OR
'HOW JOSH MET FAUNUS'
Please do not view this article if such material may offend.
for the benefit of readers who have not been following the story of 'Club Jaguar' from the beginning...characters in Club jaguar usually have different names from when they appeared in 'The Story of Gracchus' - as follows.
'Marcus' is Jim - 'Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus' is 'the Boss' - 'Petronius' is Zac - 'Terentius' remains the same - 'Aurarius' is Ethan - 'Adonios' is Josh - 'Faunus' remains the same
note: some of the minor characters do not appear in 'Club Jaguar'
PROLOGVS - FAUNS
Fauns are supposedly mythical creatures who appear in the legends of Greece and Rome.
They are well known for their love of the forest, music, and sex, and they are generally charming to the people they encounter as they trot along their happy, woodland paths.
Fauns are a peculiar, 'chimeric' race.With horns, they might not sound like the loveliest of characters, but they have their own undeniable charm.
It's impossible not to love Fauns - with their handsome faces, which combine pointy ears, little horns and a head full of dark curls, with youthful features, sparkling eyes, and often a roguish smile.
These woodland creatures have handsome male bodies with lithe limbs.
While they’re not especially fond of clothing, usually disporting themselves naked, they like to adorn themselves with crowns of leaves and berries from their woodland home, especially before one of their legendary parties.
Of course, they are best known for their syrinx playing.
With just a small, wooden flute, they can hypnotize you with fantastic melodies.
Hardly anyone can resist a Faun with a syrinx, and in truth, the power of their flutes has led some of them to 'act up', luring travellers into the forest, where they get lost, or stealing the hearts of beautiful young people away from the rest of the world.
Fauns and satyrs are commonly confused because they have some striking similarities in appearance and personality, however, they are separate creatures.
Satyrs are followers of the God Dionysus, the god of harvest, wine-making, and ecstasy among other things. Like Fauns, they love music, sex, and parties, but they are far less innocent than their light-hearted cousins. Satyrs are crafty creatures, and they can be downright destructive when they are bent on enjoying themselves, no matter the cost. They are also less physically charming than their woodland cousins. Their faces are less human, and their lower bodies are often in the form of a donkey.
Faunus, as his name suggests, is a faun - and the 'archetype' of a faun or is he ?
Or is he just 'masquerading' as a faun ?
MAGICAE IN SILVAM
(Magic in the Forest)
(Magic in the Forest)
For most of the journey Aurarius and Adonios slept, while Marcus and Petronius talked quietly.
 |
| Adonios and Glaux |
Novius, having never visited the villa, took the opportunity during the journey to ask Terentius about the villa, and the surrounding area.
In addition, Novius, being an amateur historian, as well as an expert in religious practices and mythology, appraised both Terentius and Nicander of the history of the area around Tibur.
The young slave-boys, Euphrainus and Aniketos slept, while Demetrius and Aelius whispered 'sweet nothings' to one another.
As they travelled north-east the scenery gradually became more lush and green, and soon the road was engulfed in a dense forest.
It was afternoon, and Euphrainus and Aniketos had managed to wake up.
Euphrainus was hanging out of the window of the carriage, admiring the scenery.
Suddenly he turned round and looked at Aniketos.
"Shit ! - You'll never guess what I've seen !", he said excitedly.
Aniketos, Aelius and Demetrius all moved towards the windows to join Euphrainus.
"Look at the fuckin' size of that !", Aniketos said.
"What the fuck is it ?", Aelius added.
"I think it's the entrance to the Villa - like the gateway.", Demetrius guessed.
"Well if that's the size of the front gate......how big is the villa ?", Euphrainus said, wide eyed.
"Well.... if the Domus in Rome is anything to go by...very big !", Demetrius replied.
"Have you ever been here ?", Aelius asked Demetrius.
"Well, Terentius tells me I was here when I was a baby....but I don't remember it at all..", Demetrius replied, a little sadly.
Once again the forest closed in - so it seemed that the huge monumental gateway, emblazoned with Gnaeus Gracchus' name and his gilded crest was some distance from the actual villa.
Marcus and Petronius had also noticed the gateway, and as neither of them had been to the villa before, they too, like the boys, were intrigued by the possible size of the villa.
Eventually the road broadened, and it was obvious that they were approaching the villa.
Then the main entrance to the huge, three storied villa came into sight, its pure white marble gleaming in the afternoon sun.
Once again the forest closed in - so it seemed that the huge monumental gateway, emblazoned with Gnaeus Gracchus' name and his gilded crest was some distance from the actual villa.
