By the falls {open

[A P H R O D I T E]

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY
LIKE THE NIGHT OF CLOUDLESS CLIMES AND STARRY SKIES

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AND ALL THAT'S BEST OF DARK AND BRIGHT
MEET IN HER ASPECT AND HER EYES

The bright light from the sun peeked through the white puffs of clouds and washed onto the falls. The water caught the light and gleamed in happiness at the warmth it gave. Water was pouring out of nowhere, down and down to the fountain. It was beautiful just as the maker was. Rumor has it that if you glance into the water you would see your real beauty. But the rule didn't apply to the Olympian Gods and Goddesses. Aphrodite was not strong enough to cast such a powerful spell to get out the real beauty within the Gods and Goddesses themselves. But it seemed that it was enough to make such a beautiful falls. She had a plan to lower it down to the earth so that mortals could see their real beauty but... it pained her to see her masterpiece lowered down to such unworthy beings. She planned to give it to her nymphs, so they can guard it and, with a consequence, let mortals see. But the Goddess seemed too locked to it that she couldn't let it go. So hence it stood there in its beauty but never be used.


On cue, Aphrodite glided on her feet to her falls. Her golden blonde hair that cascaded down in locks billowed and followed her every movement. Her brilliant and passionate blue eyes sparkled in love as they saw the falls still in tact. She looked stunning her red robe, it made her skin and her eyes stand out. Her servants already left her in her peace. Her perfectly carved up lips curled into a soft smile as if she was smiling to her baby. Her dainty fingers brushed the cold and flat marble. Aphrodite looked at her reflection in the water and her smile widened. She mentally complimented herself as she tucked a lock of her blonde hair behind her ears. Though her reflected was being rippled by the splash the water made, it didn't bother her. She knew how lovely she was. She didn't need to know from a reflection in water to know how beautiful she was, she had lots of admirers to tell her about it. She moved slowly around her falls, still tracing her fingers on the marble. Finally she found a dry spot to sit down.


She brushed her robe aside and crossed her legs, causing them to appear very visible. Aphrodite created small circles on the water out of boredom and sighed. The soft wind blew again and teased her hair. Aphrodite bundled them up and placed them over her shoulder. But as her fingers traced down, they caught her gold necklace around her neck. The jewelry was cold against her skin but it sent a silent thrill to her. She loved being in such beautiful things. This one was another rare one. It took her nymphs a few years to find it hidden very deep into a forest she forgot. But then they found it, it was all that mattered to her. And then she let them be forged by her husband, Hephaestus. And now here they were around her neck. Gleaming in happiness under the sunlight. Softly, she hummed a tune from her ruby lips. Letting her mind drift with the silent music around her.

[Artemis]

A young dark haired goddess entered the falls nervously. Here lived one of the most beautifulest goddesses alive, Aphrodite. The young goddess knew that Aphrodite didn't like uninvited guests, but she couldn't say no to Artemis without angering Zeus could she? No one knew who created Aphrodite or how she was created. She just appeared naked one day out of the water and everyone fell in love with her... yes including Artemis. The goddess cleared her throat and called out.

"Aphrodite are you here? I just want to talk." The maiden huntress had things she wanted to do and she wanted to be sure that her loyal huntresses and priestesses were behaving themselves. Goodness knows what they do when Artemis was away. Besides there was a certain matter that Artemis wished to talk to Aphrodite about and the beautiful goddess seemed to be the only one that seemed the most likely to answer it. Artemis waited paitiently to be called forth. She wasn't going to go farther then she was in case Aphrodite wasn't in a good mood.

She sat down and waited. Artemis made sure to bath before she came here. She didn't want to anger Aphrodite anymore if she was already angry. The maiden sighed. She wished things would be easy, even for someone that was immortal things didn't come easy or naturally. Thoughts of hunting and punishing men came to her mind and Artemis smirked. 'Men,' she thought, 'they're disusting!' Artemis shuddered. The only men she had ever gotten along with were her brother, Apollo, her father, Zeus, Hermes, another brother, and Aphrodite's husband.

