Chapter XIII

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When Zara and the two kings arrived in the banquet hall, the rest of the royal guests were also trickling in. Breakfast would be served as soon as Iphicles was seated. The gleaming banquet table had been extended to about 60 feet in length, an accomplishment which had occurred during the small hours, part of the servants' preparations for the morning repast, and only one of a number of tasks that were already taking place late the evening before. Now the table was a magnificent display of elegance, the china and cutlery, the tall chandeliers and even the linens (which contained fine interwoven threads of real gold and silver) sparkling in the morning sunshine reflecting off the icy white world outdoors. Aphrodite, her unpredictable mood mollified now by Twanky's faithful promise of all those new temples built in Britannia, had provided more roses to fill the large urns decorating the banquet table.

When everyone was seated and quiet, Iphicles gave a formal welcome and thanks to Twanky's group and to the Amazons. "As you all know," he began, "Zara's birthday was extended into today, by the gracious favor of Artemis..."

At the mention of their Goddess' name, all the Junior Amazons, who were anxiously awaiting breakfast and not the most patient of people, cheered. A quick look from Kirios silenced them.

"I also rejoice and hope all will join me in wishing her a continued HAPPY Birthday." Iphicles finished, then began to applaud. The guests turned in Zara's direction and applauded with him.

Zara rose, bowed lightly in acknowledgment, and said, "I am also grateful for Artemis' favor," and looking up at the centerpieces, decided to win a few more points, so she pointed towards the flowers, adding, "And, I see Aphrodite has also sent a token of her patronage, and I'm sure we all thank her as well."

Again everyone applauded; and Iphicles, seeing the hungry looks on the Junior Amazons' faces, decided to "pull rank" and raised his glass. "There are so many to thank, for all the events and fine deeds of yesterday." He motioned towards those guests responsible. "Dancing..." He gestured to indicate the entire group, with a special smile for Twanky and Cleodora. "Singing..." with a nod to Lulu, who got a hug from Iolaus, who was seated next to her. "Rescuing..." sending a smile to Zara and a wink for Twanky. "And to those who kept faith, when all seemed to go from bad to worse, and worse, and worse--" he intoned, head sinking dramatically, as the entire assembly nodded and laughed at the memory. The Queen laughed the hardest, then smiled at the King of Corinth. "Let us share this meal in friendship," Iphicles concluded.

Hercules, seated beside Iolaus, saw the opportunity to prolong a discussion. "And let us continue to keep faith," he supplied.

"I agree," Kirios replied, and seeing the looks of disappointment on the younger Amazons, who were longing to begin the meal. "But, let us eat first, and discuss later."

Everyone relaxed over their delicious meal despite the bustle of the servants, the butlers and their footmen hastening back and forth serving the King's guests at their seats so that everyone's smallest desire was amply provided within mere inches of their setting.

"So, Aria," Kirios began quietly, speaking to a young ash-blonde Amazon seated on her left, "did you check on our horses?" All the animals, the tribe's horses as well as Kull's mount and the dozen horses required to pull the six carriages in which the Widow Twanky's entourage had traveled, had been comfortably sheltered overnight in the large royal stables.

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied. "They are all well-rested, well-fed, and will be ready to leave as soon as you are ready."

"Anyone check on the weather conditions?" Kull asked pointedly. "I will need to head towards my home, and although we do have some snow, I'd like to know what lies ahead for us."

"Us?" Kirios raised an eyebrow, and looked at Zara in question. "Kull, I was not aware YOU were to accompany US."

"If Liza is going back with you, Your Majesty, then yes, I am," Kull continued quickly before Zara could answer her Queen's question. "I have Grievance Day in two weeks," Kull stated flatly, "And, I have several 'Bombastiums,' but unfortunately I can't get them to be quiet. I need all the birch tonic Liza can spare, and the recipe!"

The Queen and Iphicles began to laugh at the same time. Iphicles looked at Kirios in wonder.

"Have you had to--"

More laughter and a nod from Kirios.

