It was just after closing time and the tavern portion of the Plinth Inn was finally quiet. The golden hunter had declined to retire when his partner did, making the excuse that he wanted to unwind a bit more before he turned in.
The demigod reminded Iolaus of the long walk ahead of them the next day and cautioned him not to be too long. But Hercules knew that his partner had been fidgeting about something all day and possibly needed the quiet time to work things out for himself. He knew if his friend were wrestling with a problem that he couldn't solve that he would eventually hear about it, in Iolaus' own good time.
Bidding each other good night, Hercules climbed the stairs to their room and Iolaus breathed a sigh of relief. He reached into his carry sack and pulled out a scroll, quill and small vial of ink. He was not much of a one to write letters -- in fact he had only done it once or twice since he left the Academy -- so it was actually quite an event for the hunter.
He set everything neatly on the table, filled his mug with some of the inn's blue ribbon ale, and set himself to the task. He wrote...
Dearest Mother and Pandion,
You're probably very surprised to receive a scroll from me. I hope it doesn't shock you too much. And don't worry Mother, I assure you that I am both healthy and happy. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be home for Solstice. That is, if you wouldn't mind having me with you for the holiday. Oh, and I'll be bringing Hercules with me too, if that's okay with you.
I know that I've disappointed you before by not coming home when I promised I would. Believe me Mother, this time there will be no excuses. No rampaging hydras to slay, no bad tempered warlords to defeat, and no distraught villagers running up to us saying "Are you Hercules? You've got to come help me. My grandma got ran over by a chariot!" This holiday will be for us. I swear.
I don't want you to go to any trouble for us. We will be doing some hunting on our way there, so you don't have to worry about not having enough food. I'll make sure to bag one of those large wild game birds you like so much.
Hercules and I can share my old room. I know you told me how chilly it gets in that room in the winter time, so Herc and I will bring in plenty of firewood when we get there. Those nice red and green quilts in my old trunk, the ones that you showed me the last time I was home, will be more than enough to keep us warm.
And Mother, I don't want you to do anything fancy for us. (Pandion, I want you to get after Mother if it looks like she's doing anything to tire herself). It's been so long since either one of us has had a real Solstice holiday at home that the simple things will be the most appreciated. You know, like when you have those chestnuts roasting on an open fire, giving the house a real holiday aroma. Especially when it mixes with the scent of the pine boughs you always used to decorate the mantle piece with. One of the first things I ever remember as a child was sitting with you near the hearth and playing with the ribbons and the jingle bells you tied up the pine boughs with. That's what I mean by simple things.
I only have one favor to ask of you, Mother. Would you please save us a bowl full of jelly? You remember...that wonderful cranberry jelly you make every year? Well, I've kind of been bragging to Hercules about it for years and I'd love for him to finally get a taste of it. It will go especially good with that large game bird I'll be bringing home.
I also have one favor to ask of you, Pandion. I've written something that I want to give to Hercules as a solstice present. Herc and I don't usually exchange Solstice gifts. The hero business gives you a lot of self-satisfaction, but it doesn't exactly pay too well. Hercules has had an extremely difficult year or so and I just wanted to do something special for him. So Pandion, since you're a writer and an accomplished poet, if you would be so kind and look this over for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. I want you to be brutally honest -- well, not brutally -- but I promise that if you change things around to make it sound better I won't be upset.
Here goes...
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
It's Demeter's fault your nose is cold.
Solstice carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up in fancy clothes.
Ev'rybody knows a game bird and some mistletoe
Will help to make the season bright.
Ugly monsters with their eyes all aglow
Will even let us sleep tonight.
You know that Ares said he'd stay away
To give us time to see our folks and catch a play
And at the Ball every girl will stand in line
To see if demigods really dance so divine.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To Herc, my best friend, through and through
Although it's been said, many times, many ways
Merry Solstice to you.
Thank you, Mother and Pandion. We'll see you early next week.
Love,
Your son Iolaus
Iolaus rose from the table, a little weary from his task and a lot relieved that he had finally inscribed everything on the parchment. He put his writing implements away in his carry sack and took out a piece of wax that he could use to seal the scroll.
