*
That evening they feasted outdoors, the sacrifice attended by both men and women. Melaina and her mother stayed out of sight, the daughter afraid she'd reveal her favor toward Sophocles, or at last suffer her uncle's wrath over her misspoken words about awards. But nothing was said of it, and Aeschylus kept his distance, directing his attention to young Sophocles. Slaves swept the floor, washed cups, and garlanded each in attendance. One brought round a perfume dish of holy frankincense.
Melaina watched the two of them from a distance: Aeschylus at his meal, Sophocles by the fire pouring a wine libation. Aeschylus asked, "Do you wish me to drink with pleasure?" And when Sophocles answered, "Of course," Aeschylus responded, "Then hand the cup and don't rush away." Sophocles blushed, and Aeschylus said to a man next to him, "His scarlet cheeks shine with love's light." He asked Sophocles if he was cleaning a scrap from the cup with his little finger. "Yes," said Sophocles. Aeschylus then said, "Blow it away, for I shouldn't want your finger wet." As Sophocles brought his face to the cup, Aeschylus drew it near his own lips so their heads might touch, and kissed him in the corner of the mouth. The men erupted with laughter and shouting, celebrating Aeschylus' clever strategy.
Melaina had watched the action unfold, anticipating the outcome but was shocked at the sexual affection shown her young friend. She knew the older men lusted after the younger ones and never thought much of it. But this was Sophocles. Shortly the two of them retired, Sophocles tucked neatly under the arm of Aeschylus, seemingly delighted at being fondled. Melaina felt her cheeks flush again. She experienced a new feeling, hatred for her uncle.
Sophocles can never have me, she thought, for I'm committed to Artemis, but I'll make him wish he could.
The Mysteries, A Novel of Ancient Eleusis Page 32