Artemis dances barefoot. The soil clings to her cold skin. Her cape moves like a shadow as she peers into puddles she passes by.
Rain is the only melody heard for miles. Water falling, splashing, and seeping deep into the dirt.
When the rain becomes a soft mist, Artemis heads towards a creek she knows. Orange leaves pierce the still streams. She waves her hand at the water as a group of fish share a smile.
She removes her wooden bow and sharpened arrows gently from her back. Then, she folds her cape.
She enters the water, letting it devour her skin dry. Slimy fish brush up against her prickly legs. She laughs.
A branch cracks.
A tall man, too tall to be mortal, takes heavy steps towards Artemis’ things. He picks up the carved bow with rough hands.
He sets his gaze on the carefree girl bare in the water. And as any God would, he strips all her freedom with just a look; with just his existence.
Artemis breathes in the cold, sharp water.
The God places down the bow, and laughs, removing his shoes.
Ripples appear in the water as the rain picks up once more, sharp as arrows.