The down pour continued without any sign of ceasing. Alcmene began to weep as the loss weighed heavily on her shoulders. Her husband enfolded her in his scrawny arms, drawing her close, sharing her pain.
"Our home....." She mumbled sorrowfully through hot tears. He felt her whole body tremble in conjunction with his own. All their possessions had been lost, every thing they had was now smoldering into ash. They'd worked so hard to build the life they had led.
Now that Meg was safe, Hercules joined his parents in their mournful vigil, clutching his family together as if to make sure that they would not be lost also. He hung his head as the rain drizzled from his face, remembering a time since past. After all, he'd grown up in that old farm house, it had been his home. Now his home was gone.
Meg and Zebra sat in silence as they watched the heartbreaking scene. For the first time, as Meg saw the little family huddled together, she noticed that Hercules looked nothing like his parents. Why this query should suddenly prick her curiosity now of all times she couldn't say. But it did make things more interesting. For now, she would keep her questions to herself.
By now, nothing of the residence had been spared from the angry furry of the flames. All that remained were a few skeletal frames that had once outlined the structure. The rain had finally taken effect and doused the fire to a smoky pier. The cloud of smoke reaching higher into the sky like a great, billowy ghost departing from its host.
When the time for bitter tears were over, Herc approached Pegasus with all seriousness. "Take Mom and Pop to the Villa. Let Torrin know what's happening."
"What's going on, son?" Amphitryon wondered.
"Isn't it obvious?" Answered Herc. "You're all coming to stay with me, at the Villa."
Meg was about to protest. How awkward would that be, staying in the same house? Luckily Zebra slapped a hand over her big mouth. Like it or not, this was their best course of action, and they weren't likely to get any better offers.
"But, son, we couldn't possibly think of introducing....."
Herc held up a hand to halt his mother's irrational argument. "I won't hear it, Mom. You'll come home with me and that's that. Besides, we won't be able to hire a carpenter to re-build the farm until early spring."
Pegasus knelt on the sodden earth to help accommodate Amphitryon and Alcmene's mount.
As Herc gave his assistance, he gave further instructions for the messenger to pass on. "Once my parents are situated, come back and we'll transport the girls, and then the animals. Can you do this for me, my friend?"
The horse nodded, up for the task.
"Then fly with swiftness. Take care."
Without further adu, Pegasus launched into the black night, above the storm. With his parents taken care of, Herc turned to the girls. and smiled tiredly. "Are you both alright?"
They answered in the affirmative. Though Meg felt as if she'd enclosed her mouth over a SUV's exhaust that required a fuel change, the breath that entered her lungs came easier now.
Zebra shivered and released a few sneezes. Herc immediately surrendered his cape, though it was about as soaked as the rest of them, and wrapped it around her tremorous shoulders. She nodded her appreciation.
He sighed and went to see to the animals.
Thankfully all had escaped without incident. Herc absentmindedly began stroking Penelope's long donkey ears. The trauma of recent events falling to despair.
As Meg sat next to Zebra, an odd feeling of pity came over her as she watched the hero's little breakdown. Of course she felt sorry for Alcmene and Amphitryon, they had done nothing to deserve such a tragic loss. But Hercules had a great home, he had everything......didn't he? Unsure of what drove her to her next actions, but she found herself stretching to her feet to join the young man.
Not expecting her company he shyly lowered his head, also feeling ashamed that he'd reprimanded her earlier. But before he could utter an apology, Meg spoke first.
"Hey, listen, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what happened to your childhood home, and....." This was the hard part. She'd never required the assistance of a man. Needless to say, it stung a little to admit. "Thanks for helping me escape from the barn."
Blush colored the hero's cheeks so that they almost glowed in the dark. His hand reached behind and he rubbed the back of his neck, something he always did when he became nervous. "I...i...it was no trouble at all. I'm just glad you're s...safe."
Meg bit back a giggle. His stuttering and stumbling of words were actually quite humorous, perhaps even, dare she say, charming. She quickly threw that thought away, those sort of feelings no longer beat within her core. Such impulses only led to trouble.
