Hercules was tired but more than that he was feeling lost. Oh he knew where he was in the world but in his soul, he felt a little off center. His life had changed so much recently that he almost didn't recognize it as his life.

He sat beneath the big oak tree and listened to the birds sing and the tinkle of a stream not too far away. A gentle breeze ruffled his blonde locks and he breathed in the fresh air. The sunshine warmed his brown skin and the smells of early fall teased his sense of smell. He should be happy, there were no monsters to subdue, no wars to fight, no battles to end. Ares appeared to be off will some wanton woman somewhere causing no trouble and with Hera trapped in Tartarus he was free to relax a little with no fear of attempts on his life or those of his friends. Dahok had been defeated and the gods on Mount Olympus appeared to be at peace with each other for the first time in a long time. Without Hera to stir up trouble between them all they had turned their attentions to the sport of partying up a storm leaving the mortals alone for a time. Harvests were full and bounteous and all was right with the world.

Hercules knew in his heart what the problem was. It was just too painful to really look at. It would just tear him apart, but it was time. It was time to mourn for those who he had lost, all of them. His first love and wife Deianeira and their three children Aeson, Klonus and Ilea. His second love and wife Serena was, through a series of time fuddled events no longer a part of his life. His mother and his best friend Iolaus both gone from his life too. He had lost other friends in battle and in treachery too. He had watched those nearest and dearest to him die, helpless to prevent the loss and sometimes unable to take the time to mourn their loss as he would've liked to do. He had even made a tentative peace with his father. Zeus had not asked Hercules to come back to Mount Olympus but they had agreed on other things and Zeus popped in every now and then for a chat and just to see his son.

His pain and grief was as intense as his love for them all and his passions and emotions had always run deep. His grief swept over him in waves and their faces passed before his eyes. In each he saw love, compassion and understanding. No condemnation or judgement, no hate or mistrust. Eventually Hercules began to realize that he had done all he could to save them or prevent their losses. It was not his fault and all he could do now was heal and that would come in time. In the mean while he needed a place to lie low and do exactly that. Everywhere he went people wanted a piece of the legend, or help in doing something that they could achieve on their own if they really tried so hiding out was difficult. It was not that he objected to helping anyone who needed his help. He saw it as his calling, his duty, and his way to get back at the gods for the havoc they placed on mankind. Yes, he had friends in nearly every village he could go to, but he needed some where away from the normal life cycle of a village. Somewhere where he could grieve and heal somewhere where he would be expected to pull his weight with out being pushed to do things he was not able to cope with right now. This left only one place. He would go to his favorite Amazon village.

In some ways this particular Amazon village was different to most. As with the other villages no men lived here and the women were strong and independent, they could run, fight, kill, cook and survive without aid from any man. But here, they actually quite liked some men and encouraged those certain few to visit when they could. It was a place of rest, relaxation and healing. Oh, the men worked when they came to visit, but there was no pressure to do it 'now' or have it done by a set day or time. The men were treated as equals and the Amazons expected to be treated the same way. There was always the inevitable practical jokes played on him and the odd arm wrestle challenge and even maybe a hunting challenge or foot race but it was all done in friendship and love. He understood that and appreciated it in the spirit it was intended. The village was only small but it held some of the most amazing women he would ever meet. There were hunters, fighters, healers, psychics, storytellers, farmers, weavers, blacksmiths, jewelers, seamstresses, builders, minstrels, artists, and teachers.

His trek to the village took longer than usual, as he was in no hurry and actually took the time to stop and enjoy the sights and smells along the way and as he walked he reminisced about the memories in his life. A thousand memories, each holding it's special place in his heart and mind and soul assailed him. The first time he had realized he loved Deianeira came to mind first, and was quickly followed by the birth of their 3 children, the love and joy they brought to his life and their ultimate destruction, so many emotions. He laughed to himself when he recalled some of his adventures with Iolaus, The time he lost his memory and became a prince, Iolaus was purple at the time, but he was still trying to save his friend from harm. He remembered when Iolaus was struck by lightening and had the ability to see the future, memories of the monsters they had fought together, the battles they took part in, back to back as close as brothers. He missed his companion. There had been other people his life. Look at Salmoneus, Oh by the gods! There was a man who made him groan in anticipation of trouble. Grapes and art together would always have a special meaning in regard to Salmoneus and then there were Salmoneus' get rich quick schemes that nearly always ended with someone threatening to kill him. His heart was gold and if he could, he would try and sell it. The 50 daughters of King Thespius chasing him for miles, the two enforcers Hera had sent for him, the wedding of his mother to one of his best friends, Jason, The Argonauts. So many memories. Falafel, the inventor of fast food, if you could stomach it, Braxis the dragon, now how many people could claim to have a young dragon as a friend? Then there was the brash Autolycus, self-proclaimed "King of Thieves" and their adventures with the Cronus stone and other jewel heists and challenges. Atalanta, the female black-smith, almost as strong as himself, what a woman. Yes there had been beautiful women in his life, Both his loving wives, but also Morrigan, Xena, Nemesis, Princes Kirin. Like a kaleidoscope all these faces and events passed before him as his journey progressed. As he stopped to eat and drink and even to rest he watched the sun set and the stars twinkle above him and the sun rise again. He caught his own fish for breakfast as he did often, but this time Iolaus was not there to share it with him. Fishing was fun but breakfast alone day after day was not. This trip had been good for him but it was time for some company that did not demand a lot from him.

