Lieutenant

Chapter 15

{AlexusAP: Okay so this is where I might start getting confused. If there's any error or something, let me know. On Ao3, it would say chapter 15 is a stream, but I'll place into here what is considered the next chapter there. Confusing I know, but it'll be simpler for you guys :)}

Zoë listened intently to all that Artemis said about the meeting. She remained quiet for a moment before speaking. "I understand. I will do better about keeping things private."

"As will I." Artemis sighed glancing at the others around the fire who were too distracted to notice their impromptu meeting. "I feel as though it is a bit unfair to you but perhaps it is for the best."

Zoë smiled and nodded, turning to study the others, the immediate conversation falling short and ending. She sighed, studying the other girls and their boisterous activities. "I must say I'm fond of them."

"Me as well. It is a proper family, don't you think?" Artemis asked, leaning forward so her elbows rested on her knees.

"Indeed." Zoë nodded. "I've often wondered what it would be like to have a family I feel a part of again. This is better than I had imagined."

"I'm glad." Artemis smiled. "I nearly forgot to mention this. When I was on Olympus, I spent a bit of time wandering through the streets. I learned that there is a masquerade ball for the celebration of the defeat of Kronos."

"Really? What is a masquerade?" Zoë asked.

"Well people dress up to dance and they wear masks so others cannot see their faces. It is fun, there is mystery to it. I thought that you and I could go. They will need security, such gatherings always have some disillusioned fellow ruining the fun. Besides they will not know it is you, the mask will protect your identity." Artemis explained. The idea of a masquerade ball had been a newer concept thought up by the public. The masks were simple, not elegant, often made of ceramics, depicting animal designs.

"It sounds intriguing, but I believe you're just trying to find an excuse to show me Olympus." Zoë chuckled.

"Perhaps I am," Artemis admitted smiling shyly.

"I will go," Zoë promised, not quite able to say no to Artemis.

"Wonderful!" Artemis smiled happily, her eyes glistening brightly in the moonlight. In her happiness, the light of the moon increased ever so slightly. Zoë found herself bouncing her leg to divert the energy she'd have used to press a kiss to Artemis' lips.

Zoë found herself waiting anxiously for the others to disperse one by one. They seemed intent on remaining awake for a very long time. At last, they departed to their respective tents in small groups until no one else was out except for Zoë and Artemis.

They'd had little contact all day and it was starting to drive both of them mad. Artemis snuffed out the fire to keep it from accidentally spreading and ravaging the wilderness. Once the light was gone, she took Zoë's hand and the two made their way to her tent.

Artemis lit the two lanterns that served as lights so they could see. She let out a long sigh and stretched her arms above her head. "Finally, time to relax."

"Agreed." Zoë smiled letting her stiff posture relax ever so slightly. She watched as Artemis tidied the place up a tiny bit before sitting down and crossing her legs.

Zoë undid her hair and ran a hand through it, fingernails lightly scraping her scalp. "One of these days, I'm just not going to pull my hair back. Leaving it up all day isn't fun."

Artemis gave her an amused look. "Well I wouldn't mind, but it does help when you can see without it getting in the way."

Zoë nodded and went to sit down next to Artemis, but the goddess grabbed her arm and gently pulled her into her lap. She ran her fingers gently through Zoë's hair, untangling it.