It was a fresh morning like any other day. Dew and the thick scent of musk mingled in the atmosphere. The sun's beams filtering through the dense canopy of the ancient trees mingled with the dust fairies to create an enchanting scenery. Daphne woke as usual at the break of dawn and stretched on her bed for a few lazy moments. She only wanted to enjoy the last lingering sleep because she deserved the tiny break after staying late with her maiden sisters. They ran through the forest, stargazing and admiring the full moon.

As soon as she jumped out of bed, the first rays of sunshine warmly danced on her face, making her frown, trying to shield her eyes from the intense brightness. She stumbled towards the bramble-framed window, closing the leafy curtains to block the blinding light. "Oh, bless the gods, yet another beautiful day," she murmured as she stretched with the lazy demeanor of a mountain cat. With a smile, she climbed the ancient tree that she called home. I had been a gift from her mother, Gaia. The tree stood tall like a guardian. Its thick trunk and rough bark gently scrapped her bare hands and feet as she descended. After she reached the ground, she buried her toes in the grass, enjoying the sensation of silky dirt and coarse grass against her skin. After a brief moment, she proudly strolled towards the tranquil pond near her forest house. The scent of wildflowers wafted through the air as she approached the water, its surface shimmering with the reflections of the clear skies.

Once by the pond, Daphne sighed in pleasure, and when she dipped her toes in the cool water, a shiver ran down her spine unexpectedly. Water lapped her skin, awakening her senses with a lovers-like caress. The sensation felt divine as she scooped some water, allowing the droplets to cascade over her hair and face, rejuvenating her. She cherished her morning ritual, which connected her to her element—water. She took her time swimming in the pond, enjoying the rejuvenating sensation that washed over her. Daphne knew her father was sending his love and blessings.

Upon finishing her bath, she looked up, only to find a hawk soaring above her as if keeping a close eye on her whereabouts. Daphne's curiosity sparked tenfold, wondering why the animal needed to invade her territory. Forest creatures knew better than to invade her small dominion without permission. Feeling a twinge of protectiveness over her home as the hawk circled closer, her instincts went on alert as if preparing to defend what was hers.

Wrapping soft drying cloth about herself, enjoying the silky fabric against her skin, she carefully traced the hawk's path through the gaps of the tall trees. With each step she took, her bare feet sank into the rich soil, feeling the magic that lingered in the ground as she pulled on her powers to find out what the bird wanted from her. At first, it was as though the roots of the majestic trees wanted to intermingle with the very essence of her spirit. The feeling grounded her, filling her mind with peace. Nature cautioned her to be careful and discover the hawk's true intentions. I must always be prudent. The forest always has dangers, and this hawk brings danger to my honor. Its master is keeping a close eye on me. This needs to stop. She thought as the wind rustled the leaves around the forest in agreement.

Her frustration boiled over as the bird continued to circle her. Angered by the intrusion, putting all her frustration behind her threat. "Reconsider, you naughty bird, if you're here to spy on me! Tell your master I'll marry no man," Daphne said, harsh and direct. She wanted her wishes taken seriously, but it seemed a man was after her no matter what.

"Oh, my dear! The master of that bird desires you in ways beyond your comprehension. He wields great power and can be very persuasive when determined,” a woman said from above Daphne. “I know this because that hawk’s master is my brother." She finally realized it was her strong and beautiful goddess, Artemis, as she jumped from the tree she was perched on and landed next to her. Her countenance was regal, and her gaze commanded obedience.

Daphne bowed out of respect, not caring she was still naked with only a sheen cloth that somewhat covered her modesty. Realizing she was soaking wet, Daphne tried to dry her tanned golden skin while a light flush of embarrassment covered most of her body. The goddess looked amused by her display of bashfulness. They have enjoyed each other’s company many times. Many blessed, intimate nights that she would cherish for eternity. Still, she always managed to feel shy around Artemis, her goddess. "Dear goddess! I didn't know you were coming to visit. It's a great honor to be in your presence. What do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" she asked, sitting by the goddess' feet and breathing in the sweet scent of lavender and fresh spring water.

Artemis patted her head as the goddess sat by her. Daphne rejoiced at the attention, hoping their encounter would end in each other's arms. Looking up at the imposing goodness, Daphne felt something was afoot. "I wish to ask you a question. Why do you want to be one of my hunters? I already have plenty of followers. You are beautiful and can marry. I can see you having mighty sons and daughters that can make any man proud and be the envy of all the other gods. Your beauty is boundless and a fierce warrior. Why would you give up such a future for a life of eternal maidenhood?" Artemis asked her with tenderness.

