Heathen

Kynthia I

Endymion after that night held a lingering feeling of lightness in his heart but also had the sense that he was missing something. He often stopped to ponder on this but almost every time he shrugged, prefering to spend his days seeking pleasures.

He was leaving the great city on the coastline when he saw a familiar face approaching him.

-Greetings, Hecatean Brother!

A young woman stood a few paces away from him, with her left hand raised. A thin silver crescent scar adorned her wrist.

-Greetings, he replied hesitantly. -Wait, I know you! You are the girl from that night, in the field! He exclaims pleasantly surprised.

-Indeed, you are right Endymion. I am Kynthia. She smiled softly.

-You know my name... How did you find me?

-The Goddess sent me to you. To keep you company for a while.

Endymion hummed, bewildered. Why would the Goddess sent him a companion all of a sudden, he mused. But, as he used to do lately, he let it go. He smiled at the young woman, looking at her with bright eyes. She was beautiful, he noticed, tall, with pale skin, long golden brown hair, elegantly braided, and black eyes. She wore a short tunic and carried a bow and a quiver with arrows. She noticed his questioning look at her weapons and simply said:

-I was a priestess of Artemis and a huntress, before joining Heacate's entourage. She smiled wistful, at her own words.

 -May I inquire where are you going today? She asked as she joined his side and they continued walking together.

-I do not have a set destination in mind. I just do not want to stay at one place for too long.

Kynthia nodded. They set off together, spending the day hunting and talking. She informed Endymion about a lot of things he still ignored about Hecate and his own situation.

-This is part of my duties, she informed him. -To instruct the new followers about the ways of the Goddess and their role. Endymion blushed slightly at her words. His role was made clear to him from the start. Kynthia however watched him thoughtfully. He was looking straight ahead, not really asking any questions, just listening. Sometimes he seemed indifferent.

The time passed, it was near dusk. Kynthia fixed her stare on Endymion, contemplating.

-Do you wish to follow me tonight? she asked.

-Where to?

-The followers of Pan and Dionysus celebrate the Harvest Moon, in the clearing up on the mountain. I am going to join them.

Intrigued, Endymion accepted her invitation. The two of them started to climb the mountain, while night fell around them. A brilliant glowing orange moon was making its way from the horizon to its peak on the night sky, casting shadows, making everything seem more mystical and magical. They walked deep into the forest until they finally reached a large clearing. It was like a different world. People with the distinct marks of Pan and Dionysus along with others from their Hecatean brethren were there. The night air was filled with the aromas of pine and wine. Torches were carefully arranged around the centre of the clearing, creating some short of stage, where some people were already dancing in divine ecstasy.

The full moon shone its now silver light on them, making the scene dreamlike.

-What is this? Endymion asked his companion wide eyed.

-This is the gathering of those of us who follow the Ancient Chthonic Deities. We are here to celebrate, away from the prying eyes of the mortals, the gifts our Gods bestowed on us.

A young boy approached them, carrying two golden cups filled with red wine.

-Welcome! Drink, please! he said as he offered them the cups. -It is blessed by Dionysus himself!

Kynthia took the cup and drank, looking at Endymion suggestively. He soon followed her lead. The wine was sweet and strong, quickly putting them in a festive mood. Around them, people were drinking and dancing. It seemed like a celebration of Life and Nature.

Kynthia took Endymion's hand and pulled him further into the circle to dance with the others. It was a whole new experience for the young man. He let her guide him through the night, drinking and dancing to their hearts content. He felt exilarated and slightly intoxicated. He did not think it was possible anymore but, this was no ordinary wine, after all. 

As the hours passed, Endymion observed that almost every one was paired with someone, indulging in more intimate activities. He himself was focused on the young woman he came there with. She smiled sweetly at him. Her skin was glowing, her eyes were bright with exitement. Her face was flushed from dancing and her crimson lips were inviting. She caught his gaze lingering on her lips.  Taking his hand, they stepped out of the circle. They left the crowd behind, seeking a more private place. 

Kynthia rested her back against a large tree trunk, watching Endymion through her eyelashes. He went to her. She put her hands on his shoulders and pulled him closer. Her lips landed on his. He could taste the wine as she kissed him deeply. Her tongue traced his mouth, making him sigh softly. His hands squeezed her waist gently, bringing their lower bodies into contact. She was moving her hips at a slow pace, grnding her thighs on him. The friction made him feel warm. A fire was building up inside his groin. He slipped his hand under her short tunic, caressing her soft flesh. She raised one leg, resting it on his hip, to guide him. He lifted her other leg and drove himself inside her, eliciting a deep sigh from her lips. She wrapped her legs around his waist and they started moving slowly together, enjoying the intimate connection. The crowd and the noise around them seemed to fade away. They were focused on each other, kissing. Kynthia caught his bottom lip between her teeth and bit it, drawing blood. He pulled back, confused. He noticed that her eyes were dark red.

-It enhances the experience... the exchange of blood, she said panting slightly.

She bent forward sucking his lip again. Indeed it made him feel more aroused. Then, she tilted her head to the side exposing her neck to him. Endymion placed his lips on her skin biting her gently but enough to draw blood and licked the small wound. The taste on his tongue made him want more. He bit her harder and continued to suck blood. She gripped him tightly, digging her fingers in his flesh, moaning with pleasure. They went back to kissing, tasting their blood on each other's tongue. It was intense. They were lost in the sensation until the very end.

Resting their foreheads on each other, the remained still for a while, catching their breath. Kynthia extricated herself from his arms and stood up. She looked at the young man in front of her, smiling. She ran her thumb over his lower lip, wiping away a few drops of blood.

-I enjoyed this very much, she said with a low voice. Her eyes sparkled. Her whole body was glowing like the moon.

He avoided her gaze, suddenly feeling shy .

-Me too... he muttered.

She chuckled softly.

-Now, go and enjoy more. She nudged him gently towards the circle. -I will meet you again at dawn, she added and left.