Part 1: Chapter 15

Dionysus

Moving a bit to the side so that my face too could be clearly seen, with my hands still placed on her shoulders with gentle firmness, I announced loudly and jubilantly, "My followers! I am pleased to tell all of you that today, we have gained a new follower into my revelry!"

The crowd immediately went into a new frenzy, being very amused by this new fact. They started chattering and murmuring and laughing joyfully as they spoke to each other of the mortal girl standing right in front of me and right in front of them on the dais. They clearly let their surprise and excitement become known, and everyone was consumed by it.

Keeping the joy, which was truly genuine, in the loudness and clarity of my voice, I added on, hoping to give Ariadne a good welcoming.

"Her name is Ariadne. She is a special one, for she is a mortal; a first in our revelry! Indeed, someone to behold! Take joy that, from this day onward, she is now one of us!"

The crowd started screaming in joy, jumping and laughing and acting all exuberant. They were obviously excited at the news of a new one, as they had always enjoyed new company and one person more to enjoy in the delights of wine and ecstasy. But they seemed even more excited at the prospect that their new member was a mortal, which many considered as a 'foreigner'.

Ariadne seemed to slightly relax at my people being all excited of her presence, as shown by the small smile that was slowly building up on her lips. In my heart, I felt relieved that this was so. Maybe this was the sign of that it would indeed turn out well.

"Bring forth the wine!" I called out loudly, and my words were then met by the appreciative yells and laughter. In no less than ten seconds, everyone was drinking the wine as though they were inhaling it as air. A Maenad approached me with a tray holding a bronze chalice of wine. I promptly took the cup and she went off wordlessly.

The distinct scent and color of the wine made me realize that it was the exact same sort of wine I had first given Ariadne. In that moment, I began to recall how wild and ecstatic she had become when she drank a vial full of it. Now, I began to wonder what would happen if she drank a whole chalice.

I held the chalice to her, holding it in a way that it seemed as though I was gifting her with something. Her grey-green looked at the cup and the dark purple liquid it held warily. Once again, I could feel hesitancy radiating off from her. But just as I was about to give her another form of encouragement, she then lifted her gaze up to mine, holding it.

I smiled reassuringly and told her gently with my eyes gesturing to the chalice, "Drink."

Something in her tense eyes softened then, and she took the cup from my hand slowly, to which I was glad. As she held it in both her hands, cradling it delicately as though she was handling a very fragile toy, I could feel the eyes of the crowd locked on her, waiting for her to take the first sip of wine that would ultimately brand her as one of us.

Ariadne held my eyes once again, as though looking for some sort of push to do it. I continued to smile for her, wanting very much to give her comfort, and gave her a since bow of my head. As though that was the push, she finally lifted the rim of the chalice to her lips, tipping it up a bit so that the wine could flow to her awaiting mouth.

When she took a first gulp, the crowd erupted into yells and roars and calls of excitement and thrill. I could hear people chanting her name in encouragement and joy, which fueled her to drink up every single drop of liquid that touched the bronze of the chalice.

And I too was excited and thrilled, knowing that Ariadne was finally bound to me. Never before had I imagined this girl to be initiated into my rituals. From my first impressions of her, she was a very prim and proper young woman who might have been quite a stickler for rules (although the latter thought was immediately abolished when I heard of what had happened between her and Theseus). But having spent a few days with her – just the two of us – must have made something in her loosen up a bit. She seemed more open and carefree now; indeed unlike the reserved and tensed girl I found at the beach.

Just then, Ariadne pulled the chalice away from her lips and gasped in relief. The crowd erupted into another really loud roar of cheer, their noises seeming to have bounced off the trees that surrounded the clearing. I took the empty chalice from Ariadne's hand and immediately gave it to one of the servant maids before I stepped forward to grip Ariadne by her arms, keeping her upright and stable.

Her eyes looked dazed and mesmerized and her entire face was flushed a faint red, indicating sudden blood flow. But what I noticed most of all was that there was a drop of wine left on her bottom lip. I couldn't help but look at it, admiring how it glistened wetly in the sun like Ariadne's pale pink lip. The sight of it seemed so delectable for some reason, and I did not realize that I was slowly leaning my face towards her until a few seconds later.

