Eros’s imagination runs wild. He sees Zeus’ Greek nose slowly growing from his face like a tree branch. Eros replies, ‘I came to the Mesopotamian region with my mother, her name is Aphrodites, and my partner Andromeda.’
Curiosity killed the cat. But it’s a phrase Zeus is not aware of. Being persistent, again, Zeus asks, ‘You said you met three women. Did they mention the Wish One Well?’
His answer made Eros wonder if Zeus had Greek mystic knowledge. Something Eros is in search of is a person with a greater understanding.
Eros replied, ‘It’s funny why you ask that. They said the Wish One Well is a traveller’s well where good fortune can turn into a wicked spell, then again!
When you try to sink an empty girba, it will float to the top. Why do you ask about the three women?’
When someone isn’t forthright and honest, it isn’t easy to believe their words. Zeus, unwilling to express his thoughts, persisted, ‘I was just asking. Did they say anything else?’
His persistence added a layer of tension to the conversation. Unsure of the direction of the questions. Eros answers, ‘No. Zeus, you’re far from your homeland in Greece. What brings you here?’
Zeus’s inquisitive persona is transformed into a friendly and open one with Eros. Zeus replies, ‘I’m in the area to trade with the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Neo-Babylonians.’
Chapter 10
Two is Company: Three is a Crowd
Since Zeus was a visitor, Eros invited him to eat with him as a local custom. He felt more at ease and comfortable with Zeus. There was no point in making enemies of something that could be beneficial.
Eros clapped his hands, and then there was a drumroll. The local women came in, jumping for joy to the beat of drums.
A man blew a few blasts on an Addax ankle. The women entertained Zeus with their belly dance, making him feel at ease, homely and welcome.
Jugglers employed tricks of the hand; they were called magicians. They could perform magic tricks that deceived the eyes of naïve, ignorant men like Zeus.
Eros is pleased when he sees Andromeda walk into the party. Zeus is even more astonished now that he has a close-up view of Andromeda’s black beauty.
Then, Aphrodites walks in very majestically, strolling elegantly with all eyes on her. The four parties sat on the floor around a low table, on an embroidered Persian rug. Where chopped beef, roast lamb, and various fruits were served.
Eros introduced Andromeda and Aphrodites. Who duly lowered their heads with respect to Zeus.
However, Aphrodites held a slight contempt toward him. When she saw Andromeda’s body language and posture. Andromeda showed interest in Zeus. Zeus was captivated by Andromeda as the conversation was about her.
All eyes were on Andromeda when Zeus said, ‘I find you very attractive, Aphrodites. But I’m overwhelmed at your beauty, Andromeda.’
Zeus was trying to cast his fishing net in two oceans. Embarrassed by Zeus’ comment.
Andromeda bowed her head, displaying an innocent but cheeky grin, and then she added, ‘Thank you. It’s not often I receive a compliment.’
Andromeda looked at Eros and remarked, ‘Don’t you have anything to add to that, Eros?’
In a flirtatious manner, Eros replied, ‘You are a mirror image of the sky at night. Your eyes reflect the moon and sparkle like the stars.
You know what I think of you, yet you must be reminded.’
Slightly irritated and uncomfortable about Zeus’ forward advances. Aphrodites wasn’t impressed by his statement and said nothing. But turned to Andromeda, stating, ‘What do you find so amusing?’
As Eros picked up a plate of beef. Unmoved by their converse, he offered Zeus the plate. Eros interrupted their conversation, enquiring, ‘Zeus, where is your wife, Hera?’
Like a grunting water hog, Zeus sniffed the plate before grabbing a large portion. Then, he stuffed his mouth like a serpent devouring a rat.
Zeus responded with a full mouth, ‘Hera is at home in Olympus. Andromeda, how long have you been with Eros?’
Zeus’ inquiry stopped the music playing. The women weren’t dancing; they stared in awe. It was a question that should have been posed to Eros, not his girlfriend, but Eros was unfazed.
Aphrodites responded, ‘You haven’t much respect, Zeus, and you’re forward.’
His comment created a tense atmosphere when Andromeda replied, ‘I’m single, and I intend it to stay that way.’
After her remark, the music and dancing continued to entertain. Zeus was unmoved by Andromeda’s comment.
He turned to face Andromeda and returned with, ‘I always get what I want.’
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