Have another drink,
My dear.

Careful whispers spread
From one place to the next.
Rumours swirling around,
Growing like vines,
Only to s q e e z e.

Is it true?

A glimmer of a smirk
On a youthful face.
The whispers screaming,
His eyes containing a gleam
Of knowledge
Of the unknown.

That you were mortal?

Walls build,
Facades go up.
Keep up appearances,
Don't upset father.
The taste of ichor
Has never been more bitter.

Laurels askew
A silent chant falls from his lips.
Yes, yes, yes.

One drink,
Then another.
The god of wine tries to drown his humanity
Bit by bit.
His attempts are futile.
Nectar meeting his lips
The sawdust flavour
Sickening.
It's purpose to taste like home
Futile.
He's never felt at home anywhere.
Olympus was but a house for him.

No.
How could someone
Like me
Have ever been mortal.
Venom stained his words.

Then
She came,
And she saved him.
Saved him from drowning.

orion