Capítulo 58: Offering to Goddess Artemis, the Painting that Lights Up the Night Sky!
Kingdom of Calydon,
In the blink of an eye, a week passed.
As dusk approached, turning the azure sky into shades of twilight, Pegasus, flapping its silvery white wings, carried Promise dressed in an ancient Greek robe, and Atalanta, to a high mountain outside the kingdom of Calydon.
The location offered a panoramic view of the sky, a place Promise had selected after spending days atop Pegasus.
Nearby, a clear pond formed by a spring surrounded the area, and around this pond, to appease the long-awaiting moon goddess Artemis, he had specially decorated with white lilies, symbolizing pure and noble love.
"Tonight is finally the night." As Pegasus landed, Atalanta, stepping down from Pegasus, scanned the surroundings with her sacred blue eyes, then looked up at the twilight sky.
After stretching out her hand and feeling the air, she smiled and said, "That's great, the wind has also stopped."
"That's because I made a special trip to the temple of the wind god Aeolus before tonight, so tonight in this part of Calydon, it will be a night without wind."
Promise explained to Atalanta.
As for which goddess's face the wind god had considered to promptly agree to Promise's request, that, he could not know.
After all, even Promise wouldn't have expected that just after he left the temple of the wind god Aeolus, Athena, Hera, Artemis, and Clotho had appeared before the bewildered wind god...
As he spoke, Promise also took out a canvas and brushes, setting up the painting that was nearly complete, only lacking the final touches, beside him.
He then, like Atalanta, gazed at the evening sky and said with a sense of wonder, "I've prepared for a whole week, and finally, it's time.
I hope that Goddess Artemis will be pleased with my painting."
'And from then on, to completely give up hunting me!'
Hearing Promise's words, Atalanta, who had turned her attention back to him, had a flicker of peculiarity in her eyes.
After all, having helped throughout the week, she was well aware of what exactly the painting that Promise was working on was.
In fact, not only her but many in the Kingdom of Calydon had guessed it.
It was because of its poor secrecy that Promise had sought the help of the Fate Goddess Clotho, asking her to ensure that Artemis and the others didn't peek.
After all, the anticipation of a gift is also an important element; the real surprise and satisfaction come when the atmosphere is just right and the reveal is made.
Atalanta knew this, which is why she was confident that Goddess Artemis would be absolutely pleased with this offering.
To be precise, she even felt that this painting, no matter which goddess it was presented to, would surely win their favor.
After all, no woman, specifically no female, could resist the charm of that painting, including herself, Artemis's most loyal devotee.
At this moment, deep inside, Atalanta even felt a bit jealous of Goddess Artemis, who would soon receive the painting...
So she truly didn't understand what Promise was so afraid of.
After all, although her faith in the moon goddess had wavered a bit, she never would have imagined that Artemis would be such a formidable goddess in the future!
"I really shouldn't have come along."
With these thoughts, Atalanta couldn't help but say to Promise, "This is a gift you're offering to the great Goddess Artemis, one you've prepared, so I..."
Before she could finish, a startled Promise quickly turned around and said to her, "Don't go, Atalanta! You can't leave!"
'I really don't want to be alone with Artemis.'
'And what if she decides to hunt me as soon as she arrives!'
"Besides, aren't you also planning to take this opportunity to express your gratitude to Goddess Artemis? To thank her for saving you and raising you all those years.
Besides, tonight's offering isn't just from me; it's from everyone in the Kingdom of Calydon."
Atalanta, hearing this and seeing Promise staring at her anxiously, fearing she might actually leave, couldn't help but laugh and asked, "Then tell me, when do you think Goddess Artemis will arrive?"
Seeing Atalanta abandon the idea of leaving and relax, Promise responded, "I think... she should be arriving soon..."
But before he could finish his sentence, the twilight sky was already obscured by the night.
The Goddess of Night, Nyx, arrived among mortals, hanging stars in the night sky while the full moon's light also shone down upon the land of the gods.