"A five-inch blanket of snow and bitter temperatures this morning, according to the baker," Liza reported as she served Kull. "But knowing my mistresses, we are all leaving anyway." She handed Kull a four-inch piece of parchment. "The recipe for birch tonic, as requested, my lord, but you will need to get to the castle for the main ingredient."

Liza looked at the Amazon queen, hoping she would acquiesce. Kirios nodded.

"We leave for home two hours after breakfast," she stated with finality. "Everyone will be ready by then."

"Yes, Ma'am," echoed all the Amazons, except Mithra, who interrupted. "Then when does Zara open her birthday presents? I worked hard on mine."

Litha, who had the same thought, grinned, nudging Shauna. "See, I'm not the only one!"

Meanwhile Twanky was bending Kull's ear on the matter of her temple project. Cupid, seated next to her, was admiring her pink and white complexion, which was even softer and more glowing today than the night before, after a second bath shared with her lover. He ran a fingertip over her cheek, his mind still full of vivid images of ardent lovemaking throughout the night he'd shared with her.

"You know, I've never seen Britannia, and Mom will be upset if the temples aren't to her 'specs.' So, do you think I...um..." and he trailed off, but the kiss he pressed to her cheek carried the intended significance.

Twanky raised her blue eyes to study him soulfully. It was a lame excuse coming from this 'puppy,' she reasoned inwardly. 'But, come along, Alice, old sock; you are old enough and wise enough to KNOW that this romance won't stand the test of time. The sweet words begun at Tea and continuing on even now have been delightful, but I'm not such a fool that I fancy I'll be a GOD'S one-and-only. So enjoy the attentions while you can get them!'

Sometimes Twanky still missed her "old man." The only man she'd ever truly loved, was that one...although after his passing, the flambuoyant personality that meshed with her various stage talents had earned her the nickname of "Mad Alice Cudlip" and stereotyped her as a femme fatale. But deep down at her core, Alice Cudlip Twanky was rather a simple homey soul with strong inherent maternal instincts who often got lonely even amidst the glitter and glamour of show business. Her twenty-odd troupe dancers were like the sons and daughters she'd never been able to bear. And yet, despite her affection for them, still it wasn't quite the same as having a home, a loving husband and children close around you by the warm fireside, on a frosty winter's day...

"Of course, my darling!" she enthused, returning the caress. Then she pointed in the general direction of whence she had come. "It's north by northwest, a sharp left and--"

"It's next to Eire, isn't it? Uncle Herk told me about the island with those strange people..."

"Yes, just this side of Eire, quite large by comparison, you can't miss it. Unfortunately, you can't fly me there the way you did yesterday when you brought Zara back here to the castle. My troupe and I must travel back by our convoy of carriages, then over the water by ship..."

"I'll know how to get there," he assured her warmly. "Love always finds out the way!"

Twanky didn't care how idiotic her grin at him might appear to those around her. Cupid's smile was no less maudlin. Only the approach of footmen hovering over them brought their attention back to their breakfast, which was getting cold.

Theirs wasn't the only food that was being neglected. LuLu and Iolaus had been trying to discreetly play footsie under the table. Since they had emerged from the chamber they had shared overnight, both had been positively aglow in a roseate haze of what any onlooker could plainly see was not only desire, but honest heartfelt love.

Although LuLu was aware that today the Amazons were expected to return to their proper behavior, she still had at least 18 hours remaining, until Artemis expected compliance from all. So, for a while longer, she was free to give vent to her feelings. Indeed, anyone who had watched her arrival before the meal had seen the plain evidence of a night of rowdy ecstasy, from her unruly dark hair and love-flushed face to a small limp in her long graceful flanks. The state Iolaus was in wasn't much better. The same deeply satisfied aspect shone from him as if from an inner light. And he had also walked with a slight hitch. Even if there had been any shade of doubt in this evidence, the exchanged smiles and warm looks between the blue eyes and the hazel ones bespoke the sincerity of their intimate feelings.

