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The first thing Patroclus noticed upon returning to his usual glade was the beautiful horse snuffling for grass by the banks of Lethe. The second thing he noticed was the glowing blue-green orb with a very familiar trident symbol glowing in it. Of course, Patroclus knew about the boons Zagreus received from the gods of Olympus, had heard the prince speak of them often. He also knew that sometimes the gods offered their aid to the Champion of Elysium, Theseus, during particularly difficult matches. Patroclus had never heard of a shade being granted such attention, much less a shade like him. His name was always linked to that of Achilles, only those who knew of him from Troy would speak of Patroclus, the Best of the Myrmidons. Many would ask why he, and not Achilles, was being granted such an honour.
With an amused huff, Patroclus approached the orb. He reached out a tentative hand, unsure of how to activate such a thing, stepping back quickly when the orb emitted a bright light and an image of Poseidon appeared. Zagreus had mentioned that sometimes he was just granted a boon, but sometimes he got a message directly from the god themselves, including a flash of their visage. This looked a little more complex, which earned a huff of amusement from Patroclus. Poseidon looked much the same as Patroclus remembered: tall, tanned skin, long blue-green hair and beard… the same easy confidence. Poseidon grinned when he saw Patroclus, eyes flicking in a quick once over that sent a shiver down Pat’s spine.
“Patroclus! My nephew mentioned you were here in Elysium, and I knew I just had to see you again!” Poseidon greeted him with the same boisterous joy that the god had shown all those years ago, reminding Pat of that first night on the beach at Troy. It was hard not to be pulled in by Poseidon, liked being pulled by the tide in many respects, and Patroclus couldn’t help but smile.
“And to what do I owe this illustrious pleasure, my lord?” he asked, his tone light but respectful. Poseidon chuckled, stepping closer to Patroclus. He reached out a large hand, gently cupping Patroclus’ cheek. Pat gasped, feeling the solidness of Poseidon’s hand and leant into the touch.
“How?” the question escaped his lips before he could stop it. How on earth was this possible? The was the Underworld! Did Hades know his brother was here? Poseidon laughed, a belly laugh that echoed in the chamber, his smile widening.
“I’m actually here for a party, but my brother gave me the opportunity to slip out for a moment. Good trick, no? It’ll teleport me back to Tartarus when we’re done,” Poseidon explained, looking pleased with himself. That explained a few things, namely why Achilles had barely had any free time to come back to Elysium, but also a few comments from Zagreus.
“You didn’t answer my first question, though. To what do I owe this pleasure?” Patroclus asked, pressing a kiss to Poseidon’s wrist. The god smiled, stepping back to indicate the horse.
“Hades and I were talking, and since more warriors are going to ride horses instead of just using them to pull chariots, he asked that I provide a few steeds so the exalted will have mounts when they arrived,” Poseidon explained. He crossed to the horse, giving the beast a gentle pat on the withers. Patroclus joined him, smiling as the horse snuffled his face. He was reminded of the steed Poseidon had taught him to ride on, although this horse seemed a little heavier built.
“I’m not sure how riding horses is going to become more common. I was only on horseback a few battles during the war. Unless you’re telling me you’ve taught others?” Patroclus commented, idly stroking the horses’ sleek neck. Poseidon smiled fondly, ignoring the teasing jab.
“Ah, but you forget that you rode a fair distance while practicing! Not to mention soldiers from Troy’s allies saw you. You inspired many to replicate what they saw,” Poseidon grinned. Were Patroclus alive, he would have flushed at the comment. He did, however, duck his head to allow his hair to hide his embarrassment. He’d only fought on horseback those few times, but he did enjoy just riding. He’d convinced Achilles to join him once or twice, although nothing could convince his beloved to learn how to ride himself. Patroclus was looking forward to picking up the skill again, even if he would be the only one riding for a while.
“So I am to be the opponent for future mounted warriors to fight against?” Patroclus asked. To Patroclus’ surprise, Poseidon shook his head. The god looked almost embarrassed, an emotion Patroclus assumed most gods didn’t experience.