She studied the goddess closely. Is the goddess testing me? It must be. I need to show her my unbreakable devotion to her. Daphne thought as she sighed and looked up. "My goddess Artemis! I understand your concerns, but I..." She paused, collecting her thoughts to plead her case. "My desire to be a hunter has always been and has never changed. I'm content about giving up marriage and motherhood as long as I'm by your side," she pleaded as she embraced the goddess' shapely leg nearest her. "To me, all I want is strength and independence. I desire to prove that I am more than just my beauty. I want to be respected as a warrior and hunter." Daphne paused, smiling shyly before continuing. "I want to be by your side, free. To always love you. To live for you. I'll bow to no man. Just you, my lovely goddess."

"You want to be free, you say?! But the very essence of your desire binds you to me. I see no difference if you were to marry a man," Artemis rebuked with a loveliest of smiles.

Daphne stood, ignoring her wrap had become undone, leaving her naked before Artemis, as she lightly beat on her chest with her fist. Trying to plead her case desperately. "True, but there is a difference. I do this willingly. If I were to listen to my father, I would have to subject myself to a man's whims. I don't want that, my dear goddess. I want to be with you until I'm no more."

"But... What if that man offers you the world because he's powerful and has authority? What if that man cherishes you like his equal? What if he showers you with many blessings? And, what if you become his muse to his art?" Artemis asked as she caressed Daphne's soft and plump cheek. The goddess leaned in and kissed her. The gentle touch of their lips calmed her frayed nerves. The turmoil raging inside her quickly died down—just like magic.

Daphne held on to the moon goddess incarnate as her life depended on it. She missed the other woman's taste when they parted and wanted more. "You are strong and have given me sanctuary. You are what I want to be, my lovely goddess of the hunt."

Looking unamused, Artemis stepped back to look around until she found what she was looking for. In a maternal gesture, she picked the cloth from the ground and wrapped it around Daphne. "Have you broken your fast, my water nymph?"

"No!" Daphne said forcefully but knew better than not to be impetuous. "But.. have you eaten anything yet, dear goddess of the hunt?"

"I haven't, so let's eat and talk," Artemis said as she led Daphne to the treehouse. Artemis quickly climbed the tree's branches with ease as she followed suit.

In a hurry, Daphne went to her room and searched the trunk tucked in a corner. She soon found a simple but very practical knee-length hunting tunic. After putting on her hunting robes, she loosely braided her hair. Excitement coursed through her veins and quickened her pulse. The goddess of the hunt had come to visit her, and she needed to look presentable. As she headed to the cooking area, where her fire was constantly ablaze, she noticed Artemis throwing herbs and root vegetables into the cauldron.

Horrified, the naiad rushed into the kitchen to take charge of the cooking. "Oh no, goddess, you mustn't! Something so mundane is not befitting of your station." Daphne's desperate cry startled Artemis. Also, the nearby creatures scurried away in fright as she moved close to Artemis. She jostled her around to the nearby table chair as she checked their food. "You are my guest. I just... I just needed to get dressed, my lady," As she moved closer to the fire, the pot's content started to bubble. The aroma that wafted from the pot was enticing and made her mouth salivate. The breakfast stew looked delicious, and she couldn't wait to sit and enjoy their meal. "It smells amazing. It looks hearty, too. I can't wait to try it."

Artemis smiled as she stared at her. "You know, the master of that hawk from earlier, while bathing, taught me how to make that stew. He's kind-hearted and doing his best to become a dotting husband. He's also a talented cook and cares for others, even though he sometimes doesn't show it. My brother can be charming when trying to impress a potential lover. But now... he's like a mountain lion in heat looking for his mate," she drawled as she grabbed a couple of bowls and spoons from the open shelf close to the spring fountain. "He's been watching his lioness closely for a while. He wants you all to himself."

Daphne moved away from Artemis as if the goddess carried a plague and went to grab some bowls. She did not like the way the other woman was talking. It made her uncomfortable. "Too bad for him. I will not reciprocate." She filled their bowls and set them on the table. Before sitting for her meal, she fetched the basket with the day-old bread, which would pair well with their stew. "You are devoted to your maidenhood, and I want the same. So why are you pushing this issue, my dear goddess."

"Because I have a sweet spot for my baby brother. He has this thing..." Artemis paused as if looking for the right words. "He can easily win people's hearts, myself included. Although insufferable at times with his cocky personality, he can be a sweetheart. He went out to kill the python to avenge our mother and prove his worth as a man... for you. Today, he has become a man and intends to gain your favor. He's quite determined to do so. Besides, he's been bugging me with questions about you." She rolled her eyes in frustration.