Everyone was hungry, appetites being sharpened by not only the busy day before and the nocturnal pursuits of certain couples, but the sudden visit of frigid weather. For awhile, Lulu and Iolaus 'helped' each other eat their meal, then playfulness resumed and they had begun flicking bits of food at each other while snickering like children. With a look at the Amazon Queen, who for once, was NOT watching at that moment, Hercules growled in irritation before administering a 'word to the wise.'

"You two will stop that right now," he muttered, not taking his eyes off his target. "I didn't just argue with a certain Queen for two hours just to have you ruin things."

"Argue about what, Herk?" Iolaus asked, puzzled. "Lulu going home, right?"

Iolaus shot a look at her and she nodded; then his face darkened. "Tell me you didn't ask," he said to his tall partner.

"Yep," Hercules replied, tersely, thereby reopening an argument he and Iolaus had had after they learned Iphicles was safe, then further learned Aeolusia was present.

Iolaus, who was protective of Lulu, had been very vocal in opposition to Hercules' plan. "It won't matter, Kirios will never go for it, anyway," had been his firm conviction. Iolaus repeated his statement aloud. "But, she said No, correct?" trying not to let too much of his personal feelings color his tone.

"Kirios is the Amazon Queen; this concerns them. Lulu's one of their best peacemakers." LuLu blushed pleasantly at Hercules' compliment. Iolaus was now simmering, glancing dubiously from one to the other at either side. Hercules was starting to get angry with his friend. He set aside his unfinished breakfast, and rose to his feet. "Think about it."

Herk smiled at his brother and Zara. "I'll be right back, I, err, uh--forgot to bring in my gift." He glared at Iolaus. "You want to show me where you packed it?"

Iolaus, equally nettled, glared back. He didn't want to continue the argument in front of everyone, either, but had some words for his best friend just the same. "Be happy to," he complied stiffly. Then much more softly, "You will excuse us, hon." He kissed Lulu lightly.

Lulu sat stunned for a moment. Iolaus' concern touched her, but she was an Amazon, and if her Queen needed to send her to do something, he would just have to understand. If they were to have a future together, this was the first test. She rose and walked to the Queen's side.

"Your Majesty, may I have a word." She whispered her appeal earnestly.

"Lulu," the Queen mildly raised a hand to stall her warrior, "I think if I don't let Zara open at least one present, I will never hear the end of it from your younger sisters. After that, I will be hearing other requests."

"Yes, ma'am." LuLu tried to bite down a sigh of impatience.

"You should open a present or two." Kull said to his plate, unwilling to reveal his look of worry to Zara, who had seen the whole exchange, including the 'food fight.' "Let trouble wait for a moment." He regarded Zara and forced a smile. "Have a birthday."

Zara nodded, "Athena is correct; you, Kull, are a wise man. Should we wait for Hercules and Iolaus? He needs to find his present."

Kull smiled again, more easily this time, while pointing into the stack of wrapped gifts on an end table. "His present is the one wrapped in green with the yellow bow. I myself saw Hercules put it there before he retired for the evening. He and your Queen ended up in the same room. But I do not think it was intentional."

"Ah!" Zara reflexively glanced toward Hercules' empty seat and then in the direction he had exited, before stealing a covert look at the Queen, trying to imagine what it must have been like for her to share a bath and then a bed with the magnificent Hercules. Then she met Kull's eyes again, concluding pleasantly that what Kirios had experienced couldn't have been any more wonderful than the lovemaking she had shared with three other magnificent men since about midday yesterday.

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LuLu left the banquet hall, listening for the voices she was certain would be raised in dispute. She followed a muffled sound that indicated the opponents were trying to keep the volume under control. She found them in a side conference room, Hercules punctuating a statement by pounding a big fist into his opposite hand, and Iolaus pacing nervously up and down the room.

"If anything happens to her, I'll--"

"You'll blame me?" Hercules inquired, almost sadly.

