By Dessy

 And the rain came down in buckets! Anexa looked out the window and sighed. Well, so much for getting out to celebrate!

"I was so hoping to spend some time outside in the cool, crisp air today," she said to herself, accepting the fact that this wish was not going to come true.

She put away her hiking boots, her backpack and walking staff. Today was a special day but she just didn’t feel special at all. With all the parties and celebrations that she’d participated in, Anexa was a bit tired. And now she wasn’t going to be able to get out in the fresh air on her birthday. As she watched the rain come down harder, her mood flattened even more.

Not being one to give into depression, Anexa decided to take the opportunity to do a thorough cleaning of her hut. She got into her most comfortable outfit, put on her slippers, and walked to the mirror for a quick look.

One look in the mirror and she decided that she needed to wash her hair and do a facial before she did anything else. She hadn’t had a "pamper herself day" in ages. So, the cleaning was put on the back burner and her personal care took precedence.

Anexa took out her favorite shampoo and natural conditioner that Missferal had created during one of her experiments. It smelled like fresh spring blossoms and she just loved it!

After getting her lovely hair squeaky clean, she wrapped it up in a towel and began to give herself a facial. She used a cucumber mask that she really liked. It was cool, relaxing and left her face feeling baby soft.

The mint green color made her look a bit scary, but it did such a good job that she didn’t care. She used a strawberry, coconut combination on her lips. It was bright red. So now she looked really interesting.

The masks needed thirty minutes on her face, so she began to clean her hut while the mask hardened.

Anexa went into her closet and began picking up the clothes that had fallen on the floor. She straightened up the shoes and the boots. Pretty soon it looked pretty good in there.

She emerged from the closet with some of her hair down in her face. She just brushed it aside and kept going. Next, she decided to evict the legion of dusty bunnies under her bed. She got down on her knees with her dust mop and began to sweep the little critters out.

"Achoo!" came the first sneeze. "Achoo!" she sneezed again. All that dust was tickling her nose. But soon the never-never land under her bed was clean and free of dust, so she moved to the next spot.

Anexa pulled the furs off the bed and took them out to the clothesline under the patio roof. She grabbed her "beating" stick and hit the furs with all her might. Dust flew everywhere! She sneezed again.

After beating those furs silly and a dozen more sneezes the furs seemed clean. So, she left them out to let them freshen up a bit. She headed back in and began sweeping out the hut. Anexa couldn’t believe how much dust and dirt had accumulated in a few weeks! But she was determined to have a clean hut by lunchtime at least!

"Where is Hercules?" she thought. "He promised to spend the day with me." She didn’t think he’d forget her birthday. Was anything going to go right today?

With the floor swept, she dove into cleaning up the fireplace. Anexa got down on her hands and knees and began to use her hand broom to clean out the soot. She swept it into a pail bit by bit. It seemed that she would never get the fireplace clean. But finally, it was looking pretty good.

She was about to stand up, when Anexa heard a knock on the hut door. Without thinking she ran to the door and opened it up. There, standing at the threshold was Hercules himself.

He looked down at his little Amazon and grinned. "My don’t you look fetching!" he breathed and then snickered.

"What so funny?" Anexa replied with a frown. "What’s wrong with the way I look?" It was at that moment she remembered! "Oh no!" she shrieked and ran for the mirror. Hercules stepped inside and closed the door.

"Oh no!" she cried again, as she beheld her hair and face covered in dusty, dirt, soot and covered in a green and red mask. "I can’t believe I let you see me this way! Oh no!"

Hercules just roared. He sat down in a chair, threw his head back and absolutely roared.

"It’s not funny!" Anexa protested, with a clump of dust hanging from her chin. Now her face was streaked with black because she had absently rubbed her face. She stood there, hands on her hips and stomped her foot. "It is NOT funny, Hercules!" she cried. "I look a fright!"

Hercules got up, crossed the room to his Amazon and pulled her into his arms. "Honey," he said. "I just think you look cute! And don’t worry. I won’t tell." His eyes danced as he looked down at her.

"But I look awful and I wanted so badly to look nice for you today," she said pouting. Hercules hugged and kissed Anexa, coming away with a bit of dust, soot and green mask on his face too! He itched his nose and found green and laughed again. "See?" he pointed out. "Now we look almost the same. So it’s okay."

Anexa laughed too and then hugged her fella back tightly. "You know what?" she said. "You are just the best! You always make me feel loved and beautiful…whether I look like this or am dressed in a gown. No woman is luckier than me!"

