The Greek Gods

[Miltone]

Zeus, The Thunderer (Klebus)

As the crew worked long and hard to ready the might Argos for sail, I paused at my station to look out and sense the feeling that mortals do for such adventures, even an unknown one such as this. I had heard Jason's plea ascend to Aphrodite up on Mount Olympus the night before and wondered what sort of quest she and the others might conjure up.

As I looked about the bustling setting, I spotted a pair of women make their way down and approach, surely recognizing them as Persephone and Ariadne. I held back in amusement and went about my assigned tasks yet watched as they came foward. Perhaps our adventure was just beginning.

 

[Morgana]

Aphrodite

Aphrodite lay half naked in her bed. It was late morning and a beautiful day on Olympus--as every day was. She was basking in the throes of a sumptuously sexy dream, one hand moving rhythmically between that damp cleft between her thighs. She tilted her head back and arched her back. A shattering orgasm was iminent. And just as her body began trembling with that first wave of wicked pleasure, a voice wrenched her from her reverie and left the Laughter Loving goddess awake and unsatisfied.

It was one of the three Graces, who attended the goddess of Love and Beauty.

"Forgive me," the lovely maiden pleaded. "But the Queen of Heaven is here and urgently wishes to speak with you."

Aphrodite groaned irritably. Not only had she been deprived of a delightful mid morning orgasm, but now she had to face Hera. She slipped out of bed and motioned to her attendants to help her dress, her good mood completely shattered.

Hera was pacing impatiently in the outer room that was connected to Aphrodite's boudoir.

"What has brought the wife of the Cloud Gatherer to my door?" Aphrodite queried with a reverent incline of her head.

"I will be brief, Aphrodite," Hera responded curtly. "The hero Jason is embarking on a quest. He is reassebling his crew and leaving his native shores in search of adventure. My hand is not in this action and I grow more and more suspicious by the moment. My husband is missing and I fear that the forsaken maiden Ariadne has caught his eye. I have the West Wind at my command and I want to keep an eye on this venture."

"Tell the robust Jason to follow the friendly West Wind. This way I may keep a watchful eye on the Argo and perhaps discover if my husband has a hand in this exploit. The hearts of men and even gods are known to you who presides over the love of mortals and gods alike. I entreat you to do me this favor."

Aphrodite did not like involving herself in any of Hera's schemes as they always led to some dreadful trouble but even she feared the wrath of the wife of Zeus. Few escaped Hera's vengeance.

"Very well," Aphrodite conceded. "I shall deliver your message."

As the Goddess of Love left, she made a silent vow to do only that--she must stay out of this matter as much as she were able.

The prayer of Jason reached her ears and Aphrodite arrived swiftly to answer it and to fulfull her promise to Hera.

"Oh beautiful Aphrodite, what do the gods demand of me," Jason prayed.

The goddess appeared before Jason, the scent of roses and jasmine suddenly filling the temple. She had the lightest complexion and hair of all of the Greek goddesses, a golden haired beauty with sea-like blue eyes.

She smiled at Jason and said nothing; she merely motioned westward with a slow gesture of her hand.....and disappeared.

 

[Snork Maiden]

Persephone

As we approached the ship I could see the look in the young womans eyes change, for a moment all her pain and sorrow appeared to lift from her heart. Glancing in the direction of the trireme I realised she was gazing at the human form of Dionysus.

Indeed there was a bond between these two but it had not been allowed to blossom for Dionysus had been recalled to Olympus from Crete before any deep feeling could manifest themselves.

"Ofcourse!!", the realization struck me in an instant, a solution for her sorrow, a reparation of the deeds of Olympus for the woes of this woman. But it needed to be true and uncontrived, the love of Dionysus for Aradne had to be discovered through the adventures of courage and hardship, he could not know it was her just as Ariadne herself did not realise the man she now regarded from the quayside was Dionysus.

I turned the woman to face me, revealing my true face to her and spoke again softly.

