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| The Goddess |
| The wind rushed through her auburn hair as she raced through the moonlit forest. Tears streamed down her cheeks, tinged rose from running. She could not think, but her feet knew the way through the woods, a path that she had walked many times before. The thorns of the woodland rose scraped against her arms, catching in her flowing gown. Her silver bracelet became ensnared on a hanging tree limb, and she released it, allowing it to fall to the floor, among the leaves. She came upon a clearing and rushed past the remnants of a fire. Ahead, there was a shimmering lake, and she fell to her knees at its edge. "Why? Why must I feel this way?" she screamed into the crisp night air, "What have I done to deserve this torment? This pain?" She let her head fall to her chest, the tears running down, and into the lake. "What do you mean, 'Why?'" came a voice from the water. She gazed into the mist that was beginning to rise on the lake, and gasped as slowly a figure began to take shape, falling backwards on the grass. "Because it was my right." The figure was female in shape, with a beauty that outshone any mortal woman. The young girl recognized her as the goddess Aphrodite. A rage began to rise up in her soul. "Your right?" she asked defiantly. "Yes," the goddess responded, "I had claimed you at birth as mine, Daniella, but your human resolve chose otherwise. Do you believe that I was to sit back without a fight as you dedicated yourself as a virgin to Diana?" Daniella slowly got to her feet. "So you plague me with these thoughts of lust and unrelenting desire?" she said, narrowing her deep blue eyes, "You knew of my decision, and still you carry on? I have fallen for many men and they have not returned my desires. Was that you? Were all those shameless thoughts your cause? Was my vow to Diana broken for your enjoyment? " The goddess smiled, "I have no control over the nature of arrow that my son Eros chooses, nor over the man your eyes falls on or if you carry out your yearnings. I was, however, the one who sent you racing into Lilli's arms, and into her bed." A fire flashed in Daniella's eyes. She reached down, picked up some stones, and heaved them at the goddess. "How dare you! I thought it was real! I thought my passion for her was real!! Was it all in jest? Am I just a plaything of the gods?" The goddess laughed as the smooth stones flew through her image. "It was a lesson to be learned, my precious. Here you are, lobbing stones at just a reflection of my true self. Where is the one who was to protect your maidenhood? Where is your goddess now, Daniella?" Daniella collapsed to her knees and wept. All the years she denied a male touch was in vain. She did not have to save herself. The many times she could have enjoyed the carnal pleasures passed through her mind. She was lost in a sea of despair and regret. She felt a warm, tender hand touch her shoulder. "My dear child, all is not in vain. You have not broken your promise to me." Through tear-filled eyes, she looked up, and saw a shining woman standing next to her. The woman, whose voice was soothing, helped Daniella to her feet. Aphrodite's eyes widen as she recognized the woman. "My darling, do not distress," the woman whispered, "I still love you, and your vow still holds true." She took Daniella into her arms, and Daniella's sorrow began to fade away. The woman turned to face the goddess, and said, "Aphrodite, you may have claimed her at birth, but her heart chooses me. Play with her emotions no longer." Aphrodite glared at the woman. "Diana, I do not give up so easily. I will have her, even if it kills her. But tonight, she can be yours. Watch over her well. She cannot escape my grasp forever." The goddess vanished as the mists cleared. Daniella looked up into the eyes of her goddess, remembering the face she saw at her dedication. "Do not sorrow, my little one," the goddess whispered, kissing Daniella on her brow. The once invisible crescent on her brow shone from the goddess's touch, and she closed her eyes. "I will watch over you, child." Daniella opened her eyes to the darkness of the night, and smiled, remembering the touch of her goddess. |
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| Copyright 2003 Erin Boyle |