#5416  Penthesilea

The Morning after Kodiak's Bachelor Party.....

“UP AN’ AT ‘EM, SON!!"
     *Kodiak’s slumber was rudely broken by Ares’ cheerful bellow as his bed covers were snatched away. Kodiak resisted the temptation to cover his head with his pillow. He had once wondered aloud if he was possible for him to get drunk after becoming a demigod. He now had the answer. He could. It took considerable effort and some of the most potent brew that he had ever encountered but he could, most definitely, get rip roaring drunk. He could also have a hangover of Godlike proportions. Kodiak reflected that his future father-in-law had shown some mercy to his hung over and light sensitive soon to be son-in-law. The heavy drapes over the windows in Kodiak’s temporary quarters were still closed. Carefully, Kodiak sat up and was pleased to find that the contents of his stomach stayed put.
     With Ares’ assistance, Kodiak made it into the shower and felt somewhat revived when he emerged. He was recovering from his hangover a lot faster than he expected and said as much to Ares.

     “Your metabolic rate for alcohol isn’t as fast as Penthesilea’s but it is still much faster than a mortal’s. You can get drunk if you work at it but you won’t stay drunk long and any hangover you get will be over a lot sooner than you were accustomed to.” The Wargod grinned in a way that Kodiak was entirely too familiar with. “Time to go, Son. Don’t bother to dress.” With that, the Wargod and the Darklord disappeared.*

#5419  Penthesilea
     
“There he is.”
     *The yearling bull that they had been tracking for hours snorted and raised his head at the sound of Ares’s voice and the God switched to inspeaking.*

Ares: (inspeaking) It has got to be your kill that provides the meat for the feast. Here’s how you do it barehanded.
     *Kodiak listened intently to Ares’s instructions. Since he was fairly certain that if Ares wanted him dead there were simpler ways to do it, Kodiak was willing to give it a try and he was certain that being gored by a bull would not be sufficient to kill him. Painful as all hell but non fatal. They conferred and Ares disappeared, reappearing behind the bull. The sudden appearance of the God spooked the bull and he ran. The moment that his direction was determined, Kodiak “stepped” into his path. The bull lowered his head and charged on, intending to gore and toss the human in his way. Kodiak braced himself......*

#5422  Penthesilea
     
     *They appeared in the middle of a busy camp and Kodiak immediately spotted his Master, Cujon and every man that had been at his bachelor party the night before. Kodiak was immediately set upon by his friends who pressed drink on him and made ribald comments about his state of undress while others set to work preparing the bull’s carcass for cooking. In due course, Kodiak was wearing a loincloth like the rest of the men present, steaks had been cut and were sizzling over the fire and the rest of the meat was being set to slow roast for eating the next day. When the meat was done, Ares instructed Kodiak to prepare a platter of meat, vegetables, a baked potato, salad and a serving of dessert. He did so, feeling that somehow it was important that it be perfect. When he was satisfied, he turned to the God. Ares nodded his approval.*

Ares: You may be separated from her but tonight your bride will eat of your kill. This meal is symbolic of your intention to provide for her and the children you will father on her. *With a gesture, the platter disappeared and Ares smiled.* You can’t communicate with her but I can. She knows it is from you.

Kodiak: Thank you, sir. *Ares smiled.*

Ares: You’re welcome, Son. Now let’s eat! It has been a long day and the night has just begun!!

#5427 Rewritten by Penthesilea

Shankarika also heard the beat of drums from the Men's Camp. Ares was keeping her informed, as much as he could anyway, about the progress of the retreat. She would be starting her own cycle of meditation and purifications before the Handfasting in a few hours. Her preparations did not involve ritual seclusion which was good since there were still a million details that required her attention.

#5429  Rewritten by Penthesilea

Outside the Keyholder's Tower, more guests arrived and were greeted by Hypatia and Shankarika while the preparations continued without pause. Everyone was looking forward to the Handfasting if for no other reason than they could, once it was over, collapse!

#5431  Penthesilea

     *The sun was well up before the occupants of the men’s camp stirred. They had drummed until near sunrise, driving themselves nearly to exhaustion. Once they were awake however, they had tasks and went about them. Soon, they were partaking of a hearty meal and the older men, especially, began the task of distracting Kodiak from the fact that he still faced several nights alone. They were agreed. Physical exhaustion was the only way. Ares grinned.....*

#5436  Penthesilea


Meanwhile, back at the Men’s Camp....      

     *After breakfast, Ares started them off with some light exercise. When they were sufficiently warmed up, the competitions started. After several hours of wrestling, throwing various objects for great distances and pounding the living daylights out of each other, Ares led them on a run. He had a specific destination in mind....*

#5440  Penthesilea

     *Impromptu races developed quickly. Challenges were issued and accepted. Once the men were refreshed, they hauled themselves out of the water to lay in the shade or in the sun as they preferred. Since every man present was a warrior and in superb physical condition the sight was one to bring joy to any woman's heart -- if any women had been present!! Before long, two wagons appeared bearing food and drink. The men had worked up an appetite and they ate and relaxed before heading back to their camp...*

#5442  Penthesilea
     
     *Carefully isolated from the frenzy outside her tower, Penthesilea attended to such official tasks that made their way to her desk and spent the rest of her time in quiet contemplation alone or in lively and frequently frank conversation with her companions. Kodiak was never far from her thoughts especially since he was a frequent topic of conversation! They were forbidden to communicate but even so, she could feel his warm presence in the back of her mind through the bloodbond and it sustained her during their separation...*

#5444  Penthesilea
     
     *Night fell and the waning moons rose. The flames from the bonfire rose high into the sky as the men drummed, danced and shared the ancient mysteries.....*