The Moon Goddess

Moon Goddess - Chapter 1

As a patroness of charioteers, Selene is often depicted as a pale, beautiful woman, with long black hair, riding in a silver chariot pulled by serpentine dragons. She has the power to give sleep and lights up the night. The feminine within her connects us to our intuition and emotion. Selene fell in love with Endymion a mortal shepherd who was put to sleep forever to retain his youth, Selene has him but unfortunately he cannot wake up. He cannot smile at her or kiss her. Therefore she described her love as happy and sad, light and dark.Like the two sides of the moon. Selene was so enamored of the man that she left the sky to be with him.She often weeps looking at her beloved whom she longed to be with for eternity. The punishment cast upon him will not allow him to wake up.

As time passed, Selene grew weary and while riding her chariot she saw a man almost identical to her beloved Endymion. The man stood 5'8 in height, with sea rover-blue eyes, bristly eyebrows, viking gold hair and titan's shoulder. He has dashing personality and a cosmic smile. His voice deep like the ocean. He looked magnificent and the bedazzled goddess had nothing to do but stare. She fell completely lost in time. It was an instantaneous attraction. She moved closer while she observed the dashing gentlemen's legs apart while he pull the ax straight back over his head, swinging it straight forward. The luminous light coming from the moon goddess shines bright. It was magical atmosphere as she wished the night would never end. 'Robert ' the voice grew louder as the shinny lamp exposed an extremely beautiful woman in red dress. She has a shapely figure, glossy skin complexion, raptured-brown eyes and her hair was mercury red as it tumbled over her shoulders. She smiled and showed her halo white teeth. "I was looking for you" Her soothing, sweet voice drew a smile on the handsome man's face as he wiped sweat on his forehead. "What brought you here? " Robert was confused as it's pass 10 pm and the lady was still awake."I came to bring you Risotto". Risotto is a northern Italian rice dish cooked and stirred with broth. Robert:s eyes gleamed at the sight of the appetizing cuisine that Lucia prepared for him. "Thank you, the food looks great". Lucia's face turned red upon hearing such compliment, their eyes met, starred at each other then accompanied by a coy smile. Love fills the air. I pass by your house and Nicollo told me you are chopping firewoods". Lucia grabbed a white towel from her bag and slowly wiped the piece of cloth to Robert's naked body. The moon goddess felt jealous at the scene and could not contain her emotion towards the disturbing sight, she instantly wished she was Lucia. Her feelings was like fragmented parts and shattered mirror that transforms the bright luminous forrest surrounding into a red bloody color.

Selene's anger fuel her magical power creates eerie scene and painted the surroundings red. "What happened?" Lucia's calm sweet voice triggers question as she could not find a valid explanation to the turn of event. The moon was shimmering a while ago why all of a sudden it turned red?" Instead of the fear to an incomprehensible incident, the two marvelled at the exquisite beauty that is laid upon their eyes to witness. Robert grabbed Lucia's hands as they both adored the beauty of the moon."What a lovely sight" , the forrest turned amber red and cold wind blew making his bold body shiver. He slowly pulled Lucia right next to him while admiring her angelic innocent face, " you are absolutely more beautiful than the night" he whispered softly. Lucia's eyes glow as she glance at the strong but impressive face of the man of her dreams, his eyes was so expressive that she almost get lost while starring at him longer. She closed her eyes, felt his face moving closer to hers, he gently pressed his lips to hers and felt the soft, silken like flower smell of her breath that brought him down to his knees.The heartbeat was stronger as they familiarize each others lips like their soul got entangled, their heartbeat could stop at any point with such excitement. It was love made in heaven. While the envy of the goddess turns the sky totally dark as she decided to leave on her chariot, only few stars lightened the dim night. The lovers did not even notice the shift of setting as theirs is an eternal love that couldn't be bothered.

The rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. It shone through the trees creating mysterious shadows. The blue sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds as the birds chirping happily brings hope of a new day. Robert awaken with his love beside his arms, was awed by the incomparable beauty of the muse he slept with last night. He slowly caress her pinkish white cheek, played with her curly amber hair, he felt he was the luckiest man on earth to own such pure marvelous soul like that of Lucia. Her beauty is more than just the surface, it was skin deep. The lady started opening her stunning eyes. It reveals such undoubted pleasure of what transpired last night. Both were ecstatic as their smiles evidently suggest they were satisfied. " How's you're evening "? Robert teasingly asked to confirm if the feeling was mutual. Lucia laughed like a child and cannot believe she would be sought to answer such bizarr question. Instead of a normal reply she grabbed his man quickly and lean forward to passionately kiss him once again. Her naked body, was as smooth and graceful as the morning sky. She slowly grasp her red dress and immediately wore it. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?." What's your plan later? " Lucia query while zipping her dress upwards. Robert slowly moved at her back helping her dress up. " Me and Nicollo have a lot of woodworking jobs, but I can always find time to visit you in the evening after work. " his grin sarcastically suggest something else. "Then I will cook pasta for you and Nicollo, Lucia replied ignoring any intentional malice on the response. After both were fix up, they hold hands while walking on the shady fresh glades of the tall, majestic trees. The feeling of tranquility, intimacy and pure love was witnessed by the ethereal nature on that very same day.

The moon goddess, Selene has finally arrived to her throne, she went straight away to Mount Olympus home of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses. The daughter of Hyperion and Theia, Selene asked Zeus to grant Endymion eternal life and make him sleep forever. She had 50 kids with Endymion whom she loved dearly however can no longer wake up as the spell will not allow him to do so. Selene's face shows feeling of restlessness, worried about the inexpiable feeling she can no longer deny. She approached Zeus to confess her sentiment to what is forbidden yet ungodly passion. " I fell in love with another mortal". The sight of the human was so overpowering I wish to be with him for eternity".Selene's firm voice has no alternatives nor options. She wants it happening without any justification. The response of Zeus created a loud outburst of laughter, "Again", how about Endymion, what do you plan to do with him"? the god and goddess conversation ignites debate as loyalty was not a huge deal to be argued about. Before his marriage with Hera, Zeus consorted with a number of female titanes. Selene look straight to his eyes to validate if he was concerned about the infidelity of the goddess to her beloved. "Zeus you know how much I adore Endymion but you must understand I cannot hold back my affection to this human" Selene reiterated her point." Then be it ". Zeus response was laconic.

That night was picturesque, the moon glowing yellow white, loomed large, surrounded by ethereal glow. Millions of stars were sprinkled behind it. Selene travelled, pulling the moon across the sky in her chariot. As the all seeing eye of heaven, she is ready with her plan.Robert slowly walks to the front gate of the house where Lucia lives. It was a trullo, a traditional Apulian, drystone hut with a conical roof. The gentleman brought bouquet of fresh and radiant flowers with sunflower and daisies. "Lucia", he herald with a voice full of excitement preparing to lay eyes on her love once again , his heart bubbled with enthusiasm as Lucia slowly approach him with her elating smile.She looks elegant even on a very simple dress, she wore a pink cotton wardrobe with simple floral pattern that symbolizes femininity. It brings out her natural beauty. Robert whispered softly on her ear, "you are amazing".Lucia blushed as the compliment was sincere and inspiring. She felt delighted that Robert appreciates her so much. "that's really sweet. " she answered back. Her fresh soft fragrance fills the air while Robert's senses soars high as the unique fragrance was simply divine. His smile was tender with just a hint of amusement. He gave the lovely flowers to Lucia who's eyes sparkled at the sight of the beautiful blossoms. "this are my favorite flowers". She gently kissed him on his cheeks, put her arms around him.Robert bend back, then lean forward touching her chin with his bold fingers and kiss her lips, softly at first, his insistent mouth was panting her shaking lips sending wild tremors along her nerves. It's like opening up her soul. Tasting, feeling and seeing every color of the rainbow in their own sensual way. "I can do this with you forever", Robert's eyes looks hopeless as if he was on some kind of spell. Lucia burst into laughter and sarcastically replied. "I think you are hungry". She pull herself off from the masculine arms while fixing her crumpled dress and moved away. I will cook Amatriciana, your favorite pasta. "That's exactly why I'm here". Robert smiling with the intention to tease her. It was an evil grin though his dimples showing on his left cheek enhances his strong appearance, he looks like a boy making fond of his playmate. Lucia felt offended though rather ignored and shows she is mature enough for such cutup.She headed straight to the kitchen and started cooking.

