The next morning, Acantha took it upon herself to visit the nearby village and observe what human lives are like. Although she had taken care of young ladies and listened to their stories, she never truly experienced a human life. "Well... Artemis did say to expand my curiosity..." She muttered to herself, walking down the pathway. "Even though its morning, everything sounds so busy." Was all Acantha could think to say. First impressions certainly were important, even when it came to a location. Once arriving at the town it was made very clear that the humans here prioritized music and fun. Aside from normal vendor stalls, special merchants and stores were opened and advertising fresh bakery treats, toys, and even clothing. Some shops held mysterious items and fun curiosities. That's when a hand touched Acantha's shoulder, causing her to curiously turn around. Infront of her stood one of the many ladies who often visited the shrine of Artemis.
"Acantha dear! Its been quite some time..." The gentle, soothing voice of Keila came from the figure. She was a tall and mature appearing young lady, dark hair and eyes with tanned skin from working outside. Acantha recognized this woman immediately, smiling up at her and gently holding Keila's rough, callused, hands. "It really has! How have you been? Have you been having any troubles?" The nymph questioned, her brain switching to some sort of working mode as she prepared to consult the maiden. Keila let out a giggle and shook her head. "No no not at all, unless you count wifely duties. I merely saw you walking so aimlessly it was quite entertaing seeing as you hardly ever leave the temple." The taller woman explained. The ginger girl perked up at the thought of Keila finding a husband, her chest tightening with excitement even she could excuse the teasing for the time being. "You got married?! That's wonderful! Im so happy for you Keila!" Acantha beamed up, smiling so brightly as her hold on Keila's hands tightened in assurance.
"Yes yes it really is wonderful. I've even got two little mini me's back home. They're helping out their father. Care to come for some tea? We can catch up more there." Keila suggested. Acantha paused a bit at the idea of this woman having children. Had so much time passed so quickly? Sure she was used to hearing of people marrying young. But Keila was only around 22... Right? In order to turn down the offer as gently as she could, Acantha shook her head before speaking again. "Ah I would love to, but I should really get moving, see what else there is in this town. Perhaps another time dear." The freckled nymph answered. As the two parted ways, Acantha couldnt help but think about just how much time had passed, and how fast it seemed to truly go by. When she and Keila had first met, Keila was only around 15. She had come crying to Lady Artemis after finding out she would soon be responsible for being a provider for her family, much like the other adult women in her life.
Once Lady Artemis heard the weeping girl's story, the goddess knew all of what to do. Though she didnt carry out any punishment, harsh lesson, or even show anger as some might assume. Instead, she layed a hand to the young Keila's head and comforted her, helping Keila rationalize the situation and guided her through her adolencense. Acantha could remember it all like it was yesterday, her cheeks going pink with admiration as her hands clasped together and a slight smile coming to her face. "Ah Lady Artemis sure is incredible, helping Keila grow into such a lovely young woman!" She thought outloud. This caught the attention of some citizens going about their day, raising an eyebrow to the nymph for speaking of someone so highly. After quite the strike of embarrassment struck through Acantha's stomach and giving it quite a queasy feeling, she recollected herself and moved on to bigger things.
And what could she possibly mean by bigger things? Well Acantha could hear quite a rowdy cheer coming from a nearby building. And upon reading the sign, it was quickly found out this was a tavern. 'The Dashing Draco" the sign read. Acantha had heard of such loud gatherings where primarily men would drink and party all day, but she herself had never gone into one. Once taking one single step through the threshold, she wad quickly overwhelmed by the stench of alcohol, sweat and food. Acantha had tasted wines and other forms of alcohol given to her as a gift for the hard work around the temple and taking care of those who visit. And for the most part it was all good, though nothing she raved over. The pale woman made her way to the front of the crowd to see the source of the ruckuss. It was a bar fight, classy.
The two men fighting were both wasted beyond comprehension, seeming to argue about which of them could beat the other in a drinking contest. And from what Acantha had picked up, they could have had this contest but due to their drunken states, the bartender had cut them off early thus sending the two into a riot. Acantha didnt like to see conflict and in order to try and stop the men from fighting, easily pushed the both of them apart with almost an inhuman strength. While one male went fumbling backwards until he was on the ground, the other had managed to grip onto the bar counter enough to only land on his knees. Acantha crossed her arms and put on a stern expression. "Since when was it ever justified to start a fight over alcohol? If you really wanted to drink, with your attitude and lack of composure you're simply better off drinking water from a puddle outside." The woman scolded.
Like clockwork, and a bit of embarrassment, the man on his knees saw the nymph and seemed a bit shocked that he was knocked down so easily by Acantha, a woman with a fairly athletic body type but still on the smaller side. "Eh I hear you kid... No need to nag me." The drunk man didnt wish to bother with more than he could handle. "Oi, bartender... Get the lil lady here a drink... And... Nothing for me for now." The male grumbled. He was tall and scruffy with short brown hair and a matching short and messy beard. Acantha deadpanned. "You should know I am older than you by quite a bit. So calling me kid or little is insulting." The woman pouted. "Alright then whats your name, kid?" He questioned, putting emphasis on the word kid as if to get on her nerves a bit. Acantha decided to stick around and sat up on the bar stool beside him. "My name is Acantha. Lampaid nymph of Lady Artemis at the temple of Artemis." She answered.
The brunette male gave an unimpressed expression by such a title. "Oh well excuse me your divine-ness allow me to care whos possee you're part of." He spoke sarcastically. "The names Zach. Now tell me, whats a divine lady such as yourself doing in a rat nest bar like this?"
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Word Count: 1221
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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...
