A/N: In the event that this story is deleted from here you will also find it at yourfanfiction . com (no spaces, same author name - bloodsoakedleather).

"Agron!" Spartacus called out, coming upon the German cleaning his sword on the temple steps in the midday sun, it being too hot to train for any useful amount of time without the risk of collapse. "I did not expect to find you alone?" He said, looking around and finding no trace of the man who's shadow Agron had become.

"Nasir assists Naevia this morning. Idleness does not sit well with him, assisting her gives him purpose."

The Thracian nodded.

"Every life should have purpose." He gave brief pause. "He fares well these days it would seem?"

Without looking up from his sword, Agron answered.

"He remains yet troubled, but good days outweigh the bad now, by considerable amount." He glanced upwards briefly before returning to his sword. "Yes, he fares well. Better each day." Although he could not see it, Spartacus heard the small smile that coloured Agron's voice and he found a similar smile tugging at the corners of his own mouth

"That is indeed good to hear."

Agron looked up from his sword and met the Thracian's gaze, this time not looking away, but searching instead.

"Speaking of purpose." He said. "You did not come only to enquire about Nasir. There is something else on your mind."

"You read me well brother. Yes, there is something else. A proposition."

"For Nasir?"

Again Spartacus nodded.

"If you think he may be open to the suggestion."

Agron ceased his cleaning and placed the sword on the ground in front of him.

"I cannot say for certain, it would depend on the proposition, but sit, speak, and I will give my opinion."

Spartacus took a spot beside Agron on the temple steps.

"I would request his help, with training."

The German's brow furrowed slightly.

"How so?"

"He took down a Roman guard with his bare hands did he not? We have many fierce battles ahead of us Agron, and we are sorely lacking in weapons. Even if it were not so, few of our number are proficient in the use of blades or bows and even with our training any one of us might find ourselves bereft of weapon at any time. It hardly needs saying that to be able to take down an opponent unarmed would a be a useful skill to have, for all of us."

"And you believe Nasir to be the man to teach it." The German said, understanding immediately the Thracian's meaning and nodding.

"I can think of no man better suited to the task."

Agron could think of no man better suited either but to hear it from Spartacus himself filled him with a pride he had not thought possible and he could not keep the grin from his face.

"Nor I. I think Nasir would be glad to share his skills if you believe them useful and your reason is sound. Also, more definite purpose would see his spirit further elevated I am sure of it." The sound of footsteps from somewhere behind alerted both gladiators to Nasir's presence and Agron turned to him with a welcoming smile. "But here he is, why do you not ask him yourself?"

He clapped a hand gently to Spartacus' shoulder and Spartacus nodded.

"Nasir." He called out, rising to his feet as the Syrian drew near.

"Spartacus." Nasir returned the greeting with a questioning tone, seemingly surprised to see the other man.

"Just the man I was looking for." The Thracian continued. "I have a request to make of you."

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