Outside the trullo, the surrounding is placid, the moonlit night is reigned by calmness and quietness. The nippy air and the cool beams of the moon kissing each other and every object of nature present a charming sight. Selene was silently observing and her mysterious feminine energy was waiting to unleash. Out of nowhere a frowsy smell fumes the surrounding.' "How pathetic', a sublime goddess wasting her precious time watching over a common anthropoid". The laughter was disgusting as it comes from the goddess of deceit and manipulation, Apate."What are you doing here?' the voice of the moon goddess sounds irritated as such intervention is appalling, "how dare you follow me here! ". Her antipathy towards Apate cannot be unveiled. " Don't be so antagonistic my dear, I came to help you." her smile masks hideous plan. "I feel your approbation to the mortal is extreme so I decided to give you a solution." Apate possess the power to control illusion strong enough to fool the minds of everyone .She has no love on her heart and takes pleasure in rooting out people's weakness. To her everyone is a fair game. She certainly not past empty promises and stabbing those near her in the back. She acts out of her own selfish desire for power and revenge. She has the ability to twist a person's thoughts to believe what she wants them to. "My dear Selene isn't it shameful if a goddess like you can be subdued by a mere human. Of course you can always get what you want and I will assist you with that." We, goddess should be in control of everything, that is what power is all about. Destroying anyone who gets in our way without mercy. " Apate's evil thoughts are translated to words that sounded despicable," she clutch her fist as if the mortal has plighted her wrong."

Selene is gentle though mysterious and the taught of destroying someone to get what she wants is vile. She is often characterized by compassion, clarity and radiant beauty. The intention of making others suffer for her benefit was never on her list. She slowly move afar to distance from the goddess of deceit so she can view her esteemed from where he was seated.

Outside the house, at the shade of the apple tree the lovers holding hands to gaze the priceless beauty of the night. It's deep silvery moon is dotted on the dark sky, while brilliant stars around her were like kids chasing and playing. The night's fragrance pervades the air covering with magnificent scenery. The night so beautiful but was not as fascinating compared to Lucia. The moon goddess moved her chariot near so she can boldly view the gorgeous gentleman who captured her heart. Her passion soared with excitement as Robert's face resembles to that of her beloved, Endymion. Her heart was bewildered like dream unfolding right before her very eye. His love can talk and laugh, it brings back beautiful memories of the day she first saw the shepherd boy. It was a night like no other, the brightness of the moon was extraordinary.Selene rode her moon chariot across the sky as he visited her sleeping love in the somberness of the night, the countryside in which he lived was peaceful and idyllic. His arm is raised over his head on a sensual way and his face tilted towards the sky. He was the most significant being to Selene, so valuable that she can't afford to loose him. Her decision could be flawed but it was too late for such remorse. Zeus heretofore has put him to eternal sleep. As she gazed at Robert with her soul full of hope, she didn't notice her tears dropping slowly on her heavenly face. Her attention was abstracted on the charmer that she ignored the presence of the beautiful lady cuddling right next to him." why does the night turned gloomy?" Lucia noticed the moon turned pale when it was luminesce and shinning a while ago. The melancholic surroundings indicates the goddess nostalgic moments. Those precious memories of the time Endymion was still awake. Conversely there was a fantasy that is confounding on her imagination, she is thinking through how she can take Lucia's place and capture the heart of the dapper." The idea of holding his hands, hugging him tight and kissing his lips was a fantasy to behold. "I want to lay next to him", her emotions grew stronger as she gazed at the almost identical twin of his spouse.

