Bouquet of Narcissus

ChapterⅡ

As the thief disappeared into the distance, the pony impatiently stamped its hooves and let out a plaintive whinny. Surveying his soiled attire, Narcissus grimaced, prompting the parrot to chirp in agreement, "Filthy indeed." Glancing towards the distant mountains, he observed, "There lie mountains, water, and pastures."

That expanse was Mount Ida, Troy's largest pasture.

Obsessively fixated on cleanliness, Narcissus declared, "I cannot endure returning in such a state. Let us venture to the valley to cleanse ourselves."

The valley of Mount Ida teemed with abundant water and verdant grass, frequented by shepherds tending to their flocks—cattle, sheep, horses, and accompanied by hunting dogs and hares. Finding a babbling stream, Narcissus removed his outer garment, washing and drying it in the sun.

Disposing of his obstructive veil, Narcissus allowed the pony to drink while the parrot entertained with its melodious song.

Caught in a moment of reflection, Narcissus beheld his own reflection in the shimmering water—the delicate arch of his eyebrows, the lustrous gaze of his eyes, the allure of his lips... He reached out instinctively, drawn to the vision.

"What are you doing?" a voice interjected anxiously. "Do not let your thoughts wander." Strong hands grasped his shoulders, pivoting him around. "Do not plunge into the water."

"You—" The voice faltered as Narcissus turned to face them, eyes wide with astonishment.

"What?" Narcissus shrugged off the restraining hand, standing upright. "What is the matter?"

"I feared you intended to drown yourself," the shepherd confessed, his voice laden with concern. "I misunderstood. Are you from the city? Do you reside in Troy or Romandro? You are remarkably handsome. Might we be friends?" Eagerly, he proffered delicious cheese and fresh coconut. "Is this your companion? Adorable creature. Here, little one, enjoy this tasty morsel."

"I am Poro. This swath of pasture belongs to me. I aid the King of Troy in tending to his herds, for which I am compensated," the shepherd introduced himself warmly. "I have not encountered you before. You appear to hail from Lesbos. It is the sole island on this continent I have yet to visit. Taste this sweet wine—I guarantee you will find it irresistible." With genuine hospitality, he presented his finest fare, eager to befriend the rare beauty before him.

Little Green flapped its wings and perched on Narcissus's shoulder, "Kind shepherd, I crave roasted lamb legs." Narcissus assented, prompting Poro to swiftly slaughter a plump five-kilogram lamb and ignite a torch to begin roasting the succulent meat.

Narcissus savored the delectable roast lamb, thoroughly enjoying the feast. As dusk approached, he prepared to depart. Poro, reluctant to part ways, presented Narcissus with an exquisite dagger and a lamb as parting gifts.

Though initially hesitant, Narcissus declined the offerings. Yet, Poro persisted, asserting, "Do you not consider me a friend? After spending such a delightful afternoon together, it is customary for friends to exchange tokens of appreciation."

Though Narcissus indeed had acquaintances in the Trojan Palace, they lacked the genuine warmth and openness exemplified by the shepherd. Driven by his own pride and discerning nature, he declined the gifts once more.

Observing Narcissus's reaction, Poro's sunny demeanor dimmed with disappointment. "Very well," he conceded. "Allow me to regale you with a tale of Orpheus, the renowned singer from Crete."

With vivid storytelling, Poro recounted Orpheus's journey to the underworld in a bid to rescue his beloved wife. Narcissus was deeply moved by the poignant narrative, remarking, "Ultimately, he found eternal reunion with his beloved in the underworld. Truly romantic."

Enthralled by Poro's wit and wisdom, Narcissus eagerly absorbed more tales of heroic exploits. Were it not for Little Green's insistence on returning before nightfall, and his promise to his mother not to tarry outside overnight, he would have been content to remain on Mount Ida.

Yet, captivated by the shepherd's stories, Narcissus lingered, delaying his return until the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon ascended over the peaks. At Narcissus's insistence on departing, Poro, sensing his longing for the stories, impulsively gifted him a scroll, "Containing mountains, rivers, plains, valleys, the sky, and the underworld—everything you desire to explore."

Though touched by Poro's generosity, Narcissus had no suitable reciprocation. Thus, when asked where he resided and how to contact him, he replied, "Your generosity humbles me. Regrettably, I can only offer you my cherished shells. I am Narcissus, residing in the Trojan Palace. Tomorrow, I shall bring gifts to express my gratitude for your hospitality."

Watching Narcissus depart, Poro found himself entranced by the young man's graceful silhouette, unable to shake the memory of his flawless countenance.

Muttering to himself, he reflected:

"From this day forth, I eagerly await the sun's rising,

I shall not fault myself nor lament the whims of Olympus's king.

Though I may have stood on the wrong side, challenging authority heedlessly,

Excitement now consumes me—for fate has bestowed upon me the greatest gift.

Behold Narcissus—what a beautiful name, what a perfect visage, what an enchanting presence.

His every gesture captivates me; if only he could be mine."

The pastoral scene of Mount Ida unfolded before him—the bleating of sheep, the babbling streams, the fluttering butterflies. As he led his flock to water, Poro continued his musings:

"Blessed with a tender heart, I cherish all things fair.

My other identity remains concealed—I ensnare beauties with my eloquence.

With virtue and sweet speech, I bestow happiness upon mortals,

As a deity, I enjoy boundless life and the splendors of the world.

Having beheld many beauties, the young man bathing in the valley tonight struck a chord.

His porcelain skin, his flawless form, even his voice lingers in my mind.

If I could return home, I'd adorn him with exquisite finery, construct a palace of sunlight and melody,

Enveloping him in eternal happiness, I'd be his unwavering companion, smiling sweetly until the end of time."

With joyous song, Poro's voice echoed through the valley, his heart brimming with contentment. Yet, upon descending the mountain and beholding Troy's towering walls, he harbored a secret resentment:

"Why must these accursed walls rise so high, obscuring my beloved's abode from view?"

Returning with a heavy heart, Poro discovered a flock of sheep missing. Fueled by anger, he scoured the valley, only to learn that they had been stolen. A cowherd reported, "As you descended the mountain, a thief fled eastward with over a dozen sheep."

Cursing the audacious thief, Poro vowed vengeance, his thoughts consumed by Narcissus as he drifted into slumber.