Io on a desert island (Chapter 11)

 

So we both used our trip to try to locate evidence of this Pacific male god named Io in any of the many island nations that were there in this part of the world. She did most of the talking with the island people and had them mesmerised with her interest and charm.     

I was quite tongue tied but somehow she knew their language and enjoyed their feasts and dancing displays. We swam in hotel pools, walked on deserted beaches and even hired a little boat to view the island from the sea. She was a bit frustrated she couldn’t swim naked but we were told that this was not permitted. 

We found a luxury hotel in Tonga where you stay in a fale on the beach where we could be in utmost privacy just strolling to the main resort for drinks, dining and entertainment. It was there she relaxed, probably knowing she wouldn’t learn much about her namesake Io here or anywhere else either or be troubled by Greek gods looking for her! 

I had however done some research and Zeus had not made love to her as people thought but merely touched her finger; which was enough as she bore her son Ephasus. In fact I was the only person that had ever made love to her. Clearly finger touching may be fine but now she wanted the real thing…with me! 

I did ask her “Who is going to find out?” 

At this Io laughed. “Well no, its not Zeus; he has always got nymphs and maidens hoping they’re next. It is always the many minor gods and goddesses looking for the dirty on anyone else.”

I said not a word, it all seemed illogical. Meanwhile Io had already stripped off and was pulling at my tee-shirt as her face beamed with laughter.

316 words

Image found at www.shutterstock.com

Io speaks the truth...I think (Chapter 7)

 

Io, my yummy companion (and ancient Greek goddess) had somehow upset my normal and dull life and was now telling me she was on a special mission to persuade the world to take the ancient gods seriously. Well yes, I needed little persuasion as she had offered herself to me. She told me that Zeus had caught wind or more likely heard that Aeolus the god of the winds had learnt of a new god that was neither male or female but had the ability to persuade people to think, act and exist with each other and the world. 

I'd already put two and two together thinking that had happened more that 2000 years ago. But Io just shook her head saying "No, this new god's name is "Io" the same as mine!"

I was speechless as Io explained what she had found out. Aeolus in charge of the wind clearly had travelled far and wide reporting back to Zeus. Then off he would go huffing and puffing about as winds do. However once when drunk he had spilt the beans, saying the god he had found was both passive and active, was eternal without forebears but he was the precursor.

Io then looked at me and said "Now you can see why I was summoned, don't you?" 

I nodded doubtfully saying "Well it can't be you or what you can become because you have a father and mother."

Io nodded too and continued. "This male Io is different. Zeus reckons if we can get him on side, the pantheon of gods can become active again. So I think we should go and find him". 

"Have you got an atlas?" Io then asked

I laughed and said "He is part of your lot, holding everything up". 

Io then laughed too "That's what I like about you Robin. Perhaps you should come too and keep me company. 

I nodded but said "I am tired now, let's discuss this in the morning. You can sleep in the single bedroom if you want to".

"No that won't work" she said ,"I have been told to always protect and look after you."

I just shook my head in disbelief!

Word count 360

Image of a Pacific island found at www.pixabay.com

Io at the Star of Greece - (Chapter 6)

After our morning swim we drove further down the coast stopping at the Star of Greece restaurant overlooking the sea. I thought taking Io my star of Greece was appropriate. It was fairly expensive but Io was worth it. I enjoyed the meal and the view but everytime I asked about the purpose of her trip she evaded me. As I was driving I limited myself to just one drink but Io imbibed freely and became quite bubbly herself. 

I asked her who the real star of Greece was. She stared back at me saying "Why me of course!"

"So the constellation of Taurus is named after you then?" I enquired.

"Fancy them them naming that stupid lump of rock after me" she slurred, waving both her hands  getting agitated, trying to pour some wine from an empty bottle, nearly falling off her chair. The waitress came up and asked if we'd like another bottle, so I shook my head.

Io looked surprised "I haven't finished drinking yet" with a grin on her face leaning over me looking like she would pass out. So I paid the bill and held on to her as we left the restaurant hoping she didn't collapse as we headed to the car.

