Sneaking quietly along the docks, the four heroes made their way to the ship anchored at the far end. It was nightfall and it was the perfect time for a surprise attack on Otis the slave trader and his crew.
Hercules had gotten the news of girls being stolen right off their lands from a boy who came looking for him when his sister was taken. His parents had sent him to find the son of Zeus because they feared the worst. The young women started disappearing over the last few weeks and all the villagers were worried. It was heard that the slave trader Otis was in the area and all suspected him as well as Hercules when he met with the people of Corinth. All beseeched him to help. He didn°t need to be asked twice.
He and Iolaus set out for the coastal cities in search of Otis° ship the Sea Siren.
"How many times do we have to put this guy out of business?" Iolaus asked in disgust.
"As many times as it takes." Hercules answered looking down at his blond friend.
" I thought after we sunk his ship the last time he would give up."
"Well, Iolaus, sometimes people take a little more convincing. We°ll make sure he gets the point this time."
A little way past Amphipolis, Hercules and Iolaus ran into Xena and Gabrielle. They had also heard that Otis was back to his usual tricks and went in search of the girls who were missing from there.
"We were going to try Athens first. Otis has been working with Caesar so he might be sending those girls to Rome to work in his brothels." Xena said, her eyes blazing hatred at the mere mention of Caesar°s name.
"That°s a good place to start." Hercules said and the four set out.
Xena°s assumption had been right. After arriving in Athens, Gabrielle did a little nosing around, she found that Otis was indeed in the area and gathering girls for shipment to Rome to work in the brothels to serve Caesar°s men.
"That pig!" Xena spat.
"Which one?" Iolaus asked with a grim laugh.
"Both." Xena turned her steely blue gaze to him.
"So, what do we do now?" Iolaus asked looking from Xena to Hercules.
"First, we wait til dark then we board his ship and release the girls." Hercules answered.
"Do you really think it°s gonna be that easy?" Iolaus asked with the raise of his eyebrows.
"Of course not!" Hercules was grinning now.
"Okay. Just checking."
When nightfall came they made their way out of the tavern where they had ate dinner and planned the night°s events. Down the dock and up the gang plank, so far so good. Then there was a shout as they were discovered by one of the crew. Iolaus hit the nearest sailor and knocked him over the side into the water, and was grabbed from behind by another. Gabrielle hit him with her staff and he let go of Iolaus who punched him out. Xena was locked in a sword battle with an ugly sailor with a long gash down his dirty face. It took very little effort on her part to sling his sword out of his hand and send him overboard with her foot to his ribs. One after the other, they took on Otis° crew and soon found themselves facing the man himself.
"So, Hercules, we meet again." Otis said hissing through rotting teeth.
"I thought we had this slave thing straightened out the last time, Otis. You don°t take any more slaves and I don°t sink any more of your ships." Hercules stated with two of Otis° sailors still in his hands. Knocking their heads together, he let them fall to the deck.
"Maybe you should try a new line of work." Iolaus suggested.
"But slaves bring so much money." Otis argued.
"Not anymore!" Xena spat and giving her war cry, kicked Otis full in the chest and sent him over the side.
"Now to free the women." Hercules said.
They went down below deck and encountered more crew down there. While Hercules and Xena took care of them, Gabrielle and Iolaus took the keys off a hook near the door and freed the girls one by one.
Iolaus worked his way over to a girl who was chained to a bed. He looked into the greenest eyes he had ever seen and all thought left his head as he stood there staring at her.
"Iolaus, come on!" Gabrielle brought him back. Shaking his head to clear it, he said smiling.
"Hi, I°m Iolaus."
"I°m Holly." The girl answered shyly.
"I°m gonna get you out of here." He said with a smile and fumbled with the lock. He was having a hard time because her sweet scent was invading his concentration.
"Damn!" He swore in frustration. He kept trying to get the key to fit into the lock and he kept missing. Finally the key went in, lock unhinged and she was free.
"Let°s go!" He said taking her hand and leading her to the stairs and freedom.
All the girls were running up and out of the hold with the four heroes behind them. Iolaus clutching Holly°s hand tightly in his. When they hit the dock below, Xena set Otis° ship on fire with a torch that was burning outside the tavern.
"Maybe he°ll rethink his association with Caesar this time." She said looking up at Hercules.
"We can only hope so." He said as they watched the ship burn.
The girls had all ran scattering into the night, but Holly remained where she was tightly clutching Iolaus° hand.
"You°re free to go now." He said softly to her.
She looked up at him and her beautiful face crumpled and she began to cry.
"Hey, hey, what°s wrong now?" Iolaus asked concern all over his handsome face.
"I don°t know how to get home." She sobbed. Tears streamed down her face.
"Where are you from?" He asked softly, rubbing the backs of his fingers over her cheek.
"Corinth."
Iolaus got a big smile on his face.
"It just so happens that we°re from near there and we°d be glad to take you home."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." He said with a chuckle.
Holly threw herself into his arms and hugged him tight. He laughed and hugged her back laying his head on top of hers.
"Thank you." She said softly.
"You°re welcome." He sighed taking in the scent of her hair.
She backed away looking shyly at the ground. She had never been so bold with someone she didn°t know before. Iolaus couldn°t help but smile at this girl, she was so cute and shy. The fact that she was easy to look at helped, too. She was a few inches shorter than him, something that didn°t happen very often. Her hair was long, dark and fell in gentle waves to almost her knees, and those eyes! Gods help him! They were as green as the grass in springtime. Nice womanly figure with full breasts and swelled hipsÞ
´Whoa, Iolaus!° He thought to himself. ´Let°s not go there.° Just then, Hercules approached and brought him back from his appraisal of her.
"What have we here?" Hercules asked, amused because of the hunter°s intent expression. He had seen this look on Iolaus° face enough to know that he was attracted to the girl standing beside him.
Iolaus had a woman in every city in Greece. Hell, three or four of them! He may be half a God himself, but Iolaus outshined him in women°s eyes. He was good looking , energetic and exciting. Who could resist him? >From the shy glances she kept giving to Iolaus, it wouldn°t surprise him if Iolaus wound up with this girl, too.
"Um, Herc, this is Holly." He said giving her hand a little squeeze and a smile of encouragement.
"Nice to meet you." Hercules smiled down at the small girl. She raised her eyes shyly and nodded.
"She°s from Corinth, and I was thinking since we were heading back that way anywayÞ"
"That we could take her home," Hercules finished for him. " It°s alright, Iolaus, we can take her home." Hercules said chuckling. Iolaus° face lit up like a solstice tree.
Yep, definitely falling for this girl. Iolaus was babbling away already. Hercules shook his head smiling. This is going to be an interesting trip.
They went back to the tavern. Gabrielle was sitting at a table by herself.
"Where°s Xena?" Hercules asked sitting down across from her.
"She went to check on Argo in the stables." Gabrielle answered then looking at Iolaus and a girl she recognized from the boat, she asked.
"Are we taking her home?"
Iolaus smiled taking a seat beside her answered.
"Yeah, she°s from near home so we thought we°d take her back with us." Iolaus grabbed an apple from the basket in the middle of the table and took a huge bite out of it.
Gabrielle smiled at the young girl who smiled back. They were pretty close in age she guessed. ´It°ll be nice to have someone my own age to talk to for a change.° Gabrielle thought.
"Hi, I°m Gabrielle." She said offering the girl her hand.
