Mother Nature, Mother Earth (Artemis)

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All right. So Marian didn't like her too much. That was okay. Artemis wasn't too fond of Marian either. Narrowing her eyes at her, Artemis tilted her head to the side. "Don't push me. It doesn't help if you talk back unnecessarily," the blonde said, gazing directly at Marian's blue eyes. Here she was, trying to be as nice as she could, honest too, and the other won't cooperate. The last thing Artemis wanted to do was lash out of anger at her, especially since she was pregnant. "Bottom line, you're here, completely unharmed. Be grateful."

"Request, yes. My offer is that I can make it painless. I can protect both you and your baby until you give birth. No one and nothing can harm either one. But like I said...I'd like to be present. To see you through," Artemis replied, crossing her arms over her chest. She wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Oh, no. When a Goddess gave birth, it was magical. But when a mortal gave birth, it was completely different. When a mortal gave birth, Artemis sensed it stronger than when a Goddess did, because mortals were more prone to pain. Artemis became sympathetic, actually. Almost...almost motherly, like she knew what they were going through. Except, she didn't. And she never would. Because she would never have sex. What was wrong with her as a child?

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Talk back unnecessarily? Oh, so she was supposed to just sit back and accept everything that Artemis said silently? Perhaps back home this would be the expected behaviour when dealing with a man or someone of a higher class, but that was not how things worked here, and even when she was younger Marian was hardly one to be subservient, much to the consternation of her father. Now would be no different.

“Excuse me if I am not bursting with gratitude because you decided not to maim or murder me because of some strange fascination with my unborn child,” she replied, despite the warning. She was sure now that Artemis would not harm her, and perhaps she should not count on that so much, but she had always been strong willed and stubborn, not to mention unwilling to let someone’s wrongdoings go unchecked without apology and groveling.

When the Goddess spoke again, though, all anger and triteness faded instantly. Protection? It was not something Marian should need; not only was she capable herself but Robin was more than enough to keep her safe... when she did not deceive him like today. But their enemies were home, and they were now vanquished, so what protection could she possibly need?

Then again, this was Tintagel. If someone like Robin could be taken unawares and spelled, if every party could turn out dangerous, then could anyone ever be too careful?

“And how would you do that? How can you protect us unless you are constantly present? I cannot think that my husband would approve of that,” she asked, but it was clear from her tone that she was intrigued, possibly even interested.

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Artemis rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. Marian was making it harder and harder to be patient with, and Artemis just didn't do patient too well. "Oh, would you relax already? I didn't even touch a hair on your head." Gods, it was almost as if some people were purposely trying to get her annoyed. "And no, I don't have some strange fascination with your unborn child, necessarily. I'm drawn to it, that's all."

"Have you already forgotten? I am a Goddess. I do not need to be constantly present to keep you protected. With a simple snap of the fingers or wave of the hand, I can have you protected at all times from anything at all," Artemis explained, casting Marian a sideways glance. It really was more difficult to explain that to show.

"If you trip, you won't get hurt. If you cut your finger, you'll heal in seconds. Absolutely nothing can happen to you or the baby for as long as you're carrying him. Technically, he'd be protecting you." If she wanted to look at it that way, then she could. Because the 'technically' in there? Was definitely a 'technically'.

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Marian could have continued to argue, and part of her wanted to, but the conversation had moved on to much more important topics so to continue to try to prove herself right would be fruitless.

It was a bit disturbing and more than a little frightening to think of this woman, who looked so much like any other human being, had so much power in her mere fingertips. Would it truly be wise to accept such a request? Could the only stipulation really be just the invitation to be present at the birth? Marian was wary, and she could not help but think that Robin would be as well. Complete and utter protection from anything that could harm her and the promise of an easy, healthy birth... it sounded far too good to be true.

“Why should I trust you?” she finally asked. Her tone was not accusatory, she truly wished an explanation. “Your brother used and deceived one of my dearest friends just for his own amusement and personal gain. How can I be sure you are sincere?”

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Artemis knew that Apollo's reputation at Tintagel was going to affect hers as well. Why he had to have more fun that be serious, Artemis did not know how to answer that. Of the twins, Artemis had always been the more mature one. The one who looked after her brother. The one that got him out of trouble, because she was loyal to him, despite his folly. The one that took care of the serious matters of the family, when Zeus was unable to be present.

