Part 1: Chapter 11

Ariadne

I woke up when I heard the chirping of birds above me and the cool breeze billowing around. When I felt my body slowly awakening from sleep, there was a slight pounding in my head, and I could feel myself wince slightly at the feeling. But other than that, I felt absolutely fine.

All I could feel was the feelings of relaxation, calmness and… comfort.

I could feel my lips lifting into a sleepy smile and I sighed in satisfaction at what a nice sleep I just had. As sleep continued to leave my body, I began to stretch my arms above my head languidly, with my whole body stretching along the way.

However, I stopped short when my hand came in contact with something hard and warm.

That's odd… I thought to myself. Curious, I turned my head to look at what was behind me…

Immediately, I gasped in shock and scrambled away when I saw that it was Dion, who was simply gazing at me. I suddenly became more shocked at the sudden realization that I had been sleeping with my head resting on his thigh.

"Gods above!" I exclaimed, feeling my face heat up in embarrassment. "Dion, I am so sorry! I did not mean to fall asleep!" And then, I turned my head to look at the sky, and was immediately more overwhelmed with more shock when I saw the dusky orange color and the Sun setting in the west. "Goodness! And until evening!"

The heat of embarrassment was slowly overtaking me, but it seemed to have suddenly extinguished when Dion smiled. "No worries, Ariadne," he said reassuringly. "You were very exhausted after having exerted yourself from your merry-making. So it is alright."

At his mention of 'merry-making', I suddenly recalled the wine he had given me to drink. I remembered the tart, sweet and exotically delicious flavor of the wine on my taste-buds; how it tasted so divine that it could have passed off as the ambrosia of the gods. Also, I began to recall how very light-headed I felt after drinking every single drop of the reddish-purple wine down. My mind seemed to clear up at that moment, leaving nothing but a pleasurable dizziness, which made me feel as though I had to get up and move because I was too energetic.

Afterwards, I only remembered running, with a bounce to my step, with carefree through the forests. I think I may have been dancing, although I recalled my movements to be free but clumsy; a far cry from the poise and elegance I had learnt to attain when I was still a young girl in dancing lessons. I also remembered Dion following me in whatever I was doing, smiling and laughing as he participated with me.

"What was in that drink?" I inquired in a mutter as I brought a hand to run my fingers through my hair, gently smoothing away any tangles in the strands. "I don't think I have ever drank something so strong yet so exquisite in my entire life."

Dion cocked his head to the side, still holding my gaze. Instead of answering my question, he only asked curiously, "Do you feel calm now, after drinking it?"

Calm… Was that not the purpose of him giving me the drink? To make me feel calm? My suspicion of the wine being tainted was slightly raised, because I was astounded by how potent it had been. I was able to get drunk in such a short amount of time, and by such a small amount of wine. Furthermore, that would explain the slight feeling of dizziness inside my head.

However, truth be told, the wine had done its job proper; I did feel calm. In fact, I felt really calm.

"Yes, I do," I admitted with a smile. "Thank you, for giving it to me. Not only was it delicious, but it really helped me relax."

Dion gave me a wide smile that only enhanced his attractiveness, making my breath hitch soundlessly in my throat. Up until this day, I still could not get used to his ethereal beauty. Every day, he continued to mesmerize me, and it only made it better that his personality was a very likable one and that his presence was enjoyable.

He bowed his head slightly as a show of thanks, alongside that very attractive and warm smile of his. And then, he got on his feet and stood to his full height. He extended a hand to me, and I took it, allowing him to gently pull me up into a stand.

All of a sudden, I was very aware of a very unpleasant fact.

"Ugh…" I muttered in disgust.

"What?" Dion asked, his perfect dark eyebrows pulling into a slight frown.

I sucked up my embarrassment of saying what I was going to say next and told him meekly, "I'm sorry to say, Dion, but… I really need to wash up right now…"

It was true. I had not washed myself in the morning, and now I was very well-aware of the feeling of the light coating of sweat and grime all over my body, and the musky odor that was coming from my unkempt hair. It irked me so much, and I was inwardly horrified that I had slept near Dion in that sort of unwashed state. But whether or not he was disturbed by it, he did not show, and I was thankful, though still slightly embarrassed.

His eyebrows raised in realization. "Oh, I see," he simply said.

Then, without another word, he took my hand and led me in the direction of the east. I did not hesitate and simply followed him. The dying rays of sunlight shone on both of us, but it seemed to have an enchanting orange glow around his form.

Not even a minute later, we had reached the lake. The water was calm and quiet, radiating orange from the fading daylight and reflecting images of the nearby hills and mountains. Dion let go of my hand and allowed me to go to the water. I sat down at the edge of the grass and dipped my feet in first, sighing in satisfaction at the warmth of the water, which had been gained from the heat of the Sun throughout the day.

So engrossed with how the water was nice that I nearly instinctively shed off my dress. But I stopped when I suddenly remembered that Dion was here with me, and I flushed in even more anxiety.

Slowly, I turned my head to him, about to tell him that I needed my privacy. Despite the fact that I trusted him enough with my story, which by now was no more than a dull ache to my mind, I still did not trust him enough to see me bathing.