As she continued contemplating about her plan, tiny drops of rain water slowly drips from the sky. The cloudburst sprinkled to the trees and grass like a gardeners hose. Then the rainfall became intense. A wall of rain moved over the apple tree and the drops were drumming against the canopy. So much rain was falling that the sound blurred into one long whirring noise. Lucia grabbed Robert's hands like a child excited to play in the rain. She was jumping in joy as the water is pouring to her perfectly shaped body. Robert staring amazed at such a wonderful sight. His heart pounding and his eyes cant seem to look away. They smiled captivated by each others presence. Robert slowly moved closer to hold Lucia in his loving arms, never was a moment been so perfect like this. He embraced Lucia while the rain is pouring from head to toe, for him nothing matters except the two of them. Flashes of lightning shine against Lucia's pretty face it makes his heart beat faster. He can feel her breath as they got nearer, they kissed as the lightning cracks and the storm rolls with rain running through their lips. It was one of the greatest moment of their lives, love has never been this stronger.

For the second time the moon goddess did nothing but to stare at the two fated soul, her jealousy was turned to wishful thinking, a hope that she finds the same love from someone who can recompense. She can't destroy such a beautiful moment. Guilt strikes hard that she denies to manifest her scheme. Is it fair to use one's power for selfish motives? Can she substantiate being a goddess to disunite two destined heart so that she can be happy? Slowly she pulled the moon on far direction that it appeared almost invisible to the sight of the earth. As the rain water poured heavily from the majestic sky, the image of the moon slowly disappeared. The goddess decided to let them be, even if her heart was broken , her conscience was clean. That exceptional night, love wins.

Selene was perplexed and had nowhere to go. Her mind and heart was in battle. She decided to take rest in Mount Latmus where her husband laid in perpetual sleep, dreaming without awaking. She lamented, observing him asleep on a funerary context, a beauty undisturbed, a comeliness to behold. Selene's heart bleed at the painful truth.He will never be awaken.. never. With a heavy heart she decided to go back to Mount Olympus and saw the gathering of huge number of Gods and Goddess. Immediately she was approached by her brother, Helios ,god of the sun, he is responsible for controlling the movement of the Sun. As Selene drove white chariot of moon across the sky each night, her brother Helios does the same thing each morning in his golden sun chariot. He was delighted to see her as they wouldn't have a chance to meet each other very often. They take turns every day. He greeted her and asked why she came back so early. "What a surprise my dear sister". Befuddled but glad Helios was grateful to see his sister once again. Selene grinned as obviously somebody intentionally made it happen. " Ask that question to the gentleman sitting right next to you." Selene was pertaining to Zeus god of rain and lightning who was smiling as he heard the conversation of the siblings. " Yes, I did made it rain, because it was romantic to view the lovers kissing in the rain". Zeus was teasing Selene as the former can't stand witnessing the partners enjoying their time together on a dissimilar atmosphere. Did you not like the rain, Selene? Zeus sarcastically probed. Well not too much as you made it rain on purpose. Helios laughed vehemently even tough he cannot get along with the conversation. "Am I missing anything here ?" his query is full of incertitude. Zeus started narrating the story. You see Helios your lovely sister is in love again to another mortal, this time she chose to have a rival. Zeus laughed thundered within the entire Mount Olympus. The incident caught attention to most gods and goddesses who were attending the event. In an instance the story of Selene falling in love with a mortal spread like forrest fire. Each has their own opinion of whether it is ethical or not. Selene was so embarrassed that she left early and waited in the east where she expect Helios to drag the sun on sunrise.