Marcus and Petronius had also noticed the gateway, and as neither of them had been to the villa before, they too, like the boys, were intrigued by the possible size of the villa.
Eventually the road broadened, and it was obvious that they were approaching the villa.
Then the main entrance to the huge, three storied villa came into sight, its pure white marble gleaming in the afternoon sun.
Built in an elaborate Hellenistic style, with the lower order of columns being Doric (as they should be), and the upper order of columns being Ionic, it was vaguely reminiscent of the 'Villa Auream' in Baiae, but in a somewhat more ornate style.
Nicander then excused himself to Terentius and Novius, and swiftly walked over to the main entrance to find the junior freedmen who looked after the villa.
Ion and Keos were the two Greek freedmen who were in charge of the villa, with Ion as the senior, and Keos as his assistant.
Neither freedman had been working in the villa at the time that 'baby Demetrios' (actually Gracchus 'bastard' son), had stayed there, although both freedmen had been at the villa for a number of years, and were trustworthy, according to Terentius, who had met both of them previously, when he had visited to make inventories and inspections of the estate for the 'late Dominus'.
Slowly everyone got out of their respective carriages, stretching their legs in order to get used to finally walking again.
Glaux, the owl, decided to wake up for a few moments, took a quick look round - saw the trees - blinked, and then went to sleep again, having decided to make a full exploration once everyone had gone to bed.
Euphrainus turned to Aniketos as they walked towards the wide flight of steps leading to the main entrance.
"I think I'm going to like it here.", he said, looking up at the towering three floors.
"Well - it will probably be a lot quieter than Rome." Aniketos replied.
Marcus and Aurarius were walking behind.
"And all this is yours, also ?", Aurarius said questioningly.
"Apparently so, - according to Terentius.", Marcus replied.
Moments later Nicander came over to Marcus, with Ion and Keos in tow.
Both the freedmen looked remarkably nervous, and Marcus could only conclude that Nicander had sent letters warning them about the fact that their new Dominus was unusually strict (which was true).
"Dominus, may I introduce Ion, and his assistant Keos, who are the senior freedmen at the villa.", Nicander said.
Both the young freedmen bowed rather excessively low.
"I am pleased to meet you.", Marcus replied politely.
"Once the slaves have transferred all our belonging to the main atrium, I will speak with you, and introduce my party, and while this is under way I think we would all appreciate some refreshments.", Marcus concluded.
"Of course - immediately, Dominus.", Ion replied, sending Keos off to supervise some slaves.
Marcus then called over Nicander.
"Please - once you have refreshed yourself, sort out the crates for myself, Petronius, Terentius, Novius and Demetrius, and have them taken to the suites allocated by Ion.", Marcus instructed.
"Of course, Dominus !", Nicander replied and, grabbing a goblet of wine, he immediately started giving Ion and Keos instructions.
Finally Novius, looking a bit breathless and hot, arrived in the atrium with Terentius and the slave-boy Philipos.
"Is everything under control, Dominus ?", Terentius asked, looking around at all the bustle and confusion.
"Yes, and Nicander is definitely rising to the occasion - which is pleasing !", Marcus replied.
"Well I did tell you he was good....", Terentius answered, smiling.
"All he needed was to get used to you...", Terentius went on, with a sly wink.
By that time everyone was gathered in the atrium, and Marcus went through the formality of introducing his travelling companions.
He made no mention that Demetrius had spent time as a child at the Villa, and when he introduced Terentius to Ion it was obvious that they knew each other.
Marcus was very careful to make it clear to whom the various boys belonged, and matters were made easier by the fact that Aurarius and Adonios had gold slave-collars, whereas the other three boys wore silver slave-collars - which indicated their relative status.
Finally Marcus introduced Glaux, who managed to wake up again, (just for the introductions), and Marcus repeated the stern warning that he had previously given to Nicander, regarding the fact that all the staff were to treat Glaux with the greatest respect, or face the most appalling consequences.
Ion looked rather bemused, but was obviously obliged to obey his Dominus implicitly.
When Keos returned to advise that the allocated suites were available, Marcus told Adonios to take Glaux up to Petronius' apartments, as he didn't want the little bird getting upset by all the hustle and bustle in the main atrium.
Marcus then told Aurarius to find his apartments, and to start unpacking the crates that should have already been deposited there, while Demetrius did the same with Aelius.
The rest of the early evening, for Euphrainus, Aniketos, Aelius, Aurarius and Adonios was taken up with unpacking, and putting things away in chests and cupboards.
Later everyone met in the large triclinium for an evening meal.