“No. Well… not officially. And only if you want to. This is an apology of sorts,” he explained, continuing to pet the horse. Before Patroclus could ask what he meant, Poseidon continued.
“Achilles wasn’t the only one upset when you died. I heard from Artemis what Apollo had done and… well, I gave him a piece of my mind. I wasn’t able to save you then, but I can ensure you are given your proper due here.” Patroclus gives an exasperated tsk, but they both know it’s just for show. He’s charmed, of course he is, but the last thing Patroclus had expected was for his Olympian lover to save him that fateful day. Their relationship, whatever it was, had lasted for several years and mostly consisted of riding and the kind of sex one could only have with a god. He had loved Poseidon, still did in a way, but he did not expect any special treatment.
“Thank you. But there’s no need to apologise. We both know I wouldn’t have needed saving if Apollo hadn’t intervened for Hector. I was poised to take the wall, after all,” Pat replied. Poseidon chuckled, a fond smile curling his lips.
“There’s the confident lad I seduced all those years ago,” he murmured, his expression shifting slightly, as though remembering those days long past. The horse nickered, nudging the god in the chest. Poseidon was pulled from his reverie, his posture shifting to that of the boisterous sea god again.
“He’s right. I should return to the party before I am missed. I just wanted to see you one last time and give you a steed worthy of my first horseman,” Poseidon declared. Patroclus smiled, stepping away from the magnificent horse to move closer to Poseidon. For such a large being, Poseidon had always been gentle with him and this last kiss they shared was just as gentle. The god’s lips still tasted of the sea, and for the briefest moment he was back on the beach of Troy… kissing a god for the first time. Poseidon stepped back, offering Patroclus a small wink and a smirk.
“Before I forget, his name is Pelagios. I trust you to take good care of him!” Poseidon said. Before Patroclus could respond, there was another bright flash of light and the god was gone. He sighed, turning to Pelagios. He was truly a magnificent creature, his coat a rich dark blue of the Aegean with a mane and tail the colour of the light blue of the waves lapping at Troy. He snuffled at Patroclus’ face again, nudging his shoulder. Patroclus chuckled, stroking Pelagios’ neck.
“I hope you are not skittish around dogs, because Dei was here first,” Patroclus informed the horse. Pelagios huffed, lipping at Patroclus’ free hand. He decided that was as close to a response as he was going to get. He spotted a chest just under where the orb had been floating. With a raised eyebrow, muttering about the gods and their tricks, Patroclus opened the chest to find a finely crafted bridle and cloth saddle, as well as all the other necessary items for horse care.
“Pat… am I drunk… or is there horse in our glade?” Patroclus did not even hear Achilles’ arrival, so distracted he was by the chest. He straightens, crossing over to greet his beloved. Achilles’ expression shifts from confused to besotted quickly, resting his forehead against Patroclus’. When they kiss, Patroclus can taste ambrosia on Achilles’ lips and it is a sharp contrast to the taste of salt still on his lips.
“I’ll explain inside. Let me just put a halter on Pelagios, and we can return home,” Patroclus replied. Achilles nodded, allowing Patroclus to step back. The journey back to their small house did not take long, and Patroclus was not at all surprised when he noticed a stable for Pelagios had been added to the structure. Achilles, who had picked up the chest without being asked, chuckled softly.
“I’m doing to take a wild stab in the dark… and assume this had something to do with the conversation I overhead between Lord Hades and your ex-lover about introducing horses to Elysium?” Achilles asked. Patroclus shrugged his shoulders, although he couldn’t hide the amused grin curling his lips. Achilles laughed, following Patroclus to the stable. Dei was sleeping inside, so thankfully the boisterous hell pup would not be an issue. Not that Patroclus thought Pellagios would spook easily. Any horse bred by Lord Poseidon seemed to possess the same steady temperament, making them perfect horses to take into battle. With Pellagios put away and the chest stored securely, the two returned to their house hand in hand.