War and Peace (Artemis)

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Many thoughts coursed through Hel’s mind. There were many things she needed to attend to, but they would have to wait. She did not wish to think about the things that burdened her mind. She did not wish to think of how the presence of her uncle could affect the treatment of her brothers or her father. She most certainly did not wish to think about what would happen if Thor became angered and decided to send her brothers and herself back to their designated places of exile.

Instead of thinking she was out in the field shooting arrows at a target. It was helping her not to think about things at the moment. She had no one to discuss them with so she would rather keep them shadowed and in the dark. She did not wish to burden her father with things that she ought not be feeling in the first place. There was no use in speaking to Thor, for she was angry with him. She did not wish to burden either of her brothers either. Mortals were too far below her to begin to ask for their help. She might have asked Gandalf for his advice had he not offended her in such a manner. It smarted still, though she had she would recover in time.

Hel watched one of the arrows fly across the field and heard the satisfying thwack as it hit the target and stuck. She picked up another arrow and nocked it to the string before drawing it back and aiming. She let it fly as she felt the presence of the goddess approaching. She turned and looked to where she was, feeling an unexpected sense of relief. She bowed her head to the goddess in respect, acknowledging her presence. Then she turned back to what she was doing and drew another arrow.

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There was nothing that caused Artemis to be more indecisive about something than a war. Indeed, Artemis liked conflict, battles, bloodshed amongst mortals. She was a goddess, and which goddess didn't (except for Athena...who was a party pooper)? Well, then again, she had been born knowing how to fight. Granted, with a bow and an arrow, but an arrow could easily kill someone in one shot. Especially Artemis' poisonous arrows. But a war? Would Artemis dare join the war simply to kill? She might as well become a traitor and fight for the other side. Or just...not fight.

Artemis was left to her thoughts, with no one around but herself and a handful of people, both mortals and immortals alike. She had three choices here: either Arty took off running, escaped to the island that which all of the mortals were trying to get to; she helped the knights and the other immortals fight this army; or she stayed and did absolutely nothing, tending to her own things. Honestly, she had no morals. She'd given them all up the moment she gave up her virginity to Hermes. And that was....beyond wrong. But that was also beside the point. She should probably help the country out, fight for pleasure if not for anything else.

So, Artemis did the logical thing in times like these, and thought she should shoot some arrows. It helped her think, and who knows? She might come to a decision about how she felt about the war. But as she stepped onto the field, Artemis saw her. Hel. Honestly, she admired that goddess. Hel was so calm, collected, and even wise. It might be a good thing to see her now. If Hel wanted company, that was. Artemis practically mirrored Hel's bowing of the head in return, and couldn't help but smile. She was fond of this Norse goddess. Summoning her own bow and quiver of arrows to her hands, Artemis show a perfect bullseye.

"I see you've been practicing with the bow, Hel," Artemis said, nodding her head. Last time she'd seen the other goddess, Hel had never even picked up a bow before. Now, she was doing pretty well. "You've decided to fight?"

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Hel respected the other goddess. She knew her craft well and yet she still practiced. She was dedicated if nothing else, which was a respectable trait in any goddess. Her father may have warned her about the Greeks, but Artemis was not so bad as he had made out the Greeks. She was an intelligent being as well as instructive.

Hel lined up her shot, looking where Artemis had shot. It was a perfect hit of course. Hel couldn’t do as well as that, but she had improved since the last time they had been hunting. Hel aimed, then let it go. “I have infinite time to practice.” She had little else to do and her responsibilities to her students were minimal. She expected them to care for themselves unless in dire need of something, so there was little chance that mortals would seek out her assistance. Hel had plenty of time.

“I will not fight,” she responded calmly, loading another arrow. “I do not have it in me to destroy, nor create. I will wait on the battle field and collect the souls of the dead and otherwise help the dying move on into the afterlife.” She lined up the shot, aimed and let the arrow fly. It landed in the cluster of arrows that were just left of the center. At least she was beginning to become consistent in her shot.

Hel looked at Artemis to judge her reaction to the question she was about to pose. “And you? Will you fight?”

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There was one thing Artemis always deeply appreciated, and that was a calm and patient soul. Someone who would be willing to learn a new skill and had the patience to build up to the talent of it. Hel was one of those souls, and for that, Artemis knew that she would always like the other goddess. As different as the Norse were from the Greeks, there was no harm in allying themselves with them, right? And immortal allies could be useful for the future. And not the useful kind in which one would take advantage of the other, either.

