Chapter 16: Extension of Your Body

Agron stepped up beside Spartacus as they emerged from the trees, the villa that was their target just ahead. After Spartacus motioned silently for the others in their group to remain where they were, the fighting men all made their way towards the villa and easily over to it. Once the fighting had subsided they were once again joined by the others. Agron saw a smile break out on Nasir's face as he came in through the gates, sword clenched in hand.

Nasir rushed over to Agron seeing blood on his body and hoped it was not of his own. "Are you injured?"

Agron smiled, "It is Roman blood only." He looked around the courtyard but then quickly back to Nasir as his fingers brushed against his neck, still obviously checking to make sure the blood was as Agron said. Agron took Nasir's hand in his own, "I am fine…" He said gently trying to ensure to the young Syrian that no harm had come to him. "Go, you seem tired." Agron still had to check in with Spartacus before he himself could catch a few more hours of much-needed rest.

Nasir nodded to him and made his way into the villa. Agron watched him until he was out of sight. He let out a sigh and turned around to find Auctus standing behind him. "What is that look for?" Agron asked raising an eyebrow.

Auctus shrugged, "He is becoming more, and more fond of you every time he lays eyes on you."

Agron had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at his friend. He knew that Auctus had feelings for him but he also knew that Auctus knew those feelings were mutual. "Come we need to find Spartacus." He and Auctus made their way through the crowd of people and soon found Mira and Spartacus. Agron hesitated instep but the stepped up beside them, "No injuries fell to us this night." He relayed to Spartacus and received a smile in response. "I will retire for a few hours unless I am needed?"

"Go, Brother." Spartacus clapped Agron on the shoulder. Mira smiled her warm smile at Agron.

Agron gave a nod to him and Mira and then made his way towards the villa. He knew that Auctus was still with him but his friend remained quiet. "What is on your mind?" He decided to ask. Agron stopped at the end of a long hallway and looked around for Nasir but when he didn't spot him he turned towards Auctus.

Auctus just shook his head, "You should go find him."

Agron nodded and watched Auctus walk away. He didn't know if his friend was going to be alright but he hoped he would. Auctus had lost a lot just like Agron had. He let out a sigh and then continued up the long hallway towards to bedchambers. He still hadn't seen any sign of Nasir. Agron checked all the rooms one by one as he passed them. When he came to the final room he opened the curtain and a smile spread across his face. "So you claim this room?" Agron asked as he stepped in through the curtains.

Nasir spun around and smiled, "I claimed it for you in hopes that you would let me stay."

Agron nodded smile still on his lips. He shrugged off his cloak and started removing his leather and sword. Agron kept his eyes on Nasir as he placed his things on the floor. Nasir came towards him with a blush on his cheeks and held out a damp cloth to him. "Gratitude," Agron took the cloth and started to wipe the Roman blood from his skin.

Nasir watched Agron remove the blood quietly. "How many were freed this time?"

"Six more added to our ranks," Agron dipped the cloth into the water that Nasir had sitting on the table in a shallow bowl. He rung it out. He ran the cloth over his skin once more and then turned back to face Nasir, "Did I get it all?" He hoped he had not missed any of the blood.

Nasir smiled looking over Agron's neck and chest. He nodded not seeing any missed blood. "Shall we sleep?" Nasir asked, his body was screaming at him to get some more rest.

Nasir jumped when he sensed someone in the room. He quickly opened his eyes and searched the room his eyes landing on the figure in the doorway. It was Mira with Auctus standing behind her. She was smiling at him in the dim lighting coming from the lantern she held. Auctus was lighting the lantern in his hand and then placed it on the wall hanger, illuminating the room. "Morning…" Nasir offered softly knowing Agron was still asleep. He turned his attention to the man sharing the bed with him. He once again had his chest pressed against Agron's strong back, this time an arm was draped over Agron's side. Nasir blushed and looked back to the doorway where Mira and Auctus were still standing.

"Spartacus seeks Agron's company," Mira whispered as she took in the scene of the two men. She was grinning encouragingly at Nasir, "wake him soon." She winked at Nasir and then turned back towards Auctus. Mira grabbed his arm and pulled him away with her.

