#siproites

Born a poor boy on the outskirts of a large forest in ancient greece, Siproites was taught to hunt by his father, who taught the boy that no matter what skill one might have, before every hunt, one must offer prayers to Artemis, that their hunt would go well and they would be able to eat that night. Siproites grew to be a fine hunter, one well known for his skill, even beyond his small village.

When a nearby town was under threat by a rampaging lion, he was called to defend it- his father an old man, and one without the prestige that Siproites had gained in his youth. It's said that his aim was so true that first arrow pierced the beast's eye, killing it instantly. For this, he was called a hero, and was called to other towns to protect them from all manner of beasts, or to hunt elusive creatures for rewards. He did so, all the while praying to Artemis.

One morning, while heading out to hunt his meal for the day, Siproites heard running water, and thought to refill his waterskin. Upon reaching the pool, however, he espied a woman bathing, and she saw him too. This was not any woman, however- but the one he had revered and offered prayers to all his life. The goddess Artemis. While she did not take kindly to a mortal man seeing her in such a vulnerable state, for reasons unknown to Siproites, she did not kill him. Instead, she turned her into a woman.

Despite her shock, Siproeta thanked the goddess for showing mercy, though she dared not ask why. As part of this exchange, Siproeta was invited to the goddess' Hunt, a group of female hunters and dryads who joined her in the joy of hunting and spending the days with one another. Flattered beyond all belief, Siproeta did not hesitate to accept.

She never returned to her hometown, her new form, while tying her more closely to nature, wouldn't be understood by those who knew not the secrets of the wilderness, or the touch of the dryads. Instead, she spent her time with the rest of Artemis' Hunt, finding herself more and more accustomed to the body and company of women. Particularly the dryads- she was always intrigued by the dryads, and with this new body, they couldn't be friendlier.

She performed feats of hunting that most would not think possible with this Hunt, but her legend never spread much further, as the deeds of Artemis' Hunt are not for glory, but for the simple pleasure of victory.