Fortunately Terentius was able to interest everyone with his reminiscences about the villa in the days when the 'late Dominus' and his wife often spent the springtime enjoying the idyllic glades, pools and waterfalls in the grounds.
Terentius was careful, however, never to mention anything about the very young Demetrios, who spent much time at the villa, although he did intrigue Novius with tales of nymphs and fauns who, supposedly, disported themselves in the glades and forests around the villa, dancing to the sound of the 'rhoptron' (tambourine), and 'syrinx' (panpipes).
Interestingly, Glaux, on hearing about φαῦνος - (fauns), looked unusually alert, and gazed intently at Adonios.
"What's got into him ?", Marcus asked, having noticed that Glaux had stopped dozing, and looked unusually, and suspiciously alert.
"He's probably going to fly off tonight, and find us a faun...", Petronius said with a grin, while at the same time winking at Adonios.
And so it was time for bed.
Aurarius slept with Marcus - just to cuddle up to him to talk - the day had been too long and tiring for anything else - and Euphrainus, equally tired, slept alone.
"It's so quiet, Marcus.", Aurarius whispered.
"Yes.", Marcus replied, sleepily.
"Even at Baiae you can hear the sea."
Aurarius turned over, laying his arm on Marcus' chest.
"Here you can listen to the trees...sighing in the breeze ...... and pipes ?", Aurarius said, quickly sitting up.
"You're just imagining it - paying too much attention to Terentius making up stories for Novius.", Marcus replied, tousling Aurarius' spiky golden hair.
But, of course, Aurarius had not imagined it.....
 |
| Faunus - Playing the 'Pan Pipes' |
And Aurarius dreamed - of fauns and nymphs, and the beautiful music of the syrinx, drifting through the sweet smelling darkness...... as a little owl winged his silent way to the chosen, 'magic' glade.
 |
| Glaux in the Forest |
PRIMA DIE
'The First Day' -
Word had got round in the town of Tibur that the Dominus of the Villa Pastoralis was in residence.
Word had got round in the town of Tibur that the Dominus of the Villa Pastoralis was in residence.
No one in the town had seen the Dominus for many years, and now the local magistrates, town senators, local dignitaries and town 'worthies' all made their way to the villa - by foot, on horseback, in litters or in carriages for an early morning 'salutatio'.
'The Morning Ritual' -
The salutatio took place every morning during the Roman Republic and early Empire. It was considered to be one of the central aspects of the start of the day. The morning ritual was reiterated daily throughout the Republic and Empire, and was a fundamental part of Roman interactions between citizens of varying status. It was used as a sign of respect from the 'cliens' to the 'patronus'. The relationship between the salutatory and salutatee is essentially as a system of social acquiescence. In this system, the salutatee was able to accrue significant social esteem, and the salutator was merely a humble client or social inferior.
"Dominus !", Aurarius called, "Terentius has sent a slave-boy to say that the courtyard is full of people desiring a salutio !".
"So 'boy', if you get your freedom, and become rich and respected...then you too may have all your morning disturbed by masses of fawning clients !", Marcus growled grumpily as he got out of bed.
Marcus had been looking forward to a slow, gentle rising, accompanied by a lazy fuck with his beloved Aurarius, but now it was all rush and bustle, as Aurarius hurried to drape Marcus' new senatorial toga on his master.
Later, accompanied by Petronius and Demetrius, and escorted by Aurarius, Adonios (with a seemingly 'hung-over' Glaux perched unsteadily on his shoulder) and Aelius, Marcus made his way the the main Atrium on the ground floor.
This atrium was not as large as that in the Domus in Rome, but was magnificently decorated.
There was a distinct murmuring from the clients as Marcus entered the atrium and greeted Terentius.
Obviously Glaux was a cause for comment, but more to the point, most of the clients had been expecting to see the 'late Dominus', (Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus), as few knew of the death of Gracchus.
Instead they were confronted with his young heir, Senator Marcus Octavianus Gracchus.
Fortunately Terentius knew the majority of the clients, and was able to introduce them by name to Marcus.
Marcus was not in the best of moods, having been woken somewhat abruptly, and remained cool and aloof.
Knowing that it was unlikely that he would be a regular resident at the villa, Marcus felt no compunction, at that time, to make any real acquaintance with his clients, particularly as Terentius indicated, subtly, that few of them were of any real significance, politically, socially or economically.
Once the perfunctory greetings - and the condolences offered by the clients regarding the 'late Dominus' demise were over, Terentius instructed Ion to supervise the distribution of the 'sportula' to the clients.
