Disclaimer: I do not own the Greek myths
I decided to write a prequel to my other story Bound to You because I felt like it needed one. I hope you like it :)
Hunt & Feast
"Do you not have some place elsewhere to be?" Artemis grumbled as she deftly nocked another silver-fletched arrow.
Apollo glanced around the forest curiously, as though it was his first time ever stepping foot into one. "So this is where you hunt…"
His twin sister sighed. "One of many places. The world is my hunting ground." At that, she loosed her arrow. It flew swift and straight, grazing the flank of a magnificent stag to land with a thunk in a nearby laurel tree. The deer immediately dashed off further into the foliage. Artemis swore loudly.
"Are you not meant to be quiet whilst hunting?" asked Apollo. "I believe that hushed noises frighten the animals le—"
He was cut short by the glare that Artemis was giving him. He was certain even Hades would have gone cold at the sight of it.
"Now see," he said, without thought, "This is why everyone thinks me the warm and lovely twin and you the more…" He trailed off rather lamely once he realized his next words might not be the wisest thing to utter under the circumstances.
Artemis was berating herself mentally. She never missed her mark. Never. And she was used to having hunting companions. So why did her brother's presence create such a feeling of…nervousness within her? Was that even the right word?
It had started only recently—the nervousness. And she didn't know why. The only emotions her brother had ever elicited from her before were anger, annoyance, and disdain. They were so different she had often found it difficult to relate to him. Certainly they were close, as any twins would be, but they fought more often than they agreed on anything. This had always been their nature. Like night and day, constantly battling each other.
Exasperated, Artemis stood up from her crouching position and elegantly swung her bow over her shoulder. "I am retiring for the day. You can stay here for all I care." She added the last part with a narrow-eyed look at her obnoxious brother.
Apollo pouted as he looked up at his sister from his seat on the ground. "You would leave me here amongst the wild beasts? To die by the gruesome claws of some mangy animal? Or worse, at the hands of some mortal hunter who mistakenly thought me to be the most beautiful prey he ever laid eyes upon?"
Artemis deadpanned him. "Your aptitude for melodrama will never cease to amaze me."
Rather than taking offense, Apollo appeared pleased by her comment. Artemis rolled her eyes and stalked off out of the forest, back to the clearing where their chariots awaited them. All the while, Apollo trailed after her whistling melodically.
"It's a shame that your hunt bore no fruit," said Apollo. He climbed into his chariot and shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant gesture. "I suppose the feast will just have to do without venison. I am sure there will be plenty of other delicacies to go—"
"What feast?" Artemis interrupted him.
"Why the Summer Solstice Feast, of course," answered Apollo, "Did you forget?"
Artemis groaned. The Summer Solstice Feast was the gods' one excuse all year to be at their most indecorous, inebriated, and over-indulged. Dionysus spent the rest of the year just waiting and preparing for this singular event, since it signified the start of the grape season. Sometimes she enjoyed herself at the feast, but more often than not she wound up having to drag Apollo's intoxicated ass back to his chambers or listen to the raucous sounds of his love-making all through the night (their bedchambers were adjoining, after all).
"Wait till you see my costume," Apollo prattled on, "This year I am going as…on second thought it should be a surprise."
He shot her a little conspiratorial smirk as they both whipped their horses and took to the skies.
Back at the palace on Mount Olympus, Artemis stood before her wardrobe, the doors flung open wide as she surveyed the contents with a scrutinizing eye. Of course, she had forgotten all about the feast and had hence failed to compile a costume suitable for the event. Perhaps Persephone would be willing to lend her something…
The Goddess of the Hunt meandered through the many familiar marbled halls of her palace home to the room of her half-sister. Persephone beamed at the sight of her visitor.
"Artemis!" she exclaimed, "What an unexpected surprise. You have not called on me in so long." The younger goddess added a pout to her last sentence, though she reached out and warmly embraced her elder sister.
Artemis looked sheepish. "I apologize. There is no excuse for my negligence."
