Page 9 of Orpheus
The atmosphere was still, almost too quiet for my liking. It left me on edge, the hairs on my skin going erect of not knowing what to expect. As I explored the temple, I admired all of the intricate carvings and sculptures of famous Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes. I scrutinized these small figures carefully, studying the finely carved details on them and the tales they told. However, it was the gargantuan white statue at the very center of thenaos, or inner chamber, that captivated my wandering eyes.
I briskly stepped over to it, so that I was directly in front of the colossal figure. It stood nearly five times my height. Its subject was ravishing. Every sculpted muscle was flexed to perfection. His face was so polished and handsomely angled that it put the Naiads to shame.
“Kalokagathos,” I muttered under my breath. A word I rarely spoke. It was used to describe only the most beautiful and virtuous of men, like the statue of the man before me.
A loud clap broke my reverie. It vibrated off of every column and wall in the chamber. The applause was long but sporadic. I could tell it belonged to the hands of a strong, built man. Only a noise that loud and deep could come from a powerful man, or rather a god, for that matter.
I abruptly turned around, my face gleaming, as I grinned from ear to ear, recognizing the god I had long waited to see.
“Stunning as ever,” he commented in a deep, seductive tone. It was enough to make my insides melt.
But what exactly wasstunning? Was he referring to his own temple’s architecture and the statue that depicted his flawless physique? Or perhaps he was speaking about my earlier performance on the aulos. Another thought crossed my mind. What if he were talking about me, in general? Would he be that straightforward with me? My mother did mention to me that she believed Apollo found me to be attractive. This could be his declaration, which I absolutely longed for.
“Thank you,” I simply replied. I wouldn’t dare ask him the subject of his praise. After all, I was a mortal. He was a god. There was a certain level of respect I needed to maintain in my meeting with him. Asking unfound questions could prove to be an impertinence. I was already lucky to have this opportunity to have a one-on-one audience with him. I had no desire to blow it… although a wave of urges left me a passion toblowon another thing of his, though.
I studied Apollo closely, comparing him to all the other views I’ve seen of him through sculptures, and in books and paintings. The images I’ve seen of him did not do his live appearance justice. He was a miraculous creature. I have never witnessed hair so divinely golden and so effortlessly curled into gorgeous locks.
The God of the sun and music approached me. Every step he made getting closer sent a flood of cataclysmic invigoration into me. I felt tense, yet fully alive and aware of my surroundings all at once. It was a refreshing feeling. It made my body feel hollow on the inside. Empty almost. Did he create this light-aired sensation for everyone he came into contact with?
“Your musical skills are astounding, Orpheus. I’ve never heard another mortal play the aulos in such a beautiful way. Your performance was truly one of a kind,” Apollo lauded.
I immediately got down on my knees, bowing to him. “I am unworthy of such kind words from you, God. But you have my deepest gratitude for giving me the opportunity to share my abilities with you.”
I could hear Apollo’s footsteps coming closer to me, but I would not risk looking up. I kept my gaze to the floor.
“Rise, young musician,” he stated.
And so I did as he instructed me. As I tilted my head up, I realized I was in direct eye contact with his cock, that was slightly draped, concealed by a thin cloth wrapped over his shoulder that extended diagonally across his torso. The closeness of his manhood to my face sent a rush of salivation in my mouth. It was watering; I was craving to see… no, not tosee, but topleasurehis cock. What I would give for it at that very moment.
“Son of the Superior Muse, Calliope and of King Oeagrus. Surely, artistic talents run in your veins,” he stated, expressing his thoughts aloud. “But who knew they could produce such a charming young man?”
I instantly blushed, my cheeks turning as red as Aphrodite’s rose. I stood bashfully, rubbing my left shoulder with my opposite hand as I faced down towards the marble floor. As much as I was pleased with Apollo for having these pleasing thoughts about me, I had never heard another person ever pay me such compliments about my looks.
It was a new experience. One I had no clue how to navigate. Yes, I was used to receiving plenty of accolades and praise for my music, but never had I had someone express interest in my physical features. It was another con added to the list of the downfalls of living such a sheltered life.
“You are extremely handsome as well, my God,” I heard myself reciprocate to him. The words came out of my mouth before I even had the time to process them. Was it wise for me to say such a thing to him? What if it was not well-received? I should have just kept quiet still.
My muscles became tense, and I barely moved an inch other than the heavy rising and falling of my chest with my deep breathing.
Apollo reached to rest his hand on my shoulder. The touch of his skin on mine sent a shock of warmth through me. I wondered if it was my own personal senses or if Apollo literally pressed the heat of the blistering sun into me. He had such capabilities, after all, as the God of the sun itself. At least that’s what I believed.
“But your music is just as equally captivating as you are. You have a strong potential to make such an impact on this world with your skills, Orpheus. All you need is the proper guidance and you will do wonders.” Apollo smirked. His smile beamed like the radiance of the sun. I almost had to turn my head away, to avoid just how bright and magnificent that smile of his was. The effect it had on me was baffling.
“I already do receive the guidance of the muses,” I informed him. “My mother and her sisters have had such a positive impact on my passion for music and artistic attributes.”
“Yes. They should be commended for teaching you the foundational skills needed to set you up for success, but what they lack is the knowledge a god has on all things art and music,” he replied.
“I wish I had that knowledge. I would want nothing more than to be the best musician in the world. I’ve dreamed it my whole life,” I intensely declared to him.
“I can see it in your eyes, too.” He placed his hand under my chin, lifting it, so that I was gazing directly into his entrancing Aegean blue eyes. “And I believe you have what it takes to get there. But as I mentioned, with the right guidance, youwillget there, which is why I had Calliope summon you here, to me today. I would like to offer my services to you, Orpheus.”
Apollo released his fingers from my chin, but I let my head stay in place. My gaze transfixed on his. I could not believe this was occurring. The God I prayed to on a daily basis was now offering to be my teacher, mymaster. I wanted nothing more than to leap into his arms and passionately kiss him will all the strength I had, to reward him for his generosity. But I refrained from doing so. Such desperate behavior would be unflattering, to say the least.
“Really? You would be willing to be my mentor?” I asked, wanting an official confirmation from him, so that I knew for certain that my ears were not deceiving me.
“Of course. You deserve the lessons from a god,” he shared, before reaching to grab both of my hands with his, squeezing them tightly. “Close your eyes, Orpheus.”
I was nervous at his request. But I had no choice in the matter. He was a god, after all, and evidently my mentor now. I shut my eyelids, giving him all the trust I had.
