Part 1: Chapter 14

Dionysus

Watching the celebration going on from where I was seated on my wooden throne, I found that I could not concentrate on the sounds of laughter and the sight of my followers dancing and drinking to their heart's content.

With my elbow planted on the armrest and my hand supporting my head, I could only watch in silence and quietly caress the small head of the baby leopard on my lap as my mind was - as usual – filled with thoughts of Ariadne. I knew that she was with 'Cynthia' by now, since she usually devoted much of the day time to being with her. I wondered if she had taken my 'advice' and had asked 'Cynthia' such questions, and I also wondered if Artemis would answer them.

If she did, and had given Ariadne some explanation for my actions, then it would make things easier for me… I thought to myself deeply. I wonder how Ariadne would think of this. Thank Mount Olympus she did not shun me at first. But how now once she knows the truth from Artemis?

All of a sudden, I was pulled out of my long train of thoughts when the sounds of laughter and music were immediately cut off by sounds of shouting.

"A guest! A guest! A guest!"

"Someone has entered the revelry!"

"A goddess walks among us!"

I was then pulled out of my thoughts and looked up ahead to see that the crowd had parted into two, leaving an ample amount of space for Artemis to walk up to me. She was wearing just a simple white chiton, which had been her only disguise as 'Cynthia', but I could feel her aura radiating with absolute power as she walked to the throne with an air of firmness.

Usually, if a new female appeared at the frenzy, she would have received multitudes of perverted catcalls from the satyrs and lustful ogling from the Maenads, who were bisexual with a strong appetite for the sweetness of another female. But I suspected that since they knew Artemis was no normal female and that she was a goddess, it was why they were holding their tongues. I was glad that they did; I would not allow anyone to disrespect her.

I stood up from the throne as the baby leopard on my lap jumped to the ground on its feet. I stared at her in shock. "Artemis. What are you doing here?" I questioned her with concern. "Has something happened to Ariadne? Is there anything wrong?"

Artemis gave a bow of her head as a sign of greeting. "Dionysus, I come here not to bring bad news of Ariadne, as nothing has happened to her and that she is still safe," she told me informatively, and I released a sigh of relief. "However, I come here to discuss some matters concerning her."

"And what matters are those?" I questioned as I walked down the dais, approaching her.

Turning to walk away, telling me with her midnight blue eyes to follow, she said to me, "Come with me, and we may discuss for ourselves."

As Artemis walked back the way she came from, I announced to my followers to continue on with their celebration, and that I would return soon. All of them eyed me and the retreating goddess with curious gazes, but nonetheless, they started to once again slip into their festivities.

When we were out of the camp boundaries, far enough that the music was just a very soft noise in the distance, I asked Artemis, "Does she know everything now?"

Turning to look at me, she replied, "Yes, she does. Even of what had happened the night before. I must say, Dionysus, that I am glad that you had saved her. Such a brave and noble feat, especially towards someone in need such as her."

I bowed my head as a sign of thanks. "It was a mistake to leave her to herself, but she had indicated her want for privacy as she bathed, and I could only see to it that she has it. I did not want to make her uncomfortable," I told Artemis. "But thank Mount Olympus that I got back in the nick of time. I do not know what I would have done if I had been too late."

Until now, the memory of last night was still fresh on my mind. I thought back to the Maenads who had encountered me on the way back. I had seen the group among the camp, and I silently cursed them for having distracted me in getting back to Ariadne, especially the one who had forced her lips upon mine. If it had not been for them, I would have been able to make it in time to prevent the whole incident from happening. My curse proved effective, as I had found them crying immensely when just one sip of wine to their taste-buds had caused their tongues to become completely numb with the inability to taste the sweetness of the drink, and had also caused the special Maenad to have her lips become so swollen when the sweet liquid touched her there, making it as though her pair had been stung by a hive of angry bees. I made their punishment a severe and horrifying one in the opinions of most Maenads; the inability to enjoy wine and being somewhat allergic to it.

But yet, as I pondered on the thought a bit more, I realized that if they hadn't distracted me, the satyr would not have found Ariadne, I would not have arrived to save her, and she would not witness the truth of my actual godhood. I must admit that they had helped to play some part in my reveal to Ariadne, although they had still indirectly caused her to get into harm's way. So I lifted their curse, thinking that three hours of suffering from numb tongues – and a pair of swollen lips – had been enough for them.

I felt Artemis' hand touch my shoulder, and she gave me a half-smile. "Well, I, for one, am happy that you had respected her privacy. Honestly, I would not have expected you to act in such a way, Dionysus. That is somewhat unusual in the case of gods," she said in a tone of amusement and curiosity. "What made you be in such a way?"

What indeed… I wondered, being myself uncertain.

Suddenly, I heard my name being called.

"Dion!"

I looked up and saw that Artemis and I had reached a cluster of trees, and Ariadne had just risen from sitting on a rock at the base of one of those trees. I felt my heart pound with gratitude that she was alright.

Ariadne approached me immediately, and her hands reached out touch mine. I felt my breathing hitch when her skin touched mine; it was as though her simple touch had caused something in me to react. It made me smile, which then caused her own.