Unfortunately, I was cut short when Ariadne wiped away the stray drop from her lip with the back of her hand. I could feel myself get disappointed, but nonetheless, I kept a straight face so that she would not know that I had been contemplating such a decision.

No…No, do not do that… I told myself mentally as I willed myself to smile when Ariadne started giggling heartily. Not yet…

Ariadne

Very soon, night fell, and all that I have seen in the cult were one of the most shocking and awe-striking sights to behold.

Like any other Dionysian cult I knew little of, everyone seemed absolutely devoted to wine. I understood why now, seeing as how it was so divinely and heavenly delicious since having drunk it twice. But to lose all self-control of one's body to the potency of the wine was something that only a Bacchic follower would do willingly.

When the sun had set and night took over the skies, everyone chugged down wine as though their lives depended on it and, very soon, started to act incoherent and out of their minds. They started screaming and shouting for no reason, giggling and laughing as though everything around them was funny, and dancing wildly and clumsily on their feet to the beat of the loud drums and the tune of the cheery music. In no time, everyone was shedding off their clothes, leaving them completely bare for all to see. Not that they seem to mind.

From where I sat on the armrest of Dionysus' throne, I could not help but look away from the sudden exposure of skins. Like any other person, I was taught to look away from a naked body, for the sake of modesty and respect. As I only stared at the wine in my chalice, I could hear different variations of moaning and screaming and maniac laughter midst the music. I realized then that it was the exact same sort of noises I had heard at night when I was in the grove, and then I further realized that some of them were actually… coupling.

I should not really be surprised, since for the Bacchic followers to lose all control of their body would also mean they would succumb to the sexual urges that their bodies held. I knew it was considered a norm in most Dionysian rituals, and thus should not be looked down upon by a member. However, I was not trying to be disrespectful, but due to the sort of upbringing I had growing up, it was natural of me to be slightly disturbed by such a sight. Especially by those that were acting in groups or with someone of their own gender.

I felt a nudge on my foot and looked away to see one of Dionysus' many panthers looking up at me with bright yellow eyes. When I had gotten here, I was terrified by the vast amount of wildcats, feeling fearful that they would act upon their carnivorous instincts and would want to devour me. But Dionysus had assured me that all the wildcats that roamed this camp were tamed and that they would not hurt anyone unless it was on his command. That helped to ease me slightly, though I was still feeling a bit anxious from being close to so many.

Carefully, I bent forward so that my fingers could touch the panther's head. With gentleness, I scratched and rubbed its fur, hearing it growl in satisfaction. Dionysus had told me that most of his wildcats loved to be rubbed on their heads, and would love anyone who did such a gesture.

But all of a sudden, I felt a hand being wrapped around my elbow. I looked away from the panther and straightened up to see Dionysus, who was seated in his throne, a chalice of dark red wine in his other hand.

Of course it was obvious that the very King of the Revelry should indulge himself in wine that was considered his marvelous and sacred object. But it surprised me to see that he had yet to lose control of himself. He was just sitting on his throne and leisurely drinking wine, all while watching his revelry with amusement.

I studied his face, and noticed how flushed and incoherent he looked. His hazel eyes were dazed, his cheeks were flushed a faint red, and he had a drunken smile on his lips. He looked exactly how I was feeling right now; mind foggy and clouded with the drunkenness that only wine could provide.

"Dance, Ariadne," he mumbled with a smile as he made to stand from his throne. "Dance with me."

He started to pull me towards the dancing grounds, but I held back. "Dion, I don't know if I can," I muttered slowly, my mind and voice heavy with intoxication that it was a challenge to form proper words. "I feel too dizzy. I think I might faint."

Dionysus let out a bellowing laughter that seemed to come from deep within his chest. It sounded hearty and cheerful. "Nonsense, Ariadne!" he exclaimed in excitement, eyes now wide with eagerness. "Wine only helps to make dancing better!"