"I°m Holly." She said taking and grasping it lightly in hers.
The two girls smiled at each other. Iolaus surveying the scene before him couldn°t help smiling himself.
Xena walked toward them and seeing Holly sat down with a question in her eyes.
"Xena, this is Holly." Iolaus said smiling at the girl.
"She°s going back to Corinth with us." Gabrielle supplied.
"Oh. How did you end up being taken anyway?" Xena asked looking at her with her penetrating blue gaze.
"I was in the fields on my family°s farm picking corn for supper and I was grabbed from behind. Two men threw me on a horse and took me to Athens then I was put on a ship and that°s when you found me." Holly was ringing her hands as she recounted the events to them. Iolaus got up and walked around the table. Taking both of her hands in his, he sat down and looked deep into her eyes. His so impossibly blue that she felt lost in their gaze.
"No one is ever going to bother you again. I°ll make sure of that." He punctuated his speech with a squeeze to her hands. She believed every word.
Xena couldn°t help the smile that came to her lips and she shook her head slightly. Iolaus was losing his heart again. This girl wouldn°t hurt him though. Not like herÞ No, not going there again! What I did to Iolaus is in the past and can°t be taken back. She still had regrets of using Iolaus to get to Hercules. She got him to fall in love with her which hadn°t been hard. He was still hurting from losing Anya and had been easy to seduce with her ´poor innocent girl° act. She used him and threw him away. Xena was glad that her actions hadn°t ruined the special person that Iolaus is. He°ll make a wonderful husband to someone she thought, regretful that it would never be her.
They decided to get something to eat before they headed on the road. The tavern had decent food so they thought they°d take advantage of it. They began to make a list of supplies that they would need for the road.
"Holly°s going to need a blanket to cover up with at night." Gabrielle mentioned.
Iolaus stood up immediately, taking a long draw on his ale, he set his mug down and said:
"I°ll get her one." He held out his hand and Holly took it. They left the tavern hand in hand in search of a merchant that might still be around. Luckily, they had no trouble. Iolaus haggled the man down on a beautiful warm blanket that Holly had insisted was too much. Her eyes had lit up when she saw it and Iolaus was determined to get it for her. They walked away with the blanket securely under his arm.
Xena was coming up the road leading Argo and Hercules and Gabrielle were coming from the direction of the tavern where they had gotten food for the trip. All met in the middle of the road .
"Well, I guess we°re set." Gabrielle said fixing her pack on the side of Argo°s saddlebag. Iolaus took the new blanket and put in one of the saddlebags on the other side. Argo nickered softly at Iolaus and Xena smiled.
"Argo has always liked you, Iolaus."
He smiled and rubbed the horse°s nose.
"Lucky him!" Gabrielle huffed. "That horse will always hate me!"
"She doesn°t hate you, Gabrielle, she just doesn°t think you°re worthy of her ." Xena said obviously teasing her.
"Hmmph!" Gabrielle retorted.
The five walked into the night until they came to a copse of trees that seemed a perfect place to camp for the night. Gabrielle gathered wood and they had a fire going in no time. Blankets were laid out and the five turned in for the night. The girls slept on one side of the fire and the two guys on the other.
It was the middle of the night, the moon was beginning it°s decent and Holly was wide awake and freezing! The fire had died down. She lay there debating what to do. Xena and Gabrielle were cuddled up together under their blankets. She didn°t feel comfortable enough to join them because she didn°t know them very well. She leaned up and looked over in the direction of the guys. Iolaus was sleeping by himself with Hercules a few feet away. She was freezing. She saw Iolaus as her protector. That made up her mind. Quietly, she stood, wrapped in the blanket and walked over to Iolaus° side. He was sleeping deeply, long blond eyelashes laying on his cheeks. ´He is so handsome° she thought. She leaned down and nudged him gently. Iolaus came instantly awake. He jumped up almost knocking her over! He looked at her recognition set in and his breathing calmed. It was only Holly he thought with relief, his heart rate going back to normal.
"I°m cold." She said softly.
He smiled and opened his blanket to invite her inside. She quickly threw her blanket over him so they would have two to cover up with, then laid down in his arms. He pulled her into his tight embrace and pulled the blankets around them and sighed. ´Gods, she smells good!° He thought. Both fell off to sleep.
The next morning, Hercules awoke to find Xena and Gabrielle already up. Xena was putting stuff in Argo°s pack and Gabrielle was folding their blankets. Xena met his eyes and nodded in Iolaus° direction. He followed her gaze and he was very surprised to find a dark haired head laying against Iolaus° light one. Hercules looked back at Xena and she just smiled and went back to fastening Argo°s pack.
Holly was awake and watching all this through slitted eyes. Hercules folded his blanket and handed it to Gabrielle. Grabbing a towel, he headed for the river to clean up. Xena followed him down. Gabrielle restarted the fire then headed down herself .
"Finally!" Holly thought. She hadn°t wanted to get up and face them since she had slept with Iolaus last night. Even though it had been innocent, she was still a little uncomfortable. She didn°t know what they were thinking and was afraid they thought badly of her.
She was very aware of Iolaus° body spooned against her back. He was so warm and she hated to leave his body. She turned over slowly as not to wake him and looked up into the bluest eyes. He leaned down and gently kissed her, his lips lingering longer than they should. He had been awake for some time but was quite content to lay there and hold the beautiful, sweet smelling woman in his arms.
"Good morning." He said softly and gave her an irresistible grin.
"Hi." She answered shyly looking down.
"Sleep well?"
"Yes, after I got warm again."
"Glad to be of service." Iolaus said with a chuckle.
She smiled at him then stood up. Iolaus sighed and got up, too. Holly folded the blankets while Iolaus got the towels from the saddlebag. She put the blankets away while Iolaus went to clean up. She passed Gabrielle and Xena on the path on the way down and they both greeted her with friendship. Holly was relieved at that.
When she reached the river, she found Iolaus and Hercules talking quietly. She cleared her throat and they both looked in her direction. Hercules greeted her as he walked out of the water. He sat down and pulled his boots on then headed back to the camp site. Iolaus was washing his face when she kneeled beside him. She got her hands wet and washed her own face. Iolaus sat and watched her, admiring the graceful way she moved. She turned her green eyes to him and his heart stopped in his chest. ´Gods help me!° He thought.
"I°d like to take a bath." She said looking at him shyly.
Iolaus, too involved in watching her, took a minute to get the hint.
"Oh! You want some privacy! Sorry, I can be pretty dense sometimes." He smiled sheepishly.
He went and sat on a big rock not far from her and turned his back. Satisfied with this, she began to undress. She felt safe with him around. He heard her enter the water and sighed.
Iolaus was having a hard time concentrating on the blade of grass he was shredding with his fingers. The thought of a beautiful woman bathing behind him was making his codpiece a little snug and uncomfortable. He shifted slightly on the rock and took a casual glance over his shoulder. Holly was in the water up to her waist and she was nude. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. He didn°t see much but it was enough to fuel his desire for her. He quickly turned back around, closing his eyes and swallowing hard. Lucky for him she didn°t notice his perusal of her.
She finished and came out of the water. Droplets gleaming off her nude body in the sunlight. Iolaus would have had to dive into the cold water himself if he had seen her like this! She stretched feline like as she toweled her body dry. She quickly dressed and walked over barefoot to Iolaus.
