The messenger, bearing a symbol of peace, was led to the young queen. He bowed respectfully and said, "Great Queen, we are adventurers guided by the gods on a quest. We humbly request permission to dock our ship at your port to rest. We will depart tomorrow, so please rest assured!"
The beautiful queen, Hypsipyle, breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't enemies from afar seeking trouble. Still, she needed to discuss this matter.
She dismissed the messenger and gathered her followers, relaying what he had told her.
Standing, she declared loudly, "Dear sisters, we once, in our foolish rage, killed our men. Now we live in constant fear of Thracian vengeance. Don't you find us pitiful?"
Her followers remained silent. They recalled the frenzy of that day, how powerful they felt then, but now they were just trembling wretches, dreading retribution from the Thracians.
It was inevitable. Among the men were craftsmen and hunters, but most were warriors, guards, and soldiers of the state... all slain by their own hands.
Seeing their silence, Hypsipyle continued, "These men are heroes, descendants of gods, requesting to rest in our port. We cannot abandon these friends, but we must be cautious. We lack strength, and we cannot let them know our sins. I propose we send food and wine to their ship."
Hypsipyle dared not take risks. If these heroes learned of their deeds, they might seek to eradicate such evil.
But an elderly woman stood, trembling, and said, "Sending gifts to these strangers is good, but Your Majesty, sisters, have you considered what happens if the Thracians come?"
Her words silenced the crowd again.
The ever-looming fear: Thracian vengeance!
"Even if a merciful god protects us, keeping the Thracians at bay, are you truly safe? Can you escape all calamity?"
The elder continued slowly, "I don't matter. I'll die before disaster or our stores run out. But you young ones... what will you do? Do you think cattle will plow fields or harvest crops on their own?
"You refuse to do such grueling work. If I were you, I'd hand over the land and wealth to these newcomers. They meet your desires, your hopes for protection. Letting them govern this city is the best course."
Her words carried advice but also resignation.
These young women shunned hard labor. Even without Thracians, they'd starve once supplies ran out.
Now, a group of strong, handsome, and courteous men had arrived... perfectly matching their expectations.
In that moment, everyone was swayed.
Hypsipyle sent a trusted messenger with the Argo's envoy to relay this decision to the crew.
The Argo erupted in excitement.
"See? I told you it'd be fine!" Jason laughed, stepping out from behind Heracles as if he were the bravest among them. "And this beautiful queen must be truly kind to offer such a proposal!"
Morpheus raised an eyebrow at his words.
"Hypsipyle is indeed kind," he thought. "Despite Aphrodite's influence, she spared her father. Even though her mother was long dead, her father's remarriage could be seen as disloyalty."
"She must have peacefully inherited the throne from her late father, who died of illness. A young girl bearing the weight of a kingdom... she must be struggling!" Jason continued, donning a splendid purple cloak gifted by Athena. Aside from him, only Heracles, Atalanta, Morpheus, and a few others stayed on the ship.
Heracles sat aboard, watching the departing crew, and asked Morpheus, "You're not going?"
Morpheus, known for his fondness for women and his good looks, puzzled Heracles by staying behind.
"No interest," Morpheus said without hesitation, earning satisfied looks from Medea and Artemis.
The implication of the queen's offer was clear: "Everything we have is yours. Come enjoy us, become our partners."
In modern terms, it was practically an invitation to a wild party.
If Morpheus went, the two women behind him would likely drag him back and scold him a hundred times over!
For the sake of his happiness, he decided to steer clear of this mess.
Besides, Hypsipyle was clearly meant for Jason... an opportunity for him to claim a throne. Morpheus was content to watch, having already warned Jason that his chance had arrived. Whether he seized it was up to him.
"Men are disgusting!" Atalanta rolled her eyes, expressing her disdain for the men gleefully rushing off, and began polishing her bow.
Morpheus nodded emphatically. "Absolutely, these guys are vile!"
Atalanta looked at him in surprise. "You think so too?!"
"Yes! I believe men should take responsibility. If you choose to be with a woman, you commit to her. These guys are just after a night or two of fun, which I can't stand!"
Morpheus spoke with such conviction that, despite Atalanta's general disinterest in men, she couldn't help but regard him more highly.
"Oh? Not bad. You can resist that urge," she said, glancing at Artemis and Medea with a smile. "Though I guess you don't need to resist, with them. Looks like they're the ones who can't hold back tonight."
Medea blushed, while Artemis looked eager.
Morpheus couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
What a fierce woman! No wonder... she was raised by a bear and then by hunters. Truly the ultimate huntress!
***
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