I begin my journey toward Hygieia's dwelling, each step bringing me closer to the start of my wicked plan.

"By Cupid's arrow, I will bring the gods to their knees, I swear it."

Lost in these dark thoughts, I barely notice when my surroundings begin to change. The opulence of Mount Olympus fades away, replaced by the natural beauty and serenity of the mortal realm.

The air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and ripe fruit, and the sound of birdsong fills my ears.

I find myself standing before an apple orchard in Tyrrheni, where the sun casts dappled shadows on the ground beneath my feet. And there, amidst the verdant splendor, I catch sight of her: a woman so beautiful, the muse of epic poetry, a vision of beauty and grace.

"By the gods," I breathe, awestruck. A young girl with thin golden braids in between her luscious blonde locks, picking flowers and apples. The birdsong I heard was no bird. It was her.

As if sensing my presence, she turns towards me, her eyes meeting mine with an unreadable expression. As she opens her mouth to sing the last notes of her song, the world around us seems to fall away, leaving only the two of us suspended in time and space.

She finishes, and I burst into applause.

She blushes, as red as a rose.

“Fair lady,” I step forward. “I meant not to put you under the light.”

“Few venture to this secluded place, dear traveler,” she whispers. “I simply did not expect to find company.”

I feel a pang of guilt at ruining her time of solitude. "I am Pelagios," I introduce myself with a slight bow, seeking to convey respect despite the sinister intentions within me. "I come seeking a fair maiden named Hygieia.”

"Ah, Pelagios," she replies, still blushing. "You must be in dire need to seek out such a skilled healer." I can sense her fetching for more information, but I know she won’t ask. She’s genteel, she wouldn’t dare pry into my personal matters.

"Indeed," I admit, a hint of urgency coloring my tone. "I have traveled far, only to find myself quite lost upon arrival."

I can see my tale piques her interest, and her eyes light up in wonder. "It so happens that I know the way to Hygieia's dwelling," she reveals. Perhaps I could guide you there?”

Your kindness is truly a balm to my weary spirit." I look at her with gratitude - this beacon of light I came across on my dark journey. "I would be honored to accept your gracious offer."

We stand, and a gentle silence descends upon us. I can only guess at her inner thoughts - pondering the mysterious circumstances that have led me to her humble village. What drives me to seek Hygieia? What ailment or malady plagues me or perhaps someone dear to me? And yet, I offer nothing she doesn’t ask.

"Tell me," she ventures cautiously, "do you hail from faraway lands? I do not recognize your attire, nor have I ever heard a voice such as yours."

"Indeed," I answer with a smile. "My homeland lies beyond the great sea.”

“Oh?” she inquires, and her eyes go wide. “Did you not fear the journey?”

“I fear nothing, fair maiden,” I give her a daring wink. She blushes and turns away.

Her name? When did I begin to desire to know her name?

“What might your name be?”

“Calliope,” she whispers sweetly.

“Calliope,” I taste the sound on my lips.

Pray, would you possess parchment and ink?" I look at her inquiringly. “So I may draw you a map to guide your steps towards Hygieia's abode."

She wishes to aid me and please me, all while I am drowning in the green of this beautiful village girl’s eyes. Distraction serves no purpose, Pelagios, I remind myself as she offers to help me find Hygieia.

But how can I not be distracted by her cascading golden locks, the cinch in her waist, and the allure of her features? Poets could write sonnets of those lips. Her voice is a sweet bird, calling for awakening.

She asks if I possess parchment and ink. The way she offers to help, so kind and sweet, almost makes me believe I’m the one doing her a favor rather than the reverse.

That’s the power she has over me.