"Infinite time, indeed. Perhaps your newly acquired skill can prove useful one day," Artemis said thoughtfully as she watched Hel quietly and patiently shoot another arrow. Well, this one was certainly a lot more different than that young warrior Astrid was. Then again, there was a large difference between a human and a thousand-year-old goddess. A very large and wise difference.

Artemis listened as Hel gave her reasons for not fighting, and then explained to her the duties she would attend to during battle. Humans should take example after this goddess, because she was certainly thinking things through. Then again, a little battle never hurt anyone. Killed a few people, but at least the immortals would live. Artemis definitely had it in her to kill and destroy, and she'd done it countless times. It's just that this whole war was so damn complicated. Why did anyone have to choose anything?

There really was no good or bad with Artemis. If she thought something was evil and bad, then it was, but if she had no opinion on the matter, then it may as well be good. No morals. And she liked it that way. Turning on Trenale wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Sure, Hermes might just burn down the world or something, but it wasn't like Arty would even really fight. Just hang back and watch the show.

Then again, Trenale kind of needed immortals fighting on their side...What to do, what to do...

"Truthfully, I do not know what to do," Artemis admitted. Perhaps speaking with Hel would help her make up her mind. "I would never run. But if I do decide to be on this side, I would indeed fight. I am contemplating the other side, however." She shrugged. So what if she did join the other army? Was that such a crime?

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Hel breathed deeply, focusing her energy and listening to Artemis. As a goddess she had an infinite amount of time until Ragnarok where she would finally allow herself to die. She doubted that even in her final moments she would ever have use for such skills, but perhaps she should not rule it out completely. “Perhaps,” she conceded to Artemis. “I cannot tell what lies in my future, so perhaps it shall.”

Hel was about the draw her next arrow, but paused at Artemis’ words. She carefully released the tension on the bowstring, keeping the arrow nocked on the string. She turned to look at the goddess, watching her expression change as she spoke. She did not know if she would fight or not. Hel would have thought that she would for certain. She seemed to enjoy the violence of battle, but perhaps it would not be such a vigorous battle against mortals. Whatever she decided would be fine. Hel nodded.

“May I speak frankly with you?” she asked, lowering her bow so that the arrow pointed at the ground. She felt that Artemis would have no objection to this so she continued. “I fear that my brothers will fight. I know my uncle, Thor, will fight. He appreciates a good fight and would always defend his beloeved mortals. However, should he come across either of my brothers in battle, I know not if he will fight them. If he should then I fear we three shall be sent away. I know not what to do in the situation.”

Hel, as a Viking goddess, understood war. She did not care about war either way until it affected her family. She did not want fighting to break out amongst them. Were they united they would be fearsome foes.

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Artemis was a great multi-tasker, and for that, she was able to both concentrate on her arrow shooting and on listening to what Hel was telling her. It didn't seem like Hel needed her permission to continue speaking to Artemis, and she didn't mind really. Whatever Hel needed to say certainly must be important or Hel would not have opened her mouth in the first place. The Norse goddess was wiser than Artemis perhaps would ever be, and she was not too proud to admit that. Well, to herself, anyway.

For a bit, though, Artemis paused to actually listen to what Hel was saying. It seemed important to the other goddess, so Artemis should act like it was important to her as well, even if it did not concern her. She could understand Hel's difficulty with her situation. Artemis didn't know what Apollo would do for this war, but she knew he'd most likely fight for Trenale. Still, Hel had two brothers and an uncle who could possibly fight her own family. That was indeed something difficult.

"Perhaps you can discuss things over with your uncle. And maybe even your brothers. See what they want, and what they would do in the scenario if it were to happen," Artemis suggested with a shrug. "I am not very good with giving advice, but I do know that it is good to discuss things with the ones with whom you are concerned. ell them what you would like and what you think is best. They might listen." She shot another arrow, then looked back at Hel.

Artemis wanted to help, she really did. But helping with words wasn't something she did very often. If she needed to fight for someone, she would do so happily.

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The suggestion to speak with everyone involved was not a bad one, though it was a flawed plan. Hel sighed. “Your words are well spoken, but I am afraid that such a plan is not adviasable. Forgive me,” she continued. It had dawned on Hel that she had not explained her history with Artemis, so the other goddess would not completely understand. “I have neglected to tell you my history it seems. Allow me to explain my circumstances.”