Standing at the side, Artemis then said, "I've brought you here, Dion, to discuss with you and Ariadne."

Looking away from Ariadne's soft grey-green eyes, I asked, "About what?"

Looking over to Ariadne, Artemis explained, "Ariadne knows our identities now, and she cannot be left alone with that form of knowledge. She must either be bound to one of us, or she risks punishments and dangers."

I felt myself getting confused with this conversation, whereas I could feel Ariadne starting to get worried. "I won't tell anyone about this," she said firmly, but with desperation. "I promise and swear upon my life that I will keep this to myself. I would do this no matter what."

Hearing her say those words made me smile again. As I looked back into her eyes, I could not help but appreciate how respectful she was being to both me and Artemis, despite the fact that I knew she was still shaken from the thought of us being divines. But still, to show such devotion was still quite a thing to be cherished. At least, in my case.

Artemis gave a half-smile, but it disappeared and she said in a grim tone, "I know that, Ariadne. But it is still better to be safe than sorry. A mortal that knows the truth of gods and has interacted with them but have no such bond to them is dangerous, and it also renders them vulnerable. There has been such a case of a mortal woman, a very long time ago, and it did not end well."

I think I knew what she meant by the last part, seeing as how she was grimly looking at me when she said it. But I felt nothing of it, as I always had during every mention of my deceased mother.

Artemis looked back to Ariadne and continued on. "As a result, you need to be bound to one of us, because we are the god and goddess you have interacted first-hand with."

"That shouldn't be a problem," I said, to which Ariadne agreed with a nod of her head.

In response, Artemis sighed in disappointment, and replied, "Well, there is a tiny problem to that. You see, Ariadne is no longer a maiden…"

It was then Ariadne flinched, no doubt at the bitter sting of that unfortunate fact. I was very sure that right now, as told by the grimacing look on her face, that she was now that she was thinking in regret of Theseus. However, I did not want her to think of that bastard anymore. All of that was in the past now. He could no longer be considered an important part of her. It was because of him she lost everything that she had to own.

Now, all that Ariadne had was Artemis… and me.

I gently squeezed her hands, causing her to look up at me. I held her gaze as I smiled at her, wanting to tell her that everything was okay now, and that she was here and safe with me. As she leveled her gaze with mine, she smiled back.

Artemis continued on with her words. "… and I am sorry to say that I cannot allow Ariadne to be bound to me, as it is already considered a rule that no non-virgins can enter my Hunt and be my follower. As that is the case, the only way left is for Ariadne to be allowed into your Bacchic rituals, Dionysus. Let her join in as a worshiper of wine, as a participant of your revelry. Let her be your follower."

Immediately afterwards, I replied, "Very well, then."

Ariadne looked at me as though I had just told her the most shocking thing in the world. Her eyes widened noticeably, staring at me in shock and awe. Her lips parted slightly, as though wishing to tell me something, but unable to find words to come to her tongue.

"Are you sure, Dionysus?" Artemis questioned me. "I do not want you to do something that you might regret later."

Ariadne looked at me in a way as to tell me that I had to be sure of the decision myself, and that she too did not want me to do something I might regret later. However, I could see deep into her that she was indeed hoping that I would agree, that I would accept her.

I nodded my head in confirmation. "Yes, I am," I answered. "But only if Ariadne wishes to as well."

With a smile, Ariadne nodded her head in answer. "Yes, I do wish to," she said.

Artemis nodded her head in understanding, saying, "Well, then. That's settled."

"I will take her back with me right now," I said. Then I turned to her and gave her a thankful smile, "Thank you for helping me take care of her, Artemis. I truly do appreciate it."

"I too must thank you, Artemis," Ariadne added in, stepping closer to the goddess. "I don't know how I could ever repay your kindness."

Smiling, Artemis told her, "You are very welcome, Ariadne. And you can do so by having a good time with Dionysus."

She did not finish her sentence to explain the last part, but I was internally glad that she did not, and I was also glad that she would wish such a thing.

Artemis then turned away, an indication that she was about to go. "I must leave now. I think I have done enough here," she said kindly. "But I will return every once in a while, to see the both of you."

She then bade us farewell, and we did the same. And just like that, Artemis suddenly disappeared into thin air, her aura slowly fading away into nothing.

Very soon, it was just me and Ariadne.

Ariadne

When Artemis had left, Dionysus turned me to face him, holding me by my shoulders at his arms' length. He looked at me squarely in the eyes seriously, telling me, "I will take you to my cult now, if you wish. If you do not, tell me."

My hands went up to place themselves on his, and I replied, "No, I do wish to, Dion. It's just that I am slightly nervous. For you see, I have never ever taken part in a Dionysian ritual before, and I am afraid that I am unable to right now, because I am unsure of what I must do."

His lips pulled into a smile of reassurance; the sort that I loved to see.

With a hearty chuckle, he said huskily, "Calm your qualms, Ariadne. If you do not know, remember that I am there to guide you. And, most importantly, I am there for you."

