A gift for adelphos

With a sigh, Aiolos walked into his temple and took of his headpiece. It was late afternoon, and he had just come back from two days of scouting. Now he was accordingly exhausted and glad to be back.

A few steps in, an excited shout greeted him.

„Adelphos!"

A little whirlwind called Aiolia came running and hugged his older brother wildly. Aiolos laughed and stroked the younger boy's head.

„Hey there, Lia", he said lovingly, using the nickname only he was allowed to use. „How have you been while I was away?"

„Fine!", the little Leo chirped. „Saga and Shura took good care of me, while Milo was the same jerk as usual."

The Sagittarius Saint laughed softly. „You two are certainly like fire and water. I wonder if you will ever get along."

„Nah!", Aiolia declared. „He's a Scorpio and I'm a Leo! We're literally like fire and water! And everyone knows fire and water don't mix well."

„So, you'll not even try to become his friend?", Aiolos asked teasingly.

„Hmpf", was the only answer he got, together with a pout. But then Aiolia's eyes flashed in delight. „I almost forgot! Come, adelphos! I have to show you something!"

The little boy grabbed his older brother's hand and eagerly dragged him along, towards their bedroom.

„What is it you want to show me?"

„I won't tell! Else it won't be a surprise anymore."

A few minutes' walk through the hallways of Sagittarius later, they reached the bedchamber. The moment he entred, Aiolos saw the surprise.

On their beds stood two wooden figurines. A lion on his own, a winged centaur with bow in hand on Aiolia's. The Sagittarius Saint picked up the lion and studied it carefully. It was slightly bigger than a fist. And although it did not look as if it would spring to life at any moment, it was so well made with just enough details, that it looked great.

Aiolos glanced at the centaur which Aiolia had picked up. Seen how complex such a suchet was, it was quite well done too. The wings had even details for the feathers.

„Have you made these?", he asked, not unimpressed. If Aiolia had, it was amazing how well the figurines had turned out, especially considering the boy's age.

„Yep!", came the cheerful reply. „They're Leo and Sagittarius. You'll get Leo, I take Sagittarius. So we'll always remember that we're brothers."

Aiolos smiled broadly. „But Lia, you don't seriously expect either of us to forget that, do you?"

„Well, one never knows."

At that, the Sagittarius Saint had to laugh out loudly. He ruffled Aiolia's hair.

„In any case, thank you, Aiolia. You carved two marvellous figures."

„Thank you, adelphos!"

And the little Leo hugged his older brother happily. Aiolos gently stroked his hair and looked down on him with tenderness and affection.

,We'll always be brothers. And no destiny can tear that bond appart.'