Frank had never been so glad to feel the sun on his back. It was getting warmer now and the snow melted, though there was still frost some mornings. Nights were cold, but during midday, the weather was fairly pleasant, though on the cooler side.

    Everyone was becoming jittery from being cooped up by the cold. As soon as the weather improved, Frank's mother and grandmother made excuses to walk more often: claiming they needed to fetch more water or saying they needed more kindling. Frank was glad to see them reveling in the renewed freedom like he was.

     They were eating the last stores from winter as the grass began to grow again, fresh shoots poking out of the ground. Emily traded with some neighbors of theirs, exchanging a few pots for some food. Frank's grandmother made the pots herself and they were finely wrought, and not like the style so common in Lesbos, but rather from her homeland.

   The first day Frank could take his goats out to pasture again, he did. Hazel joined him with her flock of sheep. Both herds had fared well over the winter. Only a few members had died over the long winter and the creatures took to eating grass again with enthusiasm. Soon, they'd be as sleek as cats.

     Hazel and Frank led the herds up a small hill and let them pasture there. It was slightly cool in the early morning and both of them wore cloaks over their clothes. "I'm so glad it's spring again," Hazel said.

   Frank nodded. "I missed you."

    Hazel met his gaze. "I did too."

    Frank worked up his courage and brushed his hand lightly against her's. They both blushed madly and neither met the other's gaze. Gradually though, they grew used to the sensation and brushing turned to holding.

    There was a bark and the two jumped apart. Frank looked up to see Leo joining them with his herd of cows. Walking beside him was a large dog with fluffy golden hair. "Festus," Leo said. "Heel."

      Hazel was amazed as she saw the dog obey, wagging affectionately as it followed Leo. Leo was looking a little taller than last spring and his curly brown hair had grown out a little, but he otherwise looked the same. "Guys," he said. "I haven't seen you in awhile."

   Hazel took him in her arms and gave him a squeeze. "I haven't either."

   Frank felt a little tinge of jealousy, but when Leo let go of Hazel, Frank realized something was different. Leo wasn't casting mooning looks at Hazel anymore and some of hard knot of jealousy in Frank's chest melted. "I'm moving to town soon," Leo said.

   Hazel's face fell. "Really? It's finally happening? I thought it was just talk."

    Leo nodded. "We went to Mytilene over the winter and found a forge that my father wants to buy. He's saved up enough money."

    "Oh, Leo," Hazel said. "I'll miss you."

     She hugged him and Frank joined in too. "When are you moving?" Hazel asked when she let go.

"In ten days," Leo said.

"What of your cattle?" Frank asked.

"My father is selling them," Leo sighed. "At least I get to keep Festus."

Festus barked when he heard his name and wagged his tail. Leo grinned widely and patted his dog on the head. "Festus and I will have a great time in Mytilene!" he declared. "As my father said, my talents are being wasted on the countryside."

Hazel and Frank both laughed. Hephaestus was not known for being very social and it was clear he was proud of his son, but he was never boastful of him. "I'll forge swords for armies and makes plows for farmers," Leo said. "I even have been thinking of some new inventions."

    Hazel lifted an eyebrow. "Really? You never cease to amaze me, Leo."

   Leo puffed out his chest and withdrew something from the folds of his tunic. It was shaped like a box, but made of copper that gleamed bright under the winter light. "What is it?" Hazel asked.

    "I call it a Valdezinator," Leo said. "It's the first musical instrument I've ever invented."

    Hazel looked at it with wide eyes and when Leo let her hold it, she inspected it closely. "Does it work by turning this handle?" she asked.

   Leo nodded. Hazel turned the handle and a few as notes flew into the air. When Hazel handed the Valdezinator back to Leo, she noticed his eyes were shining. "You're a genius, Leo."

     "Of course I am," Leo agreed. "I've also been working on a blueprint for a new type of catapult."

     Frank shook his head in amazement. "We're going to miss you, Leo."

   To his surprise, he meant the words. He had always felt insecure around Leo. He didn't like how Hazel laughed at his jokes or how Leo seemed so sure of himself, but Frank was starting to understand that under his feigned bravado, Leo was just as insecure and unsure of himself as he was.

     "Well," Leo said. "I don't doubt it. All the ladies love Leo — and all the men too."

   He sighed. "I gotta go now. My father is having some of our neighbors come over to inspect the cattle."

     "Goodbye," Frank said.

      "We'll come see you before you go," Hazel added.

    Leo smiled and turned away, his herd of cows following him. Frank and Hazel were quiet for awhile. "Leo," Frank said suddenly. "He seems different. He's still joking and stuff, but. . ."

He trailed off. It was hard to describe the change in Leo. Hazel held Frank's gaze with her golden eyes. "Don't you see? Leo has met someone."

    Frank nodded in sudden understanding. He was glad that Leo wasn't trying to make moves on Hazel anymore, but he worried for him. Frank made a quick, whispered pray to Aphrodite and Eros that they would be kind to Leo. Whatever arguments the two of them had in the past, Frank was glad to call Leo his friend.