It was then he pulled me to the dancing grounds, leaving me with enough time to place my chalice on the armrest of the throne so that none of the precious delicious wine would spill. Dionysus pushed through the crowd of delirious nymphs and satyrs, who were dancing, screaming, laughing, drinking and mating. I could not shield my eyes away from the exposure, but I took a deep breath and told myself to think nothing of it.

I would not deny the fact that I felt slightly fearful of the nymphs and satyrs. Every single one of them was feral and wild, with no proper sense of right or wrong because of their wine-fogged minds. I still felt afraid at the sight of the satyrs here, my mind flashing back the dreadful thoughts of the horrible night before. But so far, none had attempted to make a move on me, and I could only conclude that it was because I was with their leader. If that was the case, then I was immensely glad.

But I knew that, for joining as a part of the Dionysian cults, I had to get used to all these. I know very well that it was difficult, but I willed myself to learn.

You have joined this cult upon your own will, Ariadne… You must learn to accept all that it offers… I told myself mentally.

When we must be standing right in the middle of the dancing grounds, the crowd around us moved to give us an ample amount of space. Dionysus smiled appreciatively at this, before taking both my hands in his gently. It was then he started to initiate a dance, and his eyes beckoned me to follow suit.

When I was younger, dancing for me needed to have poise, elegance and concentration; as was expected in a dance by a royal woman. I would usually spend some of my free time just dancing to my heart's content, without having any boundaries on my movements. But now that I was no longer part of a palace but now part of a revelry, I could feel myself slowly going back to the free dancing. I mirrored Dionysus' movement, acting in unison with him so that our dancing matched our partnership.

Just then, Dionysus started to let go of my hands, and I found myself continuing to move in tune. I realized then that he was right; wine did make the dancing better. The ecstasy of the drink was slowly taking over my entire being, providing me with a sudden boost of energy and an intense need for rigorous movement.

All of a sudden, it was as if my body was starting to act on its own. My feet made me twirl in messy circles around Dionysus and my hands started to clap in tune to the rhythm of the music. I heard chortling bubbles of laughter escape through my lips, and I could feel blood rushing into and pounding in my head furiously. My vision began to blur and all I could focus on was Dionysus, who was dancing just as wildly as me.

Our movements complimented each other, I noticed through my heavily clouded mind. We danced in twirls and spins around each other, our bodies swaying and our hair sashaying. At one point, I had unconsciously grabbed hold of his hands, and we danced in unison. We spun each other around and around, not caring whether or not we got dizzy. I was already feeling dizzy from the potency of the wine, but it was a pleasant kind of dizzy; the type that made people feel so relaxed and think of the happiness.

I find that I like the feeling, and I did not want it to end.

Dionysus

Ariadne had adapted quickly; quicker than I would have given her credit for.

By the time midnight approached, she was chugging down chalices after chalices of tart grape wine and sweet honeyed mead, clearly enjoying the divine taste of the drinks on her tongue. Her pale blonde hair, which had been in a braid, was now let loose out of its constraints, falling down her back in loose and messy tresses that gave her a look that suited her better because it made her look more carefree and full of happiness. Throughout the night, her lips were always set in a pretty and happy smile that graced her beauty.

Very soon, she was venturing among the crowds by herself, basking in wine and ecstasy like the rest of my followers. She shared the enjoyment with them, dancing and laughing and singing to her heart's content. Ariadne did not shed off her clothes nor did she participate in any mating, but she was high from ecstasy all the same. She had given in to the powers of wine, allowing herself to let go of control over her body and be wild and free.

However, at one point of time, a satyr had attempted to partake in a dance with her, like many others who wished to do the same. From where I was dancing with a group of Maenads, I could see fear being shown through her eyes, although she seemed to be stuck in her state of ecstasy to even start feeling fear. But I could not give any chances, promptly leaving the Maenads and making my way towards Ariadne.

I managed to pull her away into another dance and she seemed thankful that I did. Her enjoyment returned full force, and she took my hands and led me in another uncoordinated and messy dance. I allowed her control, actually having fun and enjoying myself as I enjoyed this moment with her. I even grasped her waist and easily lifted her in the air, twirling her around. She did not protest; instead, she had grabbed my shoulders for leverage and even giggled in joy.