"I°m finished." She said squeezing the water out of her hair. Using her fingers, she combed through her hair to rid it of most of the knots then skillfully put it back in elaborate braids.
Iolaus watched all this mesmerized by her graceful movements.
"You are really beautiful." He said with a sigh.
Holly blushed furiously but couldn°t help feeling pleased. She smiled at the ground.
Iolaus moved off the rock and putting a finger under her chin, lifted her face so he could kiss her.
He moved slowly as not to frighten her. Holly unsure of what to do let him take the lead. His lips were soft and gentle on hers. He put his forehead against hers and took her hands in his. Iolaus could have spent the rest of his life like this. He sighed in contentment.
"Ah, sorry to interruptÞ" They both turned to the sound of Gabrielle°s voice. "Hi, breakfast is ready if you guys are hungry." She felt bad for barging in on them but they would be on their way again soon.
"Shall we?" Iolaus asked.
Holly nodded and took his offered hand. They walked up the hill behind Gabrielle. Iolaus couldn°t resist stealing another kiss before they entered the campsite.
After they ate, they packed up and continued on. Iolaus was walking with Holly as they lagged behind the others. Gabrielle looked back at them and then looked at Xena.
"They look great together don°t they?" She asked.
Xena glanced back just as Holly let out a giggle at something Iolaus had said. He had a dopey grin on his face that made Xena smile.
"Yeah, they do. Iolaus deserves to be happy." She sounded strange and Gabrielle cocked her head to understand what was wrong. Was that regret in Xena°s voice? Gabrielle knew all about her history with Iolaus and more than once Xena had almost admitted that she still loved the Golden Hunter.
But she was much too strong to let her emotions control her. Her time with Iolaus was past and could never be revisited again. On she walked holding Argo°s reins holding back tears that she refused to let flow. Iolaus is a fierce warrior and a passionate lover. She was just too wound up in her agenda to kill Hercules that she didn°t allow herself to see him for what he really was. Is.
Another peal of laughter from Holly and she couldn°t stop her smile. Xena was happy for them.
They made camp for the night and as Holly walked over with her blanket, she looked down at a smiling Iolaus who was laying on the ground and holding his blanket opened in silent invitation for her to join him. She returned his smile and laid down with him. They cuddled together and fell asleep.
In the middle of the night, Iolaus was overcome with her scent and the soft luscious body pressed against him. Lust took over his good sense and he began to rub her ass. She was asleep but moaned softly. He continued and his hands moved up to cup her breasts. She was wide awake now! Iolaus rubbed his erection against her ass. Moaning himself he rolled her over on her back and began to kiss her passionately. She responded so he continued. She was afraid but knew Iolaus would never hurt her.
Iolaus glanced over to make sure that their traveling companions were still asleep then looked down at Holly with pure lust in his eyes. He moved between her legs and pushed his hardness against her crotch. She swallowed hard when Iolaus started to unfasten his codpiece. Once his erection was free, he put his hand under her skirt to push it up. Suddenly he sat back gasping. ´What in the name of Tartarus am I doing?° He was shocked by his actions. And, Holly, Gods bless her was going to let him have her! She lay looking up calmly at him. His lust cooled quickly.
"Holly, I°m sorry," he began, "I don°t know what came over me." He couldn°t believe that he°d almost made love to her! ´This isn°t a tavern girl, Iolaus!° He scolded himself. Gods! She°s still an innocent. He didn°t want her first time to be like this, a roll in the middle of the woods! She deserved better than this! Not to mention, how would it look to her family when he returned her having used her. ´Gods, Iolaus! Think with the right body part for a change!°
He sat up and tied his codpiece back together. He was surprised when she laid her head against his back putting her arms around his body.
"I don°t deserve you." He said shaking his head.
"I don°t agree." She said turning him to face her. Holly got bold here and kissed him. Iolaus° heart sang with joy. He was so afraid that she wouldn°t want anything to do with him after the way he had groped her. Her kiss got more demanding and Iolaus found himself quickly falling in lust again. He pulled away breathing hard. Taking both her hands in his, he kissed them and looked up at her with darkened blue eyes.
"We need to stop." He said forcefully, Looking deep into her eyes. "If we don°t stop now, I°m not sure I°ll be able to or even want to." Iolaus rubbed her cheek as he said this. "I want you so much, don°t get me wrong there." He said when he saw her take his words as rejection. She nodded but wouldn°t meet his eyes. He put a finger under her chin to force her to look at him. She saw love in his eyes and that was enough for her, for now. He cared about her and didn°t want to hurt her. He kissed her softly on the lips and they settled down to sleep again, Holly°s head pillowed on his chest. ´I could get used to this,° was his last thought before drifting off to sleep.
The five continued their journey at dawn. Gabrielle and Holly were walking together, talking.
"You and Iolaus sure have gotten close."
Holly blushed. "Is it that obvious?"
"Oh, yeah." Gabrielle said smiling a mischievous smile.
They both turned to look back at Iolaus who was walking with Hercules and Xena. Both girls giggled and turned back around.
"Guess we know the topic of their conversation." Hercules chuckled looking down at Iolaus.
"Yeah, Iolaus," Xena chided. "You°ve got quite a way with women."
"Can I help it if I°m adorable?" He asked with a smirk.
Both Xena and Hercules groaned and rolled their eyes at that remark. Iolaus giggled to himself.
Iolaus watched Holly walking in front of him. The way her hips swayed slightly as she moved. Hair blowing back from her face, she had left it loose today. The red highlights caught and reflected the sun, as well as Iolaus° attention.
´Gods, is she beautiful!° He thought for about the millionth time that day.
He walked up in between her and Gabrielle and smiled at her.
"Ah, I just remembered something I wanted to ask Xena." Gabrielle stammered and walked up ahead to where Xena had taken the lead.
"Hi." Iolaus said nervously. ´Why am I nervous?° He wondered.
"Hi." She smiled up at him waiting for him to say something else.
"Nice day." He said and winced. ´Oh, Gods! I°m such an idiot!°
"Yes, it is. Iolaus, what°s wrong? You°ve been acting strangely all day."
He°d been debating his feelings for Holly all morning. He saw something about her that he hadn°t seen or felt since Anya. He was afraid to let himself be vulnerable again to a woman. Anya°s death had broken his heart almost beyond repair. Then Xena°s betrayalÞ He shook his head to clear it of the past. I have to move on, I can°t live in my past. It°s too painful and it°s about time I allow myself to heal and love again without fear.
He stopped and put his hand against her shoulder to stop her. She looked into his eyes and saw her dreams mirrored there. They stood there on the road looking into each other°s eyes. Blue to green. And no one or nothing else in the world mattered but them. Iolaus fell to his knees and took Holly°s hands in his.
"Holly, I know we°ve only known each other a short timeÞ" He began and looked down at the ground and swallowed . ´Gods, this was hard!° He looked up again into her angel°s face. She was smiling at him and it made it a little easier for him to continue.
"I was wondering if you°d do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Iolaus looked at her expectantly.
His proposal had shocked her beyond words! She could only look down at him in disbelief.
"Say something please." Iolaus said sounding slightly afraid.
"Yes."
Yes? Had he heard her right? She nodded smiling at the unasked question. A huge grin appeared across his handsome face and he leaped to his feet and spun her around in his arms. They ended up in a kiss.