Grinning at me she said "I could drink with the best of them".

"Dionysus?" I ventured.

"Could be, I don't remember" she said stupidly.

Back at the car as I buckled the seat belt round her, Io started humming some tune I couldn't place; an arcadian air I suspect and by the time I was back on the main road she was sleeping peacefully, albeit with her mouth open.

I got her safely back home and carried her inside and put her to bed with a handy bucket by her side. Dreaming or awake she waved her finger at me saying "It was Poseidon....he can drink like a fish", laughing noisily then falling fast asleep.

Either I had been conned by the most devious bitch imaginable or she was a beautiful Greek goddess who really needed my help.

Then I heard her whisper "I'm not a devious bitch Robin, a devious goddess, yes, but not a bitch."

362 words

Io goes for a swim (Chapter 5)

I suggested to Io that we go for swim down the beach as it was sunny. Where I chose was not popular but well away from surf lifeavers and big crowds. We settled under the rock wall facing the sea which was calm and the weather sunny. I stripped off my tee shirt and wearing shorts went to test the water. I turned as I heard Io run up behind me so turned to find her naked. I looked in horror then rushed back to grab a towel to cover her. Naiad or not I told her everyone must wear something on this beach. I explained there was a beach for nudists a few miles south so we should go there. She shrugged her beautiful shoulders, so we returned to the car.

We drove down to Maslin beach which was the closest one that permits unclothed adults but it took an hour to get there. She seemed quite pleased as I think she enjoyed riding in my car down to the beach. I then parked in the carpark leading to the clothed beach so we walked along up to the nudist beach passing the warning sign for all to see. It was deserted today so as I set up our belongings, Io immediately stripped off and ran down to the water. I also shed my clothes and followed her down. She was in her element swmming far out then coming back telling what she had seen under the water as she played with the crabs and nodded to the dolphins swimming happily about. She finally emerged wearing a garland of seaweed round her neck holding a sea shell saying " Listen to what I heard down there".

I offered her a towel but she shook her head happy to dance on the sand drying herself in the sun. Eventually she slowed down and accompanied me back to our belongings under the cliff face. We both had a drink of bottled water and I suggested we go to a cafe nearby to have a spot to eat. Io nodded her head enthusiastically.

351words

 

 Photo of Maslin Beach, South Australia

Io the traveller- (Chapter 3)

We flew into Kuala Lumpur airport miles from the city. I went to the Business class area and Io followed me in.

"How far are you going?" I asked.

She merely said "You first".

"Adelaide" I said.

She beamed "So am I." 

"You haven't a ticket or a passport have you? You just make them think so. Do you think you are Cleopatra or someone like that?" 

"Well I'm better than her. Haven't you heard of Isis?" She pouted.

"I thought that was a story the Egyptians made up of you swimming in the sea to escape Hera tormenting you with gadflies."

"I am a good swimmer, but an insect spray would have been good."

I shook my head "You really have bewitched me? Why did you pick on me Io?"

"You are the only one that understands" With that she gave me a hug as we headed for the lounge together.

We settled in some easy chairs and I said I was off to the shower. "We could bathe together" she suggested. 

I shook my head. "That is forbidden, the facilities are segregated. You go ahead, I can get one later." So off she went. Later she came back all fresh and dewy. So I went had my shower and then we talked about  Adelaide and what she wanted to do. I would let my family know I was back and mention I had met a friend on the plane who might stay with me.

I still wondered why she fled Greece but such matters were slight compared with how much I fancied her.

As I looked up she smiled and said "I've changed my name".

I raised my eyebrows.

"I am Violet S.Inarchus and I'm Greek on holiday to see friends in Melbourne. That is near you isn't it?"

"Only about 450 miles away and I think you have put an "r" for Robin in your family's name. I am flattered."

She grinned. "Yes, you are quite good Robin!"