At that moment LuLu stepped through the door with that habitual silent tread invaluable to an Amazon. But she made no effort to conceal herself; immediately she commanded in a voice at once gentle but stern, "STOP! I will not have you fighting--my priority is for you," looking at Iolaus, then at Hercules, "and you NOT to be quarrelling, certainly not about me!" Pain crept into her eyes and her voice. "YoYo," her tone became tender even while maintaining its firmness, "it's very sweet and endearing, even flattering, that you are trying so hard to protect me." She took his hand in hers. "But please remember that I AM an Amazon, trained to be self-sufficient. I don't need that kind of coddling. And Hercules is right, I should go with you on your mission if I would be important to your cause." Her free arm waved in agitation as she spoke. "Nothing would happen to me; Artemis would see to that. However, the Queen's final decision whether to permit me to accompany you will settle the question, NOT a quarrel between my sweetheart, love of my life--" now that waving arm settled around Iolaus's neck--"and my very good friend Hercules," her other hand now joining the demigod's as hazel eyes lifted winsomely to a gaze of evening blue.

"And, my sweet love," Lulu continued, now staring directly into Iolaus' cerulean eyes, "if you object too strenously, the Queen can always tell ME to go with Hercules, and YOU to stay behind..."

"She what--! You just TRY it!" Iolaus snapped, shooting a single incredulous glance at LuLu as if to say, 'You wouldn't!' before glowering up at Hercules.

Herk shrugged, "It was discussed, I didn't being it up. But I also said, I would prefer that you came."

"You would prefer," Iolaus almost shouted, control slipping away. "I can't bel--"

"Stop, stop!" Now LuLu's voice rose, and carried a shiver of suppressed tears. "Another woman came between the two of you, twice...and I will not be the next one to earn that distinction." She stood before them both, arms folded, in a challenging posture. "You must both prove to me that you have not only complete trust in ME, but that same trust in each other that I believe you have always shared and always will share." Her demand as well as her eyes conveyed profound significance. "Now shake hands as brothers, and let's return to breakfast and Zara's birthday. We don't want to spoil that, now do we?"

Both men shook hands, then Iolaus stared at Lulu in challenge. "You WILL stay behind if Kirios orders you to. Correct?"

She nodded, attaching weight to every word when she answered, "But only Kirios."

He sighed and looked at Hercules. "Let's go back, and watch Zara open presents. At least start the day well."

Both men turned to go; now Lulu looked confused. "So, should I help you find Zara's gift?" she asked. "That's why you said you were leaving the hall, remember."

Hercules shook his head. "I left it in there last night, it was just an excuse to leave the room without anyone getting suspicious. Now what?" He looked at Iolaus. "I suppose yours is in there too."

Iolaus nodded, "And Lulu's."

Lulu thought for a minute, then, smiling, took each man's arm. "Men! So scatterbrained, you definitely need a woman along to keep you on the right path. Come on, leave it to me." She headed towards the banquet hall, with Hercules and Iolaus in tow.

Hercules looked askance at his shorter partner. "I don't think I like being called 'scatterbrained.'"

"Just follow my lead," Lulu replied. "And, now you have some idea of how women feel."

They entered the hall, just as Zara was beginning to open her presents. Lulu smiled in apology. "So glad we didn't miss anything."

Zara winked puckishly at Lulu. "Everything okay?"

Lulu cheerily picked up her gift to Zara and handed Hercules his with a small flourish. "See, I told you I saw it. You just must have forgotten in all the excitement."

Herk shrugged. "Just a man, I guess." He smiled at Zara, handing her his gift. "You know how we are. Happy Birthday."

Zara eagerly opened his gift. It was a small herb pouch, filled with various herbs. "Thank you. I seem to have misplaced my last one."

Zara continued opening presents. Most were from her sisters and were practical Amazon presents; leather pouches, clothing, decorative necklaces and bracelets. She had a special smile for Mithra, in return for a leather amulet with moon symbols carefully cut into it. "This is what you hid from me when I left our village?" she asked quietly. "It's lovely, my sister."

"I ruined that one." Mithra confessed. "Cleo and Rhea helped me start over."

