Lieutenant

Chapter 20

Many many years passed from that moment, and Artemis had never forgiven Aphrodite for such treachery. Yes, she'd matured, drastically so, as experience in both the mortal and godly worlds had sharpened her in ways and dulled her in others.

The contempt she held for the other woman was well known by every being on Olympus. It was nearly insufferable for the others, but it was well deserved on Aphrodite's part. However; Artemis found herself struggling.

Desperately so, so much had changed and she felt this gnawing feeling in her stomach that Zoë was continually unsatisfied. That Artemis was leaving her lover with full and cold experiences, to fend on her own.

She didn't know how to fix it, how to solve it, all she knew was that as she'd matured her godly responsibilities had swamped her. But this feeling made her unbearably sad. It was now why she'd nervously and rather uncharacteristically pulled Zoë away from the fire at camp.

"What is wrong?" Questioned the ever-loyal Zoë Nightshade. She could tell on instinct and sight that something was wrong.

In truth, Artemis didn't know where to begin, but the words tumbled free. "Are you unsatisfied?"

"What?" Zoë frowned in confusion.

"With me, with what is between us. I am lacking in ways I cannot understand and I know you are too kind to speak of such things, but you cannot hide your feelings from me. I can read you far too well to be fooled. You no longer smile as you used to and I feel as though I have drained the very life from you." Artemis couldn't bring herself to meet Zoë's eyes.

"Artemis that-" Zoë wanted to say it wasn't true. Yet it was in many ways. "Perhaps I am not as pleased as I used to be but that does not mean I am unsatisfied with you. Circumstances change; you are burdened with unbearable responsibilities."

"Zoë, I know I am the one weighing things down. That I am too tired to pay much mind to you when I return from my tasks. You do not have to be kind." Artemis bit her bottom lip, trying to keep her eyes from welling with tears. "I do not want you to be unhappy. You deserve the best, I would give you the universe if I could, or every star in the sky if my father would let me."

"I know," Zoë replied earnestly, taking the goddess's hands in her own. "I do not doubt your affections. I never have. Tell me how I can help."

"There is no help. Dangers have grown since the defeat of my grandfather. They skunk around and they plan things." Artemis swallowed hard, shaking her head. "I will be gone for some time. There are giants-"

"So it is true." Zoë frowned. "The giants. The ones meant to destroy you."

Artemis had done her best to keep this information from Zoë to prevent her worry. Only it had to be addressed now.

"They are dangerous Zoë. I must go where I am called." Artemis squeezed the other girl's hands. "I do not know when I will return. It could be weeks, months, years."

"You are worried I will leave you?" Zoë asked.

"No!" Artemis shook her head. "I am, however, giving you permission to find someone else to take care of you-"

"Impossible. No." Zoë shook her head animatedly.

"Zoë-"

"I will do no such thing. I'd rather die!" Zoë's throat tightened with emotion.

"You think I do not know the way some of the others look at you?" Artemis questioned. "The way you sometimes watch them as if you'd rather try something new, just for a moment?"

"Artemis-"

"I do not fault you, love. I could never hate you for your desires and temptations, we all have them." Artemis smiled tenderly at her lieutenant. "But I won't be here to keep you company, to satisfy you."

"I'd rather take guilty pleasure in myself than have someone else do such things." Zoë scoffed, looking very much like a wounded animal. Artemis nodded.

"I know. Yet I am opening such opportunities for you if you need them. Like I have said, I will do nothing but love you, should you choose to use such opportunities." Artemis swallowed hard once more and straightened. "I apologize for leaving you with such duties."

"I wish you wouldn't go. These Giants, I've heard of them, they are the family of Orion." Zoë's offended tone shifted into one of worry. "I wouldn't be able to bear it if they were to harm you. Let alone while I am here and useless. Perhaps I could come with you?"

"No." Artemis shook her head. "You would be quite capable but I will not let you risk such things. You forget that you can be killed in battle. Only I am truly immortal, my love."

"I do not like this." Zoë was practically pleading.

"Nor do I, but I will not be alone. There is power in numbers, yes?" Zoë nodded silently and studied the ground. Artemis pulled her into a gentle hug. They stayed like that for some time until Zoë spoke.

"When do you leave?"

"Tonight," Artemis whispered closing her eyes.

"Then let me help you in preparation. Come." Zoë took the goddess's hand in her own and the two sunk back to Artemis' tent. Zoë watched Artemis sit on the bed and cross her legs. Zoë settled behind her and very carefully undid the loose braid in the goddess's hair.

Artemis closed her eyes as Zoë worked on twisting her auburn hair into place so that it would remain secure for battle. The feeling was nice. Nails scratching gently at her scalp, Zoë's soft breath on her neck, the relaxation that had abandoned her for years settling in.

She could picture Zoë's concentrated expression on the back of her eyelids. It only caused the goddess to smile softly to herself. Zoë worked tirelessly for some time until a crown of braids settled atop Artemis's head unmoving.

She then helped Artemis undress and the two carefully fastened intricate armor. Zoë knew it like the back of her hand. She'd even helped Artemis make it. The leather ties and straps were familiar to her.

"Arms up," Zoë whispered. Neither girl knew why they talked so quietly, yet they did. As if speaking softly would allow the moment to last longer. They both knew battling the Giants would not be quick nor easy.

Artemis obeyed her lover's words and watched as Zoë's lithe fingers worked the leather to her will. That is until the breastplate was fastened securely. Artemis smiled and, as she had in the past, jokingly set her helmet upon Zoë's head.

The hesperide's smile was a brilliant white, vibrant enough to cause the goddess's heart to flutter. The helmet caused Zoë's untamed hair to tumble in front of her face, but the half Artemis could see radiated brief happiness.

"My hero." Artemis mused. Zoë giggled softly and puffed out her chest in a joking manner. "Or not."

"Hey!" Zoë laughed, feigning offense. Artemis smiled and once more bundled the still, somehow young spirited girl, in her arms.

"You may keep my helm. Until I return. Consider it a promise that I will arrive safely." Artemis explained trailing her fingers lightly down the path of Zoë's spine.

"Will you not need it?" Zoë questioned stepping backward to study her patron.

"I will have another. This one is special." Artemis smiled taking the helm from Zoë's head. "You helped me create such a thing. It is rightfully yours as much as it is mine. Consider it proof of your status. That I have given you ultimate authority."

Zoë nodded and set the armor piece aside. Artemis had not known she'd stayed so long until rays of light bloomed on the horizon visible through the slit in the tent flap.

"I must be going. My brother calls." This sent a new surge of urgency through Zoë, who turned to face Artemis once more.

"Promise me you will be safe." She breathed, catching the other girl's arm.

"I promise." Artemis nodded setting her jaw in determination. Zoë studied her face for a moment before nodding. She pulled Artemis into a long-awaited kiss that didn't seem to last nearly long enough. Artemis's gaze lingered a bit longer before she turned to the horizon.

Zoë had forgotten what she meant to say until Artemis was nearly outside aura preparing for her blinding teleportation.

"You will never unsatisfy me."