Part 1: Chapter 16

Dionysus

As a few weeks passed on, Ariadne had already become one with the revelry. She basked in wine and its ecstasy without hesitance, danced wildly with no constraints and control over her movements, and started living so freely. But she still managed to have some self-control to not slip into madness when under intoxication, and also to not take part in any mating that went around. I guess that it must be her strong willpower that was holding her back from doing things that I knew she did not want to do.

Ariadne too has been opening up even more. Now, she does not hesitate to hug me, hold my hand, and laugh and joke around with me. She had even been comfortable with my presence in her sleeping quarters, talking to me through the night until sleep took over her, when I would then put her to bed and bid her goodnight before leaving to my own sleeping quarters.

But as the days went on, my followers started to become bored of Naxos. They already knew the area so well, and they were starting to get used to it. They did not like the feeling, as they preferred to be in a place where they did not know, so that they may seek the thrill of mystery and adventure. They wanted somewhere new; somewhere exotic and good for reveling.

So, after taking their words and complains into consideration, I've declared that it was time to make a move to find a new feasting ground on another land.

While my people rejoiced in the news and started to become excited at the thought of travelling to new land, my main concern about my decision, however, was Ariadne. I did not know how she would react to us moving to a new land. Worse, I was worried that she may use this opportunity to ask for release, and I hoped to hope that it would not be so. I still could not bear the thought of being apart from her, regardless of whether or not I would agree to let her go.

But when I talked about it with her in private, while we were taking a walk on the beach, she told me that she did not mind. She even added that she looked forward to travelling with me and my cult, stating that she too wished to see new lands. When I had asked her if she was certain that she would not mind, because I did not want her to regret it or such, she told me with a gentle smile, "Dionysus, I am bound to you. Wherever you go, I will follow. And I am sure that wherever that is would be amazing, especially with you around."

When she had told me those words, a great burden had been lifted from my heart. I was glad that she had said so, thus relieving me of my qualms.

Reassured, we left Naxos very soon afterwards. We had set off on one of my special ships that would enable me and my followers to be invisible to the sights of other ships so as to not attract any unwanted attentions, and also protect us from the emotional sea of my Uncle, the Sea God-King Poseidon.

When we left, I had noticed Ariadne standing at the back of the ship, gazing at the island that was slowly disappearing from our sight. Even silent, I had a feeling that I knew what she was thinking about. All those memories of that island, ranging from bad to good – or so I hoped – would be fresh on her mind. When I had appeared by her side, she turned to look at me and smiled. In her light grey eyes that held flecks of mossy green, I could see many thoughts running through them.

A few days at sea finally led us to a new island, which I came to know as Lemnos.

I realized then that this was the island of my half-brother Hephaestus, and, after the ship had been docked and my followers and I found a good secluded clearing in the forest to use as our new feasting ground, I left to see him. I found his forge in a cave deep inside a sleeping volcano that was deep in the middle of the forest. I greeted him kindly and gifted him a pithos of wine. Telling him of my purpose on his island, he told me that I was welcomed to stay for as long as I wanted

After the camp had been set and night had fallen, my cult went into the same routine once again, intertwined with the gladness of being somewhere new and different. But now, whenever I danced with Ariadne, I begun to come onto the realization that my feelings for her had changed entirely.

And by change, I knew that it was for the better.

Ariadne

"Ariadne, Ariadne. What seems to be on your mind as you look pretty among the patch of flowers, Ariadne?" I heard Dionysus' voice mused in a sing-song tone.

I looked up from the leopard cub on my lap to him as he was approaching me with a big smile on his face. Until now, I still could not help but be amazed by how extremely gorgeous he looked. With his smoldering dark hazel eyes and his chiseled face that was framed by his dark hair that fell wild and unruly to his shoulders, he was the very personification of handsome. Throughout my time with in the cult, I had the opportunity to see him bare-chested a few times, and I cherished each time that I did. But I was careful to not make my attraction to obvious, for fear of embarrassment.

Dionysus sat down in front of me, taking the leopard cub from my lap and into his arms. I watched him caress the head of the baby wildcat as I replied, "Nothing, Dionysus. Just thinking."

He looked at me with a curious glint and a raised eyebrow. "About?"

I felt myself begin to blush as I recalled my thoughts. I did not want to tell him because my thoughts had been about him. I was just thinking of him, that was all. Thinking about his smile, his laugh, his kindness and his friendliness. All those moments where he had made me smile and laugh and oh so very happy, I had remembered fondly. I had also – shamelessly – thought of how handsome he looked and how I was now very attracted to him, both for his looks and for his personality.

But despite my ever-growing feelings for him, I forced myself to hold back. I was doing so out of two fears.

First was because I was afraid that I might be going back into trouble; that everything was going to be like it had been with Theseus. I did not want to go back to feeling all the hurt, pain and sadness that I had been forced to experience. I did not want to suffer painfully and reach new lows all over again. I would not risk anything if it meant going back to those horrible experiences.