His words sent me into a calm state, and I knew that what he was saying was truth. I could immediately feel myself getting more relaxed and confident. I really did wonder why he had such an effect on me; he could turn me from feeling like a fearful little girl who would be frightened by every little thing to a confident princess that would take on a war without hesitation.

Dionysus took my hand in his and he led me in the way he had come from. I followed without hesitation, wondering where exactly was he going to lead me.

As he continued to take me in a certain direction, I then became aware of the sound of music. I hadn't noticed it a while ago, but I could right now. It was loud, melodic and rhythmical, with a sort of wild and feral feel to it. With each step closer I took to the source, the music started having an effect on me, such as making my heart race to the pace of the pounding rhythm.

All of a sudden, Dionysus stopped, and so did I. Turning to look at me, he informed, "We're about to enter my camp's boundaries. I had placed a barrier such that wandering mortals would not be able to enter. But because you have chosen to be a part of my cult, and because you are with me, I will give you allowance to enter." Just then, his gaze turned more concerned and worrying, and he asked, "But all I ask is; are you ready, Ariadne? You will see things that you may have never seen before, and maybe some things that you may not want to see. But I do not want you to be afraid."

I squeezed his hand gently in response. "I cannot promise you that I will not be afraid," I admitted to him truthfully, and then adding, "But with you, I think I can face it, no matter what. Maybe in time, I would learn to let go of my anxiety."

Dionysus looked at me seriously in the eye, not saying a word. I looked back, but I then began to get worried by his silence. Was there something wrong? Was it something I said? I could only hope that he was not thinking of annulling my allowance into his cult.

But all of a sudden, he took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. He planted a soft kiss to my knuckles, and I felt my heart skip a beat and my breathing hitching.

I have received many kiss to the knuckles by court officials and possible suitors who hoped to gain my attentions, and I had become used to such feeling. But the feeling of Dionysus' soft, masculine lips on my skin felt like nothing in this world. I began to feel a jolt within myself, as though his lips had sent my nerves on an end, creating some sort of sharp tingling sensation within me. I could not help but be amazed by how soft and gentle he was being, and how a simple kiss to my knuckles can cause me to frazzle.

When Dionysus pulled my hand away from his lips, much to my utter dismay, he told me, "It's good to know, Ariadne."

And then, without another word, he pulled me pass the thicket of bushes.

Another sudden sensation overwhelmed me. I could not explain it as it was something I have never felt before. But it caused a sudden tingling sensation on my skin and it sent my heart racing into a furious pace. I could almost feel a sudden quick flow of blood through my veins, and I felt flushed immediately. My eyesight blurred for a very quick and short second before it came back with a new sort of vibrancy.

And when I was finally aware of where I was, I absolutely could not believe it.

Dionysus

The minute I stepped with Ariadne through the boundaries, my followers immediately felt that something was amiss and directed their eyes in our direction. When they saw the new person beside me, they became curious, but that curiosity grew even more when they realized that Ariadne was just a normal mortal girl.

They cleared a path for us in the way they did when Artemis first came. They stood back, taking in the image of me and Ariadne walking through. I knew from the look in their eyes what they were probably thinking; who was this mortal girl with long pale blonde hair and wide grey-green eyes, and why have I brought her amongst them?

Ariadne could only gaze at all of them in quiet awe, but I could feel her tensing when she caught sight of a few satyrs who were gazing at her too closely. She also took in the sight of wildness in each and every Maenad who were staring at her as though she was some sort of precious treasure that they wanted to steal, and the many various wildcats that were roaming around the vicinity.

She let out a quiet yelp of fear, and both her hands wrapped around my arm tightly, as though looking for comfort and maybe even for protection. I could feel her starting to tremble in fear, in addition to the sudden racing pace of her heartbeat. But I was glad that she didn't start reacting in fright, as that would surely cause a form of negative impression.

Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around her, holding her to me and out of possible harm's way. I continued to lead her ahead, to the dais. I made sure that my stance gave a message that no one was to touch Ariadne unless they wanted trouble from me, which was maybe why no one had made any move onto her.

When we had reached the top of my dais, I turned Ariadne around in my arms so that she faced the crowd who were still looking up at us in confusion and curiosity. I moved to stand behind her, so that everyone could get a good look at her. I placed my hands on her shoulders, keeping her still.

Taking a deep breath, I finally let out my announcement; my voice firm and stable, loud and clear. Ariadne stayed still in my hands, keeping her eyes on the huge crowd of my followers.

This was it.

Author's Note:

Hello, guys! Sorry if this chapter seemed short! You see, my exams have just started and I am really cramming a lot! Of course, I would set aside some time to write out the new chapter, but I may face some dilemma this hectic week. Worse come to worse, there could be a fifty-fifty chance that there would be no update on Friday. However, I will try to not make this so, and bring all of you the next chapter... HOPEFULLY!

Anyway, sorry about the cliffhanger! :P Ariadne's about to get initiated into the Bacchic rituals! But how will she, Dionysus and the followers react to it? Would Ariadne be scared, or would she accept their ways?

(Hopefully!) On Friday!

Muse of Fanfiction