Persephone shook her head and waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense, I was only teasing. You have nothing to apologize for. Please, come in."
Artemis obligingly entered. Persephone bid her to take a seat on the edge of her bed, where she joined her and excitedly clasped her sister's hands.
"Tell me, sister," began Persephone, "To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?"
"Well, as you know, tonight is the feast in honor of the summer solstice…"
Persephone smiled and nodded.
"And it would seem that I am without a thing to wear," Artemis continued, "I was hoping…"
"You wish to borrow something of mine?" Persephone seemed nothing short of gleeful. "Well, why did you not just ask? I would be delighted to help you choose an outfit!"
Artemis breathed a sigh of relief and smiled gratefully. "I knew you would not disappoint me, Kore."
The Spring Goddess smiled back as she stood up. "Let us see what I have for you."
She pranced over to her closet where she rifled through her many dresses for a moment before extracting a beautiful midnight blue, floor-length piece studded with tiny diamonds. The gown's filmy material whispered through the air as she held it up to her figure and twirled gracefully.
"This one is absolutely perfect," said Persephone, "I have yet to wear it. And it would look lovely on you."
"Oh no," Artemis objected, "I could not possibly don something that you yourself have yet not worn."
Persephone shook her head and her wheat-blonde tresses danced with the movement. "I do not mind in the slightest. And besides," she draped the dress across Artemis' lap and over her shoulder, eyeing it admiringly, "It suits you much better than it ever would me. You will look like the night sky itself."
Artemis still looked unsure. "Well, if you insist…"
"Of course I do." Persephone flashed the older goddess a smile that could have stopped Cerberus in his tracks and Artemis found herself unable to deny her sister.
After Persephone had enthusiastically modeled her own costume for Artemis, the latter took her leave in order to prepare for the evening's frivolities.
Artemis opted to pair Persephone's gown with simple white gold bangles and teardrop diamond earrings—nothing that would draw too much attention away from the already magnificent dress. She painted a few stars onto her face and then decided she could tell anyone who asked that she was a constellation.
The feast was to be held in the grand courtyard, which housed the palace's largest fountain. The courtyard also boasted an exquisite mosaic tile floor, depicting the changing seasons. Fourteen polished marble pillars—each flawlessly carved in the likeness of a different Olympian god or goddess—lined the perimeter of the courtyard like watchful guardians. It was always lovely this time of year and she was glad they would be celebrating outdoors, where she felt more comfortable, more in her element. She would need every bit of comfort she could get to help her through the night.
The sounds of drunken merriment assaulted her ears as she neared the courtyard. Much to her displeasure, the feeling of nervousness had returned; she felt as if a bird were caged within her belly, trying desperately to free itself. Shaken by this sudden onslaught of anxiety, she steadied herself against a nearby pillar. She touched her cheek to the cool, smooth surface and closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply. The moment's rest strengthened her resolve. But when she opened her eyes and gazed up at the face of the pillar, she was met by a visage all too familiar. Of course, the one column she would choose to lean upon would end up being that of her brother, Apollo.
Could she not escape him?
She shook her head, clearing it of her frantic, confused thoughts and dashed away from the offending pillar. She didn't look where she was going; she just needed to go somewhere else, anywhere but next to that handsome, gleaming tower of marble.
With her mind and eyes elsewhere, she failed to notice Persephone walking toward her. The two goddesses collided and profuse apologies ensued.
"There you are," said the younger, "I have been looking all over for you. The dress looks gorgeous on you, by the way, as I knew well that it would."
Artemis quickly crossed her arms over her body and looked away embarrassedly. "Thank you…"
Persephone cocked her head to the side, smiling with amusement. "Why do you hide your beauty, sister? There are so many here who would seek to admire it."
At that, Artemis' face grew hot. She cleared her throat nervously before her next words, "That is precisely why I hide."
Persephone laughed—a sound like a bubbling spring or birdsong. "Do you still hold fast to your notion of chastity?"
