Arachnophobia – Part Eight – Mother Hen
Author's Note: Sorry, I put Norcominius instead of the magistrate's name.
DISCLAIMER: I only own Lauriela and the monster. (BTW, Lauriela is my muse's name. Lol)
Terreis – Yes, the whole weekend. Lol. BE NICE TO HIM!!
Last Time – Iolaus' Trouble
'Iolaus leaned back on the pillows while he watched his friend go about the room, looking for something to bind his ankle.'
Some of the most miserable nights of Iolaus' life were when a venomous snake bit him during his Academy days.
He spent three days and three nights in the healer's care, fighting fever and body-wracking shudders as the poison worked its way out of his system. The pain was nearly intolerable and Iolaus couldn't stand being fussed over twenty-four hours a day.
On the second day, the young warrior-to-be decided he had had enough. So, he feigned sleep until everyone left his room, then he got out of bed and walked into the forest for some peace and quiet.
Inside, however, it wasn't so quiet, or peaceful. Iolaus hadn't realized it, but while in his fevered dreams, Hercules and Jason came into his room to check on him constantly.
Unluckily, about five minutes after Iolaus' departure, the door to hi room opened, leaving Herc and Jas stare at the empty bed.
Immediately, the two ran off to find the healer or a teacher. Anyone who had authority to start a search party to help find their missing friend.
In the forest, Iolaus sat on a fallen tree, wrapped in a blanket, shivering uncontrollably, but enjoying the time to himself.
The night breeze felt wonderfully cool on his fever-ridden skin. Five minutes to himself and he was already felt better. Well, mentally, he felt better.
Yeah, sure, his ankle still throbbed where the snake had struck, but now that he was more in his element, among the trees and wildlife, he could calm down and get himself together.
Or so he though...
"Iolaus!" someone called faintly.
He groaned, knowing exactly who it was.
The yell came again, this time, panic was evident in the voice and unexplainable guilt washed over him.
"Over here," he sighed heavily.
Heavy footsteps followed his response.
"Iolaus! What in Hades' name are you doing out here?!" Yup, it was Hercules, all right.
"I wanted t-time to m-myself," the young hunter replied through slightly chattering teeth, wrapping the blanket around his shoulders tighter.
"Yeah, well, you need to get back inside."
That was the end of the argument, and Iolaus found himself herded back in captivity at the Academy. This time, however, Hercules and Jason were set as guards to make sure the blonde didn't try to escape again.
That was one of the most miserable times in Iolaus' life.
Well, this sprained ankle was coming pretty damn close to tying with that snakebite.
"Herc! For the last time, my ankle is fine!" he nearly shouted at the demigod, who hadn't given him two minutes to himself since his clumsy fall.
"Are you sure?" he asked, yet again, driving the hunter closer to the brink of insanity.
Hercules, it's fine. I just twisted it," Iolaus replied, fighting to stay calm, "My ankle will be fine in the morning. You know I've worse than this."
Okay, that was true. The blonde had a point.
"All right, all right. I'll let you alone," the demigod sulked a bit, making the hunter feel guilty.
As Hercules started towards the door, Iolaus waved him back.
"Okay, by no means do you have to leave, I just want you to stop fussing over me."
"Can't help it," Herc shrugged, trying to hide a smile. "It's a demigod thing."
Yeah," Iolaus grinned, causing Hercules' smile to become full out. "Hey, know what?"
"What?"
"I'm hungry."
Well there's something I'd never guess!" Hercules chuckled.
Iolaus started to get up in order to go downstairs, but his friend gave him a stern glare.
"All right, all right, I'll stay right here," the blonde pouted, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back into the pillows.
The brown-haired man nodded, then left the room in search of edible food.
Five minutes later, the minor deity (or demigod) came back with a tray bearing two bowls of stew, two mugs of ale and a loaf of bread.
'Uh oh, he looks at fault for something,' though Hercules.
He set the tray on the table, then dragged the table to the bed easily.
"The bartender warned me about the food again," he chuckled, stealing a quick glance at Iolaus' ankle.
Iolaus noticed the glance and rolled his eyes inwardly.
'Stay calm. He just wants to help,' but the thought didn't do much to keep himself in check.
They ate almost silently, until Hercules announced that he was going to bed.
"G'night, Herc," the hunter called from his bed.
Hercules nodded then gave him a warning stare, "If I hear anything that sounds like you're trying to walk, I'll come in here and tie you to the bed."
Iolaus smirked.
"Herc, you know I don't go that way," he said, unable to hide a stupid grin.
Hercules just rolled his eyes and shook his head before leaving.
His own remark suddenly struck him as hysterical and he burst into a fit of giggles. It wasn't even that funny!
"Herc wishes I went that way," he gasped, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. His new sentence sunk in, sending Iolaus into new gales of laughter.
There was pounding on the wall near the foot of his bed.
"I heard that!" came the demigod's muffled voice.
Iolaus hoped his friend could also hear the new peals of chortles he had caused.
Obviously, he had.
"Iolaus! Go to sleep!"
The blonde snorted, trying to get control of himself.
Amazing, he hadn't even been stuck in his room for over an hour and he was already going stir crazy. This was going to be a long night if he couldn't get to sleep.
END OF CHAPTER...
NEXT CHAPTER – Bring on the Monster!
Author's Note: I swear to the Gods, this gets better. Lol.