Hercules, Xena and Gabrielle had all witnessed Iolaus° proposal of marriage. They had turned and stopped when they realized that Iolaus and Holly weren°t with them. What they saw they weren°t prepared for: Iolaus on his knees in front of Holly looking up at her intently. It could only be a marriage proposal.
They looked at each other and smiled. This is just what Iolaus needs. Hercules felt a sense of relief. Iolaus hadn°t been himself 100% since Anya°s death. He needed a woman to come home to even if he refused to admit it. He missed being in love. Iolaus never was without female companionship when he wanted it, but it was just meaningless sex. Temporarily satisfying but empty just the same. Iolaus needed someone to take care of and take care of him in return.
"Hey! Everyone, we°re getting married!" Iolaus called to them, his voice excited.
"Congratulations, buddy." Hercules said.
Gabrielle went running back to hug them both. Xena watched as Iolaus walked towards her. His usual carefree grin on his face.
"I°m happy for you both." She said.
"Thanks. That means a lot." They gripped each others° arms in the warrior clasp. Xena smiled with tears shining in her eyes. She couldn°t resist pulling him in for a hug.
"You be happy now, promise me." She whispered in his ear.
Iolaus pulled back and kissed her softly on the cheek.
"All is forgiven." He said looking hard into her eyes. Xena nodded back in response.
Iolaus walked back to Holly, stopping to hug Gabrielle on the way.
When Gabrielle got back to Xena, she noticed the Warrior Princess wipe tears quickly off her cheeks so she wouldn°t see. Gabrielle°s heart broke to see her friend hurting so much. She turned and smiled at Gabrielle who returned her smile.
The rest of the day passed with Iolaus and Holly happily making plans for their life together. Lots of hugging and kissing, too. Soon it was getting dark and time to stop for the night. They would be in Corinth in a few more days so there was no reason to rush.
Sitting around the camp fire that night, Holly answered all their questions about her family. She lived in Corinth with her parents who were farmers and her three older brothers, two of which already had families of their own.
"Look out, Iolaus," Hercules teased, "three older brothers." Iolaus looked visibly shaken at the news.
"You think they°ll like me?" Iolaus asked Holly sounding worried.
"Oh course they will." She laughed. "You°re bringing me home to them, they°ll be in your debt."
"Interesting position to be in." Hercules said with a cocked eyebrow.
Iolaus shot him a ´not funny° look.
Laying under the blankets with Holly in his arms, they talked late into the night.
"Maybe we shouldn°t tell your family about us getting married right away." Iolaus suggested.
Holly leaned up and looked down at him. "Why?"
"Well, they°re going to be so happy to see you and all, and I°d like them to get to know me a little bit first.
"Oh." She said clearly disappointed.
He pulled her back down against him and snuggled up to her. "Let°s just see how everything works out, okay?"
She nodded.
They were a few miles from Corinth and Holly couldn°t contain her excitement. Iolaus laughed at her babbling.
"She°s getting more like you every day." Hercules teased him.
Iolaus smiled but couldn°t help feeling a little apprehensive about meeting her family. Especially her father, even though she had assured him that he would like Iolaus very much.
Soon her family°s farm came into view and she took off running when she saw her father outside. The man couldn°t believe that his daughter was actually standing in front of him after all this time. He thought her lost to him forever. He pulled her into a crushing embrace, tears pouring down his cheeks. He yelled for his wife in the house. She came out and almost fainted at the sight of her little girl returned to her. They both cried as they held each other.
The four heroes walked up to the house as Holly broke away from her mother wiping her eyes.
"Mama, Papa, this is Hercules, Xena, Gabrielle, and this is Iolaus." All nodded politely as they were introduced and none missed the special way she had introduced Iolaus.
"I don°t know how to thank you allÞ" Neilos, her father began.
"It was no trouble at all." Hercules assured him.
"I°m going to cook you a hero°s supper" , Nyla, her mother said. Gabrielle and Holly went in to help her.
The tale of Holly°s rescue had been told at the table over dinner. All noticed the looks that passed between Iolaus and Holly. Her parents looked at each other knowingly.
The men went outside after the meal to sit and talk.
"You love my daughter." Neilos said looking at Iolaus. It was a statement not a question.
´Oh oh!° Iolaus thought. He nodded.
"Yes, I do." He said meeting her father°s eyes. "I want to ask you for permission to marry her."
The older man nodded in return.
"Are you worthy of her?" Neilos asked.
"Iolaus is the finest man you°ll ever meet." Hercules interjected. "I°ve known him my entire life. He loves your daughter and will treat her like a queen."
Neilos looked back to Iolaus. "She°s my only daughter."
"I understand." Iolaus said. "As my wife, she won°t be lost to you. I live in Thebes which is a small distance from here. You could see her whenever you wanted."
The older man visibly relaxed at this. The last thing he wanted was his daughter far away.
"Nyla!" He called.
She came out on the porch with the three women with her. Holly and Iolaus smiled at each other.
"What is it, Neilos?" She sounded worried.
"It seems that our daughter has fallen in love." He said not unkindly.
Holly looked shocked at Iolaus who only walked over and took her hand in his. ´Everything°s fine°, his smile said.
Her mother looked at them both, surprise all over her face.
"Mama, I°m getting married."
Nyla looked at her husband who nodded his approval. She looked up into Iolaus° face and tears came to her eyes. She touched the side of his face.
"Please be good to my little girl." she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion.
"That I can promise." He said.
"Well, it looks like we have a wedding to plan." Nyla said wiping tears from her cheeks. She smiled at her new future son-in-law, "Welcome to the family." Nyla hugged Iolaus and he closed his eyes. His emotions threatening to take over.
It was decided that the entire town would be invited to the ceremony that would be held in three weeks time. Enough time so Iolaus could get his house fixed up with Hercules help. He didn°t stay at his house much and it was in need of extensive repairs. Iolaus wanted her to have a nice home even if it wouldn°t be a fancy one. Holly and her mother would make her dress and the whole town would help out with the food preparation.
"My mother will want to help, too." Hercules said. "She thinks of Iolaus as a son and will want to be a part of his wedding." Iolaus smiled at his friend°s comment.
When night came around, the four heroes were bedding down in the barn. Holly kissed Iolaus good night on the porch then went to her room. In the barn where they would sleep in the new straw, Iolaus looked lost without her. He sighed loudly as he settled into his blanket, clearly missing Holly.
"It won°t be long til you°re sleeping with her every night." Hercules said.
"I know." Iolaus pouted.
Holly was having her own problems trying to sleep without Iolaus° muscular arms around her. She waited until she was sure her parents were asleep then snuck out to the barn to be with him. She slipped through the door and went to the blanket that had his light hair sticking out of the top. He sensed someone near and sat up. Seeing her, he smiled. She was wearing a sheer nightgown that molded to her body. His desire stirred but he curbed it and opened the blanket. She slipped into his arms and kissed him. Hercules leaned up and saw her and shaking his head, laid back down. ´There°ll be hell to pay if her father sees this°, he thought.
Before dawn, Iolaus walked her to the barn door where she kissed him gently and went back to the house. She slipped back into the house and into her room without anyone being the wiser. She smiled as she hugged the blankets to herself.
Holly was upset that Iolaus would be gone for three weeks.
"The time will go fast, you°ll see." He said squeezing her hands.
She nodded tears filling her eyes.