331 words

 Image  of Kuala Lumpur airport found at www.pixabay.com

Io and my first night (Chapter 2)

 

Io and I were passengers on the plane. She chose her food, her drinks and accepted the toiletries a stewardess gave her.

Io was a Naiad, Inachus's daughter. Her job was to frighten people or sing as they drowned. 

She was Hera's handmaiden who Zeus fancied. Hera suspected this as he ravished any girl turning them into heifers. Hera wasn't fooled. Seeing a heifer grazing she asked Zeus if she could have one as a present. Zeus couldn't refuse so agreed. Hera then set hundred eyed Argus to keep watch on Io day and night. Zeus desperate to possess Io gets Hermes to kill Argus. This clearly is not an easy task as even when Argus is sleeping half his eyes are still open. So Hermes has a chat with Argus and they talk all night. Hermes telling him boring tales so eventually all of Argus eyes closed. Hermes then kills Argus so Zeus can have Io.

I guessed Io would be cross when I asked why she chose business class rather than cattle class for this trip. She seemed puzzled at first explaining that I was the only person on the plane that she had met before so naturally she chose to sit by me. Suddenly she twigged the cattle joke and was furious; but then relaxed.

“That is what I like about you, Robin.” She said with a cute smile,” You are not scared of me.”

Changing the subject “Should I be?”

“Just don’t let me down.”

“Have you flown before?”

She looked at me, “How did you know?”

“I didn’t, I was just asking.”

Satisfied I was telling the truth she said, “I flew with Icarus with his new wings when he was  escaping from Crete. I was on the isle of Samos with Hera when she made me her handmaiden. He couldn’t keep flying safely. He just had to fly high to the sun just for fun."

“Just to impress you?" I suggested

“Don’t be jealous Robin.”

"I am not" I lied. 

“It wasn’t my fault about Icarus” she murmured sleepily.

When I woke she was holding my hand. 

Word count  352

Kokkinolaimis - Robin

Image found at www.thebusinesstraveller.com

Io and me (Chapter 1)

  

I made a stopover in Athens on the way home to Australia. During safety instructions a girl passenger came down the aisle; who was being directed to sit alongside me. She had virtually no luggage, just one large red leather handbag.

I nodded, then settled back down again. She looked all around checked her seat controls and was about to recline her seat so had to dissuade her until after take off. She complied but grinned at me cheekily and said “So you are a Taurus too.” As the plane taxied.

“We’ve met before.” She continued.

“Have we?”

“At the Acropolis"

“Yes, but the temple of Hera looks a bit sad now"...

“That bitch! They should have pulled the whole lot down.”

“Well that is what the Greek gods were like" I laughed.

She grinned "Why do you think I am here?”

I introduced myself, “I’m Robin, going to Australia.” I held out my hand to shake hers. She looked doubtful but placed her hand in mine. What a beautiful hand it was; soft and ridiculously sexy. Thinking hard she finally said “Io” with a tiny shrug of her shoulders.

That’s Greek isn't it?

“No! I am a Naiad.”

The stewardess came with drinks. While we were choosing I guessed she was pulling my leg.

 “So your Dad was Inachus, but your Mum was....?”

“Melia.”

“Was it? Well you’re Greek you should know.”

“I am not Greek!’ She said getting worked up. “I am Arcadian.”

“Yes, right. So, you’re going to Australia?”

“Is that where we are going?”

“How did you get on without knowing where you are going?”

Ignoring me, she said “I needed someone to help me.”

Smilng seductively placing hand on mine with pleading eyes. I was electrified. With my last fragment of sanity I said “You probably don’t need me at all.”

“You’re right,” she said “I just thought it might be fun with a younger man.”

“Io,” I said “I am not young”

“How old do you think I am then?’” She replied flicking her ten fingers up hundreds of times, finishing with just four. “It will work out.”

I had an uneasy feeling about this, she must be about 3500 years old

368 words

Readers; in case you are wondering; yes, there is more to come!

Illustration from www.Pixabay.com