"Ariadne, your heart is heavy, but your feelings true, your desire for happiness is stronger than you suspect, though your hurt is great and your losses seem irreplaceable, take solace my child for the world is a treasure chest of undiscovered wonders.", I regarded her as she looked at me with puzzlement.

"I have read your heart and your thoughts, your desire to experience the ways and toys of menfolk; and so you shall. Till you find what you seek and your broken heart once more is whole and filled with the joys of love and laughter, you shall take the appearance of a Man, with the strength and manner of an able Seaman. But you shall if you desire be able to take your normal form but once per day for no longer than two hours after which time you will again take the form of a Man. With this transformation you shall undertake a quest at the completion of which you shall indeed receive all the blessings of the Gods and your Heart will take flight with the Doves of Olympus"

 

[Miltone]

Zeus, The Thunderer (Klebus)

I watched closely as the pair of women drew close and I could easily see that the eyes of Ariadne were on Jason, and a most deserving man there never was born. Were things not as they were, certainly I could have been drawn to her beauty, but seeing how her mind was set and how the eyes of Jason glanced upon her lovingly and longingly, and being the protector of hurt and longing souls, I knew what my mission would be in this quest. Well, at least part of it, since we hadn't yet set sail and there was many a lass in this port who had an eye and a taste for the divine pleasures that only a man can bring a woman.

Then I heard Persephone's words. This quest would take much to be brought off. Two hours a day. A trireme like the Argos, a three-tiered ship, left little room for such dalliances to be brought off, yet, given my own desire to see such romances become a reality (if it's not me, it might as well be my brother!). I would be hard set but glad to help these two destined lovers find each other and settle in the foothills of Olympus. I set about my work whilst I gazed up the quay for the sight of a woman who might catch my own eye.

 

[soliloquy]

The transformation took place as Ariadne was staring at the boatsman. She was suddenly aware that she was no longer Ariadne, but a sailor, ready to whisk off on the high seas in search of adventure, and possibly riches. The adrenaline began to pump inside her as she found the momentary joy of a man's freedom. Adrenaline was followed by fear. How was this caper to end? What dangers would lie ahead and how would she be able to handle them? Would she have to fight? Her mind reeled with the unanswerable.

She looked to the goddess and thanked her. "But dearest divinities! Will you be leaving me, sweet Persephone?" Her body trembled at the thought of being alone aboard a ship full of men. Though she knew her disguise was fashioned from the gods' finest materials and workmanship, she still feared being a woman at core in a man's world. Would she survive this journey? And who was to say that they would even accept her--him for this quest?

She looked pleadingly at the goddess for courage and answers. She could feel her heart beating nearly out of her chest. She saw her strong arms and legs, meant for a sea voyage. She was in awe of the gods always, but this transformation made her appreciate their power even more.

 

[gangbangking]

hermes

" I cant even begin to tell you how much of a bad idea this is , father", cmae the smug voice from behind the thunder gods shoulder.
A quick imperious glance revealed the smirking face of the king of Olympus' most impertinent son.
"Don't worry, they can see me..." the trickster said waving his fingers before the face of a sailor laboring at a rope, " i kind of sort of "borrowed" the cloak from uncle hades"
Raising a hand to avert the swift angry words
" i'll return it, no worries, when i'm done..its just that your track record is so good when it comes to dealing with mortals one on one... "
"Well, the women love you, " Hermes smirked, ' but the whole lustful jealous god thing doesnt always go well with the locals"
hermes suantered to the rail and leaned against, flipping his cadecus from hand to hand. he nodded over his shoulder to Dionysus.
" Hera's been wondering where everyone has been going.. i told her i'd keep an eye out for you if i ever found you...but I'm intrigued about this trip..especially if party boy is coming..so I'll keep my lips zipped for the moment"

 

[Snork Maiden]

Persephone

"What a fine young man you make", I smiled, as Ariadne stood discovering her new form. "And a fine sailor too!"

I could see that the transformation and sudden reality of becoming a man had clearly shocked her system somewhat. She looked at me with questioning eyes, seeking reassurance.