Nasir let out a sigh and then placed the palm of his hand against Agron's side, his skin was soft to the touch. He was hoping the simple touch would be enough to wake Agron. Nasir smiled when he felt the other man start to stir. "Spartacus seeks your company," Nasir said softly and then chuckled when Agron let out a groan.

Agron stretched his back but stilled when he felt Nasir's bare chest against his back. Their lower halves remained separated but Nasir's hand rested on his side. Agron slowly slid so he lay on his back Nasir's hand now resting on his lower stomach. "Do did sleep find you?" He really didn't want to climb out of bed yet.

"Well, but still in need of it," Nasir let out a yawn. He too did not wish to climb from bed yet.

Agron hummed his agreement and then ran a hand over his tired eyes. "I shall seek out Spartacus then we eat?" He watched as Nasir nodded and then Agron reluctantly pushed himself off the bed and to his tired feet. He stretched out his long limbs and let out a yawn of his own. Agron slowly picked up his leather and strapped it on. "If you wish to sleep return to it." He offered.

Nasir sat up and let out another yawn, "I think I should see where help is needed." He looked out the window. The sun had not yet broken over the horizon.

Agron nodded, "I shall seek you out…" He gave Nasir a smile and then left the room closing the curtain behind him.

Agron quietly walked through the villa until he found Spartacus who was in a heavy hushed conversation with Crixus. He approached them just as quietly and then leaned himself against one of the large pillars folding his arms across his chest. Agron had heard Crixus whisper something about a slave cart passing by this very morning and he knew what they were in for.

Spartacus looked up at Agron and gave a nod in greeting. "We shall set to the woods once the light has fully broken and set an ambush for the cart." He told Crixus.

Crixus nodded and left Agron and Spartacus alone.

Agron frowned as Crixus' eyes lingered on him as he walked away. "I pray this leads to news of Naevia so we can end this foolish quest." He let out a sigh. Agron noticed Spartacus nod in agreement but his eyebrow was raised. He decided to ignore the question look. "Shall I continue to train Nasir?"

Spartacus smiled at him, "He seems to favor training from you."

"I stand a bit more gentle," Agron grinned knowing Spartacus would have never really hurt Nasir for no harm had come to Spartacus from Nasir's attempt.

"Yet it seems he is not as gentle with you," Spartacus pointed out the scratch on Agron's lower stomach.

"He learns fast," Agron found himself grinning as he too looked down at the scratch. It would fade soon.

"He does and I would have him fight with us on this mission," Spartacus watched his friends face to judge his reaction. He could see the anger start to flare in those green eyes. "That is if you think he is ready?"

Agron didn't want Nasir to be fighting in a real battle yet. The little man was strong. Agron knew he needed to prove himself in a battle. He let out a sigh, "He still can learn more but it will help him learn."Agron pushed himself away from the pillar, "I shall go inform him then." Spartacus nodded at him.

Agron headed towards the bedchambers again, not sure if Nasir was still there. When he reached the curtain he did not see Nasir in the room. He let out a sigh and looked down the long hallway that opened into the back courtyard. Someone was out there. He slowly made his way to see who it was.

Agron leaned against the large stone column and folded his arms across his chest. A grin coming to his face, "Who do you fight so fiercely, Little Man?" He asked the Syrian as his green eyes took in the sight of him moving. He watched as Nasir spun around his brown eyes wide with surprise and other emotions Agron did not know how to read.

"Demons of past and ones who still threaten future," Nasir let out a shaky breath.

"Romans?" Agron asked not moving from his spot against the pillar.

"They are the past…" Nasir watched Agron's figure which was only semi-lit by the torchlight.

Agron didn't want to point out that the Romans were still a threat. "And that of the ones that threaten future?"

Nasir did not respond he just let out another shaky breath. It was then that Agron pushed himself from the pillar and walked towards him. Nasir never took his eyes off him. He remained silent until Agron stopped in front of him. "That beast of the same kin as you. I wish I were strong enough to fight him."