Second, most importantly, was because I was afraid that this could bring negative consequences if Dionysus knew. I know myself how lowly of a being I was compared to him; how insignificant I could have been seen in his eyes or those like him. He was a god, and I was very sure that he had many beautiful women before me. This thought had made me cringe, but I had to face the facts that there had been women in his life before me; some that could have easily beat me in gaining his affections.

Besides, who was I to think that I would be able to gain Dionysus' love? Such a thought was utterly laughable, even in my opinion. But despite feeling pained that I may never have a chance with him, I had to accept the facts.

"About nothing in particular," I told him in a steady, lying voice.

Dionysus' frowned slightly, and I was slightly afraid that he may have seen through my lie and knew what was really going on. But whether or not he knew, he did not say. Instead, he just continued to play with the baby leopard in his arms, cradling it like an actual baby and tickling its belly heartily. He chuckled when the leopard started to playfully lick and bite his fingers, and the sight was so adorable that I couldn't help but laugh too.

"You have grown very fond of this particular little one, I've noticed," Dionysus suddenly said as the cub returned to cuddle on my lap.

Truthfully, I have grown fond of many of the wildcats that Dionysus owned, especially the baby ones. I have let go of my fear for the beasts after seeing how tame they were, and have allowed myself to be friendly with some of them. They seemed to reciprocate my affections for them, to the point where some would even come up to me for a cuddle.

"As how I have grown very fond of you, Dion," I replied heartily, getting a chuckle from him in return.

"Why, thank you, Ariadne. And I am glad that I can say that it is likewise; I too have grown very fond of you."

Dionysus then looked up at the sky, and I noticed then that evening was about to approach. The sky had turned a bright dark orange as the sun started to set in the west. Far across the sky, the foggy cloak of dark night was coming, bringing with it the faint image of an appearing moon slowly came to my sight. I smiled at the sight of the moon, suddenly thinking of Artemis at that moment. Throughout the past weeks – maybe close to a month now – that had come and gone, the goddess still visited me at random. Each time, she appeared with a presence of moonlit grace that accentuated her beauty and mysticism, and her heart was ever kind and caring to ask me of how I had been.

I heard Dionysus standing up, and I turned my head to see that he had given me his hand to take as he looked at me with his handsome face. I returned the smile and took his hand, allowing him to pull me to a stand gently.

Even before he had told me, I knew that this meant that it was time to prepare for the nightly festivities. I had noticed that the Bacchic followers and Dionysus himself loved to have their revelries in the night, when the moon was shining pure silver and the shining and glittering stars decorated the back drop of blackish-blue with beauty. I guess that I could not disagree with them, for I found that I too enjoyed dancing and drinking and having fun in the darkness of the night, when the night was cooling and the beauties that only the night could provide would be out.

"We should go now, I assume," I said to him knowingly, carefully cradling the baby leopard in my free arm while he held onto my other hand.

As he led me out of the field we were in, Dionysus flashed me a pearly white smile and he nodded. "Indeed," he said enthusiastically.

Dionysus

The ecstatic potency of wine had clearly fogged our entire mind-set, and we danced in tune to the free and wild beating of the dreams, and the shrill screams, shrieks, and laughter of the others. The moon shone bright upon us, so only a few fires had been lit around the premises. But nonetheless, we reveled mostly in the moonlight that was luminous, glowing and enchanting.

Once again, I danced with Ariadne, as I had always done every night. She and I shared chalices of sweet wine and mead, and we basked in each other's company throughout since nightfall, conversing, laughing and playfully teasing each other. In the moonlight, her smile shone pure, her grey-green eyes glowed with happiness, and her beautiful aura made our time together the best.

As we moved around each other in harmony and rhythm, doing spins and twirls and small jumps, I felt my heart beat wildly in my chest; to the point where I could feel the tremors radiating to all parts of my body. Partially, it was due to the tremors caused by the furious pounding of my ichor to my head and the furious pounding of the drums. But mostly it was because of Ariadne.

Ariadne took hold of my hand and spun herself to me, so that her back was pressed up against my chest. I held her in my arms for a short few seconds, allowing my eyes to admire the beautiful smile on her lips and the energy in her eyes, before I spun her away from me. Her loose long skirt sashayed around her slim legs, as did her wild untamed blonde hair around her pretty face. Her hand were raised high above her head as she looked up heavenwards at the shining moon, smiling with so much beauty that it made my heart swell with joy.

Until now, I am still so very much enamored by her looks and character. Ariadne with the beautiful pale looks and strong and entertaining personality was definitely someone who I would want to be around with a lot. Ever since that first night, I kept on thanking the Fates for having me found her and take her under my care. I realized now that indeed it was not a decision that I regret making. And though things had happened in ways that I wished it had not, I was somewhat glad that it did, or else now would not have been possible.

One other thing that I truly adored about her was her willingness to trust me and the fact that she was trustworthy. At this point of time, she and I shared our most intimate secrets with each other. I had told her things that I have always kept hidden away from everyone. I told her of my difficult beginnings as a god and an Olympian, of the troubles I had encountered with those who do not wish to acknowledge my existence, and, most importantly, of my yearn to meet the mother I have never known I had.

