At dawn, the jackal started to stir, twisting and moving as he started to wake. Opening his eyes, he slowly sat up, running a clawed hand through the his own hair. Ven too started to wake, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and standing by the god's bed. A few orbs of light appeared by the bed as well. "Show him how to prepare a bath and how to clothe me properly. You, follow them." The light orbs flew down the hall, returning to the huge pool before turning into human shapes. They silently pulled bottles out as well as soaps and salts, lining the edge by the steps leading into the water. The blonde followed the orbs and stopped short of the pool. He watch intently, memorizing things that needed to be done. Another appeared with a new wrap, handing it to Ven to make sure it was clean and perfect. A little girl's voice piped up, making the figure glow. "Do you know how to wrap the Master's clothing? He's quite particular about it, it's so cute."
"I know how to wrap but I'm not sure if its the kind he prefers. Better to show me just in case."
There was a soft giggle and little arms came out of the floating sphere to show him how it was done. The blonde smiled a bit, "Alright, I think I got it. Thank you. I'm sure I would be lost without you." Another giggle sounded before it stopped at the sound of footsteps. Anubis stepped into the area, covered in just mere sheet over his shoulder. An orb pulled it off and the god stepped down the stairs to the water. Ven stood up straight at the sight of his new master, holding the garment careful in his arms and praying that his clumsiness would ruin anything.
Anubis seemed to take his time in bathing, muttering something about human stench as he did so. Once he deemed himself clean, he stepped out and allowed himself to be dried and the oils applied. Ven walked over, only stumbling a moment before wrapping the garment around him as he was taught. The god stood still as he was dressed before holding his arms out for the bracers to be applied. His servant went over to grab the bracers, snapping them on before handing over the headdress. Ven let out the breath he had been holding, proud of himself. Once Anubis was satisfied on how he looked, he held a hand out, an orb handing the staff to him. Deeming himself ready, he walked out of the bathing area and out of the temple completely.
Ven bowed and followed behind him, a little more confident in himself now. He curiously wondered where the god was going but he did not voice this curiosity. They arrived at a huge hall that seemed to be a counsel meeting area. Most of the other gods were there already, talking quietly. Sekhmet glared slightly as he noticed the newcomers. Ptah smirked and rose, "Anubis...I see you brought your delicious little servant...whats his name?" The 'goddess' of war bristled with a faint yowl at the question. Anubis just glanced to the god. "You can just call him my servant, being you have no reason to know his actual name." Stepping past them, the god of the dead slid his cape around the other once more, half to hide him, half to keep him close.
Sekhmet hissed. "Dirty humans aren't even supposed to be brought here." The creator licked his lips as he watched the servant go by.
"So protective Anubis...perhaps the boy is no longer pure."
"Watch that tongue before I remove it," was the only reply. A clawed hand reached down and pushed the blond along, ignoring all of the stares.
Ma'at spotted them and huffed faintly, more about the outcome yesterday than anything. Seshat stroke Ma'at's cheek in comfort, the hand moving to stroke a wing, "Its only one, my love." "One for now, then they'll be others," Ma'at grumped, the wings stirring at the touch. Turning back, he murmured a few things to Nephythys about the incident. The goddess frowned sadly as she watched the jackal god, barely listening to the gossip.
The whispers seemed to follow the two right to Anubis' seat. Osiris watched them moved, voice low, "what is he trying to prove? Servants aren't allowed here, he knows that..." Ven kept his head low and kept close, not liking the look Ptah had given him, the uneasy feeling returned.
"Anubis has always been in low regard with the others. Perhaps this is him asserting his dominance" replied Isis, "Or perhaps he has things planned for the boy."
The god of the underworld, frowned faintly. "I just hope that boy knows what he is doing..." Anubis handed the staff to the blond as he sat, eyes glancing about. Ven held the staff and stood there without a word. He made no eye contact and only looking to the tiled floor. The whispers made him even more uneasy but he tried ignoring them. Isis hummed slightly as crimson hues watched the jackal god.
