A First Date, the Sun and the Moon

Was out with Kim the other night. Hadn’t seen her in a while.
“Sorry to hear things didn’t work out with Jason.”
“Thanks.”
“You okay?”
“Actually, I am.”
“Remind me what he did again?”
“An insurance consultant, something like that.”

An unimpressed look on her face.
“Doesn’t sound too exciting.”
“I don’t know. There’s something to be said about having a job versus a career. Says he doesn’t want his work to be his life, he wants to finish work so he can go home and enjoy life.” I say, though I'm not sure how much of that I actually believe.
“Yeah, whatever. You and I darling, need more," says Kim.
“You mean ambition?”
“For one. We need someone to tell us a good story at the end of the day.”

Last night a date with Brandon. A movie, a cupcake, a coffee. A wonderful story.

Turns out Brandon's a writer. A real one. He’s got a grant, and is finishing up his first novel. A New Yorker, he’s been living in Europe until recently. He’s not only unbelievably handsome, he’s funny, and charming, and from what I can tell smart.
“What’s the book about?” I ask him.
“It’s complicated, lots of mythology.”
“Really?”
“You like myths?"
"Yeah, why?"

He thinks I’m being polite.
“No, it’s just that not many people like that stuff.”He says.
“I had to write one in college once.”
“You wrote a myth?”
“Yeah, took Mythology 101. It was either writing an original myth or going to the museum and write about some boring statue. Figured I'd save myself the trip.”
“I'd love to hear it.”

I look at him. Is he serious?
“Really, I would.”

“It was another of God Apollo’s tragic love stories. He fell in love with the daughter of King Dinamir of Smyrna, near where the Meles river flows. The princess, Ilianne, was known throughout the world for her exquisite beauty.

The king and queen, were extremely protective of their only daughter. For years they tried to conceive without any luck. It was only after the queen prayed to Goddess Diana for a child that her wish came true. Diana gave her the most beautiful girl in the world, a true gift from the Gods.

Ilianne grew up to the divine promise. Her beauty became a source of pride among her people. She had long hair the color of gold and eyes as blue as the deep waters of the Aegean. People from all over the world traveled weeks just to get a glimpse of the young girl. It was said that if you hadn’t seen Princess Ilianne, you hadn’t seen true beauty in your life. Some dared say she was more striking than Helen, or even Venus herself.

It wasn’t long before Venus became envious of the princess, soon she was plotting her revenge. One day, as Ilianne went strolling down the forest she noticed a young shepherd sleeping under a tree. The man caught the princess’ eye. She could not bring herself to look away, so beautiful he was. That moment, Venus sent Cupid down to Earth with two sharp arrows. Ilianne and Fegaruis, the shepherd, fell in love.

From that day on, the princess would sneak down to the forest to meet her lover. They kept their relationship a secret, for if anyone would find out Fegarius’ life would be in danger. After all, he is a poor shepherd and she a princess destined for a prince.

It is on Ilianne’s fifteenth birthday that our story takes a tragic turn, for according to tradition, it is on that day she would become a woman, and the day she must choose a husband.

The entire kingdom got ready for the big festivities. Exquisite foods and wines worthy of Dionysus himslef were brought in from distant lands, fine silk shipped in from the Far East, and exotic spices ordered from the remote regions of Africa. Invitations made of pure gold were sent only to the wealthiest and the most powerful.

And so they traveled, princes from all corners of the world, in pursuit of the lovely bride to be. They heard of Illianne's incredible beauty and were desperate to have her as their wife.

As the ceremonies began, a long line of young men formed in front of the princess. According to custom, they would each have one chance to make their offer, and ask for her hand in marriage.

One after another they spoke of gold and silver and power and wealth, each trying to surpass the gifts and offerings of those before, each trying to win her heart.

Ilianne was terrified. The only thing she could think of was Fegarius. Her love for him was stronger than anything she had ever experienced. And so, she did the only thing she could. She declined. Each time she said no, her father, the king, became more and more worried. He could not understand his daughter's behavior.

Just as Ilianne refused the last suitor, Apollo himself appeared in front of her with all the glory of a God. He had seen the young princess and was enchanted by her beauty.

"My lovely princess," said Apollo, "You are the most beautiful woman from Thrace to Crete, accept my offering and become my wife along my side in heaven. You’ll live forever and your beauty shall never fade. Mortals will worship you and build temples in your honor. This is my gift and my offer, far greater than any amount of silver or gold."

Before she could say a word, her father, the king, leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "You cannot refuse a God," he said. "It is a sin. Remember the punishment of Cassandra and the tragic fate of Daphne."

But the only thing Ilianne could remember was Fegarius and her love for him. She could not bear the thought of living without him. And so, with tears in her eyes and fear in her heart, the princess spoke,"I cannot follow you my Lord. My heart is already taken by a poor shepherd. It is him I love and cherish, and therefore I must refuse your generous offer."

Silence throughout the palace, nothing but gasps heard through the room. In mortal fear they prayed for the princess, who dared to defy an Olympian God.

Apollo was enraged. "How dare you refuse a god for a poor shepherd?" he said. "For your insolence, you shall pay dearly. That love you so arrogantly preferred over me, you shall never have."

And with his mighty power Apollo transformed Ilianne into the sun (or Ilios as it is known today), and Fegarius into the moon (or Fegari). “You shall see each other just for an instant, when the day turns to night and the night turns to day," said Apollo. "But you shall never touch."

Illiane was immediately pulled into the sky, her golden hair the source of light coming from the sun, Fegarius’ blue eyes the light we see coming from the moon.

From that day on, the moon dies in the light of the sun, and the sun dies with the light of the moon, trapped in their orbits with no hope of ever meeting. In their endless pursuit they shine upon the Earth, an impossible love.

Goddess Diana, who felt sorry for the two lovers, could not revoke the punishment her brother Apollo had given them. But she promised that every once in a while, she’d give them an eclipse, where for a very short moment they could be together."

I look at Brandon. He’s smiling. Then, he leans forward, kisses my lips. Soft, wet, warm.
“You’re a good storyteller.” He says.
“You’re a good kisser.”

A walk to my door, a promise to call, a story, a first date, the sun and the moon.

Comments

[pette]

nice story

[Chris]

Kim grabbed my balls at a friend's birthday party once....I'd love for her to do it again if that means I get to meet you...

[ash]

wow... truly magical. thanks for sharing that with us too.

[makeurchoice]

first of all a warmth hi..
well i could nt believe that he invented this myth just really pulled my heart truly magical

[ethan]

No, he didn't. I did. My myth. :)

[Sebastian]

Aww...... shucks, Ethan! You made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :-)

[kim]

Yes ! That was truly magical. It's actually one of my most favorite times of the day. Twilight, when the sun kisses the moon.
Loved it !

HRH♦P.K.

[demetrius]

work the words, bay-bee, WORK

[robt]

Very unlike Apollo, but regardless of the God, he should have turned Ilianne in a sheep, then the shepard could screw her when ever he wanted, which, you know, would explain all the jokes.