Surviving Amnesia

Legends surround us no matter where we are. Some we know... and some we don't. A lot of what we know has parts that were altered or even omitted. You'll find many of these here. Our story starts in Ancient Greece and intertwines with many heroes and heroines. This particular story expands on the legend of Atalanta... telling of some of her unknowns and ommitances, as well as some of her family affairs. Atalanta spent her early years in Acarnania running through the wilderness and playing in the surrounding waters. She became strong and fast. Her mother Clymene, a water nymph, grew more and more proud of her increasingly beautiful daughter. Atalanta saw and heard many things about men... mostly how they hurt and belittle women. Atalanta decided she didn't want anything to do with that... swearing off men, and impressing Artemis Goddess of the Hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, the Moon, and chastity. Through her resolve, Atalanta called upon Artemis and asked for protection and solid resolve for what she knew would be a road full of tests, trials, and most of all... men. Artemis appeared to the young woman as she sat in prayer on the edge of a meadow full of deer.     "Hello, Atalanta. I heard your prayers... and your resolve. I'm impressed. What brought you to this decision, young one?" Instantly, Atalanta got up to her knees and bowed her head in respect.     "Honorable Artemis. I'm honored you saw fit to grace me with your presence. I've seen and heard many things about men... how they use us, abuse us... how they treat us like property. I saw how they hoard women... how they beat us... I've heard how they command us and expect us to just sit back and obey them without question, wanting us to rely on them for protection. Artemis, I don't want that for me. Whomever I end up with, I want to be sure I'll be treated right. I want to keep myself pure." Atalanta answered truthfully, still kneeling respectfully with her head bowed. Atalanta kept herself in that position until  Artemis told her to rise and look at her, impressing the young Goddess of the Hunt even more. When Atalanta looked up, she was amazed at the appearance of Artemis. Atalanta always thought she wore a dress and was surprised to see her wearing armor and weaponry. Atalanta's eyes widened briefly before she regained her control looking Artemis in her eyes. This brought a smile to Artemis.     "Atalanta, I'm pleasantly surprised at your resolve, and I'll grant your wish. However, you'll need to do what I ask of you when I ask it until the one presents himself." Artemis cautioned.    "Yes, of course, Artemis. As you wish."Atalanta said, agreeing with no hesitation. Smiling Artemis continued. "I grant you my abilities of a huntress. You shall be the fastest and swiftest of the mortals. Your use of the bow and your speed shall be legendary. the task before you as of this moment is to assist in the preservation of the wilderness. Help to keep the wilderness. Help to keep the wildlife in balance and keep the Golden Hynes safe. Their blood is a powerful poison, and one of the only things that can kill us. I need a specially skilled warrior for this, and since you've impressed me, I've chosen you." Artemis watched Atalanta for any sign that she'd waiver in her resolve only to see it strengthen.    "As you wish, Honorable Artemis. I accept... and I'm ready. I'll train daily, and I'll exercise daily, too." Atalanta vowed.     "I know. I'm going to train you myself, and so will your mother." Artemis held out her hand. "Now take my hand, and we'll go see your mother, Clymene." Atalanta took Artemis' hand and instantly Artemis transported them to a homestead by a river on the border of Acarnania, startling Clymene.     "Artemis. You startled me." she chuckled before responding.     "Sorry, Clymene. Young Atalanta here called me while she was on the edge of the meadow. She's accepted a very important task. Clymene slightly tilted her head. Before she could ask her unspoken question, Artemis answered. "She's the Golden Hynd's Guardian." At this, Clymene's eyes widened in shock.     "Artemis... that's extremely dangerous."     "Yes, I know. That's why I'm training her myself., and why I'm asking you to train her, too."     "Of course." Clymene lifted her hands and streams of water shot up with various rocks, pebbles, and wood of all sizes to serve as targets. Artemis held out her hands in front of her and a beautifully crafted bow of antlers appeared with a quiver full of arrows. She handed them to Atalanta.     "Focus on the targets and allow your gifts to come through. Shoot the targets." Without hesitation, Atalanta took the offered bow and arrows... instantly bringing the bow up level with her eyes and firing. She hit a few targets before Artemis stopped her. "I see your mother taught you the basics of archery"     "Yes. Just enough to hunt successfully."     "Can you shoot multiple targets at once?"Artemis asked.     "I don't know. I haven't tried before." Atalanta answered safely.     "Take out three arrows, and support them between each of your fingers. Visualize them flying straight to your targets. Breathe with the wilderness and allow it to guide you. When you exhale, release the arrows." Artemis instructed. Atalanta did as she was told and released the arrows, hitting two out of three targets she aimed at.     "Impressive for your first time taking a shot like this. I made the right choice." Artemis boasted.