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A Tender Halloween
Early on the morning of October 30
Bright orange leaves floated down upon the glistening water. The October wind whistled and
nipped at Hercules, Iolaus, Kull, and Dylan as they sat along the banks of Mirror Lake, in
HerKdom. It was a beautiful fall day, and they were supposed to be fishing but their
efforts were half hearted at best. There was still a strong sense of somberness that hung
in the air. These heroes could fight the fiercest fantasy foes but they could do nothing
to change what had happened in the real world of the amazons. It was a hard thing for
these men of action to accept.
Iolaus tossed a small pebble into the water. "It is Halloween tomorrow night,"
he said. "I know," Kull replied. "I was going to hold my annual party but
it just didn't seem right. I don't think anyone is really feeling up to a costume ball.
"I think you made the right decision, Kull," Dylan assured him. "I just
wish there was a way we could help the amazons still have a special night though. There is
something to be said about the importance of tradition."
A tiny sparkle lit in Hercules big blue eyes and a small smile touched his lips. Iolaus
looked at his friend. He asked, "You've got an idea, don't you?" "Iolaus my
friend, you know me too well," Hercules replied laughingly. "We are going to
have to spread the word among the other alphas, and really hustle our buns though, if we
are going to pull my plan together by tomorrow night. Just tell everyone to keep this a
secret from the Amazons. I want this to be a surprise.
Later that day
Word spread quickly among the alphas about Hercules' plan. It was widely applauded by each
of them even Ares and the Sovereign. It was pretty scary how many issues these two were
starting to agree upon. Everyone was eager to play his part. There wasn't anything they
weren't willing to do for their lady loves.
Hercules called upon GHerK and the Construction Alphas to help him in creating a special
place for the all Hallows Eve gathering. Iolaus and Hunter HerK went off into the forest
to cut wood and forage for the food that would be shared.
Dylan took a shuttle back to the Andromeda. He ordered the Andromeda to begin searching
her data banks. He also swore her to secrecy about what she was searching for. He also
dispatched Harper, Tyr, and Rommie to HerKdom to help out where they were needed.
Upon their arrival, the visitors from the Andromeda were immediately claimed by different
groups of Alphas. Mechanic HerK and Harper immediately hit it off. Harper nodded as
Mechanic HerK explained the part they were to play. Harper shouted, "cool," he
was immediately hushed by the Alpha. Shh, we don't want the amazons to hear.
Gallant HerK, Alt. Ares, Ares, Kull, and The Sovereign greeted Rommie and asked her for
her assistance. They flattered her with compliments about her abilities in putting
together tasteful events. Rommie graciously thanked them and agreed to be their mentor.
Rober't, SHerK, Lemonade HerK, and Grape HerK approached a reluctant Tyr. He had a
suspicious look on his face. When the Alphas assured Tyr that he was invited to the
get-together, however, he relented. He had met and was very impressed by the Amazons. Tyr
later proved very helpful in persuading Alt. Fallafel to let the Alphas use his kitchen
and his tools for the next several hours.
Later that evening a group of very tired alphas made their way home to their favorite
amazons. The amazons were very curious as to what the guys had been up too. The guys kept
silent even SHerK when KalliSta asked him what the orange frosting was doing on his cheek.
Halloween Day
The next morning Hercules knocked on every door in HerKdom. He delivered the same message
to each woman. They were to dress in their favorite sweaters and jeans and be ready to go
when Limousine HerK showed up in their neighborhood with the community bus later that
evening. They all offered a protest that they weren't quite up to the usual Halloween
festivities. HerK assured them that he knew how they felt but asked them to trust him.
Naturally they did.
All Hallows Eve
Each and every one climbed aboard the bus that evening. Limousine HerK drove them far away
from the main village. The bus began to climb an unfamiliar mountain road. It was quite
steep but no one was afraid. Their driver was an expert. A bit later Limousine HerK
executed a perfect turn into what appeared to be a very long driveway. Amazingly it was
lit on both sides by what appeared to be a thousand jack-o-lanterns. They weren't,
however, just any jack-o-lanterns. They were carved in all sorts of special patterns.
There were castles, dragons, winged horses, and even one of Mount Olympus. Limousine HerK
explained that Kull, Sov, and Ares were the artists. They had carved the gourds with their
favorite axes and swords. The Amazons were all suitably impressed.
The bus came to the end of the driveway and stopped in front of an old fashioned looking
inn. Limousine HerK asked each of the amazons to step forward and prepare to disembark the
bus when their name was called. They did as they were told and every Amazon was escorted
off the bus by their Alpha escort for the evening. Each woman was presented with a
beautiful fall corsage.
The group all lined up in a formal procession on the Inn's lawn. White Gauzy HerK led the
way with a black iron lantern. He opened the door and led the way into the inn's very
large lobby. The staircase and the two fireplaces were decorated with garland featuring
bats and pumpkins. WGHerK did not let them linger to long here, however; instead he led
them through the hallway and into a massive dinning room. The table setting was one even
Martha Stewart would envy. Rommie stood in the corner and smiled. Her pupils had learned
well.
The Alphas graciously made sure all of the ladies were seated before taking their own
chairs. Serving Alphas brought out several courses including a delicious squash soup, pork
chops covered with sweet smelling cooked apples, creamy and mashed potatoes. This was what
was truly meant by the term comfort food. The meal was thorougly enjoyed and compliments
were given to the chefs, Tyr and Rober't. SHerK passed out cupcakes for dessert. He
proudly announced he had decorated them all by himself. KalliSta gave him a big kiss for
his efforts.