"Indeed Ariadne, I shall not be far from you even when you can't see me. I shall take the form of a great albatross and follow you on your quest, where I may I shall assist you in your quest but I cannot interfer with the fates of men only provide the opportunies and paths to choose. It is for you and your soon to be companions to decide upon the course to set, the places to visit."

Embracing the form of the young sailor I kiss Ariadne lightly on the cheek. "You have nothing to fear, for I suspect you have more than the watchful eyes of Persephone to guard over you, why even the watchful eyes of Zeus may be with you on your journey, and from the look of your companions, you are in good company.

Go now make your way to your companions and your destiny. You shall see me again soon but for now go with peace and hope in your heart "

With my parting words I turned from the young girl, now transformed to the form of a man, on the quayside and made my way back towards the foothills of Olympus making a mental note to have words with the willful young Hermes for 'borrowing' my husband's cloak of concealment.

 

[airborne92]

Jason

I was kneeling before the altar of Aphrodite when the goddess appeared before me. She was even more beautiful than the statues of her suggested. Without a word she motioned to the west and then disappeared. I rose and headed for the ship. I still did not know what the quest was, but at least I knew which direction to head.

As I returned to the ship I noticed a new sailor waiting by the gangplank.

"Are you here to join the ship's crew?" I ask the man as I appraoched.

 

[soliloquy]

Ariadne was no sooner left alone than she was confronted with a man who must have been the leader of this nautical peregrination. "Are you here to join the ship's crew," he asked. He was a tall man, dark and handsome.

"If you are in need of a sailor, I am at your service."

"I am Jason of the Argo, and you are?"

Ariadne hesitated. She had not thought of what name to take in such a situation. Her mind suddenly blank. "Aristid...um...Aristid of Naxos." She stumbled, frightful that he would know that she was but a fabrication.

Jason seemed to not even notice her hesitancy. "Well, Aristid, let's get you acquainted with the rest of the crew." He strode over to the man that Aridne had been admiring before. "Thebeus, this is Aristid. He has come to aid us in our quest, whatever it may be."

The man, Thebeus, held out a strong hand, and Ariadne held out her equally masculine limb. They shook hands, and Ariadne found herself gazing into his eyes. She cleared her throat and averted her eyes, but not before she saw the laughing in his eyes. The knowing laughter...it gave her chills.

 

[airborne92]

Jason

After introucing Aristid to Thebeus I move to the main mast of the Argo. I gather the crew around me.

"Men we set sail tomorrow with the tide. We are heading west into the Mediteranean. I will let you know more about our journey when I know more myself" I tell them.

"Make the final preparations today and be back onboard before dawn."

 

[Snork Maiden]

Persephone

I ascended back to the halls of Olympus and walked through the airy atria of the marble colonade. Ahead of me I saw my mother Demeter sitting with my grandparents Rhea and Cronus, the young god Adonis playing gleefully between them with an assortment of glass balls.

"Mother, Grandfather, Grandmother", I greeted each as I approached. Adonis looked up and smiled as I approached and I stooped to sweep the beautiful child god into my arms.

"And what have you been doing in the Mortal Realm",, Rhea asked.

"Just setting the world to rights",, I smiled bouncing the child in my arms as he played with strands of my hair.

I sat a while with my immediate family and discussed the situation with them.

We should set a quest. suggested Rhea, One which will test the heart and the determination of those involved

Cronos nodded his approval at my gramdmother suggestion but what form of quest should this involve., he asked.

It should be one that is known only to us and set in a riddle., Demeter added

Indeed, I smiled, and the solution not revealed to any but us four conspirators, I smiled, Such that Zues himself cannot interfer with the tasks that are set

Agreed., Rhea replied, Zeus has such a bad habit of getting to involved in these things, it is better that he be left to play his role as a man with no knowledge of the solution.

We plotted a little longer before deliberating on our decision.

So it is agreed. I said, The riddle will be delivered in many parts, as clues to the goal

Yes the company replied.

