Clytie is not an original character of mine. There was a brief tale about her and her unrequited love for Helios, the Sun God. Since I liked the theme, I decided to wire up a much longer version, to give Clytie a bit of character which she deserved. So, Chapter I for the meantime

Clytie was a maiden who is in-love with a God. But which God, no one knew. She was the prettiest during her time, and many mortals, young and old alike, went to pursue her, only to leave in helplessness at her polite refusal. It was also a mystery, a challenge among them, to discover the lady's secret love. If they will not have her, then it was considered a triumph nonetheless, to know who was hidden in her heart.

Clytie lived with her father, an old man named Porfirio. The man loved his daughter very much and he too, was aware of his daughter's folly. He was physically weak though, and his state prevented him from being in-charge. He could only argue with her through words, but they weren't strong enough, as Clytie was simply more intelligent than him.

"She needs a husband," Porfirio told himself for a thousandth time. He brooded over it during those sun-bathed days when there was nothing else to do but rest. Those were the days when the wind was just right and the farm did not need that much tending. He allowed himself a cup of cold tea, a little bit of wine of course, although he knew Clytie would be angry at his bad habits.

"You should not drink anymore, father!" he imagined her yelling. Oh, how he loved her then! He briefly remembered his wife's bickering, but then she looked more beautiful! Soft, golden hair and purple eyes. If only her daughter knew how they looked so much alike! But the Gods played a wicked trick on him. They took her life when Clytie was too young to remember her. Painfully, Porfirio pushed the thoughts away and focused on the matter at hand.

He heard Clytie entering their small house through the back door.

"Father!" she called in her sweet voice. "I've picked some berries. Would you like to have some?"

"No dearest," Porfirio replied, shaking his head. He watched her stand in the doorway. Clytie wrinkled her nose in annoyance, as her gaze flickered on the bottle of wine he had recklessly put aside.

"It's high noon! Father, oh you stubborn old man!" She let out an angry cry and snatched the bottle from the table. Porfirio looked at her patiently. "How many times should I tell you not to touch this! This is not for you!" Clytie raised her hand, as if ready to smash the bottle, but she stopped herself almost immediately. "These," she seethed, "brings food on the table. We sell these to make a living. I can't believe you're wasting so much for your own pleasure! Father, I am serious. You have to stop."

Porfirio eyed her wistfully. "I am old and weak, soon to leave this place...I know it's wrong but - "

"Father," Clytie interrupted. "I have heard your words a million times. I cannot allow you to spend the remaining days of your life trying to shorten it." She went to the kitchen and placed the bottle neatly in one of the compartments. These wooden barrels served as storage for their cheap wine products. Although it didn't sell much, Clytie was too beautiful to resist. Most of their customers were young men who were in-love with her. If Clytie knew that, she made no indication of being aware of it.

Clytie sighed and thought about her old man. He's been drinking more and more lately, but she had no idea why. The answer came as quickly as the thought came to her. Porfirio joined her in the kitchen and holding her gently, he said,

"Tomorrow you will get married."

Okay, that was short. I'll try better in the next part.