"My brother is foolish beyond measure. He does not know his limits, nor does he like to know them," the blonde woman explained, taking a step towards Marian. "But he is my brother, nevertheless. Still, what mistakes he makes are not related to my intentions towards anything. My brother likes to destroy for his own gain, to harm, hurt. As do most gods, in their own ways. Simply because I am his twin, does not make him my equal." Artemis hated being compared to her brother when it was towards bad. Sure, she did wrong on her own terms as well, but...on her own terms.

Shaking her head at Marian, Artemis gave her a straight look. "You cannot be sure I am sincere. But you can trust me in the interest of your son. What are words and actions but mere words and actions? You can only take the chance to trust me. Shall I prove it to you?" She didn't even wait for an answer. "Go ahead and pierce your hand with the tip of your arrow. See what happens."

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Perhaps it wasn’t fair to judge Artemis by her brother’s actions, but it was always hard to make such a distinction, especially considering how horrible Apollo had turned out to be. Still, there seemed to be genuine distaste in Artemis’ tone when she spoke of her brother’s actions, and annoyance at the comparison. Marian had no siblings, she didn’t know what it was like to grow with them, share with them, and to be judged by their actions and personality. There were times growing up when she had wished to have a brother or sister, but more often than not she enjoyed being her daddy’s only girl. She got to be her own woman, and the only expectations she had to live up to were her own.

She thought of apologising, but already Artemis had moved on to answer her question, giving the answer that should have been expected. How could she be sure that the offer was sincere? Simply, she could not. The challenge, though, was unexpected. Furrowing her brow, Marian stared at the other woman for a moment, receiving only an unreadable look in return. What would it truly prove to do this? It would prove momentary protection, what appeared to be honesty, but would it truly prove that she would protect her son?

What did she really have to lose? Why should she not trust this woman? Why would anyone wish to hurt a child?

Not taking her eyes off of the blonde before her, Marian left her fallen arrow on the ground and drew a fresh one from the quiver on her back. Holding the head of it against one hand she hesitated only another moment longer before drawing it across her palm, barely wincing at the pain. She had certainly felt worse.

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Artemis saw the hesitance in Marian's eyes. She read it like a book. It was often that Artemis saw people hesitating when a god or a goddess said something that sounded honest, but there was never really any way to know for sure unless it was proven. And even if it was proven, who's to say it was only momentary? Rule one about Artemis? When she said something, she means it and does it without hesitation. She rarely changes her mind about things she has fixated upon, and she's brutally honest on occasion.

Her blue eyes followed the tip of the arrow across Marian's palm, and Artemis only stared at the blood for a moment before glancing up at Marian's face. Narrowing her eyes, Artemis gave an extremely slight nod that not anyone would notice unless they were looking for it, and the blood from Marian's palm began cleaning up on its own, and her hand quickly became like it was before the cut. Artemis waited for a reply from Marian at frist, but then she decided to go ahead and say something. "It doesn't even feel like you cut it, does it," Artemis said, making it more of a statement rather than a query.

"And that was a minor wound. If a tree fell on you, you would not even have a scratch on your skin, and the baby would be completely fine. If someone aimed right for your stomach, the weapon would be deflected." Artemis offered a little smile, hoping she at least looked trusting enough. She needed to lay down a few rules, so Marian couldn't say she never knew. "In other words, you'd be invincible for as long as you allow my protection over you. Once you stop wanting to be protected, the little trick is broken and you can be hurt, fair warning. But you must say it aloud that you want you and your baby safe. And you must also proclaim it aloud when you want the protection to waver."

Pulling the collar of her coat closer to her neck, Artemis put out her hand. "What do you say, Marian of Locksley? Would you like me to protect you and your child until he is born?"

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She could feel the stinging in her hand, but still Marian didn’t look away... couldn’t look away. The look Artemis was giving her was so intense her gaze was trapped, and in looking so intently she managed to catch the almost imperceptible nod. That was when she began to feel a strange sensation in her injured hand and her eyes were drawn downwards.