"Of course," Artemis replied without thought.
"But then how will you ever know what it is to truly love another?"
Artemis stared at her sister in disbelief. "Are you not a bit young to be dreaming of such things?"
Her peacock-feathered fan made a soft whoosh as Persephone opened it with a flick of her delicate wrist. She peered coquettishly from behind the blue-green plumage and replied, "I am not so young that I am entirely ignorant of romance. And besides," her eyes strayed tellingly, "dreams care not about age…"
Artemis followed her sister's gaze until her own fell upon a lone tall, dark, and cloaked figure leaning silently against the pillar of Zeus, arms crossed tightly across his chest, one foot propped up against the base of the column behind him.
Hades.
Assuming that she was mistaken, Artemis looked back and forth between the younger goddess and the Lord of the Underworld numerous more times before she finally asked, "Hades? Is that who has captured your attention?"
Persephone sighed. A dreamy smile lit up her face. "Yes, isn't he…intriguing?"
Artemis thanked the Fates that Persephone's focus was entirely on Hades, because she was not able to withhold the look of shock mingled with disgust that briefly marred her face. Quickly recovering her composure before her sister could take notice, she replied, "I think perhaps sometimes you curiosity will be the death of you."
She took the time then to look around the room. Everywhere she looked, there were people engaging in all different sorts of debauchery. Zeus must have invited half the entire pantheon. There were even a number of demi-gods in attendance. Somehow, the water within the fountain had been replaced with wine, which only added to the ridiculousness of the scene before her. People were staining their clothes bathing in the wine-filled pool, drinking and wading at the same time. Nymphs wove their way through the throngs, acting as servers, offering platters of exotic delicacies from Egypt and India. They made sure that everyone's cup was filled at all times, especially Zeus's.
Aphrodite was lazing on a chase, whilst being fed grapes by her ever-doting husband. Dressed as a Nereid, she wore nothing but a shimmering sea-foam-colored skirt and a large assortment of emerald, sapphire, opal, and pearl jewelry. Her top half was bare; only the strategic placement of her honey-blonde hair kept her from being outright indecent. Though, Artemis was certain that no man in the room would have minded had she disregarded decency entirely.
Athena and Ares, disguised as a swan and a wolf respectively, seemed to be in a heated and very intoxicated argument. Most likely about who had the best battle strategy, thought Artemis. They were actually quite comical looking. The sight of Athena's feathered headdress quivering every time she shook her head, and Ares' barking at her through a mask that he could barely even see out of, was enough to make Artemis laugh aloud.
Zeus was apparently trying to coax Hera into…doing something. What that something was, Artemis had absolutely no interest in knowing.
Then there was Apollo. Artemis rolled her eyes at his flashy, yet outstandingly appropriate choice of costume. He was wearing a dazzling bronze robe, which he'd accented with gold clasps, cuffs, and a headband (also of gold) shaped like the rays of the sun that framed his face in an angelic way. And, as per usual, he was surrounded by a flock of giggling nymphs who were each trying to outdo the others in obsequiousness.
Apollo, let me refill your cup.
Apollo, let me feed you these grapes.
Apollo, let me massage your feet.
At least, that was what she imagined the dimwitted half-breeds were muttering to him. She wasn't close enough to hear them.
"Are you still listening to me?"
The sound of Persephone's mildly annoyed voice reached Artemis' ears and brought her back to reality. "I apologize," she said, "What was it you were saying?"
"I was suggesting that you stop glaring at your brother's company and go talk to him instead," Persephone smirked, "It's quite obvious that you have something to say to him. And he looks like he could use an escape."
Artemis knew that last part was a lie. Apollo couldn't have been more in his element, basking in the attention of the opposite sex. But it was a lie made for her sake, and she silently thanked her sister for it.
"For one so young," said Artemis, "you are frighteningly astute."
"I shall take that as a compliment," Persephone retorted.
Artemis smiled and headed off to "rescue" her brother from his gaggle of idiot would-be lovers. To her back, Persephone called out,
"And I am not that young!"