Then I shall deliver the first of these riddles

Taking the form of an Albatross I took hold of the first scroll, the first clue in the quest for this party of adventurers

Swirling around the Trireme I land on the side of the boat near Jason the scroll held firmly in my bill. I wait for him to approach and then release the parchment to his hands, before taking to the air again circling at a distance.

"A vessel of wood to hold a great treasure
From lands in the west to lands in the south
A vessel to carry a party of sailors
To a vessel to hold a treasure so fine.
To where ever the journey may take these companions
And whatever the perils such a voyage shall bring.
From a tree of deep roots and with branches that shade
the stuff that this vessel of wonder is made.
Away with you now you brave hearted sailors
for the waters that heave and the strong winds that swirl
On the great sea of life where your destinys beckon
Cast off your moorings and let your main sails unfurl"

 

[cgraven]

I watch the scene unfold as Persephone & Ariadne make their way down the quay towards the Argo.

This is not the first time that I have noticed this calmly daughter of Minos. Persephone was cloaked her in the guise of a young man, what does this daughter of Crete seek, why take on such a guise? I chide myself for such foolish questions, have I not myself taken on a guise other than my own, and does not the endless bliss and arguing of Olympus bore me to tears. Why then begrudge her guise and her chance for adventure.

Noble Jason introduces me to the latest member of the crew.

“Aristid is it lad well I am Thebeus and well met are……….. Tell me lad is this the 1st time aboard ship?........... Ah well no matter a life at sea will toughen you soon enough”

I give Aristid a hearty slap on the back and smile good naturedly as is the like of sea faring men.

“Jason I would ask a favor of you ………… Place Aristid on my bench at the oars”

Noble Jason bounds towards the mast, and in a voice clear and strong calls us to him.

"Men we set sail tomorrow with the tide. We are heading west into the Mediterranean. I will let you know more about our journey when I know more myself" I tell them.

"Make the final preparations today and be back onboard before dawn."

I search the crew for Klebus, catching his eye my mind goes to his, West … the west wind……… Hera………..Father what is your wife up to know?”

“Well Aristid there is work to be done…. Come give me a hand loading the last of the supplies and sowing them below.”

The work is hard and we labor the day away. There is a rowdy banter among the crew as we work. At last with the fading sun the last of the supplies are aboard.

“Aristid let me see your hands lad.”

Aristid palms are raw and blistered.

“ Come lad we must take care of these lest you are seen as unfit and put ashore even before the adventure begins.

 

[airborne92]

Jason

"Very well Thebeus, Aristid will be on your bench. Look after him, I don't think that he has much experience" I say to Thebeus after addressing the entire crew.

I help the crew finish the work as I ponder the riddle on the scroll. The scroll was from a different god or goddess than Aphrodite. All she did was point to the west. What was the quest for my ship, my crew and myself.

 

[soliloquy]

Ariadne was intoxicated with excitement. Though the work was strenuous, and hard on the hands, she didn't even notice the blistered, reddened state of her transformed hands.

Not until the noble Thebeus spoke. Come lad we must take care of these lest you are seen as unfit and put ashore even before the adventure begins.

Though the actions were seamate to seamate, there was a certain natural tenderness in Thebeus. Though she had never seen his form before, there was something familiar about his ways. She thanked him with a handshake and a slap on the back. SHe still wasn't sure of men's ways, but she was learning.

As Aristid, she would be accepted. As Aristid, she would never be left behind. As Ariadne, perhaps she might find love on this vessel? But how? And how was she to explain her female presence on the boat? She would cross that bridge when she came to it.

She was glad to be joining Thebeus on his bench. Though the other sailors were friendly, there was a certain comfort she found in him. Jason stood before them, speaking of their voyage. A shudder of excitement ran down her spine, and she attempted to supress her reaction to it. But something about Thebeus suggested that he didn't miss anything. Perhaps she should be frightened of him. He, after all, was the one who seemed most likely to discover her counterfeit.