"Come on, please don°t cry. You°re gonna get me crying!" He said chuckling, trying to lighten the mood.
She wrapped her arms around him and sobbed into his neck. He held her tight. The sobs were shaking her whole body with their intensity.
"Hercules and I need this time to get our new home in order." He said rubbing her back.
"And you and your mother need time to make a wedding dress. You won°t have time to miss me."
"Not true." She said wiping her eyes with the heels of her hands.
"I love you." He said.
She nodded.
"You believe me don°t you?"
Another nod and she met his blue eyes. His heart melted and he kissed her. She pressed herself against his chest and ran her hands through his wild blond curls. ´Oh Gods, I want her so much.° He thought. He lifted her off the ground hugging her to his chest.
Hercules watched them from a distance. He didn°t want to break this up but they really needed to get going. He walked up to them reluctantly.
"Iolaus?" He said.
Iolaus set Holly back down and looked at him.
"We should go if we want to get everything done."
Iolaus nodded ruefully. He looked at Holly°s tear stained face and it broke his heart.
I need to go now, okay?" He asked softly.
She nodded, biting her lip. The tears began to fall again. He grabbed her and held her tight.
"Please don°t cry, my love. I°ll be back before you miss me." He kissed her hungrily and walked away with Hercules. Holly watched him walk down the road through tears and sobbed loudly. Gabrielle came over and folded her into her arms.
"We°ll stay busy and the time will go fast. " She promised her new friend. She decided to stay with Holly and her family while Xena visited her mother for a few days. She would be back for t wedding.
True to his word, the time did go fast. The repairs were finished on his house and he was heading back to Corinth to get his bride. He, Hercules and Alcmene were riding in a wagon to Holly°s parent°s farm. The wagon to collect her belongings.
Meanwhile, Holly°s dress was finished and all the food prepared. The wedding would take place that afternoon. As soon as the groom arrived that is. Holly was anxiously awaiting his return, constantly looking down the road towards Thebes.
"Can°t you go any faster, Herc?" Iolaus whined.
"Patience my friend." He answered. "We want to get there in one piece."
Iolaus rolled his eyes and flopped down in the back of the wagon.
"Hercules, take it easy on him, he°s nervous." Alcmene said.
"I know. I°ve never seen him as antsy as he°s been the past few days." Hercules chuckled.
"Quit talking about me like I°m not even here." Iolaus said sullenly. He was throwing pieces of straw over the side of the wagon.
Hercules laughed. "You°ll be back in her arms soon."
"Not soon enough." Iolaus complained.
When they came around the last turn, Hercules saw Holly standing by the road.
"There she is." He said.
Iolaus stood up to look over Hercules° shoulder. Indeed there she was, his heart caught in his throat, he jumped out of the wagon and took off running up the road.
Holly saw him coming and with a sob, went running toward him. His long hair flying in the breeze, she thought she°d never seen a more beautiful sight. They flew into each other°s arms hugging and kissing frantically.
"I missed you so much." He said breathless from running full out to her.
"I missed you, too. I love you." Holly was crying again but this time with happiness.
He looked her all over as if to memorize her. "I love you, too." He sighed.
Hercules brought the wagon to a halt beside them.
"I brought him back safely to you." He teased.
"Thank you, Hercules." She smiled up at the demigod.
"This is my mother." He said turning to Alcmene.
"Hi." Holly said.
"Glad to meet you, Dear. Iolaus has spoken very highly of you." She said.
"More like Iolaus hasn°t shut up about you for the past three weeks!" Hercules laughed.
"Hercules!" Alcmene said hitting him playfully on the arm.
"It°s true." Iolaus said. "I talked about you all the time." He kissed her again.
They walked up to the house arms around each other. Afraid to let go incase either one was dreaming and this wasn°t real.
Gabrielle came outside and saw them coming.
"They°re here!" She announced to the crowd already gathered. Everyone turned and looked, then went to greet the soon to be newlyweds. Iolaus shook many hands of people who had known them both all their lives. It was funny that he and Holly had lived so close all these years but neither knew the other existed. They ended up meeting so far from home.
Now here they were on their wedding day.
Holly°s mother came out of the house and handed Holly a package. She turned and shyly gave it to Iolaus.
"For me?" He asked somewhat surprised.
She nodded biting her lip.
"Open it!" Someone yelled.
"Okay, I will!" Iolaus opened the paper and inside was an elaborately made white shirt. He was absolutely speechless!
"It°s customary for the bride to make her husband°s shirt for the wedding." Her mother said softly.
"Thank you, it°s lovely." He said raising his eyes to Holly°s. "You made this for me?" He asked.
Holly nodded shyly. He pulled her close and kissed her. The crowd all clapped. Iolaus smiled against her lips and they pulled apart.
"Okay", Gabrielle said, "it°s time for the bride and groom to get ready." She led Holly back into the house. Iolaus and Hercules went out to the barn where a table had been set up and Iolaus stripped and washed himself up. He dried and dressed pulling the shirt that Holly had made for him over his head. It fit perfectly. Hercules looked at his friend and thought he looked like an angel.
Iolaus tried to calm his wild curls with a comb.
"You°re wasting your time there I°m afraid." He teased.
Iolaus gave a rueful laugh.
"Yeah, I guess you°re right." He threw the comb on the table.
"How do I look?"
"Like you°re gonna throw up." Hercules said with a smile.
"That°s not far from the truth." Iolaus said.
"Everything°s gonna be fine." Hercules said comforting.
"Yeah." Iolaus answered. He looked up at Hercules.
"I want to thank you for everythingÞ"
"No need. You°d do the same for me, have done the same for me." Hercules said.
The two men embraced. Slapping Iolaus on the back, they let go.
Xena came in then.
"You two ready?"
Hercules looked down at Iolaus who shrugged.
"I guess so." Hercules said and all three walked out of the barn.
The guests were all assembled as Iolaus walked down
to stand in front of the in front of the man who would be marrying them. He was nervous and wished this part was over.
The front door opened and Holly°s mother and Gabrielle walked out. Gabrielle smiled at Iolaus and mouthed "she looks beautiful". Iolaus nodded to let her know he understood.
Holly°s father came out next with her on his arm. Gods on Olympus! Holly was more than beautiful! She was absolutely stunning. Her father walked her over to Iolaus and lifted her veil. Iolaus was overcome with emotion and nearly started to cry. Her father handed her hand to him and he took it.
Holly was smiling with tears in her eyes. Her dress was floor length and white. It had elaborate embroidery on it and must have taken a lot of work.
They stood in front of all and said their vows to each other. When they were pronounced married, everyone cheered and clapped. The chant of "kiss her, kiss her" started and Iolaus did. They kissed passionately then pulled reluctantly apart.
There was much celebrating and merry making that went on late into the evening. Iolaus and Holly danced many times together. Iolaus declined offers of ale. He wanted to be completely sober for the wedding night he°d waited so long for.
Hercules had gone to load up the wagon with Holly°s things. Iolaus had tried to help but Hercules sent him back to the festivities.
Iolaus came up behind his new bride and put his arms around her drawing her close. He kissed her cheek and asked. "Are you ready to go home?"
Home. With her husband. She turned to him and nodded. He gave her one of his irresistible smiles.
They walked over to thank everybody and tell them that they were going. There were hugs and kisses all around and tears from her mother. Her father walked them over to the wagon.
"Take good care of my little girl." Neilos said grasping Iolaus° forearm in warriors fashion.