It had not crossed Hel’s mind that there were others who were not aware of her circumstances. The knowledge of her past was vital to her every action in the present and the future. Hel turned back to the target, needing to focus on something else. She drew back the arrow and only after she released it she began to speak again. “There is a prophecy that my brothers and I will one day bring about the destruction of all the nine realms.” Hel drew another arrow and lined up the shot. “The other gods then decided to send my brothers and I into exile, cruelly splitting us up. Thor, my father’s brother, has no love for my brothers and in fact Jormungandr will kill Thor at the world’s end. Thor also has the power to send us all back where we belong.” She let go of the arrow and watched it fly steadily through the air and hit the target.

“Perhaps I will speak to my brothers. Fenrir at least will listen.” She nodded, thinking about it. It was true that Fenrir would heed her warnings. Jormungandr was a slippery snake, both literally and figuratively. Hel could speak to him as much as she wished, but she would never know what his actions would truly be.

She appreciated Artemis listening to her at all. “I appreciate that you have let me speak my piece. I know you are not the kind to give advice. You seem to prefer action to advice.” It seemed odd to Hel that the other goddess had not made up her mind of where she stood on the coming war.

“Do the other Greeks plan to fight?” she asked, curious if they too were prone to fight just as the Norse were. She wondered if the Greeks were prone to such violence.

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Artemis redirected her full attention to Hell when the other explained that there was a history between Hel and the members of her family. History was always interesting and important, and without it, beings would simply not get along or hate each other as they did in this day and age. Listening attentively, Artemis relaxed her arm with the bow, and slightly narrowed her eyes in deep concentration. Whatever Hel cared about, so would Artemis. That was how close Artemis considered her allies.

Oh, prophecies were sneaky little bastards that practically altered one's entire life. There had been a few prophecies of Artemis and Apollo, most of which had come true already, but nothing major. And certainly nothing this...critical. Hel was trying hard to get Arty to understand, and the Greek was doing the best she could.

Nodding, Artemis put a hand on Hel's arm. "Talk to Fenrir. And if there is anything I can do to help, if you need me to fight in battle if only to keep an eyes on your brothers, then I can do it. Just say the word." Even though Artemis was beginning to consider fighting for the opposing side, if Hel asked her to do this, then without a moment's hesitation would Artemis help her get her peace of mind. "I do prefer action to advice, but then an extent has been surpassed, I do what is necessary."

"The other Greeks?" Well, Artemis certainly hadn't spoken with them. Apollo was angry with her, and Hermes wanted to kill her. Ares...Well, Artemis had only heard that Ares had come, but hadn't even seen him yet. "Hermes and Apollo with certainly fight. Hermes, being the headmaster, had no choice, really. And my brother enjoys causing mortals to suffer when given the opportunity. I do not know if Ares, however. I assume he would do what he thinks is best." Artemis shrugged.

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Hel’s history was short, which she was thankful for. There was no need to go into specifics. The general story would suffice for her purposes. She was glad that Artemis seemed to pay attention to her story. It was important to the goddess that Hel had become. Her history helped to define her.

Hel was moved by the compassion and loyalty that Artemis showed to her. There were few people that Hel could trust, but it seemed that Artemis was making her way onto the list. It was a strange feeling to know that there was one more person that she could rely on to stand with her. “I appreciate your offer more than I can say. Should I wish your help I shall seek you out at the moment of need.” Perhaps this was how friendship worked. Hel could not say for sure though. Friendship was foreign to Hel after all.

“I would have thought that you would fight,” she told the other goddess. “Your skill with a bow is indeed excellent. Would you fight with your kin if they asked?” she questioned. As a person who practiced nonviolence she was curious as to Artemis’ indecision if she would fight or not.

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Artemis offered Hel a smile. She was happy to do whatever the other goddess needed her to do. It was just something Artemis felt was necessary. Almost like she owed Hel, perhaps, though she couldn't remember if she did. Was this what was called an act of kindness? "Please do so. I will be there for you at anytime, if you need me to be," Artemis said, almost after a moment's hesitation.

She wasn't accustomed to using such words, especially not with other immortals. The others proved to be selfish, rarely did anything for others, simply because they were prideful. And even Artemis had to admit that she did not do very much for other for the mere fact that it was a kind act. Her deals were all struck for her own gain, and if they were to another's advantage as well, then so be it.

Yeah, Artemis thought that she would fight as well. And she would. "My kin will not ask," Artemis made sure Hel knew. "We are not on very good terms at this moment in time. Perhaps my brother might suddenly have a change of heart, but it it highly doubtful." Her face fell for a few seconds, but then she looked up at Hel once again. "I will fight. It's all a matter of what side I would like to fight for. If you need me to help you, I will fight for Trenale, and if not, then I will most likely join the enemy. War means nothing to me, really."