[Eros (Cupid)]

(this is outside isn't it?)

It was then given Eros habit of easily being bored, He decided to see what the others were up to, perhaps there was something his Mother wished him to do? It would be hardly surprising if there was. Soaring through the vast expanse of clouds, with his wings pressed back, allowing him further speed he glanced around, Eros usually on earth or most places wore a top, that worked well on hiding his wings, yet when he was in the heavens he remained open and free, Of course over the many years. Eros had gained dignity, after watching the mortals, hence why he wore trousers and boots up to his calf, yet his torso remained bare.

Pulling his wings close to his body, Eros ducked and weaved glided and turned in and out among the clouds enjoying the general feeling of flight and freedom, he often loved to fly with the many Swans or other birds that flew in the sky, With his bow, secured safely on him, he bore his arrows in a quiver that rested on his back, Both easily accessible. Ducking again he swooped before, with his sharp gaze caught site of his mother's waterfall, he had been going round in circles.

With that he too caught the site of his mother and another woman, with a sigh. dipping one wing Eros corkscrewed to the ground in his fun, before he fanned his wings and landed neatly If not expert idly onto the light marble base, where he folded his wings in and walked a few steps before hopping of the marble. Eros then grinned widely, He never intentionally made his mother angry in many cases he was not particularly close to her, but he would if needs be confined in her.

[Artemis]

Artemis saw Eros and groaned. "Oh no! Not Cupid!" The maiden huntress didn't like menm especially Cupid... the God of Love. The Goddess backed away a little bit and gave a weary smile, "We meet at last. My name is Artemis, Maiden Huntress, daughter of Zeus and Leto. I take it your Cupid, the God of Love and son to Aphrodite?" Artemis wasn't in the mood to hurt men today and she wasn't going to hurt this one. Normally Artemis didn't like being around men or boys, but if she hurt Cupid then she would risk Aphrodite's wrath if Artemis hurt her son. Artemis had met Aphrodite once or twice.

Artemis took a deep breath, "Maybe you've heard of me? I'm one of the three Goddesses of the Moon? I represent the maiden aspect of the Moon. Selene is the Mother aspect and Hecate is the Crone aspect." Artemis gave another wary smile and waited for Eros to say something. She had heard plenty of talk about Cupid from Persephone and Hades. It was because of Cupid that Hades and Persephone were together... besides eating the food from the underworld. The maiden huntress surpressed a yawn. She had hunting to do and she wanted to get to it soon. Being here was making Artemis tired. She had no problem with Aphrodite because she was another woman, but Cupid was making Artemis a little nervous.

OOC: Good question. Oh and sorry about repeating somethings. Artemis doesn't really like men besides her father and brother and her dead friend Orion.

[Eros (Cupid)]

Eros's grin widened at seeing the Maiden hunter back track, He laughed pleasantly at his obvious effect it was always so amusing to watch. With an absent amused smile he spoke softly his voice light and mischievous. "Run, Run as fast as you can, You can't escape me, because I'm the cupid man!" He chuckled and teasingly took a step toward her. "Correct, I am indeed Cupid, although I would rather prefer Eros on the odd occasion, if you don't mind" He grinned and nodded "Again yes you presume correct Aphrodite is my mother." He watched Artemis's action and snickered lightly. "Your pull the most wonderful faces."

Eros nodded and rolled his eyes lightly, the corners of his lips lifted into a crooked smile "Yes I have heard of you, I have to say I was tempted to make you love an animal, but I resisted" he chuckled it would probably not of been possible, he after all had not tried. "Soo.." he begun the glint still obvious in his golden eyes "How is Hades and Persephone doing?" he chuckled "I heard they are doing wonders?" he asked his voice once again light and playfully, he fanned his wings briefly and moved that bit closer, before landing and pulling an imaginary bow with an arrow, and making a light popping noise as if to hit her, He knew Artemis's dislike of men, he too had been tempted to make her love a mortal, But had resisted, perhaps he would in the future?