"I will. I°ll make her happy always." Iolaus promised.
Hercules helped Alcmene up into the front seat of the wagon and sat down himself.
"See you, Neilos." He said.
"Thanks, Hercules. Bye Alcmene."
"Good night, Neilos." She answered.
Iolaus lifted his new wife into the back of the wagon, then swung up himself. Hercules pulled out when they had sat down. It was cold, so Iolaus drew her close and pulled a blanket over them. The one he had bought for her that first night. He sighed contentedly as she leaned against his chest. She smelled wonderful as always. His hands began to wander. From her waist, his hands moved up and gently cupped her breasts. She moaned softly and laid her head back against his shoulder.
"Shh." He whispered in her ear. He didn°t want Hercules and Alcmene to hear even though they were talking and probably couldn°t hear them anyway.
He kissed her neck and rubbed her nipples through her bodice. She could feel his erection against her back and rubbed slightly against it. Iolaus took a sharp intake of breath. She smiled at his response.
"You naughty girl you!" He whispered in her ear chuckling. She smiled at him.
The trip to Iolaus° house went by quickly. Hercules pulled the wagon up front and took her trunk into the house. He started a fire so they wouldn°t have to fuss with it themselves.
Iolaus lifted Holly down and they walked up to say good night to Alcmene.
"I want you two to come over for dinner tomorrow night." She said.
"Well, we°ll try Alcmene." Iolaus said nuzzling Holly°s neck.
"You°re such a scamp, Iolaus!" Alcmene said with a smile on her face.
Hercules came back out of the house.
"It°s all set in there." He said. Iolaus walked over and the two men embraced.
"Be happy my friend." Hercules said softly.
"I am." Iolaus smiled up at him.
Hercules went over to Holly and kissed her cheek. "Both of you are getting someone special." She nodded.
He swung back up beside his mother and they drove off waving. They stood there for a few moments then Iolaus picked Holly up in his arms and carried her to the door.
"Welcome home, my wife." He said softly. Then he carried her into the house and straight to the bedroom. He laid her on his bed then stood up to look at her. ´Finally, she°s mine° , he thought.
He took his shirt off and put it on the chair. He sat down on the bed and pulled his boots off.
Holly felt excited and scared at the same time.
Iolaus turned around and smiled at her. His eyes were dark blue with desire.
Holly took this time to really look at her husband. See all of him. She started to explore him by touching his blond curls. She ran her hand through them feeling the texture. She looked deeply into his eyes. They were so blue it seemed almost impossible. His nose and sensuous lips, she kissed both. Fingers ran down over his adam°s apple then to his smooth chest. The muscles rippled beneath her fingertips. She moved behind him and ran her hands down his back. It was strong and powerful like the rest of him. His senses were on fire. Her touch driving him wild with desire. He turned and pulled her roughly against his chest and bruised her lips with desperate kisses. They pulled away panting from lack of breath.
"Stand up." He said. His voice so thick with passion that she almost didn°t recognize it.
Holly stood beside the bed and Iolaus reached behind her to unbutton her dress. He skillfully had it undone in seconds, he°d had lots of practice in the past.
She felt it slip from her shoulders and almost stopped it but didn°t. The dress whispered to the floor around her ankles. Iolaus° sharp intake of breath made her blush and she dropped her eyes to the floor embarrassed as his eyes swept her body. A finger under her chin and she was being kissed again. He brought her to him with his one hand between their bodies. She jumped as he touched her bare breast.
"Easy, Baby." He said pulling back a little. She nodded. She looked up at him shyly, his eyes almost black and fully dilated. She°d never seen this look in a man°s eyes before, it was kind of scary but exciting at the same time and she would be seeing it in Iolaus° eyes for the rest of her life.
Iolaus dipped his head and licked her nipple gently. Holly moaned softly and arched against his tongue. Encouraged by her response he tried suckling and she went weak in the knees. He tightened his grip around her waist to steady her. He sucked each nipple to a hardened peak then laved them with his tongue to give her as much sensation as he could. He wanted her first time to be pleasurable.
The sensations taking over her body were overwhelming. She felt a fire building deep in the pit of her belly. Iolaus went to his knees and removed her boots and looking up at her kissed her belly and rubbed his hand further below to her pubic mound. His eyes never left hers as he slid his hand between her legs. He nudged her gently with his shoulder and she lay back on the bed. He pushed her thighs apart and touched the center of her womanhood. She tensed up as he lowered his mouth to her and gently licked at her folds.
"Iolaus!" She cried completely lost in sensation.
He sat back on his heels and spread her labia so he could lick her clitoris. She jumped when he touched it with the tip of his tongue. He eased back on the pressure he was using until she got used to it then began to lick faster and harder. Her taste so sweet he could taste her all night. All his, never touched before by anyone. He was the first to love her, taste her, penetrate her. His heart felt like it would burst from all the love he felt.
Iolaus felt her hips jerk and he licked as hard as he could over the top of her clitoris. She climbed higher and higher til she fell off the precipice of ecstasy. He held her until she came back down. Her heart rate slowing. She opened her eyes and looked into his.
"Iolaus, I°ve never felt anything like that before." She sounded dazed and he had to laugh at her reaction.
"I take it that felt good?" He questioned.
"More than good. Like I went to the Elysian Fields." Iolaus knew how to please women. He°d been doing it since he learned what sex was. Women from all over Greece would be mourning the loss of such an expert lover. He was a one woman man now.
He stood up and untied his codpiece. He kept face to her so she could watch which she did with eager eyes. Once the laces were undone, he exposed his erection and looked at her face to gage her reaction. What he saw there surprised him: he saw fear in her eyes. His size was quite impressive for a man his stature as he was often told by women he had been with.
Removing his leathers, he lay down beside her. He ran his hand along her face and pulled her to him for a kiss. He broke the kiss and looked into her eyes.
"I won°t hurt you." He whispered. He took her hand and placed it on his erect penis. He groaned softly as her fingers touched him. She had never touched a man before. He was so big! She knew what went on between men and women from her mother. The thought of him being inside her scared her even though part of her was also intrigued.
Iolaus thrust gently into her hand and closed his eyes seductively.
"Touch me please." He begged. He was asking her to explore him and she let her curiosity take over. Holly ran her fingers over his length to his balls and stroked them gently. Iolaus moaned deep in his throat and she took this as a cue to continue. She cupped his balls in her hand and gently squeezed.
He lay back on the bed and watched her. His blue eyes almost searing her with the heat of his gaze.
Holly couldn°t believe she was actually doing this. She touched the moisture on the head of his penis and he gasped. She stole a look at his face and saw total pleasure there. She moved up his body running her hands up his chest. He arched against her hands not wanting to break the contact. Iolaus grabbed her by the hips and pulled her astride him. She could feel his erection against her womanhood. He moved against her to feel the friction of her body touching his. This was too much and he reversed their positions so he was on top. He looked down at her and she back at him. He could see love and trust there in her eyes. He stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers.
"Are you ready?" He asked in almost a whisper.
She nodded.