"And I apologize", Herc added. "for snapping at you before. I was just...really worried...about you. After all you and Zebra have done for my parents, I am greatly in your debt."
"Don't worry about it", she assured. "Besides, all is forgiven. So how do you plan on transporting these animals?"
"I've thought about that; I plan on placing them in a make-shift harness, then Pegasus can carry them, gliding just above the ground."
By now, Zebra had come to join them.
"If all goes according to plan, we'll all be back at the Villa before the break of dawn."
"You're sure Phil won't mind the extra guests?" Zebra stressed.
"Nah..." Herc reassured. Though he certainly wouldn't be pleased to have young women staying at the Villa, especially those that the Goat-man had no chance with. "Besides, its not just his house."
About after an hour and a half of nothing but rain bathing, Pegasus made his return. Herc greeted his best friend with his usual warmth. "Do you need a rest before the next load?"
The horse shook his long head.
"Alright. Next aboard are the girls."
Meg tensed. Riding that glue-stick with wings without it's master to keep it under control was like etching her name onto a gravestone. Would he attempt to harm her with Zebra aboard? Her only other choice was to stay and help Hercules prepare the animals for travel. Though he would likely decline her offer and insist she travel with Zebra. Plus, there would be little place for her to lend her assistance, considering her weathered condition. She pulled the hero privately to the side. "Can I trust that your pony won't dump me in some monster's festering nest?"
Herc was surprised by her question. But he respectively complied with a genuine answer, she was understandably tired and frightened. "I assure you, no harm will come to you or Zebra while under Pegasus's care."
Maybe she had inhaled too much toxic smoke, or perhaps she'd somehow bumped her head, but she believed him.
"Isn't that right, Pegasus?"
Conveniently, the horse had overheard their conversation. At being caught for eaves dropping, the stallion became embarrassed. Never-the-less he answered with the nod of the head and an overexagerated smile.
"Well, now that that's settled, lets get you on your way."
"But what about yourself?" Zebra wondered with concern.
"I'll follow as soon as I can, once I am assured of everyone's safety. Once Pegasus had dropped you both off at the Villa, he will return for me and the rest of my family", he fondly referred to the animals.
Zebra nodded. Sounded reasonable. "Well c'mon, Meg, let's get going so Hercules can get back."
No matter how much she'd been reassured, Meg was still apprehensive about a wet-and-wild ride. "After you", she invited, feigning courtesy.
Zebra shrugged and straddled the horse as he bent to accommodate. Once she became settled she beckoned Meg to come aboard.
Taking a deep breath, Meg approached and gingerly climbed on back behind Zebra.
"We'll see you soon", Zebra called to Hercules.
With that, Pegasus shot to the sky, fighting to rise beyond the clouds. Meg screeched, nervously gripping onto Zebra as she clutched the stallion's mane. Below, Herc sighed, wishing he could be the one Meg held onto for dear life. Well, no time for drifting and wishful thinking. There were other pressing matters at hand that needed his heroic attention. He prepared to make a harness for the animals trip, with whatever scrap material he could uncover. It looked like the long day would continue into the next.
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Torrin was waiting beneath the eaves. From what he'd interpreted from Pegasus, and the information described by Herc's parents, the household would soon be admitting new guests.
Alcmene and Amphitryon were safely tucked comfortably in their new bedroom quarters. Marlena was preparing another room for the girl's accommodations.
The bodyguard shielded his eyes from the storm, spotting an incoming dot, growing larger every moment. Which could only be one of two things; A humongous rain drop, or Pegasus' 2nd landing. He smiled. They'd made it.
Pegasus performed a perfect touch-down, his hooves grounding softly in the mud. Torrin approached, patting the winged horse appreciatively. "Good boy!"
Zebra swung a leg off, sitting side-saddle. But Meg kept her locked in place. "OK, you can let go now, Meg." Zebra tried to escape, but her petrified friend held firm. "You're crushing my ribs! We've landed. Ya hear me? We're on the ground."