Under the gaze of Promise and Atalanta, the beautiful goddess, riding a golden stag and draped in a divine robe, emerged from the moonlight.
Stepping next to the pond adorned with white lilies, she appeared before them.
Goddess Artemis had come,
More accurately, she had run here eagerly.
Her face was puffed up, her expression clearly unhappy, her sky-blue eyes fixed sternly on Promise. Just appearing, she said, "I am not pleased.
Humph, I am very unhappy right now!"
"I'm telling you, Promise, if the painting you give me tonight does not satisfy me, then I will definitely hunt you tonight!"
Speaking with a determined expression, Artemis had already drawn her silver bow, revealed from the moonlight, and was glaring angrily at Promise.
Seeing this, Atalanta was naturally frozen in place, while the boy just had an expression of resignation, since he had already anticipated this.
After all, if he hadn't guessed this would happen, why would he have insisted on having Atalanta accompany him everywhere?
Artemis is not a patient goddess to begin with, especially after a week of heightened anticipation.
In reality, Clotho's words alone wouldn't really be enough to stop her, but fortunately, Athena and Hera were also present.
At this moment, the two goddesses, along with the goddess of fate who had always remained quietly standing aside, were hiding in the shadows... Clotho wasn't exactly a goddess who enjoyed spectacles, due to her being all-seeing and in control of the threads of fate of all beings, she rarely left the Temple of Fate.
So, a week ago, when Clotho appeared and intercepted the goddesses, even Athena was slightly surprised.
At this moment, Athena's beautiful golden eyes were filled with intense interest and anticipation, watching Promise and Atalanta.
She, too, was filled with anticipation for the boy's painting, and she had deliberately avoided peeking.
Due to the peculiar nature of Promise's fate, which was both forsaken and cherished by the Fate Goddess... to put it more simply, his fate was somewhat akin to Schrödinger's cat.
Before the actual outcome arrives, even the Fate Goddess cannot truly see what it will be; she can only capture the most probable possibilities.
Thus, even Athena, who could see through everything in the world, could not be sure.
This is why her gaze had been largely focused on Promise for the past half-year.
Not only because he had never disappointed Athena but also because the experience of watching without spoilers and with spoilers is completely different!
"I understand, esteemed Goddess Artemis, tonight, I will do my utmost to present that painting to you!"
After Promise finished speaking, Artemis's demeanor softened considerably, and she put away her silver bow before stepping down from the golden stag, quickly approaching the canvas that he had set up.
After taking in the scenery depicted in the painting, Artemis immediately frowned.
The scene before her eyes in the painting was indeed very beautiful.
The scenery in the painting was actually that of the location itself.
Stars dotted the night sky, and the small clear pond in the painting even reflected the moon and stars, surrounded by pure white lilies.
It was a fine painting, but... it absolutely did not meet Artemis's expectations!
Even from her perspective, it was clear that this painting, compared to Athena's or even the last one of Pegasus, was inferior.
And to make matters worse, the painting did not even include her own figure!
"Is this the painting you're offering me?" Artemis's expression naturally began to darken as she turned to look at Promise.
Seeing this, Hera, who had also taken in the painting from the shadows, couldn't help but look worriedly at Athena next to her and said, "Athena, should we go out and stop Artemis now? I'm worried..."
"There's no need, Hera, because..." As she spoke, Athena's golden eyes glanced towards Clotho, who was still standing quietly to the side.
Looking at the expressionless Fate Goddess, Athena smiled and said, "Promise will definitely not disappoint us!"
Hearing Athena say this, and seeing her confident demeanor, Hera, although still hesitant, did not intervene, but her amber eyes were filled with worry.
Goddess Hera, Promise's patron goddess.
In a way, this seemed to be the first time she was truly watching this follower who could bring her glory from the perspective of an 'audience.'
"This indeed is the painting dedicated to you, the beautiful Goddess Artemis."
Promise spoke, and before Artemis could respond with anger, he added, "But this painting is actually not yet complete, because it is not something I can paint alone."