Terentius then announced to the clients that the Dominus would not be leaving the villa that morning (this was to dissuade clients from hanging around, intent on accompanying the Dominis on his morning walk - a common custom in the city).
'Sportula' - a gift (as of food or money) usually from an ancient Roman to one of his clients and often at regular intervals or on prescribed occasions.
Slowly, with the assistance of villa slaves, the atrium was cleared of visitors.
"So - I'm glad that's over....but how did they know I was here.",Marcus, who was a little peeved, said to Terentius.
"Well it's a small place, Tibur, and a huge line of wagons and carriages wending their way on the road leading to the villa is bound to attract attention - and news, as they say, travels fast.", Terentius said, shaking his head.
"And is this going to happen every morning ?", Marcus asked, as Petronius stood listening, and smiling, obviously amused at Marcus' boyish distress.
"Yes, I' afraid it probably will.", Terentius said with a certain amount of resignation.
"So what are you planning to do today ?", Marcus then asked.
"Well I know you won't really be interested - but I have to check all the accounts, and the inventories - just to make sure that no one is stealing anything.",Terentius replied.
"You mean Ion and Keos, I suppose.", Marcus said, rather too bluntly.
"Did I say that, Dominus ?", Terentius said in mock surprise.
"And talking about Ion, can you arrange for him to show me over the villa ?
Marcus then grinned.
"You see, as you tell me that I own it - well I think that at least I should be allowed to inspect it."
Terentius looked at Marcus quizzically.
"Yes, Dominus, you do own it - everything and everyone in it - so I will gladly get Ion to show you round.", joining in on the joke.
"May I come on this inspection ?", Petronius asked, having little else to do.
"Of course." Marcus replied, happy to have his friend join him, "but I think Adonios should take Glaux back to your apartments, as he doesn't look too happy this morning."
So Glaux, looking somewhat annoyed, was taken back to the 'area nobilis', and Marcus began his inspection of the Villa.
In general layout and decoration, the villa was very similar to the Villa Auream in Baiae.
The villa was well kept, but that was probably because since the death of the 'late Dominus' wife no one had lived there.
All the furnishings had been shrouded in vast linen cloths (only removed the day before Marcus' arrival), while the floors had been assiduously and regularly cleaned, and the gardens had been immaculately maintained.
Unlike the Domus, in Rome, here there was no roof garden, but that hardly mattered, as the grounds around the villa were so extensive.
In fact the formal gardens had been so designed as to merge, imperceptibly, into the surrounding forest glades, where statues depicting mythological subjects, and small temples and pavilions dotted the landscape.
 |
| The Nereide Pool - 'Villa Pastoralis' |
Marcus and his entourage had arrived just as the hot weather was approaching, and both he and Petronius were eager to view the swimming pool of which Ion had boasted.
The pool itself abutted a large marble terrace which projected from the main wing of the villa.
And it was impressive - adorned with enumerable statutes of gods, goddesses, nymphs, sirens, nereids and tritons, all sculpted from the finest, flawless Parian marble.
Apart from using the pool to 'cool off', Marcus also wanted to ensure that all the 'boys' could swim, and swim well.
Demetrios and Aurarius were already good swimmers, thanks to Petronius, but Adonios needed more practice, and none of the new boys, Aniketos, Aelius and Euphrainus were able to swim.
Ion then suggested that they go back inside the villa to inspect the indoor pool - which was actually part of a balneae (from Greek βαλανεῖον), which was a series of baths and pools set at different temperatures.
 |
| The Indoor Pool |
All the private apartments in the villas and houses belonging to the Estates of Marcus had small balneae - but also usually larger suites for bathing set on the ground floors.
It seemed that the balneae in the Villa Pastoralis was particularly lavish, which was why Ion was keen to show it off.
And indeed it was lavish and ornate, with the main pool - cool and used for swimming - having in the centre a magnificent statue of an ephebe in white marble.
Petronius' comment, however, just about summed up the overall impression of the main pool -
"It's a bit blue - isn't it ?".
"So who was the architect ?", Marcus asked Ion.
"I'm afraid I do not know, Dominus.
The βαλανεῖον was built before I began my service here.", Ion replied, apologetically.
"I bet Terentius knows.", Petronius suggested.
"Yes - certainly.
And I would guess that it was Severus - and I would bet that all those blue tiles hide a lot of concrete - if we know Severus.", Marcus replied, referring to his brilliant, but decidedly eccentric architect.
(in case you don't remember from previous chapters it was Severus who designed Nero's 'Golden House' in Rome, and since Nero's death Severus worked first for Gnaeus Octavian, and now Marcus.)