[Artemis]

Artemis raised a hand as if to strike, "Don't you dare do that again! I don't want to fall in love with anyone. Immortal or otherwise. Not even an animal! I am perfectly content in being a maiden until the end of time. All I came here to do was talk to your mother Eros. For the sake of her I will let your antics slide. I would rather risk being a mother then your mother's wrath. I hear she can be quite tempermental." The maiden huntress blinked. Somehow Eros was making fun of her and Artemis didn't like it. She of course let it slide because of who his mother was and where they were at.

Artemis quickly brushed back her dark curly hair and calmed her breath. What a sight she must be! A Goddess who couldn't even control her temper in front of others! Artemis quickly thought of her brother, Apollo. He was pretty much the only one who could calm her down. Then again what God or Goddess could say they had a twin brother or sister? And who could say they helped their mother give birth to the other one shortly after birth? Only Apollo and Artemis could say they had a twin. Artemis was the only one who could say she helped her mother deliver her brother shortly after she was born.

Artemis turned her thoughts to Hermes. He was a decent God and Artemis had talked to him on occasion. After all Hermes was the Messenger God and didn't believe in flirting with Artemis. Even if he did it was minor and Artemis thought it funny that the Messenger God tried to hide the flirtings from her. Besides Artemis let Hermes slide as well because he was a good friend to her father... oh wait her brother as well. Artemis still couldn't rightly remember if she was older then Hermes or not. She turned to Eros and waited for his next move.

[Eros (Cupid)]

Eros took a step back at the slightly raised hand, with a glower, his wings fluttered and he made the distance between them he didn't like the fighting aspect of things, hence why he often the one to back down first. so he fluttered back and landed beside his mother, on the marble, he sat. His wings folded once again, against him as he sat crossed legged his chin in his hand. "I could make you whether you liked it or not though" He grinned cheekily, as he remained sat where he was.

Eros watched and chuckled softly, before very light almost inaudible he tutted. Before he fell silent for a moment. He had obviously hit a nerve to watch any ones reaction to most of his taunts was his highlight, he took delight in others expressions, hence why he often continued to tease, to provoke a action of some description. He thought for a moment and smacked his lips together, he could do with some love himself. Perhaps he would go to find Psyche, and tend to her in his many methods of love making, he grinned into his hand at the thought, his wings twitched in temptation. He would later.

He turned his attention back to Artemis, "I think your problem is, you don't know how to love. Is that why you hate men?" He questioned tilting his head "and technically, I'm a boy not a man, so there's no reason why you should hate me, unless of course..your afraid to love?" he question "That could all be changed you know? so I suggest for the sake of things your just that little-" He made a small space between his fore finger and thumb "-nicer to me" He smiled smugly. His wings flapped once again at the mention of his mother previously, he glowered to Artemis again. Eros never intentionally, he often had no intention at all of angering his mother, when she was indeed angered. I was not the most prettiest of sights.

[Artemis]

Artemis growled, "Eros I backed off. I am NOT going to hurt you for one simple reason... your mother. I am not going to risk her wrath because of your childish antics. And no its not because your a boy I don't like anyone of the opposite gender besides my brother and my father. Now if you continue like this then you will feel my fist and I won't care about your mother's wrath. I only came here to talk to her and you appeared." Artemis gulped. She was bluffing, but she didn't want Eros to know it, though Artemis would hit Eros if he continued, "Now Eros. Please calm down and try to let me calm down. Maybe, just maybe, I'll calm enough to actually consider you as a friend. If you do that then I will accept you as a friend and I will give my permission to visit me anytime you wish, but NOT when I am hunting or bathing... understand?"

Artemis didn't mind having guy friends, but she wasn't going to have a serious relationship with them. The young maiden waited for the Love God to answer, all the while looking around for Aphrodite. Artemis knew Aphrodite was doing what she always did. Preen herself or sleeping with another God. Artemis didn't care. She still wanted to talk Aphrodite and that was all. The maiden huntress sighed. She was bored and she wanted to hunt. As soon as this was over she could return to her enterage and hunt again.