She gasped. Before her very eyes the blood faded away and the ragged cut on her palm slowly vanished. With her other hand she traced the now invisible mark with one finger, staring in astonishment. There was no pain, no sting, not even a lingering tingle.

“No,” she admitted. It felt as if the cut had never happened. Slowly she brought her blue eyes back up to meet Artemis’s. As the Goddess spoke of her baby, her hands unconsciously dropped back to her stomach. Invincible. She would be invincible. The thought was almost intoxicating. For so long she had risked her life and cheated death to help those in need, almost to her own end; with invincibility just think of all she could do! For a moment she let her mind wander over the possibilities, but it could not last. She was not that woman anymore, and while there would always be people who were poorly off, she had different priorities now. Even with invincibility she could not exploit this gift. Her child had to be her priority now, no matter what.

It only took a moment longer to make her decision. “Yes,” Marian replied, taking the proffered hand. “I would welcome your protection for myself and my child.”

Now the only problem was deciding how to explain this to Robin.

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Artemis noticed how deeply astonished Marian was by the power the Goddess had. It was almost like Marian didn't believe Artemis could do what she wanted until she really proved it. It was okay. Artemis generally got that. 'You're a huntress, not a magician', 'You can't do what the other Gods or Godesses of Olympus can', 'You're not as powerful as you think you are'. And Artemis let them think whatever they wanted, so long as they didn't challenge her abilities. It's always shameful to have to kill the mortals for what words were coming out of their mouths.

This was baby stuff for Artemis. Healing the cut on Marian's hand was like breathing. Nothing was impossible to heal if Artemis willed it. And still, even though she'd helped females of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, since...forever, Artemis never failed to be proud of her gift. It had some meaning indeed, no matter what anyone or anything said. She'd saved lives before, lives that hadn't even deserved to be saved. Which god could save that about him or her gift? Of course, it all depended on how wisely their talents were used.

Shaking hands, Artemis let a satisfied smirk cross her face. This time, her offer or request wasn't with cruel intentions, nor was it for her own powerful gain. Her only gain was pleasure. And not the kind Apollo liked, either. Nodding once was a sign for Marian that her protection-bound spell was enforced. Nothing could break it without getting through Artemis first. "Remember, when you say the word, you're released from your protection, and it automatically drops once your baby is born."

There was this other thing Artemis wanted to not tell Marian, even though she was probably obligated to, just because she was occasionally cruel like that. But Marian should know. "One more thing. You can't take the protection for granted. If you intentionally bring yourself into harm's way simply because you are indestructable for a few more months, you can and will be greatly affected by the harm that broke through. So, I warn you to stay as far as possible from danger's way. Those are the terms which you must follow."

Damn, why was Artemis even doing this, again? Last time she offered this protection to a woman, she ended up getting killed. And who's fault was it? Well, hers, but it all led back to Artemis, for putting such confidence in the woman's head. When a mortal died by her own hand and intentionally, Artemis felt no remorse, but when the death was an accident and there was nothing more she could have done, Artemis never forgot the face of the ones killed under her protection.

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Marian did not like the smirk on the other woman’s face, she did not like accepting help from others, instead preferring to do everything on her own whether she truly could or not, but it was too late now to back out. What fool would possibly ask to be released from such a contract? Perhaps, more importantly, the question was why would anyone ask to? It left an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

Even worse, it almost seemed like Artemis could read her very mind. Only after the deal was made did the warning come, a warning against everything she had been thinking. Of course it made sense, and it was a conclusion she had come to on her own, but having it stated outright really brought the point home. Perhaps she would be safe while under the protection, but once it dropped would any pain that had been inflicted striker her after waiting dormant all that time? She did not like the sound of it, either way. As tempting as it would be to use this invulnerability to her advantage, she could not tempt fate.

“If you knew my husband you would know I have very little chance of putting myself in any danger,” Marian replied, trying to make light of the situation, smiling a bit as she took her hand back. Realising that she was claiming this while out hunting, alone, in the woods she quickly realised the folly of her words. “I will heed your advice.”