After the pool, Marcus and Petronius inspected the lavishly decorated and equipped Gymnasia.
Further inspection showed that the slave quarters were a considerable improvement on those in the 'Domus Gracchii' in Rome.
The Domus slave quarters were situated in a gloomy basement - which Marcus, on inspection, had ordered to be re-plastered and whitewashed.
They were situated in the basement because the Domus was situated on the summit of the Esquiline Hill, and there was no danger of flooding
Here, in Tibur, the area was low lying, with many local rivers and steams, and Springtime flooding was always a danger - so the slave quarters were light and airy, being built, as was the whole villa, on a substantial brick and concrete podium.
Marcus and Petronius also inspected the library, which was busily being stocked with scrolls, under the supervision of Novius.
On finding Novius in the library, Marcus suggested that he join himself and Petronius for an alfresco lunch on one of the marble terraces overlooking the villa gardens.
And so Aurarius was sent off to order lunch, and to bring Adonios down from Petronius' apartments on the 'area nobilis' on the floor above.
As slaves brought tables, chairs and couches for the lunch, Aurarius arrived with Adonios.
Sitting on Adonios' shoulder was a very flustered looking Glaux, and Adonios himself looked concerned.
"What's wrong, Adonios ?", Petronius asked.
"It's Glaux, Domine....
Since he returned from hunting this morning he ha been very disturbed.
He keeps flying over to the balcony - perching on the balustrade - looking out to the forest, and then looking back at me.
It's like there's something out there - and he wants me to follow him to see it...", Adonios explained, breathlessly, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Well, that's easily sorted.." Marcus suggested.
"After lunch, see if he will guide you through the forest, and see if he's found anything....."
"Maybe another owl to 'play' with....", Petronius interrupted, with a wicked grin, and a gleam in his eye.
"But if you go, don't go too far - if you go on your own...
and be careful !", Marcus added.
Glaux looked intently at Marcus - blinked, and then seemed to settle down.
"You know, I'm certain that wicked little bird understands everything we say !", Marcus said disapprovingly.
"And everything we think....", Petronius added knowingly.
IUVENIS IN SILVA
'The Boy in the Forest' -
After lunch, and almost unnoticed, Adonios set out on his 'quest' in the forest with Glaux.
Unusually, Glaux was not content to sit on Adonios' shoulder as he normally did, but instead insisted on sitting an Adonios' wrist - just like a real bird of prey - which, of course he was.
As the forest canopy closed in around Adonios, Glaux suddenly took off.
For a heart stopping moment Adonios thought that Glaux would fly away, and possibly never return.
Instead, however, Glaux wheeled about among the treetops, seemingly effortlessly.
Adonios had never before seen Glaux fly like this.
The only time that Adonios had seen Glaux fly was when he was flying in or out through the opening in the ceiling above the atrium pool (compluvium), or in or out between the columns of the balcony, and then the little bird had only ever been visible for a moment.
Now, for the first time, Adonios was able to see how elegantly and skillfully Glaux could fly and, of course, being an owl, his flight was completely, and mysteriously silent.
It was surprisingly dark in the forest, and Adonios slowly recognized what he was seeing.
 |
| Glaux in the Forest |
'Glaux', Adonios realized, was 'the little owl.... drifting through the sweet smelling darkness...... winging his silent way to the chosen, 'magic' glade'.
And as he did, he began to be nervous, as he realized that he had, in fact, dreamed this, the previous night.
Glaux, of course, could fly far faster than Adonios could walk through the dense and entangled forest, but it was obvious that Glaux wanted Adonios to follow him, as the little owl repeatedly circled, giving Adonios time to catch up, and on occasion even perched on an overhanging branch - waiting.
Eventually Glaux returned to Adonios' wrist, and sat there looking up with his huge, limpid eyes at his dear friend.
"So what now ?", Adonios whispered, afraid to break the overwhelming silence of the forest.
Glaux ruffled his feathers, and blinked.
Adonios then heard a sudden quiet crack, like the sound of a twig snapping.
"Did you hear that ?", Adonios whispered to Glaux.
Glaux nodded - or did Adonios just imagine the bird's reaction - and, before, did he just imagine the quiet crack.
But then there was another crack, and Adonios was sure that there was something, or someone nearby.
"Who's there ?", Adonios called quietly, his voice trembling as he felt rather foolish.
But no one answered.
But Glaux was looking intently at a very large rhododendron a short distance away.
"What....it's something there ?", Adonios whispered softly to Glaux.