[Eros (Cupid)]

Cupid rolled his eyes at Artemis's tone, it was clear she lacked love in general. "I pity you..You do not give Love the chance, nor the opposite sex, How do you know if it is good or not? you do not know until you have experience it, but tell me fair maiden. Would you know what love is, so shall it be handed to you, with palm upraised?" he questioned curiously, rather then teasing, he was simply, curious. Eros sighed then. "I would call you bluff Huntress, Although you may hurt other, I would doubt you'd hurt me." He smiled impishly. "I would like to beg a difference I think you do indeed care about what my Mother could do to you" he mused lightly.

"I am perfectly clam, It is you you have the emotional issues." Eros soon smiled at her possible consideration. "Is that so? The I shall look forward to it." Cupid all but chuckled, "As Much as I may find you attractive, as most females are, But I do not wish to see that much of you, unless there are other alternatives?" He mused with a small further chuckle he shook his head. "My apologies, I shall stop, I have to say your expression remains priceless. I do of course understand." Eros for a long moment waited and watched it was all but vastly amusing to see such expressions, Perhaps one time he would have to show Artemis what love is. It was a possibility, there were plenty of possible candidates that Cupid considered a perfect match.

[Artemis]

Artemis gave another wary smile, "I do indeed know what love is Eros. I have watched many who have truely loved one another, but for now that is not for me. I want to enjoy being a maiden for awhile longer. Should I require your services then I will let you know." The maiden huntress was already liking the God of Love. He was charming in his own way and he did mean well. "I'm sorry about what I said. I don't like to discuss men or boys with anyone. As I said earlier I only get along well with my brother. I had a friend that I got along with, but my brother tricked me into thinking he was the enemy. My friend's name was Orion. Apollo thought it would be funny to watch the horror on my face as I watched my friend die. Orion was swimming one day and Apollo told me he was the enemy. I shot him and killed him. When I found out later who it really was I was furious at Apollo for his dirty trick. Apollo seeing my fury instead of my sadness surprised him. So together he and I put Orion into the stars and now he is the star constellation, Orion's Belt. When night comes do you want me to show you Orion?"

Artemis missed her friend deeply. Deep down she knew she had been falling for him, but his death was another reminder of why she wouldn't love or have children. If she loved and had children then the father would die one day and her children would be fatherless. Artemis didn't want that and that was why she chose the maiden life. The huntress sat back down and patted the ground next to her. "Sit. There is much to talk about isn't there?" Artemis was going to make up for being mean and trying to talk to Eros. Maybe the God of Love would change her mind about men and she might end up with someone. Artemis did feel lonely once in awhile, but she never admitted it, though she thought her brother had guessed. She would talk to him later and ask him.

[A P H R O D I T E]

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY
LIKE THE NIGHT OF CLOUDLESS CLIMES AND STARRY SKIES

- - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - -

AND ALL THAT'S BEST OF DARK AND BRIGHT
MEET IN HER ASPECT AND HER EYES

In the midst of thinking, she still heard Artemis’ voice disrupt her train of thoughts. Her head snapped up in annoyance. She was already shaking the bored aura from her but then she checked herself before she said anything. Poor Artemis looked scared as Aphrodite cleared her vision. She smiled beautifully at her. Her whole face lit up as did everything around her. Aphrodite loved the effect she had on the other Gods and Goddesses. To know that they feared her, to her she thought fear was another form of respect and she loved that. It inflated her a little bit again. “Of course I am here Artemis, Do you not see me sitting?” she asked in an amused voice, but teasingly looked as if Artemis has lost her sight. Then she laughed, it sounded like soft bells in the breaking of dawn. Softer than a baby’s first laugh but richer than gold. She tossed her hair again and looked at the water. “Yes, talk, and what do you want to talk about Artemis?” she asked and then waited as she created little ripples with her fingers. Aphrodite didn’t mind waiting this time, thinking that the Goddess was still gathering up her thoughts. And then she jerked her head up.