"Tonight is not just me offering a tribute to you, Goddess Artemis, but everyone in the Kingdom of Calydon."
As Artemis paused slightly stunned by his words, the boy continued, "They offer you this tribute, hoping the kind goddess would forgive their past impudence, and at the same time, this is the real painting I am offering to you, Goddess Artemis."
Hearing this, Artemis naturally turned her head to look around.
Her gaze lingered briefly on Atalanta, and then she looked more puzzled at Promise, saying, "They?... But it's clearly just you and little Ata here, isn't it?"
Promise chuckled upon hearing the goddess' words, then looked towards Atalanta.
The latter nodded gently and walked over to the Pegasus, retrieving something that had been prepared in advance.
It was an object Artemis had never seen before, and yet it was something quite simple to create.
It could carry people's wishes, as well as their thoughts, blessings, and even the sadness and pain of farewells, slowly rising into the sky.
Atalanta lit it, and as the seemingly faint light flared up under the night sky, the Pegasus, with a soft neigh, suddenly started running, transforming into a shooting star that raced towards the starry sky.
Artemis then watched curiously as Atalanta approached her, holding it up.
"Goddess Artemis, I have always wanted to thank you," Atalanta said, appearing somewhat nervous but also very sincere.
As Artemis looked on, slightly stunned, she gazed back with a rare gentle smile and said, "I have never forgotten the gift you gave me... When my parents abandoned me in the snow, it was you who picked me up, held my tiny hand, comforted me, and taught me how to hunt, nurturing me as I grew up."
"Therefore, Goddess Artemis, I, Atalanta, have long sworn to dedicate my brief life to you. I wish to stay by your side forever and bless you to be forever beautiful and happy..."
After speaking, Atalanta let go of the object.
In the reflection of Artemis's sky-blue eyes, the faint light, carrying Atalanta's blessings, slowly ascended into the sky.
Athena, the goddess of wisdom, also witnessed this scene.
'This painting is not something I alone could complete, but required the effort of all the people of the Kingdom of Calydon...'
She suddenly recalled Promise's words from earlier.
Regaining her composure, Athena abruptly looked around.
The place, adorned with white lilies, although beautiful like a painting, was obscured by the tall trees hiding everything around.
Realizing something, Athena dhe up again, gazing towards the Pegasus now racing towards the starry sea.
She stepped forward gently and soon arrived behind the Pegasus.
Clotho, the Fate Goddess, gave a slight chuckle, making no move to intervene, as she knew the scene she had seen in the Temple of Fate, that beautiful painting... was about to appear.
As Athena suddenly appeared, the Pegasus was initially startled, but quickly regained its composure.
Seated upon the Pegasus, Athena looked down at the mortal world below her, and her golden eyes slowly widened...
"What's wrong, Athena?" A puzzled Hera followed Athena to the Pegasus.
Seeing that the latter didn't answer her, Hera followed Athena's gaze down to the ground.
As the ground below lit up Hera's amber eyes,
And revealed a painting,
Hera was stunned.
Her eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape, and just as she was about to exclaim in surprise, Athena quickly covered her mouth.
Then Athena placed her finger on her lips, signaling the wide-eyed Hera to keep quiet.
Amidst her own turmoil, Athena once again focused her attention on Promise, and Artemis, who was still looking puzzled at Atalanta's ascending light.
Soon, Athena smiled.
She now understood why Promise had sought a night without wind.
But that was... too slow for her.
At that moment, Athena felt an impatience she had never experienced before; she was eager to see the painting fully revealed.
So, she extended her hand and waved gently at the sky above.
The next second, the wind that had been still began to blow from below, and since it was Athena who stirred the wind, she naturally controlled it to ensure it did not disturb the lights.
As the wind blew, Promise and the others also felt it, and in just an instant, Promise realized whose doing it was.