Glaux then flew off, and circled the rhododendron as if to answer Adonios' question.
"Who's there ?", Adonios repeated - just a little louder.
"Who are you ?", came the soft reply.
Glaux quietly did his odd warbling cry, as if to reply.
"I'm Adonios.", Adonios replied, being far more brave that he ever imagined that he could be.
Then, something very strange happened.
A figure 'appeared' in the rhododendron - the figure of a person - of a boy, - about Adonios' age.
But it was not as if the boy parted the leaves and stepped out, but rather the boy just seemed to become, in some way 'solid', but still partly hidden among the leaves.
"Oh !", Adonios said, feeling rather stupid after he said it.
"I'm Faunus.", the boy said softly, in a beautiful, melodious voice.
The boy appeared to be naked, and stunningly handsome, with hypnotic, dark eyes - as dark as the black of the night sky.
But there was something very, very odd about this boy.
Firstly his ears were pointed - and secondly he had very small horns on his head.
Adonios was shocked, intrigued and excited, all at the same time.
"And what are you doing here ?", Adonios asked as innocently as he could, while Glaux flew and perched on Faunus' head, where he pecked inquisitively at one of the boy's horns.
"I live here - always have.", Faunus replied nonchalantly.
"Enough, Glaux !", Faunus said firmly but gently, obviously tired of having his horns pecked.
"But....!", Adonios spluttered, and then got control of himself.
"How did you know his name?", Adonios managed to ask - completely incredulous.
"It's obvious.", Faunus replied.
"Athena told me he would bring you here.", Faunus explained, as if it was 'perfectly obvious'.
Adonios flopped down against a tree trunk, and slapped his cheek.
"I must wake up !", he said to himself, rubbing his eyes - but they were open - and he was awake.
"Now if you have no problem with Glaux, then why should you have a problem with me ?", Faunus asked, standing with one hand on his hip, and looking peeved.
"Well, you've got horns, and funny pointy ears, and seemed to appear out of nowhere.", Adonios stuttered.
"But we all have these horns and these ears, and can change shape, and appear and disappear.
It's all very normal really." Faunus replied casually.
"Yes...but not for people like me - and all the other people I know - and even Glaux can't appear and disappear...
And who do you mean by 'we' ?"
"...'don't know much - do you !", Faunus replied.
"Glaux is just like me.
He can appear or disappear - and change his shape if he wants.
And what's the problem with my horns and ears....I'm a faun !
Just because you - and the other humans don't have them is nothing.
Horns give a boy class - and human ears are horrible, and floppy and round.", Faunus continued, obviously warming to his subject.
"And we - as you have asked, are the fauns and satyrs - 'elementals' - and very upmarket and exclusive...
So be careful what you say."
Adonios, forgetting his concern about whether he was dreaming - or not, was worried that he might have offended the young faun - or Glaux, or even Athena.
"I'm very sorry, Faunus.
I didn't mean to be rude - but I've never met a faun before - in fact I wasn't even sure that fauns existed - so it's all been a bit of a shock.", Adonios said, trying to apologize.
"Yes....", Faunus said reflectively,
"Glaux said that you might get a bit weird.
He knows that you are a bit timid - but don't take that the wrong way.
Glaux really loves you, but he understands that some things make you nervous and upset.
So.... let's start from the beginning...."
Faunus squatted down in front of Adonios, looking up, as Glaux carefully climbed down onto Faunus' shoulder, and began nibbling at his 'pointy' ear.
"I'm Faunus - a faun, and I met Glaux last night, and he told me all about you, and so I told him that I wanted to meet you - and, as you can see, he brought you here to see me - simple ?" Faunus ended, on a note of bravado.
"Well no....not really." Adonios was forced to reply - and then paused, collecting his thoughts.
"So how can Glaux tell you about me - he's an owl, and he can't talk.
And what has all of this to do with Athena ?", Adonios said, trying to straighten things out for himself.
"As I said before - you don't know much - so stop saying things that are not true.
Glaux can talk to me - but not in the way that you humans talk.
He can send his thoughts to me (although he often warbles when he does it - which is funny) , and I can send my thoughts to him, or just talk - he understands both ways.
And also, he can read human thoughts - so be careful what you think when Glaux is around.
And everything that Glaux sees and hears - Athena knows - because he's her owl - as you keep telling everybody."
Adonios nodded, finally beginning to make some sense of the strange situation.
"So what do we do now ?", Adonios asked rather nervously.
Adonios had heard about satyrs, and their rather unsavory reputation, and he was not quite sure if fauns and satyrs were very much the same sort of thing.