"Thank you dear one," answered Hercules, as he ran his hand over her shoulders. He grabbed a curl and wrapped it around his finger and smiled down at her. "I have this idea," he said thoughtfully. "Why don’t you go get that decoration of your face, fix your hair and then I have something we can do together inside. "No! It’s not THAT!" he added, snickers at her.

"Later, honey! Later!"

Anexa eyed Hercules suspiciously. "Just what are you up to?" she said warily. "I know you are up to something!"

"Now Anexa," he answered softly. "Don’t be so suspicious! I just had a thought of what we can do while it’s raining to celebrate your birthday!"

He grabbed her backside and gave it a playful squeeze. "Now, run along, Amazon!" he said in a mock command voice. Then he slapped her softly on her left cheek.

"You are going to pay for that!" Anexa threatened. "I’m an Amazon…remember?" She gave him her best warrior-like look. But a grin seemed to just push its way out.

"Oh, I will hold you to that! I promise," replied Hercules. "Now get going!" Anexa glared at him but hurried into her changing room.

When she emerged, her hair was hanging softly about her shoulders. Her complexion was now that of peaches and cream and her lips looked soft, supple and inviting. She had slipped into a soft camel colored skirt and vest. It set off her hair and eyes beautifully.

Hercules looked up and whistled. "Now that is one lovely Amazon!" he breathed. "You still take my breath away, my darlin!" He crossed the room to her side, drew her into his strong arms and lowered his head to kiss her. When they parted, Anexa looked into his blue eyes. They were misted over. Every day she seemed to love him more. Neither of them spoke for the longest time. They just looked deeply into each other’s eyes.

Finally, Anexa forced herself to look away. "What is this that you have done?" she asked, seeing a picnic set up in front of the fireplace. There was chicken, potato salad, fruit salad, rolls and tea. There was also a carafe of wine setting in water.

Hercules grinned at his Amazon. "Did you think I would forget your birthday?" he asked. Then he handed her a wrapped box.

Anexa squealed and began to unwrap the present. "What did you get me?" she asked, knowing he wouldn’t answer her. She ripped the paper off and opened the box. In it there was a sparkling sapphire and diamond ring, set in gold. It was just lovely!

"Hercules," she gasped. "You didn’t have to do this! Oh my! It’s just beautiful!" He took the ring and slipped it on her finger. "Nothing is too good for my Amazon!" Anexa threw her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss he would not soon forget.

Then they settled down to enjoy the picnic, feeding each other and kissing in between bites. The wine was smooth and a lovely addition to the meal. It was a sweet time as they talked and relaxed in front of the warm fire Hercules had built.

They were about to kiss again, when there was a soft knock on the door. Anexa arose to answer it. When she opened the door she found her whole Amazon family gathered outside, drinks, snacks and presents in hand. They were all dressed in casual clothes and stood there smiling at her.

"Happy Birthday, Anexa!" the all chimed. "Happy Birthday to you!!" Anexa’s hands flew to her face in surprise. "Oh my!" she squealed. "I thought you all forgot it was my birthday with all the celebrations we’ve had recently."

"How could we ever forget your birthday?" Freya said, stepping forward and hugging her friend. "You’re important to us."

"You shouldn’t have!" Anexa stuttered. "I mean you didn’t need to do all this!" She blushed. "Oh I just don’t know what I mean. Thank you!" Danaan stepped closer to hug her friend. "Hey! What’s family for, silly?" She stepped back and grinned. "So you gonna let us in or not?"

Anexa quickly stepped aside and motioned the group in. They all settled on blankets on the floor and shared punch and teas. The conversation was light and happy. Chantal brought a lovely cake. And everyone complimented her as they enjoyed it.

As Anexa opened up presents of things for her bath and hair, new bedding, a new dress and even new boots, she just beamed. When the last present had been opened, she looked around and smiled through happy tears. "You have all made a very dreary day turn into a very warm and bright day," she said, as her voice kept catching. " I shall remember this always! Thank you!"

Hercules drew her into his arms and wiped her tears. And all her friends clapped and wished her a wonderful year ahead with the man she loved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Birthday Anexa, my dear friend. Your friendship and caring has brightened the dark corners of my life and lifted me above my trials and cares. Thank you. I hope your day was very special. And I pray the year ahead will bring you great joy and happiness.