Artemis did not turn back around, but she did throw back her head and laugh whole-heartedly.
"Ladies, ladies," Apollo said as he held up his hands in a defensive manner, "I assure you there is…" He glanced up—straight ahead of him, back at the group of fawning nymphs, and then did a double take when he noticed his sister stalking toward him with a very determined look on her face. "A very good reason for my having to excuse myself from your pleasant company," He finished distractedly.
A chorus of disappointed whines sounded behind him, but right then the happiness of the nymphs was the last thing on his mind.
Artemis looked…well, no words that would suffice came to mind. But in inadequate terms, she was stunning.
"Artemis," he greeted her with his infamously devastating smile, "I must say you clean up rather nicely. You look positively ravishing tonight, dear sister."
The goddess blushed at his words and cast her eyes downward. "Thank you brother…"
"Was there something you needed to speak to me about? You seemed rather purposeful on your way over here…"
"Oh—" Suddenly, Artemis found herself at a loss. "Well…um, yes actually. I just wanted to tell you that I…like your costume."
"Truly?" Apollo knew his twin well enough to notice that she had had other intentions—ones she was, for whatever reason, unwilling to divulge.
"Yes," she nodded curtly, "You may consider your surprise well received."
"You flatter me," Apollo said while he gave a sort of half-bow, making sure to maintain eye contact as he did so. Once he'd straightened up, he took her hand excitedly. "Come, we must celebrate this night."
Artemis smiled nervously, anticipating one of her brother's usual recklessly spontaneous escapades. "Why? Where are we going?"
"Because, sister, for once you are not covered in dirt or dressed like an Amazon," he answered her first question, "So we are going to procure for you a cup of the finest wine and proceed to get you completely drunk."
Apollo grabbed a goblet off the tray of a passing nymph and strode over to the fountain. He held the cup under the flow of wine until it was filled to the brim. Then he handed it to her and urged her to drink.
Artemis hesitated; she rarely ever drank wine because she had very little tolerance for it. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Relax," said Apollo, clinking his glass against hers, "What harm ever came from having a bit of fun, hmm?"
Several examples immediately came to mind, but she decided to silence her conscience, along with her rebellious nerves. In one swift motion, she downed the contents of her goblet and dipped it into the pool for another round.
Apollo laughed and clapped a hand onto her shoulder. "That's the spirit!"
A few hours later, Artemis awoke to find herself being carried in a pair of strong, tanned arms. She blinked slowly as her mind struggled to grasp at consciousness, which seemed determined to elude her. Her eyes rolled upward and fell upon the silhouette of a familiar face. Night had reached its zenith, but even in the darkness she knew exactly who bore her.
"Apollo," she mumbled drowsily.
He made no reply, only smiled down at her delirious form.
The next thing she registered was being gently placed down on an incredibly comfortable bed; it felt like she was lying on a cloud. She grinned happily, stretched, and wriggled deeper into the pillows. Vaguely, she felt someone remove her shoes, then her jewelry. She thanked them with a yawn.
Then she felt someone lean down and lay a chaste kiss upon her forehead.
Apollo lingered just above her for a moment, inhaling deeply her scent of amber and cypress—a smell both rich and refreshing.
With the moonlight streaming in through her balcony, surrounded by her soft, white bedding, she looked like something out of a dream. The urge to reach out and touch her—to make certain that she was, indeed, not a mere figment of his imagination—was overwhelming. But instead of giving in to his wayward desires, as he so often did, he stood up and walked away.
As he reached the doorway, he cast one last forlorn look over his shoulder and whispered,
"Sleep well, my love."
Alright, I tried to keep this first chapter sort of light and fun. My goal is to put my own personal spin on the classics while not deviating too for from the traditional aspect of the myths. I'll be incorporating some of the more famous myths in this story as well, but they'll be tweaked for my purposes so don't freak out when I don't tell it like the original. Please feel free to review!