When dinner was over the Amazons were presented with brightly wrapped orange boxes, which
contained their favorite chocolates. Each of the boxes also had a key with a room number
on it. HerK stood up and instructed the Alphas to escort their cherished other to their
individual rooms with strict instructions to return to the lobby precisely at 8:00 p.m.
There were delighted squeals as the men helped their lovely ladies into soft flannel
nightgowns, warm thick robes, and comfy plush slippers. They shared kisses and caresses
until the clock struck eight. Then they all left their rooms and descended the long
staircase. In their absence, Rommie and her Alpha helpers, had placed bowls full of
apples, grapes, popcorn balls, and candy on tables around the room.
Plush love seats, sofas, and lounge chairs had been arranged so that they had a good view
of the big screen T.V. that sat in the center of the room. Soon everyone was snuggled up
with his or her honey bunny and the servers brought in trays of steaming hot liquid. The
guests had the choice of coco or spiced cider. Lemonade HerK had expanded his repertoire
for the evening.
The lights were dimmed and the evening's entertainment began. Classic Halloween themed
cartoons featuring Charlie Brown, Garfield, Mickey, and Scooby were shown first. The main
feature was a campy monster movie that struck just the right balance on scariness and
laughter.. Everyone clapped at the positive ending.
Once the movie was through, candles that smelled of spiced cinnamon were lit. Young Iolaus
and Hunter HerK stoked up the fireplaces, and the lights were turned completely off. Young
Iolaus and Hunter HerK hurried back to their dates, Cas and Dessy. Suddenly images of
floating ghost, flying witches, and darting black cats appeared on the walls and spooky
music filled the room. A chorus of oohs and aahs issued from the peanut gallery. Harper,
who had one arm around Kit, and Mechanic HerK, who had one arm around Danaan, exchanged
hive fives with each other. "We rule," Harper commented. Kull who was cuddling
with Rabbit chuckled, giving her a delightful sensation against her cheek. "You do
indeed," he said to his friends.
HerK, who was sitting with HerKite on his lap, then called for everyone’s attention. All eyes and ars were trained on him. In his deep lovely voice, he began to recite the Raven by Edgar Allen Poe:
Once upon a midnight dreary,
while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping,
suddenly there came a tapping,
As of someone gently rapping,
rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered,
"tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more."
Chantal was delighted as Ares placed a soft kiss on her ear. Then he picked up where HerK left off:
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;
vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow—
sorrow for the lost Lenore—
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore—
Nameless here for evermore
It was Tyr’s turn next. Several Amazons shivered at his commanding tone:
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me--filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door--
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;
This it is and nothing more."
Nannyboo rested her head against Dylan’s chest as he began to speak:
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"--here I opened wide the door--
Darkness there and nothing more
Gallant HerK pulled Hercgirl closer as he softly recited his part of the tale:
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"--here I opened wide the door--
Darkness there and nothing more
C.J. closed her eyes, all the better to listen to her beloved Norse HerK:
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"--
Merely this and nothing more.
GHerK planted a loving kiss on Aprahel’s forehead, then said his lines:
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping something louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see, then, what thereat is and this mystery explore--
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;
'Tis the wind and nothing more.
Prince HerK held Calico’s hand tight as he spoke:
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he,
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door--
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door--
Perched, and sat, and nothing more
Baucis beamed when Forge HerK began to talk:
Then the ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore--
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore
Kate softly applauded Romantic HerK after he recited:
Much I marveled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning--little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door--
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore
KistiK huddled with Kisssing HerK as his lips formed the words:
But the Raven, sitting lonely on that placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if its soul in that one word he did outpour
Nothing farther then he uttered; not a feather then he fluttered--
Till I scarcely more than muttered: "Other friends have flown before--
On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said "Nevermore
Iolaus was the next to contribute:
But the Raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore--
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."
Then it was Quixotic HerK, who spoke, after receiving a kiss from Deianeira
This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er
She shall press, ah, nevermore!
Rober’t gently massaged Hilara’s shoulders as he spoke in his beautiful French
accent:
Then, me thought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee--by these angels he hath sent
thee
Respite--respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
Zealous HerK rubbed Hawk’s back as he quoted:
Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!--prophet still, if bird or devil!--
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate, yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted--
On this home by Horror haunted--tell me truly, I implore--
Is there--is there balm in Gilead?--tell me--tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore
Atlantis HerK and Irish HerK read the next two verses as CJane and Intrigue listened
attentively:
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!--prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us--by that God we both adore--
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore--
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Be that our sign of parting, bird or fiend!" I shrieked, up starting--
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul has spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!--quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
Finally Sov who had been softly stroking Freya’s hair finished the poem:
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming
And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadows on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted--nevermore!
The room fell into a companionable silence. There was only the crackling of the fire.
Everyone stayed where they were loath to shatter this special moment in time. One by one
the Amazons drifted off to sleep, and one by one the Alphas carried them up to their
rooms, tucked them safely into bed, then spooned tenderly with them under the covers.
The End
Thank you for the Halloween cards Freya and Aphrael. I hope everyone enjoyed the story and
that you all have a very safe and Happy Halloween.
Credit to Edgar Allen Poe
