Mythology drabbles series: Poolside Wonders:
Note: Each section of this story is precisely 100 words (hence the title "drabble series").

It was an honor to be chosen to hunt with the goddess. Only the most beautiful, the strongest, and the most loyal followed Artemis. So many left her one day, for man and marriage and children. Few women could dedicate their lives to the huntress, rejecting the joys of womanhood and motherhood for maidenhood.

In a moonlit pool in the forest not far from her father’s house, Callisto found Artemis and her entourage. From the first time she gazed at Artemis in awe, Callisto knew this was where she belonged. No man would ever be able to entice her away.

***

Artemis raised her bow and effortlessly brought down a bear with one shot. Callisto watched in awe, seeing also the firm, smooth muscles in the goddess’s arm; the beautiful skin, still white under the moon’s gaze; the face that was proud and strong and independent but still feminine. Her heart beat and she felt a flutter in her stomach. Dare she ever hope that Artemis paid her more heed than her other maidens?

She thought of kissing those perfect lips, lying next to that smooth skin, touching those magnificent breasts. She would give up her virginity, but only to Artemis.

***

She took off her clothes and basked in the pool. She heard a sound behind her and turned to see Artemis gazing at her. “You are beautiful,” Artemis whispered, drinking in Callisto.

“No where near as beautiful as you,” she replied, breathless. Artemis smiled and removed her own clothes, joining Callisto in the water. “Is this allowed?” Callisto asked desperately.

“Of course.” Artemis took one of her breasts and Callisto sacrificed her reservations to love. Never once did she dream that the Artemis before her was a god taking her beloved’s form, mocking her love and her vows of virginity.

***

Her time of the month had passed and she had nothing to show for it. Her hands trembled as she touched her still flat stomach. From listening to the women when she was younger, she knew this meant she was pregnant. But how could that be? She had never known a man. Could the goddess give her a child, despite being a woman also?

It must be so. But the other maidens wouldn’t understand, would think she had taken a man to bed. So she decided to hide her state. No need to tell Artemis, for she must already know.

***

Callisto tried to avoid joining the others in the pool, wary of her state that nudity would make clear. Artemis would have none of it. Supposing the huntress wanted to show off their child, Callisto obediently disrobed. The gaps of surprise were predictable, as were the knowing looks, the scoldings, the cries “Traitor!” She had foreseen it all. But she had not expected the look of shock and betrayal on Artemis’s face. In that instant, she knew all of what she had guessed was a lie. It had not been Artemis she gave herself to. And now she never would.

***

“Leave.” The single word echoed among her maidens and within her own mind. Callisto fled, never looking back. Artemis watched her leave. She guessed, too late, how the girl had come to be pregnant. She would not soon forget this new offence by her father. But she guessed too that Zeus had seduced the girl in her image. She would not soon forget her own mistake, not noticing earlier, not taking Callisto for herself. Nor could she forgive herself for destroying something that had almost been. She added silently to her vow, that henceforth no woman would know her either.

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