Meg's eyes split open as relief caved in and she collapsed into a cloudy puddle on the mud infested ground. "So help me, I swear I'll never leave the surface of the earth, again."
Torrin helped Zebra from her mount, blushing slightly as she stumbled gracefully into his arms. Then, remembering himself, bent to assist Meg to her feet. "Let's get you both inside."
Pegasus moaned, knowing that he still had back-breaking work ahead before he could retire in the comforts of his very own stable.
"I know, boy", Torrin sympathized. "But Herc still needs your help. Just one last round-trip."
The horse nodded, stretched his feathery wings, and departed to retrieve his master. He would do anything for Hercules.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Torrin led the girls into the shelter of the Villa, their soaking garments and drenched hair dripped onto the floor, creating a blooming puddle across the elaborate tiles.
"I'm sure you both would like to.....err.....freshen up..... How does a bath sound?"
"Depends", replied Meg. "Will it take place in a tin tub?" She never looked forward to her baths back in the barn, with all the animals in audience. But it beat soaking in the ice-cold stream.
"No", Torrin chuckled. "Even better. We have a bathing house with warm running water."
The girls couldn't believe what they'd just heard.
"Just point the way and step aside!"
Zebra also ached to shed her filthy attire and dive right into a steaming pool of tension relaxing heat, but she held her manners despite desperation, holding Meg down. "That sounds wonderful. If its not too much trouble."
Torrin turned the girls down the right direction, laying a hand on the small of Zebra's back to guide her. She did not protest this subtle, warming touch. In fact, she quite welcomed it.
"Of course its no trouble. You are guests here. Herc would be doubly ashamed if I performed less."
Meg decided to switch gears and change the subject before she became ill and added a different kind of puddle upon the floor. "So, Torrin, where are Alcmene and Amphitryon? How are they holding up?"
Embarrassed, Torrin returned to reality. "They've settled in their room and washed-up there. Though understandably distraught."
They continued down a hallway till they came upon a door that led outside. A cobbled path led through a covered walkway, the path ending at a small building that stood upon short stilts, raising it just above the ground. Even before entering, Meg could feel the warmth emanating from within. Torrin pushed the door open, allowing the girls to step in first. Torches burned in each corner of the room, hanging from metal brackets set into the stone wall, casting a dim, flaming light within the 20'x20' square room. A pool of water, of about 12'x12' by measurements, was set deep into the floor. The water looked warm and inviting, a gentle wave of steam floated just above the pool's surface.
Meg stepped forward and beheld her reflection rippling above the tiles, with the water being so clear, like the face of a mirror.
"The pool is warmed through heated coals set beneath the surface, in a brazier", Torrin explained from the door frame, attempting to sound informative for the sake of impressing Zebra. "It is drained and refilled after each use by aqueducts, from the nearest source of water."
Zebra seemed enthralled, hanging on his every word. Meg just wanted to tuck her legs and perform a cannon-ball. But there was just one problem; the presence of the opposite set, namely Torrin. She turned to glare at him, hoping to mentally communicate his required departure. But his attention was elsewhere. Then she noisily cleared her throat. Jeez, did she need to spell it out? P.R.I.V.A.C.Y!
Torrin finally sensed her gaze and jumped in surprise when he met the look in Meg's eyes. He looked down at his feet, getting the hint, and shuffled in his sandals. "Yes, well, Marlena will return with a change of clothes. I'll see ya later." But when he expressed his farewell, his gaze was only for Zebra. With that, he closed the door behind him and returned to the main structure.