And here he was, on his own, in the forest - and no one knew he was here - and he was alone with this 'boy-thing', that may well turn out to be a satyr - or worse.
Then, something very strange happened.
A figure 'appeared' in the rhododendron - the figure of a person - of a boy, - about Adonios' age.
But it was not as if the boy parted the leaves and stepped out, but rather the boy just seemed to become, in some way 'solid', but still partly hidden among the leaves.
"Oh !", Adonios said, feeling rather stupid after he said it.
"I'm Faunus.", the boy said softly, in a beautiful, melodious voice.
The boy appeared to be naked, and stunningly handsome, with hypnotic, dark eyes - as dark as the black of the night sky.
But there was something very, very odd about this boy.
Firstly his ears were pointed - and secondly he had very small horns on his head.
Adonios was shocked, intrigued and excited, all at the same time.
"And what are you doing here ?", Adonios asked as innocently as he could, while Glaux flew and perched on Faunus' head, where he pecked inquisitively at one of the boy's horns.
"I live here - always have.", Faunus replied nonchalantly.
"Enough, Glaux !", Faunus said firmly but gently, obviously tired of having his horns pecked.
"But....!", Adonios spluttered, and then got control of himself.
"How did you know his name?", Adonios managed to ask - completely incredulous.
"It's obvious.", Faunus replied.
"Athena told me he would bring you here.", Faunus explained, as if it was 'perfectly obvious'.
Adonios flopped down against a tree trunk, and slapped his cheek.
"I must wake up !", he said to himself, rubbing his eyes - but they were open - and he was awake.
"Now if you have no problem with Glaux, then why should you have a problem with me ?", Faunus asked, standing with one hand on his hip, and looking peeved.
"Well, you've got horns, and funny pointy ears, and seemed to appear out of nowhere.", Adonios stuttered.
"But we all have these horns and these ears, and can change shape, and appear and disappear.
It's all very normal really." Faunus replied casually.
"Yes...but not for people like me - and all the other people I know - and even Glaux can't appear and disappear...
And who do you mean by 'we' ?"
"...'don't know much - do you !", Faunus replied.
"Glaux is just like me.
He can appear or disappear - and change his shape if he wants.
And what's the problem with my horns and ears....I'm a faun !
Just because you - and the other humans don't have them is nothing.
Horns give a boy class - and human ears are horrible, and floppy and round.", Faunus continued, obviously warming to his subject.
"And we - as you have asked, are the fauns and satyrs - 'elementals' - and very upmarket and exclusive...
So be careful what you say."
Adonios, forgetting his concern about whether he was dreaming - or not, was worried that he might have offended the young faun - or Glaux, or even Athena.
"I'm very sorry, Faunus.
I didn't mean to be rude - but I've never met a faun before - in fact I wasn't even sure that fauns existed - so it's all been a bit of a shock.", Adonios said, trying to apologize.
"Yes....", Faunus said reflectively,
"Glaux said that you might get a bit weird.
He knows that you are a bit timid - but don't take that the wrong way.
Glaux really loves you, but he understands that some things make you nervous and upset.
So.... let's start from the beginning...."
Faunus squatted down in front of Adonios, looking up, as Glaux carefully climbed down onto Faunus' shoulder, and began nibbling at his 'pointy' ear.
"I'm Faunus - a faun, and I met Glaux last night, and he told me all about you, and so I told him that I wanted to meet you - and, as you can see, he brought you here to see me - simple ?" Faunus ended, on a note of bravado.
"Well no....not really." Adonios was forced to reply - and then paused, collecting his thoughts.
"So how can Glaux tell you about me - he's an owl, and he can't talk.
And what has all of this to do with Athena ?", Adonios said, trying to straighten things out for himself.
"As I said before - you don't know much - so stop saying things that are not true.
Glaux can talk to me - but not in the way that you humans talk.
He can send his thoughts to me (although he often warbles when he does it - which is funny) , and I can send my thoughts to him, or just talk - he understands both ways.
And also, he can read human thoughts - so be careful what you think when Glaux is around.
And everything that Glaux sees and hears - Athena knows - because he's her owl - as you keep telling everybody."
Adonios nodded, finally beginning to make some sense of the strange situation.
"So what do we do now ?", Adonios asked rather nervously.
Adonios had heard about satyrs, and their rather unsavory reputation, and he was not quite sure if fauns and satyrs were very much the same sort of thing.
And here he was, on his own, in the forest - and no one knew he was here - and he was alone with this 'boy-thing', that may well turn out to be a satyr - or worse.