But when I had turned to look at him, I was surprised to see him sitting with his back to me, facing the forest that surrounded the area. Yet, I was pleased that he already knew how to respect my privacy by averting his gaze away.

However, I still was not comfortable with the fact that he was nearby while I bathed.

"Dion?" I called out.

He turned his head slightly to the side, but not until he could see me. "Yes, Ariadne?" he asked.

I bit my lip in anxiety, and then told him, "Is it alright if you go back to the grove and get me a new dress? The one I am wearing right now is very filthy, and it smells unpleasant."

Dion did not answer to my request, but he then looked up at the dusky orange sky, which was starting to become more darker as the night approached.

"It's going to be dark soon…" he told me concernedly. "I do not wish to leave you alone at this sort of time. But…" he hesitated for a while, "if you wish for me to get you a new dress, can you promise me that you will be careful here? Stay hidden, and do not attract attention?"

I was curious about his request. Why would I have to stay hidden and not attract attention? I mean, was there something to hide from, and something to not attract? I wanted to know what has gotten him so worried. But I knew that even if I inquired him about that subject, Dion would not answer. Up to this point, I knew very well how he would be if I asked a question that seemed to breach the secret he must be keeping from me.

Instead, I just replied, "I promise, Dion. But please be back soon, okay?"

"Okay," he replied.

Dion then stood up and walked away into the forest, leaving me alone to bathe in privacy.

After making sure that he was truly gone, I took off the dark blue dress that I was wearing, leaving it in a crumpled wreath on the grass while I was now completely bare. I slowly dipped my feet back into the water before letting it descend, with the rest of my body following after. I went underneath for a few seconds before ascending back to the surface for air. I was now drenched from head to toe, and I felt glad that I could no longer feel the disgusting stickiness on my body and no longer smell the musky odor of my hair.

As I continued to swim and wash myself, the day started to transition into night. Now, the dusky orange color was gone, slowly being taken over by a nice shade of dark cerulean blue. I could see a few glitters in the sky, knowing soon that the stars would emerge.

But as the minutes passed by, it had already turned dark, Dion was still not back yet, and I began to get bored. I couldn't come out from the water now, in fear that he would see me in the nude. But I knew I did not want to swim anymore.

I needed to do something to get me out of my boredom, and the first thing that came to mind was singing.

Singing was always something I loved doing. It made me feel lightened and focused on getting the right notes, tune and melody. Sometimes, if possible or when necessary, I would usually sing while playing an instrument to give some tune.

I realized then that I have not sung for a long time. If I remembered, the last time I did was to Thes-

"No!" I suddenly cried out, angry that I have allowed a vile thought of him come into my mind. "Do not think of that bastard anymore! He is nothing to you, Ariadne! Nothing!"

My screams and shouts echoed throughout the area, and I immediately clamped my hand over my mouth, shocked by my sudden outburst. I could not believe it. I had never had an outburst my entire life, except for when I was thinking about that treacherous, lying ass. I guess that was why I was somewhat changing.

Slowly easing my hand off my lips, I took slow and deep breaths to calm the sudden fire that had erupted within me. As I felt it slowly die out, I began to sing to soothe myself. My voice started low and soft, like that of a quiet hymn. I tried to maintain that volume, though it gradually began to rise a bit in volume.

Very soon, the singing took over me completely, and I continued to sing to my heart's content as I paddled gently around in the water near the grass. In the coming beauty of the night, I began to feel more and more relaxed.

However, I suddenly tensed, and the song was cut off from my voice as fear began to set in.

"Well, well, well… What a pretty find…"

Dionysus

I had to get back to Ariadne quickly. The day had gone and now night had set in, and everything was becoming darker by the passing minutes.

With a dark green dress in my hands, I hurried along the familiar pathways of the forest that led to the lake. Thanks to the characteristic enhanced vision of a divine being, I was able to see clearly, even without a torch or the light of the moon. I was able to find the right path that led to the lake, and I walked quickly right on that path.

But all of a sudden, I stopped in my tracks when I heard a very familiar sound. It was the sound of drunken laughter and hysterical screaming. Furthermore, they sounded very female.

I knew who those voices belonged to just seconds before they made an appearance before me.

"Lord Dio-NY-susss!" a group of four Maenads called out in drunk cheeriness as they emerged out of the trees and approached me, each wearing nothing but a wrap of thin cotton or a single cloak of animal fur that did not do justice in hiding their feminine assets, and messy wreaths of ivy on the crowns of their heads. In each of their hands, they carried a miniature wooden staff that seemed akin to my own thyrsus.

"Lord Dionysus, what do you look so sober?" one of them asked me speculatively, studying me with narrowed eyes. The word 'sober' was said by her as though it was a strange word.

"Why are you not enjoying the blessings of great wine and ecstasy as the others?" another questioned with a bubbly ecstatic voice. "The rest have celebrated, but here you are!"

"Why are you here, great King of the Revelry?" another questioned, her voice sounding so utterly confused as she gazed at me with bloodshot eyes. "Why are you here prowling the forest instead of losing yourself to the joy?"

