BigDamnTable 45 - Moon

BigDamnTable 45
Moon


Character(s): Artemis, Toma


The boy stumbled through a small wood.
He barely saw where he placed his feet, because it was night, and the trees blocked out most of the moonlight. The moon… today it was full, and silver shining orb looked magnificent, as it stood in the sky, flanked by countless stars. The boy loved the moon, but today didn’t see it.
He came out on a road, stumbled again and fell down. Tears began to flow, as both physical and metal pain clawed at his heart.
„S.. sister...“
The tears streamed down his cheeks. He had lost everything; his home, his parents, his sister… was he going to loose his life too this night? He tried to get up, but it was a huge effort.
„Sis… I… I can’t anymore…“ He fell on his knees. „Please… please, somebody help!“
That was when he noticed something strange. The moonlight… was it getting stronger? He knew that the light of a full moon was strong enough to cast shadows, but it wasn’t as bright as the sun’s. So why…
He looked up at the moon – and thought he must have a dream. A woman with long, greenish-blonde hair and dressed in white, came floating towards him, the moon right behind her. When she reached him, she knelt down and lay the palm of her hand on his cheek.
„Don’t be afraid, boy“, she said. „You‘re not alone anymore.“
Her touch was warm and gentle, and her voice soft. The boy was sure she must be an angel sent to help him.
„Are you… an angel?“, he promptly asked.
The woman laughed. To the boy it seemed that he had never before heard a sweeter sound. It was like pearling water, like gentle flowing moonlight.
„Oh no“, she said, amused. „I am no angel. Furthest from that. I am a goddess. Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt.“
That left him speechless. A goddess?
„You… you mean… you mean that all the ancient greek tales are true and that gods exist?“
„Yes. But I have not come to harm you… Toma.“
The boy fliched.
„Do not be alarmed that I know your name“, Artemis said. „We gods know many things. As I said, I mean you no harm. Instead, I want to present you an offer.“
„An… offer?“
„Yes. Come with me. Come to my palace. And I will make you one of the strongest warriors this world has ever seen.“
Toma was dumbfounded. But then his heart began beating faster with excitement. „You mean I can become as strong as a god?“
„Maybe not as strong as a god; for that, your body is too weak. But I will make you the strongest you can be.“
,Marin…‘ Toma clenched his fists, as he remembered the sacking of his village. ,Sister… I will find you! I’ll go with Artemis, become a strong warrior, find you and protect you forever! Just like you always protected me. Wait for me, sister!’
He stood and looked Artemis in the eyes, determination in his face.
„I’ll come with you.“
„Then let’s go, my favourite human boy.“
Artemis took him by the hand and together they vanished…
Into the moon.