Up in the sky, she saw Eros. Another smile reached her lips. She loved Eros even though she uses him to do her evil little plans. He was still her son. He looked handsome though, and she loved to think he all got it from her. Which he did. Aphrodite gracefully waved her hands but didn’t say a word. He flew down gracefully and landed. She watched the two and realized they never have met. It wasn’t really a shocker since Artemis rarely hung out with men with the exception of those she hunted with and her family relations. She looked at them with interest, as she cooked up a plot. It would be really interesting now to have Artemis fall in love with a mortal and see her all fluttered, not knowing the basic rules of loving. There weren’t any rules, to Aphrodite. Love was in everyone. It’s just buried beneath whatever emotion that person is using and needed to be free. That’s what she thought and still believed. However, it would still be very interesting. Thought Zeus would really disapprove, she couldn’t care less.

She laughed melodically as they exchanged words. She knew her son was sharp and witty. Moreover, it that made him very charming and irresistible to any woman, mortal or immortal. For once in her life, she never have met anyone almost like her but he wasn’t into creating much havoc like her for he was tied. Aphrodite’s smile faded. She wasn’t in favor with his lover, yes, they looked great together. However, she was not happy to be the Goddess in law. Aphrodite regretted why she ever asked Eros to do the errand she asked him to do. She smiled and shook her head. Aphrodite placed her dainty hand onto Eros’ arm as if to say it was enough already with the teasing. “Enough Eros, you are bringing her grief,” she said to her son softly. “Artemis, I was thinking, I quite agree that we women can handle ourselves well enough, but aren’t you tired without a man around?” she asked with a mischievous glint in her beautiful eyes. “Wouldn’t you want… let’s say… an arranged date for that right man?” the glint in her eyes grew as they smile on her face stayed angelic.
.

[Artemis]

Artemis turned to Aphrodite. She took a deep breath and said, "What would happen if I had a child? What if the father of the child died? The reason why I tread the path of the maiden is because I don't want to have children with no father and I don't want to end up alone if I did have a man in my life." The young Goddess watched Aphrodite. She was now afraid to speak to her. Eros seemed much easier to talk to. The maiden took a deep breath and smiled. "Well I was just talking to Eros about what I wanted to talk to you about."

Artemis now wished she hadn't come alone. She wished that she had brought her brother. At least then she would feel safer being in Aphrodite's presence. Thoughts began to race through Artemis's head. Would Aphrodite get tired of her being there and throw her out? Or would she do something far worse then kick her out? Artemis stood. "I have hunting to get back to. I shall leave you two to talk. It was a pleasure talking to you Eros. I invite you to visit anytime."

[Eros (Cupid)]

"So you say, but I do not think you are as bold as you say, at least not enough as to try Love, experience it. at the very least." Eros nodded it was her decision of course "As you wish, but your time will come sooner rather then later." He added and nodded once again in reply "Again, as you say." Eros raised a hand to stop her apologies. "Nor harm caused, I value your opinion, but do not blame me if I unintentionally wish to try and change it, It is in my nature" He smiled softly showing his perfect straight white teeth, as his lips raised in the corner of his mouth. "I shall pressure you no more." His face twisted into an expression of sorrow. "I'm sorry to hear to hear of your loss, but if he is in the stars then he is always around." Eros smiled lightly "I would like that, yes. Thank you."

Eros smiled at the invitation, already they had made vast improvements in their 'relationship' "Apparently so." He stated, he smiled cocking his head lightly retaining a further impish smile. He was about to move when he then heard his mother speak, and felt the sudden light gesture on his arm, he turned his gaze to his Mother, and he nodded slowly before he turned his gaze to Artemis and inclined his head "My apologies" He said. Eros continued to listen to their conversation, He glanced to his mother, the glint in her eyes, he knew all to well, a plan was indeed seemingly on the horizon. Eros sighed and rolled his eyes neatly, before he remained seated and rested his chin on the knuckles of his hand.