"You feel the need to fight him?" Agron was trying to keep the smile from forming on his lips at Nasir confession. He could clearly see the distress in the Little Man's eyes. "What caused such a need?" The need to lay claim to me, Agron couldn't help but think.

Nasir looked up and locked his gaze with Agron's. He wasn't sure he wanted to tell Agron what had brought these feelings on but he knew the matter would not be dropped so easily. "I sought out Donar…" Nasir hesitated when he saw Agron's eyebrow rise. "I inquired about the words that were spoken," Nasir finally finished letting out another shaky breath.

Agron looked at Nasir in surprise. "You remembered words spoken?"

"Some, I did not know the meaning, but I remember how it was said." Nasir really hoped that Agron wouldn't be mad at him.

"Donar told you the meaning of words?" Agron wasn't sure if he should be upset or not.

"Yes, but I did not repeat all words to him just inquired about a few."

Agron nodded. "And from said words, you figured what was spoken?"

Nasir nodded in return.

Agron stepped a little closer. "I ask you not to break words with Spartacus on the matter." He placed a hand on Nasir's chin when he tried to duck his head. "Do not tell Spartacus!"

The young German's green eyes were pleading with him when Nasir looked into them, "I will not tell…" Nasir promised even though he did not like what Chay had implied.

"Will you train with me?" Nasir finally asked after a long time staring into those green eyes. He was not in the mood to eat. He wanted Agron close to him and no one else right now.

Agron nodded and stepped around Nasir removing his own sword. He didn't have to wait long for Nasir to start striking at him. He dodged the onslaught thrown his way with ease but was very pleased with the improvement the Little Man had made. "Stop!" Agron smiled when Nasir's swing stopped at once.

Nasir frowned at him. Sweat rolling down his forehead.

"You hide behind your shield, Little Man," Agron stepped closer to Nasir moving so he now stood behind him. He smiled when Nasir turned his head trying to keep him in view. "It is just another extension of your body as is a sword," Agron slowly slid his hand down Nasir's shield arm pushing the shield away from Nasir's body as he did so. There were only inches that separated their bodies. That was until Nasir stepped back pressing his sweat-slick back against Agron's bare stomach and chest. Agron took in a deep breath before he continued, "don't hold it so tightly to you, use it as part of you."

Nasir kept his gaze on Agron's arm that was still touching his. The dim lighting revealed goosebumps on Agron's strong arm. Nasir took a deep breath and tried to focus on what Agron had just told him. He shivered when he felt Agron lean closer to his face.

"Now use the shield…" Agron whispered and stepped away readying himself for Nasir's attack. He twirled his own sword in his hand with a grin at the little man.

The sound of steel on steel soon filled the courtyard. Agron kept the smile on his face as he watched Nasir take to his words and use the shield the way it should be used. They kept the assault going towards each other until Nasir found himself on the ground once more from the force behind Agron's swing. Agron grinned at the Syrian and started to offer his hand when he felt legs wrapped around his calves and pull him forward. His larger body now pinning Nasir into the sand.

"Sneaky Little Man, sneaky."

Nasir couldn't' hide his smile at the surprised noise that escaped Agron's lips as he fell towards him. "I was just taking advantage of the situation," He said proudly.

Agron chuckled at the sneaky little bastard. He stayed on top of Nasir and was just about to move when he noticed Nasir's hand rise but quickly drop back to his side. What the Little Man had meant to do with that hand he did not know. Agron lingered for a few more moments and then slowly got to his feet offering Nasir a hand who gladly took it with a smile. "You fight well," He looked down at Nasir who was still smiling up at him brightly. "We are to intercept a slave wagon this morning and you are to join us."

Nasir looked rather unsure.

"That is if you think yourself ready," Agron wasn't going to force him to even if Spartacus wanted Nasir to go.

Nasir nodded, "I will come…" He was very nervous though.

Agron smiled, "let us regain some strength and find meal." He strapped his sword back to his hip and watched Nasir do the same.

They were just finishing eating when Spartacus joined them. "We set out?" Agron asked as he climbed to his feet. Spartacus just nodded and headed towards the main gate. Agron offered a smile to Nasir and they too made their way to the gates.