Iolaus moved between her thighs and pushed a finger inside of her. When he was sure she was used to it, he put in another and rubbed the top wall of her vagina until she came. She cried out as the liquid trickled out of her. Iolaus° cock twitched in response. He gave her a few more orgasms to make sure she was wet enough. He moved up against her and rubbed the head of his cock against her folds for lubrication. Iolaus° eyes kept switching between her face and what he was doing. He pushed the head of his cock into her and stopped as he lay down on top of her being careful not to push in any further in yet. He moved in slowly and kept stopping to allow her to get used to his length. When he hit her barrier, he stopped and began to kiss her with passion. ´Maybe if I distract her it won°t hurt as much°, he thought. He rubbed his cheek against hers and whispered in her ear.
"I°m there. Are you ready?"
Holly nodded and bit her lip.
"I love you." Iolaus said.
"I love you, too."
With that he pushed through her virgin skin. Holly immediately tensed up at the pain whimpering softly. Iolaus didn°t stop until he was fully sheathed inside of her then stilled. Her inner walls were clutching him in rhythm and he had to fight hard against an impending orgasm. Biting his lip, he tried to think of anything to bring himself back. Her tears against his shoulder were it.
"Oh Sweetheart." Iolaus said softly rubbing her cheek. She wasn°t crying really but tears of pain were rolling down her cheeks.
"I°m so sorry, I tried to be gentle." He felt terrible but knew this was unavoidable. The only thing to do now is to make it up to her with extreme pleasure and that he could do.
"Are we okay?" Iolaus asked quietly looking into her eyes. She nodded and gave him a small smile.
"No more pain only pleasure." He said and pulled back to thrust into her again. Holly tensed up again in anticipation of further pain. He stopped and looked down at her.
"Trust me."
"I do." She answered and pulled his mouth down to hers. As their lips joined, Iolaus pushed deep inside her again. She arched her back and moaned against his mouth as new pleasurable sensations took over her body. It was beautiful to watch her experience this for the first time. Her reactions so pure and uninhibited. Iolaus couldn°t take his eyes from her face as he watched the emotions play across it. Passion carried him away and soon he was thrusting wildly into her. She found the rhythm and begin to move with him. He groaned when she wrapped her legs around his hips causing him to go deeper inside of her. Iolaus could feel every orgasm she had. Her inner walls would squeeze him in rhythm and her liquid would wash over his cock lubricating them further. As she got wetter and wetter, he found it hard to hold back his building climax. He leaned up on his elbows and ran his hands into her hair. Her face was flushed from exertion and she never looked more beautiful to him.
She opened her green eyes and he saw her passion clearly defined in them. He felt himself enter the point of no return and holding onto her shoulders, gave into his passion. He held her still as not to hurt her and thrust hard and deep into her as he filled her with his seed. ´Gods, this is bliss!° He thought as he cried out, his orgasm left his body with such intensity. It was one he would remember for the rest of his life. Iolaus collapsed on top of Holly totally spent and breathing heavily. She wrapped her arms around him and smoothed his hair back from his sweaty forehead. Holly kissed him gently as he snuggled against her. He looked up into her eyes and saw the love he was feeling mirrored there. He kissed her softly and moved off of her laying down beside her, he pulled her back against his chest. They both fell into blissful content sleep. Their bodies completely sated.
Iolaus awoke at dawn with his wife curled into his chest. He smiled as he watched her sleep. She looked so innocent, like a child. But last night he had made her a woman. His woman. He put his arm under his head content to lay there until she woke up. Holly took a deep breath and stretched. She was awakening and opened her eyes and looked directly into Iolaus° blue ones.
"Good morning." He said quietly.
"Good morning she answered shyly. She was a little ashamed for the wanton way she had acted last night. Why, she didn°t know because she was married now. To a wonderful man who loved her dearly.
He leaned up on one elbow and kissed her. She climbed out of bed and walked over to the window. Iolaus laid there enjoying the view of her nude body and felt his lust rising again. He got up and went to her and wrapped his arms around her, laying his head against hers. He never felt more secure in his life.
"I want to take a bath." She said suddenly. She had dried blood on the inside of her thighs and felt dirty.
"Okay, I have a tub in the spare room. I°ll drag it out by the fireplace." Iolaus said and left the room to get it. Holly got some towels and soap and went out to the living area to stoke the fire back up. She put the water on to boil while she waited for the tub. Iolaus grunted with exertion as he dragged the heavy tub out. She watched the rippling of the muscles in his back thoroughly enjoying the view. He slid it near the fire and breathed a sigh of relief. Turning, he saw his wife°s eyes upon him appraising him and couldn°t help the grin that spread across his face.
"Like what you see?" He asked casually.
"Oh, yes, Husband." She answered huskily. "Very much."
She walked toward him with a look in her eyes that made him shiver. He°d seen passion in women°s eyes before but this was different. This woman was the love of his life. Iolaus allowed her to take the lead. When Holly was standing in front of him, she looked seductively into his eyes then turned away clearly teasing him. With a growl, Iolaus crushed her against him. He brutally kissed her lips then moved to her neck. His suckling at her nape giving her chills of excitement. He ran his hands down her arms and smiled when he felt the goose flesh there. She moved away to check the water.
Iolaus lifted the heavy pot so she wouldn°t have to. When the tub was full they both climbed in. Iolaus pulled her into his lap and kissed her neck and shoulders. They both sighed in contentment at the warm water.
Holly sat up and straddling his legs, took a wash cloth and washed Iolaus° face. Then she soaped the cloth and began to wash his body. Her touch igniting his desire. She washed his strong corded neck then pressed kisses to his clean flesh. Washing down his chest, she rubbed his nipples eliciting a gasp from him. His eyes growing darker with each passing second. He leaned forward so she could wash his back. She could feel his strength. Iolaus is so muscular from the hard life he has led. He stood so she could wash his legs and aching cock. She watched his face as she rubbed up and down his shaft using soap for lubricant. Holly washed his balls and up over his ass and he jumped. She giggled at his response.
"Oh, you thought that was funny did you?" Iolaus asked with a smirk.
Holly could only nod as a fresh giggle fit overtook her. She teased him with the cloth and was quickly bringing him to completion when he stopped her hands.
"Not yet." He said with a husky voice. "It°s your turn."
He reached down to the floor for the other cloth and proceeded to clean her body. He°d never given a woman a bath before and was enjoying this immensely. She made the cutest noises when he touched her body. He ran the cloth over her breasts and teased the nipples like she had done to him. She threw her head back and moaned softly. Iolaus couldn°t resist taking her nipples into his mouth and suckling. Holly cried out and held his head to her.
"PleaseÞ" She begged but she wasn°t exactly sure what she was begging for. Iolaus on the other hand seemed to know. He got the soap and lathered up his hand and thrust three fingers inside her. She put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself and rocked herself on his hand. The slippery soap made it easy to slide back and forth. He used his thumb to rub her clitoris as he fucked her with his fingers. She was writhing so hard against him that he couldn°t stand it anymore. Iolaus slid his hand out and moved her onto his aching shaft. He arched up and sheathed himself completely in her heat, and took her by the hips showing her how to move. Holly was unsure of herself but allowed Iolaus to teach her how to please him. She found a rhythm pleasing to them both and gaining more confidence, began to move faster. Iolaus moved his fingers to her clitoris and began to rub across it gently then with more force until she was whimpering, begging for release. He was close himself but was trying to time his climax with hers. She closed her eyes and Iolaus felt her inner walls begin to pulsate right before she screamed in ecstasy. The power of her completion causing her to rock faster on his cock and sent him into his own climax. He laid his head against the back of the tub and filled her with his warm semen. Her vagina was still milking him as he softened.