In the morning the sun is bright and shinning while birds chirping and the breeze is cool. The leaves are covered from dew drops, evidence of a stormy cold night that transpired. In the trullo where Lucia and Robert slept together, everything was peaceful. Robert's eyes were still close and Lucia gazed at him with pure love. In her mind she couldn't imagine waking up without him by her side What life could have been if Robert is gone. She looked at the image of Jesus on the right corner of her bedroom. Lucia is a devoted Catholic, her faith has saved her many times, she is a strong woman because of her belief in God. She wouldn't have taught that apart from the ultimate Creator there would be other God's roaming and rulling in the face of earth. Little did she know that her quiet and contented life is about to change.She kissed him gently on the cheeks, glanced at Robert once again, his face suggestive of happiness at her company.. Even on the most simple life without lavishness or luxury they were gratified and blessed.

Lucia is a beauty from in and out. She has a magnificent mind and spirit. Kind, compassionate and caring. She loves unconditionally never asking for anything in return. Genuine and advocates authenticity her values embodies the beauty of her soul. She slowly pull off from bed and walk to the kitchen to prepare food. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so it should be special.Lucia opened the fridge and started arranging the ingredients for a special spaghetti meal. Chopped garlic and the rest of the ingredients and soon the kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of tomatoes,garlic and basil. Lucia stood at the stove carefully stirring pot of bubbling marinara sauce while Robert still content sleeping on the bedroom. Lucia sliced fresh mozzarella cheese and arranged it into platter. She put olive oil, drizzled it over the pan and sauteed it with vegetables adding a pinch of salt a dash of pepper for flavor. She then turned her attention on the pasta, which was boiling away on the stove. Lucia stirred the sauce She couldn't help but smile at the thought of her grandma's recipe. Once the pasta was cooked al dente, Lucia drained it and added it to the sauce, tossing it gently to ensure that each piece is coated in rich, silky tomato sauce. After she started chopping ingredients for the caprese salad. Layering slices of ripe tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese on a bed of fragrant basil leaves. Lucia ladled the pasta into the plates and topped with a generous amount of parmesan cheese. She then put the caprese salad on the side along with a basket of crusty Italian bread. She brewed coffee as Robert's favorite is Caffe Ristretto.

Lucia walked gently to Robert, she cuddled him near enough to feel the gentle sound of his breathing and the subtle scent of his skin. She caress him while playing her finger on his hair. The comfort, safety of belonging to someone greatly magnifies her emotion. Her deep connection to Robert like they have known each other from the past was intense. She whispered close to his ears with pure love and respect." Wake up my dear". She followed it up with a sweet kiss on the cheeks . Robert tried opening his eyes. The image of Lucia's beautiful face was blurry. He looked a little disoriented while waking up slowly. "Breakfast is ready", Lucia's excitement is contagious, she was thrilled as if she won the lottery. Robert laughed at her partners facial expression and knew she gave her best to prepare him a feast. Lucia was pulling his hand like a toddler wanting to show her new toy to her playmate. He slowly moved up as if the girl was strong enough to make him get up from his seat.

Robert and Lucia walked together to the kitchen and the gentleman was fascinated to see the effort exerted by his fiancee to prepare a hefty breakfast for him. " I'm impressed". Robert pull Lucia close to him and gave her a kiss on her forehead as sign of appreciation and respect. "Can't find anyone better".Robert utter compliment while Lucia smiled gleamed.the entire place. The lovers sat down to enjoy their meal, The flavors of the fresh ingredients mingled together in a symphony of taste and texture. The pasta was perfectly cooked and sauce was rich in flavor. The salad is crisp and refreshing. As they eat the couples chatted and laughed enjoying each others company and the delicious food that Lucia prepared. It was a simple meal but has brought them immense joy and satisfaction.