Much love,

Herkite’s Celestial Celebration

By Dessy

Herkite sat outside the building just grabbing a moment to collect her thoughts and take a deep breath. Inside, children were running to and fro, giggling, laughing, jumping, shrieking, rolling around and generally make a mess. Herkite sat on the nearby log feeling frazzled. She pulled her furs tightly around her and stared at her own breath in the cold winter air.

When the residents and Caspenia had requested someone to watch over the local orphan’s home while the directors’ were away, Herkite had been the first to jump at the chance. She loved children and she always loved challenges. She was one of those that could get right down on the floor and play with the kids. And children just loved her!

But after a month of handling fifty frolicking wild kids, she was about done in. That very morning, she’d looked at her calendar and realized that today was the last day she would be acting as the director of the Orphanage. She smiled herself as she thought of the regular couple in the afternoon. Soon, she could awaken to peace and quiet, instead of having her eyes fly wide open as a dozen kids piled on her bed (and her stomach) to wake her up.

She did love the children. They were so full of life, so full of enthusiasm and so full of love. But they were also a source of endless energy and had the amazing capacity of going in a dozen directions at once. And after sleeping with one eye open for the past month to assure some of the little darlings didn’t sneak out for a midnight romp, she was feeling the toll.

"Oh it’s going to feel great to sleep in!" she said sighing. "Just think, Herkite," she said to herself. You can wake up slowly, peacefully and quietly. You can even sleep in for a few days if you want. She smiled and hugged herself at the thought.

Then her thoughts wandered to her birthday. It was already past that day. She had to work through it. But she was hoping she and Hercules would find a way to celebrate it quietly once she was home.

Herkite wiped a tear away as she recalled her special day. She spent the day cleaning the entire floor of the Orphanage. And those kids could certainly get it dirty fast! All of her sister Amazons and Hunters were back at camp and busy with their daily lives. Even Hercules had been away helping to avert a war between neighboring lands. She’d felt so lonely that day!

"Stop it, Herkite!" she scolded herself. "There is no time for feeling sorry for yourself right now! Work awaits!"

With that she stood up, gathered her furs around her again and headed inside. As she hung up her winter garments she thought "It would be nice to have just a tiny celebration when I get home."

A little girl ran by screaming bloody murder as a freckle-faced boy chased her with a common garden snake in his hand. Across the room two children were fighting over one toy. On the other end of the room, four children had gotten into the finger paints and were creating lovely looks on the far wall. Herkite took a deep breath and dove into the fray once more. 

The next day she kissed and hugged all fifty of the little angels and bade her friends, the Directors, a fond goodbye. The couple looked rested and refreshed, so Herkite was pleased about that. She tried not to show how absolutely done in she was as she promised to come back and visit. But she knew it showed when the wife suggested she "get some rest." She smiled sheepishly and mounted her horse to leave.

It was late afternoon by the time she got home. As she dismounted her steed, Hercules sauntered up to her, grabbing her into his muscular arms. He pressed his lips to hers in a long, deep, loving kiss. "By the gods it seemed as if you were never going to come home!" he exclaimed as he squeezed her tightly. "This has been the longest month of my entire life!"

"It was really hard for me too, my dear," Herkite re-assured her man. "I’m just glad to be home and in your arms. You have no idea how tired I truly am. I’m going to bathe, change into something comfortable and just crawl into bed. Care to join me?"

Hercules smiled down at his Amazon, not letting her go. "That sounds great, Herkite, but the whole gang is planning on dinner with you in an hour or so. We can’t crawl into bed just yet." Herkite was going to complain but thought of how nice it was to be home.

"Well, it will be nice to see everyone," she sighed. "We can have a short meal and THEN go to bed."

Hercules leaned her back in his arms. "Well, dearest, I do have something planned for us too. Bed will have to wait."

Herkite pouted. "But Hercules, we’ve been away from each other for a month! Can’t we do whatever it is you have planned on another night?" "Nope!" he answered and released her. "I will take care of your horse. You get cleaned up and changed. I will see you in a few." With that he led the horse to the barn and disappeared inside. Herkite stomped over to her hut feeling a bit out of sorts. "After a full month you’d think he’d like to be alone with me! But noooooooo…. He’s got to invite the whole camp to dinner. And can we go to bed after that? Noooooo…HEEEEE has something else in mind! What about what I want?" She bristled as she settled down into the tub he’d prepared for her and tried to push her grumpy thoughts away. The warm water soothed her body and soon her attitude softened and she found her thoughts drifting into her favorite fantasy…Hercules and her floating about in a ship …just the two of them…floating about on a glassy sea. In her dream the stars numbered in the thousands, the moon was full and the weather was tropical. She didn’t know where they were. She just knew they were relaxed and happy, cuddling in each other’s arms. She knew that it would be impossible this time of year, but it was a lovely dream!

