Sapphic Voices Fantasy

Daughters Of Artemis

Epilogue

by L. M. Townsend
QueenLaese1[at]aol.com
Copyright © by L. M. Townsend, January 2006

Epilogue

As Myrina stood gazing out over the waters of Lake Tritonis that spring, the first of the Amazon babies was born. Mhari joyfully announced the little girl’s arrival to her mother, holding her up as the baby took her first breath, then made her displeasure known at being forced from her nice warm nest.

“Truly you have blessed the Nation and have been goddess-blessed yourself,” said the shamaness as she swaddled the little one and handed her back to her joyful mother.

It hadn’t been an easy winter, but the Amazons survived the snows on grain they had harvested from their ancient crops, now growing wild. The fortress had been re-built by the hands of all the Amazons. Even Mhari had hobbled to the lower town to lay a brick. It was harder for her to leave her snug little house and make the journey down to the lower town now. Arynë had spent most of the winter helping her and Alkaia in the little house the two elders shared.

Arynë at fifteen Springs old, presided as priestess over the dedication ceremony of the fortress. She blessed it, then lit the celebratory bonfire. She now sat between Aradia and Mhari, watching the Amazons dance their joy around the fire. The celebration would last long into the night; the Amazons had a lot to celebrate.

The shamaness gazed into the fire and sighed, wishing her joints were young enough to join in the dance. She had to be carried down to the ceremony. She was a full ninety birth-seasons now and she was weary. Soon, she would have to ask to be taken back up to her house so that she could rest, but for now, she was content to sit with her younger sisters.

“Tomorrow, Arynë,” she said.

“Yes, Granny?” said the girl, leaning closer to hear her.

“Tomorrow you will preside over the Planting of the First Seed Ceremony,” said Mhari. “Do you remember the invocation?”

“Yes, Granny, every word,” said Arynë, smiling proudly. “I remember everything you’ve taught me.”

Mhari smiled and closed her eyes. “Then all is well,” she said, sighing one more time. “I wish I could have just one last dance ... ”

In the festive firelight, Arynë saw all the lines on the shamaness’ face smooth. Her smile remained, though the gentle rise and fall of her chest had ceased.

“Aradia,” said Arynë, softly. “Mhari ... she’s ...”

Aradia looked over to the shamaness. “I know,” she said, softly, one tear slipping from her eye. “It’s okay, Arynë; she’s still here. They all are.”

Arynë looked up through tear-filled eyes to see Thalia, Anaea, and a younger Mhari, surrounded by a host of other glowing Amazons stop briefly to wave at the two before joining the dance around the fire.

“Will they always be here, Aradia?” asked Arynë, smiling through her tears. “Will we?”

Aradia looked over at the youngest Amazon, sleeping contentedly in her mother’s arms then back at the whole Amazon Nation, past and present, dancing in celebration and joy. She smiled and nodded.

“Always.”

If you have enjoyed L. M. Townsend's "Daughters Of Artemis - Epilogue", then please be certain to e-mail her at QueenLaese1[at]aol.com and thank her for posting this Story.

Click here for a list of all of L. M. Townsend's Stories and Poetry at Sapphic Voices Authoresses.

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