Feeling somewhat helpless, watching Artemis still puzzled in front of him, he thought for a moment and then spoke to Artemis; "Goddess Artemis, your tribute, that painting... it's coming."
"Hm?" The latter was taken aback, looking at Promise, then around, puzzled, "Where is it, I don't see it?"
Promise chuckled softly and then said quietly, "It has already arrived, but before that, may I ask you one thing, Goddess Artemis?
Could you please close your eyes for a moment and wait?"
"Wait again?!" Artemis's eyes widened, and her face showed reluctance.
"Don't worry, beautiful Goddess Artemis, this time you only need to wait for thirty seconds," Promise told Artemis: "Just thirty seconds, and it... will appear before your eyes!"
Upon hearing this, Artemis hadn't yet spoken when Atalanta, standing beside her, interjected, similarly requesting, "Goddess Artemis, could you please close your eyes and wait for thirty seconds? It will only take thirty seconds this time, and we will not disappoint you. Is that okay?"
Artemis looked from Promise to Atalanta, and then with a resigned sigh, she closed her eyes, her face showing reluctance as she pouted, "Alright, just thirty seconds... If you still haven't finished that painting for me, little Promise, then prepare yourself for my hunt, hmm!"
Seeing this, Promise and Atalanta exchanged a glance and then both smiled.
Promise then took out a lyre that had been prepared earlier, gently strumming its strings, producing a tranquil melody.
Atalanta, meanwhile, began to count down softly.
As the countdown reached the last ten seconds, Artemis suddenly heard the golden stag's call, filled with surprise as if it had seen something unbelievable.
This made Artemis's heart itch with curiosity.
Just a quick peek shouldn't hurt, right?
With that thought, even before Atalanta finished counting, Artemis couldn't resist and squinted her eyes open to sneak a peek.
Then the slowly rising lanterns, lighting up the night sky beneath this night's curtain, also illuminated Artemis's eyes.
The next second, Artemis suddenly opened her eyes wide.
"Goddess Artemis, the countdown isn't over yet!"
Atalanta's voice couldn't resonate in Artemis's ears anymore.
She stared wide-eyed, so shocked that she instinctively covered her mouth with her hand... Being a goddess, she heard the blessings for her from the faint light of the lanterns.
Each lantern carried a blessing from a person of Calydon for the Moon Goddess Artemis, slowly reaching towards the night sky, illuminating the dusk!
They are also known as Kongming lanterns or sky lanterns.
Yes, this was the 'painting' that Promise had prepared; tens of thousands of lanterns, each carrying the blessings and prayers of every person in Calydon, now flying towards the sky.
They illuminated the night sky, encircling Artemis in the middle.
Watching her astonished face, unable to speak a word, Promise and Atalanta exchanged glances again and shared a smile.
Then Atalanta looked up, also gazing at the scene that lit up the night.
Even though she already knew and had anticipated this spectacle, the sight still left her completely mesmerized at the moment.
Not just them,
At this very moment in the Kingdom of Calydon.
The king and queen stood with Meleager at the highest point of the palace, watching their lanterns fly high into the sky.
Outside the kingdom, no one in Calydon slept this night.
People excitedly engaged in conversations, discussing the wishes they had made, all the while gazing at this incredibly beautiful scene.
Even in the outskirts, Actaeon, transformed into a great stag, was not alone tonight; the forest's elves, nymphs, and even wild animals all paused, looking up at the sky with him.
And as they rose higher, in the distant cave of Pilion, the centaur sage Chiron stepped out from the shadows of his cave, lifting his gaze towards this spectacle.
In a town under the night sky, Themis the goddess presiding over justice and fairness had removed the blindfold from her eyes.
Walking among the human, staring toward this place, somewhat entranced.
In the kingdom of Aegina, the river goddess stood by the window of a high tower, lost in thought as she gazed at this painting.
"Promise, is it you? No, it must be you who could create such a painting," murmured the river goddess Aegina softly.
As time passed and more and more people, fairies, and even the gods of Olympus gradually became aware of this event.