"Wake up, sleepyhead!" Herkite heard and she came to with a start. "Here you are lazing around in the tub and it’s almost dinnertime. Come on, you cute thing you! Get out of there and get dressed."

She barely had time to raise her arms up before Hercules scooped her out of the water and held her naked body tightly in his arms. He looked down and grinned.

He lowered his head and nibbled on her neck. He slowly carried her to the bed, laying her down gently. He made a trail of  kisses all the way to her breasts. Then he covered them with kisses and nibbles too. Herkite was about to lose herself in the ecstasy of it all, when Hercules straightened up.

"That will have to wait!" he announced. "Now get dressed so you aren’t late dear." And he was out the door again.

Herkite’s body tingled from still feeling his lips and hands touch her body.

All she wanted was to pull him into bed for a sweet night of lovemaking.

But she got dressed and fixed her hair. Once she was done, she surveyed her handiwork.

"Perfect!" she announced, giggling at herself. Her blue dress complimented her complexion so nicely. And she always looked lovely with her locks affixed on the top of her head with an ornate comb.

She was just dabbing some fragrance on her neck when Hercules returned.

"You look just lovely, my darling!" He breathed. He gave her a quick kiss; handed her furs and they exited the hut and headed for dinner. Everyone was there. After greetings and hugs all the way around, Herkite had forgotten how bone weary she was and glowed with joy at being with her family once again.

Dinner was a prime cut of beef with lots of vegetables and fresh rolls. Everyone ate their fill and then some. As, Herkite leaned back thinking she might have to loosen her sash, Chantal entered the room pushing a beautiful cake on the cart.

Suddenly, everyone shouted, "Happy Belated Birthday, Herkite!" And everyone sang a happy celebratory song to her. After she’d blown out her candles, they all had a piece of cake with a delicious crème filling. Much later Herkite sat on a couch with Hercules surrounded by gifts given by her special family. Tears of gratitude filled her eyes as she leaned against Hercules and thanked everyone. It was truly good to be home. And she wouldn’t have missed this night for the world.

"Now my precious Amazon," began Hercules. "For my gift to you." He smiled and set her on her feet, standing next to her and holding her hand. She looked intently into his eyes, wondering what he had in mind. There was a sound of wind chimes and as she looked in the direction of the sound she beheld Aphrodite. The goddess was smiling; looking like the cat that had swallowed the canary.

"Hey dude and dudette," she chirped. "Are you ready?" She grinned at the couple.

"Ready?" queried Herkite. "Ready for what?" Hercules looked at Aphrodite and then at his woman and winked. "You’ll see!" was his reply to her. He drew her into his arms and held her tight. "We’re ready, Aphrodite. And thank you," he said.

"Alright!" Aphrodite commanded. "Everyone stand back! Give a goddess some room to work, would ya! Like I totally need room, for sure!" Herkite was about to ask Hercules what was going on again, when she found herself standing alone with Hercules.

"Where? What?" he said looking up into his eyes. He smiled and turned her away from him. "Look, my love."

Herkite found herself looking out over glassy waters. They were standing on the deck of a boat…all by themselves!" The air was warm and the breeze was gentle.

"Oh Hercules," she breathed. "You remembered!" She turned and hugged the hero tightly.

"Of course I did, Herkite." He whispered in her ear as he brushed his lips against her hair. "I remember you sharing your favorite fantasy with me. And Aphrodite agreed to make it come true. The gods are guiding the boat, controlling the breeze and the waves. Tonight is ours and ours alone. Happy Birthday, my love!"

Herkite looked up into the sky and saw it absolutely covered with twinkling stars. There was a full moon casting its face upon the waters. Hercules led her aft and she found a poster bed with curtains. Next to it was a table with oils and other various items for their pleasure. "NOW, my love," said Hercules gently, as he lifted her into his arms. NOW it’s time to go to bed."

Herkite sighed, laid her head on his chest and encircled his neck with her arms. This was going a perfect night and the most perfect birthday ever!  

Herkite, I hope you like your belated Birthday Story. And I hope you know that you are loved here and that we all wish you the best year ever.

Hugs n love,

Dessy