Chapter VII: Going bathing.

When the trio approached the steps leading up to the palace, Jason and Ariadne stood there together next to each other. They stood there waiting for them, standing proud and with a little smile on their faces.

"Welcome to the royal palace of Atlantis." Jason spoke with a smile, greeting his friends with a hug.

"This is the first time in here without breaking in." Pythagoras said with a little grin, making them all laugh.

"It is good to see you all again." Ariadne said when she also gave them a hug. She lead them over to a little chamber where Jason and Ariadne normally ate when they ate without guests.

"Make yourself comfortable." Jason said, gesturing to the chairs. "But not too comfortable." He added when Hercules was about the put his feet on the table.

"We will be back in a few moments to join you." Ariadne said before they left them. Icarus smiled at Pythagoras who gave him a little smile back. He thought Pythagoras still looked tired, even if he had slept well last night. After a few moments Jason and Ariadne were back, dressed in more casual clothes. Servants followed soon with a basket filled with olive bread and a large carafe filled with sweet red wine.

"I really must say that it is long ago since we saw each other. The last thing I heard was that you left for Helios." Jason said after a while.

"It is." Pythagoras said. "But tonight, we can tell you all what happened." Hercules agreed by nodded while taking another bite of the olive bread.

"Well, go ahead. I am listening." Ariadne said with her ever-charming smile.

"Well, the trip to Helios went alright. We encountered some bandits, but they were no match against our fighting skills." Pythagoras started, making Hercules almost choke on his bread while the others laughed. "The ride back home took longer but was also calmer." Pythagoras continued. Soon enough three servants came, each carrying plates filled with rice and fish, and another carafe of wine.

"I got a job at the armoury." Icarus announced.

"I won a goat while gambling, though Pythagoras did not like him." Hercules said while he shot Pythagoras a glare.

"It ate my parchment." Pythagoras defended himself, making the others laugh.

"And what about you?" Jason asked Pythagoras, taking in his appearance once again.

"I got a job a teacher." Pythagoras said with a smile.

"You did?" Jason asked surprised.

"Well that is good to hear." Ariadne smiled. "What do you teach them?"

"Mostly mathematics and healing."
"Are they good at it?"

"The two boys are more interested in the mathematics while the girl likes the healing a lot more."

"You like teaching, is it not?"

"Yes, I do. More than anything I have ever done before."

"That is very good to hear. Now it is only you who has no job, Hercules." Jason said with a smile. Hercules only huffed once before he continued eating. Soon enough they started remembering old things, laughing about them while they ate. Like one of the old days but with more expensive food. It was already quite late when Pythagoras, Icarus and Hercules said goodbye to Jason and Ariadne. She promised she would sent an invitation soon again for they had all enjoyed it quite a bit. When they were home all of them retired to their beds, for tomorrow two out of three had to go to work.

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Pythagoras let out a sigh when he finally entered his home. It had taken way to long to cross half Atlantis. He had walked wrong several turns, not really registering what he was actually doing or where he was walking, causing him to bump into several people. Hercules looked up from where he sat drinking and looked at him like he had gone completely dump.

"Hi." Pythagoras said when he saw Hercules.

"Did they throw you out because they have finally seen that you have gone mad?" Hercules asked with a snort.

"No, they sent me home." Pythagoras said before he simply dropped his cloak on the ground and went to his room and lay down. Hercules simply shrugged and continued with hat he was doing the moment Pythagoras entered.

"Pythagoras already home?" Icarus asked when he saw Pythagoras' cloak on the ground, moments after he entered.

"Yes, he is in his room." Hercules simply answered before continuing to sip his wine.

"Okay." Icarus said softly before he picked Pythagoras cloak from the floor and put them away. "Pythagoras?" Icarus asked softly when he entered their bedroom, seeing that Pythagoras was restless asleep. "Pythagoras?" He called again, but this time a bit louder. He sat down on the side of the bed and placed his hand on his shoulder and softly shook it. Pythagoras opened his eyes lazily after a moment.

"You are home early." Icarus said.

"They send me home." Pythagoras answered as explanation.

"You know why they did so?"

"I again had trouble remembering. Karissa went to fetch Kalista and she sent me home."

"It is good she did so, for you do not look so well." Icarus said sadly and caressed Pythagoras red cheek with his thumb. "Do you want something to eat or drink?"

"Maybe just some water." Pythagoras replied while he leant in the touch of Icarus hand.

"Then I will go and get you some water." Icarus said and a few moments later he returned with a cup of water. An hour passed and dinner was ready.

"Pythagoras! Dinner!" Hercules yelled while he already dug into his stew. A few long moments later Pythagoras sat down next to Icarus, facing Hercules. Slowly Pythagoras started eating his stew while Icarus shared a worried look with Hercules. When Pythagoras finally was done eating he looked at Icarus. Icarus smiled at him while he emptied his cup of water. After a moment Pythagoras followed his example and drained his cup of water, with a drop of the Valerian liquid.

"How about that Hercules does the dishes? We have done our fair share the last few weeks." Icarus said with a little smile. With a grunt Hercules stood and gathered the dishes to go and wash them. "And how about, if you feel up to it," He started, "we go and visit the bathhouse. The warm water may sooth you and let you relax for a bit."

