A gentleness I've seen no where else on Earth. I praise the gods every day that we are together, every time you look at me.

Yet, your eyes haven't been as gentle of late. You're haunted. These long years at war have come at a great price. I wish I could comfort you as I did that summer, touch you one last time. Yet your caresses come to me only within your glance. Your heart belongs to your wife and son. Never again will you belong to me, save within my dreams.

"Cicero?"

I shake myself from my revere, startled by your presence.

"Sir?"

"We must prepare to leave, the lines have moved forward."

"Yes, Sir."

I watch you turn and leave, before I return to my own subconscious, my dreams. My Elysium.