Chapter 5: Hades' Stable
Morpheus said little as they crossed the Styx. Both of he and his captive remounted the Nightmare on the opposite shore and made the short trip to the stables. A transparent figure emerged when they arrived. He was dressed in a smart looking overcoat and pants with long black boots.
"Welcome home master Morpheus, my Lady," the shade formally addressed them in a slight English accent. He grasped the Nightmare's bit as Morpheus dismounted.
"We're finished with him, you can take him back to the stable James," Morpheus said curtly. He pulled out his phone, flipped it open and began checking his messages.
Raven leaned forward and stroked the Nightmare's long neck with her hand. "I don't care what he said, I enjoyed your company," she quietly confided to the beast then slide off to the side and onto the ground. The Nightmare turned slightly and shook its head in apparent approval.
"Master Morpheus, your mother would have a word with you," James sternly addressed the young immortal. Morpheus continued to concentrate on his phone. His one hand shot up as James spoke, his fingers and thumb forming a puppet hand that mocked his speech. James halted at this display and shot a disapproving glare. "Very well, good day Master Morpheus, my Lady." He nodded his head slightly towards Raven then turned and led the Nightmare towards the stable.
Morpheus continued to concentrate on his phone as the Nightmare was led away. The beast lumbered by and halted. Morpheus' face suddenly froze in pain. "Ouch you stupid pest, you're standing on my foot!" Morpheus cried in agony. The beast then stepped forward and halted once again. Morpheus continued to wince in agony. "Now you're on my other foot!" There was a loud swoosh as the Nightmare's tail swung around solidly striking Morpheus's face. "Ouch…Ouch…ALRIGHT I'M SORRY NOW PLEASE GET OFF MY FOOT!" The beast halted his assault having extracted the proper response then trotted towards the stable following James. "Well done, now let's get you settled in and washed up," James addressed the beast as they continued into the stable.
Morpheus gingerly lowered himself to the ground still wincing in pain as he tried to rub the feeling back into his feet. He looked up at Raven who had covered her mouth with one hand. "Don't even…" Morpheus began. With that Raven erupted in laughter. Morpheus looked down dejectedly as Raven tried to compose herself.
"I'm sorry but that was too much," Raven offered her hands and helped Morpheus to his feet. He leaned heavily on her and took a few halting steps. "Who knew the gods could be so much fun?" she continued.
"Well it wasn't much fun for me," Morpheus countered. "Oh man, I hope that's not what I think it is on my boots," he said as he looked down at his feet. That comment produced another round of laughter from his captive. "I don't see what's so funny. Didn't you just touch my hands?"
Raven frowned as she realized what had happened. "Gross, where's the nearest sink."