Their expressions shifted from surprise and confusion to utter amazement.
The Pegasus, running through the sky, was diligently completing the task given by its master, Promise.
It gently nudged those lanterns that had strayed off course, causing them to connect and form a painting in the sky.
Yes, do not forget, it was a painting.
A painting Promise dedicated to Goddess Artemis!
And so, the only one still calm at this moment, Promise, came to stand beside Artemis.
"Goddess Artemis, look..."
As Artemis reluctantly lowered her head to look at Promise, he began to sketch in the air with his paintbrush.
At first, his strokes were slow, but as the lanterns rose higher, he drew faster.
Seeing this, the moon goddess gradually realized what was happening; Promise was connecting these lanterns together.
Upon this realization, Artemis saw that the seemingly chaotic and patternless lanterns in the sky were now gathering together under his Promise's guidance.
They rose higher and finally, under the moonlit starry sky, the painting became visible.
It was a crude drawing, more accurately just an outline.
It was the silhouette of a goddess, with a golden stag beside her.
She was seated on the stag, pulling back her bow, aiming toward the horizon.
Who else could it be, if not the Moon Goddess Artemis herself?
At that moment, Artemis was completely dumbfounded, and she wasn't the only one; Hera was equally shocked!
Sitting on the Pegasus, she watched as Athena helped reveal the painting, and now, her eyes wide open, she was unable to utter a single word.
Is this a painting?
Yes, it seemed like a painting.
Was this the painting that young Promise had given to Artemis?
...Why? How?
"That's not fair!"
Those were not Hera's words, but Athena's.
Then Athena and Hera looked at each other, and in that moment, they reached a rare agreement.
Why does Artemis get this?
After sketching the painting in the air, Promise looked at the utterly stunned goddess beside him and said nothing.
Instead, he turned and went over to the canvas he had set up nearby.
He took the brush and quietly added the final touches to the yet unfinished piece... Indeed, without divine assistance, neither Promise's brush nor his canvas could contain a deity.
It was because of this, during their conversation that night when Promise had spoken of taking her to fly towards the stars, that he suddenly thought of it.
The starry night itself was a painting, not drawn on canvas but spread across the world.
In the eyes and hearts of those who observed.
The idea of the lanterns came later.
Originally, Promise planned to create a painting on the ground with torches, but thanks to a gift from Athena, he gained the support of the entire Kingdom of Calydon, which inspired him to use the night sky as his canvas.
After all, having the entire city offer blessings to Artemis meant that even if the goddess had complaints later, at least the impact would be shared.
So, he spent that week on the back of Pegasus, drawing outlines in the sky, and arranging for everyone to light their lanterns that night.
Ultimately, this moment was the culmination of all those efforts.
Now, Promise put down the brush on that half-finished canvas.
And then, the small pond in the painting, like a drop of nectar falling, rippled, and in those ripples, the reflection of Artemis and the golden stag appeared in the water.
Also in the water, the silhouette of the goddess drawing her bow in the sky was clearly outlined.
With that, the painting was finally complete.
Promise set down the brush, looking at the simple landscape painting... It was indeed rudimentary, just a landscape painting.
But it was undoubtedly the most beautiful painting he had ever created.
Thus, its true form wasn't on this canvas, but in the night sky above.
And now, in the eyes of all those watching—humans, gods, and sprites alike.
The stars above Calydon had vanished.
As Nyx, one of the original five deities who brought night to the world, finally noticed this scene, her curiosity caused her to cover the stars.
She allowed the painting that had risen high to become even more apparent in this world and to all beings watching.
So, you see...
Gradually coming back to herself, Atalanta lowered her head, her sacred blue eyes glanced at the still bewildered Artemis and then turned to Promise.
She couldn't understand what he had been worrying about...
And now Promise came to Artemis with the 'simple' painting.
"Goddess Artemis, the painting is finished."
He took it and handed it to Artemis, the moon goddess who was standing stunned and said: "I hope... you like it."
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