That very evening, Acantha sat at the very edge of the forest, overlooking a field and small village. By her side layed a young fawn, sleeping peacefully under the moonlight. The gentle night breeze brushed against Acantha's pale and freckled face that almost replicated the feeling of gentle hands caressing the skin of your cheeks. It relaxed the underworld nymph and made her lean back until she layed flush against the soft, cool grass. Once laying down, her eyes were met with striking blue eyes right above her, causing Acantha to let out a yelp of shock. "L-Lady Artemis?!" She exclaimed and scrambled to properly stand.
Artemis was an extremely tall woman with an athletic physique and curly blonde hair pulled back into a bun. A crescent shaped hairpin kept her locks of hair together while her outfit provided her the perfect mobility to hunt and protect those of the night. Acantha stood straight up, her smaller figure only meeting to the deity's lower torso. "D-Did you need something?" The nymph asked. Artemis merely shook her head. "I was wondering where you had run off to. All the Naiads said you hadn't shown up since Illiana had finished her work for the temple. Is there something on your mind?" She asked. Acantha scratched the back of her neck. "Its really a simple issue. Something I think I just need to sort on my own-" she was interrupted with a hand to her head. Artemis had a soft smile on her face. "You may be a nymph of the temple, but you're still growing. And you're still my little gift. I can see it all over your face." The goddess spoke. Acantha's eyes widened a bit as the taller woman continued to speak. "Your purpose is to guide others as I would, take care of the temple and ensure that those who harm women and children are dealt with
. Once you've learned enough, you will begin going out to punish those who abuse, those who burn, and those who torture." Artemis explained.
The ginger haired girl was rather surprised by such an answer. In the end her purpose was to be a bringer of punishment to the humans. "How long will it take for me to learn enough?" The underworld nymph asked, tilting her head curiously. Artemis placed both hands on the girl's cheeks, her thumb gently caressing them as a soft giggle escaped her lips. "There isn't any deadline... Nor do you need to rush it. As I stated before you're still so young... You have endless time to learn all there is. As of right now though, I want you to experience a sweet life before you decide to bring so much responsibility on your shoulders." The goddess of the night stated. Acantha seemed to understand, though wanted to make Artemis proud with this end goal of becoming her personal nymph and bringer of punishment. The deity noticed this and pet her on the head, running her fingers through the girl's carrot colored locks. "Come with me. I will lead you back to the temple. We must be careful however. At night the humans enjoy hunting in these woods. It would be most upsetting if you had gotten tangled in mortal men's grasp." She said and lead Acantha all the way back to the temple.
Once back, Acantha noticed a feminine figure standing in the entry way of the temple, though this wasn't one of the usual visitors. It was a tall woman dressed in dark colors. And she seemed as if she needed to speak with the goddess. Artemis sent Acantha off to tend to any young ladies who have yet to find their ways to a proper resting area. And as much as Acantha desired to listen in and indulge in her curiosity, the strict gaze of Artemis if she were caught certainly turned down these thoughts.
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Origins (Prequel Fanfic)
FanfictionThis is a prequel fan fiction to The Nymph's Redemption, this is the origins of Acantha and how she came to be in her crimes. It will take us through the Holy War and perhaps even before that. Acantha's story doesn't simply begin the way it does in...
