Athena and Ariadne | Andrew Nickerson

“I can’t believe this! Nothing I do works!”
Athena rolled her eyes and sighed as she listened to her brother Dionysus rant, although they were the same words he’d been using for a month. “And what pray tell has happened this time?” she teased, covering her mouth to hide her soft chuckle.
“Haven’t you been listening, sister?” Dionysus exclaimed. “Ariadne still refuses me! I’ve tried gifts, sweet words, and everything else Aunt Aphrodite advises, but the woman just won’t let me into her heart!”
“Perhaps, brother, you should think of her position for once,” Athena turned away from him to head for her chambers.
“Why don’t you think of mine?” Dionysus protested. “I love her! Aren’t my feelings worth considering too?”
Not when you’re acting like a spoiled child, Athena thought, taking a breath to control her temper. “Are you considering hers?”
“I can’t believe you’re taking her side,” Dionysus huffed, closing his eyes in frustration.
“Maybe you might too, if you’d consider what she wants for once,” Athena pointed out.
“I can’t rationalize with her,” Dionysus continued, his mopey tone indicating he’d heard nothing. “Can you try for me?”
“What?” Athena gasped.
“You’re the mistress of wisdom, sister,” Dionysus hinted. “Can you at least find out why she doesn’t accept anything I give her, or maybe why she keeps rejecting me?”
“Neither is difficult to figure out, brother,” Athena countered.
“Please, can you just speak to her on my behalf?” Dionysus pled.
He gave her the same sorrowful look that’d always worked on her in the past… and Athena sighed as it worked once again. “Very well,” she conceded. “I’ll speak to her, but no promises.”
“Thank you, sister!” Dionysus cried, falling on his knees in thanks before her, the smell of wine flooding her senses to an oppressive extent.
“Brother, you may be master of the vine, but you need to leave Father’s wine cellar alone this early in the morning,” Athena said as she wrinkled her nose. “I’ll speak to her this once, but not again. Are we clear?” Dionysus eagerly nodded. “Good, it’s settled,” she added, turning and stalking off through the woods towards Dionysus’ home, a short walk from the palace on Mt. Olympus, where they’d been speaking.
“May the Fates smile upon you, sister!” Dionysus called after her.
“Of course, like they smiled on poor Ariadne,” Athena muttered as she skirted a stump. She plodded through the grass. Ariadne’s father, King Minos of Crete, had offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to Dionysus in exchange for aid in winning a war. Ariadne failed to escape her betrothal, and Dionysus, claiming to be in love with Ariadne, had brought her to Olympus to woo her… yet was failing miserably. She refused to live with him, choosing instead to live in a cave nearby. Dionysus offered her fine food, wines, clothes, jewelry, etc., only to see her either throw the gifts in the mud or the fire she’d built in the cave. She soon stopped acknowledging his presence altogether, turning her back to him whenever he visited. Apparently, she’d been subsisting on the berries that grew outside the cave, along with water from a nearby spring, although she refused to bathe in the spring because she didn’t want Dionysus to see her naked…

A sigh escaped as Athena reached Dionysus’ home, a resplendent building of white marble that was just as magnificent as hers—she knew because they were identical—but her eyes were then drawn toward the cave, carved into a small hill nearby during the war with the Titans millennia ago. There was a light visible inside, no doubt from the fire, and a slight breeze that feathered across her skin as she shook her head at the inanity of her brother’s request. “Some just don’t know when to give up,” she muttered as she headed towards the cave’s entrance. Her war boots clicked on the soft rock, her eyes adjusting quickly as she followed a small passage into a cylindrical chamber, its walls glistening with crystal in a fashion that considerably magnified the fire’s effect. Nodding her approval, her gaze fell on a young woman sitting by the fire, her soft brown eyes filled with the blaze’s glow yet somehow looking as hollow as the chamber. Her skin was dusty and dirty, her long honey-blond hair wasn’t much better, and her clothes were stained with all manner of grime—but her looks were so stunning that Athena couldn’t help but be captivated, taking in the delicious sight like a starving mortal that’d just found a personal banquet.