Not when it didn't affect her one bit, anyway.

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It was touching that Artemis would offer such a thing to Hel. Hel of course wanted to give back what Artemis was so readily offering. The Norse goddess was loyal to those that she had deemed worthy of her trust and Artemis had not proven otherwise. “I thank you and in return I would offer the same. If ever you have need of my services, please ask. Whatever I can do, I will. I can even return souls. It’s not something I advertise, but I have the ability.” It was strange that there was some sort of bond developing between the two of them. Hel did not readily offer her service to many and she was sure it was the same for Artemis.

Hel nodded at the answer. It was often the way of the gods to be forever quarreling with one another. Artemis was right about one thing though. War was war and Hel was also indifferent to it. She did not fight so she did not care which side won. Her only care was caring for the souls during and after the battle. “War means little to me as well. I have but one job and that is to care for the fallen.” It was a task she would do with pride.

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Artemis smiled again at the other goddess. She couldn't believe that she was actually being quite civil with this other immortal. Normally, Artemis could not stand speaking to any other immortal for too long, unless it was her brother, and occasionally Athena. But even then, it took a whole lot of patience, something Artemis just never cared to have. "I appreciate that, Hel," Artemis started with a slight bow of her head, "but I hardly have anyone that would need the soul returned to them."

Except for Astrid, perhaps, but the girl could easily take care of herself. She did not like to deal with mortals, much less know that they could be given their souls back after they died. Well, at least Hel was noble. Artemis was not even close. "I would merely fight for the amusement of it." She shrugged. "But I am not as crazed about it as is Apollo, or a few others."

"But I think this war is pointless. No real reason behind the fighting," Artemis shot another arrow and and almost winced when the wind began blowing; she edged the arrow closer to hit bullseye. "Mortals need to find better things to do with their time."

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Hel nodded in acknowledgment of the statement. For the moment she did not require such services, but in future she might. One did not know when death would strike. Hel would be willing to help out the other goddess if ever she needed it. They both had many more years to live. The future was still uncertain for only the Fates knew what would be. “The offer stands until you have need of it,” she replied.

It wasn’t an offer she would give anyone. She could chose to give life where she saw fit and only if she saw fit. It was a great gift and one that should not be used lightly. It certainly was not an option that she would freely give to Thor to use at his disposal. He would have to approach her if he wanted something of her. Artemis was not Thor and was an ally of the death goddess. It was different.

“For some, like the Vikings, to march into battle is an honor as well as a duty,” Hel pointed out. “Often times war is a means of conquering a people and taking their land. To have land is to have power to the mortals and they must defend what they believe to be theirs.” Hel, as a goddess to the Vikings understood very well how war worked. She understood the reasons for it and to a small extent how it worked. It was not the same in this time and place. The need for war was much less urgent.

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"Thank you," Artemis repeated, nodding her head. Hel could prove to be more than an ally, actually. Artemis was uncertain about the word "Friend", because she knew that friends liked to backstab and betray their "Friends". But allies were there for one another, helping out when the other needed it. Right? Was there a word between "ally" and "friend"? Artemis should look into that.

Artemis could only disagree with the logical explanation Hel was giving Artemis. It was true. From what she had learned, Artemis knew that the Norse were big fans of battles and bloodshed. The Greeks were too, often fought, but Artemis never saw any use to it all. A war was pointless. Without meaning, really.

"Mortals have proven to be quite foolish on more than one occasion," Artemis replied, shaking her head. "I still believe war to be pointless and without reason. Fighting is not my duty, but I will if I must." She wondered what it would be like to take souls and to give them back. Hel had that power, and it was quite a good one too.

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Hel did not agree with Artemis’ statement, but then again her culture was a warrior culture. It was well said on the part of Artemis, but it was not the same for both of the goddesses. The Vikings lived and breathed war. The ideal afterlife was a place that rewarded the best warriors. The Greeks could not say the same. Even in the present time the Greeks were remembered for their arts. The Norsemen faded into the background and were mostly forgotten.

Hel shrugged. “I do not agree,” she said plainly. “However, my background is different than yours. In some cases battle is the only way to solve a problem. Mortals are often foolish, but are not the immortals fools as well? There are times when we all make mistakes.” Mortals could not be condemned for foolishness if higher beings were also fools. They did their part and so did the gods.

“Our thoughts on war are arbitrary,” she said plainly, lining up another shot. She aimed carefully before allowing the arrow to fly. “As I understand there will be war regardless of how we feel on the subject.” She waited a moment before she looked over at the other blonde young woman. “I am glad to know I can rely on you.”