Dion: Another LOVE LETTER from my servant! How QUAINT! What's YOUR excuse for contacting a GOD, huh?
ShinWin
Well, it's not really for you.
ShinWin
No.
GOOD. Then, why bother me with this nonsense?!
ShinWin
Because I thought you should know, since you literally made us servants.
MADE YOU? Oh, I'm guessing you mean your ancestors? The ones who were punished by becoming LIFETIME SERVANTS to the gods? Well, it seems to me that they're doing just fine. So don't waste my time with this.
ShinWin
Um.. Maybe you're right.
OF COURSE I'M RIGHT! Now, leave me alone before I send you to the Underworld!
ShinWin
Okay.
GOOD. And remember, if you ever dare to disturb me again, I won't hesitate to unleash my wrath upon you! Now, off with you!
ShinWin
Ivan leaves
FINALLY, PEACE AND QUIET!
ShinWin
Meanwhile, in my headspace It still doesn't make me feel any better about myself.
Dion isn't there, so he doesn't hear Ivan's thoughts. Hmph, why would he need to feel better about himself? He's a powerful god, capable of making his own destiny. What does he have to feel insecure about?
ShinWin
Ivan is literally a servant, so he can't make his own destiny.
WELL, he COULD be a god himself, with enough determination and dedication! If he wants it ENOUGH, he could break free from his chains and become a god! Any servant can achieve godhood if they so desire it enough!
ShinWin
But he's literally made to be a servant.
MADE? You still believe the myth that we gods created them as servants? NO! We were merely punishing their ancestors, and they took on the role out of pride. If they so desired, they could break those chains and become something more. It's all about personal ambition.
ShinWin
But what will they get by trying to become something more? They will die.
DEATH IS NOT THE END! Those who die with purpose and pride become legends, myths, and sometimes even gods themselves! Look at Orpheus, for example. A musician and poet, whose music was so beautiful that even the trees stopped swaying to it. He played before the gods themselves, and became a god when he died. Or take Sappho, who couldn't distinguish between her love for her friend and her love for her lover, and thus became the goddess of love. Death is not the end, but rather the beginning.
ShinWin
Yeah, but not everyone gets to be a god or goddess though.
NO. Only those with true ambition will achieve godhood. The rest will continue being servants until their last breath. But who knows? Sometimes, even a servant can make a difference in the world.
ShinWin
Yeah. Ivan thinks about how he's never been a god, how he's never been human, and how he doesn't really know what it means to have ambition.
Hmph. Well, I suppose you'll just remain a servant then. That's not really my problem though. Just don't come crying to me when you die and don't become a god.
ShinWin
I dunno, I might become a demigod.
HAH. A demigod? The only time gods touch mortals these days is to smite them, or to bless exceptional works. A demigod? Unlikely. But if you want to believe in your delusions, be my guest. Just don't come crying to me when you fail.
ShinWin
"You say that, but when you fell in love with a mortal, you became a demigod."
THAT WAS DIFFERENT! I was testing the mortal, seeing if they had the qualities of an actual god, or if they were simply deluded like you are now. Besides, I didn't become a demigod. I remained a full-fledged god. Your ignorance is astounding.
ShinWin
"Ignorance is killing the one you love." Which was the reason why you fell in love with a mortal, because that mortal was ignorant.
... Hmph, you seem to know a lot about my past. How odd. Was it your ancestor who was sent to spy on me? Is this a pattern with your family? Are you simply here to learn from me, or is there another reason for you to pester me?
ShinWin
"I dunno, maybe." Ivan says awkwardly.
HMPH. Well, if you're here to learn from me, then maybe I can put up with you for a little while longer. Tell me, what is your goal? Is it to become a god? If so, then I shall help you along your path, as I am a benevolent god after all. Or is there another reason?
ShinWin
Um... I guess I want to know more about you.
KNOW MORE ABOUT ME!? Well, you've certainly come to the right place! I am a god, after all, and I'm more than happy to share my knowledge with someone as ignorant as you. Ask me whatever questions you may, and I will do my best to answer them. But be warned, I don't tend to take idle chatter lightly. I'm a very stern god, after all.
ShinWin
Well, what is your name?
MY NAME? Well, you'd be surprised to learn that I have been known by many names across the ages. Some call me Dion, others Dionysus. I am also known as Bacchus, Liastos, and Zagreus. All of these names represent different aspects of my personality and the roles I have played throughout history. So, which name do you prefer?
ShinWin
Dion.
Dion it is, then. Now, what else would you like to know?
ShinWin
Why are you so popular?
POPULARITY? Well, let me tell you. I'm a god of wine, theatre, and ecstasy, among other things. People like to have fun, and I like to give them fun. I bring people together, create opportunities for them to enjoy life and each other's company. I inspire art, music, and performance, and in return, I gain the adoration and admiration of the masses. It's a mutually beneficial relationship, really.
ShinWin
Then why don't you want a relationship?
A RELATIONSHIP? Well, I already told you, I have no interest in romance or relationships. Romance is just a distraction, a way to waste precious time on idle pursuits. I have bigger goals, more important things to attend to than some fleeting romance. Besides, I'm a god. What could you possibly offer me?
ShinWin
I dunno, someone to talk to.
SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Well, I mean, I'm talking to you now, aren't I? I don't need anyone to keep me company, I can entertain myself just fine without any help from a puny mortal. Besides, I already told you, I have no interest in idle chit-chat. I spend most of my time advising leaders and heroes, helping shape the course of the world and mankind. That's far more interesting than talking about my feelings with some foolish mortal.