Messenger of the Deities

Chapter 2: Apollo/Artemis

Disclaimer: blah. Anyway thanks Snowmane for reviewing, I was really thinking of this as one-shot but since you want me to continue, I will...

"The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England; for like the hectic in my blood he rages, and thou must cure me. Till I know 'tis done, howe'er my haps, my joys were ne'er begun."

Act4, Scene 3, Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Apollo has mocked and scorned Eros. Naturally Eros is furious and has inflamed Apollo with passion for Daphne, and Daphne with hatred towards the God of Light. Apollo, now helpless against love, confides his feelings toward Artemis.
Dear Sister,

Worry not for me. I am fine. Eros can do nothing. Forget about him-there is another worthy of your (and my) attention.

She is in your retinue-the fairest of your entourage. She comes of noble birth-her father is Peneus, river-god. When I see her, the rays of my Sun illuminating her silk-spun tresses, I can do naught but look on. O Sister of mine, rescue me! For such a malady I have that I must have her! If I do not, surely I will pine away like the young Echo pined for the love of the arrogant Narcissus. Tell me her name!

Your brother,

Apollo

Brother,

Must I kill myself repeating this again and again? I demand chastity from all my attendants. Brother, if you disobey me, I will have no choice left but to kill her, and surely you would rather suffer and look on rather than let her suffer? You had better forget this love. For love weakens.

Ha! What is love to me but the axe hacking at the tree? Admitting love is naught but like the fish declaring utter adoration of the fisher man who baits and hooks him! Remember, Brother! You do not gain by loving; you only lose. And lose much you will.

Brother, if you have any wit left, you would heed my advice. Forget my nymph, for her name will not escape from my lips while there is a breath left in my body, for the relevation would only disgrace you. Make haste and apologise to Eros. Before eternal regret hastens to you.

Your loving sister,

Artemis

Sister,

You have misunderstood the concept of love! Love is powerful and all-knowing, love reigns supreme! Love only strengthens, never falters! No matter how much I have to sacrifice for love, I would! Your version of love is garbled and riddled with nonsense!

I do not need her name, for I know it now. Daphne it is, Daphne the Fairest Among All, and I would give my immortality just to hold her, for like the hectic in my blood this passion rages, and till I get her, however my haps, my joys were never begun.

Why must you demand chastity? Is it not the same? I see not your reason.

Your brother

Apollo

Dear Brother,

I am afraid you do not understand. Love is a monster in disguise, lurking in the shadows, and it springs when you least expect it. Where love goes, Strife, Jealousy, Fear and ultimately Death will follow. So turn back while you have the chance! Ha!

As for Daphne, yes that is her name. But abandon all thoughts of claiming her. I will still demand chastity from all my attendants, and nothing you say can change that.

Your sister,

Artemis