Diana - The Huntress

 

 Moonlight lit the path as she ran through the forest. Autumn leaves crunched beneath her feet. The season to hunt would soon be over. It was her last chance before the long winter would come. The stag was near, she could smell his scent in the air. Her breath pounded in her chest. This was her purpose, her realm. Her long dark hair fell around her in wild tendrils. Perspiration gathered on her brow and forehead from the chase.

     The animals ran with her, but she was hunting no animal, she was hunting him. She stopped to listen. She heard his footsteps to the west. She could hear better than any human. The women in the forest ran and she guided the loveliest one to the west. She was undressed looked liked Diana with her long dark hair falling around her shoulders. She was painted with Diana’s symbols. She had made an offering to Diana and she would be well rewarded for her offering. Diana could stay alive if she was remembered by humans. If they forgot her, she would be lost forever.

     She lifted her arms and golden light surrounded her. She spread the light until it reached her female human, showering her in the light. The sweet girl did not know she had been blessed by Diana, but all could see the glow around her. It was intoxicating and even the trees of the forest bowed to the young woman.

     The woman stopped to catch her breath and the stag spotted her. He was also nude and wore a crown of antlers. He was supposed to give chase, but her light drew him to her. He smelled the sweet smell of her skin and he became aroused by her light and beauty. He stalked her and got close enough to touch her. He wrapped his arms around her possessively. She gasped but smiled into his dark eyes with her own.

     They found a place near the river to practice the most ancient ritual between man and woman. The light between them lit the forest and they knew that the union would be forever in their hearts. The woman whispered a prayer of thanks to Diana as she surrendered to her love and to the beauty of the night. She would have the man and the child that she desired.   

     Diana smiled in the distance because this union would result in love and offspring. The woman would continue to revere her. It was a successful hunt for both the humans and for Diana. They had found love and a life with each other and she had found worship from the ones who know the ancient ways.