I told her these things which I kept to myself because I knew that she was someone I could trust. Someone who I could tell my most deepest secrets and unknown fears, and she would give me the strength to face its difficulties.

Truly, I was blessed to have someone like her.

Just then, Ariadne smiled warmly to me, and I could not help but smile back.

Ariadne

Dionysus was such a lovely person to dance with. Throughout my years of dancing with various partners during palace festivities, none could compare to him. He was wild and silly, but yet still maintained grace and elegance in his movements.

Until now, I have not stopped being amazed that I was able to meet someone like him. It was not the fact that he was a god that was important, but it was the fact that he was the best person I have ever met in my entire life. He was kind, caring, friendly, funny and beautiful. I do not think anyone could be capable of having such a personality except him. He was perfection entirely; even his flaws were perfect.

Throughout my time with him, I was glad to know that he was truly someone I could trust. My fear that he would take advantage of me and abandon me dilapidated when I witnessed first-hand how he was so willing to take of me with so much devotion. Never have I thought I would have seen such a thing in a god, especially an Olympian such as him.

Dionysus was someone I could trust and someone I could be myself with. With him, I do not feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. No burdens inflicted my heart and mind. Nothing stressed me, for his presence in my life liberated the stress. With him around, there seemed to be no such thing as 'trouble'. Only freedom and happiness came with him.

Holding his masculine hands in mine as we spun together, I held my eyes on him. His dark hazel eyes were bright and cheerful, shining with so much life and enjoyment that it made my heart race.

Dionysus smiled beautifully to me, and it sent my blood rushing, my head pumping, and my heart beating.

Goodness, what on Earth has caused me to feel such things for him?

Eros

It's been a month now since I had first seen them together.

I have watched it grow from a confused friendship to mutual attraction. In the past month, their feelings for each other had grown greatly; to the point where I knew I must finally act.

Crouching on a branch of a tree nearby the on-going wild revelry, I cautiously studied the young Olympian Dionysus and the woman of his attractions, the mortal Ariadne, dance with each other in clear joy and harmony. Both their eyes shone bright as they gazed at each other's faces in longing, and the smiles on their lips that were there only for each other. But even though each other's affections for the other were clear in their facades, they still held it back inside, not telling the other the truth.

It's about time I did something about it. This has already reached its peak, and it was time for it to take the turning point.

Carefully, I drew the first ivory arrow from the quiver that hung at the side of my waist. I set it to my trusty ivory bow that was gripped tightly in my hands. Setting the arrow properly to the bow, I gripped its nock with the bowstring in between my thumb and fingers, pulling it back at the strong and durable string had reached its maximum in stretching.

With one eye shut and the other eye carefully taking target, I properly aimed the arrow at Dionysus, who was thankfully staying in one spot now as he danced on his feet. I had a clear target on his heart, and I had only one chance.

Without hesitation, I released my hold on the bowstring, sending the arrow flying at high speed in the air towards Dionysus.

I watched as the arrow – luckily – hit the target, disappearing into his body where his heart lay. And then, I watched the transformation that overcame Dionysus was the arrow of love had been absorbed into him. He froze and just stared at Ariadne with so much awe and amazement in his widened eyes. I could see the love he had for her in his heart finally taking over him.

Immediately, I reached for another arrow from my quiver and repeated the same processes to my bow. I then took aim at Ariadne, who stayed in the same spot, but she proved slightly more difficult because she was constantly twirling around in dance. I took several deep breaths as I kept my target on her, hoping that the chance would come shortly.

Luckily, it did when she had noticed Dionysus being completely still and gazing at her with the clearly seen expression of love on his façade. As she approached him, I saw my chance and released my hold on the bowstring, sending the arrow flying directly into her back.

The arrow was absorbed into her body, and I could see change overcoming her as well. She suddenly froze right on the spot and something in her seemed to set into realization. Very soon, the love for Dionysus that was hidden in her heart finally came into view on her features.

I watched as my two latest 'clients' finally realized their love for each other, and I could not help but smile. "Another job well done, Eros," I whispered to myself in congratulations.

Letting the powers of my mother take over now to complete the rest of the job, I spread my wings and took flight, making my way back to Mount Olympus.

The minute I took off, I knew the change was finally taking place.

Author's Note:

Well, well, well! This makes the first time another character has a POV! But please do not expect more Eros. He was only here to do his work. I'm sorry to say that this may be the only chapter he would appear in...

But! It has come to my attention that Part 1 of the story will come to a close soon, and Part 2 would start in a couple of weeks! In Part 2, more drama would definitely ensue. There even might be other characters who would have their POVs included. This would include some characters who had already appeared in Part 1. Hmm... Who could it be?

Anyway! A change will finally come upon our favorite couple!

Tune in next chapter on Friday!

Muse of Fanfiction