I step into the Temple of Hades and look around. "Anyone home?"
An Amazon I don't immediately recognise looks up from one of the icons along the walls, starting slightly in recognition. "Lord Pavlos. Are you looking for Thana?"
"Yes, is she around?"
She stands, then straightens her clothing. "She was heading into the inner parts of the Temple. If you like, I can show you-."
"No, that's… Fine." I head towards the stairs. "I'm sorry for disturbing your remembrance. I'll find her myself."
"Um!"
I turn around to face her. "Yes?"
"Have you..? Did you come to see the daughter of Iola and Tekla?"
I smile. "Naturally I visited them and little Elphida, but my business-purpose here is to see Thana. And… Yes, I appreciate that there's an odd symbolism in visiting the Priestess of the God of the Dead right after seeing a baby, but as I understand it Hades is the last God who'd be irritated about Amazons having children again."
"No, I…" She glances at the shrine and then back at me. "You… Helped them have her?"
"Yes?"
"I mean… The women of the city say that you used some sort of… Ring.. science..? But-."
"No." I roll my eyes. "I know the rumours, but I assure you that the technique doesn't require me to have sex with the would-be mothers. And before you ask: no, that isn't where Io and Pallas have disappeared to. 'Studying under the Gods' isn't a sexual metaphor, it's a literal description of what they're doing under Mount Etna with Hephaestus and Vulcan. And while I'm taking it as a sideways compliment that the children are being referred to as the Pavlovas, I actually meant that as a joke and I didn't think anyone would actually do it."
"Oh. Um. I'm.. interested too?"
"Okay, um… You'd need to introduce me to your partner or partners, and we'd need to discuss what characteristics you want them to inherit from whom."
"Actually, I… Prefer men."
"Ah." I frown. "That shouldn't really be a problem. If you've met someone in New York-."
"That.. isn't what I meant. I was here in memory of my last lover, and I think.. I would like to feel a man's touch again."
"Okay, but-."
"Your touch." She comes a little closer. "You are a demigod of some sort, kind and virtuous. I think you would make a good father-."
I hold up my hands. "Um. Thank you, but… Much.. as I respect the direct approach-."
"Oh, I do not mind sharing you with Prince Kon. That was quite normal in the old days."
"That wasn't what I meant. I'm afraid that where I'm from romantic relationships are monogamous by default, and I'm currently involved with a woman. Siring children outside of that relationship would be completely inappropriate for me."
"Oh! Oh. Ah. I.. didn't know that."
"No reason you should have done. I haven't.. gotten around to bringing her to Themyscira yet."
"I'm so sorry."
I wave my right hand. "Perfectly fine. But if seeing new children is motivating you in that direction, I really would recommend visiting New York."
"I…" She shifts uncomfortably. "I'm not sure I.. would…"
"The other gate is in the embassy. It's perfectly safe, everyone who gets in there is already cleared by Princess Diana."
"I will give the matter some thought." She gives me a shallow bow. "Good evening, Lord Pavlos