Only one small package remained unopened. It was very non-descript and unlike the others, it seemed to have no one proudly claiming it as 'from them.' Iphicles handed it to her, puzzled.

"I'm not sure who this is from, but I'm sure they, like all of us, wish you a Happy Birthday."

Everyone else looked at each other and shrugged. Zara opened it and stared in shock. It was a silver dagger, with moon crescents, complete with a leather scabbard and belt. The scabbard was inlaid with silver and the belt had a silver buckle.

"Do you like it?" echoed a familiar voice. "I didn't want you to be neglected, as I had given the rest of your sisters a gift to remember me by."

"Artemis," Zara murmured. "It's beautiful."

Cleo and Twanky smiled. "Yes," said Cleo, "she mentioned you would be getting something special. And, since only Amazons can do the dance honoring Artemis properly without injury, Alice Cudlip Twanky--"

Twanky started at hearing her full name. She hadn't told any of the Amazons what it was.

Cleo continued, "--is hereby an honorary Amazon. With all rights and privileges thereof." Zara blushed, secretly ashamed that she had underestimated the Widow's potential. Cleo smiled at Twanky encouragingly. "You are a strong-spirited, capable woman who has convincingly displayed comradery, friendship, and acts of courage and heroism. And, what did our goddess tell you about me?"

"That you, like me, are a stubborn woman?" Twanky responded fondly. "And, your present is back at home. His name is--well, you'll know when you see him." Twanky smiled, seeing Cleo's dismay at getting a 'he.' "He's a horse."

Cleo enthused, "I'm sure I'll love him."

Zara now smiled back at her. "So, let's get ready to go, we shouldn't keep him waiting."

Zara collected all her presents, turned to everyone, and said, "This has been a great day so far, thanks for everything."

Herk crossed to the Queen, with Iolaus and Lulu in tow. "Can we talk to you, Your Highness?" he asked earnestly. "WE need to clear up a few points, about what we need to accomplish. And--Lulu has a few concerns."

LuLu came forward. "Your Majesty, there are several concerns that have been raised. You know that I am capable of fending for myself, whatever the task ahead, and Hercules believes I can positively influence the outcome of their task. However, there is no denying there is a question whether my or another's personal feelings would cause either to lose focus."

Kirois nodded. "I am not blind, and, although I agree that the Amazon Nation needs to be represented--as we will be affected by the outcome, and your skills would be valuable--I do not see you being objective where a danger to Iolaus is concerned. And, worse, I don't see just cause to place you in such a situation."

Hercules started, but was careful to keep the anger from his voice as he said, "This is a change from what we discussed. I thought we covered all your objections." 'Oh, great,' he thought, 'why did I spend two hours; we are just going to have to have the same discussion over again!'

Lulu decided to call on Amazon pride. "There are those who say women have no place being warriors. We cannot control our feelings, and be objective about accomplishing a goal. We will panic at the first sign of danger, therefore Men have to be constantly protecting us, as we are not capable of protecting ourselves."

Seeing the expected flare of rage on her leader's face, Lulu continued coolly, "You are correct, Ma'am, I don't want to see Iolaus hurt, nor does he want to see me hurt. However," with a pause for effect while she gazed affectionately at the two men, "Iolaus also has very strong brotherly feelings for Hercules. No one has suggested those feelings color his judgment. AND, neither of us want to see Hercules hurt either, so I will be watching BOTH their backs, while behaving as befits a proper Amazon. An Amazon with her personal feelings under control, concentrating on what her leader needs her to accomplish." Feeling the need to further cement her case, she added, "As you would, in my place."

Kirois stared at her, still seething. "We are not talking about the same issue."

"Then, I guess I am going," Lulu stated conclusively. "And, anyone who cannot be objective is staying behind." She sat down next to her Queen, and pointedly stared at Iolaus, who had been smiling complacently, assuming his woman had ultimately lost the argument. He frowned as Herk began to laugh.

"Now do you see why I want her with us?" the demigod chuckled.

"Now that's settled, tell me exactly what we need to accomplish," Lulu urged, as the four of them began to discuss the problem.