Meg let a suspended breath escape slowly between her lips. "Finally." Now she felt she could relax. "I thought he'd never leave." She peeled off her dress, letting it fall into a heap upon the floor, and stepped to the lip of the pool, kicking off her sandals. She extended her foot, pointing her toes with the poise of a ballerina, dipping in her big toe to test the temperature. "Oooooh!" She jerked back. It was warmer than expected. With careful ease she slipped one leg in, then the other, discovering its depth. I actually wasn't all that deep, maybe 4 1/2'. She sat back on the stone seat and sighed, sinking down till the water reached her armpits. Her elbows rested on the edge. "What're you waiting for?" She aimed at Zebra as her head jerked back from where Torrin disappeared, still standing in her damp garments. "Trust me; the water's great!"
Zebra shrugged, disrobed, and jumped right in, skipping the toe ritual, and situated herself opposite of Meg. "This sure beats that O'l tin bucket."
Meg nodded, her eyes closed softly. "Now, if only we had......."
A light knock came at the door. Startled, the two of them slipped further into the cover of the water.
"Madams? I have brought fresh clothes and towels." It was only Marlena, the housekeeper.
"Come in", Zebra invited.
Carrying a neat pile of supplies, Marlena let herself in. She looked tired, her black/gray hair straying from her top-knot, but seemed in good spirits. "I also thought you might like some soap to cleanse yourselves", she smiled. Just what the doctor ordered. She presented them with a small Carmel colored block.
Zebra studied the substance that she labeled; soap. She'd never seen a cleansing product of such color or texture.
"Umm, Marlena?"
She turned her attention to Zebra.
Zebra had to think a moment, to word her question carefully without suggesting suspicion. "We're unfamiliar with the ways of the upper class. Might I ask what ingredients were used to assemble this soap?" She'd heard of some ancient cleansers containing animal fat. Which she would prefer not to slather over her body.
"To the best of my knowledge; it consists of Lye and Olive Oil. Which is very beneficial for the lady's skin."
Olive Oil? Zebra pondered. That didn't sound too disturbing. "Thank-you very much, Marlena."
The weary housekeeper nodded. "No trouble. When you bath is complete, I will show you to your room. You both must be very tired."
"Yes, well, its nothing a cushy bed couldn't fix", Meg agreed.
Marlena bowed, dismissing herself. "I will be waiting in the main house."
When she disappeared, Meg snatched the block of soap from Zebra's hand. "If this doesn't get us squeaky clean we can at least use it on a garden salad", she joked.
Zebra slapped the water, splashing Meg. "Would you quit making fun and just lather-up?"
Meg clapped water right back. "Look who's playing", she charged right back.
A good, clean, water fight ensued. Soon drenching themselves without fully submerging into the bath. Zebra caught a yawn, realizing how tired she really was. Which, apparently, was contagious, since Meg repeated the act.
"What do you say we call a draw so we can fall into an unconscious, dreamless bliss?"
Zebra wholeheartedly agreed and washed into the suds. When all was complete, they emerged from the water and dried off. The clothes Marlena had left them were just simple white tunics. But as they slipped the pieces over their naked bodies, they felt as soft as silks and as warm as fleece, sliding easily into place. And they fit. The Olive Oil soap had a part in this as well, it had quenched their dry skin and they were already relishing the effects. They gathered their discarded clothes and towels, then exited the bath house, following the path back to the main building.
As promised, Marlena was there waiting for them, holding a candle as the lit hallway flames had been dowsed.
"You both appear to be in higher spirits. A good soak is the best thing to help you wind down before retiring."
"You said it!" Meg agreed.
Marlena had them surrender their load before they could object. "I'll have these washed so they'll, again, be suitable to wear. Now, if you'll follow me I'll show you to where you'll be staying."
She led them down a long corridor, with only the light of Marlena's candle to guide them, its flickering flame casting long, ominous shadows against the walls. Meg stayed close and kept an eye on Zebra as she lagged behind to take-in all the fine art pieces on display. She hadn't realized just HOW big the Villa was. They passed several doors that framed the wall on their way. Who could tell which one was theirs?
As they walked on, a question quelled within Zebra's mind. She was almost too embarrassed to ask, but her curiosity wouldn't let her just be. "Marlena, uhh, is Torrin still around?"