The hunter listened at the bottom of the stairs to make sure that his partner wasn't moving about their room. When he was assured that not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, Iolaus tucked the scroll into his belt. He slipped behind the bar and picked up a large bundle that had been hiding between the ale kegs and quietly let himself out of the inn. Iolaus made his way through quiet streets until he saw the torchlights lining the entrance of the alabaster temple.
He climbed the stairs, feeling a bit sheepish about what he was doing. He was not one to ever ask favors of the gods -- but this was a special occasion. He made his way across the plush carpeted floors, past massive marble columns and intricate gold torches, majestic statues and fine tapestries to the well-lit altar in the apse of the temple.
Iolaus laid the bundle at the foot of the altar, opened it, stood back a few paces and waited. He didn't have to wait long either. The pink sparkling shimmer of light announced the goddess's arrival.
"Oh Curley, you never give me flowers. This is so totally sweet."
"Well, Aphrodite, I couldn't very well come and ask you for a favor if I didn't have a gift for you in return, now could I?"
"You're right about that Sweetcheeks! But seeing you in my temple is almost gift enough for me. I'd give you just about anything you wanted...if you catch my drift."
Aphrodite started to inch closer to the hunter and began toying with his golden curls as she twisted back and forth before him; her perfume rose up to capture him in its fragrant tendrils. Iolaus shook himself strongly to avoid being mesmerized by the beautiful goddess of love. He further fortified himself by running this mantra through his mind over and over, "Herc's big sister...Hephie will kill me...Herc's big sister...Hephie will kill me..."
Aphrodite knew exactly what Iolaus was doing and exactly what she was doing to Iolaus. The blonde goddess threw her head back and laughed straight from her heart. "I really love you Sweetcheeks. You are SO cute when you get all nervous like that. Don't worry, I won't bite you..." she paused, then added the words"...too hard." Iolaus swallowed hard and his head shot up only to meet 'Dite's laughing eyes. He finally realized that she was only having fun with him and he flashed her one of his brilliant smiles in appreciation. "You've got a good heart, Iolaus. I'm glad that my little brother has you for a partner. Now, what was that favor you wanted from me?"
"Aphrodite, you know how busy Herc and I have been these past few weeks, what with all the extra monsters and warlords making last minute trouble before Solstice. I kind of waited until the last minute to write my mother and tell her we were coming home for the holidays. I didn't want to take the chance of raising her hopes and then not showing up, again. I can't break her heart like that anymore. Well, now that going home is a sure thing, I need to get this scroll to her the quickest way possible. You know, give her a little advance notice."
"Oh Curley, that is so thoughtful of you. Consider it done. Mom will have your letter to read while she has her breakfast tomorrow morning. Now, are you sure there isn't anything else you wanted to ask for...Hmmmm?" purred the golden goddess.
"No, 'Dite, I'm sure," whispered the hunter from his suddenly dry throat. He knew he should go quickly and he turned around to leave the temple. As he turned, Iolaus heard a barely noticeable sigh from the goddess of love and he knew without a doubt that he couldn't leave her like that.
Iolaus stopped in his tracks and turned to face the downcast goddess. He quickly ran his eyes around the temple, put a finger to his lips, and whispered "Shush!" In the blink of an eye, Aphrodite was by the hunter's side.
"What's the matter, Sweetcakes," the goddess whispered back?
"'Dite, do you hear what I hear?" he asked.
"Hear what?" she queried as she leant in close to Iolaus trying to listen for any sound louder than the beating of their hearts.
"Hear this," replied the hunter as he turned his head and gave the goddess quick, smacking kiss on the cheek. "That was the sound of me saying thanks for all your help. The Big Guy really lucked out when he got you for a sister."
"Happy Solstice, Curley. I'll be looking out for you and my brother. You know, just to make sure no one bothers the two of you so you can have a peaceful holiday with your folks."
Iolaus left the temple with a skip in his step, a smile on his lips and a song in his heart, safe in the knowledge that this year he and Herc would indeed be home for Solstice.
The end
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