"Gods, you°re amazing!" He said when he found his voice again.
Holly picked her head off his chest and smiled at him.
They cleaned the sex off their bodies and got out of the rapidly cooling water. They took turns drying each other, exploring their new partner°s bodies. Nothing sexual in it, just plain curiosity.
Iolaus got used to married life again quickly. Hercules thought he never looked happier. It felt so good to have someone to come home to and not just an empty house. He always had hot food to eat and clean clothes that were mended. Iolaus couldn°t ask for anything moreÞ
Then Holly became ill.
One day they were walking to the market when Holly said her stomach was upset. By the time they got to the market place, the smells of the livestock took their toll on her and she rushed away to be sick. Iolaus followed her clearly worried. He found her as she finished. Holly sat on the ground wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Are you alright?" He asked worried.
"I don°t know. I just feel so awfulÞ" She turned and threw up again.
"Let°s get you home." He said when she had herself together again.
When they arrived home, Holly went straight to bed and stayed there all night. Iolaus sat outside worried to death over her. This had come out of nowhere and was so unexpected. He prayed to Athena and Aphrodite for her to get well. Both Goddesses on Olympus smiled at each other.
The coming days brought no relief to Holly°s sickness and a worried Iolaus went to Alcmene for help. When she heard the problem, she went immediately back to Iolaus° house with him. Hercules also went with them to offer moral support to his best friend.
Hercules and Iolaus stayed outside as Alcmene went in to see Holly. Iolaus paced nervously. Hercules had only seen him like this one other time- when Anya had died.
"Do you want to talk?" The demigod asked him.
"I°m scared, Hercules." Iolaus said softly. He turned to look at him and Hercules could see tears in the hunter°s eyes.
Alcmene was in his house for what seemed like an eternity. She finally came out closing the door behind her, turning to Iolaus, she walked over and grasped his hands in hers.
"She°s not sick, Iolaus." Alcmene said with a smile. "She°s with child."
Iolaus stood there stunned, his mouth opened and closed but no words came out. Hercules was wearing a big grin.
"I°m gonna be a daddy?" He asked looking at Alcmene. She nodded laughing.
"WOO HOO!" Iolaus yelled jumping up and down. When he got to Hercules, he threw himself in his arms. Iolaus hugged him tight laughing and crying at the same time.
"Congratulations, buddy." Hercules said holding his friend in his arms.
"Holly! Oh my Gods!" Iolaus said realizing he hadn°t seen his wife yet since he got the news.
He ran into the house without shutting the door and went straight to the bedroom where Holly lay on the bed, smiling through her tears. He went to her and he held her close.
"Are you happy?" She asked softly.
"You have no idea how much." He said with laughter in his voice. "We°re gonna have a baby. I still can°t believe it!"
The nine months went by fast. One morning Iolaus awoke alone in bed. He looked around the room for Holly but she wasn°t there. Then he heard her cry out and bolted to the living area. Holly was sitting at the table clutching her pregnant stomach and trying not to make noise. Iolaus went to her kneeling at her feet, holding her hands in his.
"It°s time." She told him and Iolaus got the widest grin on his face. Just then, she doubled over in pain.
"How long have the pains been coming?" He asked her.
"Since the middle of the night." She said through clenched teeth."
"Why didn°t you wake me." Iolaus asked.
"Because you needed to sleep."
"So did you!" He said with a laugh.
"Oh!" Another contraction hit Holly.
"I°m gonna go get Alcmene. Will you be alright?" He asked rubbing her arm.
She nodded so he got dressed and walked back out to where Holly was sitting.
"Why don°t you try lying down." He suggested. She agreed so he helped her to the bed and covered her up. Kissing her cheek, he said: "I°ll be right back."
She smiled and he turned to leave.
He ran at break neck speed to Alcmene°s. Hercules was outside chopping wood when he saw Iolaus tearing up the road. He put the ax down and grabbed his shirt going out to meet his friend.
"Herc! HercÞ" Iolaus started out of breath. Hands on his knees he got his breath a little. "The baby°s coming." Iolaus was grinning ear to ear. Hercules clapped him on the back.
"Well, let°s go get Mother then shall we?" Hercules suggested. Iolaus nodded and they headed to the house.
All three made their way quickly to Iolaus° house. As they stepped on the porch, Holly screamed with pain and Iolaus° face went white. He looked at Alcmene with terror on his face.
"It°s alright, Iolaus. Childbirth hurts, you knew that." She said softly touching his arm.
Iolaus merely nodded. Flashbacks of Anya dying giving birth to their son invaded his memory and he felt helpless with fear.
Alcmene went in to help Holly and soon came back for Iolaus.
"She wants you with her, dear." She smiled.
Iolaus looked uncertain.
"It°s okay, she°s fine." Alcmene said taking his hand and leading him to the bedroom. Holly let out a shriek and he stopped dead in his tracks. Alcmene tugged on his hand to get him moving again.
"She needs your strength to draw from. Help her bring your child into the world."
Iolaus nodded and walked into their room. Holly lay there drenched with sweat, she looked exhausted.
He sat beside her on the bed and took her hand squeezing it. She opened her eyes and gave him a weak smile.
"Hey." He said smiling.
"Thank you for coming in." She said through parched lips.
"I wouldn°t be anywhere else." He said smoothing her hair back from her forehead.
Alcmene checked her and announced: "It°s time for you to push, dear."
Iolaus positioned himself behind her head so he could help her bear down. He didn°t know which emotion he was feeling more, fear or excitement.
"Here it comes! " Alcmene said.
Iolaus moved so he could watch his child being born. One final push and his son landed in Alcmene°s hands. Iolaus was totally overcome with emotion, at this point crying freely as he looked at his newborn son. Holly was likewise crying with relief as well as happiness.
Alcmene cleaned the little boy up and wrapped him in a blanket, carrying him over and placed him in Iolaus° arms. Iolaus looked down at the little bundle with fierce love in his eyes. He looked over at Holly and smiled. Walking carefully, he went over to the bed never taking his eyes off his son. He sat down careful not to jostle the baby and handed him to his mother. Holly looked down at her son for the first time and couldn°t stop the tears that fell. Iolaus leaned in and kissed her forehead. She turned her face up and gently, they kissed each other.
"What should we name him, Iolaus?" Holly asked.
"I don°t know", he said looking closely at his son. He was a beautiful boy with blond hair and blue eyes just like his father.
"Ilian." Iolaus said looking at his wife. She looked at him then down at their son.
"Ilian." She repeated and smiled. "I like it."
"Welcome to the world, Ilian. His father said and kissed his little cheek. Iolaus was instantly in love with his son.
As Alcmene helped Holly clean up, Iolaus took the baby out to show Hercules. He was making lunch for all of them and turned when he heard the door open. Iolaus came out holding a little bundle in his arms and looking happier than Hercules had ever seen him. Iolaus walked over and handed the baby to Hercules who cradled him in his massive arms.
"Hercules, I°d like you to meet my son, Ilian." Iolaus was beaming with pride.
Hercules looked down in awe at the little blond haired boy in his arms.
"He°s beautiful, Iolaus." He said quietly.
"Isn°t he though? No wonder considering who his father is." Iolaus teased.
Hercules snorted causing the baby to jump.
"Same old Iolaus." He said shaking his head. He rocked the baby to calm him again.
