Solitude
For our survival, we Amazons learned the art of war quickly. We developed new techniques of battle. We mastered archery and Io, our best weapons maker, developed the famous Labrys.
More and more we were forced to free slaves and fight the injustice we were witnessed to. And more and more men entered our lands to battle us, in hopes to conquer and enslave us. Many times our hands were covered in blood and many times my sisters and I ended the day in tears, anger and frustration.
Finally my sister Amazons could not tolerate the behavior of men any longer. We distance ourselves from the outside. Strengthening our walls, developing a shelter for free women. Teaching them in solitude.
My Amazons found contentment in being distant from "mans world" as it became known to us. We still offered trade and our knowledge of peace and equality of course, but they would refuse and offer their so-called "protection" for our lands.
I understand my sisters' frustration of men. Even to this day, men have seemed to change very little. They seem to crave attention and control, no matter the cost to others. They are self absorbed, pushy, hyperactive, conniving barbarians! As you can see, even to this day, the poison of man affects me. It takes meditation and prayer to deal with men. The poison they spread is strong indeed.
It was going on thirteen years since our creation. The false rumors continued. Men tried to show their, so-called, bravery by hunting us…the idiots! And we continued freeing women and offering them sanctuary behind our walls.
I remember the day when Hellene, our most brilliant sculptor became an Amazon. She was the tender age of seventeen. A soldier murdered her mother and her father was unknown. I suspect her mother was raped. She was on her way to be sold as a slave when the slave trader entered our lands to enter Greece. We actively watch for slave traders. We felt an urge to end this and we made it a point to let the traders know that we will not tolerate it.
This particular day Hellene was on her way to Greece. We ambushed the traders and freed the many women, men and children. To the women we offered sanctuary in Themyscira. To the men we offered freedom in the many lands we ruled. There were men who offered their service as informants. With them we learned many secrets and information regarding future slave trades and even plots to war upon us. Many were found out and killed but, to me, it opened my eyes to the possibility of men and women being equals. My sister Antiope on the other hand, was blind to that idea.
When Hellene entered Themyscira she was quite abused. She barely spoke and there were so many bruises and burns on her body. Iphthme took it upon herself to care for Hellene. Even teaching sculpting, which she was unsurpassed. Later they would be come lovers for over three thousand years.
But we were meant to become part of the outside world. We were to teach by example and strength. And our Goddesses made it a point to show us our mistake and punish us for our sins.