"But how about my lessons?" Pythagoras asked.

"Tomorrow is our rest day. So that would not be a single problem." Icarus smiled.

"Then it will be all right." Pythagoras said and produced a little smile.

"Shall we retire early tonight?"

"Are you already tired then?"

"A little bit. And it would not hurt to go and sleep a bit early."

"It would not, I suppose." Pythagoras said after she tried to hide a yawn.

"Well, good night Hercules."

"Good night." Pythagoras also replied.

"Good night." Hercules replied while he slowly finished washing and drying the dishes. Icarus softly smiled as he lead Pythagoras over to their bedroom. Slowly they both undressed and were soon lying in each other's arms. Icarus again caressed with his fingers through Pythagoras hair, while he watched how Pythagoras slowly fell asleep. Soon enough Icarus was asleep as well.

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Icarus awoke like every day an hour before sunrise. A small smile played on his lips as he watched Pythagoras sleep. He was still peacefully asleep as Icarus snuggled down next to him again. With a soft sigh he closed his eyes again. The next time he woke was because Pythagoras stirred next to him. Icarus rubbed his eyes before he sat up and looked outside to realise that it was now about halfway through the morning.

"Good morning." Icarus whispered just above Pythagoras ear, making him stir. "Good morning. The sun is up high and the birds are singing merrily."

"Hmm?" Pythagoras hummed turning to lie on his back.

"Good morning, handsome. Those triangles are about to miss you." Icarus almost grinned when Pythagoras opened his eyes and looked confused at him.

"What?" He asked confused, looking still half asleep.

"Good morning, Pythagoras." Icarus smiled. "Shall we go and eat something before we go to the bathhouse?"

"Yes, though we should go and dress first." Pythagoras said with a grin after he sat up and looked at Icarus. With a little grin Icarus handed over Pythagoras clothes before he dressed himself.

When Pythagoras and Icarus were about done with their breakfast, Hercules walked in. He yawned widely and scratched his stomach before he sat down with a grunt next to Pythagoras.

"Good morning, Hercules." Pythagoras and Icarus said, watching their friend.

"What are you doing this early in the morning?" He asked after he had yawned another time.

"We are going to visit the bathhouse. Would you like to come with us?" Icarus asked.

"You certainly smell like you could use a good wash." Pythagoras said with a frown getting a glare from Hercules.

"It seems I am coming with you, since you asked so nicely." Hercules huffed and started eating. About a ten minutes passed before Hercules was done eating and they left their home.

"You brought some money?" Pythagoras asked suddenly when they were about half way to the bathhouse.

"Yes. I also wanted to ask my father along if you would not mind?" Icarus replied.

"I would even like it, if he joined us." Pythagoras smiled. Hercules simply huffed. Soon enough they had arrived and Daedalus joined them.

"Good morning to you all." He greeted them with a nod and a little smile.

"Good morning." Pythagoras greeted. And together they all made it to the bathhouse. When they arrived at the bathhouse Icarus paid two silver coins to gain access for them four. When they were inside they undressed, leaving their clothing in a neat pile so they could be collected and washed. Before they could go and get into the warm and mineral rich water, a bucket of cold water was dumped over them.

"It has been too long since I last bathed." Daedalus said with a little sigh as he slowly lowered himself in the warm water.

"It feels good to rinse of all the filth." Pythagoras agreed when he sat down on an edge, so the water reached just below his shoulders.

"And relax in the warm water." Icarus added with a little smile. With a grunt Hercules lowered himself into the water and sat down. Pythagoras took long and deep breaths as he closed his eyes and tried to relax and enjoy the warm water. Icarus smiled as he laced his fingers with Pythagoras one's. Daedalus took a moment to look at Pythagoras appearance as he decided to not make a comment that he looked sick. They enjoyed a nice chat while they soaked clean.

A large portion of the day had gone by before someone brought their freshly washed and dried clothes back. When they had their clothes again, they slowly made their way out of the warm water to have another rinse with the cold water bucket before they dried of and dressed themselves again.

"Could I have a quick word with you, Icarus?" Daedalus asked when they had arrived at his house.

"Would you mind to wait for a second?" Icarus asked while Hercules shrugged as a reply.

"No, go ahead." Pythagoras smiled. Icarus walked inside after his father who closed the door behind them.

"What is it father?" Icarus asked, wondering what his father had to say that he could not share in present of his friends.

"I was wondering if you were aware of Pythagoras ill appearance?"

"I am aware yes. He was not feeling so well, and I thought this would do him good." Icarus explained.

"You know what he is suffering from?"

"Not really, though it seems he has a cold. And he has trouble sleeping." Daedalus nodded.

"Just keep a close eye on him. I would be more than happy to come and help."

"Thank you, father." Icarus said and hugged his father before he said goodbye and joined Pythagoras and Icarus again. "We will see you soon." Pythagoras waved before they made their way back home.

"Would you like it if we ask father to come and stay for a while, once in a while?" Icarus questioned.

"As long as he cooks and does the dishes." Hercules shrugged. "I suppose it will be fine."

"I would love it if he would stay." Pythagoras smiled.

"Great." Icarus smiled. He would need to have a pair of extra hands if Pythagoras would be early home more often.