Once Ra entered, the servant was easily covered with a fold of the cape again, blocking him from view. Ven swallowed hard but didn't make a peep. Would they get in trouble if he was seen? The whispers and conversation died down as the meeting started. Most of it was just to remember their roles and the upcoming events in the human realm such as festivals, offerings and so forth. During this time, Ven didn't dare to shift, even pinching his nose when he felt a sneeze coming on. Once it was over and the sun god left, Anubis uncovered the boy before standing, many eyes following his movements.
Isis raised a brow and followed him, slapping Ptah's hand away when he groped the boy's rear. Stepping out of the temple, Anubis sighed a moment and silently requested the staff back. Ven handed over the staff as Isis crossed his arms, "What were you trying to prove in there?"
"I was trying to prove this is mine. My scent is on him, he is not for anyone else. It seems though a few did not understand it." Isis let out a small sigh, "We understand he is yours and the others seemed to minus Ptah but you know him. Be careful Anubis or Ptah will take his innocence. Its his favorite kind. He would have taken Seshat's had not Ma'at got to it first."
"Ptah should know better than to get mixed up in the affairs of the dead. Creation and destruction rarely get along. I sometimes think that's why his eyes wander, considering Sekhmet would destroy everything if he could."
Isis snorted "Isn't that the truth." he looked at the boy, petting his hair a moment with a smile. "Ptah would break him...and he has such a lovely smile. Anubis promise me you will take his innocence if Ptah gets too crafty. A broken mortal in our realm only means misery." Ven still smiled as he was given the affection. He was not used to such a gentle hand but he had admit he liked it. Isis nearly cooed, "Such an adorable thing."
"Bedding mortals? Have I sunken that low, Isis? I'm sure that is utter blasphemy. You have to remember he isn't dead." Anubis sighed as his fingers flexed.
"Don't be so judgmental. The scales said it all, he is nearly one of a kind. A special mortal. We've taught you better." Isis huffed a little continuing the affection with the blonde. "Don't worry little one, I'll help protect you."
"It is still frowned upon, I'm sure."
"If you aren't careful, there will be chaos, Anubis." Osiris walked up behind his wife, placing a hand on his lover's shoulder. "I'm sure this stunt gave Set ideas...just be wary."
The jackal paused, ready to retort once more, glancing up as a low chanting could be heard throughout the area. "...duty calls. Ven, stay with Isis. If anything happens, I've told you what to do." Turning away, he walked towards the noise, disappearing into thin air.
Osiris let out a breath. "I suppose that means I am needed as well. I will see you both later." Turning and taking a few steps, the god of the dead disappeared as well. Isis smiled and took the servants hand. He was about to gently pull him to his and Osiris' place before Ptah was seen coming toward them.
Isis narrowed her eyes and pulled the mortal behind him. "He is not for you Ptah. Go away. Sekhmet wouldn't like you going near him" Ptah smirked lightly and looked behind the 'goddess'. "No worries Isis...I just wanted to speak with one of my creations...such beautiful skin he has..."
"Ptah, back off before Ra roasts you." Ma'at jogged up to the trio, eyes narrowing dangerously. "An important god or not, you should know how things work around here. Besides, Isis is right. Sekhmet would have your head on a platter right next to the boy's heart with a drooling mouth."
"But I only wish to break him...then he'd make a fine snack for Sekhmet..unless he's good...I can take on a mistress if I am careful enough. You won't be a lowly servant...I'll shower you with gifts and pamper you...How does that sound.?" Ven only hide behind Isis more.
"Ptah go away you letch. " said Seshat, carrying his tablet over.
"How did I know you'd wait until Anubis was gone to try something like this?" Ma'at glared, standing in front of the god and blocking his vision of the blond with the wings. "You're no better than Set sometimes, you know that?"
"Oh but Set has feasted his own eyes on him. Perhaps we could share him...Come on little one...you don't want to serve boring old Anubis. He'll never treat you like we will. We'll be gentle...at first..." he smirked.
"Enough!" The keeper of justice drew his scabbard, the tip pointing at Ptah's throat. "Be gone before Anubis comes back or it'll be your heart being weighed next...and we know where that will go."
"Fine...it seems I'm out numbered. I will be on my way. But think about what I said little one. Anubis will never love you. He may pretend in the future, just to get your soul." with that he walked off to find his wife.