 

[gangbangking]

Hermes

" this is too rich...." the fleet footed messenger of the gods chuckled.
Hidden from sight with the Grace of the Lord of the Underworlds Cloak, the youngest of the Olympians cast his eyes about the deck.
Lo, there was jason, proud and true. He had come to the Argonauts attention in the past relaying information to and fro from the Heavenly Host. Revealing himself to Jason, would not be prudent...for now.
His father, Zeus, in guise of a mortal man. "A first time for everything" He quipped silently. perhaps his own guile was begining to rub off on the Old Man. He kept his presence known to his father, as the two always seemed to have the same sense of humour and adventure.
Dionysus, or "Thebeus" as he now called himself stuck out like a sore thumb. Despite the wine gods shifting forms, hermes knew a trick when he saw it. It also didnt help that he had spent many a night with his own son Pan and Dionysus and learned his characteristic gait. " if i can fool Apollo's ever searching sight, I can certainly keep an eye on you."
But what really drew him was Astrid, this young man was certainly drawing a lot of attention. he hardly seemed a sailor, but was an attractive lad. After all, hermes knew what sailors were like.
Now that he had warned his Father, the god of deceit wondered what to do next. Should he travel on winged sandals back to Olympus and see what they asked. Or lend a hand to help these folks against hera's jealous manipulations, and still remain unseen.
The potential mischief was limitless.

 

[Miltone]

Zeus, The Thunderer

Our first day under sail went went, and I watched over Dionysus disguised as Thebus as he took the disguised Ariadne under his wing. Perhaps the seed does not fall far from the olive tree, for I saw in him the same as was seen in me when I met his mother.

My love for his mother, Semele, was so great that I swore upon the river Styx that whatsoever she asked of me I would grant her. And so when she wished to see me in all my Olympic splendor, then I could not but grant it to her since I had sworn by the holiest oath there was, even though no mortal could survive such a vision.

My heart was broken and she died in the glow of the burning light of my splendor as King of heaven and Lord of the Thunderbolt. I had no choice but to take her child that was near birth and hid him in my side away from Hera, who had placed that insidious and fatal wish in Semele's heart. Hermes carried him to be cared for by the nymphs of Nysa, the loveliest of Earth's valleys.

And so Dionysus, the god of the vine was born, and now he sat upon a bench on the Argos as we sailed to the West, disguised as Thebus, attending to the needs of his young compatriot Aristid and I could hear the murmur of his heartbeat as he sat beside her, and could I not do what any father would do to see that the love of his son was fulfilled? For was that not part of my being to see that the weak, and the widowed, and the downheartened were avenged and restored to their full regard?

And as I saw the face of Jason, puzzled and confused, I went to stand beside him, facing the wind and the sea in its full measure.

"Ah, Captain, we are blessed for with this wind we shall but find our place in the West." I told him, clapping my hand upon his shoulder. "Wherever it is that we may be headed, whatever the quest, to a man we are with you, Captain. When the Albatross is next sighted over a tree in the West, we shall know the next part of our quest."

I laughed at the simplistic inadvertant rhyme of my words, for no poet was I. Taking a deep breath and feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun on my face, I returned to my post. Ah, would that the gods and godesses of mighty Olympus should know the fine pleasures of mankind such as this. Let them sit upon their gilded thrones and spend endless days and nights debating the highest and purest thoughts, when those of us who fell upon this mortal realm came face to face with the thrill and the joy of life! Ah, should my wife come upon me now with her shrill voice and castigating nature! I could dispense her easily with this moment's elequence.

 

[airborne92]

Jason

"You are right Klebus" I say to the sailor. "Here take the helm for a while."

As Klebus takes the helm I wander down among the benches of oars. I can see that the entire crew is in high spirits. What do the gods and goddesses have in store for us. How many of these fine men will lose their lives? I lost too many the last time I set out on a quest. The faces of these men have no concerns about the future of the quest.

I make my way to the bow and stare off at the Mediteranean as I think about the future.

 

[cgraven]

“Argo” the might Trireme of legends once again slices through the blue waters of the Mediterranean headed to the West. The sun was bright that first day under way the eyes of the “Argo” watch for the denizens of the deep.