Ariadne happened to look up to her left, dreading the thought of another Dionysus visit, only to see a sight so magnificent it was like a living dream: a tall woman, her curly, flowing dark locks shining in the crystal light, with a helmet perched on top of her head and a sword tied to a belt at the narrow waist of her dress. Her eyes, as green as the forest, were full of life and strength, and her toned arms indicated a power that no one dared stand against… but what startled Ariadne most was the depth of the woman’s exotic beauty, a combination that could only mean one thing. “Lady Athena!” Her squeak of surprise caused a smile to appear on the Olympian’s face, one that somehow made her light up brighter than the sun, and Ariadne awkwardly fell to her knees, blushing profusely as she bowed, trying not to let her embarrassed state make her look any worse. “My apologies for my unseemly appearance, my lady!” She hastily declared. “I’d offer you a seat and refreshment, but I’m afraid…”

“There’s no need,” Athena interjected, her smile still present as she waved her hand. Instantly, the dust and grime vanished from Ariadne’s clothing and body, revealing her to be more stunning than the former could’ve imagined: hair shining like warm gold, skin light and dainty, and so beautiful Athena later swore she felt something deep inside of her stir with interest—along with a strange sense of familiarity and wholeness. Swallowing the confusion that accompanied her thoughts, she snapped her fingers, causing a section of rock floor to rise in the form of a crude chair, which she promptly sat in. A repeat of the gesture raised a second chair, one which Ariadne nervously took for herself. Clearing her throat to try and focus on anything other than how Ariadne’s vulnerability somehow made her even more entrancing, Athena said, “I’m sure you know why I’ve come.” Ariadne nodded, “Why have you rejected my brother?”

Ariadne’s cheeks turned redder, a sight that sent a bolt of lightning through Athena’s heart, but then surprised the latter by sitting up straight and letting out a breath, a dignified response the Olympian found both admirable and endearing. “Because I’m finished with men,” Ariadne replied, her eyes falling at the end.

“Could you explain that?” Athena’s curiosity was piqued.

“Men have done nothing but cause me pain,” Ariadne explained, her voice as raw as an open sore. “First it was father selling me to Dionysus, like a cow or horse he no longer needed, and all for his victory. Then it was the wine offerings father made to Dionysus as thanks, especially when he forced Thebes to send those poor people to be sacrificed to that… thing in the labyrinth.” She bit her lip as her eyes watered. “Every time the ships would arrive, their black sails waving, father would drink a glass of wine to their deaths, along with another for each man or woman when he received word of their end. Dionysus even sent him wine as thanks for my hand, and that soon became father’s drink of choice for his evil practice. Father even laughed when their screams of terror were reported to him, something he requested from the labyrinth guards just so he could have an excuse to drink more wine. It made me sick inside, knowing how much he reveled in the blood of the innocent, including that of poor Daedalus and his son Icarus.” Her voice trailed off as tears began to flow, and she sniffled before mustering her courage once more. “I knew I had to get away, for the image of Dionysus was forever poisoned in my mind, and why vowed I would never touch a drop of wine. I went to Theseus, who told me he loved me...” a tear slipped, and she wiped it before swallowing her angst, another gesture that impressed Athena. “I helped him kill that evil beast, but then he just abandoned me. When that happened, I knew men would always fail me and I’d never be able to love a man again. Dionysus may be handsome, but every time I see him, all I can see are the wine glasses father drank to the sacrifices. He thinks he can woo me with gifts and gentle talk, but I can’t love him, not after that.”

Athena nodded, the emotions pouring from Ariadne somehow twisting her heart and making her feel emotionally raw too. As Ariadne’s tears slowed and stopped, Athena took a breath of her own and said, “I appreciate the honesty. That conflict was ugly, for I oversaw much of it, although it paled in comparison to Troy...” it was her voice’s turn to trail off as bloody images from both conflicts reared their ugly faces in her mind, causing her to sigh.

“Um, may I say something, my lady?” Ariadne asked, her tone one of anticipation.

“Very well,” Athena responded, nodding.

“It’s about the Trojan War, something I’ve always believed,” Ariadne stated, her eyes now firmly fixed on Athena’s. “I mean no offense to Lady Hera or Lady Aphrodite, but Paris should’ve chosen your gift.”

Athena’s lips parted at the admission, knowing Ariadne referred to the squabble between herself, Queen Hera, and Aphrodite over who should get a golden apple labeled “To the Fairest”, thrown into a banquet by Eris, mistress of discord, as revenge for not being invited. Zeus, her father, couldn’t give them an answer, instead handing the responsibility to Paris, the prince of Troy fated to ruin the city. When he couldn’t give an answer either, each of them made him an offer to sweeten the pot: Hera offered to make him ruler of all Asia, Aphrodite offered him the most beautiful woman alive, Helen, as his wife (he chose that), and she’d offered to make him the wisest of men and invincibility in war. “Please explain,” she requested, her heart racing at the compliment and in anticipation of the answer.

“Paris was a fool, so making him ruler of such territory would’ve destroyed the world,” Ariadne explained, fire burning in her now dry eyes. “And taking someone from the one they love is wrong, no matter the circumstances. However, with your wisdom and the ability to win no matter the enemy, Paris could’ve done so much good, including stopping the evil conflicts that have raged for so long. It would’ve been a gift for all mankind: the ability to bring peace, which would’ve been an honor for all, not just him.”