"Ugh, that greasy man. Head needs to get out of the heavens," Ma'at scrunched his nose before sheathing the scabbard. "It's times like this I actually feel a bit sorry for Sekhmet, he wasn't such a bad guy at first...now look at him. Green eyes at a mere mortal." Turning, he looked at Isis. "You better keep him well hidden, you know Anubis and Osiris can take a good while, especially with the stupid souls getting lost on the way here." Isis nodded.
"I'll take him back to our temple. You and Seshat always know you're welcome. Come little one. Ah...What is your name?" The smaller blonde looked up, thankful they had stuck up for him. "Ventus...most call me Ven" Isis smiled and nodded once more, "Ven...lets go."
Ma'at gave a soft smile before holding his hands up. "Well, if those two went off to work, it means I'm needed as well. Seshat could if he wants." He gave a smile before fading like the other two had. "Don't get too lonely, love!"
"Mm always so hard working the three of them" said Seshat as he followed the other two. Isis chuckled and nodded, stepping onto a boat. "I appreciate the time alone to be honest."
It was close to sundown by the time the three had returned, Anubis looking the most tired. Osiris sighed faintly as he settled onto a cushion, frowning a bit. "Anubis, let it go, there was nothing you could have done to change fate." Isis moved to his husband and rubbed his shoulders, planting small kisses along it, "Heavy work load?" he asked curiously as his lips traveled up the neck.
"A raid I'm guessing. Children were involved, decided to bury them all at once." Ma'at looked slightly depressed as well as he slowly sat down. Weakly he tried to smile. "You should have seen it though. Anubis trying to lead children...it was like trying to lead stubborn camels. Little souls everywhere. Took him most of the day to get to the Underworld." Seshat chuckled slightly and wrapped his arms around his own husband, nuzzling into his neck. "Must have been amusing." Ven, feeling out of place, bowed before his master and stood next to him.
"It was amusing...except to Anubis, of course." Ma'at gave a small noise, holding the other god close. The jackal dropped in a rather ungraceful manner onto some pillows. "Shut it, you over primped peacock. It was a nightmare." The frown increased. "A few kept trying to find their mothers. I don't find it amusing in the least. Humans take things for granted, disgusting." Osiris sighed faintly but decided to stay quiet on the matter. Ven flinched with the insult but remained standing. Isis noticed, "Anubis! What have I told you about generalizing?"
"Then explain why I had to lead five year olds to be judged! What's worse, one was eaten! Tell me how they are not horrible?" Ma'at flinched at the memory, eyes sliding shut. Isis frowned, "Not all humans are bad. Those children weren't bad, most lower class isn't bad. Ventus isn't bad." crosses his arms, "Its those in power who are bad!'
"Oh, and here we go...did you not catch what I said? A CHILD'S SOUL WAS EATEN. He couldn't have been older than nine. People kill and steal out on the streets of the human realm."
"But to say that ALL humans are bad? You know I hate it when you generalize. You may as well devour Ven while you're at it!"
"Perhaps I should," he snapped back before sighing just leaning his head back against the pillows. Osiris sighed as Ma'at cringed a bit. Isis rolled his eyes at the comeback.
Seshat made eye contact with the other blonde. He made a massaging motion his his hands and glanced to the irritated jackal god. Ven's head tilted for a second trying to figure out what the other wanted him to do. When it clicked he nodded, glancing to his master, hoping he wouldn't get reprimanded for the other blonde's idea. Slowly he knelt behind the pillow that his master was laying on, tremblings hands moving forward. Ven started massaging the taught shoulders. Anubis gave a slight start at the touch, eyes flying open and landing on the servant. Blinking, he glanced the other' pairs. The keeper of justice just chuckled. "He isn't looking for a place to stick a dagger, just relax. Isn't that what he's for?"
This earned a chuckle from the Underworld ruler as well. Giving a slight grunt, the jackal relaxed a bit, letting the human do as he wished for now. The human continued to massage the god, heart racing from the sudden movement his master gave. Seshat chuckled lightly, "Perhaps Anubis needs a little...stress release..." A snort came from the god of the dead.