This vaunted trireme dose not get her speed from the sheet that fills with the west wind but from the strong back of sailors at the oars. The steady beat of the drum measuring out the pace as the leagues slip beneath “Argo’s” prow.

“Aristid Lad do not pull the oar to you, cradled it like a lover in your arms , brace your feet and Lean back drawing her to your embrace lad.”

So our watch at the oars goes two hours of pulling then Four of rest. As we leave the bench I take Aristid soft hands in my calloused ones.

“Lad come with me If we do not treat these hands right now They will be useless.”

Walking forwarded I dip a bucket on a line into the sea.

“Now sit in front of me lad.”

I place the bucket of sea water in front of Aristid, My body pressed close to his I take his/her hands and sink them into the brine. Aristid body stiffens in pain.

“I lad I know it hurts but it will toughen the skin and you’ll be able to sit your next watch….. rest now lad rest….I’ll wake you when it is time.”

 

[Snork Maiden]

Persephone

My work was done. The young Ariadne transformed from the beautiful daughter of Minas to that of a sailor such that she might find true love.

I smiled to myself as I circled high above the Trieme as Dionysus himself in disguise of the mortal man, Thebeus, now tended and dressed the sore hands of Ariadne. The irony being neither could tell that they were destined to become lovers, a destiny that would reveal itself with the passage of time and the leagues of ocean travelled.

Turning skywards I beat my wings heading for the clouds and headed back toward the halls Olympus, where my own duties and destinies lay.

To tend the young Adonis and dedicate my precious time allowed with him before having to return to the underworld and my husband Hades. To teach my precious child all the knowledge I could impart, to share in his wonders and comfort his sorrows, such was the task of a mother.

The seeds of destiny had been sown, the stage set and the characters introduced, 'Yes. My work here is done', I thought to myself once again, a sense of hope and satisfaction filled my heart and I took one last final look at the small ship below, set on the shimmering sea of the Aegean as it inched it's way across its still waters towards the unknown.

 

[soliloquy]

Ariadne/Aristid

Aristid tried to rest. The pain from his hands was too great to allow him enough comfort to sleep. It would have been ideal, though, for sleeping: the waves lapping rhythmically against the boat, the sky dark and soothing, the moon glowing softly from above.

He turned to look at Thebus. The moonlight hit his face and shimmered around him. It was the calmest, most peaceful sight Ariadne could imagine. She briefly thought about the journey that lay ahead of them. So many hours next to this man--how long could she hold up this pretense.

They shared a blanket, and Ariadne could feel the heat radiating from his body. It kept her warm, but also alert of her actions. He was so kind, this Thebus. And there was still something that was comfortably familiar about him.

"This is my first voyage," Aristid commented sleepily. "Have you been on many, Thebus?"

 

[cgraven]

I lay there her true from pressed close to mine. Yes her beauty had first caught my eye, Minos’s daughter her hair still golden from his touch, a constant reminder to him to be careful for what you ask for because you may get it.

I yearned for this daughter of man and in that yearning had a better appreciation for my father Zeus, "The Thundered". My thoughts are interrupted by the boyish voice.

"This is my first voyage,..........Have you been on many, Thebus?" Aristid voice small and sleepy.

“Yes Aristid many; I have traveled from beyond the pillars of Hercules to the far east where there I such sights, sounds and fragrances that would set your heart afire with a passion that would threaten to consume you lad.”

I point to the stars;

“That one there is ours major, and that one ours minor and the bright one just there is Polaris the guide set in the heavens by Zeus himself to guide mariners.”

I see the confusion in Ariadne/Aristid eyes my cheek is close to hers I take her hand, my body pressed close to hers, our arms extended, and bring her finger to rest on Polaris.

“See Aristid Just there.”

My breath is warm and moist against her neck my voice soft and hushed in the night.

 

[soliloquy]

Ariadne's breath caught in her throat at his mere proximity. Polaris, she must concentrate on Polaris. But, as the lecture on the stars continued, Ariadne found herself lost in the breath against her cheek, her neck, her ear.