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For some reason, there was this slight bond that Artemis felt with Marian. Obviously, they were strangers who'd stricken a deal which was a matter of life and death if something went wrong, but to Artemis...this was a little more. See, with every single person she interacted, she learned something new about how mortals could be, and how different they each were from one another. If the person just...didn't matter to Artemis at first glance, then, screw them, they were nothing in Artemis' eyes and she'd have nothing to do with them. But if the new person got Artemis' attention in some way or another...she'd probably invade their life until she got what she wanted from the human.

But it wasn't like the Goddess was cold. Well, she was, but to a certain extent. Gods, she was nowhere near Aphrodite, who'd fallen in love, out of love, and has children, so clearly, Artemis didn't literally emotionally attach herself to anyone unless she knew it was her duty to be loyal, like her brother Apollo. Really, it was never good to mention getting attached to anyone, even as a joke, or Artemis would slug for it. And slug hard. Like...to death.

Okay, so then Marian's husband was either close by or she really just contradicted herself for being out her on her own. Artemis let it go, allowing Marian to have her say in this, even if it was very little say. Still, Artemis gave her a bit of a dubious look, like 'Yeah, that's why you're here alone hunting.' Nodding, Artemis just eyed Marian. "Good. As you should. But I do hope that you send for me once you go into labor, because I will be waiting," Artemis said. She swore that if Marian didn't keep her end of the bargain, Artemis would turn very nasty on her.

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The almost threatening tone to Artemis’s words pretty much made Marian’s mind up: there was no way she could tell Robin this. Even if this deal meant her and their child would be protected, he was like to track the Goddess down for even thinking to threaten his wife. That, or he would just be upset with her for making the deal, and with the way her hormones had been lately that would either lead to her yelling at him or sobbing, and he did not deserve either.

“As long as I have the presence of mind to do so, I will send for you,” she said, feeling she had to at least put some insurance into the promise. This was her first child and she had no idea what to expect. What if the pain was too great and she forgot? It would not do to at least point out the possibility. “You have my word.”

Perhaps she could tell Gwen as a sort of insurance policy and make her friend promise that the call would be made.

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There was no 'As long as' with Artemis. It was either yes or no. Anything in between was considered betrayal, and nobody betrayed Artemis. Betrayal equaled death, so it was always better not to betray her. But when Artemis head the last few words, she nodded. It was good enough for her, to have Marian's word, because the other woman just had no other choice now, did she? Because gods forbid, if Artemis heard that Marian of Locksley had given birth and she hadn't been sent for, Marian had more to fear than just the wrath of a Goddess.

Staring intently at Marian, almost with a forewarning rage, Artemis then laid a hand on Marian's cheek softly, as if she was comforting her. Then, she reached down to grab her bow, and slid on her quiver of arrows on her shoulder, and snapped a finger at nothing in particular, but she was signaling to the wood nymphs that have been right there behind her the entire time. The ones who were loyal to Artemis and chose to help her hunt.

Disappearing back with the snow, Artemis took off running. She had about an hour left to hunt before she had to be back. She hoped Marian was smarter than to break any of the rules Artemis had given her, because losing another would just be awful. She couldn't mess up again. Not with this mortal. She was far too pretty to get killed by any means. Marian had better take it all into serious consideration.

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Although Artemis seemed to accept Marian’s word, there was still an obvious warning in her gaze that sent a chill down the dark-haired woman’s spine. Had this been a grave error on her part? The display had been so impressive, how could she refuse the offered protection when it came to the life of her unborn son? It was not as if she had accepted without any thought, but perhaps she should have asked for time, time to think about the consequences, time to discuss it with Robin. Stiffening at the soft contact, Marian was not comforted in the least, especially to realise that it was too late to think of it now. The deal was done, and now all she could do was accept it and do all she could to keep her end of the bargain.

Taking one step back as Artemis retrieved her weapon, Marian could only watch in fascination as the Goddess seemed to disappear before her very eyes as her white cloak helped her to blend once more into the snow that surrounded them. For several minutes she just stood there, alone now, breathing slowly and listening. Only when the sounds of wildlife began to stir around her again did she feel herself truly alone. Stooping to retrieve her own fallen bow, Marian didn’t hesitate before turning to follow her own footprints home. If she was to take great care of herself and not take any unnecessary risks, now was as good a time as any to start.