"Mythia, do you think brother could do such a thing?"

Artemis' mind was in a state of confusion. She was so deep in thought that she didn't sense a presence approaching her.

"A penny for your thoughts, dear sister?"

Startled, Artemis saw her brother, Apollo, smiling down at her.

"I apologize for startling you, my favorite sister."

"Dear Apollo, I AM your only sister."

"With our mother Io, that is. But I am not here to merely chat aimlessly. Hermes informed me that you wish to speak to me of something that is of most utter importance."

She sighed inwardly. How can she tell him?

"A few days ago, Mnemosyne paid me a visit..."

"Oh no..." Apollo groaned. "What did she do this time? I swear I'll let father banish her to the underworld, but sadly, Zeus rarely sees it my way. Her daughters are just as bad."

"Her purpose of visiting concerns her nine daughters. She seems to think that you are mistreating them." Upon seeing the rage in her brother's face, she felt a twinge of fear. But only a twinge. Goddesses are not supposed to be scared.

"Artemis, you believe that hag more than your own brother?"

"It's not like that. Of course I believe in you. But she argued her side quite well and I just want to hear you deny it, so my thoughts will be disturbed no more."

Apollo's face finally relaxed into a weary smile. "Of course dear sister, I do not oppress any woman. That is not only ungodly but clearly violating my principles. You know I RESPECT the women of this world, whether immortal or not."

Upon saying this, Apollo's hand stroked the branch of a nearby Laurel tree.

"Dear brother, do you still remember Daphne?"

"How can I forget the first woman who made my heart stop beating? She made me want to be a better man. But her father, who was the god of the nearby river, saw me as a threat and turned poor Daphne into the laurel tree. From then on, I promised to myself I will always treat a woman as she is deserved to be treated."

"Those words enlighten my heart and will no longer be corrupted by Mnemosyne's words." Reaching out, she held her brother's hand.

"I am glad to hear that."