She closed her eyes, and in a moment of weakness made a wish she should have made more carefully. She felt him hesitate, felt the breath on her neck stop for an interminably long time. Her eyes opened, and she looked downward.

Aristid was gone. There was only Ariadne. Persephone's words came back to her in a flood of flashing memories.

I have read your heart and your thoughts, your desire to experience the ways and toys of menfolk; and so you shall. Persephone's face flashed before her eyes. Till you find what you seek and your broken heart once more is whole and filled with the joys of love and laughter, you shall take the appearance of a Man, with the strength and manner of an able Seaman. Lightening flashed in Ariadne's mind. But you shall if you desire be able to take your normal form but once per day for no longer than two hours after which time you will again take the form of a Man. With this transformation you shall undertake a quest at the completion of which you shall indeed receive all the blessings of the Gods and your Heart will take flight with the Doves of Olympus" Looking up in the sky, the albatross floated above Ariadne, and seemed to smile.

And then she felt him again at her neck, his breathing labored. She knew that he must have seen her transformation. How terrified he must be of this.

Quickly, she rose to her feet, twisting her hands in the fabric of her tunic. Tears of fear leapt to her eyes. "Please, I can explain...let me explain..." Her eyes darted around to see if she could be seen by anyone else. Backing into a shadowed corner, and stooping low, she whispered to him. "Please, do not tell anyone of this. Promise me that, and I will explain to you the cause of my curious transformation."

 

[cgraven]

A stray thought, what is as I did not know but suddenly the cloak of Aristid, given by Persephone, was gone and Ariadne was there at my side for all the world to see. I gasped not from shock but from what I knew these harden sailors would do if they discovered the ruse. It would mean Ariadne life for a woman, never mind a woman masquerading as a lad was bad luck and she would be sacrificed to appease Poseidon.

Quickly she raises her eyes full of fear, hands twisting in her tunic, her tears shimmering on her cheeks in the moonlight, her voice small and pleading.

"Please, I can explain...let me explain..."

Again her eyes darting about like a frightened doe. Her voice now a hushed whisper, as she back into a darken corner on the forcsel.

"Please, do not tell anyone of this. Promise me that, and I will explain to you the cause of my curious transformation."

I through our blanket over us I am pressed closer to her than ever, and my longing for her deepens.

“Aristid what sorcery is this, or is it the work of the gods what manner of creature are you?”

My reactions are those that would be expected. I love her but she must love me as Thebus first. I await her explanation.

 

[soliloquy]

He had come to her, rather than backing away from her. This, in and of itself surprised her. But the familiarity of his form pressed against her as he questioned her was almost disturbing.

She could not see his form in the shadows, but she could feel him, and could see his eyes almost glowing despite the shadows which covered them. The words poured forth from her in a desperation. She knew what the consequences could be for a woman aboard a ship of men. She knew that mortal men thought it unlucky, and could not risk their lives for that of a woman.

"I am Ariadne, daughter of Minos. I fell in love with a man who abandoned me when he was not in need of me anymore. I was heartbroken and far from home. The beautiful godess Persephone came to comfort me, and we walked until we saw this ship. She agreed to allow me to venture with you on this voyage, masquerading as a man. However, I am allowed two hours a night to return to my true form. I did not realize what I was doing when I made the wish tonight. The wish for you to see me as I really am."

Her voice faded into the night, and silence blanketed them.

"Will you keep my secret, kind Thebus? Or will you hurl me to my end?" Her voice trembled with fear, and she clung to his arm a bit too tightly. A tear crept down her cheek.

 

[cgraven]

“Ariadne the fates have not been kind to you, I see no need to through you to them.”

I pause and my lips are close to her ear, they brush it ever so softly as I speak.

“It was your wish that I see you as your true self daughter of Minos…….How then can I abandon you to your fate?”

There is a silence between us and I wipe the glistening tears from Ariadne’s cheek with my thumbs as I hold her sweet face in my calloused sailor’s hands.

“Your secret is safe with me, I shall not betray you Ariadne. Soon we must go to our place at the bench in an hour or so rest here with me till it is time.”