Artemis

In the afternoon, the camp was a busy place, as usual. Hunters walked back and forth, some with rabbits, birds, or baskets of vegetables in their hands. Some sat by the fire, roasting the game that they had caught or tending to the flames. Stella and Cassidy walked by, deep in a discussion about proper bow technique. Kaiyla stepped out of her tent, surveying the scene. All was well in the camp. Artemis will be pleased, Kaiyla thought contentedly.

Suddenly, a bright silvery glow appeared in the sky. Several hunters raised their heads to look at it, and soon the whole camp was shielding their eyes against the blinding light. A silvery chariot with intricatley carved sides and golden accents descended out of the sky. The chariot landed lightly on the snow, silver sparkles flitting from it and falling to the ground. Where they touched the snow, snowdrops sprung up from the frozen ground. Kaiyla stepped forward in awe.

A girl no older than thirteen walked lightly, almost floating, down on the chariot's silver steps. She had auburn hair that hung down her back in a loose plait, and silvery-yellow eyes the color of the moon. "My Hunters!", she called out to the camp, "For those who do not know, I am Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt." The faces of the Hunters were stunned, disbelieving. Kaiyla stepped forward and bowed to Artemis. The rest of camp followed suit.

"Oh, stop it!", Artemis blushed. "Three thousand years and I still don't get used to the bowing...", she muttered to herself. Kaiyla forced herself not to laugh, then stepped forward to Artemis. "M'lady, we have grown much in your absence. We have six new Hunters: Rose, Selene, Cassidy, Shiera, Zoey, and Alannia. We also have three hunters-in-training: Stella, Lily, and Zelia."

"Excellent!", Artemis said, surveying the crowd before her. "I would like to meet all of you."