"WWWWHHHHHYYYY?!" another demanded to know in a shrill shriek as she flapped her arms around like a psychotic bird.

Continuing to walk ahead of them, though at a slower pacing this time, I replied cheerily, "Is it not alright for me to venture out in the woods for a breath of fresh air? The intoxication of wine is indeed one to cherish, but so is the intoxication of a cooling breeze in the night! So fresh and delicious!"

The Maenads all looked confused at my words, as though they found the prospect of something else that was as delicious as wine to be very unbelievable. Instinctively, they began to sniff the cool air that was breezing by.

"It does not hold taste, nor does it hold ecstasy," one of the Maenads complained in a growl. "This is nothing compared to the joys of the drink!"

I sighed, realizing that it was futile to get these wine-and-ecstasy-addicted girls to understand what I was talking about. So I dropped it before it became an even bigger issue of debate, which could lead to a very messy argument.

"Never mind," I answered in finality. Casting my gaze slightly heavenwards, I realized then the moon was nearing its fixed position in the center of the dark and starry night sky, giving the only form of bright light in the complete and unfathomable darkness. "You should probably head back to the camp now," I told them as I started to make my way to the lake again. "Enjoy the high and pleasure the wine brings to all of us. Bask yourself in its intoxication. Leave me be, for I have some things that I need to settle."

Draping the dress, which was held in my right hand, over my left forearm, I proceeded to walk away. However, I did not make it far before I felt several hands grabbing handfuls of my chiton.

"Lord, do not go yet!" one of them mewled despairingly. "Celebrate with us! Right here; only you and us, great Lord!"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" the others chanted in unison, their agreement clear as day.

I grimaced, wanting so very much to just leave and return to Ariadne. The night was getting darker as the seconds passed, and my worry for the mortal girl started to grow. She was all alone by herself, and who knows what might happen to her if I was not there.

Trying to shake their hands off me, I told them firmly, "I'm sorry, my dear girls. But I really do have someplace else to be. So, please…"

But before I could finish my words, one of Maenads suddenly pressed their lips firmly against mine, insinuating a hard kiss.

As she molded her lips fiercely upon mine, I could only stare at her in shock and confusion. Her lips felt soft against mine, and tasted sweet of dark red wine. In just a few seconds, she was forcing her tongue through my lips, meeting my own immobile one. She kissed with so much force that I was pushed a step back when she pressed her front on mine.

Usually, I would have responded to the kiss, like I did with all the other kisses I had with other women. I would have willingly, and sometimes happily, be a participant in this show of affection. Sometimes, these sorts of kisses, which had started off with passion and lust in its purpose, would end up with me and the kisser being naked under the sheets of my bed. Those such events may be prolonged, or may stay as the one-night stand it was.

But for some reason, I felt hesitant in the kiss. In fact, I did not even want to kiss the Maenad back. My thoughts were not on her or her sisters, but of Ariadne. Images of her with her pale blonde hair and her grey-green eyes were flashing through my thoughts, and all I could see was of her smiling a smile so cute and so beautiful, and of her as she was in the morning, with tears streaming down her rosy cheeks and her face ridden in terror and anxiety.

My mind was repeatedly telling me to go back to her right now, to stay with her, to protect her.

The Maenad's lips and tongue were very intrusive on mine, and I began to felt uncomfortable. Wanting no more of this forceful exchange, I planted my hands on her shoulders and pushed her away from me, holding her at my arms' length.

The Maenads were shocked by my reaction, knowing well that this would not be how I acted when one of them was kissing me.

"Why did you stop, my lord?!" another asked me hysterically. "Was the kiss not good enough for you?!"

Before I could even answer her, the Maenad who had kissed me exclaimed with determination, "If it was not good for you, then I shall make sure that it is now!"

She then started to attempt to put her lips back on mine, but my hold on her was strong and barring, so she was unsuccessful. I kept her away from me, saving my lips and tongue from another unwanted kiss.

"No," I said firmly with command, making it clear to her and her sisters that I did not want to put up with them right now. "No, do not…"

But all of a sudden, a scream emanated through the air. It was so loud and piercing and so very sudden that both the Maenads and I jumped and were silenced by it. But I was even more overcome with fear and worry when I damnably recognized the familiar scream of the female.

"ARIADNE!" I shouted her name as I pushed my way past the Maenads and took off through the dark forest in the direction of the lake.

"ARIADNE!" I cried out her name again, feeling my feet rapidly pound against the forest floor that was ridden with dirt, grass, pebbles and sharps pieces of rock and wood. I was running faster than a cheetah, bolting past the dark trees with the godly speed I possessed in my being. With each step I took, the sounds of her screams began to get louder. I could hear fright, terror, anxiety, weakness and helplessness in her screams, and it only helped to fuel the same feelings in my heart.

"ARIADNE!" I shouted her name once again when I finally ran out of the trees and into the moonlight, finding myself in front of the dark lake that was sparkling with the essence of silver moonlight.

And it was that moment when I saw the horrible event that was taking place.

Author's Note:

Sorry guys! Cliffhanger today!

Alright, alright. Don't be angry, okay! Build up some suspense and excitement for the next chapter on Monday!

See you then!

Muse of Fanfiction