The boyfriend was, in fact, slightly annoyed, but only because this other man decidedly knew much more about Eris than he did. Having someone figuratively slap you in the face with the fact that you didn't quite know how to take care of the woman you loved as she lay, comatose, on her bed wasn't exactly what Brenton had wanted to hear right about then but, surprisingly, he swallowed that pill with grace.
He gave a few grunts for responses as Cupid rambled on, although he listened intently, tucking away tips and facts here in there for later use. When he was asked if he needed fixing, he simply waved a hand. Even though he looked worse for wear, he wasn?t entirely broken. He could fix himself, eventually, but that would mean heading back to his own place. But after Eros? determined warning, he decided that it would wait. Eris was much more important, after all, than a few broken ribs.
He was good at playing watchdog, having learned from the best of the best. Every now and then he?d check on her, touching her forehead and cheeks, feeling for that lingering warmth and the push of hot air as she breathed. He only left her side to get something to eat, and only once for more than three minutes to take a scalding hot shower. Otherwise, he remained slumped in an armchair nearby, watching and waiting.
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Brenton shouldn't let any of the nosy biddies get to him too much. They'd known Eris for more years than most people could count. Despite that, she preferred his presence more than that of her so called 'family'. Had she been awake, Mr. Cupid would have been plucked, stuffed in the oven and baked to a crisp for the intrusion. He would not be the only intruder today.
Just after dusk of the third night, the entire apartment would fall into darkness. So pitch black was the room, eyes would not even begin to adjust to the change. Heavy footfalls fell hard against the tile floor, softening as they traversed onto the carpeted bedroom. "Brenton, you've been summoned to Olympus by Zeus, himself. I need you to return with me now or risk her death." The man behind the voice did not believe Eris chosen would be so foolish as to jump at the first threat of her harm. With no knowledge of who was doing to talking or why the request was even made, t'would be quite foolish to do so. Still, more people than not did just that. Running right to their deaths. He'd wait just the same.
If, as the dark stranger assumed, Brenton refused, the lights would come on and he'd find the massive form of Ares standing there decked out in black leather pants, boots and vest which allowed the massive, rippling of muscles to be seen. His hair was jet black, just like Eris..those eyes were obsidian as night, just like Eris and he could be quite menacing when pushed..just like Eris. She may seem more fragile, especially now; but, the two were of the same parents and same creative juices. Neither was particularly fond of how Zeus treated them as his own personal pawns. Explained why Brenton would get an offer which might be hard to refuse.
"That shouldn't be happening." pointing to the comatose Eris. "I can help undo it. But, you're going to have to trust me and go along with the big guy's dastardly plan for you. Three quests..all deadly. He plans to skewer you, scorch you or have one of his special beasties digest you..so Persephone tells me." Rolling his shoulders. "Girl doesn't make it a habit to lie. Can't promise you won't turn into another Atlas stuck forever in limbo either. Zeus' contract with Hera says if you win, there will be smooth sailing for a good long while. You lose..well, you won't be around to worry over it, let's just say that." Giving Brenton a moment to digest what he's learned thus far.
"Eris will be taken to Hades and under Hephaestus protection. She'll be safe there. Here are the rules. Each challenge you win draws strength back to her. Each challenge you lose brings her closer to death. You can bring no weapons into Olympus." Getting a very familiar, devilish smile on his lips. "You'll arrive in her temple. Move the bed, flip back the rug and rap three times on the eagle medallion beneath. The floor will open, inside you will find a signet ring, a shield, a cloak and a purple vial. All gifts from those who would see you defeat Zeus. You will understand their use in time." Extending his hand. "My sister has deemed you worthy of her affection. Makes you the same as a brother to me. I swear on my own life to stand by you and protect you when I can. When you are ready, place the ring on your finger. Your journey will begin."
If he was trusting enough of Ares to follow those directions, the instant the ring was in place, Brenton would find himself in Eris bedchambers within her temple. As Ares said, she would be moved to Hades. When the items were found, he could gather them and head out of the temple where a crowd awaited anxiously for the challenge to begin. No question they were all assessing the abilities of this mere mortal man. Placing a few bets on how long he'd survive the trials as well.
"This." Pausing for effect. "This is what Eris deems worthy." The booming voice of Zeus rang out, silencing the crowd. Clucking his tongue in disgust. "Please, my youngest, infant daughter could rip you in half. You have one chance to tuck your tail and run back home to Mommy while you can. If not, you won't survive the night. Human or not, I won't give any mercy to someone who's been a pain in my ass for far too long."