As the revelry went on, I begun to realize that I had the most fun in this moment than I have ever did. Now, I always did enjoy my revelries; never once have I gotten bored with them, nor will I ever. But for some reason, enjoying it with Ariadne seemed to make things better. It was as though she had brought a new excitement here. I would think of her as being a new type of wine among the revelry; sought after and greatly wanted by all to enjoy. She definitely brought a new form of fire to the heat of things.

But of course, fire will always die out in the end. By the wee hours of the morning, I had found Ariadne sleeping at the foot of my throne, using my favorite female panther as a pillow. The panther did not seem to mind, instead looking as though it liked Ariadne's presence. She even placed its tail around the sleeping girl in a protective manner, and also looked at everyone who ventured close to her in warning.

The panther only allowed me to come close, and I knelt down beside Ariadne as I gazed at her. Her blonde hair was still wild and untamed, framing her beautiful and peaceful sleeping face. She was breathing soundly, indicating that she had already gone too deep into slumber to be awoken. Judging from the ecstatic dancing and drinking she had done, she must have worn herself out completely by now.

Although I still felt a little dizzy and my mind was still quite foggy, I managed to muster enough focus to bring Ariadne into my arms and carry her somewhere better to sleep. I knew just the right place; my own tent. I would want nothing but the best for Ariadne now that she was staying, so I would give her my own tent to sleep in.

After going through the drapes that acted as the door, I knelt down and laid Ariadne atop my sleeping mat that was cushioned with soft animal furs. The noises of the revelry could still be heard, but it was soft enough so that Ariadne would not be awakened by it. I ensured that her head was comfortable against the mounds of silk pillows before draping a silk blanket on top of her, so that she would not get cold.

Now that I had put her to bed, I sat back and continued to gaze at her. As I took in the image of her beautiful face that was calm and peaceful with sleep, I wondered to myself about the strange effect that she had upon me. How did it happen? What was she changing inside of me? Why was it that, now that I was with her, I felt so strange, so new, and so very… happy?

"What, indeed…" I murmured to myself as I carefully reached to gently tuck a stray lock of Ariadne's hair behind her ear. But when I allowed my fingers to trail down her velvet-soft cheek, I added with a smile, "But whatever it is, I'm glad that it's you…"

Having no more words to say, I stood up and left the tent to return to the celebration, leaving Ariadne to sleep at peace.

Ariadne

When I woke up, I found myself in a tent, lying atop a soft sleeping mat that was adorned with comfy animal furs and silk pillows.

The first thing I realized was that I had passed out the night before, because I could not remember anything after sitting down at the foot of the throne. Someone must have carried me inside here, and I could only assume that it was none other than Dionysus.

The second thing I realized was that I had a splitting headache that was absolutely horrible. Blood pounded into my head furiously and it irked me so. I brought my fingers to my temples and massaged the area gently, trying hard to soothe away some of the wretched pounding and also calm the blood flow.

The third thing I realized was that someone had come into the tent, and Dionysus was then kneeling down at the foot of the sleeping mat, looking at me with his cheerful dark hazel eyes and a bright smile on his perfect lips.

"Good morning, Ariadne," he greeted politely.

Smiling back to him, I greeted back, "Good morning, Dion…"

"How do you feel?" he asked curiously, his eyes never leaving mine.

Other than that wretched headache, I felt quite alright. More than alright, to be honest. I felt very relaxed and rejuvenated; as though I was finally refreshed from something. I have not felt like that in such a very long time, but I was glad that I once again was.

"I feel good," I told him, being very truthful with my answer. "I feel really good."

Author's Note:

Yay-yay! Got an update this Friday! :D

First of all, my exams are quite alright, so far. Thank you for the well-wishes, guys! Really appreciated it! Now I can't wait for the exams to finish next Wednesday!

Second of all, it looks to me that Ariadne had accepted the ways of the revelry, and she has become quite adept to it! Yay! It's a good thing Dionysus was there for her, or else she would not be where she was now!

I wonder what will on the next chapter?

See you on Monday!

Muse of Fanfiction