Selene on the other hand was busy re assessing the proposal offered by Apate from their last conversation. Though she was not an advocate of manipulation, she pondered it can be the sole solution. She saw Apate looking at her while she advanced closer, the grin and sneering on the villains face cannot be hidden."Well , well., well, what brought the naive goddess of moon to my lair. She started moving gradually on circular motion while holding a small box. Selene's wondering eyes gets fixated to the unusual design of the tiny case that Apate was holding tight into her hand. " I read your mind, I know you need my help", her smile turned into uncontrollable laughter, it was deafening and intimidating at the same time." I ll be brutally honest with you my friend" my service is not for free." she whispered words of trickery to the confused goddess whose face turned distressed ". Selene replied with hesitation, " I don't know if it would be a good thought talking to you', but yes I need your help."

Apate is known for her cunning abilities to trick both mortals and gods, often causing chaos and confusion in the process. She is capable of shape shifting and disguising herself to make it difficult for others to recognize her identity. " Selene my dear, helping you is so much pleasure and privilege" . Apate jeered as her hideous plan was framed just before Selene came to ask. " I will dissimulate to be a mortal, befriend your adversary and put her In a trap of guilt and shame. We will villlainize her in the eyes of everyone and they will hate her. After that I will spread lies and rumor about her and expose her hidden secrets, her darkest past until she can no longer sustain it. We will break her confidence, gaslight her until she no longer recognize the truth. You see Selene, manipulation is an art that can be perfected by narcissist. Apate's voice was persuasive and authoritative. She continues explaining her menacing plan with rhetoric eloquence " When she can no longer accept her true self and start hating, she will distant herself to your anthropoid love interest and that is the time you will get into the scene." Apate burst into laughter while relaying her wicked plan. She used irony and sarcasm to express her contempt to others. " Man are vulnerable, who ever is expressing sympathy and attention when they are in the weakest point of their lives gets their affection." Her eyes gleamed while emotionally appealing to Selene, her voice started sounding calm and calculated belies her inner malevolence. "Not to mention all the fascinating things you can offer. People crave material things, they can even sell their own soul in exchange of luxury and comfort, what more is love. It's value is only for fools." Selene felt uncomfortable by the statement expressed by Apate even though there is truthfulness to such pronouncement , her love will cost an innocent soul to suffer. Selene left without uttering a word, she needs time to reflect, besides Apate has not mentioned her conditions if she agreed to her obscene proposal.

After her dialogue with the moon goddess, Apate went to Hecate in the underworld where the later live. The goddess are friends as Hecate was capable of both good and bad. She was a three faced and three body goddess whose power is associated to witchcraft, magic and crossroad. She is often depicted as a powerful, mysterious figure, with the ability to control the elements and cast a spell. She has the capacity to illuminate the dark corners of the world and reveal hidden knowledge. "What brings my mislaid friend in the underworld, Are you here for some delightful news? ".Hecate smiled deviously shows her evil side while analyzing the woman standing right in front of her" Do you want me to put a curse on your enemy or cause illness so she suffers? The question is leading as she knows Apate has nothing good to offer to anybody. Apate laughed hard enough to break the glass mirror on the wall. It cracked in the middle signifies bad luck, curse to the poor soul who she intends to punish. She played with the small box on her right hand and toss it up and catch it using her left hand. " Do you recognize this box Hecate"? the question pose incertitude on the witch goddess. She looked closer at the mysterious box and got shocked to view an exact replica of the Pandoras box. "I created it,' Apate continued while discoursing her allegory ,.I was once inside the box. "It took years before I was liberated, ' her expression was deadpan as memories flashed scene reflects her nostalgia on the boiling pot right next to her. " My sister and I were trapped inside that box with only hope left, but hope saved humanity. All evil on earth were freed to spread hatred, deceit, gossip revenge and wrath. But look at the mortal Hecate, they still smile, trust and love." I made this box to dump those emotions inside and the moon goddess will muck in with my plan. Her face shift from despair to a cunning look. Hecate seemed marveled at what her friend was up to beside Selene.is also a close friend of hers. "Selene is a goddess of light, her heart is kind, how can you convince a righteousness goddess to connive on an execrable proposition". Apate laughed uncontrollably and made Hecate read between the lines.