Page 12 of Hermes
A long pause lingered between us. Out of the side of my vision, I studied Crocus carefully. He seemed down-trodden, as if what I had just said somehow upset him. It was difficult for me to see him despondent for the first time. I found myself with another unusual feeling I’d never experienced before. A need to want to comfort him, to cheer him up. Why did I find myself caring so much for this individual? I could not care less about the other gods and goddesses I knew so well, and any other mortal in the world, for that matter. Yet, this mysterious young man was having an effect on me, an effect that I had no clue how to navigate through.
“It must be nice,” he finally said, to break the silence, “To have the opportunity to travel and seek adventure. I wish I was able to.”
“But you can,” I stated, now finding my arm taking a mind of its own, reaching to rub his back in a soothing motion. “You can do whatever you put your mind to. Nothing should ever hold you back.”
Crocus smirked at my response, displaying a brilliant, captivating smile. But he shook his head. “No. You don’t understand. I know if I was solely independent and didn’t have any responsibilities, I would definitely take off and wander the world, but alas, I am in a difficult predicament. You see, my mother and father died five years ago. It was a tragic accident. They left me behind and to care for my four younger brothers and sisters who are not able to work and fend for themselves. My siblings depend on me to keep a shelter and to feed them.”
“I see…” I stated with a deeper understanding of the situation he was in. “I apologize for assuming you could just as easily walk off out of Corinth. I didn’t realize you were caring for other members of your family.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m certainly not. I deeply love my brothers and sisters. Being able to provide for them is also rewarding to me. I’d rather make sure they are taken care of and looked after, instead of visiting the wondrous sights and cities of the world. Now don’t get me wrong, it would be nice to be able to do that, but I’m not going to dwell on it.”
What was I feeling in this moment? Something was coming over me I wasn’t quite used to, but everything about being close to Crocus felt right. I wanted to touch him, to feel him, and so I found myself being brave in my actions. My hand retracted from his back and moved to hold his chin, turning it so his head was facing mine. Our eyes locked on one another. Before I could even rationalize and prevent myself from losing control, it was already happening.
I leaned in, our lips connecting with one another. His hand reached to caress the back of my head. It was my first kiss. The first of many as a god with an eternity to live before him. But I was so lost in Crocus, I continued to release my passion onto him. The energy we put into one another continued to heighten. I never wanted to separate myself from those soft, rosy lips of his. Yet, I knew the feeling had to eventually subside. It was inevitable.
After several minutes, Crocus finally pulled himself away, leaving me with my eyes closed, still lunged forward towards him, wanting his lips to return back to their rightful place against mine.
“I should really be getting back home,” he informed me, before he rose up from the sand and onto his feet. “I have to get dinner ready, and I’ll have to make an extra bed for you to sleep in tonight. Unless… you want to sleep in my…” but Crocus shook his head before finishing the thought. “Nevermind. Anyway, our house is at the very end of the village. Just follow the small dirt path behind Hermes’ temple and you’ll spot it.”
“Hermes’ temple!?” My eyes widened at the mention of my true name. “You worship Hermes, here?”
“Yes. All of Corinth follows his deity. Hermes is truly a magnificent god. Do you not pray to him?”
I was taken aback by his response. I knew my father told me there were many towns and mortals that worshipped the likes of me, but hearing about it was quite different from actually seeing it.
“No, I do pray to him,” I fibbed. “He really is a stunning god. Better than all the rest.”
Crocus smiled. “Perhaps when my brothers and sisters are asleep later, we can go to the temple and pray together?”
“That would be wonderful,” I replied, hiding my crushed feelings, knowing I would be disappointing Crocus, being unable to fulfill that wish.
“Anyway, I will see you later, Herates. I’m looking forward to you staying with us.” And with that, Crocus walked off into the forest.
I remained seated in the sand, not taking my eyes off of him until he was no longer in view. After gazing out into the sea, I hung my head low. I became instantly disappointed with myself. What I would give to actually take Crocus up on his offer and actually spend the night with him. The two of us could be wrapped in each other arms in a sweet embrace, drifting off to sleep. But just like him, in not being able to explore the world, I was limited to my freedom in finding time to leisure and do as I pleased. I didn’t quite have that opportunity, being the messenger of the gods.
Chapter 7
OnceCrocushaddeparted,I decided to stay on the beach for a little while longer, hoping this day would never end. I was already missing him. His touch, his kiss. I had convinced myself that this would be the one and only time I could see him. But really, what was preventing me from visiting him at his home this evening? I had yet to be summoned by any of the other Olympian gods or goddesses. No one was requesting my services.
So, why couldn’t I stay a single night with Crocus, and feel his warm body pressed against mine as we laid in bed together? What I would give to feel myself immersed inside him, and him in me. I closed my eyes, allowing my mind to run wild with thoughts of the intimate motions he and I would perform on one another.
“My, oh my!” a sarcastic, feminine voice called from behind me. “That was without a doubt one of the most pathetic, romantic scenes I have ever borne witness to.”
I abruptly spun around, surprised to hear that someone was nearby. I thought this beach was supposed to be secluded. Just mine and Crocus’s. No one else was supposed to know about this location, but evidently, there was another who did.
She was exceptionally beautiful. Her long golden hair swayed with the gentle sea breeze. Her bright blue eyes and rosy lips were beyond captivating. Too bad her beauty on the inside left much to be desired, especially with that horrific mouth of hers.
I rolled my eyes once I recognized who she was. “Some of us are actually authentic when it comes to love and don’t resort to trickery and schemes when wanting to seduce someone.”
She gasped at my brazen remark, placing her hand over her chest.
“How dare you!” Aphrodite shouted. “I’ve never tricked anyone into loving and adoring me. They are naturally intrigued by my beauty, charm, and wit.”
I didn’t have time for her antics. This was my one day I had as a break and the last thing I wanted to do was spend it having to tolerate Aphrodite, arguably the most cunning and conniving of the Olympian gods and goddesses next to me. She truly was competition for me in that regard.
“What are you really doing here, Aphrodite?” I scoffed, attempting to get directly to the point. “Clearly, you didn’t travel all this way just to deride me. So, what is your true intention behind your presence?”
She let out a deep sigh, seeming annoyed by my response. “You’re no fun,” the Goddess of love and beauty remarked, before stepping closer to stand beside me in the sand overlooking the dimly lit sea by the remains of Apollo’s sun that was setting. “There is a matter at hand that demands your attention. It’s a task that requires your skills.”