The passion in her speech stunned Athena, as was her intuition: that statement had hit on what she’d been secretly hoping for Paris to use her gift for when she offered it! Blushing, she looked away while muttering, “But it was a contest of looks, and I don’t hold a candle to Hera or Aphrodite…”

“Please don’t say that, my lady,” Ariadne pled, coming forward and taking Athena’s hands in her own. “If Paris couldn’t see how beautiful you are, he wasn’t just a fool, he was blind.” That compliment caused Athena’s breath to catch in her throat, as did her hands being held by another… soft ones, too, now that she thought about it. However, Ariadne suddenly realized what she’d done and immediately leaped back. “I’m sorry! I meant no offense!”

“No, it’s fine!” Athena insisted, shocked by the feelings of joy welling inside her heart. “I just… no one’s ever really told me I was beautiful.”

“It’s past time someone did,” Ariadne insisted.

Athena’s breath caught again, and she felt her hands tremble as the joy inside washed over every inch of her body. “T-Thank you,” she managed to say. Clearing her throat, she stood and added, “I’d like to reward you for your honesty, and for being so kind. Is there anything you want?”

Ariadne thought for a second and then nodded. “There is something, now that I think about it.”

“Very well, name it,” Athena replied, feeling she already knew the answer.

“I… would like to be able to talk with you again sometime,” Ariadne told her.

The request stunned Athena, who’d fully anticipated the woman asking for her freedom from Dionysus, and both flattered and excited her deeply. “You mean it?”

“Yes, my lady,” Ariadne insisted. “I want to see and speak to you again, even if it is just for a moment.”

Touched by the honesty in the woman’s eyes, Athena felt a new thrill of anticipation run through her as she said, “I-I’d like that too.”

“Oh, thank you, my lady!” Ariadne exclaimed, moving and hugging Athena, shocking the latter once more. Yet, just like with the hands, the former instantly realized what’d happened and leaped back, pleading, “I’m sorry! Please forgive me!”

“No, it’s fine!” Athena repeated, shaken down to her core. “I’ll take my leave now.”

“I look forward to speaking with you again, my lady,” Ariadne declared, bowing her head in reverence.

“And I look forward to speaking with you too, Ariadne,” Athena responded, nodding as she quickly left the cave. She managed to make it outside before letting out the breath she’d been holding the whole time, hastily sucking in the air before running her hands over her shoulders. Ariadne had been the most intriguing mortal she’d ever met, her honesty and beauty equally captivating… but that embrace had thrown her off. She couldn’t remember anyone ever hugging her, not even her father, and she admitted it’d felt rather nice, especially with the warmth of Ariadne’s genuine heart being put into the move; the fact that it only lasted a short while was also strangely disappointing, something she’d need to mull over on the way to her chambers.

Composing herself, she headed back through the woods, letting the feeling of wholeness that’d come with Ariadne fill every crack and crevice inside her, giving her a giddy smile that lit her up more than she’d ever imagined. She still wore the grin when she met up with Dionysus, who was headed back to his estate, the latter quickly asking, “Well, what did she tell you? Will she accept me?”

Athena laughed as she answered with, “Dionysus, you won’t win her over.”

“Well, I’ve got some new wine, freshly brewed with honey,” Dionysus mused as he began to head toward his estate again. “Maybe she’ll respond to that.”

“Oh, you have no idea,” Athena chuckled as she hurried away.

As time slowly passed, Athena found herself going to meet Ariadne every day, always timing her visits for when Dionysus would go and meet followers or eat. The two could talk for hours without ever tiring of each other, and soon their yearning to spend time together became a compulsive need. They laughed together, the jot of each other’s company making their bond grow rapidly as they unlocked the different hidden spaces of their respective hearts—and all with Dionysus completely ignorant of it all. In fact, there were times when frustration drove the latter to ask his sister to try and reason with Ariadne, especially after she rejected another set of gifts; Athena always played along, pretending to cave when it just made it easier to be with her than to sneak around. The two knew it was only a matter of time before their relationship turned… along with many other Olympians (namely the elders, whom Athena couldn’t keep a secret from), who would comment on the “glow” Athena’s always seemed to have after a session with Ariadne.

That turn occurred about two months after they first met, when Athena had just had an argument with Zeus over a mortal’s war plans. As always, he’d ignored her suggestions, sending her away in a bout of frustration that threatened to boil over. She knew there was one solution: seeing Ariadne. Dionysus was still back in the palace, so she knew there was time, and she immediately transported herself to the cave, where she found Ariadne throwing a stick on her fire. Sensing Athena’s presence, the latter turned toward her, gasping when she saw the anger and hurt in the Olympian’s eyes. “What’s wrong, my lady?” Ariadne asked.