Without a falter in her step, the housekeeper spoke as they turned down another hallway. "Mr. Torrin is catching what little sleep he can before Sir. Hercules returns."
Now all Zebra had to wonder was, which one of these many doors led to his room.
Meg rolled her eyes. 'We're in BIG trouble', she grimaced to herself.
At last, Marlena halted before their intended room. "Ahh, here we are", she announced, opening the door. Inside were two, elegant, full beds, set against either side of the large, square room.
"It was determined that it would be in your best interest if you were to share a room."
The girls stepped inside.
"This is great!" Said Zebra. "We don't mind sharing a room."
"We've been sharing a room for nearly a half dozen months", Meg added.
Marlena nodded. "Then I'll leave you to rest. Good evening to you, ladies." She walked past the girls and gazed out floor-lengthed window. The moon was in the process of calling it a day. The rain had lightened to a slight drizzle. "Or rather, 'good morning'", she chucked, as did the others. She then slid the sheer drapes into place, where the two pieces met in the middle, blocking out the incoming day.
"Thank you, Marlena, for everything."
"It's no trouble", the housekeeper insisted from the door. "Though it is not me whom you should be giving your thanks."
Meg and Zebra looked at one another, realizing what she'd meant.
"Sleep well, then."
The door closed, leaving the girls in a gray darkness, with the small light of dusk peering lightly through the curtains. They easily navigated a way to their own bed. Without giving it much thought, Meg slithered between the soft, cotton sheets. Her pillow drew her in like a magnet, lulling her to a dreamless sleep before her head made contact.
"Have a good sleep, Meg", Zebra yawned broadly. "Meg?"
The only response she received was a deep satisfying snore. She laughed, then snuggled into the sheets, to experience the sensation for herself.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
It was a dreamless slumber, just mind-numbing dark goodness. The sun was climbing the Eastern sky. At about 7 A.M., Meg felt a familiar annoyance down in her bowels that wouldn't let her be without immidiate action. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and kicked off the covers. She winced as her bare toes came in contact with the cold tiles. Opening the door, she wandered aimlessly into the hallway. She had no idea where she was going. It also didn't help that she still felt drowsy, but the urgency down below wouldn't subside until relieved. Surely these people knew of a bathroom, or at least a latrine of sorts.
At last, a door met the end of her path. Crossing her legs, locking them in place, Meg plunged through........putting herself outside. She groaned, doing a little distractive dance. Then shrugged. Beggars couldn't be choosers. The rain left a low, cloudy mist upon the grounds. She shuffled behind a patch of shrubbery, raised the hem of her skirt, and let'er rip.
"Finally......" She sighed in relief, her breath mingling with the hovering mist.
When she remained empty, she quickly dashed inside to escape the cold. Again, she was faced with her previous disorientation. How was she suppost to find her way back? She should have left a trail of bread crumbs. There was no use in standing around waiting for someone to direct her, so she blindly retraced her steps. Somewhere along the way she must have taken a wrong turn, because her current course brought her to the Common Room. 'Great. Now I'll never find......'
Her inner complaining halted when her ears picked up the sound of someone breathing, loud and evenly drawn. Curious, Meg followed the sound to discover its source. The early morning dawn cast faint ribbons of light into the room, streaming from the window. Splayed across the couch lay an extremely tired Hercules. His chest moving rhythmically up and down, unconscious and exhausted. A blanket lay draped over the head of the couch. Unsure of what compelled her next actions. Pity, perhaps? Gratitude? Probably.
Retrieving the blanket she inconspicuously layed it over the hero's sleeping form. He shifted slightly, causing Meg to panic and step back. She did not want to be caught in this situation, especially by him. She prepared to flee. But to her relief, Hercules merely clutched the blanket close, moaning in the new comfort.
'Good', she observed. 'Nobody will be the wiser'
She returned to her search for her room. Eventually, after painstakingly investigating every door she came across, she found the correct room, and not a moment too soon. Never wanting to experience such an adventure again, she fell back into her lovely, warm bed.
'First person to wake me will be sorry.'