"Well its true, isn't it?" He shot back, "You are welcome to go wherever you please, but we are going to pack camp and move after sundown. After we Arrive in the Cilician Gates, Ill make sure you get your own tent."
Artemis opened her mouth to object, but closed it when she realized that there was nothing absurd about his reasoning. "I dislike you Perseus," she ground out.
He laughed, "I know."
...
Artemis tossed another piece of firewood into the fire pit. The night was long, and the very edges of mornings light were about to creep into the sky.
"Alright. Morning comes in four or so hours. Get some rest, we will set out an hour after daybreak." Artemis said, standing swiftly.
The hunters looked at her in shock, "My Lady," Kathleen stammered, "We always get up at daybreak." The other hunters nodded, some yawning loudly.
Artemis smiled, "Well, you need the rest. Now off, I'm sure the wolves will love watching you exert yourselves tomorrow, and stand watch all night. They deserve a good night's rest." With that, Artemis found her way into her tent. Although she loved her hunters, they needed to be worked hard to maintain their edge.
While in her tent, Artemis felt herself spend time thinking over what she had said. The increasingly she told, the more he remained in her thoughts. It drove her mad, while the thought also pooled within her, a warm feeling of contentment. The contrast of emotions was greatly that a split personality with Diana.
With the camp growing quiet as her hunters found their beds, Artemis lay down. She did not sleep, finding no need at the moment. She only thought of him, and his wife. Medeia. While not emotional at the time, Artemis could barely contain her rage when she told her hunters not too long ago during the story. It wouldn't do her any good to envy her, as she and him were both long dead, but she could wish and remember, which is all she could do for eons and all the years to come.
...
Artemis rose with the sun, which would at first seemed rather ironic, but Artemis couldn't remember a day when she hadn't awoken at the start of daybreak. Her former duties, now long gone to Selene, hadn't even stopped this process. She supposed that it was an effect of nature's life rising and flourishing with the rays that seemed illuminate the wilds with an incandescent glow.
Regardless, Artemis found herself up and restless. She had no doubts that her fellow hunters were in a similar situation, having grown accustomed to the daily tasks beginning at dawn. However, she had promised them that they would have an hour, and an hour they would get.
Artemis snapped her fingers and instantly a hunting tunic along with her trusted bow and arrows appeared with her, along with his sword, strapped to her left side. The camp would do fine for an hour of her absence, she reasoned to herself. Artemis focused deeply on the lake nearby, where she had seen Athena not long ago. There was a rush of air and energy and Artemis whisked herself at blinding speeds through the sky, landing gracefully down at the pebbled shore. A doe jolted in surprise at the appearance of a goddess in the flesh, and quickly scampered off into the undergrowth.
The lake, which Artemis had observed in the moonlit night, was altogether different. Errant beams of sunlight flicked through spindling tree branches, to flash down upon a misty layer of fog. The misty haze rolled over the clear water like a calm breeze, which sent a slight shiver down Artemis's neck. The beauty of nature was a constant revelation to unwind.
She sat by the water's edge and listened. The birds had awoken, along with the small ripples and pops in the water, signalling that the fish were also now feeding on the morning insects. Swallows skimmed over the lake, with such perfection that Artemis failed to see where the bird and water differed. In the undergrowth, Artemis felt the presence of the doe she had frightened earlier.
Minutes passed by, as Artemis reveled in the quiet atmosphere. She always found solace in nature and the forests where she spent most of her time. The doe had come back to the water's edge, and had brought her young fawn, who eyed Artemis with a curious disposition.
She smiled slightly, raising a hand to the young deer. All animals held her to be one of the forest, without threating them. As such, the fawn pranced over and nuzzled Artemis's outstretched hand.
Artemis flicked the fawn's ear after a couple of moments, sending it back to its mother. She watched the pair for a moment longer, before casting her gaze back over the lake. It was odd. For the first time, she dared to think that she was… content.
The last time she had really spent the time to reflect in a way such as right now would have been at least centuries. The answer as to why was obvious, but she couldn't allow herself to think of it. Not now, or ever again.
It is because of him. You love him, and you will always do so. You have finally allowed yourself to remember the times yo….
Artemis strummed her bowstring in distaste. Her thoughts had wandered; indeed, she couldn't even deny them. He had brought this on, but even the thought of it threatened what she was to come next, his betrayal. However, she felt a presence enter the clearing. She was no longer alone.
Artemis frowned, glaring at her braiding's on her bowstring. Her morning was no longer to herself.
"A rather peaceful morning sister?" Athena spoke unfalteringly from behind her. Artemis did not fail to find the irony in Athena's greeting.
The Wisdom goddess walked up and sat next to Artemis. Artemis eyed her sister with suspicions. She wore no armor or arms, which at least meant Athena had not come again for conflict, but that meant that Athena was altogether more dangerous: She sought knowledge. Her simple white dress tied with gold threaded rope accented her curly brunette hair, which flowed down her back.
"Quite," Artemis replied shortly.
Athena's eyes gazed at her reproachfully, "Sister, how fare your hunters?"
"They are… adjusting," Artemis paused, "I have told them much, about him. But not all. They will hear the rest of the story in the coming days."
"Before the Solstice?"
Artemis winced internally, but pushed forward unfazed, "Yes, I think that will be a fitting time to end the tale."
"Oh Artemis, don't be so reserved, I know you. I am sorry that I even mentioned the Solstice. I am only here to ask about you. Along with… one more thing to discuss."
Artemis cocked an eyebrow, glancing over at Athena with mild curiosity, "Me?"
Athena laughed lightly, "Of course! I have not seen you look so peaceful in a millennium! Which means that both the hunters and yourself have welcomed the prospect of Per…. Him… him back into your life." Artemis glared at her younger sister for the last remark.
"I have not welcomed anything, besides my past. I know it to be over and done. However, I have found some amount of comfort in reliving my time in the East." Artemis found the memories washing back into her mind, so vivid, unlike their former ancient shells. What was once a distant longing was now an illusory voice that was a curse and a blessing for her heart.
"Always so stubborn. But still, you are right. However, it is refreshing to see you at peace. I am happy to see you are on the mend." Athena continued.
"I wasn't aware that I was broken?" Artemis scoffed.
Athena had paid her no heed, "There is something I wanted to tell you. With the Solstice so close, something has happened. Zeus's lightning bolt has been taken."
"Good riddance."
Athena eyed her sharply, "I would normally agree, but our father has sworn retribution… war even, on Poseidon."
Artemis turned to look at Athena. Her sister had a strenuous relationship with the God of the Seas, but both knew him to be a just God and person. One capable of mistakes, unfortunately.
"Whatever for?
Athena looked back over the lake, "You know that Poseidon broke his oath twelve years ago. He was the last to do so, but regardless, Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon all had children. Zeus claims that Poseidon's son stole the bolt."
Artemis snorted in disdain, "A twelve-year-old boy? I do not recall ever seeing him, but even the more powerful demigods throughout history couldn't hope to just steal Zeus's bolt, without a fight. I'm not sure even I could have done it without conflict."
"I agree. There has been no sighting of Poseidon's son. In fact, I met with Hermes earlier today. He's not even sure what part of the country he's in! Zeus has declared that if Poseidon's son does not return the bolt by the Summer Solstice, there will be consequences."
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