Eros for now fell silent he would not interrupt his mother, for he currently switched his mind to other matters. The matters concerning Psyche. His thoughts drifted to the sinful type, before he hid a secretive smile behind his hand, and glanced to his mother, whom he knew all to well still loathed Psyche, because of her beauty. To an extent Eros worshiped Psyche more so then he did his mother. Before he raised a Fair, yet perfect eyebrow at his Mothers tone. "Mother.." he said slowly, "I hardly think that's appropiate.." He offered, considering his and Artemis' conversation "I'm sure in time she will experience love to the extreme, and think differently of the opposite sex. Artemis first has to notice love before she can feel it." He added.

(OOC: I shall edit later if needs be Artemins )

[Artemis]

Artemis stopped. Eros had accepted her invitation of looking at the stars with her, but that wasn't what had stopped her.

He had said 'I'm sorry to hear of your loss, but if he is in the stars then he is always around.'

That brought tears to her eyes. Eros was right. Her friend would always be there even after she ceased to exist. "Your right Eros. I never thought of that... thank you for saying that." Just then a new feeling rose in her and she knew that she was opening up to men once more. The young maiden quickly wiped the tears, but she was now willing to open up to men and give them a chance to try to win her heart.

She turned to Aphrodite, "I accept your idea. I will be hunting should you wish to find me." With that Artemis gave a smile and left. She returned to her enterage and prepared for the next hunt. Artemis would tell her enterage soon about them being allowed to mix with men once more.

[A P H R O D I T E]

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY
LIKE THE NIGHT OF CLOUDLESS CLIMES AND STARRY SKIES

- - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - -

AND ALL THAT'S BEST OF DARK AND BRIGHT
MEET IN HER ASPECT AND HER EYES

Aphrodite had a lot of plans in her head. Wondering if it be a mortal or not. She was tempted, so temped to ruin the date and leave Artemis traumatized after. It would be a laughable sight but then Aphrodite knew better than tinkering with love with first timers. They were so cautious in their first time and it made it more amusing. Maybe she could just stir it up a bit. A sly glint appeared in her eyes but no smile found her lips. It would be easy. She was bored anyway with Adonis still held by Persephone, Ares fighting somewhere and Hephaestus doing his work, not that she really looking for him, she just wondered what kind of jewelry he makes for her next. And then she commanded herself to listen to Artemis who looked a bit distraught. Of course dancing on such a situation she wasn’t really good on would be awkward. And not to mention her lack of experience around men, it would be a disastrous to have herself made a fool and vow hatred to all the opposite sex. But then Aphrodite found herself giggling at the thought. It would very fascinating.

“Oh Artemis,” she sighed, “you are looking too much in the future!” Aphrodite exclaimed at the image Artemis described. “We are not looking for a husband for you, we are looking for a lover for you, to help you understand what love is,” she exclaimed with gestures of her hands. “Oh heavens, why would the husband die? Do you really think you’d let your husband die if he was to say mortal? Of course you’d go to Zeus and plead to him to be immortal, that would be just wonderful,” and then a memory struck Aphrodite. She rolled her eyes, “hopefully he’d stop being so generous with that gift or else he’ll make everyone on earth mortal,” Aphrodite was actually talking about Psyche and filled her voice with a sour tone. But then she shook it off and turned to the matter at hand. It doesn’t really matter if Eros knew, he already knew how his mother disliked his wife. And that she was living in regret of why she put him up to the job.

“Oh hush Eros, she’s what? A couple of century old or more? That’s more than enough time honey, I can’t imagine myself in such a situation,” she said rather dramatically and placed her hand over chest. Of course it would be hell to Aphrodite since she lived to be loved and to love. And then she beamed as Artemis accepted her idea. “Wonderful Artemis, you won’t regret it!” she exclaimed before the Goddess left. Aphrodite was now glowing in happiness and excitement. She turned to her son expectantly, the thought of making her son fall in love with someone else struck her mind but tucked it behind her mind in secret, knowing she hid it well. “So Eros, who would you recommend to our untouched client?” she asked to her son, “I was thinking of someone thoughtful for the first time, I mean she’s just a novice in this,” she threw a gesture to where Artemis was last seen.
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