“Father and I had another dispute,” Athena admitted, moving to the rock chair she’d made before (she’d made it a permanent feature). Sinking into it, she dropped her face into her hands and sighed. “He won’t listen to me, and I know he’s wrong, but...”

Ariadne immediately came to Athena’s side and hugged her, stunned by the tension in the Olympian’s body. “I’m sorry, my lady,” she whispered.

“He just… makes me so mad,” Athena admitted, her voice shaking. “I’m trying to save lives and…”

Shocked by the pain she heard, Ariadne pulled her even tighter, only to feel wetness on her shoulder. Backing away, she saw Athena’s eyes watering, and said, “Just let it out, my lady. Let me bear your pain with you.”

“I can’t ask you to do that,” Athena whimpered, shaking her head.

“And you’ll never have to,” Ariadne replied. “I want to help you, so let me take the burden of your pain too, my lady.”

A sob escaped, and Athena looked up at Ariadne, trying for a smile. “I must look like a wreck,” she muttered, chuckling softly.

“Never,” Ariadne assured her, the woman’s beautiful smile shattering Athena’s wall of strength and reducing her to painful sobs that doubled her over. Ariadne held her the whole time, whispering soothing words in her ear, but waited until she was done to ask, “Are you feeling better, my lady?”

“Yes, a little,” Athena affirmed. “Thank you for your kindness, Ariadne. I’d like to offer you another reward… whatever you wish.”

Ariadne smiled. “There’s only one thing I want,” she replied, taking Athena’s hand and kissing it. “Let me stay with you, my lady.”

“Really?” Athena gasped. “But why?”

“Because it’s you,” Ariadne answered. “I want to be there for you, my lady: to lift your heart when you’re upset, to be the reason for your smile, and to be the joy that fills you no matter what happens.” She kissed Athena’s hand again and added, “I love you, Athena. Please let me be with you from this day on.”

Touched beyond words, Athena could only whimper, “You… love me?”

“With all my heart,” Ariadne replied.

“Oh… my,” Athena sputtered, her eyes filling anew as she leaned forward and kissed Ariadne, pulling her into an embrace of her own as she felt herself fill with pure joy. “Then please stay with me, my love.”

“You love me too?” Ariadne hopefully inquired.

“Yes,” Athena kissed her with all she had. She pulled back and saw tears forming in Ariadne’s eyes. “Now we’re both messes.”

Ariadne laughed softly. “I’m just so happy right now,” she explained. She hugged Athena and added, “I swear I’ll always be there for you, my lady.”

“Thank you,” Athena happily told her.

The pair went to Zeus for his blessing once they’d both calmed down, and were surprised to find him happily consenting to the match. Dionysus was stunned by this revelation, as well as horribly saddened by what he deemed a betrayal of his trust. However, Zeus stunned him by telling his son of the elders’ always known of the pairing, plus Ariadne had never wanted Dionysus in the first place. Reluctantly, the spurned Olympian backed off, but that wasn’t enough for Athena, who knew the cunning ways of her brethren. Therefore, she extracted an oath from every Olympian, sworn on the Styx, to never attempt to seduce or harm Ariadne for all eternity. Dionysus was particularly upset about this move, but pressure from Zeus made him swear it, and preparations for the pair’s marriage began at once. They wed in a regal ceremony that saw Ariadne be given a serving of ambrosia, the food of the Olympians, making her immortal; she was offered the chance to be a mistress of something too, but she refused, claiming “I have my lady, and that’s all I need.” Curiously, no wine was served at the ceremony, and Athena stunned everyone even more by vowing never to drink it again, although she never explained why. The pair then spent the next month in Athena’s cottage, never leaving each other’s side as they loved each other.

From then on, whenever Athena had to go on a voyage or handle any crisis in her capacity as lady of war/wisdom, she could get through it because she knew Ariadne would be waiting for her when she returned, always overjoyed to see her. The two loved as passionately as possible whenever they had the opportunity, and became an example of fidelity to all Olympus and mankind, for neither their eyes nor their hands ever strayed toward another for the rest of eternity.

Andrew's originally from Massachusetts, and is a lifelong reader. He has a BA in History (English minor) from UMASS Lowell and JD from Mass. School of Law. He's self-published a novella on Amazon, and printed 1 article apiece on Polygon, Anime Herald, and Pipeline Artists, 4 more on Ariel Chart, 2 articles and 2 short stories on Academy of Heart and Mind, a short story in Evening Street Review's 2022 Winter Edition, an article in the August 2023 edition of "Alice Says Go F*** Yourself" online magazine, an article in NewMyths' September issue, a short story in Bindweed's Winter 2023 issue, an article in Encephalon Literary Magazine's Spring 2024 edition, and another article in Barbar on May 22nd. He can be found on Twitter daily, analyzing characters via Sun Tzu.