"I think you four do that enough for everyone here," However, his eyes did fall shut once more as he spoke. The writer smirked, "You're so grumpy all the time." Even Isis couldn't help but chuckle.
"Probably because I don't get to sit around and make up new pictures for words all day," Anubis huffed. His body started to look more relaxed as time went on. "Now, now, Anubis. Without Sashat, no one would remember how to preform the rituals that help us out," Ma'at murmured as he snuggled closer to the scholarly god. The blonde god planted kisses along his jawline.
"They got along fine without written language long ago."
Isis smiled at the servant, "Don't mind Anubis, gets a little grumpy on long days."
The comment made Anubis huff again, the other two laughing a bit. "Yeah, because he has to walk. I'm sure his feet are killing him..." The winged god hinted slightly, motioning to the orb of light appearing with a bowl of scented water and a cloth. He held a finger to his lips to tell the human to stay quiet, glancing to the jackal god who seemed ready to fall asleep any minute. Ven nodded and shifted positions, kneeling in front of jackal god. He started by washing his feet, careful of the claws before massaging them. The toes flexed a moment before relaxing, a soft groan being heard.
Ma'at giggled faintly at the reaction, resting his chin on Seshat's chin. Quietly he whispered, "blasphemous or not he's too adorable." The writer grinned and leaned in, nuzzling his lover, "I know...he's perfect for Anubis. That jackal thinks hes too righteous for any other god"
"I don't think it's that...I think he just thinks he has to be alone for eternity. Something he certainly didn't get from Osiris," he teased.
"Mmm, the kid has potential to rule and you're right..." Seshat glanced to the other couple making out on a pillow. "Ew...old gods getting it on." Ma'at pulled his own lover closer, watching Anubis further melt under the touches. "Rule? What do you mean?" Seshat snorted and cuddled up to him, "He has the potential t rule as one of us if that heart is nurtured correctly."
"And be what, the god of all things adorable? Good luck getting priests to allow that in temples." The knowledge keeper laughed and lightly swatted at him, "No. God of light. As in the good we have in our hearts."
"I still think my title is better..."
"When and if he becomes one, you can call him that."
"Yeah yeah..." Anubis gave a light sound in his throat, causing Ma'at to look up. "Well, this is priceless...the ol' dog fell asleep." Ven sat back on his heels and admired his handiwork. "Good job, kiddo...that rarely happens. Even more rare if he stays asleep without nightmares." The god in question shifted to curl slightly. Osiris finally looked up from his lover to see what was going on. Isis peeked over and chuckled, "He's asleep...the boy put him to sleep"
"I see that...how rare." The god of the underworld removed himself from his beloved and moved to the sleeping one. Gently he removed the headdress and placed it in a clear area on a pillow. Ven scooted to stand next to the sleeping god. Isis shook his head, "Ven...sit, lay...consider yourself dismissed for now."
"Unless he can start giving orders in his sleep," Ma'at snickered. Osiris rose a brow, "No, Ma'at, that's you." The 'goddess' huffed at the verbal jab.
The blonde nodded and sat, leaning against a pillow.
"There you go. Just relax. If we're lucky he won't be grumpy when he wakes up."
The jackal shifted again in his sleep, muttering something. The feather keeper suddenly looked thoughtful."You know, they claim we're this high power and humans are mere servants. I think it's the other way around...perhaps Anubis is to be this human's personal servant." The wings quivered as he chuckled. Seshat and Isis chuckled as well. Ven turned a bright red at the statement, hiding his face into the pillow in embarrassment.
"Interesting thought, isn't it?" Ma'at laughed softly at the human hiding. "Don't worry too much. Anubis just has a crunchy exterior. It happens when you deal with dead people for a few centuries. All bark, no bite, especially when grumpy like this."
"I think you'll be good for him." said Isis looking to the human. Seshat nodded in agreement. Ven sighed a curled, his own eyes closing, laying only inches away from his master. Osiris cleared his throat lightly. "I think we should move elsewhere...let him rest." Seshat smirked and got up, offering a hand to his husband. Isis did the same, planning to move them to another lounging area. The two gods of burial rights got up, Ma'at glancing back to the sleeping pair once more and snickering before following the rest.
"Adorable indeed."