Atalanta was a devout follower of the Moon Goddess. She knew her survival as a child was thanks to Artemis's aid.
Her weapon, the bow named Tauropolos, was blessed by Artemis, imbued with the power of the Moon Goddess and even a portion of Apollo's solar might.
To repay her goddess, Atalanta prayed daily, expressing gratitude for all Artemis had done.
Her vow of lifelong celibacy stemmed largely from Artemis being a chaste goddess. To serve her deity, Atalanta chose without hesitation to remain unwed.
Now, gazing at the full moon and feeling the power in its light, Atalanta knelt devoutly, praying softly.
Though Artemis represented the moon, her power wasn't always palpable in its glow. But tonight... and last night... felt different. The moonlight carried a distinct presence of the Moon Goddess's power.
As a close devotee, Atalanta could sense this subtle difference.
"Are you watching over my adventure, great Artemis?" she whispered, her devotion deepening.
Moonlight poured down, and Atalanta looked up, seeing a faint figure formed entirely of light. Though its features were unclear, the potent lunar energy confirmed it was her goddess, Artemis!
"Why have you appeared?!" Atalanta asked, surprised and apprehensive, wondering if her prayers had faltered.
A gentle voice replied, "Don't be nervous. I merely heard your prayers and came to check on you."
Just to check? The goddess has been watching me all along?! Atalanta's joy and devotion surged. "I will follow and serve you forever!" she declared passionately.
"You don't need to follow me forever. Marriage can be quite nice for a girl, you know!"
The playful tone startled Atalanta. She looked up at the figure, which flickered briefly.
"Let me finish speaking first!"
The voice was soft but audible.
Let her finish? Is the Moon Goddess with another god?
Artemis spoke again. "Love is a natural progression of feelings. If someone captures your heart, pursue them. As your goddess, Artemis, I grant you this right and advise you to do so. You'll find love is quite wonderful.
"Um… that's all for now. Continue your adventure, and know I'm always watching. Don't be afraid… uh… you'll find your purpose on this journey!"
The words came haltingly, the voice rushed, leaving Atalanta puzzled. What was Artemis doing? Why did she sound breathless?
And encouraging her to pursue love... why would she say that?
Atalanta pondered and found an answer. "Artemis is so great! Despite being a chaste goddess, she urges her follower to seek love. How kind you are, great Moon Goddess!"
Though she didn't fully grasp the halting speech, it didn't weaken her faith... it grew stronger.
Meanwhile, in a nearby cabin, Artemis bit Morpheus's shoulder hard. The goddess was sweaty, cheeks flushed, protesting.
"I was just checking what my follower was praying about! Couldn't you wait?!"
Morpheus replied without hesitation, "Nope!"
Medea, watching, burst into laughter. A mischievous thought crossed her mind: If Atalanta knew what her goddess was doing, what expression would she have?
Medea was certain it would be a masterpiece worth capturing.
"What are you laughing at, Medea?! Are you mocking my reaction?!" Artemis spotted Medea's grin, grabbed her, and playfully tackled her.
Medea, who had been enjoying the show, squealed and begged for mercy.
Outside, Atalanta, with her keen hearing, caught the sounds clearly. Her cheeks flushed as she sat on the deck, letting the sea breeze cool her, hoping to suppress her primal instincts.
Normally, she could easily resist such urges, but tonight felt different.
Why is it so hard tonight? she wondered.
It was going to be a sleepless night.
…
Rewinding time slightly.
Jason was undeniably handsome... not towering and imposing, but certainly top-tier in looks.
When Hypsipyle, who hadn't seen a man in days, laid eyes on him, her face flushed, and her heart stirred.
If he took over ruling this kingdom, becoming its king, that wouldn't be bad, she thought.
Addressing Jason, she said, "Stranger, our men were unfaithful, taking concubines from war and leaving with their servants and sons, abandoning us women here. If you're willing, stay with us permanently.
"If you choose, you could govern your people and ours in place of my father, Thoas. You'll find this island the most prosperous in these parts.
"Share my words with your friends and discuss. There's no rush to answer."
Jason looked at Hypsipyle in shock, never expecting such an offer. Gazing at the beautiful queen, he recalled Morpheus's words.
Is this the opportunity Morpheus mentioned? A beautiful queen offering me rule over her people... no, her father's people…
But that's not right. This isn't becoming king, just acting as regent. If her father returns… I assumed he was dead, but he's merely gone…
If he returns, I'd have to relinquish the throne. He's the rightful ruler.
With this, Jason's wavering resolve hardened. He shook his head, politely declining Hypsipyle's offer, even thanking her for aiding his group.
He flashed a brilliant smile. "Thank you for your kindness, but the scepter and island are yours to rule. It's not that I look down on them, but a distant struggle awaits me!"
His words brimmed with heroism and romanticism, leaving Hypsipyle dazed. She found him the embodiment of her ideal husband, despite her virginity and unmarried status, which didn't stop her girlish fantasies.
Blushing, she murmured, "Perhaps you could stay a few days… keep me company…"
Jason saw no issue with this maiden's request.
Look at those guys out there, happily keeping those lonely women company!
Everyone was so enthusiastic!
…
"It's practically springtime out there."
Pollux, the younger Dioscuri twin, sensed the air thick with "love," and sighed. As someone familiar with taboo love, she was no stranger to such matters.
Her comment was more a jab at the atmosphere.
Castor, ever disdainful of humans, remarked, "They're mortals. Even with divine blood, they can't hide their difference from us. We're gods; they're humans, so easily ruled by desire."
His words were swiftly countered by his sister. "Brother, by that logic, we're no different. Zeus couldn't control himself either."
"…"
Pollux glanced at her silent brother, puzzled to see him lost in thought. "With such a great atmosphere, you're holding back?"
She was playfully protesting her lover's restraint.
But Castor had bigger concerns. "I spoke with Mr. Morpheus. He told me a way to reclaim my divine identity. I think now's a perfect opportunity."
"Reclaim your divinity?!" Pollux's earlier discontent vanished. She eagerly asked for details.
After Castor explained, she nodded. "That could work. If human stories stripped you of divinity, using stories to restore it makes sense."
Blinking, she added, "So why is now a good opportunity? Everyone's caught up in the moment. Even if you declare yourself a god, few will care."
Castor grinned, a hint of mischief in his smile. "Exactly because they're all caught up in love. It's the perfect chance. Just wait!
"In two or three days, I'll show you something unforgettable!"
Seeing her brother's enthusiasm, Pollux grew excited, eager to see what he'd do. Even if it didn't restore his divinity, it would surely lift the crew's spirits on this journey.
***
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