In Greek mythology, a σάτυρος (satyr - satyros) is the member of a troop of ithyphallic male companions of Dionysus; they usually have goat-like ears and tails, as well as permanent, exaggerated erections. The faun is a similar woodland-dwelling creature from Roman mythology. In myths, both are often associated with pipe-playing. Greek-speaking Romans often used the Greek term saturos when referring to the Latin faunus, and eventually syncretized the two.
"Ah !....I can see what your thinking.", Faunus said, with a twinkle in his eye.
"You're thinking that I'm a satyr, and so I'm about to fuck you - yes ?
Well, in case you haven't noticed, I'm not 'horny' - and that's just a rumor - not entirely unjustified, I'm pleased to say - but over exaggerated." Faunus explained.
"No.. no. I wasn't thinking that !", Adonios answered, obviously embarrassed.
"Please, Adonios...remember that I can understand your thoughts.
You humans are like open scrolls to us." (he meant 'open books' - which hadn't been invented yet). Faunus said, shaking his head.
"Any way, 'what we do now' is to go and see Marcus, get me something to eat, and somewhere for me to have a sleep.
Us fauns like to have a long 'meridiatio' (siesta).", Faunus said casually.
"Yes....and how am I going to explain you to Marcus - I mean the 'Dominus' ?", Adonios said, correcting himself.
"Well.. if you still think that you are dreaming, that should be no problem.",' Faunus replied, smiling - just like Petronius.
"So just follow Glaux...... and I will follow...", Faunus said, as his voice faded away, and so did he !
As Faunus mysteriously faded, Glaux fluttered up, and then landed on Adonios' shoulder.
"Just follow - all will be well...", a voice said in Adonios' head.
'Oh shit ! I've gone crazy !', Adonios thought, as Glaux took flight, and Adonios followed his faithful friend.
"I must see Agathon. - (Marcus' private physician)
Perhaps he has some potion to put my brain right.", Adonios said, talking to himself, as he trudged through to forest, following his fluttering owl.
Suddenly Adonios realized it was very hot, and the sun was high.
Somehow he had been in the forest for a very long time, and he realized why Faunus had been so insistent about his 'meridiatio' (siesta), as it seemed to be midday.
Glaux continued to flutter in front of him, apparently guiding him back to the villa, but there was no sign of Faunus.
"Are you still there, Faunus ?", Adonios called out, feeling absolutely ridiculous as he spoke to the empty air.
"Of course !", came the soft reply, "But for a young lad you are rather slow.
I think in the future we need to get you to do some proper training, and become fit - like me !", Faunus concluded boastfully.
Adonios puffed and panted, desperately trying to keep up with Glaux, and eventually they left the forest, and came out onto the delicately manicured turf that led up the the marble and mosaic terraces of the villa.
Glaux then circled round and landed on Adonios' shoulder - his usual position.
He then fluffed up his feathers, ensured that he had a good, steady perch, and immediately dozed off, having completed his important mission.
Adonios mounted the marble steps leading to the terrace where Marcus, Petronius and Novius were sitting, with Aurarius in attendance.
What Adonios did not realize was that before he had come into view, Faunus had materialized - minus his horns - behind him.
Glaux, sensing Faunus' presence, warbled in acknowledgement, and Marcus looked up.
Suddenly Adonios realized it was very hot, and the sun was high.
Somehow he had been in the forest for a very long time, and he realized why Faunus had been so insistent about his 'meridiatio' (siesta), as it seemed to be midday.
Glaux continued to flutter in front of him, apparently guiding him back to the villa, but there was no sign of Faunus.
"Are you still there, Faunus ?", Adonios called out, feeling absolutely ridiculous as he spoke to the empty air.
"Of course !", came the soft reply, "But for a young lad you are rather slow.
I think in the future we need to get you to do some proper training, and become fit - like me !", Faunus concluded boastfully.
Adonios puffed and panted, desperately trying to keep up with Glaux, and eventually they left the forest, and came out onto the delicately manicured turf that led up the the marble and mosaic terraces of the villa.
Glaux then circled round and landed on Adonios' shoulder - his usual position.
He then fluffed up his feathers, ensured that he had a good, steady perch, and immediately dozed off, having completed his important mission.
Adonios mounted the marble steps leading to the terrace where Marcus, Petronius and Novius were sitting, with Aurarius in attendance.
What Adonios did not realize was that before he had come into view, Faunus had materialized - minus his horns - behind him.
Glaux, sensing Faunus' presence, warbled in acknowledgement, and Marcus looked up.
and
CLICK BELOW FOR
and
All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202