His arrival into the village was greeted with surprise and joy. These particular Amazons loved Hercules with a passion and adoration that was his alone and he was immediately taken to the hut that had been made specifically for him after his first visit. It was a big hut off to one side of the village. It had been placed there for his own privacy and it was probably one of the biggest huts in the village. It had been designed with him in mind. It had high ceilings and a big internal area. There was a huge wooden tub for bathing and the sleeping area was a big comfy area that contained his full size in comfort with furs to keep him warm. It was almost home now after so many visits here.

He was made to feel welcome as usual by all the Amazons who dropped by to greet him and was invited to stay for as long as he felt the need to do so. This was a time of healing and he could feel the tensions leaving him already. He knew that the Amazons would let him work and grieve in peace once they had all said their hello's and understood the purpose of his visit. When guests were in camp and the weather permitted, meals were taken outside at a communal area where the day's events could be discussed at one time and comments and ideas could be aired openly. This was a camp where all ideas were welcomed. No one was insulted or put down for having a different viewpoint to someone else and the Amazons went out of their way to help each other with anything they could.

The large variety of the finest food was laid out of a table that groaned under the weight of the food it held, and it was help yourself to what you wanted. Guests were always given first choice of the table and today was no exception. All the Amazons were back in the village today as the word of their special visitor had spread very quickly and everyone wanted to have the opportunity to say hello and welcome. Extra seating facilities were added around the eating area. It was a full village and a full table indeed.

Hercules enjoyed the company of these ladies immensely. He could be himself without fear of being condemned or being asked to explain what the problem was. They just knew. This retreat was just what he needed and it would be a pleasure to stay for a while, just until the world needed a hero again.

He looked around the long table and mentally marked off the names of all his Amazons. Regardless of anything else in his life, no matter where he went or what he did these wonderful women would always be his Amazons. Every face offered him a welcoming smile and a genuine promise of peace.

Around the table from his left, sat Destinia, AneXa, Ephiny, Cjane, Angelika, Atalanta, Stripe, Fayee, Kistik, Cassel, with her own visitors, her daughter Jaclyn and the child's father Steve. Next to the father sat Catstale, Cokie, Herkite, Baucis, Ladylyric, Josee', Nball, there was the queenly Apollena, Hilara, Rabbit, Voluptua, Shait, KalliSta, Calico, SaraQuinn, Melite and Zareta. Donna came next and beside her Astrild, Herkite, Binky, Kevfriend, Foxigerman, Prudhoe, TabuMinstrel, Megaera, Areia, WikeWike. Ladystorm, Leis, Fyresong, MsMoo and lastly immediately to his right sat Missferal.

Missferal gently laid her hand upon Hercules' forearm as it rested on the table. The flesh beneath her hand was warm and firm to the touch and the strength was unmistakable. She quietly gestured with a wave of her hand to all the other Amazons seated at the table. and said, "These women are your friends and guardians Hercules. It is thanks to you, that we are here together as a family. We may not see each other as often as we like but it is you who brought us together. That alone is worth our thanks and gratitude. But there is more much more. You have taught us that we are not alone and to be strong in a world that is weak. By your own behavior we have learnt to be kind and generous to those who need our kindness and generosity the most. You know you are welcome to rest here Hercules for as long as you feel the need. Here you are loved and respected and it will remain so until time stands still and until stories of Gods, Amazons and Monsters are merely rumors and fireside tales told to the children of the future".

While Ephiny and Stripe walked around the table and filled everyone's mugs with Apollena's fresh lemonade, Destinia stood and said "Amazon's, Charge you glasses, Three cheers for Hercules The greatest Hero the world has ever known". A resounding cheer went up from all the Amazons in the village. The clinking of mugs and the sound of laughter and song and of happy conversations was a sound the Amazons and Hercules would remember for a long time.